The Aleutian Islands—one of the most remote and unexplored places on earth. And so it goes without saying that vast sections of the chain have never been explored by surfers.
Five brothers hitch a ride on a first-of-its-kind voyage into a mysterious region of Alaska in pursuit of a dream.
A film by Fielder Films, a small studio run by Ben Weiland and Brian Davis.
I was thinking recently about what keeps us connected to surfing. It’s not always the waves. It’s the people, the stories, the places and the friendships that grow around this strange obsession we all share.
The latest Carve magazine celebrates the expansive surfing life. The people, the stories, the places and the friendships that grow around this strange obsession of surfing that we all share.
In this issue, we meet some of Britain’s next-generation groms, take a look inside a Red Bull dream camp in the Mentawais, and join John Callahan on a lifetime of surf exploration. There are board stories from Alex Williams and Alan Stokes, a spotlight on Maddie Meddings, and a catch-up with Jack Johnson at his North Shore home. Plus, Roger Sharp talks us through his classic Andy Irons image, alongside plenty more tales, characters and inspiration from across the surfing world.
So sign up for your copy, then take your time, immerse yourself in the photos, and share it with your friends.
Enjoy the issue.
Joel Gray, Editor at Large
Odin Villarreal — Photo: Kevin Doyle
Regional Report — Ireland
A Irish surfing has had a strong few months. From European titles to JQS results in Casablanca, from heavy slab charging in Clare to a new generation of grom talent coming through Lahinch, Bundoran and Tramore, the depth of what's happening across Ireland right now is hard to ignore. Ollie O'Flaherty has been in the thick of it, and here's his latest dispatch on a scene that's never looked stronger.
Irish surfing has hit new heights. Right around the country there are surfers ripping in two-foot beachbreaks, making European finals and pulling into 20-foot kegs.
From Conor Maguire and Gearóid McDaid to Odin Villarreal, Josh Karbus and Shay O'Sullivan, surfing on our shores is well and truly in a golden era.
What's equally exciting is the rise in female surfing. Isabella O'Reilly's second place at the Under-14 European Championships was one of the standout results of the year, while Hazel Rafferty continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in heavy waves at just 14 years old. Across every discipline, from high-performance shortboarding to longboarding and big-wave surfing, the next generation is coming through stronger than ever.
What's exciting is that it's not just happening in heavy water. The competitive side of Irish surfing has never been stronger either. Gearóid is now a European Champion, while Josh recently finished second at the Pro Junior in Casablanca. The standard across every age group seems to be rising year after year.
I checked in around the country to see what's been happening.
North West
Tom Murphy — Photo: Pat O'Sullivan
One of the standout performers on the Irish junior scene over the last few years has been Tom Murphy. Based in Bundoran, Tom continues to push his surfing to new levels both in and out of competition.
"It's been the best winter up here since I've been a surfer. Our house pretty much became a hostel for the lads from around the country who came up to score waves.
Rory and I have been getting comfortable out at some of the main slabs around Bundoran and Mullaghmore, while also making the odd trip down to Clare to have a go at the Cliffs. The big-wave guys have all been really supportive and willing to help us along.
When it hasn't been barrelling, we've been training hard and running mock heats with the crew. The amount of groms in the water and the standard of surfing is continuing to rise, which is great to see.
We've started to form a little group of surfers from up here and around the country to compete in the WSL Pro Juniors. Having a crew around you definitely helps push everyone forward.
A huge highlight from the winter was Isabella finishing second in the Under-14 European Championships. That was an incredible result and shows the level of talent coming through in Irish surfing right now.
Looking ahead, the Euro Juniors are going to be held in Bundoran this September, which is really exciting. It's a massive opportunity for Irish surfers and for everyone involved in the local surf community."
With surfers like Tom leading the charge and major events arriving on Irish shores, the future is looking bright in the North West.
West Coast
Conor Moroney — Photo: George Karbus
Here in Lahinch and Co Clare, we had a mega second half of the season.
For me, the standout performances at Aileens came from Callum Curtin, Conor Moroney and Odin Villarreal. The lads stepped up when it mattered and put in some serious performances. A mention has to go to Joshy too, who has quietly been honing his backside tube-riding skills on the cleaner, more perfect days.
At the other end of the scale, the same familiar faces have continued to push the level at Riley's. Josh, Conor and Odin have all gone to another level and are now setting the benchmark out there.
Hazel Rafferty
One of the coolest developments has been the rise of female surfing along the west coast. Sadie Shaloo, Ruby Fanning, Hazel Rafferty, Saibh McCullough and Natalie Karbus have all been absolutely charging and taking on some heavy slabs.
The standout for me has been Hazel Rafferty. At just 14 years old, her approach to left-hand slabs has been incredible. Having coached her since the beginning, she's always been willing to commit in the most critical sections. She's helping pave the way for the next generation and it's inspiring to watch.
"At just 14 years old, her approach to left-hand slabs has been incredible."
On the contest front, the Junior Tour arrived in Lahinch and produced some brilliant surfing throughout the divisions.
1. Tola Rice
2. Django McPhail
3. Matthew McSharry
4. Jake Callaghan
1. Dylan Brangwyn
2. Albin Parle Fahrlin
3. Cathal Bennett
4. Xavier O'Rourke
1. Isabella O'Reilly
2. Hazel Rafferty
3. Saibh McCullough
4. Elodie Blount
1. Rory Murphy
2. Shay O'Sullivan
3. Páraic McSharry
4. Alfie Corcoran
1. David Fanning
2. Hugh Downey
3. Joshua Roberts
4. Gavin Downey
Josh Karbus — Photo: Pat O'Sullivan
A final massive shout-out has to go to Josh Karbus for his runner-up finish at the JQS Junior Pro Casablanca.
At just 16 years old, competing with and beating some of the best junior surfers in Europe is a serious achievement. Josh's combination of style and technical ability saw him win his way through every heat to reach the final, eventually finishing as runner-up.
Also flying the flag at the JQS Junior Pro Casablanca was Maria Butler, competing for West Coast Surf Club.
TBay News
Shay O'Sullivan — Photo: Kevin Doyle
The TBay Performance Squad recently wrapped up its annual competition series. Each surfer's best four results from six events counted towards the overall standings.
1. Ruby Fanning
2. Ella Dooly
3. Giorgi Herterich
4. Ella Moore
1. Shay O'Sullivan
2. Alfie Corcoran
3. David Fanning
4. Keelan Maloney
A huge congratulations to Ruby Fanning and Shay O'Sullivan, who have now claimed the overall title for the third consecutive year.
The Joe Roddy Trophy for exceptional effort and dedication went to Ella Dooly, a brilliant example of how consistency and hard work pay off over time.
A big shout-out as well to Shay O'Sullivan and Alfie Corcoran, who recently competed at the JQS Casablanca. Both surfers put in strong performances and will be following the tour around Europe this season, so keep an eye on their progress.
TBay can't be mentioned without talking about its longboarders. Tom Breen, Wes Hannigan, David Fanning, John Twomey and Ella Dooly have all been surfing incredibly well.
Inspired by Tom's European final appearance last year and another runner-up finish this season, the standard continues to rise. Ella continues to fly the flag for female longboarding and has become one of the standout performers coming out of Tramore.
TBay is producing some of Ireland's best longboarders and remains the backbone of the Irish Team longboard team setup.
Next up in the series is Lewis Arnold, well known around the North East England surf scene as a photographer, filmmaker, and the driving force behind some of the more ambitious independent surf media projects to come out of the UK in recent years.
Give us the basics - who are you, where are you based, and what’s your lane?
I’m Lewis Arnold, independent surf photographer and filmmaker from Tynemouth, my house is in Thurso and I split my time between the two. I love the peace up in Scotland but, of course, Caithness has the closest world-class Atlantic waves to the North East… that 7-8 hour drive is a well-trodden path for NE crews.
I’m the director of surf doc “The Big Sea” and that’s my biggest work in surfing so far, but I’m also editor of surf photobook GLASS. Volume 2 is coming out soon - I’ve been working alongside surf writer Ron de Leeuw. Like most indie projects, it’s been a mission, but a rewarding team effort as well and we can’t wait for the release in September. I think it’s super strong and something quite different.
I’m also director of the North Sea Surf Film Festival and have some new films close to release
myself. One is a pretty challenging doc on surf travel with big-wave legend, surf scientist and
environmental activist Dr Tony Butt, shot across Northern Spain. The other is “North Country”
which explores surfing lives and landscapes from the Hebrides to Yorkshire. It’s a full-on
collaboration between myself, Mal Anderson, Elle and Rory Sutherland, Rhys Smith, Sandy Kerr,
Mark Boyde and Phoebe Strachan. Stoked on this project too but, again, a bit of a mission!
What first drew you to surfing, was it camera first and surfing second?
I changed schools at 11 and fell in with a crew of surfers in Tynemouth and that was that. I was hooked on surfing but I never really got good enough or was that into the comp scene. However, I was super into the imagery, fashion and the creativity around surfing. I would devour any surf mags or films and would pore over the photography… I still do, you should see my collection! Surf mags are a big deal to me. Mags I picked up on my travels, the old 80s zines that morphed into Carve in the 90s were the inspiration for me to get into photography, so I was stoked to be nominated in the UK Surfer Awards this year.
Photography has given me lot, it’s been my vocation for 30 years or so now. I studied then trained professionally in newspapers with surf photography always important as my personal work. In 2017, I left the day job to do an MA in Photography Creative Practice and to fully focus on work around surfing.
Personally, I appreciate most elements of surf photography but I’m really into exploring how surf
imagery (and words) can be used to talk about wider themes and to reach audiences outside of
surfing.
What does a normal week look like for you right now?
One of the amazing things about photography is the variety in ideas, meaning, subject, technique,
media, equipment…every shoot is different and that variety and has kept me creatively stimulated
for a long time. Working in media you get different assignments every day - you could be
photographing literally anything and have to think on your feet. I try to apply that ethic to surf
photography and aim to keep learning and hopefully to progress. It’s pretty all-consuming. I think
about ideas all the time, and there’s a lot of time in front of the Mac! I’m not a techie ‘gear geek’,
but still my work is varied and every week is different, which works right for me.
What does involvement in your local surf scene look like for you these days?
A lot of goose chasing! We have real good waves but swells are usually few and far between. I’ve
always shot with talented local surfers who are friends and are around to surf when the waves here
turn on, and it’s still the same today.
That’s meant working a lot with Gabe and Jesse Davies, Louis Thomas-Hudson and Sandy Kerr,
and that crew is still super active now. Sandy has an unreal surf part in The Big Sea and that came
about from our long collaboration chasing waves all over the North Sea and Atlantic.
After doing quite a few film festivals screening The Big Sea, I picked up some interesting ideas and
thought it might work setting up a festival back home. So I approached Tom Bing and Sal MGee to
team up and start the North Sea Surf Film Festival. The inaugural festival was hard work, but I
learned a lot. NSSFF sold out, broke even and, most importantly, brought the North Sea surf
community together, whilst creating a platform for emerging creatives in surfing (which was the
main hope all along - big thanks to all who supported this year!)
Of course, you have to keep looking forward. Jesse’s kids Bethan and Blake are surfing amazing,
and I’m super keen to shoot more with them. It’s epic to see another new generation of talented
surfers coming up.
There’s also been some unreal surfers ‘blow in’ to the North East over the years. A stand out is
Aussie shredder Rhys Smith, aka Waaxhead, who massively pushes surfing standards here. He’s
put roots down in Tynemouth with his wife Katie and they’re now expecting their first child.
How does the community around you influence the kind of stories you want to tell, both in and out of
the water?
Probably just like other surf spots, the crews here have bonded over the years chasing waves
together, and everyone influences each other.
I was friend’s with Louis’ sadly missed dad Stephen from Tynemouth Surfco, so I’ve shot with Louis
since he was a grom. I’ve watched his surfing develop and been blown by how he’s chasing big
heavy waves. Up until now, tow-in surfing has kinda passed me by but, like I say, you have to keep
looking forward. For sure, the jets-ski scene has opened up some truly incredible waves, and lately
I’ve probably been motivated by the Mully crew, along with Louis’ progression. This influenced me
to explore that element of surfing as a photographer last winter at a few spots that I’ve seen where
a ski would come in handy.
True enough, I sometimes struggle with the technical gear side of photography, but I’ve just got a
new camera and housing set-up and, so far, I’m stoked on the images I’ve shot with it.
For me, its a bit daunting learning to handle a ski, but the plan is to keep pushing both my
photography in and around surfing.
What or who has been inspiring you lately?
Kinda following up on ‘influences’, North East surf pioneer Nigel Veitch’s surfing mantra was “go on
the biggest best waves you can” and that emphasis on progression was a huge influence on
everybody in that early crew, Jesse and Gabe especially.
Surfing has changed a lot, and the truth is, it needed to. Overt sexism, no understanding about
mental health and zero respect to the environment were the norm, but thankfully society is
changing and surfing is too. More people surfing, in theory, means more jobs in surfing, more
people becoming more connected to the environment and more “blue health” benefits open to
everyone. Maybe though, the kind of aspiration of progressing to surfing well in world-class waves
that Veitch engendered has been lost a little to some surfers coming through?
That’s why I’m inspired by surfers who work to make surfing better for everyone, and was stoked to
see Carve make proud geordie surfer Joel Gray editor after Steve England’s epic work at the helm.
A super-talented surfer himself, your new Carve ed has shown a lifelong dedication to surfing,
becoming an inspiring coach to so many - and through that work, he’s pushing the progression of
surfing as a sport, lifestyle, recreation, industry, and now, as a culture.
Lewis clearly has a lot on his plate right now, with new films close to release and GLASS Vol. 2 landing in September. It's a good moment to be following his work. As always with these catch-ups, the conversation points toward the wider community around it, and Lewis name-drops some serious talent along the way. If you think we should be sitting down with someone from your local scene, let us know. Who's next?
Find more of Lewis's work at lewisarnold.photo
Regional Report — South West England
The South West has always been the engine room of British surfing — a coastline that produces talent, community, and some decent conditions when the wind decides to play ball. Matthew Hayes, founder and host of The Insiders Podcast, has been at the centre of that scene for years, documenting the people and moments that make it tick. Here's his first dispatch for Carve.
If you needed any proof that the South West is producing talent at a rate of knots, the last few months have certainly made the case pretty obvious. Contests won, deals signed, charitable feats gathering more and more traction along with community events, it's been a busy few months down here, and it feels like we're only getting started.
Lukas Skinner Re-signs to Rip Curl
Lukas Skinner — Photo: Red Bull
One of the world's best talents puts pen to paper with one of the biggest surf companies on the planet. Lukas Skinner, who's been absolutely tearing it up on every competitive stage he's stepped onto this year, along with dropping mind-blowing free surf clips and working on some film parts to come, has officially put pen to paper with Rip Curl. It's a signing that makes perfect sense: the brand that labels them The Ultimate Surf Company, backing one of the most exciting prospects not to come out of the South West, but anywhere on the globe. Congratulations to Rip Curl & Lukas.
Lukas Skinner: WSL Pro Junior Morocco
Lukas Skinner — Photo: WSL
If you missed it, go and find the clip. In the final of the WSL Pro Junior in Morocco, Lukas Skinner produced a wave that stopped people mid-scroll, a legitimate 10-point ride in the final that sealed the win and sent a very clear message to every other junior on tour. A perfect ten. In a final. Abroad. The guy is something else. This is the kind of result that grabs the surfing world's attention and puts down a marker for what is to come, and it won't be the last time we see the name L.Skinner next to a 10-point ride, that's for sure.
"A perfect ten. In a final. Abroad."
Billabong Back Fynn Gillespie
Fynn Gillespie — Photo: Osker Carmichael
Hot on the heels of Lukas's news, Fynn Gillespie has joined the Billabong team. Given the surfing Fynn has showcased in the last year or more, hearing a giant brand like Billabong have put a sticker on the nose of his board was far from surprising. Fynn is a trailblazing signing for Billabong as their only UK rider on the 'Bong team. The day after signing, Fynn repaid the faith instantly when he won the UK Nationals, which we have more on too.
National Champions: Fynn Gillespie & Belle Betteridge
Photo: Surfing England
The nationals delivered in style this year, and the South West had its fingerprints all over the podium. Fynn Gillespie took the men's title in strong fashion, continuing a run of form that's made him one of the most talked-about names on the circuit. Belle Betteridge (Yes from North Devon) meanwhile did what she does, surfed with POWER, composure and no shortage of flair, to claim the women's crown. Two national champions crowned in cooking waves at Fistral Beach. Perfect conditions to crown the new national champions and leave no questions on what ifs.
Surfing England Pro Junior: Skinner and Hicks Lead the Way
The Surfing England Pro Junior Under 21s event took place in boiling hot weather at Watergate Bay and you guessed… Lukas Skinner once again standing at the top of the podium. On the women's side, Georgie-May Hicks delivered a performance that was every bit as impressive. Controlled, powerful, and exactly what you'd expect from someone who belongs at the sharp end of a draw. The added bonus? Runners-up from both draws pocketed Boardmasters wildcards, meaning the ramifications of the result will be felt well into the summer. Those two runners up… Cornwall's own, Fynn Gillespie and Willow Smith.
Rip Curl GromSearch
Photo: @robtibbles
The weekend before the Surfing England Pro Junior Under 21s was held, we welcomed another competition to North Fistral Beach, this time it was the Rip Curl GromSearch who rolled into the South West and delivered everything you'd want from a grassroots event done properly. The standard was high, the energy was higher, and the future of surfing in this region showed up ready to compete. Rip Curl's GromSearch has always had a knack for creating moments, and this one was no different. Events like this are the lifeblood of the next generation, and I applaud Rip Curl and all else involved in pushing our sport forward.
U16 Girls: 1st Coco Arthur · 2nd Lila Skinner · 3rd Callie Cruickshank · 4th Josie Hawke
U16 Boys: 1st Aleks Blampied · 2nd Jensen Martin · 3rd Jack Strutt · 4th Cairo Garcia Plartus
U14 Girls: 1st Betsie Reay · 2nd Bella Llewellyn · 3rd Ellie Hickie · 4th Summer Marie Moore
U14 Boys: 1st Cassius Woudberg · 2nd Albie Gould · 3rd Teijo Boletta · 4th Ollie Philips
U12 Girls: 1st Katarina Roth Gale · 2nd Kaleia Peres · 3rd Maisie Le Moignon · 4th Sophie Busby
U12 Boys: 1st Monty Cole · 2nd Xavier Le Moignon · 3rd Casper Kershaw · 4th Rogan Sharp
Every single one of those names is worth remembering. The depth across every age group was something to behold — this region's pipeline is very much open.
Jensen Martin: Surfing the Swiss Alps with Hurley x WSO
Jensen Martin — Photo: Hurley
Speaking of Jensen, while the GromSearch result was impressive enough on its own, the bigger story came off the back of it. Hurley and Wetsuit Outlet sent the young South West talent on a trip to Alaïa Bay in the Swiss Alps, a wavepool in continental Europe, tucked away at the foot of the Alps, a backdrop that makes every other surf trip look a bit ordinary. Not bad for someone still in the U16 category. Jensen made a mark with Hurley from his surfing performances in the last 2 years and on his first "brand" trip, the performance backed up why he has support of one of surfing's biggest brands. Combining major manoeuvres with airs, barrels and smiles. A once-in-a-lifetime trip but we are sure after his performance, more Hurley trips will be in the diary for Jensen.
Surf Girl Launch Party
Photo: Osker Carmichael
On the 6th of May, Surf Girl threw a launch party that was exactly what it needed to be, and then some. Surfing is all about community and events like this are needed more than ever. Surf Girl delivered.
An evening built around the screening of Undercurrents, live panels with some genuine industry voices, a raffle, first access to the new magazine, goodie bags and boutique finds. More than anything though, it was a proper celebration of a community and a publication that's been championing women in surfing long before it was fashionable to do so. The energy in the room said it all. Big things ahead.
Isaac Friend: 365 Days in the Water for Children in Need
Isaac Friend — Photo: BBC
Sometimes a story comes along that puts contest results in perspective. Isaac Friend set himself a mission at the start of 2026: surf every single day of the year, create a daily edit documenting the journey, and raise money for BBC Children in Need in the process. He's now past the halfway mark.
Rain, flat spells, travel, life, none of it has stopped him. The large majority of his sessions have been in the ocean around Cornwall, but he's taken it to surf camps and wave pools too. On the days when the ocean genuinely won't play ball, he's pulled out the surf skate. The boy will not be stopped.
Follow the journey on Instagram and TikTok at @isaacfriendsurfer, and if you can spare anything, his GoFundMe is live now: gofundme.com/f/surfing-for-children-in-need. Every bit counts.
The waves have been firing, the sun has been out, and Cornwall has been doing what Cornwall does best when everything aligns and that is delivering. The lineups have been pumping, the weather has been scorching, and the mood in the water has matched it. After a season already packed with results, titles and trips worth talking about, there's a real buzz about what the rest of the summer holds. More swell, more events, more of the South West doing its thing. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
