Practice for the Land Locked

I'm currently working out of a place near Salisbury and due to being in this location, which is going to be kinda long term and my work commitments whilst I'm there it is getting harder to get away not only to have a surf but to photograph surfing.

Not wishing to dwell on this point, for obvious reasons, but it is, to state mildly, doing my head in. However, with a healthy supply of surfing DVD's I can keep the cravings at bay, well sort of, although the down side is that the more I watch the more I want to go for a surf - it is a no win situation!

But fear not, there is one thing that the land locked surf tog can do to help improve your photo technique and keep your eye in - I've mentioned it in passing before and at the risk of getting loads of shit from my mates! Get your camera out and shoot your surfing DVD's.



It's good practice, and if you sit at the other side of the room you can even work on your long lens techniques and if you get really into it and want to live the full North East England surf photography experience you can even stand in the garden when it's raining and blowing a gale and shoot through the window - Just like the real thing! (No, I haven't actually done this myself!!)

Don't worry about the quality - they are going to be crappy, but concentrate on getting the peak of the action. The advantage is that you can shoot any breaks you want - Teahupoo, North Shore, Indo, Oz.....your only limited by your DVD collection.


Keep your camera on single shot and go for the peak of the action, work on your timing rather than anything else and you will start to see an improvement when your next shooting for real.

There might even be the chance to go for the atmospheric, scenics as well...

It may not be the best way of shooting surfing but when your land locked and stuck it's an option and besides, you can even get photos of the other great thing about surfing....

Don't Jump off the Pier

A friend of mine and dedicated surfer, Simon Palmer, has recently completed the final touches to his book 'Don't Jump off the Pier'.

The book, based on the surf scene in Saltburn in Cleveland highlights the rise of a sport and a way of life on the cold and windy North East coast of England that found it's way to our shores from the faraway surf spots on the Hawaiian coast.

The story starts in 1964 with three surfers and continues through to the millennium where over 300 surfers at Saltburn by the Sea now enjoy the 'Sport of Kings', a reference to the Hawaiian kings, the pioneers of surfing. The book captures the spirit of surfing in Saltburn which boasts a rich surfing heritage and world class waves.

I'm please to say that Simon asked to use many of my surf images to illustrate the book, which I was more than happy to do.

The book is available in May and can be ordered through Quetzal Books at...... http://www.quetzalbooks.com/

Priced at £13.95 plus £2.50 Post and Packaging.