UP EARLY to get down to the bay and meet my pal David Stransky.

We;ve done a few paddles together with the PaddleFast group and he’s often messaged when he’s around to see if I wanna go for a paddle as he knows I’m keen on the bigger boards he has.

Unfortunately I’m usually busy, but today the stars align and we manage to hook up.

I don’t have a lot of time but we head for Port Bawn. On the outward journey I try out his over-size Gladiator. I;d had a quick shot in the bay before but this is a good tryout. I like it!

On the way back we swap boards and I try the Bluefin tandem. Heavier and sleeker – I ‘think’ I prefer it…but to be honest both are good and it’s great to have a chance to try ‘em on a proper paddle.

We say cheerio and I get back for a shower and sort my gear out for an afternoon music session with the kids at the school in Balloch.

I pick up some shopping en route home then catch up on some work and get the studio set up for a photo shoot tomorrow.

Betty comes along for dinner and we hear about her trip to Chicago and have a grand wee night.