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Making Waves
So Simon, I see you’re a four-time British champion. How did it all start?
My brother got a board for Christmas when I was about eight and I got dragged along. I’ve since spent 35 years in the surf.

What’s the appeal?
I love that this is an individual sport. You can go out and catch as many waves as you want or as few. You call the shots. It’s constant excitement in and out of the water. If I’m not surfing a wave, I’m counting down the days until I can again. Some days there’s just no surf and you wait. The waiting and anticipation is half the fun.

If I wanted to start what kit would I need?
Nothing much. I’d always recommend a lesson and they supply you with a wetsuit and board.

How much would that set me back?
My lessons are £25 and that covers equipment hire and two-and-a-half hours of tuition. When you do go on to get your own board, it’s usually about £200.

Does it take long to learn?
The biggest misconception is that it’s a hard sport. I’d say 99% of people in my lessons are standing on the board by the end of the first session. After that, you can go off and have a great time. The technology going into training boards these days, they’re so easy to use. If you want to learn beyond the basics, you can come back for more lessons.

Is there much good surf around Wales?
The Times did a list of the 10 best places for beginners in the UK and Rest Bay in Porthcawl was number one. Wales has great surf, for all abilities. You can go over to the Gower or Porthcawl and you’d never get bored.

Sounds great. Anything ever go wrong?
I never listen to my own advice so I’ve snapped my ankle by not warming up. I’ve been stuck in the rocks because I didn’t check the tide. Loads of mistakes!

What about sharks?
Not so many in Wales! Saying that, I saw a small one last time I was in California, and a pretty massive one under my board in Australia when I was with the British team. I reckon it had pretty big teeth so I didn’t hang around. The biggest sharks are the instructors saying you need six lessons before you should go out alone. They are trying to rip you off.

What are your three main tips for beginners?
Go to a British Surfing Association school because they are insured and will teach you correctly. Don’t buy your equipment until you have had some advice from a teacher, and just enjoy yourself.

WANNA catcha wave?
Lobster Bob, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff.
029 2045 6122 www.lobsterbobsurfwear.co.uk
The Simon Tucker Surf School, Rest Bay, Porthcawl. www.surfingexperience.com

CLIMBING HIGH
Well, Rob, how did you get into it?
I first started at the university mountaineering club, and then joined the army where I was part of a group that trained to climb Everest. Would have been a great experience if I wasn’t called to go on operations!

What makes you want to cling to cliffs?
You are just completely immersed in nature. There are no concerns; you’re just enjoying the climb and that challenge. There’s nothing like hanging to the cliff by the skin of your teeth, but making it to the top. It’s such a great form of escapism mixed with adrenaline. The camaraderie with your climbing partners is great and it’s great for fitness.

What kit do you need?
The easiest thing to get into is bouldering; you just need climbing shoes and a chalk bag for grip. After that, when it comes to proper cliff climbs, you’ll need a helmet, ropes and metalwork. Also some good mates.

Is it expensive?
The shoes are about £35, while later on, when you get into it outdoors, you’ll probably spend about £300 on all your ropes and equipment. If you climb indoors you can always hire quite cheaply, though.

How long does it take to get any good?
If you go to an indoor climbing centre at the start of the summer you’ll probably be having a great time outdoors by autumn. Once you’re used to climbing at height and using the ropes, find a suitable person to introduce you to outdoor climbing.

Are there many good spots for climbing in Wales?
Completely spoilt for choice. Snowdonia National Park is truly spectacular. On Anglesey there are some great sea cliffs and Pembrokeshire, which is my favourite, has the most awesome limestone cliffs. You just drop onto these sea ledges, surrounded by seals. You can’t get more idyllic.

What pitfalls should beginners avoid?
Just make sure you learn from experienced teachers. If you learn from the right people, you will always know your limitations. Knowledge dispels fear.

Have you ever had a climbing mishap?
I remember being three-quarters up Left Wall at Llanberis Pass. I was thinking ‘I’ve been on this climb for 35 minutes and sooner or later my body is going to let go’. The feeling of making it, really challenging yourself made it all worthwhile. You are overcoming fear while making yourself perform physically. It combines to give you the most amazing feeling when you roll over the top of the cliff.

What are your three top tips for getting to grips with it?
One: Get involved with a club because you need to make sure you are being shown the correct thing. Two: Do it with someone you get along with and who you trust. Three: Don’t be afraid to get stuck in. It’s only when you get really stuck in that you get your best achievements.

WANNA HANG OUT?
The new boulders indoor climbing centre in Cardiff opens in August. With over 2000 metres of climbing walls and 100 lead climbs it will be one of the largest in the UK offering climbs for complete beginners to total rockheads.
See www.bouldersclimbingcentre.co.uk for more info.

CLIMBING HIGH
Well, Rob, how did you get into it?
I first started at the university mountaineering club, and then joined the army where I was part of a group that trained to climb Everest. Would have been a great experience if I wasn’t called to go on operations!
What makes you want to cling to cliffs?
You are just completely immersed in nature. There are no concerns; you’re just enjoying the climb and that challenge. There’s nothing like hanging to the cliff by the skin of your teeth, but making it to the top. It’s such a great form of escapism mixed with adrenaline. The camaraderie with your climbing partners is great and it’s great for fitness.
What kit do you need?
The easiest thing to get into is bouldering; you just need climbing shoes and a chalk bag for grip. After that, when it comes to proper cliff climbs, you’ll need a helmet, ropes and metalwork. Also some good mates.
Is it expensive?
The shoes are about £35, while later on, when you get into it outdoors, you’ll probably spend about £300 on all your ropes and equipment. If you climb indoors you can always hire quite cheaply, though.
How long does it take to get any good?
If you go to an indoor climbing centre at the start of the summer you’ll probably be having a great time outdoors by autumn. Once you’re used to climbing at height and using the ropes, find a suitable person to introduce you to outdoor climbing.
Are there many good spots for climbing in Wales?
Completely spoilt for choice. Snowdonia National Park is truly spectacular. On Anglesey there are some great sea cliffs and Pembrokeshire, which is my favourite, has the most awesome limestone cliffs. You just drop onto these sea ledges, surrounded by seals. You can’t get more idyllic.
What pitfalls should beginners avoid?
Just make sure you learn from experienced teachers. If you learn from the right people, you will always know your limitations. Knowledge dispels fear.
Have you ever had a climbing mishap?
I remember being three-quarters up Left Wall at Llanberis Pass. I was thinking ‘I’ve been on this climb for 35 minutes and sooner or later my body is going to let go’. The feeling of making it, really challenging yourself made it all worthwhile. You are overcoming fear while making yourself perform physically. It combines to give you the most amazing feeling when you roll over the top of the cliff.
What are your three top tips for getting to grips with it?
One: Get involved with a club because you need to make sure you are being shown the correct thing. Two: Do it with someone you get along with and who you trust. Three: Don’t be afraid to get stuck in. It’s only when you get really stuck in that you get your best achievements.

Summer’s here and it’s time to get active. Richie McGowan talks surfing and climbing to ultimate waver Simon Tucker and rock god Rob Lawrence

ROCK AND ROLLERS