A total of 24 young bodyboarders enjoyed overhead and fun 1-2ft waves breaking at Towan Beach, UK, as part of The Grommet Challenge, a free coaching session and competition for junior riders.
The coaches included Rob Barber, English Junior Team Coach and former National Champion Aidan Salmon and former Western Australian Champion Lauren Williams.
“Bodyboarding has been going from strength to strength in recent years however if we don’t look after the grassroots and keep the new blood coming through, then the longevity of the sport is endangered. Hence, we put together the Grommet Challenge to give young bodyboarders who may not otherwise be able to afford coaching and contest entry, an opportunity to come along and receive some free instruction, participate in a fun and informative competition environment and win some great prizes. Hopefully we will give them the confidence and inspiration to carry on in the sport”, says Rob Barber.
The three hour session also included video analysis and advice on how to warm up and prepare equipment for a productive session.
The stand out performance of the event went to an Under 16 competitor from Porthtowan, Sam Brabyn. Brabyn smashed the Under 16 final with a combined point score of 19.50 out of a possible 20 points.
Brabyn won himself not only a new NMD board generously donated by Action Sports Distribution, but also a sponsorship from bodyboarding's newest and most progressive retailer the Bodyboard-Depot.
“I had such a good day it was great to be able to put into practice everything from this mornings’ session into this afternoons competition, and then to come away with the win was epic. I can’t wait to come back. I would really like to thank my sponsor Science Bodyboards and also the Bodyboard-Depot for all their support”, commented Brabyn.
Closely following Brabyn in the Under 16 division was Newquay local Joe Woodhouse followed by Olly Nicholson and Henry Forsyth.
The Under 14 division was won by first time competitor James Trevena who received a new board donated by event sponsor Alder Sportswear. Trevena was closely followed by Tyler Littlejohns, Alex Brown and Sunny Morse who finished second, third and fourth respectively.
The Under 18 division was taken out by Edward Hone of Plymouth who managed to best Owen Sparks.
Bodyboard-Depot/ThreeSixty Magazine Grommet Challenge 2011 | Results
Under18
1st: Edward Hone
2nd: Owen Sparks
Under 16
1st: Samuel Brabyn
2nd: Joe Woodhouse
3rd: Olly Nicholson
4th: Henry Forsyth
Under 14
1st: James Trevena
2nd: Tyler Littlejohns
3rd: Alex Brown
4th: Sunny Morse