UK Pro Surf Tour 2007 – Fat Face Night competition
The Fat Face Night Surf is coming to Lusty Glaze Beach, Newquay between the 22nd-24th June, and its looking set to be the best event yet!
In conjunction with the BPSA, (UK Pro Surf Tour), The Fat Face Night Surf is now in its eighth year. Following such a great turnout last year, where a ‘one in’, ‘one out’ system had to operate, this year the Saturday Night is being ticketed. Admission will be allowed with a Fat Face Night Surf Wrist Band, which will be available on a first come first served basis from 1st June 2007. It is recommended that these are obtained well in advance from the Fat Face stores in Newquay, Fistral and Truro or from Lusty Glaze Beach.
The Night Series are top events which encourage people to give it a go and compete alongside some of the greatest names in the sports, including, for The Night Surf, Fat Face Team Riders and Newquay locals, Emma Skinner and Chris Thompson, as well as defending champions and UK pro tour riders Alan Stokes and Nicole Morgan. Serious prize money is up for grabs, as well as tons of spot prizes and oodles of Fat Face goodies!
The surfing kicks off on the Friday afternoon (22nd June) with Men, Women and Longboard heats. Surfers will be battling it out for their chance to take part in the prestigious Night Surf finals on the Saturday. With defending champion Alan Stokes taking home the trophy for 2002, 2004 and 2006 a tough competition is yet to be seen with Alan defending his title so close after injury from his ankle.
To round the day off the surfers and spectators will be treated to a legendary air display from the Red Arrows from 17.00 and to kick off what is expected to be a great weekend!
The action will continue on the Saturday (midday onwards), which is when thousands are expected to descend on Lusty Glaze, as was seen last year. To keep the crowds entertained there will be volleyball tournaments throughout the day; The Fat Face Academy, enabling people to ‘have a go’ at surfing and workshops covering all manner of surfing topics.
There will also be a brand new sport which spectators will be able to watch, probably for the first time in UK waters – Stand Up Paddle Boarding, which is a long board surfed standing up with a large paddle. Fat Face Team Rider, John Hibbard will be bringing a number of boards down to the event and giving people the opportunity to have a go.
As the sun sets the spotlights will be powered up and the Night Surf will commence, featuring the top riders and winners of the heats from the previous two days. Helping to cheer the surfers on will be live bands and a Beach BBQ to feed the masses! There will also be a grand prize giving celebration, followed by fireworks and a party which will continue long into the night at a local club. Bands playing throughout the evening down at lusty glaze beach are ‘Animation Friday’ and the great ‘really hot chilli peppers’ – a night filled of fun!
The Fat Face Night Surf is one of the most testing events on the UK Pro tour due to the lack of ability to see the waves coming in. Night surfing relies on natural ability to react to the flow and possible changes in direction of any given wave let alone the off putting shadows thrown by the lights.
The stars of the future will be competing in the Grommet tour (under 16’s) on Sunday morning, including Fat Face Junior Team Rider, 10-year old Millie Little. Also seen to be competing will be Newquay’s 12 year old Harry Timpson last years UK Pro tour U12’s winner. From a great year of success Harry has also recently taken first place in the ‘Volcom Qualifying Series’ held last week at Porthtowan, the ‘Grom fest’ at Croyde taking first for u12’s, u14’s and the highest scoring wave of a 9.5 in the u14’s category.
To add to the excitement Relentless Energy Drink will be offering a prize of £250 for the best floater of the event. Cornish based Skinners Beer will also be providing product to help the weekend run smoothly.
