Jamie Russell - Circle One Team Surfer
Jamie Russell is Northern Ireland's freshest surfing talent. At just 14 he is already creating a stir on the Irish surf scene this year with impressive performances at The Causeway Coast Championships and The Irish National Championships where he was ranked number one in both events.
This reigning 2008 Under 14 National Champion thrives not only on competing but on free surfing his local breaks around the Causeway Coast. He catches the eye of many a bystander with his natural ability on his board.
Jamie has a strong athletic style and an outlook beyond his years. He genuinely lives and breathes surfing, so that When you meet him, his determination and dedication really shine through in his personality. Jamie's talents have great potential to evolve and grow and with the support of a successful sporting family will no doubt develop into one of Northern Ireland's top surfers.
So, what's the competition schedule for this young gun over the next few months?
Sligo Open, September
Jamie attended an Irish surf team training camp in Strandhill, Co. Sligo on 26th September, followed by an event at the annual Sligo Open on the 27th. Being an open event, Jamie benefitted from competing against older and more experienced surfers.
UKPST Open, Portrush, 1-2nd November
Jamie competed in challenging conditions against some of the best surfers in Britain to gain a very respectable finish inside the top 40. This event on home soil will no doubt stand him in good stead to continue his training and build confidence in advance of the future European Championships .
Europe
Jamie will represent Ireland at Under 14 Level at this year's European Championships in Morocco. He is extremely keen to compete in this event and said... “I'm stoked to be surfing against guys from other parts of Europe, it's bound to push me and improve my surfing. I'm looking forward to going to Morocco because the waves look excellent and the water will be a lot warmer than at home in November!”
Pictures By Stephen Scullion, http://www.surfpi.co.uk
Kieran scullion, http://www.flickr.com/photos/scullionsnaps/
