British Life Saving Sport Championships 2011

Over 1,200 Surf Lifesavers took to the beaches of Portreath and Polzeath for 8 days of British Life Saving Sport this summer. More than 45 out of our 65 affiliated Surf Life Saving Clubs registered and competed for the Super Club title this year and it was a very close fight with athletes pitted against challenging surf. ‘The conditions were a real leveller’ said Event Manager, Nigel Bowden. ‘You couldn’t pinpoint anyone in particular as above and beyond, the competition was very close – it was exciting to see and a real testament to the dedication of the competitors as well as the quality of training and coaching offered  by our Clubs.’

We are delighted to report that our participation figures have risen with 6 more SLSCs taking part in the Nipper and Master events and 10 more SLSCs registering for the Youth competition. This is a fantastic result and very exciting for Life Saving Sport.

At Polzeath this month the Seniors showed particular skill as they battled the surf but safety is always paramount at Surf Life Saving events, as Nigel explained ‘the competition at Polzeath was outstanding but it was sensible to move the event just over the headland to Daymer Bay. By changing the programme we successfully accommodated the growing swell and met the safety needs of our competitors.’

After a close fight, Portreath Surf Life Saving Club emerged victorious and is Surf Life Saving GB’s Super Club 2011 – congratulations Portreath! For the full Super Club 2011 results, please click here. For individual results of each age group event please see below:-

British Nipper Life Saving Sport Championships

1^st Portreath SLSC

2^nd Woolacombe SLSC

3^rd St Ives SLSC

British Youth Life Saving Sport Championships

1^st Portreath SLSC

2^nd Woolacombe SLSC

3^rd Pen-y-Bont

British Master Life Saving Sport Championships

1^st Portreath SLSC

2^nd Saunton Sands SLSC

3^rd Woolacombe SLSC 

British Open (Senior) Life Saving Sport Championships

1^st Portreath SLSC

2^nd Woolacombe SLSC

3^rd Pen-y-Bont

This year, the British Life Saving Sport Championships were hosted by two Surf Life Saving Clubs: Portreath and Polzeath. Thank you very much to their members for their fantastic organisation and hard work both on the beach and behind the scenes – it really made our 8 days special. Team work and community is what Surf Life Saving is all about and we really appreciate the support of clubs who host. Help us to keep your championships grass roots events – British Life Saving Sport Championships for Surf Lifesavers, by Surf Lifesavers! To register your interest in hosting an SLSGB event, email Nigel Bowden by clicking here.

SLSGB would also like to say a very special thank you to the volunteer boat crews that came forward and gave their time and also to our hard working officials who regularly help and support our events:

Andrea Pennell

Sandy Brown

Linden Skidmore

Craig Robinson

Don Duffield

Miles Landless

Rob Phillips

Diane Green

Gerald Hughes

Chris Hewitt

Jan Reid

Joe Deasy

Andy Thomas

Nick Pendreich

Tim Needham

Lynda Bowden

Andrea Hewitt

Lindsey Anderson

Doreen Lawrence

Jenny Rowlands

Peter Winter

Nigel Martlew

Our British Nipper Life Saving Championships could not go ahead without the generosity of our sponsors, South West Water. This year Christopher Mills and Lorna Devenish helped us to host Sand Castle Competitions that ran side by side with Beach Flags ‘have a go!’ sessions organised by James Hood of Croyde SLSC. This kept the little ones busy and opened the event to non-members as well as budding Surf Lifesavers (who were at a bit of an advantage where beach flags were concerned – having learnt the ropes from brothers and sisters, mums and dads!).

All our sand castle competition entrants were given a goodie bag and our lucky winners received hoodies courtesy of Woody from Bennett (Saturday’s winners) and tickets to the Eden Project (Saturday and Sunday winners), courtesy of South West Water!

We were also delighted this year to have a Nipper March Past with participation medals personally presented to our 575 competitors by Lady Mary Holborow the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall; David Grose, Chairman of SLSGB; Lorna Devenish of South West Water and Life Member, Sue Jago. 

A BIG thank you...

To everyone who bought a raffle ticket – raising over £700 for Surf Life Saving GB and Portreath Surf Life Saving Club.

To Gwel an Mor in Portreath for the loan of a field to enable our competitors and spectators to park.

To Portreath SLSC volunteers who drove the park 'n' ride mini-bus.

To our traders ...  

Greenstick

Carn Brea Swimming Club

Bennett Boards

Tarka Swimwear

SLSGB also provided a stall on the beach and if you missed out on buying a hoody, don't worry! Give us a call! There is still stock available. To place an order please email Abi or call 01392 218007 – post us a cheque and we will post you a hoody pronto!

Did you hear mention of us on Pirate FM too? Our Championships in Portreath were featured in their programmes in the week leading up to the first weekend and beyond!

The Life Saving Sport Commission are due to meet next month for a full debrief of the event. Help us to make the championships even better- drop us a line and let us know your thoughts. Email Nigel direct by clicking here. Shortly after the commission meeting we hope to release the dates and venues for our pool and surf championships 2012 – watch out for more enewsletters and updates on our website.

Surf Life Saving GB would also like to thank First Great Western for their kind donation of train travel - this support has made a big difference and helped us to keep working for our important cause.

• Join us on Facebook
• Share on Facebook
• Twitter