Newsletter join now Keep in touch with all the latest surf news, green scene and partner info by joining the Drift weekly update. SIGN UP NOW
What are we made of? Drift Magazine is made from ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) FSC Certified pulp and low VOC vegetable inks. Studio power by Ecotricity and delivery made using Biopower V100 waste oil.
North East prepares for surfing elite
by George Mojo
04/10/2006:// The North East of the UK is preparing for an influx of Britain's surfing elite this weekend.
Longsands Beach, in Tynemouth, will be a hive of activity as Britain's very best surfers make the pilgrimage to the North East for the O'Neill British National Surf Championships 2006, run by the British Surfing Association.
Last year over 150 competitors entered 7 different divisions and organisers and sponsors were astounded by the crowds of over 5,000 spectators who gathered on the beach to witness this showcase of British surfing.
For 2006, over £5,000 worth of prize money is up for grabs alongside the prestigious British champion titles in the Open, Womens, Seniors, Masters, and Veterans divisions.
Last year saw some nail-biting moments with closely fought finals and the 2006 event promises to be no different as Britain's top surfers battle it out.
The O'Neill 2005 Open final saw local boy Sam Lamiroy up against Johnny Fryer, Alan Stokes and Matt Capel.
It was an extremely close call and in the end Stokes lifted the British Champion title with a mere 0.5 margin on Lamiroy.
Local hero Gabe Davies delighted the supportive crowd to take the title in the Senior division for a second time, Kay Holt claimed the Women's, Jamie Owen won the Masters and Jed Stone earned the Veterans title.
Keeley Wilkie-Smith, Marketing Manager of top sponsor O'Neill UK says, "Last year's event eclipsed any other and was the most successful we have held in the UK. It's great to be returning to Longsands Beach for the 2006 and we're all really looking forward to it being even bigger and more exciting this coming weekend."
Karen Walton, National Director of the BSA says, "As Keeley says, it was brilliant to see so many competitors last year and to witness them getting such a resounding support from the massive crowds of local people. The O'Neill British National Surf Championships is without a doubt one of the most prestigious events on the annual calendar and we are looking forward to seeing our very best surfers doing all that they can in the bid to become the British Champion in their chosen divisions."
The 2008 Beachley Classic got underway this morning, completing Rounds 1 and 2 as well as the opening two heats of Round 3 at nearby Freshwater Beach in clean two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves
Layne Beachley (AUS), 36, has officially announced her retirement from full-time competition, effective at the end of the year
Former Exeter University student Josh Lewin first heat at the Ocean and Earth Pro in the Canary Islands has been delayed because the 2ft surf was deemed uncontestable
Skype us
.jpg)
.jpg)
Surf art 
Surf environment