Gwithian was my first chance to test drive my new sponsors wave kit and it was immediately apparent why so many of the world's best sailors ride Mark Nelson boards (not just Mistral riders!) I used the Mistral Wave Fish RD 74 litres- and it was exceptional. For a board that's designed to be used in mushy waves, UK south coast style, it totally ripped in the quality Cornish surf too, showing remarkable control for a 'real world wave board' but having so much looseness in the turns, yet retaining it's speed. I loved it and have instantly stolen it from the demo fleet and taking it to Maui with me! You will get your chance to try it on any wave course with me later this year.

And my North Sails proved to be extremely controllable in the waves, giving me the right amount of power when I needed it, and not too much power when I didn't need it. Bullet proof for the job too, I was very proud of my new kit and sponsors, yeha!

Thanks to Simon Burgess for the pics!