English Para Surfing Open is on!

English Para Surfing Open is on!

Get Ready for the 2024 Muscle Food English Para Surfing Open

We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 2024 Muscle Food English Para Surfing Open, taking place this Thursday, July 4th, and Friday, July 5th, at The Wave, Bristol. This year, we are proud to feature six ISA Para Surfing divisions and three OPEN divisions.

Our focus remains on the development of the sport, highlighted by the inclusion of OPEN Divisions for surfers who have not yet received an official ISA classification.

We have received incredible support from around 45 volunteers, who will assist athletes both in and out of the water throughout the contest.

Contest info.
Surfing athletes from around the world will come together to compete, bringing the Para surf community together. We are excited to welcome surfers from Wales, Scotland, Mongolia, Portugal, and Israel!

The contest heats will take place on the Advanced setting at The Wave. You can learn more about the advanced wave and watch a video here. Competition times are as follows:

Thursday: 3pm – 6pm
Friday: 10am – 1pm
Each surfer will compete in one heat per day, with their top single wave score from each heat combining for a total score of up to 20. Scores will be tallied, and winners will be crowned as the 2024 Muscle Food English Para Surfing Champions.

Follow the action on LiveHeats, where we will aim to provide live scoring. Visit: LiveHeats.

Additional Inclusive Event
In addition to the contest, we are hosting a stop on our Para Surfing Roadshow, supported by Saltrock, on Thursday, July 4th, at 6pm. This session is designed for individuals with physical disabilities or visual impairments to come and try surfing. 

Join us for an exciting two days of competition and community at the 2024 Muscle Food English Para Surfing Open!

Introducing Our Brilliant Headline Sponsors
We are delighted to be working with Muscle Food for another epic event in 2024. Muscle Food are all about high protein, healthy eating, that is affordable. The brand has a range of pre-prepped meals, meats, high protein cookies, bars, and more. 

The Camp At The Wave
Awesome safari style tents are available to stay in onsite at The Wave, for ease to and from the waves.

Tents hold up to 6-8 people and are made up of a double bed, 1 or 2 bunk beds and a double sofa bed, and all 25 safari tents are accessible, with 2 being specifically DDA compliant set up. Click here for more information and to book.

Event Partners
A huge thank you to Muscle Food UK who are our headline sponsors of the event. A further thank you to The Wave who host us for 2024, and to our Event Partners; korev Lager, Caravan and Motorhome Club, dryrobe, Decathlon UK, Clarke Willmott, Vospers, The Wave Project, and Surfability UK CIC.

Contact us
For all event enquiries, please contact [email protected]

Click Here for more info
British public backs Surfers Against Sewage’s call for independent public inquiry

British public backs Surfers Against Sewage’s call for independent public inquiry

82% of the British public would support the next UK Government setting up an independent public inquiry into the discharge of raw sewage into UK rivers and seas, according to new polling released today.

Meanwhile, well over half of Brits (59%) say they wouldn’t trust most or any of our politicians to tackle the problem of sewage pollution.

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), who commissioned the polling, is calling on the next cohort of MPs to restore public trust by taking action to tackle sewage pollution, and delivering on the clear demand for a public inquiry.

SAS has just concluded its Election Road Trip, during which members of the campaign group travelled the length of the UK in a bespoke double-decker tour bus, galvanising communities across the country to demand that election candidates make commitments to end sewage pollution.

New polling commissioned by Surfers Against Sewage reveals lack of public trust in politicians to deal with sewage pollution of UK rivers, lakes and seas.

An overwhelming majority (82%) of the British public support the next government setting up an independent public inquiry into the discharge of raw sewage into rivers and seas, according to new polling data from YouGov and Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).

The data has also revealed the level of public distrust in politicians to deal with the issue of sewage pollution, with well over half (59%) saying they wouldn’t trust most or any of our politicians to tackle the problem, and almost one third (31%) saying they wouldn’t trust any politicians to address the issue. Surfers Against Sewage is therefore calling on the next cohort of MPs to use this opportunity to restore public trust by taking action to tackle sewage pollution and deliver on the clear demand for a public inquiry.

The polling was commissioned by SAS to mark the conclusion of its Election Road Trip, during which members of the campaign group travelled the length of the UK in a bespoke double-decker tour bus, galvanising communities across the country to demand that election candidates make commitments to end sewage pollution.

Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, said: “Our new polling data reveals just how deep the scars of the sewage scandal run, with a staggering lack of public trust in politicians to tackle the issue of sewage pollution. This should be a clear sign to each and every party that their current commitments to improve the health of our rivers, lakes and seas are not bold enough.

“In the last two weeks we’ve travelled the length of the UK on our End Sewage Pollution Road Trip, speaking to activists who are fighting to clean up their local bathing spots. From Portobello Beach in Edinburgh to the River Dart in Devon, anger at the state of our wild waters is at fever pitch. The UK water industry needs a complete overhaul in order to address the fundamental flaws that have pushed our blue ecosystems to the brink and that are posing a serious hazard to human health, every day.

“On top of delivering their manifesto commitments, we are calling on the next government to immediately launch an independent public inquiry into the sewage scandal to determine what has gone so drastically wrong, and to ensure steps are taken to reshape the industry away from its catastrophic profiteering practices. Real change is needed to nurse our wild waters back to full health. With 82% of the public in favour of an independent inquiry, it’s clear this demand is the will of the people.”

Mistrust in politicians to deal with the issue of sewage pollution was highest amongst those who voted Conservative in the 2019 general election, with two thirds (63%) saying they wouldn’t trust most or any politicians to deal with the problem, compared with 60% of Liberal Democrat voters and 50% of Labour voters.

Meanwhile, appetite for an independent public inquiry was highest among Labour voters, with 92% calling for the new government to set up an inquiry into the discharge of raw sewage into UK rivers and seas, followed by 88% of Liberal Democrat voters and 82% of Conservative voters.

The polling was undertaken by YouGov, with a politically weighted sample of 2,080 UK adults.

Pro ocean surfers test the waters of wakesurfing

Pro ocean surfers test the waters of wakesurfing

What happens when ocean surfers swap the seas for lake waters? That’s one question Volvo Penta set out to answer when it brought professional surfers Alyssa Spencer and Tatiana Weston-Webb on board with professional wakesurfer Parker Payne for a special crossover event on Lake Martin in Alabama.

Parker shared wakesurfing tips for the group with Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive and Watersports Control system at the helm on three innovative boat models – the Regal LS9 Surf, Cobalt R8 Surf and Paradigm Boats wakesurf deck boat. Below we dive into a few key takeaways from their time on the water.

1. Practice makes perfect: Even seasoned surfers need a bit of time to adjust to a wave that’s powered by boat instead of Mother Nature. “I was expecting a bit of a challenge the first few waves because learning how to get up and get going was new for me,” said Spencer. “Once I got the hang of it though, it was so fun!”

2. Control breeds creativity: While the unpredictable nature of the ocean has its unique allure, the more controlled environment of wakesurfing also offers a dose of spontaneity. “The wave is pretty similar every time, so I feel like you can be really creative and have fun with it because you know you’ll always get another chance,” said Spencer. 
3. The boat brings out the fun factor: Boating delivers a unique atmosphere that even sea dwellers can appreciate. “Everything from riding the wave, to having music blaring, and your friends to cheer you on as you surf is all pretty cool,” said Spencer. “It makes the experience of a day on the lake a lot of fun.”  


4. Advantages in accessibility: Wakesurfing is a great option for those who might find themselves in a more landlocked area. Weston-Webb noted the benefits for people who don’t live near the coast: “what’s cool about wakesurfing is that it’s a lot more accessible to people in middle America and anywhere that doesn’t have oceans.” 

5. Wakesurfing is a workout: Like ocean surfing, wakesurfing is a great outlet for people to get exercise while honing their skills in a unique sport. “It’s nice because anyone can try wakesurfing, it’s a great workout and you’re getting better at something that’s really fun,” said Weston-Webb. “Maybe one day, you’ll go to the ocean and know what to do there too!”

While wakesurfing might not be in the cards for Weston-Webb this summer, as she gears up for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the sport is continuing a steady rise with new demographics that underscore the growing intersection between watersports lovers and boating enthusiasts. According to a research study conducted by Discover Boating, there are 91 million potential future boaters in identified growth and emerging segments – including those with a special interest in outdoor recreation activities.

Forward is the only way

In the spirit of bringing versatility to the forefront, Volvo Penta is cruising ahead with the idea that “Forward is the Only Way” by introducing new projects and partnerships to help drive awareness with expanded audiences. Volvo Penta strives to attract new demographics to boating by demonstrating how its Forward Drive propulsion system is setting a new standard for a variety of active lifestyle customers to enjoy surf and serenity.

“With the Volvo Penta Forward Drive system, it really allows the boat to have the power to get you out of the water quickly and creates a great wave for surfing,” said Payne. “It allows for a lot of extra room on the boat so that way you have room to chill with your friends. You can have a large sundeck and really enjoy your day on the water and maximise that experience.”

Tempted to jump in the captain’s chair or try your hand at wakesurfing? Check out the “Forward is the Only Way” story, or follow these guys on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok

Click Here for more info
dryrobe x Carve 2024 Photo of the Year

dryrobe x Carve 2024 Photo of the Year

Last years winning shot by Laurie McCall.

The dryrobe® Advance is one of the most useful products to protect cold water surf photographers. So we’re stoked that dryrobe® have come on board to sponsor the 2024 Carve Photo of the Year Comp, celebrating the unsung heroes who battle the weather to record everyone’s sessions.

Surf photographers are the unseen backbone of the cold water surf scene, enduring everything the Atlantic has to throw at them in order to capture moments of magic around our coastline for the magazine, surfers and now influencers. In the past there were only a few surf photographers and their work was revered. Now the digital age has opened up surf photography to more people but somehow most photographers remain faceless and unrecognised for their endeavours. The dryrobe x Carve 2024 Photo of the Year Competition celebrates their dedication and skills and presents their shots in all their glory on quality paper in the magazine – the best way to see it!

Back in the day, dryrobe® inventor and owner Gideon Bright and Carve Editor Steve England were part of a hardcore St Ives / St Agnes (Badlands) crew charging Porthleven and the heavier breaks of west Cornwall as well as travelling the world to place like remote Indo, Hawaii and through Europe before full time work beckoned! Steve then began at Carve Surfing Magazine and after some time in the film industry Gideon ended up inventing dryrobe® and a whole new category of changing robe. Steve still uses one of the very first dryrobes that Gideon gave him back in 2010!

“We are stoked to be able to run a comp that showcases British and Irish cold water surfing photographers because we know the dedication needed to get up on a cold winters day and head out into the teeth of an Atlantic storm,” said Steve,

“Thanks to Gideon these days days after a surf, I pull on a long-sleeve dryrobe® Advance instead of flimsy, non waterproof, half-length puffer jacket and life is much easier. I can’t wait to hand a photographer the full dryrobe® kit and make their life easier too!”

The winner will get an ultimate ‘All Seasons dryrobe® Bundle for Photographers’. Plus: Thanks to Red Bull, the winning photographer will get the chance to travel and capture a Red Bull UK surf athlete in action!

The bundle will include;
dryrobe® Advance Long Sleeve £165, dryrobe® Mid-Layer Jacket £110, dryrobe® Waterproof Poncho £120, dryrobe® Water-repellent Car Seat Covers £50, dryrobe® Thermal Boots £80, dryrobe® Thermal Gloves £40, dryrobe® Compression Backpack £95

Read Gideon’s story here.

dryrobe®, how it started vs. How it’s going.

dryrobe® also support numbers surfers and organisations including

Supporting the England junior surf team as well as team riders like Andrew Cotton, Lukas and Ben Skinner, Cal Major, Siyanda Hewitt and Sophie Hellyer.

• dryrobe® annually donate £100,000 to the RNLI
• Collaboration – a Wave Project dryrobe® is available online, 100% of the profits from each sale of this Limited Edition dryrobe go to the charity.
• Produce a custom dryrobe® Advance for Surfers Not Street Children where 100% of the profits go to the charity.
• Based in Malibu, California, A Walk On Water provides surf therapy programmes to children and their families.
• Royal Lifesaving Society.

Enter the dryrobe x Carve 2024 Photo of the Year


Our favourite time year when we celebrate Britains and Irelands best photographers and their photos. 

You don’t have to be pro, you don’t have to have the best gear, you just have to have an eye for the moment.

Every one is in with a chance and we will be running a full a gallery of the top contenders next issue. Lineups, action, portraits, show us what you got! Ever wanted your shots in print? Send them in! Know someone has super talented but a bit shy? Send their shots in! The closing date for entry is 4th July, 2024.

The Carve editorial team will select top 10-15 photos and a final winner. To Enter: Send a maximum of 5 low res photos to [email protected]

The finalists will have their shots printed in Carve and we will be picking the best photos to be printed in a full feature.

Have your cameras/shots at the ready, we can’t wait to see your creative work.
Team Carve.

The deal:

Anyone can enter a shot as long as:
  • You’re a British or Irish photographer, although the location of photos does not matter.
  • You can supply us with your best action or lifestyle shots which have been taken in the last year and are unpublished.
  • Finalists will need to send original files, provide proof of ownership and date taken using the RAW file information. Uncropped full frame files with your colour corrected/edited version.
  • The photos will need to be printed A3 with no loss of quality, so please do not crop the image.

The closing date for entry is 4th July, 2024.
The Carve editorial team will select top 10-15  photos and a final winner.

To Enter:

SEND A MAXIMUM OF 5 LOW RES PHOTOS TO  [email protected]

The prize bundle, hell yes.

T+C’s
Got to run these because law. – No cash alternatives to the prize. By entering you agree to allow Carve (Orca Publications) using your photo in the mag and online (You will be credited or tagged when we do). No one else will use your photo. We will contact those in the final selection directly. We can’t answer all messages or emails so bear with us.

How Are Things On The West Coast? PT 1

How Are Things On The West Coast? PT 1

Known for his smooth, fluid movements and a connection to the ocean, Langburne surfs with an effortless grace that sets him apart. A blend of old-school elegance and modern flair, capturing the essence of surfing’s soulful side. Langburne’s aesthetic extends beyond his surfing technique to his personal style, characterised by a laid-back attitude that echoes the timeless cool of surf culture.

Part 1 – solo surf trip from California down through Central America in 2023.
Massive thanks to all the filmers and people, listed in credits, who helped and supported in making this edit possible. Also huge thanks to the musicians and record labels for allowing the usage of the incredible songs included. – Oscar

Tamayo Perry / Epic Pipeline

Tamayo Perry / Epic Pipeline

Tamayo Perry, a revered figure in the surfing community, who sadly passed away this month, at the age of 49. Known for his, wide smile, extraordinary talent and deep connection to the ocean, Perry’s influence extended far beyond his native Hawaii. His untimely death has left a profound void in the hearts of many who loved and admired him, his spirit, and dedication to surfing. Perry’s legacy will endure in the vibrant surfing culture he helped shape and the countless lives he touched with his passion and kindness.

You can support Tamayo’s legacy via Gofundme here.