Family Surf Missions
Summer Wetsuit Guide
Kipp Caddy – Jaws
"First paddle wave at Jaws ends up being one of the best waves of my life."
On the 27th of December 2024 I caught my first proper paddle wave at Peahi, Jaws in Maui on a borrowed surfboard. Due to permitting issues the Annual Jaws Event wasn't able to run so the local crew banned together to run a digital competition spanning 120 days over the winter season. On the 15th of March there was an awards night in Maui where I was awarded Best Paddle wave of the season based on the single highest scoring ride. Kipp Caddy
Carve Magazine Issue 226
Carve Magazine Issue 226
The new issue is out. You can get it delivered to door for by hitting this link here.
Wow… what a winter.
Some classic sessions in the east and south, with southwest England, Wales and southwest Ireland all on fire. I'm not sure I’ve seen a run of surf like it for many years – especially in the Southwest – with consistent swell and favourable wind conditions for weeks on end. Hope you scored!
So here we are with a packed issue 226 to entertain you between sessions. Alex Williams takes a look back at the birth of a UK professional surfing circuit in 1984, which evolved into an amazing European tour. These events brought the British surfing tribe together and raised the standard of our competitive surfers – both in the water and in the bar. Some classic moments were had, and it’s a shame that we don't have a similar tour these days.
While it’s been pumping at home, there has also been the usual mass winter exodus. Van-lifer Ben Hartley has combined his love of surfing with work since 2021, when he set off to Nazaré in his trusty van to see what all the fuss was about. He’s been back every year since and now pays his way by shooting the tow teams. In Shooting Giants, Hartley takes us behind the scenes at the big wave capital of Europe.
Also travelling solo this winter was Ollie Sweet, who headed off to Indo, hitting some off-the-beaten-track spots, as well as the go-to off-season breaks. As you’ll find out in his write up on page 94, he made lots of local friends out there, scored some epic waves and had a great time doing it.
Also in this issue we have a great insight into surfing life, finding out what surfing means to Sally McGee, hearing Shane and Jackson Dorian discuss their father-son relationship, and seeing how Ben Skinner recreates a legendary 60’s mid-length made by Jack O’Neill.
And, of course, we have the best of an epic winter at home. 2025 has been pretty epic so far, so let's hope that continues!
Steve Editor
Para Surf Stars Set Up Fundraisers
Two of Britains best para surfers have set up fundraisers cover the cost of competing internationally.
Peg Bennett missed some comps last year due to the costs.
"With what I have spent on competition so far and looking at the year ahead to do all the competitions I really need to it will be around 8.5K . To do all of the tour competitions this year would be around 15k.
"Last year I missed out on representing England at the ISA world championships due to a last minute invitation onto the team and a lack of time to raise the funds .
"I have already attended two events France (Brittany) and Portugal (Algarve) of the Para Surf League world tour 2024/25 and would love to attend the final 2 in Peru (Lima) and Spain (Câdiz). As part of Team England we are hoping to attend the European Para Surf Championships in September ( date and venue still to be confirmed) and the ISA World Para Surf Championships (date and venue still to be confirmed).
Added to this the added cost of specialised equipment such as boards, surf prosthetics and such it is becoming harder and harder to actually compete at the level I want to."
I have a just giving page set up and any and all help is much appreciated.
Zoe Smith is a Para Stand 2 athlete (below-knee amputee) representing Surfing England, current ISA World Champion, a British Champion, and a two-time English Nationals Champion.
"Competing at an elite level in adaptive surfing comes with significant costs, including:
• Specialist Surfing Equipment – Custom surfboards suited to different event conditions.
• Prosthetic Maintenance – My surfing prosthetic costs £11,500, with annual maintenance expenses of £3,000–£5,000. A single liner costs £600 and lasts 2–3 months.
• Coaching & Support – My coach travels with me to provide essential therapeutic treatment and assist with heavy equipment.
• Travel & Accommodation – Flights and accommodation for international competitions and training.
• Training & Coaching Costs – Regular training sessions to stay at the top of my game.
“I am seeking sponsorship and fundraising support to help me continue competing at the highest level, representing the UK on the world stage. Any support, big or small, will help me reach my goals and inspire the next generation of adaptive surfers.”
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