With 18 competitors, the first distance event was held.

The usual start line was on the beach, and there was a small rolling swell and easterly winds of around 12 knots.

John Hibbard won overall but after a hard fight, Bracklesham resident and St Richard’s consultant Neal Gent took second place.

In the shorter course ladies’ event, Chichester’s Clare Blacklock was first, with Sharon Shaw second.

In the juniors, Bobby Cooper (16) from West Wittering was first and Holly Bassett (ten) from Itchenor was second.

Towards the end of the day there was a small line of surf so a men’s expression session was held.

Hibbard was first, followed by Gent, Scott Gardener and another Bracklesham local Matt Argyle.

The next day saw the full surf competition.

The ladies and juniors went off first with Blacklock winning, and in the juniors Cooper took first and Bassett second.

The first round of the men's surf comprised 12-minute four-man heats, with the best two riders progressing.

Through the heats, it was clear John, Neal, Scott and Matt all had the conditions worked out. Mark and Nick all had good combinations but failed to find the waves to bring in maximum points.

In the final, John, Neal, Scott and Matt paddled out into the swell.

It was a close-run thing with a countback in the judging between Neal and John. John could have clinched first, but he fell on an excellent set wave, and Neal took full advantage.

BSUPA event director Simon Bassett said: “With the results from three events for distance and two events for surf, there now seems to be a title battle between John Hibbard and Neal Gent for the overall season championship.

“Everything will hang on the results at Newgale in October 17 and 18 to find the National BSUPA champions at the end of the season.”

For more details, check out www.supglobal.com