RISING TIDE FESTIVAL AT BOARDMASTERS 2025

6 Apr

Last summer was one of the most intense, challenging, and rewarding periods I’ve experienced.

Looking back now, I can sum it up in three words: exhausted, inspired, and hopeful.

The Origin of Rising Tide Festival

Rising Tide Festival was born from a simple but powerful idea. To connect people doing meaningful work connected to the ocean.

That connection could take many forms. For some, it was ocean conservation. For others, it was art, sustainable product innovation, or eco-conscious surfboard shaping. What mattered most was the shared purpose: protecting and celebrating the ocean.

After bringing that vision to life in our first year, we knew we had something special. But we also knew we wanted, and needed, to go bigger.

Partnering with Boardmasters

That opportunity came when we partnered with Boardmasters.

This collaboration marked a huge step forward for Rising Tide Festival. Not only were we able to host our space within one of the UK’s most iconic surf and music festivals, but we were also given the responsibility of programming the Boardmasters Talks Stage within the Rising Tide area.

It was an exciting challenge, and one we fully embraced.

5 Days, 25 Talks, 62 Voices

Over five days, we curated and hosted 25 talks, bringing 62 incredible speakers to the stage.

Each person brought something unique, whether it was deep expertise, lived experience, creative perspective, or bold ideas for the future.

Together, they created conversations that felt important, timely, and necessary.

From ocean conservation to sustainable innovation, the talks sparked curiosity, challenged thinking, and, most importantly, inspired action.

Stepping Onto the Stage Myself

One of the most unexpected moments for me personally was stepping onto the stage as a host.

It was my first time doing anything like that, and if I’m honest, it pushed me well outside my comfort zone.

But somewhere along the way, something clicked. I found my rhythm, connected with the speakers and the audience, and realised that I genuinely loved being part of those conversations in a more visible way.

Apparently, I’ve got a knack for it… which I definitely didn’t see coming.

A Collective Effort

None of this would have been possible without the people around us.

The Rising Tide Festival has always been rooted in community, and this year was no different. The support we received, from contributors, collaborators, and friends, was incredible.

And on a personal level, I couldn’t have done this without Danny and Matt. What the three of us built together is something I’m immensely proud of.

Why This Moment Mattered

What stood out most to me was the response. There was a real appetite for these kinds of conversations at a major UK festival. People showed up, listened, engaged, and cared. That, more than anything, gave me hope.

Hope that platforms like this have a place.
Hope that ocean-focused conversations can reach wider audiences.
Hope that positive impact and culture can exist side by side.

We’re hugely grateful to Boardmasters for believing in what we were trying to do and giving us the space to bring it to life.