Newquay world record surfing attempt postponed

An attempt to break the world record for the most surfers riding a single wave in Newquay has been postponed until the October half-term.

Earthwave had been due to take place at Great Western Beach on Saturday, with organisers aiming to get more than 110 surfers riding the same wave.

However, organisers said final water safety requirements and approval for the mass-participation event had taken longer to complete than anticipated.

A new date during the October half-term is now being planned.

Dene Botha, from Earthwave, said: "Safety has to come first.

"We considered adapting Earthwave into a smaller beach-only event this weekend, but ultimately that isn't what we've spent the past few months building towards — and it isn't what more than 110 Wave Riders have signed up to be part of.

"So rather than compromise the event, we're giving ourselves the additional time required to complete the process properly and deliver Earthwave as it was intended."

'A postponement, not a cancellation'

More than 110 people have already registered to take part in the record attempt.

Mr Botha said organisers would use the additional time to attract more participants and build support for the event.

"The positive is that the momentum is already there," he said.

"We now have more than 110 registered Wave Riders, a fantastic group of local partners and supporters, and growing interest around Earthwave and its arrival in Newquay.

"So we're treating this as exactly what it is: a postponement, not a cancellation."

Organisers are working with the venue, water safety team and other stakeholders to agree a new date, which they said would be announced as soon as possible.

Record set in South Africa

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

Further attempts increased the number to 77, 90 and 99, before 110 surfers took part in 2009.

It is that figure organisers hope to beat when Earthwave takes place in Newquay.

The record attempt is planned as the centrepiece of a wider event celebrating surfing and beach culture, with music, food, local businesses, charities and activities for families.