Surfing GB is the successor to the British Surfing Association (BSA) which was founded in 1966 to promote the sport of surfing in Britain. Formed at the end of 2010, Surfing GB is building on the strengths of the BSA and working towards a brighter future for surfing in the UK. Surfing GB’s core aims are: 1.invigorating, inspiring and connecting with the British surfing population, and increasing participation across all age and ability levels throughout the country; and 2.implementing performance development strategies with the view to producing a British World title contender within the next 10 years. Surfing GB’s board is comprised of individuals who have a history of surfing and surf industry experience, and, along with Surfing GB’s executive officers, the organisation amounts to the largest and most knowledgeable group of experts ever assembled for the governance of British surfing. Athletes, coaches, environmentalists, media specialists and surf industry representatives have joined forces to breathe new life into Surfing GB, with the aim of securing formal National Governing Body (NGB) status as soon as possible. Some of the country’s top surfers, including former British champions Gabe Davies and Sam Lamiroy from Newcastle, former Welsh champion Lloyd Cole and Scottish champion Chris Noble, are committee members and will be taking an active role in the progression of British surfing. One of British surfing’s legends, former British and European Champion Nigel Semmens, heads up Surfing GB’s board of directors, and well-known surfing journalist and author of Surf Nation, Alex Wade, has also helped in the reshaping of the new body. Nigel says: “While we have a massive amount of surfing talent in this country, male and female, we haven’t had someone competing internationally for a number of years. To reach the same level as someone like Kelly Slater, we need to have a more structured approach which puts a premium on top quality coaching and commitment, and which seeks and obtains sponsorship that reflects the massive interest in surfing in Britain.” But as well as pushing competitive surfing in Britain as far as possible, Surfing GB is about you – the British surfer. Surfing GB aims to look after your interests, whether you’re a beginner, a veteran longboarder, a hotshot shortboarder or a weekend warrior. Whatever your age and ability, and wherever in the country you’re based, we will give you a voice, we will work hard on your behalf, and we will protect your passion for riding waves. Website: http://www.surfinggb.com/