Winter Rules at Surf Relief
Newquay surfer Russell Winter dominated proceedings at the White Stuff Surf Relief Contest held at Watergate Bay at the end of July.
Winter dominated the event from start to finish winning all his heats throughout the two days of competition, which is part of the UK Pro Surf Tour.
Finishing second was fellow Newquay surfer Alan Stokes, who is now the new leader on the UK Pro Surf Tour 2008. Third went to English Champion Tom Butler and in fourth place was British Champion Mark Harris.
Winter commented: “It’s fantastic to win an event that helps out the charity Surf Relief UK. I have only been in the water two weeks after recovering from a compress fracture of the arm. Hopefully my form will continue to improve for the rest of the year.”
In the Women’s event Holly Donnelly returned from competing in Portugal and France to defeat some of the best female surfers in the country and win the Women’s White Stuff Surf Relief event. In second place was Jo Denison from Wales, third went to Sarah Bentley and Nicola Bunt from St Agnes was fourth. In the Junior divisions, Zoe Sheath from Isle of White competing in the Under 16 Girls made it three wins in a row.
While in the Under 16 Boys, Josh Piper defeated the rest of the field. In the Under 12 Open, Dale Foster took the win stopping Ed Smith making it three in a row, Dale also takes the lead on the Under 12 Open rankings.
In addition to all the prizes given Relentless Energy Drink awarded Russell Winter £250 for the highest scoring wave of the event, which was a 9.5 out of a possible 10.0 in his semi final heat of the Open.
Dave Reed, contest director for the surf contest and tour, commented: “The event was a great success, the surfing was at the highest level. I would like to thank the surfers who took part for supporting, not just the event but the charity Surf Relief UK. We managed to raise £1,340 from the UK Pro Surf Tour toward the charity and their efforts to help disabled and disadvantaged children.”
Dave Manley, Chairman of Surf Relief, commented: “Surfing is at the core of what Surf Relief is all about and having one of the of the UK Pro Tour competitions at our annual fund raising event adds further creditability to the charity. Many other events took place over the weekend for which we are very thankful. I am pleased to announce we have raised in the region £30,000 for the charity, the most for any of the events so far.”
As well as the surf contest, festival goers witnessed a surf lifesaving tournament, skydivers, games and activities, and the Evening Sessions concert featuring headline act Stereo MC’s.
