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The 2018 Rip Curl GromSearch series gets fresh new stops

The Rip Curl GromSearch series has a fresh new look for 2018 with the addition of Jersey in the Channel Islands and Porthmeor in Cornwall. These events as well as the established event in Croyde Bay, Devon will determine this years’ champions. As is standard for all Rip Curl GromSearch events they will include boys’ and girls’ divisions in 16-and-under, 14-and-under, and 12-and-under age groups. Surfers receive points for their results in each event, which then count towards a National GromSearch ratings system. Each surfers top 2 results from this 3 event series are counted and the champions crowned. And this year there’s an extra top prize in that rather than having a European final the best under 16 boys and girls from each country will go straight to the International Finals to be held ‘somewhere’ epic - to be announced at the last minute.

“Everyone at Rip Curl is stoked to be able to add in the thriving surf community of the Channel Islands into this series. Last years’ event in Croyde was a real highlight of the whole European series and we’ll be crossing fingers hoping for more epic conditions there. The final deciding event will be at a new location in St Ives at Porthmeor beach which is of course a great venue and with the advantage of a September swell window it should be epic.” Joel Gray. UK Marketing.

"The Grom Search series is wonderful - the friendly, welcoming and fun atmosphere of the event is a perfect place for the juniors. Whilst the opportunity for trajectory to the global stage is rare and a major moment for those surfers that earn it” Nick Rees. Surfing England. Entry will open 6 weeks before the UK events via www.surfingengland.org and close on the Monday before hand at 5pm. Information and entry links to the Jersey event can be found at www.cisurf.org or email [email protected]

General Info
Thanks to Rip Curl’s partners, Citroën, Smith, FCS, SeventyOne Percent and Gorilla, the European GromSearch series will be back in 2018 looking for the best European surfers under 16. Since its inception in Australia in 1999, the GromSearch series has continually unearthed the next generations of surfing stars and is now seen by most of the kids as one of the best and funnest event in the world.

Current WSL World Tour surfers (2017) who have competed in the Rip Curl GromSearch include, between others:
Gabriel Medina (Brazil), Kolohe Andino (USA), Felipe Toledo (Brazil), Jordy Smith (South Africa), Tyler Wright (Australia), Stephanie Gilmore (Australia), Sally Fitzgibbons (Australia)

The best Groms surfing the best European waves
This year, Rip Curl will travel to 15 spots in 7 European countries (France, Spain, Portugal, United Kingdom, Jersey, Italy & Netherlands) searching for the best up and coming surfers. 3 stops in Jersey, Portugal (Porto) and Spain (Salinas) will be added to the schedule.
The best Groms surfing the best European waves

The European GromSearch series has revealed some amazing talents in the past such as Ellie Turner (2016 European Winner and International Final runner up), Mathis Crozon (FRA) and Juliette Brice (FRA) (2015 European winners), Lens Arancibia (FRA) (2014 European winner), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) (2013 European/World winner). This year, Rip Curl will travel to 15 spots in 7 European countries (France, Spain, Portugal, United Kingdom, Jersey, Italy & Netherlands) searching for the best up and coming surfers. This year, 3 stops will be added to the schedule: Jersey, Portugal (Porto) and Spain (Salinas)

All Rip Curl GromSearch events include boys’ and girls’ divisions in 16-and-under, 14-and-under, and 12-and-under age groups. Surfers receive points for their results in each event, which then count towards a National GromSearch ratings system. The best under 16 boys and girls from each country will go straight to the World Finals.  The International GromSearch Finals will be held “Somewhere” in one of the best spot in the World in spring 2019 and Rip Curl will only reveal the location of the final a few week before the event to keep the excitement all the way to the end !

Bottle return scheme for England to curb ocean plastics

Plastic bottle by Andy Hughes, Dominant Wave Theory.

A deposit on plastic bottles and cans in England is a big win for the ocean, but it is just the start.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: “We can be in no doubt that plastic is wreaking havoc on our marine environment – killing dolphins, choking turtles and degrading our most precious habitats. It is absolutely vital we act now to tackle this threat and curb the millions of plastic bottles a day that go unrecycled.”

A deposit on plastic bottles and cans in England has been given the go ahead and could be implemented in a years time.
Plastic bottles make up 30% of marine debris, breaking down over decades and entering the food chain via fish, who think the micro plastics are food.

About 700,000 bottles a day are littered in England. (Check the roadside verges where you are).
The bottles then get blown into drains and rivers, and from there start their journey to the sea. Studies have shown a 15 pence deposit would encourage recycling and reduce littering by 600,000 bottles a day.

The recycling scheme also helps by isolating PET plastic (bottles) from other contaminants
Norway has the most successful deposit scheme, with 96% of bottles returned. The unclaimed deposits on the other 4% go to the running costs of the scheme.

Of course this is only start, but imagine if people could earn cash for clearing up plastics.

Ultimately plastic producers have to find a better biodegradable materials, and legal action will have to be taken to hold polluting companies accountable for their waste, but this is a start.

Searching for “The Dude’

So, who’d have thought there were so many Dudes in the world? Turns out there are thousands and thousands of bearded, long haired surfers over 40 who like beer!

I had no idea…

When this request was put out to press social media lit up with everyone tagging anyone with a surfboard, beard, long hair and indeed people with none of any of the requirements at all because apparently they’d “be good at this”.

One women tagged in a friend saying “ I know you don’t surf, you don’t have long hair and you’re 20 but I think you are in with a chance.”

Genius.

Funniest respsone to one of the funniest casting calls ever. Dude Army!

Know someone tag them in.. There is good money involved, plus surfing in an interesting location an beer.. did we mention beer?

Sophie Hellyer – The truth

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So as you may have seen Sophie Hellyer is in the press today…But it is not all as it seems.

Yesterday afternoon we got a call from the Times journo asking for comments on the hypersexualistion of womens surfing in the media claims by Sophie. Having known Sophie for many years it seemed a little out of the blue, so we asked for the original quotes. By return we got a story titled “SEXUAL SURFING NEWS COPY – WITH PICTURES” that had been released to the main stream press as a story from a south west news agency.

As it turned out the story had been put out without her knowledge condensing a very long article she wrote last year down to juicy quotes to make up a sensationalist ‘copy with photos’.

At this point we have no idea why they would do such thing. Sophie is understandably pretty upset by the misrepresentation, as well as the uncalled for comments on social media that have followed.

We find it unbelievable that someone would release such an explosive article to so many mainstream outlets without her knowledge causing so much grief. Sophie did not ask for the publicity, nor did she ask for bikini shots to be splashed all over websites. It is all in pretty poor taste.

The following is Sophies open letter to the media. Any media lawyers like to advise her, get in touch.

To The Press,

I feel you have a lot of misinformation here and that I have been quite exploited and misrepresented. I was not informed you would be writing an article about me, and I am very upset you have done so in this way. I was in the understanding the article was about the World Surfing Leagues new policy, not the following.

1. “Surf star Sophie Hellyer lets rip at bikini sexism”
Not true. I was discussing the over sexualisation of female surfers, and the imbalance and objectification i have experienced. I think it its important we overcome this unconscious bias and move away from this potentially damaging archetype of female surfers, as it is unhealthy for everyone.

2. “Sophie Hellyer, a former English champion, said that surfing was “hyper-sexualised” and complained about a fall in media coverage since she had decided to stop wearing a bikini”
Not true. I have not complained. Nor have I stopped wearing a bikini. I think there is a need for more diverse female role models to make surfing culture more healthy and empowering, leaving the world a safer, more diverse and sustainable place.

3. “Professional female surfer”
Not true. I have never made a living out of surfing, I have always had another job. Please remove this.

4. “One of Britain’s top competitors”
Not true. I haven’t competed for 10 years. If i were to compete in the British ranks now, I would definitely lose, and am not embarrassed to admit it. Please save this credit for the women who are surfing competitively and earning their titles. I do not want to take it away from them.

5. “Sophie Hellyer, 30, from Westward Ho!, in Devon, says she has suffered a drop in media coverage since she decided to stop wearing a bikini.”
I questioned whether me getting less coverage now was related to the fact I surf in a wetsuit more often than a bikini, this was discussed to highlight the issue that you don’t often see women in full wetsuits in most mainstream media (that said, Surf Girl and many other female focused & indpenedent media do include this), not to highlight myself. My point unfortunately proven by the photos you have included in your article.

6. “She also accused some men in the surf world of being “incredibly disrespectful and unsupportive”
What I actually said was “The majority of male surfers are lovely people but theres definitely the odd one here or there that are disrespectful and unsupportive.” Please do not twist my words.

7. “It does not mean I wear black and have hairy armpits.”
As discussed – there is nothing wrong with wearing black or having hairy armpits, I often have both, it’s just not a compulsory part of believing in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes. Taken out of context.

8. “I personally don’t like surfing in bikinis; it’s impractical. They come down all the time, I get sunburn, wax rash, slip off from sun cream and always cut myself on the reef.”
I also live in Ireland, where its obviously too cold for a bikini anyway. My quote that I referred you to was “I really like my wetsuit. It keeps us all equal. It emphasizes neutrality.” I still wear a bikini on holidays sometimes, but I often opt for leggings or a long sleeved rash guard to protect from the elements, and I also personally feel this is more respectful in Muslim countries like the Maldives.

I’m glad we have that cleared up and I look forward to hearing from you in the morning when you have made the amendments, or alternatively unpublished the articles.

Sophie

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Outerknown launch T’s and water bottles in support of gun control

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In what is sure to be a divisive move Outerknown have made the bold decision to launch “the only gun you need” T’s and water bottles with 100% of profits going towards a gun safety support fund.

“Our mission at Outerknown is simple: make life better for People and Planet – That’s why we’re donating 100% of all profits from “The Only Gun You Need” collection to Everytown for Gun Safety Support. The fund seeks to improve our understanding of the causes of gun violence and the means to reduce it.”

In response to criticism online Outerknown posted “We believe you can be a gun owner and still champion responsible gun ownership … responsible gun leglislation will help protect people especially in their workplaces and schools.”

More here…

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WIN A PLACE ON ANDREW COTTON’S SURF FIT CAMP IN NAZARE

Every surfer knows that there’s nothing quite like it when those rare moments occur, when the wind turns offshore, creating perfectly clean waves. And to honour that feeling, and their passion for surfing, the team at North Cornwall based Sharp’s Brewery has created ‘Offshore’, a refreshing, invigorating Pilsner. To celebrate the launch of Offshore, Sharp’s has teamed up with its surf ambassador Andrew ‘Cotty’ Cotton to offer one lucky winner a place on his Surf Fit Camp in Nazare, Portugal, from 28 April – 5 May 2018. 10 runners-up will receive a 12 pack of Offshore and a Carve T-shirt. Just pop your email address in here to enter, and read on to find out what you could be experiencing, next month, thanks to Sharp’s Brewery and Offshore.

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The winner will receive an email on the afternoon of Wednesday 28 March. Please watch out for this and respond immediately so Sharp’s can start organising your travel! Good luck!

Cotty is currently on an impressive recovery from a broken back after his massive wipeout at the end of last year and is on a mission to be back to full big wave surfing fitness within less than a year.

Collaborating with a team of global wellbeing, nutrition and training experts and scientists, Cotty has created his bespoke, personalised Surf Fit Camps. Bringing unprecedented access to the world’s most qualified surf fitness coaches and their deep pool of knowledge and methods, the week-long camps deliver psychological and physical training techniques to dedicated surfers.

Just a few of the activities within the week include

a full physical assessment to an individually targeted level of support
daily yoga, paddle practice in the ocean and surf sessions
swim training
breath training
gym sessions (both indoor and outdoor)
aerobic workouts on the famous Nazare cliff stairway
presentations on mindset and psychology of surfing bigger waves
an introduction to hypoxic training (improving performance and adapting to low oxygen)
strength conditioning
ocean awareness
a Nazare lighthouse tour
meditation
a nutritional expert will be catering for the shared surf house setting all week, and the winner will have their own room. There’s also the camaraderie that any surf adventure brings and Sharp’s Brewery will ensure there’s always a fridge full of ice-cold Offshore at the end of the day

All the winner has to do is get themselves to a UK airport, get their own travel insurance, and everything else will be taken care of for them by Sharp’s Brewery’s Offshore.

Click here for terms and conditions

Surf Fit is all about making you more comfortable in the ocean so that you can take your surfing to the next level and to make the most of all surf conditions, especially when it goes offshore. No matter what level you are starting out at, our specialist Surf Fit team will provide our guests with targeted support to increase their personal confidence and performance. Whether they’re aiming to paddle into 3 feet or 30 feet, what they learn within this packed week will improve their general and surf specific fitness with long term results and benefits. And those benefits will spill over into their everyday life in ways they couldn’t have imagined. Thanks to Sharp’s Brewery, we will be taking a winner out with us to ensure we work with them towards their personal objectives, both in and out of the water. We’re looking forward to meeting them and of course sharing a cold can of Offshore together at the end of the day

Cotty

T & Cs for Sharp's OFFSHORE ANDREW COTTON SURF FIT CAMP – CARVE MAGAZINE

1. This prize draw is open to residents of the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man aged 18 years or over, except employees of the Promoter, its group companies, Sharp’s Brewery Ltd (“Sharp’s”), their families, agents or anyone else professionally associated with the draw. Proof of age will be required

2. Details of how to enter form part of the terms and conditions. It is a condition of entry that all rules are accepted as final and that the competitor agrees to abide by these rules. The decision of the Promoter is final and no correspondence will be entered.

3. Entries must be submitted via the competition entry points on the Carve website here: (****Insert page link) and entry is restricted to one per person. Once submitted, entries cannot be amended in any way.

4. Late, illegible, incomplete, defaced or corrupt entries or entries sent through agencies and third parties will not be accepted. No responsibility can be accepted for lost entries and proof of despatch will not be accepted as proof of receipt. One overall winner will be drawn at random from all entries received by the closing date and 10 runners up will be drawn at random also. The winners’ names and counties can be obtained by sending a sae to Sharp’s Brewery, Pityme Industrial Estate, Rock, Cornwall, PL27 6NU within one month after the closing date of the prize draw.

5. The entry period opens on 20/03/18 and all entries must be received by 12.00hrs GMT on Friday 28/03/18.

6. The main winner and the 10-runner’s up will be contacted by Carve Magazine by telephone and/or email (depending on what details the entrant provided on entry) within 72 hours of the draw. The draw will take place after 12pm GMT on 28/03/18. Should Carve Magazine be unable to contact the winners or the winners do not respond to their win notification by 01/04/18 the Promoter reserves the right to award the prizes to alternative winners, drawn in accordance with these terms and conditions.

7. The prizes as described are available on the date of publication. Should the prize become unavailable, no alternative prize will be offered.

8. The overall winner (who will be the first person selected during the prize draw) will win a holiday for one person on the Andrew Cotton Surf Fit Camp in Nazare, Portugal, from the 28^th April – 5^th May 2018. These dates cannot be changed. The week will include: Full physical assessment (to individually target level of support), daily yoga, surfing sessions, paddle practice in the ocean, swim training, breath training, gym sessions (both indoor and outdoor), aerobic workout on the famous Nazare cliff stairway, presentation on mindset and psychology of surfing bigger waves, an introduction to hypoxic training (improving performance and adapting to low oxygen), strength conditioning, ocean awareness, lighthouse tour, Red Bull warehouse tour and meditation. The retreat is fully catered with delicious local food which is monitored by our nutritionist to keep the winner in optimum health for the week. The accommodation is a single room on a full board basis (limited to 3 meals per day). Drinks are not included in the package. No spending money will be provided. There is an on-site gym, yoga area, massage room, lounge and communal kitchen as well as an outside area perfect for relaxing with a Sharp’s Offshore Pilsner in the evening. The camp is located just a few minutes from the famous Praia do Norte in Nazare and Surf Fit will provide transfers to and from the beach where they train and surf. The winner will also get the full ‘Nazare Experience’ with tours of the Lighthouse and big wave surfing museum as well as the warehouse where all of the surfers keep and look after their equipment. The winner will get explore the beautiful town of Nazare and see where all of the big wave action happens which is so often visible in the global press. The winner will also receive a 4 week online Surf Fit course before the retreat and an online ocean confidence course designed by globally renowned waterman and big wave surfer Mark Visser after the retreat. Surf Fit have the right to amend the programme or delivery of activities at any point without warning. Surf Fit representatives will constantly monitor the group of retreat attendees and will amend or remove activities deemed not suitable at the time. Surf Fit shall endeavour to deliver the programme outlined or a very similar activities but shall maintain a degree of flexibility to target the group or individuals effectively. The prize also includes transfers from Lisbon Airport. Travel to Portugal will be arranged for the winner by Sharp’s Brewery and this will be economy return flights from a UK airport to Lisbon. The winner is responsible for their travel to and from the UK airport, and their personal travel insurance. The winner will also receive a Carve T-shirt (Sizes Available: uni-sex S-XL, subject to availability).

9. The 10x runners up selected will each receive a 12 x 330ml can pack of Sharp’s Offshore Pilsner and a Carve T shirt (Sizes Available uni-sex: S-XL, subject to availability). These will be posted on receipt of the runners up addresses. Runners up will be selected at random and notified by Friday 6^th April 2018. Prizes will then be sent by recorded delivery by Friday 13th April 2018. Please note, they will need to be signed for.

10. The prizes are subject to availability, non-transferable and there are no cash alternatives.

11. The winners may be required to participate in reasonable publicity on behalf of Sharp’s Brewery.

11. Entrants’ data will be used for the purpose of administration of this prize draw and in accordance with the permissions granted or withheld at the point of entry. By entering and providing details, entrants agree for their email addresses and contact details provided to be passed to Sharp’s Brewery for administration of the prize only.

12. Events may occur that render the prize draw itself or the awarding of the prizes impossible due to reasons beyond the control of the Promoter. Accordingly, the Promoter may, at its absolute discretion, vary or amend the promotion and the entrant agrees that no liability shall attach to the Promoter as a result thereof.

13. The Promoter is responsible for the entire competition.13. These Terms and Conditions are to be interpreted in accordance with English law and any dispute arising out of these Terms or their subject matter is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.

14. Promoter: Carve magazine, Orca Publications Ltd, Lowin House, Tregolls Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2NA. Company Number: 02934807.