Christian Surfers UK

During the Jesus Surf Classic 2003 Kernowyouth's Phil Hadley caught up with the National Director of Christian Surfers UK - Phil Williams...

What is the Jesus Surf Classic?

It's one of the largest, longest running surf competitions in the UK. This year we have 10 categories, over 180 entrants, and the whole thing is run by Christian Surfers UK.

How long has it been running?

We started in 1990, missed a couple of years, so this is our eleventh contest.

And you've attracted a good field?

We simply seek to serve the surfing community at this festival and through that we have attracted some of Britiain's top surfers.

So what is Christian Surfers UK?

We are a mission to the surfing community. We put on some high profile events like this one. We also organise a number of skateboarding events. We also have local groups that organise events on a smaller scale, holding barbeques, showing videos and meeting together to pray, worship, study the Bible and to serve their local surfing communities.

So how does Christianity and surfing go together?

In the surfing community there's a saying that "only a surfer knows the feeling." When you paddle out back and you're waiting for that wave, you have time to think and reflect. You see the beauty around you, the sea, the light. There's a certain spirituality about that. God speaks through his awesome creation. And there's also the realisation of danger. The sea is powerful. There are times when you know fear, and I've know guys cry out to God when they are in trouble, and through experiences like that it's brought some closer to faith in God.

How has JSC 2003 gone so far?

It's been brilliant. We've got great weather. A very strong field with top surfers from both the UK and around the world. We have got good surf. There's going to be some great competitions.

How could people get involved in Christian Surfers UK?

They can visit our website at www.christiansurfers.org or contact their local group. In mid-Cornwall that's Kris Lannen in Newquay. You can email him at   In north Cornwall it's Gareth Dix. You can email him at   Those near Plymouth can contact the South Devon group led by Tim Searle. You can contact him at

What advice would you give to Cornish teenage surfers?

Remember John 10 verse 10 where Jesus said "I have come to give you life, and life to the full." At Christian Surfers we believe you can be a dedicated surfer and a full on Christian. My advice would be don't lose your enthusiasm, practice loads, and it will be amazing what God can do in you and through you as you share with your friends.

Thanks for your time. God bless your ministry and the rest of the competition.

Photo Guide

From top to bottom:
Phil Williams in action;
action from JSC 2003;
Phil on his laptop in the JSC 2003 tent;
action from JSC 2003;
collecting the coloured vest from the beach marshall;
JSC volunteers in the tent.

Have you checked out our report on the Jesus Surf Classic 2003 and our exclusive Kernowyouth photo gallery?

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