Ellen Caldwell’s Boardmasters 2025 preview: surfing against the world’s best, van life, and huge headliners

Hey Ellen, so let’s start with the big picture – what does your competition schedule look like this year, and how are you feeling about Boardmasters?

You know, I think I have to keep things in perspective. I’ve only been in the surf world for six years, which isn’t long compared to most of the competitors I’m up against. But coming from a high-level sports background, I understand competition – it’s just about being realistic with where I am in my surfing journey.

This year has been super-fun so far! Right now, I’m really enjoying my free-surfing and trying not to put too much focus on competitions. I started the year with a few surf invitationals, which are honestly my favourite kind of competition. They’re not high pressure, and it’s always amazing to meet new people with different mindsets while testing my skills under pressure.

Then there’s Boardmasters – that’s definitely my highest-pressure competition of the year. I try to focus on my personal performance because there are such world-class athletes competing, people I genuinely aspire to be like. But I have to be realistic that I still have so much to learn in this sport. Just getting to sit in the line-up with surfers I look up to feels incredible.

I’m hoping to finish the year with a few more invitationals, like the Channel Coast Log Jam in Bournemouth – that’s always such a fun day with an amazing community vibe. Everyone leaves with new friends, and the waves always seem to make an appearance too!

This will be your third Boardmasters – can you walk us through that journey and how you’re feeling heading into this year’s comp?

[Laughs] Yeah, third time’s the charm, right? My first year was pretty intense – I found myself in a heat against Alice Lemoigne, the Longboard World Champion, and I was coming back from a fully ruptured ACL. Everyone was telling me not to compete, but how could I pass up the chance to surf with some of the world’s best?

The second year was tough in a different way. I came in after another hard year of rehab from the knee injury, and we had this solid 6-8ft swell with really intense conditions. If I’m being honest, that wasn’t a performance I’m very proud of. That’s why this year I’m hoping to come in strong and push for a better result.

So, what do you prefer – competition or free-surfing?

Free-surfing all the way! I shortboard and longboard, and I love having the choice to test my skills in all conditions. The feeling of
different boards is so diverse, and I just love playing and learning. There’s something about that freedom to choose your waves, your board, your approach – it keeps the pure stoke alive.

Now, we have to ask about your setup – you’re doing the full van life experience for Boardmasters, right? How does that work for a high-level competition?

[Grins] It’s quite fun but definitely not usual for high-level sport! I park my van up and sleep right there before competition. It’s fully converted with a little cooking station, so I can get up early, look at that incredible view, check the waves, then make some breakfast to start the day.

I always pack layers because we’ll be outside all day. It may be summer, but we’re talking UK weather – so expect the unexpected! The van life approach actually keeps me pretty relaxed though. There’s something about waking up that close to the ocean that just centres you before a big comp.

What’s your must-have packing list for living out of the van during Boardmasters?

Lightweight equipment is absolutely key for the competition, festival, and the fact I’m living out of my VW Caddy for a few days.

First up is the Pursuit Robe – it’s a real game-changer! It folds down so small, and I can zip up the sides if I want to wear it as a coat for wind protection or those random rain showers. No more walking around looking like I’m in a changing robe when I’m just trying to grab a coffee.

The Quick-Dry Microfibre Towel is crucial for drying off too – it packs light and dries super-fast, so there’s no damp lingering in the van. Then there’s the Lightweight Crossbody Bag, which is essential for carrying all my bits to the festival site – and it’s actually stylish.

And last but definitely not least, the Waterproof Tote Bag keeps all my wetsuits ready for action and stores them perfectly in the van. The best bit is you can put valuables in the waterproof pocket and not worry about them getting damaged – perfect for festival life.

That gear sounds ideal for exactly this kind of adventure. Any final thoughts as we count down to Boardmasters?

I’m genuinely excited. Yes, there are nerves, but they’re the good kind – the kind that mean this matters to me. I get to surf against some of the best in the world, in front of an incredible crowd, at one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, all while living my best van life.

Whether the waves are pumping or not, whether I have the heat of my life or struggle through it, I’m going to soak up every moment. That’s what Boardmasters is all about – celebrating surf culture, pushing your limits, and having an absolute blast doing it.

Bring on the waves, bring on the competition – and bring on the party!

Keep up with Ellen Caldwell’s surfing and van life adventures on Insta @ellen_caldwell