Tom Butler

I have grown up in Newquay all my life; Living in Cornwall especially Newquay means that you are surrounded by the sea... How Lucky : )

I taught myself how to surf on my Dad's Board at the age of nine. My parents were always at the beach throughout the summer months. The Sea was in front of me so in I went!!! The following summer I got my own board and have been addicted to the sport ever since!

From a very young age I was competitive and determined, always being the top of the class in sports. Before long surfing was taking over my life!! I was learning fast and enjoying the ride!! It was time to Enter a Surfing competition to see how I compared to the rest of the youngsters!!  The English Championships under 12's division. Everything went to plan; I surfed well and surprised myself winning an English title. Fast Forward 10 years and I'm holding down the English title in the Adults age Group.

Surfing in competitions has taken me all over the world. I was fortunate to have a good sponsor when I was younger. Travelling to all corners of the globe has helped shape my style I ride with today. I'm constantly improving my technique and pushing myself to perform at a higher level.

At Present I hold the English Title, and have a ranking of 6th in Europe. My main interest in Surfing is Riding Bigger waves. Wanting to experience the biggest waves I can find and get myself too. Last Winter I won an award that recognizes the Biggest European Barrel caught on Camera. This award bagged me some cash, but more importantly the respect and praise from some of the best Big wave surfers in  the world.

Hopefully if things go the right way I will be at the fore front of European big wave surfing very soon. I think and train for big waves everyday. I have gained some great coverage over the past year having loads of images run in the top european magazines. Working and shooting photos with water photographers is my favourite. There is nothing better than getting a crazy big crystal clear wave and having a picture captured at the right moment for everyone to see.
Im super excited about documenting all my sessions in the sea on video. Last year I was featured in some great edits showing off the potential we have on our shores. The world is really starting to turn its head and notice the potential we have right under our noses here in the UK and Ireland. I want nothing more than an Australian's or hawaiian's jaw to hit the floor as they watch a English rider and a UK wave being ridden with grace. I'm looking forward to showing off what I can do in the big stuff over the course of our next winter... It's UK swell season and I can't wait :)

2011 English National Mens Champion  
European surfing championships 6th

DoB: 18th April 1989
Stance: Goofy
Sponsors: Quiver Surfboards, Etnies shoes, Gul Wetsuits, Dragon Eye wear
Favourite Wave: G spot Ireland,Whipsy cornwall, Pipeline Hawaii, Central coast Aus,Lakey peak Indo    
Favourite UK Wave: To many special spot's to pick just one!
Favourite Surfer:  Owen Wright, Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson (+ anyone who charges hard).
Favourite Surf Destination: Europe, Indonesia, Hawaii, Australia.
Favourite Surfboard's:Quiver 8'0 Gun had the barrel of my life on it this winter!
Favourite Surf Movie:Second to None, Endless Summer 2, used to act being pat and wingnut!!!
Favourite Beer: Any Beer when in the right place and with the right people!