BUDE’s Surf Life Saving Club have been crowned national champions for the fourth year in a row.

The 2026 Surf Life Saving (SLS)GB National Championships held in August, brought together a record number of athletes in Masters, Youth and Nippers for a huge week of competition and community in Cornwall.

The annual event welcomes everyone from beginners to elite GB squad members, all honing their lifesaving skills, not just to win medals but to save lives.

A spokesperson from Surf Life Saving GB said: “There were record numbers, challenging conditions, new champions and plenty of familiar faces on the podium. Most importantly, there was a fantastic atmosphere across the beach, with athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, families and supporters all playing their part.

“Supported by Dryrobe, this year’s Championships highlighted just how much the sport continues to grow, with record participation across all three age groups.

“While the results and medals are an important part of the Championships, there was much more to celebrate throughout the week.”

The week was kickstarted with the Masters Championships, which saw the biggest ever Masters entry, with athletes from 30 clubs taking to the beach.

From beach sprints and flags through to surf swim, board and ski events, the Masters competition had everything you’d expect. There was plenty of competition on the start line, but just as much support and camaraderie between athletes.

However, despite plenty of tough competition, it was Bude SLSC who took home the gold.

The spokesperson continued: “Bude SLSC once again came out on top to take the overall Masters Championship title.

“Having also won in 2025, as well as in 2024 and 2023, Bude have certainly made the Masters title their own in recent years.

“A special thank you also goes to Helen Glover, who joined us to present the Masters medals. A two-time Olympic rowing champion and triple World Champion, Helen brought plenty of sporting pedigree to the podium and helped make the medal presentations a memorable part of the Championships.

“But the bigger story is the continued growth of Masters competition. More athletes are getting involved, more clubs are putting teams together and more people are continuing to compete long after their junior years. That’s something worth celebrating.”

Commenting on the success, the club has described the event as ‘an epic weekend of racing’ which saw ‘unbelievable team work’ which ultimately resulted in the top spot.

A spokesperson from the club said: “Huge Congratulations to all the masters team for an epic weekend of racing, unbelievable team work and winning the national trophy for the fourth year running.”

The club has also thanked all those who supported them during the event.

“Big shout out to our captains James and Mel⁩ for the mega amount of background work that they do,” the spokesperson continued. “Our team manager Anna⁩ for keeping us organised throughout the weekend; all the supporters and club handlers; the club members; the coaching team who help keep us motivated, and finally the club members who gave it their all and helped Bude bring the trophy home.”