NORTH DEVON clubs will be to the fore in the organisation of the Atlantic Watersports Games.

Things have been moving fast since the Journal revealed two weeks ago that the region had been offered the opportunity to host the 2011 Games following the withdrawal of original hosts Wales.

Last week Francois Arbellot, of the International Committee of the Interceltic and Atlantic Games, toured North Devon, viewing proposed venues with North Devon+ watersports officer Isabelle Bromham.

He also met representatives from sport clubs and organisations that will be responsible for the running the various contests.

The level of cooperation and the positive attitude towards the Games greatly impressed the French visitor.

The sports contested from July 23 to 28 will include surfing, sailing, rowing and, for the first time, surf lifesaving, surf kayaking, kite surfing and sea kayaking.

The new additions will showcase sports that are particularly strong in North Devon and will focus the spotlight on the wealth of young talent we have.

Nigel Bowden, from Surf Lifesaving GB, said: "It's fantastic that surf lifesaving is being recognised alongside surfing and sailing. It's a big sport in Europe that is growing fast."

Saunton Sands Surf Lifesaving Club will take responsibility for their sport.

Although the location for the kayaking events is yet to be finalised, the sport will benefit from a higher profile.

John Watson, of Skern Lodge activity centre in Appledore, said: "In the past few years surf kayakers from North Devon have travelled with the England team to many of the countries on the Atlantic coast and have always received a very warm welcome.

"It would be great to have the opportunity to return their hospitality and show people what a beautiful area we live in with access to great beaches and a stunning coastline."

Croyde Surf Club will host the surf contest and with their experience of putting on big events are confident of pulling off a classic.

Matt Knight, the club's contest director, talked to Arbellot at length about its youth programme, which chimed with the ten-year plan the committee has for youth development in watersports.

Geoff Swallow, from Surfing GB, said "We are 100 per cent behind Croyde bringing this prestigious international event to Great Britain and will give our full backing to making it a success."

Roadford Lake, near Okehampton, will host the sailing and windsurfing competitions.

Arbellot, whose son is a French sailing champion, was impressed by the wealth of experience the lake's sailing club has of hosting big regattas.

The rowing looks set to run as a grandstand event in Bideford and the Reds and the Blues are coming together to sort out the logistics.

The favourable neap tides will allow more than enough time each day to ensure a packed schedule of high-octane oarsmanship.

Woolacombe Boardriders kicked off the 2011 season with their hotly-contested bowling competition at Golden coast on Saturday night.

Club chairman Archie Willis said: "Sharky ended the night victorious, scoring 158, while at the other end of the scale Callum Campbell put in an all-round poor performance."

The fastest ball was a last-ditch rocket from Gary King clocked at 23.89mph.

The club's first surf contest of the year, the Tony Renyard Memorial, is scheduled to run on April 2.

Anyone missing a bit of soul in their lives should get over to Braunton's White Lion on Saturday night when surfing museum supremo Pete Robinson will be spinning northern soul platters all night long.

He may even bust out some of his old-school dance moves. You have been warned.