Cornish woman claims Gold at World Para Surfing Championships
Charlotte Banfield, from Penryn, describes it as a day she’ll "never forget"
A Cornish woman has become a world champion in para surfing.
25-year-old Charlotte Banfield, from Penryn, recently took home Gold in the Stand 3 category at the ISA World Para Surfing Championships in California.
Team England claimed a 4th place Copper medal - their highest ever ranking.
Charlotte said: "When I first won Gold at the competition, I didn’t believe it. I saw all the teammates heading towards me when I was in the water and the ISA crew and everyone else and I thought 'this can’t be real'. I didn’t believe it was true until I had the Gold medal around my neck which was an incredible feeling, probably the proudest feeling I’ve ever had in my life.
"Going home, it still felt a bit surreal, but hearing from my friends and family and people in the surf world and hearing how supportive they are, it makes it feel real and I’m very happy to have the support."
The event in Huntington Beach in California was the biggest World Championships to date, attracting 184 athletes from 27 countries. All of which bodes well in the run up to the decision on whether surfing will be included in the LA 2028 Paralympics.
Charlotte tells us that’s her next aim: "We’re in the final stage of finding out of whether it will be in the 2028 Paralympics, so there’s a lot of excitement and buzz in the air about it. Of course, if it does happen that will be my next aim, to surf in the Paralympics."
She adds: "Another big thing that I’ll be looking to do this year and next year is to inspire other girls to find that thing that makes them smile when they wake up. Without surfing, I’m not sure what life would be like, and I know there’s something out there for everyone, so I just want to help girls believe in themselves a little bit more."
Melissa Reid, also from Cornwall, took silver in the Visually Impaired 2 category - her 5th World Championship medal.
Zoe Smith from Bournemouth also took silver with a second place in the Stand 2 category - improving on her bronze medal last year.
Ben Powis, Chief Executive of Surfing England, the sport’s National Governing Body, said: "What an incredible showing for Team England at this year’s Para Surfing World Champs!
"The para surfing scene in this country continues to go from strength to strength, and we are now serious contenders on the world stage. We need to support these athletes with central funding and get behind lobbying for the sport to make it to LA28.”
Phil Williams, Team England Adaptive Manager, adds: "As the volunteer Team Manager, I am absolutely thrilled for the team and support staff, every one of which played a huge role in this event.
"It's my third year as Team Manager and the support and camaraderie, as well as team spirit this year, definitely helped propel us to the Copper medal. I very much hope this is the launchpad for new sponsors to get on board, and for other adaptive surfers to be inspired to get involved with this incredible team and squad.
"Thanks go to all those that have contributed, whether sponsors, coaching staff, individual encouragement to team members, or sharing the social media updates to raise the profile of these games. And of course my biggest thanks to the team members themselves who were absolute stars throughout, showing dedication, commitment, and support for the other surfers when they were not surfing themselves - it was brilliant to witness. The future is bright, and I believe this is only the start."