Back in 2009, more than 6,000 people gathered on a beach in Cape Town to attempt to break the world record for most people surfing one wave – they achieved exactly that, immortalising the attempt in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Out of those thousands, 450 were in the water ending up with 11o people catching the same wave at the same time, setting a new world record.
Now, the same team behind that record are brining the attempt to Newquay on September 19, 2026 – and they need to get 111 surfers all surfing at the same time at Great Western. Which, to be fair, isn’t too far from a normal day out there anyway.
The event’s organised by Dene Botha, from Earthwave, who will also put on afternoon celebrating the ocean as part of the record attempt. “The record gives us something exciting to aim for, but Earthwave has always been about the people around it,” said Dene. “Newquay has an incredible surf and beach culture, and we want to bring surfers, families, businesses and the wider community together to create something that genuinely belongs here. This is year one. We want Newquay to be able to say: we were there at the beginning.”
Just your normal weekend traffic. Photo: AVG.
Whether you’ve surfed your whole life, spent your summers on Cornish beaches, brought your children up beside the ocean or simply love being outdoors, Earthwave is calling on the community to come down and be part of it. And while Earthwave is new to Cornwall, the team behind it has done this before.
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 the same wave. That number grew to 77, 90, 99 and eventually 110 surfers in 2009, establishing the record that remains the benchmark Earthwave will attempt to beat in Newquay.
See you out there.
Alongside the record attempts, the original Earthwave grew from a three-hour community gathering into a two-day beach festival bringing together thousands of participants and spectators, national and international media attention, and an ever-growing programme of surfing, watersports, beach activities, environmental initiatives and live entertainment.
The team, volunteers and suppliers being brought together to deliver the event are Newquay and Cornwall-based, including those working across event operations, creative design, merchandise, photography, filming and the World Record Attempt itself.
For those wanting to get involved with the record attempt, you will need to register in advance or, subject to availability, on the day. Softboard and wetsuit packages will also be available for those who want to participate but don’t have the necessary equipment.
Mark Warren, Newquay BID Manager added: “For me, what makes this event particularly exciting is that it’s about so much more than surfing. It’s about community, families and everybody who enjoys the sea and the beach coming together, having a great time and being part of something really special.”
The team has also marked off Sunday 20 September, which is reserved as the contingency day should surf, weather or water-safety conditions prevent the attempt from safely taking place on Saturday.
Earthwave are also looking to the future, with the aim of the event to build something that celebrates Newquay’s position at the heart of British surfing while generating opportunities for local businesses, charities, young people, tourism and the wider Cornish community.
Now, Earniversity has now joined Earthwave as its Official Youth & Participation Partner. Their involvement is helping support the cost of participation and will use its youth, parent and education networks to encourage more young people and families to get involved. The immediate result is that rider registration is now just £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s, significantly reducing the financial barrier to participating in the attempt.
The wider beach event remains completely free to attend.
For more information and to register interest, go here. Businesses are also invited to get involved too.
