Meet the Committee
Meet the committee of Surf Kayak Wales who are working hard to make it what it is today. We ask them some hard hitting questions ! Read on for insights into  the individuals who work hard to develop the sport within Wales.
Frances Bateman
Secretary
1. How long have you been involved in surf kayaking?
Since summer 2017.. i attended a womens and youth development day.
2. Favourite surf spot?
Thats a tough question, i like Gwithian in Cornwall for clear blue seas and a fab gluten free cafe ... the fishcakes are divine! But Tullan Strand is something else again.
3. Your greatest surf success?
Winning my first women's HP comp in Bude last Autumn.
4. Future goals?
Discover new surf spots, encourage others into the sport and hopefully improve my own surf while enjoying all of that!
5. Favourite surf snack?
Flap Jack and Banana's
6. Favourite surf tune?
Eeeps thats a tough one ...... Mr brightside Killers.
7. Dream surf destination?
Warm , sunny clean and empty A frames.
8. Life ambition?
To make good gluten free home made bread - i miss proper bread.
9. Who's your paddling inspiration?
The one and only Bethan Thomas.
10. How do you see the future of surf kayaking?
Hopefully lots of fun waves and maybe some new faces.
Chris Watson
Treasurer
1. How long have you been involved in surf kayaking ?
2010 13 years
2. Favourite surf spot ?
Gower Blue pool on the drop
3. Your greatest surf success?
Achieving Welsh Surf Kayak Squad place for Worlds 2022
4. Future goals ?
More travel abroad to different surf spots... Anchor point - Morocco for example.
5. Favourite surf snack?
Mixed roasted nuts
6. Favourite surf tune ?
Ratt - |nobody rides for free from Point Break.
7. Dream surf destination?
Hawaii.
8. Life ambition?
Grow old with family and friends.
9. Who's your paddling inspiration?
All my peers to be honest. Chris Sladden has played a large part with his books on paddling Welsh rivers.
10. How do you see the future of surf kayaking?
Becoming an Olympic sport.
Paul Bramble
Development Officer
1. How long have you been involved in surf kayaking?
20 years in high performance boats, but surfed in playboats as a child.
2. Favourite surf spot?
Shipwreck Bay New Zealand. But you cant beat my local break Pen y cwm.
3. Your greatest surf success?
My highlight would be finishing 7th in IC in the World championships. But consistently competing for the last 10 years.
4. Future goals?
To maintain competing at a high standard and develop the sport ! Introducing it to young paddlers.
5. Favourite surf snack?
Sweet but high energy snacks while surfing, but afterwards a big feast!
6. Favourite surf tune?
Anything that gets you motivated and ready - upbeat and exciting.
7. Dream surf destination?
Indonesia -sunshine, warm waters and remote surf spots!
8. Life ambition?
With surf kayaking community would be to maintain professionalism, high standards, develop and grow the sport.
9. Who's your paddling inspiration?
Shaun Baker and Stuart Woodward... my childhood hero's!
10. How do you see the future of surf kayaking?
More recognition, more funding and hopefully one day recognised as an Olympic sport.
Ewen Arikson
World Surf Kayak Representative
1. How long have you been involved in surf kayaking?
9 years.
2.Favourite surf spot?
Tullan Strand, Ireland.
3. Your greatest surf success?
Making the finals at my first world championships.
4. Future goals?
More surf trips with friends.
5. Favourite surf snack?
Malt loaf.
6.Favourite surf tune?
One way street - Mark Lanegan.
7.Dream surf destination?
Maldives.
8. Life ambition?
To own a pet sheep - preferable a black one.
9. Who's your paddling inspiration?
In surf - Gary Adcock.
10. How do you see the future of surf kayaking?
Would like to see it go from strength to strength.
Bethan Moore
Development support - Pembs
1. How long have you been involved in surf kayaking?
I started surf kayaking in 2018 in a plastic boat and i really loved it. I went to a development day and tried a composite surf boat. That was revolutionary. I wish i had started younger thou.
2. Favourite surf spot?
Broadhaven is my favourite spot, its forgiving when everywhere else wants to kill you.
3.Your greatest surf success?
2nd in ladies open hp at the british championships in 2019 it was only my 2nd surfing comp.
4. Future goals?
To encourage others into the sport and improve my own skills.
5. Favourite surf snack? Cant go wrong with a pot noodle and chocolate (a choice of champions).
6. Favourite surf tune?
The sea by Morchebba.
7. Dream surf destination?
Sun surf and Rum in Jamaica.
8. Life ambition?
Keep surfing!!!
9. Who's your paddling inspiration?
Too many to mention but as a female surfer the greatest support and help has come from Claire Eatock. she's great for the sport and always out encouraging and competing.
10. How do you see the future of surf kayaking?
Be great to see the sport progress and become more professional.
James Paddock
Development support - Pembs
1. How long have you been involved in surf kayaking?
I'd love to say that i learned to surf in the 90's on rapids on the Nambezi. I haven't. I started in 2018 in a Dagger axiom at Broad Haven when the weather was too bad for sea kayak trips.
2. Favourite surf spot?
When its working well: Broad Haven. That said I quite like Freshwater west when its chunky but (relatively) kind.
3. Your greatest surf success?
Staying in a boat and rolling up at a Freshwater west beating!
4. Future goals?
Crumbs I dunno. If i had them I'd be a millionaire and retire by now.
5. Favourite surf snack?
Never tried surfing and eating at the same time.
6. Favourite surf tune?
The sweet sound of water rushing past the hull. Im a miserable old goat and dont listen to music.If pushed i'd say: Fitz and the tantrum - The walker Saw a surf boat YouTube video with this soundtrack and it stuck.
7. Dream surf destination?
Indonesia, Its warm and interesting food.
8. Life ambition?
Currently living the dream. working part time and surfing often and learning to ride a horse.
9. Who's your paddling inspiration?
I like watching Matthew Lamont on a wave and I'd love to be a fraction of that.
10. How do you see the future of surf kayaking?
Its always going to be a niche sport but we're gradually growing a community.
Sarah Dummett
Development support
1. How long have you been involved in surf kayaking?
Since 2001 when i meet my Husband Noel and soon realised i was going to have to embrace it.
2.Favourite surf spot?
Gosh thats hard we have some incredible coastline in Great Britain If i have to choose I would have to say Llangennith, its truly magical.
3.Your greatest surf success?
Helping to run a successful Rest moves West Competition.
4. Future goals?
To achieve my life ambition.
5. Favourite surf snack?
Porridge or bacon sarnie.
6.Favourite surf tune?
I love music anything acoustic when at the beach, favourites anything from Ben Howard, or Ziggy Alberts. However you cant beat the sound of the waves.
7.Dream surf destination?
Somewhere warm would be nice, would make a change to supporting in freezing windy conditions.
8. Life ambition?
To live closer to the sea, The Brecon Beacons are beautiful but my soul needs to see the sea daily.
9. Who's your paddling inspiration?
Well sorry Noel I should say you however that would have to go to Pete Mayall. Local canoe club leader who encourages youngsters into kayaking introduces them to sea and surf disciplines when possible and his passion for maintaining access and regular river clean of the Wye should be commended
10. How do you see the future of surf kayaking?
I would love to see it go from strength to strength. We have meet so many great people, lots will be life long friends, sorry folks ! The surf kayak community is a part of our family.
Noel Dummett
Development support
1. How long have you been involved in surf kayaking ?
Since 2001 when i meet my Husband Noel and soon realised i was going to have to embrace it.
2. Favourite surf spot?
Gosh thats hard we have some incredible coastline in Great Britain If i have to choose I would have to say Llangennith, its truly magical.
3. Your greatest surf success?
Helping to run a successful Rest moves West Competition.
4. Future goals?
To achieve my life ambition.
5. Favourite surf snack?
Porridge or bacon sarnie.
6. Favourite surf tune?
I love music anything acoustic when at the beach, favourites anything from Ben Howard, or Ziggy Alberts. However you cant beat the sound of the waves.
7. Dream surf destination?
Somewhere warm would be nice, would make a change to supporting in freezing windy conditions.
8. Life ambition?
To live closer to the sea, The Brecon Beacons are beautiful but my soul needs to see the sea daily.
9. Who's your paddling inspiration?
Well sorry Noel I should say you however that would have to go to Pete Mayall. Local canoe club leader who encourages youngsters into kayaking introduces them to sea and surf disciplines when possible and his passion for maintaining access and regular river clean of the Wye should be commended.
10. How do you see the future of surf kayaking?
I would love to see it go from strength to strength. We have meet so many great people, lots will be life long friends, sorry folks ! The surf kayak community is a part of our family.
Sidney Spaniel
Team Mascot
First-rate skills and playmaking ability make Sidney the spaniel a valuable asset for the team.
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1. How long have you been involved in surf kayaking?
Since I was a little pup!
2. Favourite surf spot?
Any beach where i can dig.
3. Your greatest surf success?
Catching my first wave with dad.
4. Future goals?
Learn to surf and getting tummy tickles of the team.
5. Favourite surf snack?
Anything i find left on the beach.
6. Favourite surf tune?
Surf Dog by the Kens or anything by the beagles.
7. Dream surf destination?
Colliefornia!
8. Life ambition?
To live by the sea with my Hoomans!
9. Who's your paddling inspiration?
The whole of the welsh surf kayak team, they all have a lot of pet-tential.
10. How do you see the future of surf kayaking?
Paws itively.