Savage Waters wins awards as UK premiers roll out

Savage Waters wins awards as UK premiers roll out

Savage Waters, the British made surf exploration film, is rolling out the premiers and winning awards, yesterday winning Best feature, Best original soundtrack and a special mention for Cinematography going to Mikey Corker at The Richard Harris International Film Festival last weekend.

The film follows the adventures of a crew as they sail the Atlantic in search of uncharted islands that hold a mythical big wave as mentioned in a 19th century treasure hunters journal. North Devons Matt Knight sets sail with a changing crew of family and friends in search of the perfect wave but the ocean and life throws challenges at the crew turning what could have been a quick surf trip into years of challenges.

Filmed in Ireland, Portugal, Acores, Madeira and The Savage Islands over five years with surfers Matt, Peony, Taz Knight joined by Cotty, Ed Smith, Alex Bothelo it is well worth a watch!

The UK Premiere is tomorrow night in Liverpool at the Odeon Liverpool One

Tickets here.

Then in Stirling, Scotland 6 November, Kendal 19 November, Lewes near Brighton 20 November, and rolling out across the globe. Dates here. 

Surf Lakes Yeppoon To Open To The Public

Surf Lakes Yeppoon To Open To The Public

Yeppoon, Qld, Australia – Wave pool wave pool development and operations company, Global Surf Ops Pty Ltd T/A Global Surf Parks (GSP), has signed an agreement with Surf Lakes International, to rebuild the existing Surf Lakes Yeppoon research and development site and include significant development so that it may be open to the public.

The site, located midway between Rockhampton and Yeppoon, has been in use since 2018, but being a prototype, has served only to successfully prove, test and improve the capability of Surf Lakes unique wave making technology. To date, invitations to selected guests have been extended to enjoy, and provide feedback, on the incredible surf experience on offer.

“We are extremely happy that Surf Lakes International and GSP have been able to come to an agreement whereby a significant community asset may be finally opened to the public,” said GSP Business Development and Media Director, Wayne Dart. “Having worked with Surf Lakes over the past few years to develop and manage the in-water experience, we know just how incredible the experience will be and we know that the technology is by far and wide the best in the world.”

The existing Surf Lakes site located between Rockhampton and Yeppoon on Queenslands Capricorn Coast is to be overhauled and developed.

“It is a truly amazing location, and in proximity to other star attractions, such as Great Keppel Island and the Southern Great Barrier Reef,” continued Dart. “We know that it will be a preferred internationally recognised destination for not just die-hard surf enthusiasts but also families, school groups and corporates. We are genuinely super excited!”
Founder and CEO of Surf Lakes, Aaron Trevis, who also grew up in Yeppoon, was equally enthused about the park finally being developed so that the public may also enjoy the waves and the amazing natural backdrop.

“Having seen the sheer surf-stoke and the now global interest in Surf Lakes technology, and also knowing how special the Surf Lakes Yeppoon location is, we can’t wait to see the site become commercial,” said Trevis. “With the Development Application (DA) approved by Livingstone Shire Council last year, we have been working hard with GSP to finalise this deal and we will continue liaising with them to ensure the site is a huge global success.”

The region’s peak tourism and economic development organisation, Capricorn Enterprise has been a strong advocate for the project since its inception and recognises the enormous economic contribution a commercial facility will provide to the local, regional and state economies. 

 

DA approved initial site plan for the intended development intended to be open to the public in 2024

“Already, the Surf Lakes prototype has attracted famous faces and investors from around the world who have come to witness its incredible capability,” said Capricorn Enterprise CEO, Mary Carroll. “And with the commercial facility now becoming a reality and being a major experience-focussed development, we genuinely expect an elevation in the destination’s and the region’s appeal to a completely new audience.”

In 2021, a DA approval was granted to the exiting site and will allow for accommodation, a food and beverage precinct, eco camping and glamping, an events and entertainment area and more. The site will also expand from its existing 15-acre footprint, to approximately 100 acres and will have access via Yeppoon Road. More detail about the development will be forthcoming.

GSP is in discussions with potential investors, and are open to hearing from others who may wish to participate in the development opportunity.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2023 with a public opening in 2024.

This Is Hossegor

This Is Hossegor

Hossegor during the month of October usually delivers and this year is no different with only a few down days. To recap this magic month, endless tubes, incredible light with sunny skies and summer temperatures and this year a little more space for the locals following the absence of the Quik Pro.

Besides – Oscar Langburne

Besides – Oscar Langburne

Slide away with Oscar Langburne, free surfer and style-master riding Christenson and Channel Islands boards down in Mexico.
All footage Hayden Garfield.

Scottish Surfing Federation

Scottish Surfing Federation

There is something special happening in junior surfing in Scotland. Whether you check the scene out in the The Islands, the busy breaks of The Lowlands, the world-famous North Coast or the fun North-East breaks, you will find that participation is rapidly on the increase and as a result, so is the quality of the shredding.

The scene is blossoming, with a line of fine young girls and boys beginning to shine and get noticed further a-field: examples of this being Scottish Series champion Craig Maclachlan winning the British National title in Wales and two of our youngsters placing highly in the Rip Curl Grom Search in Newquay earlier in the year.

The SSF Junior Series brings the best of this talent from across the country together to compete on a range of different beach breaks. It concluded on the penultimate weekend in October, with the category champions being crowned on the beach at Sandend after the final event.

The Final Series Results are as follows:

Under 18 Boys
1st – Craig Maclachlan – North Shore Surf Club
2nd – Finn Clark – Edinburgh and Border Surf Club
3rd – Ebon Parkin – Belhaven Surf Club

Under 18 Girls
1st – Robyn Larg – Tiree Surf Club
2nd – Lola Mitchell – Broch Surf Club
3rd – Olivia Mackay – North Shore Surf Club

Under 16 Boys
1st – Ansel Parkin – Belhaven Surf Club
2nd – Finn Clark – Edinburgh and Borders Surf Club
3rd – Tam Hood – Belhaven Surf Club

Under 16 Girls
1st – Lola Mitchell – Broch Surf Club
2nd – Callie Cruickshank – Broch Surf Club
3rd – Olivia Mackay – North Shore Surf Club

Under 14 (Mixed)
1st – Ansel Parkin – Belhaven Surf Club
2nd – Tam Hood – Belhaven Surf Club
3rd – William Whyte – Broch Surf Club

Under 12 (Mixed)
1st – Rudi Forrest – Belhaven Surf Club
2nd – Kai Cruickshank – Broch Surf Club
3rd – Gabriel Noble – Broch Surf Club

The series consisted of 5 stops: visiting Tiree, Thurso, Pease Bay, Fraserburgh and Sandend with some excellent and challenging surfing conditions allowing the best in Scotland to compete for the coveted titles.
Series Sponsorship was kindly provided by C-Skins, allowing the winners of each title to walk away with a WetSuit fit for the conditions in which they surf.

Tiree – June – Hosted by Tiree Surf Club
This event went ahead in extremely challenging conditions, with the forecasted huge swells and high winds becoming a reality. Crossapol and Balephuil beaches delivered lovely waves for the kids to showcase their skills on, with sunset surfs and Jet-Ski assisted free surfing, along with a wonderful evening social, allowing everyone to really immerse themselves in the amazing environment and jaw dropping scenery.

Dunnet Bay (Thurso) – August – hosted by North Shore Surf Club
This event produced some outstanding surfing with scores of the day in the 9’s. A decreasing swell on the Saturday meant that the event was run off in one day and kids were judged by an international judging panel hailing from Australia, Indonesia, Scotland, England and Guadeloupe!

Pease Bay – September – Hosted by Belhaven Surf Club and Edinburgh and Border Surf Club
Pease Bay “turned on” with overhead to well overhead surf on the first day coupled with the lowest tides of the year forecast for both days. The competition started at Little Pease and moved over to Big Pease as the conditions changed, allowing for the u16 and u18’s put on a great showpiece of Scottish junior surfing. As the tide pushed in over the main reef it became clear the conditions were challenging and all competitors were running back up the beach between long rides to use the rip to get back out. The Rights were offering up some of the best waves and some great displays of speed, power and flow were on show as a result. What a display they all put on! There was Slashing, Wrapping and even boosting above the lip going on, with some great committed first turns, vertical attacks and re-entries on show.

Fraserburgh – October – Hosted by The Broch Surf Club
This event doubled as the Scottish Junior Nationals, with Fraserburgh (aka The Broch) welcoming surfers to compete for National titles, points in the SSF junior series and potential selection for the Scottish National team for future international events. 
The sun was out and the promenade was buzzing with energetic competitors, parents and spectators supporting the event, there was a real feel good vibe and atmosphere. 
The long day and monumental effort by all involved lead to the comp being successfully delivered in a single day. Conditions on the Peaks, especially around the middle of the day, were epic, and produced some amazing surfing.
Following the event prizegiving, an added bonus was the floodlit skate session on the brand new Skatepark, with the kids showing just how able they are on dry land.

Sandend – October – Hosted by Moray Firth Surf Riders
The final event saw a big entry compete to close off some of the closest fought Series titles, with a number going down to the wire. Immense conditions lead to an amazing competition run over the Saturday and Sunday. All categories produced outstanding surfing, not least the Under 10 expression session that although not in the Junior Series (yet) made for a fun interlude and allowed for the next generation to get a taste for competition.

Lola Mitchell (BSC, above) took the double in the U16 & U18 Girls at Sandend

In summary, The Scottish Junior scene is an exciting place to be. Talent is emerging at all levels in both the boys and girls divisions and with the commitment of the SSF, the affiliated clubs and various surf schools, the future looks very bright…

head over to thessf.com for more info.