Big break Wave boss is new chair of Surfing England
THE man behind the West’s inland surf attraction has ridden a wave of success to take a key role at national body Surfing England.
Nick Hounsfield, founder of The Wave, has been named chair of the board of directors, taking over from Bruce Daniel, who oversaw the major landmark of Surfing England becoming the official National Governing Body for surfing in England, as recognised by Sport England.
Nick takes the reins ahead of the sport making its debut in Japan next summer, at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.
A spokesperson for Surfing England said: “With our Olympic debut fast approaching, UK Sport have recognised the potential opportunity surfing represents with a landmark investment of £1.35m to support the development of a world class performance pathway for British Surfing.
“We also have record participation with over one million people getting in the water for a surf or SUP last year, and the country is fast becoming a world leader in the deployment of artificial wave technology.
“Nick’s strategic leadership will help us seize this moment, bringing together these elements to deliver a step-change in the performance and reach of English surfing.”
Nick said: “Having been a surfer for 42 years, I really understand the unique culture around surfing. It’s critically important to retain all that is great about the sport as we grow it from grass roots up to elite level.
“Surfing England is a future-facing organisation with sustainability at its core strategy, this means achieving financial security, making sure we are socially inclusive and protecting our wonderful surfing environments.
“The future of surfing is incredibly bright and we need to work together as a healthy surfing community to build, support and champion our sport for the benefit of all.”
Ben Powis, CEO at Surfing England said: “We are working more closely than ever with Sport England and other stakeholders to put surfing on the country’s sporting map and bring investment and expertise into the sport we love.
“The UK Sport investment in British Surfing is an amazing first step and will need us to work in close partnership with British Surfing and the home nations, requiring trust, vision and great leadership, all of which Nick brings in spades.”