ONE OF the biggest competitions on the Isle of Wight surfing calendar — in memory of a maverick and pioneer in the sport, Dave Gray — attracted huge local talent.
Held at Isle of Wight surfing hot spot, Compton Bay, the Dave Gray Memorial Surfing Competition turned out to be an event as poignant, as it was enjoyable, for the Island’s surfing community and spectators, who had a great vantage point on the cliffs above.
In up to 3ft of clean surf, the Isle of Wight Surf Club event marked the anniversary of the loss of the influential surfer, who died, aged 56, almost six years ago.
The club also marked Remembrance Day, by gathering on the cliff-top, shoulder-to-shoulder with passers-by, for two minutes’ silence at 11am.
This year’s event was well attended by talented local surfers in the open, women, junior U18 and U14 divisions.
An early stand-out was Toby Payne, aged 11, who caught the judges’ eye with some fantastic surfing.
“Toby is the definition of enthusiasm — in and out of the water — and was a well-deserved winner of the U14 category,” said James Ranson, chairman of the Isle of Wight Surf Club.
Hot on his heels was Casper Hornsby, also 11, who came second.
Eight-year-old Lilah Ranson, James’s daughter, may not have earned a podium place, but she received some of the event’s biggest cheers.
Jago Tasker, with a highly successful UK season under his belt, showed why he is now considered to be one of the best young surfers in England.
The 14-year-old took the U18 category, with Fynn Truman, 16, a worthy and stylish runner up.
Jago continued his winning streak by taking the open division, against tough opposition.
“Jago’s surfing just keeps getting better, month-on-month,” said James.
“We all knew he was going to start beating the men in competition — although some of us hoped he might give the old guard a few more years before sending us out to pasture.”
Jago beat experienced surfer Andrew Tyrrell into second place.
The Isle of Wight Surf Club has a strong female membership, so the women’s division proved highly competitive.
Madi Dew and Cordelia Dewey went toe-to-toe in search of victory, but with a couple of critical turns, Madi did just enough to win it.
Frida Hornsby, 15 — the only junior in the final — deserved her third place.
The next event is the Isle of Wight Open, in memory of Lee Sheaff, which will be held sometime between February and March.
ALL THE RESULTS
U14 class — 1 Toby Payne, 2 Casper Hornsby, 3 Beaux Harwood, 4 Lilah Ranson; U18s — 1 Jago Tasker, 2 Fynn Truman, 3 Callum Orchard, 4 Isaac Boswell; women — 1 Madi Dew, 2 Cordelia Dewey, 3 Frida Hornsby, 4 Sarah Archer; open — 1 Jago Tasker, 2 Andy Tyrrell, 3 Doug Newell, 4 Harry Matthews.
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