Shorts: UK Surfing Report, Dafabet, Shannon Ryan

Following the largest survey of UK surfers in over 10 years, The University of Bristol and Sport Industry NextGen partner The Wave have published a new report into surfing behaviours in the UK.

Released on International Surfing Day (15th June), the UK Surfing and Health Report examines motivations and barriers to surfing, surf-related spending and how surfing relates to people’s feelings, physical health and mental wellbeing

The report concludes findings that demonstrate a relationship between surfing frequency and positive physical health and mental wellbeing – and calls for more research to understand the strength and impact of this.

As such, coinciding with the report’s release, student Ariane Gerami has secured funding for a 4-year PhD to further research the link between surfing and mental health.

Dr Joey Murphy, Lecturer in Physical Activity and Public Health at the University of Bristol, who carried out the research said, “Surfing is an increasingly popular activity in the UK, with over 160 clubs, surf schools and groups in existence. This report highlights the range of reasons why people in the UK engage in surfing, as well as also highlighting the challenges faced to participation. The data clearly indicates that making surfing accessible to more people has the potential to support both population health and the UK Economy.”

Nick Hounsfield, Founder of The Wave, added, “The power of water and waves to make us feel better is at the heart of why The Wave exists. It is so important to us to support and further academic research in to surfing and health – particularly mental health.  This report, and crucially the PhD commencing this autumn, will add to the growing body of research in the area of ‘blue health’ – evidence that being in or near water has huge health benefits.”

Hazel Geary, CEO at The Wave, said, “Every day we witness the positive impact that surfing has on our visitors. The beaming smiles after time spent in the lake say it all. It is incredibly exciting that we can now work with the University of Bristol to further explore and understand the relationship between surfing and mental wellbeing.” 

The full report is viewable here.

Worcestershire County Cricket Club has signed a multi-year partnership with online betting company Dafabet.

As part of the agreement, the Philippines-based business will become the headline sponsor of the first-class county club’s live streaming service.

In April, Dafabet agreed a two-year deal with Yorkshire County Cricket Club while in the Premier League, Dafabet serves as the current main shirt sponsor of AFC Bournemouth, and previously held agreements with Aston Villa and Fulham.

Joe Tromans, Head of Commercial and Partnerships at Worcestershire Cricket, said, “We are hugely excited to be announcing our partnership with Dafabet and are delighted to welcome them as a new partner to the Worcestershire family.

“We have been very impressed with Dafabet’s commitment to safer gambling and their ambitions to be the world’s most innovative gaming platform, so to have them, as a leading global brand, on board as our official live stream partner, is a major boost to our objectives both on and off pitch.”

John Cruces, Head of Sponsorship at Dafabet, added, “We’re very happy to be partnering up with Worcestershire as we continue to add to our list of partners within the sport. Particularly, their livestream platform can only help us both add to our footprint worldwide. As with all our partners, we wish them the best of luck for the forthcoming season.”

O2 has extended its sponsorship of boxer Shannon Ryan, the current WBA female super-flyweight International champion.

The renewal has been announced ahead of Ryan’s upcoming bout against Emma Dolan for the British and Commonwealth titles at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham on Saturday 22nd June.

Ryan, said, “I can’t wait to compete for my first ever British title this weekend, an event made even more exciting as I also announce my partnership extension with O2. From working in the O2 Watford retail store to being sponsored by them from the beginning of my boxing career and over the past two years, there have been so many incredible moments to celebrate together. It’s been a dream come true and I look forward to the next chapter of our partnership.”

Ahead of the upcoming 2024/35 football season, property developer Story Homes has been confirmed as the back-of-shirt sponsor for League Two club Carlisle United.

Hayley Blair, Sales & Group Marketing Director at Story Homes, said, “As a Cumbrian-headquartered business, we pride ourselves on our strong partnerships with other local businesses, and we are therefore delighted to once again be sponsoring Carlisle United’s shirts. We wish the team the very best of luck for the 2024/25 season.”