Surfer criticised for breaking lockdown rules
A SURFER who has been criticised for driving over 300 miles to Cornwall during lockdown to ride massive waves at Newquay’s legendary Cribbar reef has defended his actions.
Devon and Cornwall Police are making enquiries to see if the man, from Eastbourne, in Sussex, faces “enforcement action”.
Critics slammed his actions on social media, although others defended him.
Hundreds of people descended on the area on Tuesday – despite police guidance not to travel – to watch a hardy bunch of surfers ride waves of up to 24 feet at the reef at Towan Headland.
Many people, including surfers, took to Instagram and Facebook to criticise the man for travelling such a long distance – a 600-mile roundtrip – during lockdown.
However, the surfer has defended his actions, saying he did everything he could to minimise the risk of transmission or contact with other people.
He has said he is happy to speak to police to give “suitable evidence” that he should not be prosecuted, arguing that he was within legal and moral parameters.
He has also apologised to anyone who has taken offence at his actions.
Inspector Guy Blackford, Sector Inspector for East Cornwall, said: “Last night we were made aware of reports that a person may have driven from out of the force area to Newquay to surf.
“An officer is now making enquires to see whether any restrictions were broken and what enforcement action is required.
“It was slightly disappointing to see so many people out walking in the same place, clearly attracted by the lure of watching surfers on the big waves.”