The England Surf Kayak team claimed an impressive haul of medals at the 2024 Surf Kayak World Championships at Mar Del Plata, in Argentina.
Anna Harper, in her first ever World Championship, became the Junior Women's Double World Champion in both the Short and Long boat classes.
James Hawker became a silver medalist in the Masters Short and Long boat classes, while Mathew Lamont won bronze in the Short and Long boat classes.
There was also a bronze in the team event.
A huge congratulations to David and the team from everyone at Paddle UK.
![Mathew Lamont in the air after surfing a wave](https://paddleuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/matt-air-HP-scaled-e1716366188823-1024x575.jpg)
David Hanson, from England Surf Kayak, said:
“It was a small team this year but great efforts were made to attend what was a wonderful championships.
“What stands out across all the nations at a worlds is the camaraderie, support, an celebration, no matter what the nationality, watching someone get a good wave or make a big end move is appreciated from all sides.
“There were great waves and big moves from Matt [Lamont] and James [Hawker] this year leading to medals.
“Equally impressive was the sheer determination and guts of Anna [Harper], a relative newcomer and still a junior, on her first big trip away from home, taking big drops, paddling back out in challenging conditions and not once considering not getting back into her boat after a swim.
“Anna is an inspiration, not only for young women but for paddlers of all levels.
“For myself, making a wave that helped take England from 4th to 3rd in the team event was also a great personal achievement.”
![England Surf Kayak team in Argentina](https://paddleuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/team-photo-flags.jpg)
The incredible results were achieved despite only being able to send a small team.
This was due to the unusual timing of the event – meaning some regular paddlers couldn't make it. There was also the cost of attending.
Mathew Lamont added:
“For me this has been one of the best world championships I’ve ever travelled to.
“It’s been a fantastic opportunity to travel to Argentina and surf a great wave in a great location.
“I’m really happy that all the hard work over the past few years has paid off with a third place in the open short boat, long boat and team event.”
![Silver medalist James Hawker in action](https://paddleuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/james-backlit-HP-scaled-e1716366428596-1024x576.jpg)
Full Results:
Anna Harper
Gold Medal – Junior Women's Short Boat
Gold Medal – Junior Women's Long Boat
4th Place in the Junior Open Short Boat
James Hawker
Silver Medal – Masters Open Short Boat
Silver Medal – Masters Open Long Boat
5th Place Open Short Boat
Mathew Lamont
Bronze Medal – Open Short Boat
Bronze Medal – Open Long Boat
David Hansen
9th Place Grand Master Short Boat
17th Place Open Short Boat