[ivanmcp]

The first round of the Animal Beach Ball tour brought the sun and the crowds to Fistral Beach on Saturday and Sunday. Despite a bold attempt by the weather to dampen spirits it resulted in only a slight delay to the opening, before the first day got off to a fine start. Crowds were treated to breathtaking displays from world-renowned Animal Mountain bike champ Martyn Ashton, between the first fiercely contested surf rounds.

Face painted children (and adults!) encountered the Beach Ball robot and spent an action packed day with on the spot competitions, entertainment and live bands including a blistering performance from K Festival line up Even Nine. The Red Stripe surfboard challenge tested the skills of everyone beachside and there was Red Shark energy drink a plenty for those in need of a boost for their 5-a-side volleyball challenge.

Sunday – and the sun welcomed competitors and spectators from the start! The heat was definitely on as the big names in British surfing went all out to impress in the Carve Dog Town Shoot Out, the first round of the open invitational for the Beach Ball Tour.

Just before 4pm those enjoying the sun and sand below the Headland Hotel were treated to a preview of the Miss Reef UK competitors who stopped en route to the main stage for an impromptu photocall, inspiring a local group of wannabe “Top Guns” to break into a chorus of “Hello is it me you’re looking for”. And everyone from the judges of this international surf icon event to the crowds that packed Fistral Beach were in agreement that the girl THEY were all looking for was 18 year old Claire Newby from Cornwall (Goldsithney) who was crowned Miss Reef UK!

RESULTS: ANIMAL BEACH BALL TOUR, ROUND 1

Carve Dogtown Shoot out – Fistral Beach, Newquay Open (Round 1 Wavemasters Trophy)
1st Alan Stokes
2nd (joint) Josh Knowles and Matt Capel

Juniors
1st Tom Butler
2nd Dane Hall
3rd Tom Owens
4th Matt Capel

Women
1st Kay Holt
2nd Nicola Bunt
3rd Heather Colbrook

Longboard
1st Cameron Grey
2nd Will Eastham
3rd Joel Howell

SAS Tag Team – Fistral Beach, Newquay
1st Team SAS (who donated half of their winnings to the SAS)
2nd Team Yahtzee
3rd Team Hot Beef
4th Team Beach Beat