O’Neill’s Rookie Rippers comes to Lost Shore this September!
20 of the UK and Europe’s most promising young surfers will take to the waves at Lost Shore from 18th to 21st September for the 5th edition of O’Neill’s Rookie Rippers.
Handpicked by legendary surf coach Philippe Malvaux, the field includes 16 junior surfers, 2 UK wildcards, and 2 inspiring young athletes from the charity Surfers Not Street Children. Based in South Africa and Mozambique, the charity empowers vulnerable children and young people through surfing, offering mentorship and support to help them build brighter futures both in and out of the water.
Over the weekend, the surfers will be mentored by Team O’Neill athletes and guided by a world-class coach. This year’s team captains are Olympian Yolanda Hopkins and South Africa’s rising star Eli Beukes, joined by former Rookie Rippers champions Kamiel Deraeve and Imari Hearn. Philippe Malvaux will once again lead the coaching program, sharpening each surfer’s technique and performance.
Fans are invited to witness the action as 20 future surf stars compete for a 2-year O’Neill sponsorship and a place on Team O’Neill. The Rookie Rippers weekend will also feature film screenings, masterclasses, DJs, free-to-watch competition heats and of course surf sessions and lessons to book onto.
Rookie Rippers Film Screening and Q&A: Friday 19 September, 7.30pm
Join us for an exclusive free film screening as well as a Q&A with pro-surfers Yolanda Hopkins (Paris 2024 Olympian) & Eli Beukes as well as Tom Hewitt MBE (founder of Surfers Not Street Children). We’ll be screening a selection of hand-picked surf shorts and discussing topics post show including surf competition, pathways for groms and the incredible work of South African charity Surfers Not Street Children. A great opportunity to meet this year’s Rookie Rippers team. No booking required just turn up!
Wetsuit Demo Weekend
Dive into comfort and performance at our Wetsuit Demo Day! Try the latest O’Neill Hyperfreak wetsuits – available in male, female, and junior sizes (5/4 & 4/3) – free of charge with valid ID at every public reef session. It’s the perfect chance to test before you buy and feel the difference in the water.
Groms Masterclass with Philippe Malvaux: Saturday 20 September, 2.30pm
International surf coach Philippe Malvaux is offering a FREE on-land coaching session for local young surfers. Aimed at experienced surfers, taking place in our Event Studio, the masterclass will look at video analysis of some of the world’s best surfers to help improve your surfing. Learn practical skills and tips that you can take into the water with you. Philippe has been working as a high-performance coach for many years coaching the French and Italian national teams as well as for the WSL, where he was also a judge. Book your free ticket here now!
Thinking of making a trip of it? Book into Lost Shore’s incredible on-site accommodation and be part of the action all weekend long.‘
Rookie Rippers Schedule
Friday 19 September
09.00am: Rookie Rippers Session 1 (The Pool)
11.00am: Rookie Rippers Session 2 (The Pool)
03.00pm: Rookie Rippers Session 3 (The Pool)
07.30pm: O’Neill & Rookie Rippers Film Screening (Event Studio)
Saturday 20 September
09.00am: Rookie Ripper Session 1 (The Pool)
11.00am: Rookie Ripper Session 2 (The Pool)
01.00pm: DJ set
02.30pm: Groms Master Class w/ Philippe Malvaux (Event Studio)
04.00pm: Rookie Ripper Session 3 (The Pool)
Sunday 21 September
08.00am: Rookie Ripper Session 1 (The Pool)
10.00am: Award Ceremony (Event Studio)
11.00am: Rookie Ripper Closing Session (The Pool)