Lila Skinner in action.
The English Nationals are proud to present the 2026 Under-16 and Under-18 English National Champions, who battled it out for an unforgettable day of competition at the Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Championships.
As the podium ceremonies took place at 4pm under glorious sunshine and light winds, it was hard to believe this was the same beach that greeted competitors at 8am. The day began with challenging conditions, as the Under-16 boys paddled out on a dropping tide into gusting winds and light rain that felt more reminiscent of a winter swell than a summer championship event. However, as the competition progressed and the stakes rose, Fistral Beach delivered, producing clean 3–4ft sets and improving conditions that set the stage for a spectacular day.
The standard of surfing throughout the event was exceptional, with athletes across all divisions showcasing the depth of talent within English surfing. Every competitor arrived with one goal in mind – to become an English National Champion. After a day of intense heats and standout performances, our champions were crowned.
Willow Smith riding high.
Several surfers delivered standout performances throughout the day. In the challenging morning conditions, Seb Whiteley found a diamond in the rough, scoring an impressive 8.17 on a chunky section to secure his place in the semi-finals. His combined heat total of 15.84 stood as the highest heat score of the competition before midday and set the benchmark for the rest of the field.
In the Under-18 Boys division, Joel Nicholson continued his impressive progression after moving up from the Under-16 ranks, where he previously claimed the Grom Search title. He demonstrated confidence and skill throughout the event, delivering powerful surfing all the way to the final. Despite a determined effort, he was unable to find the scoring opportunities he needed in the closing stages of the competition.
Sunny Ingram (above) also impressed in the Under-18 Girls division, consistently posting strong scores with powerful turns and keeping the pressure on her competitors throughout the day. However, it was Willow Smith who proved untouchable in the final. A superb 8.50 on her last wave secured both the championship title and the highest single-wave score of the event, capping off a remarkable performance.
Lila Skinner displayed consistency and composure throughout the Under-16 Girls division, carrying her momentum all the way to the final. Despite strong challenges from Annie Nicholls, Martha Edwards and Coco Arthur, Skinner rose to the occasion and secured the title of 2026 Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Champion.
In the Under-16 Boys division, Cairo Garcia’s determination was evident from the very start. The first surfer in the water that morning, he was already free surfing before registration had even opened. That commitment paid off as he progressed through each round and delivered a commanding performance in the final. Staying active and capitalising on every scoring opportunity, Garcia claimed his first English National Championship title in impressive fashion.
It’s an amazing achievement for every athlete who competed. Reaching the podium at a national championship is no small achievement, and the level of performance across both Under-16 and Under-18 divisions was outstanding. Beyond the results, the event showcased the strength of England’s surfing community—from athletes and coaches to families, friends and supporters who contribute so much to each competitor’s journey.
A big shout out to the Caravan and Motorhome Club, whose continued support as headline event sponsor makes the English Nationals possible.
Under-16 Girls
1st – Lila Skinner
2nd – Martha Edwards
3rd – Annie Nicholls
4th – Coco Arthur
Under-16 Boys
1st – Cairo Garcia
2nd – Seb Whiteley
3rd – Jensen Martin
4th – Harley Miller
Under-18 Girls
1st – Willow Smith
2nd – Sunny Ingram
3rd – Kaja Millward
4th – Harlyn Sykes
Under-18 Boys
1st – Heath Gillespie
2nd – Jago Tasker
3rd – Isaac Friend
4th – Joel Nicholson
