AIB/FREEDOM Junior Series surfing round 1 10/11th May at the Watersplash

The first Event of 2008 kicked of early on Saturday morning and continued through to Sunday afternoon. Glorious weather and a clean 1ft swell lasted throughout the weekend. The surf favoured the smaller and lighter surfers but Jacob Warr from Vazon Bay, Guernsey, proved that size doesn’t matter and powered his way to take the under 18 title. Executing critical manoeuvres in the small surf did not seem a problem to him, leaving the Jersey under 18 surfers struggling.

Jersey team rider for the Jeux des Isles, Matt Chapman, started his 2008 Junior Series campaign with wins in the Longboard and Under 16 Divisions. Performing excellent off the lips and cutbacks gave Chapman the edge in the under 16s and superior nose riding won him the title over Cole Jouanny in the Longboards. Also performing well in the under 16s was Josh le Marquand and Alex Vibert. Le Marquand was able to knock out Nathan Elms, last year’s AIB junior series Champion. Benefiting from a training camp in Hossegor,SW France, Le Marquand managed to score highly on 2 quality waves leaving Elms in his wake. A shock result but well earned.

Newcomer Sophie Mcgranahan in the Girls under 14s also surfed out of her skin to gain a 2nd place in her first ever competition. Jenna Kleis eventually took the title by catching long walling lefts. The under 18 girls saw trainee beach lifeguard Abbie Hughes take the under girls title hotly pursued by another newcomer, Lucy Goddard. Goddard will be also joining Chapman in Guadeloupe for the Jeux des Isles.

Bradley Ferguson’s smooth style saw him take the under 14 title over the exuberant Freddie Seymour. Ben Bates took the under 12 title and Kitty Brewer the under 10s.

Thank you to the Watersplash for use of their land and all the volunteer help who make the competitions possible. Thanks also to Charlotte Bayliss for use of her pink VW..Rock On ...DF

NEXT EVENT JERSEY SURFABOUT 31ST MAY