Surf Development group in the pipeline

SWANSEA’S growing reputation as being home to some of the best surfing in Britain is forging ahead of its rivals in its efforts to make the most of the sport.

The picturesque Gower peninsular already attracts thousands of surfers every year and there is a thriving surfing community in the city itself.

And now Swansea Council is joining forces with a host of other organisations to set up a Surf Development group that aims to carve out the future of the sport in the city through education, tourism and recreation.

The council’s Sports Development section is already finalising a Surfing Development Plan in collaboration with Simon Jayham of Gower Surfing Development, while Swansea Institute, Swansea College and a number of schools in the area are increasingly tapping into the educational opportunities opened up by the sport.

Fun sessions with Gower Surf Development for young people new to the sport is expected to build on the success of its contribution to the city’s summer "Skool's Out" activities programme last year.

And there are plans to further develop opportunities to study surfing-related subjects in Swansea via Open College Network credits to existing degree-level courses.

With youngsters as young as 12 getting sponsorship from major international surf gear companies and Swansea's young surfers regularly high up in the competition rankings, the wave-riding talent of the future is clearly benefiting from the advancement of the activity.

Mr Jayham, who has recently been appointed Chairmen of the British Surfing Association's Surf School and Surf coaching committee, said Swansea was ahead of the game when it came to surf development.

"Thanks to a lot of hard work and the support from various council departments, surfing development in Swansea is ahead of England,” he said.

“However, to keep it sustainable we will need to control and review our action plans on a regular basis. I hope that we can all work together and get involved in both local, national and UK campaigns."

Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, Robert Francis Davies said, "Swansea and the Gower is well-served for surfers of all levels with spectacular beaches and quality waves.

“It is important to make the most of the potential benefits of these natural assets, both for local people and the visitors and students who boost the economic prospects of our city."

The Agenda for the surf development group line-up includes topics such as involving less well-off young people in the sport, developing the sport's educational links, and promoting Swansea and the Gower as a surfing destination to rival Cornwall.

ENDS

24/3/04

For further information contact our news team on 01792 636252 or media@swansea.gov.uk

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This page last updated on July 2 2004