Elusive Open of Surf 2014: Morris takes the title West

October 27, 2014 | Words By: Staff Writer

With a big storm front hitting the UK and after an anxious few days leading up to the event, the organisers decided to re-locate the comp to Coney Beach.
As the incoming tide pushed around the harbour wall the swell started to increase offering a variety of sections for the competitors to put in some big moves. Early round stand outs included Jordan Reed, James Jones, Ingemar Cressey, Nathaniel James, Cieran Hughes, Joe Morris, Emily Williams & Libby Vernon.

As the midday mark approached, the clouds began to break and the sun appeared warming up the Autumn air. Spectators flocked to the event site to witness a high level of performance surfing and try out the numerous demo skateboards on offer, courtesy of Carver & Sunset.

The women, longboard and U/18 finals were eagerly contested with excellent performances from all involved, keeping the judges on their toes. Emily Williams continued her winning form taking the Women’s title, last year’s Longboard runner up Steve Horn did one better and flawless Max Payne picked up the U/18 title.

The Open surf winners line up to collect their prizes

Prior to the Open Final the eagerly anticipated fancy dress “Super Hero Expression Session” got underway, as nine competitors hit the water dressed in everything from Super Girl to Banana Man. The competitors raising sponsorship with all proceeds going to Wave Project Cymru.

The Open final got underway in the late afternoon sun with three of the top standout surfers of the event, (unfortunately James Jones was unable to surf the final and kindly donated his prize to Wave Project Cymru) Big moves and big scores were posted in a hotly contested heat that had spectators unsure after the 20mins who would take the title. In the end it was Pembroke’s Alex Morris’ narrow victory claiming the trophy and a voucher for a custom shaped Diplock surfboard.

The Women’s winners

Thank you to all competitors involved, plus a big shout out goes to the co-sponsors: Diplock Surfboards, Obsessive Disorder hardware, Nectar Sunglasses, Carver Skateboards, Sunset Skateboards, City Surf & Skate and Flow Surf & Skate for the support and prizes!!
The event would not have been a success if it wasn’t for the support of Contest Director Bob Blythe, Tabulator Anne Webster-Blythe, Craig Burrows and his team of judges (Coryn, Linda, Steve, Ray), Beach Marshall Stu Bentley, Johnny Hillman and the CS crew, Welsh Surfing Federation, Welsh Coast Surf Club & Bridgend Council.

Good waves and great weather plus the Hi tide decking area proved to be a perfect contest site, with an excellent viewing point of all the action. Big thanks to the guys for allowing us to use their facilities.

The groms in the under 18s category