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Surfing's governing body announces British Tow-Surf Association
by George Mojo
29/06/2006:// Surfing's governing body has announced the setting up of the British Tow-Surf Association.
It follows a series of meetings in Cornwall between officials and big-wave surfers.
Earlier this year, the idea took off in a big way following several sessions at Newquay's infamous Cribber wave where jetski's were used to tow surfers into the wave along with other trips to offshore reefs around the UK and Ireland.
Known as the B-TSA, the aim is to take a pro-active role in safeguarding the future development and responsible practice of the sport of tow-surfing in Britain.
Tow surfing is a hybrid sport emerging from traditional surfing, but with the additional use of driver on a jetski/personal watercraft to slingshot the surfer into peaking waves, often too big to be caught by paddling power alone.
An executive committee was elected to formulate, via consensus, the rules and regulations of a community-orientated Tow Surf Association, with the objective of promoting the safe and responsible development of tow surfing on a nationwide basis.
The British Tow Surf Association mission statement is to promote tow surfing via the media to the general public, in a manner which stresses the importance of safety, education and self regulation, also providing information, awareness and training.
The Association has clearly-defined aims and objectives: · Creating a sense of belonging amongst members that share an interest in tow surfing. · Promoting of safe & responsible tow surfing. · Acting as a positive voice in the promotion of the tow surfing fraternity. · To organize events when necessary where all safety factors have been addressed. · The education and recommendation for further training for it's members · Liaise with local authorities in addressing matters pertinent to tow surfing, thereby ensuring the continued practice of the sport in Britain.
The committee members are: Founders- Chris Bertish & Ben Granata. Chairman - Chris Bertish. Vice Chairman - Duncan Scott. Safety Advisers - RNLI - liaison Steve Instance - Secretariat - British Surfing Assoc. - liaison Karen Walton - Treasurer - British Surfing Assoc. - liaison Karen Walton
British Tow Surf Association members have agreed on the need to set a high standard for membership requirements, since tow surfing usually takes place during periods of large waves and with small craft advisories in effect.
By a high level of training, responsibility and preparation, one is further assured that any B-TSA members' presence adds to the safety of the marine operating environment.
All members of the B-TSA will need to have the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Basic PWC Competency Certificate and K38 Tow Surfing Operator + 1st Aid qualification or equivalent.
K-38 Tow Surf Operator' qualification is an internationally developed and recognised certification specifically designed for the needs of tow surfers.)
The newly-formed British Tow Surf Association (B-TSA) will be having an open meeting to accommodate all interested parties.
The meetings' purpose is unveiling the B-TSA constitution to prospective members and providing information regarding the Association and tow surfing in general.
The organsiation first Open meeting will take place at the British Surfing Association Office, at the Fistral International Surfing Centre, in Headland Road, Newquay, at 3pm on Monday, July 3.
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