Cornish Schools Championships sponsored by Animal
Textbook Moves in Cornwall
Simon Alexander - BBC reporter
Cornish surfers will aim to put in top class performances at this weekend's county schools' surf championships. More than 150 pupils from 14 schools will compete for the honours at Tolcarne Beach, in Newquay.
Defending champions Tretherras School, from Newquay will face tough opposition from Treviglas Community College and St Ives School.
The school's event takes place as part of the Animal British Cup, which is a selection contest for the 2008 British surf team.
This year the schools will be battling it out even harder for a chance to win a unique top prize, of a day's surf coaching with pro surfer Alan Stokes later in the year.
This exclusive opportunity will give the winning school a rare chance to learn from one of Britain's top surfers and develop their surfing skills.
Ellis Attwell, Surf Academy@Treviglas director said:
"The Cornish Schools is unique in bringing together surfers of all standards from across the county, with the ethos on accessibility and fun for all - whilst ensuring that top level, serious surfing in our schools can still be celebrated.
"I would like to say a massive thank you to all those involved for their commitment to grassroots level surfing in this country. Without their help this event would not be possible."
The Surf Academy is unique in being the only surfing based post-16 course in the country.
Organising The Cornish Schools Surfing Championships, undertaking 'A' levels in Sport and Tourism, completing University modules and gaining practical qualifications such as lifeguard and BSA surf coaching awards are all achieved by the students.
Many students are eligible for financial assistance towards accommodation and travel expenses due to the unique nature of the course. They graduate after two years with career paths typically split between the option of guaranteed places at Plymouth University or a successful career in the Leisure Industry.
The Animal British Cup will be attracting the UK's top surf pro's with a double attraction of a share of the £4,000 prize purse, and being part of a series of events used by the British Surfing Association to select the members of the 2008 British Surf Team.