CHRIS DIPLOCK IS 2007 BRITISH KNEEBOARD CHAMPION

Chris Diplock - Photo: Chris Cockett

The 2007 British Kneeboard Surfing Nationals took place this weekend (Saturday 3rd November) with Kneelos from around the country descending on Fistral Beach in Newquay to battle it out in two to three surf. Conditions improved throughout the day and the hotly contested finals took place in solid three foot surf.

The Men’s Open started with 16 competitors in four heats but the number was soon whittled down to eight surfers laying claim to the waves. In Semi One Karl Ward, Richard (Huey) Hewitt, Nick Barkham and Bryn Dampney went head-to-head. Semi Two saw Chris 'Bro' Diplock, Richard Smith, Duncan Jones and Alex Callister battle it out for a place in the final four.

Karl and Huey controlled Semi One with Huey snatching the choice waves and connecting some flowing moves while Karl hooked into a few set waves and attacked the lip, his characteristic flair racking up points with the judges. In the second semi Bro and Richard were the dominant surfers with Bro confidently waiting for sets coming off the right-hander then smoothly tearing into them with his customary style. Richard grabbed the other high scoring waves on offer and blasted through to take his place in the final.

The final line up therefore included Chris 'Bro' Diplock, Richard Smith, Karl Ward and Richard 'Huey' Hewitt. With the swell building and the conditions improving the finals produced a great display of British kneeboarding. Huey continued to pick off some choice waves and linked up a series of good hits on his long rides. Karl launched off every lip that came his way and hacked some big turns. Richard continued his display of powerful hits, which linked together on the long rides. Bro connected a number of powerful rail turns and incredible lip bashes, surfing with an impressive level of commitment and great style. At the final count it was Bro’s patience and anticipation for the sweeping right-handers that had seen him through his semi, which impressed the judges and saw him beat of the competition to take the 2007 title.

The Women’s final saw Jodie Winter (current Women’s World Champion) taking on Nathalie Silverthorne (2006 British Women’s Champion) and Liz Upward. Jodie showed confidence and driving style on the swell, racking up the points and putting her ahead on the score sheets. Nathalie had a good wave that posted high scores with the judges but couldn't find a decent back-up wave and came in second. Liz surfed with speed and built up her wave count but couldn't find the high scoring waves she needed to take on the other ladies.

The Masters had six entrants and making it to the final were Chris 'Bro' Diplock, Richard 'Huey' Hewitt, Nick Barkham and Anthony Armshaw. As they had in their Open rounds, Bro and Huey took charge scoring the points by linking together solid turns together to impress the judges. Nick had a few sound rides but just couldn't find the wave that would let him link things together. Anthony couldn't get into his groove and failed to find the waves that would let him show off his top-rate surfing skills.

Karen Walton National Director of the BSA said, “On behalf of the BSA I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the Kneeboarding contest, it really was an awesome display of British talent. The British Kneeboard Championships is always such an exciting contest because the standard is so high. Thanks to the BKC (British Kneelo Club) and top sponsor Thule for providing the prizes and organising such a fantastic competition.”

Full Results:

Open
1st Chris Diplock
2nd Richard Smith
3rd Karl Ward
4th Richard Hewitt

Women
1st Jodie Winter
2nd Nathalie Silverthorne
3rd Liz Upward

Masters
1st Chris Diplock
2nd Richard Hewitt
3rd Nick Barkham
4th Anthony Armshaw

Ends
Issued on behalf of the British Surfing Association by Excess EneRGy Communications. For further information, photography or interviews please contact Kirsty Spencer on kirsty@excessenergycomms.com or 07816 366859 or Rhona Gardiner on Rhona@excessenergycomms.com 07740 410052.