Can you tell me a little bit about your experience learning how to surf, and how that actually came about?I actually got into skateboarding first and went to the first skate parks with my parents at Watergate Bay in Cornwall. While we there I saw people surfing and thought I’d give it a go.I later hired surfboard. It was hard work but I loved the thrill. I managed to get my parents to buy me a surfboard and tried to go surfing as often as I could, I was only about 13 at the time, and thought I was brilliant but in reality I was not. -

- These were back in the days before wetsuits but we were young so we didn’t really feel the cold.

Do you see surfing as more than just a hobby? Has it had an impact on your life in anyway?Surfing is much more than a hobby to me; it helps me keep fit, spend quality time with friends and to travel to different locations all over the world. I have met some great friends through surfing and there is a community spirit amongst local surfers. In our group we have 12 surfers ranging from 18 -55 years old which are all at different levels.

INTERVIEW: SHAUN KNEEBONESURFING FOR: 38 YEARSCORNWALL SURFERAGE: 51

When it comes to surfing in UK and theweather conditions you face how do you overcome these issues?Surfing in the U.K can be some of the toughest conditions in the world because our weather is so varied. Surfers here are some of the most dedicated, as conditions and weather are sounpredictable.The water can be cold at times but it’s the air temperature in the midst of winter when your getting changed is the most challenging, plenty of layers and hot drinks help the cause.

Is there anything in particular you don’t like about surfing in the UK?Surfing in the UK can be very unpredictable and frustrating at times as its so varied.The surf can be good in the morning and flat by the afternoon and the best surf always seem’s to arrive when you’re at work. What do you find most difficult about surfing in the UK?On a personal note as I’ve got older its got harder as im not as fit as I use to be so even the simplest of things like getting changed in the cold is a lot harder then It use to be.

Has surfing influenced your style in anyway?No not really, I wouldn’t say me or my friends are the ‘typical surfers’. However we do use local shops for boards, clothing and accessories.

How do you stay motivated and committed to surfing?It’s probably the only real hobby I do now, so it keeps me quite fit and enables me to have some quality time with friends and away from the stress of work. What are the essentials you take with you when you go surfing?Surfboard, wetsuit, wax, leashes, boots, gloves, hood, towel and key pod. I also need to take plenty of fluid and energy bars and warm clothing for the winter months and I always make sure my transport is reliable.

Is there any gear/clothing that you feel is missing when it comes to the surfing industry?It would be nice to have more local shapers that make surfboards and more local shops that supply the clothing we need to face the conditions here.

INTERVIEW: TARA GLANFIELDSURFING FOR: 7 YEARSCORNWALL SURFERAGE: 24

Can you tell us a little bit about your experience learning to surf, and how that actually came about?I haven’t been surfing long, I would say it’s been just over 7 years now but I’ve become very muchengrossed in the sport. It started when I met my partner who has surfed since he was young. I started to go with him to the beach on my days off work and it wasn’t long before I wanted to try it out for myself. Ever since my first time I haven’t stopped. I took lessons for about a year on and off and the rest of the time I’ve just adapted and taught myself, along with my partners.

Do you see surfing as more than just a hobby? Has it had an impact on your life in anyway? For me its a hobby, however it has had a massive impact on my life. I use it as a getaway from my everyday life. When things get too stressful that’s when I head to the beach. You almost forget about everything else going on.

Is there anything you don’t like about surfing in the UK?The weather! When I’m in the water I don’t notice the cold. However when I’m on shore that’s when it really hits me. Especially when getting changed.

When it comes to surfing in UK and the conditions you face how do you overcome these issues?With great difficulty sometimes! We can only try and adapt and be fully equipped. I tend to over pack when I go surfing, filling up the car with big jackets and warm jumpers. I usually wear a lot of layers too.

Has surfing influenced your style in anyway? I would say it has yes. It has allowed me to have a more casual look to style. For my career I constantly have to be done up and wearing a dress and heeled shoes 5/6days out of the week can be very tiring. Its nice to be able to throw on what I want.

What are the essentials you take with you when you go surfing? My wetsuit and surfboard; they are the obvious things I take with me every time. I also take my surf jacket, waterproof bag, wax, and change of warm clothes, which usually consist of jumpers, base layers and trousers. Is there any gear/clothing that you feel is missing when it comes to the surfing industry?

- When people think of surfing they tend to relate it to quite hot places like California and Hawaii. Where surfers where very minimal clothing, its mainly bikinis and board shorts. However in the UK the reality is that, that sort of clothing doesn’t work for us. There needs to be more focus on the cold water surfer. I am aware there are companies that have started to cater for this need, however I think there could be a lot more.

What do you find most difficult about surfing in the UK? There are many things that are difficult about being a surfer in the UK. One thing is obviously theunpredictable weather. You can’t quite tell what kind of day your going to get, most of the time I just wait until the morning to decide if I’m going to head to Cornwall which isn’t very reliable. Another thing I find quite a struggle is getting changed into and out of my wetsuit. As I travel a distance of about 1hour 30mins (at least) its not suitable for me to wear my wetsuit there. So I do have to wait until I am at the beach to get changed. This can often be quite difficult for me. I don’t feel confident enough to get undressed into my bikini in public; I try and cover up as much I can.