A WOMAN who started surfing in September after a life-changing crash that saw her lose one of her legs, has placed fifth in the the world championship.

More than 24 countries attended the competition in Pismo Beach, California, which saw Zoe Smith finish fifth and England take seventh place between December 7 to 11.

Despite never taking part in a surf competition before the ISA World Para Surfing Championship, Zoe felt more proud than nervous as she entered the water.

“I was nervous but to be honest as a female amputee to be stood out there on a surfboard, that’s the achievement really and anything else on top of that is really the icing on the cake,” she said.

“I never in one million years in 2015 when I lost my leg dreamed that I’d be representing England in a world championship standing on a surfboard.

“So to go out into the water with some of these incredible athletes is a privilege.”

An innately positive attitude coupled with sheer grit and determination has seen Zoe rise to her latest challenge, in spite of facing devastating injuries just a few years ago.

She said: “I honestly just thought that was it for me, I felt my identity had been stolen and I had a few dark days after that, but then you’ve got a choice.

“You’ve got a crossroads and you can go one way or the other and I decided to go the way that I’ve gone which is to just keep on going really.

“I wouldn’t change anything now. My leg’s taken me to places and given me opportunities that I never had before so I’m grateful for it in a way.”

During the summer Zoe saw footage of British para surfer Pegleg Bennett and was inspired to give the sport a go.

Zoe said: “Having tried surfing with two legs I know how difficult it is, but I contacted a couple of people and ended up booking a lesson at the Wave and I was actually quite good.

Bournemouth Echo: England para surf team in California

“Andy approached me and asked if I’d like to go to California and be a member of the team.

“So I’ve been training everyday since then and have got myself up to a standard where I was able to come fifth in the world championship.”

Born and bred in Bournemouth, Zoe now trains daily at the pier with the help of Bournemouth resident and head coach Andy Joyce.

“I’ve just taken to it and I love it so much, that means I’ve put the work in every single day - even in the grottiest surf down at Bournemouth Pier,” said property developer Zoe.

Bournemouth Echo: England para surf team in California

Not stopping here, the England para surfing team has a busy year ahead of them as they try to get surfing into the paralympics.

The new year will see Zoe compete in the Adaptive English Open at the Wave and then she will travel to Hawaii to compete in the Access Surf competition.