THE elite of British surfing head to the Watersplash at St Ouen’s Bay next weekend, to contest surfing’s GB Cup.
The winner of the annual event will have the opportunity to qualify for GB Surfing’s “Progression Squad”, comprised of elite potential future Olympians.
Teams from England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands will compete for both team and individual honours on Jersey’s west coast, featuring Open Men, Open Ladies, U18 Boys and U18 Girls categories across the weekend.
The ultra-talented Lukas Skinner (16) leads the charge for a strong Surfing England side.
The World Junior silver medallist has strong family ties to Jersey.
Meanwhile, Nathan Elms and Max Bennett are two names to keep an eye on for the Channel Islands, with both expected to put in a strong performance against the elite field.
Event director David Ferguson said: “The event has been months in the making.
“I’m grateful to all our volunteers, the RNLI, judges and sponsors.
“We’ve got a proud history of hosting some of the best surfing events in Europe and we’ve worked hard to ensure this one is just as memorable.
“We’re hoping for a good swell with favourable winds.
“The first rounds start on Friday 11th with the finals on Sunday 13th.
“We encourage anyone to come along to the Watersplash, where there will be plenty going on besides the surfing.”
Meanwhile, former British Surfing Champion and GB Surfing Director Arlene Maltman said: “GB Surfing’s elite performance pathway aims to develop, progress and empower future champions.
“I am very much hoping that will involve a local surfer in the future.
“With this year’s Olympic Games being held in Tahiti we were all enthralled as we watched the world’s best athletes tackling some of the most critical waves on the planet.
“No one can forget the shot of Gabriel Medina almost walking on water.
“The GB Cup is a prestigious event in the surfing calendar.
“The stage is set for what promises to be a high standard of British surfing talent.
“I’m sure our youngsters will be inspired, not only to take up the sport, but to perform on the world stage.”
Surfing in the Channel Islands and Jersey has had a storied history, and Assistant Minister for Sustainable Economic Development with responsibility for sport, Andy Jehan was keen to express “legacy” and the importance of the sport to the Island.
“I’m delighted to welcome back surfing’s GB Cup to St Ouen’s Bay,” he said.
“Jersey is a great destination for surfing with a rich cultural heritage dating back to the 1960s.
“Many local surfers have performed exceptionally well on the world stage in the past.
“Today, the legacy continues as we see our young talent enjoying and excelling in the sport.
“I look forward to the event. With surfing now in the Olympics, it raises the bar for our youngsters.
“I’d like to welcome all the competitors to the Island, and I hope everyone enjoys the waves and what Jersey has to offer.”
Prior to the event members of the current GB Surfing progression squad and its coaches, including former professional surfer Luke Dillon, are set to visit Les Quennevais School to talk to students about the importance of surfing for mental and physical health and how to progress in the sport.
Channel Islands’ Teams
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Men: Will Masterman, Jake Powell (c), Matt Chapman, Nathan Elms, Josh Evans, Max Bennett
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Ladies: Rebecca Lynam, Naomi Mathers, Laurie McGregor, Erin Ridgard, Daisy Heddercott, Katie Smith
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Boys U18: Anders Ravenscroft, Olly Gould, Aleks Blampied, Albie Gould
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Girls U18: Nava Dowse Harris, Seija Bolletta, Maina Cummins, Rebecca Lynam
