World Bellyboard Championship
Now into it’s ninth consecutive year, the World Bellyboard Championship is held anually at Chapel Porth on the first Sunday of September.
Organised and hosted by the National Trust, it’s a celebration of all things connected with the art of riding traditional wooden boards. With contributions from the evolving wooden surfboard community, it is a handcrafted bonanza and the most fun you’ve had since last year!
Chapel Porth Beach
“The event has gone truly global in recent years with entrants from Australia, New York, San Francisco and British Virgin Islands. It continues to grow from strength to strength, yet we hope remain connected to it’s fun roots. So dust down your old plywood stick, grab your brand new shaped model from the rack or unveil your homemade creation. We’d love you to come along and share your stories of riding ply. See you in the water!” Robyn Davies, National Trust.
Jack Johns World Champ 2010
The World Belly Boarding Championship (WBBC) was first started in 2002 by Martyn Ward and Chris Ryan as a memorial contest to the late Arthur Traveller, a Londoner who holidayed with his wooden board at Chapel Porth every year. From its humble beginnings with only a handful of competitors, it has now grown into the World Championships with over 200 entrants.
From the beginning it has been a very simple, back-to-basics comp – no wetsuits, no leashes and no swim fins. A bit of wood and a swimsuit is all you need, you don’t even need to bring money as the entry fee is free.
Be prepared, the next WBBC is on soon…
The date: Sunday 4th September 2011
The location: Chapel Porth Beach, Cornwall, UK
The requirements: A bellyboard, swim suit and sense of humour
Check in time: 9.00am
Photos courtesy NTPL and John Isaac.
