Cornwall’s Tom Lowe has spent decades chasing the heaviest waves on the planet, from the freezing slabs of Mullaghmore to Jaws, Nazaré, Teahupoʻo and beyond. A veteran of the WSL Big Wave Tour and multiple Big Wave Awards nominations, Lowe has built a reputation as one of Britain’s most committed big-wave surfers. Now, in 2026, he’s been recognised at the Big Wave Challenge, taking home Men’s Surfer of the Year — becoming the first Briton to claim the honour. A huge moment for one of the UK’s most committed chargers. 

Well done Tom, amazing achievement pard.

Photo: Yeti

In 2010, young adventurer Kepa Acero traveled alone to Western Africa in search of empty waves. In Morocco, he met a 15-year-old kid named Yassine. Though they barely spoke the same language, they shared waves, tajines, and an unspoken connection. Then, Kepa continued south, and they never saw each other again.

Today, Yassine is known as Snoopy Style—a professional surf guide and local legend in Taghazout. Fifteen years later, Kepa and Snoopy will meet again for the first time. But life has changed—just like Morocco. The dusty fishing village has transformed: boutique hotels line the shore, and Anchor Point is packed with digital nomads chasing Wi-Fi and waves.

Together, with filmmaker Ayoub Abouizza, they embark on a journey to find what once was—empty line-ups, pure stoke, and that elusive feeling of freedom. But things don’t go as planned… The dream they’re chasing may not exist anymore…

One thing will never change: hope. Even with all the changes, they still believe that somewhere belong this coast, there is a wave just waiting. Empty and perfect. Undiscovered. Or at least, that the story they keep telling themselves.

Filmed and Directed by Clint Davis.

Following five events across some of Europe’s most iconic surf spots, the Rip Curl GromSearch European Final, presented by Citroën, is set to bring the continent’s best young surfers together at O2 SURFTOWN MUC in Munich on September 19.

For the first time, the European Final will take place at the world-class wave pool in Munich, where the winners of the 2026 European GromSearch events will battle it out for the title of Rip Curl GromSearch European Champion.

The competition will bring together the most promising young surfers from across Europe in three age categories: Under 16, Under 14 and Under 12. They will compete in a day of high-performance surfing and exciting heats, with the European Under 16 champions earning their place at the Rip Curl GromSearch International Final in Narrabeen, Australia, from November 7 to 10, where they will face the best young surfers from each region around the world.

The 2026 European series featured five events in Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Portugal and France, giving young surfers across the continent the opportunity to compete at some of Europe’s most renowned surf destinations.

The circuit kicked off in Tonfano, Italy, before heading to Somo in Spain, Newquay in the UK, Ericeira in Portugal and finally Lacanau, France. The five events have paved the way for the European Final in Munich, where the season’s best performers will meet for one final battle.

Previous winners Lukas Skinner and Eden Walla at the international final in 2024.

Last year, the Rip Curl GromSearch International Final took place in France, in the Landes region. Australian surfers Ocean Lancaster and Eliza Richardson claimed victory in the Under 16 categories at the Santocha break in Capbreton.

The winners of the 2026 European Final will then have the opportunity to represent Europe at the Rip Curl GromSearch International Final, joining the best young surfers from around the world.

Since its creation in 1999, the Rip Curl GromSearch has played a key role in identifying and supporting the next generation of surfing talent. Over the years, the competition has helped launch the careers of many surfers who have gone on to become leading figures on the world stage, including multiple WSL World Champions and Olympic medallists such as Gabriel Medina, three-time World Champion, Stephanie Gilmore, eight-time World Champion, as well as Kauli Vaast and Caroline Marks, Olympic Champions in 2024.

The 2026 European Final in Munich marks another step in the development of the European GromSearch, bringing together the continent’s young talent in a new competition environment and giving them the opportunity to compete on one of Europe’s most innovative surf waves.

Thank you to the European Rip Curl GromSearch sponsors for their support: Citroën, SunBum, Fatboy, I Sea and FCS, as well as O2 SURFTOWN MUC who help make this event possible.