Adrenaline junkies needed to keep surf sport alive

Surfboat rowing is an adrenaline-fuelled sport developed originally to rescue people from the sea.

But while it is popular in Australia, there are fears the activity will die out in Cornwall due to a lack of rowers.

Kim Marie Jackson, chair of the UK Surf Rowers League, said: "It's kind of got to a critical point where if we don't build the numbers now and recruit more people it's going to die as a sport. That would be an awful shame because it's the most exciting adrenaline sport ever."

Taster sessions for new recruits are on offer through Perranporth Surf Lifesaving Club.

The high-octane sport was originally a way of rescuing anyone in trouble at sea before jet skis and RIBs were available to lifesavers.

Crews of four use oars to get through big seas in a row boat before attempting to catching a wave to ride back into shore.

Jackson added: "When I started rowing in 2006 there would be on average 15 men's crews and maybe 12 women's crews.

"It was a really competitive sport and seemed to be growing and doing really well. And then over the years it's just diminished."

Sian Kirby who joined the team in Perranporth earlier this year said the sport was exhilarating.

"This is my first season in the waves but I've already managed to compete in my first competition.

"I've still got a long way to go. I am still learning. But everybody's been so welcoming. When you're catching a wave back in all the hard work to get out there is worth it.

Ken Croft heads up the National League of Surf Rowers and said he wants more people to try the sport which was huge in Australia.

"In Cornwall we are so gifted with the beaches we have got and the accessibility that we've got and the surf locations that we've got, said Croft.

"This sport is underused. We can get so many more people and clubs out enjoying it. It doesn't have to be big surf every time".

Surfboat rowing was developed alongside the sport of surf lifesaving for people to stay fit and rescue-ready, in case of incidents in the sea.

Those in the sport say anyone can join, with gig rowers and those who have never rowed previously but being a competent sea swimmer is a requirement.

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