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13th Annual No Pro surf contest
On the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd of September the 13th Annual Gwithian Academy of Surfing/Down the Line Surf Co No Pro surfing competition was held at Godrevy Beach.
The No Pro is a surfing contest that only un-sponsored surfers may enter making this an incredibly popular ‘grass-roots' event. Competitors turning up at the Sandsifter Complex at Godrevy on Saturday were greeted with the best waves and weather they had seen in weeks; head-high waves, light sea breezes and perfect blue sky.
A pool of over 100 competitors, some from as far away as South Africa, revelled in the ideal surfing conditions and by Sunday only the most gifted of amateur surfers remained in the event.
In the Under 16's girls final Ella Simons, a young lady with a lot of potential, overcame spirited resistance from Ellie Hambley, Olivia Smith and Poppy Barlow-Smith.
The women's final was also a tense affair in the marginal late afternoon high-tide surf. Surfing runs in Leah Green's blood but the daughter of St Agnes' longboard supremo ‘Minnow' Green could only finish in 4th place. Meanwhile in the ‘War of the Rosies' Penzance's Rosie Reed held off Devon's Rosie Ellis to take 2nd place. St Agnes' Marja Van Huelen took the women's title.
The Under 16's Boys' Final was a frenzy of action with over 50 waves being surfed by the four finalists in 25 minutes, a truly dizzying feat. Despite stiff competition from junior rippers Josh Daniel, Justin Lapskis and Luke Millington the snappy surfing of Ryan Roberts took first place.
Last year's Under 16 champion Aaron Roberts had no problem adapting to the open division and bagged himself a fourth place finish this year giving South Africa's third placed Josh Robertson a run for his money. Last year's Open bridesmaid Pete Williams took the crown after knocking the in-form Nick Hall from Hayle into second place.
A lavish prize-giving ceremony was held at the Red River Inn where finalists were given a breath-taking array of swag from South to South Surf Co and Alder. A special mention must also be made to Sue Nicholls at Penwith District Council and the competition judges for their tireless work behind the scenes in making this such a successful event.
U16 Girls
1st Ella Simons
2nd Ellie Hambley
3rd Olivia Smith
4th Poppy Barlow Griffin
Women
1st Marja Van Huelen
2nd Rosie Reed
3rd Rosie Ellis
4th Leah Green
U16 Boys
1st Ryan Roberts
2nd Luke Millington
3rd Justin Lapskis
4th Josh Daniel
Open
1st Pete Williams
2nd Nick Hall
3rd Josh Robertson
4th Aaron Roberts