One of the UK’s most celebrated surfing events, the Chapter Surf Longboard Classic, is set to make its highly anticipated return to Saunton Beach in North Devon on May 24–25, 2025. This year’s event is particularly significant, marking the 50th anniversary of the first surfboard crafted by Mervyn Beard at Chapter Surfboards, a brand that played a foundational role in the North Devon surf community.
The Chapter Surf Longboard Classic has earned a reputation for its inclusive and community-focused atmosphere. The event has long been a draw for professional surfers, local legends, and enthusiastic newcomers alike, all coming together for a weekend of friendly competition. At its heart was Alan Brooks, a beloved figure in the UK surfing scene, who was instrumental in the event’s creation. Alan’s passion for surfing and his role in running the iconic Chapter Surf Shop made him a key pillar of the local surf community.
Following Alan’s passing in 2022, his daughter Colette Brooks, in collaboration with a team of dedicated volunteers from North Devon, is bringing the event back to honour her father’s legacy and revitalize the longboarding spirit that defined the original Classic.
“This event was never just about winning,” said Colette Brooks, who grew up surfing at Saunton and spent countless hours in the Chapter Surf Shop. “It was about connection, shared stoke, and celebrating the culture that Chapter helped create. It’s been my dream to bring that feeling back and pay tribute to my dad and the incredible community he helped build.”
This year’s event aims to recapture the original spirit of the Chapter Surf Longboard Classic—community-driven, inclusive, and focused on fun. It will also serve as a heartfelt tribute to those lost, including Alan Brooks.
In addition to the competition, the event will raise funds and awareness for North Devon Hospice, a local charity providing vital end-of-life care and support to patients and families across the region. Proceeds from the event will go toward supporting their compassionate services.
A special Chapter Surfboards and Memorabilia display will be set up during the event, offering attendees a chance to revisit the brand’s storied history. Guests are encouraged to share their memories of Chapter Surfboards and enjoy the competition.
This year’s event will feature a limited number of 32 competitors, ensuring a more intimate experience and the possibility of completing the event in a single day, depending on surf conditions. The event will include one open division, with additional trophies and prizes awarded to celebrate standout moments and exceptional performances—true to the spirit of the Classic. While this year’s event will focus on quality and community, organisers are hopeful that future editions will expand the number of divisions.
“As we’re a small team of volunteers, supported by a head judge, we’re keeping the event intimate this year,” added Colette. “The focus is on maintaining the Classic’s spirit, celebrating the community, and keeping the heart of longboarding alive.”
Chapter Surfboards, founded in the mid-1970s by Mervyn Beard and John ‘Flipper’ Stacey in Braunton, has a rich history in UK surf culture. The name “Chapter” was chosen over a few drinks at The Williams Arms pub, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in the founders’ lives. Today, it continues to represent the enduring legacy of the surf community that it helped shape.
The Chapter Surf Longboard Classic will not only honour the past but also reaffirm the enduring connections that make North Devon’s surf culture so unique.