2021 marked 40 years since the very beginning of Boardmasters Surf Competition in 1981
BY CAILIN WHEATLEY
81’ didn’t fail to entertain either. After a tense semi-final between Welsh Carwyn Williams and South African Shaun Tompson, Aussie surfing luminaries, Cheyne Horan and Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew painted the waves in the final with their impeccable surfing performance. This is why Australia was and still is the home and art of surfing culture. They battled it out only to receive a tie!
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Still taking place at Newquay’s finest Not only has the style of the ‘ S urfing is break, Fistral Beach, the comp has wetsuit changed since the 1980’s, but the progression, a resilient and welcomed some of the world’s ultimate surfing influences, from the expectations, and standards lifelong likes of Kelly Slater, Occy, and Taj Burrow. of surfing from as young as 12 have absolutely rocketed. But nothing beats watching the locals, young Who would have thought that Tom Curren’s and old, tear up their home break year after year simple yet shockingly influential invention of the whilst letting impressive outsiders from as close double pump bottom turn in the 80’s has become as Croyde and Bude, to the coasts of Wales, show second nature for surfers today? Where less than them what they’re missing. 40 years later, it’s ordinary for kids to be throwing Although, this year gave us a taste of what the faultless airs across the shoreline; so speedy you thriving new generation has to offer. It didn’t hinder have to double take to make sure it wasn’t a bird. the multiple British title winning 32-year-old surfer, Youngsters have reflected what true innovation Jayce Robinson, from taking 1st place at this year’s looks like since the birth of surfing, but the older comp. rippers still prove why they are the best in the game. After a year of doubt with Covid-19, 2021 brought nothing but solidarity and exceptional If anything, it showed fresh faces that surfing is a resilient and lifelong sport. surf amongst the British surf community.
