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This year demand to enter was unprecedented, with over 150 surfers applying, which meant sadly some had to be disappointed, but the team were able to accommodate 140 competitors in the eight categories. This event is now one of the most established in the UK, occupying its early September slot, and is supported by a fantastic team of up to 100 Christian Surfers helpers from around the country, and supplemented by local church volunteers
Centred around the Parkdean car park (North end of Croyde) the first award was a memorial trophy to remember Phil Pechonis who passed away last July, it was presented this year to the Knight family, who have inspired many. Taz and Peony with their travel experiences and contest results, whilst Matt & Susannah work tirelessly behind the scenes in the surf industry, for Surfing GB, Croyde Surf Club and other events.
The keenly contested Masters division was won by Bude’s Paul Kirby, ahead of Rudi Perrins-Davies. The Women’s Ppen was very keenly competitive with a strong field battling through tough conditions to win the title and an increased amount of prize money of £250. Emily Currie surfed strongly throughout and took the title, ahead of Ellie Turner (14 years old) who was competing in three categories and surfed superbly. Local surfer and Boardmasters winner Peony Knight was third and Portsmouth Tehillah McGuiness 4th.
There was a new name on the trophy for Jesus Surf Classic 2015 men’s champion, yet another Bude resident Liam Turner. A really strong performance beating Harry de Roth, local lifeguard Jordan Reed, and Robert Webster Blythe representing South Wales in the final.
After a further 29 hotly contested heats new champions were crowned in five divisions. Some of the key winners included Emily Currie making it a double win taking the Women’s Junior (U18) title, Stanley Norman, winning yet another final in the U12’s. Launceston’s Barnaby Cox also had a fantastic event, winning both the U14, and U16 title.
The U18’s final final saw Max Payne ripping to bits the slightly ragged cross offshore 3ft waves taking the title ahead of Will Bailey who landed a big air just 30 seconds after the final hooter was sounded.
All in all a hugely enjoyable weekend, 62 heats run, over £2000 of prize money given out, and competitors and supporters well fed with fresh Pizza, Crepe, fresh cakes and of course the BBQ.
A huge thanks to RNLI, Parkdene, Christian Surfers, Hotdoggers for use of the judging vehicle, Christian Skaters, St John Ambulance, and so many of the local community and church members for supporting this event, and of course God for providing waves, sunshine and keeping everyone safe.
The Jesus Longboard Classic is on October 17th & 18th. Entries will soon be open via www.christiansurfers.co.uk/register
GROMS ( U12 )
1. Stanley Norman
2. Thomas Reeves
3. Sam Hearn
4. Austin Brocklesby
YOUTH ( U14 )
1. Barnaby Cox
2. Noah Capps
3. Leo Reeves
4. Max Hudson
Cadets (U16)
1. Barnaby Cox
2. Kit Innes
3. Stanley Norman
4. Liam Murray-Strout
Masters( Over 35 )
1. Paul Kirby
2. Rudi Perrins-Davies
3. Charley Charlesworth
4. Lee Parkins
WOMEN’S JUNIOR (U18)
1. Emily Currie
2. Ellie Turner
3. Peony Knight
4. Niamh Mathias
WOMEN’S OPEN
1. Emily Currie
2. Ellie Turner
3. Peony Knight
4. Tehillah McGuiness
JUNIORS (U18)
1. Max Payne
2. Will Bailey
3. Liam Murray-Strout
4. Alex Gibson
MEN’S OPEN
1. Liam Turner
2. Harry de Roth
3. Jordan Reed
4. Robert Webster-Blythe
