Welsh surfers are gearing up for the PuraVida MiPost Welsh National Surfing Championships.
The 2026 competition is due to take place at Llantwit Major this weekend (27–29 March).
Fresh from an Indo trip, reigning Welsh Men’s Open champion Eli Perrins-Davies is aiming to make it back-to-back wins in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Competition in both Men’s and Women’s divisions has never been fiercer, and with favourable swell and winds forecast through this Saturday and Sunday, spectators can expect to see a showcase of Welsh surfing across all surfer categories.
Front-runners
In an outstanding 2025, Josie Hawke won the Rip Curl GromSearch UK, and secured two podium finishes at the Croyde Pro Junior last month. The Pembs ripper will be keen to claim back the Women’s Open crown after it was won in her absence last year by multiple Welsh title winner, Emily Williams.
While Williams isn’t competing this year, there’s a wealth of talent coming up through the Welsh ranks meaning Hawke will need to bring her A-game to succeed this time around.
Seasoned shredders like Patrick Langdon-Dark and Logan Nicol are in the hunt for top honours this year amid a stacked Men’s division. Both will have their work cut out if they’re to wrest the title away from the current Men’s Open champion.
We caught up with Eli to see how things are going as he prepares to defend his crown.
What does it mean to be current Men’s Open Welsh Champion?
Yeah, to be Men’s Open Welsh Champion is definitely a dream come true for me. It’s a massive achievement and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do in the Men’s division. So, I’m pretty stoked with that one.
How was your recent trip to Indo?
The trip to Indo was so sick. I was there for a month, basically just stayed at Keramas the whole time. I looked to go to the other islands but it’s just so fun there in the wet season, just so consistent with the surf; you just can’t fault it at all. Obviously, the surf was one of the highlights, and obviously Ollie Wong, we had a couple of funny nights.
I didn’t go out there with a training programme in mind, just focused on my own surfing. We were out there for four weeks, I think I went to the gym four times. I was just conscious about trying to better myself, my surfing and have fun.
How have preparations gone through the last few months leading up to the 2026 Welsh Nationals?
I’m pretty happy with how I’ve prepared for The Welsh this year. I’ve been kind of getting back into that competitive mindset. I did a comp down Croyde two weekends ago – the Croyde Pro Junior, and that helped get me back in the competitive headspace.
I had a little Red Bull Expression Session last weekend which was good, so yeah, I’m definitely happy with how I’ve prepared myself, especially with going away and just surfing a load. I’m feeling good for it, hopefully it will be a good event.
Who else is pushing for silverware in the Men’s Open this year?
Obviously, you’ve got the likes of Pat, Logan, Seth, Elliot, there’s so many good surfers. We’ll all be aiming to get silverware. But I don’t really want to think about that. I just want to focus on myself and if I can perform to the best of my ability, I’m happy. That’s why I want to do it.
Who’s currently sponsoring you?
Currently sponsored by Fourth Surfboards. Luke’s been looking out for me for over ten years now, so I’m super fortunate to have such a good relationship with my shaper. I’m also backed by U Test Diagnostics – a self-testing company that sells health testing kits for things ranging from iron and vitamin level checks to bowel cancer screening. You can buy them from places like Home Bargains or Savers and get the test for a few pounds. It’s really a game-changer – something you can do on your own if you’ve got a health concern, or you might be embarrassed about going to the doctor. It’s such a good company; I’m stoked to be supported by them and to be representing them.
How’s 2026 looking in terms of training, targets and competitions?
Hopefully, I’ll be looking at Pro Juniors contests, so that’s what I’ve got in mind. Hopefully the WSL Pro Junior events, I can smash them and do as well as I can. Obviously, the Welsh Nationals, and then the Boardmasters – probably the only QS I’ll do this year. So yeah, looking forward to it.
Words: Steve White
Images: Craig Nicol
