Female surfers report verbal abuse at GB competition

GB Surfing Event Halted After Alleged Abuse of Female Competitors

A Great Britain surfing competition in Thurso, Caithness, was called off after several female athletes — including a 15-year-old — were allegedly subjected to verbal abuse from surfers not involved in the event.

The incident occurred during the semi-finals of the GB Cup on Sunday, prompting organisers to suspend the competition for safety reasons.

GB Surfing, which oversees national and Olympic-level teams, said the situation brought the event to an “abrupt end”. The organisation expressed deep concern and confirmed police are investigating.

Paul Stark, chief executive of the Scottish Surfing Federation, said a small group had targeted young female competitors, describing the behaviour as “unacceptable in surfing and in society.”

Police Scotland confirmed officers were called to Thurso East around 15:45 and that no injuries were reported.

GB Surfing board member and former British champion Arlene Maltman said the abuse was “particularly upsetting” because it overshadowed the achievements of the young women competing.

Teams from across the UK and the Channel Islands had travelled to take part, with the Channel Islands Surfing Federation pledging continued support for its athletes.