JERSEY SHORE

I was very interested to read your article (September issue) about the evolution of board surfing in the UK.

You mention the impact of three South African lifeguards in Jersey in 1958. I believe there was another big influence – my chemistry master at Hautlieu School. He appears in your photo of the Jersey Surfboard Club 1960 (above). His name was Harry Potts and he was an Australian who joined the school at about that time. He was an expert with wood, creating many musical instruments but I do recall him building a wooden surfboard – one of the first in Jersey – on the school premises. The surf along Jersey’s west coast has always been very good and attracted many top surfers over the years. Michael Romeril, via email

Author Maria Hodson responds:

How owes interestinga great deal – to yes, travellingBritish surfing Australian, South African and American surfers who passed on their knowledge and enthusiasm, lighting a fire under young Brits. The picture of the Jersey Surfboard Club is a great illustration of how the new sport thrived under the guidance of seasoned surfers from overseas. Thank you, Harry Potts and friends!