Earthwave organisers urge Newquay to get behind surfing world record attempt

Organisers of a surfing world record attempt in Newquay say they want as many people as possible to get involved when the event takes place later this month.

Earthwave founder Dene Botha has told Radio Newquay the aim is to get the whole community behind the attempt at Great Western Beach on Saturday 19 September – whether they are taking to the water or watching from the beach.

The challenge is to get more than 110 surfers riding the same wave at the same time, breaking a benchmark set by Earthwave in South Africa in 2009.

The wider beach event will be free to attend, with organisers hoping surfers, families, young people, local businesses, clubs and groups of friends will all play a part.

Speaking to Radio Newquay, Mr Botha said the event was increasingly becoming what organisers had hoped for – a community coming together around an unusual challenge.

"The closer we get, the more this is becoming exactly what we hoped Earthwave would be - a community getting behind one slightly ridiculous challenge and seeing just how big we can make it," he said.

"For this Founding Event, participation is everything.

"110 is the number to beat, but we don't want to scrape past it. We want to see just how big a wave Newquay can create."

People can listen to Radio Newquay's conversation with Dene Botha about the record attempt, how people can take part and the plans for the day.

PRESS PLAY to hear our chat with Dene Botha from Earthwave...

Cost of taking part reduced

Organisers have also announced that the cost of joining the record attempt has been reduced, as part of efforts to encourage more people into the water.

Registration is now £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s.

The reduction follows Earniversity joining Earthwave as its Official Youth and Participation Partner.

The organisation, which works with young people to develop practical skills, confidence, employability and entrepreneurship, is helping to support the cost of participation and promote the event through its youth, parent and education networks.

Zosia Matuszczyk, Head of Brand and Growth at Earniversity, said: "We wanted our involvement to have a tangible impact, so we're helping reduce the cost of taking part and encouraging young people and families to get off the beach and onto the wave.

"If we can help make this experience accessible to more people, while bringing a new generation into something the whole Newquay community can get behind, that's a partnership we're incredibly proud to support."

People who registered before the price reduction will be offered a refund of the difference or can use their existing credit to bring additional friends or family members.

From 70 surfers to 110

Earthwave began at Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town in 2005, when 70 surfers rode the same wave.

Subsequent attempts saw that number increase to 77, 90 and 99 before 110 surfers took part in 2009.

It is that figure Newquay will attempt to beat later this month.

The world record attempt will be the centrepiece of a wider event featuring surfing, beach culture, music, food, local businesses, charities and activities for families.

Newquay Boardriders are supporting the event through the local surfing community, while The Wave Project is Earthwave's charity partner. Wavelength is also helping promote the attempt to the wider surfing community.

The event takes place at Great Western Beach on Saturday 19 September.

Sunday 20 September has been reserved as a contingency day if conditions prevent the attempt from taking place safely on the Saturday.

PRESS PLAY to hear our chat with Dene Botha from Earthwave...