Carve Magazine

Wow… what a winter.
Some classic sessions in the east and south, with southwest England, Wales and southwest Ireland all on fire. I'm not sure I’ve seen a run of surf like it for many years – especially in the Southwest – with consistent swell and favourable wind conditions for weeks on end. Hope you scored!
So here we are with a packed issue 226 to entertain you between sessions. Alex Williams takes a look back at the birth of a UK professional surfing circuit in 1984, which evolved into an amazing European tour. These events brought the British surfing tribe together and raised the standard of our competitive surfers – both in the water and in the bar. Some classic moments were had, and it’s a shame that we don't have a similar tour these days.
While it’s been pumping at home, there has also been the usual mass winter exodus. Van-lifer Ben Hartley has combined his love of surfing with work since 2021, when he set off to Nazaré in his trusty van to see what all the fuss was about. He’s been back every year since and now pays his way by shooting the tow teams. In Shooting Giants, Hartley takes us behind the scenes at the big wave capital of Europe.
Also travelling solo this winter was Ollie Sweet, who headed off to Indo, hitting some off-the-beaten-track spots, as well as the go-to off-season breaks. As you’ll find out in his write up on page 94, he made lots of local friends out there, scored some epic waves and had a great time doing it.
Also in this issue we have a great insight into surfing life, finding out what surfing means to Sally McGee, hearing Shane and Jackson Dorian discuss their father-son relationship, and seeing how Ben Skinner recreates a legendary 60’s mid-length made by Jack O’Neill.
And, of course, we have the best of an epic winter at home.
2025 has been pretty epic so far, so let's hope that continues!