Animal event hits Newquay

British surfers shine

It was a clean sweep for the Animal Team at the UK Pro Surf Tour last weekend at Fistral Beach, as Alan Stokes and Gwen Spurlock both claimed the overall open titles.

One of the closest championships races in years, heading into the weekend no less than six riders had a chance at glory. Bude’s Reubyn Ash, home favourite Tom Butler and Stokes all held their fate in their own hands, while Mark Harris, Ollie Adams, and last year’s champion Reubin Pearce all held outside chances.

However, stormy conditions and a night of 60mph winds forced Day one of the competition to uproot to nearby Towan Beach and it wasn’t without its shocks as Olli Adams was unable to progress.

The next day saw the event back at Fistral and, with conditions clearing, Stokes was able to fend off his rivals Butler and Ash with strong, consistent performances. Scores of 7.5 and 8.33 in the semis were enough to clinch the competition as Reubin Pearce took the Animal event gold, despite Stokes and Spurlock claiming the overall Open titles.

Over in the women’s, Gwen Spurlock surprisingly failed to make the second day of the event. But such was her lead in the overall standings, valiant efforts from Zoe Sheath and eventual winner Gabi Rowe weren’t enough to pry the title from the youngster’s hands.

It caps a remarkable year for Spurlock who has already collected the Welsh and British Junior Open titles this season.

Animal’s sponsorship manager Steve Kitchen was understandably delighted. "We are really proud to have two such outstanding surfers on the team," he said. "And to have a double win at the Animal Newquay Open is the icing on top."