“We had a very good first session on Saturday. We filmed the students surfing and will be reviewing the video and giving them feedback on their performance next week. In the meantime, we have given them things to work on to develop their skills.”
The Surf Academy has been developed as part of North Cornwall District Council’s CREST project.
CREST is regarded nationally as one of the most innovative sports projects in England. The project part of the council’s Leisure Service, received £122,000 of Lottery Sport Funds and provides a programme of lifestyle sports aimed at getting local people more active and introducing them to the natural environment in an exciting way using the existing sub culture of extreme sport.
Councillor Linda Spear from NCDC says: “It’s brilliant to see the surf academy getting underway. I wish the students every success – this is a great opportunity for them, and the expert coaching will give them a real chance to develop their potential as competitive surfers.
The CREST project is being delivered by New Horizons NCDC’s outdoor pursuits unit.
Paul Meadows, NCDC’s Coastal Recreation Officer, explains: “One of the more innovative parts of CREST involves using commercial providers to deliver a number of the activities; this includes the surf academy that is being delivered by Harlyn Bay Surf School following a tender process.
“It is much more effective to recognise that, where we do not have the expertise or resource within NCDC to provide an activity, we should invest in local companies to deliver some of the project, because at the end of the day we want the best experiences for those participating.”
Picture by Mary Neale attached:
Front row L-R:
Barnably Morgan; Steven Davis; Danny Runnals; Alex Morgan
Back Row L-R:
Max Marshall; Nick Reader, (coach): Nathan Bennetts; Rob Fowlie; Ryan Humphreys (coach); Kennan Fowlie.