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A British surfing event that was postponed in October due to interference still hasn’t run and now it looks like it never will. GB Surfing, the organization responsible for the GB Cup event that was invaded by aggressive freesurfers and subsequently postponed, has just announced that not only will the event no longer run, but they will no longer co-host the British Championships.
“Over recent months, GB Surfing has worked extensively to identify a suitable date to deliver the 2025 GB Cup Finals,” wrote the organization in an online announcement. “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.”
The GB Cup was originally slated to run at the Scottish break Thurso in October. However, when male freesurfers invaded the lineup of the womens’ semifinals and began harassing the competitiors, the event was postponed. Now that the event will no longer run, GB Surfing says all the remaining qualified competitors will be awarded an equal finishing position.
However, that’s not the only change for GB Surfing. “Since GB Surfing assumed responsibility for delivering the national championship in 2023, the financial landscape has changed,” continued the release. “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.”
