A 16ft bronze surfer now stands over Newquay’s Killacourt

A 16 foot bronze surfer has taken up position above Newquay’s Killacourt, looking out over the bay where the town’s surfing story began six decades ago. The statue, known as the “Surfer of the South,” was handed over to the town on the afternoon of Thursday 25 June.

A gift to the town

The bronze waverider was created by the Morris Singer Foundry and has been donated to Newquay by The Keogh Foundation. The gift recognises Newquay’s surfing history and the Keogh family’s long connection to both the town and the sport.

Six decades of surfing

The sculpture commemorates more than 60 years of surfing heritage in Newquay and stands as a tribute to the late Mr Keogh, who died in 2023. The Keogh family first moved to Newquay in the late 1960s, when surfing was only just becoming established in the area. They went on to open some of the town’s earliest surf businesses, including one of the first surf shops and surfboard factories.

Why the Killacourt

The artwork has been installed at The Killacourt, a spot chosen for its suitability and its significance. It overlooks the bay where bluewater surfing first began in Newquay six decades ago.

The handover

Mrs Cherrilyn Keogh formally handed the sculpture to Newquay Town Council, and it was received by the Mayor of Newquay, Cllr Drew Creek, during a special event marking the occasion. The council has thanked Mr and Mrs Keogh and the wider foundation for the donation.

A drawing challenge for children

To mark the statue’s arrival, the town council has launched a community drawing challenge inviting children to capture their own version of the Surfer of the South. Free entry sheets can be picked up from Newquay Library and Information Service, with completed artwork to be returned to the library by 5pm on Monday 6 July. Entries will go on display in the library from Wednesday 8 July, and one participant will win a family day pass to Lappa Valley, donated by their team.

Newquay Session on Saturday

Families can also take part in the challenge at the opening Newquay Session event, held on the Killacourt on Saturday 4 July.