Surfing Great Britain has announced that it has now achieved Stage 1 of its application for recognition as Governing Body for UK surfing.
More than three years of meetings and hard work by volunteers from across the UK, led to the submission of pre application documents being approved by the UK Sport recognitions council this week.
Surfing has not had a UK-wide Governing Body since the collapse of the British Surfing Association (BSA) in 2010 and as a result no major UK Government funding for Surfing has been available to help grassroots projects, support surf clubs, coaches and schools, or assist with looking after the safety and enjoyment of all those who surf in the UK.
“It’s a massive step forward for British Surfing” said Nick Rees, Operations Manager at Surfing GB. “Now we can present our funding plans to the UK Government for the next decade, which we hope will result in full NGB recognition for Surfing GB and support for our sport once again; something which is long overdue and desperately needed”.
David Webb, Chairman of Boscombe Surf Club in Bournemouth commented, “our local volunteers have been desperate for support with the club and looking at ways of developing grassroots surfing in our area, we have found it almost impossible to access funding without an NGB to support us“.
Joe Taylor, CEO of The Wave Project, said: “This is fantastic news, in particular for less able surfers who will benefit from Surfing GB’s excellent policies on inclusion. Surfing GB have worked hard to make surfing more accessible to people from all walks of life and I believe that as the National Governing Body they will continue to help to make surfing more relevant to more people.”
Delivering the work of an NGB via volunteer committees, without funding or formal recognition, has been the major achievement of Surfing GB over the last three years. “Surfing GB is a Surfer’s organisation and exists to serve its members” said Nigel Semmens, President of Surfing GB. “We really want to congratulate our volunteers and thank our members, and all those in the wider UK surfing community that have continued to support their NGB- in- waiting during this tough phase. This is now the opportunity for Surfing to apply for the government funding it needs alongside other recognised sports.”
“Recognition for Surfing GB would be huge for the future of surfing within educational establishments.” commented Brender Wilmott, course Co-ordinator at Cornwall College. “Having an NGB will allow school teachers and lecturers access to resources to enable them to educate students and promote an understanding of healthy lifestyles, and make students aware of the marine environment. Surfing has a place in a number of core subjects within schools: Physical Education, Geography, English, Maths, Science, Media and IT.”
The next stage for Surfing GB will be to submit their “whole sports plan” (WSP) to the UK Sports recognitions council- something that could happen within weeks. Sarah Touissa is Surfing GB’s Strategic Development Officer: “Many surfers have been watching and waiting for Surfing GB to get to this stage and we are keen to invite the federations of Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands and England, as well as all the other Surfing organisations in the UK to grasp this opportunity and get involved in writing the Whole Sport Plan; so that their interests and the interests of their members are properly represented in future funding bids”.
Another exciting development for Surfing GB is an imminent office relocation to the Museum of British Surfing in North Devon, “It is fantastic that SGB are going to be based at the Museum of British Surfing – we are here not just to celebrate the past, but to mark current achievements and alongside SGB help shape the future of British surfing”, said Pete Robinson, founder of the Museum of British Surfing.
“This is great news” said Alex Williams, one of the volunteer directors of SGB, “but it’s also vital that we now hear from passionate Surfers: by joining Surfing GB as a member you can help shape the Whole Sport Plan and be a part of our shared future in Great British Surfing”.
HOSSEGOR/SEIGNOSSE, Southwest Coast/France (Saturday, September 27, 2014) – Les Gardians delivered pristine three-to-four foot (1 – 1.5 metre) waves for the world’s best surfers today as nine heats of the Quiksilver Pro France Round 2 were completed as well as the deciding of the Roxy Pro France Quarterfinalists.
http://youtu.be/G8gVQOH0Jjg
Kelly Slater (USA), 11-time ASP World Champion and current World No. 2, posted an early victory over dangerous wildcard Dane Reynolds (USA) to advance into Round 3. At 42 years of age, Slater continues to push the limits of high-performance surfing and will look to gain ground on current frontrunner Gabriel Medina (BRA) with a big result in France.
“I’m nervous about each heat now,” Slater said. “The pressure is on me to perform and to win events if I want to catch up to Gabriel (Medina). I’ve been coming to France to surf for 25 years now and I’m about as comfortable as one can get. It’s about adaptability. The tide, waves, wind, banks and general conditions are always changing so you’re never overly confident. The guys who have surfed well here over the years, like Mick (Fanning) and Andy (Irons), have figured that out.”
Mick Fanning (AUS), three-time ASP World Champion and current World No. 4, faced off against a difficult wildcard of his own in Matt Banting (AUS). Banting is the current ratings leader on the ASP Qualification Series (QS) and will likely join the world’s elite in 2015.
“I’m feeling good and focused, but you can never discount the conditions here in France nor an opponent like Matt (Banting),” Fanning said. “Fortunately the waves cooperated and we had good surf for the heat. My surfing is feeling strong and boards feel good, but we really can’t get too far ahead of ourselves.”
John John Florence (HAW) continued to impress with his aerial repertoire and go-for-broke approach to competitive surfing. The Hawaiian executed a number of dynamic and powerful turns to dispatch of Raoni Monteiro (BRA) and advance through to Round 3.
“The waves were super fun for our heat out there,” Florence said. “You never know what you’re going to get in France with the conditions for your heat, but we had really racy righthanders that were good for turns and airs.”
Kolohe Andino (USA), current ASP World No. 9, lost a close Round 1 heat yesterday, but the high-flying Californian put on an impressive display in today’s Round 2 over compatriot Brett Simpson (USA).
“I felt like I got a bit underscored yesterday and there was some debate over whether or not I was completing the maneuvers,” Andino said. “I made sure there was no confusion today. Super fun waves though and hope for more tomorrow.”
Travis Logie (ZAF), current ASP World No. 31, delivered the first upset of the event this morning in eliminating high-rated Nat Young (USA). Logie’s speed-based precision backhand served him well in his advancement into Round 3.
“It’s a crucial part of the season for me,” Logie said. “I’m in need of a result, but I feel confident in Europe and hope to climb the ratings before the leg is finished.”
The Roxy Pro France, Event No. 8 of 10 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, completed Round 4 this morning, locking in the Quarterfinalists for a potential finish tomorrow.
Johanne Defay (FRA), 2014 ASP Women’s World Tour rookie, took on compatriot Pauline Ado (FRA) in front of a passionate home crowd this morning. While her elder opponent found opportunity in terms of waves, it was Defay’s power-based approach that earned her the win.
“The support I have received from home and now at home this year has been very appreciated,” Defay said. “It’s a dream to be surfing at this level in front of my family and supporters and I’m very happy to be into the Quarterfinals.”
Defay was joined by fellow rookie Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) in advancing through to the Quarterfinals.
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), five-time ASP Women’s World Champion, was electric in her Round 4 match-up against Lakey Peterson (USA), putting a hypercharged approach to work in the clean morning conditions.
“Lakey (Peterson) is a tough opponent,” Gilmore said. “We saw her take out Carissa (Moore) last week at Trestles so I definitely wasn’t taking her lightly. Since Trestles, I feel like I’ve been surfing well. I have a good batch of boards with me and I’m feeling more in rhythm. If there’s opportunity for me to gain ground here in France, I want to do it.”
Gilmore will face reigning two-time ASP World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) in the Roxy Pro France Quarterfinals when competition resumes.
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7:30am to assess conditions for a possible 8am start.
Surfline, official forecasters for the Quiksilver Pro France, are calling for:
Reinforcing swell due for the weekend holds into Monday before fading into mid next week. Another, potentially stronger, shot of swell is expected for late next week.
Highlights from the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro France will be available at ASPWorldTour.com
Quiksilver Pro France Round Results (1st advances to Round 3, 2nd Finishes Equal 25th) :
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.27 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 11.84
Heat 10: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Mitch Crews (AUS)
Heat 11: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 12: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
Running in conjunction with the Quiksilver Pro France is Stop No. 8 of 10 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, the Roxy Pro France:
Roxy Pro France Round 4 Results (1st advances to Quarterfinals, 2nd finishes Equal 9th):
Gabriel Medina won a hard-fought battle over dangerous wildcard Dane Reynolds and ‘Portuguese Tiger’ Tiago Pires in Round 1 today, taking him one step closer to becoming Brazil’s first-ever ASP World Title-holder.
“That was a hard heat,” Medina said. “Dane (Reynolds) is always scary and Tiago (Pires) has a lot of experience in these waves. I’m feeling good. My boards feel good and my surfing feels strong. France has a lot of special memories for me. I won the King of the Groms here and won my first WCT event here. I’m hoping to make more memories.”
While Medina advanced directly to Round 3, fellow title contenders Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning were both relegated to Round 2 by Matt Wilkinson and Jeremy Flores respectively.
Jeremy Flores, current No. 33 on the ASP WCT rankings, is into his eighth season amongst the world’s elite and, following a year which has witnessed poor results and misconduct suspensions, is currently fighting for his place on tour in 2015. The former Billabong Pipeline Master, Flores has been a perpetual standout at heavy water venues around the world, but has yet to collect a major result here in France.
“This is a big event for me,” Flores said. “I have had a tough year and I am fighting for my life on tour in these last three events. I’ve never had a strong result here in France and I’m hoping to change that this season. Getting a win over Mick (Fanning), who I respect so much, in these conditions gives me great confidence for the week ahead. I appreciate all the hometown support I’ve received.”
Michel Bourez, current ASP World No. 5, was another to benefit from the local support today. A native of French Polynesia in Tahiti, Bourez spent many years in the South of France developing his world-class surfing. A winner of WCT events this season in Margaret River and Rio de Janeiro, Bourez put on a master class at Les Gardians this morning, showcasing his unmatched power and rarely-seen aerial game.
“It was a great way to start the event,” Bourez said. “I feel very comfortable here. France is like my second home. The waves are fun today and I was able to try some more progressive surfing in my heat today. Stoked to get a win and very appreciative of all the support.”
Julian Wilson (AUS) is universally-regarded as one of the most dynamic surfers on the planet, but the young Australian has struggled to achieve results to match his talents this season. Currently sitting at ASP World No. 17, Wilson put on a dynamic performance in Round 1 today, relegating the ever-impressive John John Florence (HAW) and Jadson Andre (BRA) to Round 2 with some high-flying surfing.
“Feels great to get a heat win like that,” Wilson said. “I feel like I’ve been surfing well all year, but have had trouble translating that into results. To get win with surfing like that is good for the confidence. I feel like I’m due for a result this season. Hopefully we continue to get fun waves here in France.”
When competition resumes, up first will be 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) up against freesurfing virtuoso Dane Reynolds (USA) in the opening heat of Round 2.
Surfline, official forecasters for the Quiksilver Pro France, are calling for:
Reinforcing swell due for the weekend, continuing into Monday of next week before easing.
Highligts from the Quiksilver Pro france will be available at ASPWorldTour.com
Quiksilver Pro France Round 1 Results (1st advances to Round 3, 2nd & 3rd to Round 2) :
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.16, Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 14.97, Travis Logie (ZAF) 14.10
Heat 2: Michel Bourez (PYF) 16.33, Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 11.80, Brett Simpson (USA) 9.93
Heat 3: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.73, Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.00, Filipe Toledo (BRA) 12.84
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.50, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 10.83, Kai Otton (AUS) 5.17
Heat 5: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.67, Kelly Slater (USA) 14.50, Matt Banting (AUS) 13.43
Heat 6: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.17, Dane Reynolds (USA) 14.56, Tiago Pires (PRT) 13.43
Heat 7: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.90, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 13.76, Aritz Aranburu (ESP) 8.43
Heat 8: Julian Wilson (AUS) 16.77, Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.00, John John Florence (HAW) 12.73
Heat 9: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 15.16, Kolohe Andino (USA) 14.03, Dion Atkinson (AUS) 10.90
Heat 10: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.60, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 13.84, Nat Young (USA) 12.06
Heat 11: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 12.43, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.00, Mitch Crews (AUS) 11.14
Heat 12: Josh Kerr (AUS) 15.23, Adam Melling (AUS) 12.00, Owen Wright (AUS) 10.43
Quiksilver Pro France Round Match-Ups (1st advances to Round 3, 2nd Finishes Equal 25th) :
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Dane Reynolds (USA)
Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Matt Banting (AUS)
Heat 3: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 4: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 5: Nat Young (USA) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 6: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 8: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Dion Atkinson (AUS)
Heat 9: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
Heat 10: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Mitch Crews (AUS)
Heat 11: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 12: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
Take a two week journey through Spain and Portugal with some of Reef Europe’s finest ambassadors.
Surfers: Kepa Acero, Vincent Duvignac, Mario Azurza, Tibo Spoe, Arthur Bourbon, Roberto D’Amico, Eugenio Barcelloni and Nick Rozsa take a two week trip through Europe.
September is our favourite month of the year. Not only do we get warm water, autumn swells, we also get the Quiky Pro which, by some pact with the devil, guarantees a classic Landes swell. Filmed over two days in France last September Dale Adam’s clip “An Ode to Autumn” features Brit’s Jayce Robinson, Lyndon Wake and Reubyn Ash as they make the pilgrimage to Hossegor and join various top thirty something CTers in the classic beach breaks.
That first shiver of Autumn is in the air and with it comes the promise of a fresh stream of low pressures to awaken the coast and light up the darkening dawns of the British Isles. In celebration of this hallowed season the London Surf / Film Festival, Presented by Reef, is delighted to announce the official selection of International features for 2014.
Hitting the capital October 9-12 and hosted at the Genesis, E1, The London Surf / Film Festival is a celebration of the cream of international surf culture, bringing to the UK four nights of the very best surf films from around the globe.
“We’re amped to work with the most talented and relevant directors across the world to showcase the very best in independent surf filmmaking. I’m hugely excited by this year’s line up – it explores the full breadth of waveriding culture from cutting edge performance in films like Groove Move, Expencive Porno Movie and Se7en Signs to insightful documentaries like Into the Sea and Out in the Line Up, which bust down barriers, we have extraordinary films that explore the wonder of the ocean environment and the overwhelming lure of surf exploration, like What the Sea Gives Me and Tierra de Patagones and films like Stephanie in the Water that do it all” says LS/FF Director Chris Nelson. “For many of the films we showcase, the London Surf / Film Festival will be their only cinematic release in the UK and the only chance you’ll get to watch them as they were intended to be enjoyed – on the big screen, in surround sound, accompanied by a packed crowd of likeminded individuals. Surf movie releases have always been community happenings – the original “social media” experience and that is exactly what the LS/FF is all about.” The full line up includes The Shorties short film competition showcasing homegrown talents.
Accompanied by Q&A’s and talks with waveriding’s most inspiring heroes and icons including 5 times World Champion Stephanie Gilmore, workshops, a gallery show, music, art, artisans and more this saline hit of inspiration is a must for anyone of a salty persuasion. For full schedule details and ticket information head to: www.londonsurffilmfestival.com.
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE LINE UP
European Premiere: STEPHANIE IN THE WATER, Dir. Ava Warbrick, AUS
Stephanie Gilmore: surfing icon, World Champion, respected and revered by all. By her own admission she never feared defeat, she entered the line-up with a supreme confidence and dominated female surfing. That was until one night, in her hometown of Coolongatta, she was attacked by a complete stranger. This fly on the wall documentary offers an incredibly intimate insight into Steph’s life on and off the tour, pushing the cutting edge of surfing. Presented in person by the 5 X World Champion Stephanie Gilmore and Director Ava Warbrick.
World Premiere: INTO THE SEA, Dir. Marion Poizeau, Fra
With no prior knowledge or preconceptions, Irish champion surfer Easkey Britton travels to Iran, taking to the water in a hijab, to become the first woman to surf there. Invited to return by the country’s pioneering sportswomen, she aims to introduce surfing to the women of Iran. How will the locals of this traditional area respond? This is an inspiring documentary of exploration and hope that reveals the true power of the ocean.
World Premiere: THE HUNT FOR HIPMASAMA,Dir. Oli Adams, UK
UK Pro Oli Adams stumbled across a grainy picture of a mysto wave on a remote British island – un-surfed and un-named. This image haunted him, and sparked an eight-year odyssey, chasing a dream. This film follows him as he embarks on a final journey to track down this mythical wave that has evaded him for so long. Accompanied by Q&A with director and star Oli Adams.
European Premiere: WHAT THE SEA GIVES ME, Dir. Pierce M Kavanagh, USA
A stunning portrayal of the relationship between man and sea. With insight from those whose destinies are defined by their connection to the ocean, whether researching Great White sharks, diving to depths never before reached, capturing waves on the frigid fringes of the planet or surfing mountains of water, this is a must-see film to open the eyes and awaken the senses.
UK Premiere: OUT IN THE LINE-UP. Dir. Ian Thomson, Aus
This multi award-winning documentary lifts the lid on the taboo of homosexuality in surfing. After 20 years of silence, former state champion surfer David Wakefield feels ready to reveal a secret that could turn his life upside down. Despite mixed reactions from friends and family, David is determined to find out why homosexuality is so hidden in surfing. He embarks on a global journey to bring understanding to this taboo topic. A powerful documentary that busts down doors.
Followed by Q&A with director Ian Thomson
UK Premiere: TIERRA DE PATAGONES, Dir. Joaquin and Julian Azulay, Arg
Joaquin and Julian Azulay set out on a journey to explore the southern limits of Patagonia surfing empty point breaks, heaving slabs and beaches, accompanied only by penguins and sea lions. Along the way they meet those who forge a life in this beautiful but bleak landscape, before embarking on a dangerous sea voyage in search of a deserted island. Combining beautiful cinematography, grand vistas and a soundtrack that captures the spirit of Patagonia this film will have you packing your bags and heading south for the winter.
UK Premiere: PENINSULA, Dir. Luca Merli, It
This beautifully crafted ode to Italy explores the country’s rich and varied coastline and culture through the passion and dedication of both pioneering surfers and modern stylists. Shot on sumptuous 35mm, 16mm and super8 film, this gorgeous movie shows just why the surfing world has suddenly fallen for Italy.
UK Premiere: 70 SOMETHING, Dir. Rafael Mellin, Bra
Think you know Brazilian surfing? Think again! This awesome documentary mixes archive footage, interviews and the best modern surfers ripping on classic boards to tell the story of how surfing and youth culture found it’s feet under the noses of a repressive military dictatorship in 1970’s. Set to the perfect soundtrack, it will inspire, enlighten and entertain. Not to be missed.
UK Premiere: EXPENCIVE PORNO MOVIE, Dir: Tin Ojeda, USA
Shot on luscious Super 16mil and featuring some of the world’s most stylish surfers – Alex Knost, Dane Peterson, Trevor Gordon, Ryan Burch, Jared Mell, Mikey DeTemple et al, the music is pure 70’s Blaxsploitation, the action is pure surf porn and shooting the whole thing on film costs a pretty penny. I just wonder where he got the name from?
London Premiere: CRADLE OF STORMS, Dir. Bryce Lowe-White, USA
Alex Gray, Josh Mulcoy, and Pete Devries went on a journey through the remote Aleutian Arc of Alaska, the birthplace of storm systems that send swell back to the whole Pacific region. They braved heavy weather, rickety prop planes, and seal meat en route to discovering one of the best cold-water slabs in the world. Set against the stunning volcanic backdrop, this multi award-winner is cold-water surf exploration at its finest.
London Premiere: SE7EN SIGNS, Dir.Nathan Myers, USA
Dreamt up by Innersection mastermind Nathan Myers and produced by genre defining filmmaker Taylor Steele, Se7en Signs weaves the journeys of six filmmakers in six locations together into a single, rollicking, surprise-filled adventure. This is a film about traveling in search of waves…and everything that happens along the way. If this does not inspire your wanderlust, nothing will.
London Premiere: GROOVE MOOVE, Dir Jack Coleman, USA
If you want your mind to be blown by radical, stylish, grin-inducing surfing from some of the planet’s most interesting surfers set to a classic soundtrack and captured on celluloid then look no further. Jack Coleman takes a liberal sprinkling of Alex Knost, Joel Tudor, Ozzie Wright and Rob Machado, cracks in some quality Ryan Burch, Derek Hynd, Dave Rastovich, Ari Browne and more and sets the mixer to groove and move baby! Award winning radness at its finest.
Special Closing Gala Screening: Allpress, London. 16th October.
UK Premiere: THE GRANITE STOKE, Dir: Dylan Ladds and Ryan Scura, USA
Surfing in New Hampshire can be a frustrating affair. The flat spells can be long and the temperature, freezing, but these factors have helped forge a very special surf community. Filmmakers Ryan and Dylan have captured the essence of this extraordinary place, combining awe-inspiring landscapes and coastlines with the local characters and pioneers. It does more than tell the story of this small US State; it captures the very essence of surfing and what makes the friends we meet through it so special.
