Queen of the Maids SURF COMP ‘25!

My artwork for ‘Queen of the Maids Surf Comp 2025’

Mormaids is a women’s surf group in Newquay, Cornwall. Their motto is ‘Encouraging ladies to reclaim the waves’. Mormaids is derived from the Cornish word mor, meaning 'sea,' and can be translated as 'seamaids' or 'maidens of the sea.'

Having already designed their logo and other merchandise, founder Mollie Erskine asked me if I would create an illustration for their upcoming 2025 surf competition ‘Queen of the Maids’. This competition was running for its second year, and I was keen to be involved.

In Mollie’s own words:

Queen of the Maids was born to give maids (and a couple of mini-maids) a safe space to compete. Where age and ability have no limits and all ego is left in the carpark. For many, it’s the only surf comp they’ve entered. It was so amazing to see the maids paddling out back in unison, cheering each other into waves and sharing the stoke in the water. This is what it’s all about!

Some of the Maids gather for a group photo after a surf

Mor.Maids’ Instagram is full of great content, from inspirational photos to graphic posts (often utilising my artwork).

Mor.Maids instagram post

My artwork was added to a t-shirt which was made available for the competition. All funds raised went back into funding more surfing activities for the group.

Instagram post advertising the merchandise

It was a joy to see my artwork generating lots of excitement about the competition, which took place this September at Crantock beach.

Mor.Maids instagram post

The sun shone and there was a good turnout in numbers. A very happy ‘Queen’ was crowned and I’ve no doubt there will be even more interest in the competition this year!

About time I got out from behind my computer and joined those Maids in the waves I reckon … I can’t surf, but, maybe it’s time to learn!

Mor.Maids celebrating!

All illustrations and photos shown on this page are copyrighted and cannot be used without permission.