The Surfing Community Celebrates at the 2025 English Para Surfing Open
Para surfers from across the world gathered at The Wave in Bristol for the 2025 English Para Surfing Open, held on 2–3 July. This was the 9th edition of the English Para Surfing Open and the 5th time it has been hosted at The Wave – a venue that continues to play a key role in supporting the growth of para surfing in England.
35 Athletes travelled from far and wide, representing a truly international field. It was incredible to welcome athletes from countries Saudia Arabia, Switzerland, France and of course the UK. With over 60 volunteers and staff coming together, the event was a true celebration of community, skill, and the unstoppable momentum behind para surfing in the UK and beyond.
Joining us throughout the weekend were partners dryrobe, who had a showcase of products, alongside Kukuna also gifting some fantastic prizes. Radical Wax joined us on day one, gifting a block of eco friendly wax to every competitor, to make sure everyone stayed glued to those boards!
Day One – Wednesday 2nd July
The 2025 English Para Surfing Open launched on Wednesday 2nd July with a volunteer training session led by Adaptive Pathway Manager Jack Patching. Volunteers played a crucial role in supporting both in-water safety and land-based logistics, assisting with athlete transfers between wheelchairs and surfboards, and helping ensure the smooth running of the event.
A pre-event Q&A session hosted by Head Judges Ester Spears and Kerry Powell gave athletes a valuable opportunity to gain insight into scoring strategy and performance expectations ahead of competition.
With the sun shining and waves rolling, the first heats began at 2:00 PM. The contest opened with the PARA PRONE 2 and OPEN STAND divisions, setting the stage for two days of high-level surfing. Athletes competed on the Advanced Wave setting across prone, kneeling, standing, and visually impaired (VI) classifications. The standard of surfing was immediately evident, with strong rides and tactical performances throughout.
Standout moments of day one were scores hitting the excellent range on the judging scale. Ben Neumann (VI 1) and Benoit Moreau (PARA STAND 1) each earning 8.5 point rides. Zoe Smith (PARA STAND 2) delivered a confident and technical performance, showcasing sharp carving and cutbacks to take the win in her heat.
Following the day’s competition, the Para Surfing Roadshow, supported by Saltrock, ran from 5:00 PM. The session gave individuals with physical disabilities the chance to try surfing in a supported and welcoming environment, led by experienced adaptive surf coaches and volunteers. The Roadshow remains a key part of Surfing England’s commitment to inclusive sporting opportunities and developing future talent.
Day Two – Thursday 3rd July
Final rounds resumed on Thursday morning at 10:00 AM, with athletes competing for podium places in each division. The level of performance remained high across the board, with a number of standout rides. Cliff Lee (OPEN PRONE) earned a powerful 9.00 wave score, while Stephen Downes (OPEN KNEEL) raised the bar even higher with a 9.83 – the highest single wave score of the entire event. Melissa Reid (VI 2), on her return to competition really attacked the lip and got an 8.0 on the board.
As the last heats wrapped up and scores were finalised, spectators gathered to see who would emerge victorious. With returning champions defending titles and new faces making their mark, each division showcased the growing depth and talent in para surfing.
The event concluded with a well-attended awards ceremony, where athletes, supporters and event volunteers came together to celebrate the achievements of the 2025 English Para Surfing Open.
RESULTS
For all waves scores, click here:
OPEN PRONE: 1st Cliff Lee 2nd Joanna Mouland 3rd Sophie Veron 4th Justine Barker
OPEN STAND: 1st Louis Sutton 2nd Kierson Wise
OPEN KNEEL: 1st Stephen Downes 2nd Rheya Sarre 3rd Daniel Cook 4th Jimmy Simpson
PS PRONE 2 OPEN: 1st Mark Hagger 2nd Andy Guy 3rd Spike Kane 4th James Price
PS PRONE 2 WOMEN: 1st Hannah Dines 2nd Tash Davies
PS STAND 2 OPEN: 1st Pegleg Bennett
PS STAND 2 WOMEN: 1st Zoe Smith
PS STAND 1 OPEN: 1st Benoit Moreau
PS KNEEL OPEN: 1st Laurent Marouf 2nd Muhnad Almaki
PS PRONE 1 OPEN: 1st Harlum Lewis 2nd Stephen Lightbown
PS PRONE 1 WOMEN: 1st Suzanne Edwards
PS VI 2 OPEN: 1st Alexander Shubb 2nd Matt Thorne 3rd Dave Lewis
PS VI 2 WOMEN: 1st Melissa Reid
PS VI 1 OPEN: 1st Ben Neuman
Our Support and Gratitude for all involved – A Heartfelt Thank You
The success of the 2025 English Para Surfing Open is a testament to the dedication and passion of all participants and sponsors. A big thank you to all volunteers who gave up their time to help athletes in and out of the water! The contest could not run without their hard work and dedication. Thank you to The Wave Project and Surfability UK CIC for providing some incredible volunteers and para surfing equipment.
We would like to say a big thank you to all involved. A huge thank you to all surfers, supporters, media team, judges and event team for being a part of this epic weekend. A big thank you also to our Contest Director, Pauly Jeffrey for ensuring the smooth running of the contest.
It was a phenomenal weekend for Para Surfing, and we cannot wait for next year!
PARTNERS
This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors Caravan and Motorhome Club, dryrobe, Kukuna, Saltrock, Clarke Willmott, Moulded Earplugs, Radical Wax, and Surfline.
A huge thank you to The Wave: Bristol’s inland surf destination for allowing our contest to run at your incredible location.
OUR MEMBERSHIP
Inspired by what you’ve seen and read, and keen to support English Surfing. New members are always welcome to join us! Junior membership is just £18/year and Adult membership £25. Find out about the benefits and sign up here.
CONTACT US
For any Events enquiries, please contact [email protected]
For any general enquiries, please contact [email protected]
