Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Jesus Surf Classic

The weekend of 9th -10th September saw the 14th running of the Jesus Surf Classic at Croyde Bay, North Devon. After an anxious wait , Sunday lunch time saw the arrival at last of the swell needed for the competition to begin.

3 out of the 8 planned finals were held in 2-3 feet of clean surf late Sunday afternoon. The Junior ladies was won by Gwen Spurlock from Wales. The Youth division was again closely contested, with Braunton's Alex Baker, who came 3rd in 2005, taking away the prize this year. The longboards certainly made the most of the good conditions with local Ashley Braunton coming out on top.

The five remaining surf competition categories, Open surfing, Junior surfing (U18 ), Cadet surfing ( U16 ), Masters surfing ( Over 35's ) and Ladies surfing have been carried over until October 14-15 at Croyde Bay. This replaces the Bude Surf Classic, also run by Christian Surfers UK, which had just been cancelled.

Obviously for organisers, Christian Surfers UK and competitors alike, the lack of swell was frustrating. However, there was a great spirit amongst the 150 competitors who had arrived with their families and friends for the weekend. The weather was glorious and the majority of competitors and spectators chilled around together at the contest site on Saturday, watching movies on the big plasma screen in the marquee, enjoying a BBQ, and watching or competing in the skate contest.Games had been organised to provide entertainment, including a team volley ball competition and paddle races during the afternoon.

Check out the Christian Surfers website http://www.christiansurfers.co.uk

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