Rochdale windsurfer crowned British champion

John McLawrence, achieved this remarkable feat despite growing up far from the coast, a rarity in the world of competitive windsurfing.

A Rochdale-born windsurfer who started his career practising on Hollingworth Lake has been crowned the Masters British Champion 2024 after a stunning victory at the 40th annual Tiree Wave Classic in Scotland.

John McLawrence, originally from Watkin Street, Lowerplace, achieved this remarkable feat despite growing up far from the coast, a rarity in the world of competitive windsurfing.

The active 50-year-old, who attended Lowerplace Primary School and Balderstone School, first discovered windsurfing at the age of 25 when his brother Paul introduced him to the sport at Hollingworth Lake.

Before this, John was more familiar with playing rugby league, having played for local teams Mayfield and Kirkholt. However, it was windsurfing that captured his passion.

He quickly took to the sport, eventually travelling to popular windsurfing locations like Rhosneigr in Anglesey and Fleetwood to hone his skills on the sea.

Windsurfing soon became his main hobby, and at the age of 40, he began competing in the Masters Fleet of the British Wave Sailing Championships.

This year has been a standout one for John. He secured third place in the Rhosneigr event and took first place at the prestigious Tiree Wave Classic.

These performances earned him the overall British wave title in the Men's Masters category. In the Tiree event, the competition was fierce, with riders scored based on their two best waves and two best jumps during 10-minute heats.

Winners progressed through successive rounds, but John’s experience and skill saw him triumph.

Earlier in June 2024, John had already made waves on the international stage by representing Great Britain in the PWA (Professional Windsurfing Association) Masters category in Gran Canaria, where he finished in a respectable fifth place. His main goal now is to break into the top 10 in the world rankings, with his sights set on returning to Gran Canaria in June 2025 to secure a podium finish.

Currently ranked 11th in the world by the International Windsurfing Tour (IWT) Masters, John holds the top spot in the British rankings. His ambition to climb higher in the global rankings remains strong, and his family plays a key role in supporting him.

His wife, Liz, accompanies him to events and proudly stands by his side as he competes across the country and internationally.

From learning to windsurf on a local lake to becoming a national champion and competing internationally, John continues to make Rochdale proud.