Five Welshies To Watch

Despite being the smallest of the Celtic nations, the surf scene in Wales has always had a big impact on Britain as a whole.

Since the early 70s it has churned out a string of British and European champions, including pioneer Pete “PJ” Jones, Linda Jones, Carwyn Williams and Simon Tucker . Since then the population of local and visiting surfers has exploded in the country as scores have turned out to enjoy its long and varied coastline, which is littered with quality set ups.

Recently a particularly talented grommet contingent has emerged, continuing to push the high performance envelope. Sometimes overlooked by the wider surf media, we decided it was time to introduce you properly to some of the young Welsh riders you should be keeping an eye on.

Jo Morris –

Although small in stature fifteen year old Jo Morris from Swansea is one of the biggest chargers in his age category, with two trips to Hawaii and numerous sessions at heavy breaks around Europe under his belt. His nose for the barrel is strong as a result, and he’s never afraid to pull into close outs.  In the smaller stuff he’s got good pop and his air game is continually on the up. His rail technique is sharp and his carves are bound to get stronger as he fills out. His unwavering energy both in and out of the water will also stand him in good stead as he looks towards the future.

Emily Williams –

Nineteen year old Emily Williams hails from Newport, Wales’ south coast. She’s currently studying at Swansea University and has been competing both nationally and internationally for several years, including a trip to Ecuador in 2014, where she was a part of the first ever Welsh team at the ISA World Junior champs. Her rail and top to bottom surfing are unmatched in her age category and as a result she’s snatched the win at the Welsh championships no fewer than six times.

Seth Morris –

Fifteen year old Seth Morris from Pembrokeshire is quickly becoming one of Britain’s sharpest competitive surfers. He’s already got four Welsh championship titles under his belt, in the under 12, 14, 16 and 18 categories and has reached more finals than any other surfer in his age group in in UK surfing comps.

He’s got a smooth style, super polished technique and he has a critical knack for remaining steadfast under pressure. He started the year well, making two heats at his first ever European Pro Junior before heading back to the UK and taking out the U18s at the Surfaced Pro.

The first year competing in Europe is always a learning curve but if his long string of solid results in the UK are anything to go by we’re expecting to see big things for him in the coming years.

Patrick Langdon-Dark –

Hailing from Swansea, seventeen year old Patrick Langdon-Dark embodies the millennial approach, with a a full bag of tricks and an air game up there with the best in Britain in his age category.

His stance is solid and his speed off the bottom and pop out of the lip, even in lacklustre waves, make him a force to be reckoned with in competition. He recently took out the U18 category at the Night Surf and has made several heats this year on the Pro Junior.

Patrick has been churning out some quality web clips recently, along with friend Logan Nicol who’s also a promising prospect, which showcase both the boy’s talents and their unique and wave rich stretch of coastline.

Cieran Hughes –

Seventeen year old Cieran Hughes was born and raised in Southerndown, a small coastal town near Porthcawl. He is known for his humble and enthusiastic attitude, as well as his competitive nouse, which has seen him sailing through some seriously stacked heats this year.

His approach is inspired by the classic European power base, with a mean repertoire of power hacks and lay backs. He’s also a keen tube hunter, and is always able to sniff out a keg. He’s hunkering down on the UKPST this year, an is currently up in 10th place on the U18 rankings.