South West weather can be described as fickle at the best of times; this summer it’s just been shit. The unpredictable nature of the peninsula’s weather systems has been pessimistically predictable this year with an autumnal feel following on from July into the first week of August. The good news, however, is that last week the wintery weather came hand in hand with a winter-like swell. 

This meant that some of summer’s lesser surfed spots came out of hibernation, if only for a day. Charts checked, calls made, we met in the car park. George had already done the obligatory sprint down; walking is a thing of the past now that you only get 10 minutes free on the fancy new parking system. I trusted his report: step up, makeable barrels. We got down there and snagged a few waves, all the traits of a winter surf on display… territorial seals, difficult rips but with an August twist of the obligatory tourists littering the beach in the rain. No doubt next year they’ll all go to Marbella. West Penwith did not deliver the beach holiday goods, for them at least.

The spectacle ensued, the boys made some nice ones and Carpy got the shot.