TOM BUTLER IS 2006 BILLABONG BRITISH JUNIOR CHAMPION Eighteen year old Tom Butler from Newquay showed stunning form in heavy waves this weekend to take the top spot on the podium at the 2006 Billabong British Junior Championships. And alongside him, taking first place in the Girls event was sixteen year old Beth Mason from Swansea, Wales. Organised by the British Surfing Association (BSA), the event saw the largest ever entry with over 160 surfers traveling from all over the country to bid for this major title at Widemouth Bay, Bude, in North Cornwall.

Surfing his home break, local boy Reubyn Ash looked hungry in his bid to retake the title after his victory last year but the final saw him against Stuart Campbell, Jack Latham-Byrne and Tom Butler. Whilst all provided some mature, strong surfing, it was Tom’s consistency and confident, strong powerful turns amongst the testing waves that most impressed the judges and Tom took the final, with a narrow 0.3 lead on second placed Reubyn Ash. The final line-up was 1st place Tom Butler, 2nd place Reubyn Ash, 3rd place Stuart Campbell and 4th place Jack Latham-Byrne.

Tom said, “I’m completely stoked. Being up against last year’s winner, Reubyn was tough, especially as he knows this break inside out so I’m really pleased to have won. The big waves allowed us to really show what we can do and I was also really chuffed to score a ten from one of the judges in the semi-final. Yes – a good day!” Tom earned the Billabong trophy and £500 plus a bag full of Billabong and Kustom Goodies.

In the boys divisions, the Under 12s was won by Newquay’s Harry Timson who said, “The conditions on Sunday were really big so I’m glad I surfed on Saturday when the waves were nice.” Thirteen year old Luis Ayre from Manchester took the Under 14s and said, “The waves were big but weak but Saturday was fun.” Fifteen year old Stuart Campbell from Woolacombe took the Under 16s and commented, “I’m stoked. This is my fourth British title and it was a great fun event with good vibes. It was brilliant to have some bigger waves to go for.”

In the Girls, sixteen year old Beth Mason showed just why she has been selected for the British team this year and won the Under 18s category. Afterwards she said, “It was a good comp with really decent heats today. The conditions were tough and I took a bit of a pounding! Today was good practice for the World Surfing Games and I’m really looking forward to California.” Zoe Sheath, 14, from the Isle of Wight took the Under 14s Girls trophy and said, ”I pulled some floaters and cutbacks and that seemed to work. It’s been a great day!”

2006 U 18's Finalists

Karen Walton, National Director, BSA said, “Yet again, the Billabong British Juniors was a stunning event with an encouraging display of hungry talent amongst our young, up and coming surfers. These guys and girls are the future of surfing for this country and the last couple of days have shown that we have a lot to be positive about. Our congratulations go to all of the winners and our appreciation goes to our sponsors, Billabong - Kustom and North Cornwall District Council supported by Sport England – because without them we would not be able to run this valuable event.”

Full results:

>Click here for last years results and photos<