2026 English National Surfing Champs

It’s official — the 2026 Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Surfing Championships are ON for the Open (Men’s) and Women’s divisions. In what is shaping up to be an unmissable day of performance surfing showcasing England’s top athletes.

We had originally planned to run the event from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th April. However, after closely tracking a building low pressure system in the North Atlantic, forecasts indicate huge, powerful waves that will obliterate the coast. Alongside that, strong onshore winds, all indicating conditions deemed non-contestable and frankly unsafe by our lifeguard cover.

The upside - Friday 10th April has presented us with a rare and exciting window. Fistral Beach will be firing, offering clean, powerful waves before conditions deteriorate into the weekend.

We simply couldn’t let an opportunity like this pass. To make the most of the swell, we’ll be running a fast-paced format with double peaks in play during earlier rounds, ensuring maximum wave opportunities and nonstop action throughout the day.

To guarantee we complete the competition ahead of the incoming storm, we’ll be focusing on Open and Women’s heats only — bringing England’s top surfers together in a decisive, high-stakes showdown for national titles.

The U18 and U16 divisions will be moved to the official backup window, with those competitions set to run on one of the following dates: 24th, 25th, or 26th April. Final confirmation of the exact day will be made based on conditions to ensure the best possible platform for those divisions.

We’re expecting big performances, heavy waves, and an incredible display of talent as the country’s best athletes rise to the occasion.

We’d love for spectators to come down, feel the energy, and experience the buzz firsthand — this is English surfing at its absolute peak. We are anticipating an early start to action on Friday, keep an eye on our social media for updates.

From our side, it’s simple: the window is short, the swell is here, and we’re ready to crown 2026 Champions.

Era Adventures will be on hand throughout the event, so if you need assistance or first aid, please notify a lifeguard or contest official right away.

Surfing England

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Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach – Day 4

Day 4 of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Stop No. 1 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), has seen the field narrowed after the completion of men’s Round Two and five heats of women’s Round Two. After competition started in low-tide waves on the Bells Bowl, the incoming tide saw a move to Winkipop, forcing surfers to shift their approach from big, arching turns in the pocket, to down the line speed and progression. Conditions stayed semi-clean all day with waves in the three-to-four-foot range as the draw inches closer to Finals Day at Bells Beach.

Brazilian World Champions Headline Day 4 Action   

The third day of competition saw four Brazilian World Champions take to the lineup at Bells in just six heats, each claiming a heat win. CT returner Gabriel Medina (BRA) and reigning World Champion Yago Dora (BRA) hope to join their countrymen Italo Ferreira (BRA) and Filipe Toledo (BRA) on the honour roll at Bells by week’s end. Ferreira found redemption in his opening heat, overcoming Victoria Trials winner Xavier Huxtable (AUS) by just 0.10 of a point. Huxtable famously eliminated Ferreira in 2025, but will not be able to bring it home for the locals in 2026. Ferreira now moves into a head-to-head matchup against Medina in Round Three. The second heat of the day saw Dora overcome close friend and 2026 CT Rookie Mateus Herdy (BRA) in a bittersweet victory for the reigning World Champion. Dora looked in incredible touch with the Bells Bowl, posting a heat high 7.33 for a two-turn combination on his backhand.  

Two-time Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner Filipe Toledo (AUS) got his campaign for a third Bell off to the perfect start, overcoming CT returner Eli Hanneman (HAW) in Heat 12 of Round Two. Toledo is coming off one of his quieter seasons, only winning one event in 2026 from just three Finals Day appearances, and is looking to get 2026 off to a much stronger start, which was evident from his opening heat at Bells. Toledo posted a 14.00 point heat total that included a 7.50 for an impressive blow-tail reverse on the first section before wrapping it all the way to the end-section from a strong completion. Toledo moves into Round Three, where he will take on Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) in Heat 3.

“I’m really, really happy to get that first one out of the way,” Toledo said. “I thought we were going to show up here and have plenty of waves and surf right away and it was completely the opposite. At least it was good to surf and relax and get ready for today. I'm not going to lie that I wasn't nervous, but it's a good nervous. I’ve been doing this for too long now, it's my 12th year, and if I don't figure it out one day then I don't know what I'm doing. But yeah, I felt great. It was one of those that I did everything I had to do on the off-season to train. I took care of my body, took care of my mental, and I was just ready for it.”

Molly Picklum and Gabriela Bryan Set The Standard at Winkipop   

Molly Picklum (AUS) closed out 2025 with a commanding performance in Fiji to claim her maiden World Title and has now opened the 2026 season in the same fashion. Facing two-time Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner and three-time World Title runner-up Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Picklum posted an event-high excellent 16.50 heat total. Huge two-turn combinations showcased the 23-year-old’s penchant for large, dramatic attacks to the lip, which included an 8.67, the highest single-wave score of the event so far.  

"I've been able to come down nice and early and try and spread the commitments and all the good fun out a little further so it's not so heavy loaded just before the event," Picklum said. "We've had so much time. I'm ready and I have such good people around me. I've got really good energy down here, it's good. It's one thing having good preparation, but then to actually take it in the water and do it is another. I'm just continually focusing, making sure that I'm turning up and showing up every single moment for each heat. I really went out just going, 'I hope I get two turns.' I was happy when the scores got read out and I was hearing 7's and 8's." 

A breakout year in 2025 saw Gabriela Bryan (HAW) claim three event wins to finish third in the world, and the Kaua‘i representative has picked up where she left off, posting the second highest two-wave total of the event so far in challenging conditions at Winkipop. Bryan’s wave selection was impeccable and allowed her to open up on multiple sections with her trademark powerful rail game on full display to post a total of 15.66. Bryan was unstoppable, forcing the elimination of 2026 CT Rookie Francisca Veselko (POR) who will now shift her focus to the upcoming Western Australia Margaret River Pro.  

“That was a really good way to start the year,” Bryan said. “I was just so excited to surf. I mean, I've been here for a while. I came extra early, so I think I've been here for like two and a half weeks already. I've just been itching to get in the jersey, but not get too excited and just go out there and do my best surfing. I had this weird feeling that I was going to surf my first heat at Winki, so I've been putting in a bit of extra time down here. I think back to last year and I think I've grown so much as a competitor and as a person. We’re all itching to get the Title and without the Final Five format it's also really exciting. It's my first time having the full year and having the winner at Pipe. For me, just doing my best surfing is my main goal.”

Reigning Event Runners Up Eye Event Win in 2026  

The opening heat of the day witnessed reigning Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach runner up Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) take another win on the Bowl over 2026 CT returner Morgan Cibilic (AUS). In a rematch from last year’s Semifinals, Igarashi and Cibilic went blow-for-blow, both matching speed with power in the wobbly conditions, but it was the heat IQ of Igarashi that saw the Olympic Silver Medalist on the better waves and earning the winning score. Igarashi’s second place at Bells was his equal best result of the year in 2025 and the Japanese representative has every intention of leaving Stop No. 1 with a big Bell in 2026.   

Last year at Bells Beach, Luana Silva (BRA) found her way to a maiden CT Final, eventually going down to Isabella Nichols (AUS) to finish in second place and secure her spot on Tour for the remainder of the season. Today, the 21 year-old Brazilian representative confirmed she is once again one to watch at this location, posting a 15.23 two-wave total to overcome two-time World Champion and two-time Bells winner Tyler Wright (AUS). Wright, who is returning from a long stint out of the water recovering from injury, looked in good form, but it was the speed of Silva’s searing frontside gouges that gave her the advantage and a spot in the Quarterfinals. Silva was at a loss for words after defeating both Wright and eight-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) so far in the event.  

"I've got no words for you, I just gotta laugh a little bit, that's crazy, 10 World Titles, wow," Silva said. "I'm trying not to think about it. I'm just trying to control what I can control and what comes in my way. I think I've probably faced the two hardest there is here at Bells. Tyler (Wright) won back-to-back and Steph (Gilmore) has won four. World Champions as well. They're my heroes. They're my idols that I've looked up to since I was a little girl. It's been surreal this year at Bells."

Title Hopefuls Bow Out Early at Bells Beach  

Women’s Round Two commenced this afternoon and brought with it the event's top seeds, with current World No. 2 Caroline Marks (USA) hitting the water in Heat 1 in a matchup with CT returner Alyssa Spencer (USA). Spencer took control of the all goofy-foot heat early, posting two mid-range scores thanks to superior wave selection. Marks struggled to find a groove, but eventually found a couple of set waves of her own to put herself back in the conversation. It wasn’t enough in the end as the San Diego local found a one-two punch to close out the heat, belting a series of snaps with fully committed closeout turns on back-to-back waves to score a 6.67 and 7.33, respectively and win the heat with an impressive heat total of 14.00 points. Spencer will contest her first CT Quarterfinals as a full-time competitor when competition resumes, taking on Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) in the opening heat.   

“I went out there with a solid plan and kept my mindset really calm and was able to execute what I wanted to,” Spencer said. “Seeing that heat coming up, I was really excited, honestly, to surf against Caroline (Marks). She's an amazing competitor and someone that I've been inspired by for a long time. I was really looking forward to that heat and I was happy that I was able to find a couple of good waves and really show myself that I can compete alongside of those girls that are in the top five. I feel like that helped me with my confidence. It was a really special heat to be able to share with her because we've been competing together for so long and to be able to have a heat with her on the big stage now is just really special.”  Another CT returner who looked comfortable upon their return today was Samuel Pupo (BRA), who took a commanding win over defending Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner Jack Robinson (AUS). Pupo looked fast and sharp as he picked the best waves of the heat to surf his way to a 13.77 two-wave total. Robinson looked to be building momentum until he made a costly mistake, earning an interference against Pupo and losing his second score, which put a win completely out of reach.

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round Two Results
HEAT 1: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 14.17 DEF. Joel Vaughan (AUS) 12.07
HEAT 2: George Pittar (AUS) 14.57 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 12.34 
HEAT 3: Jordy Smith (RSA) 14.80 DEF. Luke Thompson (RSA) 12.33 
HEAT 4: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 11.16 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 9.93 
HEAT 5: Jake Marshall (USA) 10.83 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 10.64 
HEAT 6: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 15.26 DEF. Dane Henry (AUS) 15.00 
HEAT 7: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 11.56 DEF. Cole Houshmand (USA) 7.63 
HEAT 8: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 12.23 DEF. Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 11.17 
HEAT 9: Yago Dora (BRA) 13.34 DEF. Mateus Herdy (BRA) 10.66 
HEAT 10: Marco Mignot (FRA) 11.83 DEF. Crosby Colapinto (USA) 10.53 
HEAT 11: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 11.67 DEF. Kauli Vaast (FRA) 11.60 
HEAT 12: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.00 DEF. Eli Hanneman (HAW) 10.10 
HEAT 13: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.83 DEF. Xavier Huxtable (AUS) 12.73 
HEAT 14: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 12.10 DEF. Alan Cleland (MEX) 3.67 
HEAT 15: Rio Waida (INA) 13.96 DEF. Connor O'Leary (JPN) 11.97 
HEAT 16: Samuel Pupo (BRA) 13.77 DEF. Jack Robinson (AUS) 5.67

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round Three Matchups 
HEAT 1: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. George Pittar (AUS) 
HEAT 2: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 
HEAT 3: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 
HEAT 4: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 
HEAT 5: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA) 
HEAT 6: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 
HEAT 7: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 
HEAT 8: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)  

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Round Two Results 
HEAT 1: Alyssa Spencer (USA) 14.00 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 11.20 
HEAT 2: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 10.93 DEF. Anat Lelior (ISR) 6.76 
HEAT 3: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 15.66 DEF. Francisca Veselko (POR) 6.00 
HEAT 4: Luana Silva (BRA) 15.26 DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 13.76 
HEAT 5: Molly Picklum (AUS) 16.50 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 7.34  

Remaining Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Round Two Matchups 
HEAT 6: Erin Brooks (CAN) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA) 
HEAT 7: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) 
HEAT 8: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Carissa Moore (HAW)

Dreams & Nightmares

I’ve spent decades documenting some of the heaviest slab waves in Australia, and every now and then a day comes along that reminds you why you keep chasing these storms.

This swell at Cape Solander was one of those days.

Just 90 minutes from my home in Sydney, Cape Solander is one of the most dangerous and unique waves in the country. The reef sits right beside the rocks, the take-off is thick and unforgiving, and when an east to north-east swell hits the reef, the wave detonates — often with a wild backwash bouncing off the cliffs for good measure.

It’s raw. It’s unpredictable. And when it’s on, it’s absolutely world-class.

This particular swell had been on the radar 7–8 days out, and the hype started building early. Local legend, shaper and slab hunter Dylan Longbottom organised two of the best watermen on the planet to fly in from Brazil — Lucas Chumbo Chianca and his good mate, skimboarding powerhouse Lucas Fink.

The pair arrived the day before the swell and Dylan wasted no time, towing them straight into some of the biggest, chunkiest barrels you’ll ever see at Solander.

When a forecast like this lights up, word spreads quickly. The buzz around this swell brought out some of the best slab hunters on Australia’s east coast.

Two of the most experienced Cape Solander chargers — Richie Vass and James Adams — towed each other into some incredible waves, while the next generation stepped up as well, with Lex O'Connor, Chase Hardaker, and even Big Wave Ride of the Year winner Tom Myer's also grabbed the rope.

From perfect, grinding barrels to brutal wipeouts, this session shows exactly why Cape Solander has become one of the most respected slab waves in the world.

This edit captures the power, the chaos, and the commitment it takes to ride waves like this.

Tim Bonython Productions

Carve Magazine Issue 231

Carve Magazine Issue 231

The new issue is out. You can get it delivered to door for by hitting this link here.

← City Kids Surfing Dreams & Nightmares →

Welcome back after winter and to kick off the surf season, the first mag of the year is incoming. In this In this issue you’ll find a mix of visuals and words that will push the boundaries of stoke!

Take a look as we spend a few minutes ogling Lowey’s beautiful and terrifying Mully drop. Drift through Europe’s car parks with Luke Gartside, and meet the Saltburn crew keeping it real by the pier.

On the cover is Sam Heard at Mundaka. Sam's a former top junior, turned premium wave style addict!

Plus Pheobe Strachan, one of Britain’s hardest-charging surfers, takes the spotlight, while Sean ‘Frank’ Harris reflects on 25 years in the UK surf industry. And many people will relate to Toby Donachie’s story, a reminder of the ups, downs, lulls, and glorious sets of surfing. He’s in it for the long haul.
Enjoy the issue.

Joel Gray, Editor at Large

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE NEW ISSUE AND GET IT DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE NEW ISSUE AND GET IT DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR

City Kids Surfing

Sometimes as surfers we take the ocean for granted. This isn’t everyone’s reality.

The charity City Kids Surfing takes children from the gritty reality of inner city life to give them the opportunity to experience surfing. The hope is that these inner city kids will discover a life-long love of the ocean and get to know that the ocean is there for them, through lives ups and downs.

We spoke to the founder Tom Franklin, a London primary school teacher who had been working in south London for many years. Often overshadowed by the news of violence and crime, many of the children never get the chance to leave their housing estates.

Tom, how did City Kids Surfing come about?

CKS came about in 2016, when I realised that I lived in south London and went surfing all the time and it kept me sane. However most of the kids I taught had never seen the ocean (and weren't going to) - let alone gone surfing. This seemed unfair. We want there to be schools, clubs and gatherings for city groms who want to surf.

What made you realise that surfing could change a young person’s life?

It's changed my life, and most of my friends too. We had an issue in London with kids feeling a sense of belonging, so they joined gangs - we lost three to knife crime in seven years... but surfing is a global gang, based on excitement, nature access, and fun. The best gang in the world. Edgy, risky at times - definitely not boring. I knew inner city kids who'd love it, get into it - I knew we could save some.

City-Kids-Surfing-Charity-Boy-Kneeling-on-Surfboard.jpg

Why surfing - not football, boxing or another sport?

I read the book 'Blue Mind’ (by Wallace J Nichols). The nature link, being in the sea. It is so different from any other sport. But it is deeply under-represented by inner city kids.

What’s been the biggest challenge of setting this charity up?

Raising money! Also keeping relationships with partnerships (although we have been very lucky with Finisterre…) and running it alongside a day job and being a dad!

What are the main barriers that stop urban kids from accessing the ocean?

Lack of awareness. Families who don't value it. Usually money. Also distance from the ocean but that’s not the main reason.

How do the kids react the first time they see the sea?

They love it - it's amazing what we see every year.

What skill can kids take from surfing that will translate into everyday life?

Resilience, courage, friendship, memories, the world is more than what they see..

What can the wider surf community do better to help open it’s doors?

Have a really good, honest look at recruitment in the surf industry.

If an inner-city grom is reading this now, what would you want to say to them?

Surfing is there for you too. A second hand board from FB Market place, a train to Newquay and a £10 per night youth hostel.

As Asheya said on our very first trip in 2017 and it’s so true, she said "It's here and surf, whether you are poor or rich - you can come here too.”

Find more below:

Click Here

When we came across City Kids Surfing we had to help in some way and give the charity some exposure, so we’re holding a raffle at our Carve Launch Party at the Boardmasters Beach Bar on April 10, to raise money for the charity. Come along!

Pre-Loved Wetsuit Scheme

Two years on: Newquay based Surf Therapy charity raises a record £98,000 with pioneering Pre-Loved Wetsuit Scheme

Nearly 10,000 wetsuits have been reused or recycled through the scheme
Estimated 15 tonnes of neoprene saved from the waste stream
£98,000 raised in sales to support Surf Therapy programmes
The Wave Project’s Newquay shop reopens on 1 April with affordable pre-loved wetsuits starting from £10

As The Wave Project prepares to reopen its Newquay shop on 1 April 2026 for the spring season, the young people’s mental health charity is celebrating major milestones in both fundraising and reducing waste through its innovative wetsuit reuse and recycling scheme.

Since it launched two years ago, The Wave Project’s Pre-Loved Wetsuit Scheme has reused or recycled nearly 10,000 wetsuits, raised £98,000 in sales and saved an estimated 15 tonnes of neoprene from going into the waste stream. Selling for on average just £10-£35, a fraction of the price of a new wetsuit, the pre-loved wetsuits have become the most popular item in The Wave Project’s Newquay shop.

Talking about the success of the scheme, Ed Connors, Retail Operations Manager at The Wave Project, said: “The pre-loved wetsuits are an affordable alternative to buying new. With the weather improving and more people wanting to enjoy the benefits of being in the ocean, these wetsuits are a great option. By purchasing a pre-loved wetsuit from our shop, you’re not only saving yourself money, you’re also helping us fund Surf Therapy sessions for young people facing mental health challenges, and you’re significantly reducing the amount of neoprene that end up in the waste stream; a triple-win.”

The initiative was created to address the environmental challenge posed by neoprene. The material used in most wetsuits is durable and effective in the water but difficult to recycle, meaning thousands of wetsuits are discarded every year. The challenge is particularly significant in Cornwall, where a large part of the UK’s non-recyclable neoprene waste is produced. Through partnerships with Cornwall Council and SUEZ, The Wave Project has created a circular solution that allows unwanted wetsuits to be donated, reused or responsibly recycled.

By extending the life of wetsuits and selling them at affordable prices, the project helps make surfing more accessible for the local community while encouraging people to keep surf gear in use for longer.

Donated wetsuits are collected through The Wave Project shop and at designated recycling points across Cornwall. Those in useable condition are prepared for resale, while those beyond repair are sent for specialist recycling. All profits help fund The Wave Project’s Surf Therapy programmes, which support children and young people experiencing mental health challenges across the UK.

Demand for this support continues to grow with one in five children in the UK now experiencing a diagnosable mental health condition, and half of all lifelong mental health problems beginning before the age of 14. The Wave Project offers an early intervention through Surf Therapy, helping young people build confidence, resilience and connection through the ocean and other blue spaces.

Ramon Van de Velde, CEO of The Wave Project

“Surf Therapy transforms young lives. Many of the young people we support arrive feeling anxious, isolated or lacking confidence and simply getting into the water can be a huge step towards building resilience, connection and self-belief.

“Our Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme shows how a circular approach to surf gear can create real social impact. By keeping wetsuits in use for longer, we make surfing more accessible for the local community and raise important funds that help more young people access our programmes. We’re seeing the difference this makes. After completing Surf Therapy, over 70% of young people report increased confidence and resilience.”

Mark Hillson, PFI General Manager at SUEZ

“We’re proud to work alongside The Wave Project and Cornwall Council to show how practical, local partnerships can drive real environmental progress. Neoprene is notoriously difficult to recycle, so creating a circular route that keeps thousands of wetsuits in use and out of the waste stream is a major achievement.”

Councillor Loic Rich, cabinet member with responsibility for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council

“We’re really proud to support this fantastic initiative which is benefiting our young people and the environment.

“Water sports are brilliant for our physical and mental health and having the option to buy pre-loved wetsuits at affordable prices makes these sports more accessible to one and all.

“This project allows us to make a sustainable choice, save money and support a really good cause.”

As the spring season approaches, the charity is inviting people to browse the latest pre-loved wetsuits and surf gear in the Newquay shop from 1 April. Wetsuits can be donated at The Wave Project shop in Newquay or SUEZ Household waste and Recycling Centres across Cornwall, helping keep neoprene out of the waste stream while supporting young people’s mental health.

This project has been made possible thanks to £116,000 from UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is delivered locally by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, £22,500 from SUEZ and £7,500 from The Wave Project.