Regional Reporters

Regional Reporters

As part of Carve Collective, we’re introducing our Regional Reporters.

A handpicked group of core surfers embedded in their local scenes, bringing insight from the ground up. Expect regular dispatches from Scotland, the East Coast, Ireland, Wales, the Channel Islands, and the South West.

Every six weeks, each reporter will share what’s happening in their zone—conditions, culture, and the people shaping it.

Ollie O’Flaherty - Ireland
"I'm Ollie O’Flaherty from Lahinch Co Clare. My heart is in the heavy stuff, slabs and big waves have been my drive for many years. Now I focus a lot of my attention on the up and coming groms here in Ireland through my coaching academy and as a coach with the Irish Team. I also work as an Environmental Educator a few days a week which is also a big passion of mine.”
Mattew Hayes  - SW England
"Based in Cornwall, I'm Matthew Hayes, I live and breathe surf. A self-confessed surf nerd and board geek, I’ve spent years working within the industry, developing a deep appreciation for every aspect of surf. Full on lover of clean 3-4ft right handers, going left is always second choice! You'll find me riding all styles of alternative boards—from asyms and twin fins to quads and beyond. I’m also the founder and host of The Insiders Podcast, where I dive into all things surf, sharing conversations with surfers, shapers, industry legends and more!”
Sandy Kerr - East Coast England

"I grew up surfing in Tynemouth, just outside Newcastle. I am a Finisterre ambassador, firefighter, and trustee/volunteer for City Kids Surfing. Growing up in a land of tubing left-handers fuelled a fire in me to go out and seek heavier waves further afield. I’ve spent winters in Hawaii, Indonesia, ireland and across Europe.Now, my focus is on the colder shores—chasing good swells across the UK and never missing a swell at my favourite breaks up and down the East Coast.”

Jake Powell - Channel Islands
"Local island boy who runs a surf brand, surf school and throws a few parties. Getting beat by all the kids I once coached and getting burnt by all the old dogs I once respected."
Phoebe Strachan - Scotland
"Hey, I’m Phoebe — a Patagonia ambassador and six-time Scottish national surf champion. I live in a small village just outside Thurso, where I also work as a joiner. When I’m not surfing or building houses, you’ll usually find me coaching the next generation of Scottish groms. Scotland can be a harsh place to live, with howling winds and relentless rain, but the waves make it all worthwhile — and the tight-knit community we have here is something special. I love chasing heavy, hollow waves along the north coast; that’s where I feel most at home. I recently became an SAS ambassador, which has deepened my passion for protecting the places we depend on. Activism is a big part of who I am — standing up for our oceans and coastlines, and helping ensure they’re there for future generations.”
Callum Thomas - Wales
"I’m Callum Thomas from Gower, Wales. 
I’m a steelworker, working 4 on 4 off shifts and have a 18month old son. Alongside work and dad duties, I’ve been lucky enough to not miss out on scoring swells and am always on the hunt across Wales, chasing the 3 ft dream and tagging along with some of the country’s best surfers. I look forward to keeping you all up to date with the latest gossip over the foreseeable."

We’re looking forward to sharing the first round of reports and giving each region a proper platform.

If you’ve got a story from your area—whether it’s a swell run, a community project, or something worth putting on the map—reach out to your local reporter or drop us a message.

Win a Trip to Portugal for 2 with Yume Surfcamps

Win a Trip to Portugal for 2 with Yume Surfcamps

Craving sun-soaked days, rolling waves and fresh pastel de natas?

This summer, we have teamed up with Yume Surfcamps to give one lucky winner the chance to experience the ultimate surf getaway in Portugal, and you can bring a friend along for the ride.

Whether it’s your very first time stepping onto a board or you’re ready to level up your surf skills, this retreat is designed to leave you feeling energised, inspired and totally hooked on the surf lifestyle.

Set along Portugal’s stunning Silver Coast in Praia de Mira, Yume Surfcamps offers the perfect blend of laid-back beach vibes and world-class surf conditions.

Founded by surfers Philip and Justus, Yume is all about creating a space that feels genuine, somewhere you can switch off, connect with others and immerse yourself in great food, good waves and even better company.

Think: sunrise surfs, slow mornings, yoga flows and evenings shared with new friends.

What You’ll Experience:

  • 7 guided surf lessons with expert instructors 
  • Daily yoga sessions plus mobility classes to keep you feeling strong and surf-ready 
  • Full access to surfboards, wetsuits and all camp equipment 
  • Your own private glamping tent for two 
  • 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 5 delicious dinners using fresh, local ingredients 
  • Small group sizes for a more personal, hands-on experience 
  • A full schedule of camp activities and a welcoming, like-minded community

How to Enter:

To be in with a chance of winning this unforgettable trip:

Bonus entry: Share the post to your Instagram story

Good luck! Whether you’re chasing your very first wave or your next best one, Yume is for you.
For full terms and conditions:

Click Here
Portugal Surf Travel Competition – Terms and Conditions
  1. The CARVE Portugal Travel Competition is open to participants aged 18 and over.
  2. The competition is hosted by CARVE, but the retreat is fully operated and managed by Yume Surfcamps.
  3. Entries must be submitted via Instagram by following @carvemag and @YumeSurfcamps, liking the competition post, and tagging a friend.
  4. The winner will be selected at random and contacted via direct message on Instagram.
  5. The winner must respond within 7 days, or another winner may be chosen.
  6. The prize is a 7-day surf and yoga retreat at Yume Surfcamps in Portugal for two people. Flights, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.
  7. The date for the retreat must be arranged with Yume Surfcamps, subject to availability.
  8. CARVE is not responsible for any aspect of the retreat, including but not limited to accommodation, activities, or any incidents that may occur during the trip.
  9. The winner agrees to provide CARVE and Yume Surfcamps with images or testimonials from the retreat for promotional purposes.
  10. By entering the competition, participants agree to these terms and conditions and acknowledge that CARVEl holds no liability for any part of the retreat experience.
  11. This competition is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Instagram.
For any questions regarding the competition, please contact CARVE here.
Close
Q

Find out more about Yume Surfcamps:

Click Here
Carve Magazine Issue 231

Carve Magazine Issue 231

Carve Surfing Magazine

Carve Magazine Issue 231

The new issue is out.  You can get it delivered to door for by hitting this link here.

Welcome back after winter and to kick off the surf season, the first mag of the year is incoming. In this In this issue you’ll find a mix of visuals and words that will push the boundaries of stoke! 

Take a look as we spend a few minutes ogling Lowey’s beautiful and terrifying Mully drop. Drift through Europe’s car parks with Luke Gartside, and meet the Saltburn crew keeping it real by the pier. 

On the cover is Sam Heard at Mundaka. Sam's a former top junior, turned premium wave style addict!

Plus Pheobe Strachan, one of Britain’s hardest-charging surfers, takes the spotlight, while Sean ‘Frank’ Harris reflects on 25 years in the UK surf industry. And many people will relate to Toby Donachie’s story, a reminder of the ups, downs, lulls, and glorious sets of surfing. He’s in it for the long haul.
Enjoy the issue.

Joel Gray, Editor at Large

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE NEW ISSUE AND GET IT DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR
CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE NEW ISSUE AND GET IT DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR

City Kids Surfing

City Kids Surfing

Sometimes as surfers we take the ocean for granted. This isn’t everyone’s reality. 

The charity City Kids Surfing takes children from the gritty reality of inner city life to give them the opportunity to experience surfing. The hope is that these inner city kids will discover a life-long love of the ocean and get to know that the ocean is there for them, through lives ups and downs. 

We spoke to the founder Tom Franklin, a London primary school teacher who had been working in south London for many years. Often overshadowed by the news of violence and crime, many of the children never get the chance to leave their housing estates.

Tom, how did City Kids Surfing come about?

CKS came about in 2016, when I realised that I lived in south London and went surfing all the time and it kept me sane. However most of the kids I taught had never seen the ocean (and weren't going to) - let alone gone surfing.  This seemed unfair. We want there to be schools, clubs and gatherings for city groms who want to surf.

What made you realise that surfing could change a young person’s life? 

It's changed my life, and most of my friends too.  We had an issue in London with kids feeling a sense of belonging, so they joined gangs - we lost three to knife crime in seven years... but surfing is a global gang, based on excitement, nature access, and fun.  The best gang in the world.  Edgy, risky at times - definitely not boring.  I knew inner city kids who'd love it, get into it - I knew we could save some.

Why surfing - not football, boxing or another sport?

I read the book 'Blue Mind’ (by Wallace J Nichols). The nature link, being in the sea.  It is so different from any other sport.  But it is deeply under-represented by inner city kids.

What’s been the biggest challenge of setting this charity up?

Raising money! Also keeping relationships with partnerships (although we have been very lucky with Finisterre…) and running it alongside a day job and being a dad!

 

What are the main barriers that stop urban kids from accessing the ocean?

Lack of awareness.  Families who don't value it. Usually money. Also distance  from the ocean but that’s not the main reason.

How do the kids react the first time they see the sea?

They love it - it's amazing what we see every year.

What skill can kids take from surfing that will translate into everyday life?

Resilience, courage, friendship, memories, the world is more than what they see..

What can the wider surf community do better to help open it’s doors?

Have a really good, honest look at recruitment in the surf industry.

If an inner-city grom is reading this now, what would you want to say to them?

Surfing is there for you too.  A second hand board from FB Market place, a train to Newquay and a £10 per night youth hostel.

As Asheya said on our very first trip in 2017 and it’s so true, she said "It's here and surf, whether you are poor or rich - you can come here too.”

Find more below:

Click Here
When we came across City Kids Surfing we had to help in some way and give the charity some exposure, so we’re holding a raffle at our Carve Launch Party at the Boardmasters Beach Bar on April 10, to raise money for the charity. Come along!

Carve Launch Party

Carve Launch Party

Long Live Print!

On April 10th, Carve returns after winter with Issue 231, and we’re marking the start of the season properly. Join us at Boardmasters Beach Bar in Newquay for an evening built around surf culture, community, and the stories that keep British surfing moving forward.

What’s Happening
  • 100 free pints of Korev — first come, first served (one per person)
  • Music, drinks, and a packed room of the UK surf community
  • First look at Issue 231
  • Raffle on the night (details below) 
Inside Issue 231

Kicking off the season, Issue 231 lands with a standout cover from Luke Gartside and Sam Hearn — a visual that sets the tone for everything inside.

This issue blends heavy water, honest storytelling, and the raw edges of surf culture:

  • A moment with Lowey as he commits to a beautiful, intimidating Mullaghmore drop
  • A road-level perspective drifting through Europe’s car parks with Luke Gartside
  • The Saltburn crew, holding it down by the pier and keeping things grounded
  • Pheobe Strachan, one of Britain’s most committed surfers, stepping into focus
  • Sean “Frank” Harris reflecting on 25 years in the UK surf industry
  • Toby Donachie’s journey — a reminder that surfing is rarely linear, but always worth it
Supporting City Kids Surfing

We’re proud to support City Kids Surfing, a charity creating opportunities for young people who might not otherwise access the ocean.

They work with children from inner-city backgrounds, offering surf therapy programmes that build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging through time in the water. It’s about experiencing the coast, developing life skills, and finding a new environment where they can thrive.

We are running a raffle with seriously good prizes with the proceeds supporting their work.


Key Details

  • Date: 10th April
  • Time: 6-9pm
  • Location: Boardmasters Beach Bar, Newquay
  • Entry: Free

 

GET THE LATEST ISSUE HERE