Extreme Academy Midsummer Classic surf comp: 20 and 21 June, Watergate Bay
Celebrate the summer solstice the surfer way at the Extreme Academy Midsummer Classic later this month at Watergate Bay, Newquay. A host of top longboarders will descend on the beach on 20 and 21 June for the third round (out of five) of the 2009 British Longboard Union (BLU) series. With British longboarders currently enjoying success on the international scene (see our interview with Cornwall’s Ben Skinner in this month’s issue of 247 South West), this event will showcase the wealth of talent amongst the British surfers.
Longboarders Ben Skinner and Candice O’Donnell are currently leading the BLU series after two events, and both won English national titles at Watergate Bay last month. Later in the year, they’ll both represent Europe on the elite Oxbow World Longboard Tour following a double victory in the European qualifying event in Tapia, Spain in April. One surfer determined not to be overawed by the “Skinner effect” is Welsh Longboard champion Elliot Dudley, currently just 90 points adrift after two rounds. With 1000 points available for the winner at Watergate Bay Dudley is in a strong position to reclaim his BLU champion status for a second consecutive year. Other surfers still in contention in the Open division include the 2008 English Champion Ben Haworth, and former British junior champ Adam Griffiths. As well as the Open, surfers will compete in the Junior, Ladies and Masters divisions. Trevelyan Garland is out in front in the Junior standings with a win and a second place in the first two events. Candice O’Donnell leads Grace Davies and Marina Lee in the Ladies, while Adrian Howell is topping the over-40s Masters division.
