Yahoo! News UK

Surfer makes 600-mile round trip during lockdown to catch 'unmissable wave'

Yahoo! News UK logo Yahoo! News UK 3/02/2021 17:09:33 Jimmy Nsubuga
a person riding a wave on a surfboard in the ocean: Surfers tackle the famous Cribbar wave in Cornwall. (SWNS) Surfers tackle the famous Cribbar wave in Cornwall. (SWNS)

A surfer has made a 600-mile round trip during lockdown to catch Britain's biggest wave.

Jeff Scott drove 300 miles from his home in Sussex and back to surf the infamous Cribbar wave in Cornwall which is dubbed the 'Widow-Maker'.

But his trip has been met with criticism from locals who described his actions as "disgusting" while only essential travel was allowed during lockdown.

Scott, from Eastbourne, said he was "sorry" for any upset but justified his actions as he described it as an "unmissable wave."

Read more: What you can and can't do under current lockdown rules

a man standing on a rock in the snow: Jeff Scott (not pictured) travelled to catch Britain's biggest wave - dubbed the 'Widow-Maker'. (SWNS) © Provided by Yahoo! News UKJeff Scott (not pictured) travelled to catch Britain's biggest wave - dubbed the 'Widow-Maker'. (SWNS)

Devon and Cornwall Police said it was now making enquiries to see if any enforcement action is necessary.

Inspector Guy Blackford said: "We were made aware of reports that a person may have driven from out of the force area to Newquay to surf.

"An officer is now making enquires to see whether any restrictions were broken and what enforcement action is required.

a screenshot of a cell phone

"It was slightly disappointing to see so many people out walking in the same place yesterday, clearly attracted by the lure of watching surfers on the big waves.

"Unfortunately this also caused issues with parking in the surrounding area as well.

"The police are not here to determine how people take their form of daily exercise but we would ask that people stick to the spirit of the rules and remember why they are in place."

a man riding a wave on a surfboard in the ocean: The infamous Cribbar wave in Cornwall. (SWNS) © Provided by Yahoo! News UKThe infamous Cribbar wave in Cornwall. (SWNS)

Scott said he would justify his actions if police were to speak to him.

He claims he filled up with fuel prior to travelling and took his own food so he didn't need to stop in a shop.

In a statement, he added: "I did everything to minimise the impact and mitigate any risks.

"The Cribbar is my local big wave and if I could have surfed it at home I would have.

"I'm happy to speak to police as I took every legal and moral provision."

Read more:Matt Hancock was inspired to make vaccine decisions after watching ContagionChris Whitty branded a 'liar' in the middle of the street in 'appalling' TikTok video

Scott said he apologised to anyone who "took offence" but added: "This was simply a one-off unmissable opportunity."

Legendary surf spot the Cribbar breaks only when the swell, wind and tide conditions are right.

It hits the UK coastline just a handful of times a year and is famed for its ferocity and power.

The phenomenon is actually a short series of waves known as "The Widow Maker" and "The Bone Cruncher" because of the extreme danger of riding them.

Watch: What you can and can't do during England's third national lockdown

mercredi 3 février 2021 19:09:33 Categories: Yahoo! News UK

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