Trainers were looking out for the champions of the future

Up to 70 youngsters took part in the event on Monday in Caswell Bay which followed several days of intensive training at surfing school.

The initiative was set up in an attempt to teach young people water safety skills and to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Several youngsters have been invited to a surf academy, where they will receive expert tuition, after being spotted during the training sessions.

A lot of them had never been in a wetsuit before, but they have loved every minute of it Trainer Simon Jayham

Director of Gower surfing development Simon Jayham, who ran the scheme, said he was on the look-out for the surfing champions of the future.

Mr Jayham said the initiative had proved popular.

"The sessions have been much more than just learning to surf," he said.

"We have been trying to get the youngsters familiar with the beaches, learn safety skills and be aware of the hazards.

"A lot of them had never been in a wetsuit before, but they have loved every minute of it.

"It is the sort of programme which has been running in Australia for years, which is why they are so good at the sport."

The three-day sessions were open to young people aged between 10 and 21 and was part of Swansea Councils "Skool's Out" programme.

Robert Francis Davies, of Swansea Council said: "Swansea and the Gower offer some beautiful beaches and waves to suit surfers of all levels."