Personal logs for windsurfing, surfing, kitesurfing and other sports. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php Copyright 2006. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20843/maker/Llanfairfechan 27th, May 2026 - Aborted Colwyn Bay wing earlier as looked too light for my (lack of) skills. ESE usually awful in home spot Llanfairfechan but felt steady on sand at low tide so took kite. Had to kite down to cob for cleaner wind and OK until went gustier and too offshore. Hard to sail back to jetty so deflated kite and long walk back. So hot and worth it, first time I enjoyed this direction. Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20843/maker/Llanfairfechan Wed, 27 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20842/squiz/Falkenham%20Church%20to%20the%20Deben 24th, May 2026 - Sunday 24th May - walk **** – Falkenham Church to the Deben – sunny and hot. I slept through Mags early morning prom only getting up when she returned but I decided to head out for a ride round to take a few weather pics at 6.10 ! I got to the cliff top at the end of our road and spotted a large container ship heading into port so I quickly stopped to take a few pics and nearly missed a muntjac deer crossing Convalescent Hill and disappearing up the footpath! I then drove down to Felixstowe dock view point to watch the container ship plus three tugs approach its berth before returning home to sort out my pics. Mag and I then enjoyed breakfast in the garden, so quiet and peaceful, sorted out things for our holiday before I packed lunch and we headed inland to avoid the crowds and had a brilliant time at Falkenham Church watching the yachts in the distance on the Deben in the light winds! We then decided to go for a walk down to the River Deben spotting a Marsh Harrier looking for its tea! We sat on the river wall for ages watching the boat action before heading back in the heat but still a great walk and we didn’t see another human, just perfect :) [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236099616803340]Photo Album here[/url] Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20842/squiz/Falkenham%20Church%20to%20the%20Deben Sun, 24 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20841/squiz/The%20Dip%20to%20Felixstowe%20Ferry 23rd, May 2026 - Saturday 23rd May - walk **** – The Dip to Felixstowe Ferry – sunny and hot. We bought some pastries yesterday so Mag and I could go on an early morning walk from The Dip to Felixstowe Ferry to beat the heat and crowds! We were at the seafront just before seven with the sea like a millpool and the sun behind some patchy clouds but it was very warm and the sweatshirt was soon off! It was so quiet as we walked towards the River Deben, a yacht did head out making slow progress in the light airs! We reached the bench near the jetty to enjoy our warm pastries with a cuppa with lovely views up the Deben:) We then had a walk round the boatyard and returned the way we had come, certainly the best part of the day! Home to sort out my pics before doing my exercises in a very warm back garden, only dozing off once! Mag and I then headed to Lidl to stock up for next week’s family trip to near Ross – on – Wye, could be a touch too hot for us! [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236099616803340]Photo Album here[/url] Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20841/squiz/The%20Dip%20to%20Felixstowe%20Ferry Sat, 23 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20840/maker/Llanfairfechan%20 23rd, May 2026 - Breeze up and down. Good when it blew but too much drifting about. Should have used 5.5m Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20840/maker/Llanfairfechan%20 Sat, 23 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20839/squiz/Bucklesham%20and%20Felixstowe 22nd, May 2026 - Friday 22nd May - walks *** – Bucklesham and around Felixstowe – sunny and warm. Another wonderful Friday with Maeva, Mag picked her up a little early today as she had an appointment at the Dump but I had enough time for breakfast in the garden before doing my exercises. Maeva was back to her healthy best after another spell of germs, we hope she stays fit as our whole family is off to a lovely house for a week near Ross on Wye next week! I packed a picnic lunch, yummy egg sandwiches for us and cheese on toast for Maeva while Maeva helped Mag water her garden and paint the decking with water with a brush and roller! I had a plan for today as we wanted to check out the new kids play park at Bucklesham but we made a small detour to take some pics of lovely purple phacelia :) We then found the play area in Bucklesham and we think the local kids had a inset day as there was a few children about bi=ut it was a big area with loads to go on, we had planned to have a go on the swings etc then head over to Levington marina for lunch but we were having so much fun we decided to stay as Maeva said she would like a picnic on the blanket! We sat in the shade behind the climbing wall before going on a lot of the rides again, well worth another visit! We then took the scenic narrow lanes back to Felixstowe for several episodes of Peppa Pig before taking a very tired Maeva home! Mag and I then had a walk along a busy Felixstowe prom and back via Tesco where we bought pasties for tomorrows early walk as the temperature is set to get to 30 degrees over the next three days! PS - I was chuffed to get a pic on the BBC:) [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236099616803340]Photo Album here[/url] Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20839/squiz/Bucklesham%20and%20Felixstowe Fri, 22 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20838/maker/Llanfairfechan%20 22nd, May 2026 - Very variable wind, sometimes nice on 5.5m, others 4.5m would have been better, and then there was the 20 min drift back to jetty before it picked up again. Too tired to change down, so retired happy. Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20838/maker/Llanfairfechan%20 Fri, 22 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20837/squiz/Around%20Felixstowe 21st, May 2026 - Thursday 21st May - walks *** – Around Felixstowe – sunny and warm. Walk 1 – Early morning prom. I joined Mag on her early morning prom walk at 6 this morning, this time turning right to the big wheel but a bit was a little uninspiring for pics, I got a few including the interesting bowls club behind the amusements but the weather was nice, sunny with a light breeze. Walk 2 – Around Felixstowe to visit Maeva:) We had arranged to look after Maeva for an hour at midday which gave me enough time to do my exercises before walking round to her house via the town. We took Maeva to the park and she enjoyed her time on the swings and trampoline, it’s great to see her fit again after a spot of conjunctivitis. We returned to her house just in time for her mum to return with lots of goodies from the local bakery which we enjoyed in the sunny back garden while watching the birds on the feeders, they are so tame! We then walked home getting knackered as we had done 5 miles today, I then had a quick drive down to Felixstowe Ferry to take a few more pics but no luck on the TV weather today. Mag and I then spent ages chasing a young rat our cat had brought in the house having to move the cooker, the fridge and a cupboard, it was pretty speedy but Mag got it a box in the end! [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236099616803340]Photo Album here[/url] Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20837/squiz/Around%20Felixstowe Thu, 21 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20836/maker/Llanfairfechan%20 21st, May 2026 - Had to leave before swells built but still a few short rides. Bit gusty but good fun. Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20836/maker/Llanfairfechan%20 Thu, 21 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20835/squiz/The%20Manor%20at%20Felixsrtowe 20th, May 2026 - Wednesday 20th May – Windsurf **** The Manor at Felixstowe – sunny periods. Foil – 18.54 knot max, 17.30 knot ave., 12.04 knot hour, 15.69 knot mile, 33.02 km., 12.72 knot alpha. Starboard Freeride 150 and a Tushingham Bolt 5.75m. After two windsurf foil in two days it was taking its toll on this pensioner but today’s forecast looked good so I checked the webcam of The Manor and it looked good, then when Al Wizz said he was heading out from his caravan around 9.30 so I decided to drive down there to check out the conditions! Arriving at Squiz Lane at 9 and with the wind a fraction off, a good direction for this spot, there was even some sunshine so I quickly set-up my foil board, I was not sure what sail to rig, 5m or 5.75? I went for the larger sail and to be honest I could have done with the 5m! I was just about to put my VHF radio in my rucksack when I realised I had left it at home so I had to drive home to get it as I am not heading out to sea without my radio! While at home I decided to put my wetsuit on before returning to The Manor where Al Wizz had walked up to say hello, saying he was going to rig a 7m sail for his 115m fin board:) As soon as I launched I realised that I had probably rigged too big but I was on limited time as I had to take Mag to Ipswich in the afternoon so stuck with the sail in in the end it turned out to be really good, The Manor is my favourite local sea venue :) With the wind getting stronger further out I stayed a little closer to the shore today but still managed to hit two bass, one actually put me in the sea! I then decided to have a few long broad runs out where the 5.75 proved perfect skimming across the waves in sunshine, just brilliant, then as I had wind against the tide getting back was easy :) I was joined on the water by Al who had some nice runs on his fin board, the wind did swing more off and went a little patchy but you could still get up and flying if you were patient! So it turned out to be the best of the last three sessions and was cool to see a couple of huge container ships too, then home to take Mags to Ipswich going and coming back the scenic route:) [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236099616803340]Photo Album here[/url] Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20835/squiz/The%20Manor%20at%20Felixsrtowe Wed, 20 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20834/maker/Llanfairfechan 20th, May 2026 - Similar to yesterday, less gusty, and better with small wing. Good rides on waist swells. Rating: 5 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20834/maker/Llanfairfechan Wed, 20 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20833/squiz/Levington 19th, May 2026 - Tuesday 19th May – Windsurf *** River Orwell at Levington marina – wet start some sun late. Foil – 21.07 knot max (year PB), 19.01 knot ave (year PB)., 6.55 knot hour, 16.89 knot mile, 23.72 km., 15.49 knot alpha (year PB). Starboard Freeride 150 and a Naish Nalu 4.25m. With a fresh breeze from the south forecast but with rain clearing at midday I decided to head over to the River Orwell arriving at the marina around 11 and it was pretty miserable, gloomy with drizzle so I sat in the van waiting for things to improve. Around midday a few wingers arrived and the drizzle stopped, with the southerly gusting to at least 27 knots and with the wingers setting up 4, wings I took a chance with my 4.25m and while it was perfect in the gusts I was under a lot of the time but still managed three year PB’s, top speed, average and alpha so it wasn’t too bad! I launched heading up river where the wind was much lighter so I sailed to the corner where the wind was at its strongest, the river state was smooth too! I had been out ages wishing I had rigged 4.75 when I had to stop to take a stone from my boot which was hurting my foot and was disappointed to see I had only sailed 10 miles! So back out to the gusty Orwell and the wind had swung more SW and I finished the session with a few nice long runs towards Pin Mill trying to keep the small sail going through the lulls but at least the sun had come out! Now having sailed 20 miles it was time to call it a day, pack-up, shower and head for home! Some more wind tomorrow but I am not sure if I will sail yet as Mag has an appointment in the afternoon? [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236099616803340]Photo Album here[/url] Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20833/squiz/Levington Tue, 19 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20832/maker/Llanfairfechan 19th, May 2026 - Good swell rides. Very gusty to start where 4.5m was good in 'lulls' but lots of gusts where 3.5m was needed. Settled near end to nice 4.5m. Forgotten how nice the 800 foil can be. Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20832/maker/Llanfairfechan Tue, 19 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20831/squiz/The%20Manor%20at%20Felixsrtowe 18th, May 2026 - Monday 18th May – Windsurf *** The Manor at Felixstowe – mainly cloudy. Foil – 17.22 knot max, 15.74 knot ave., 0.00 knot hour, 14.80 knot mile, 23.72 km., 12.59 knot alpha. Starboard Freeride 150 and a Tushingham Bolt 6.50m. I didn’t have any plans to go windsurfing today as its forecast to be breezy on Tuesday and Wednesday so did my exercises in the sunny back garden. The breeze did pick up so I decided to load up the van and head down to The Manor for the first time this year to check out the condition just after 11. There looked enough wind to foil so I set up the foil board and rigged my 6.5 which proved ideal for three top long runs out past Wadgate Post in lovely conditions before the wind dropped light and I had to wobble back as the sky darkened, time to call it a day! Home to send a few pics to the TV weather and I am on a roll as I got another one on the telly, my luck is in at the moment! I then drove round to Maeva’s as Mag was helping her mum in the garden, Maeva continues to be on top form and I took her to the park, nice day! [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236099616803340]Photo Album here[/url] Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20831/squiz/The%20Manor%20at%20Felixsrtowe Mon, 18 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20830/squiz/Around%20Felixstowe 17th, May 2026 - Sunday 17th May - walks **** – Around Felixstowe – sunny periods. Sunday dawned sunny so Mag and I headed down to Felixstowe seafront at 6 for a brilliant early morning walk along the prom snapping a few pics on the way, in fact the first photo I took was chosen as a BBC editors Pick and Gillian used it on Look East, I later learned that I got a pic on yesterday BBC Breakfast of the beach hut reflections down near The Dip, unfortunately I was too late to see it on Iplayer:( We walked just past The Fludyers hotel to take a pic of the fishing boat on the beach before returning through the Spa Garden, a mass of blooms! Then too it easy for the rest of the day, doing my exercises, watched a bit of the ladies rugby before Maeva arrived to celebrate her mums birthday, Mag had baked a cake :) When our company left I then watched the Red Roses beat France in a top game to win the 6 Nations! [url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10236099616803340]Photo Album here[/url] Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20830/squiz/Around%20Felixstowe Sun, 17 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20829/maker/Llanfairfechan 17th, May 2026 - Thigh/waist swells to ride but also x chop and variable wind which I found difficult until I changed to 800 foil. Not used it for a while and easier to get going than I remembered, should have changed down earlier. Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/20829/maker/Llanfairfechan Sun, 17 May 2026 01:05:00 +0100