ISA World Surfing Games Biarritz 2017
I’m 5 Times Welsh National
Champion and former British Champion. I competed on World Qualifying Series
2011/12/13 as a self funded athlete. Having a day job as a surf instructor,
working in bar at night and trying to train for competition just wasn’t
sustainable with out a financial sponsor and moved back to Wales, where I got my
dream job as Water Operations Manager at Surf Snowdonia, the first commercial
Wave garden in the World. I have since been free surfing and training the last few
years. Having a full time job has definitely effected my surf time, however, the
wave count and riding time has allowed me to practise my manoeuvres. I’m surfing
better than ever now I’m living in the mountains of North Wales.
After 3 years off competing and
the announcement of surfing being in 2020 Olympics I’m looking forwards to
start competing internationally again. This year I hope to participate in both
the ISA World Surfing Games & ISA European champs in Norway. The Last
international competition I competed in was Europe Surf 2013 in the Azores
where I just missed out on making the final with 5th Place finish. I
want to make the final this year!
It is amazing to be part of Wales National
Surf Team and the first ever team at the senior World surfing games. The ISA
have commented 'record amount of participants' and this is the first World surf
games in Europe in 9 years. Mi-post & Billabong have sponsored some team
kit. We are currently all self funded athlete's.
My fellow team mates are;
Manager- Stuart Bentley, Hue John
Men- Mark Vaughn, Harry Cromwell, Rob
Blyth and Ryan Thomas
Women- Jo Dennison, Emily Williams
Travel
We all made our way to the airport
from all different parts of Wales. Spirits are high in the team & we are so
happy that the competition will be held in France. I have spent a lot of time
around the area and thoroughly enjoy the surf and culture.
Our big rivals are in the same
flight so the physic out begins. Some frequent visitors to Surf Snowdonia though
so just friendly banter exchanged with Ruben and brother Joss Ash, Jayce Robinson
and Surf Snowdonia UK pro surf tour champion, Luke Dillon. Unfortunately for her
Peony Knight was sandwiched between Harry & myself so we got all the scoop
on her WQS stories this year.
The opening parade
Biarritz itself is so beautiful and
cultured. Walking through the streets of this surfing city was incredible, the
buzz and the vibes of both excited participants and a welcoming local crowd was
a welcome reception. No photo or words can describe this experience and going
on stage to fly the Welsh flag was an honour.
Competition Day
If your new to following surf competitions, in a nutshell
you have a 20 minute heat with 4 competitors. You can catch a maximum for 12
waves, however only your top 2 waves count. Each wave gets a mark out of 10 from
a panel of judges. There is a priority
rule, kind of like an off side rule in football, to make it possible for the competitors
to each have the opportunity to catch a wave.
I was in heat 6 with Pauline Ado (World surf league professional
surfer) up and coming surfing from England Ellie Turner an Italian surfer. Conditions
were big and stormy and I didn’t manage to catch any ‘good waves’, just a few
short rides. Pauline Ado showed her experience and ran away with the heat and
there was just disable places in between 2nd 3rd and 4th.
The first round is a non elimination round, so you go into the repechage
round for another chance to get into round two.
Again conditions where tough with dead low tide
close outs. I managed to snag a couple to take the heat win to progress into
round two. Very happy to make it to make it though for another chance actually
surf a good heat and put out some good surfing.
It breaks my heart to say I have
to withdraw from the competition. Whilst warming up I just over stretched and my
shoulder come out of the socket. I have had a dislocation before, 6 years ago, whilst surfing so just an old injury. I work hard to try and keep strong with
strength and conditioning via crossfit. So it was really unexpected. I told the medics 'put it back in now so I can make my heat', but they wisely said no. Competitive
sport is really frustrating but it seems I still hate to be defeated even by my
own body. I hope that determination with help me recover in time to make it to
Norway for the European championships this September.
Massive thank you for everyone
that followed my progress. Knowing everyone at home is rooting for you makes a
massive difference. Well done also to Emily Williams who surfed really well
in her heats but was up against some of the worlds best. Time to fly the flag for
the Men’s Welsh open surfers. It is an honour to be part of this close team and
we wear the Dragon with pride. Come on!!
