SURFING

Rob Tibbles

NORTH DEVON arguably boasts the strongest field of surf clubs in the country.

Maybe it is down to the quality of the waves, or the sense of community enjoyed in the surfing outposts along our shore.

The success of our clubs on the national surfing scene is no surprise to those involved, but recognition from outside the surfing sphere is rare.

That changed last Thursday when Croyde Surf Club was named the joint winner of the Club of the Year category at the Devon Sports Awards 2012, run by Active Devon.

Matt Knight, the club's contest director, said: "Croyde's success in 2011 was down to the dedicated work of a passionate committee, bringing a range of skills and a real sense of purpose to bear on putting on events.

"It was in hosting the Atlantic Watersports Games surf contest that Croyde really pulled out all the stops and demonstrated to the entire region what a local club can achieve when a community pulls together."

Croyde shared the honour with Okehampton Hockey Club.

The Park Community School's under-14 rugby side were in second place for the Team of the Year prize.

North Devon football referee Brett Huxtable was runner-up in the Official of the Year category.

Surfing GB, the successor to the British Surfing Association as the national governing body, this week launched a new website and plans for the future.

North Devon surf clubs have played a key role in getting the sport back on track. Delegations from Croyde, Woolacombe Boardriders, Westward Ho! and Saunton Hotdoggers were involved in a series of meetings and consultation events.

Among the aims is to re-engage surfers and promote the sport in schools and clubs, as well as setting up a training structure that will one day see a British world champion.

Nigel Semmens, the former British and European champion, is the new Surfing GB chairman.

He said: "While we have a massive amount of surfing talent in this country, we haven't had someone competing internationally for a number of years.

"To reach the same level as someone like Kelly Slater, we need to have a more structured approach which puts a premium on top-quality coaching and commitment and seeks and obtains sponsorship that reflects the massive interest in surfing in Britain."

Surfing GB has published several online questionnaires. Visit www.surfinggb.com to make your voice heard.