Jesus Surf Classic 2003

Kernowyouth sent its intrepid reporter Phil Hadley over the border to Croyde to see what was going down at the Jesus Surf Classic 2003...

Picture the scene. A fantastic beach set in a scenic bay. The weather amazing - the beach next door recorded the best temperatures and most sunshine in the UK. The surf awesome - probably the best of the year so far. It was here at Croyde in North Devon that the Christian Surfers UK were holding their eleventh Jesus Surf Classic.
There was a record 186 entrants competing in 10 categories. The competition was high with a number of travelling WQS pros joining many of the UK's top surfers, competing for the £2,000 prize money which had been donated by Christians around the county. On Saturday the waves averaged four feet, on Sunday they had grown to 8 feet and clean, with an off-shore wind on both days. The swell was produced by the remnants of Hurricane Fabian.

Although the competition was hot, the atmosphere was friendly, the vibe good. The event was well marshalled with over 200 volunteers from Christian Surfers making everything both on the beach and back in the competition village run smoothly. Saturday saw the heats, Sunday saw the finals. There was also a Skateboard competition, a village barbeque as well as a constant supply of refreshments, merchandise and information in the JSC marquee. Various DJ's were also performing throughout the competition from their booth outside the marquee. There was also continual prayer cover throughout the event, and the organisers praised God that despite the very large surf conditions and the skateboard contest there were no injuries.

Last year's Open Champion, Josh Ash from Bude, held onto his title, after a closely fought final. Josh, whose surfing was consistently brilliant over the competition, squeezed Jason Duffy from Australia into second place. Third was Andrew Griffin from Newquay, while North Devon's Ashley Braunton came fourth. All four pleased the sizeable crowd on the beach with some big moves in the powerful surf.

In the ladies competition Lauren Wringer, a travelling WQS surfer, won a tough final in big conditions. The defeated finalists were Nicola Bunt, Laura Hellyer of Bideford and Vanessa Charles.

The Junior event saw a Cornish success when Newquay's Andrew Griffin pipped Mitchell Corbett for the title. Josh Vyvyan came third. Danny Catten improved on his second place in 2002 by taking the open bodyboard title this year. In the Masters Section - the over 30's competing for the Chris Thornton memorial trophy - Deane Hishon, a travelling New Zealand surfer, pushed Craig Cuff into second place. Craig was also pipped in the Longboard competition when first place was taken by Cardiff's Elliot Dudley. Newquay's Chris Thompson came third and Eddie Wilson fourth.

The cadet and youth competitions went well, with the youngsters showing they could hold their own in the bigger conditions on the Sunday. Jayce Robinson won the youth and Adam Thornton the cadets. In bodyboarding Tim Brown won the cadet title and Eddie Read the juniors.

Sam Robins of Newquay, a member of North Cornwall Christian Surfers, explained that he had come to serve as one of the judges and help in any other way he could. He said, "This competition has a good atmosphere, great competition and good surfers. It's just fantastic to be here." A number of Cornish teenagers had also made the journey over the border. Liam from Newquay was entering the Under 14 youth competition. He said, "I'm looking forward to taking part. It's a great competition, and no matter how I do it will be fun. Great experience. Great waves. Yeah, I'm stoked."

The presentations took place in a packed marquee on Sunday evening with the gospel being shared just before the final results being announced. The Surfer's Bible was given as part of the prizes to the winners.

The 2003 Jesus Surf Classic was a roaring success and the best yet according to the feedback given to contest director Phil Williams by many of the competitors. It was great just to soak up the atmosphere and to see the positive spirit in the competition. This was summed up for me when a longboarder snapped his board during his heat on Saturday, brought it out and was instantly loaned another board by another competitor. This event will certainly be on my calendar for next year. Maybe it should be on yours too.

Check out our amazing photo gallery to see all the action from JSC 2003 and read our exclusive interview with Christian Surfers National Director Phil Williams