A NEWQUAY surf club kicked off its competition season in style on Saturday.
Newquay Boardriders staged the highly anticipated Ripcurl Cold Water Classic at Great Western Beach.
The contest was initially scheduled for Fistral Beach but contest Director Zoe Sheath made the decision to relocate the event to Great Western Beach, where the conditions proved to be ideal.
Competitors were treated to six-foot clean waves and unexpected sunshine, making for a spectacular day of surfing action.
Defending women’s champion Sunny Ingram managed to maintain her lead in a nail-biting final with powerful backhand turns in the overhead waves.
Kaja Millward and Budes' top Junior, Coco Arther fought hard but could not find the backup wave they needed to overtake Ingram, who claimed victory once again, marking another impressive win.
The judges made a special mention to two of the club's most up and coming girl's, 11-year-olds Annabelle Busby and Mila Barber, who showed trued determination conquering the double overhead waves and will “no doubt be adding their names to trophies in the year's to come.”
The over forties category proved to be a battle of seasoned legends.
Egor Harris and his brother Sean, who have decades of competitive experience between them, both put on strong performances taking fourth and third respectively, but it was Gadge Llewellyn who narrowly edged out Warren Tuck by less than a point to secure the win.
Their performance proved that age is no barrier to maintaining a high standard in competitive surfing and inspiring future generations to come.
The level of competition in the men’s open was fierce from the start.
Surfers faced large, powerful waves, and the quality of the heats was “phenomenal.”
Fynn Gillespie, who dominated earlier rounds, was unable to find a meaningful score finishing in fourth.
Toby Donachie, a 32-year-old surfer from St Merryn, took third place after returning from a competitive hiatus for many year's, reminded everyone why he was one of the country’s very best surfers.
Jago Tasker, a recent Newquay transplant, originally from the Isle of Wight, showcased his powerful surfing style and impressive technique to secure some of the day’s highest scores.
However, it was 16-year-old local surfer Heath Gillespie who stole the show.
Staying composed throughout the heat, Gillespie found a long right-hander that allowed him to build on his lead and clinch the 2025 Cold Water Classic title.
Contest director Zoe Sheath expressed her delight with the event’s success.
She said: “The Cold Water Classic has become a prestigious event in the surfing calendar, attracting not only the region’s top surfers but also some of the UK’s finest talent.
“As the club has grown over the years, each event has showcased incredible skill and progression, and this occasion was no exception.
“The surfers kept the judges and spectators on edge, pulling off high-risk maneuvers and scoring exceptional points throughout the day.
“We couldn't have had a more fantastic day with beautiful weather and solid swell for our first contest of the year.
“It’s been yet another great event for not only the competitors but also for bringing the community together at such a great venue.
“A special thank you was extended to Ripcurl Newquay for sponsoring the event, as well as the judging panel, contest staff, and all the supporters who came down to Great Western Beach.
“Looking ahead, Newquay Boardriders are excited for 2025, with more contests on the horizon, including the ever popular Northshore Pro Cadet Series and the Memorial Weekend.
“Social events will also be on the calendar.”
Results:
Women's:
1st: Sunny Ingram
2nd: Kaja Millward
3rd: Coco Arther
4th: Mila Barber
Over 40's:
1st: Gadge Llewellyn
2nd: Warren Tuck
3rd: Sean Harris
4th: Egor Harris
Men's Open:
1st: Heath Gillespie
2nd: Jago Tasker
3rd: Toby Donachie
4th: Fynn Gillespie