Western Morning News (Saturday)
Big break for SW surfer as sport takes world stage
THE South West is famed for its surfing beaches enjoyed by both champion wave riders along with holidaymakers trying to master the art.
And this summer the sport takes its place on the world stage as it makes its debut in the Olympic Games being held in Tokyo, Japan.
Now a leading figure in the region’s surfing, Nick Hounsfield, founder of The Wave, the inland surfing destination in Bristol, has been appointed chair of the Board of Directors of Surfing England.
He takes over the role from Bruce Daniel, who oversaw Surfing England becoming the official National Governing Body for surfing in England, as recognised by Sport England.
A spokesperson for Surfing England said: “Nick takes the reins at a time of huge opportunity for surfing. 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 (stand-up paddleboarding) 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.”
He added: “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 national stakeholders to put surfing on the country’s sporting map and bring new 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.”