This years annual West Coast North Wales Open was held over to Saturday 25th October due to lack of surf on the scheduled weekend. As with previous roll over contests, entry was small. The early tide and consequent registration of 7.15am deterred others. Still, those that made the effort enjoyed ok waves in the gloom of dawn at Porth Oer. A gale force offshore wind and occasional showers added to the atmosphere!

After the heats, during which several good waves were surfed, we had a final of Gary Shaw, Simon Turner, Matt (Multi) Fox and Ryan Garbutt. Jack Isherwood emerged as Under 15 champion. Local surfer Garys surfboard had already performed the best manoeuvre of the day after the wind got hold of it and flung it skyward spinning off down the beach. (Luckily it didn't bounce and got stuck in some undergrowth 80 m away). Gary failed to follow the example and finished fourth. Matt Fox, up from Cornwall, showed his past knowledge of the place, and beat Ryan to take second. Simon Turner (West Coast Surf Shop principle instructor) managed to find the longest, better waves to come out as 2008 champion... Fix!!!

Thanks to Malcolm and Oldham for lending a hand as always. Despite the rather wild conditions we managed to have a fun morning.

Runner Up "Multi" Matt Fox on a decent size one: Photo: Gordon

Winner: Si Turner: Photo: Gordon