News

Date set for Ocean Ski Race

Published

10 years ago

May 3, 2016

ON SATURDAY (Apr 9) Benjamin Edom invited The Herald to join him and Blue Ocean Adventures in the filming of the promotional video for the up and coming Fishguard Bay Ocean Ski Race.

Embarking on the family business’ 600-horse-power rib boat at 9am The Herald was joined by film students, who under the instruction of Benjamin were to film the racers in a number of scenarios.

The rib set off from St Justinian’s with another boat from Voyages of Discovery and set course for Porthgain along the coast past the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy where the official race is to begin later this year, carefully avoiding a pod of dolphins as we sped around the St Davids headland.

Once at the small harbour village the ocean ski paddlers performed a number of sprint starts which were being filmed from both vessels as well as from the air by drone.

Benjamin explained: “Emerging from Porthgain’s minute and spectacular harbour were 9 high-tech racing machines – 7 ocean skis and 2 ocean canoes most of whom had travelled hundreds of miles for this chance to paddle their extreme sea-going racing boats in our world-class coastal seas.”

The paddlers took to the very choppy open sea out of the bay and began to catch the waves allowing them to propel themselves forward at impressive speeds using the tide, waves and wind to their advantage.

Benjamin described how similar conditions on the day of the race would make the race a challenging one: “The wind had been up the night before, so the sea outside Porthgain showed us pretty quickly that any race along this stretch of the Pembrokeshire coastline would be a real challenge”

After the filming at Porthgain was finished, and Mike and Sam Rodgers who man and operate Blue Ocean Adventures’ boat were satisfied that all paddlers were within the harbour walls, the rib shot off back along the coast, this time meeting huge waves, which Mike had to tactfully steer between.

Despite the rough sea conditions Sam (Mike’s son) was still able to throw in a few bits of his acquired knowledge from usually operating the wildlife tours around Ramsey Island, he explained to us about the various sea birds we encountered and was also able to explain the specific subspecies and gender of a seal which had been following us.

Along with the film crew and Benjamin, The Herald took to Goodwick harbour where the ocean ski paddlers had relocated to commence the second bout of filming.

At Goodwick the paddlers and film team fought against the tide to get the best footage in the little time they had available, but were still able to get many ‘finishing’ scenes completed, demonstrating the scenery, location and sea-environment that paddlers from the across the globe will be facing at the full 25km race over the weekend of September 24 – 25.

Willem Prinsloo a South African ocean skier spoke about paddling in our county’s waters: “What a wonderful experience being on a surfski offshore in Pembrokeshire. The Atlantic offers everything an ocean paddler could wish for – big rolling swells and a good following wind will guarantee a fast, challenging race that will test the best of the best.

“Throw in the mix stunning scenery and people passionate about the sea and their environment with the organising skills to match, and you have a race that is equal to any in the world. Bring it on!”

Another paddler from Port Talbot, Scot Cuthertson said: “I have enjoyed the sea around South Wales all my life. The Pembrokeshire coast is some of the most spectacular in the UK and to experience it from a craft that’s absolutely suited to our weather is fantastic.

“Surf Skis are launched when most other boats are safely moored up. We surf the offshore swells, reaching quadruple the speed of paddle power alone.”

“The Fishguard race will deliver the pleasure and excitement all paddlers travel the world to search for. The waters and the scenery along the Pembrokeshire coastline will be the inspiration for many a tale in the years to come.” said Gaven Mumberson from Zimbabwe.

Outrigged.co.uk’s John Galilee spoke about the race to be: “This is most definitely an ocean race and we can expect conditions that a Hawaiian six man canoe will relish. A beach start, a stunning rocky coastline with the tide pushing, a good chance of wind and swell helping us too. There’ll be tide induced bumps round the headlands whatever the weather, while the start and finish have great access for trailers which is important for these canoes.”

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

15 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

16 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

16 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.