We are proud to present our 2026 Under-16 and Under-18 English National Champions, who battled it out for an unforgettable day of competition at the Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Championships.
Our competition round-up
As the podium ceremonies took place at 4pm under glorious sunshine and light winds, it was hard to believe this was the same beach that greeted competitors at 8am. The day began with challenging conditions, as the Under-16 boys paddled out on a dropping tide into gusting winds and light rain that felt more reminiscent of a winter storm than a summer championship event. However, as the competition progressed and the stakes rose, Fistral Beach delivered, producing clean 3–4ft sets and improving conditions that set the stage for a spectacular finals day.
The standard of surfing throughout the event was exceptional, with athletes across all divisions showcasing the depth of talent within English surfing. Every competitor arrived with one goal in mind – to become an English National Champion. After a day of intense heats and standout performances, our champions were crowned.
Results
Under-16 Girls
1st – Lila Skinner
2nd – Martha Edwards
3rd – Annie Nicholls
4th – Coco Arthur
Under-16 Boys
1st – Cairo Garcia
2nd – Seb Whiteley
3rd – Jensen Martin
4th – Harley Miller
Under-18 Girls
1st – Willow Smith
2nd – Sunny Ingram
3rd – Kaja Millward
4th – Harlyn Sykes
Under-18 Boys
1st – Heath Gillespie
2nd – Jago Tasker
3rd – Isaac Friend
4th – Joel Nicholson
Stand-out performances
Several surfers delivered standout performances throughout the day. In the challenging morning conditions, Seb Whiteley found a diamond in the rough, scoring an impressive 8.17 on a chunky section to secure his place in the semi-finals. His combined heat total of 15.84 stood as the highest heat score of the competition before midday and set the benchmark for the rest of the field.
In the Under-18 Boys division, Joel Nicholson continued his impressive progression after moving up from the Under-16 ranks, where he previously claimed the Grom Search title. He demonstrated confidence and maturity throughout the event, delivering powerful surfing all the way to the final. Despite a determined effort, he was unable to find the scoring opportunities he needed in the closing stages of the competition.
The girls divisions creating tight competition.
Sunny Ingram also impressed in the Under-18 Girls division, consistently posting strong scores with powerful turns and keeping the pressure on her competitors throughout the day. However, it was Willow Smith who proved untouchable in the final. A superb 8.50 on her last wave secured both the championship title and the highest single-wave score of the event, capping off a remarkable performance.
Lila Skinner displayed consistency and composure throughout the Under-16 Girls division, carrying her momentum all the way to the final. Despite strong challenges from Annie Nicholls, Martha Edwards and Coco Arthur, Skinner rose to the occasion and secured the title of 2026 Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Champion.
In the Under-16 Boys division, Cairo Garcia’s determination was evident from the very start. The first surfer in the water that morning, he was already free surfing before registration had even opened. That commitment paid off as he progressed through each round and delivered a commanding performance in the final. Staying active and capitalising on every scoring opportunity, Garcia claimed his first English National Championship title in impressive fashion.
Thank you!
We are incredibly proud of every athlete who competed. Reaching the podium at a national championship is no small achievement, and the level of performance across both Under-16 and Under-18 divisions was outstanding. Beyond the results, the event showcased the strength of England’s surfing community—from athletes and coaches to families, friends and supporters who contribute so much to each competitor’s journey.
Become a Surfing England member and support English Surfing:
As a member, you’re:
- Covered by our worldwide personal accident cover wherever you surf, including in wave pools
- Issued with a personalised digital membership card, where you can access amazing discounts with our partner brands (including 30% off Surfline Premium, 10% off Dryrobe and C-MONSTA, 35% off Kukuna sunnies, and many more)
- Helping to protect and shape the future of English surfing – because we’re a not-for-profit, every penny you spend as a member goes back into funding the sport you love. From our grassroots surf clubs, affiliated schools, and coaches, through to our Team England athletes, Para and Junior teams: when you join us, you become part of our thriving, nationwide surf community
- Making the lineup a fairer, cleaner, safer place for all, through our Inclusive Lineups Committee, and our partnerships with the Clean Watersports Alliance, Surfers Against Sewage and the North Devon World Surfing Reserve
Membership is just £20 per year for juniors, and £28 per year for adults. Families can join for just £75 per year, or you can join through your local surf club. Find out more, check your membership status or sign up HERE.
If you require any support with Membership, please email: membership@surfingengland.org
More members. More impact. More stoke. See you in the lineup!
Partners
A further thank you to our fantastic headline event partner Caravan and Motorhome Club. Thanks to our partners dryrobe, Kukuna, The Wave, dryrobe, Moulded Earplugs, Radical Wax, Surfline and Wavelength.
Thank you to Fistral Beach who will host us for the April English National Surfing Championship event. Thanks to Era Adventures for the Lifeguard Cover.
Contact us
For all media enquiries, please contact our Social and Content Lead, Alex: alex@surfingengland.org
For all general event enquiries, please contact Events Manager, Lauren: lauren@surfingengland.org
For all partnership/sponsorship opportunities with Surfing England, please contact CEO of Surfing England Ben at ben@surfingengland.org
