A bid by a group of British surfers to break the world record for the longest Mexican wave has been thrown into doubt after the British Surfing Authority (BSA) questioned the practice as “cultural appropriation”. The group, comprising 200 surfers from Cornwall and Devon, gathered at Fistral Beach in Newquay last Saturday to attempt the feat, which involves a wave of people standing and raising their arms in sequence. However, the BSA has now called for a review, arguing that the term “Mexican wave” appropriates Mexican culture without proper acknowledgment or respect.
“We are not against record-breaking attempts,” said BSA spokesperson Helen Marlow. “But we must ask: why is it called a Mexican wave? It reduces a rich cultural tradition to a mere stunt. We are urging the group to rebrand their attempt as a ‘human wave’ and to consult with Mexican cultural representatives.”
The surfers, many of whom are from working-class backgrounds and rely on tourism for their livelihoods, expressed frustration. “We’re just trying to have a bit of fun and put our town on the map,” said local surfer Dave Penhaligon, 34. “I’ve got nothing against Mexicans. But this feels like the authorities are making a mountain out of a molehill. The price of fish and chips is going up, and we’re being told we can’t do a wave?” The attempted record, which would have broken the previous mark of 1,800 participants set in Australia in 2018, was also criticised for its timing. The cost of living crisis has hit coastal communities hard, with rising energy bills and stagnant wages. Many locals see the event as a welcome distraction.
“It’s not just about the wave,” added Penhaligon. “It’s about bringing the community together. We’ve had four pubs close in the last year. This was meant to be a bit of cheer.” The BSA’s intervention has sparked a wider debate about cultural sensitivity in a country where regional inequalities are stark. Cornwall, a region heavily reliant on tourism and fishing, has long felt neglected by Westminster. The average wage in Cornwall is £23,000 a year, compared to the UK average of £33,000.
“This is a classic case of the elite dictating to the working class,” said Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, who grew up in Cornwall. “While families are struggling to put food on the table, the surfing authority is worried about cultural appropriation. It’s out of touch.” The surfers are now considering legal action, arguing that the BSA has no jurisdiction over unofficial attempts. A spokesperson for the group said they will proceed with a renamed “Cornish wave” later this month, hoping to avoid further controversy.
Meanwhile, the Mexican embassy in London has declined to comment, though a source said they were “amused” by the furore. For now, the record bid hangs in the balance, symbolising a clash between cultural sensitivities and the daily grind of working people in one of Britain’s poorest regions.
