LISTEN AGAIN: Organisers vow to make Earthwave an annual event after Newquay surfing success

Monday, 2 November 2026 at 10:13

Organisers of Newquay's Earthwave surfing event have announced plans to make it an annual celebration of surfing and community, following a successful debut at Great Western Beach.

Around 300 surfers registered for Saturday's event, which attracted large crowds to the beach for an attempt to break the world record for the most people riding a single wave.

Although the existing record of 110 surfers, set in South Africa in 2009, remains unbeaten, organisers say the event has laid the foundations for a bigger annual celebration in Newquay.

Great Western Beach was packed with spectators, with crowds gathering along the walkway and at viewpoints overlooking the sea to watch the action.

With sunshine, blue skies and excellent surfing conditions, participants of all ages took to the water for a series of attempts throughout the afternoon.

On the fifth wave, an initial count recorded 93 surfers riding simultaneously, just 17 short of the world record.

The attempts were met with cheers from spectators, as surfers gathered in the water waiting for the signal to catch each wave.

Radio Newquay was there. Listen again to our report from Great Western Beach...

Check out these images kindly shared with Radio Newquay by Dan Davison of dan-davison.com

Previous image Next image

1 of 7

Previous image Next image

More Galleries

Newquay Fire Station Open Day 2026

Two fire appliances left the station on Tregunnel Hill following reports of an incident at a derelict hotel in Newquay. The incident was found to be a false alarm, but the callout gave visitors a real-life demonstration of the crew’s rapid response and t

RNLI Lifeboat Day 2026 at Newquay Harbour. Photos by Michelle Johnson

Credit: dan-davison.com

More from Newsplus Newquay News

Newquay Minor Injury Unit's November reopening shelved as closure continues

Newquay's Minor Injury Unit is set to remain closed, just days before it was due to reopen.
RNLI issues winter coastal safety advice as lifeguard season comes to an end

The RNLI is reminding people to take extra care around the coast this winter as its lifeguard patrols come to an end on beaches across Newquay and Cornwall.
Newquay mayor Drew Creek leaves Green Party to join Labour

Audio

The Mayor of Newquay and Cornwall councillor for Newquay Trenance, Drew Creek, has left the Green Party and joined the Labour and Co-operative Party following a controversial motion passed at the Greens' national conference.
Appeal to help elderly Staffy find new home after owner's death

St Francis Dogs Home is appealing for donations towards dental treatment for a ten-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier whose owner has died.
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.
Budget points to big changes for Cornwall

Cornwall is in the final stages to become a single strategic authority under government devolution plans.
Developer given suspended jail sentence over 25,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste near Newquay

A Cornwall developer has received a four-month curfew and has been ordered to clean up an illegal waste dump that they caused near Newquay, following an Environment Agency prosecution.
Person rescued by RNLI lifeboat at Crantock

A person has been rescued by lifeboat after getting into difficulty at Crantock.
Newquay Mayor holds talks with Edinburgh Council over potential tourist tax

Audio

Newquay's Mayor has held discussions with the City of Edinburgh Council about its visitor levy and how a similar scheme could benefit Newquay.
Cornwall Council responds to Reform UK’s plea for ‘transparency’ meeting

Cornwall Council has responded after Reform UK councillors formally requested a public all-member briefing on Cornwall Council’s finances, senior leadership arrangements and financial resilience.
New measures to support Cliff Road and Station Parade businesses announced

It follows recent meetings discussing the impact of ongoing Mid Cornwall Metro works.
Quintrell Road closes for three weeks as Nansledan roadworks begin

Quintrell Road in Newquay has closed for nearly three weeks as work begins on a series of road safety improvements around Nansledan.
Council tax ‘loophole’ costing Cornwall millions is ‘almost criminal’

A legal ‘loophole’ which allows second homeowners to flip their properties to short-term holiday lets and then claim back council tax refunds for as far back as 33 years ago has been branded ‘almost criminal’ by Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for resources.
Wave Project wetsuit recycling scheme wins national award

A scheme which gives unwanted wetsuits a second life while supporting young people through surf therapy has won a national award.
Newquay MP to hold public meeting over antisocial behaviour concerns

Newquay's MP is inviting residents to share their concerns about antisocial behaviour at a public meeting involving police and local organisations.
No 10 North meeting points to Cornwall ‘moving into the future’

A meeting between Cornwall’s MPs, its council leadership and members of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s team at No 10 North yesterday points to Cornwall moving into the future, according to Cornwall Council’s Liberal Democrat leader Leigh Frost.
Call for emergency meeting to discuss ‘serious concern’ at Cornwall Council

There has been a call for an emergency meeting at Cornwall Council after ‘serious concern’ was raised following the resignation of three senior officers within a week which also saw questions asked about the local authority’s finances.
Reusable spaceplanes could soon take off from Newquay

It comes after a new agreement signed with space transportation company Dawn Aerospace
Newquay Dramatic Society celebrates double win at Cornwall theatre awards

A Newquay theatre group is celebrating after picking up two awards at the Cornwall Drama Association Theatre Festival.
New reuse shop opens at Newquay recycling centre

A new shop selling second-hand goods has opened at Newquay's Household Waste Recycling Centre, giving unwanted items a second life and offering shoppers the chance to pick up a bargain.

Now Playing

LISTEN AGAIN: Organisers vow to make Earthwave an annual event after Newquay surfing success

Share

Share

More from Newsplus Newquay News

Now Playing