BANTHAM Surfing Academy welcomed their oldest ever surfer for his first lesson on Thursday and he was standing up on his first wave.

Roger Yeoman, 72, was encouraged to try the sport after joining the Plymouth Hoe Art Fair group to further his oil painting and a ‘challenge was laid down’ by other members who are keen surfers.

Mark ‘Sparky’ Smith, the Bantham Surfing Academy instructor who took Roger out for his first lesson, said: ‘Before he had his first session with us, Roger had already bought himself a wetsuit and board. He’d been for a paddle but hadn’t stood up - he was up on his first wave!’

Roger, who worked on oil rigs for 38 years and now lives in Plymouth, said he ‘absolutely’ enjoyed himself and would ‘definitely’ recommend it to anyone. ‘Mark is brilliant’, he said, ‘I never expected to stand up, I’m amazed and thoroughly chuffed. I’m definitely going to keep it up, I’ve joined a gym to help me get a bit fitter and strengthen my legs.’

Sparky said: ‘We often have children coming for lessons and when I ask the parents if they’re having a go they often say “I’m too old for that”, but Roger is living proof you're not.’

He also said that not being able to swim isn’t necessary a barrier to learning to surf. ‘We never go out further than being able to put your feet down so as long as people are happy to put their head under and are comfortable with being in the sea - anyone can learn to surf.’

Glyn White, Roger’s friend from the Plymouth Hoe Art Fair group, a keen surfer and the main reason Roger was in the sea on Thursday, said: ‘He’s got the surfer’s grin!’ as Roger was beaming from his session, ‘Life is too short and too precious to say “one day” and not do something.’

Roger said he is ‘definitely keeping it up’ and will continue to surf with the guys at Bantham. So keep an eye out for him shredding the waves at Bantham for years to come.

If you would like to learn more about surfing with Bantham Surfing Academy, a Centre of Excellence endorsed by Surfing Great Britain & the International Surfing Association, call 01548 853803 or email: [email protected]. You can also find them on Facebook @Banthamsurfingacademy or Twitter @BanthamSurf.