Gareth in British challenge (From Ledbury Reporter)

Gareth in British challenge

12:50pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in Sport

SURFER Gareth John is set to take to the waves for the British Kneeboarding Championships next month.

The 40-year-old, from Bishop’s Frome, is among around 100 people in the United Kingdom who compete in the sport where competitors use a standard surfboard but stay on their knees.

He is heading to Cornwall bidding to better the seventhplaced finish he achieved last year.

The event is due to take place on the first or second weekend in November although the exact time and venue depend on the weather.

He said: “The organisers arrange for everybody to meet at the end of the A30 in Cornwall and then a decision is made on which beach will have the best surf. Until 48 hours before the event, it’s up in the air.”

John, originally from Devon, has been bodyboarding for more than 20 years but only took up kneeboarding five years ago. He is being sponsored by Charringtons Floors and Interiors of West Malvern.