CONDITIONS were incredibly challenging in the Newquay County Pilot Gig Championships with a 20ft swell to contend with!

The Tamar and Tavy Gig Club men crew were a real mix of youth and experience with Martin Painter rowing stroke oar, Simon Luke at five, Richard Anstey four, John McGrane three, Peter Clark two and Matt Pinney in one.

It was Simon and John's first ever race and a real baptism of fire, with the gig corkscrewing wildly across the bay to the first buoy.

Lots of crews pulled out of the event so to finish the event was an achievement in itself.

'The crew rowed their hearts out, said club chairman Tricia Stewart, 'it was a pleasure to cox them.'

Tamar and Tavy Gig Club are now in winter training using indoor rowing machines, circuit training as well as river training in their all weather gig, The Belinda O'Flynn.

n If you are interested in finding out more about the club go the website http://www.tamarandtavygigclub.co.uk">www.tamarandtavygigclub.co.uk