Bright future for surf wonderkid

Harry Timson takes a first place in the Billabong British Juniors. Pic: Ben Jones

by Jonathan Morris BBC News South West

You would be hard pushed to find another 12-year-old in any sport who has more focus, ability and drive than the pocket rocket that is Harry Timson.

The Newquay surfer was standing up on a surf board at the age of three and has not looked back since.

Last year he was British champion in the under-12s and, last weekend, he won the under-14 nationals at Newquay.

Harry is featured on the poster for the Oakley Pro Junior competition

It is a tough regime.

Three times a week he is training in Polzeath, a 40-mile round trip after school, for lessons with his coach, Kelly O'Toole.

He also squeezes in a weekly session with the British surfing squad at his home break in Fistral.

And at least every other weekend from April to November he is competing.

Sitting with his mother, Charlotte, at home in Newquay - a stone's throw from the nearest beach - Harry is relishing it all.

He said: "First thing in the morning I check out the surf reports on the internet.

"If it's looking good as soon as I get out of school I run home, get changed and then I'm in there 'til half past eight or nine o'clock.

Luckily for us we enjoy the beach Charlotte Timson

"In the harbour they have lights, so you can surf well after dark.

"It's kinda hard to see when the waves are coming."

His best moment yet was winning the European Moskito competition at Fistral in 2007.

"I had a really good final with two eight-point rides, an 8.5 and 8.6.

"On the last wave I put my hands in the air to claim it and got carried up the beach.

"It was so good. I was crying with happiness."

Father Vince and mum Charlotte work full-time, as well as coping with the training commitments of Harry, and looking after two other small children.

Charlotte said: "It's a busy schedule training four times a week, but it's all good fun.

"Luckily for us we enjoy the beach."

Dad Vince is a surfing instructor and lifeguard at nearby Watergate Bay where Harry is sponsored.

SURF JARGON HALO MANOEUVRE: Creating as much spray out of the wave as possible. It is good indication to the judges of speed power and flow in that manoeuvre GROMMET: Young surfer CUTBACK: Turning sharply back to the source of the wave to generate more speed EIGHT POINT RIDES: Surfing is judged in points per ride, from one to 10 which is the best, so eight is almost perfect

Sponsors also supply Harry with a range of boards and help pay for competition entry fees and travelling.

Andy Sturt, British team coach who was watching the British squad at Fistral, said: "He has the world at his feet. He has the talent.

"It's up to us to nurture it to maximise his opportunities at competitions."

Harry, who spent two weeks training in France and Spain this summer, said: "I like the travelling.

"The waves have more punch to them, so when you come back you have more knowledge."

Ben Skinner, European longboard champion, said: "I have seen Harry around since he was maybe seven or eight.

"I think he's brilliant. He's a lovely kid and he has the potential to be one of Britain's top surfers.

"As long as he gets the experience in Europe, he could go all the way."

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