Bude Surf Classic

Christian Surfers UK
Widemouth Bay North Cornwall
10 - 11 May 2008

After a 2 year break the Bude Surf Classic returned to its “home” at Widemouth Bay on Saturday 10 May

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 13 May, 2008 : - - The event, which was organised by the community in Bude and supported by Christian Surfers UK, had 5 categories and attracted around 60 surfers for the 1-day event.

The early weeks surf forecast had been quite optimistic, but with a huge ‘high’ sitting over the UK it became clear that the surf was always going to be on the small side.  Saturday started with beautiful sunshine and clean lines as the tide pushed up towards the high tide mark.  Unfortunately, as the tide began to drop, conditions became a bit more tricky. 

With good communications between the surfers and organisers the contest was put on hold a couple of times before the finals were run on Saturday evening with a beautiful sunset and clean 2ft waves. The last final ended at 9pm !!

Local ‘hero’ Joss Ash, won the open event taking home a trophy and £200 prize money.  Newquay’s Jack Butler came second, South Devon’s Matt Burner 3rd and Simon Daly 4th from Barnstaple

In the Longboard Division, Dan Harris ( Perranporth ) took the title to add to his Jesus Longboard Classic title of 2007 in a very keenly contested Longboard event.  With over 20 Longboarders competing in the Open Division the standard right the way through was very high and had the judges working hard.

The Junior Event was also closely contested, Jack Butler followed his strong performance in the Open taking the Junior title, just ahead of Matt Burner, who was also a finalist in the ‘Open’. Sam Scoble was 3rd, just ahead of Haydn Duck. 

In the ladies division, Katie Block took the title, ahead of Porthleven’s Pippa Renyard and in the Bodyboard Open, Phil Milson took the winning spot, which was particularly pleasing for him as he’d travelled all the way from Oxfordshire, returning home again on the same day - well done to him for an amazing effort!

Bude organiser, Kevin Hogarth, was very happy with the event and the support he received from local businesses in Bude.  These included IAMWHY clothing, Relentless Energy Drinks, Gecko headwear, Surf Relief UK, North Shore Backpackers, Raven surf School, Fusion Fitness, Felicity Kates, Gary Carter heating, The Wetsuit factory, and the Methodist Church.

Contest Director, Phil Williams head of Christian Surfers UK (who provided the man power for the event) was also very pleased and during the presentation which was held at 9.30pm as the sun was setting, confessed that part way through the day he prayed for divine intervention to bring sufficient swell through. He was mightily relieved that the finals took place in good surf.

A big thanks to the competitors for bearing with the organisers during a difficult day surfwise.  The attitude of all attending was brilliant.  Also a big thanks to the lifeguards who helped clear the water of non-competitors, North Cornwall council for allowing use of the beach, and the surfers of Widemouth area for sharing their waves with us.

Also, a huge thanks to all the judges, tabulators, runners and all other volunteers who worked so hard from 8 am to 10 pm to put on the event.  Without these the event could not have happened.

This year’s event was in memory of Dick Willoughby who used to own one of the key Bude surf shops, he had been instrumental in supporting the event from the first year. He sadly passed away 3 weeks ago from Cancer and it was a fitting tribute to him that this event was a real success with a great spirit throughout.

Once again, thanks to all involved - Christian Surfers UK next surf contest is the ‘Jesus Surf Classic’ in Croyde Bay over the weekend of 13th and 14th September. 

 Ladies Open 
1 Katie Block
2 Pippa Renyard
3 Jaimi Davie
4 Emily Crocker

 Bodyboard Open 
1 Phil Milson
2 Kevin Drew
3 Kris Inch
4 Matthew Budd

 Juniors 
1 Jack Butler
2 Matt Burner
3 Sam Scoble
4 Haydn Duck

 Open Longboard 
1 Dan Harris
2 Nico Keruzec
3 James Parry
4 Ben Howarth

 Open Mens 
1 Joss Ash
2 Jack  Butler
3 Matt Burner
4 Simon Daly

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Phil Williams

Contests - Surfersvillage