Team England Para will land in California in next week for the 2023 ISA World Para Surfing Championships, scheduled to take place at Huntington Beach, California. Our athletes have been training hard for this event throughout the last 12 months, many who have been travelling across the world competing at multiple contests this year.
We are elated to have a very talented group of surfers in the line up to compete, and with the team now registered it consists of the following para surfers:
WOMEN:
- Zoe Smith – Para Surf Stand 2
- Natasha Davies – Para Surf Prone 2 (assist)
- Hannah Dines – Para Surf Prone 2 (assist)
- Melissa Reid – Para Surf VI 2
- Suzanne Edwards – Prone Surf 1 (non – assist)
- Charlotte Banfield – Para Surf stand 3
MEN:
- Oliver Jones – Para Surf Kneel
- Martin Pollock – Para Surf Kneel
- Spike Kane – Para Surf Sit
- Mark Hagger – Para Surf Prone 2 (Assist)
- Andy Guy – Para Surf Prone 2 (Assist)
- Stephen Lightbown – Para Surf Prone 1 (non – assist)
- Harlum Lewis – Para Surf Prone 1 (non – assist)
- David Jeffery – Para Surf Stand 1
A huge thank you to the team of managers, coaches and support who will travel with the team and support them on the ground in Cali. We are honoured to have, Phil Williams (Team Manager), Hannah Brand (Assistant Team Manager), and Coaches, Matt Harwood, Matty Hammersley, Jack Patching, Dean Griffiths, plus support crew Nick and Dylan Hounsfield, Tom Barber, Grace Griffiths & Marcio Dias.
Thank you to our Team England Para headline sponsor Muscle Food UK who’s CEO Nick and the whole team send a message “Best of luck to Team England Para Surf Team as they set out to conquer the waves at the World Championships. We are not only cheering for their success but also reinforcing our steadfast commitment to grassroots and adaptive sports. At MuscleFood we believe in the power of inclusivity and the transformative impact of sports on individuals of all abilities. Supporting these remarkable athletes is not just a gesture of encouragement; it’s a testament to our dedication to fostering a world where everyone, regardless of their background or physical capabilities, has the opportunity to thrive in the realm of sports. Ride the waves with pride, Team England, and know that your achievements inspire us all!”
We would also like to thank our other supporters Boardmasters Foundation, korev Lager, Caravan and Motorhome Club, The Wave, and dryrobe.
Last year the team year placed 9th in the world including winning one silver and a copper medal, and are very much hoping to remain in the top 10 for this year which will be an amazing achievement considering the amount of growth in para surfing in this last year.
Team Manager Phil Williams said “it’s an absolute honour to be serving this team as we compete in California, every one of the surfers has an incredible story, and I know as the Championships develop, the effort they will all put in will do Surfing England and their country proud, and we can’t wait to keep you updated as things progress. I would also like to thank the incredible support crew that will be ensuring that the athletes themselves reach their full potential, giving up their time freely to play such a vital role in this event. As always, your support when we are away is a huge encouragement, so please continue to support the team, sending messages as well as sharing news as it comes out from the tournament”.
The event starts on Sunday 5th November with the parade and pouring of the sands and runs through until Saturday 11th of November. We aim to keep everybody updated on a daily basis with heat times, pictures, and news from the team as they continue to do their very best not just for themselves but also for the country as a whole.
The event will be live streamed and if you want any more information please follow the link: https://isasurf.org/event/2023-huntington-beach-isa-world-para-surfing-championship/
Stay up to date whilst the team are away by following @S.E.A.Crew on Instagram and @SurfingEngland on Instagram and Facebook.
