Pier To Paradise

Bournemouth local James Taylor spent his younger days frothing on south coast swells, now his job allows him to surf places like this….

- Steve England

How does a lad from Bournemouth get to surf perfect waves everyday?

Persistence and a fair dose of luck! I’m a surf guide/coach and I’ve been working my way around the world the past few years. For the past 6 months I’ve been based in the Maldives at an atoll further south than the classic waves that it is known for. There are a few gems around here and crowds are few and far between.

Where are you from and what were your local breaks?

I’m from Bournemouth, central South coast UK. Highcliffe beach is my home break but I spent most of my time growing up around Bournemouth Pier and the local reefs.

Who did you hang around with at home?

My brother and I had a little wrecking crew, and surf wise it was anyone and everyone who was game! All us grommies would set up base in Sorted Surf Shop down by the pier and jump in with whoever was keen whenever there was swell.

What was your average day like?