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The British team has now set off for the World Surfing Games and things became a little nerve-racking before departure due to a last minute personal situation which meant that their invaluable team manager had to pull out
by George Mojo
14/10/2008:// Things were looking bleak until one of Newquay’s best respected surfers, Lee Bartlett stepped in as a replacement.
Lee works fulltime at Newquay Airport but given the urgent request for his skills, the airport has kindly given him the time off at short notice to support the British Surf Team in what could be the best year for them yet!
Thirty seven year-old Lee holds nine British titles and is the six times British Open Champion and current British Masters Champion.
With over 20 years of surfing experience under his belt, the British Surfing Association knew he would be up to the challenge. Thanks to the flexibility of Newquay Airport, he has been able to get the time off at short notice and put his surfing skills and knowledge to use.
The British Surf Team is aiming to set a new team record at the International Surfing Association’s World Surfing Games in Costa de Caparica, Portugal.
Lee will be working alongside Team Coach Andy Sturt and together the pair has a great track record.
When he’s not in the water, Lee works as an Airside Service Officer Shift Leader.
He’s been working as part of the Newquay airport team for the last eight years and one of the reasons the job is ideal for him is that the daily shift pattern means he can surf every day if the conditions are good.
Working outdoors in an often physical role also means Lee can stay fit and healthy while earning a living.
Lee says, “Having surfed for the British team as a member many times, I know what’s involved from that end and as always I’m keen to do as much as I can for the sport, I’m delighted to be able to offer my services as the Team Manager for the Portuguese World Surfing Games. It’s definitely a huge job benefit that Newquay Airport is willing to be flexible and allow me the time off.
"They are also really understanding every year when I commentate for the Rip Curl Boardmasters and as a surfer, doing the shifts that I do and the type of job that I do, means that my work and my sport are perfectly balanced.”
Richard Thomasson, Operations Manager, Newquay Cornwall Airport says, “As we’re obviously so well situated for surfers coming both in and out of Cornwall, we’re all keen to do as much as we can to support our British Surf Team. We’re delighted that we’ve been able to amend the shift rota so that Lee can go and do his duty for his country and we’re all wishing the team the very best for what we hope will be their most successful World Surfing Games yet.”
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