Mark Hagger from Electrical Shoots the Pier in the World Surfing Para Championships

Mark Hagger, the college’s progress coach for Construction, headed to California to take part in the World Surfing Para Championships, from Monday, 4^th November – Saturday, 9th November. In all, 128 surfers competed from 30 countries. Mark came a commendable 10th in the world, landing second in his last heat to the winner of the overall competition for 2024. To see Mark in action on Day 1 of the competition you can view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbCN_Pc5Z_Y (see 3 hours 25 [3:25:00] minute mark onwards – or 3 hours, 41 mins and 16 seconds [3:31:16] onwards; for Mark himself). Mark won his initial heat, came a good second in his second heat and also second in his third heat. He was eventually knocked out in the quarter-finals.

He said of his trip: “I extend massive thanks go to Dean Griffiths, Mark’s catcher and Jack Patching, Mark’s pusher. It’s always an incredible experience to go abroad and represent my country in the World Championships. Not only did I earn a nickname for being a little off-the-wall for shooting the pier in the second heat, but I also ended up tenth which is a great achievement, for me. It’s always great fun to meet with other surfers and they have become friends. The after-parties are pretty good, too!”

Mark continued: “Next up, is possibly the Para Surfing League competition and they have prize money to help fund further trips; as well as wave pools and beach camps. They have bases in Edinburgh, Wales and possibly Germany and Mainland Europe.” That will take place in the upcoming summer months. 

Mark is off to ‘The Wave’, Bristol’s artificial wave pool, for a post-event meeting from the surfing championships. Well done Mark, on your recent Surfing competition - we’re looking forward to hearing more about your continued surfing achievements.