Press Release

Surfing GB and UK Pro Surf Association to work together for the benefit of British Surfing.

May 14th 2012

The future of British Surfing was given a huge boost today when the leaders of the UK Professional Surfing Association (UKPSA) and Surfing GB, the National Governing Body (NGB) reached an historic agreement over future co-operation, healing a long standing schism in the sport.

Surfing GB's Kerry Powell and Matt Knight with Dave Reed and John Owen from UKPSA

The UKPSA has operated independently of the NGB for a number of years, with elite and professional surfers competing in events around the country for the prestigious titles. Contests run by the UKPSA have become recognised as setting the standards for efficient and professional contest management in recent years.

Surfing GB has been revitalised over the last few months by committees of dedicated volunteer surfers, led by iconic and inspirational figures, such as former British and European Champion, Nigel Semmens. The British Nationals Championships in 2011 provided a springboard for the improved relations between UKPSA and SGB with both organisations working together to organise the event which had been threatened with collapse.

“This is a massive step forward ” said Nigel, “at last we are all pulling together and that can only be of benefit to all surfers. I see this as being something that will be the instigation of a better future for British Surfing”

2011 British Champion Stuart Campbell

“The role of an NGB is to provide a good service to all those that it represents- and for us that means all surfers” said Matt Knight, member services director for SGB. “For years competitive surfers have operated under a confusing system with two contest and ranking bodies, and many of our top surfers having little to do with the NGB as a result. The agreement we have reached today enables competitive surfers to operate under a single system that is co-herent and makes sense, and also to save a little bit of money along the way by reducing the membership and insurance fees paid.”

Dave Reed, Director of UKPSA said: “Its good news for everyone that cares about the development of Surfing in the UK. We can work together on delivering a really good progression pathway for surfers, but also for those who want to make a career out of officiating: judges, beach-marshalls, contest directors, elite coaches- many surfers have an interest in going on to work in the sport they love and by connecting the efforts of the NGB to develop grassroots surfing, and the UKPSA who represent the professional side of the sport, we can make these sorts of opportunities more accessible to everyone”

2011 UK Pro tour winner Russell Winter

Areas of common interest covered by the agreement between UKPSA and SGB include a National Ranking System, accreditation of events to ensure standards are maintained, common surfer’s insurance for surfers to reduce their costs and reduced membership costs. The British titles event will become counting final events in the UK pro tour calendar, making for an exciting end to the contest season. Selections for British Squads will also be informed by the rankings.

“It was important to us all in to put the difficulties of the past behind us” commented Bruce Daniel, chair of Surfing GB management commitee. “this is about unification and bringing all surfers together. This is just one of many benefits to having people working together… there are many more good things to come.”

For details of the UK Prosurf tour events www.ukprosurf.com

To see the work of the National Governing Body for surfing hit up www.surfinggb.com