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Sunday 5th February

Prone to belly

posted on 14th Mar 2009

Lydia Simeoli with her 1956 'Woodward Skimmer'. (Abi Simeoli c2009)

Now you might not have realised it, but there has been a surf scene in the UK since 1909.

The earliest form of surfriding as it was known back in the day, is what we now call prone surfing or 'bellyboarding'.

This approach to wave riding has many merits, the craft are sustainable and recylable (being made from timber) , junk surf becomes a pleasure, the board fits in the boot of the car and is easy to carry on exploritory missions to those oh, so secret spots.

There is a revival going on for this earliest form of surf riding, with a world championships being held at St Agnes, Cornwall, every September and people of all ages getting stoked on the simplicity and inclusiveness of the scene.

Last summer (2008) a short film was made profiling one of the characters of the prone surfing scene. The film (The Life of Ply) went on to win the award for 'most inspirational film' at the Cornwall Film Festival's amazing Board Shorts event (2008). The film is available to view below:

Please check out: pronetobelly.blogspot.com. for more detail, have Fun!!