Team ERRANT hits the coast of The Gambia, West Africa

The Gambia is Africa's smallest country and also one of the most under developed.
It's main export of peanuts is slipping and the country is turning it's eyes to tourism. Errant UK manager and professional surfer, Chris Thomson was invited along with colleague Ben Ridding from the R.N.L.I. to suss out the potential of The Gambia as a surfing destination. Here is their story.

We had only been in The Gambia for a couple of hours and here we were facing out to sea with our new friends, Mr Fix It, Bob Marley and Mr Happy Boy, three local Gambia fella's about the same age as us, all keen to see us take our first surf in the mouth of the river Gambia.

Mr Happy Boy, even happier now he knows about surfing. Im pretty sure they had a little wager on who was going to be eaten first. Ben and I had researched this little left-hand point break back in England, thanks to Google Earth, quite possibably a surf travelers dream programme. The waves although small were very long. We jumped into the murky waters, paddling with just our hands.
Chris cheater five over the aligators Before long our nerves eased and we were trading waves, desperately trying to hold in any cliche from the Endless Summer movie.

As night fell we packed up our kit and followed our hosts to our accommodation. Mr Fix It, Bob Marley and Mr Happy Boy are reformed "Bumsters", hassling kids to you and I. The president of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, had noted the excellent benefits of tourism long before he came to power in 1994. However tourists never seemed to return due to the amount of hassle they received. To straighten this out he gathered up 200 of the worst "Bumsters", educated them and passed them out as Official Tour Guides.

The O.T.G's then went on to give themselves easterly memorable names, making it easier to make friends. With Ben's friendly nature we soon found ourselves with three "friends".
Dodging the sting rays Before long the guy's had cooked up some amazing fish and we were truly glad to see big dishes with our names on them! After dinner, Mr Fix It told us he could take us fishing and we would catch the biggest fish of our lives. This sounded far to good to be true. Little did he know our fishing experience was none.

The next morning broke with the sound of tropical birds, which after a night of trying to catch one mosquito, it was a pleasurable sound. Jumping into the car we headed over to the Denton Bridge and met up with Mr Fix It. After a few failed attempts to start the engine we were off in search of the "Big" fish of the day.

Three hours later and no fish, we were looking pretty desperate. Then out of no where Mr Fix It's line started to pull. At this point you can only imagine the excitement of three grown men all diving for one rod on a very small boat in the middle of The Gambia. The poor fish was cast onto the boat, the Snapper was all but big, but we still claimed it. We all took pictures of us holding the fish, the standard "surf trip on a boat" pose. The sad thing was we didn't catch it and it wasn't worth keeping.

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Surf & Pilates "Amazing Success"

This week sixteen girls from all over Europe took to the waves of Southern Morocco, during the Girls Only Surf & Pilates week. The trip was run by Europe’s number one surf travel company, Errant. Rising each morning to the Saharan sun, the girls took time out before breakfast to work on their Pilates with top London-based Pilates star, Amy Swanson. “The blend between Pilates and surfing is not to be ignored. To thoroughly warm up the spine, using surfing related movement patterns, and learn about body mechanics has proven to be hugely beneficial when taken to the water.”

After a big healthy breakfast, the girls loaded up the vans in search of surf along this bountiful coastline, with world-class waves such as Killer Point, Anka Point and Devils Rock. Returning late in the day to a three course meal, cooked with the freshest ingredients Morocco has to offer.
Ash Howe from Northamptonshire comments “The Pilates sessions were an ideal way to get warmed up before surfing all day. Although Morocco is only a short flight away, the whole trip has felt like a real adventure, because the culture is so different and the surf so good”

On hand to coach the girls was pro-surfer Celine Gerhart from Gul wetsuits. “Celine was a great surf coach, she had a unique way of picking up on the smallest elements to improve my surfing. She really helped me understand where I should be on an unbroken wave and her enthusiasm for the sport is infectious.” commented CJ from Aberdeen.

Joining Celine was top female surf coach Zoey Cotton and professional long boarder Chris Thomson. Both on hand to provide detailed coaching using the latest video techniques.
The holiday was rounded off with a trip to a local Souk, the girls took to the stalls with great gusto, haggling down the prices of all those rugs, clothes and shoes.

Errant surf holidays have more week long trips booked for 2008. Including two week trips in the new luxury surf guesthouse in Loredo, Northern Spain.

Morocco, Tamraght - April 14th 2008
Northern Spain, Loredo - May 17th 2008
Northern Spain, Loredo - October 12th 2008

For more details on all Girls Only Surf & Pilates weeks and all Errant Surf Holidays log on to www.errantsurf.com or call Zoey on 0870 896 52 52.

Team Riders Take British Titles in 2007

Another year on the UK Pro Surf Tour (BPSA) and another set of title holders. Errant team riders, Harry Timson and Chris Thomson walked away with the top titles in the Under 12's and Longboard divisions.

Sam Lamiroy, took first place in the Mens open.

This is the second time Sam has won the tour title. He has proved he has not lost any of his skill in an ever increasing competitive field of surfers that compete on the tour from all over the world. Gwen Spurlock from Swansea won the Women's division to add to the U16 Girls Grommet Title that she also won earlier in the day.

Jayce Robinson of St Ives won the Pro Junior Title, Alex Baker of Croyde won the U16 Boys from a very strong field of up and coming surfers. However one of the future stars of surfing Harry Timson (Newquay) retained his Under 12 Open title by winning all 5 of the competitions he entered this year.

2008 Groms Exchange in Northern Spain is ON!

Following on from the amazing success of the 2007 Errant Grom Exchange Scheme in Lanzarote, Errant Surf Holidays is at it again. Next March a group of talented young surfers from all over the UK will head over to Northern Spain to stay in the brand new Errant luxury surf lodge in Loredo, Northern Spain.Confirmed surfers include Beth Mason, Max Tucker, Zak Lawton and Cavan Donnelley.

Each surfer bringing a unique element of style and surfing to the group.

As with 2007, the budding groms will be coached using the latest video surf coaching techniques, by highly accredited BSA surf coaches. They will also get the chance to surf and train with some of Spain's most elite WQS surfers including Pablo Solar and Dani Garcia. A local contest will be held on the beach of Somo, where other young surfers from local Cantabrian surf clubs will compete against our UK groms. This will be a true insight and fantastic experience in competing overseas.The new "Hosteria" is the latest edition to Errant Surf Holidays vast range of surfing inspired accommodation.

Due to be opened in Spring 2008, managing director, Chris Thomson comments "We are pitching La Hosteria as a new level in surfers accommodation, for instance all rooms have en-suite bathrooms, colour TV, iPod stations and air conditioning. Not only that, but it has its own in-house restaurant, bar, in built surf school and lecture room plus copious amounts of land surrounding this enormous guest house. The beach is a mere 50m, and is one of the best beach breaks around, not to mention Santa Marina, a well-known and much feared big wave spot right out the front.

All this is backdropped by the stunning mountain range "Picos de Europa", what more could anyone ask for!"The 2008 Errant Grom Exchange is due to take place on the 19th March for one week.

There are a few space left, so if you are interested please contact us as soon as possible on groms@errantsurf.com or by calling 0870 896 52 52. Further details about last years Grom Exchange in Lanzarote and the new Hosteria log onto www.errantsurf.com

Girls Only Surf and Pilates week in Morocco

Celine Gerhart has teamed up with leading UK surf travel company Errant to offer an exclusive Surf and Pilates week in Morocco. Gul Pro team rider and experienced surf instructor Celine Gerhart will be there to coach, lend advice and take your surfing to another level throughout the week alongside BSA surf coach Zoey Cotton and top longboarder Chris Thomson. We're stoked to have Celine on board, she's a great surfer and very experienced having travelled the world with her pro surfer boyfriend Alan Stokes, she also has a great empathy with coaching girls honed over three years of instructing.

This will be a great opportunity to improve or learn to surf in warm waters under the Moroccan sun. The week includes surf coaching everyday and the lessons will be held at fun beach breaks. There will also there will be a sunrise and sunset pilates lessons with a top teacher Amy Swanson from Body Control Pilates in London and top your week off there's a days shopping in the souks of south Morocco to lap up some Moroccan culture.
Your accommodation will be at Tamraght which is perfect for this holiday, the apartments have a massive roof terrace overlooking the surf spots and is very cool. (www.errantsurftravel.co.uk/tamraght_overview.php) This holiday also includes all meals, transport, airport transfers and surf guide.

The first week will be from the 19th November, followed by a week starting the 7th April 2008. One week costs £449 and every girl who signs up will get a Gul and SurfGirl goody bag.
So whether you're looking to improve or learning to surf for the first time, this holiday will be great for learning to surf in warm waters with a great crew of instructors!

For more information call 0870 896 52 52 or visit www.errantsurf.com

Surfwear label leads industry backlash as British Airways bans travel with surfboards.
Headworx, one of the biggest names in surf apparel has today pledged a company-wide boycott of all British Airways flights in protest at the airline’s ban on carrying surfboards, which starts next week.
Headworx Limited, which owns the global trademark for the 1976-established surf lifestyle brand, sponsors some of the biggest names in British surfing and has pledged full support for the British Surfing Association in its campaign to reverse BA’s decision.
Headworx is now co-operating with the BSA in co-ordinating a range of activities to highlight the issue in the media and to give surfers a platform to air their concerns.
Marketing Manager Ben Byfield said “Headworx, its employees, its sponsored riders and many of our customers have used BA as a favoured airline for domestic and international travel for many years due to their baggage policy. We are very disappointed that surfers have been singled out with this ban and are now fearful for the wider impacts on the surf industry.”
With BA controlling a large share of the Star Alliance airline network, the impact of this decision could be felt more widely than expected, and may soon affect anyone travelling on a non-direct flight with one or more segments operated by BA.
“This is a huge problem,” commented Headworx-sponsored professional surfer Reubin Pearce. “To travel with my boards is essential for me to train and to compete on the ASP world tour. BA are one of the biggest global airlines and all of the UK-based professionals fly regularly with them when travelling within Europe, and further afield. There are few alternative options to many remote UK destinations and we must always arrive with our equipment as it is highly specialised. Surfing is a fast-growing sport, BA should think again before cutting off surfers like this.”
In an official statement released via the brand’s website, the UK-based surfwear company said “Headworx will now actively boycott and advise against all travel with BA whilst urging them to urgently review their decision.”
Headworx is now encouraging all surfers and travellers to sign The British Surfing Association’s online petition at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/stop-the-ba-surfboard-ban.html and to complain to BA at http://www.britishairways.com/travel/custrelform/public/en_gb




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Caption: “Headworx-sponsored pro surfer Reubin Pearce and his favourite JP surfboard - on tour together in Barbados.”
Image: Kirstin Prisk

About Headworx:
Headworx is the Riders Choice surf brand, founded at Burleigh Heads Australia in 1976 by Murray Bourton and Keith Halford. Now in their 31st year, Headworx are sponsors of the England Surf Team, numerous surf events and a team of UK riders. Headworx produce high quality surf and lifestyle activewear including teeshirts, hoodies, walkshorts, backpacks and our legendary boardshorts. Headworx is available to buy from a network of local surf shops and High Street stores or online. Full stockist information is available at www.headworx.com.
Press enquiries:
Headworx - Ben Byfield, benb@headworx.com, 01637 854233
Cube PR - Katie Curran, Katie@cubecompany.com, 0207 242 5483

Errant Ghana Surf Tour in Cooler

As ever, Errant is here to inspire those surf dreams. This month a neat feature in Cooler magazine sheds some light on our Ghana surf tours. Uncrowded waves and adventure. Pick up a copy to read more.

BSA Post New Petition - Sign Up Now!

British Airways has just announced that as of 6th November this year it will no longer be carrying surfboards on any flights. For the sake of all travelling surfers worldwide, the British Surfing Association strongly objects, and asks for your support.

Log on here http://www.gopetition.com/online/14891.html

Errant Surfing Holidays

Errant Pushes Re-Think On British Airways Surfboard Ban

Managing Director, Chris Thomson, will take time out Wednesday morning for a press conference, which will be aired live on Atlantic FM. Disgusted by the decision to ban surfboards on all British Airways flights, Thomson confirms the need for this ban to be revoked as soon as possible.

Surf tourism is worth millions on a global scale, but more importantly many small towns and villages around the world have grown to support surf tourism, of which they now heavily rely on.

The fact that BA now encourage people to travel (without any extra fee) with Ski, Golf and Tennis equipment, is seen by many as elitist.

Keep up to date with Errant news here

Errant in Fat Face Big Fat Guide

Leading outdoor brand, Fat Face, has just launched a new in-store and online Big Fat Guide to activity breaks. Errant Surf Holidays is excited to be the ONLY surf holiday company to be recommended by such a respected brand.
Click on the logo to view the Fat Face Big Fat Guide. See www.errantsurf.com for more details on the destinations that have been recommended by Fat Face or visit http://www.fatface.com/page/surfing_holidays to see the guide yourself!!

NEW - Luxury Surf Guesthouse

Errant are proud to announce the launch of our latest luxury surf lodge in Northern Spain. La Hosteria is quite simply a step above the rest. The guesthouse is mere 300 meters from the consistent warm surf break of Somo, and twenty minutes from the chic city of Santander.
All rooms are en-suite, come with colour TV, iPOD docking station and air conditioning. La Hosteria also has its own private bar and large gardens, in which you can find many peaceful corners to spend those long days in the sunshine.
The surf school is fully equipped with the latest surfing equipment, and all instructors are experienced BSA surf coaches and NARS Beach lifeguards. Advanced coaching including video and private coaching can also be arranged, along with surf guiding to many other top surf breaks. Please visit www.errantsurf.com for more details or call 0870 896 52 52 and speak to an Errant memeber of staff.

New Dates For Beach Lifeguard Courses

Following Errant's 100% sucess rate in 2007, Errant have launched more dates for NARS Beachlifegaurd courses in 2008. All dates are pulished on www.beachlifeguardcourses.com. These awards are a prerequisite for working with the RNLI on most of the UK beaches. The Beach Lifeguard Award is also needed should you wish to train as a surf instructor. The NARS Beach Lifeguard Award is internationally recognised as one the most comprehensive lifeguard courses in the world. For more details please visit http://www.errantsurf.com/ or call 0870 896 52 52 and speak to a member of Errant staff.