Newquay based surf magazine transitions into not-for-profit

Wavelength Surf Magazine, a staple in British surfing culture since its founding in Newquay in 1981, has transitioned into a Community Interest Company (CIC).

The magazine’s owner, Chris Thomson, who also operates 10Over Surf Shop and Longboarder Magazine, confirmed the shift after acquiring the business earlier this year.

Thomson has vowed to keep the publication in print while continuing its mission to support and showcase British surfing talent. He described the change as "the start of a new chapter in the magazine’s history," focusing on nurturing the UK’s surfing community and encouraging local talent.

As a CIC, Wavelength will reinvest all profits into initiatives that benefit the UK surf scene. This includes offering grants and scholarships for aspiring surf writers, photographers, and filmmakers, and creating accessible surfing programmes for underrepresented communities across the country.

Additionally, Wavelength plans to support grassroots surf events and launch mentorship programmes to help young creatives enter industries such as journalism, photography, and videography. A key project will also involve digitising the magazine’s complete print archive.

"Wavelength has always been about more than just the magazine, it’s about the people who shape British surf culture," said Editor-in-Chief Chris Thomson. "By becoming a not-for-profit CIC, we can more actively support the incredible talent in our community."

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