Meet The Team
Rob Pearson
“Don” Rob describes himself as a proud Welshman who has been surfing for over twenty years and loves exploring new breaks and surfing waves for the first time. Various whispers emanating from the valleys have described Rob’s abilities as legendary. It is unclear in what way this is meant and indeed whether this is on the ukulele or at the bar….or perhaps even on a surfboard. He is looking forward to adventure on the West African coast, and conquering the Sahara armed only with a surfboard, a ukulele, a pen knife and some gaff tape.
Jeremy Aylmer
Jeremy (Jerry) supposedly read a book entitled “The Road to Timbuktu” a few years ago which must have planted a seed somewhere about this fascinating part of the World. He claims to have heard about the Plymouth-Dakar Rally after numerous beers from a mate in a pub: Surely a dangerous combination. Those beers may be to blame for the fact that the when and why of surfboards getting involved remain somewhat sketchy. But most certainly they did and here we are: Off into the desert on a rusty car and a surfboard. However, with a car called Mungo and a bowler hat for all occasions Jerry is confident that things are looking good.
- (L to R) Rob Pearson, Jerry Aylmer and Nadja Freeman
Steve says he is “looking forward to exploring the untapped surf potential of this great continent, and it was cheaper than a lot of skiing holidays”. Well quite so; there is a credit crunch on. Coming from Northern Ireland it will be a luxury for Steve to surf in waters above 5 degrees Celsius and without constant hurricane strength onshore winds - thus not having to hit the beach “dressed like the Michelin man”. So, essentially if it’s hot and cheap he’ll be happy. Steve is also very knowledgeable about the A-Team.
- Steve Wilson
Tom Bulfin
Living in the UK for the past four years, Tom actually hails from New Zealand. Joining the trip now, and teaming up with our resident Welshman, Don Pearson, Sahara Surf’s expertise in all things woolly that go “baaa” will be truly formidable. A keen traveller and surfer, Tom’s ambition is to see as much of the world as possible and fit in as much surfing as he can along the way. The London – Dakar expedition is therefore right up his alley. Joining the team at this very late stage, some might be concerned at their possible lack of preparation for a road trip through the African wilderness. Not so Tom, who thankfully, and by some quite outstanding stroke of coincidence and good fortune, happened to recently read a 1982 edition of National Geographic in his dentist’s waiting room. He is therefore confident that this will stand him in good stead. Tom was in fact selected for this expedition from thousands of highly qualified applications for a particular skill he will bring to the team – he can slice apples and potatoes in half with his bare hands.
Tom Bulfin
Jon Ashmore
As a last minute fill in for the Plymouth Dakar challenge Jonathan put his name down for the event half thinking it was a West Country pasty eating competition. After a short time he realized there would be no pasties or Cornish folk but instead 3 weeks spent in a car with 4 other blokes and no prospect of a shower. Still a sense of adventure prevailed, coupled with a blind faith that the likes of Rob, Jerry and Steve would guide him through the ravages of the Sahara safely. Jonathan is from Australia but some years ago decided to leave his home break of Kirra in search of the fabled and epic Brighton Hotpipes to make this his local wave. He has travelled backwards and forwards from Australia many times seeing numerous exotic countries, including Africa, from the comfort of his aeroplane seat. This time however he will be landing, taking his complimentary peanuts and water, ready to embrace the African wilderness head on.
Jon Ashmore
Bertha and Mungo
Our two lovely vehicles are currently enjoying the bright lights of London. Bertha is a slightly rusty 1993 Range Rover, well loved and gentle, and Mungo is a 15 year old Mitsubishi Shogun named after Mungo Park the explorer sent from London to find the Niger River in 1795. They both have plenty of personality and are looking forward to discovering blogging.
- Mungo. A charming 1993 Mitsubishi Shogun. Lots of personality and very talkative. He can’t wait to get his teeth stuck into some Saharan sand. Yum yum.
Bertha. A sprightly 15 year old Range Rover. Strong and caring. She is looking forward to seeing more of the World and trying Moroccan tea.
Hermione Barnet
Hermione is a lovely surfing lady and a journalistic guru. She has been of immense help so far and will be our all things media and sponsorship contact while we’re in the field.
Any such media/sponsorship queries please contact her at: hbarnett@morriseurope.com
Nadja Freeman
Nadja has unfortunately had to withdraw from the trip after a top-secret mission to Holland. However she is our resident expert on filming and Christmas wrapping and will be sorely missed. So hard was she in fact to replace that it took 2 whole antipodeans to fill the gap……now that says lot about Nadja…..or antipodeans.
(L to R) Jerry Aylmer, Rob Pearson and Nadja Freeman
