GB Surfing Statement on 2025 GB Cup Finals and Future of the British Championships

Please see announcement from GB Surfing, Sad news that the final will not take place but a huge achievement for Owen and Nathan who both reached the final.

GB Surfing would like to provide an update regarding the 2025 GB Cup Finals and our future involvement in the delivery of the British Championships.

Over recent months, GB Surfing has worked extensively to identify a suitable date to deliver the 2025 GB Cup Finals. Despite exploring a range of potential options, it has not been possible to secure a solution that would allow the event to be delivered at the appropriate competitive standard.

Following discussion at a recent Board meeting, and after carefully considering factors including athlete availability, fairness of competition, logistical challenges, and the financial implications of delivering a standalone event, the Board concluded that it would not be possible to stage a final under the required conditions. As a result, the 2025 GB Cup Finals will not take place.

All remaining qualified competitors will therefore be awarded an equal finishing position. GB Surfing’s Contest Team will contact the affected athletes directly to confirm how these placements will be applied in accordance with International Surfing Association regulations.

At the same time, GB Surfing has been undertaking a detailed review of its performance strategy as the organisation focuses on qualification for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 and builds towards medal contention at Brisbane 2032. Our priority is to ensure that resources are aligned with delivering the strongest possible pathway for British surfers to compete and succeed on the world stage.

Since GB Surfing assumed responsibility for delivering the national championship in 2023, the financial landscape has changed. Given current budget constraints and the strategic prioritisation required to meet our Olympic performance objectives with UK Sport, the GB Surfing Board has taken the decision to relinquish its role as co-host of the British Championships from 2026 onwards.

This means that GB Surfing will no longer be able to commit financial or operational resources to the delivery of the event. This decision has not been taken lightly. While we will be stepping back from an operational and financial role, we remain committed to exploring opportunities to secure commercial partners or alternative investment that could help sustain and grow the event in the years ahead.