It was disappointing news that the re-scheduled 32nd Jesus Surf Classic for last weekend was cancelled. More so because it was the last JSC with Phil Williams in charge, as he is stepping down on August 1st.
For over three decades Contest Director and Christian Surfers head Phil has been the pioneering force of Christian Surfers, He founded the Jesus Surf Classic 32 years ago and said, ‘On a personal level as it would have been my last Jesus Surf classic after 32 years in the role of Christian Surfers National Director, so its hugely disappointing, but the event is there to serve the surfing community, and without waves, we couldn’t hold the event. The CSUK team will be considering whether we run any type of Jesus Surf Classic event later on in 2025, but it will be a separate event with any entries open from scratch.
When I look back over the many years of the event, we have had years of fantastic Surf as well as years of pretty challenging surf, but the community have always supported it, and I can’t thank them enough. When I look at many of the top surfers now in the UK so many of them have come through the ranks of this competition and it’s been a joy to see them progress. I also wanted to give a massive shout out to the CS team of volunteers as well as the local church community, for helping us run these events for so so long.
With Ben Lillie now taking over as CSUK national director from August 1st, and a strong team of trustees and leaders, I believe that the organisation is in great hands, and hopefully that will be manifested with ongoing surf contests amongst other great initiatives.
The good news for me is that I will not be leaving the contest scene in the UK and will continue to work with Surfing England and other organisations, involved with Junior Surf series and para surfing.
As I look back on the 30+ years we give God the glory, but also give thank for all the surfers, the support crews, Parkdean holidays as well as everybody that has been involved or supported this series up until now”.
What a journey! Thanks for all your valuable work and good luck with your new venture Phil, you will be sorely missed!
If you would like to find out about the work of Christian surfers UK log onto christiansurfers.co.uk or check out the Facebook group Christian Surfers UK
