The East Coast surf community is coming together to celebrate the life of Chatchawan Thongpia — known to everyone simply as Champ.
Champ, who passed away in 2025, was born in Thailand and moved to the UK before he was seven years old. He came to live with his dad, Evan — known affectionately as Tilly — who raised him here. His mum later returned to Thailand, but Champ built his life on these shores, growing into one of the most recognisable and loved characters in the lineup.
Before many even knew his name, people remember seeing a Thai lad ripping alongside his dad, Tilly whistling from the channel when sets approached and shouting directions on where to paddle. It became a familiar sight.
As a grom, Champ entered the East Coast Classic. With a strong northerly swell, the contest was relocated to Cayton Point by Secretspot. The surf was big, chaotic and shifting. Champ stood out immediately. He took off on anything. Full commitment, zero hesitation. Pulling into barrels few would attempt and rarely coming out — but always paddling back with the same grin. He had no fear in the water. Whether he made it or not never seemed to matter. He was unbelievably agile, making take-offs no one should make.
Champ lived simply and fully. For a time, he lived out of a Vauxhall Combo van — improbably small for someone carrying plumbing tools, wetsuits and boards — yet somehow perfectly organised in his own chaotic way. Built from scrap materials collected from jobs, it looked like carnage inside, but it worked.
He was nomadic. Scotland one month. Devon the next. Wherever there were waves and work.
Every summer, he returned to the south of France with Tilly. One year they even slept on the front seats of the van, using a lilo as a mattress. It never mattered. If there were waves, he was home.
He would never wear shoes. In winter, in the Lake District, climbing mountains — flip flops. It was just Champ.
On a trip to Japan that wasn’t meant to involve surfing, he arrived without any gear. When it turned out to be pumping, he made friends with locals, borrowed a board and surfed in his pants.
He was always up for a surf, or any random adventure someone suggested. A pure soul, as cliché as it sounds. No badness in him.
He was, above all else, fun.
25th April: Champ Fest
To honour Champ’s life, friends and family are hosting a day to surf, remember and celebrate, in true Champ style.
Morning: Tribute Paddle Out
The day will begin with a tribute paddle out. The aim is to gather as many people as possible in the water, forming a large circle and throwing flowers in his memory.
Those unable to paddle out are encouraged to take part from the beach — creating sand art, painting rocks, or simply being present. It’s about starting the day together, paying respect in the ocean he loved.
Afternoon: The Fun Comp
After the tribute, the focus shifts to a surf competition.
This will be a no-ego, expression-session-style event. Loose judging. Mixed heats. Pure fun.
Competitors are encouraged to bring the strangest, most forgotten, most ridiculous board they own. All boards will be piled together and numbered. Before each heat, surfers will draw a number from a hat, and that’s the board they ride.
Expect chaos. Expect wipeouts. Expect creativity.
There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes, along with sub-categories such as:
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Best wipeout
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Most unique manoeuvre
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And more to be announced
Prizes and hopefully trophies are in the works, with potential sponsors currently being confirmed. Any brands interested in supporting the day and contributing prizes are warmly welcomed.
Food & Evening Celebrations
A Thai food truck will be serving cuisine throughout the day in honour of Champ’s roots, alongside a BBQ running into the evening.
After the prize giving, the band Deep Sea Daggers will play, turning the beach into a full celebration. There will be drinks, music and camping available in a nearby field for those wanting to stay the night.
