Surfing. You just never know where it’s going to take you. From getting out of your comfort zone to pushing your physical and mental limits – whether that’s the next beach down the coast, journeying through foreign lands, or stepping up into bigger waves. After our first waves, we are all driven down paths of discovery and experiences; and in many ways led to a rich education in life.
In this issue we cover those surfing experiences from every angle. From the varied first surfing experiences of some of Europe’s best-known surfers, to legendary Scottish road trips. Al Mackinnon examines how surfing has, and hasn’t, really changed over the last 60 years, on the east coast of Australia, with the aid of surfing journo John Witzig. We also chat to Laura Crane about her mission to take on 60-foot waves, go on trips to Nicaragua and Ecuador, and travel to Kent to meet the Joss Bay crew – one of the UK’s oldest and most unlikely surfing communities.
They’re all very different stories, yet at their heart, all driven by a common dream. As Kelly Slater recalls, following his first successful surf sessions as a kid: “I remember saying to myself, ‘I think I’m a surfer’. I felt I was kind of part of this tribe… It was who I was.”
Teahupo’o is one of the best waves in the world and I was lucky enough to surf it for more than two hours Alone. Moments like this only happen a few times in your life and I could feel something special was happening. Definitely a session ill remember for the rest of my life! – Leonardo Fioravanti
Music: Natura by Eto Water videography: Tommaso Geraci @waves.hunter
The second stop of the 2024 Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Surfing Championships took place on Saturday, May 18th, at the iconic surf spot Watergate Bay. The event showcased the best of young surfing talent and the dynamic Men and Women Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Surfers divisions. With a fun 2-foot of surf providing ideal conditions that held up all day, the stage was set for an exciting and memorable contest.
Although the sun didn’t stay out for too long, dryrobe’s were on, and the crowd stayed to cheer on their favourite surfers, as competitors battled it out to be crowned the 2024 English National Surfing Champions!
Junior Surfing Talent Shines in Perfect Conditions
Under 12 Boys Division:
Although surfing over the more challenging high tide conditions, the U12 competitor Tommy Hamilton dominated the boys’ round 1, with the highest wave total score of 11.93. The final was intensely close, but Harvey Waters emerged victorious, earning him the title of U12 boys English National Surfing Champion.
Under 12 Girls Division:
The girls’ U12 heats were nothing short of spectacular, with Ellie Hickie dominating throughout the contest. Ellie achieved the highest single wave score of the entire shortboard contest across all divisions, with a massive 8.33! This “excellent” score on the judging scale underscores the incredible talent within English surfing, securing Ellie a well-deserved win in the U12 girls shortboard division.
Under 14 Boys Division:
Round 1 of the U14 boys saw Noah Cerne take the highest total wave score, shortly followed by Harley Miller who’s performance stood out in the quarters, posting the highest combined total score of all the shortboard divisions with an impressive 13.83. The final promised to be thrilling, with four outstanding surfers charging hard for the title. Ultimately, it was Noah Cerne who clinched the U14 boys English National Surfing Champion title.
Under 14 Girls Division
In the Girls under 14s Lila Skinner added the title to her Girls Under 16 English champion title. Obviously not letting big bro Lukas take all the glory this spring!
In round 1 Lila Skinner received the highest wave total score of 14.33, setting her sites early for the National title. In the final round, Coco Arthur was hot on Lila’s heels but to no avail as Lila took the well-deserved title.
All competitors did an outstanding job of showcasing their surfing skills. Their stamina and determination were evident, and they should all be incredibly proud of their achievements. The future of English surfing looks incredibly bright, with these young talents poised to match and exceed their international rivals.
Results
U12 Boys Shortboard
1 – Harvey Waters 2 – Bobby Wilkinson 3 – Zeek Streeter 4 – Tommy Hamilton
U12 Girls Shortboard
1 – Ellie Hickie 2 – Betsie Reay 3 – Arabella Peres 4 – Mila Barber
U14 Boys Shortboard
1 – Noah Cerne 2 – Jensen Martin 3 – Joshi James 4 – Evan Dakin
At the first stop following the Mid-season cut, Championship Tour surfers are prepared to meet the most critical wave on Earth. Teahupo’o is one of the most awe-inspiring waves on the planet. What sets Teahupo’o apart is its raw power, sheer size, and cavernous barrels. In order to find triumph in Tahiti, the world’s best surfers must prepare to test their mettle against this force of nature, and in doing so, will push the boundaries of their sport. Tahiti is the ultimate proving ground. It all starts at the End of the Road.
Featuring Gabriel Medina, Owen Wright, Matthew McGillivray, Jeremy Flores, Nathan Hedge, Jadson Andre, Kanoa Igarashi, Caio Ibelli, John John Florence, Seth Moniz, Griffin Colapinto, Michael Bourez, Jack Robinson, Julian Wilson, Jordy Smith, Caitlin Simmers, Barron Mamiya, Adriano de Souza, Kelly Slater, Miguel Pupo, and Jack Freestone.
Mason Ho takes his faithful companion far from their home in Hawaii and into foreign frigid waters in SEARCH for medieval liquid caves. Unfortunately Sheldon’s surfboard bag gets lost by the airlines so he is in a panic for most of the trip. On top of that Mason ignored the surf forecast that said no waves for days and it seems to be right. Will Sheldon get his surfboards in time? Do the boys score some good surf? Tune in to find out!
Summer is here. Three surfs a day, road trips and holidays. Get in!
Here’s a few essentials from our shop thats will are life even better.
Protect your wetty. £25 here
The Bulldog Changing Mat is a lightweight mat that converts to a bag, allowing you to avoid sand, gravel and dirt on your wetsuit and conveniently change on a flat mat. Pullable strings on each side of the mat make it easy for you to wrap things up after a surf no matter what spot you’re surfing.
Wetties aren’t cheap, and he best way to save money and stay eco is to make our suit last. Use a mat!
Ultimate travel hanger
Forget the car mirror, C-Monsta Hangers are the best thing you’ll ever buy for your wetsuit. The unique design has been perfected to dry your gear faster. This updated design has a wider mouth, more accessory hooks, stiffer top hook and a rounder wetsuit rail.
Perfect for van life, road trips or home. Buy yours here
Use this to hang your wetties on the road…
The Bulldog Hang Time Magnetic Kit Hanger is a heavy-duty hanger designed to hold your gear securely. It features a strong magnetic base that can hold up to 20kg of weight. Hang your wetty on your boot, back of your van, anywhere…
Shop here
Best dry bags and organisers out there
The RipCurl organiser is genius…
Boots off, sliders on. Water-friendly soft TPR upper, comfortable microfibre liner and a slip-resistant branded outsole perfect for beach life.
Bulldog Secure Key Lock Box
Our easy to use lock box offers the best way to store your key while surfing. Delivering guaranteed security, so when you’re out in the lineup, all you have to think about is your next wave. – Holds all known car keys and immobilisers
A summer classic, the All Day Men’s Boardshorts are crafted from quick-drying recycled material. These classic boardies are designed in a relaxed fit, with a comfy elasticated waist.
