Green light for Newquay world record surfing attempt as 200 register

A world record surfing attempt in Newquay has been given the go-ahead after organisers confirmed that around 200 surfers have registered to take part.

Earthwave Newquay will take place at Great Western Beach on Saturday 31 October, following a review of the latest weather and surf forecasts.

Organisers, working alongside water safety specialists ERA Adventures, Newquay Boardriders and Great Western Beach, said conditions were looking favourable for the event.

The attempt will see surfers try to break the world record for the most people riding a single wave together.

The existing record of 110 surfers was set at Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2009.

Around 200 participants have registered for Saturday's attempt, including volunteers and invited surfers.

Organisers said moderate surf conditions, with waves around waist height, were expected.

'Green light'

Earthwave founder Dene Botha welcomed the decision to proceed.

He said: "GREEN LIGHT. LET'S RIDE! I can't tell you how good it feels to finally say those words.

"We've been watching the forecasts closely, working with our incredible water safety team at ERA Adventures and local partners, and everything is lining up beautifully for Saturday.

"And 200 registered Wave Riders?! That's just EPIC! After everything we've been through to get here, seeing that kind of support from the surfing community is genuinely humbling."

Mr Botha said the event was about more than breaking a world record, bringing people together to celebrate surfing and the ocean.

The event had originally been scheduled for September but was postponed.

The world record attempt is due to take place at 14:00, subject to final water safety clearance.

Family activities

A programme of activities will begin at Great Western Beach from 10:00, with music, food, entertainment and competitions planned throughout the day.

The Start & Co. Dig for Gold activity, aimed at children aged 10 and under, will begin at 11:00, offering youngsters the chance to search for prizes hidden in the sand.

At midday, Newquay Boardriders will present the Northshore Softboard Surf-Off, a competition for under-16s featuring 30-minute heats and prizes.

Visitors will also be able to take part in a photography competition, Capture Earthwave, with winners due to be announced on Wednesday 4 November.

The Wave Project will hold a charity raffle, with the draw scheduled for Monday 2 November. The charity uses surfing to support young people's wellbeing.

Mr Botha said the support received following September's postponement had been encouraging.

He added: "The support we've received since then has been phenomenal. From our water safety team and event partners to local businesses, volunteers and every single person who's signed up, this has been a real community effort."

Spectators and families are welcome to attend the event.

Organisers said limited places remained for the children's activities, which can be booked through the Earthwave website.

Further information is available at www.earthwave.surf.