Catching up with Alys Barton
You’ve been entering comps again, how did that feel getting back into the swing of competitive surfing after a long winter break?
I was really looking forward to the restrictions lifting because I love competing so much! My first competition after lockdown was in Portugal. It was a QS and it was super fun! I managed to stay on an extra week and get some awesome waves, after this I competed in France and Spain where I also got good results.
What’s it like living and surfing on the Gower?
Living on the Gower is such a beautiful place to be and I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to grow up in such a lovely community. I have made many lifelong friends in the Gower and met some really inspiring people that help me on this journey of becoming a top female surfer in the UK. The surf on the Gower is great and there’s a lot of variety of breaks that you can travel to. Where I live I’m super close to all the local reefs which I surf regularly there’s tons of rights and lefts as well as the classical Langland reef where about half the worlds population of surfers is based on a daily basis!!
How much are you looking forward to Boardmasters this year?
I am really looking forward to Boardmasters this year as I’m looking to improve on the good results I had last year. I’m also really excited to see lots of people I haven’t seen in while and just have fun at the competition. It’s such a fun event and I can’t wait to get it underway.
Who are the surfers to look out in the women’s comp – apart from yourself of course!
This year I will be competing in the Animal Open against a lot of my friends who I regularly compete with in competitions in Europe and the UK . All the girls rip so I’m super excited to surf against them!
What are you plans for the rest of the year?
To keep pushing my surfing and travelling, and to compete in WSL QS/PROJUNIOR events!.
Sum up how you’re feeling right now in five words.
Excited, happy, determined, calm, buzzing!
Follow @alysloxleybarton