Surfing UK
In the early evening of Friday, a group of eight students from a number of colleges left Oxford bound for Newquay in Cornwall, for the second trip of the newly established Oxford Surf Club. Formed at the beginning of Michelmas term 2001, and having a membership of over 300 students, both male and female, the club aims to promote surfing in Oxford, at all levels of ability and enthusiasm.
So it was that eight of Oxford's finest left the pressure cooker that is Oxford to engage in more relaxing pursuits - such as lying basking under a wintry sun in mid-February. Okay, so it's not exactly Hawaii, but you get the point.
The weekend started with an eventful trip into the heart of Newquay clubland, which surf club secretary, Mark Rushworth (New College) appeared to enjoy more, and perhaps prove himself more suited to, than the surfing.
In spite of the nocturnal antics, the group was ready for an early start on Saturday morning, with the agreeable sight of blue skies and clean surf.
All manner of surfcraft was used, from Hawaiian style longboards, through the more common shortboards, to the prone-riding of bodyboards. A great time, despite the very cold water temperature never rising above 12 degrees celcius, was had by all.
At the end of the day, all that was left of the early morning lethargy were big smiles and and aching shoulders. Indeed, one newcomer to the sport was overheard to say: "I haven't felt this tired since competing as an East German powerlifter in 1974". Rumours that the surf secretary's conquest was similarly an East German powerlifter are, as yet, unproved.
In spite of fatigue, the group managed to steer their way to success in 'bingo' early on Saturday night (winning 75% of the prize money on offer), before moving onto the more lively hotspot that is 'The Beach' nightclub in the centre of town.
Overall, the weekend proved to be a great success (as was the inaugural event last term), and it seems the club is going from strength to strength.
The club is now looking forward to the forthcoming hoped registration with Oxford University's Sports Federation, which will give it official backing and will allow further trips and competitive surfing.
Unfortunately, with impending Finals, the committee is undergoing a personnel change. It has asked for anyone who would like to be part of this society to email surf@herald.ox.ac.uk. In the meantime, go ride a few...
21st Feb 2002