Martin Goff's Testimonial about the May 2008 Bodyboard Coaching Weekend

Hi Rob

Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thanks for a really fun weekend – shame it went so quickly! Jilly and I had loads of talking to do on the way back, with plenty of analysis thrown in as to how it all went. In some ways it was kind of frustrating at first seeing all the other guys catching waves and trimming so well, as well as getting out back rather more easily than I did at first ;o)

In the end though there was a realisation that they have probably been doing it rather longer than me, and when I sat down and thought about it I really learned a heck of a lot in a short space of time. I shall now be working on my board positioning over the summer, as it was quite clear that is such an important area. On Sunday I was finding it a heck of a lot easier to get past the white stuff too – so perhaps my technique was improving a bit (or maybe I was trying to kid myself there was no rip helping!) I now have the confidence to go for those waves that I wouldn’t have thought about before the weekend, and know that I am able to ride them and that everything will improve with practice. I’m really glad we made it to that break in Perranporth as well - I shall look forward to being there again in July.

I’m going to try and get down for a one day session at some time if I can organise the time off – do you do them on weekdays as well? I also told Jilly I’d love to do one of the overseas trips – but was told quite categorically that would have to wait until after I have recovered from my hip operations later in the year!!!

Thanks for the encouragement – I’m certain I am going to benefit through the summer. I must have taken something in, because on the Sunday I kind of began to figure out that I didn’t have the board flat enough as I was paddling to catch the waves (check out photo 10 where I am front right – how high up is the nose!), which was probably why they were dumping me off the back so often. Once I started to try and feel like I was pushing the nose down a bit things definitely started improving. Before the weekend I’d have just started getting frustrated and probably given up because I just wasn’t getting anywhere. On looking at the photos, I’ve also realised that I need to try and arch my back a bit better when trimming, again to keep the board into the wave as well as possible. I think about the only photo I am riding a wave in was number 27 – but it was really useful to see because it looks like my right arm isn’t far enough back on the rail, and I am kind of laying too flat (if that makes sense?)

I’m pretty sure I’m on the mailing list already, and having had a look earlier I’m thinking about maybe coming along on the July 5th weekend. Have to check with the significant other first though!! You never know, I may be able to convince her to have some lessons too.

All the best, look forward to catching up again later in the year.

Martin

Lives; Sheffield

Age; 29

Years bodyboarding; 8

Date of Trip/s and Courses attended; Sept 2006 (Weekend), December 2006 (Lanzar week)

What did you think of the Trip/s and/or Courses?

The weekend last September was my first taster with Rob and I came away being so much more confident in the sea. I could see over the two days how my abilities had grown and how much better my techniques had improved .....Basically, I was so impressed it's the reason I booked on the week in Lanzer a few months later. This Holiday was simply splendid :) 6 days of surfing and 6 great evenings in Puerto Del Carmen, although I missed the first day of surf through over doing it on the beer, it was an awesome time.

Highlights;

The waves bursting over the sea barrier next the pier in Arrieta and > catching the wedgy cross waves.  Also experiencing the power of The Slab when I paddled over and checked the awesome riding by the locals ;)

Regards,

Dave NEWMAN
SENIOR TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - DSS DOMINO SOLUTIONS

Hello Rob,

Many thanks for last weekend I really enjoyed it. Please pass my thanks to Aiden, Dave and Lisa for their help and advice, even though I’m at the elementary end of things they all exuded both willingness and enthusiasm and were extremely helpful to me with developing my basic skills. All I need is a bit of practise then I can come back and learn a few moves!!

I’d be grateful if you can keep me up to date with your trips to Lanzarote, they sound great but whether I am able to come I’m not sure at the moment, however if I know what’s happening when then I may be able to respond accordingly if the opportunity crops up.

Warm regards

Robin Leggett

Rob

I had a terrific weekend and learned loads, certainly will be coming again next year. The three of you were excellent coaches and I was amazed that I could go from never doing it before to catching waves.

Pass my regards and thanks on to the other guys.


Tom

Chris Jackson attended the September 20/21 2008 Bodyboard Coaching Weekend

Name: Chris Jackson
Age: 28
Occupation: Business Analyst
Where do you live: Portsmouth, Hants
What did you think of the weekend:
In a word wooot!
Id been looking forward to the weekend for ages, so to have such perfect conditions was really sweet.
The first session on South Fistral was pretty sick, and we were lucky to be joined by a crew of more experienced boogers. You and Brendan were a total inspiration and Ive come away with so much to improve my riding. There was in-depth tuition on trim position, paddling and timing, all of which was invaluable. By Sunday afternoon, I reckon was 20x better than when I started. I was beginning to really read the waves, and get into the rights spots quicker. Brendan was great on Sunday giving me loads of pointers on how not to slide down the face and get my rail stuck right in; getting my bottom turn in quicker and telling me to relax a bit and not be in so much of a rush. Seeing you guys surf so naturally and drop into the wave so late and with such minimal effort still vexes me, but with practice and a few more trips back to school Im sure Ill get there. Ill be putting everything you taught me into practice over the Autumn and winter. I had my best ever rides this weekend for sure.

Name: David Gallico
Age: 21 (and a bit). All right, 58!
Occupation: Receptionist / Administration Assistant for Age Concern at their Rugby day centre for vthe over 50s..
Home: 111 High Street Hillmorton Rugby Warwickshire CV21 4HD --- totally landlocked and as far from any surf as you can get!!!!
Comments:
I have only been bodyboarding about 5 years, although I wish I'd taken it up years ago, asI really enjoy it. I don't get many opportunities to indulge in what has become my favourite activity, living as I do in the Midlands.
At first, I found it impossible to catch any waves.Then I saw a poster advertising Rob Barber's Bodyboard School, and arranged a lesson. I then attended a Coaching Weekend in September 2006, and again on 20/21st September 2008. Consequently, although I am slow at picking things up, and not anywhere near asfit as I ought to be, I have neverless progressed. I have to say that Rob, Brendanand all the others involved in the School, and in running these weekends, are not only fantastic teachers of the principles and skills of bodyboarding but are really friendly, helpful and patient (with me they need to be patient!) and under their guidance I am making progress, albeit slowly. I intend to participate in more of these weekends and, indeed, am in the process of setting myself certain goals which I intend to achieve. In conclusion I simply say, very many thanks!

Name: Anita Herd
Age: 24
Occupation: Administrator
Where do you live: Portsmouth
what did you think of the weekend: I found the first day really hard. I didn't think i'd ever manage to get outback on my own. I unlike the rest of the group was quite relieved when it calmed down on the second day and i felt i could start trying out some of the techniques we'd been taught.

Thanks for the fab weekend!

Anita

Name: Mark Jennings,
Age: 38
Where from: Bournemouth
Years Bodyboarding: only bodyboarding for 6 months but i'm totaly hooked!