All the forecast maps indicated a huge swell approaching the Brazilian coast. Carlos Burle and tow partner Eraldo Gueiros were fresh back from ‘da island’ (Hawaii) and had got wind of a massive swell that was looking to hunker down on the Brazilian coast line. They prepared all their equipment, had a word with the weather god on the best location to receive the big swell and Rio de Janeiro was the spot. Everything was covered.

The swell was right and the wind too, the jet ski’s were set, and the team was ready: Eraldo Gueiros, Carlos Burle, Rick Werneck (photographer), Ylan Blank (surfer support jet) and Roger Ferreira (CarlosBurle.com journalist). The small band of five headed up to Saquarema, which is one of the most consistent surf cities in Brazil.

What ensued, was some of the heaviest barrels seen on the Brazilian coastline and Carlos and caught in his signature laid-back style.

Carlos Burle : photo Rick Werneck / O Globo

“There are days when solitude is a heady wine that intoxicates you with freedom, others when it is a bitter tonic, and still others when it is a poison that makes you beat your head against the wall,” said the French novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette. Spending the last three months in solitude somewhere in the Indonesia, Ian Battrick was probably doing a bit of all of the above. We didn’t hear from him once, we just knew he was doing what he loves – surfing with not a soul around. The few minutes of footage he sent through on his return summed it all up. It’s why we support him and why he does what he does – cheers for carrying the logo Ian, felt like we were there.

We’ve been in touch with Jamie Crawford for a bit. He’s basically one of the up and coming wildlife documentary presenters and has been to all ends of the earth filming his quarry - from the deep snows of Canada, to the steaming jungles of Indonesia to the tropical seas of Africa. He’s presented his story on Animal Planet on the Discovery Channel as been nominated for many awards. We helped him out with some kit a while back and it’s always good to get his photos and stories when he’s briefly back in this country.

Last night he was on the One show on BBC 1 in his trusted Finisterre Storm Track - finding Red Deer on Exmoor (dressed as a sheep for some of it!). Well in Jamie - was great to be there with him - first time we’ve made the prime time!

Have a look here:

< www.bbc.co.uk/theoneshow/highlights/jamie_crawford.shtml>

Right, this guy is amazing. We thought we were on the right track in terms of business, the way we do things etc and then whammy - we get blown away by this guy and his business card chat - everyday is a schoolday…

We thought it was about time we introduced you to Bryn. For those of you who don’t know her, Bryn Hall is an illustrator based down in luscious Sennen Cove. When she isn’t in the water or distracted by the waves outside her window, she can be found flexing her artistic muscles on a surf-inspired canvas, or injecting colour into an old board or available limb in need of personalisation.

We’re big fans of her and her work and we were stoked when she agreed to come on board to design the artwork for our new printed merino T-shirt - the different worlds print. Cheers for everything Bryn, it’s going down a storm.

Check out more from Bryn at http://www.clubofthewaves.com/artistprofiles/bryn_hall.html

Different Worlds Design

The Siren herself

Surf Inspired Sketch

Coll and Leah just opened up Sand, a slick little retail shop focusing on exclusive brands that are fair trade, ethical and environmentally conscience.

We were there for the grand opening, champagne on offer, some live music and the shop was dialed in, bringinig out Wadebridge’s finest. We’re super stoked to have them on board, wicked venue to showcase the product line, so if ever in Wadebridge and hesitant to buy online, you’ve now got a place to try and buy.

Congratulations boys, looking forward to a long run.

Coll, Tommy, Ernie, Happy

Christiaan Bailey has been working with us for a few years now. He’s the guy behind the product videos on our site, he’s helped fly our flag through a natural involvement here at Finisterre and when not shooting, editing or organizing, he’s often found somewhere on the coast, surfing some chartless spot. For the last couple of years, he’s been hard at work concocting The Surf Screen…

The Surf Screen is all about bringing home-grown surf film, art, photo and music to the UK.

The Surf Screen program of events for 2009-2010 includes screenings across Cornish beaches throughout the summer and cinemas across Southern England during winter months.

As well as the very best of surf movie content (short and feature), The Surf Screen events will be supported by an array of media including music, slide shows and art exhibits.

A preliminary round of screenings (at which audience members will be offered free Surf Screen membership), starts at 7pm, February 11th at the Royal Cinema in St Ives and will be held at this venue regularly, every first Wednesday of each month, until 6th of May.

We’ll be there supporting Christiaan, The Surf Screen and enjoying some good independent surf film making.