A young island surfer had great cause for celebration this weekend when he helped the British Open Surfing Team take ninth place in a world surfing competition. 22 year old Johnny Fryer, who began surfing at the age of six on Compton beach, played a key part in the success, and revelled in the event seen as the ‘Olympics of Surfing’.
After spending the winter training on the Aussie Gold Coast in preparation for a new season on the WQS and BPSA circuits, Johnny proved a valuable asset to the Freespirit British Surf Team in the event held at Huntingdon Beach, California. National Director of the British Surfing Association Karen Walton stated that ‘The entire team should also be congratulated on their efforts and they have all worked extremely hard to get us within the top ten’.
Three time winner of the British junior championship, Johnny graduated onto the senior circuit in 2004. Known for his aerial ability and his commitment, he is fast becoming a top competitor on the international stage, yet still holds strong ties to surfing on the island, considering it a ‘great place to grow up surfing’.
His success is something which all young island surfers must surely aspire to, and with many years on the water ahead of him yet, a great future beckons for Johnny.