The second stop of the 2024 Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Surfing Championships took place on Saturday, May 18th, at the iconic surf spot Watergate Bay. The event showcased the best of young surfing talent and the dynamic Men and Women Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Surfers divisions. With a fun 2-foot of surf providing ideal conditions that held up all day, the stage was set for an exciting and memorable contest.
Although the sun didn’t stay out for too long, dryrobe’s were on, and the crowd stayed to cheer on their favourite surfers, as competitors battled it out to be crowned the 2024 English National Surfing Champions!
Junior Surfing Talent Shines in Perfect Conditions
Under 12 Boys Division:
Although surfing over the more challenging high tide conditions, the U12 competitor Tommy Hamilton dominated the boys’ round 1, with the highest wave total score of 11.93. The final was intensely close, but Harvey Waters emerged victorious, earning him the title of U12 boys English National Surfing Champion.
Under 12 Girls Division:
The girls’ U12 heats were nothing short of spectacular, with Ellie Hickie dominating throughout the contest. Ellie achieved the highest single wave score of the entire shortboard contest across all divisions, with a massive 8.33! This “excellent” score on the judging scale underscores the incredible talent within English surfing, securing Ellie a well-deserved win in the U12 girls shortboard division.
Under 14 Boys Division:
Round 1 of the U14 boys saw Noah Cerne take the highest total wave score, shortly followed by Harley Miller who’s performance stood out in the quarters, posting the highest combined total score of all the shortboard divisions with an impressive 13.83. The final promised to be thrilling, with four outstanding surfers charging hard for the title. Ultimately, it was Noah Cerne who clinched the U14 boys English National Surfing Champion title.
Under 14 Girls Division
In the Girls under 14s Lila Skinner added the title to her Girls Under 16 English champion title. Obviously not letting big bro Lukas take all the glory this spring!
In round 1 Lila Skinner received the highest wave total score of 14.33, setting her sites early for the National title. In the final round, Coco Arthur was hot on Lila’s heels but to no avail as Lila took the well-deserved title.
All competitors did an outstanding job of showcasing their surfing skills. Their stamina and determination were evident, and they should all be incredibly proud of their achievements. The future of English surfing looks incredibly bright, with these young talents poised to match and exceed their international rivals.
Results
U12 Boys Shortboard
1 – Harvey Waters 2 – Bobby Wilkinson 3 – Zeek Streeter 4 – Tommy Hamilton
U12 Girls Shortboard
1 – Ellie Hickie 2 – Betsie Reay 3 – Arabella Peres 4 – Mila Barber
U14 Boys Shortboard
1 – Noah Cerne 2 – Jensen Martin 3 – Joshi James 4 – Evan Dakin
U14 Girls Shortboard
1- Lila Skinner 2 – Coco Arthur 3 – Hazel Bennett 4 – Annie Nicholls
