Surfing beyond Summer; Endure the Elements

PICTURE this: summer, sun's shining, the sand nice and warm, a frisk breeze coming in with the swell from the sea. Waves, big waves.

In conditions like these everyone wishes to be a surfer, A cool, carefree soul who can master the energies of the sea. But what happens when the sun no longer shines and the sand feels cold and wet. Well, that's when you can separate the hardcore from the wannabes, the dedicated from the dreamers.

Russell Winter is hardcore. The only Brit and European surfer who's made it in the Top 44 surfers of the ASP World Championship Tour 2001. Starting this year at 33rd in the WCT ratings, Russell caused a stir amongst the best in the sport when beating Australian legend Mark Ochiluppo (rated 2nd) in round three at the WCT Billabong Pro event in Jeffery's Bay, South Africa earlier this year.

Being a Newquay native, originally born in Hounslow, Russell knows too well that reaching the top involves spending your life on the beach, often in conditions far from the surfing dream. For the hardcore surfing does not stop with the end of summer.

Another Brit among the world elite is Martin Potter, the only Brit to have won a WCT event. Originally a free surfer, he started competing at the age of 15 and during the 80's was known as a member of the Big Four. His fluid powerful & radical style made him one of the most admired surfers anywhere, heavily influencing a young kelly Slater who adorned his bedroom walls with posters of Martin's oppressive form. Now competing in the Masters series martin is still a force to be reckoned with on the world circuit.

It is vital for these top sports men to keep fit. The best training is swimming preferably in the open ocean. A good surfer needs to have full confidence in his water abilities to be able to cope with frightening and dangerous situations. Good all round muscular training is also advisable followed with stretching to prevent tissue damages and to keep flexible. The top 44 surfers in the WCT are all putting their bodies to the ultimate test every time they face those waves.

Along Britain's surf, from East Anglia to Edinburgh, aspiring young surfers who see Russell and Martin as true Brit legends are fighting the hard conditions, zipping up their dry-suits and running out into the cold autumn waves. It's the joy and adrenalin kick of mastering the waves that keep them going and knowing that only all year round determination and practice will make them the very best they can be.

There are over 10,000 surfers in the UK and as the sport grows with a larger following, more sponsored competitions and role models like Russell and Martin - it looks like british surfing is fast becoming a sport for all seasons.British National Surfing Championships

British National

Championships

Huge storm surf prevailed for the British National Surfing Championships on the weekend of 5th - 7th October at Croyde, North Devon.

John Buchorski from Sennen came out on top of the big wave riders to win his first open title at the age of 20.

The storm lashed the coast of North Devon for the 3 days of the contest forcing the organisers to move contest from Croyde to the more sheltered location of Putsborough.

Over 150 competitors surfed in 11 divisions, however the 8ft waves on Sunday meant that the junior categories could not be completed for safety reasons.

In an exciting final John Buchorski had the biggest turns on biggest wave to easily outpoint his rival's Dean Winter from Newquay, Welshman Nathan Phillips and local boy Scot Rannochan.

The Women's division saw another local surfer Sarah Whiteley add the British title to the English title she won in 1998.

The highly competitive Under 18 division was won for the second time by south coaster Johnny Fryer, who normally surfs on the Isle of Wight.

The conditions made it most difficult for the Longboarders who had to paddle their 9ft boards out through monstrous surf, Newquay's Lee Ryan came out on top beating Welsh Champion Dan Harris into second place.

The Grommets, Youth and Cadets divisions will take place at the Welsh Junior Open 27th & 28th October at Restbay, Porthcawl, the Women Bodyboard will be on the 3rd & 4th November at Langland, Swansea and the Junior Bodyboard will take place at Trevone, Cornwall on 13th & 14th October.

This weekend the 13th and 14th October sees the British Interclub championships take place at Woolacombe, North Devon – entry forms are available from Karen at the BSA office – 01736 360250