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Some top surfers from around Britain will battle it out in Jersey next week, among them two of Guernsey’s best.
Surfing’s GB Cup will be held from Friday 11 October to Sunday 13 October at the Watersplash, St Ouen’s Bay.
The winner of the annual competition will have the chance to qualify for GB Surfing's Progression Squad, a group of elite, potential Olympic competitors.
Teams from England, Scotland, Wales, and the Channel Islands will compete for the team and individual titles across Open Men, Open Ladies, U18 Boys and Girls.
Katie Smith and Naomi Mather of Guernsey feature in the CI team.
Event Director David Ferguson said: "The event has been months in the making. I'm grateful to all our volunteers, the RNLI, judges and sponsors. We've got a great history of hosting some of the best surfing events in Europe and we've worked hard to ensure this one is just as memorable.
"We're hoping for a good swell with favourable winds. The first rounds start on Friday 11th with the finals on Sunday 13th. Everyone is welcome to come along to the Watersplash where there will be plenty going on besides the surfing."
Former British Champion and GB Surfing Director, Arlene Maltman, said: "GB Surfing's elite performance pathway aims to develop, progress and empower future champions. I am very much hoping that will involve a local surfer in the future.
"With this year's Olympic Games being held in Tahiti we were all enthralled as we watched the world's best athletes tackling some of the most critical waves on the planet. No one can forget the shot of Gabriel Medina almost walking on water.
"The GB Cup is a prestigious event in the surfing calendar. The stage is set for what promises to be a high standard of British surfing talent. I'm sure our youngsters will be inspired, not only to take up the sport, but to perform on the world stage."
Among those competing are Lukas Skinner who leads the charge for Surfing England. The World Junior Silver medallist has family ties to Jersey.
Prior to the event members of the current GB Surfing progression squad and its coaches, including former professional surfer Luke Dillon, will visit a secondary school to talk students about the importance of surfing for mental and physical health and how to progress in the sport.
CI Teams
Men
Will Masterman
Jake Powell (c)
Matt Chapman
Nathan Elms
Josh Evans
Max Bennett
Ladies
Rebecca Lynam
Naomi Mathers
Laurie McGregor
Erin Ridgard
Daisy Heddercott
Katie Smith
Boys U18
Anders Ravenscroft.
Olly Gould.
Aleks Blampied
Albie Gould
Girls U18
Nava Dowse Harris
Seija Bolletta
Maina Cummins
Rebecca Lynam
Pictured top: Max Bennett at last year's GB Cup.
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