Notorious S.U.R.F

The tenuous link to Notorious B.I.G. is because I'm going to be controversial by saying I believe surfing the (North) East coast of the UK is better than surfing (South) West. Obviously we're only talking opinions here, nothing really based on fact but I'd like to present a lighthearted argument for this case anyway!

1. The locals are friendlier. 

First and foremost due to the relatively small surf community locals are incredibly open and friendly. Everywhere will have localism to some extent and I really feel for the Southerns who get inundated with tourists, but I believe the Northern bunch have managed to maintain that family feel.  

2. The North East is less commercialized.

I tend to get a bit uneasy around global brands, not because they are all evil scheming companies but because I think they dominate the local economy and flatten diversity on the high street. As much as I like to have a mooch around a Billabong store I love the dude on the corner who sells T-shirts out of his workshop or the little surf hire shop that sells second hand boards. British surfing is such a grass roots culture and I hope to keep it true to it's heritage. 

3. Coast and city collide.  

As a land locked city girl I love the juxtaposition of the natural beauty thriving alongside the ugliness of industrial, urban sprawl. I love that the coast seems so much wilder because its pioneered against industry in the East. 

4. The History 

The surf heritage of the East coast is a fascinating one, local lads surfed in woolly jumpers in freezing winter conditions and some of them got so good they ended up doing the world tour in exotic locations like Puerto Rico and Bali. Its that community again which makes the East coast rad. 

5. Its great for all abilities 

Whether your trying to catch your first wave in Saltburn beach break or ripping it up in Pease Bay Scotland, the East coast is a diverse and beautiful stretch which provides a whole host of opportunities. 

Take my ramblings with a pinch of salt (no pun intended), I like opening up dialogues about surfing so if you have any favorite places please get in touch, its great to discuss spots!

And lastly I'll leave you with the words of Notorious B.I.G. 

We can't change the world unless we change ourselves. 

Until next time 

Stay strong, surf well
Love

Northern Soul.

Scarborough Surf Festival 2013. 

The waves were flat, flat as a witch's tit, the surf hostel was filthy and I barely slept.
My gosh it was wonderful! 

The beautiful union of The Landlocked Surfers and the Saltburn aficionados (local surfers from Saltburn, North East England) resulted in another great surf related event, I honestly enjoyed every moment of my weekend to the point of not wanting to go home! 

There's something about people from the North of England which makes me love them irrevocably. Its the familiarity of their accents, the open way they think and talk and their industriousness. I love their frankness and the way they are able to poke fun at themselves. 
On Saturday night I found myself in a local pub in Scarborough being led round by the hand of the sixty something pub landlady showing me photos of people through the years. She posed with us for pictures and wished us 'Good night, God bless,' when we left. Its that level of friendliness which makes me seriously contemplate upping sticks and moving up North. 

I think a picture speaks a thousand words so enough of my waffle. 

The beautiful photos are courtesy of Adelle Sophie Gough thank you my darling! 

 

     























The next few snaps are a few taken by moi and the good ones by Adelle on my phone! 

  

     

    

I love North sea surfing! Thank you to everyone who participated in this weekend - the word is STOKED. 

Until next time...

Stay strong, surf well.

Love Sophia 

Somewhat reluctantly I washed the sea water out of my hair today and the last remnants of a perfect weekend.

At last the Land Locked Surfers Club held its maiden voyage to Saltburn (UK) and on its completion I can honestly say this feeling of bliss will last me a while. The goofy smile I've held from the moment I arrived hasn't left my face and the kind souls we met, I hope are enduring friendships.  

I've yet to write a full article on the experience so I don't want to gush too much here, instead I want to share with you a few photos I took intermittently between surfing. My good friend Jemima was photographer for the weekend so much more professional shots are to come soon. 

To summarize the weekend was: 

Enlightening, Hilarious, Sunny, Lovely. 

Go down to the sea and tell what it is that you want to be. 

I will love this view irrevocably. 

Happiness is a Sophia by the sea. 

The customary toes shot! 

Jemima the photographer spotting a photo opportunity. 

Surfers hug. 

I'll never tire of this place. 

A photo that went askew but I adore anyway!

   





































The Land Locked surfers Club is an inclusive group, so if your interested in joining to hang out with some like minded people, then please do come and find us on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/626470867379148/ 

We're aiming to head to The Gower May/June so come and find us there!

Peace, good karma and all that shalom 

Love 

Sophia