13th Jesus Longboard classic 2021 – ‘A fantastic weekend, with outstanding Longboarding’
Organisers Christians Surfers UK in conjunction with the Tubestation were excited to see the swell and weather forecast for this weekend’s (October 9th – 10th) 13th Jesus longboard classic, and the weekend certainly did not disappoint.
With a record entry of over 90 competitors entered into the six divisions, an amazing swell on Saturday, great hospitality, and good weather throughout it was an exciting team that gathered early on Saturday morning for breakfast and check in before the first of 24 heats on Saturday took place.
Saturday’s surf was clean offshore, and in the 4-6ft range which gave and amazing opportunity to showcase what these longboarders are able to do in great conditions. Some brilliant surfing throughout the day in all of the categories so by the time high tide was pushing in on Saturday night the event was through to semi-finals and finals for the Sunday.
Action however at the Tubestation was not finished there, all those interested had a fantastic opportunity to listen to ‘The Long paddle’ epic expedition man Mr Brendon Prince sharing about his 141 days, 3900 km stand-up paddle board around the shores of the UK which set three world records. Brendon shared the story behind why he did this incredible challenge, about water safety and education and answered many questions from the really interested packed Tubestation audience.
A good evening of socialising in various places around Polzeath on Saturday night and the surfers were back again in time for breakfast before the very special surfers blessing which takes place every Sunday of this contest at 9a. An opportunity to reflect on life and this focus was about surrendering and mental illness, quite poignant for many people and a few tears shed as local Tubestation leader Dylan shared his thoughts.
Sunday surf was smaller with a northerly wind making conditions trickier but the event rapidly moved through the semi-finals and into the finals, giving the judges on the head land a busy time.
The great thing about the weather was that the presentation was able to be held outdoors in the open around 4 pm on Sunday afternoon. Contest director and head of Christian Surfers UK Phil Williams welcomed everybody to the hill and thanked so many people who worked tirelessly to put this event on including obviously Tubestation, Christians Surfers volunteers from around the country, Era adventures for providing water cover throughout the weekend, the local RNLI, and obviously the sponsors of the event Nineplus, Finisterre, and Old Guys rule. Some great photos from Richard Davies and Andy Holter.
Before announcing the winners he shared a brief message of hope and faith as we are coming through a really tough time.
A couple of great speeches from the ‘open’ winners who had both won for the first time with Jordan Zervas taking the men’s title and Beth Leighfield the women’s title and prize money of £200 each.
Other winners included Arthur Randell in the U18’s, newly married Elliot Dudley in the hotly contested Over 35’s, Rich Emerson took his first win in the over 50’s division, and the ever-green Colin Bright took yet another victory in the over 60’s.
This was the second event in two weeks for the Christian surfer’s crew who do an amazing job supporting not only this event but others around the country. This event was one of the best remembered of the ‘Jesus Longboard’ due to so many variables but coming back together as a longboard community after the COVID challenges was pretty special. It was great to see so many people back together again with smiles on faces.
this event, and I am sure many of the competitors are looking forward to this weekend’s BLU event at Fistral.
If you would like to know any more about the work of Christian Surfers UK log onto christiansurfers.co.uk
