Cord’s riders include some of the most respected names in international surfing, from Irish big-wave specialist Conor Maguire to Australian Noah Lane, as well as British champions such as Lucy Campbell.
“I love that I can drop by and chat to Markie about what’s been feeling good, what changes I’d like to make and listen to his suggestions,” Lucy says. “Some of my magic boards have just been one-eighth of an inch less foam in one area, and that completely changes how it feels when I’m riding it. Plus, having it in your favourite colour helps too!”
Lucy isn’t joking. The aesthetics of surfboards matter. Markie creates every Cord design, and although he shrugs off any suggestion that he is an artist, the brightly coloured, intricately patterned boards tell a different story. “I can’t draw you a picture,” he says, “but I can design you a surfboard. It’s just something I’ve always done.”
Despite travelling the world, Markie says St Agnes will always be home. “I’ve never been able to put roots down anywhere else,” he says.
The village and the surrounding coastline have changed over the years. Summers are busier, the waves are more crowded, and Cornwall is increasingly popular with visitors. “Of course, people want to come to Cornwall,” he says. “Look at it – who could blame them! Yes, it can be hectic, but it also creates opportunities for local businesses.”
%20-%20Heiko%20Prigge.jpg?w=145&resize=145,100&ssl=1 "Buzzy, beautiful, and under £200 – these are the loveliest affordable hotels in Europe right now according to our editors")
