Three Degrees – Event One: North East Open, Tynemouth

An international field turned out for the Roxy North East Women’s Open. This was part of the Quiksilver and Roxy 3 degrees Tour, which takes Britain’s top surfers to remote surfing spots around the UK to battle the chilly waters in a bid to become champ. Venues for this year’s UK Pro Surf Tour events include Tynemouth in North East England; Thurso in Scotland; and Portrush in Northern Ireland.

The final of the women’s event featured surfers from the UK, Europe and even some brave souls (in super-snug wetsuits) from Australia. After some impressive wave-riding, the eventual winner was French surfer Caroline Peret, who impressed the strong crowd deapite the disappointing conditions.

Lauren Davies was the sole local representative in the water, wife of Quiksilver rider Gabe Davies. She enjoyed her cold water surfing and took a fourth place less than a point behind third place. Third went to Raine Jackson from Australia and second to Jenny Horbas from Bournemouth.

The event was also part of the Xperience08, a local extreme sports event that drew large crowds on a busy sunny weekend. The entertainment continued into the night as surf films were shown and a party rocked till the early hours. Locally produced surf film ‘Rise’ and Quiksilver produced Clay Marzo documentary ‘Just Add Water’ showed local groms exactly what they have to do to surf like the best.

Spencer Hargraves, Quiksilver Team Manger said: “I would like to thank the local surfers for putting on a great party on the Saturday night which was awesome, supported by the helpful staff at the Park Hotel. Also the local council were truly supportive with stewarding and making this event happen !”

Next event: Roxy 3 Degrees Thurso (in the snow!) Keep your eyes peeled for updates…