Back in 2009, the quest for surfing world records wasn’t as prominent as it was these days. Mike Parsons held the record for biggest wave ever surfed, a stunning display at Cortez Bank – but the conversation around smashing that feat didn’t continue until Garrett McNamara put Nazare on the map.
It meant that other ways to break world records were prominent. And almost 20-years-ago now, more than 6,000 people gathered in Cape Town in an attempt to get as many on the same wave as possible. They did it, 450 people in the water and 110 of them surfing one wave at the same time.
Now, the team behind that feat are attempting to break their own record. This time, not in South Africa, but in the south west of the UK, the surf town of Newquay. Specifically, on Great Western Beach, where some of the country’s first surfers ever paddled out back in the 60s.
The attempt will take place on September 19th and organisers need to get 111 people in the water, at the same time, on the same wave.
The event’s organised by the team at Earthwave, who will also put on afternoon celebrating the ocean as part of the record attempt. Dene Botha, organiser, said: “The record gives us something exciting to aim for, but Earthwave has always been about the people around it. Newquay has an incredible surf and beach culture, and we want to bring surfers, families, businesses and the wider community together to create something that genuinely belongs here. This is year one. We want Newquay to be able to say: we were there at the beginning.” Earthwave is calling for as many surfers as possible to smash the world record.
Earthwave was originally established in South Africa after founders Dene and Paul Botha heard that 40 surfers had ridden the same wave simultaneously in Bali.
Their first attempt at Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town saw 70 surfers successfully ride the same wave. That number grew to 77, 90, 99 and eventually 110 surfers in 2009, establishing the record that remains the benchmark Earthwave will attempt to beat in Newquay.
For those wanting to get involved with the record attempt, you will need to register in advance or, subject to availability, on the day. Softboard and wetsuit packages will also be available for those who want to participate but don’t have the necessary equipment.
The team has also marked off Sunday 20 September, which is reserved as the contingency day should surf, weather or water-safety conditions prevent the attempt from safely taking place on Saturday.
For more information and to register interest, go here. Businesses are also invited to get involved too.