Poor conditions postpone surfing championships

A national surfing championship due to take place in Cornwall over the Bank Holiday weekend has been postponed.

Surfing England said the English National Surfing Championships, planned to take place between Saturday and Monday at Newquay's Watergate Bay, had been pushed back to 17 to 19 May.

The governing body said the postponement was due to the forecast "unfavourable wave conditions".

Organisers said they did not think the conditions met the "necessary standards" for a fair and competitive competition.

According to Surfing England, swell of 1.5ft (45.7cm) and a wave period - how long it takes for one wavelength to pass a certain point - of eight seconds had been forecast.

"Careful consideration" was taken by organisers and officials before calling off the event, Surfing England added.

"Despite meticulous planning and preparation, we feel the current wave forecast does not meet the necessary standards required for a fair and competitive surfing competition," Surfing England said.

"We appreciate the understanding and patience of everyone involved."

The organisers added they are "fully committed" to delivering the championships on the alternative date.

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