JACK UNSWORTH

Held this weekend at Saunton and hosted by Hotdoggers.

Results (top 3):
1. Hotdogger A team
2. Shore Surf Club
3. Hotdogger B team

Hotdogger A team were :
Greg Norman
Jack Unsworth
Dave Hutchings
Damo Hooper
Keeno
Matt Argyle

Excerpt from The North Devon Journal :

THE sunshine and surf were back at the weekend as the British Longboard Club Championships returned to the country’s premier longboarding wave at Saunton, home of the Hotdoggers surf club.

First run in 2000, the contest draws teams from across the country and there were lots of smiles as competitors were greeted by perfect 2ft surf which gave scope for some great longboarding.

The event has a team format with each club represented by five surfers and one stand-up paddleboard. Each team member competes in three heats and their points make up the team’s overall score.

Having won the event 10 times, defending champions and hosts Hotdoggers looked determined to keep the crown as they fielded three teams.

The strongest of those, Hotdoggers A, saw all members post solid scores through the first round.

Dave Hutchings and Damien Hooker both linked some long-nose rides to post high scores and in-form surfer Jack Unsworth styled his way to heat wins with some great hang 10s.

Hot on the Hotdoggers’ heels were Shore Surf from Wittering in Sussex. Shore A were obviously used to the small surf as they did consistently well even as the tide dropped and swell decreased. Nicolai Roterman, Will Pleasance and Russ Taplin were styling and hoping to keep the pressure on Hotdoggers.

As forecast for round three, the swell began to build in the afternoon and with the pushing tide it meant there were some decent waves.

Freddie Warwick and his Navy and Marines team were glad of the extra swell as they had struggled earlier in the day. They began to move through the ranks and overtake the Bristol team.

Bristol fought back with strong surfing from Ben Rogers, Pete Wilkins and Phil Williams but Hotdoggers C were also snapping at their heels with great surfing from ever-improving Vikki Burley and new member Jack Woolfenden.

Hotdoggers B battled fiercely, led by the charge of Richard Unsworth and helped by a magnificent heat from Ben Keay in round three.

But no teams were able to get near Hotdoggers A as Greg Norman ensured the trophy stayed at Saunton with a strong final heat.

Club president Norman Wright said: “There was a great vibe, thanks to everyone who made it a great event.

“Special thanks to all the club staff and crew who helped us get it finished in one day, Saunton Break Café for feeding us.”

Next up for the Hotdoggers, swell permitting, is their second league event on Saturday.

British Longboard Club Championships (Saunton): 1 Saunton Hotdoggers A, 2 Shore Surf A, 3 Hotdoggers B, 4 Royal Navy and Marines, 5 Bristol, 6 Hotdoggers C, 7 Shore Surf B.