A competitor disappears into the surf at Portinfer. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0653843)

JOHNNY WALLBRIDGE was delighted to win the ‘closest ever’ island surf championships.

The 24-year-old, who runs The Surf Shop at Portinfer, previously won the championship in 2006 and in 2005. With last year’s champion Tom Hill competing in the UK, Wallbridge had to get the better of Tom Colley, Jake Warr and Dan Hewlett in the final to get his hands back on the title.

‘It was pretty good and the closest one we’ve had so far with the top three separated by one point,’ said Wallbridge. ‘It was a really hard competition and it was nice to come out on top when everyone was surfing so well. It was also nice to win it in such good waves.’

The competition was held at Vazon, Portinfer and Perelle. It was especially ideal at Perelle, which saw eight to 10ft waves with a light offshore wind.