The British team lost the France versus Great Britain contest 10-3 – though the French were said to be impressed at Britain’s capabilities.
Jersey Bodyboarders Club member Colin Crowther, who was selected to judge at the event, said: ‘There was a worry that the French would be too strong, because of some of the people in their team, but although they won convincingly there were lots of close heats.’
The 19-year-old Speller got off to a great start in the first with two solid rides, featuring high scoring powerful rolls. As the heat drew to a close, Speller had looked set to become the only British heat winner on day one. But French bodyboarder Maxim Castillo found a big left hander and launched a high air roll, followed by a barrel roll, to post the highest scoring wave of the day.
