Sunday 19th October saw hundreds of surfers descend on East Wittering for the A1Surf Retro Board Challenge, held in conjunction with Wittering Surf Shop.
Around 50 competitors from across the South Coast and further afield, battled it out on the waves, which were at first on the small side, but by the latter stages the surf was a contestable couple of feet.
Hundreds of spectators watched the likes of Spiderman, King Neptune and a bridesmaid surf on some classic retro boards to try and progress through to the final. The fleet of retro boards were put forward by Nick Cheshire of Wittering Surf Shop.
South African Jonathan Tuck, dressed as Batman, walked away with the first prize, a fantastic Black & White Fish that was shaped by Paul Walters on the beach and signed by all of the competitors. Jonathan’s victory was sweeter as he had only been in the UK for three weeks and entered after seeing the details on A1Surf.com.
Jonathan said afterwards: “Once again, thanks for an awesome day and a super cool prize. I can’t believe it, it’s still sinking in!”.
The other finalists were Tom Rapley (2nd), Brian Haugh (3rd) and Keith Rathbone (4th).
David Somerville from A1Surf said: “The day was a huge success. It was great to see so many people there, whether to compete or simply to watch the fun. The feedback we have had from those taking part, plus the suppliers who exhibited to on the day has been fantastic.”
Nick Cheshire from Wittering Surf Shop said: “The best part of the event for me is seeing people enjoying surfing some of my retro boards; after all they are meant to be used rather than just admired.
The Retro Board Challenge always brings out the real spirit of surfing, having fun is what it’s all about!”
And Lizzie Warren, also from Wittering Surf shop said: “It was great to see such an array of people at the event. The way everyone mucked in and had a laugh is a real testament to the strength of the surfing community.”
Proceeds from the competition entry and the prize raffle day raised over £500 for the local Selsey RNLI lifeboat station.
A film of the day’s events can be viewed at www.wavedreamer.co.uk