Pasties, pints and Cornish legends
Team O’Neill gets guided around Cornwall by Ben Skinner and meet a crew of locals including Cornish legends Minnow Green and Gwyn Haslock.
The Brains in the Barrel – Dr. Cliff Kapono
Dr. Cliff Kapono is not your average surfer. A Native Hawaiian, professional wave rider, and molecular bioscientist, Cliff fuses science, culture, and a deep love for the ocean in ways no one else does. Director Ben McQueen travels to Hilo to uncover what drives Cliff’s mission, capturing powerful moments and reflections from legends like Gerry Lopez, Rob Machado, Tony Alva, and Arto Saari. The result is an intimate look at a man forging a unique path—both in the lab and out in the lineup.
Through his nonprofit MEGA Lab (Multiscale Environmental Graphical Analysis Lab), Cliff is leading a global push to map one million reefs by 2030, enlisting citizen scientists from all walks of life—surfers, divers, skaters, and anyone who feels the pull of the ocean. As the only pro surfer using his platform and Ph.D. to protect marine ecosystems, Cliff is proof that purpose, culture, and curiosity can fuel real change.
Trop Cher Now Playing
Hossegor is as heavy and consistent as it gets in Europe. The sandbanks here shape waves that are fast, hollow, and unforgiving—more like mini-Pipeline than your average beach break. On a solid swell, the barrels get thick and intimidating, with heavy lips that punish any hesitation. Check out this latest edit by Adam Norris to see just how good Hossegor gets when it turns on.
Shot and edited: Adam Norris of Offshores Photo.
Glory and Consequence
Rewind to Sunday, October 20, 2024, when the necessary conditions were in place for one of the most incredible surf sessions in recent years in Mundaka. Two hundred people witnessed the event, and once again, everything was captured by the filmers present. Following the events, a dozen surfers were identified, detained, and interrogated to clarify what happened.
Film direction and edit: Jon Aspuru
Filmers: Paula Odriozola, Isio Noya, Edu Bartolome, Gaizko Fanarraga, Juan Lazkano, Joseba Larri, Gorka Ezkurdia.
Surfers: Aritz Aranburu, Diego Elejoste, Txaber Trojaola, Guille Amezaga, Jon Madariaga, Joseba Castresana,Álex Larrocea, Iker Acero, Eukeni Masa, Zumo , Ibon Yarritu, Ander Mendiguren, Natxo Gonzalez, Xan Atchoarena, Mike Dobos, Dani Alonso
English interclubs shines despite early ending
St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club, winners of the last English Interclub Surfing Championships, delivered a weekend to remember as they played host to the 2025 contest on the 6th and 7th of September at their chosen beach of Porthtowan, Cornwall.
Interclubs is not just one of the most competitive club events in the country – it’s also a surfer favourite for camaraderie. It’s a chance to forge new friendships, catch up with old friends, and share the stoke with fellow surfers from all corners of the country.
Day 1 greeted competitors with sunshine and clean 2-3ft waves rolling into the Cornish break. Over 140 surfers from clubs across the country competed in the Open, Women’s, and Junior divisions, showcasing the depth of grassroots English surfing talent.
The environmental message was just as strong as the sporting one, with Surfers Against Sewage leading an inspiring beach clean on Saturday. As the National Governing Body for surfing in England, we are proud to stand alongside them in further educating surfers and beachgoers on the importance of protecting our coastline and environment.
As the first day came to a close, Blue Bar kept everyone fuelled and smiling with an incredible selection of food and drinks, ensuring the staff, spectators and competitors alike were well looked after throughout the event.
Day 2 brought a dramatic shift in mood, as biblical rain showers swept across the beach. But the elements couldn’t dampen spirits—competitors pulled on their dryrobe’s, rallied under their club gazebos, and cheered each other on as the ocean roared to life. With a pulsing 3-5ft swell, heavy barrels, and world-class conditions, the surfing reached another level. Spectators were treated to fearless performances and a vibrant display of club camaraderie, the hallmark of this iconic event.
Unfortunately, the competition was cut short on Sunday afternoon due to water pollution from a sewage spill. With RNLI Lifeguards red flagging the beach, we wrapped up early, the safety of the surfer’s paramount in this situation. Watch the BBC coverage spotlighting the event cancellation HERE. Thankfully, enough heats had already been completed to crown both the champions and determine the divisional rankings, and a awards presentation was delivered under the sunshine that had finally broken through.
The English Interclub Surfing Championship once again highlighted not just the skill in the water, but the strength of England’s surf community—united, passionate, and stoked no matter the weather.
Club Performances
From the very first horn on day one, it was clear that this year’s contest would be remembered for the world class waves on show throughout the weekend at Porthtowan beach.
St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club wasted no time announcing themselves as title contenders. Arthur Randall laid down a sharp 12.67 in the Open, while junior phenom Finlay Lucas lit up the beach with a 14.97 on day one – only to return on day two and better it with a 15.50, the single highest heat total of the entire championships.
Porthtowan Surf Lifesaving Club had their own power play in the Open, with Paul Moretti’s 15.17 turning heads on day one and an 11.35 in challenging conditions on day two. Junior Charlie Wingfield added fuel to the fire, edging out St Agnes’s Fin Donovan in one of the closest heats of the contest.
Newquay Boardriders brought depth across every division. In the Open, Max Bullen (13.60) and Warren Tuck (15.33) drove the team into contention, with Tuck’s score proving the highest of the entire Open field. In the women’s draw, Raya Campbell’s 13.33 set the standard on day one, while juniors Reen Bowden (12.26) and Jago Tasker (13.87) showed Newquay’s next generation of talent is just as formidable.
Bantham Boardriders showed resilience and flair, with Noah Capps (13.66) stamping his name on the Open leaderboard, while Martin Connolly added valuable points on day two with a 9.83.
Porthleven Surf Club shone in the women’s draw, with Asha Sykes (12.34) bringing one of the most stylish and powerful performances of the championships, locking in vital points for her team in a battle that went wave-for-wave with Newquay’s Willow Smith (12.17).
Bude Waveriders found their spark through Coco Arthur, who impressed with consistency, posting a 12.30 in the women’s division and showing the next wave of talent breaking through.
Croyde Surf Club made their mark through both women’s and juniors. Boe Howell (13.17) was one of the standout women on day one, while junior Jack Strutt (14.17) lit up day two in pumping 4ft sets.
Saints Boardriders may have been quieter on the scoreboard, but their determination in every heat earned respect across the beach. With their juniors leading the charge, Saints look set to climb in years to come.
Club Champions – Newquay Boardriders
Newquay Boardriders dominated across all divisions, winning the Open, Women’s, and Juniors to take a clean sweep that secured them the overall club champion title. Their surfers showcased talent at the highest level, with performances defined by speed, power, and flow. Taking the trophy back to Fistral Beach, Newquay’s victory was emphatic and richly deserved.
The 2025 English Interclub Surfing Championships once again proved the strength, depth, and passion of English surfing. From seasoned competitors like Warren Tuck and Raya Campbell to rising stars like Finlay Lucas, the talent on display showed that the future of our sport is brighter than ever.
Results
1st Newquay Boardriders A – 206 points
2nd St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club A – 178 points
3rd= Croyde Surf Club A, Porthleven Surf Club A – 168 points
5th Bude Waveriders A – 156 points
6th Newquay Boardriders B – 150 points
7th Bantham Boardriders A – 96 points
8th Croyde Surf Club B – 90 points
9th Porthtowan SLSC A – 78 points
10th Porthleven Surf Club B – 74 points
11th St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club B – 66 points
12th Saints Boardriders – 34 points
13th Bantham Boardriders B – 32 points
Open Division Results (Day 1 only – day 2 did not complete)
1st Newquay Boardriders A – 60 points
2nd Bude Waveriders A – 56 points
3rd St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club A – 54 points
4th Porthleven Surf Club A – 46 points
5th Bantham Boardriders A – 40 points = Croyde Surf Club A – 40 points = Porthtowan SLSC A – 40 points
6th Porthleven Surf Club B – 38 points
7th Bantham Boardriders B – 32 points = Newquay Boardriders B – 32 points
8th Croyde Surf Club B – 30 points
Women Division Results
1st Newquay Boardriders A – 70 points
2nd Porthleven Surf Club A – 68 points
3rd Bude Waveriders A – 60 points
4th Croyde Surf Club A – 58 points
5th Newquay Boardriders B – 56 points
6th St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club A – 52 points
7th Bantham Boardriders A – 32 points
8th Porthtowan SLSC A – 0 points
Junior Division Results
1st Newquay Boardriders A – 76 points
2nd St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club A – 72 points
3rd Croyde Surf Club A – 70 points
4th St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club B – 66 points
5th Newquay Boardriders B – 62 points
6th Croyde Surf Club B – 60 points
7th Porthleven Surf Club A – 54 points
8th Bude Waveriders A – 40 points
9th Porthtowan SLSC A – 38 points
10th Porthleven Surf Club B – 36 points
11th Saints Boardriders – 34 points
12th Bantham Boardriders A – 24 points
This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of Caravan and Motorhome Club, dryrobe, Kukuna, Moulded Earplugs, Radical Wax, and partners The Wave, Clarke Willmott, and Surfline.
Thank you to St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club for hosting us for the 2025 English Interclub Surfing Championships. Thanks to Porthtowan RNLI for the Lifeguard Cover, keeping our competitors safe in the sea. Thank you to Blue Bar, who will be keeping our staff and competitors well fed, and to Surfers Against Sewage for organising the beach clean.
We would like to say a big thank you to all involved. A huge thank you to all surfers, supporters, media team, judges and event staff for being a part of this epic weekend. A big thank you to our Contest Director, Pauly Jeffery, who’s high level of experience made for an epic contest. It was a phenomenal weekend for English Surfing, and we cannot wait for the next one!
English Interclubs Stopped by Sewage
The moment competitors were called from the water. Photo: Porthtowan surf photos
Our 2025 English Interclub Surfing Championships had to be cancelled on Sunday whilst surfers were in the water due sewage pollution.
Taking place in Porthtowan, with over 140 competitors from clubs across the country, we were informed by lifeguards that the beach was being red-flagged due to a sewage discharge. In response, we immediately called off the contest and asked all surfers to leave the water, as the health and safety of our competitors is paramount.
We were devastated to end the event early, especially with clean 3–5ft waves providing perfect competition conditions, and with such a high standard of surfing on display from the clubs.
As proud members of the Clean Water Sports Alliance, and in partnership with Surfers Against Sewage—who were also running a beach clean at the contest—we continue to call on the government to take urgent action on water pollution. Having to cut short such a major event only underlines the importance of ensuring our waters are safe and clean for everyone.
It was still an epic event & champions were crowned (see results post!). Here’s to hoping action is taken to clean up our water!
A huge thank you to all the clubs for the understanding. Thanks to all our sponsors, event staff, volunteers, competitors & everyone who had a part in making the weekend one to remember! See you in 2026!’
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