Newquay misses out on world surfing record as organisers vow to try again

Newquay has narrowly missed out on breaking the world record for the most surfers riding a single wave, with organisers pledging to make another attempt.

The inaugural Earthwave event at Great Western Beach saw an estimated 93 surfers successfully ride the same wave, falling 17 short of the existing record of 110, set in South Africa in 2009.

Around 300 surfers registered for Saturday's event, which took place in pumping surf, sunshine and blue skies.

There were multiple attempts throughout the afternoon, with organisers at one stage asking surfers to spread further out towards Newquay Harbour to accommodate the numbers taking part.

The atmosphere on the beach was electric, with crowds cheering in support as surfers waited for each wave.

Despite missing out on the record, Earthwave founder Dene Botha hailed the event as a success.

He said: "We did extremely well. The community came together. The waves and weather were fantastic. Everyone was out having a great time. We didn't break the world record, but according to our estimates, we got 93 people riding a wave."

Organisers have indicated they intend to return for another attempt at the record.

Record set in South Africa

Although Earthwave is new to Cornwall, the team behind the event has a history of organising world record surfing attempts.

Earthwave was originally established in South Africa after founders Dene and Paul Botha heard that 40 surfers had ridden the same wave simultaneously in Bali.

Their first attempt at Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town saw 70 surfers successfully ride a single wave.

The number increased through successive attempts to 77, 90 and 99, before reaching 110 in 2009, establishing the World Record that Newquay was hoping to beat.

Over time, the original Earthwave grew from a three-hour community gathering into a two-day beach festival, attracting thousands of participants and spectators.

The event also expanded to include watersports, beach activities, environmental initiatives and live entertainment, alongside the surfing record attempts.