2000s

British society recognises surfing as a mainstream sport. Web cams and surfing websites mean that more people can access surf culture. UK surfers take the new frontier of big wave riding to a global stage.

Surfers

Surf spots

Sarah Bentley

Sarah Bentley grew up surfing in South Wales but now lives in Porthtowan, Cornwall. She has competed Britain in the World Surfing Games in 2004 and has been an ambassador for several surfing brands.

Ben Skinner

Ben Skinner, AKA “Skindog” has been surfing since the age of 3, originally in Jersey, but then in Cornwall. His dad, Steve Skinner encouraged him. Ben has won numerous British and European titles and won 2nd in the World Surfing Games.

Sam Lamiroy

British National open champion in 2003 and 2006 and 16th in the world at the 2006 ISA world games, Sam Lamiroy learnt to surf in Tynemouth, Newcastle aged 10.

Sam Bleakley

Sam Bleakley took up longboarding in the early 1990s and became European champion. The son of Alan ‘Fuz’ Bleakely, he lives in Gwenver, nr Sennen. He started surfing with his father aged 5.

Sam Bleakley

Sam Bleakley took up longboarding in the early 1990s and became European champion. The son of Alan ‘Fuz’ Bleakely, he lives in Gwenver, nr Sennen. He started surfing with his father aged 5.

Dan (Mole) Joel

Dan Joel, AKA: Mole is known for the big wave riding he did on the West Coast of Ireland in his early 30s (2008). A Porthleven boy, he was inspired by older guys like Budgie, Bernie, Milky and Dave Burr who were riding the reef.