Web tributes to surfing 'legend'

Champion surfer Ian "Benny" Davies died on his board

Surfers have been paying tribute to one of the leading names in south Wales surfing, while fearing for a friend who is critically ill after being attacked.

Ian "Benny" Davies, 50, a Welsh surfing international who trained on beaches near Porthcawl, died on a surfing trip to Costa Rica last month.

Friend Nick Baty, 48, would have been at his funeral service but is in a coma after an assault in a car park.

Bill Webber, a friend to both, said: "The surfing boys are really close."

Mr Webber, known in the surfing community as Scotty, added: "It's hard to take.

"I have known these guys since the early 70s. Nick used to live with me for three months before he went to France to get married.

"We all used to go to the beach together. Benny was a legend at Southerndown."

He surfed with the most laid-back and natural style that most of us dreamt of Phil (TheFish)

Mr Davies was in the Wales surfing team and represented Wales at the European Championships in Thurso in 1981.

Mr Webber, a retired ice hockey referee, said he was stunned by the news his friend had died in Costa Rica.

He said: "He had a heart attack in the water. I think he was coming down a wave. I don't think he would want to go any other way."

Following his death fellow surfers and admirers of Mr Davies paid tributes to him on BBC Wales' Where I Live's south east surfing website.

David Batten wrote: "With his easy-going character, Benny made many friends through his life and was the most popular guy you would know.

"From experience, I know that you couldn't walk a hundred metres with Benny, without someone stopping him to shake his hand and say some hellos.

Nick Baty, left, with his friends Bill Webber and "Benny" Davies

"I always remember, it took twice as long to go anywhere with Benny because of that fact."

Phil (TheFish) wrote: "Benny stood out for sure, because he surfed with the most laid-back and natural style that most of us dreamt of- He also did it with a smile.

"He always had time to chat about the waves, travel and surfing."

Mr Webber said around 600 people attended Mr Davies's funeral service at Coychurch Crematorium, Bridgend, last week.

"Surfers from all over were there. Benny was a well known guy. There were loads of stories," he said.

But one mourner who was missing was Nick Baty. He was in intensive care at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, where Mr Davies worked as an electrician.

Mr Webber said: "He's very poorly. He is still in a coma. He's not woken up yet."

Mr Baty, who was a keen golfer, was attacked on the day he had been to the funeral service of a golfing friend.

Police are appealing for witnesses to Mr Baty's assault.

South Wales Police said a 17-year-old from the Brackla area had been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

A spokeswoman said: "He is currently in custody and is due to appear back in court on Monday."

Witnesses can contact Bridgend CID on 01656 679528 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111