Porthleven's Kelvin Batt offers some priceless advice on how to take your surfing to the next level

Surfing is more popular than ever these days, and with more and more people doing it, the standard of surfing throughout the world is getting higher and higher. So for any young aspiring surfers trying to excel in the sport, and stand out from the crowd, no matter how good you are, making a name for yourself is harder than ever now, and as yet more people try surfing, it's only getting worse.

However there's one man who's photos keep coming to our attention every time the waves get good down here. A man who's unique, yet stylish approach sees him always manage to turn heads from the minute he sets foot near the ocean. That man is Kelvin Batt. When you click through the slideshow below, you'll see it's quite clear that Kelv is ahead of the game, and quite simply a master of his craft. So after months of trying, we've finally managed to pin him down for an interview and get a few snippets of  expert advice for ourselves, and anyone else out there who's looking to take their surfing to the next level. Here's what we got...
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1) Preparation
Mental and physical preparation is everything. I always find a night out with Mongalloyd or another one of the Praa Sands crew is good. So when the surf's pumping you'll most likely still be up from the night before, thus not missing the dawny.

2) Equipment
Make sure you surround yourself with the best gear... and if not, grab whatever you can. I once had no boots or cash so spent February & March surfing in a pair of old school Dunlop 'Green Flash' trainers - sorted.

3) Stand out from the crowd
A common misconception is that surfing with people better than you will push you and improve your surfing. In reality, all this does is make you look shit. If you want my advice, surf with people who are worse than you, it makes you look good and feel better, the girls will come flocking.

4) Make sure you're looking good
As with point 3, image is everything in modern day surfing, I find the naked option is always a good 'un for the freedom factor, and most importantly, minimal tan lines. It's not as easy as it looks though, and there are a few downsides to beware of...
a) Wax-rash in your pubes (although if your Mongalloyd you don’t get that problem).
b) Being chased up the beach by lifeguards or angry parents, because you’ve mistakenly ridden straight through the bathing area on an August Bank Holiday. Do not do this at Perranporth, very big serious lifeguards and loads of fat tourists in Union Jack boxer shorts. Danger.
c) An even smaller chopper.

5) Career
Make sure you choose a career that lets you surf as much as possible, and also drink as much as possible the night before. You want a slack job, late starts and to be able to surf all day. On personal experience, Kerrier Lifeguards used to be ideal back in the day. I could tell you a story or two, but I've got away with it this long, i think i'd better leave this one lie....

6) Surf Etiquette
Surfing's all about sharing and being at one with mother ocean and your friends. So if a wave looks good and someone's rude enough to already be on it, don't be afraid to drop in and use that excuse.

And one more thing... If you borrow a wetsuit, be sure you piss in it. You know your mate would do the same if you lent them yours. Other than that, just make sure you're having fun, and you're well on your way.
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We'll have more wisdom from Kelv as soon as he can spare us some time again. In the meantime though, when he's not out pushing the limits in the ocean, Kelv's busy working on his summer projects, namely The Porthleven Masked Ball on Sat 1st May, as well as his pioneering new Cornish Butler agency (Keep an eye out for a couple at this Easter's Love Riot). We might have a couple of Masked Ball tickets up for grabs here on the site in the coming weeks. We're not sure if we'll be able to give away any butlers here too, but we'll see.
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For the Ball - http://maskedball.wordpress.com/
To hire any Butlers in the Buff - cornishbutlers@hotmail.co.uk