IT HAS been a good year for competitive surfing in the UK and North Devon riders have been in the thick of the action.
Surfing GB seems to be getting its house in order and ended the year spectacularly with the British Nationals at Fistral, where Will Bailey, from Georgeham, secured the under-14 title.
It was a great feat against a super-competitive bunch of future stars. In fact, they are so good that many have also competed on the UK Pro Surf Tour, venturing to Scarborough, Thurso in Scotland, Wales and, of course, Newquay.
Another great Tour performance came from Stuart Campbell, of Woolacombe, who pushed really hard in the open division all season. His solid performances put him within a whisker of the title. Maybe next year.
Garin Clay, from Braunton, secured the crown in the under-12 division of the Pro Tour.
Croyde Surf Club capped a good year when its combined team won the British Inter Club trophy on home soil.
Saunton Hotdoggers have been dominating the longboard scene with Ben Haworth, Zak Lawton and Alex Maddocks leading the charge nationally and in Europe.
It has been a pleasure to watch Braunton's Andrew Cotton over the year as he has continued to push the boundaries of what is surfable, challenging the biggest waves in the world to become arguably the UK's most successful surf export.
The overriding impression I am left with of 2012 is of a vibrant, flourishing surfing community.
For 2013, though, we would like a little less rain, a bit more swell and as much sun as possible, please.
I could carry on gushing about the highlights of the year, but following the terrible flooding in Braunton I wanted to send a message of support.
The village is home to some of the country's most recognisable surf brands – Tiki, Gulfstream, Hunter.
The weekend's events have been a big blow at a critical time of year and I would like to encourage everyone this festive season and beyond to shop local and support these guys and all those affected.
Go on, treat yourself to a few goodies and you will be helping support local jobs and families.
