GB Surfing, in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University and in collaboration with the Home Nation Surfing Federations of England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands has completed the UK’s first comprehensive demographic survey of elite-level surfing.
Developed by the GB Surfing ED&I Advisory Group, the landmark survey, drawing on demographic data from elite surfers and other key stakeholders within the elite tier of the sport – including coaches, leadership teams and volunteers from across England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands – provides an essential baseline to inform the sport’s future growth. Participants answered questions such as their age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, disabilities, and socioeconomic background.
These insights help build a clear picture of what elite surfing in Britain currently looks like, while helping to identify any existing barriers to entry and progression within the sport. The data will be used by each Home Nation, as well as GB Surfing, to develop their Diversity and Inclusion Action Plans (DIAPs). These plans aim to broaden the reach of surfing, improve equality of access, and uncover future talent.
Key findings reveal that elite surfing in the UK is defying some trends commonly seen in other high-performance Olympic sports.
For example, a majority of respondents were educated at state-funded schools, and more than a third reported having no higher education qualifications. While two-thirds of participants identified as male, highlighting the need to improve gender balance, the survey also showed encouraging levels of inclusivity, with strong representation from neurodiverse athletes and individuals with physical or mental health conditions.
Emma Fry, a member of the GB Surfing ED&I Advisory Group who led the survey project, said: “We are proud to complete this landmark survey, which gives us a clearer picture of who makes up elite surfing in the UK today.
“This data will help us and the Home Nation Surfing Federations shape strategies that ensure the sport remains accessible, inclusive, and open to talent from all backgrounds as we work to discover and develop future Olympic champions.”
GB Surfing will begin work on its DIAP in the New Year and is pleased to announce that Victoria (Vicci) Wells OBE will join the Advisory Group to lead the development of the plan. Vicci, who was recently recognised in the New Years Honours list for an OBE for services to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, is currently a member of the senior leadership team at the Youth Sport Trust, where she helped shape the first Sport England approved DIAP, embedding measurable impact across the sector. As a Non-Executive Director at Snowsport England, Vicci has driven inclusion strategy, particularly within talent pathways and leading the Talent Advisory Group across the Home Nations. She was also recently appointed the first Inclusivity Hub Ambassador for the Sport and Recreation Alliance.
“We are delighted to welcome Vicci to the team as we enter the next phase of our strategy to strengthen GB Surfing’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse surfing community,” commented Sarah Howe, Chair of GB Surfing’s ED&I Advisory Group “We are passionate about uncovering and supporting talent from across the country, with the potential to be Olympians.”
As the national body for elite surfing, GB Surfing is committed to developing athletes capable of winning Olympic medals. With a long-term performance strategy centred on Brisbane 2032 and beyond, working closely with the Home Nations to support and progress talented surfers is vital.
Arlene Maltman, Director of GB Surfing, said:“ I’d like to thank the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team and also Edinburgh Napier University for this groundbreaking work in our sport of surfing. The results from the survey will help us understand the competitive surfing landscape.
“I know there are factors that deter surfers from competing, especially women. The data will help inform GB Surfing as the organisation seeks to find and support surfers who can make it all the way to the Olympic Games. Each Home Nation can also benefit from the insights as they seek to build up surfing from a grass roots level and improve equal access from their diverse communities.”
All data collected has been securely stored by Edinburgh Napier University in line with data protection regulations. Each Home Nation federation will also receive access to its specific findings to support the development of their own tailored growth strategies.
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About the survey:
The survey has been produced by the GB Surfing ED&I Advisory Group. This Group reports directly into the Board of Directors and works closely with the Executive on GB Surfing’s ongoing strategy to become medal competitive by the Brisbane Olympics in 2032. The Group is chaired by Sarah Howe, and includes Emma Fry, who has led on the survey development, Laura Setyo and Arlene Maltman.
GB Surfing partnered with academics and universities to ensure a robust methodology and credibility of the data collected on ED&I. In particular Doctor Brendon Ferrier at Edinburgh Napier University, supported on the design, ethics and governance process and provided access to a secure drive for protecting personal information as well as supporting with access to a web-based survey platform, called Qualtrics. Additionally, Professor Belinda Wheaton, a sport sociologist and Professor at The University of Waikato in New Zealand, supported by advising on and reviewing the survey questions. Professor Wheaton has a specific expertise in sport, leisure and wellbeing.
Findings from the survey have been shared with each Home Nation and will be used by GB Surfing to help develop its Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan. If you would like to have a conversation with GB Surfing about the results, please email the ED&I Advisory Group on – info@gbsurfing.com.
Diversity and Inclusion policy https://gbsurfing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/EDI-Statement-.pdf
About GB Surfing:
GB Surfing was formed by the four home nations – Channel Islands, England, Scotland, Wales – following the IOC’s decision to include surfing in the Olympic programme for 2020, 2024, 2028 and 2032.
GB Surfing is responsible for the selection, preparation and management of British shortboard surfing teams as well as the development of current and future generations of surfers with the capability and determination necessary to win Olympic medals.
Relevant Contacts:
Sarah Howe, GB Surfing ED&I Advisory Group Chair: Sarah@gbsurfing.com
Emma Fry, GB Surfing ED&I Advisory Group: Emma@gbsurfing.com
Will Nelson, GB Surfing: Will@gbsurfing.com