Surfing England Junior Series launches for 2025
We’re stoked to announce the Surfing England Junior Surf Series is back for 2025. The 5 stop series, plus the finale event is run in collaboration with our amazing Affiliated Surf Clubs and the support of brand-new headline sponsors Boardmasters Foundation, and continued support from RYD.
“Surfing has always been at the heart of Boardmasters. It’s the foundation the festival was first built on, and we’re proud to honour that continued legacy as headline partner of the Surfing England Junior Series. Thanks to generous donations from our incredible attendees, the Boardmasters Foundation is able to give back to the surf community in a meaningful way. We’re committed to supporting the next generation of surf talent, and championing surf culture across the UK.” Andrew Topham, Boardmasters
The focus of the series is to provide a fun introduction to competitive surfing for u14s, working with some of the country’s most legendary surf clubs and the amazing volunteers who make grassroots surfing happen. Surfing England are continuing to provide some financial and practical support to the series. We are very excited to be working with a mix of new surf clubs to the series, as well as some of the fantastic clubs we have worked with before. We are all so excited to be holding the Newquay event at the same time as the UK Surf Skate Expo which is taking place over the weekend which will be even more exposure and fun during that event.
“It’s so exciting to see this series go from strength to strength, and in the other competitions it’s obvious to see how much this is pushing these young athletes forward in their development, with some fantastic results throughout Uk and Europe. We are hugely excited to be working with our new headline partner Boardmasters foundation who are putting so much back into the sport, as well as the great partnership with RYD things will continue to develop”
Great to see we will be going to new venues such as Bantham on the south coast, connecting with new surf clubs where we are able to work alongside them, share skills and build relationships. One of the highlights of last year was finally putting an event on the north-east and we are excited to be once again going back there, and we are convinced this year it will be even more popular up there, growing on the strength of last year. A huge thank you for all your support during his first three years, the surf clubs, the volunteers and of course the surfers and their support groups, excited for the future. A huge thank you” Phil Williams, Series Lead for Surfing England
Location and date list
South Shields Surf Club – Saturday 31st May (Back up 1st June)
Bude Waveriders – Saturday 28th June (Back up 29th June)
Croyde Surf Club – Saturday 6th September (Back up 7th September)
Newquay Boardriders/UK Surf Expo – Saturday 13th September (Back up 14th September)
Bantham Boardriders – Saturday 11th October (Back up 12th October)
Finals – Tuesday 28th October – Venue TBC
Building the future
The events continue to grow in popularity which has given us a real challenge to try to make sure that we can complete the contest in one day, whilst at the same time maximising the number of entrants. From the feedback received we also are aware that some people have found it difficult to get the entries in before it’s too late so as a result of both of those that the points we have slightly amended the format for this year.
There will be more details to follow, but in simple terms the entries will open four weeks before the chosen date and will close two weeks before the contest is scheduled, the vast majority of surfers will then be confirmed in good time if they are entered or on the reserve list. Once a surfer has entered two events priority will be given to those who have not yet been successful however it is still important to enter as if the event is not full the entries will be accepted on a date of application order.
If we have a full event in all four categories, we will be running five person heats in the first round with two going through, and that is the only way we can ensure that we complete a day and maximise the numbers. Since the series began, we have seen a significant increase in girls entering the event which is fantastic and fulfilled one of the goals of the event to encourage more participation.
FAQs
Sounds amazing – how do I enter?
Entry for each event will be via the ‘live heats’ portal via Surfing England, we have tried to keep the cost as low as possible so have decided there will be no price increase this so, so entries will cost £15. The majority of this goes to the hosting Surf club. The announcements on entry opening will be made in advance via club and Surfing England social media, with instructions on how to enter. Spaces will be limited due to the volume of heats that can be run in one day.
What if I do not belong to a surf club?
The events are open to all. Each club can reserve 50% of spaces for members, the rest are available on a first come, first served basis. Get in quick as we expect high demand.
Can I volunteer or help?
Yes! These events are only possible with the help of many volunteers. Please contact the host club direct if you want to help at an event.
What is the format?
4 divisions: U14 boys, U14 girls, U12 boys, U12 girls with a max 24 heats (20-minute heats, wherever possible) running through the day. Ages are as of 31st December 2025 (following ISA guidelines on age categories). A maximum of 16 surfers in each division, but this may be reduced to 15 if all the categories are full.
Why does the event not cover U16’s and U18’s?
After talking to the surf clubs and other partners it was thought that a one-day event format was still the best way forward given the limited capacity and resources we have, so sadly we cannot increase to further age groups.
Will the events be using LiveHeats so that we can follow if we cannot be there on the day?
This depends on the club, and the mobile phone signal. Most will use Liveheats, others might opt to run on paper tabulation with print outs of progressions. The main focus is the Club is comfortable in how they run and for those that wish to try LiveHeats the option is available.
Will there be an overall tour winner?
The winners of each age division will be invited to a final’s day at the end of October. The finals day will be in team format full of opportunities to develop skills, surf with pros and generally have a blast, rather than crowing a specific series winner. Full details on exact format to come.
Anything else I should know?
All participants need to be members of either the host club or Surfing England – so if you’re not a member, get signed up!
Surfing England Membership includes personal accident insurance for surfing worldwide (including wave pools!), as well as great discounts and the latest news direct to your inbox. Junior Membership is just £18/year. Click here to join.
More queries?
Please send us an email to juniorseries@surfingengland.org
