Surfers fall just short of world wave record attempt

SURFERS broke the British record for the most people simultaneously riding a wave in Newquay on Saturday but fell short of the most ever.

Ninety-three surfers rode a wave at the same time at Great Western Beach at the event organised by Eathwave, which was 17 less than the existing record of 110, set at its 2009 event held in Cape Town, South Africa.

Participants travelled from across the UK, including London, Manchester, Essex, Liverpool and Derby, while registrations also reflected international interest from countries including Austria, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands. A number of surfers got into the spirit of the occasion and wore Halloween fancy dress.

Organisers hailed the event an overwhelming success despite the Guinness world record remaining intact.

Dene Botha from Earthwave said: "I'm genuinely struggling to find the words to describe what happened on Great Western Beach.

“We came here to try to break a world record, and yes, we fell a little short. But 93 people riding a single wave? That's absolutely phenomenal.

“And when you look beyond that number, at the hundreds of surfers, the families, the kids, the local businesses, the volunteers and the incredible people who came from near and far to be part of this, I honestly couldn't be prouder.

“I've said from the beginning that our measure of success wasn't necessarily going to be whether we broke the record. It was whether we could bring a community together, celebrate surfing and create something that people would walk away from saying, 'That was awesome! I can't wait for next year. And I think we achieved exactly that. One hundred per cent."

Earthwave organised the record attempt as part of its ethos to celebrate surfing, beach culture and the energy that brings people together around the ocean. Its inaugural event delivered an entire day of beachside entertainment, competitions and activities for all ages.

The Start & Co Dig for Gold competition proved a huge hit with younger children, who eagerly hunted for hidden treasures and walked away with prizes donated by local businesses.

Meanwhile, the Northshore Softboard Surf-Off, presented by Newquay Boardriders, saw approximately 40 young groms take to the water for an action-packed display of surfing, creativity and enjoyment. From stylish turns to playful manoeuvres and plenty of laughter, the competition captured everything Earthwave hopes to encourage in the next generation of surfers.

Families enjoyed music, food, entertainment, giveaways and prizes throughout the day, which were donated by Earthwave's growing network of sponsors and supporters. The Wave Project was also on the beach, raising funds through its charity raffle.

The Shaka Studios Capture Earthwave photography competition invites everyone who attended to submit their favourite photographs and moments from the day, with fantastic prizes up for grabs.

Dene added: "There are so many people to thank, I wouldn't know where to start.

“Newquay BID in particular, have been absolutely phenomenal. Great Western Beach gave us the most incredible venue imaginable. ERA Adventures and Newquay Boardriders did an extraordinary job in the water, and our sponsors, prize donors, partners and volunteers went above and beyond.

“And then there were the people. The smiles, the cheers, the kids coming out of the water absolutely buzzing, telling us it was the most fun they'd ever had. That's what will stay with me.”