Bought to you by Tregenna Castle, StIves BID, GuardUK, XTRATUF, KosinUK, OceanFrog, Saltburn Surfshop, PauaUK, Saints Board Riders, Freeriders Surf Shop
With a good surf forecast this event was called on! Surfers gathered at St Ives for the first BLU Tour event of the year – The Porthmeor Longboard Classic. On Saturday it was grey skies and bigger swell, followed by blue skies and slightly smaller surf on Sunday. Both days proved to be super clean and perfect contest conditions. This was shaping up to be a real banger of an event.
Coming together for round one, we welcomed surfers from four different countries and 40 surfers entering into 8 different divisions. We ended up surfing 25 Heats and managed 663 scored waves. Alongside our athletes, were a dedicated team that bought the event to you. Firstly, the BLU Chairman and Head Judge Norman Wright alongside Minnow Green playing a very active part as the contest director.
The event really got off to a fast start cruising through the Men’s Open heats. This brought together some of the best longboarders really battling it out to get through. The heats were well fought out and the scores were high. Included in these heats where the usual names, Elliot Dudley looking as smooth as ever, but also nice to see some newer names really pushing through. Reggie Roynon looked like he was progressing quickly and could be a force to be reckoned with. Nico Keruzec made some very bold Hang 10’s to set the round alive.
Mens Champion – Elliot Dudley
In the Women’s open it was nice to see some new names appearing and making it a challenge, we sadly missed a few as they were away on international duty for the ISA Longboard Champs. But that didn’t stop Beth Leighfield from showing silky smooth skills to motivate her during day 1.
Sunday brought a slight change, as we moved to blue skies and a slightly smaller swell. Sunday was a fast-paced day of final after final for all 8 divisions. The surfing just seemed to get better and better throughout the day. Each heat seeing competitors pushing each other to higher and higher skill levels.
The main highlights from the day included Reggie Roynon dominating the U18 Boys’ final with a very strong display of noseriding matched with great wave selection. It was great to see the Over 35 Women battling it, even though this was the friendliest heat I watched. I have never seen so many smiles. This was friendship all the way. The Masters was another big battle ground, and it could have gone anyway, but Nico Keruzec Hang 10’s just blew everyone else out of the water. Such composure on the nose. Our Grand Masters also demonstrated that we should all keep surfing, with Chris Webb giving a commanding performance. Into the Women’s Open and this was a belter! Beth Leighfield was super silky, and her waves flowed so beautifully. A great win for her. She looked like she has gone up a level over the winter and will be challenging the women’s division at each competition.
Under 18 Womens Champion – Sylvie Puddiphatt
Into the Men’s Open now, and this felt like a real heavy weight division bringing together Elliot Dudley, Nico Keruzec, Ashley Braunton and Reggie Roynon. The pace to the final was relentless. Wave after wave. It was interesting to see that Reggie found his spot and stuck to what he was doing! Very patient surfing from him. And the result was a real ding-dong battle between Elliot and Nico. Who could milk the waves for the most points? Luckily for Elliot, his relaxed commanding style delivered the win, but Nico pushed him hard with his effortless and weight defying 10’s.
What a weekend it was! Amazing waves, amazing battle but equally mixed with friendship and smiles. We can’t wait for Round 2 at Saunton, 7-8th June, followed by Round 3 at Tynemouth, 4-5th October.
Full results
| Mens Open | Womens Open |
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| Masters | Grand Master |
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| Over 35 Women | U18 Girls |
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| U18 Boys | Cadets |
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For the detailed stats and scores please visit https://www.surfscores.com/?event=388
