Beth Leighfield claimed victory at the LogJam UK Summer 2024 competition, with Emily Currie securing second place in this Open division invitational—a single-fin event that has been running since 2013.

The event embraced the late summer vibe, with offshore winds, blue skies, and golden sands along the English Riviera (Channel Coast). With the holiday crowds gone, the area was at its best. Just days after announcing the autumn ‘open season,’ a stealthy swell started forming on the south coast. This pattern was spotted on Sunday, and by Wednesday, the call was made to proceed with the competition. The waves were “loggable,” and the response from the invited surfers was overwhelmingly positive, as many were eager to join, trusting the call would deliver great surf and good times. It did just that.

In the pocket. Photo Tom Prentice

This marked LogJam’s 15th edition, and the prestigious log, engraved with the names of British longboarding elites like Ben Skinner and James Parry, now bears the name of its first female winner—Beth Leighfield. She demonstrated grace, spirit, and undeniable skill throughout the event. The final saw fierce competition from Jordan Zervas (2022 champion), five-time winner Mike Winter, and world tour surfer Emily Currie. Emily and Mike made the most of the mechanical rights, delivering smooth turns and synchronised nose rides, while Jordan impressed with technical heel-hangs. However, Beth’s mastery of both lefts and rights, combined with her commitment to the pocket and flawless 5-to-10 combos, sealed her victory. Her consistent performance from the heats to the final kept her in the rhythm, ultimately securing the win on her trusty “double scoop.”

Beach life, Foamlife. Photo Tom Prentice

The lineup featured not only the invited surfers but also some unexpected wild cards. Mexico’s Kristian Sandoval, a last-minute replacement, and Brazilian Leo Lanzoni, who secured his spot as the first cancellation, both added to the excitement. The semi-finals were packed with talent and fiercely competitive.

Honorable mentions go to Jack Unsworth for his fast footwork and extended nose rides, Kourosh Zahedi for one of the most beautiful nose rides of the event, and local stylist Ben Brown, who wowed with reverse kick-fives and an exceptional long nose ride.

Jordan with a slick hang heels. Photo Tom Prentice.

As always, the event fostered a strong sense of community, with official photographers Tom Prentice, Oscar Johnson, James Carnegie, and Patrick Frost capturing the action. A prize-giving ceremony and video edit of the day are still to come.

LogJam UK 2024 was brought to life by Longboarder Magazine, 10 Over Surf, and The Foam Life.