Wild wind and waves were braved by 21 hardy paddlers last Saturday, as the first Fishguard Bay Ocean Race took place.

Strong wind and extreme condition warnings meant a different course was planned and only half the original entrants braved the wild seas.

However, 21 highly skilled and supremely fit athletes blasted off the start at Goodwick Parrog, heading towards Dinas before turning and racing in in a flurry of spray to the next turn at Pen Anglas.

With muscles aching and breath burning the fleet then made their way back to Goodwick Beach.

The first two boats fought neck and neck all the way to the shore where Lewis Kirton just managed to beat current GB champion, Mark Ressel, to the finish line.

"It was very challenging," said Lewis, who shared victory with his father Steven. "They were testing conditions. It wasn't straight forward at all.

"You had to think about it and be on you game the whole time, you couldn't relax at all. We had to use our surfing skills to deal with the waves."

Over 40s winner, Adrian Croucher, was the third boat across the line while Lizelle Kemp, from Dunbar, won the ladies' prize, also claiming the GB Oceanski ladies' points series.

Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Councillor Tony Brinsden, presented the winners with a trophy hand-carved by Pembrokeshire artist, Robert Jakes, at a packed ceremony in the Ocean Lab.

Other class winners were awarded medals and other generous prizes from local businesses, including Fishguard Bay Resort, Celtic Camping and Bunkhouse Accommodation, and iChatcha hand-made jewellery.

"All the competitors were entranced by the area," said event organiser Benjamin Edom. "They said they'll return next year for the full Abereiddy - Goodwick course, bringing with them many more competitors."