Regional Reporters

Apr 24, 2026

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.