SUNSHINE, showers, wind and rain — the perfect ingredients for an Easter weekend on the North Devon coast.

The constant steam of shore-bound traffic and subsequent car-park logjams heralded phase one of 'The Season'.

Saturday saw Woolacombe Boardriders' longest-running contest, the Tony Renyard Memorial.

First held in the club's inaugural year, 1987, and a firm fixture in the calendar ever since, the event honours the memory of the popular Aussie surfer and lifesaver who was at the heart of the thriving Woolacombe surf scene in the Eighties.

Scheduled to run on Easter Sunday, the last-minute switch proved to be the perfect call.

As the competitors gathered at the Red Barn for the high-tide check-in they were greeted by heaving 4ft to 5ft sets lighting up the bay and solid rights reeling off the rocks.

The pumping surf and Easter visitors ensured crowds gathered all day to watch the WBSC gladiators battle it out. With almost as many photographers as Hawaii's north shore, this was a real treat for all observers.

The testing conditions were a challenge for all with punishing wipeouts and plenty of paddling.

As the tide dropped out, the paddle-out became even harder, with many finding it difficult to make it out.

Defending his title in heat one, Charley Charlesworth had a shocker and was dumped out by Taz Knight and heat winner Cory Lawson. Muttering something about "football and pub", he was last seen heading back over the hill to Croyde at speed. Also making it through round one with impressive displays were juniors Alex Gibson and Max Pechonis.

The final, however, saw the cream of Woolacombe fight it out as Lawson, Stuart Campbell, Paul Barrington and Josh Witts went for glory.

With jelly arms, the final four gave their all and, with his smooth, connected style and power, it was O'Neill rider Campbell, fresh from his Indo travels, who bagged his first Renyard Shield, picking off a series of rights with solid turns and working them all the way in.

He said: "I'm really pleased with the result. This is my first comp of the year and its a good start."

As he went home to rest his aching limbs, WBSC contest director and former Renyard winner Barrington said: "A big thank you to everyone who came and helped or surfed. The chunky conditions tested everyone's arms to the max."

With barely a pause for breath, it's back on the campaign trail for Campbell with the long drive up to Thurso for the WQS O'Neill Cold Water Classic where he'll be joined by Croyde's Lyndon Wake in taking on the cream of Europe.

Good luck guys and keep up with their progress in

Lineup

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The next Boardriders event is their second Grunta League contest on April 25.

Tony Renyard Memorial: 1 Stuart Campbell, 2 Paul Barrington, 3 Josh Witts, 4 Corey Lawson.