Englands biggest annual surf event, the Relentless Boardmasters in association with Vans, kicked-off on Tuesday at Fistral Beach in Newquay. The riders entered the water to decent three to four foot waves as Round 1 quickly got underway.

The top seeds proved their worth with most securing their ticket for a place in Round 2 of the competition. Patrick Beven (FRA) and Travis Beckmann (HAW) both produced stellar performances advancing them through to Round 2 with ease.

Beven, 31, scored 16.33/20 in what was one of the days more impressive rides against reigning ASP European Junior champion Maxime Huscenot (REU). It was a good start for the Frenchman who is yet to get a significant result this year. Last year he came equal 9^th, a position he hopes to improve on.

I have been changing a few things this year like not going to all big events, Beven explained. I am more focused on enjoying the tour, and I am looking forward to the next events. I remember the one year I got close to qualifying and I was in the same kind of situation halfway through the year so I know its makeable.

Travis Beckmann (HAW) surprised all by posting the days second and fourth best wave score to easily lead the battle against Spencer Hargraves (GBR) and Ruben Gonzalez (PRT). Beckmann, who is in Europe for this event only, was confident on leaving the water ready for the next round.

Beckmann told us, I felt good competing out there and I just got a fantastic board ten days ago I feel like I have glue on my feet on this board and it definitely helped a lot to score those two eight pointers during my heat. I am super stoked to start this way.

Current ASP WQS ratings No.1, Daniel Ross (AUS), kept it cool to avoid an early upset and advanced to Round 2. Ross is on the charge this year with solid performances at all the events he has attended so far.

All these years of training and learning seem to be paying off, added Ross. I am trying to put all Ive learned into practice this year. I am just going to attend Lacanau after Newquay and hopefully get a couple of good results to wrap it up after these two.

The defending champion Wiggoly Dantas (BRA) also advanced along with several other top seeds including Joan Duru (FRA), Blake Thornton (AUS), Gony Zubizarreta (ESP) and Matt Capel (GBR)

Visit http://www.aspeurope.com for more results and pictures from the event.