This year saw the largest number of competitors ever making the contest the biggest surf event in Europe! With 305 competitors in the Mens Catagory and 103 in the Womens, it was going to be a contest to remember.
Not only did the contest have a large number of competitors, but it also had the biggest swell I have seen at a UK contest in a while. With waves breaking double over head, it brought big challanges for all.
The contest started for me on Saturday 18th October with rounds 1 and 2 in which I came 1st in both heats, allowing me to progress through to the quarter finals on the Sunday when conditions were expected to calm a little...how wrong we were! The swell was still pumping and the Westerly winds were absolutely howling. However the contest carried on and before I knew it I was waiting to paddle out for the final!!
The final defintiely was hard work, but I didn't give up. Paddling for what felt like hours, battling the strong winds and rip to stay in the best spot to catch the best waves that were coming through. The end of the heat had me waiting in anticipation whilst watching the Men's final absolutely charging on some bombs!
As they say hard work pays off and I came 2nd! I am absolutely overwhelmed to get this result, and have gained the University of St Mark and St John's first ever medal in the BUCs Surf Championships!
I would like to say a massive thank you to my sponsor Fort Stamford Health and Fitness for having me as an Elite Athlete allowing me to train and keep my fitness up and Daniel Surf for the Xcel Wetsuits.
Thank you to all the support at the beach from family and friends :)
