TRADITIONALLY, the first serious surf contest of the season takes place in the

oft-forgotten, but nevertheless wave-hungry communities of South East Cornwall, and

so it was again this year, with the Ice Cube Classic braving some pretty cold and, at times, wet weather.

Drawing organisational help and competitors from throughout the eastern corner of the Duchy, the fixture lived up to its reputation as one full of hospitality, camaraderie, and great fun.

The standard was impressive in the under-16s, with local charger Ed Smith once again showing

his dominance. Using his local knowledge of the break to good effect, he produced some great left-handers from the right end of the beach,

to take first place. Robbie Roseveare was second with James Bennett just missing out and having

to be content with third. With the tide now pushing in again, the 'Expression Session' saw some

15 surfers competing in a 30-minute heat, with the sole aim of impressing the judges.

For more on this story, and the week's other sports news, don't forget to order a regular copy of The Cornish Times, on sale every Friday.