More than 50 junior surfers from Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands and Tortola competed in the second annual Tortola Surf Classic at Josiahs Bay last weekend.

On Saturday surfing conditions were not the best with only one- to two-foot waves, but organisers were happy that the participants were able to ride some waves and compete.

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“There are a lot of really incredible young surfers here from neighbouring islands,” organiser Scott Hustins said. “There are some that are extremely, very good and there are some just getting into the sport.”

The competition featured both boys and girls competing in various divisions. Mr. Hustins said he hopes “more and more girls” come out each year and learn from each other.

“They are able to hone their skills and get better,” he said.

The competition requires a lot of volunteers and time to organise, this is why Mr. Hustins is not planning to host any other competitions throughout the year.

“I would love to do more than one contest a year, but I just don’t have enough time,” the organiser said. “I put all my eggs in one basket and hope it works out.”

“The biggest stress is trying to get it done on days there is swell,” he added.

Next year organisers are considering several alternative dates that the event can be held if the swell is not at its best.

On Sunday conditions improved to “excellent with some great sets coming in and some clean four-foot waves,” according to organisers.

“It was perfect – so much better than Saturday, although we can’t complain as it could have been totally flat,” Island Surf and Sail Manager and organiser Deborah Lewis said. “The parents were all stoked with the event. It was so great to see so many kids out in the waves having fun.”

The second annual event attracted 51 participants, which was “slightly” more than last year, according to Ms. Lewis.

“It was mostly due to word of mouth after the success of last year’s event and everyone who helped spread word of the event and through the Tortola Surf Classic Facebook page,” she said.

Judges scored surfers from shore under a tent, as three competitors were judged at a time during a 20-minute intervals.

“The waves aren’t too good day for doing tricks,” judge Todd?Clements said during the first day. “If I was going to give any advice, I would tell them to catch as many waves as possible and ride them to shore.”

Organisers were thankful for the improving wave conditions over the two-day event, but Ms. Lewis said businesses appreciated the swell of customers throughout the weekend.

“The contest was awesome,” Ms. Lewis said. “Everybody had a good time; we had good enough waves the first day and great waves the second day. And the two beach bars said they did so much business, they had their best days ever. It was great to be able to support the local community that way too.”

Savannah Geiger was chosen as the recipient of a two-week sailing and diving marine biology programme from Sea Trek BVI, while other winners received custom-made surfboards, sunglasses, vouchers and Billabong apparel.

“We hope to get more and more kids and it becomes an event that people look forward to and the kids go out and practise,” Mr. Hustins added. “Hopefully it just gets better, better and bigger.”

 

RESULTS

GIRLS GROMS  (under 14)
1. Marina Parlato
2. Lily Pierce
3. Hannah Clements

GIRLS OPEN (under 19)
1. Savannah Geiger
2. Mollee Donovan
3. Cassandra Bitterwolf

BOYS GROMS (under 14)
1. Eduardo Alphonso
2. Shaw Clements
3. Steven Hill

BOYS OPEN (under 19)
1. Cameron Walton
2. Eduardo Alphonso
3. Jack Wollner