Monday, September 19, 2005

Portreath took the victory

08 September 2005
Top volunteer lifeguards from all over the UK tested their physical strength, stamina and skills over a tough weekend at Fistral Beach in Newquay for the British Championships of Surf Life Saving. It was the second year in a row the event has been held at the famous Newquay beach and coincided with the 50th anniversary of Surf Life Saving Great Britain.

Hundreds of spectators watched members from 22 teams show off their skills in a number of events in and out of the water including swimming races, board races and competitions involving picking up colour-coordinated flags, described as 'musical chairs without chairs or music', which tests the competitors' speed of reaction, speed and agility.

On Sunday there was also an iron man competition, which combined running, swimming and board paddling.

National president of the organisation Jonathon Ball said: "We had a terrific weekend. The surf came up well on Sunday which was magnificent.

"We had clubs competing from all over Cornwall and Devon and some from as far away as Wales, Ireland and Croydon but it was definitely Portreath that took the victory home with them."

The event saw several European championship contenders taking part, including members from the UK team who will compete in the world championships in Australia next spring.