Speedboat Rides At East Wittering – 1970s Nostalgia

A Memory of East Wittering.

Does anyone else remember a lovely man ...I think he was called Paul... who used to offer speedboat rides at East Wittering around 1975-1978? He and his mate would simply pull the boat up onto the beach, stick a sign in the sand—“Speedboat Ride 75p!”—and off we’d go. No booking, no fuss, no health and safety forms… just pure seaside freedom.

I was a kid then and went on the ride a few times. Paul was always kind and fun with the children, and it felt like such a treat.

It’s one of those memories that’s stuck with me—sunshine, sea spray, and the thrill of zooming across the water. I wonder if anyone else remembers Paul or took one of those rides?

:)

Oh ..also.... I'd love to know about a local artist around those times and possibly up to 1982 who painted in a really bright simplistic, but very clever style. I remember going to an art exhibition and there were two pieces, one called the Flight of the Weathercock, the other The Beach. I think they were absolutely stunning. I wanted to buy them both but they were £50 each which is like £500 now and I was just a kid! I would love to know if I could get a print anywhere or who the artist was if anyone remembers.

Thank you

---

---