Personnel Solutions sponsor Surfaced Pro Event 1 of UK Pro Surf Tour 2017

UK Pro Surf Tour and Cornwall College are delighted to announce Personnel Solutions as their title sponsor for the Surfaced Pro – the first event on the 2017 UK PRO Surf Tour.

Personnel Solutions, a South West based recruitment agency for Chefs, catering and hospitality are delighted to be supporting surfing, the UKPS tour and Cornwall College Surf Science and Technology students to run this event which will see equal prize money for both male and female categories in the competition.

Running at Watergate Bay over two days, the event will attract competitors from both the UK and Europe in categories ranging from U12’s to Open Men’s and Women’s. It’s already attracting great social media interest with its focus on new and innovative surfing and parity in prize money.

Brender Willmott, course manager for the FdSc Surf Science & Technology and BSc Hons Marine Sports Science courses, run at Cornwall College Newquay said: “We are delighted to be working with the UKPST again this year and particularly keen to promote interest and development in women’s surfing”.

Zoe Gascoyne – project manager for the event, a marine sports science student, welcomed the opportunity to gain real world experience and said: “This is a fantastic chance to work with the very best professional surfers and network with sponsors and potential employers.”

Managing Director of Personnel Solutions Matthew Sherratt, said: “It is great to be the headline sponsor for this year’s Surfaced Pro supporting surfing, Cornwall College, the UKPSA Tour and Equality in sport. This is a new marketing direction for the company, however with all the hard work the College students put in we know our investment will achieve a great return.”

UK Pro Surf Tour Director Dave Reed commented: “This is the second year running the Surfaced Pro, promoting fairness in surfing. We are working again with Cornwall College students to organise and run this ground-breaking event. Many thanks need to go to Personnel Solutions for becoming this year’s title sponsor.

Without their backing and the support from the other sponsor the event would not be such a success. This year, apart from the best Brits in the line-up, we are attracting a number of international surfers from Holland, Belgium, France, Spain, Australia and South Africa.”

Scottish Surfing Federation has launched a Crowdfunder

www.crowdfunder.co.uk/scotland-surfing-team-isa-world-games-2017

The Scottish Surfing Federation has launched a Crowdfunder hoping to send a Scotland team to the ISA World Surfing Games in France in May and the team need your help in order to help cover the costs of getting there to fly the flag for Scotland.

The team have to cover competition entry fees (£1000), accommodation (£2000) and airfares (£1500) as a minimum plus all the other associated expenses from travelling to the event. Any unused funds will be rolled over to the Scotland team travelling to EuroSurf 2017

“With this Crowdfunder we hope to meet our target to help subsidise and make the trip affordable for our athletes. Pledgers get great rewards in exchange for donations to the team and if any companies would be interested in becoming a main sponsor for the Scottish National Team please get in touch. Also if any companies would like to donate product as rewards for the crowdfunder please also get in touch as these would be greatly appreciated.”

The team were unable to attend the ISA World Games 2016 due to a lack of funding therefore we really hope to be able to support the team and get them there this time to represent Scotland particularly with surfing’s recent announcement as an Olympic Sport this WSG is likely to be the highest profile ever.

Night surf in Morocco

When you are in deepest darkest Morocco what better too do than fix some up some lights so you can make the most of the swell getting kegged? Which is exactly what Aritz Aranburu and friends did. Filmed by Igor Bellido

24 HOURS AT NAZARE

It’s Europe’s infamous big wave spot and a crew of lucky people got to witness it breaking.

Words and photos Sharpy

A bunch of lucky blighters that had the smarts to enter the Sharp’s Brewery Big Wave Surf Adventure competition got to go on an adventure. A mission to the world's most insane big wave spot and get a guided tour with the British surfer who's name is woven in to the Nazare narrative: Cotty. We tagged along, well, there was free beer on offer...

Waves are funny old things. From six inches to 60 feet they behave in pretty much the same way. That's the physical rules of this universe for you. The six-inch kind are common. Most beaches anywhere in the world get six inchers every now and then ... not so many get 60 feet. 

Another strange thing is there have been stone cold surfable 60 footers reeling off in Portugal for decades and no one seemed to notice. Sure the fishermen knew the dangers for centuries and the hectic conditions shaped local culture. Indeed the carnival going on at the same time as this swell event is a celebration of life, from the days when a lot of fisher folk didn't get to enjoy very long ones.

It's a baffling notion that the spot where feasibly the biggest waves ever going to be ridden has only been in our consciousness for just over five years. All because some locals sent a photo to Garrett McNamara and asked if he'd come check out the potential. The rest you'll know, Garrett, Cotty, and as the years have gone on, an expanding crew of big wave warriors have made the joint as famous as the more renowned big wave amphitheatres like Mavericks and Pe'ahi. 

“That’s what I call an adventure, access all areas, hanging with Cotty, Garrett and Sharpy, watching big wave surfers while drinking Doom Bar from the iconic lighthouse in Nazaré, awesome company and the most enormous waves I’m ever likely to witness.  Thank you Sharp’s & Cotty … Can we do it all again please?!” 

AVRIL SAINSBURY

Initially derided as being a bit 'soft' those early critics had never stood on the famous headland and felt the ground shake. That's how much power is in the waves there. A big one you will actually feel through your feet if you're stood on top of the fort that clings precariously to the end of the headland. The sentinel witness to so much crazy in the last five years.

The mini-earthquake was just one of many moments that left the rag tag mob of recent Sharp’s Brewery winners with their jaws dropped. We all looked at each other with the same quizzical look. Yep. The floor did just actually shake as another huge wave slammed into the point. 

A last minute excursion to catch mahoosive Naz is a tricky thing to plan for one person. Even more so when you've got eight winners ... a veritable cat herding situation. With the last big storm of the winter turbocharging off Greenland and all eyes focussed on the charts the surfers were frantically booking flights and prepping skis. Cotty green lit the winner's trip on and even though the wind forecast was a bit suss it was deemed worth the risk for the biggest swell in a very long time. The Sharp’s Brewery winners just had to blag the time off work to come see one of the craziest shows on Earth.

“It was such an incredible experience which has really inspired me for future adventures. I was extremely excited and honoured to win the adventure of a lifetime shared with a group of lovely people. Getting to experience a massive swell at Nazare from the lighthouse was a real privilege in addition to meeting Cotty and fellow lovely big wave surfers. It was like a dream, adventure in the truest sense!” 

INGRID GARRIOCH

Nazare is all of an hour and twenty minutes drive from Lisbon airport so it's not a killer mission. Two-hour flight from the UK on top of that and you're there. The Sharp’s Brewery winners flew early doors on the big Tuesday at the end of February and timed it perfectly arriving mid-morning. 

The dawn session was too windy, Cotty and co whizzed out at dawn on the skis to check it out but it was fugly. 'Sketchy' and 'dangerous' aren't two words you want to describe conditions when considering towing ultra huge surf. 

As the day went on the wind backed down and conditions began to sort themselves out. The winners were more than happy to get a guided tour of the fort; which has now become a kind of mini museum to the developing phenomenon that is Praia do Norte's big wave scene. Ironically on massive days the fort is shut to the public for safety reasons mainly so the camera crews don't get bumped over the edge with 50 grands worth of camera gear by someone frothing to take an Instagram shot. There are no fences up there you see, just a wonderfully un-health and safety approved foot high ledge.

COTTY Q&A

How big you calling the last swell of the winter at Nazare?

That's always the question on everybody's lips and I'm sure every single person would give you a different answer, anywhere between 50 to 80ft maybe? It probably wasn't the biggest ever we've surfed Nazare but I think the bar was definitely raised in regards of a couple of the rides and crazy jet ski scenarios on the beach and getting close to the cliff. 

How dangerous does all the bump make it?

Yeah the conditions were really tough, I wouldn't say the bump makes it dangerous just a lot harder to surf critically and deep on the wave and definitely way harder to drive the ski. I suppose it just makes the risks higher and everyone out there manages those risks differently. I personally always want to surf Nazare critical and deep but with minimum risk to myself or safety team so when it's bumpy and windy like that I don't take chances.

Do all the international guys hit you up as a free forecast service to see if it’s worth the trip?

Haha, surfing is a small community, big wave surfing even smaller. The Whatsapp definitely starts heating up before swells but the favours are always returned.

How’s the crew now? It's come a long way since you and Garret started out there.

Yeah it's been a crazy progression which is great to see and keeps the sport moving forward with everyone pushing each other, the last two years especially. To think back to 2014 on days like that we were pretty much alone. 

WHAT’S THE DEAL WHEN YOU GO OVER THE HANDLEBARS ON A SKI LIKE PEDRO AND LUCAS DID? CAN THEY BE RESTARTED OR IS IT GAME OVER?

It’s not always game over. Losing a ski is inevitable at some point there, sometimes you’re lucky and others not. I never use the kill cords on the skis at Nazare so sometimes you can be lucky and get back on the ski and it will still be running … which just might give you enough time to escape before the next wave hits you. 

HOW LONG CAN YOU HOLD YOUR BREATH FOR? 

In a static breath hold about five minutes. 

CAN YOU TRY AND PUT IN TO WORDS WHAT IT’S LIKE GETTING SMASHED BY A BIG ONE OUT THERE?

The pressure is insane that’s goes through your body, it’s amazing what you can put yourself through and come out the other side. Every wipeout is different and an unknown roller coaster just some are a lot more painful and scary than others, it’s not always the biggest ones that are the worst either…

BOARDMASTERS ANNOUNCES THIRD WAVE OF ACTS

Photo credit Sam Neill (Boardmasters Festival)

BOARDMASTERS ANNOUNCES THIRD WAVE OF ACTS, VIP STAGE AND BEACH SESSIONS FOR 2017

Armand Van Helden, Raye, A Blaze of Feather, DJ Shadow, Idris Elba, Natty, Landon McNamara, The Amazons, Digital Farm Animals and more announced for Cornwall's own surf and music festival 

Fistral Beach / Watergate Bay, Cornwall | Wednesday 9 - Sunday 13 August 2017

Boardmasters has today revealed its third wave of acts set to perform at Cornwall’s own surf and music festival, with a further 22 huge acts added to this year’s world-class line up. They join headliners Two Door Cinema Club, Jamiroquai and Alt-J, as well as the likes of The Flaming Lips, The Vaccines and Stormzy for what’s set to be the biggest Boardmasters yet. Taking place this year from Wednesday 9 – Sunday 13 August at Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach on the sun-drenched Cornish coast, tickets are on sale NOW via the website.

New York City based, Grammy Award nominated DJ Armand Van Helden will be riding the waves across the Atlantic to play Boardmasters this year. Having worked with the likes of Dizzee Rascal and The Rolling Stones, his 27-year career has showcased his versatile abilities as a producer and DJ ready to rock Boardmasters.  

BBC Sound Of 2017 shortlister Raye will be bursting onto Boardmasters this summer bringing her unique, sultry sound direct to the beach. Last year brought unprecendented success for the 18-year-old singer, with prominent features on huge hits such as Jax Jones’ You Don’t Know Me and Jonas Blue’s single By Your Side, as well as a slot supporting Jess Glynne on tour for 10 dates over November and December.    

Photo credit Alex Rawson (Boardmasters Festival)

The mysterious band A Blaze Of Feather, who have been cropping up on festival bills across the country, will be heading to Boardmasters this summer. Festivalgoers will be able to enjoy this special set whilst relishing the Cornish summer sunshine on Watergate Bay this August.

Boardmasters is also stoked to reveal even more acts announced today. First up is Californian hip hot veteran DJ Shadow, who last year released his fifth album The Mountain Will Fall. Also announced is Idris Elba, who alongside his successful acting career is a well-respected DJ and will soundtrack The Point stage. Natty will be heading to Boardmasters to do an acoustic set, having toured alongside Adele, Kate Nash and more. Professional surfer Landon McNamara has delved into the reggae world and will be performing at this years festival alongside British rockers The Amazons, Wretch 32, Netsky, Icarus, Ten Tonnes and Sam Fender. 

An exciting set by Digital Farm Animals will be audible across the Cornish coast this year at Boardmasters, along with Cornwall’s very own 18-year-old Daisy Clark, Late Evening Glass Off, Will Heard, Kioko, Conducta, San Felu, Tommy Ashby and Will Joseph Cook. Boardmasters will truly be the home of the most unique festival experience in the most epic setting the UK has to offer.

Boardmasters continues to bring the hottest summer vibes with the 2017 Beach Sessions line-up being announced today. On Wednesday 9th – Thursday 10th August 2017, The Beach Bar on Fistral Beach will host intimate evening gigs as the sun sets across the horizon. The Beach Sessions are truly a highlight of the Boardmasters week, with the up close and personal sets proving to be a huge hit amongst festivalgoers every year.

Photo credit: Callum Morse (Boardmasters Festival)

Boardmasters can announce that electro-dub pioneers Dreadzone will be taking the stage on Wednesday 9th August. Thursday’s line-up brings together San Diego’s Ocean Beach favourites Slightly Stoopid, pro-surfer turned reggae star Landon McNamara and Canadian Folk duo Jon & Roy for a summer’s night to not be missed. 

Make sure you don’t miss out on the Beach Sessions, with tickets sold separately. The Beach Bar on Fistral Beach has previously seen Sunset Sons, Tom Curren, Norman Jay, The 1975, Deaf Havana, Ben Howard and more; where else would you rather be to catch those summer vibes than at the Boardmasters Beach Sessions.

Boardmasters can also today reveal the line up for the VIP area presented by 45 Live, only available to VIP ticket holders. This year, exclusive sets are coming from acts Wrongtom, Greg Belson, Boca 45, Pete Isaac, Ollie Stratton, The Allergies and Alex Conrad. With a VIP ticket, you’ll have access to one of the finest views Cornwall has to offer. Enjoy a drink in the view of Watergate Bay and the sprawling sea from the exclusive VIP bar.

 Inspired by the freedom, adventure and creativity of surfing and music, Boardmasters was born in 1981. Expect parties that run late into the night and a beautiful beach to recuperate on during the day. The 5-day event is situated across two stunning locations in Cornwall - the surfing mecca of the UK, Fistral Beach, where world class International Surf Competitions take place, and arguably the most stunning location in the country to watch live music, Watergate Bay. Last year the grassroots surf and music festival welcomed over 150,000 festival goers to sunny Cornwall. Book your tickets now! 

BOARDMASTERS 2017:

Two Door Cinema Club •Jamiroquai •Alt-J
The Flaming Lips • The Vaccines • Stormzy

Andy C • Gorgon City live  • Armand Van Helden • Jake Bugg • Slaves • DJ Shadow
Giggs • Hannah Wants • Pete Tong  • Hot Since 82  • Patrick Topping • A Blaze of Feather
Wild Beasts . Frank Turner • Roger Sanchez • Ziggy Marley • Lethal Bizzle • NETSKY (DJ Set)
Loyle Carner • Jagwar Ma  •  Kurupt FM  • JP Cooper • Idris Elba  • Solardo • WRETCH 32
TQD  • Kiko Bun • Tom Grennan • Kate Nash • Raye • The Amazons .  Jax Jones  • Natty Acoustic  • Becky Hill
Landon McNamara • Youngr • Tourist • Icarus • Palace • Purple Disco Machine
WILL JOSEPH COOK • Sonny Fodera • Late Nite Tuff Guy • T. Williams • Digital Farm Animals • Camelphat
Cadenza • Theo Kottis • Cortes • Yotto • Will Heard • Ten Tonnes • Sam Fender • Tender Central . Off Bloom
Tonn Piper MC • Conducta • Kioko • Daisy Clark • Tommy Ashby • Late Evening Glass Off • San Felu

Plus many more acts still to be announced

Important notice – Porthleven access

The owner of the cottage gardens used by surfers to access the jump off rock on the point at Porthleven has requested that surfers no longer use his garden as a short cut to the sea or use his table area by the flag as hang out or photo gallery.

Mr Bell, a former surfer and long time resident has been a legend over the years in allowing hundreds of people to run across his garden which is pride and joy, but more recently people have been rude to him, used his garden for changing/as a base camp for the day and generally taken the piss.

Locals and Porthleven Surf Club will also observe his wishes and will produce a sign asking all other surfers to the same

It is not a decision Mr Bell has taken easily, but a few have spoiled things for the many. It is the end of an era in so many ways, but we wish Mr Bell all the best.

In the meantime please ask all surfers to share the info so Mr Bell can enjoy some peace. If you and friends have used the area maybe club together of a nice bottle of whisky he can enjoy watching the surf.

Also please be aware of dangerous parking on the unmarked road which goes towards Praa, and running across the field as these could be next.