Competitors from across the country and in one case as far as Durban, South Africa, congregated at Watergate Bay in to compete in the BSUPA National Sup Surf Championship. Now in its eighth year these championships has seen an every growing field of entries across the third divisions. Saturday saw strong on shore winds and choppy waves causing challenging conditions for all competitors across the open rounds. With a much-favored forecast looking set to come in overnight the contest was put on hold till Sunday. Sunday morning with sunny warm and clear skies, light off shore winds and a near perfect wave, all was set for the classic day off sup surfing.

All photos credit: BSUPA/BobBerry/RobJewell

With the morning skies clearing and the sun starting to bathe across the golden sands and crystal blue water of Watergate Bay, the crowds were in for some top class sup surf action. Marico Diaz with his very compacted stance and powerful turn was clearly looking to place high in the competition. Defending champion Matt Barker-Smith was also on the charge aiming to retain his title. But it was Aaran Rowe from Jersey who was exploring on the wave faces, scoring high and was the one everyone need to beat.

In the Open Women, there was a good entry, making for a good competition, with at least three individuals competing to take the title.

Taking the this years Open Men’s title was Aaran Rowe from Jersey, beating last years winner Matt Barker Smith. In the Open Women, defending champion Tina Beresford from Newquay was able to hold off Marie Buchanan to retain her title. In the Under 16 Boy Ben Pye from South Devon, took the win from Blue Ewer, also from South Devon.

Aaran Rowe and Tina Beresfoot were also crown 2016 Watergate Bay Waterman and Waterwomen.

Richard Marsh Competition Director commented:

“It’s been a fantastic weekend of competition.  Yesterday was hard for everyone, but we know the forecast was good for Sunday, and would produce a great day allowing everyone the opportunity to go out there and really showcase the sport of stand up paddleboard surfing. Myself and BSUPA would like to express our thanks to Extreme Academy and Watergate Bay Hotel for their continued support of these championships.”

Results for 2016 BSUPA National Sup Surf Championships, Watergate Bay

Open Men
1st Aaran Rowe
2nd Matt Barker Smith
3rd Ollie Laddiman
4th Max Sheppard

Open Women
1st Tina Beresford
2nd Marie Buchanan
3rd Nikki Graham
4th Tarry Brown

Under 16 Boys
1st Ben Pye
2nd Blue Ewer
3rd James Greenwood
4th Todd Sawyer

2016 Watergate Bay Waterman – Aaran Rowe
2016 Watergate Bay Waterwomen – Tina Beresford

Full Results with Points

Open Men	Points
1st Aaran Rowe	1000
2nd Matt Barker-Smith	860
3rd Ollie Laddiman	730
4th Max Sheppard	670
5th Dave Ewer	610
6th Marico Dias	583
7th Rob Small	555
8th Jason Sawyer	528
9th Thomas Hewitt	500
10th Blue Ewer	488

Open Women	Points
1st Tina Beresford	1000
2nd Marie Buchanan	860
3rd Nikki Graham	730
4th Tarryn Brown	670
5th Abi Barker-Smith	610
5th Katie Rustom	583
7th Ellie Vale	555
8th Rachel Ince	528

Under 16 Boys	Points
1st Ben Pye	1000
2nd Blue Ewer	860
3rd James Greenwood	730
4th Todd Sawyer	670