The first time I ever did a down wind was back in October 2003 with a then novice Andrew Skowno. We were still friends back then, but as a result of my crazy antics and ‘silly' downwind run's its me who calls the other most when the wind blows!

I can remember the day as if it (yes) were yesterday. It will ever remain an awesome downwind for me the wind was pumping 30 knots plus with a big groundswell ‘running' up the coast. The water was as blue as the pacific in that most famous channel I can say that now because I've been there. Sun, Surf and Run's what else could any paddler want on their first real downwind?

Thunder Bolt

Port Elizabeth in the bay may be mild, but the other side she is ‘helluva' wild. Haha I'm a poet!

Nowhere else in the country do paddlers put themselves at risk of giant waves and reef's as on the western side of P.E. The Sards Summies Run (Sardinia to Summerstrand Surf Lifesaving Club) negotiates many on the 26km it takes to complete. Yes ok, Cape Point is Cape Point but it's only once a year that competitors round it and only once in a ‘blue' moon ski paddlers venture out there. It's about accessibility here. Although Thunder Bolt Reef can rival South Western Reef's when it comes to ‘spook' factor!

It's now 9:40 pm I'm all out finished to complete my story, what I'm really trying to say is, I was so lucky to have gone on that first downwind with my mate. And how awesome it is to be out there everyday in the rawest of elements here's to Ocean paddling lets look after our playground.

Cheers

Chopper