A surfer from Noosa's sun drenched shores obsessed with the dark world of gothic horror, Jai Lee's personal struggles and addiction to noseriding have twisted his creativity. Words: Chris Preston Photos: Thomas Robinson (pp 1&3), Andy Staley (pp4)and Dane Peterson

Using locally sourced timber and having designed a manufacturing process that minimises waste, Mike LaVecchia of Grain Surfboards has cornered the market in beautiful, sustainable wooden boards. And the best bit? They ride like a dream. Photos: Nick LaVecchia

One of the great things about surfing in this current era is the wide acceptance of different board designs. Over the last 10 years, it has become acceptable to pretty much ride anything from surfmat to singlefin, fish to longboard. Words: Chris Preston Photo (2): Dan Crockett

Richard James and his brother Andrew recently finished shooting their first film, a surf trip of 30,000 kilometres along the west cost of Africa. Words and photos: Richard James

Chris Burkard's photographs are about more than barrels, perfect point breaks, and carving radical lines – they capture a moment in which the surfer is a mere player and the real star is the scenery. Words: Dan Hamlin Photos: Chris Burkard

Looking to the future with an eye firmly on the past, Tom Wegener has reintroduced the transport of kings to surfing's elite. His boards are works of art, but it's his veg patch that really floating Tom's boat right now... Words: Tommy Leitch Photos: Jamie Bott

World Bellyboard Championship

August 08, 2011 | Words By: Staff Writer

Now into it’s ninth consecutive year, the World Bellyboard Championship is held anually at Chapel Porth on the first Sunday of September.


Organised and hosted by the National Trust, it’s a celebration of all things connected with the art of riding traditional wooden boards. With contributions from the evolving wooden surfboard community, it is a handcrafted bonanza and the most fun you’ve had since last year!

Chapel Porth Beach

“The event has gone truly global in recent years with entrants from Australia, New York, San Francisco and British Virgin Islands. It continues to grow from strength to strength, yet we hope remain connected to it’s fun roots. So dust down your old plywood stick, grab your brand new shaped model from the rack or unveil your homemade creation. We’d love you to come along and share your stories of riding ply. See you in the water!” Robyn Davies, National Trust.

Jack Johns World Champ 2010

The World Belly Boarding Championship (WBBC) was first started in 2002 by Martyn Ward and Chris Ryan as a memorial contest to the late Arthur Traveller, a Londoner who holidayed with his wooden board at Chapel Porth every year. From its humble beginnings with only a handful of competitors, it has now grown into the World Championships with over 200 entrants.
From the beginning it has been a very simple, back-to-basics comp – no wetsuits, no leashes and no swim fins. A bit of wood and a swimsuit is all you need, you don’t even need to bring money as the entry fee is free.

Be prepared, the next WBBC is on soon…

The date: Sunday 4th September 2011
The location: Chapel Porth Beach, Cornwall, UK
The requirements: A bellyboard, swim suit and sense of humour
Check in time: 9.00am

Photos courtesy NTPL and John Isaac.

 

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