Last week we caught up with Leo Perceval-Hicks, Chair of Loughborough Surf, to learn more about the club who are travelling to their first ever BUCS competition!

What is happening this weekend for Loughborough Surf?

For the first time in the club’s history, Loughborough Surf will be competing at the BUCS Surfing Championships! This is a huge milestone for us, especially as this year also marks our tenth anniversary. Our club, founded in 2014 by a few keen landlocked surfers, has come a long way since then. Despite being placed about as far inland as one can possibly be, we’ve never let that stop us.

How has the club grown over the years?

Loughborough Surf has thrived in the past few years, growing to over 130 members last year, with even more joining us this year. We’ve built a community that’s as much about the social side as it is about the surfing. Our socials are held once or twice a week, all year round, and we organise multiple surf trips each term. These range from quick day trips to Yorkshire to catch a big swell to weekends away in Newquay with up to 80 members. Surfing, skating, pubbing, and plenty of good vibes are always on the agenda!

What can we expect at BUCS Surfing Championships?

On 10 October, we’ll be heading down to Newquay for three days of competition. Six of our members will be competing against surf clubs from other UK universities. It’s a first-time experience for all of us, so we’re equally excited and nervous! The rest of the club will be cheering on from the side lines, bringing the Loughborough energy and good vibes.

How can I follow the action?

We’ll be posting updates throughout the competition on our Instagram, @lborosurf. You can follow along to see how our team performs in the heats and what we’re getting up to during the weekend.

I’m interested in joining Loughborough Surf – what’s the vibe?

We’re a super welcoming and laid-back club that loves to bring people together. Whether you’re a surfing pro or have never touched a board, there’s something for everyone here. Come along to one of our socials this month to check us out for free! If you like what you see, you can join our WhatsApp group and get full membership through our Instagram for just £30.

This is a huge moment for us as a club, and we can’t wait to see how our team performs at it’s first BUCS. Whether you’re coming along to support, watching from home, or thinking about joining our surf family, we’re excited to share this journey with you!

See you in the waves!