The Open was very close throughout the event with some great waves being ridden in difficult conditions. Josh Jupe was definitely amped up for the final smashing a couple of big back hand snaps and punching the air after landing them. Skelley picked up a lovely over head left towards the end of the final and Matt Harwood looked very determined putting in some high scoring rides but James Ranson took the title of 2011 South Coast Open Surfing Champion with almost the last wave of the final.
1st – James Ranson
2nd – Matt Harwood
3rd – Josh Jupe
4th – Phillip Skelley
Well done again to Matt Harwood and all the IOW Surf Club team for putting on a fantastic event. Also a huge thank you to Graham Taplin head judge and Raff and James Cave for judging to. Thanks to Claire and Amanda Crook for admin, and Bobby DK and Jamie Whittle for marshalling, Oliver Harvey and Nick Martin for organising, James Ranson and Chris Mannion for water safety. Thanks to Rapanui, Monster, Wight Trash and Island surf for prizes and to Paul Knight for making the trophies. Also thanks to Monster for the bbq and drinks and not forgetting all the competitors who did the South Coast proud in very difficult and heavy conditions and thank you to all the spectators who braved the weather.
The Wight Surf History are pleased to have been a part of the 2011 South Coast Surfing Championships, gaining funding from the West Wight Landscape Partnership for judges, banners, stickers and t-shirts for all competitors. A big thank you to the WWLP from Wight Surf History and the IOW Surf Club.