The Sand Bandit Showdown 3.0 lit up Great Western Beach on 23rd May, landing right in the middle of one of Cornwall’s rare early-season heatwaves. With sunshine overhead, small but playful 2–3 ft swell, and a buzzing beach atmosphere, it was the perfect setting for a grassroots event that celebrates everything we’re about.
At Northcore, supporting local surf culture is at the heart of what we do, so being part of an event like this, right on our doorstep, made it all the more special.
After a slow start thanks to a tricky tide, conditions cleaned up by midday and the competition got underway. Logs, foamies and finless boards lined the beach as surfers of all ages and abilities, many in questionable outfits geared up for the relay showdown. With 17 teams in the mix, things got competitive quickly, as the opening heats narrowed the field down to the strongest contenders.
The semi-finals didn’t disappoint, delivering tight heats and a few chaotic moments, including a dramatic leash tangle that cost one team a place in the final. The Band Sandits and Haribo Highliners secured their spots, setting the stage for a proper showdown.
Breaking up the relay action, the parent-and-grom tandem event brought a different kind of energy to the beach. Equal parts impressive and entertaining, it featured everything from hang fives to full-on acrobatics, showing off the fun, creativity, and connection that make surfing such a unique sport. Bearman and Lakey took the win, with strong performances across the board from all involved.
As the tide dropped further, the final became a test of both speed and endurance, with a longer run to the shoreline adding to the challenge. The Band Sandits came out firing, hitting the water first and holding their lead through a tightly contested race to claim the 2026 title. After missing out last year, the win clearly meant a lot, and it showed.
Beyond the competition, the day was packed with standout moments. From John Eldridge taking home the “Most Stoked” award for his relentless energy, to the Lemon Pepper Steppers winning “Best Dressed” in full budgy smuggler glory, the vibe on the beach was all-time. And of course, the “Best Wipeout” went to a spectacular leash mishap that had everyone talking.
A huge thank you to the Sand Bandit crew for putting on another unforgettable event, to the judges and organisers who kept things running smoothly, and to everyone who showed up to surf, support, and soak up the sun.
We’re proud to have supported such a fun, community-driven event, and even prouder to back local surf culture where it thrives.
Roll on next year.
