ISLAND surfing legend and former British champion, Johnny Fryer, made it to the semi-finals of the men’s open at Boardmasters.

Across five days at Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay, the best professional surfers went head-to-head in the UK’s biggest surf competition.

The 37-year-old was ultimately knocked out by the eventual winner of the event ­— a very good friend of his in Jayce Robinson.

“I’ve got mixed feelings about it,” said Johnny who was born on the Island and now coaches surfing in Cornwall.

“But I’m happy I got to the semis and finished fifth overall. If you’d told me I’d make the semis the week before I would have taken it.

“I didn’t do any preparation at all and entered almost last minute.

“I bought a new board to use on the morning of the event which was a bit risky, but I was in good form ­— no rust at all.

“I could have been in the final, but I made a decision at the end of the heat that cost me a place.

“I had the opportunity to prevent Jayce in third from getting the last wave ­— it was a missed opportunity and I’m a little gutted I let that slip.

“I was 12 years old when I was on the podium at Boardmasters for the first time, but it’s been three years since I last entered a competition.

“Life things get in the way, but I’m definitely going to enter contests next year.

“I still feel I can compete and win against the younger generations.”

Johnny learnt to surf at Compton Beach when he was just seven years old.