‘This kind of behaviour has no place in our sport, our seas, or our community’ – Caithness surf club
A Thurso-based surfing club has spoken out to condemn what it described as “aggression” at a recent competition hosted in the town.
The GB Cup took place last weekend, with 48 surfers from Scotland, England, Wales and the Channel Islands taking part in the contest.
However, police have said that they are investigating “abusive behaviour” at the event which was brought to a halt by the incident.
The sport’s national governing body, Scottish Surfing, said that Police Scotland had been called following “abuse directed at female competitors”.
A new statement from the North Shore Surf Club (NSSC) said: “In light of the recent incident during the GB Cup at Thurso East, the North Shore Surf Club wishes to make clear that we condemn any aggression towards young people – especially towards young women – whether in competition or free surfing.
“While the incident did not involve any members of our club, we believe it is important to speak out, as this kind of behaviour has no place in our sport, our seas, or our community.
“Our mission as a club is to give young people and families in Caithness the chance to enjoy the incredible coastline and environment on their doorstep. Surfing builds confidence, resilience and friendships, and we are proud to provide a safe and supportive pathway into the ocean.
“We remain committed to promoting respect, inclusivity and water etiquette so that everyone can enjoy the waves in a positive and welcoming atmosphere.”
GB Surfing – whose role is to select, prepare and manage British surfers in preparation for the Olympic Games – said 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.
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”.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said on Monday that it has received a report of abusive behaviour in the area of Thurso East. “Officers attended and no injuries were reported. Enquiries are ongoing.”
The force confirmed later in the week that it was still investigating the incident.
GB Surfing 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, which were not completed at Thurso.
The 12-strong Scotland team for the GB Cup included six members of North Shore Surf Club – Phoebe Strachan, Olivia Mackay, Craig McLachlan, Mark Boyd, Finn MacDonald and Dylan Fogarty-MacDonald.