The Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series hit European shores for the first time in 2025.
France kicked off this season in Hossegor, followed by the UK in Newquay, both 5000-point events that gave athletes the perfect opportunity for a head start on the point score.
I (Piran Phillips), from the UK, has been fortunate enough to lead the WOS Men’s Ski point score at different points over the last two seasons.
Bob Whittaker has enjoyed a couple spells down under, claiming a 9th in the Queensland state Iron, beating the likes of Finn Askew and Callum Brennan.
So… to all the Europeans lads, it is possible, to chuck on a wetsuit, battle a few winter chills, jump on a 24-hour flight, and take the fight to the Aussies and best of the Kiwis.
And to keep everyone on high alert, here is:
MY TOP FIVE EUROPEAN MALES TO IMPACT THE SHAW AND PARTNERS WORLD OCEAN SERIES WITHIN FIVE YEARS. That you probably have not heard off yet.
Let’s introduce the guys.
5 -
William Davies
Nationality: British
Club: Portreath
Age: 15
Strength: Iron
About: Davies has quickly climbed the ranks in the UK, last season as an U15 he claimed the British titles in swim, board, ski and Iron. Davies had a chance to race amongst the Open competitors at the Oceanperf Challenge UK, in which he finished on the podium in the Iron, at 15 years old!
Yet to race internationally, Davies is currently the brightest spark in Britain, with possibly more potential than everyone on this list. Only his age is keeping him down and away from racing in Australia.
4-
Diego Ferrari
Nationality: Italian
Club: Amici Nuoto Riva
Age: 19
Strength: Swim
About: Ferrari is the most versatile athlete on this list and that includes pool rescue. The Italian can swim a 2.05 for 200m Super lifesaver, which won him the 2024 Youth World champs, edging out Riley Brennan. Those pool swimming abilities are starting to convert into the Ocean. Ferrari finished 5th in the Youth Surf race at the 2024 Worlds, only a body wave behind Ethan Callaghan.
At the 2025 European Champs, Ferrari claimed a bronze in the swim and board. With patience to learn ocean skills, the Italian can steal points down under in the WOS.
3-
Clemens Wulkopf
Nationality: German
Club: DLRG Harsewinkel
Age: 23
Strength: Ski
About: Wulkopf was crowned the European Ski champion in 2023 and was runner up in 2025 in a photo finish. The German towers over the ski field, dominates across Europe in longer flatter races and is elite on the bumps.
With more experience in crowded elite ski fields, more wave play, Wulkopf can become a force in every ski race around the world.
2-
Nicolas Daudignon
Nationality: French
Club: Seignosse Sauvetage Cotier
Age: 18
Strength: Board
About: Daudignon’s board skills were on full display at the 2024 Worlds, as he finished 2nd in the Youth Board, beating out Henry Simpson. Since then, the Frenchman has won the Youth European Board and Iron titles.
Surf skills will not be a problem, growing up on Hossegor beach, Daudignon can attack the heaviest and biggest shore breaks with ease. His time down under will be coming soon, so beware!
1-
Terry Miller
Nationality: British
Club: Polzeath
Age: 19
Strength: Ski
About: Miller enjoyed a brief season in Aus with Newport last year and capped off the year winning a bronze medal in the u19 ski at Aussies. The Brit beat some Australia’s best upcoming ski paddlers, Aiden Carberry and Joel Steiner.
Miller won the Youth European ski title two years ago, and with if extended time can be found for him to travel, he can move into the open ranks and become one the worlds best.
Special mentions: Kiran Gammon, David Miller, both British athletes have featured this season racing for Maroochydore and made WOS surf race finals.
Don’t worry ladies, haven’t forgotten about you. MY TOP FIVE EUROPEAN FEMALES TO IMPACT THE WORLD OCEAN SERIES WITHIN FIVE YEARS. That you probably have not heard off yet… Is up next.