Organised by Surf and Science Technology students from Cornwall College’s Newquay campus, the competition is firmly established in the European surfing calendar.
The event represents the start of the UK Pro Surf Association Tour (UKPSAT) and sees the next generation of surfers battle it out against more experienced tour members.
Newquay’s Mark Harris came third in last year’s Men’s Open, losing to Russell Winter in the final. Mark said: “The English Nationals is the first event of the year so everyone’s been training all winter. I’ve been surfing lots of spots that don’t usually break, because of the abnormally large swells, so it’s been a good winter to be at home.
“I’ve got some new surfboards coming from my sponsor Quiver so hopefully I’ll get a good start to the tour. I’ve always wanted to win the English Nationals as it’s got so much history behind it. It is exciting to compete against the best surfers in Britain.”
The event will take place over the Bank Holiday weekend, 3 - 5 May with divisions including Open, Longboard, Masters, Veterans, Ladies and Juniors.
For more information visit: facebook.com/englishnationalsurfingchampionships.
English National Surfing Championships, 3-5 May
The UK’s top surfers gather at Watergate Bay in early May to decide national champions in 14 divisions.
- Written by: Alf Alderson
