Supporting Local Talent At The Fiji Surfing Finals

A Cornish surfer has returned from Fiji having competed for TeamGB in the World stand-up paddle (SUP) surf championships last week, finishing equal 16th in the competition.

Alex Murray, a surfboard maker and SUP competitor, surfed five heats, making it through to repechage round four in the 2016 Fiji International Surfing Association World SUP and Paddle Board Championship (WSUPPC).

Alex competed in the SUP surfing discipline at one of the world’s best waves, Cloudbreak, near the island of Tavarua. He won his heat in round two, earning a place in round three where he finished second, before being knocked out in round four on finals day, held in large eight to ten feet waves. He took part in the event with the help of sponsorship from Par- based Cornish Bed Company.

Alex said: “It was a fantastic experience to surf one of the best waves in the world and to represent my country competing against the world’s best SUP surfers.”

Alex competed against 41 athletes from over 20 nations with a Cornish Bed Company branded paddle board and paddle. The surf competition was won by Zane Schweitzer from Hawaii, who Alex faced in his first heat, with second place going to fellow Hawaiian, Mo Freitas. The British team had competitors in most of the championships disciplines, including: men’s and women’s surf, along with technical and distance racing. Out of the 26 countries taking part, they placed 12th overall.

Garry Smith of the Cornish Bed Company said: “We would like to congratulate Alex on his performance in Fiji. We are looking forward to continuing to support him in 2017.”

To see the full list of Murray’s results in Fiji go to https://isaworlds.com/sup/2016/.