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For years, English surfers have struggled with water quality. Ever since water companies were privatized by a Conservative government in 1989, they have been publicly criticized for dumping raw sewage and the overall poor water quality of rivers and beaches. On Saturday, the issue raised its ugly head once again, when the 2025 English Interclub Surfing Championships in Porthtowan, Cornwall was forced to cancel due to a sewage discharge.
“Our 2025 English Interclub Surfing Championships had to be canceled today whilst surfers were in the water,” explained Surfing England on Instagram. “Taking place in Porthtowan, with over 140 competitors from clubs across the country, we were informed by lifeguards that the beach was being red-flagged due to a sewage discharge. In response, we immediately called off the contest and asked all surfers to leave the water, as the health and safety of our competitors is paramount.
“We were devastated to end the event early, especially with clean three-to-five-foot waves providing perfect competition conditions and with such a high standard of surfing on display from the clubs.”
Surfing England operations manager Hannah Brand told the BBC, “We continue to call on the government to take urgent action on water pollution. Having to cut short such a major event only underlines the importance of ensuring our waters are safe and clean for everyone.”
“Our storm overflow at Porthtowan activated this morning in line with its permits following heavy rainfall in the area,” explained a spokesperson for South West Water (SWW). They added that SWW was working to reduce storm overflows across the region as part of a £3.2-billion investment program.
