Stop 4 of the 2025 Junior Surf Series, hosted in partnership with Croyde Surf Club and supported by headline sponsors Boardmasters Foundation and RYD UK, took place on Saturday 27th September.
For once, the forecast looked promising all week, and after consultation with local partners it was decided to stick to the original date and wow was that the right decision. By 8.00am, 50 junior surfers (U12 and U14 divisions) had checked in, and after a safety briefing the first heat was underway by 8.30am.
Early conditions were far bigger than the predicted 2–3ft, with sets well overhead for some of the younger surfers. Full credit to all competitors who rose to the challenge and delivered an outstanding display of grassroots junior surfing. As the tide dropped, the swell built and the wind swung southerly, making conditions more ragged. Working closely with the RNLI, the contest site was moved to the south end of the bay to ensure a safe and smooth run of heats.
Under the guidance of Head Judge Ester Spears and a panel including many of Croyde’s legendary surfers giving back to the next generation, 23 heats were completed by 4.40pm. Despite a short delay to relocate, everything ran smoothly, and presentations took place on a windswept but smiling beach.
Adding to the fun, the ever-popular RYD UK treasure hunt went ahead, with prizes cleverly buried in the sand – a highlight for all the groms.
Results
- U12 Boys – 1st Casper Kershaw, 2nd Jake Forehead, 3rd Rohan Sharp, 4th Josh Coumbe
- U12 Girls – 1st Betsie Reay, 2nd Martha Edwards, 3rd Mila Barber, 4th Annabell Busby
- U14 Girls – 1st Bella Llewellyn, 2nd Ellie Hickie, 3rd Annie Nicholls, 4th Summer-Marie Moore
- U14 Boys – 1st Jensen Martin, 2nd Joshi James, 3rd Jack Strutt, 4th Alex Dapp
Special mention goes to Martha Edwards and Joshi James, who both posted excellent 8-point rides during their heats.
Voices from the beach
John Moy, Chair of Croyde Surf Club, reflected:
“It was an absolute pleasure for Croyde Surf Club to host Stop 4 of the Junior Surf Series. We were fortunate to have pumping waves, and it was great to see the U12s and U14s pushing their limits in such challenging conditions. The level of surfing was impressive, and the Junior Surf Series is really growing the grassroots of UK surfing. We can’t wait for the next one. Huge thanks to Surfing England, the sponsors, the surfers, their families, and of course our amazing volunteer team.”
Thanks to our partners
Surfing England extends thanks to the water safety crew, Martin Purchase and Rusty, who worked tirelessly throughout the day, and to the RNLI for their support in managing the beach. Appreciation also goes to John Fowler Holidays for use of this beautiful stretch of coastline.
Our gratitude goes to headline sponsors Boardmasters Foundation, whose ongoing support makes the Junior Surf Series possible, and to RYD UK for providing fantastic prizes and their much-loved treasure hunt.
Next stop
The series now gears up for Stop 5 at Bantham on 11th October in partnership with Bantham Boardriders, before moving north-east to South Shields on 25th October (surf permitting), and the finale on 28th October at a venue to be confirmed.
Another fantastic day of grassroots junior surfing, with big smiles and progression at the heart of it all.
