Logjam ‘24
A grassroots surfing event celebrating the UK’s longboard surfing community, traditional surfing, and small waves on the south coast.
Since its inception in 2013, LogJam UK has welcomed longboarders from across the country, showcasing some of Britain’s best at Bournemouth Pier, including world tour surfers Ben Skinner and Emily Currie from Cornwall. The 2024 edition, their 15th, held in late summer, was a true standout, marking a historic first: two women claimed the top spots in this unisex competition. Beth Leighfield took the victory, followed by Emily Currie in second, in a contest that emphasises style, flow, and skill.
Beth recalls the day: “This was my second trip to LogJam, and both times have been worth the pilgrimage. The Bournemouth log community feels really special—everyone was so welcoming and stoked to share their local with us. It’s such a unique experience to surf with the iconic pier as a backdrop, something we don’t get in Cornwall. The waves pumped all afternoon, with reeling 2ft lefts and rights, and there were plenty of Jimmy’s Iced Coffees (I don’t think four is too many). Plus, it was pretty cool to beat all the boys with Em!”
The event’s focus on graceful longboarding manoeuvres makes it the perfect format for men and women to compete side-by-side. Event founder Andy reflects, “Beth’s consistency really stood out—she rode both lefts and rights with stylish turns, committed noserides, and completed waves. It was contest surfing at its finest.”
Emily, a world tour surfer, also impressed, scoring the highest single wave with her forehand slashes and time on the nose. The final was fiercely contested, with less than a point separating the top four surfers, but Beth’s quick footwork and versatility in the conditions secured her the win.
Favourable weather patterns allowed for an early call on Sunday night, bringing 16 surfers, judges, and photographers to the beach for a sunny Wednesday morning. With most summertime tourists at home, the beach had a quieter, serene vibe.
Competitors hailed from Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall, joined by first-time wildcards like Mexico’s Kristian Sandoval and Brazilian local Leo Lanzoni. They faced off against seasoned competitors like five-time winner Mike Winter and Newquay’s Jordan Zervas (2022 champ), known for his “hanging heels" and technical precision. Yet, as always, camaraderie and a love for longboarding took precedence, with cheers from both the beach and water.
Founder Andy reflects, “There are LogJams all around the world; it’s a global community, and each one is a gathering of old and new friends celebrating the spirit of longboarding in a 1960s club-style event. Longboarding is niche, and many of the brands supporting us share those same roots and ethos.” With backing from sponsors like Longboarder Magazine, 10 Over Surfshop, and local favourites such as FoamLife, Passenger Clothing, and Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, the event retains its grassroots charm while strengthening connections within the UK’s longboarding scene. “We’re also so fortunate to have talented photographers capturing these golden moments,” Andy adds.
This year, a growing number of photographers were eager to capture the vibes. Tom Prentice and Oscar Johnson were spotted both in and out of the water, while resident lensmen James Carnegie and Patrick Frost documented the action. A quick look at the LogJam UK Instagram feed shows how stylishly the day was captured, with a video edit and prize-giving still to come.
As LogJam UK looks to the future, this September 2024 event will be remembered for its unique blend of surfing talent, laid-back summer vibes, and strong community spirit—a true reflection of the longboarding lifestyle and a
celebration of Bournemouth’s and the South West’s vibrant surf culture.
Website → logjam.uk
Instagram → @logjam_uk
