Ed Sinclair reports from an action-packed hardcore day of competition at the 2011 Cornwall Wave Classic in Gwithian.
A fiery combination of mast-high waves and around twenty knots of wind hammered Gwithian beach from dawn until dusk, tempting a huge fleet to the shores of Cornwall and allowing a full day of competition to be completed. The amazing conditions made for a spectacular show as the UK’s most radical wave riders strutted their stuff in a bid to make their way through each round.
In the sixteen man pro fleet the judges were looking for the two most impressive wave rides, and the sailors certainly delivered. Huge aerials, goiters and super-aggressive slashes saw Andy ‘Bubble’ Chambers, Chris ‘Muzza’ Murray and Adam Lewis advance through their heats, but in the end it was Jamie Hancock that took the victory in the single, with Ben Proffitt in second and Timo Mullen in third.
The standard was at an all time high in the womens fleet, as the twelve ladies gave it everything they had got in the tough conditions. Lucy Robson was on fine form all day ripping the waves to pieces to secure her first place finish in the final. Sarah Bibby pulled out all the stops to claim second place, and Jo Wright impressed the judges to finish in third.
The UK’s youth fleet proved they certainly have the skills in the big waves and it was Raistrick that walks away as the winner in the single elimination, with Tom Bennett Lloyd in second and Cox in third. The masters also completed the single elimination and series leader Mark Lloyd pulled it out the bag for the third time this season to take the win.
The enormous amateur fleet still has a number of heats to complete to finish the single but Will Rogers, Aleksy Gayda and George Bowell were looking like they were hungry for the victory.
The howling winds and monster waves are forecast to continue for the remainder of the weekend so the judges have called for another early start tomorrow. (Skippers meeting at 9am). This evening Sandsifter café will be hosting the infamous monster ball so there will certainly be some sore heads in the morning.
Make sure you follow all the action here on www.boards.co.uk, on Twitter @cornwallwave11 and check out all the amazing shots from Globalshots at www.globalshots.co.uk.
The Cornwall wave classic is sponsored by Franklin & Marshall, hosted by Pura Vida Boardriders and the BWA, with support from No Limitz Masts, RB sails and Sandsifter, with thanks to the National Trust and Duchy of Cornwall.
