Preparations are in full flow for the hosting of one of the longest running surf contests in the UK, the ever popular Jesus Surf Classic, which is coming to its traditional home of Croyde Bay, North Devon over the weekend 8 – 9 September 2012.

This year, organisers Christian Surfers UK are celebrating the landmark 20th Jesus Surf Classic, and are looking forward to welcoming the 120-plus competitors to an exciting weekend of surfing, skateboarding, and a few surprises.

To mark the 20th anniversary there will be increased prize money in all the divisions (Open winner £400, Women's Open winner £200), and some celebratory t-shirts given free to all competitors.

Weather permitting the skate park and big move skate competition will be back, along with the numerous refreshments, and big screen surf movies in the marquee.

On Saturday night at Croyde village hall starting at 7.30pm there will also be a charity fundraiser as part of the event, with live music, to raise funds for Paul's Place, a fantastic local charity providing a break for young adults experiencing bereavement, a life-threatening illness, or being a carer.

During the previous 20 years the 'Jesus' has only ever seen flat conditions on two days, and that's either good fortune, or perhaps as a result of the extra prayers sent up by the organisers.

Several of the UK's top surfers have featured in the competition over the years coming through from the under-12s (Groms division) through to the Masters (over-35s ).

Some of the statistics involved in running this event over the years include, around £30,000 of prize money distributed, more than 2800 competitor entries, around 10,000 beef burgers consumed, over 1500 heats judged, and supporting the whole event over 2,000 volunteers giving their time for free.

For more information, visit the Christian Surfers website.