Well, 2023 has certanly been bookmarked by extremes for me. Waking up to the first light of 2023, I looked out into a cloudless sky and temperatures in the the 30 degrees Celsius mark. Ras Al Khaimah was home for the the Winter working as a Senior Instructor for Absolute Adventure. Leading trips and expeditions in the deserts, mountains and coastline of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, it afforded me ample opportunities to explore and surf via Paddleboard.

The offshore island of Al Saraya is a 7 mile long strip of sand just off the coast and it happens to be one of the most consistent waves spots in the Arabian Gulf. Warm water, bright blue skies and gentle rolling waves is a pretty enticing mix and I was able to catch every wave session in the Gulf throughout the Winter months. Wave conditions are never classic, usually wind swell in the afternoon as the heat rises on the land and the cool air comes in from the sea to take its place, however, the novelty of surfing in bath water, means fun is always had!.

From the heat of the desert to Scotland is always a big change, but it was great to be back home and able to start the Scottish season. We had plenty of returning paddlers with us, which is always hugely satisfying. Being able to make a mark on someone's life, their passions and health, this is a huge reward for me, something I do not take for granted and am still humbled by. From taking people out of their comfort zones and into Whitewater, getting paddlers confident and independent to go out on their own or seeing former pupils out on their own boards on the loch, it is such a great feeling to have played a small part.

A great surf trip to seeing friends in Portugal punctuated the summer, where, it turns out, a cheap, borrowed Lidl SUP could handle some overhead waves at one of Europe's premier waves, Ribeira D'Ilhas. There were trips galore chasing the swell, from Fraserburgh to all across the Caithness and Sutherland coast. Stand Up Paddleboarding really does take you to some incredible, unique places.

Two Slipped Discs in my back unfortunately meant that much of this year I have been in pain and indeed, was bed and house bound for well over a month this Summer. The consequences are still being felt, but, injuries and time off the water really do put things in context and reemphasize how much being on the water and working outside is important to me. Maybe a period of time off and reflection is good for the soul, even if it does not feel like it at the time.

With my long time friend, Sam Guest, we have successfully launched Paddle Surf Yorkshire this year. Taking paddlers to the wonderful canal system around Leeds and Bradford, it is an exciting venture for us both. If you are in Gods own county, come and give us a visit!

From one extreme to the other, I now write this article tucked up and cosy in a log cabin 280km North of the Arctic Circle in Finland. Outside temperatures are minus 19 today with 4 hours of sunlight today, the sun not rising at all for 40 days from next week. I am spending a Winter season working as an outdoor activity guide in Saariselka, Lapland.  Days are spent working with and next to Reindeer, Huskies and Snowmobiles. Days off are with Cross Country Skis and Snowboards. A total change from the years start, but wow, what a year it has been. Ups and Downs, great people, obstacles to overcome, injuries to manage, all of it, part of a special year, 2023.

Thank you for being part of it, and I hope to spend time on the water with you in 2024.