SPRING has fully sprung with a weekend of sun and surf.

With no contests and plenty of visitors, it was the free-for-all mayhem you would expect from the Easter holiday. Traffic, rammed car parks, even queuing for my cappuccino.

But no worries, beach time and mellow waves along with barbecues, drinks, friends and the freedom to wander about airing the toes in slaps. Nice.

But don't be fooled by some riders' gloves-off approach. Unless you are an athlete, masochist or mad, it is still cold. It will be a while before I shed the protective comfort of my Neoprene marigolds.

But it wasn't all bliss and relaxation this week.

Two North Devon surfers have made the long trip up to Thurso in Scotland for the O'Neill Cold Water Classic.

The prestigious six-star World Qualifying Series event sees the cream of the surfing world descend on the northernmost stop on the tour and both Stuart Campbell and Lyndon Wake are there hoping to score big.

Stuart, speaking before the contest kicked off on Tuesday, said: "It's been really warm up here since we arrived. The water isn't any colder than at home so I'm in my Psycho Freak 3.5/2.5mm wetsuit and it's really good.

"I've had a few sessions at Brimms and scored it really good. I hope it's like that in my heats. I'm up against a Hawaiian, a South African and a Portuguese champion. It should be good."

With small waves on offer at the beginning of the week, the contest was moved to Brimms Ness.

"The forecast looks mental for the weekend so it could be epic," said Stuart as he chowed down even more pasta. Good luck to both riders. Check the CWC website, www.oneill.com/cwc/scotland, for more action and read next week's

Lineup

for a full report.

One absentee is Croyde's Alex Baker.

Lineup

caught up with the globe-trotting surf wizard on his return to North Devon last week.

Alex was the senior member of the GB surf team at the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in New Zealand in January.

"It was amazing, the best contest I've ever been involved in. The organisation was spot on. If they said your heat was at 1pm, it was. Psychologically, that was a key to getting everything planned and trained for."

But it was not all tropical loveliness for Alex. He suffered a number of injuries on his return to Indo after the Championships. "I broke six boards in quick succession, one of which embedded in my calf," he said.

"I ended up in hospital having the leg cut open to remove part of the stringer. That meant almost three weeks out of the water, which sucked.

"Its good to be home, even though it's cold. I'm out of the water at the mo as my knee has flared up again but looking forward to getting back in next week.

"I'm really looking forward to the season ahead. It's my last year doing the under-18s and pro juniors and I'm focused on winning and going out in style. I'll be doing the BPSA opens as well and I'd like to finish in the top 10."

Good luck Al. We will be following his progress over the coming months.

Monday night saw the first of Croyde Surf Club's grom training nights. Lots of keen kids showed up to learn and refine their skills.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.croyde surfclub.com.

Finally, well done to the guys and girls at Saltrock. Lots of worry and stress, but the company lives and looks forward to a future on the scene.

As well securing local jobs, the last-minute rescue saves a name synonymous with surfing in North Devon.