93 surfers, one wave and one incredible day: Earthwave makes its mark on Newquay

2nd November 2026

Great Western Beach was certainly the place to be on Saturday 31 October, as hundreds of surfers, spectators and supporters came together for Earthwave's inaugural UK event.

The aim? To break the world record for the most surfers riding a single wave.

And while the existing record of 110 surfers remained intact, the event delivered something pretty special in its own right.

With glorious sunshine, fantastic waves and an incredible atmosphere, approximately 300 surfers registered to take part, with participants travelling from across the UK and beyond. Some even made the journey from Germany, Amsterdam and Switzerland, while one Newquay-born surfer flew all the way home from Hong Kong especially for the occasion.

The beach was absolutely packed, with spectators lining the Great Western Walkway, filling nearby viewpoints and gathering as far as Barrowfields to watch the action unfold. At times, it felt like the whole of Newquay had turned out.

And they certainly had something to cheer about.

So, how close did they get?

The fifth wave of the day produced the best result, with an initial count of 93 surfers successfully riding the same wave.

That's just 17 short of the existing world record, set by Earthwave in Muizenberg, South Africa, back in 2009.

While the record-breaking moment wasn't quite meant to be this time, the excitement in the water and the cheers from the beach made for an unforgettable spectacle.

More than just a world record attempt

Earthwave was about much more than getting as many surfers as possible onto one wave. The event brought together all ages, abilities and generations for a full day of surfing, entertainment and family fun.

The Northshore Softboard Surf-Off, presented by Newquay Boardriders, saw around 40 under-16s take to the water, showcasing some fantastic young talent and plenty of enthusiasm.

On the sand, the Start & Co. Dig for Gold competition kept 36 children under the age of 10 busy hunting for hidden treasures, with prizes generously donated by local businesses.

There was also music, food, giveaways, entertainment and a charity raffle supporting The Wave Project.

Across the event, approximately 40 local businesses and community interest companies got involved, contributing to a prize pool worth around £6,000.

It's a fantastic example of what can happen when local businesses, organisations and the wider community get behind something.

A huge effort from the Newquay community

From the organisers and volunteers to the local businesses, sponsors, water safety teams and everyone who came along to support, Earthwave was a real community effort.

Newquay BID and Mark Warren were recognised by organisers for their support in bringing the event to life, alongside ERA Adventures and Newquay Boardriders, who helped coordinate water safety and the mass surfing attempt.

The event also received fantastic media coverage, with BBC Cornwall, ITV West Country, Surf Magazine, Wavelength Magazine and local radio all reporting on the occasion.

And it wasn't just the beach that was busy. Nearby businesses and viewing spots reported an incredible turnout, with Great Western Beach Café describing it as the greatest day the café had ever had!

Just the beginning for Earthwave

Founded by South African surfer and entrepreneur Dene Botha, Earthwave first made its mark in Cape Town, progressively pushing the world record to 110 surfers on a single wave in 2009.

Seventeen years later, its arrival in Newquay marks the beginning of a new chapter, with organisers hoping to establish the event as an annual celebration of surfing, ocean culture and community.

Reflecting on the day, Dene described the response as an overwhelming success, explaining that the real measure of the event was never solely about breaking the record, but about bringing people together and creating something that the community would want to be part of again.

And with that in mind, it sounds like the foundations have well and truly been laid.

The record is still waiting to be broken, but Earthwave has certainly made its mark on Newquay.

Were you there?

If you attended Earthwave, there's still time to share your favourite moments!

The Shaka Studios Capture Earthwave photography competition is inviting everyone to submit their photographs from the day, with winners due to be announced on Wednesday 4 November.

Whether you captured the mass wave, the young surfers in action or simply a brilliant day on the beach, organisers would love to see your photos.

Find out more and submit your entries at www.earthwave.surf.

Here's to the next one!