THE boardriders of the Navy and Royal Marines are looking to hold on to their crown as kings of the waves on home territory as they prepare for this year’s Inter Services competition in the West Country.

Sennen Cove near Land’s End, ‘home break’ for the Navy surfing team, has been picked as the venue for the championships.

All three Armed Forces decided commitments in Iraq and the provision of cover for striking firefighters took precedent over sport last year, and postponed the surfing championships until 2004.

But despite worldwide operations, the Navy squad managed to squeeze in numerous events and contests in 2003.

But a return to a favoured training area – Biarritz in south-west France – was ruled out when an oil tanker sank off northern Spain, threatening the coastline. Instead, the riders headed north to Stornoway.

“The first thing to strike us was just the sheer majestic outlook of miles of golden sand and crystal clear water under imposing cliffs – and not a soul on them,” said RN/RM Boardriders president Lt Cdr Colin Pryde.

“The only difference was that although the sun was out, the water was absolutely freezing – no summer wetsuits here.

“Although we were slightly disappointed at the size of the surf, it was fantastic to surf in outstandingly beautiful surroundings.”

In competition, the surfers came sixth out of 17 teams taking part in the British Inter-Club Longboard contest at Staunton Sands in North Devon, where Lt Dan Thornton RM (RMB Condor) proved the star of the Service side.

Dan competed in the prestigious Red Bull Local Hero event, also held in North Devon, and annihilated the competition.

His prize, in addition to a new surfboard, was the chance to ride some of the best waves in the seas off Cape Town alongside some of the best surfers from the UK.

That was the highpoint of the Navy surfing calendar, but the rest of the year proved rather disappointing.

Sailors and Marines came third from last at the national Shortboard Inter-Club Championships, and even the RN/RM title was a little disappointing.

Held the same weekend as the Rugby World Cup Final, many surfers opted for balls Down Under instead of boards.

That said, the quality of surf and surfing was the best the club has seen. AB(D) Dave Barr Saunders, from HMS Ramsey, proved star of the event, taking the longboard title and Culdrose’s PO Si Parry clinched the shortboard contest.

The talent on display at the November RN championships bodes well for the 2004 season, said Lt Cdr Pryde.

The Boardriders are gaining in stature too, he said.

“The club has at last achieved official recognition as a sport within the RN/RM and other services. Although it makes little difference to club business, we do get a small grant,” Lt Cdr Pryde said.

“The main thing is that it’s good to be a recognised sport with the associated publicity.”

Key dates for 2004: May 15-16: beginners’/intermediate weekend, Sennen Cove; TBC May: France training expedition; June 5-6: Inter-Service Championships, Sennen Cove (or June 19-20 as back-up date); July 17-18: beginners’/intermediate weekend, Sennen Cove; September 18-19: beginners’/intermediate weekend, Sennen Cove; TBC October/November: British Longboard/ Shortboard Inter-Club Championships; November 13-14: RN/RM Championships, Sennen Cove.