Record-breaking surf lifesaving championships held at Holywell Bay

Around 1,600 competitors have taken part in what organisers described as the biggest national beach competition ever held at Holywell Bay.

Competitors aged from eight to almost 80 travelled from across Cornwall and as far away as Norfolk and Northumberland for the week-long event.

They competed in disciplines including beach sprints, one-kilometre runs, sea swims and board paddling, testing many of the skills required by beach lifeguards.

Bude won the Masters competition, Hayle took the Youth title and Woolacombe claimed the Nippers crown.

Holywell Bay Surf Life Saving Club said around 100 of its volunteers gave up hundreds of hours to stage the championships.

They worked in roles ranging from driving and construction to catering, photography and entertainment. Surf Life Saving GB marshals, officials and safety crews supported the competition throughout the week.

The scale of the event also extended beyond the sporting programme. Volunteers served about 2,000 burgers, 1,000 hot dogs and 1,200 breakfast rolls.
The club’s café team made more than 1,300 hot chocolates and served around 2,500 cakes, many of which were baked by volunteers.

A raffle supported by local businesses and other donors raised more than £12,000 through approximately 25,000 entries.

Holywell Bay Surf Life Saving Club chairman Steve Pecks said: “I am so proud of our team for what we have achieved together over the last few months – building to an event which I think blew all of our socks off.

“We hope everyone who came, competed, supported, marshalled, supplied or otherwise helped to make this happen enjoyed being part of such an incredible community event.”

Mr Pecks said the club had received an “overwhelming” amount of positive feedback following the championships.

The club thanked local residents for their patience during the busy week, as well as the National Trust, Surf Life Saving GB, suppliers and event sponsors Dryrobe, Rattler, Stride Treglown and Trevornick.

It also thanked the volunteers, competitors and supporters who helped deliver the event.