David Speller: Initial success in the Atlantic surf

DOUBLE British junior champion David Speller battled bravely for Great Britain at Quiberon last weekend, but couldn’t save his squad from defeat at the inaugural Anglo-French Bodyboard Challenge.

The British team lost the France versus Great Britain contest 10-3 – though the French were said to be impressed at Britain’s capabilities.

Jersey Bodyboarders Club member Colin Crowther, who was selected to judge at the event, said: ‘There was a worry that the French would be too strong, because of some of the people in their team, but although they won convincingly there were lots of close heats.’

The 19-year-old Speller got off to a great start in the first with two solid rides, featuring high scoring powerful rolls. As the heat drew to a close, Speller had looked set to become the only British heat winner on day one. But  French bodyboarder Maxim Castillo found a big left hander and launched a high air roll, followed by a barrel roll, to post the highest scoring wave of the day.