Surfboats in action at Watergate Bay

Surf rowing crews from across the United Kingdom will be in action at Watergate Bay on Saturday in the Summer Surfboat Series.

The crews of five will race three qualifying races, before the top six boats go on to the final.

The men's league is currently being led by Porthtowan Bali Blues, while Bude Runners head the women's.

Peter Gaisford from the UK Surf Rowers League said: "Of the five rounds, Watergate Bay provides the most exciting conditions for racing."

"The crew from Porthtowan may have dominated the first two events but this round could really ruin the lead for them as surf levels the playing field and puts pressure on everybody to perform.

"If a team gets it wrong, expect to see capsized boats with whole crews in the water."

Surfboat racing was first seen in Cornwall during the 1970s following its introduction by a visiting Australian lifeguard.

The Summer Surfboat Series compromises five rounds of racing with crews competing for points to claim the overall title.

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