BSUPA SUP Surfing Nationals 2014

Tough conditions, fierce competition and a brilliant SUP surfing standard sums up the Watergate Bay BSUPA SUP Surfing National Championships 2014. Tense finals in the Juniors, Womens and Mens divisions presented the UK with three new and well earned 2014 BSUPA National SUP Surf Champions. SUPboarder were present to witness the action all weekend – check out the video for how the action unfolded and read on for results and the SUPboarder account of the weekend...

With 20mph onshore winds and a solid head high swell, day one of competition presented a challenge for all the competitors – 35 in the mens division, 8 in the womens and 6 energetic and high level juniors. The tough conditions demanded high levels of fitness to paddle through demanding walls of whitewater and fantastic competition surfing to select the right waves to move you through to the next round. With quarter finals in the mens completed by the end of day one, and lighter winds and good swell forecast for day two there was a buzz amongst the competitors in the Phoenix Bar on Saturday evening. Sunday looked certain to showcase UK SUP surfing. The women and juniors were all coiled and ready to prove their skills on the national stage.

Sunday dawned to much more manageable conditions – women’s and junior fleets progressed, as well as the men’s semi finals. In the women’s division defending champion Holly Bassett (Fanatic) was being pushed by experienced longboard surfer turned SUP surfer Tina Beresford (Loco) competing in this event for the first time. The juniors saw defending champion Louie Harrow (Starboard) under pressure from Ollie Laddiman (Escape/SUPboarder) who was hungry searching for the top of the podium in his last year in the juniors.  Finn Gambin (Loco) was demonstrating brilliant progress in his surfing this year, and first time competitors Ben Pye (Starboard) and James Greeenwood (Escape/SUPboarder) all had their eye on the prize. The men’s division demonstrated a plethora of great SUP surfing styles from tops names such as Matt Barker-Smith (Barker), Alex Murray (Escape), Aaron Rowe (CG Custom) and Glyn Ovens (Fanatic). Notably Alex Murray stuck a great 360, a first for UK SUP Surfing events. And new, up and coming competitor, Ben Fisher (Naish/Silver Surf Sports) and experienced names such as Neil Gent and Charlie Grey demonstrated that the podium is no safe place for anyone in this rapidly improving division.
Tense finals just 25 metres from the Watergate Bay hotel and Extreme Academy amphitheatre provided spectators, families and supporters with a great show down. Men, women, juniors and masters, all pushing UK SUP surfing to the next level and inspiring others to take part next year.  A superb event, demonstrating great SUP surfing skills in difficult conditions! Well done to everyone involved.

Tense finals just 25 metres from the Watergate Bay hotel and Extreme Academy amphitheatre provided spectators, families and supporters with a great show down. Men, women, juniors and masters, all pushing UK SUP surfing to the next level and inspiring others to take part next year.  A superb event, demonstrating great SUP surfing skills in difficult conditions! Well done to everyone involved.

Comment from Richard Marsh Competition Director. “An other great and classic championships, the standard from all just improves year on year. It’s fantastic to see competitors willing and wanting to return each year to take up the challenge, and also to welcome new competitors to our growing fleet. In the six year since we first run these championships, its also interesting to see hope the sport and equipment has evolved to. I am proud to be part of the evolution of the sport in this country and thank all competitors, Judges, Officials, Extreme Academy Watergate Bay and support sponsors for their continued support of these Championships”. Adding finally ” I hope what people see here in person or read on these championships inspires them to stage more SUP surf competitions around the UK”.

Results
JNR Under 16 Boys
1st Ollie Laddiman
2nd Louie Harrow
3rd Ben Pye

Open Women
1st Holly Bassett
2nd Tina Beresford
3th Mi Richardson
4th Lizzie Bird

Open Men
1st Matt Barker-Smith
2nd Glyn Overs
3rd Aaran Rowe
4th Alex Murray

The following based on final overall position in Men’s Open
Mens Senior
1st Charlie Grey
2nd Luke Bolsin
3rd Sean Smith

Mens Masters
1st Matt Barker-Smith
2nd Glyn Overs
3rd Alex Murray

Mens Grand Masters
1st Simon Tregoning
2nd Time Rowe
3rd Peter Edkins

2014 Watergate Bay Watermen – Men Barker-Smith
2014 Watergate Bay Waterwomen – Holly Bassett

In addition to the amazing trophies created by Wayne at Surf Mirrors, this years Watergate Bay Waterman and Waterwomen, won a meal for two at the Beach Hut, Watergate Bay.

Dates for 2015 BSUPA, National SUP Surf Championship to be held at Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay to be announced shortly.