North Devon Schools Surfing Championship Returns for its 20th Anniversary at Croyde Beach

Event overiew

The North Devon Schools Surfing Championship is set to make waves once again on 21st June at Croyde Beach. As part of the Gold Coast Oceanfest Education Day, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the competition, promising an unforgettable day of surfing, environmental awareness, and community spirit.

About the event

Organised by Aym Dupuy, Director of Kingsley Devon Surf Academy, alongside seasoned organiser Rob Whitney and competition coordinator Ed Hay, the event is poised to provide a seamless transition as Whitney hands over the reins after two decades of dedication. Jack Harty, Earth Centre Director at Kingsley Devon, is also one of the key organisers, responsible for coordinating all environmental activities within the competition. Main sponsors Dryrobe, Nalu Beads, Saltrock, and Tiki Surf, along with RNLI, Plastic Free North Devon, Silk Crystal, and Ocean Frog, are set to ensure an incredible experience for all students involved.

The following schools are confirmed to compete: Ilfracombe Academy, Kingsley Devon, Bideford College, Pilton College, and Braunton Academy. The competition will feature four main events: the Dryrobe Environmental Challenge, the Nalu Beads Girls Open, the Saltrock Boys Open and the Tiki Surf Tag Team, with 50 students competing throughout the day.

Event Itinerary:

• 08:30 – Safety briefing at the beach marshal tent
• 09:00 – First heat starts
• 09:15 – Dryrobe Environmental Challenge workshop
• 10:00 – Saltrock meet & greet with pro surfer Andrew Cotton
• 11:00 – Nalu Bead workshop
• 12:00 – Plastic Free North Devon talk
• 13:30 – Tiki Tag Team event
• 15:15 – Presentation and prizes

All participants will receive memorabilia from sponsors, ensuring a day filled with lasting memories and inspiration.

As the sole school surfing competition in the area, this event holds significant importance for promoting grassroots surfing and providing young athletes with opportunities to shine. The transition year aims to secure the event’s success for the next 20 years under Dupuy’s leadership.

Marketing Director Lucy Goaman of Kingsley Devon will cover the event on social media, with highlights including a meet and greet with big wave surfer Andrew Cotton and judging by Tiki team riders Greg Norman and Lewis Pettit. Rhiannon from Nalu Beads will conduct a special workshop for all girls participating.

Aym Dupuy, Director of Surfing at Kingsley said: “The North Devon Schools Surfing Championship offers a unique opportunity for young surfers to experience the thrill of competition and the therapeutic benefits of the ocean. Surfing fosters not only physical well-being but also a deep respect for our environment. We are thrilled to continue this legacy and provide a platform for future champions.”

Special thanks to the Oceanfest Festival and Ruda for making this event possible. High-resolution media assets, including the official event poster, are available upon request.

For more information, please contact: 
Aym Dupuy Surf Academy Director, Kingsley Devon
Email: surfacademy@kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk
Website: www.kingsleydevon.co.uk
Social Media: @kingsley_surfacademy