The Jesus Surf Classic recently celebrated its 14th anniversary, as the event took place over the weekend of 9 to 10 September.
Organised and run by Christian Surfers UK, The Jesus Surf Classic has become one of the biggest and longest running surf contests in the UK.
This year’s event introduced a new event for women with a new category for the Junior women (Under 18s).
The surf contest offered over £2,000 of prize money, between the 9 categories, with the open surfing winner receiving £250.
Christian Surfers UK also continues its commitment to support Tsunami Surf Relief UK and Surf Relief UK with an exhibition showing the work already carried out by Christian Surfers UK and Tsunami Surf Relief UK in Sri Lanka, and the board that has been signed by over 100 top surfers will also be on display.
Christian Surfers UK was set up in 1993 with the aim of presenting the gospel to surfers in a relevant and meaningful way, and encouraging Christian growth, commitment and discipleship among surfers.
At last month’s Creation Fest, Christian Surfers UK had the opportunity to run the skate area, with their band, ‘Narrowpath’, performing three times in the acoustic and surf café.
Skate action took place with US professionals Jarad Lea and Judd Heald performing.
Surfing is being used more and more as a ministry tool across the world. Conversations and relationships built through the festival have led to countless lives being changed as skaters and other adults and children make commitments for Christ.
In 1995, San Diego professional surfer Bryan Jennings founded surfing ministry “Walking on Water” as a way to share his passion for the waves and for Christ.
“I wanted to make God real,” Jennings said.
He describes the week as both a physically and spiritually healthy experience. “I just feel like it's good for these kids to get away from their iPods, get away from their computers, get away from their couches.”