Dryrobe raise £340,000 for the RNLI

Dryrobe raise £340,000 for the RNLI

Dryrobe® has today launched a limited edition change robe to celebrate the success of its ongoing partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which has seen the iconic change robe brand raise more than £340,000 for the charity to date.

£340,000 equates to:

  • The cost of a B-Class RNLI Lifeboat
  • The annual training costs for 250 lifeboat crew members
  • 548 new lifejackets

In the three years to 2025 RNLI launched lifeboats 27,645 times and saved the lives of 1181 people as well as running the RNLI beach lifeguards.

Through the Warmth Project, each Dryrobe® sold becomes a force for good, empowering positive change in people’s lives and the environment. Other beneficiaries include The Wave Project, Team Englands Junior development squad training, and surfing ambassadors Ben and Lukas Skinner, Andrew Cotton, Camilla Kemp, Andrew Cotton, Izzi Gomez, Mini Cho, Cal Major, and Laura Crane.

Dryrobe® donate £1 from every Adult and Kids Dryrobe® Advance and Towel Dryrobe® product sold on the Dryrobe® website.

When announcing the RNLI partnership in October 2022, Dryrobe® pledged to raise £100,000 annually over the course of three years, with that total exceeded in a little over two years. A 12-month extension to the partnership was agreed in March 2023 – halfway through the original term – with Dryrobe® committing to raising the same amount in year four.

To celebrate the overwhelming success of the partnership to date – and to recognise the RNLI’s vital, voluntary, lifesaving work – Dryrobe® has unveiled a RNLI limited edition Dryrobe® Advance which is available to purchase for £175.00 from dryrobe.com.

Only 400 of these limited-edition changing robes are available, featuring a unique colour combination and RNLI branding on the inside. £50 from every sale of this change robe goes directly to supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

Dryrobe® founder Gideon Bright commented: “We’re delighted to launch this limited edition robe in celebration of our fantastic partnership with the RNLI.

“With more than £340,000 raised and counting, we’re proud to have played a part in supporting such an important institution and its lifesaving work. Our ongoing donations will continue to help fund much-needed equipment and training and we encourage those who share our mutual love of the water to do their part by purchasing the robe while available.”

Steve Hulbert, Senior Commercial Partnerships Manager at RNLI said: “As a charity, the RNLI is dependent on donations to fund its lifesaving work. We’re incredibly grateful to Dryrobe® for their ongoing support – £340,000 is a remarkable sum and will help ensure our volunteer lifesavers have the right training and equipment they need to keep saving lives at sea. Their ongoing commitment to sharing vital water safety advice is another way in which they are helping the RNLI to save lives at sea. This limited edition robe is an exciting new offering, with a generous proportion of the sales being donated to the RNLI.”

GRAB ONE HERE
Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang

Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang

As the 2025 Rip Curl Cup season kicks into gear, Padang Cup royalty is stepping aside to let the next generation shine. Two-time champion and local legend Mega Semadhi has made the bold and selfless decision to give up his spot in this year’s trials, all to open the door for rising stars.
Mega, who won the Rip Curl Cup in 2013 and again in 2016 (where he famously dropped two perfect 10s in the final and led the crowd in a heartfelt rendition of the Indonesian national anthem with his mum), says it’s time for the youth to have their moment. And with his gesture, 2025 is shaping up to have the youngest field the Padang Cup has seen in years.
“I feel it’s time to step aside and give the younger generation their chance. They’re more than capable of winning the Cup, and their surfing is world class,” said Mega.

While stepping back from competition, Mega isn’t stepping away from the event entirely.
“I still want to be part of the Padang Cup. I just want to watch my friends compete and enjoy the event, but most importantly, I want to spend time in the water with my daughter and focus on taking care of my family.”
With grace, humility, and a deep love for both surfing and his community, Mega Semadhi continues to leave an unforgettable mark on the Rip Curl Cup—this time, from the shoreline.

2024 Trials Recap
Last year’s 2024 Trials set the bar sky-high, delivering one of the most unforgettable days in trials history. Perfect 6-foot waves rolled into the reef, setting the stage for best Indonesian surfers to showcase a masterclass in barrel riding.
Veterans like Made “Bol” Adi Putra and Garut Widiarta reminded everyone why they’re still kings of Padang Padang. But it was the new guard Bronson Meydi, Tommy Sobry, and Westen Hirst who turned heads with crazy late drops, deep barrels, and technical tuberiding. Bronson’s technical backside tube and Tommy’s buzzer-beater double barrel rewarded them spots in the main event alongside legends Bol & Garut
The women also showed up in a big way, turning the lineup into a battlefield of friendship and fierce competition. Taina Izquierdo came out on top, while Ziggy Mackenzie secured her place in the main event with some seriously gutsy surfing. The women’s side isn’t just catching up, it’s charging forward.

2025 Main Event Invitees
Thanks to standout performances in 2024, these surfers earned direct entry into this year’s main event:
Men:
• Made Adi Putra (4th Place, Main Event)
• Tommy Sobry (7th Place, Main Event)
• Bronson Meydi (2024 World Junior Champ)
• Westen Hirst (Rip Curl Wildcard)
• Alik Rudiarta (Padang Padang Boardriders Wildcard)
Women:
• Jasmine Studer (2nd Place, Main Event)
• Kalani Johnson (4th Place, Main Event)
2025 Men’s Trials Invitees: 
Mega Artana, Garut Widiarta, Manik Rudita, Dylan Wilcoxen, Raditya Rondi, Koki Hendrawan, Koldo Illumbe, Putu Arya Gunata, Tumbling Sudiantara, Agus Sumertayasa, Oney Anwar, Made Satriawan, Pajar Ariyana, Dhany Widianto, Made Mahendra, Lee Wilson, Komang Kopral, Ketut Agus, Agus Setiawan, Mustofa Jeksen, Rahtu Suargita, Rizal Tandjung, Tonjo Darmaputra, Usman Trioko.
 
2025 Women’s Trials Invitees:
Taina Izquierdo, Ziggy Mackenzie, Lilliana Bowrey, Kya Jo Heuer
 
The Trials: Who’s In and What’s at Stake
This July, 24 men and 4 women will battle it out for a limited number of spots into the main event: 3 spots for the men, and 2 for the women.
How were invites chosen?
We’re mixing proven Padang Padang talent with fresh blood, based on clear criteria:
 
Men’s Invite Criteria:
• 3rd – 8th Place, 2024 Main Event
• 5th – 8th Place, 2024 Trials
• Top 4 WQS Asia Region
• Top 2 Pro Junior Asia Region
• 2 Rip Curl Wildcards
• 2 Past Champions
• 6 Padang Padang Specialists

The 2025 Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang will be webcast LIVE to the world at ripcurl.co.id. Fans can also visit the Rip Curl website to check the official event swell forecast, real-time contest status, and video updates from Bali.

Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2025 Event Schedule:

Local Trials Waiting Period
July 1st – 31st 2025

Main Event Waiting Period
August 4th – September 4th 2025

Opening Ceremony
Sunday, August 3rd at 4 PM, Padang Padang Beach, Bali
Meet the invited athletes
Press conference
Traditional Balinese Kecak Dance performance

Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2025 sponsored by:
Island Brewing, Dragon, BGS, Indo Amazon, Red Bull, Biznet

Breaking Big – Andrew Cotton

Breaking Big – Andrew Cotton

As 100 foot Wave season three kicks off we catch up with Andrew Cotton about his relentless pursuit of the ocean’s giants.

Cotty, how has your winter been?
Yeah, it’s been good. This winter, I’ve been focusing less on just being at Nazaré, and more on chasing the best waves when they’re really worth it. I know there are better waves out there, and I’ve been trying to make smarter decisions about where and when to go. But overall, it’s been another season of learning and adapting, which is what big-wave surfing is all about.

How has Nazaré changed since you first went there?
Yeah, it’s a completely different place now. When I first came to Nazaré, it felt like a big-wave Disneyland – this insane, larger-than-life wave that didn’t quite fit the traditional mould. At the time, a lot of the surfing world didn’t take it seriously. In fact, it was almost mocked, especially by some of the more established big-wave communities. But over the years, it’s gone through some major changes.

Nazaré has created opportunities for so many people to live their dream, to actually make a career out of big wave surfing, and to push tow surfing to a level I never could have imagined when I first started. Without a doubt, it’s still one of the most mind-blowing spectacles in surfing, especially when it’s massive. No matter how much it changes, when you see those waves breaking from the cliffs, it’s still something special.

The new season of 100 Foot Wave kicks off this month. Some great waves in there.
Yeah, I’ve seen some rough cuts of the new season, and it looks really cool. Cortes was crazy. I was actually in Ireland at the time, chasing some waves around Bundoran Bay, when I got a call from Garrett. He was like: “Can you be in San Diego within 48 hours?” And for me, it was a no brainer. I jumped in the car, drove straight to Dublin, flew to Portugal, swapped out some boards, and then got straight on a flight to San Diego.
The place is just something else – the cleanest ocean I’ve ever surfed, so much wildlife, seals everywhere, even a couple of massive sharks cruising through the line up. You’re in the middle of nowhere, no land in sight, just completely exposed.

I remember seeing footage of Cortes in the early 2000s and thinking it was impossible, and there was no way I would ever surf it. So to actually be there was just surreal. It’s a place I never thought I’d have the opportunity to surf, and I feel lucky to have experienced it. But I know that wave is still out there, waiting.

And you’ve even got your own shoe? Bit like Kendrick!
Haha, yeah, who would’ve thought I’d have my own boot? It’s pretty funny when you think about it. I’ve been really fortunate to work with XTRATUF for the past three or four years now. It all started with a small project – this campaign I did called the ‘Three Lakes Challenge’, which was about off-season training. I went swimming in the three highest lakes in the UK and made a YouTube video about it. XTRATUF supported that, and from there, we built a really strong relationship. They’ve been great supporters and a solid sponsor ever since.

What I love about this collab is that it’s not just about designing a boot – it’s about asking deeper questions. The whole thing is inspired by thought-provoking ideas, like ‘What makes you feel alive?’ and ‘Is this it?’ These are the questions that push you to go further, to take risks, and to keep searching for what really matters. It was amazing that XTRATUF was open to bringing that kind of storytelling into the design.
One of the most exciting parts for me was also working on the packaging. I remember as a kid, loving shoeboxes – how they came with stickers, little cards, all those details that made them feel special. So we went all in on that. The box is completely different from anything they’ve done before – thought-provoking, unique, and something that really adds to the experience.

Honestly, I’m just so stoked on the whole process. XTRATUF has been an amazing partner – not just in supporting me but in backing big wave surfing as a whole. To have a brand of their size and reputation supporting surfing in this way is huge, and I can’t thank them enough.

What’s next? Still some crazy waves out there to be discovered…
Yeah, what’s next? I’m excited. I’m excited for the future, for big wave surfing, and for everything it holds. One of the things I’m really looking forward to is working with the next generation of British talent – building a solid team that’s not just riding some of the biggest waves on the planet, but also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

For me, big wave surfing has never been about winning – it’s about going first and exploring. That’s what has always driven me, from those early days on the west coast of Ireland, figuring out Mullaghmore, to those first few seasons at Nazaré, when no one really knew what was possible. And that’s what still excites me – what’s around the next corner? What’s the next big discovery? The beauty of big wave surfing is that you never know when it’s going to happen. It’s not about this year or next year – it’s about patience. It’s about being in the right place at the right time, with the right people, and then when it all comes together… anything is possible.

That’s what keeps me motivated every day. That’s what makes me get up, train, stay fit, stay sharp. Because the next big wave, the next big moment – it’s always out there, just waiting.

Pick up Carve issue 227 for the full interview!

Click Here To Get Your Copy
The Devils Own Fish – The Weever is Back

The Devils Own Fish – The Weever is Back

Photo: @RNLI Lifeguards_South East Cornwall

Ask most British surfers what they fear most in the water and it’s not GW’s, Tigers, sea snakes or fire coral. It’s the tiny weever fish that for some reason carries enough hurty poison in its tiny spikey fins to put a cobra to shame.

…And they’re back! 

Yes, it’s that time of year when our old friends the Weever Fish rear their ugly little heads, and stings, from the sand in the UK…

Most people never see them so here is a quick run down on the pesky critters.

If you’ve ever felt a sudden, burning pain while walking into the sea barefoot, you might have met one of the UK’s lesser-known hazards: the weever fish. These tiny, sand-dwelling fish pack a venomous punch—and every summer, surfers, swimmers, and beachgoers fall victim to their stings.

Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe (and keep the session going) this season.

What Is a Weever Fish?

Weever fish are small, spiny little fish that bury themselves in sandy shallows—right where we tend to paddle out, wade, or carry our boards. The most common type in the UK is the lesser weever (Echiichthys vipera), which grows to about 10–15cm.

They’re hard to spot because they bury themselves in leaving only their eyes and venomous spines sticking out—perfect for unsuspecting feet to find. “Ambush” and “pure evil” some would say!

Why Do They Sting?

Allegedly they don’t go looking for a fight…Yeah right! And the sting is purely defensive—caused by sharp, venomous spines along their dorsal fin and gills. When stepped on or disturbed ( You don’t even have to took at them), the vindictive little shore break dwellers jab the spines into your skin and inject venom.

The pain is no joke—often described as burning, intense, and immediate. You’ll usually know right away. As a lifeguard I saw grown men shedding tears!

What Does a Sting Feel Like?

  • Sharp, burning pain (starts within minutes) and can spread up limbs and last for hours, sometimes days

  • Redness and swelling

  • In some cases: nausea, dizziness, or feeling faint

While incredibly painful, stings are rarely dangerous unless there’s an allergic reaction. Intensity varies from person to person, and with depth of injection. For some people it’s an inconvenience, while some have had to go to hospital after reactions. The sting can lead to mild discomfort lead, some to swelling, or in same cases cause discomfort that last days. It’s all a bit of a  lottery. But once you know, you know!

How to Treat a Weever Fish Sting

If you or someone else gets stung:

  1. Get out of the water.

  2. Immerse the affected area in hot water (around 40–45°C) for 30–90 minutes. The heat breaks down the venom. Start what warm water and add hotter water part by part until it is as hot as you can stand.

  3. Remove any spines with tweezers and clean the wound.

  4. Take painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol if needed.

  5. Get medical help if the pain doesn’t subside, if there’s a bad reaction, or if you’re unsure about the sting.

Pro tip: Surf schools and lifeguard stations often have buckets and thermos flasks ready for this exact reason.

Where Are They Found?

Weever fish show up all around the UK coast.

They’re most active from June to September, when water temps rise and beach activity peaks. Coincidence or strategy? You decide!

How Common Are Stings?

While there’s no exact national count, weever stings are common enough that lifeguards deal with them regularly during the summer. In popular surf spots like Newquay or Perranporth, there can be dozens of cases a week during hot spells.

Most go unreported because they’re treated on the beach or at home.

How to Avoid Getting Stung

  • Wear wetsuit boots —especially when walking into the water.

  • Shuffle your feet instead of stepping—this warns fish and gives them time to move.

Stay safe out there!

The Tassie Assault – Full Edit

The Tassie Assault – Full Edit

“The Tassie Assault” is a film by Lehman Jennings allowing you to ride along for an epic journey following 3 friends driving south from Sydney into the depths of Tasmania with an old landy, a dirt bike strapped to the back, a few surfboards & only the essentials. With a hunger for adventure and the highs and lows of a plan turned upside down it’s sure to be an experience they’ll remember forever.

@lehmanjennings

Directed By: Lehman Jennings
Filmed By: Lehman Jennings & Nelson Kingery
Starring: Nelson Kingery, Tanner Stephens & Lehman Jennings
Edited By: Lehman jennings & GeoCreative
Water Cinematography: Joel Barker
Stills Photography: Tanner Stephens

The 2025 Rip Curl GromSearch UK

The 2025 Rip Curl GromSearch UK

The 2025 Rip Curl GromSearch UK wrapped up in style at North Devon’s iconic Croyde Beach, after a week of challenging swell conditions forced a mid-week relocation to Putsborough, before returning to Croyde as the forecast settled—setting the stage for an electric weekend of surf competition.

With over 100 of the UK’s best young surfers competing across U12, U14, and U16 shortboard divisions, and a packed beach of families, coaches, and supporters, the contest celebrated the next generation of British surfing in top form.

Priority Judging Debut
For the first time at the GromSearch UK, Priority Judging was implemented. Priority judging helps manage the order in which surfers catch waves, ensuring competitors with priority get first choice of waves and can execute their strategies without interference.

This system promotes more strategic surfing, and allows judges to better assess each surfer’s performance.
Priority judging is widely used in national and international competitions, helping young surfers develop important contest skills like wave selection and tactical awareness. Introducing it at the UK level better prepares groms for the demands of European and world championship events.

Elite Finals & Heat Highlights
The action-packed finals didn’t disappoint, with surfers delivering impressive scores under pressure. Here’s a breakdown of each division champion and their winning heat performances, followed by the full podium for each category:

U12 Girls – Betsie Reay – 10.97
Betsie found early rhythm in the final, linking clean turns and displaying excellent wave selection to stay comfortably ahead. Her calm, composed approach under pressure marked a breakthrough performance.
Podium:
• Betsie Reay
• Martha Edwards
• Katarina Roth Gale
• Arabella Peres

 

U12 Boys – Cassius Woudberg – Scoring 14.57 (single wave 9.00)
Cassius was untouchable in the final, opening with a massive 9.00 ride that lit up the beach. With crisp rail work and explosive energy, he not only took the win but secured the event’s highest heat total, earning the €500 Oakley High Score Award.
Podium:
• Cassius Woudberg
• Teijo Boletta
• Albie Gould
• Bobby Smith

 

U14 Girls – Bella Llewellyn – Scoring 10.27
Bella brought smooth flow and timing to her turns, executing her strategy perfectly. She controlled the final from start to finish, making it clear she’s a rising force in junior surfing.
Podium:
• Bella Llewellyn
• Isabella O’Reilly
• Daisy-Bleu Heddercott
• Summer-Marie Moore

 

U14 Boys – Cairo Garcia Plartus – Scoring 13.73
Cairo brought power and precision to the lineup, locking in two big scores early in the heat. His aggressive yet stylish approach made him a standout throughout the weekend—and a deserving champion.
Podium:
• Cairo Garcia Plartus
• Jensen Martin
• Jude Beech
• Joshi James

 

U16 Girls – Josie Hawke – Scoring 9.54
Josie rose to the occasion in a tight final, using her experience and confidence to find the heat’s best wave and lay down a critical 6.17 ride that made all the difference.
Podium:
• Josie Hawke
• Sunny Ingram
• Coco Arthur
• Kaja Millward

 

U16 Boys – Joel Nicholson – Scoring 13.60
Joel was surgical in his wave selection, backing up a powerful 6.93 with consistent surfing to control a fiercely contested final. His composure under pressure made him a clear victor.
Podium:
• Joel Nicholson
• Rory Murphy
• Isaac Friend
• Reuben Joseph Wakely

 

Eyes on Europe: Hossegor Awaits
All division winners will now represent the UK at the Rip Curl GromSearch European Final, set to take place in Hossegor, France (date TBC). They’ll take on Europe’s top young surfers, including champions from Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Wildcard entries. The road to the GromSearch World Final starts here!

Gratitude to Sponsors & Supporters
The success of the GromSearch UK would not be possible without the support of these incredible partners:
• Rip Curl – Event Creator and driving force behind global grom progression
• Oakley – Backing elite performance, providing rad prizes and awarding our highest scorer
• FCS – Longtime GromSearch partner and supporter of young surfers
• Parkdean Resorts – Ruda, for allowing us the use of the incredible venue of Croyde Beach.
• Apex Rescue, ensuring water safety throughout
• Biffen’s Kitchen, fuelling our hard working team with great food and good vibes
Massive thanks as well to Contest Director Pauly Jeffrey, Priority Judge Kerry Powell, our judging panel, media team, and every competitor and family who brought this special weekend to life.