Last Saturday’s lovely weather lent itself well the British Surf Kayak Championships hosted by Nathan and Naomi in Llangennith, Gower, Wales. Having been postponed from the previous weekend, competitors, traveling from all four corners of the UK, were chomping at the bit to get out in the welsh waves.
Photo: About the paddle out
A full day of surfing with a great turn out of over 50 competitors. Event sponsorship was provided by Lobster Bob who gave us all a t-shirt 
. We also had independent judges who tirelessly kept their eyes on the competitors to determine the most dynamic surfers in each heat.
Photo: Some of the welsh team; looking towards Worms Head from Llangennith
This was my home turf and it was cool to see so many kayak surfers at my local break. The competition got underway at 8:30 am and heats went through to 5 pm. We were treated to many good rides. Heats went well, but for me, i didn’t advance to the next round. But i certainly don’t mind loosing to the likes of Tamsin Green and Emma Wynter. Just sharing the same water as them is a privilege to be fair.
Photo: Nathan Air on his first heat.
But the evening do was the best- a black tie affair at the local pub. Tell ya what for a bunch of dirtbag kayakers, we didn’t half scrub up well. Shoulda seen the camper’s eyes turn when they saw us. Of particular note was the campsite warden’s face when Jenny asked if we could plug our hairdryers in the at the hut…we transformed that place into a beauty salon . I ended up locking myself out of my car for a few hours after the party. It meant i had to visit the facilities at 7 am in sweats and heels. I got a few strange looks…
I didnt stay for the finals on Sunday due to the horizontal rain and 20 mph wind. But im sure they went well.
Nice photos. I’ve always liked surf kayaking, I seem to catch waves so much easier than on the river! Although the poundings I take are comparable.
Thanks James. I’ve had some gnarley surf beat downs too…I still love the ocean tho.