South coast surfers have paddled out in memory of Chris James on Sunday, to commemorate 31st birthday this week.
Chris tragically took his own life in May.
160 people gathered on the beach on Sunday, and 90 paddled out. The event raised money for mental health charity CALM – the Campaign Against Living Miserably. More than £9,209 has been raised so far.
Joel Whitmore, a close friend of Chris’ said he was “really pleased with the turnout”. We’re raising awareness of mental health and how to avoid something like this happening again. If you can’t spot somebody here who you can’t turn around and talk to if you feel you need to, then we as a surfing community aren’t doing our job properly.”
The group are aiming to raise £10,000 in Chris memory and they are only a couple of hundred quid off. You can donate here if you wish
“After many years of travelling the globe, dodging winter and Pursuing ‘the endless summer dream’, it was time for a change.. a spell at home chasing the best waves a UK winter has to offer, countless hours on the road, from being snowed in to spat out. Stone cold not sober showcases some of the UK’s finest waves. From the home of British surfing to the secrets of Cornwall. Get a beer and enjoy.” Harry Timson
London Surf /Film Festival 2019 Shorties Submissions Open!
Submissions are now open for the ninth edition of the London Surf / Film Festival Shorties short film contest.
Hosted 9 – 17 October, London Surf / Film Festival is a celebration of the cream of international surf culture. Bringing to the UK a hand picked line up of the very best surf films from across the globe – from hotly anticipated premieres to cult underground projects – accompanied by talks, icons, Q+As, live music, workshops, art shows, good times and more, LS/FF is a must-attend for anyone of a salty persuasion.
While the main festival is a showcase for international filmmaking, The Shorties short film contest is open exclusively to established and emerging filmmakers from or based in Britain and Ireland.
Surfing and surf culture are wide open to interpretation and filmmakers are invited to enter their shorts of up to 5 minutes in length that explore all aspects and angles through documentary, comedy, action, arthouse, animation or anything in between. Shorties submissions close 9 September, find more details and enter online HERE.
“Short films are a central pillar of modern surf culture, a creative outlet for sharing stories and inspiring stoke,” says London Surf / Film Festival Director Demi Taylor. “We established The Shorties in 2011 to provide a platform for the wealth of homegrown creative talents here on our shores and it has quickly grown to become one of the most prestigious short film competitions for surf filmmakers in the world. As always we’ll be championing those projects that bring a fresh perspective to our culture, whether that’s through exceptional story telling, surfing or cinematography. Filmmaking is not about big cameras, it’s about big ideas ”
Shortlisted entries will be premiered on the big screen at the iconic Regent Street Cinema as part of the London Surf / Film Festival programme and considered by the screening panel, comprised of some of the most influential names in surfing and media, for awards including LS/FF Emerging Talent and Shortie of the Year.
From Friday 19th July until Sunday 1st September 2019 - Pitch up from £10 per person, per night!
60 seconds - that's all it takes to reach the water from Surfer's Paradise. Get ready to roll out of bed, zip up the wetsuit, and hit the surf within minutes!
For the ultimate surfing getaway, why not book a break at Surfer’s Paradise in North Devon? Our season runs from Friday 19th July to Sunday 1st September 2019, meaning you can experience the famous Devon surf all summer long. With prime position amongst the sand dunes, Surfer’s Paradise campsite a stone’s throw from Croyde Bay Beach, one of the UK’s premier surfing destinations.
Not only will you find a fantastic surfing environment, Croyde Bay is also a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ in North Devon. Whether you’re walking along the nearby coastal paths, relaxing on the beach or exploring the quaint local towns – a holiday at Surfer’s Paradise doesn’t stop at surfing!
Forgetful? We’re got you covered. Nearby Offshore Surf Shop has two handy locations just moments from Surfer’s Paradise (one directly on the beach and one next to Ruda Holiday Park’s reception). With a wide range of surfing gear to hire or purchase, there’s no need to panic if you forget that all important wetsuit!
As a guest at Surfer’s Paradise, you can make the most of the fantastic facilities at neighbouring Ruda Holiday Park. From tennis courts to an adventure pool, an on-park bar & restaurant to a fish ‘n’ chip takeaway, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to Ruda. You’ll also find handy amenities to make your camping trip even more comfortable, including a laundrette, cash machine and convenience store on the park.
The clear waters and golden sands of Croyde Bay keep surfers from around the world coming back time and time again; don’t miss out on this annual surfing fiasco!
Book your break
Simply call 0344 335 3677 or visit our website to book online, but hurry, with pitches only available between Friday 19th July and Sunday 1st September 2019 we sell out fast! Visit us as a small group or bring your friends. With a maximum party size of 10, it couldn’t be easier to enjoy summer with friends and family surfing in Croyde Bay!
