Surfing GB is the successor to the British Surfing Association (BSA) which was founded in 1966 to promote the sport of surfing in Britain. Formed at the end of 2010, Surfing GB is a not for profit membership driven organisation that is taking experience from the past and inspiration from the present to enhance the future of Surfing in the UK. We are a democratic membership organisation working towards National Governing Body and Charitable Status- if you are a surfer it is here for YOU.

The principal functions of Surfing GB is to provide membership to individual surfers, surf clubs and surf schools and to provide structure and guidelines to ensure that surfing is being practiced in a safe and fun environment and for everyone to enjoy. Surfing GB’s other key aims are: to support and improve performance  to enable British Surfing and Surfers to remain internationally competitive; to raise money; inform and educate; and allocate funds, as well as provide greater accessibility to the sport.  Surfing GB has also been recognised by the International Surfing Association (ISA), European Surfing Federation and their member Federations (Wales, Scotland and Ireland).

To achieve our goals, Surfing GB focuses on 8 key tasks:

1. 1.      Increase participation in all age groups with a strong focus on young people (Under 24):Assist surf clubs and surf schools using fully qualified instructors to promote and deliver surf lessons to beginners, intermediate and advance level of surfers. Surfing GB also aims to increase knowledge, awareness and access to participation in educational establishments throughout the Great Britain.

1. 2.      Coaching and qualifications: Surfing GB is responsible for the development of the UK Coaching Framework and Coaching and Judging Awards for surfing.

1. 3.      Surf Clubs: Surf Clubs are at the core of grass roots surfing in the UK.  Surfing GB aims to support local clubs by offering resources and information, enabling them to be effectively recruit and retain volunteers and/or members (of all ages); as well as establishing long term development plans for their club. 

1. 4.      Events: Surfing GB strive to deliver a programme of competitions (for all levels of the sport)  and qualifying events at National  level and is also responsible for the selection, training and administration of our GB Teams.

1. 5.      Performance: Surfing GB designs competition formatting and officiating in line with the ISA regulations, promoting international standards and allowing competitors to prepare for international competition. Surfing GB also works closely with the UK Professional Surf Association to ensure the validity and accuracy of National Rankings, whilst Surfing GB also aims to develop elite athletes with the ability to succeed at the highest international performance level.

1. 6.      Places: Surfing GB works across Great Britain to develop surfing and provide the consistent service and structures required to enable safe and effective delivery of the sport for surf clubs, surf schools, educational establishments for all ages, primary school to university, coaches and/or individuals.

1. 7.      Heritage and the environment: Surfing GB is working with the Museum of British Surfing to help preserve the wealth of the surfing history in the UK.  Equally, Surfing GB is dedicated to looking after our marine environment and works closely with key agencies including Surfers Against Sewage and The National Trust.

1. 8.      Social Inclusion: Surfing GB delivers and supports projects which aim to increase surfing opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged or minority groups. Surfing GB programmes also provide the opportunities and environment for these individuals to develop life skills, such as leadership and team work skills

These 8 key areas are supported by three additional aspects; Fundraising, sponsorship andCorporate Governance.

Surfing GB’s board is comprised of individuals who have a history of surfing and surf industry experience, and, along with Surfing GB’s executive officers, the organisation amounts to the largest and most knowledgeable group of experts ever assembled for the governance of British surfing. Athletes, coaches, environmentalists, media specialists and surf industry representatives have joined forces to breathe new life into Surfing GB, with the aim of securing formal National Governing Body (NGB) status as soon as possible.

President of Surfing GB Nigel Semmens says: “While we have a massive amount of surfing talent in this country, male and female, we haven’t had someone competing internationally for a number of years. To reach the same level as someone like Kelly Slater, we need to have a more structured approach which puts a premium on top quality coaching and commitment,