FIVE surf-rowers from Bude travelled to the west coast of France last weekend to compete in the Medoc Waterman 2011 European Championships, in Soulac-sur-Mer. Competing against crews from France, Italy, Holland and the UK they landed a full set of silver medals.

The sport, which has its roots in Australian life saving, involves a crew of four and a steersman racing a rowing boat off the beach, through the waves, around a buoy and then surfed back to the beach.

The Barracudas, who have been together for only one season, have been racing throughout the South West this season and had previously finished in silver medal position at the UK Open in July. The European Championship was the next step, and the field comprised many former Olympians.

For a round-up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.