PICTURES: Coaches praised for helping next generation of North Shore surfers
Surfing standards among the younger members of North Shore Surf Club are “improving year on year” thanks to the efforts of volunteer coaches, according to chairman Jason Simpson.
He was speaking after the end-of-season competition for juniors and celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of the Thurso-based club’s revival.
“Since reviving the club 10 years ago it has gone from strength to strength,” Simpson said. “This is due to the amazing volunteer coaches that put in their time and effort into helping the next generation.
“This year’s competition was proof that the level of surfing is improving year on year. The future is looking very bright for local surfers.”
A north swell provided some contestable waves as everyone gathered at Dunnet beach ready to compete on Saturday morning. The weather wasn’t particularly kind, with rain and an onshore breeze – but this did not deter the hardy competitors, their parents and all the volunteers.
The day began with the under-18 division, a hotly contested match-up between U18 Scottish champion Olivia Mackay and Scotland U18 rugby player Tamzin Rosie. Olivia clinched the win with a powerful top turn on her first wave and a floater to finish.
The under-16s were next, with Voe Brock and Gregor Mill going head to head. Gregor kicked off the heat with a clean set wave and a nice smooth bottom-to-top turn combo. He couldn’t back it up, though, and Voe took the win with a couple of nice waves.
The under-14s saw Rhyan Helliwell and Will Brock battle it out for second and third. Both surfed very well with Rhyan placing ahead of Will by only 0.2 of a point. Tyler Jackson also held his own in a stacked heat but it was Olivia Sutherland who was crowned champion with her lovely cruisey style.
Caalin Rosie was a force to be reckoned with in the under-12 division with a convincing win over Scarlett Heddle, Lucy McTurk and Megan Bridge. All the girls caught some great waves but Caalin seemed to pick out the sets and linked manoeuvres nicely.
The last division of the day was the under-10s plus the only U8 contestant, Finn Main.
Finn (6) showed everyone that he is one to watch for the future. Practising his pop-ups at home seemed to pay off with the amount of waves he rode in 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, Skye Brock showed that surfing runs in the Brock family, taking off on some nice waves to secure the win for the under-10s.
Meri Clarke was not far behind her in second place, showing off some textbook bottom turns, with Jordan Shearer third after some of his best surfing to date.
The prize-giving and a celebration of the 10-year anniversary was held at the surf hut at Thurso East.
The club thanked local sponsors Blargoans, Caithness Scaffolding, Dunnet Bay Distillers and North Coast Plumbing and Heating, as well as William Mackenzie from Dunnet for the use of his tractor to get the judging trailer on the beach.
