Ashley Braunton

By chubbard

Name: Ashley Braunton

Age: 25

Lives: Braunton

Surfs: Saunton, Croyde, Woolacombe and a few lesser known spots.

How long have you been surfing? 20 years

What got you involved with surfing? My Dad used to throw my brother and I in, it all started from there.

Who rips in North Devon? Nick Thorn, Neil Clifton, Scott Ranochan, Jinx, Greg Robinson, Regis, Roy, Simon, and a few groms from all the beaches.

Who's the best up and coming surfer in the area? Ben Haworth, Karma Worthington, Alex Baker and Lyndon Wake.

What's your most memorable session and why? There have been a few but one session at the point with just myself, Greg and a couple of others getting perfect waves to ourselves.

What is the best thing about surfing for you? Surfing good waves with your mates.

What would you say to people wanting to get involved with the sport? Do it! But do it properly, have a lesson and learn the rules, if you do that you will have fun safely.

Where else have you surfed in the world? France, Spain, Barbados, Costa Rica, Bali, Australia, Phillipines and Canary Islands.

How does North Devon compare to other global surf spots? OK, just not enough swell consistency.

What's the worst thing about surfing? The crowds and people with the wrong attitude.

Your opinion on hired equipment? A great source of income for the community but there should be stricter regulations on safety advice.

What about surf schools, anything to say? Too many at Croyde.

Best wave you've surfed? Putsborough

Most overrated wave? Fistral

Most underrated wave? Low-tide Saunton, the power is immense!

Are you sponsored? Yes, Surfstation surf shop in Braunton are helping me out, through them I get Xcel wetsuits, Ocean and Earth equipment and Skindog boards.

What do you think about competitive surfing? It's the best way to improve your surfing.

Competition results? Here's the main ones, 6xHotdoggers league winner, 2000 British Junior Champion, 2005 9th European Professional Longboard Championships, 2006 49th World Longboard Championships, 2x La Union Longboard Champion, Philippines.

Anything else to say? Thanks to my sponsors for their support, if anyone wishes to support a North Devon surfer on the European stage, give me a call!