British Nationals, 29-30 September

Interview with rich hall

Name: Rich Hall Position: BBC Sponsor Liaison (and general organising bod) Where and when is this year’s British Nationals event? The comp is being held 29-30 September this year. We’re just awaiting final beach permission from Carrick Council to use a specific venue outside of Newquay. We’re hopeful that this will be signed off soon and that we’ll get the go-ahead to use Porthtowan, but it’s not set in stone yet. Who can enter? There are all the usual divisions – U14, U16, U18, DK, Seniors, Women’s and Open.

What prizes are available?
As far as we know we have the biggest total prize pot available this year since the SLL comp some years back. We’re on course for backing of around £2k plus product prizes worth around £500. There should be cash prizes in all the divisions, not just the Open; but as you’d expect the Open will take the lion’s share of the prize money.

Who are the event sponsors?
We’re chuffed to have title sponsors Smith & Williamson Solomon Hare (who are backing the Ntionals for the 3rd consecutive year. Ed) on board again, along with local representation from The Blue Bar. We’re also excited to have individual divisional sponsors this year too, who are: Alder Sportswear, BBHQ, The Pit, Reveller Clothing, Rob Barber's Bodyboard school and ThreeSixty Magazine

Who will be judging the event?
The BSA will be appointing the Judges, and we’re assured of a team who are used to judging BB comps at the highest level. The BSA also has their new ‘Refresh’ judging system which should be in operation for the first time at a BB event. This can provide by-the-minute scores, judges' evaluation and statistics, event statistics and heat reports at the end of each heat online and in print.

What will the judges be looking for?
As ever the judges will be looking for the BBers who make the most of whatever conditions are available; explosive and progressive moves are always favourite.

Who are the event favourites?
Ha ha. You’re assuming my crystal ball is working aren’t you? There are so many guys who have performed well in competition recently; Remi, Bjorn, Alex W, Aaron, Ali D; plus guys like Prisky, Wall, JJ who we haven’t seen much on the competition scene lately. Any one of potentially a dozen guys could pull something out of the bag on the day.

Is there an after contest party?
Assuming we get the nod for Porthtowan the Blue Bar will be providing comp HQ and resources. They have also offered to lay on a band and host the after comp party, so it should be good.

Will international riders be able to enter?
As you know this was a big post-event talking point last year. The guidance we have had from the BSA is that the event is open to all British passport holders (or I assume those eligible to hold one). The controversy surrounding EU Passport holders continues to roll on as I understand it. If there are any international guys reading this then contact the BSA directly for confirmation. The BSA has suggested that we hold an ‘International’ division next year like the Kneel boarders do, so we’ll work on that for next year.

How do you enter?
You can get a copy of the entry form on the BSA website http://www.britsurf.co.uk/EntryForms/entryforms.htm or KBB.

What time/day should spectators aim to be there to check out the action and is there parking/refreshments?
The comp will probably kick off around 9am (competitor’s check in will be earlier) and there will be plenty of parking in Porthtowan (plus it’s considerably cheaper than Newquay!). The Blue Bar will provide an ideal hang-out for spectators and competitors alike between heats, as well as great food and drink. We’re hoping they’ll be able to sort a drinks promotion for us too.

What is the purpose of the event?
As well as deciding the 2007 National champions, the competition is THE qualifying event for the 2008 World Surfing games in Portugal.

What would you say to Britain's top bodyboarders that don't usually enter contests?
We’ve taken on board all the feedback we’ve heard about previous events and tried to factor that in to our plans for this year. The BSA have enabled us to do much of the background work, so that we effectively have a competition being run for BBers by BBers, backed by their experience. We (hopefully) have arguably one of the best North Coast BB venues and to cap it all the biggest prize purse in recent history. We have really pushed the boat out this year, put in a load of effort and expense, and need a great turnout to make it worthwhile.