Gwyn at Tolcarne, 1968.

“I’m slowing up – but I’m still getting up and catching waves”.

For the second episode of my Cornish omnibus, I’ve got a beautiful tale for uncertain times: a lovely and heartwarming conversation with British surfer Gwyn Haslock.

Chances are you won’t have heard of Gwyn. If that’s the case, I urge you to listen to this episode and discover her wonderful story.

South Fistral runner, September 2010. Photo: Geoff Tydeman

Kernow to the core, Gywn has a claim to be one of the UK’s original surfers and is certainly one of the first female surfers in the UK.

Today, well into her 70s, she is one of the most loved and recognisable figures in the line-up; taking her pick from the north and south coast Cornish spots she’s been gracing with her presence for the best part of half a century.

Bellyboarding, 1955.

At the beginning of March 2020, I sat down with Gwyn to discuss her amazing amazing surfing life. It’s a cockle-warming tale, and a unique look at the early years of British and Cornish surfing from the perspective of somebody who’s been there since day one.

Even better, her brilliantly blithe attitude to surfing is a welcome antidote to the amount of absolute rubbish that usually gets spoken about what is essentially a pretty simple pursuit. I guarantee she doesn’t read Beachgrit, let’s put it that way.

Another early Tolcarne session – 1965

My thanks to Gwyn, Demi Taylor and the Watergate Bay Hotel for the help pulling this one today. Hope you enjoy it.

Listen to the episode here: