Just had this report in from Eryl Mason, from the Welsh Surfing Federation:
The first leg of the Rip Curl GromSearch European surf series kicked-off in Rest Bay, Porthcawl, Wales for the 6th consecutive year on a bright & sunny but rather breezy day last on Saturday 4th April.
2–3ft decent swell coming off the Channel was made more challenging for the young competitors by the stiff on-shore breeze.
However, the competitors braved through a full 9hrs of good competitive surfing to get to the finals and a chance to compete in the Regional Finals and then the final goal of the Rip Curl Pro Junior at the European Finals in Hossegor, South west France in August.
A solid entry of nearly 50 kids across all categories, ensured that the competition was a success and as always a good cross section of ages and abilities – The youngest competitor was a local boy Tom Horn from Porthcawl aged 6 and a 9 year old girl, Elis Richards from Mumbles, Swansea.There was a really good contingent of surfers from over the bridge to provide quality competition for the young Welsh hopefuls.
There was even a couple of perfect 10’s awarded by the normally unforgiving judges to a young surfer Will Bailey from Woolacombe, who tore one of the heats to shreads; still only 11years old.
Will is certainly one to look out for in the future. The competition was fierce throughout the day with the English competitors leading the way in all categories.
As the competition came to a close in the early evening, the stiff breeze dropped away to allow the prizes to be presented by Rip Curl’s team and events Manager James Hendy, with a backdrop of pumping waves waiting to be attacked by the ever eager Grom’s long into the evening.
The highest placed Under 16 Welsh Boy was David Williams from Swansea and the Under 16 Welsh Girl was Mali James also from Swansea.They win an all expenses paid trip to the UK finals held at Godrevey in Cornwall on the 20th & 21st June where they will surf against the best from England and Ireland.
All photos by Peter Price - 07920 196248.
Check out the Welsh Surfing Federation's page on Facebook
Don't understand why they didn't wait for the 2-3ft clean, sunny conditions on Sunday? Still, glad it was covered adequately this year.
ReplyDeleteGull - this is a biggie - shouldn't this little write-up be sent to the Glamorgan Gazette? I was sat there on saturday thinking that down in N.Cornwall almost every weekly local newspaper carries surfing stories. It can only be good for the local youngsters as well as bringing tourism into the area...
Mark: I believe it's gone to the Western Mail and other related surf media.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid it's not my job to do P.R work for the WSF, although if they paid me in wax I might consider it..
I'm happy to promote their competition write up's and articles here though.