BUDE Surf Life Saving Masters Team have yet again been crowned British Champions at this year’s National Surf Life Saving Championships, with a ‘well earned’ victory.

The championships, which took place in August, saw the men’s and women’s teams, captained by Nic Hammond and Paul Diffey, do plenty of hard work during their training throughout the season — so the victory was well earned.

Surf Life Saving competitions involve water events such as individual and relay team swimming, racing board and ski races, as well as various beach running events.

A record is kept of all positions in the races with points being awarded for the top 16 competitors in each event. Points are then accumulated so that every team member taking part may contribute to the team’s overall score.

The Bude team accumulated a massive 2052.5 points, winning the competition by a clear margin. Competitors also came away with 13 gold, 24 silver and 23 bronze medals.

A selection of the successful team went on, more recently, to compete at the World Lifesaving Championships, which took place at the beginning of this month in the North Sea, Holland.

The members competed against people in the best surf life saving teams from all over the world, including those from Australia, Canada, the USA, Argentina, Japan and many countries from around Europe.

With three gold, four silver and four bronze medals, the Bude team came 30th overall in the medal table out of 202 international teams.

Well over a thousand athletes competed and there were a great many high ranking places achieved by Bude competitors who just missed out on medals, showing the strength and depth of the team.

The team was supported by Mark Ward, who took on the demanding role of team manager, and by Paul and Helen Cottle, who assisted competitors in the separate arenas. Unfortunately, these three members were unable to compete due to injury.

Club captain, Stephanie Clark, said that she is ‘delighted with and very proud of the fantastic achievement of Bude’s SLSC Masters Team,’ she added: “The lovely team spirit and resulting momentum from the team’s successes has created great enthusiasm for training, which helps us to be even better surf life savers.”

All members of Bude SLSC are trained in surf rescue techniques and first aid, with training undertaken voluntarily.

Many members of the team also coach junior and nipper members of the club.

All active members are required to carry out beach patrols assisting the RNLI professional lifeguards on the beaches during busy periods throughout the summer.

The club relies on fundraising and donations in carrying out this essential community service. For further information, visit the club’s website at www.budeslsc.co.uk.