Over 100 surfers registered for World Record Attempt “Most Surfers Riding A Wave” in Newquay

EarthWave’s mass participation event is scheduled for the end of this month after a previous postponement.

The countdown for Earthwave Newquay is back on, with the day of surfing, family activities and celebrations set to take place on Saturday 31st October at Great Western Beach.

Originally founded in South Africa in 2005, Earthwave ran for nine years, achieving 110 surfers riding the same wave in 2009. Founder Dene Botha is now bringing the concept to Cornwall at the end of the month, hoping to grow it even further nationally and internationally.

The Newquay iteration of the event was originally scheduled for September 19th, but had to be postponed due to final water safety requirements and approval taking longer than expected. 

Over 100 people are now signed up, with surfers of all ages and abilities expected to come together to attempt to ride the same wave. Organisers say they hope to establish Earthwave as a major annual fixture on Newquay's events calendar and encourage surf clubs, schools, families and individuals from across Cornwall and beyond to take part.

Earthwave founder Dene Botha says "Now's the time to rally the troops.

"We've got the community, the partners, the prizes and a fantastic programme. What we want now is to see just how many people we can bring together to ride that Wave.

"This is about more than one day. It's about creating a tradition that grows year after year, bringing people together around the ocean and giving visitors another reason to come to Newquay outside the summer season."

The event has already attracted backing from Newquay BID, Love Newquay, local businesses, surf brands and community organisations. Nalu Coffee House, Whiptide and Beach Buns will also be offering support via special offers for registered Wave Riders, encouraging participants to visit and spend with Newquay businesses.

Prizes will also be up for grabs, including accommodation and dining experiences from The Nici valued at £1,000, £1,000 worth of Sola Wetsuits vouchers, a £500 golf experience from Trevose Golf Club, fitness memberships and personal training from Equation Fitness, and £400 worth of sauna experiences from Saunassa.

Additional prizes and giveaways have been contributed by Olive & Surf, Northshore Surf, Bad Penny, Sunny Days and Olla Nika.

Founder Dene Botha said: "What's been particularly exciting is seeing how the local business community has embraced Earthwave. We're not simply putting on a surfing event - we're creating something that brings people into Newquay, supports local businesses and celebrates everything that makes this town special.

"The response has been incredible, and we're determined to turn this founding event into something Newquay can be proud of for years to come."

Activities on Saturday 31 October begin at 10am, including the START & CO Dig for Gold, sand art activities, the Northshore U16 Softboard Surf-Off, music, food and family entertainment. The main Earthwave mass-participation Wave is scheduled for approximately 2pm–3pm, followed by awards, prize presentations and a beachside finale.

Organisers hope to finish the day's events by around 4pm–5pm, aiming to allow participants and visitors to enjoy Newquay's wider Halloween celebrations. The event takes place on the final Saturday of October half-term, following Newquay's Zombie Crawl on 24 October, which organisers say helps to extend the town's programme of autumn activities.

Wave Rider registration costs £10, with softboards compulsory. Spectators and families are also welcome to attend the wider beach event.

You can register and find the full programme here: www.earthwave.surf