As Abdul Nasser Ouahad walks out of the water and up a sandy Moroccan beach the thing that stands out most on his white surf board is the word "Moor".
Morocco may not be the first place that springs to mind when one thinks of a surfing paradise.
But Mr Ouahad, in his 30s, is one of a new breed of sports entrepreneurs in the North African kingdom.
He is combining his love of the waves with the benefits that come from having a monarch who is a fan of water sports.
Abdul Nasser Ouahad learnt how to surf by joining a royal sports club "I began surfing when I was young," says Mr Ouahad, who runs Explora - one of the most popular surfing shops in the Moroccan coastal town of Essaouira.
"I joined one of the royal sports clubs here.
"In those days it was the only way of learning how to surf and being able to borrow a board."
Nowadays there are companies all along the bay of Essaouira offering tourists the chance to buy or rent all the kit needed to surf, kitesurf or windsurf at a low price.
First discovered by Europeans for its year-round waves and wind which favour different types of surfing depending on the season, the beach in Essaouira stretches the entire length of the town.
Although it has more than a mile of golden-yellow sand because of the constant wind blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean, it is not a place to lie and sunbathe for hours at a time.
The hip crowd sit in the beach-front cafes and sip soft drinks.
And the music they listen to is more likely to be Gnawa, a deep soulful sound derived from sub-Saharan Africa, than the Beach Boys.
For the last few years, the town has been cashing in on the world's surfing fraternity as the waves can vary from half a metre in summer - safe for beginners - rising to three metres in the winter.
Essaouira's winds gust from two directions, so the waves vary in size Hassan Quessan, who is the Moroccan co-ordinator of Union of Open Air Sports Centres, feels that warm weather and the safety offered by the bay has helped win Essaouira the title of "Morocco's windsurfing capital".
"We offer training for would-be kitesurfers from Europe," he says.
"But we don't only get beginners. The conditions appeal to those at an intermediary level and those with experience.
"We bring groups over from France on package holidays."
You get more help here than elsewhere because the residents of Essaouira are so friendly. Some of the profits from the water-sport tourists are channelled into getting local Moroccan children interested in the water.
Primary school groups and youngsters from orphanages are encouraged to get their first taste of the sea under the watchful eyes of trained Moroccan monitors.
They learn to swim and are taught about the marine environment as well as initiated into ecological awareness and safety.
Thursday
Night Surf victory for France's Gordon Fontaine
France's Gordon Fontaine was crowned the 2010 Night Surf champion after overcoming Reuben Ash in the final at Fistral Beach.
Newquay's Ben Skinner won the longboard title for a second year running, with a win over Ben Haworth in the final
The women's division title went to French surfer Anne Cecille, who beat defending champion Beth Mason.
The Stand Up Paddle competition was won by Chris Griffiths, with Elliot Dudley coming home in second.
news.bbc.co.uk
Newquay's Ben Skinner won the longboard title for a second year running, with a win over Ben Haworth in the final
The women's division title went to French surfer Anne Cecille, who beat defending champion Beth Mason.
The Stand Up Paddle competition was won by Chris Griffiths, with Elliot Dudley coming home in second.
news.bbc.co.uk
Wednesday
Devon's Surfing Beaches
Surf's up and everybody's going board crazy as Devon's long relationship with surfing continues to go from strength to strength.
Not since the early 80s, when the county boasted its own English and British champions, has the sport attracted such large numbers eager to ride the waves which pound the county's beaches.
With a coastline as diverse as its landscape, Devon has waves to suit all abilities.
Croyde Bay, on the north coast, is one of the main draws courtesy of its hollow powerful low tide waves which on their day produce beachbreak waves as good as anywhere in the world. Winds from an easterly direction are offshore.
Situated just a few miles from Barnstaple, and with a rich surfing history stretching back over forty years, Croyde has spawned some of the sports top competitors.
Former English and British champion Richard Carter and Ralph Freeman are just two surfers who have contributed to Croyde's reputation in the British and European competition arena Scott Rannochan heads the new crew taking the sport to new heights.
With North Devon bearing the brunt of atlantic swells, the area boasts several other top surfing locations.
Travel north from Croyde and you are faced by the sweeping sands of Woolacombe Bay.
Nestled in its southern corner is Puttsborough.
It comes into its own when the south westerlies blow high cliffs diverting all but the strongest of gales away from the breaking waves.
Despite not having the same power as Croyde, the waves can pack a punch when they pass the mid-tide sandbanks.
BBC Website
Not since the early 80s, when the county boasted its own English and British champions, has the sport attracted such large numbers eager to ride the waves which pound the county's beaches.
With a coastline as diverse as its landscape, Devon has waves to suit all abilities.
Croyde Bay, on the north coast, is one of the main draws courtesy of its hollow powerful low tide waves which on their day produce beachbreak waves as good as anywhere in the world. Winds from an easterly direction are offshore.
Situated just a few miles from Barnstaple, and with a rich surfing history stretching back over forty years, Croyde has spawned some of the sports top competitors.
Former English and British champion Richard Carter and Ralph Freeman are just two surfers who have contributed to Croyde's reputation in the British and European competition arena Scott Rannochan heads the new crew taking the sport to new heights.
With North Devon bearing the brunt of atlantic swells, the area boasts several other top surfing locations.
Travel north from Croyde and you are faced by the sweeping sands of Woolacombe Bay.
Nestled in its southern corner is Puttsborough.
It comes into its own when the south westerlies blow high cliffs diverting all but the strongest of gales away from the breaking waves.
Despite not having the same power as Croyde, the waves can pack a punch when they pass the mid-tide sandbanks.
BBC Website
Monday
Surf's up at new Bedford attraction
A facility which allows people to surf indoors has opened in Bedford.
The operators of FlowHouse say it is the UK's first indoor surfing attraction, aimed at surfers, skaters and complete beginners.
The centrepiece is FlowRider where people can try 'flowboarding', which bosses say is influenced by surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding.
It uses technology that allows riders to surf on a "high-energy film of water".
Construction of the facility began in October 2009 and members of the public can ride the wave for the first time on Sunday.
The operators of FlowHouse say it is the UK's first indoor surfing attraction, aimed at surfers, skaters and complete beginners.
The centrepiece is FlowRider where people can try 'flowboarding', which bosses say is influenced by surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding.
It uses technology that allows riders to surf on a "high-energy film of water".
Construction of the facility began in October 2009 and members of the public can ride the wave for the first time on Sunday.
Wednesday
Skechers Tone Ups Now Available
Here at Chelston Direct we have just launched Skechers Tone Ups.
Designed to improve your life by changing the way you walk, Tone Ups feature a unique, soft, kinetic wedge insert to simulate walking barefoot on a giving surface such as sand or grass.
Designed to improve your life by changing the way you walk, Tone Ups feature a unique, soft, kinetic wedge insert to simulate walking barefoot on a giving surface such as sand or grass.
Tuesday
Mens Columbia Walking Shoes Under £40
Make every step count in the Firelane Mid Omni-Tech®, a waterproof, multi-functional hiker built to enhance your trail time, rain or shine.
With a waterproof suede and mesh upper that incorporates a waterproof-breathable Omni-Tech membrane to keep the foot dry and comfortable all day, this midcut trail shoe supports the foot and ankle as you take on tough terrain. A gusseted tongue keeps debris out and a rubberized toe overlay adds durability and protection to the forefoot. Inside, the Contour Comfort™ 2D footbed offers personalized cushioning while AgION® anti-odour treatment combats “the funk” after a long day on your feet. Columbia’s innovative Techlite™ midsole provides lightweight cushioning and houses an exposed shank to deliver excellent torsional rigidity and support. Omni-Grip® traction gives optimal grip on rocks and trails, making this a solid choice for the weekend warrior or hardcore hiker.
Waterproof suede and mesh upper
Gusseted tongue keeps debris and moisture out
Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable membrane provides dry, comfortable environment
Rubberized print toe overlay for abrasion resistance
Contour Comfort™ 2D footbed with AgION® anti-odor treatment
Techlite molded midsole for lightweight cushioning and comfort
Exposed shank provides torsional rigidity and support
Non-marking Omni-Grip rubber compound with a stable hiking design for ultimate traction on any terrain.
Buy from our shop
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