Rob Gunning (WSL) and Gearoid McDaid

Gearóid McDaid is launching a premier youth Surf invitational in Strandhill, Co. Sligo, see the details below.

Saltwater Festival is delighted to announce the debut of the first-ever Gearóid McDaid Invitational — a groundbreaking junior surf competition set to spotlight the future of Irish surfing. Ireland’s leading professional surfer Gearóid McDaid is set to launch a new benchmark in youth surfing with a one-day junior invitational event on the Wild Atlantic Coast. Held in Strandhill and run in partnership with Irish Surfing, this elite contest will bring together 32 of the country’s most promising young surfers for a high-performance showdown.

“ Bringing my first invitational in conjunction with Irish Surfing to Strandhill means a lot to me — it’s where I grew up surfing and where my journey began. This event is all about giving the next generation of Irish surfers a real shot at something bigger, and showcasing the incredible talent we have right here at home.” — Gearóid McDaid Professional Surfer

This one-day junior surf competition will take place within a seven-day waiting period to allow for optimal conditions. The event features 32 junior competitors, 16 boys and 16 girls, selected by Gearóid McDaid. Two boys and two girls will earn Wild Card entries to the WSL Wild Atlantic Way Junior Pro, held during the Saltwater Festival in Bundoran. Winners will also receive prize packs courtesy of Rip Curl, Bell Surf, and Lost Shore. Runners-up may be considered as alternate wild card selections.

“Delighted to be involved in the Gearoid ….invitational. He has come up through the Irish Surfing system. This event represents a major step forward for competitive junior surfing in Ireland, and having it led by one of our most accomplished athletes makes it even more meaningful. It’s the kind of initiative that inspires young surfers and strengthens the future of Irish surfing.” — Gavin McCrea, Technical Director, Irish Surfing “ We’re thrilled to host the inaugural Gearóid McDaid Invitational as part of Saltwater Festival. This partnership is a perfect match — celebrating Irish surf culture, youth talent, and the energy that defines our coastline.

Gearóid’s vision aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate Irish sport and community through world-class events alongside Irish Surfing ” — Saltwater Festival Team

Check his latest edit below.

Thrilling Junior Shortboarders and Longboarders Surfing Competitors Shine at Watergate Bay, Newquay
Waves, Sun, and Surfing Glory in Cornwall: 2025 Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Surfing Championships Kick Off in Style
Newquay, Cornwall | May 17–18, 2025

Under clear skies and basking in early summer sunshine, spectators were treated to an action-packed showcase of surfing talent at the weekend. The display from the country’s top emerging groms to established longboarders lit up Watergate Bay. Clean waves rolled in throughout the event, creating a lively backdrop for two days of intense heats and standout performances.

The English surfing community uniting was a highlight, the National Championships offering our surfers from all across the country to meet. You see the fierce rivalry, but ultimately strong friendships are formed.

The level of integrity from the athletes is one to applaud, surfers congratulating each other for heat wins, even when feeling the frustration of a loss. We are incredible proud to see this spirit in our athletes, and we continue to champion and instil this with the next gen. Now onto the action…

Junior Surfing Talent Impresses in Perfect Conditions
The under 12s set the bar. The sheer talent on display was a highlight for judges this weekend. Pushing the boundaries of surfing, progressive manoeuvres were on display and rewarded. With Team England coaches and managers on the ground, the pressure was on to perform.

Under 12 Boys Division:
Straight up from round 1, impressive scores were dropping on LiveHeats. Andre Moraes 6.33 created a stir on the beach, a young talent who resides in Portugal with English heritage. Caspar Kershaw showed huge progression over the last year, racking up a heat total of 11.66 in the semi-finals, eyes on the podium. When it came to crunch, Newquay local Cassius Woudberg showed exceptional stamina and skills in the final, with a huge combined 13.04 and taking his first National Champion title. And in true spirit, Caspar, who placed 3rd helped chair his good friend up the beach! Check our Instagram reels to relive this moment!

Under 12 Girls Division:
The crowds went wild for the upcoming talent from these young girls. From the quarters onward, Mila Barber and Betsie Reay threw some big scores down. Martha Edwards, one of the highlights of the weekend with a 7.83 and combined 14.33 in the semi-finals – just wow.
Martha and Betsie were very busy in the final, seeking the points. As the horn sounded, crowds gathered nervously on the beach waiting for Martha’s buzzer beater wave score to drop. Not quite enough, Betsie took Champion, her 6.83 a great talking point from the final!

Under 14 Boys Division:
Strong performances from so many athletes, the battle through the rounds was on. In the final, it was all to play for, and the whole beach was in suspense. All 4 boys were looking for the waves with highest scoring potential.

Jack Strutt from Croyde, simply nailed it, with a strong 6.67, and then a solid 7.17, a well-deserved Champion. The other placings were close, Alex Dapp desperately searching for a wave to give him the score but unfortunately not finding it and ending in 4th. Just ahead Harvey Waters placed 3rd, and Cairo Garcia, Spanish based with English heritage placed 2nd.

Our athletes based abroad always receive a warm welcome. The mutual value for our home-based athletes and talent who fly in must be recognised. Sharing contest experience, and knowledge of junior surfing talent, all drives performance.

Under 14 Girls Division
It was the weekend for Bella Llewellyn and Ellie Hickie, both dominating in their semi-finals. In the final Ellie was very busy, surfing 11 waves, with two exceptional rides giving her a clear first place.

The other athletes did not give up, all aspiring to place as high as possible. Bella came 2nd, Annie Nicholls in 3rd, and Rosie Sharp in 4th. We look forward to seeing all these surfers at more contests this season.

Longboarders show their style
The Open Men, Open Women and U18 longboard divisions added a unique and exciting element to the day’s events.

U18 Boys Division:
With 6 surfers in the division, you could see the strong friendship, a testament to the BLU tour. It was close throughout the semi-finals.
In the final, Reggie Roynon showed his talent, quickly scoring a 6 on the points board, generating nerves to the fellow surfers. Adding to the sheet a 6.5, he was a quality Champion, placing strides ahead of the others – it was his day.
The spot for 2nd and 3rd was bouncing between Isaac Dakin and Rowan Curbishley, and when the buzzer went Isaac just nudged it, Rowan in 3rd.

Women’s Open Division:
Established surfers, and firm fans of the English Longboard title, Beth Leighfield and Emily Currie came to the beach looking for the win. These two women have a fantastic friendship from many years competing together.
In the water, it’s all about competition. Emily came through to Champion title with impressive footwork and sweeping turns. An inspiration for future generations of longboarders.

Men’s Open Division:
The chatter on the beach between these athletes, all rallying to win created an exciting stir. Some well-known names in the mix, it was great to see some newer athletes getting some solid scores.

In the final, and very used to competing against each other, Arthur Randell, Ashley Braunton, and Ben Skinner were all jostling for position. Conditions were challenging, so it was a test of wave selection as well as skill.

Ben took 1st, with Arthur just behind in 2nd, both recently home from the World Championships in El Salvador. Ashley secured 3rd, and fairly new to the scene
Charlie Unsworth landed 4th.

Surf, Smiles, and Shared Stoke
Beyond the waves, the weekend was marked by a spirit of unity and joy that resonated throughout Watergate Bay. Surfers debuting and established brought not only their talent but also a shared sense of support and camaraderie, creating a welcoming vibe that extended from the lineup to the shoreline.

Adding to the buzz was a lively beach activity zone that proved popular with families and surf fans alike. From bounce ball to beachside cricket and impromptu football matches, the games area turned into a hub of laughter and light-hearted competition, reinforcing the event’s focus on fun as much as performance.

It was also epic to have Joanna from Kukuna Eyewear with us all weekend, and Kate from Radical Wax. A pleasure to introduce our partners to the next generation of surfers, and to meet our fantastic longboarders.

FULL RESULTS
U12 Boys 1 Cassius Woudberg 2 André Moraes 3 Casper Kershaw 4 Jaxon Danger Hart
U12 Girls 1 Betsie Reay 2 Martha Edwards 3 Arabella Peres 4 Mila Barber
U14 Boys 1 Jack Strutt 2 Cairo Garcia 3 Harvey Waters 4 Alex Dapp
U14 Girls 1 Ellie Hickie 2 Bella Llewellyn 3 Annie Nicholls 4 Rosie Sharp
U18 Boys Longboard 1 Reggie Roynon 2 Isaac Dakin 3 Rowan Curbishley 4 Paolo Clifton
Longboard Open (men’s) 1 Ben Skinner 2 Arthur Randell 3 Ashley Braunton 4 Charlie Unsworth
Longboard Women 1 Emily Currie 2 Beth Leighfield 3 Mali Harbour 4 Martha Hayes

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MADE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE
The success of this event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our headline sponsor, Caravan and Motorhome Club for their invaluable contribution.
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 team for being a part of this epic weekend. A big thank you to our Contest Director, Paul Jeffrey, 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!

LOOKING AHEAD
As we wrap up this exhilarating day of surfing action, we invite everyone to mark their calendars for our upcoming event: The Rip Curl Grom Search at Croyde Bay, North Devon, 7th – 8th June (back-up date of 14th – 15th June)
Join us once again as we showcase the incredible young talent within our surfing community. This event is a great platform to showcase the rising stars of English surfing in our U12, U14 and U16 shortboard divisions.
Find out more about the Rip Curl Grom Search HERE

OUR PARTNERS
This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our headline sponsor Caravan and Motorhome Club. As well as our fantastic partners The Wave, dryrobe, Clarke Willmott, Moulded Earplugs, Radical Wax, Kukuna, The Hangout and Surfline.

Special thanks to Watergate Bay Hotel for hosting the English National Surfing Championship event, and to Era Adventures for providing Lifeguard Cover.

OUR MEMBERSHIP
Inspired by what you’ve seen and read, and keen to support English Surfing. New members are always welcome to join us! Junior membership is just £18/year and Adult membership £25. Find out about the benefits and sign up here.

CONTACT US
For any Events enquiries, please contact [email protected]
For any general enquiries, please contact [email protected]