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ON THE CREST OF A WAVE
A BROCH surfer has been voted one of the best free surfers in Britain in an online poll.
George Watt (22), who lives in Inverallochy, is now looking forward to a series of trips around the world, where he will be testing himself against other emerging young guns.
Surfing plays a big part in George's life and has done since he was at primary school, as he explains: "When I was six years old, I started body boarding, then, when I was ten , a got my first surfboard from Santa.
"So, I have been surfing seriously for 12 years."
Although he takes part in many tournaments across Britain, his recent win has come about through an online film of him surfing: "Free surfing is taking to the water outwith competitions. I sent a film clip in of me surfing in order to get into the top ten.
"Now, I have won the competition, so will be travelling to various destinations around the world and will be filmed surfing. There were ten free surfers in the running for the competition and then it was a case of other surfers voting on line," he said.
George aims to turn his passion into a career, saying: "My aim is to be a full-time surfer and to be able to get to make a career out of it.
"There are lots of guys in Newquay doing that, it is like an industry there, every second shop in Newquay is a surf shop," he said.
George has already had a taste of the big time, taking part and rubbing shoulders with some of the top surfers in the world: "I took part in half of the UK tour this past year.
"Mark Cameron and I went to Thurso and competed in the O'Neill Highland Open. That was a great experience. Some of the top guys in the world were there," he said.
"So, I am looking forward to making these trips around the world in the next four to five months," he said.
The Broch surfer is hoping to make the most of the opportunity that winning the online vote may provide: "This is a huge, huge thing for me. I have been going down to competitions further south all through last year.
"You can't beat being here in Fraserburgh - I like it here. Surfing when there is snow all over the beach, you feel like Rocky!" he joked.
George already has some sponsorship courtesy of the Elusive surf clothing, Luke Young Shapes, who make surf boards, Circleone wetsuits and the Granite Reef in Aberdeen.
"They have helped me a lot. I have my own blog to keep people posted on what I am up to. I have surfed all over the world Bali, The Maldives, Java, all over Britain, but have never been to Ireland," he said.
For George, surfing in the North-east of Scotland is the most exhilarating location he has experienced.
"As far as I am concerned, Thurso is by miles the best. You have the entire Atlantic behind waves there. We get great waves here in Fraserburgh too," he said.
George feels he benefited from starting young as a surfer, admitting: "I would like to see more young surfers coming through and taking up the sport.
"If you like sledging on the snow, you would love surfing. It would be good for more young surfers to get in the water and give it a go. There are great waves here and plenty space for more people to come along and make the most of it," he added.
Right now, George's intention is to make the most of the chance to test himself in other surfing arenas around the globe: "It will be good to see the world through surfing. My aim is to surf just as much as I can. I enjoy surfing with Broch surfers, guys like Mark Cameron. He pushes you to do your best. We have a very good local crowd here."
George admitted that trying to compete throughout Britain ate into his resources, but hopes that he will be able to attract backers locally in terms of sponsorship.
"I would welcome any support that any Broch businesses could afford me," he added.
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Weather for Fraserburgh
Monday 06 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 0 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South
