Carve Magazine Issue 227

Carve Magazine Issue 227

Carve Surfing Magazine

Carve Magazine Issue 227

The new issue is out.  You can get it delivered to door for by hitting this link here.

In May 1990, a group of surfers from Porthtowan and St Agnes, fed up with paddling through raw sewage surrounded by sanitary towels and condoms, decided enough was enough. They were going to fight back. So they got together to protest. What started as a local campaign against the outfall of St Agnes, North Cliffs and Portreath, struck a chord with surf communities across the UK – and quickly grew into a true grassroots movement.

Surfers from Langland, Saltburn, Bournemouth, and everywhere in between bought the t-shirt, got the sticker and signed up. The group went from nowhere to 15,000 paid up members in a blink of an eye – at a time when eco warriors weren’t considered cool. SAS changed this. In a few short years the group that had been dismissed as bums were described as, “some of the government’s most sophisticated environmental critics,” and, “Britain’s coolest pressure group”.
Over the next decades, its members, activists, staff and board played a pivotal role in raising awareness about sewage pollution. Thanks to their efforts, billions of pounds were invested in the late 1990s – direct untreated outfalls were shut off and discharges were at least screened for sanitary waste. It was a huge success.

But successive governments and weak water industry watchdogs let privatised water monopolies siphon off public money for shareholders and fat-cat CEOs – instead of investing in infrastructure. Which means we now face ever-increasing, combined sewer overflows – sewage released when the system is overloaded.

We shouldn’t have to surf, dip, paddle or swim in sewage. Ever. We know the damage it does to the environment, and to our health and wellbeing. So the fight for clean seas continues. Fortunately SAS now has 50 staff, thousands of members, local reps, medical surveys, science and legal backing – everything it needs to take on the establishment and finish the job for good.

Happy birthday, SAS. Never stop fighting until the fighting is done.

Steve
editor

Carve Magazine Issue 226

Carve Magazine Issue 226

Carve Surfing Magazine

Carve Magazine Issue 226

The new issue is out. You can get it delivered to door for by hitting this link here.

Wow… what a winter.
Some classic sessions in the east and south, with southwest England, Wales and southwest Ireland all on fire. I’m not sure I’ve seen a run of surf like it for many years – especially in the Southwest – with consistent swell and favourable wind conditions for weeks on end. Hope you scored!

So here we are with a packed issue 226 to entertain you between sessions. Alex Williams takes a look back at the birth of a UK professional surfing circuit in 1984, which evolved into an amazing European tour. These events brought the British surfing tribe together and raised the standard of our competitive surfers – both in the water and in the bar. Some classic moments were had, and it’s a shame that we don’t have a similar tour these days.
While it’s been pumping at home, there has also been the usual mass winter exodus. Van-lifer Ben Hartley has combined his love of surfing with work since 2021, when he set off to Nazaré in his trusty van to see what all the fuss was about. He’s been back every year since and now pays his way by shooting the tow teams. In Shooting Giants, Hartley takes us behind the scenes at the big wave capital of Europe.

Also travelling solo this winter was Ollie Sweet, who headed off to Indo, hitting some off-the-beaten-track spots, as well as the go-to off-season breaks. As you’ll find out in his write up on page 94, he made lots of local friends out there, scored some epic waves and had a great time doing it.

Also in this issue we have a great insight into surfing life, finding out what surfing means to Sally McGee, hearing Shane and Jackson Dorian discuss their father-son relationship, and seeing how Ben Skinner recreates a legendary 60’s mid-length made by Jack O’Neill.

And, of course, we have the best of an epic winter at home. 2025 has been pretty epic so far, so let’s hope that continues!

Steve 
Editor

Yoyo Now Playing

Yoyo Now Playing

It’s been a wild ride so far, hey! 2025 kicked off with a bang, delivering an endless run of swell that lit up hidden corners and secret spots all over the UK and Ireland. Spots that usually lie dormant came to life, and long-forgotten points roared into action, dishing out dreamy, ruler-edged lines. From rugged coasts to sheltered beach breaks, it feels like every nook and cranny has had its moment to shine. And it hasn’t just been the hardcore chargers getting amongst it—everyone and their dog seems to have scored their fair share of waves, from weekend warriors to local legends. It’s been unreal to witness, a proper reminder of why we chase the ocean in the first place, and how lucky we are. Hit play and watch some of our finest dig in to recent run of waves.

Film and edit: @offshoresphoto

A Short Cornish Surf Documentary

A Short Cornish Surf Documentary

This short documentary explores what it’s really like to surf through the harsh Cornish winters, and what keeps surfers coming back to the cold, empty beaches. I spoke to five young Cornish surfers about their experiences of catching waves when the tourists have gone home and the winter storms set in.

From freezing temperatures and powerful swells to the quiet beauty of Cornwall’s coastline, these surfers share what draws them to the water, even when conditions are tough. It’s not just about the thrill of the waves — it’s about the deep connection to the ocean and the tight-knit community that keeps them coming back, no matter how cold or wild it gets. Sonny Holland

Carve Magazine Issue 225

Carve Magazine Issue 225

Carve Surfing Magazine

Carve Magazine Issue 225

The new issue is out. You can get it delivered to door for by hitting this link here.

Hello and welcome to issue 225!

Autumn 2024 delivered epic swells across the UK and Ireland, with standout days like 10/10, when a perfect Atlantic low lit up coasts from Cornwall to the North Sea. This issue captures the season’s highlights, from Scotland to Ireland, while noting how far British and Irish surfing has come—illustrated by Hawaiian visitors and revisiting iconic moments like Alex Williams’ memories of Fistral’s first international surf comps.

The Carve Awards celebrate an unprecedented year, with four world titles and major domestic achievements. Also featured are inspiring journeys, from the Ciggie Surfboard crew’s globe-spanning film to Torren Martyn’s epic travels from Scotland to Indonesia. Celebrating 30 years, Carve continues to spotlight coldwater surfing excellence and much more. Don’t miss out on this epic issue.