Cornwall’s top surfing stars have been invited to take part in an elite competition Down Under for the first time ever. Newquay Boardriders, the UK’s most decorated surf club, has secured an exclusive invitation to compete in the 2025 Usher Cup World Club Challenge at Australia’s iconic Snapper Rocks.
The landmark moment is the first time an English surf club has received an invitation to the elite competition. Gary Collins, vice chairman of Newquay Boardriders, which was first established in 1969, said: “This invitation represents more than just a competition entry—it’s recognition of British surfing’s evolution and Newquay’s position as a serious player on the global stage. Our selection places British surfing alongside the sport’s global elite.”
The Usher Cup World Club Challenge, scheduled for January 17 – 19, 2025, will bring together an unprecedented gathering of 42 of the world’s most distinguished surf clubs. While 25 Australian clubs will defend their home territory, Newquay Boardriders will join 16 other international clubs from surfing powerhouses, including Portugal, Hawaii, Japan, Tahiti, and New Zealand, in this invite-only showcase of global surfing talent.
Sign up to receive What’s On updates and breaking news alerts from CornwallLive straight to your inbox
Event co-founder Theodore Vairaktaris. “This event connects us all, from local boardriders to international legends, united by our shared love of the waves. With four former world champions, including Joel Parkinson, Layne Beachley, CJ Hobgood, and Kelly Slater set to compete, it’s set to be an unforgettable showdown.”
Newquay’s elite surf team includes 2024 Boardmasters Champion Lukas Skinner, who also holds British Open and Junior Champion titles; Lauren Sandland the reigning British Women’s Champion and Jowan Pegg and Fynn Gillespie with team manager Mike Durkin at the helm.
Finishing 2024 with a double British title, Lauren Sandland is ready to face the world’s best at Snapper Rocks in January 2025
(Image: Leigh Brown / Onlyfins Newquay)
Surfing legend Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, the Usher World Club challenge contest director, whose connection to British surfing spans over four decades, dating back to his 1981 competition at Fistral Beach, said: “We are stoked that two European clubs from Newquay and Portugal are joining us at Snapper Rocks for the 2025 Usher World Club Challenge.
“I have wonderful memories of many summers in Cornwall through the 80s. Sharing first place in the British Masters at Fistral with Cheyne Horan in 1981 is a special memory, as is a Top 3 finish when the event made its debut in the top tier of the ASP World Championship Tour in 1983.
“To complete the cycle 44 years later as a kind of reciprocal event is super cool. As a lifelong member of the Snapper Rocks club and a former President, the historical link with British Surfing accentuates the warm feeling I have about Newquay being represented at my home beach is shared by Theo, Usher and the host club.”
⚠️ Want the latest Cornwall breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsAppand we’ll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice⚠️