Langland Board Riders win Welsh Surfing Federation’s Wilkinson Sword at Whitesands.
- Langland Board Riders (LBR) win the Welsh Surfing Federation’s Wilkinson Sword at Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire.
- LBR and Pembrokeshire Surf Club (PSC) finish on equal points in the annual Welsh inter-club comp, but higher number of heats won means the sword heads to Swansea this year.
- The win makes LBR sword guardians for the first time since 2022.
Words: Steve White
Images: Dai Wiliams @seasidehues
On Sunday 12th April, Pembrokeshire Surf Club (PSC), Channel Coast Surf Club (CSC), Welsh Coast Surf Club (WCSC) and Langland Board Riders (LBR) gathered at Whitesands Bay in Pembrokeshire to compete for Welsh club supremacy in the 47th edition of the Wilkinson Sword.
PSC were vying for a fourth ‘Wilky’ win in a row, but LBR put out a clear statement of intent through the availability of QS shredder Patrick Langdon-Dark and Alys Barton fresh from qualification for the WSL Challenger Series. CCSC and WCSC also brought strong representation, setting the scene for an epic day of competition on a swell-blessed day in sunny west Wales.
Battle commenced around 11am at low-tide Whitesands, where solid overhead waves rattled under the weight of a strong cross-shore wind. The challenging conditions were met with fearless energy by all surfers who in turn were fired up by fantastic support from teams and spectators on shore.
Patrick Langdon-Dark set the pace in the morning heats, finishing on a combined total of 13, with PSC’s Willem Beck not far off in second place on 9. LBR then built on their early scores through QS surfer, Elliot Barton who got to the top spot with 9.
The Pembs tribe hit back through GB Cup finalist, Euan Buick and last year’s U16 Welsh Nationals champ, Elijah Jones. Langland’s Tom Khaw battered the lip a number of times on his way to 9.93 and pole position in his heat. Mark Vaughan (CCSC) and Arthur Buick (PSC) were a fin’s width behind, finishing on 9.74 and 9.06 respectively.
The Women’s Open rounds turned into an LBR showcase; Alys Barton tore mid-tide Whitesands to bits to prize a heat-winning total of 13.6 out of the judges. Katrina Roth-Gale put on a display befitting of an U12 European champion; the super-grom took off on a few bombs and demonstrated solid rail work in the tough line-up and deservedly took the top spot in her group.
A pushing sea brought better shape to the waves as the afternoon heats progressed. Alys Barton and Jago Sime (PSC) were the standout performers in the Women’s and Men’s Longboard division, both navigating inside runners with style. Elliot Barton sent the spray flying with a big forehand off-the-top on his way to a strong second place finish, and Georgina Lewtas developed decent scores to keep the tally ticking over for Pembrokeshire, increasing the pressure on their Swansea rivals.
Home warrior Harry Cromwell linked a couple of solid forehand re-entries to win the Over 35s category, while the evergreen dynamism of Greg Owen boosted the Welsh legend to the silver medal, gaining valuable points for Welsh Coast Surf Club. A seasoned display from Surfline guru Jamie Bateman put the Channel Coast Surf Club stamp on the gold medal in the Over 45s.
The dropping wind made things more manageable for the Juniors’ heats which got underway mid-afternoon. Up-and-coming shredder Bryn Baker delivered for PSC in the U18 Boys. He was closely followed on the roster by Max Davies (LBR), then Will Proctor (WCSC), and Indi Jones (CCSC). Looking forward to another big year, Josie Hawke put on a powerful show at her local to conquer the Girls U18 heat. Caitlin Bazely came in second to register scores for CCSC.
Ryan Croucher continued the points haul for LBR in the U16 Boys division, while Florence Hughes did her bit for PSC, finishing first in the U16 Girls. Business culminated with the U14s, the talents of Monty Cole and Katrina Roth-Gale locking in top dollar for LBR at the end of an outstanding day of competitive surfing.
When all scores had been tallied up, Langland Board Riders and Pembrokeshire Surf Club finished on equal points. However, the Sword went to LBR thanks to their superior number of heats won. What a battle!
Event Organiser, Phil Sadler said:
"It was a great day of surfing and a fun atmosphere. We had solid waves all day - a great season opener for the Welsh Surfing Federation."
Welsh Surfing Federation’s director, Huw John said:
"It's really good to see the sword switching hands and heading back to Langland for the first time in four years. It's also great to see Swansea surfers getting back into the thick of the competition and throwing down the challenge to the other clubs. A big shout out to Alys Barton following her fantastic achievements qualifying for the Challenger Series. It was awesome to see her involved and she represented at Whitesands superbly well.
"The day brought a variety of conditions; it was windy but we had solid swell throughout which made for a cracking day of competition. Once again, the Welsh surfing community came together for the WSF's curtain raiser to the season, and everyone had a really enjoyable day.
"Big thanks to all the athletes, judges, organisers and supporters involved, and we look forward to seeing you all again next year at Langland."
Huge thanks once again go to:
Judges / Officials – Huw John, Tim Aylett, Jamie Bateman, Curtis Hancock, Gwen Spurlock, Craig Nicol, Steve White, Mark Vaughan, and Rhyd Brewer.
Huge thanks also to all organisers, sponsors, supporters and spectators, and of course to our surfers.
