Learning the Basics ... Wave Slaves Surf Club© 2009 - Dominic RodwellYOUNG people in the Newquay area are invited to become “Wave Slaves” at a new surf club which is being launched in the town.
The club is has been developed by the Escape Surf School and staff from the Liskeard and Looe Youth Projects, who have been working together for the past 12 months as part of the Positive Activities for Young People programme.
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We came up with the idea of creating a new accessible surf club aimed at children and young people between the ages of 8 and 18 years old” said Annie Railton, from Liskeard & Looe Youth Projects. “
We now have training sessions on Tuesday and Friday evenings between 6 and 8pm at the Escape surf school in Newquay"The Escape Surf School was recently awarded the British Surfing Association Level 4 approved school award, and were keen to set up a community programme aimed at young people.
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The aim of the club is to provide professional surf coaching to all, to provide a friendly environment where youngsters can meet and share a common interest and ultimately to raise the level of surfing in the South West and the UK” says Mike Young, Wave Slaves founder and Head Coach of the British Junior Surf Team
“Although Cornwall is the seen as the centre of UK surfing, many young people do not take it up as a hobby, as coaching has traditionally been dominated by commercial surf schools targeting the tourist trade. It’s very apparent that if we don’t encourage participation for all and nurture talent at a young age, then the level of surfing in the UK will always struggle to be competitive against the international standard”
Wave Slaves is open to complete beginners as well as those who are already surfing and looking to develop their skills. Although they encourage members to own their own equipment, they are able to provide surf boards and wetsuits, and are hoping that local businesses will get involved, by supporting and sponsoring this project through donations and so on. “
Many businesses make a lot of money out of surfing, so we hope that a project like this will encourage business owners to put something back and facilitate the growth of the sport at grass roots level” said Lyndsey Young, Club Secretary.
Zak Yeates, is the junior representative on the management committee. Two years ago Zak had never surfed before and he became hooked after taking part in a youth project trip to Hossegor in France. “
Friday evenings can be really boring so I am really looking forward to doing this “. He said. “
In Cornwall we are surrounded by surfing in the media, but not all young people can afford the equipment and instruction, so this club is a really good idea”
The membership fee for Wave Slave Surf Club have been set at £10 a year to encourage as many young people as possible to come along. Members will be given a Wave Slaves sticker and rash vest. Training sessions cost only £3
Anyone who is interested in joining or supporting
Wave Slaves Surf Club, can contact Lyndsey Young, Club Secretary on 07967 497117 or info@escapesurfschool.co.uk
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