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.
Words Demi Taylor
I’m speaking with Thomas Campbell on the eve of the World Premiere of his highly anticipated film Yi-Wo. “
I'm kind of a little bit of a lone wolf. I'm not super out in the public where I interact with people specifically that know even what I do, and that's on purpose,” he says. But if you’ve had even a passing interest in surfing and surf culture over the last 25 years, then you’ll be more than familiar with the work and influence of Thomas Campbell.
15-18 September, London Surf / Film Festival is bringing a special screening tour of Yi-Wo to the UK, hosting series one-off screenings in Cornwall, Devon, London and Newcastle. Details and tickets HERE
A surfer, skater, artist, photographer, sculptor and filmmaker, when Thomas Campbell’s seminal triptych of surf films first landed (The Seedling, followed by Sprout and The Present) they were hungrily devoured as a manifesto - a counter point for the counter culturalists. It was the reign of Layne. It was Occy’s comeback as he grabbed the crown vacated by Kelly Slater. Surfing was fast, furious and vertical. Thomas’s films slowed it right down, capturing the outliers, the avant-garde, the moments the moments in between. They catalysed a paradigm shift in the culture, that would see logs, fish and all manner of craft celebrated, redefining both the art of waveriding and the way we document it. Ten years in the making his latest audio-visual masterpiece Yi-Wo is set to do the same again.
Given the timing of this call, he’s surprisingly generous with his unhurried conversation. But it feels like this generosity of spirit has been a guiding force; the reference points for this latest opus are a nod to a life well lived. They are as broad and expansive as the resulting feeling you get from immersing yourself in the film. The idea was seeded with a 2014 trip to the firing points of Morocco with Dave Rastovitch, Lauren Hill and Trevor Gordon before spinning across the globe over the best part of a decade, collecting a cast of standout surfers revered for their style along the way – from Alex Knost and Karina Rozunko to Ryan Burch, Craig Anderson and more. “Everyone in the movie is just basically my favorite surfers,” says Thomas. “It’s a nice congregation of a group that has a lot of respect for each other and is excited to be together. I tried to relay that, and relay a sense of play and fun because, I think in a lot of times in surfing movies, you don't see that. It’s just all about performance, which is just such a small part of it.” There are costumes influenced by Cornish folkloric rituals and poetic prose, translated into Hawaiian by Cliff Kapono before being rendered back into English and transmogrified once again into a new form. Captured on 16mm by the world’s leading cinematographers and set to a mind-altering soundtrack, it’s art and surf movie all at once.
“With the first three films, I would say that those were more like educational films, at a point where people didn't have access to knowledge about riding different types of equipment or craft, “ explains Thomas. “And I kind of spelled it out like, ‘Hey, you could do this different stuff, you could surf like them. If you want to do that, ride this,’ That kind of stuff.” And as is often the way with the best stories, his ‘alternative’ perspective was driven by personal experience. “I grew up at Dana Point,” he explains, “My friends and I, we rode shortboards, longboards, 70’s single fins, we rode whatever, and that wasn't very normal, you know? But we had a very good longboard wave right by our house, and good shortboard wave and we’d go skateboarding in Laguna, so I just tried to document what I liked. (My first films) I felt they were set in a pretty traditional surf movie template - somewhat in the vein of like MacGillivray, Freeman, Witzig, Bruce Brown and stuff like that, but I tried to modernize it.”
But Yi-Wo is a departure, perhaps a more creatively expansive endeavour. “My last film, Ye Olde Destruction was a skateboarding film and I started to find a new voice, which I think parlays into this film,” says Campbell. “I would say that the intensity of life over the last eight or so years has inspired some deeper thinking. With this film I feel like that education part for me was done and I just wanted to go into a more creative space, it's more like that idea of it kind of opening up questions more than giving answers.”
“I played with different themes and stretched into places that can honour the depth of our existence…I feel like I'm kind of like a rock tumbler,” he explains with trademark underplay of the intensive creative process required to produce a film of this depth and level. “I just put the rocks in a long time ago, pretty jagged, and then they just tumbled in my brain for a long time, then they come out kind of smoothed out…”
On his hopes for the film, and what people take away from it, he says “I guess I would hope maybe people first off get inspired to go in the ocean and maybe, secondly, that it inspires them to just think about what they're up to, and what this life is, you know, hopefully in a positive, expansive way. But I surely don't know… I just feel like people need to have whatever experience they have, and I'm pretty sure they will.”
Don’t miss the Yi-Wo UK Tour - your only chance to catch the film on the big screen here:
15th SEPTEMBER > THE POLY, FALMOUTH, CORNWALL
17th SEPTEMBER > RIVERSIDE STUDIOS, LONDON
17th SEPTEMBER > TYNESIDE CINEMA, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
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
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!
At just 22 years old, Molly Picklum has officially cemented her place among surfing’s elite by claiming her first World Title at the WSL Finals in Fiji.
The single-day event at Cloudbreak saw the Top 5 men and women in the world battling it out at one of the most iconic and challenging waves on the planet.
Picklum entered Finals Day wearing the yellow leader’s jersey after a dominant season, highlighted by five consecutive final appearances and commanding victories at both the VIVO Rio Pro and the Lexus Tahiti Pro. As the No.1 seed, Picklum could have wrapped up her World Title campaign in just one heat.
Facing off against 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks, who was full of momentum after climbing her way up the ranks from fourth position, Picklum appeared to be stuck in first gear. Marks took the first match up, sending the pair into a best-of-three showdown for the title.
Picklum quickly answered back in the second matchup, threading her way through one of the best barrels of the day and securing the heat win, shifting gears and the momentum.
From the moment the buzzer sounded in the third decisive heat Picklum took full control, banking a pair of excellent scores, and putting Marks in a combo situation, leaving no doubt that she was the rightful World Champion.
“I mean, I didn’t make it easy for myself. I was pretty excited and [that] made it hard, but then I locked in and did what I’ve done all year… to be the undisputed, undeniable champion is everything I’ve ever dreamed of.”
“I cannot believe it; I came here with a dream. I have so many people to thank, I felt so much support,” said Picklum.
Hailing from the Central Coast of New South Wales, the Australian prodigy has been with Rip Curl since she was just 14 years old.
“We’re so proud of Molly and everything she’s achieved both in and out of the water this year,” said Rip Curl CEO Ashley Reade. “She’s an amazing ambassador for our brand and truly embodies the spirit of Rip Curl. Having been with us since she was a grom, all of us here at Rip Curl are so excited to see her fulfill her dream of becoming a World Champion.”
Molly is now the eighth Australian female World Champion and joins the likes of fellow Rip Curl legends, Stephanie Gilmore and Tyler Wright.
From sharks to seals to whales and everything in-between, Cape Town in South Africa is renowned for wildlife encounters in the water. But it’s rare for surfers to see a penguin, let alone share a few waves with one – until this little guy came along.*
(African Penguins are critically endangered. You can directly help efforts to save them by supporting organisations like SANCCOB)
“It was one the most incredible wildlife experiences I’ve ever had in my 25 years of photography. You know, down this beach, and around Cape Town, I’ve had interactions with whales, seals, dolphins, and even sharks, but I’ve never experienced anything quite like this…I’m pretty blown away to be honest.” Alan van Gysen
*It's important to note that the penguin interacted with surfers on its on accord, non of the surfers reached out to disturb this very curious little soul as it checked everyone out.
A short film by Now Now Media
presented by Monster Energy in association with O’Neill
Featuring Eli Beukes, Brendon Gibbens and others
Produced by Alan van Gysen
Written and Directed by Will Bendix
