13717454_10157181822885486_940676973549274118_o

The popularity of the Jesus Surf Classic in Croyde, organised by Christian Surfers UK continues to grow now in its 24th year. With a week to go most of the categories are already full with around 140 competitors registered, which will mean a busy weekend for all the organisers, judges and officials.

The 24th Jesus Surf Classic comes to its North Devon home once again over the weekend of 10th – 11th September, with eight divisions being run, and weather permitting, the mobile skatepark will be back again.

The Jesus Surf Classic is organised and run by Christian Surfers UK and this year there is over £2000 of prize money to be shared between the eight categories, with the Open Men’s surfing champion receiving £300. This year we are increasing the Ladies open winner cheque to the same amount for the first time. Last year’s hugely successful 23rd event, was oversubscribed but was a fantastic weekend both in the water and with the skatepark action and other attractions on land.

As before, over 100 Christian Surfers volunteers from around the country will be involved in organising the weekend, making it ideal for competitors, supporters and, of course, their families. There will be a skate park, marquee and BBQ, and surf and skate movies will be shown on the large TV throughout the weekend. There will be a Big Move skateboard competition on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (weather permitting) at the purpose-built skate park. We are looking forward to seeing lots of skaters coming down to this event once again.

One new innovation for this year will be a variety of individuals and bands playing some acoustic music throughout both days in the contest marquee. We are excited about adding music to the event, and looking forward to listening to the performers.

Competition is always fierce and last year Bude’s Liam Turner took the Open event, with Emily Currie taking victory in the Open Women’s division, along with a cheque for £250 and trophy. It is also, however, a great opportunity for those wishing to enter their first competition in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The hotly contested Groms division (U12) was won by Bude’s Stanley Norman, and the equally competitive Masters (Over 35’s) was won for the second year running by Paul Kirby from Bude.

The Jesus Surf Classic has become one of the biggest and longest running surf contests in the UK, and Christian Surfers UK are once again very much looking forward to hosting it at one of the best beach breaks on the north coast, Croyde Bay.

Currently all the men’s categories are FULL, with some people already on the waiting list, and just a few spaces remaining in the women’s and the under 18 women’s. For any women or girls looking to grab the last few spaces available go to the online booking portal www.christiansurfers.co.uk/register

Jesus-Surf-1
Jesus-Surf-2
A snapshot the Jesus Surf Classic 2015. Images courtesy Roy Harley.

As before, working closely with Parkdean Holidays, those camping at the Parkdean site will have access to a special 2 1/2-day rate which means contestants and supporters don’t have to move off their pitch early on Sunday morning. Please request this when making a booking for the campsite.

The dates for the ninth Jesus Longboard Classic have also been confirmed and this will take place over the weekend of 15th – 16th October at its traditional venue of Polzeath, using the Tubestation as its contest base.

With great hospitality guaranteed and a great bunch of volunteers, this event continues to grow in popularity, so again ensure you get your entries in once the online portal opens on 12th September. The Jesus Longboard Classic has a well-deserved reputation for its friendly atmosphere and relaxed vibe, as well as the later rounds being highly competitive.

This year, for the first time there will be five categories, sharing over £1000 in prize money: Open, Women’s, Junior (U18) and Masters (over 35) and for the first time a new Grand Masters Over 50s division.

All previous competitors will be sent an entry link, and you will be able to pay online or by cheque.

For more information please contact Phil Williams at [email protected] 

Screen Shot 2016-09-05 at 11.15.58