Mick Fanning meets up with the Ho family for a fun day of surf in Hawaii! This morning had some nice swell at Rocky Point located on the North Shore of Oahu.
Surfers: Mason Ho, Michael Ho, Coco Ho, Mick Fanning & Dave Rastavich.
Words by Carly Crosby
From 10 - 14 August, the country will once again descend on Cornwall’s sandy shores for a full festival summer weekend.
At the Watergate Bay site you can fill you boots with the biggest names in music, but there is also a lot to explore out-and-about in Newquay, a town known worldwide for its sandy beaches and surf scene.
It does get busy but there is plenty for all as festival-goers descend on the town to enjoy the trendy cafe scene, foodie favourite restaurants, booming nightlife and stunning beaches.
Here are some of our favourite places to hit up during your Boardmasters extravaganza …
Eats & Takeouts
The town’s food scene is thriving with restaurants to suit all tastes, from day to night, eat in or take away, beach to town-centre. However there isn’t a main street which hosts all the restaurants in one place, they are instead spread out across town. So rather than wandering, we recommend checking them out online first and then heading straight to the place of choice.
Sushea:
Fresh Australian style sushi, and Asian fusion dishes such as bao buns, gyozas and poke bowls. Located on Fore Street.
Great Western Surf Cafe:
Gourmet burgers, loaded fries, vegan dishes, buddha bowls, tacos and more. Smack bang on Great Western beach.
Secret Garden:
Artisan pizzas, organic wine, cocktails, local Cornish beers, gins and ciders as well as the best view in town, overlooking Great Western beach.
Gilmores:
Modern Mexican grub such as delicious tacos, burritos and nachos. Seriously yummy plus there’s an onsite mini golf! On Tower Road.
The Bottle:
An eatery, deli and wine bar inspired by visits to France, with a large variety of wines, cheese boards, charcuterie boards and deli snacks on the menu. Wesley Yard.
Box & Barber:
An award-winning cafe serving artisan coffee, fresh foods, cakes, açai bowls, smoothies and dinner options. An ideal pre and post-surf stop off located on Fore Street.
Coffee & Brunch
Trendy independent cafes have been popping-up left, right and centre in Newquay over the last few years, and we’re here for it! Top coffee, the yummiest of cakes and some very cool, Bali-esque interiors.
Nalu Coffee House:
A small coffee house with very chilled vibes serving healthy bowls, delicious wraps and smoothies. Gorgeous interior with major Canggu vibes. Cliff Road.
Sprout Health Foods:
A health food shop and cafe offering ethically sourced food, coffee and goods. The vegan healthy treats are delectable and the courtyard a hidden oasis. Tucked off of Bank Street.
Jam Jar:
Located in the heart of Newquay, Jam Jar specialise in great coffee, organic teas, superfood smoothies, healthy breakfast bowls, freshly baked cakes and bagels.
Grounded:
A speciality coffee shop and roastery located on Bank Street and at a new site at the Killacourt. One for the big coffee lovers as grounded specialises in sourcing and serving many different coffees.
Basket:
Serving your daily fix of Monmouth coffee, homemade cakes, breakfast and lunches. Vegan banana loaf, granola bowls, Roti boxes, ciabattas, Nasi Goreng and more. Tower Road.
Fave places to shop:
As the country’s most famous surf spot, it’s no surprise that there are one-or-two pretty cool surf shops in Newquay. Now these are just a few of the clothing and apparel stores but there are plenty of surfboard shops if you are after the full set-up.
The Beach Boutique and Carve Shop:
Ok so not actually a physical store in the town but make sure you get online pre-Boardmasters to get all your festival and beachwear clothing and accessories as it’s a treasure chest of beach essentials. Plus this year see our stand at the Boardmasters retail village.
Bon Bon Fistral:
Located right on Fistral beach, this lifestyle, clothing and homeware boutique shop is all about bohemian and beach living.
Watershed:
An independent lifestyle brand with a flagship store on East Street. Custom made surfboards, clothing, luggage and accessories all made in the UK. A very cool store.
Surfing Life:
One of the largest surf shops in town with a massive selection of wetsuits, surfboards and clothing from the top surf-brands … Roxy, VANS, Volcom, Billabong, Teva, Reef and more. Fore Street.
Slide & Glide:
If you’re here for the surf then Slide & Glide have got you covered with their selection of surfboards, SUP-boards, leashes and wetsuits. Available to buy or to hire. On Fore Street.
Bars and clubs
Surf scene aside, Newquay is also pretty well known for a lively night out. From cocktail bars to large night clubs, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs to suit a wide range of party-goers. Although the bars a little spread out, the main nightclubs are all pretty close to each other so you can easily bounce from club to club to find your scene.
Tom Thumb:
Newquay's premium independent cocktail bar with over 120 bottles of hand chosen spirits to choose from. The cocktail menu is epic and the interior is very stylish. Located on East Street, start here before heading further into town.
The Dead Famous:
A rock inspired, L.A. style liquor-fuelled late lounge with epic live entertainment, hard liquor and great cocktails. Head over to Beach Road to party hard here.
Whiskers:
Bringing you incredible live music events, bangin’ DJ nights and an excellent full bar. Expect cool AF tunes and fun party vibes. Gover Lane.
Berties Nightclub:
If you want to dance the night away to the biggest club classics then head to Berties. Lazers, LED lighting, foam parties, 3 club rooms, VIP area - it has the lot!
Beaches
Newquay has an abundance of golden beaches and on a sunny day the sea is as turquoise and clear as the oceans of Barbados. Once you’ve grabbed some food from town, head to the following for the full beach-bum experience.
Fistral Beach:
Newquay’s iconic beach and home to the surf comp side of Boardmasters. Long sandy beach with the most consistent and best surf. Surf hire available from Fistral Beach Surf School.
Towan Beach:
This is a popular and often busy beach, right in the centre of town and next to the harbour.Surfboard hire available from Towan Surf Hire.
Great Western Beach:
Good surf spot with a great cafe on the beach. On beach surfboard rental available from Great Western Beach.
Tolcarne:
Soft sand, a good swimming spot and plenty of amenities on site. The beach shop rents out bodyboards and surfboards.
Activities
Although a lot of energy will be spent dancing away at the festival itself, if you want to get away for a few hours to spend time in the sea and do something adrenalin filled then Newquay has a great selection of other watersports and actives on offer. For activities run by professional companies and instructors, check out the following …
Newquay Activity Centre:
Located on Fore Street a short walk from both Towan and Fistral beach, this activity centre offers surfing, coasteering, stand up paddle boarding, bodyboarding, kayaking and much more. Individual hire, come as a group or sign up as a group.
Barefoot Coasteer:
Join this award wining coasteering company to jump, swim and club as you explore the beautiful Newquay coastline. Three-hour sessions which take place on Towan Head, a short walk from the Fistral Beach base.
• Second Stop on WSL Longboard Tour Opens August 3, 2022
• Critical World Title Points at Stake at Huntington Beach
• Honolua Blomfield, Harrison Roach Enter as World Ranking Leaders
• More Available at WorldSurfLeague.com
The World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour heads to Huntington Beach for the Vans Duct Tape Invitational and Festival, Stop No. 2 of the 2022 WSL Longboard Tour from August 3 - 7, 2022 in conjunction with the Vans US Open of Surfing. The iconic Huntington Beach Pier will host the world’s best longboarders with World Title implications on the line for the first time. A crucial 5,000 points are on offer as the long-standing Vans Duct Tape Invitational follows the season opener in Manly Beach, Australia.
Reigning, three-time, WSL Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW) and 2021 World runner-up Harrison Roach (AUS) lead the rankings heading into Huntington Beach following their victories at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro. Blomfield, 23, claimed the win at the first-ever all-women's Vans Duct Tape Invitational in 2018, adding to her multiple series victories in Huntington Beach. She now returns with a chance to strengthen her lead on the world’s best.
For Roach, a glimpse at the World Title last season left the Australian hungry for more and showed his resolve with a brilliant victory to start the 2022 season. A multiple Vans Duct Tape Invitational winner, the now 32-year-old looks to show he’s not leaving a Title trophy hanging in the balance this time around as another big result would give him plenty of breathing room.
But, they will have a world-class field of longboarders ready to strike with the likes of 2019 WSL Longboard Champion Soleil Errico (USA), multiple World Title runner-up Chloe Calmon (BRA), three-time WSL Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA), two-time WSL Longboard Champion, and now Southern California resident, Phil Rajzman (BRA), and many more locked in for Huntington Beach.
The WSL Longboard Tour hosts three stops season this year with the GWM Sydney Surf Pro, Vans Duct Tape Invitational, and
Cuervo Classic Longboard Championship to crown the men’s and women’s World Longboard Champions. Both the GWM Sydney Surf Pro and Vans Duct Tape Invitational are worth 5,000 points before the all-important conclusion in Malibu, California offers 10,000 points to finish the year.
The Vans Duct Tape Festival will also welcome Vans team riders Dakota Roche, Holly Wawn, Zion Wright, and Troy Elmore as featured surfboard builders, each sharing their hand-shaped boards with the public. Following the Duct Tape Festival's conclusion, hand-shaped boards will be donated to Stoked.org to continue providing accessibility for the community.
Vans Duct Tape Invitational Competitor List
Women’s
Honolua Blomfield (HAW)
Alice Lemoigne (FRA)
Chloe Calmon (BRA)
Kelis Kaleopa'a (HAW)
Soleil Errico (USA)
Avalon Gall (USA)
Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
Zoe Grospiron (FRA)
Sally Cohen (HAW)
Kirra Seale (HAW)
Tully White (AUS)
Sophia Culhane (HAW)
Lindsay Steinriede (USA)
Rachael Tilly (USA)
Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA)
Mason Schremmer (USA)
Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER)
Hiroka Yoshikawa (JPN)
Karina Rozunko (USA) - Wildcard
Jasmim Avelino (BRA) - Wildcard
Frankie Seely (USA) - Alternate
Men’s
Harrison Roach (AUS)
Kai Sallas (HAW)
Ben Skinner (GBR)
Kevin Skvarna (USA)
Justin Quintal (USA)
Taylor Jensen (USA)
Tony Silvagni (USA)
Kaniela Stewart (HAW)
Lucas Garrido Lecca (PER)
Cole Robbins (USA)
Steven Sawyer (ZAF)
Jefson Silva (BRA)
Taka Inoue (JPN)
Kaimana Takayama (USA)
Declan Wyton (AUS)
Phil Rajzman (BRA)
Joao Dantas (PRT)
Keoki Saguibo (HAW)
Tosh Tudor (USA) - Wildcard
Jules Lepecheux (FRA) - Wildcard
Steven McLean (USA) - Alternate
The Vans Duct Tape Invitational and Festival event begins August 3, runs through August 7, 2022 and will join the Vans US Open of Surfing Challenger Series, which starts July 31 - August 7 at the Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach, California.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Team England juniors have absolutely stormed the 2022 EuroSurf Championships claiming 3 European Titles and taking 4th spot in the team standings
Let’s cut straight to those new champions:
U16 M European Champion: Lukas Skinner (above)
“I’m so happy for the win especially coming from the repechage. Surfing more heats in the repechage got me into a roll which made me confident in my surfing. It was great to share the final with some of my best friends from Europe. Thanks to everyone in the team, my family and all the support from home.”
U18 F European Champion: Alys Barton
“I am super happy to have just come first in the U18 Girls – I am now a European Champion! I am so stoked, it’s such an amazing feeling. The whole team has been so supportive, and everyone has been ripping. It’s been such an awesome event – the waves have been pumping and everyone has been having such a good time. I’m just super stoked to come out with a win!”
U18 M European Longboard Champion: Arthur Randle
“I feel overwhelmed, happy, and relieved. I wouldn’t have got there without the help of the coaches and the team. Conditions were tricky and my competitors surfed really well. Getting knocked out in the first round put my confidence down but I worked my way all the way to the top through repechage – the repechage final put my head in the game and I started to truly believe in myself! Big thanks to everyone involved!”
Lola Bleakley surfed brilliantly throughout the event losing out in the last seconds of the Girls U18 Longboard Final to an unbelievable wave from a Spanish surfer. Having led for the most of the final an amazing effort from Lola at the age of 14 – she’ll surely be back in two years’ time to claim her gold.
Lola Bleakley surfed brilliantly throughout the event losing out in the last seconds of the Girls U18 Longboard Final to an unbelievable wave from a Spanish surfer. Having led for the most of the final an amazing effort from Lola at the age of 14 – she’ll surely be back in two years’ time to claim her gold.
Jamie Wride, our team manger explains the level of commitment shown by the crew: ‘There is no easy way to the top of the European standings. The standard is so high with many world finalists competing in the European Games and you’ve got to be across all aspects of your game; technical skills, competition strategy and mental and physical resilience to push through a long week of heats and then dominate finals. I’m so proud of all of our team, these young athletes have grafted hard and delivered some historic performances for their country.’
Of course, it’s huge credit to our volunteer coaches and support crew – out at the Euros’ Jamie Wride, Beau Bromham, Lenka Koubek and Ben Skinner.
Dryrobe are very much part of the Surfing England family and sponsors for the junior crew, so huge thanks to them for their belief and putting back into the sport.
Thanks to Euroropean Surfing Federation and Ocean Spirit for organising such a fantastic event and our wider coaching team at home: Miles Lee-Hargraves, Karma Worthington, Jenny Briant, Damon Beveridge, Dr. Lindsay Woodford and Emily Williams for all their efforts helping the squad to prepare for the event.
It’s all the more impressive that the team has come so far without public funding. We’ve been knocking on Sport England’s door to try and change that, to bring in the support so many other sports benefit so much from.
This crew, our new European Champions, have just made those knocks much harder to ignore.
Surfing England remains a membership based organisation – not for profit, but all for surfing.
Your support means everything and we would love you to join us.
RESULTS
Longboard u18 – Arthur Randall (Eng)
Longboard u18 girls – Daniela Sevillano (Spa)
Surf u16 girls – Annette Etxabarri (Spa)
Surf u16 – Lukas Skinner (Eng)
Surf u18 girls – Alys Barton (Eng)
Surf u18 boys – Kai Odriozola (Spa)
Well done below.
Irelands Alex Fanning 5th under 18 Girls Longboard
Wales Blake Jones 5th under 18s boys longboard
Team results
1st Spain
2nd France
3rd Portugal
4th England
Kelly heads to Teahupo'o, Tahiti, a place he’s won five events at in his legendary career. Though he reconnects with the amazing people, the idyllic setting, and the perfect but dangerous wave, he has trouble finding success in the contest.
Kelly Slater: Lost Tapes gives fans the rare opportunity to witness never-before-seen footage of the best surfer on the planet. From free surfs to travel to adventures around the world, these are uncut and unfiltered moments from before, after, and outside competition. Follow 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater as he navigates another transformative season of his legendary career.
