Pasties, pints, live voting and a gigantic gathering of some of the UK surf scene’s biggest movers and shakers. Welcome to the Wavelength UK Surfer Awards 2026, as captured by devilishly handsome photographer, Nathan Benham.
The awards took place on Friday July 24, at a packed out Wax Gym, aka the Expo Hall site for the UK Surf & Skate Expo, which run over the next few days. Scroll through for a look-back at the biggest night on the UK surfing calendar. Ready for next year?
Winner: Exo-Excellence Individual presented by Duchy of Cornwall, Hugo Tagholm.
Winner: Eco-Excellence Award, Brand, presented by Rising Tide: Waterhaul.
Winner, Surf Photographer of the year, presented by Reef: Bella Bunce, who was also on hosting duty.
Winner, Surf School of the Year, presented by 10 Over Surf Shop: Kingsley Surf Academy.
Longboarder Male surfer of the year, presented by Arcade Belts: Mike Lay.
Beth Leighfield couldn’t make it due to competing in Spain, but scooped Female Longboarder of the Year award, presented by Arcade Belts.
The Skingdog crew scooped Longboard Shaper of the Year award, presented by Longboarder Magazine.
Nigel Semmens honoured all elements of shaping during his acceptance speech for Shortboard Shaper of the Year, presented by Simpel Wetsuits.
Barely a dry eye in sight, Laura Crane’s emotive and powerful speech left everyone speechless. Big Wave Surfer — Female, presented by Authentic Brew.
The North East’s Louis Thomas-Hudson is officially the Big Wave Surfer of the Year, Male, presented by Mystic.
Lila Skinner scooped the U18 Female category, presented by Ann’s Pasties, who kept the crowd fuelled through the evening.
A young man on a mission, Isaac Friend is surfing every day for Children In Need and bagged the U18 Male Surfer category, presented by Dakine.
And then, the live voting element. The 5G overlords shined down on us to make this happen. Belle Betteridge won the Newquay Boardriders Expression Session, presented by YETI after the votes were counted. Anyone on the beach that day would find this decision hard to disagree with. With hosts Bella Bunce and Jason Lock.
In an emotional speech, Lucy Campbell won Best Female Surfer of the Year, presented by YETI.
Meet Leven, Lukas’ kid bro, who accepted Best Male Surfer of the Year Award, presented by YETI, on Lukas’ behalf, who was not feeling on the night.
That’s a wrap. See you in 2027! For anyone wanting to support the awards, get in touch with… me! [email protected] thank you.
