Traditional vs Modern: Two Contrasting Surf Boat Race Events Come to Watergate Bay.

Surf powerboats and traditional surf boats will both race in the waves of Watergate Bay in coming weeks as Zapcat Racing and the UK Surf Rowers League return to the Extreme Academy.

Brute force and determination will abound as the UK Surf Rowers League test their mettle against the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday 11th July. The traditional oar-powered surf boats first battle out through the incoming waves, then attempt to surf the breaking waves back to the beach in a series of thrilling races.

But first, the all-action Zapcats come to the Extreme Academy for a weekend of surf powerboat racing. Two rounds of the 2009 UK Championships will be held on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June, and points earned here will also help to decide the stand-alone “King of the Surf” trophy for taming the Cornish waves.

“Watergate Bay is the Zapcat Mecca. It’s where you see the sport at its most exciting and it’s the venue the crews all look forward to,” said Martin Jupp of Zapcat Racing.

“The boats were designed for running through big, heavy surf and that’s where they are at their most spectacular. Watergate Bay is by far the most exciting venue for spectators, and for drivers. Racing in big surf is more strategic, it’s a different kind of race. It’s not a case of who has the lightest crew, or who has their boat set up the fastest. To win in the waves there’s more skill involved: crews need to be able to read the waves.”

Developed from surf life saving rescue craft, Zapcats are inflatable catamarans, powered by a 50 horsepower outboard engine. The boats can reach speeds and carry out manoeuvres that simply could not be attempted by craft of a similar size, pulling in excess of two ‘g’ in the tightest of corners.

Racing takes place within metres of the shore providing fantastic viewing for spectators, with the tight course invariably producing fast and frenzied racing. Up to 40 crews from all over the country are expected to enter, with heats each day starting at midday and running through to the finals at 5.30pm.

Four weeks later on Saturday 11th July, over 20 crews - including the current Open and Women’s European Surfboat Champions - will compete in the third round of the UKSRL Summer Series.

Inspired by the Australian tradition of racing surf rescue boats, the heats are short and intense. The crews (made up of four rowers and a “sweep” standing at the stern) row 400 metres out to sea through the breaking waves, around a turning buoy, and attempt to catch a wave back into the beach before one crew member sprints up the sand to complete the race.

Porthtowan crew “Blue Bali” are the team to beat in the Open races following their clean sweep at the UK and European championships last year - an achievement mirrored by the top women’s crew, “Perranporth Rebel Angels”.

Each crew competes in three qualifying races, with the top six qualifying for the final.

For the safety of spectators and participants, a 500 metre section of the water will be closed to the public during practice and racing at both events. A small section of the beach will also be closed during the UKSRL event as the crews start and finish their races on the sand. There are no restrictions on beach access during the Zapcat event, although spectators are requested to be aware of boats being moved on the beach. Surfers and other water users will still be able to use the rest of the beach.

ENDS