Setting out on our journey to Patos Beach, in Galicia, Spain, Team England had mixed energy – nerves for our first European Para Surfing Championships, and for the waves. Underlying was pure excitement to meet with rivals across Europe and show our skills, ahead of the ISA World Para Surfing Championships.
The contest was facing a marginal forecast, which led to tough calls for organisers. First rounds were run in small conditions, but the team gave it their all, and for many it was also a learning point on what is ‘contestable’. For contest organisers, the aim is always to complete an event and draw a result. The absolute result was 5 out of 7 of the team making finals, and with that spirts were lifted.
Now the curveball, we’ve never experienced a ‘potential move to Portugal’, which was one of the options for finals with the limited swell on offer at Patos. Thankfully Praya de Prado, at the North end of Patos came through, with some 2ft sets for the final showdown.
Results
Team England – 3rd place
PS Prone 1 Men – Harlum Lewis 4th
PS Prone 2 Women – Natasha Davies 4th
PS VI 2 Men – Dave Lewis – 3rd
PS Stand 2 Men – Pegleg Bennett – 2nd
PS Stand 2 Women – Zoe Smith – 2nd
The ultimate win was a great week of team building, for athletes and coaches. And captain Zoe Smith was fantastic in her role.
Next stop for Team England Para surf is the 2025 ISA World Para Surfing Championships, taking place at Oceanside, California, 2nd – 7th November. Good luck team!
A huge thank you to everyone who donated to our Crowdfunded for this event. And a thank you to our Team England sponsors, dryrobe, Kukuna, Moulded Earplugs, and to those who added prizes to the draw, Tregenna Castle, Boardmasters, YETI, Bob Gnarly, Ocean and Earth, Llewelyn Whittaker surf coaching.
