ONZA! – February in Mexico

ONZA! – February in Mexico

Late at night, locals whisper through smoke about the Onza. They share stories of brothers, cousins, friends whose friends, cousins, brothers have seen it. The mythical big cat, prowling alone under the moon, leaving just enough of a trace to stoke the lore. This film follows the tracks of another cat in Mexico. Mikey February.

Surfing Mikey February.
Film and edit Kevin Jansen.

Music
“Kulani Kulani”
Written by Eric Gezani Kobane
Performed by Penny Penny

Earth Day Inspiration

Earth Day Inspiration

Around the world we’re celebrating Earth Day today. Our planet is such a beautiful place but with enormous problems facing the it, such as climate crisis, it can feel overwhelming. So if you want to make positive change, where do you start?

It may not feel like it as individuals but social change happens when we change and help to change the minds of those around us. “Small acts multiplied by millions of people can change the world,” said American historian Howard Zinn. We need to believe this is true, because the alternative is that things feel so bad that it leads to inactivity.

Educate, learn and grow. As individuals we can make a difference as part of a bigger movement. From growing veg, to shopping local, reducing our impact, getting involved with environmental groups, how we live and the decisions we make, all have an impact. So let’s help to make positive change on Earth Day, one step at a time and take care of this beautiful world we share.

Here are a selection of films which evoke change to inspire you on Earth Day and every day for the future of our planet.

A Plastic Wave
A surf photographer, business owner and father of two Dave Muir, is seeing more and more plastic wash ashore his beloved home beach at Gwenver in Cornwall. In a bid to discover the route of this problem he embarks on a journey of discovery to educate himself and understand more about the problem. Along the way, he discovers some alarming issues. Plastic Pollution is a very real threat to the future of our planet, the animals that inhabit our oceans and ultimately the human race. The problem is far worse than it seems on the surface and we need to act now to ensure we protect the future for ourselves and our planet.

Water Warriors
Water Warriors is the story of a community’s successful resistance against the oil and gas industry. When an energy company begins searching for natural gas in New Brunswick, Canada, indigenous and white families unite to drive out the company in a campaign to protect their water and way of life.

Water Warriors is a short film and exhibit by Storyline. Directed and Produced by Michael Premo.

Kin
All of life – each breath, every sip – is an inheritance from those who came before. Lauren Hill and Dave Rastovich travel to one of Australia’s most protected marine playgrounds to discover what it looks like when we get things right.

The Custodians
Patagonia are at the forefront of environmental activism. Watch this series of films which focusses on the awareness of the harm that bottom trawling is doing to coastal waters and to highlight the groups who are working hard to fight the trawlers and/or restoring the seabed.

Before The Flood
Also check out mainstream environmental films such as An Inconvenient Truth, The Day After Tomorrow or Before the Flood – Leo Dicaprio’s documentary about the negative effects of climate change and he also discusses the possible solutions.
Watch Before The Flood here

Monumental Wins at Main Break

Monumental Wins at Main Break

The dust has settled in Australia’s Wild West with Gabriela Bryan and Jack Robinson claiming monumental wins in pumping Main Break conditions to conclude competition. Bryan etched her name into Western Australia legend with her maiden CT win against Sawyer Lindblad alongside Robinson notching a near-perfect 9.10 in the Final for his second event title after putting on yet another masterclass against John John Florence once again. The Mid-season Cut is now in the rearview with heartbreak and exaltation unfolding to determine the Top 22 men and Top 10 women who now turn their eyes toward a proper World Title race. Next stop, the breathtaking ultimate wave of consequence of Teahupoo for the Shishiedo Tahiti Pro beginning May 22 through 31.

Dark Winter Days & Big Slabs

Dark Winter Days & Big Slabs

This winter the Portuguese coast has been relentless and the continuing quest for the ultimate ride never stops. Here is a little recap of a perfect dark winter day on a slab known only to a few. The atmosphere was electric, and the barrels were simply mind-blowing – These are the days we live for. – @nicvonrupp

English National Surfing Championships

English National Surfing Championships

The first stop of the 2024 Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Surfing Championships concluded this weekend at the iconic Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall. We celebrated a huge 10 years of partnership with our event headline sponsor, The Caravan and Motorhome Club. And we also celebrated the best of English surfing talent across various divisions, drawing surfers and spectators alike from all corners of the country.

Competitors battled it out in challenging 6-10ft surf conditions, displaying exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition. From thrilling aerial manoeuvres to powerful wave rides, each heat was filled with excitement and showcased the incredible talent within the English surfing community. As the crowds cheered on their favourite surfers it was truly exceptional to witness the development in skill of our athletes. Our surfers will no doubt be a force to reckon with in worldwide competitions.

Epic Finals Unfold at Fistral Beach – Champions Emerge

In the heart-pounding finals, the surfing world witnessed an epic showdown of skill, determination, and pure adrenaline. Spectators held their breath as the ocean churned with anticipation, setting the stage for an unforgettable display of athleticism and prowess.

The Men’s Open division saw Stanley Norman carving through the waves with unmatched precision and style. His execution of flawless manoeuvres left the crowd in awe, leading him to the Mens Open Win.

Not to be outdone, Alys Barton took 1st place after dominating the Women’s Open division with her grace and power on the waves.

Belle Betteridge (competing in the Girls Under 18’s) and Lila Skinner (competing in the Girls Under 16’s) showcased an incredible blend of technique, power and finesse in the Junior girls’ divisions, both taking home the wins in their age respective category.

Meanwhile, in the boys Junior divisions, Arthur Randell (Under 18 boys) and Lukas Skinner (Under 16 Boys) stole the spotlight with their fearless approach showing determination and performing aerial manoeuvres with the confidence of seasoned veterans.

Honouring Champions and Dedication – Recognising the athletes’ journey

As the final horn sounded and the last wave rolled to shore, champions emerged from the surf. Their names marked out in English surfing history. Each wave ridden, each manoeuvre executed, represented the years of training and dedication, giving testament to the development of professional athletes of the English surfing community.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Surfing Championships had once again delivered a spectacle of unparalleled excitement and intensity. This leaves no doubt that the spirit of surfing burns brighter than ever in the heart of every competitor and spectator alike.

Our Support and Gratitude for all involved – A Heartfelt Thank You

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 of 10 years, Caravan and Motorhome Club for their invaluable contribution. All helped make this championship a memorable and thrilling experience for all involved.

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 congratulations also to our Contest Director, Ester Spears, who excelled in his role throughout the contest. It was a phenomenal weekend for English Surfing, and we cannot wait for the next one!

FULL RESULTS

U16 Girls

1- Lila Skinner 2- Sunny Ingram 3- Willow Smith 4- Harlyn Sykes

U16 Boys

1 – Lukas Skinner 2 – Asbjorn Gwenin 3- Jago Tasker 4- Isaac Friend

U18 Girls

1- Belle Betteridge 2- Lauren Sandland 3- Georgie-May Hicks 4- Ocearna Peres

U18 Boys

1- Arthur Randell 2- Fynn Gillespie 3- Malakai Hagley 4- Finley Donovan

Women’s Open

1- Alys Barton 2- Ellie Turner 3- Belle Betteridge 4- Charlotte Mulley

Men’s Open

1- Stanley Norman 2- Lukas Skinner 3- Noah Davis 4- Fynn Gillespie