Headworx Welsh Open

Nathan Phillips (Wales) wins the Headworx Welsh Open, held at Llangennith Beach on Gower peninsula, South Wales. Nathan put on outstanding display of contemporary surfing throughout the contest to take this prestigious title and in the process defeated some of the best surfers in the UK. The event attracted competitors from as far a field as Morocco and the Canary Islands as well as the best surfers in Great Britain. They competed for £1,000 prize money and valuable points on the British Professional Surfing Association UK Tour. In the final Nathan narrowly defeated four times British Champion Lee Bartlett (Newquay) on a Three / Two decision by the Judges. Third was Mark Harris (Newquay) surfing well but looked a little tired after competing in the junior final prior to the Open. Fourth was Eduardo Acosta (Canary Is) who looked like the surfer to beat during the event, but failed to catch the waves when it counted. The event, initially scheduled to be held at Langland bay was moved because of the good waves at Llangennith. Therefore allowing the surfers the chance to perform at their best in the better conditions.

Junior Welsh Open

After the third event on the BPSA UK Tour Lee Bartlett has taken a strong lead, with finishes in every final on the tour so far, coming fourth, third and now second. Second place on the tour goes to Jake Boex (Helston) who is proving to be one of the most improved surfers this year and a name to look for in the future. Third place is Steve Winter (Newquay) who was the leader up until this event. Nathan Phillips moves up to sixth place on the ratings. In the Junior WSF (Welsh Surfing Federation) Event, Josh Knowles (Newquay) defeated Mark Harris (Newquay) in an exciting battle between them. Mark clearly lead the start of the heat scoring 8.5’s on the best wave ridden, but Josh came back in the latter stages forcing Mark to need one more good wave to take the title, which failed to emerge. Third was Luke Cromwell (Wales) and fourth was Andrew Mennie (N Ireland), both these surfers failed to catch the better waves and keep up with the scoring of Josh and Mark.

Josh now takes the lead in the junior ratings ahead of Reubyn Ash (Bude) who is in second position and Mark Harris in third. UK Surf Promotions would like to thank the junior event sponsors David Gower of Headworx, Steve Kitt of Balin and Nick Swinnerton of Billabong for donating prizes and supporting the grass roots level of surfing. The next event on the tour is scheduled to be held at Lynmouth in November.