Stalling Christophe Allary, on the shoulder: Hugo Savalli, water photog: Al Mac Kinnon, photo Archi

While the rest of Europe was enjoying summery vibes, drinking summery cocktails in summery clothes in front of summery waves, we were dealing with the harsh climate of North Scotland. I received a few emails teasing me about how good the waves were south of the Bourret and how hot it was even in short sleeves tees and I have to admit, it hurt yesterday… But this morning, things changed for the best and I have the immense pleasure of announcing that we, a few lucky freesurfers and myself scored big time!!!

Al McKinnon, photograph extraordinaire and Scotland specialist showed up this morning at the hotel and I quickly noticed that he had other plans in mind for some of the O’Neill riders instead of just heading to the contest site.

Jarrad, Hugo, Justin and Christophe were on for what Jarrad described as “Worth all the flights from Australia, that slab made my trip to Scotland!” And indeed, that wave was worth all the wait, the cold and greasy food, and brushed away in a single spit all those nasty emails!

Take off straight into the barrel for the pros, take off straight into a lip launch for myself but hey I’d like to be remembered as a field journalist if anything happens to me tomorrow at the same spot.
I also heard that Russ and Spencer scored some bombs at Bagpipes. Later Johnny showed his dry reef expertise at that same righthand slab… Look out for the water shots from Al or Timo in the next Surf Europe magazine near you….

Oh by the way, round 1 and 2 were completed today at Brims, 48 guys left in the event, 48 hungry men all perving at the marvelous Scottish sword of the O’Neill Highland Open.