Prone to Belly

The World Champs 2011

2011-09-06T13:32:00.000-07:00

Pics here by the very talented Gary Margerum

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150361907892813.405529.688402812

Not long now !

2011-08-20T00:00:00.001-07:00

National Trust Press Release
15 August 2011

World Bellyboard Championships attract worldwide entrants

On Sunday 4th September, the ever expanding community of traditional wooden 'prone' surfing enthusiasts will descend on the cosy location of Chapel Porth beach in St Agnes to take part in the 9th annual 'World Bellyboard Championships'.

Organised and hosted by the National Trust and sponsored by Skinners Brewery, the event has grown from humble beginnings with just a handful of entrants, into a genuine World Championship competition which has gone truly global in recent years with entrants from Australia, New York, San Francisco and British Virgin Islands

National Trust Ranger and contest director Nick Holden says ‘This year’s World Belly Board Championships will be bigger and better than ever, and suitable for anyone and everyone of any fitness level with the minimum of gear; from 80 year old ladies to teenage boys. It will be competitive, entertaining, inspiring, traditional, bucket loads of fun and the coolest event to take part in.’

The traditional art of surf riding has deep roots in the British Isles. First produced in Britain in the 1920’s and known as surf riding boards, wooden bellyboards are a direct descendant of the ancient Hawaiian paipo boards. The competition embraces all aspects of prone wooden boards and will showcase the work of an evolving low key industry, which produces wooden surf riding equipment.

English poet John Betjeman regularly used the boards at Polzeath and perfectly summed it up by declaring that ‘I don’t know if there’s anything so exciting as getting a perfect surf, timing ones shoot off from the waves, riding along the waves…’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whW5exlFoc4

One thing that makes the World Belly Board Championships stand out from all other surfing competitions is the lack of wet-suits. Belly Boarders are not allowed to wear them in the competition so rather than the sight of monochromed sleek surfers you are greeted with views of traditional bathing costumes from knitted all-in-one bathing outfits and structured bathing costumes giving more than a nod to times long since past.

The Museum of British surfing, based in North Devon will also be present with a great collection of wooden boards. They recently discovered that the doyenne of crime writing, Agatha Christie, was one of the country's first "stand-up" surfers - research has revealed she took up surfing in the early 1920s, when the sport was in its infancy.

‘If you have heard of the Champs and always intended to come along then this is the year. After nine years there are still untold stories, un-seen boards, un earthed talent, inspiring people and wonderful memories out there that can add even more depth to this brilliant event’. The fascinating stories of surfing described by the colourful characters who take part has helped the competition develop a reputation as providing one of the most enjoyable, inclusive and friendly atmospheres you can encounter in the surfing world’, added Nick Holden.

All ages, abilities and experience are welcomed at this free to enter bellyboard extravaganza. Not only is the coveted World Title up for grabs but competitors can also walk away with trophies for best vintage board, best artwork, best swimwear and many more. The “WBBC Bake Off” cake competition provides an opportunity to be involved without getting wet, or you can simply soak up the atmosphere as a spectator.

For more information and to register for this free event go to http://www.bellyboarding.co.uk/

-Ends-

Further press information and images from: Claire Bolitho, National Trust Communications Consultant on 07901 971156 claire.bolitho@nationaltrust.org.uk
Blog at www.ntsouthwest.co.uk
Follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/ntdevoncornwall

Notes for Editors:
• The World Belly Boarding Championship (WBBC) was first started nine years ago at Chapel Porth by Martyn Ward (RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor) and Chris Ryan (Chapel Porth National Trust Car Park Attendant) as a memorial contest to the late Arthur Traveller, a Londoner who holidayed with his wooden board at Chapel Porth every year. From its humble beginnings with only a handful of competitors it has now grown into the World Championships we see today
• The Trust looks after a number of the best surfing spots in Devon and Cornwall. These include: Godrevy, Chapel Porth, Holywell Bay, Crantock and Woolacombe.
• As a charity, the National Trust relies heavily on hundreds of volunteers every year who help to maintain coastal footpaths and take part in various beach-cleans.
• The management and conservation of this coastal land costs approx. £3,000 per mile per year.
• The Trust owns nearly 90 coastal car parks in Devon and Cornwall. Income from the Trust’s coastal car parks is ploughed straight back into the management and conservation of the surrounding area.
• In managing the coast, new challenges such as climate change and sea level rise, fisheries management and the need for a marine planning system have led the Trust to shift its focus beyond the limits of its land ownership and get involved in issues affecting the broader coastal zone.
• Set up in 1895 to protect places of historic or natural beauty for the nation to enjoy, the National Trust is Britain’s largest coastal landowner and Europe’s largest conservation organisation. It protects 760 miles of the coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• In 1965 the Trust launched The Neptune Coastline Campaign in response to growing fears that development was slowly destroying the best of the nation's natural coastline. Four decades on, the campaigning spirit and generosity of thousands of people has helped the Trust to raise £45 million and acquire over 700 miles of coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and open it up to the millions of people who enjoy it every year.

- Posted using a lightsaber

Location:Chapel Porth Beach 4/09/2011

Whippy whippy whipsiderry !

2011-07-05T14:14:00.001-07:00

- Posted using a lightsaber

Jetset joins Original Surfboards team !

2011-07-04T13:53:00.001-07:00

It seems that all the groms are getting into this ply craze , bending your veneer has never been more popular as demonstrated by Jetsets steely gaze on that lip about to pitch earlier today at a beach with far too many steps ! Riding the new Wenge/Zebrano Championship board from Sally .

- Posted using a lightsaber

Location:Whipsiderry

We need this at the champs !

2011-07-01T02:40:00.000-07:00

It's coming !

2011-06-29T14:21:00.001-07:00

THE BELLYBOARD WORLD CHAMPS 4/09/2011 CHAPEL PORTH BEACH

Zebs back !

2011-06-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

Its been a long time coming guys , apologies for that . An early run of big tides & swell this year was instrumental in this model being developed . With help from Sally at The Original Surfboard Co & the lithe Mr Jack Johns we are getting close . Using historically correct (read"exotic") woods for bouyancy & flex we have created 2 different templates , The Squire model tips its hat at Toms Peaches model but adding wings & a moontail for tight in the pocket direction changes ..

The Original Surfboard co uses the Traditional English template for a more classic ride .

Im so stoked with these , not only do they look like Mid Century works of Art they also jog along at a fair rate of knots !

Available in limited quantities .

John Betjeman

2011-06-20T00:31:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whW5exlFoc4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Time Flies !

2011-06-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

I cant believe its been nearly 8 months since i last posted .. sorry , had to do a 9-5 job in the surf industry which sucked ! The majority of surf companies are only interested in making a buck , no longer surfers trying to finance their watertime but corporate monkeys using surfing as a parasitic platform to hawk their poorly made for a price in China surf tat !

& the best thing is ?

That traditional surfriding is overlooked as not profitable !

Thank god for that ....

Hope your thinly foiled bits o wood are being unnaturally bent in a shorebreak near you !

John

Tiaan ... Where are you ?

2010-10-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

CB , God knows we miss you ? xx

A damp & wonderful Bellyboard champs !

2010-09-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

Massive thanks to James Ram for decent photography !

Catch him here www.jamesram.co.uk

Get Ready !

2010-08-23T01:12:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again , lets hope all that practice this summer has been worth it !

Dick Pearce 1929-2010

2010-07-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

It is with great sadness that i report the death of Dick Pearce . Dick was the man for wooden bellyboards in the UK having continually made ply surfriding boards since the sixties up until the present day . I am stoked to have met the man who's passion for life & twinkle in his eye remain an inspiration to me . May he be at peace & riding endless lines of whitewater shorewards .

Sista are doing it .. St merryn Art jumblin Rumblin .. fun times ..

2010-06-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

Mustn’t grumble, it’s the art rumble in association with the surf jumble…

As far as we know this is the schedule for the day…..

Doors open 1pmand the Art Rumble commences!

There will be….

Surf Jumble

Surf Girl Magazine clothes swap shop

(Open for donations from1pm, trading at2.30pm)

Craft stalls;

Original Surf Boards

Lazy Waves

Eden at Tribe

Little Miss Boutique

Rosie & Gem’s Novelty Cakes

Body art

Ladies pampering massage

Creative workshops;

Badge & bunting making

Mural & cloth bag painting

Quilt making

Ding repair/glass your own fin

Special workshop with Neon’s Elsie Pinniger at 4pm

Make your own board sock/door stop/towel changer

If you want to sign up for this please contact natalievfox@hotmail.com

Food is being served courtesy of L’Aude Cuisine (Nat’s mum is coming especially from France!) and providing homemade, exiting veggie dishes. On the menu is;

Fresh veggie burger in a wholemeal bap, with salad and chilli aioli or tomato salsa

Falafel in a pitta pocket with crunchy salad and tahini cream

Oven baked wedges with spicy tomato sauce

Selection of teas

Surfers soda

Banana cake & flapjack

Food will be served until 7.30pm

From 5pm, there is a break to quickly set the hall up for….

Movies, music and more….!

5.30pm Sliding Liberia

6.30pm The Cove (with introduction from Howie Cooke)

8.00pm Charity Art Auction

8.30pm Live music with October Rocks!

9.00pm Surf bingo with prizes galore!

9.30pm More music! More fun!

Remember… all profits go to Surfers 4 Cetaceans and Ticket to Ride Foundation’s township project in South Africa… there’ll be more info about these on the day!

ST MERRYN VILLAGE HALL

Rumble in the Jumble

2010-03-30T07:26:00.001-07:00

Here comes summer !

2010-02-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

Christiaans just got back from Hawaii with prone news & I missed the best South Coast swell for a few years whilst shooting a wedding !

An old board shindig at St Merryn

2010-01-21T14:43:00.001-08:00

Once more the hallowed halls of St Merryn will host a fundraiser for the Haiti tragedy & a place for you all to trade old surfboards & surf stuff .

Sat 30th Jan at St Merryn Village Hall 10am-12pm

Bluegill .... Happy New Year

2010-01-05T06:35:00.001-08:00

JON WEGENERS FOAM ALAIA PROTOTYPE CALLED THE BLUEGILL from matt williams on Vimeo.

Happy Xmas ...

2009-12-11T17:16:00.001-08:00

JP Alaia Groove

2009-12-01T03:55:00.000-08:00

Switchfoot 2 ! here on Mon !

2009-11-27T23:50:00.000-08:00

Switchfoot 2

Xmas Knees Up !

2009-11-13T13:34:00.001-08:00

New Revolver Shop open

2009-11-10T00:32:00.000-08:00

Revolver Surf Shop

Switchfoot 2 !

2009-11-08T01:42:00.000-08:00

Available only at Revolver .. be quick it'll go before you know it ! ... Radness indeed !

World Bellyboard Champs 2009 Footage

2009-11-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.mycornwall.tv/?bcpid=27761084001&bclid=27610387001&bctid=44892653001

Ireland

2009-11-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

Contemplation of Wegener Euro Tuna

2009-10-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

New Ride !

2009-10-05T12:59:00.001-07:00

By far the best prone footage yet !

2009-09-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Make sure you watch all of this !

Chad Waldron's Momentary Film Regarding a Wooden Board from Waldron Bros Production on Vimeo.

Korduroy Tv

2009-09-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

Oh yeahhhh

2009-09-16T14:18:00.001-07:00

Alaia Groove - Journey of the Alaia - Helmet Cam from Kerry Down on Vimeo.

The best use for a SUP yet !

2009-09-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

Where the mild things are !

2009-09-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

Stoked to know this man ... & even more stoked to have him illustrate the book for us ....
www.sketchboard.co.uk

For the kid in us !

2009-09-08T05:44:00.000-07:00

World Bellyboard 2009 pics up here .. the raw cut ..

2009-09-07T14:03:00.001-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42248692@N03/

Got Wood ...

2009-09-05T03:03:00.001-07:00

Tom's Creation Plantation Trailer from A PEEL PRODUCTIONS on Vimeo.

Baking for the champs !

2009-09-04T23:25:00.001-07:00

The sound of clashing ply will ring out thru Chapel Porth this Sunday as contestants , many dressed in period clobber will battle it out in The World Bellyboard Champs ...little known but equally contested is the cake comp .... bring it on !

One day the rest will catch up !

2009-08-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

tuna fun, alaia fun, finless rocks!! from matt williams on Vimeo.

Lets make stuff with Cyrus

2009-08-28T23:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.korduroy.tv/

TW is at large ... winding down a micro rivermouth in Kernow

2009-08-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Pointbreaks & Shorebreaks

2009-08-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

Bored with bumpy cross country longboarding this weds .. tiaan & i decided to ram ourselves into the sand at an ever so posh local beach !
Happy Holidays !

Time to sell the odd camera ..... maybe ! ..

2009-08-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

Thought id just share a moment of my obsession with strange mostly film cameras .... i may well have too many ! All used at some point to capture sliding about on bits of wood !

Aussie Ply Champs .......

2009-08-04T02:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday November 7th Anglesea Main Beach, Victoria, Australia

Our first Event is a day of Bellyboarding, Ye Olde English Style. All are welcome, entry is free. Prizes will be awarded for Best outfits and funkiest Board graphics. Boards Must be under 5ft, wooden and preferably handmade. There will be plenty of loaner boards for anyone who wants to come along and join in.

The after-party will be at the Red Till Bar/Cafe directly across the road from the beach. There will be delicious and reasonably priced food and drinks, as well as the Reggae and Dub Stylings of DJ's Alpine Son and Beloki! A fun time will be had by all!!!

For any info or to register, email Billy-joe at taosurfboards@mail.com

For all you wood cats !

2009-07-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

Wood Monday from Cyrus Sutton on Vimeo.

Inspiration ....

2009-07-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

Truly great stuff compiled by an analog master ... loving it ..
http://bodysurf.com.au/index.html

Life is sweet

2009-07-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

What better way to wind down after a day with 3 small terrorists than to represent on ply in the midst of an ugly flotilla of summer kooks .. bumpy onshore closeouts & the look on their faces as you fly by propelled by your vintage Italian dive fins is what makes riding prone on old bits of ply so special .. they dont get it & the open mouthed stares are worth their weight in gold ...
Happy Days ....

Tom Wegener Alaia day workshops

2009-07-04T03:02:00.000-07:00

Tom Wegener has been incredibly busy due to the huge global demand for his amazing shaping talent and Alaia craft. He has subsequently had to re-schedule his visit to the UK, but the details are now confirmed.

We are thrilled to provide you with the confirmed dates, times and ticket details of Tom’s exclusive, Alaia day workshops.

Photo: Finley Wegener thrilled with his very own Alaia created by his Dad, Tom.

Tom Wegener has confirmed that he will be running three Alaia day workshops at: Revolver Surfing Emporium
76 Fore St, Newquay, TR7 1EY
Contact...
Tel:01637 875730
email:info@revolversurf.co.uk

The dates for individual workshops will be Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd and Friday 28th of August, starting at 10am on each day.

Tickets cost £325 per person and include:

*A partially shaped (by Tom Wegener) Alaia blank (Standard Alaia Blank cost is £150, but this is included in your ticket price)
*Access to all tools and guidance (from Tom Wegener and his apprentice Matt) required to complete your Alaia craft on the day.
* Lunch with Tom and Matt (Tom will make one of his legendary chilli dishes if time allows)
* An Alaia story/guide DVD
* A private screening of Tom’s favourite Alaia film/video clips accompanied by Q&A with Tom in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
* The opportunity to surf with Tom and Matt should conditions allow.

The workshops will be limited to a maximum of just 8 persons per workshop.
This is therefore, a very unique opportunity, to enjoy an intimate and memorable experience with a very talented & charismatic surfer, who is recognised as one of the worlds most innovative and creative shapers.

Demand for tickets will be high, so please act swiftly to ensure your place at Tom’s Alaia day workshops. You will be required to pay a £100 deposit* to secure your place/ticket and the balance in full before the end of July 2009.

*This deposit is non-refundable more details on request. Note: Whilst Tom Wegener and Revolver Surf Emporium have every intention of sticking to the details as laid out above, details may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances and as such we reserve the right to change these details as required. Tom Wegener and Revolver Surfing Emporium will however endeavour to keep all our customers informed at all times.

Gooseberry Cake

2009-07-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

Gooseberry Cake

Gooseberry cake.

Gooseberries have been grown in Britain since the reign of Henry VIII but reached their peak of popularity in the 19th century. During this time England was mad for gooseberries along with all the pies, puddings and wines that could be made from this amazing, hairy fruit.

Gooseberries prefer a cool, northern climate and thanks to the passion of English gardeners have thrived in places like Lancashire, Cheshire and Scotland. The fruit was so popular in the early 1800’s that many societies were formed to celebrate the diversity of colour, flavour and size. They held shows and competitions to show off the biggest and most flavoursome berries.

Lancashire was renowned for its’ large varieties, the most notable being a red variety called ‘Top Sawyer’. In 1819, one of these enormous berries weighed in at 26dwts 17grs – the size of a hens’ egg! Some competitions are still held today using the same weighing method of pennyweights and grain.

These days, gooseberries (or goosegogs as my Dad calls them) are not so fashionable but are a big part of our English summer and shouldn’t be overlooked. They are just coming into season now and the first small, green fruits are best for cooking. Later in the summer the larger red, yellow or golden varieties will be sweet enough to be eaten raw.

Gooseberry cake

125g butter
200g unrefined caster sugar
3 good eggs
75g plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
About 350g gooseberries topped and tailed
30g flaked almonds

Wait for the butter to come to room temperature and then beat together with about 180g of the caster sugar (you need to keep some aside for later). When the mixture is pale and fluffy, start to mix in the eggs one at a time and if it begins to curdle add a spoonful of the flour. Add the rest of the flour and then the baking powder and ground almonds. Don’t over mix.
Spoon into a buttered, round 20cm cake tin and level off with a knife. You will need a cake tin with a loose bottom or a springform one so that you don’t lose all your flaked almonds when you turn it out.
Next, toss the gooseberries in the sugar that you kept aside and spread them on top of the cake. They will sink during cooking. Bake at 180 degrees for 30 minutes then take out of the oven and sprinkle on the ground almonds. Bake for a further 15 mins or until firm to the touch. If the top of the cake is getting too brown, cover with foil during the last 10 mins cooking time.
To be eaten in the afternoon with a nice cup of tea, or for pudding with cream, mixed with elderflower cordial.

RK ...no sound

2009-06-30T08:04:00.001-07:00

Cyrus & Tom etc

2009-06-30T07:40:00.001-07:00

Mysto Kneelo gets Wood ..

2009-06-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

Chief grom mysto kneelo Bro has been keen to avoid heat build up in his polishing apron & can be found buffing in the buff up at the Pig farm ! Beware when he wants to show you his wood x

Oh Yeah ... The countdown has begun !

2009-06-17T15:28:00.000-07:00

Alaiaing

2009-06-16T05:37:00.001-07:00

Progression

2009-06-14T01:54:00.000-07:00

Wegener Surfboards: Alaias from Nathan Oldfield on Vimeo.

TOM WEGENER ALAIA DAYS

2009-06-04T23:53:00.000-07:00

Tom Wegener (on the right, brother Jon on left) will be over here in July to share with us the secrets of the amazing Alaia craft that he has been developing over the last few years with the worlds very best surfers (Rasta, Dan Malloy, Mike Stewart even Tom Curren have been riding them) providing critical feedback.

Tom is THE leader and innovator if you want the real deal on Alaia surfing, if you have seen The Present, you'll know how central his role is.

During his stay in the UK, Tom is going to be hosting 4-5 Alaia days, limited to a maximum of 8 folk per day. You'll spend the day with Mr Wegener and his family, kick back, eat and drink, learn all about Alaia surfing/shaping, watch some great short films and walk away with your own finished and signed Alaia.

Plus: If the conditions are good Tom might even take you for a slide.

Tickets will be £325 per person. It's a pretty amazing opportunity and great value, given that a finished Wegener Alaia normally costs this alone.

For more information on these days, please contact Mark or John at Revolver: Tel:01637 875730 / email:info@revolversurf.co.uk

BELLYBOARD CHAMPS 2009

2009-05-21T00:52:00.000-07:00

Hello all you ply pushers, time to celebrate, summer is coming, why not put on a spread and invite your friends over to share your tales of ply.

Here is the update on the rules and regs, for all those folk who have been asking:

Boards
WBBC competition boards should be less than 5ft in length, no wider than 2ft and no more than ¾” in thickness. They should be made of wood.

Swimwear
Bathing Costumes only, no wetsuits allowed. Wetsuit/neoprene boots acceptable (if weever fish are present). Colour coded swim caps must be worn during Championship Heats to aid identification by the judges.

Real WEGENER Alaias are here ..

2009-05-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Real Wegener Alaia blanks are now in stock , these are the real deal .. we have 35 .. 25 have sold so 10 left .. 7'11 & with a DVD from Tom ... £150 .. be very quick or get left with a copy x

A gentler time !

2009-05-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

Avoiding all this swell & concentrating on the book has been hard ...

the waves won !

the book can wait !

Foreign Creations

2009-05-08T02:23:00.000-07:00

In the UK we are known for are inclusive nature and celebration of all cultures. As such, our good friend Eef has been creating and we thought it appropriate to share a draft copy of his work with you.

Imaginative work, I think you'll agree.

If you have something you might like to share with our ply posse, please get in touch.

Stay Stoked!

THE PRESENT

2009-04-17T01:35:00.000-07:00

Hello all.

We hope that you are enjoying the fresh spring swells. It's a bit chilly still but if you need inspiring, please come along to one of the screenings of Thomas Campbell's new film The Present. Its a beautiful and thrilling piece that will have you in the sea in no time!

The tour of the film has been generously sponsored by our friends at University Colleg Falmouth, Finisterre, Revolver and of course the ever popular Original Surfboard Company.

The film will be screening in St Ives on the 22nd of April, Newquay on 1st may and Falmouth on May 2nd.
More details can be found at: www.thesurfscreen.com

Revolving

2009-04-11T00:14:00.001-07:00

Work Work Work ...

2009-04-06T00:06:00.000-07:00

It seems its all work at the mo .. but been a few summery days & waves so not all bad ! Trying to write & keep any new Belly material for the book now .. The best shop in the world reopens this week www.revolversurf.co.uk ... heres a few random to keep you going ..
see you out back x

Poor Fit

2009-03-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

Seems like flattery ... REAL Wegener Alaia blanks arrive in early May .. about 6 or so left ....
Jump on the Bandwagon or buy a copy & wish you hadn't !

Lovely Lydia

2009-03-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

Lydia Simeoli has braced the cold to share with us the beauty of her cheeky smile and Woodward Skimmer. The board was originally purchased (along with a twin) in 1956 at Woolacombe from a little shed, by Lydia's parents and has seen the majority of it's use at Gwithian and Kennack Sands, Cornwall. The twin board is now owned by Lydia's sister who lives in Newcastle, maybe we will be able to source an equally cheeky peek from up country?
Thank's for sharing Lydia and thanks to Abi, her daughter, for taking this lovely shot.

rumour has it .....

2009-03-11T03:38:00.000-07:00

Beach Beauty

2009-03-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

Is this the contented expression of a satisfied surfrider, or possibly someone who has just wee'd in their wetsuit on a frosty day?
You decide!

Tom again ...

2009-03-06T15:09:00.001-08:00

Tom's Creation Plantation Trailer from Cyrus Sutton on Vimeo.

Tom Part 3

2009-03-04T00:49:00.001-08:00

Tom talks Alaia

2009-03-03T23:43:00.000-08:00

Sunset on an Wegener Alaia

2009-02-25T12:33:00.000-08:00

No longer content to stay prone Dave Rastovich pilots a very thin flat piece of wood thru a sunset beach section with a style only a few of us can ever hope to achieve !
The Pauwlonia blanks /kits are on their way , £150 as a kit , typically 7'11" ( enough for 1 Alaia or 2 Bellyboards) with templates & instructions . We have 35 coming but half are sold already .. get your name down sharpish ...
Mahalo x
Still from T Moes upcoming epic ' The Present' .. watch this space for news of its release or go to www.trimyourlifeaway.com/

Board games

2009-02-21T15:52:00.000-08:00

Looks like Spring is finally here , still not quite warm enough for a prone slide but certainly feels as if were out of the deep winter doldrums & heading for warmer days & shorebreak mayhem !
Just to keep you guys busy in the winter months we have a South african jigsaw here for you to remind you of the Summer !
Ps Wegener Alaias on the way .. going quick so let us know if you want to go on the list for one !
Aloha x

New Promotional Vehicle

2009-02-03T14:09:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for the promotional tour of 'Prone to Belly' & Tom Wegeners boards Christiaan & I have been arguing who is to pull our new promo vehicle .. Christiaan lost the arm wrestle & his more cyclist like legs will be seen at a beach near you in 2009 x

January Hibernation ??

2009-02-02T14:46:00.000-08:00

Despite the snow outside Christiaan & I have been busy drinking tea & sampling rather delicious oatmeal biscuits at Sally P's all in the cause of this ply sliding lark ! Although cold we have had a few great swells this Jan & have managed the odd summer like slide albeit on those imposter stand up surfboards ... at which point i feel i have to moan a little .. At Christmas i hand addressed some 80 envelopes to the registrants at this years World Bellyboard Champs , hoping to invite some to add their own stories, pics etc to the forthcoming book , I waited expecting a deluge of mail & guess what ?
1 Reply !! ?
From the lovely Gwyneth with early 50's footage of ply sliding in Newquay ...
I know its cold outside & for some of you Bellyboarding is far from your thoughts but maybe its time to stop listening to all the doom & gloom go rummage & send us some stories , pics , old boards etc , we want to include all of you but cant do it without your support/input ...
Come on you lot summers coming ......

Pirates of Polzeath ?

2009-01-09T12:56:00.000-08:00

Ho Ho Ho .... Merry Xmas to you all !

2008-12-25T03:32:00.000-08:00

Christiaan & I would just like to take time to wish you all a very merry Xmas & a Happy New Year !
Heres to a year of perfect waves & even better rhubarb crumble !!

Surf Art

2008-12-07T15:15:00.001-08:00

Found this whilst trawling the tinternet , Good to see others enjoying not only the practical use of ply but revelling in their intrinsic beauty dead or alive .. Artist is Ben Cook .. could find a contact email but would be good to hear from him if he reads this ..

http://bencookartist.tumblr.com/post/54545655/bellyboard-landscape-2008-recycled-plywood

Come back summer .. all is forgiven !

2008-12-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

After moaning so much about how crappy our summer was for weather & waves I sure do miss it now as we dodge the snow & NE winds !!

Calling all invisibles!!!

2008-11-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

Hello all you ply peepers out there!

John and I are so happy to be engaging with so many lovely passionate prone peeps, but we would love to encourage more interaction on the blog from the visitors to prone to belly.
We are striving to create something which documents and celebrates the multiple perspectives that you all have on prone surf riding and we can't do this without you.

So this is a call to action!
Whilst the cold winter winds are keeping us confined to our cosy, comfy chairs, please take the time to share with us and educate us all, on your own prone surfing experience/perspective.
We know you might be shy, but once you have made one comment, I assure you that it will become strangely addictive and mass collaboration will enable the formation of a balanced view of this stoke fuelled ply & paulonia party!
We have many invisible watchers, whom we would like to become active contributors. Traditional surf-riding is all be about inclusivity and we are certainly keen to nurture a community approach.
It's much more fun if we do things together.... so step up and share the stoke!

Dick Pearce (manufacturer of wooden bellyboards from the 1960's to present)

2008-11-16T03:16:00.000-08:00

The Life of Ply

2008-11-13T00:50:00.000-08:00

Here is The Life of Ply awarded 'Most Inspirational film' by Mark Kermode at the Board Shorts event, Cornwall Film Festival 2008. The film features the talents of the wonderful Dorothy and Peter Long, as well as some beautiful music from 'The Loose Salute' http://www.theloosesalute.com.
I hope it fires your soul, stay stoked, Christiaan.

A Life of Ply inspires all.

2008-11-10T00:36:00.000-08:00

News Splash:
'The Life of Ply', a film by Christiaan Bailey, featuring the talents of Dorothy (aka: Dot) and Peter Long, was voted the 'Most Inspirational Film' of the Board Shorts screening event as part of the Cornwall Film Festival.
The prize, sponsored by Leap (www.leapmedia.co.uk) and awarded by a panel of highly respected judges, was accepted by Dorothy Long from Mark Kermode (BBC, Respected Film Critic), on behalf of Ocean Motion Pictures and Christiaan Bailey, to a tremendous clamour of cheers, clapping, wolf whistles (Dot's still got the magic!), and hoots from the very appreciative crowd.
The award winning film will be available to view on this blog very soon!
Stay stoked everyone!

Obama Bodysurfs !

2008-11-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

At last a new school dude in the White House , & dig this , he surfs ! Now all we need to do is to add a bit of ply to the equation & world domination will be ours !

Timber teasers at Board Shorts film event

2008-11-03T02:08:00.000-08:00

To all of you moving image enthusiasts. There is an exciting surf movie screening event, taking place at the Sandsifter (a cocktail lounge bar, which is rather popular with beach going folk), near Gwithian in Hayle, this Saturday the 8th of November.
Rumour has it that there will be some hard-core ply action (a short film and a slide show) featuring amongst the eclectic blend of entertainment on offer; which also includes music from the Dodge Brothers (skiffle band) and some lovely Disc jockey types (Sir Vinyl of the Fattest).
There is limited seating for those of you who might have weary legs, but if you get there early, you stand a good chance of sitting comfortably throughout.
Doors Open at 7pm, Tickets can be purchased on the night, or in advance direct from the Sandsifter (www.sandsifter.eu) or The Princess Pavilion Box Office (01326) 211222 (www.cornwallfilmfestival.com).
I hope to see you there, no doubt you will see me, as I am hosting the evening, I hope to make it a most enjoyable affair.
Christiaan.

Championship catch up.

2008-10-21T03:02:00.003-07:00

Hello to all you lovely, sporting folk.
John and I, hope you all managed to catch "CountryFile's" piece on the 2008 World Championships. If not, don't worry, you can now view it on BBC iplayer. It's the one that aired on Sunday 12th October. The piece on the Championships is about 40 minutes in.
Your's truly was in attendance and shot the water footage for the Beeb, I have put some highlights in the movie above, but rest assured there is plenty more material and I will try and get it posted over the next couple of weeks. Enjoy!
Christiaan.

What a pair of beauties!

2008-10-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

Ever since my induction to prone timber surf riding, I have reveled in a thrill so in tune with the wave face and all the natural elements, which bring so much joy.
The timber board in all it's fin-less, tuned in simplicity, is certainly a treat to be cherished.
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.photo.gif

Pawlonia Swallow

2008-09-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry its been a while since the last post .. ive been in N Devon enjoying sunshine , no waves & brown water ! Scored a few gems though , nice early Riviera Speedboard & 60's Italian Swimfins .. will post pics soon xx
In the meantime .....

Alaia

2008-09-10T17:16:00.000-07:00

How to dress like a Champ !

2008-09-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

Loads more WBBC 2008 pics here

2008-09-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

The World Championships 2008

2008-09-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

A messy onshore swell provided challenging but fun conditions for all contestants in this years World Bellyboard Championships at Chapel Porth beach . Costumes were rife , one plucky fellow sporting a gold lame catsuit ?! The sun shone as always as Sean "Frank" Harris was crowned World Champ .. The biggest thanks must go to Chris Ryan who selflessly slogs to put this wonderful event on for everybody !
Anyone who wants to contribute to the upcoming book or wants photos please contact us here !
Heres to next year !!

World Bellyboard Championships 07/09/08

2008-08-30T00:23:00.000-07:00

Not long now ... get your ply ready ...

Petes Got Wood

2008-08-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

Pete Robinson was kind enough to share the British Surfing Museums latest donations with us , Pete has amassed the most comprehensive collection of surfing in the UK & funnily enough doesnt ignore the fact people rode waves before lifeguards from Australia brought us Malibu boards !

A Hawaiian perspective by Neal "Sponge" Miyake

2008-08-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

Wooden Bellyboards -- Cornwall 9/92

Many surfriders in the Cornwall area enjoy riding wooden bellyboards, an apparent offshoot of the Hawaiian paipo boards. These boards have been ridden here at least since the early 30's and look suspiciously like snowboards. People of all ages and gender walk out to the shorebreak and prone all the way to shore, grabbing the top of the board for control. It was refreshing to see sixty-something year old "grommets" bellyboarding in only surf trunks in the 55 degree water. Stoke takes on a whole new meaning.
Borrowed from:
http://www.hisurfadvisory.com/travel/uk3.htm

Pushing Ply (Part 1).

2008-08-16T01:45:00.002-07:00

Hello to you all, please find a video of some bracing British summer surf, perfect for pushing the ply.

Classical Trim by Christiaan

2008-08-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

Tiaans superhero technique

2008-08-13T02:50:00.001-07:00

A lot of swell , a lot of wind .. summer in kernow

2008-08-13T02:29:00.000-07:00

A days fun was spent chasing a rideable wave along the North Coast of Kernow this past Monday .. Christiaan proves a worthy role model for follically challenged young men across the South West with his derring do style whilst a young upcoming buck , John Hickman startles the surf school with his tucked up cover ups on his 1950's style ply sled ... roll on September !

The first documented 'Wegener' alaia turn.

2008-08-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

For those of you interested in how alaia's turn, here is Jacob Stuth performing the very first documented turn on a finless 'Wegener' alaia. This was shot whilst Jacob and I were in Japan in 2007, we were both amazed that this type of turn was possible and it shows that these craft are a very capable wave riding vehicle.

Dot (Part 2)

2008-08-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

As i went for a slide today i was hassled by another surfer , not an overly eager grom nor a foamie toting holidaymaker but by a lady 81 yrs old .
I wasnt quick enough apparently & Dot was amped to get in the surf . Im stoked to report that the feeling never goes away & proud to have surfed with Dot .

A point of contention

2008-08-08T03:18:00.000-07:00

Whilst enjoying a post slide luncheon, of crumble, strawberries, cake, ice cream and tea (lovely), a point of hot contention bubbled to the surface.
The title of our beloved pastime seems to have been hijacked by those marketing men, (you know those showy types) and used exclusively to describe stand up surf riding. I suspect in order to glean 'the cool' of our pastime for profit.
'Bellyboarding' (as many refer to it) was originally known as 'surfing' or 'surf riding' and as it was the only popular form of riding waves, none saw fit to question this title. Little did we know that with the advent of 'Malibu style' boards to British beaches that our prone wave riding would be sub categorised. Some feel the term 'Belly' boarding is none too flattering and prefer prone surfing, surfing or surf riding.
So I put the point to you all, what term would you use to describe our practice and what be your justification for this?
All comments are very welcome...