Video by shot and edited by Oli Chapman. Produced by Jason Lock. Executive producer Chris Thomson. All photos by Nathan Benham
The winners of the inaugural Wavelength UK Surfer Awards have been announced, at a packed ceremony in Newquay, Cornwall.
Spread across 12 categories, the award were put on to honour the best of the UK surf scene and industry. The event was hosted by Sam Bleakley, editor of Longboarder Magazine and Lucia Griggi, director of Cass : ette, all a part of DYSUJO.
More than 500 people packed out the UK Surf & Skate Expo Hall, which kicked off its first day today, Friday September 12th.
Standing room only at the Expo Hall.
Chris Thomson, owner of Wavelength Magazine and CEO of DYSUJO said: “The whole aim of the awards was to bring everyone together for an evening that celebrates our British surf culture.
“There’s so much talk on a global scale of the UK being an underdog in the surf world, a lot of people wanting to punch down. But I hope these awards shows there are so many people doing brilliant things, we’re ok with what the rest of the world thinks, because this is our culture – and it’s better united.”
The winners were chosen purely by members of the public. In a heartfelt speech, winner of UK Female Surfer, Zoe Smith, said: “This is such an amazing feeling and I hope it goes to show that para surfers have a place amongst all surfers, we’re all a part of the same thing.”
Although unable to make it on the night, winner of UK Surf Photographer 2025, Luke Gartside, sent a heart-felt message, paying tribute to his time as editor of Wavelength Magazine. And how the UK surf scene has helped forge his career.
Lukas and Ben Skinner, father and son, take home five awards between them.
Meanwhile, big wave surfer Laura Crane scooped the Big Wave Surfer Female category, after a few seasons on a tirade around the likes of Nazare. “This means a lot to me, thank you so much for making this happen,” she said.
Former editor of Wavelength Magazine, Luke Gartside, took home the UK Photographer Award. “Wavelength gave me my start and I’m so grateful. Thank you everyone for voting for this award, it means a lot.”
The Skinner family took home a combined five out of the 13 awards. After winning UK Male Surfer, Lukas Skinner said: “I’ve been struggling with a few things mentally recently but had an amazing team around me to bring me back. To have this award tonight was absolutely incredible. Thank you to everyone who voted for me.”
“We’d also like to thank our sponsors and the organisers for making this all happen,” added Chris. “It was the perfect first evening for the UK Surf & Skate Expo, which will now continue into Saturday and Sunday.”
The winners of each category are highlighted in bold below.
Eco Excellence Award – sponsored by Foamlife
Yvette Curtis
Lucy Campbell
Hugo Tagholm
Tabitha McCormick
Best UK Surf Photographer, 2025 – sponsored by XtraTuf
Luke Gartside
Malcolm Anderson
Ben Hartley
Bella Bunce
Best UK Surf School, 2025 – sponsored by Moulded
Newquay Activity Centre
Surf South West
Outer Reef Surf School
Gather and Glide
Best UK Male Longboarder, 2025 – sponsored by Saxx
Ben Skinner
Mike Lay
Arthur Randell
Elliot Dudley
Best UK Female Longboarder, 2025 – sponsored by 10 Over Surf Shop
Emily Currie
Lola Bleakley
Beth Leighfield
Sylvie Puddiphat
Best UK Longboard Shaper, 2025 – sponsored by Union of Surf
Ben Skinner
Hugh Brockman
Jason Burnett
Jack Day
Best UK Shortboard Shaper, 2025 – sponsored by VISSLA
Ben Skinner
Brad Rochfort
Nigel Semmens
Markie Lascelles
Best UK Big Wave Surfer Female, 2025 – sponsored by Dryrobe
Laura Crane
Robyn Larg
Lucy Campbell
Phoebe Strachan
Best UK Big Wave Surfer Male, 2025 – sponsored by Dryrobe
Andrew Cotton
Ben Larg
Tom Lowe
Taz Knight
Best UK Under 18 Female Surfer, 2025 – sponsored by MYSTIC
Callie Cruickshank
Lila Skinner
Betsie Reay
Willow Craxton
Best UK Under 18 Male Surfer, 2025 – sponsored by FCS
Lukas Skinner
Kai Cruickshank
Fynn Gilespie
Malakai Hagley
Best UK Female Surfer, 2025 – sponsored by YETI
Zoe Smith
Alys Barton
Laura Crane
Callie Cruickshank
Best UK Male Surfer, 2025 – sponsored by YETI
Lukas Skinner
Harry Timson
Ben Skinner
Andrew Cotton
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Full wrap up video is coming in the next few days, keep your eyes peeled.
