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Community support helped make the Scottish National Surfing Championships in Thurso a 'top event'


By Jean Gunn

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Ben Larg who made it through to the men's final. Picture: Oscar James
Ben Larg who made it through to the men's final. Picture: Oscar James

Scottish Surfing Federation contest director Chris Clarke has praised the efforts that went into running this month's championships at Thurso East.

"Having been a part of these events in Thurso for nearly 15 years I was overwhelmed by the community support and the local effort to host the competition," he said.

"It has become a top-class event and really sets a high standard that everyone involved should be immensely proud of. Well done all."

The federation made the decision to run the 2021 championships in November due to Covid-19 restrictions earlier in the year. After two years of waiting, during such a pivotal time for Scottish surfing competition, all the best talent from across the country were keen to contest the titles.

And it proved to be memorable event for local surfers, with 16-year-old Craig McLachlan becoming the youngest open men's champion while the runner-up spot went to Finn MacDonald of North Coast Watersports.

Winning the women's event was Phoebe Strachan (25), with fellow North Shore Surf Club (NSSC) member Iona McLachlan coming second, while Chris Clarke was runner-up in the longboard competition.

Local women's champion Phoebe Strachan. Picture: Derek Mcdonald-Lee
Local women's champion Phoebe Strachan. Picture: Derek Mcdonald-Lee

Still buoyant at the local surfers' achievements, Jason Simpson, chairman of the Thurso-based NSSC, said: "We had a great run of results, really. Overall I am extremely happy – it has been a great success."

He explained: "The surf club started about seven years ago. The reason we started was because there were not enough young surfers coming through.

"Finally we now have Craig McLachlan. He is a product of the surf club and he is the youngest surfer to ever win the champs. A 16-year-old winner in the men's open is an incredible achievement."

Pointing out that Craig's sister Iona also came up through the surf club, and commenting on the successes of the other local surfers, Simpson said: "It really is a credit to see all these kids coming through and winning. It makes it all worthwhile."

Thanking all the sponsors and those that helped pull everything together, he said it had been a well-run competition and a great achievement.

At the moment the local club has 50 people on the waiting list and that is without any advertising.

Action shot of 16-year-old Craig McLachlan, the men's open champ. Picture: Duncan McLachlan
Action shot of 16-year-old Craig McLachlan, the men's open champ. Picture: Duncan McLachlan

Head judge Ester Spears said: "I am quite happy to state that the Scottish championships have the best facilities and infrastructure of any of the home nations this year.

"Not only does Scotland consistently provide the best surf, but the infrastructure of this event is second to none with a heated judges' cabin, computer-generated live scores, priority system, comfortable competitors' area and superb catering, making it one of the most professionally run and enjoyable events of the year."

Longboard title winner Malcolm Findlay said: "On finals day this year it was 46 years to the day since I first drove up to surf at Thurso East. During this time I’ve been fortunate enough to have picked up five open titles, six in the masters’ division, and this is my tenth longboard win.

"I’ve met amazing people, made great friends, and had good times, but nothing lasts forever, and it’s a privilege to be able to go out on a high note, so that’s my last Scottish as a competitor."

Despite being pipped in the longboards quarter-finals, Ingrid Morrison – the only woman who entered this mixed contest and the only competitor this year to enter the maximum three categories – will now go on to represent Scotland in the women’s longboard event.

Ingrid said: "The memories I have of this event are magical and I’m already excited to represent Scotland in future surf events."

Masters' title winner Mark Cameron said: "Every year the bar gets raised. I’m proud to say I’ve won the masters Scottish championship. The highlight for me was Craig and Ben’s performance – Scottish surfing is in good hands."

The most impressive waves of the weekend appeared to be saved for the men's open final, with Craig scoring the best wave, and he went on to win the title.

He said: "Everything aligned on the Saturday for me and I just managed to find the right waves to get me through my heats. The waves were sick in the finals – the best waves I’ve ever surfed in a heat."

Related article: Craig McLachlan on the crest of a wave after becoming youngest surfer to win open Scottish title


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