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Top Newquay surfers, Ben Skinner (Skindog) & Russel Winter show the way at Fistral Beach, Cornwall

Relentless Boardmasters in Association with Vans 2010,Day 3

NEWQUAY – England (Thursday, August 5, 2010) – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Relentless Boardmasters entered the business end of competition with the completion of Round two and the first two heats of Round three in tricky, windblown 3-4ft (1m) waves at Fistral beach. Top seeded surfers and young guns shared the honours today in an explosive display of surfing at the Relentless Boardmasters 2010.

Surfers competing in the Relentless Boardmasters are out to claim valuable One World Ratings points in their bid to secure a spot on the ASP Dream Tour 2011. European competitors have the added challenge of building on their European Men’s Series ratings at stop nº 4 of 12 which will eventually crown this year’s European Men’s Champion.

Beyrick De Vries (ZAF) blew everyone away with an amazing display of innovative surfing in the tricky 3-4ft conditions with a mixture of aerial moves combined with powerful turns and flow through the bumpy sections in conditions that for many proved to be very testing in his Round two clash. Getting off to a strong start and building on his scores De Vries finished off with a scintillating 9.17 out of a possible 10 to score the single highest wave and combined two wave heat total 17.17 of the event so far.

Top seed Travis Logie (ZAF) and Russel Winter (GBR) both advanced into the fourth round relatively comfortably and will come head to head in heat nº 2 which is sure to be one of the many highly expected confrontations when competition at the Relentless Boardmasters resumes.

First call tomorrow will be at 10:00 am (local time) for a possible 10:30 kick off. When competition resumes up first will be fellow Australians Leigh McMahon and Russell Molony up against Billy Stairmand (NZL) in heat nº3 of Round three.

The riders in the Skinner’s Longboard Invitational put on a great show for the audience on Fistral Beach. Performing manoeuvres on boards over 9ft long, the event brought a fantastic contrast to the performance orientated riding of the WQS event. More traditional stylish riding is the key to success and no-one does it better than Relentless rider Ben ‘Skindog’ Skinner. Skinner the UK’s most successful longboarder, did not fail to live up to expectations and took home the winner cheque; Adam Griffiths took 2^nd place, Nicolas Keruzec 3^rd place and Ben Howey 4^th place.

Last night The Futureheads closed off the first night of the Relentless Energy Drink Beach Sessions with an energetic performance from the Sunderland four-piece. Their set consisted of all the crowd pleasers such as ‘Hounds of Love’, ‘Skip to the End’ & ‘Beginning with a Twist’, and was a great end to the first day of Day 1 at RBM 2010.

Tonight will see Natty performing to a sell out crowd, with support from Ben Howard and Lori Campbell. As if that wasn’t enough already Zero 7 will be performing a post-Natty DJ set to round of a jam packed night of entertainment.

Tomorrow Relentless Boardmasters in association with Vans will open the doors of its music festival site at Watergate Bay. Audiences will be treated to performances from co-headliners Newton Faulkner and Seasick Steve; whilst other artists performing will include Plan B, Xavier Rudd & Pendulum (DJ set).

On Fistral Beach the Trade Village will be operating as usual from 10am – 7pm, and guest DJs Deadbeat and Lady C will be playing tunes throughout the day in the Beach Bar. Tomorrow’s DVD of the day will be a screening of the Vans skate film at 12pm.

Newquay local Russell Winter (GBR) blasts his way into the third round at Fistral beach boardmasters

Relentless Boardmasters in Association with Vans 2010

Day 2

NEWQUAY – England (Wednesday, August 4, 2010) - The Relentless Boardmasters a Men's Star Series $120,000 5-Star event advanced through to complete remaining round one heats and the first four clashes of round two which was capped off with Newquay local Russell Winter (GBR) blasting his way into the third round of this Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) sanctioned event with an outstanding performance to place himself in a commanding position for the remaining rounds of the Relentless Boardmasters 2010.

There were 3-4ft peaks during the entire day offering plenty of waves but making it very difficult for competitors to find a wave connecting through the many sections to allow for any series of manoeuvres. The stacked international field made the most of the tricky conditions battling against wind and rain in their bid to reach the advancing positions.

Russell Winter (GBR) nailed an 8.17 out of 10 in the first minutes of his 25-minute clash and a second wave of 6.17 to cruise through to round three and emerges as a threat to many of the top seeds in this year’s edition of the Relentless Boardmasters 2010.

“I got those two waves right off the bat really and that first one that came to me was really a nice size set and I bottomed turned and snapped at the top and almost over did it as the fins slid out a bit but managed to hold onto it and do another snap so after that I felt a little more confident so I am on a roll and stoked.”

Event officials have decided to make a check-in tomorrow on day 3 of the Relentless Boardmasters at 8:30am for a 9:00am start to heat 5 of round two. Conditions are expected to remain the same and with the higher tide another day of action is planned to unfold.

Tomorrow will see Natty headlining the Relentless Energy Drink Beach Session in the RBM Beach Bar. South-West singer/songwriter Ben Howard will be supporting and Lori Campbell will be opening the sell-out show. Zero 7 will be playing a DJ set after Natty, bringing to a close the Thursday evening session.

During the day the Beach Bar will be showcasing the Reef surf film at 12pm with music throughout the day from guest DJs Carla, Jamie Crowe, Adam Isaac, Helm & The All Star Trio and DJ Lady C. Once again the Trade Village will be opening its doors to the public at 10am providing retail therapy until 7pm.

Out of the water the Vans Summer Sessions will be providing entertainment with the Under 16s Vert skate competition at 3.30pm. On the mini-ramp the BMX open practice will be running from 12pm – 7pm, breaking for a 2 hour skateboard jam at 2pm; which gives any amateur skaters the chance to rider with the pros and the opportunity to win some great prizes.

Question: What makes a Pro surf contest, apart from the pro surfers?

How amazing it is that we can all now watch pro surfers battling it out in dream waves from around the world? A few weeks ago J-Bay was on display in all it's glory and prior to that contests from Chile and of course even the 'Eddie' contest was live.  Having seen two eddies live at the beach, I can honestly say that watching it online with the excellent commentary was so much better. 

Yesterday and most of this week I will be watching the US Open of Surfing from California whilst a few hours away from me the boardmasters contest is on in Newquay and like the CWC held in South Africa recently has no webcast, therefore the question to this blog post is can they really be called 'pro surf contests' anymore?

I am involved more with a contest on the other side of the world than I am a contest a few hours away.. 

What is your take?

 

Looking like a good weekend @360extremesportsfestival in Scarborough headlined by 'Madness'

                                               

17th -19th September 2010-North Bay Scarborough

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Organisers of the 360 festival announce Stereo Mc’s will support Madness at the 360 festival Concert on the 18th September
Tickets go on sale on Friday 30th July ticket line 0844 888 9991
www.ticketline.co.uk/360-extreme-sports-tickets
Organisers also announce the 360 Pro Tour Surf Competition will now be help in North Bay at the main festival site. 

Organisers of the event said they were really amazed by the response to the festival we will have top international surfers attending and competing over the weekend. We are also really pleased to add Stereo MC’s the concert line up. additional artists will be announced shortly, Cirrion Ltd are proud to announce the will be sponsors of the newly added ladies pro tour competition.

The 360 Extreme Sports Festival will take place in Scarborough’s North Bay 17-19th September 2010.  The Festival is part of a three year plan with Scarborough Borough Council to promote the area as the extreme sports destination for Yorkshires East Coast 

For more information visit www.360festival.co.uk
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Grey Skies, Green Waves a surfers journey by Tom Anderson in Mumbles Yacht Club tonight

Tom Anderson, pro-surfer and author of Riding the Magic Carpet is talking about his latest book GREY SKIES AND GREEN WAVES at Mumbles Yacht Club (opp Verdis) on Monday 19 July at 7.30pm.  Tickets available from Cover to Cover tel 01792-366363 - Tom was featured on Radio 4 last Saturday  More info on Tom Anderson click here > Grey skies green waves or Cover to Cover, Mumbles

Click here for places to stay swansea bay or  Places to eat Swansea and for information on getting to Gower and Swansea bay area click here: Transport links to Swansea bay and Gower

For more info on our surfing lessons or booking a taster session > Click on picture below

  

 

Surfing author, Tom Anderson to visit Mumbles Monday 19th July

I would like to thank Sarah from Cover to Cover the book shop in Mumbles for sending me the below information on Tom Anderson's pending visit to Mumbles and how to go about listening to the forthcoming talk. 

Those that follow us on twitter ( Twitter/surfgsd ) would have hopefully been alerted to listening to Tom Anderson on radio 4 last saturday morning. 

It always makes us happy to hear an articulate, educated surfer representing our lifestyle choice!

Anyway here is the Information > 

Name: Sarah Rees  Email: sales@cover-to-cover.co.uk

Telephone: 01792 366363
Enquiry: Surfing author to visit Mumbles.
I thought you might like to know that Tom Anderson, pro-surfer and author of Riding the Magic Carpet is talking about his latest book GREY SKIES AND GREEN WAVES at Mumbles Yacht Club (opp Verdis) on Monday 19 July at 7.30pm.  Tickets available from Cover to Cover tel 01792-366363 - hopefully some of your members/pupils/surfers !! might be able to come along - he was featured on Radio 4 on Saturday and has experienced global surfing!

 

Latest British Surfing news: ALAN STOKES AND BETH MASON ARE CROWNED THE WINNERS AT THE 2010 SRI LANKA CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

 

The weeks Sri Lanka Champion of Champions Surf Contest saw two new champions, some great weather and perfect conditions. UK Pro Surf Tour Champion Alan Stokes from Newquay and Welsh Champion Beth Mason showed stunning form in 3 to 4 ft conditions to take the top spots on the podium at one of the year’s most prestigious contests.  Organised by the UK Pro Surf Association (UKPSA), the event saw one of the largest ever entries with over 50 contestants travelling from all over the world to bid for this major title at Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka..  

The swell decreased over the week, offering up some challenging surf for competitors to test their skills and demonstrate to the judges what they can do in the clean conditions.  The variety of moves and action on display was described by Head Judge Esther Spears as, “Definitely impressive – the best seen in many years. This shows a promising time for British surfing.” 

The highest scoring wave of the day was from last years champion Alan Stokes, from Newquay. Who got a 9.50 point wave in the semi’s which then lead him into the man on man final against Reubin Pearce.  Alan went onto to win this years Open, 2nd place going to Reubin Pearce (South Africa), 3rd to nineteen year old Stuart Campbell (Woolocombe) and 4th to Reubyn Ash (Bude).

The all Welsh Women on Women final, was a fight to the end. With Beth Mason winning the Sri Lankan Champion of Champions Women’s division by  only a 0.77 lead, leaving Gwen Spurlock to pick up a very close 2nd place.  The local division also saw some great surfing and all the equipment that was used for the competition was kindly donated to them by the sponsors. Throughout the contest training had been given to the locals in judging and other aspects of contest management, and they hope this gift will allow them to run their own contests raising what is already a high standard of surfing in the area. 

This years Champion Alan Stokes, commented, “I am ecstatic to have won this event, after coming 2nd last year and in previous years, it feels likes it has been a long time coming. It has been really nice to have an event with great waves and a really cool atmosphere.  Reubin and I came here three weeks before the event and we both finished in 1st and 2nd so it feels like the training has paid off.”

The results were as follows:

Open

1.Alan Stokes  (Newquay) 
2.Reubin Pearce (South Africa)
3.Stuart Campbell (Woolocombe)
4.Reubyn Ash (Bude).

Women

1.Beth Mason (Swansea)
2.Gwen Spurlock (Swansea)
3.Jo Dennison (Freshwater)
3.   Raine Jackson (Whale Beach,Australia)

Local

1.Asanka (Arugam Bay)
2.Santharuwan  (Arugam Bay) 
3.Milan (Arugam Bay) 
4.Kavinthiran (Arugam Bay) 
        

For more info on our surfing lessons or booking a taster session > Click on picture below

Fistral Beach set to host largest Junior surfing event in the Uk sponsored by Oakley

On the 18th & 19th September, Fistral Beach will be hosting the biggest junior surfing event in the UK, The Oakley XPY Pro Junior. The event is running into its 7th successful year and as each year the event has progressed with this years jump to increase dramatically! The event is stop number 4 on the UK Pro Tour circuit, and with the event stepping up to a 3 star rated event, on offer are top points and large prize purses!

This years Pro Junior category has a £2000 prize purse, the biggest ever for a Pro Junior event in the UK! Alongside the increase in money prizes for the Pro Junior category, there will also be an upgrade across all 4 event categories, other divisions including Under 16’s, Girls & Under 12’s Open.

Jack Clinton, contest director and founder of XPY commented on this year’s event, “I’m so happy to be taking the event into its 7th year. I started this is year 10 at school and cannot believe how much the event has blossomed over the years! This years event steps up again with bigger points and bigger prize money up for grabs as well as a huge after party at the Fistral Blu including top DJ’s from across the country! There are also plans for the event to step up to an ASP European sanctioned Pro Junior event so things are looking very promising for the future!”

Kellie Parsons from Oakley UK commented on this years event, “Oakley are once again proud to be sponsoring The XPY event. We have been working closely with XPY over the years to build the event to the status it has today and look forward to working with them and Jack in years to come!”

Other event sponsors this year include Etnies shoes, Fistral Blu, & Fistral Beach hire. For info log onto   www.xpycomp.com & to keep in the loop Facebook search: Oakley XPY Pro Junior 2010.

Contact: Jack Clinton    Tel: 07773 714076     Email: jclinton@xpycomp.com

For more info on our surfing lessons or booking a taster session > Click on picture below

Fistral Beach, Cornwall to host the famous Gul night surf

pic above of Nate Phillips taken by Jason Feast

The Gul Night Surf

 Stop No 3 of 9 on 2010 UK PST

Fistral Beach, Cornwall

18^th – 20^th June 2010

With less than a week to go and the sun still shining we are just putting the final touches to the second Gul Night Surf at Fistral beach, once again we have all the ingredients for a fantastic week of Surf, Sun, Music and entertainment. If there is a surf contest that should be in your diary it’s the Gul Night Surf.

 

This year will be bigger and better than last year with Live Music from Ape on the Saturday night followed by a display of fireworks over Fistral, Faltown longboards will be attending to display the art of longboard skating. 

The England Algeria match, which is being shown in Fistral Blu. A 30 foot  screen we be showing your favourite surf movies and live streaming the event through out the weekend

 

Once again the Event has attracted the Best British and International Surfers, who will be battling for the title of the UKPRO tour champion, previously won by Gul team Riders Mark Harris and Beth Mason. The talent in the UK is very strong this year, it will be a very close competition at all levels.

 

“Since last year we have signed up 2 new groms to join the Gul Surf team, we are delighted to have Flora Lawton and Joss Brooks on the team and we wish them all the luck for this amazing event. When we sponsored the event last year we knew it was going to be good but it turned out better than we could have imagined, we are very excited about continuing that success this year and look forward to growing the event for years to come. The Gul Night Surf is a huge part of our commitment and support of the british Surf Scene, We look forward to seeing you all there.”  (Jake Patterson, Gul Brand Manager)

 

For further information please contact: UKPSA Office 01637 854854 

 

 

 

Sun and Surf here in South West Britain equals a happy holiday for many

No need for anyone to leave the UK when the weather and surf is good, why waste your hard earned money going to Europe? 2 pints for the price for 1 here in Swansea and Newquay in fact everything is cheaper plus easier to get to. Swansea 3 hrs 30 mins by train from the smoke and Newquay a bit further.

Surf at Fistral beach or surf in Swansea more info below:

Places to stay Swansea, Gower and Mumbles

Places to stay Newquay, Cornwall

Beaches we use for surfing lessons > Rhossili Beach Fistral Beach Caswell Beach

Our Favourite surf shop in the UK > Bilbo in Newquay

For more info on our surfing lessons or booking a taster session > Click on picture below