Headworx English Surfing Federation National Champs

Eight sup riders were invited, at the last minute to showcase the sport of Stand Up Paddle Surfing at the Headworx English Surfing Nationals this past weekend at Watergate Bay, Newquay. The competition was not official, being more of an exhibition and a stage to display SUP rather than a serious competition for titles. The heats were run on Sunday and the final went off on Bank Holiday Monday. Both days were judged by ESF qualified judges and the competition was very close.

The final was held close to high tide at Watergate bay in front of a crowded beachfront. It was the last 20 minute final of the event so everybody was on the beach watching and waiting for the event prize giving. It was the perfect showcase for the sport and did a lot to raise its profile amongst England's surfing elite.

The finalists were:

Lewis Timson - Watergate Bay Head Lifeguard, sup surfing stylist and 2nd place finisher in the September Sessions event. Lewis says: "I wish I'd worn my shorty, I was roasting! It was good fun to have a session at Watergate with only 4 other guys out"

John Hibbard - UK Wavesailing Champion, SUP rider and promoter. "Pressure? What pressure? To be honest, standing up in front of most of the UK's surfing elite was somewhat nerve racking as style, application and general wave riding ability was really under the microscope!"

Tim Mellors owner of The Longboard house in Newquay and long time surf competitor. Tim says"Today was a great advert for sup. It's fun to do and I think we showed we were having a good time out on the water"

Adam Zervas - Possibly the UK's longest running SUP advocate, and all round cool guy. Adam says - "A bigger swell would've been good to really show what we can do, but the conditions were great none the less and it felt good to be part of this exhibition "

The final was a very close run affair with Tim Mellors missing out on possibly the highest score after falling off when exiting from a perfect hang 10. Tim has been longboard surfing for many years and it shows, wiith great style and a competitive nature. Adam Zervas was showing good speed and style with John Hibbard carving some clean turns and Lewis slotting into some perfect drop knee and switch stance turns.

At the end of the 20 minute final the results were:

1st Adam Zervas (C4,Reef, Snugg)

2nd Tim Mellors (Starboard, The Longboard House)

3rd John Hibbard (Starboard, Fat Face, Neilson Active Holidays, Go Fast, ActionVan, Nissan)

4th Lewis Timson (Starboard, Errant Surf Travel, RNLI Lifeguards)

A big thanks to all at Headworx and the ESF for allowing SUP to be profiled at such a classic Surf event. Hopefully next year will see an Open ESF SUP event during the Nationals weekend.

The BSUPA are gearing up for the start of their first season with Event Number One almost upon us, which is being held at West Wittering Beach Club 17th -18th May. More details on the events page. We hope to see you there.

We don't have any pictures from the event yet, but here's a shot to get you ready for summer time.