Phil Williams stepping down as National Director after 30+ years

Christian Surfers UK will be going through a period of transition throughout 2025 after it was announced that the National Director, Phil Williams will be stepping down from the role on 1st Aug 2025. Phil, who is no stranger to the UK and international surf scene, has faithfully served Christian Surfers, and through it the UK surfing community for over 30 years!

The charity whose mission is to ‘give every surfer and every surfing community the opportunity to know and follow Jesus’ has changed so much in those 30 years. Growing from just four people with £10 in the bank, to a vibrant and active community with over 350 members in the UK alone.

With the support of the trustee body, Phil and Annie have decided that it is time to ‘hand over the batten’ to enable new leadership to take the mission on to the next exciting chapter of its story.

Phil said: “Annie and I decided a while ago that we wanted to make sure that I stepped down at a time and in a way that enabled Christian Surfers UK to have every opportunity to thrive, not just survive! After much prayer and reflection, we believe that Summer 2025 is the right time for this. It has been an incredible privilege to head up this organisation and watch it grow. We’ve established some incredible events like the Jesus Surf Classic and the Jesus Longboard Classic. We’ve witnessed incredible miracles like un-forecast swell transforming calm seas into a surfers playground! But my biggest thrill has been the incredible people that I’ve got to know and love throughout my time leading this organisation. It really is a story of incredibles! Our incredible God supporting and enabling me to do this, initially as a volunteer alongside my full-time job, then as a surf missionary living by faith, for the last 22 years.”

Phil will not be walking away from the Christian Surfers family and will continue to look after Christian Surfers Europe, and other areas of focus within Christian Surfers International. After a bit of time to breathe and reflect, who knows what else is yet to come?

Phil is super keen to thank all those who have been and continue to be involved in this amazing journey. So, expect a visit over the coming months!

The trustee team of Christian Surfers UK fully recognises the extraordinary role that Phil has given himself and his family to, in serving the UK surf community.

Rob Crouch, Chair of Trustees said: “There really is no one like Phil Williams, he is a true one off! His servant heart and unwavering faith in God is only matched by his grom like froth for all things surfing. We recognise that Phil’s contribution is unmatchable, but through the work of a transition board and with the support of the membership and wider CS family we are totally confident that once again, God will provide a new exceptional leader. For those of you that pray, please do pray for Phil and pray that God will lead the right people to our doors.”

Phil is not yet ready to hang up his wetsuit or cease to be active in the wider surfing community that has been part of his life for so long. If you want to pick his brains or run a comp, do reach out to phil@christiansurfers.co.uk

The trustee team of Christian Surfers UK will shortly be advertising to seek a new National Director. Christian Surfers UK is part of Christian Surfers International, a mission organisation reaching and investing in surf communities in over 35 countries.

If there are any questions relating to this announcement, please don’t hesitate to contact rob@christiansurfers.co.uk