Cantabria hosted the Family Surfing Challenge 2025, held on October 4 and 5 at Playa de Liencres. This second edition of the Family Surfing Challenge featured a very special guest: Tom Curren, three-time world champion and considered one of the greatest surfers of all time, who participated alongside his children Pat, Lee-Ann, and Nathan. Curren and his family's presence in Spain was something completely unprecedented.
The first heats took place at Playa de Canallave on Saturday morning, and after a pause in the event due to weather conditions, the competition resumed on Sunday with the final at Primera Playa de El Sardinero.
On Saturday afternoon, Curren performed a concert at Plaza de la Cruz in Liencres, bringing together families and fans and adding a very special touch to the event. He delighted the audience with his smooth flow on the microphone and guitar, accompanied by his children, while images of him catching waves in his youth were displayed in the background. That night, music and surfing came together in a truly unique way.
After his participation, Curren highlighted the tournament's atmosphere: “The atmosphere has been incredible. Seeing kids and grandparents sharing waves is something very special,” he said, emphasizing the family-friendly and close-knit environment of the event.
The tournament brought together 31 families from six nationalities, including France, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and various regions of Spain. Parents, children, and grandparents shared the waves in a format designed for all levels and ages. The final at El Sardinero was held with great anticipation, and it was the García family, led by Dani García, Spanish and European champion, who claimed the victory.
Behind the event were Raúl García, festival director and initiator of the idea; Antonio Bretones, a renowned filmmaker who led the visual and artistic direction of the project; and the athlete representation agency BeX, responsible for organization, production, and communication, with the support of Cantur, the Santander City Council, and Piélagos. Thanks to them, the Family Surfing Challenge continues to establish itself as Spain’s leading family surfing tournament, combining participation, fun, and a format that attracts both athletes and the general public.
