Mr Smith

THE GENIAL ED SMITH IS ONE OF THOSE SURFERS THAT HAS A TON OF ABILITY AND TOYED WITH THE COMP SCENE BUT SOON REALISED A REAL TRADE AND SURFING FOR HIMSELF WAS A WISER OPTION. WE BUMPED INTO HIM ON OUR MISSION TO SCOTLAND, AND HE WAS KILLING IT EVERY SESSION. SUPER STYLISH, ALWAYS DEEP, A PLEASURE TO SHOOT. HE 'S A GOOD BLOKE TO GO FOR A PINT WITH TOO.

- SHARPY

Have you recovered from the Scotland mission yet?

I'm just about thawing out from sleeping in the van, but my neck and shoulders are definitely still feeling sore. I think the knots are going to take some severe massage sessions! I was in the sea for at least six hours every day which doesn't happen for me very often.

How long did the drive take you in the van?

It's doable in about 14 hours from my house, but that's if you're not saving fuel. The amount of 50mph average speed checks don't help either! On the solo drive, I like to get around halfway and find a nice dodgy layby near the Lake District to get my head down. Breaking the journey up saves on the caffeine and junk food comedown when you pull up to perfect waves.

You all set up in there with all mod-cons?

It's pretty cosy in my van but far from AirBnB'able. I've got a leisure battery with 12V electric, just enough to run some LED lights and charge a phone/ GoPro.

Any heating?

My heating system generally started at the curry house in town, where I'd fill up with spicy food, and make sure the beer jacket was topped up on the way home by walking via the Grove bar for a couple of pints of Tennants.

What's the key to surviving in a van in the frozen north?

Good books, podcasts and plenty of drum and bass in my ears.

How much juice does it take to go from the south coast to the north shore?

Too much!

How do your holidays work with your job as a roofer? Is winter the preferred time as its a bit tricky to get work done?