‘Full internal review’ to be carried out after GB Cup turmoil in Thurso
GB Surfing has said it is committed to helping ensure that “surfing continues to be a welcoming, respectful and inclusive sport for everyone”.
It follows the turmoil surrounding the GB Cup at Thurso at the weekend, when the competition was brought to an abrupt halt and police were called in to investigate “abusive behaviour”.
Organisers decided to suspend the event on Sunday after announcing that “a small group of individuals”, not connected to the competition, had sought to “deliberately disrupt” it.
In its latest statement, GB Surfing – whose role is to select, prepare and manage British surfers in preparation for the Olympic Games – confirmed that a full internal review would be carried out.
It said: “GB Surfing does not condone abuse of any kind from any surfers. We remain committed to working with our partners to ensure surfing continues to be a welcoming, respectful and inclusive sport for everyone.
“We will be collaborating closely with the relevant authorities and conducting a full internal review of the event with our partners.”
GB Surfing also praised the “incredible performances” put in by surfers before the competition was cut short. It had got under way on Friday, with teams representing Scotland, England, Wales and the Channel Islands taking part, at the North Shore Surf Club (NSSC) base at Thurso East.
The national governing body Scottish Surfing reported on Sunday that Police Scotland had been called following “abuse directed at female competitors”.
It said in a statement: “The Scottish Surfing board condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the actions of a small group of individuals who sought to deliberately disrupt the GB Cup held this weekend in Thurso.
“Abuse directed at female competitors led to the premature suspension of the event on safety grounds, and event organisers were forced to seek assistance from Police Scotland.
“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and runs counter to Scottish Surfing’s values of innovation, care, inclusion and excellence.
“We wish to make clear that these disruptive actions were not carried out by the Scottish surfing community. Our community has been overwhelmingly supportive of the GB Cup and has played an instrumental role in its planning and delivery.
“This event was an opportunity to celebrate surfing in Scotland and to bring positive benefits to the local economy.
“The Scottish Surfing board stands firmly with the athletes, volunteers and local partners who have worked tirelessly to make this event a success, and we remain committed to ensuring that surfing is a safe and welcoming sport.”
In one of its earlier statements, GB Surfing stated: “We understand that there is a police investigation proceeding into an alleged incident of abuse towards competitive surfers by ‘free’ surfers, initially directed towards female surfers in the GB Cup.
“The board of GB Surfing is deeply concerned by the news of the incident, which has brought the event to an abrupt end.
“We recognise that surfers in the final will be disappointed by the premature termination of the competition following an incident but are grateful to the event delivery team for acting promptly and their cooperation with the police in this matter.”
Surfer magazine quoted one non-competitive surfer, who was said to have been involved in the disruption, as having said: “I made a mistake.”
Wavelength magazine referred to speculation that a group of surfers had planned “to paddle out and disrupt the competition”.
GB Surfing board member Arlene Maltman told the BBC that the organisation did not condone abuse from surfers, adding that what occurred was “even more disturbing” because it was towards women.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said on Monday: “Around 3.45pm on Sunday, October 26, we received a report of abusive behaviour in the area of Thurso East.
“Officers attended and no injuries were reported. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Police Scotland confirmed on Thursday that its enquiries were continuing.
GB Surfing announced on Monday that it is working with the teams to confirm a date and venue for the open women’s semi-finals and final, as well as the men’s open final.
It is understood NSSC is holding a meeting on Thursday evening.
The 12-strong Scotland team for the GB Cup included six NSSC members. Phoebe Strachan and Olivia Mackay were in the women’s squad, with four in the men’s squad – Craig McLachlan, Mark Boyd, Finn MacDonald and Dylan Fogarty-MacDonald.
England were seeking to retain the title they won in Jersey last year.
With 48 surfers taking part, joined by coaches, spectators and others, the GB Cup had brought a boost to the local accommodation and hospitality sector.
It was the first time Thurso had hosted the GB Cup since 2021. It became a team event after a change of format in 2016.
The GB Cup involves each country sending its top four men and women who have qualified through their national championships. The additional two spots for men and women for each team are allocated to wildcards selected by each federation.
The top four individual placings for men and women count towards each country’s final overall ranking and individual results contribute towards selection for the British team vying for Olympic qualification.
Backing for the 2025 event had come from the Strategic Events Grant Fund, funded by the UK government and supported by Highland Council.