The 2025 English Interclub Surfing Championships, set to take place in Porthtowan, Cornwall, were abruptly cancelled on Saturday due to a significant sewage discharge into the water. Over 140 surfers from across the country were preparing to compete in what were described as "perfect competition conditions" with clean three-to-five-foot waves.
Event Disruption
Organizers from Surfing England announced the cancellation after being informed by lifeguards that the beach had been red-flagged due to the pollution. Competitors were asked to leave the water immediately, prioritizing their health and safety.
- Cancellation: The 2025 English Interclub Surfing Championships were called off mid-event.
- Reason: A sewage discharge into the sea at Porthtowan beach.
- Participants: Over 140 surfers from clubs nationwide.
- Conditions: Waves were ideal for competition (3-5ft).
Cause of Pollution
South West Water (SWW), the responsible water company, stated that their storm overflow at Porthtowan activated due to heavy rainfall in the area, in accordance with their permits. However, some surfers and campaign groups questioned this explanation, suggesting the rainfall was not severe enough to warrant such a discharge.
Community Reaction and Calls for Action
Surfing England expressed devastation at having to end the event early, highlighting the impact of water pollution on the sport and coastal communities. They reiterated calls for urgent government action to address water quality issues.
Campaign manager for Surfers Against Sewage, Rob Abrams, criticized the water company’s justification, emphasizing the need for water companies to prioritize public and environmental benefit over private profit. The incident has fueled frustration within the surfing community regarding the frequency and impact of sewage spills.
Sources
- Surf championships in Porthtowan cancelled due to pollution, BBC.
- Raw Sewage Cancels English Surf Contest in ‘Perfect’ Waves, SURFER Magazine.
- English Surf Competition Canceled Due to Sewage Discharge, The Inertia.
- English surf contest cancelled after sewage plant dumps "poo and pee" into lineup, BeachGrit.com.
