THE SWELL delivered the goods for the Saltrock Open with near-perfect, trademark Croyde conditions ranging from 1 to 4ft for the pros to get
their teeth into. Low tide on Sunday and Monday provided some epic conditions and allowed the surfers to fully showcase their talent during the event, which was the first leg of the 2009 UK Pro Surf Tour. “There was an exciting surprise for those on celebrity watch, as comedian Justin Lee Collins turned up to compete in his first surf contest.” Following a 15-minute heat with Britain’s top surfer, Newquay’s Russell Winter, plus local talents Scott Rannochan and Billabong rider Lyndon Wake, Collins was stoked with his performance. He said: “This is just so great and has been very fortuitous as I was meant to be competing in Newquay in the English Nationals, but due to a perforated ear after a sky-diving experience it was postponed to the Saltrock Open. “The guys have been great and it’s been fantastic to be able to take part.” Only a month after taking up surfing, Collins gave a very credible performance in Croyde’s challenging conditions, managing to score two waves during his heat.
Following Saturday’s celeb excitement, the main competition started on Sunday, having been postponed to wait for the building swell. Spectacular surfing from Lewis Clinton of Newquay helped him clinch the pro junior final, second was Luis Eyre, followed closely by St Ives’ Jayce Robinson and Cornish lad Toby Donachie.