The long trek to …. Arugam Bay

BRIGHTENING UP: The sun is out at Croyde and so are Steve Altrum’s famous shorts ahead of this weekend’s Hotdoggers date. Picture: Rob Tibbles

NORTH DEVON’S army of longboarders headed over the border for the third round of the British Championships at Watergate Bay, Newquay.

Saturday started slowly in the small surf, but the swell grew as the weekend progressed, with the competitors greeted by massive 6ft-plus sets on Sunday morning.

The big conditions were a real test of stamina, with competitors needing all the extra time afforded by the ten-minute paddle-out period for the heats.

Ashley Braunton was looking good for a place in the finals until he snapped his leash while looking for a back-up to his high-scoring first wave in the semis.
With a big swim in and the long paddle back out, he was left with only three minutes to snag a keeper. It wasn’t to be.

Croyde riderA? Order finpecia vs propecia Zak Lawton continued his impressive run of form with another victory in the under-18s as well as making the final of the open.

“I surfed so many heats I’m knackered,” said Zak.

“The waves were great and I was able to get in the really big turns.

“I was really pleased with my wave selection and felt comfortable against the other finalists in the open.”

Talking about the heat strategies he has used to put himself within touching distance of the British title, Zak heaped praise on the club contests organised by Saunton Hotdoggers.

“All the heat experience I’ve got at Hotdoggers comps has been so good,” he said. “I’ve been able to work out heat strategies that work for me and it’s really helped me to focus.”

Also in winning ways was Knowle’s Eric Davies, with a strong performance in the big morning conditions securing the masters division.

Alex Maddocks racked up more finals, claiming second in the cadets (under-16s) and surfing well to get fourth in the under-18s. Juliet Marlowe took on the tricky afternoon conditions and placed fourth in the ladies.

The title decider and final stop of the British Longboard Union Tour will be at Gwithian, in Cornwall, on September 18 and 19.

The stars of Watergate will be back on home turf this weekend for the third round of the Saunton Hotdoggers League.

With favourable swell forecast and the inevitable barbecue, it could be another classic. For more info, visitwww.thats thewebsitesorted.co.uk/hotdoggers.

A host of North Devon groms were also in Kernow over the weekend for the inaugural Godrevy Pro Junior, a qualifying event for the junior British surf team.

Looking to retain her place in the squad, Georgeham’sA?Laura Crane made a good case, battling hard for second in the girls.

Billabong rider Laura was lucky enough to go toA?New Zealand for the World Games in January and hopes to make the next event, scheduled for January 2011.

Hosted by theA?National Trust, the Pro Junior highlighted the unspoilt coastline and the cost of protecting and maintaining surfers’ playgrounds.

Robyn Davies, surf project co-ordinator for the National Trust, said: “Hosting an eminent event like this in such a beautiful landscape reminds us of the pure beauty of the sport.”

Finally, good luck to Lyndon Wake,A?Stuart Campbell and his sister, Lucy, who have made the long trek toA?Sri Lanka‘s famed break of Arugam Bay for the 2010 British Pro Tour Champion of Champions event.

The world renowned right-hand point will be home for the next couple of weeks as they battle with the best. We’ll keep you posted on their progress.

British Longboard Championships a?? 3rd round a?? open: 1 James Parry, 2 Ben Skinner, 3 Elliot Dudley, 4 Zak Lawton.

Masters: 1 Eric Davies, 2 Paul ‘Keeno’ Keenan, 3 Richard Unsworth, 4 Russell Pierre.

Ladies: 1 Candice O’Donnell, 2 Becky Stanhope, 3 Sophie Skinner, 4 Juliet Marlow.

U16: 1 Conner Griffiths, 2 Alex Maddocks, 3 Josh Job, 4 Liam Curtis.

U18: 1 Zak Lawton, 2 Josh Le Marquand, 3 Lewis Stritch, 4 Alex Maddocks.

source:
http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/sport/Lawton-proves-strategy-spot/article-2361476-detail/article.html