New surf body set up in Newquay

Directors have been sought and established for a brand new organisation seeking future world surf champions.

Surfing Great Britain (SGB) aims to build a system that will produce a British world title contender. 

SGB has been created after the British Surfing Association disbanded after financial difficulties.

The group of surfers, environmentalists, coaches and members of the surfing community have joined forces and have now secured National Governing Body status. 

Newquay based Nigel Semmens, former British and European Surf Champion, is the new chairman.

He said: "While we have a massive amount of surfing talent in this country, male and female, we haven't had someone competing internationally for a number of years. To reach the same level as someone like Kelly Slater, we need to have a more structured approach which puts a premium on top-quality coaching and commitment, and which seeks and obtains sponsorship that reflects the massive interest in surfing in Britain."

The last British surfer to compete on the tour was Russell Winter from Cornwall ten years ago.

Alex Wade, surfing journalist and author, helped reshape the new body.

Alex said: "There is tremendous energy and excitement behind SGB as it seeks to push British surfing forward to the next level.

"By the end of the year in which the Olympics returns to Britain for the third time, we expect to be well on the way to achieving NGB status.

"As such, SGB will be looking after the interests not just of the elite surfers who are good enough to turn pro but everyone in Britain – from Thurso to Brighton, Tynemouth to Swansea and Portrush to Perranporth – who loves to ride waves."

New directors include Bob Freshwater, surfer and judge; Kerry Powell, judge and surf journalist; Darren Parish, accounts advice; Matt Knight, surfer and businessman; Ray Trebilcock, surfer and businessman; Alex Williams, professional surfing photographer; and Geoff Swallow, finance expert.