AND so it begins. This weekend sees the start of what is sure to be a competitive season of contest surfing on the North Devon coast.

Woolacombe Boardriders Surf Club kick things off on Sunday with the Grunta League Contest One.

Following the 9am check-in at the Red Barn, the first heats should hit the water at 10am.

Boardriders contest director Paul Barrington said: "This is one out of four league events, with a rider's best three results going towards the title.

"We've got a packed season with 10 contests scheduled.

"As well as the league events we'll be holding three evening contests, the Big Wave, the Tony Renyard Memorial on Easter Sunday and an inaugural Surf 'n' Turf which will see randomly-drawn pairs surf together then hack their way round the pitch and putt course."

Defending 2009 league winner Ste Corcoran will be pushed hard this year with a number of surfers to watch, including former British champ Neil Clifton, O'Neill team rider Stuart Campbell and Barrington.

Boardriders have a long and illustrious tradition of surfing and socialising. The number of members is a testament to the cross-generation appeal of the club.

Their events are always a great blend of friendly rivalries, strong surfing and plenty of giggles, usually topped off with cold beers at the Red Barn.

Their equally packed social calendar commenced last week with more than 30 members cramming into Golden Coast for the Bowling evening which saw long-legged B'cat defend his 2009 crown in the most abysmal fashion despite the use of his improvised bowling glove.

Through the fog of alcohol, a clear winner emerged in the form of John Edwards.

Other events planned include the Cider Stroll which involves walking from Woolacombe to Croyde with cider — sign me up, please — as well as various Cresta Runs and probably something which includes more fancy shenanigans.

For more info, get on board the WBSC Facebook page and get the lowdown on this vibrant hub of North Devon surfing.

There's been a distinct lack of waves this week but some surfers are still basking in the memories of the super-sized Wednesday shoot-out session at the Point.

With hefty waves all day and tales of broken boards in the morning, the crew of hardy locals convened in the car park and in ones and twos the lineup filled up.

Larger than they looked waves meant most riders were undergunned. Those with the right boards included Matt Saunders on his 6ft 6in, taking some hefty drops.

The standout though was Simon 'Skelly' Skelton. Sporting a 7ft gun, his intimate knowledge of the spot and an unerring ability to read the waves enabled him to snag the only two barrels of the day.

The Gulfstream surf meister bounced off a few rocks with his risky entry strategy but made it out in one piece, then gave a flawless display of point surfing as well as the most casual no-handed claim as he was spat out of a huge, four-second barrel . . . tidy.