JAMES HICK ONLINE

Follow James Hick around the world on www.jameshick.com. Grommets look at the training section  DF

Jersey v Brittany(FRANCE) Bernick and Seven Islands Club

Bernick and Seven Islands (Brittany) v Jersey  18th/19th April at the Watersplash

 

As predicted the surf did not materialise to anything significant but the 1st round of the shortboard divisions were completed and both Ladies and Open Longboard categories reached the final stages.

 

A 20 strong party from the two Brittany surf clubs participated along with a joint force of 30 surfers from the Jersey Longboard Riders Association and the Jersey Surfboard Club. All surfers in the Longboard division surfed extremely well in the less than perfect conditions executing style and manoeuvres with control and ease throughout the event. The conditions were unfortunately too small on the second day of the contest for the shortboarders to continue and their event had to be postponed.

 

As the competition became more longboard focused, Alexy Deniel and Lucien Leray both from the Perros Gueric region of Brittany demonstrated some extremely polished professional surfing. Deniel the 2007 French Champion reached the final but was pushed into 2nd place in his semi final by local Brad Jones who was surfing in his first ever competition. Jones and  Deniel were joined in the final  by JSC junior Will Glenn and former European Tour surfer Gordon Blake. Both Blake and Glenn put the pressure on straight away in the 20 minute final with some stylish traditional nose rides and drop knee turns. Deniel and Jones feeling the heat soon stepped up their game and combined more manoeuvres to take control of the final in the dying stages. Deniel showing every skill of longboarding eventually took 1st place, Jones 2nd, Blake 3rd and Glen 4th.

 

The ladies also competed well in the small conditions and fought tooth and nail to get the heat winning waves in the final. Helene Bonutto from the Bernick Club came under tough opposition from local girls Grace Davies, Esther Lempriere and Chantele Coote. Bonutto the Ladies Brittany champion tried all the tricks in the trade to gain an advantage. Switch footing and forcing turns could not stop the stylish surfing of the Jersey Girls with Lempriere picking off the set waves and Davies lining up the inside lefts. Lempriere took 1st,Davies 2nd, Bonutto 3rd and Coote 4th

 

The next Jersey v Brittany contest will be held in Perros Gueric. Date TBC. The 2nd round of the AIB Euro-Qualifier for Masters, Senior Man, Open and Ladies will be set for 2/3rd of May.Points will be awarded for those that entered the Longboard event this weekend.

 

Thanks to AIB Jersey,Cloud 9,AC Le Galais and all the helpers and judges. Big thanks to Bill Davies for driving down on the Sunday to fire up the BBQ

 

DF JSC

AIB/LANEEZ points table 2009

OPEN

1-Sam George  1000pts

2-Christian Boletta  900pts

3-Tom Hill  810pts

4-Matt Chapman 729 pts

5=Scott Eastwood  656pts

5=Renny Gould  656pts

7=Jonny Wallbridge  590pts

7=Ben Chapman  590pts

7=Andre le Geyt  590pts

9=Sam Mason  531pts

9=Will Glenn  531pts

9=Jake Powell  531pts

11=Jonny Carden 478pts

11=Bradley Ferguson 478pts

11=Ben Bates  478pts

11=Feddie Seymour 478pts

11=Alex Vibert  478pts

11=Mark le Moignan  478pts

13th=Dean Layzell  430pts

13=Piers Gould  430pts

13=Jacob Warr  430pts

13=Clayton Lidster  430pts

13=Josh le Marquand  430pts

13=Nathan Elms  430pts

Senior Man

1-Sam George  1000

2-Andre Le Geyt  900pts

3-Renny Gould  810pts

4-Clayton Lidster  729pts

5=Scott Eastwood  656pts

5=Ben Chapman  656pts

7=Mark le Moignan  590pts

7=Piers Gould  590pts

Masters

1-Jonny Carden  1000pt

2-Clayton Lidster  900pts

3-Andre Le Geyt  810pts

4-Michael Charlton  729pts

Longboard

1-Andre le Geyt  1000pts

2-Gordon Blake  900pts

3-Will Glen  810pts

4-Scott Letherbarrow  729pts

5=PJ  656pts

5=Josh le Marquand  656pts

Ladies

1- Meagan Jones  1000pts

2- Chantelle Coote  900pts

3-Esta Lempriere 810pts

4- Libby Waggott  729pts

 


AIB/Laneez Senior series Euro qualifer round 1

AIB/Laneez Senior Series  Euro team Qualifier round 1

Watersplash 4/4/09

 'Sam George gets the double'

Sam George, by far the standout surfer of the competition, gained maximum points by winning both the Open division and Senior man divsion  in the 1st round Euro qualifier of the AIB/Laneez Senior Series on Saturday at the Watersplash. George gave fellow surfers and spectators a real show in controlled competition surfing . Technically almost perfect, George has set the benchmark for all others to follow in the remaining contests in the Series.

 The Open Division saw powerful displays by the top Jersey and Guernsey surfers. Travelling Guernsey surfers, Jonny Wallbridge, Tom Hill and Jacob Warr all surfed well and traded wave for wave with the local Jersey surfers. Hill was the highest placed by reaching the Open final gaining a 3rd spot.

11 time channel Island champion, Renny Gould, showed his real class with impressive top to bottom turns with power and flow and clear favourite for the Open final. However he slipped up in Semi Final 2 by being beaten by 15yr old Matt Chapman who managed to complete some powerful and impressive turns on the lefthanders which seemed to be the waves to catch rather than the rights. Catching his breath after his semi final battle Chapman said “ I am stoked to get into the final. I feel my wave selection is good at the moment and I am getting more speed out of my bottom turn. I will just try my best”. The top junior 15yr olds to 18yr olds have all been invited to compete in the senior series and all put in brave performances but Chapman was the out and out star of the day. After a pre-contest talk on competition tactics and mental approach from Welsh team surfer Issac Kibblewhite, some juniors took on board what he had said. Chapman being one of them

Christian Boletta, another contender for the CI team, started slowly but improved as the contest went along and began to display his trademark turns. Scott Eastwood had an average event by his standards reaching semi finals of the Open and Senior Man. Clayton Lidster , the current European Masters champion, also had mixed fortunes with an extraordinary result in the open round 1 where he was pushed into 4th place by Freddie Seymour 14yrs and Jake Powell 18yrs which knocked him out of the Open division. He rectified his performance later by securing second in the masters final later in the day.

Action man Andre le Geyt reached 3 finals of the day, Longboard,Senior Man and Masters proving that fitness is key to success as well as  surfing talent. Winning the Longboard, getting 2nd in the Senior Man and a 3rd in the Masters

Meagan Jones surfed an impressive ladies final  winning with a long walling righthander and Jonny Carden put in a vintage performance in the Masters to secure his first win of the season

The first event of the 5 event series was held in 2-3ft with a slight  cross shore wind giving the surfers ample opportunity to show off their talent. The Senior series will determine the Channel Island team for the Eurosurf to be held here in Jersey at the end of September

RESULTS

OPEN

1-Sam George

2-Christian Boletta

3-Tom Hill

4-Matt Chapman

 Senior Man

1-Sam George

2-Andre Le Geyt

3-Renny Gould

4-Clayton Lidster

 Masters

1-Jonny Carden

2-Clayton Lidster

3-Andre Le Geyt

4-Michael Charlton

 Longboard

1-Andre le Geyt

2-Gordon Blake

3-Will Glen

4-Scott Letherbarrow

 Ladies

1-   Meagan Jones

2-   Chantelle Coote

3-   3-Esta Lempriere

4-   Libby Waggott

 

MESSAGE FROM DAVE GRIMSHAW FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE JSC

Unfortunately, I have missed the Photographic Exhibition this week, and sitting here in the sun in Tenerife, I find it hard to believe that half a century has passed since the late John Houlibecq stood on the white sands of St. Ouens Bay and took the unique and iconic photograph of the first beginnings of the Jersey Surfboard Club.

Since that special day and over the last 5 decades,  the Jersey Club has become famous for producing National and European Surfing Champions, and the Club has staged many successful and well organised National and International Surfing Events, always offering genuine Island hospitality and friendship to visiting surfers, and all users of our own very special St.Ouens Bay.


I'm sure that visitors to the exhibition will appreciate that all the talented photographers whose work is on view, have had the very real advantage of the finest of canvases to work on, the fabulous West Coast of Jersey which over time has happily remained both natural and virtually unspoilt.


I am sure you will thank the Photographers and past and present members of the club for both making and recording our famous clubs history, and we must all endeavour to ensure that present and future surfers and photographers,will still have the same magic unspoilt canvas to enjoy, when the club and its members celebrate the centenary in another fifty years time. I'm sure the exhibition will be a great success.
Regards Grimo     

EUROSURF 2009 HELP REQUIRED IMPORTANT

FROM COLIN CROWTHER

I have been given the great honour of being asked to become Contest Director for the event. Although this event is still 9 months away, it is now that I would like to start to build a team to help acheive the smooth running of this event.
 
Background Information
This event will feature approx 250 surfers, with the surfing taking place on a minimum of two simultaneus peaks throughout the week at the Watersplash. This will involve building two side by side contest sites, which will have to have a team operating at both sites. Each site will feature (as a minimum) an enclosed judging cabin, which will house 5 judges all using computer scoring sytems. There will also be admin cabins, scoreboards, PA systems, commentators (giving live scores in multiple languages), timing discs, a media centre, live streaming web action and a competitors areas, marquees etc.. The event will also have an opening ceremony/parade of Nations at Liberation square and a closing ceremony at the Wastersplash. As you can see this will be quite a big set-up, which will take a great organised team to pull off.
 
So, how can you help? Well, basically anyone who feels they can offer anything that they feel may be of help towards any of the above, will be very much appreciated. Whether it is helping out at the event, or perhaps suggesting any potential sponsors, or maybe someone may have some good contacts that may help with supplying any of the equipment needed at the contest site. And this includes everything from scaffolding, barriers, portacabins, photocopiers to smaller items such as stationary etc.. Basically, anything that may help in whatever way possible. 
 
My role as Contest Director will be to ensure everything is in place and that the event runs smoothly. The actual contest itself will be run by the Technical Director, European Surfing Federation's Rui Felix from Portugal, with the judges being provided from each competing Nation. For those who are lucky enough to know Rui, they will tell you just how good this guy is. As well as being good to work with, he is also incredibly experienced and knowledgable on both surfing and bodyboarding. He also runs the European Tour of Bodyboarding, as well as major bodyboarding events including International Bodyboarding Association's World Tour events such as the Sintra Pro. Additionally each site will have the guys from Portugal, who run the computer system, a head and assistant head judge (to be appointed from outside Jersey), multi-lingual score announcers/commentators and beach marshalls.
 
From my point of view, I would like to build a team that can be relied upon, who will get fully involved, and really want to be part of what will be the biggest surfing/bodyboarding event ever to take place in Jersey. They will of course also need to be able to commit to be available for the whole period of the event. Yes it is a big commitment, but it will be a great challenge and a great opportunity to be part of what will be a very big week in the history of Jersey surfing. Of course it will also be great fun along the way too.
 
Specifically I will be looking for the following:
 
Assistant Contest Director
The Assistant Contest Director will liase with me, the Technical Director, the Head and Assistant Head Judges, Team Managers, the Head and Assistant Beach Marshalls, Site Director, commentators, guests and various other people as and when necessary. This may sound daunting, but it is a great opportunity for someone who really wants to be a major player in the direction of the events success.
 
Head Beach Marshall
The Head Beach Marshall will be responsible for ensuring that all competitors are correctly checked in for their heats. They will also ensure vests are worn properly and returned at the end of each heat, that the timing disc is accurately displayed (the computer system means this is quite straight forward), the horn is blown correctly and that the surfing area, which will be marked out with flags on the beach, is kept free of free surfers. Help will be given with this, so it should be a formality. 
 
Assistant Beach Marshall
The Assistant Beach Marshall will report to the Head Beach Marshall and act as Head Beach Marshall at the second contest site. Duties will be as above.
 
Beach Marshalls
To assist the Beach Marshalls in their duties as outlined above. Ideal for someone who would love to be involved in the smooth running of the surfing side of the event itself. 
 
General Team Helpers/Runners
Team members who are available to help wherever and whenever needed, from helping the Beach Marshalls to collecting drinks/snacks for judges etc. Other duties may be to assist with the Contest Site such as putting up banners, flags etc, collecting/exchanging items between the two sites, helping competitors and Team Managers etc. Ideal for someone who wants to be part of the overall vibe of the event. It will be a rewarding role, which will bring you into contact with many new friends from all around Europe.
 
If you think you would like to help with any of the above, please don't hesitate to call me to discuss further. Don't worry if some of it appears a little daunting. The whole idea is to put together a team to pull together, have fun, and of course to have the common goal of pulling it all off. 
 
Of course this is also a great opportunity for our club to make an impression on the European surfing community.
 
Channel Island Team BODYBOARD DIVISION
 
There is one other very important item! There will of course be an opportunity for two (male) bodyboarders and one (female) bodyboarder to represent the Channel Islands in this event. For the guys competition will be hot for the two places, which will only push the level of Jersey bodyboarding even further. For the lady, well this is a great opportunity to emerge and make a name for yourself. I beleive there will be training all summer with the Jersey Surfboard Club (possibly with Clayton and others), and of course the Jersey Bodyboarders will do all they can too to support the competitors in the lead up to and during the event too.
 
Well, thanks for taking the time to read this and hopefully I will hear from some of you regarding the above.
 
Many thanks,
 
Colin


Jersey Bodyboarders www.jerseybodyboarding.com Tel. 00 44 (0) 1534 747703 Mobile 07797818586
 

 

JERSEY SURFBOARD CLUB STATEMENT regards Watersplash development plans

The Jersey Surfboard Club Committee Statement

Members of the Jersey Surfboard Club(“the Club”)Committee have reviewed the Seymour Group’s proposed development plans for the Watersplash site. Our Members have also been canvassed for their opinions, with some expressing their initial observations on our website, www.jerseysurfboardclub.com We recognise the commitment and level of investment planned by the Seymour Group and benefits for the Jersey Tourism Industry. However, our Members’ opinions have played a significant role in our discussions and in the preparation of this statement.

1- There should be a complete review of the size of the development due to a number of issues:

(a) Potential parking problems. One car park will be reduced in size and the other completely removed.We would like to know what the net reduction in spaces will be as this area of the bay gets swamped with traffic on summer weekends.

(b) Lack of emergency exits from the seaside area (i.e. south car park).

(c) An increase in the physical size of the Watersplash will attract more surfers/ swimmers, creating overcrowding in the sea.

(d) Overcrowding could lead to a potentially higher risk of serious injuries due to an increased numbers of inexperienced open-sea users. The current Beach Guard Centre is positioned at El Tico.

2- The ‘surfers south car park’ should remain in tact,as it not only serves as an iconic part of surfing’s heritage, but more importantly, serves as a viewing point from which parents can monitor their children whilst they are surfing during summer and winter. Junior surfers surf all year. This car park is used by many surfers to ‘check’ the surf. If removed,there will be no remaining area within the new site for surfers to do this, which will add extensive pressure to the former car parks at Le Port and to private land to the south, making them even more congested and particularly dangerous for children.

3- Rental accommodation is not needed and should be removed. This would resolve concerns in points 1 and 2.Several years ago a planning submission was made to the Les Mielles Sub-Committee for the re-development of a small corner of the south car-park for a surf school and retail use. This was refused.The present plans suggest that the entire car park is developed. This is clearly a massive increase on the previous plan,and flies in the face what this Committee stood for. A decision was taken that no new development would be permitted in the coastal strip,especially on areas where no previous buildings exist. Surely a precedent was set by the Committee who made this decision.

4- In our view the Flowrider would not be an appealing option for existing surfers.We see its potential to improve someone’s surfing ability as limited and we don’t contemplate using it for training purposes.

5- The development must be in keeping and sympathetic with the surrounding, unique environment.

6- The size of the Judging Tower in the plan is not necessary. We, as a Club, do not foresee organising events to warrant this building. European and British Championships can, if needed, run with temporary facilities installed. There must be open space surrounding the areas selected for Championships for access and to control contests. These events happen once, normally every 6- 10years.

There is a genuine fear among surfers that the ‘Cornwall Effect’ will suddenly be on our door step, with Newquay being the prime example. This is certainly not what is needed in St Ouen’s Bay.Part of the huge appeal of surfing in Jersey is that for decades the bay has been protected from development by various user groups and interested parties, with particular emphasis on restoring the natural environment of the coastal strip whenever possible.

In Jersey, the waves are less consistent and of a poorer quality than many other European surfing destinations. Our waves may be adequate to run Longboard events and selected European championships, but not of the quality to stage‘6 star’ world- class competitions. The huge tides also dictate timings and dates of competitions.

There is undoubtedly a need for the existing building to be completely updated but, with the same ‘footprint’ size or smaller. There is a real concern that other developers will wait for the outcome and possibly attempt to introduce similar attractions along the west coast of the Island, particularly in the coastal strip..

The Club was not consulted with the initial Watersplash plans in 2004 or these most recent proposals. The Jersey Surfboard Club Committee welcomes the opportunity to have an open-dialogue with the Seymour Group,and would be delighted to provide valuable input for any revised development plans for the Watersplash site.

JSC

WATERSPLASH REDEVELOPMENT PLANS and comments

IF ANYBODY HAS STRONG VIEWS ON THE REDEVELOPMENT PLEASE WRITE TO THE JEP. PLEASE ALSO INDICATE THAT YOU ARE SURF CLUB MEMBER OR GENERAL SURFER AND HOW LONG YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH SURFING news@jerseyeveningpost.com

PLEASE INSURE FACTS ARE CORRECT..THEY WILL BE CHECKED OUT BY THE MEDIA FOR FACTUAL ACCURACY

Message from Simon and Ali Moffat(nee McGovern-long time organiser of the Open Mic)

As local surfers and St Ouen's Bay residents, we have been going to the Splash for many years and have spent enough money at the bar to pay for this whole redevelopment !! ha ha :-)

We acknowledge that there are positives, including I) the design and landscaping (excluding the judging tower), ii) improving facilities, such as the club, bar and restaurant.

We feel however that the proposal is too commercial and the footprint too big. El Tico and Sands have recently increased in size and we are concerned that this is becoming a precedence for future development in the rest of the bay - which will lead to further strain on the area which is essentially a Nature Reserve. We have traveled extensively and cannot think of any other location where you can double the size of a property in a dedicated nature reserve.

David Seymour has mentioned that the facilities proposed are required to make the development a viable business venture, however, the only focus should be on whether its right for the bay and the local community. We feel that it is reasonable to ask for the proposed business venture to be smaller, therefore costing less money. If they combined this with extending their acceptable time period in which to make profit the impact of the development on the bay would be considerably reduced. We are vehemently against the building of a Wave House... as it would be more in keeping at the waterfront. We also feel strongly that accommodation should not be approved by P&E as this proposal is not in keeping with the existing use of the building.

The number of surfers has rapidly increased here in recent years, but despite this, Jersey will never be an international surfing venue as we just don't have the waves to make that happen; this must be kept in mind by the Dept for P&E and Tourism before plans are passed. If a large scale business venture is necessary to make a redevelopment profitable, why not focus on developing and protecting the ecology of the bay? The Splash (possibly alongside the likes of Durrell, Jersey Heritage, Eden project etc) could be at the forefront of marking the bay internationally as a surfing 'nature reserve'. This surely would attract a more steady long term stream of tourism? A small percentage of the profits, from this type of eco-adventure, invested back into the bay every year would be very admirable!

We feel very fortunate that David Seymour has his roots in surfing and has expressed an interest in our thoughts. With that in mind, we hope that he will take so many of the views already expressed into account - Wouldn't it be so refreshing for our comments to have an influence in this instance?

We have a great community and many good surfers here; We don't see how a judging tower and wave pool are going to improve that. We need to continue to protect St Ouen's Bay, in order to provide future generations with a sensation of space and access to nature.


A Future Splash


By Arlene Maltman, Former European and 2x British Champion

I drive my BMW XXX99 down to the Splash and park my oversized vehicle in a tiny space behind the building somewhere, I pay my £10, I can’t see the surf, but as far as I know this is still St. Ouen’s Bay and I haven’t taken a wrong turn to the Waterfront. I navigate my way to the beach through a labyrinth of passageways.

I pass the Flowrider. A couple of tourists flounder around screeching over the loud music and din of the tons of water flushing about. Someone screams, they may be hurt but I don’t stop to view the carnage.

I walk past the skate bowl (it’s the only one on the Island) where a group of kids are left to their own devices. Skate wheels grind over the surface and the noise desperately competes with the music emanating from the restaurant where parents drink flashy foamy lattes. I get to the lockers where I am lucky enough to have my own - complete with a Hollywood-esque “Star” embossed on it with the words “Arlene Maltman European champion 1982, Watersplash Jersey”. Indeed, I am one of the lucky ones, lockers are like golf course memberships: prestigious, expensive, and a long wait.I should be grateful, in my day we had to change outside in the elements, wear Marigold gloves and risk frostbite. I should be grateful.Meanwhile, a boisterous crowd gathers in the locker room. One of them shouts, “Yeah, mate its wicked – hot showers!” If only I could share their enthusiasm. The surf looks decent, so I make my way to the wall and someone from the height of the Judges Tower shouts, “Action!” Another photo shoot. A pencil thin girl who looks like she would have trouble holding a surfboard, walks past looking vacuous, I feel like saying, “the surf is the other way” but I resist the sarcasm.I walk down the stairs to the beach, cursing at pieces of litter and the massive crowd. A friend of mine is wearing on official States of Jersey “Crowd Control” T-shirt. He tells me it’s a good summer job but the worst part is having to tell long-time surfers that the line-up has its quota of bodies and they won’t be able to surf until someone gets out of the water. It’s not going to spoil my day, “I’m too old for all this hoopla, it’s all for the kids, I had it at its best” I tell myself. After all, it’s the first surf there has been in months. All the contests have been cancelled and there has been rumours of the sponsors pulling out of this so called “International Surf Centre.”

As I walk down the beach I have an epiphany: waves are the one things money can’t buy. They are a gift, along with the Bay with all its beauty and tranquillity. We’ve made some bad decisions in the past but I hope in the future we can be more sensitive stewards: I hope we can appreciate what is left of our priceless natural environment by building something in-keeping with it, rather than something that competes with it. And, I hope the real ethos of surfing and sharing waves does not get swallowed up in a tidal -wave of mass commercialism.

The year is 2015


Letter from Sam George. Multiple Open & Longboard Surfing Champion and long time CI Team member.

I was Nearly born at the watersplash in the summer of 1978 while my Dad was out Surfing. since then I have been raised in or around and surfed the splash for some 25 years I feel that I must write to set out my concern over the proposed Watersplash development.

A change as they say is always a good thing and I will be the first to admitt that the current Watersplash site as it is and as it has been for some 40 years is in dire need of drastic modernisation. The common sense approach would be to flatten the exsisting site and create a modern facility that fits in with the serenity of St Ouen's, utilising the core componants that have made the splash successfull through the generations these being a nightclub, a bar and a good restaurant. My first thought which came to me upon viewing the proposals is WHY?

Why, Do we need a Flowrider? This is about as far removed from the ethos of Surfing as you can get. Afterall this is St Ouen's bay not Typhoon lagoon in Florida!

Why, Do we need a monolithic judging tower and International Surfing centre? Jersey simply does not get sufficient surf during the summer months to warrant building a judging tower. We have enough towers as it is in the bay, These were left by the Germans! As for the Surfing Centre, I think that Mr Seymour may have been to Newquay recently and seen the one they have there and thought it be a good idea. One problem, Newquay is a town with buildings right to the beach. If common sense provails St Ouens will never have buildings which stretch right to the beach.

This brings me onto my next point what Surfer from abroad would choose to come to Jersey for a Surfing holiday when the cheaper alternative of vast untouched swell drenched beaches of south west france are just across the pond. The simple answer is nobody, the waves in the summer just do not satisfy even the basic surfers needs. Surfers travel to areas where the chances of swell are generous and the chances of surfing without crowds is high.

I don't need to point out that the proposals break nearly every rule in the planning and development rule book, nor will I stress the longterm detremental effect this will have on our wildlife which grace the shores of St Ouen's bay, increased pollution, crowding, lack of parking, Health and Safety issues have all been well highlighted in previous letters.

If mr Seymour is as he says he is a lifelong Surfer, then why not give something back to the sport that he loves. Something which captures the heritage of the Splash as it is, something that Surfers can be proud of and which relights memories of many a good surf at the beach or a night spent within the Watersplash, A modern building encompasing the facilities I have highlighted earlier in my letter are exactly what is needed, nothing more. If the Planning Authorities pass these proposals they will have made a total mockery of their precious stringent planning rulebook! I do not know one Surfer or regular beach user who thinks that these proposals are a good idea. The magic of the bay will simply be shattered if this glorified condo of a plan comes into play. The idea is one that would work if we resided at a city beach like Fistral beach in Newquay or Newport beach in California as it would have liitle impact to the infrastructure that go into making the said area succesful in its own right.

I just hope Mr Seymour comes to his senses and hear's the voices of his fellow surfers and beach users. All I can say in finishing is to call upon a cliche that goes like this. "If its isn't broken don't fix it" Let's just hope that our bay St Ouen's bay remains unbroken for many many years to come.

Sam George.

COMMENTS FROM JAKE POWELL 17yrs,JUNIOR SURFER AND SQUAD MEMBER FOR THE CHANNEL ISLAND TEAM

After growing up and spending most of my years as a mini grom at the 'Splash', i feel lucky that i had that opportuinity to enjoy the surf and the surf scene how it was and is at the moment. I just fear that the whole vibe and place is going to change for the worse and the crowds that the new project will attract will be mainly upper class and this is not what the beach should be about. I dont see why that someone has the right to change something that has been second home to so many people for so many years. But whatever happens hopefully good comes from it, cheers Jake.

comments from Shelly McFarling, Channel Island ladies Champion 2007 and CI team 2007


Hey,

I am currently away at the moment, but have been trying to keep up with what has been going on at home. Hearing that these huge plans have been put forward for the Splash worry me that i might be returning to Disneyland or something of like. Now i do agree that the Splash is a little out dated but do we really need all this rigmarloe? I do agree having the luxuries of changing rooms and lockers woud be nice but are we going to be getting charged an arm and a leg for them? And we do need to be realisitic about pulling big contests to Jersey, do professional surfers really want to surf the likes of splash when Le Gravier and Le Piste are a stones throw away? I dont know, it all just seems like we are trying to hard. Why would we need a flow rider? If people were that interested in wouldnt they be using the one we already have? It takes the natural beauty out of surfing. Going down to the beach to have a laugh surfing on the doylies with your friends, or wanting some down time and enjoying a quite surf to clear your mind thats what its about. Well whatever happens i just hope its for the good of the beach nothing else, not contests, not our benifits and not money.

Thanks Shelley McFarling.

Comments from Jeremy Oxenden, Surfer for over 30years and who's family started surfing in Jersey from the late 20s and key member of the Jersey Longboard Riders Association

Hi, I am a keen third generation all year round surfer and I have been surfing in one way or another since 1963 or 64. I'm not apposed to a modest re development of the Water Splash site, similar to the re development allowed at the El Tico site. The surf in St Ouens Bay is often crowded, we don't need to encourage mass surfing tourism, this has been done in a few bays around the world and always upsets the local surfing communities. St Ouens Bay is already a surfing paradise and we should keep it that way. Jeremy Oxenden.

Comments from Mark Creedon

As a surfer who has appreciated the beauty of St Ouens Bay for all my 40 years I am totally against the proposed development. The sport has already become too commercialised and the water is already over crowded. I’ll ask one question - do the best surf spots in Europe (or the World) have such developments? Of course not they have consistently good waves and don’t need a flowrider.

The bay as a whole needs to keep its natural beauty. If the plans are approved it will the end of the sport as I and many others know it in Jersey .

NICK DURABNO,FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE JERSEY SURFBOARD CLUB AND OWNER OF LANEEZ SURF SHOP

Here are my thoughts of the splash plans

To all members

firstly i think we are lucky to have someone like david who wants to put his time and money into surfing in jersey,the design of the building is good and been well thought out, nice looking from the beach and road side.
however i have a few issues to raise

(1) The flow rider in my opinion is not needed and will not be used enough after the honeymoon period of being something new.


(2)The parking is a big issue,the development is just to big and parking has not been addressed properly,and to loss the surfers parking is a shame.


(3)the size,I understand the splash needs to be flattened and re-built but to double the size i just don't agree with.

cheers Nick D

JAMIE COLE'S COMMENTS, HAUTLIEU ART TEACHER

Ok here goes... I think the Seymour Family have made a great effort here and are trying to support the surfing community especially. Long may it continue... However... I would like to see the area returned to nature and become part of the wider park and conservation area. This will probably never happen and i realise that the land is family owned. Dom Boletta mentioned that he would like to see the wall disappear...ditto. If the Watersplash is to be re-developed then I think landscaping and aesthetics has to be a key component. The architects and designers will claim this has already been established, but I don't think that the building itself has been sensitively planned, is not very iconic and is probably trying to be too many things at once. Ambition is healthy, but so is realism. Will Jersey ever be a magnet for international surfers and contests ??? Dont think so. We rarely have quality waves, and the tides dictate the already sensitive conditions. The Splash as we know it already attracts alot of people, not all beach-minded people. Pollution will be a factor to be considered. How can we claim to be eco-minded protectors of the sea and still encourage over-use of a small and fragile area??? This is an oppotunity to build something that we are proud of and that visitors will talk about...and it needs to be done without any compromises at all. Cheers Jamie

COMMENTS FROM DAVE BEAUGEARD,FORMER TREASURER AND PRESIDENT OF THE SURF CLUB AND LONG TIME FOLLOWER OF SURFING AROUND THE WORLD

So what do I think! I had a long chat with David Seymour, so he knows my views. The plans are excellent a well thought out “resort plan”, beautifully presented and in essence may very well be what Jersey needs. The big, big question is, are these plans what St Ouen’s Bay deserves? for whilst unlike some, I don’t believe it to be ugly, I do believe that the size of the proposals are completely out of character with the Bay and will urbanize St Ouen’s Bay at a stroke, complete with attendant increased traffic and potential light pollution from a vastly increased Watersplash footprint. Indeed will plonk a “private resort” that effectually extends from the green hut to the east, to the western boundary, that is dangerously close to the iconic White House. It will deny a view of the ocean for a large part of the drive along the Bay. Minimal impact sorry, these plans will have a huge environmental impact on St Ouen’s Bay. There is something beautiful about St Ouen’s Bay, a jewel in Jersey ’s coastline, it certainly doesn’t need a very large urbanized development right in the middle of this marvellous stretch of coast line. When I suggest that these plans include much that Jersey needs to attract the visitor, it may be so but not in St Ouen’s Bay where it is totally out of character with the unique environment of the Bay. So what happens if these proposals are accepted, what is there to stop other developers with dreams of “surf resorts” submitting plans? A precedent will have been created in the name of tidying up the Watersplash. What reason will there be to refuse others waiting in the wings who have dreams of developing land on the sea side of the five mile road. At a stroke what has been described in successive island plans as a “special place” will have been destroyed for ever. The St Ouen’s Bay Planning Framework clearly states that Jersey is a “green globe” destination which requires tourism activities to respect the environment. It goes further stating that the emphasis in St Ouen’s Bay should be on informal recreation not commercial tourism. It also goes on to say that there is a strong presumption against building in St Ouen’s Bay, and the extension of existing tourism facilities in St Ouen’s Bay including the building of self catering facilities that require new building and result in an unacceptable intensification of activity. I am sorry to say that the Watersplash proposals drive a coach and horses through every thing that the Planning Framework appears to set out to enforce. The proposals mean very little for surfing in general, OK there will be a judging tower, changing facilities and a club house, but at what a price, a mini Newquay? This is “resort surfing” complete with skate bowl, I am afraid in my book that is no reason to destroy the specialness of St Ouen’s Bay. Of course the Watersplash is tired and in need of refurbishment and I appreciate that David Seymour wants to develop the property into something he and his family can be proud of. As a surfing family they are great supporters of surfing but the bigger picture is more important and if these plans are approved what will become of the St Ouen’s Bay we know? Remember they don’t build wild spaces any more. D

COMMENTS FROM GEOFF HILL,60YRS PLUSS

Dear Surfers

I quite agree. The scale is just impossible.
It will dominate the bay, and take away much of the open
nature of the area.
St Ouens should not be used for ANY large development, no
matter how well intentioned the proposer.

Please add my name to any list of objectors
If you plan any action/protest, let me know - I will be there.

Best
Geoff (Hill)

views from Steve Harewood,founder of Freedom Surfboards,surfer for over 40yrs, GB team rider in the 60's and 70's and world travelled

My concern is the judges tower that sticks out like a sore thumb, why so big and so alone and so close to the wall.For what 5 contests year that we have coped with judging from the wall or tempory scaffolding . Whilst the major plans seem sympatic, I feel it is wrong to use the area North of theSplash that is a designated area of wildlife & reserve of natural beauty.

Letter from Scott Eastwood, BPSA Surfer,Channel Island Team surfer.

Having been a local surfer at the Splash now for 23 years, I write to express my concern at the proposed £10 million redevelopment of the Watersplash to create a 'world class family surfing centre'. I understand that one of the aims of this development is to create a year round surf tourism market in the island and to re establish Jersey as a key surfing venue for international competitions. As a local island surfer I have several issues with these aims: First of all, the reason that Jersey doesn't attract a great deal of surf tourism is primarily due to the fact that the waves are less consistent and of lesser quality than many other European surf destinations such as France. The introduction of a flow rider is not going to change the quality or frequency of waves that we get in the island but it will serve to increase the amount of people surfing at St Ouens Bay and more than likely lead to higher numbers of surf related accidents in the water and increase the impact on the environment. Surfing in Jersey is already growing at a phenomenal rate and in my opinion, doesn't need the sudden increase in numbers that a development such as this is likely to bring. There is also the issue of wanting to re establish Jersey as a key venue for international surfing competition as it was in the 1960's. The quality of surf that we get now is certainly no different to the 1960's, but the change in equipment from the long boards ridden in that era to today's modern short boards mean that the typical waves that you are likley to have over a short contest waiting period (certainly in the summer months at least), are more often than not suited to long board surfing but not to today's modern style of high performance short boarding. Similarly, the growing emphasis on giving the world's best surfers the best opportunity to demonstrate their full repertoire of moves in the best conditions possible mean that Jersey is not likely to be top of the list as a would be WQS contest venue. As already stated by Doug Creedon, St Ouens Bay has that 'grass roots' feel about it and that is why it is such an appealing place to most, if not all of the island's surfing community. Does the Splash really need a flow rider, swanky restraunts, board lockers, surf lodges, another surf shop and everyting else that has been proposed? I would be the first to agree that the existing structure could do with a bit of a make over but I would respectfully suggest that the proposed redevelopment would be several steps too far.

VIEWS FROM MARK DURBANO, FORMER GB TEAM SURFER, BIG WAVE RIDER AND OWNER OF LANEEZ SURF SHOP

Dear Surfers ,

The splash as it stands is probably one of the largest buildings down the beach , why does the rebuild need to take up more precious land .I'm sure the rebuild could match the same area of building as is there
now but be a lot more pleasing to the eye, more enjoyable to be in andso therefore be a more profitable venture .

The Bay's main attractions were there well before any buildings were built and are luckily still there now . Firstly the whole bay itself ,it's amazing to see it for the first time , whatever direction you enter it and it stays that way for nearly ever visit , the dunes , the countryside , the pond ,the beach , the sea , the waves and the wildlife . The sun coming over the hill in the morning , the spoilt for choice spots to pick during
the dayand maybe best of all one of the nicest place's in the island to watch the sun go down .

These should always be the main attractions of St.Ouen's Bay .

Happy surfing ,

Mark . D .

VIEWS FROM DAVE GRIMSHAW, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE JSC,FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE BSA AND COMMITTEE MEMBER OF THE ISA

I went to the excellent presentation at the Watersplash, and considered myself lucky to have been involved with surfing since the early beginnings. I still follow with great interest the continued success of the Jersey Surfboard Club and how the sport has evolved over the years at our own very special St. Ouens Bay. The Watersplash has also been a very important part of Jersey surfing folklore, and we all have cherished memories and many fabled stories shared with past and present surfing friends over decades of good times at St. Ouens Bay and the Watersplash. With this in mind, I’m probably the wrong person to be asked about the future plans of the Watersplash as unfortunately business doesn’t survive on nostalgia alone. However, having seen Newquay develop from only good waves, a few B & B’s and Bilbo’s Surfshop, and Jeffreys Bay evolve from pristine Sand Dunes and even better waves to become just two of many full on surf city mecca’s of fast food outlets, fairgrounds, wall to wall accommodation, and massive crowds, all I’m afraid rather distant from the real essence of surfing ideals.. May I therefore respectfully suggest the following;-

1) Endorse the Moratorium on St. Ouens Bay with little or no increase on the footprint of the present Watersplash building.

2) No rental accommodation.

3) Little or no building on the South surfers car-park.

4) Definitely not the place for a flow rider as St Ouens has quality summer sun and surf plus 5 mm neoprene and offshore winds for winter waves all adequately provided by the fortune of nature.

Regards GRIMO.

LETTER FROM JOHN CARDEN, MEMBER OF THE BRITISH MASTERS TEAM THAT WENT TO PERU THIS APRIL, ADDRESSED TO THE JEP

If I had hated the new design for the Watersplash I would have been the first to kick off so it only seems fair to state that I really like the new design. It is white and horizontal and simple ... all things that seem to fit with the Bay.

The increase in size will concern some people but the building design and landscaping should combine to create a minimal impact. As I understand it, this increase is needed toincorporate new facilities required to make the Splash a viable, year round, business. As for those facilities? Well I don't really care what new stuff is included as long as I can still get a beer and a feed after surfing and as long as the nightclub stays. I think the grommets will be happy to have a skate bowl as well.

The International Surfing Centre and the promise of more events will encourage visitors to the island so I can't argue with that. The surf will get more crowded but let's face it, who surfs the Splash to get away from crowds?

The only thing I don't like is the loss of the surfside parking but that won't matter because we will be able to leave our boards and wetties in the new storage facility and skateboard to the beach
instead!

Cheers
JC

Comment from Doug Creedon

Strengths A major hotelier is prepared to invest and develop the 'Splash.The needs of the surfer are a major consideration.Improved facilities: ie: Club room, showers, board store,custom built judging tower etc.. Sympathetic design and a great improvement on the current site. The Seymours are consulting on a wide basis.

Weaknesses
The sheer physical scale of the plan.Attempting to include too many things.Loss of the 'grass roots' feel of the 'Splash.Loss of parking area.Possible high cost of eating/drinking there.Will the plan get past The Les Mielles Committee?

Opportunities
Staging more international events.Possibility in time of a WQS.Re-enforcing Jersey as key surfing venue.

Threats

Effect on the environment.Big aattraction as an 'out or town' venue for non-surfers; increased crowds.
Increased amounts of rubbish on the beach and in the water.Dangers of an increased number of inexperienced water users posing a danger to themselves and others. What I call the "the Cornwall effect".
If PandE force changes, how will it all look?

Food for thought from one of the 'old men'! Doug Creedon

COMMENT FROM MINKY CHARLTON

Hi all

I'd have to agree with JC on this although I haven't seen the full plans yet. From the artist impression the design is visually appealing and doesn't look to overpower the area even though its substantially larger than the existing structure. I'm still to make up my mind on the size but hopefully a look at the full plans will put it all into perspective. The architect looks to have done a great job in masking the environmental and visual impact although they get paid a lot of money to make it look great on paper - but will the reality be as appealing? A downside is the loss of the car park especially for parents who can watch their kids surf from the car (in winter especially). I gather now we'll be able to watch from a comfy chair in a swanky café sipping a £1.50 latte - could maybe get used to that!

As I said I'm still to see the full plans but I can definitely say this development is a damn site better and will provide great facilities than what's currently on the plot. However a note of warning - there's going to be a lot of planning decisions going down and from what I've seen happen in previous applications we all better make sure we keep our eyes on what's going on in case things get slipped through under the radar which are then too late to contest.

I'd be happy to be part of a group representing the hearts and minds of the Splashies if anyone is interested which all of us should be - be good to bounce ideas about and get some opinions going for things we 'do' and 'don't' like about these proposals.

Michael Charlton

IF ANYONE HAS AN OPINION ON THE NEW PLAN FOR THE SPLASH PLEASE EMAIL THE JERSEY SURFBOARD CLUB ON jerseysurfclb@yahoo.co.uk as well as the JEP, BBC RADIO, 103 OR CTV

THE COMMITTEE WILL ISSUE A STATEMENT REGARDING THE PLAN as soon as possible

Areas of Concern voiced from local surfers (members and non members) so far

1 - Size

2 - Enviromental impact on St Ouens Bay

3 -Parking Provision

4 -Rubbish/Litter

5 - Over crowding in the water

6 -Seaside Parking in south side carpark

7 -Emmergency exits from seaside area from the south side carpark

THIS IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT STAGE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPLASH AS WELL AS SURFING IN GENERAL. YOUR OPINIONS WILL BE VALUED AND WILL ADD TO THE RESPONSE WE HAVE TO MAKE.

DAVE FERGUSON JERSEY SURFBOARD CLUB PRESIDENT

Eurosurf 2009

For all Senior surfers- The Eurosurf 2009 will be held in Jersey. Planning for this prestigious event is underway. Anybody who wants to be involved with sponsorship please contact the Club secretary Malcolm Corrigan on malcolm_corrigan@yahoo.co.uk

50th Anniversary book 2009

Hello All,

Please read below and if you can contribute please email David Ferguson or Stuart Abraham on stuartabraham@localdial.com. or fergje3@yahoo.co.uk with your personal story.. This will be an epic book containing loads of eye catching material and stories told by you the surfers of Jersey past and present..

Anybody who has any type of film footage please contact Gerry George gerrygeorgeci@hotmail.com

Our deadline will be the beginning of August with the view to publish for Xmas.

Helping with the editorial are Mick McCarthy, Ben le Feuvre[art design], Stuart Abraham and hopefully Jon Hetherington[Freedom Surfboards/Artist]

‘Making Waves or Off the Lip or Low Tide Splash – The Story of one of Europe’s oldest Surfboard Clubs’ is the working title of the book we are hoping to produce to mark next year’s 50th anniversary of the club. The content will include great pics from past and present of which there are plenty and we are also looking for as much memorabilia that can be unearthed from five decades of surfing in Jersey. Basically, anything that is graphically interesting that will add dimension to the lay out and design. Here’s a quick list of the sort of things we are looking – original items we select will be scanned and returned straight away but not all of it will be used:
Logos,labels,stickers from local surf products ( boards, wax, sun oil etc) brochures, magazine cuttings, national/international magazine and newspaper cuttings Watersplash/Waves pix and posters, El Tico, SandsFreedom Surfboard factory – pix, logos, labels, pix of shapers,glassers,polishers,airbrushers at work, stacks of boards ready for export.Shots of beach scenes, vans and vehicles, surf crowd and good times
Competition/championships programmes, podium awards, medals, visiting surf stars. Local surf art

As mentioned the book will have 5 main chapters – one for each decade – and rather than being too historical it will be based on interviews and personal recollections/ stories written by you the surfers . We don’t want anything written in a strict style just stories about the surfing way of life - friendships, influences , waves, travel. 100-600 words max. If you need help with writing your account , Mick McCarthy will offer advice...mccarthy@jerseymail.co.uk

Cheers,

Stuart Abraham and Dave Ferguson JSC

« Previous | Next »