The Hokulea | Polynesian Voyaging Societys Legendary Vessel SurferToday 2017-06-21 | The Hokulea has successfully completed the three-year voyage around the world.Hōkūle‘a - the original Hawaiian name - is a wa'a (traditional voyaging canoe) launched for the first time on March 8, 1975. It mimics the canoes that brought ancient Hawaiians to their archipelago over 600 years ago.Through her voyages, Polynesian Voyaging Society’s legendary vessel has sparked a reawakening of Hawaiian culture, language, identity and revitalized voyaging and navigation traditions throughout the Pacific Ocean.Two years after the first voyage to Tahiti in 1976, the stunning double-hulled sailing canoe tried to repeat the feat, but it capsized in stormy conditions off of Molokai.Eddie Aikau, one of the crew members, decided to paddle his surfboard back to Hawaii to get help, but he was never seen again.Hōkūle'a is the Hawaiian name for the star Arcturus ("Star of Gladness"). It was designed by artist and historian Herb Kawainui Kāne, one of the founders of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.It measures 62 feet in length, and 20 feet in width.Footage by the Polynesian Voyaging Society.SurferToday: The Ultimate Surfing News Website | surfertoday.comSubscribe to our channel: goo.gl/mXMrVUFollow us:facebook.com/surfertodaytwitter.com/surfertodayinstagram.com/surfertodaypinterest.com/surfertoday
The Skate Bowl at Selfridges, London | Designer Street Room, Floor 1 SurferToday 2024-10-15 | When Selfridges opened in London in 1909, no one could have predicted that over a century later, the historic department store would house a permanent skate bowl.Known as the UK’s second-largest retail space, Selfridges has become an iconic destination on Oxford Street, attracting over 250,000 visitors each week.Since 2018, it's also become a hotspot for skateboarders.The unique addition of a rideable skate bowl inside the store reflects the founder Harry Gordon Selfridge's vision of making shopping an enjoyable and immersive experience.Partnering with The Mighty Mighty, Brinkworth, and Four One Four, Selfridges installed the world's first enclosed skate bowl in 2018, built with a striking 360-degree wooden framework.The design balances form and function, featuring birch plywood assembled like a 3D puzzle, with a polycarbonate section at the top for visibility and extended skating area.This wasn't the store's first foray into skate culture.In 2014, Selfridges hosted a temporary skatepark behind its flagship location.However, the current bowl takes things further, becoming a permanent fixture in the Designer Street Room.The project involved 320 hours of design, 720 hours of workshop preparation, and 2,400 hours of on-site construction using 5,000 meters of plywood.Overlooking the busy intersection of Oxford Street and Duke Street, the skate bowl offers skaters an extraordinary view while they ride.Managed by pro skater Ross McGouran, it welcomes anyone over seven years old, providing lessons for beginners and open sessions for advanced riders.This innovative initiative has connected Selfridges with urban culture enthusiasts, significantly boosting streetwear sales and creating a new cultural landmark for London’s skateboarding scene.Full story:surfertoday.com/skateboarding/the-skate-bowl-at-selfridges-oxford-street-londonFootage: TCO London / @selfridges
Côme Girardot Breaks Death Diving World Record: 44.3 Meters SurferToday 2024-10-08 | Côme Girardot set a new world record in death diving by leaping from a height of 44.3 meters at the La Cimbarra waterfall in central Spain.The 22-year-old Frenchman took on this daring feat in challenging windy conditions, jumping from a 44-meter cliff near Aldeaquemada.Girardot's plunge lasted about three seconds, during which he reached a speed of 106 kilometers per hour before hitting the water hands and feet first.Reflecting on the experience, he admitted that the toughest part was overcoming the mental challenge at the start."The airtime was way longer than I expected," he said, adding that it gave him the biggest adrenaline rush of his life.Supported by a team of fellow competitors from the Døds Diving World Tour, Girardot’s attempt was carefully planned to ensure safety.Two of his friends, Ken Stornes from Norway and Lucien Charlon from Switzerland acted as lifeguards during the event.Stornes had previously held the record at 40.5 meters, which Charlon later broke with a 41.7-meter jump in August 2024.Death diving, or "døds diving," originated in Norway in 1969, created by Erling Bruno Hovden as a form of high diving.It differs from traditional high diving in that participants hit the water with both their hands and feet at the same time instead of feet-first.The sport is divided into two categories: classic and freestyle.In classic døds diving, participants jump with their arms and legs spread wide, flying flat toward the water without flips or rotations.Just before impact, they tuck their bodies to reduce the force of the landing, usually hitting the water with their feet, hands, or knees first.Judges evaluate the dive based on factors like airtime, difficulty, form, and the splash created on impact.Freestyle døds diving, on the other hand, includes maneuvers that resemble tricks seen in snowboarding or skateboarding, and the level of difficulty is more aligned with gymnastics.Full story:surfertoday.com/environment/come-girardot-sets-new-death-diving-record
Bahrain Surf Park: The First Wavegarden Wave Pool in the Middle East and North Africa SurferToday 2024-10-01 | The Kingdom of Bahrain announced the launch of Bahrain Surf Park - Club Hawaii Experience, the Middle East and North Africa's first surf park using the Wavegarden Cove technology.Bahrain Surf Park will form the first leisure and entertainment element of the wider Bilaj Al Jazayer development, a 1.3-million-square-meter project along Bahrain's southwest coast.The project will also feature luxury beachfront hotels, residences, and commercial spaces.Also included in the Bahrain Surf Park is Club Hawaii Surf Academy.The facility will train, mentor, and develop surfers of the future through a series of comprehensive training programs for beginners, improvers, intermediates, and advanced surfers.Club Hawaii acknowledges, through its brand, the spirit of Hawaii, the birthplace of surfing.Bahrain Surf Park is expected to attract approximately 300,000 visitors per year, with upwards of 140,000 surf sessions annually.The park will feature F&B outlets, a spacious terrace, a retail store, cabanas, event space, and a large private entertainment area for corporate or school groups.There are also plans to host a major international surfing competition at the park in 2026.The Wavegarden Cove can accommodate up to 90 surfers and produce up to 1,000 waves per hour, catering to all skill levels, from beginners to elite surfers.The wave-making technology has a low energy consumption, and the facilities provide a vast range of social and economic benefits to local communities.Bahrain Surf Park - Club Hawaii Experience is scheduled to open in 2026.
Sebastián Álvarez Skydives Into Surf Abu Dhabi Wave Pool SurferToday 2024-09-24 | Chilean wingsuit flyer Sebastián Álvarez took a daring leap from a Bell 212 helicopter at 12,000 feet (3,657 meters) above Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi before descending in spectacular fashion and landing on a wave.With a specially modified surfboard attached to his feet, Álvarez skysurfed from the helicopter, gliding down by parachute.As he neared the world's largest wave pool at Surf Abu Dhabi, he cut his parachute and smoothly landed on a six-foot (1.8-meter) wave.A world-class BASE jumper and skydiver, Álvarez has completed thousands of similar jumps, but this one was particularly bold and unique.The project, which took over two years to develop, combined three extreme sports: sky surfing, swooping, and surfing. The preparation required mastering all three, creating a high-level, multidisciplinary challenge.Álvarez explained that the idea had been in his mind for a long time, inspired by watching pelicans gliding over ocean waves as a child. He admired the birds’ ability to use the wind and waves to maintain speed and grace, imagining himself one day doing the same. With the advanced wave technology at Surf Abu Dhabi, developed by the Kelly Slater Wave Company, Álvarez’s dream became reality.The facility, which boasts the longest artificial wave and largest barrel, provided the ideal location for this groundbreaking feat.Surf Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s latest year-round surfing destinations, attracting adventure seekers and sports enthusiasts.Álvarez reflected on how special it was to complete his project in Abu Dhabi, calling the technology behind the waves a remarkable human achievement."It truly is a perfect wave," he said, adding that accomplishing this daring jump felt like stepping into the unknown and fulfilling a lifelong dream.Surf Abu Dhabi is set to host its first major event, the 2024 Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic, on September 27-29, with a World Surf League Championship Tour event scheduled for 2025.
Barrel After Barrel: Surfing The Hidden Right of the Mentawais SurferToday 2024-09-02 | Watch Jackson Dorian, Martim Fortes, Sid Englert, Inigo Madina, Joaquin At-Thariq, and friends surfing a gem in the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia.The new surfing generation rides barrel after barrel at The Hidden Right, a world-class right-hand point/reef break that comes to life on the east coast of Masokut Island.The perfect Indo wave provides a dreamy tube and a maneuvering section that can be accessed from the beach in front of the Hidden Bay Resort Mentawais.Footage: @hiddenbayresortmentawais1872
Surfing Rocha, Uruguay | Sebastian Olarte Rides Big Waves SurferToday 2024-08-22 | At 32 years old, Sebastián Olarte has spent much of his life chasing waves as a professional surfer.He hails from Uruguay, a small country in South America nestled between Brazil and Argentina.Uruguay is often known for its passion for football, world-renowned meat, and a strong sense of community.However, beneath this well-known exterior lies a vibrant and dedicated surfing culture.Here, surfers constantly dream of perfect waves, although the ideal conditions are often elusive.This August, however, a powerful swell pounded the coastline while a stiff offshore breeze created some classic conditions for Sebastián and his team of friends.The day began early - around 4 a.m. - when Sebastián left home and headed towards Rocha, a coastal region known for its surf spots.There, he met up with the rest of the team, setting off for a location they believed might offer some rare gems.Upon arrival, the sea greeted them with towering waves and rare offshore winds.They quickly prepared their gear and headed to a rocky slab two miles offshore.As they approached, the wind intensified, creating large bumps on the face of the waves.Juan, one of Sebastián's close friends, managed to catch a couple of waves before it was his turn.The ski driver, Gastón, spotted a mountainous swell marching towards the lineup and exclaimed, "This one is yours, Seb!"Sebastián launched onto it with determination, focusing on finding the perfect line to descend the wave without getting caught by the wind-induced bumps.After navigating his way onto the shoulder of the wave, he headed back to the channel, where he was met with cheers from his friends."It was the biggest wave of the day, and I was pumped to have made it," explained Sebastián."We attempted to catch a few more waves, but the wind grew stronger, so we headed to the beach break, which was also on fire."When they reached the beach, Leandro, the filmmaker, showed them the footage of that wave - and it was only then that they truly grasped its magnitude."None of us could believe that such a wave had materialized in Uruguay - it was a moment of both delight and disbelief."They spent the rest of the day doing step-offs on some amazing waves with friends, cherishing the thrill and camaraderie of surfing together.Surfer: @sebastianolarte Images (photos and footage): @leandrofuqueWords: @andyhiggins_france
Surf Protected Areas: The Virtuous Circle of Waves and Nature SurferToday 2024-08-13 | Forests, mangroves, and marshes surrounding surf breaks store nearly 90 million metric tonnes of "irrecoverable carbon," crucial for climate stability.A new study by Conservation International highlights the importance of these coastal ecosystems in fighting climate change and preserving biodiversity.The research mapped over 4,800 surf spots worldwide, revealing significant carbon storage in areas within one to three kilometers of the waves.However, less than a third of these ecosystems are protected.Expanding Surf Protected Area Networks (SPAN) could help safeguard these vital regions and address global environmental challenges.Footage: @ConservationInternational
Letícia Bufoni Transforms Deserted Paris Streets into a Skateboarders Paradise SurferToday 2024-08-06 | As the bustling streets of Paris empty out for the summer, the City of Light transforms into an expansive playground for one of the world's top skateboarders, @LeticiaBufoni.Watch Bufoni showcasing her extraordinary talent against the backdrop of Paris' most iconic landmarks.The 80/20 SnapshotSeizing a Unique Moment: With Parisians away for the summer, Brazilian skateboarder Letícia Bufoni claims the deserted streets of Paris, turning the capital’s famed locations into her personal skatepark.Highlighting Iconic Landmarks: Bufoni adds her own creative flair to some of Paris' most recognizable spots, from Montmartre's heights to the Place de la République and the Bir-Hakeim bridge.Connecting Sport and History: By blending her dynamic skateboarding with the timeless beauty of Paris, Bufoni bridges the city's historic charm with modern athleticism.A Skateboarding Legend: Bufoni's unparalleled skill and boldness, combined with Paris' architectural marvels, create a striking juxtaposition that celebrates both sport and culture.Deep DiveThe Red Bull Stealth Mode series, which began with Tomomi Nishikubo's breathtaking performance at the Château de Chambord, continues to captivate audiences with its latest episode.This time, the focus shifts to Paris, where Letícia Bufoni, a legend in women's skateboarding, redefines the urban landscape with her fearless tricks and unparalleled style.From the top of Montmartre, Bufoni descends through the city, transforming its streets into a canvas for her skateboarding artistry.Her journey takes her through the historic Place de la République and across the stunning Bir-Hakeim bridge, each location offering a new perspective on the City of Light.As Bufoni skates, she invites viewers to see Paris not from the confines of a tourist bus but through the exhilarating lens of her skateboard.Born in São Paulo, Bufoni's passion for skateboarding ignited at a young age.By 14, she made her international debut at the X Games in California, quickly establishing herself as one of the sport's top athletes.Bufoni holds the record for the most street skating gold medals at the X Games and has been celebrated by her peers as an iconic figure in the skateboarding world.Her influence extends beyond the ramps and rails, as she features prominently in the Tony Hawk Pro Skater video game series.In the second episode of Red Bull Stealth Mode, Bufoni's remarkable talent and the stunning scenery of an empty Paris create a unique blend of sport and spectacle.Her ability to navigate and adapt to the urban environment showcases not only her skill but also her creative vision, making the City of Light shine in a new and unexpected way.Footage: Red Bull
Teahupoo: The Deadly Tahitian Wave SurferToday 2024-07-31 | Teahupoo, the home of the #paris2024 Olympic #surfing program, is one of the deadliest waves on the planet.The infamous French Polynesian reef break produces a fast and treacherous wave that detonates over a shallow, sharp coral stand.A mistake at #teahupoo could be fatal.Watch how surfers take off on the liquid Tahitian beast, get barreled, and find the exit as the wave's thick and heavy lip explodes onto the reef.
Italo Ferreira Surfs at the Opening of RiF010 in Rotterdam SurferToday 2024-07-08 | Brazilian pro surfer Italo Ferreira was the star guest at the grand opening of @rif0103, the world's first urban wave pool.The hyperactive world champion surfer put on a highly entertaining show for all who attended the event held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on July 6, 2024.Ferreira was completely stoked and fired up.The goofy-footer unveiled all his talent, performing acid drops, 360, and aerial moves on the 21-meter wide, 130-meter long wave-generating Dutch canal.For more information about RiF010:surfertoday.com/surfing/rif010-the-downtown-rotterdam-wave-pool
Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup 2024 | Final Highlights SurferToday 2024-07-02 | The prestigious Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup 2024 has reached its climax, with the decisive matchups taking place at Pozo Pozo Izquierdo.The men's final was claimed by Canarian Marino Gil, who faced German Julian Salmonn, thus winning the 36th edition of the iconic wave sailing competition.In the women's final, Aruban Sarah-Quita Offringa defeated German Lina Erpenstein, meeting expectations after the absence of the Ruano Moreno sisters.Marino Gil achieved his dream of winning the world title at home, marking his first victory in the PWA World Tour after a spectacular final against German Julian Salmonn.With a score of 28.43 points, Gil sealed his victory with a perfect pushloop forward.Meanwhile, the German resident in Tenerife attempted to surpass Gil with a one-foot backloop and a front 360, but Gil’s narrow lead secured the crown."It has always been my dream since I was little to win here. I am very happy and extremely grateful to everyone for making this event possible," stated Marino Gil, who also noted that the conditions were excellent, showcasing the classic Pozo style.Gil is now focused on further improvement, aiming to win the world championship by the end of the season.In the women's category, Sarah-Quita Offringa claimed the Pozo Izquierdo crown for the first time after a close final.Her performance included a 6.8-point Backloop and a 5.3-point Forward, maneuvers that allowed her to surpass German Lina Erpenstein, who kept the competition thrilling until the last moments with a Forward that nearly won her the title."I am super happy to have finally won here. I have been training in Pozo for many years, and it is always challenging, either due to the conditions or Daida Moreno always winning," expressed the Aruban.The Aruban recalled that her first time at Pozo Izquierdo in 2013 ended in last place, making this victory the perfect way to "close the circle."
Cape Solander: Surfers Defy DEATH at Ours SurferToday 2024-06-28 | Welcome to Cape Solander in Botany Bay, Sydney, Australia.Cape Solander, formerly known as Ours, is one of the most dangerous waves on the planet.Despite the risk of taking off on a mutant slab wave that breaks in front of a rocky formation, some surfers defy fear and death at the infamous lineup.Watch some of the scariest wipeouts surfers like Blake Thornton, Riley Laing, Russell Bierke, Evan Faulks, Jai Abberton, Kirk Flintoff, and Ryan Hipwood endured the last time an extreme surfing event was held at Cape Solander.
Teahupoo: The Deadly Tahitian Surfing Wave SurferToday 2024-06-25 | Welcome to Teahupoo, Tahiti, one of the world's biggest and heaviest waves and the official Olympic surfing venue for the Paris 2024 Games.Teahupoo, a notorious surf break in Tahiti, is renowned for its extraordinarily heavy, thick waves, making it both a thrill and a hazard for surfers.Known as "The End of the Road," this reef break produces life-threatening waves due to the sudden transition from deep to shallow water. Some key highlights include:1. Historical Significance: First ridden in 1985 by Thierry Vernaudon, Teahupoo's challenging waves have since drawn top surfers from around the world. 2. Dangerous Nature: The waves break about 500 yards offshore over a sharp coral reef, with the depth dropping to over 300 feet just beyond the reef. This sudden change creates powerful and dangerous waves.3. Record Rides: Notable rides include Laird Hamilton's "Millennium Wave" in 2000, Nathan Florence's massive paddle-in wave in 2015, and Jamie O'Brien's fiery ride the same year.4. Deadly Reputation: The wave has claimed the lives of five surfers, highlighting its perilous nature. Briece Taerea's tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers.5. Unique Characteristics: Teahupoo's wave faces are two to three times bigger than their backs, and the break has three main take-off spots catering to different surfing styles and levels of risk.6. Cultural Impact: The spot is steeped in local culture, with its name meaning "the pile of heads" in Polynesian, and it has become a legendary venue featured in films and documentaries.7. Sporting Milestones: It hosted its first pro surfing event in 1998 and will be the surfing venue for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Kelly Slater also made history here with a perfect score in 2005.8. Extreme Stunts: The wave has been surfed blindfolded, ridden on a skimboard, and even tackled by a motorcyclist, demonstrating its broad appeal to extreme sports enthusiasts.Learn More:surfertoday.com/surfing/things-you-didnt-know-about-teahupoosurfertoday.com/surfing/spectators-guide-to-surfing-at-the-paris-2024-olympics-in-teahupoo
Water Brother: The Sid Abbruzzi Story | Trailer SurferToday 2024-06-21 | "Water Brother: The Sid Abbruzzi Story" is a feature documentary chronicling the life of Sid Abbruzzi, a revered East Coast figure and cultural icon.The film delves into Sid's enduring passion for surfing and skating, as well as his dedication to preserving the sports' history and culture.Utilizing a blend of rare archival footage, personal interviews, and large-format cinematic shots, including conversations with cultural icons like Tony Hawk, Shepard Fairey, Selema Masekela, and others, this documentary guides the audience through the evolution of surfing and skating - from 1960s Newport to Santa Cruz, Cocoa Beach, South Africa's Jeffrey's Bay, and beyond.As Sid nears the age of 72, the film captures the final days of his renowned Water Brothers Surf & Skate shop, which is set for demolition.It examines the repercussions of the shop's closure on both the local community and the larger surf and skate world.The documentary underscores the significance of memory, personal history, and living in the moment, encouraging us to value our past and safeguard cultural heritage."Water Brother: The Sid Abbruzzi Story" serves as a poignant reflection on a well-lived life and a heartfelt homage to the enduring spirit of surf culture.It honors the individuals and places that elevate surfing and skating beyond mere hobbies, illustrating how one man's devotion can inspire an entire community.Director: Charles Kinnane
SurfTown MUC | Four Waves, Four Surfers SurferToday 2024-06-17 | Watch Lukas Skinner, Victoria Vergara, Leon Glatzer, and Janina Zeitler surfing four different waves at the SurfTown MUC wave pool in Munich, Germany.As the heart of @o2SURFTOWNMUC, the ES34 lagoon showcases 34 wave-generating caissons that offer powerful and customizable waves thanks to Endless Surf’s robust pneumatic hardware paired with its proprietary software suite.From coached sessions with mellow beginner waves to free-surf sessions with air sections and barrels, there will truly be a wave for every skill level and surf style in the capital of Bavaria.At their max, waves can be generated up to 2.1 meters in height and up to 18 seconds in length on Single Peak mode.Footage: SurfTown MUC
2024 Gadis Longboard Festival | Finals Day Highlights SurferToday 2024-06-17 | Antonio Dantas and Zoe Grospiron won the 2024 Gadis Longboard Festival Ferrol, the final stop on the 2023/24 World Surf League (WSL) European Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS), in challenging longboard conditions at Praia da Fragata in Ferrol, Spain.An epic finals day started early with the men’s Quarterfinals and ran all the way through the men's and women's Finals this afternoon in continued challenging conditions where surfers had to contend with choppy lines and closeout sections.However, the best longboarders in the region made small work of the waves at hand and proved they had plenty of resources to apply strategically placed nose rides and carves to exploit the whole judging scale nearly all the way to perfect scores.Antonio Dantas came blistering out of the gates with two incredible scores of 9.17 and 8.77 (out of a possible 10) and posted the event’s highest heat total of 17.94 (out of a possible 20) with unmatched grace and control of his board.The Portuguese, whose previous highest result was 7th place, had all three of his opponents in a combination situation and looked in total control of the heat.But as waves continued to pump, Edouard Delpero and Roland Lefeuvre came right back at him with a 9-point ride of their own to stay in fighting distance.Unfortunately, the ocean went somewhat quiet in the final five minutes and didn’t offer the opportunities needed to post another excellent number and challenge Dantas. Martin Coret put on a decent fight but had to settle for last place.“I feel amazing,” Dantas said.“I think I’m the first Portuguese to win an LQS event; that’s what everyone keeps telling me, so it’s an honor to be making history here in Ferrol.""I had a lot of fun. The waves were difficult, but I made it happen, so I’m stoked. I couldn’t really hear anything in the water, but I knew they were getting nice waves, so I tried to hold the priority, and it went well!”The 21-year-old from Sao Pedro, Estoril, claimed his first-ever win on the WSL regional longboard series and put his name on the map with an epic performance when it mattered most, in the Final, overcoming a stacked heat that included former World No.2 Delpero.Edouard Delpero came a close second in the Final and consolidated his spot atop the regional rankings for the 2023/24 season, claiming a fifth European Longboard Title and equalling the record held by his brother Antoine.“I’m super happy to get the European title. It was my goal to come here to Ferrol,” Delpero said.“I’m stoked for Antonio, who won his first LQS event. It’s a big result, and it was a fun fight with him. I had a great event with solid scores in every heat, and unfortunately, he was just better than me in that Final, so congrats to him.”Roland Lefeuvre and Martin Coret, respectively, placed third and fourth in the Men’s Final.An anti-climatic women’s Final was unjustly hindered by a dead quiet ocean and mostly closeout sections, forcing surfers to contend with dribble and unfavorable lines.However, the playing field was the same for all four surfers in the heat, and France’s Zoe Grospiron managed to get the better of all exchanges to claim her career-first win on the European Longboard tour.“I’m super happy to finally get my first win on the WSL longboard qualifying series,” Grospiron said.“Conditions were very tough, and we couldn’t really show anything out there, but I’m still extremely happy to have come away with the win and stoked to be here in Galicia.”A standout on the European LQS for a few years now, Grospiron has collected quarters and semis appearances since her maiden season in 2018 and even placed runner-up a couple of times, finally breaking her glass ceiling today with the win.Equal 9th on the international Longboard Tour last year, the French surfer will now try to carry momentum and confidence into this year’s events worldwide.Settling for the runner-up spot this time in the Final was Alice Lemoigne, the region’s leading competitor for the past decade.The talented Reunion Island surfer claimed an unprecedented 8th European Longboard title today in Galicia.“I’m very happy to win another European title today,” Lemoigne said.“Even though I couldn’t win that Final in extremely complicated waves, I love collecting those, and I hope I can get many more in the future, just to prove I’m still here and competitive.”Canelle Lebreton and Ginger Caimi respectively placed third and fourth in the Women’s Final.2024 Gadis Longboard Festival | FinalsMen1. Antonio Dantas (POR) 17.942. Edouard Delpero (FRA) 16.873. Roland Lefeuvre (FRA) 15.774. Martin Coret (REU) 12.40Women1. Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 6.062. Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 5.873. Canelle Lebreton (FRA) 2.804. Ginger Caimi (ITA) 2.20Footage: WSL
How to SANDBOARD a Dune Like a Wave SurferToday 2024-06-17 | Watch how Chilean Franco Diaz rides a dune on his sandboard.The sandboarder from Iquique rides the dunes of the Atacama Desert with a style influenced by surfing.Diaz, who also runs Munay Sandboard, began sandboarding in 2014 after adapting skateboards for sand.He frequently rides Cerro Dragón and Duna Cerebro, the latter being his favorite and most challenging dune.Diaz's background in surfing, bodyboarding, and skateboarding shapes his unique approach to sandboarding.Sandboarding is popular in Iquique, attracting enthusiasts worldwide.Diaz prefers riding with friends on the city's dunes, which offer natural ramps and walls without obstacles like animals or stones.Despite the sport's recent rise in popularity due to social media, Diaz hopes more people will embrace sandboarding.He is currently learning to paraglide, aiming to combine it with sandboarding for a thrilling new experience.Full story:surfertoday.com/surfing/the-sandboarder-who-rides-dunes-like-waves
2024 Gadis Longboard Festival | Day 1 Highlights SurferToday 2024-06-14 | Cristina Collazo and Iago Formosel will be the two Galician surfers who will participate in the 2024 Gadis Longboard Festival in Ferrol, Spain.Both surfers worked hard to earn the wildcards for the first of three WSL events in Galicia this summer.Formosel got the best score with 7.77, ahead of Michi Gómez, Daniel Alvite, and Patrick Vilán.In the women's division, Collazo stood out ahead of Maria Lafuente and Lola Bermúdez.The LQS 1,000 WSL event features 61 athletes: 32 men and 29 women, arriving from Europe, South America, and even the Antipodes, representing New Zealand.The competition will take place throughout the weekend, with its epicenter at the As Cabazas campsite in Covas, a small surfing village.June 13 will kick off with thrilling Qualifying Trials, offering any non-ranked surfer the chance to secure a spot in the prestigious WSL event.From June 14 to 16, the top Longboard talents will face off in a competition bearing the distinctive WSL stamp, drawing fans and professionals alike.Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of complementary activities, from beachside skating to yoga sessions and environmental workshops, all free of charge.The concerts, starting in the late afternoon around 7:00 pm, will provide the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy music under the breathtaking sunset.The highlight will come on Sunday, June 16, with the eagerly anticipated finals, where the champions of the event will be crowned.It will be a day filled with excitement and adrenaline as competitors vie for victory on the waves of Galicia.Footage: Classic Surf Pro
John John Florence Scores His 18th PERFECT 10 SurferToday 2024-06-10 | John John Florence could not be stopped throughout the 2024 Surf City El Salvador Pro.The Hawaiian added another Perfect 10 to his list of running accolades in the Semifinals before winning his ninth CT event.Florence is now tied for the most Perfect 10-point rides, marking his 18th Perfect 10 on the CT.Footage: WSL
Surfers Code | The Open World Surfing Video Game SurferToday 2024-06-06 | "Surfers Code" is a 3D open-world surf simulation adventure into the chill tropical lifestyle of a traveling surfer.Start your adventure on a quaint tropical island, where the local crowd will set you up with a surfboard, teach you to surf, give you tips, and tell you all about surfing and the islands.Explore the caverns for lost treasure, chat with the quirky characters, and surf the excellent wave on the North side of the island.When you have exhausted your options and yearn for more, travel by boat to nearby islands, where you will encounter other surfers and local inhabitants who will fill you in on the nearby breaks and suggest places to discover.Visit the contest island, and as your surfing skills develop, compete in a contest.Win a jet ski in a contest, get a map from nearby, and now you are equipped to venture to the outer islands to explore and unravel the secrets that lie beyond the mainstream surf breaks, where you will find the purpose and meaning of "Surfers Code."The developer is a long-time surfer from Southern California who has many years of computer experience.He saw a need for a decent surfing video game and set out to make some waves.After fiddling around trying out some digital wave-making concepts, a computer-generated wave system was developed, though not the ideal surfing wave.After some time tweaking and figuring out, a rideable wave was formulated, along with lots of foam.Ed Marx, the developer, decided on an open-world model with jet skis and land accessibility because, as in real life, a surfer can not live (or play) based on surfing alone.Later, controller support was added, and wave scoring and contests to add even more interest to the game.The next iteration added dialogue, leading the game in the direction of a funny, enjoyable immersion into surf culture.Now, it has become a unique surfing game experience pushing the bounds of everyone’s computer who plays it.Full Story:surfertoday.com/surfing/how-i-developed-the-surfers-code-video-game
Surfing the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe | The NONSTOP 5-Minute Ride SurferToday 2024-06-03 | Watch Sam Bradford riding Zambezi River's Rapid #11 wave in Zimbabwe for five consecutive minutes nonstop.Sam Bradford, born in Harare, Zimbabwe, splits his year between working as a rope-access wind turbine blade technician in the UK and raft-guiding and kayaking in Zimbabwe.From a young age, Sam was immersed in water sports on the Zambezi River, learning to kayak at 11, a passion inherited from his father, a former raft guide and kayaker.His early years in Victoria Falls were filled with white-water rafting, kayaking, and other adrenaline activities, leading to his nickname "Sambezi."Sam is one of the few who surf the Zambezi River, specifically on Rapid #2 and Rapid #11.Rapid #2 is small and surfs well in low water from August to December, while Rapid #11 is a powerful, curling wave surfed during brief periods in February and August.River surfing in the Zambezi is challenging due to the river's intense flow, strong currents, and the presence of crocodiles.Despite the challenges, Sam's familiarity with the river, developed through years of kayaking, allows him to navigate it comfortably.However, he has faced intense moments, particularly while kayaking, including a near-drowning incident in 2022.Looking ahead, Sam has obtained his kayaking and surfing license to run commercial trips on the Zambezi and plans to organize a surfing competition on Rapid #11 starting in February 2025.His career has taken him worldwide, but his heart remains with the Zambezi, the home of Zimbabwe river surfing.Full Story:surfertoday.com/surfing/surfing-the-zambezi-river-wave-in-zimbabwe
Red Bull Origin 2024 Highlights | Skateboarding Stars Ignite Venice Beach SurferToday 2024-06-03 | Red Bull Origin made its debut on Venice Beach, paying homage to the birthplace of modern skateboarding while fostering a shared passion in the community for the cultural phenomenon.The multiday competition brought together the pioneers of skateboarding while spotlighting established and rising talent competing for a challenge-based event format.Set against the backdrop of the Californian shores where it all started, replicas of the storied skate spots were ripped through by the likes of legends like Christian Hosoi and Scott Oster as they were joined by Red Bull athletes TJ Rogers, Zion Wright and Ryan Sheckler showcasing immense skate talent from all over the globe.Footage: Red Bull
Gabriel Medinas Near-Perfect 20 at TEAHUPOO SurferToday 2024-05-31 | Three-time world surfing champion Gabriel Medina seemed to have rediscovered his competitive edge after a slower-than-usual start to the season.Medina began his 2024 Tahiti Pro day with an almost perfect heat total (20 points), eliminating Jake Marshall in the Round of 16.The Brazilian scored a Perfect 10-point ride, followed by a 9.83 for two exceptionally deep, thick barrel rides.This marked Medina's 17th Perfect 10 in his CT career and his first since 2017, also at Teahupoo.His two-wave heat total of 19.83 was the highest of the entire event and matched the highest of his career.His Perfect 10 was only the third in the men's 2024 CT season.Medina then advanced to the quarterfinals, where he defeated an in-form Ryan Callinan with a two-wave total of 18.96, the second-highest of the event.However, he eventually lost to event runner-up Florence in the semifinals. Medina ended the event with seven excellent scores, all achieved today.Footage: WSL
Tatiana Weston-Webbs First-Ever PERFECT 10 by a Woman at Teahupoo SurferToday 2024-05-30 | Despite losing to eventual event winner Fierro, Tatiana Weston-Webb made history today with the first Perfect 10 ever from a woman at the 2024 Tahiti Pro.Weston-Webb dug deep to paddle over the ledge and into a huge set wave, making it to the bottom and almost catching her rail in the critical part of the wave only to recover and put herself deep in the barrel, behind the heavy Teahupoo curtain.Weston-Webb then navigated the foam ball and the spit to fly out of the barrel for the Perfect score.Tatiana's amazing surfing continues to push surfing's progression even more in today's pumping conditions. "That was just a gift from God," said Weston-Webb."It's really scary out there, but I just was so grateful to have the opportunity. How often do we get these conditions? Especially for females? I feel like the women's sport is evolving so much, especially in surfing, and the WSL is giving us that platform.""And I just feel really grateful for that. And obviously, we have the Olympics coming up, and it's a really big goal of mine to do pretty well there.""Vahine is amazing out here, and she inspires me. And I knew that she was going to get 8's minimum. So, I knew I needed to do something cool. And, yeah, I guess I did." In an emotional interview following her heat, Weston-Webb dedicated the wave to her filmer and longtime friend Greg Browning, who was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) last year. "I want to give a quick shout-out to a very special someone, Greg Browning," Weston-Webb said."He is the best person in the world. And yeah, all my love is with you, Greg.""I just want to say one more time: Thank you to all the viewers. Thank you for all the positive comments towards women's surfing.""I can't really thank you guys enough for also allowing us to do what we love to do."Footage: WSL
Camilla Kemp and Tim Elter Test the SurfTown MUC Wave Pool SurferToday 2024-05-28 | It was more than just a press conference - it was a glimpse into the future of surfing.Camilla Kemp and Tim Elter, newly qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, are in the spotlight.Their story - from the first waves to the international world stage - symbolizes the fighting spirit and talent that German surfing has to offer.On May 28, 2024, Camilla and Tim put their extraordinary skills to the test in Hallbergmoos in front of the international press.“It is an incredible feeling to be the first woman to compete at the Olympic Games - the Olympic wave in Tahiti is a great challenge that I am happy to accept and prove my skills there," Camilla Kemp explained enthusiastically."The O2 SurfTown MUC now gives us an arena where we can bring surfing to the masses and inspire the next generation with our passion,The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) also expressed its delight at the developments in German surfing."We are delighted that the German surfers Camilla Kemp and Tim Elter will be competing in a sport that is still new to the Olympics.""Starting places at the Olympics are much harder to achieve in all sports than international competitions or world championships.""At the same time, the international competition is immense, which makes the qualification even more valuable!"The German Surfing Association supports the athletes on their way and has accompanied them for years.Their hard training led them to the gates of Munich, to Hallbergmoos. Tom Kronenbürger, Vice President of "Deutscher Wellenreitverband e.V.", emphasized."We are incredibly proud that Camilla and Tim will represent Germany at the Olympic Games.""With the O2 SurfTown MUC, we now have a training facility that offers optimal conditions for competition preparation.""Something like this has clearly been missing in Germany and will significantly raise the level of surfing in the sport."Germany's first and Europe's largest surf park offers our Olympians a 20,000 m² arena that will provide not only professionals but also beginners and visitors with a unique experience from summer 2024 - from sport to culture and relaxation.With tailor-made waves for all skill levels, surf courses, and an architecturally unique restaurant, O2 SurfTown MUC sets new standards in leisure activities.A fascinating combination of top-class sport and technological masterpiece - a rare insight that has the potential to change the world of sport.Before the facility officially opens in the summer, members of the press were able to take an exclusive first look at the wave pool and experience its premiere during a test demonstration.The waves are generated by the unique Endless Surf wave technology, which is based on air pressure.The surf park is still being completed, which is why an exact opening date has not yet been set.Tim Elter added:"The training opportunities here are simply incredible.""The support from the German Surfing Association and O2 SurfTown MUC is priceless for us athletes.""Our journey from the first waves to qualifying for the Olympics was full of highs and lows.""We experienced setbacks but also celebrated successes. Every day on the water has shaped and strengthened us to prepare for this moment."Chris Boehm-Tettelbach, Founder & CEO of O2 SurfTown MUC, explained:"Our vision was to create a surf destination that inspires both pros and beginners. Today's premiere has shown that we are on the right track.""The O2 SurfTown MUC sets a new dimension in surfing, as well as in leisure activities.""It will prepare Camilla and Tim for their big competition.""It makes us incredibly proud that we can accompany Camilla and Tim on their way to Tahiti and that we can now offer them training opportunities in Germany. We wish them every success."Camilla Kemp and Tim Elter's qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games marks another milestone for German surfing.With O2 SurfTown MUC as an innovative training facility and the support of the German Surfing Association, they have a promising future ahead of them.Footage: SurfTown MUC
AllWaves: The Innovative Surfing Wave Pool Made in Belgium SurferToday 2024-05-17 | AllWaves, a revolutionary wave pool technology from Belgium, brings surfing to artificial lakes, providing landlocked surfers with an authentic surfing experience.Designed by wave energy expert Steven Nauwelaerts and serial entrepreneur Geert Nauwelaerts, AllWaves aims to create the world's safest wave pool with a natural look and feel.The system uses a durable textile pillow on the basin floor, moved hydraulically to mimic ocean waves.This technology allows for customizable waves, accommodating all skill levels."Our wave generation knowledge is captured in intelligent algorithms with infinite wave variability. A simple push on the app makes the desired wave roll," notes CEO Steven Nauwelaerts.AllWaves' design includes a natural-looking lake with 360-degree sloping beaches and generates a wave every seven seconds, enhancing surfer experience and investor ROI.The system can create waves up to six feet in a 100-meter by 100-meter basin, holding 64 surfers simultaneously. It features left and right-hand point breaks and an A-frame peak.With a lifelong guarantee, AllWaves partners with leaders in hydraulic manufacturing and high-tech textiles to ensure reliability.The technology is on display at the company's site in Knokke-Heist, Belgium, where it runs on renewable energy, highlighting its carbon-neutral footprint.AllWaves is ideal for recreational surf parks, water parks, professional practice venues, and mixed-use real estate developments, combining safety, aesthetics, and energy efficiency.Footage: AllWavesFull Story:surfertoday.com/surfing/allwaves-the-submerged-pillow-wave-technology-made-in-belgium
SurfTown MUC | The Munich Wave Pool SurferToday 2024-05-16 | Smooth, silky, and glassy. The first empty waves are already rolling in Germany's first-ever wave pool, O2 SurfTown MUC in Munich.Filled with water and powered by 34 pneumatic chamber machines, the basin comes alive with the first artificial waves, courtesy of Endless Surf, a cutting-edge wave generation technology developed by WhiteWater.Surf enthusiasts are in for a treat with the debut of this stadium-sized surf lagoon in Bavaria's capital.Spanning an impressive 180 meters in length, SurfTown MUC boasts four distinct surf zones, accommodating up to 16 surfers simultaneously in each area.To put it in perspective, it's over 50 percent longer than a standard football pitch.Each one-hour session guarantees surfers a minimum of 12 wave ride attempts, ensuring an exhilarating experience every time.And the best part? SurfTown MUC is open seven days a week, year-round, offering surfers endless opportunities to catch the perfect wave.Operating hours vary with the seasons, with summer sessions starting bright and early at 7 am and concluding at 10 pm.During winter, closures are rare and only occur under extreme weather conditions.Water temperatures remain comfortable throughout the year, hovering around 24 °C (75 °F) in the warmer months and potentially dipping below 10 °C (50 °F) in winter.With wave heights ranging from 0.5 to 2.1 meters, there's something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros.Surfers can choose from seven different experience levels, each tailored to their skill level, and receive guidance and coaching from staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.Endless Surf technology replicates the diversity of waves found in the ocean, providing surfers with barrels, air sections, longboarding ripples, point breaks, and challenging A-frame peaks.Warm-up areas are also available for surfers to prepare, stretch, and receive safety briefings before hitting the waves.Sustainability lies at the heart of SurfTown MUC's operations. Situated near existing public transport connections and employing eco-friendly practices, the wave pool aims for a minimum of 80 percent self-sufficiency.Utilizing geothermal energy for heating and cooling, along with a closed-water system that minimizes chlorine usage, SurfTown MUC is committed to preserving the environment while delivering an unforgettable surfing experience.Presale packages for surf sessions have been a hit, with options ranging from 10 to 50 sessions, all selling out quickly.Additionally, single A-frame surf sessions are available for purchase, allowing surfers to experience the thrill of the waves at their convenience.SurfTown MUC is Europe's largest wave pool.Full story:surfertoday.com/surfing/surftown-muc-wave-pool-powered-by-endless-surf-ignites-munichFootage: SurfTown MUCFaceoff de Kevin MacLeod está licenciada ao abrigo da Creative Commons – Atribuição 4.0. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
2024 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship | Final Highlights SurferToday 2024-05-13 | An incredible finals day capped off the 2024 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Junior Surfing Championship (WJSC) where Australia, the winningest team in ISA World Junior history, broke a drought of 11 years to take one of the most commanding victories seen in ISA competition.Individual gold medals for Dane Henry and Ziggy Mackenzie were backed up by a silver medal for Fletcher Kelleher and copper for Milla Brown.But the performance of their entire team was so strong that victory was almost secured before finals day even began.The conditions were near-perfect for World Champions to be crowned.Clean, four-to-six-foot peaks at La Bocana made the entire lineup look like a playground, and with the wind holding off, Surf City El Salvador delivered endless opportunities for the world’s best junior surfers to earn their historic wins.Not only did Australia as a team break a long gap in victory, but Dane Henry (AUS) became the first Australian to win Boy’s U/18 in 15 years.Though Henry’s performances all week were the talk of the event, most notably the only Perfect 10 of the competition, a lull in waves during the Main Event Final saw him sent to the Repechage Final after only putting a single score on the board.Learning his lesson, the 17-year-old stayed active in his next two heats, catching more waves than anyone in both, capped off by a 9.23 in the Grand Final.“This is the best moment of my life,” Henry said.“Before the Semis we heard that we got the gold and got the official confirmation and we did a big ring of fire. It’s just all come together after 10 years of us not winning gold. I just can’t believe it. I’m lost for words."Ziggy Mackenzie’s (AUS) road to the Final was made smoother after she took a wave in her Girl’s U/16 Main Event Final with one second to go.Needing a 6.54, the 15-year-old grabbed a 6.57 to guarantee herself a medal.In an extremely tight final, a 6.83 from Mackenzie proved to be the high point and when her backup of a 5.93 arrived late in the heat, it was enough to seal the deal and plant her name as a World Junior Champion alongside fellow Australians Stephanie Gilmore and Tyler Wright.“I’m so stoked, Mackenzie said.“I feel like all the work that I’ve put in and all the support from the Australian team has all come together. I think everyone was so excited but so nervous at the same time coming into this event. We’ve got such a strong team, and we really wanted to just push and push as hard as we can. We’re on top, and I’m so stoked for the team.”Spain’s Dylan Donegan backed up teammate Hans Odriozola’s 2023 gold medal when he became U/16 World Champion.Both Donegan and Odriozola claimed their wins over Lukas Skinner (ENG), who once again won the silver medal.Donegan won each of his seven heats surfed this week, flaring most when it counted.An 8.17 for a backhand two-turn combo that featured a critical second closeout hit was backed up by a 7.13 for a 15.30 heat total.“I’m really, really happy,” Donegan said.“It feels amazing. Just to even qualify for the team in Spain is really, really hard. I haven’t put it in my mind yet, I guess I’m going to have to and enjoy the moment and when it’s on me I’ll just probably go crazy.”An impassioned performance from Thiago Passeri saw the Argentinian win the first Boy’s U/16 medal for his nation, the bronze, while the first New Zealand boy to win a medal since 2007, Alexis Owen (NZL), notched his name alongside Ricardo Christie and Matt Hewitt.Hawaiian girls account for the most gold medals in the WJSC, and Vaihiti Inso continued that tradition when she won the 11th gold medal for Hawaii.The new U/18 World Champion was proud to represent her team and her culture with the victory, but was also thrilled to display a solid show of surfing.Winning the Grand Final with an 8.50 and 8.17, largely on the strength of her powerful and stylish forehand carves on the lefts of La Bocana, her 16.67 heat total left her fellow finalists in need of near-perfection to reach her.“I’m almost speechless,” Inso said.“Honestly my main goal was not the result but just to put on a good performance and I hope I did that. I love surfing and before there was no lefts and all of a sudden the lefts just came that way. So mahalo ke Akua for the waves and God for everything.”2024 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Junior Surfing Championship | ResultsTeam RankingsGold - AustraliaSilver - HawaiiBronze - FranceCopper - USABoy’s U/16Gold - Dylan Donegan (ESP)Silver - Lukas Skinner (ENG)Bronze - Thiago Passeri (ARG)Copper - Alexis Owen (NZL)Girl’s U/16Gold - Ziggy Mackenzie (AUS)Silver - Clémence Schorsch (FRA)Bronze - Louise Le Pront (RSA)Copper - Eden Walla (USA)Boy’s U/18Gold - Dane Henry (AUS)Silver - Fletcher Kelleher (AUS)Bronze - Rickson Falcão (BRA)Copper - Ikko Watanabe (JPN)Girl’s U/18Gold - Vaihiti Inso (HAW)Silver - Tya Zebrowski (FRA)Bronze - Sara Freyre (USA)Copper - Milla Brown (AUS)
Winning BIG WAVE Rides of the 2024 Mavericks Surf Awards SurferToday 2024-05-09 | The 2024 Mavericks Awards were held at San Benito House in Half Moon Bay, California, on May 4th in front of a sold-out packed house that was highly energized.The Awards Show featured five video segments that included: "A Day To Remember" covering the historic tow session on December 28th, "Humans vs. Mavericks" wipeout reel, and a "Raw Highlights" section featuring some of the best rides of the season at Mavericks.These high-intensity segments lit up the audience as they watched the heaviest moments on the big screen with ample cinematic audio to match.The crowd roared as the top performances were shown in slow motion, reliving an incredible El Nino season with plenty of top-tier rides on offer."This season, we watched some of the gnarliest Mavericks conditions ever ridden," stated Jeff Clark, pioneer of the spot and the Mavericks Awards co-founder."There were many different swells coming into Half Moon Bay with difficult and challenging conditions, some much bigger than forecasted.""The surfers that stuck around waiting for the wind to die or switch direction were rewarded with some magical windows of surf... I wish we could give all of them trophies."After the video segments came the main event – crowning the Mavericks Awards 2024 champions and awarding the $25,000 prize purse amongst the top surfers and videographers.The prize money was split 60% to the athletes and 40% to the cameramen and women who captured their winning rides.In the Mens categories, defending champion Alo Slebir, from Santa Cruz, defended his title as "Performer of the Year" with back-to-back wins.San Diego"s Jojo Roper was awarded "Biggest Wave" for his widely seen ride on March 11, 2024.Santa Cruz surfer Wilem Banks claimed the "Ride of the Year" after making a highly technical airdrop at Mavericks look easy, riding out of an explosion of whitewash.In the Women's categories, the reign of San Francisco's Bianca Valenti lives on.Highly regarded as "the woman to watch at Mavericks" and a pioneer of women's big wave surfing, Valenti took to the stage three times as she was awarded: Women's "Performer of the Year", "Biggest Wave", and the "Ride of the Year."In her acceptance speech for the honors, Valenti spoke highly of runner up, Zoe Chait from Half Moon Bay, and how the 18-year-old is catching up fast.She also mentioned that their all-female tow team (a first-ever at Mavericks) is in the works, and she is sure that they will soon be "a force to reckon with, a force of fun."Valenti was joined on stage by a local 9-year-old who told the audience that she wanted to be like Bianca when she grew up.The inspiration was contagious, and the empowerment of female athletes was clearly noted as a conversation unfolded about how the community can support the growth of women's surfing.During the finale of the show, Mavericks Surf Awards co-founders Jeff Clark and Chris Cuvelier thanked all the videographers and photographers who submitted content, the volunteer Mavericks Rescue Team who put their lives on the line to keep the surfers safe, and all the event sponsors and organizers.2024 Mavericks Surf Awards | WinnersMenPerformer of the Year: Alo SlebirRide of the Year: Wilem Banks Biggest Wave: Jojo RoperWomenPerformer of the Year: Bianca ValentiRide of the Year: Bianca ValentiBiggest Wave: Bianca ValentiFull story:surfertoday.com/surfing/the-2024-mavericks-surf-awards-champions
Erin Brooks Scores a Perfect 10 at Snapper Rocks SurferToday 2024-05-06 | On her way to win the 2024 Gold Coast Pro, Erin Brooks earned a Perfect 10-point ride for a super deep barrel ride in semifinal 1 against Isabella Nichols.The prodigious young goofy-footer took off deep, grabbing her rail to pull up into a huge pit, completely disappearing before flying out with a huge spit.Brooks continued down the line to tag three turns and guarantee a perfect score. It was the second perfect score of the event, the second ever on the women’s Challenger Series, and the first of Brooks’ career.“That is definitely the best barrel I’ve had in a contest,” Brooks said.“It was much bigger than I realized. I knew whoever got that wave would win the heat. It was such a perfect barrel.”Footage: WSL
John John Florences Perfect 10 at Margaret River SurferToday 2024-04-22 | Watch John John Florence's Perfect 10 at Margaret River.Two-time event winner Florence looked destined for a third CT victory at the 2024 Margaret River Pro as he began to display some of the incredible surfing he has become known for at Main Break after a slower start to his campaign.The two-time world champion dominated the Semifinals, posting a Perfect 10-point ride, as well as the highest two-wave total of the event with an 18.40 (out of a possible 20).He looked to be building in the final but wasn’t able to find the waves he needed to earn a third CT victory in Western Australia.The result was enough to lock Florence in at world no. 3 as he aims for a top 5 finish and to contest his first-ever WSL finals later this year.The day also witnessed Florence post his 52nd excellent score at the Western Australia Margaret River Pro. “It’s so exciting to be in the final against Jack again after our matchup in 2022,” Florence said.“It felt like it was happening again and to have it happen in waves like these is pretty amazing. Jack and I are good friends and have been for a long time, but obviously, when the heat starts, we’re competitors, and we want to win.""It’s a fun rivalry where we want to put on a good show and a good heat so we have good battles. I’m feeling super good at the moment. I’m super stoked to be surfing and be healthy and be surfing in the finals here again and just be back in WA. Really, it’s one of my favorite places in the world.”Footage: WSL
Sebastian Steudtners Potential New Guinness World Record: The 93.73 Foot Wave SurferToday 2024-04-19 | German big wave surfer Sebastian Steudtner surfed possibly the biggest wave ever on February 24, 2024, during the XXL swell at premier big-wave destination Nazaré, Portugal, this season.Steudtner surfed a monster wave that was measured at 28.57m (93.73ft), leveraging state-of-the-art drone technology developed by Porsche Engineering and Team Steudtner.The current world record, also held by Steudtner, is 26.21m (86.4ft), which was achieved at Nazaré in 2020."I am very grateful to Porsche for the cooperative partnership over the past three years," says Sebastian Steudtner."True to 'Driven by Dreams' and with Porsche as a partner, I have been able to fulfill my dream of contributing to the further development of my sport."During the XXL swell, the drone prototype from the joint technology project between Team Steudtner and Porsche Engineering was used.This project involves the development of a measuring drone that is intended to determine the height of waves quickly and precisely.Until now, video footage and still images have been analyzed for these types of measurements.The prototype from Porsche Engineering and Team Steudtner is equipped with cameras, control units and storage devices. In addition, sensors from vehicle development are used, which support modern driver assistance systems.The device can measure all areas of the wave and the surfer within a radius of about 100 meters."We are very pleased to have created an innovative solution that can advance the sport of surfing. It was a challenge to develop a drone that can measure not only the height of the waves but is also capable of tracking the surfer within the radius throughout the entire wave ride," says Marcus Schmelz, Project Manager at Porsche Engineering.The official confirmation of new world records is the responsibility of official sports governing bodies."We are open to sharing our technical insights from the drone development with official experts. Our goal is to further increase transparency in big wave surfing and to provide accurate measurement data more quickly,” Schmelz continues.Steudtner has based himself in Nazaré for the last few years as part of his “Mission Wave Alpha” project, which has seen him work with his partners Porsche, Porsche Engineering, Schaeffler, O2 Germany, Deutsche Vermögensberatung and X-BIONIC to take the sport to the next level on all fronts, from surfing the biggest waves to water safety, board materials & design.Deniz Keskin, Director of Brand Management and Partnerships at Porsche AG, adds:“Having mastered a potential highest world record wave on his new board, Caçador RS is a true pinnacle to three years of intensive cooperation with Sebastian. We are proud of our contribution and are delighted that our conviction to be an enabler rather than a pure sponsor has proven to be a great success.”Helping to surf the biggest waves possible, Steudtner developed surfboard technology in partnership with Porsche Engineering and Schaeffler to significantly optimize his surfboard over the past three years.Using the latest simulation methods and wind tunnel validations, the water and air resistances were successfully reduced.As a result, with the new board "Caçador RS," Steudtner can now reach speeds of up to 100 km/h, compared to the previous 80 km/h.The higher speed is necessary to ride larger waves – because the taller a wave is, the faster the surfer must be so that it doesn't overrun him.It was this advantage in speed that now enabled Steudtner to ride the potential next record wave."Big wave surfing is a beautiful sport; I love it, and I am very proud to be able to bring it to the next level through the development of safety and technology and believing in my dream. It is my goal to improve big wave surfing and take it to the next level. Together with my team, which is driven by its unique 'can do' mindset to define what is possible in big-wave surfing, we were able to accomplish this mission,” emphasizes Sebastian Steudtner.Following the end of this season, Sebastian and his partners are now looking beyond Nazaré to explore new horizons focused on progressing big-wave surfing and ocean exploration.
Chumbo: Made For Big Wave Surfing: Documentary Trailer SurferToday 2024-04-17 | In a world often characterized by adrenaline-fueled pursuits and daring feats, Lucas "Chumbo" Chianca emerges not only as a formidable big wave surfer but also as a devoted family man navigating the tumultuous waters of parenthood.His latest documentary, "Chumbo: Made For Big Wave Surfing," offers an intimate glimpse into the dynamic interplay between the Brazilian's professional endeavors and personal life, shedding light on the profound challenges and poignant moments that define his journey.From the thundering waves of Teahupo'o in Tahiti and Nazaré in Portugal to the vast expanse of Cortes Bank, the film captures Chumbo's relentless quest for excellence against the backdrop of fatherhood.It's early 2022, and as Chumbo awaits the arrival of his daughter, Maitê, he grapples with a whirlwind of emotions, reflecting on the transformative power of impending parenthood.The raw vulnerability he displays, juxtaposed against the sheer power of the ocean, paints a picture of a man on the cusp of a profound life transition.After his daughter's birth, Chumbo says that holding her in his arms made him experience a renewed sense of joy."It was insane. It was the best feeling in my life. Better than any wave, better than any swell, better than the biggest, the best, the longest wave of my life."He recalls another moment when he knew his personal and sportive lives had evolved."The first time I realized that I had changed was when I went to Tahiti after Maitê was born.""That was my first trip as a dad and my first swell as a big wave surfer and a dad. As a dad right now, I want to give 200 percent, go [to competitions] and come back home."At the heart of the narrative lies Chumbo's unwavering commitment to his family, often demonstrated by his hesitancy to stray far from home for the sake of his career.Despite the inherent risks of his profession, his greatest fear is not the towering waves or treacherous currents but the prospect of not returning home to his loved ones.This internal conflict underscores his ongoing effort to balance his devotion to surfing and his responsibilities as a husband and father.He says: "Nowadays, when I leave home, it's different. I'm ready to leave home, but I'm ready to get back any time. I just want to see my daughter and my wife. I just want to be with them".Returning to his roots in Saquarema, in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, Chumbo finds solace in his family and local community, drawing strength from the very shores that molded him into the surfing champion he is today."Home is where I replenish my energy, where I rebuild myself, where I renew everything I do," he explains.He then elaborates on the significance of life there, attributing it to the proximity of his family: "When we are closer, when we are together, we are much stronger."Chumbo highlights his close-knit bond with his brother and fellow surfer, João, describing their connection as "something really pure, true love."While old and recent footage shows the siblings together, Chumbo says:"We always liked to push each other. He was a crazy kid, always trying to surf big waves, always wanting to be in the ocean.""He's a machine right now, and he's one of the best athletes I have ever seen in my whole life. He was my little brother, and now he’s my idol. It's crazy, but it's perfect."Another crucial relationship in Chumbo's life is with his father, Gustavo, who ignited his passion for surfing at the tender age of three.He reminisces about the moment that brought him closer to big wave surfing: while in the water, his dad warned seven-year-old Chumbo about the size of the waves, but the child insisted on going.That day, he experienced a hold-down, and instead of being scared, it only fueled his passion further."I was so happy after that, after all the pounding, that I was alive. I was ready to do it again. That was a little trigger where I felt something really strong for big waves."In summer 2023, Chumbo welcomes the birth of his son, Zion, ushering in a new chapter of love and responsibility.Through tear-filled eyes and heartfelt reflections, he articulates the profound impact of fatherhood on his identity, revealing a depth of emotion rarely seen in the realm of sports."After Zion, everything changed. I'm just in love with this moment in my life."In the film's closing moments, Chumbo reflects on his journey with a sense of gratitude and fulfillment.With his impressive track record as a five-time winner of the Nazaré Big Wave Challenge and clinching titles this season for "Best Male Performance" and "Best Team Performance" alongside his compatriot Pedro "Scooby" Vianna for a second consecutive year, he humbly states:"I don't know if I'm the best big wave surfer in the world, but I'm happy and super proud of myself. I can't wait to see the future because the present is amazing, and I'm doing everything I dreamed of with a whole heart."Footage: Red Bull
Kelly Slater: The Last Wave in Pro Surfing SurferToday 2024-04-16 | Watch the last of the top two scoring waves Kelly Slater rode in the Championship Tour.The 11-time world champion says goodbye to professional competitive surfing at the Margaret River Pro in Western Australia.Surfing's GOAT missed the mid-season cut and will probably only return with a jersey on as a wildcard at Pipeline, Teahupoo, or Cloudbreak.Slater, 52, spent 44 years of his life competing, 24 of those on Tour.Celebrated as the greatest surfer of all time, Kelly has 56 event wins over his incredible 32-year career on the Championship Tour.With 11 world titles, he holds the record for the most World Championships of any surfer and is both the youngest and oldest world champion in men’s history.Footage: WSLMore on Kelly Slater's emotional goodbye to the Tour:surfertoday.com/surfing/kelly-slater-retires-from-professional-competitive-surfingSubscribe to SurferToday on YouTube🔔 http://bit.ly/2TSO2beOnline Surf Shop🏄🏻♂️ bit.ly/online-surf-shop
How Global Ocean Tides Work SurferToday 2024-04-01 | Ocean tides aren't simple.If Earth didn't have continents, tides would be huge bulges of water moving westward with the moon and sun.This cool animation shows tides as a mix of waves spinning and getting trapped at different speeds.Waves mostly flow freely westward, only near Antarctica.But even there, it gets tricky as waves come together or split under Antarctic ice.In the North Atlantic, waves mostly swirl counterclockwise, smaller in the middle of the ocean but bigger near the edges, especially near northwest Europe and Britain.Waves go round and round New Zealand, making high tide on one side and low tide on the other.Special satellites like Topex/Poseidon and Jason were sent to study this. They acted like flying tide meters.After years of gathering data, scientists figured out how tides work in different places.With this info and knowing exactly where the Sun and Moon are, we can predict tides anywhere, anytime.The video shows data from a bit more than a day, and the tide levels are exaggerated to help us see how they change worldwide.Learn more:surfertoday.com/surfing/10-interesting-facts-about-tidessurfertoday.com/surfing/what-causes-tides
Ben Veitch Wins the 2024 WA Bodyboard Championships SurferToday 2024-03-12 | Gas Bay in Margaret River showcased its prowess as a premiere wave location, welcoming some of WA's finest bodyboarders for the 2024 WA Bodyboard Championships over the weekend.Gas Bay didn't disappoint, offering hollow tubes and big ramps to challenge and inspire seven State Champions who were crowned in near-perfect conditions yesterday.Competitors from across Western Australia converged to compete in the clean and consistent 3-4 feet waves, delivering an unforgettable display of high-performance bodyboarding.Contrasting conditions saw riders have to adapt to reach finals day, with large unruly surf on Saturday making the going tough, but finals day allowed for great scores and performances across all divisions that hit the water.Margaret River's Ben Veitch used his local knowledge to perfection, catching the best waves in the Open Men's final and executing his maneuvers with precision.Veitch flipped and rolled his way to a two-wave combined total of 15.94 (from a possible 20) to claim the blue-ribbon Open Men's State Title, his first since 2019. Veitch was thrilled to take the win in front of friends and family, defeating former professional Chad Jackson, Ashden Garrett and Jake Metcalfe.“Gas is a premiere bodyboard wave, and it really showcases our sport,” said Veitch.“Critical wave riding with hollow sections for tubes and airs, it doesn't get any better than competing when the waves are pumping.”Dual Australian Champion Ebony Schell secured her fifth consecutive State Title with a commanding performance in the powerful waves.Schell, who recently returned from her first International Bodyboarding Corporation (IBC) event in Morocco, threaded tubes and rolled through big sections to claim the victory ahead of Dunsborough's Rio Clarke, posting good and excellent scores with ease.“It was so nice to be out in the water and sharing the lineup with Rio,” said Schell.“I'm looking forward to chasing my third Australian Title and competing in more international events in 2024.”Veteran competitor Chad Jackson was the standout performer of the event, dropping some of the biggest scores of the weekend and showing the new generation of WA bodyboarders what was possible.Jackson charged the biggest waves and landed some of the biggest moves on his way to defending his Over-35 Masters State Title. Jackson posted a combined total of 15.17, which included an excellent 8.67, and backed it up with a 6.50 to take down Ben Veitch, Brendan Gabel, and Sean Oberholzher. “I'm stoked to defend my 35's Title, and it's been a really great weekend all around,” said Jackson.“I've got a sore shoulder and tender ribs after surfing so many heats, but it's all worth it when you score waves like we've had.”Sean Oberholzer defended his State Title in the Over-45 Grand Masters division, demonstrating excellent wave selection and clean finishes on all of his rides. Oberholzher was too strong for Glenn Schell, Barry Hammond, and Brad Neervoort.Kyle Schubert claimed his maiden State Title in the Under-18 Junior Boys category, with Barry Hammond, taking out the Drop Knee division.While Paul Baur flew the flag for the new generation of WA bodyboarders, emerging triumphant in the Under-14 Grommet Boys division. WA's long history of producing world-class bodyboard talent continued with the WA Bodyboard Championship, which offered competitors an opportunity to showcase their skills on a pathway to the Australian Bodyboard Titles set to be held later this year.“Congratulations to all our State Champions and competitors for a truly exciting display,” said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks.“Surfing WA has and will continue to support bodyboarding here in Western Australia. We have the waves and the talent to showcase this amazing form of wave riding.”2024 Think Mental Health WA Bodyboard Championships | Final ResultsOpen Men1. Ben Veitch (Margaret River) - 15.942. Chad Jackson (Dunsborough) - 11.833. Ashen Garrett (Margaret River) - 9.904. Jake Metcalfe (Balcatta) - 5.67Open Women1. Ebony Schell (Mindarie) - 23.672. Rio Clarke (Dunsborough) - 10.94*combined totals from 2x finalsDrop Knee1. Barry Hammond (Dunsborough) - 10.66Over 35 Masters1. Chad Jackson (Dunsborough) - 15.172. Ben Veitch (Margaret River) - 13.573. Brendan Gabel (Scarborough) - 8.064. Sean Oberholzer (Yallingup) - 7.00Over 45 Grand Masters1. Sean Oberholzer (Yallingup) - 11.442. Glen Schell (Mindarie) - 8.563. Barry Hammond (Dunsborough) - 8.304. Brad Neervoort (Craigie) - 5.90Under 18 Junior Boys1. Kyle Schubert (Leschenault) - 10.672. Karn Williamson (Carramar) - 5.333. Blair Hille (Mindarie) - 3.174. Stirling Stilwell (Cottesloe) - 2.83Under 14 Grommet Boys1. Paul Baur (Duncraig) - 5.83
Jack Robinsons Massive Alley Oop at Supertubos, Peniche SurferToday 2024-03-06 | The 2023 Rip Curl Pro Portugal runner-up in Peniche, Jack Robinson, picked up where he left off at Supertubos and found the first excellent score of the event.The Australian built speed on a fast right and launched into a huge alley-oop rotation, which he landed and rode out of for an 8.83.He backed it up with a decent second score to advance into the Round of 32.“I was just trying to go as high as I could,” Robinson said.“I knew Crosby was probably going to go big too, and the wildcard, you never know, so I tried to make do with what I had.""It’s good to be back here in Portugal.""I went to Puerto Rico for the ISAs, and I surfed so many heats there, so I'm just trying to keep up the same energy.""It’ll be good to have a couple of days off to just recharge and stay present.”Footage: WSL
2024 ISA World Surfing Games: Finals Highlights SurferToday 2024-03-04 | Thousands of spectators lined the waterfront of Arecibo to watch Gabriel Medina and Sally Fitzgibbons claim victory in the 2024 ISA World Surfing Games (WSG).The four-to-six foot swell hitting the reef break of Rastrial provided the canvas for an incredibly exciting Finals Day that held team world championships, national Olympic slots and personal gold medals on the line.Throughout a long week of varying conditions, nothing could hold back the unstoppable train of Gabriel Medina (BRA), the three-time WSL Champion and 2010 ISA U/18 World Junior Champion, who didn’t put a single foot wrong during the entire event, convincingly winning every single heat he entered.His victory, along with a silver medal from defending champion Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), helped to deliver a triple-coup for Brazil, as they took home the Team World Championship, along with both of the individual Olympic slots available for the highest ranked eligible teams, separated by gender.“The way it went, I got really emotional,” Medina said."Because in the middle of the heat I was like ok, maybe I need another score, because Ramzi got two bombs and I was waiting for a surprise, you know, a surprise by God, because I was thinking no way Kauli or Joan was not going to get second, but I was like whatever, I have the faith, God’s is guiding, so let’s go, let’s have fun. So I tried to have fun in the heat, don’t worry about the others. I knew my fight, there was nothing I could do other than surfing.”Brazil will now have the largest field of surfers in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, three men and three women.Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) increased her own record as the winningest surfer in ISA history even further as she claimed an unprecedented fifth gold medal (4 ISA World Surfing Games and 1 ISA World Juniors).Maintaining herself in the Main Round through till Finals Day, the 33-year-old fell into repechage in the last step before the Grand Final, surfing three heats today, before peaking when it mattered most to further highlight her name in the history books and deliver Australia a team bronze medal in the process.“I am in disbelief,” Fitzgibbons, also the 2007 ISA U/18 World Junior gold medalist, said.“This wave profile has challenged me all week and I knew I had to just keep putting myself in the conversation and just try and navigate all those heats and get to that Final. I really tried to just relax into my surfing and look for some of those bigger sections because they’re the most fun, and flarey surfing is going to win that Final.”“Within my story I’ve had many of these moments where there’s these near misses,” Fitzgibbons said. “I try to really just look at what is happening and for me to do everything I can. To win that gold medal for my country, that moment is now, and that’s all I could do in my control. I’ve learnt to roll with those and really see the beauty in them. There is disappointment there, but on the other side I just couldn’t be more stoked and that’s what I focus on.”ISA President Fernando Aguerre said:“What an incredible day, week and championship. We will never forget Puerto Rico, we will never forget this best World Surfing Games ever. We go home as ambassadors of Puerto Rico. Our hope is to be back. Congratulations to all the athletes, to all the delegations. We will see you in July in Teahupo’o for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”2024 ISA World Surfing Games | ResultsTeam RankingsGold - BrazilSilver - FranceBronze - AustraliaCopper - SpainWomenGold - Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)Silver - Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)Bronze - Johanne Defay (FRA)Copper - Nadia Erostarbe (ESP)MenGold - Gabriel Medina (BRA)Silver - Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR)Bronze - Kauli Vaast (FRA)Copper - Joan Duru (FRA)NATIONS WITH EXTRA OLYMPIC SLOT2024 WSGWomen - BrazilMen - Brazil2022 WSGWomen - USAMen - JapanPARIS 2024 QUALIFIED ATHLETES FROM 2024 WSGWomenAnat Lelior (ISR)Camilla Kemp (GER)Janire Gonzalez-Extabarri (ESP)Nadia Erostarbe (ESP)Siqi Yang (CHN)Sol Aguirre (PER)Taina Hinckel (BRA)Yolanda Sequeira (POR)MenAlonso Correa (PER)Andy Criere (ESP)Joan Duru (FRA)Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR)Rio Waida (INA)Tim Elter (GER)PREVIOUSLY QUALIFIED ATHLETES WomenQualified via 2023 ISA WSGSaffi Vette (NZL)Sarah Baum (RSA)Shino Matsuda (JPN)Vahine Fierro (FRA) Qualified via WSL Championship TourBrisa Hennessy (CRC)Carissa Moore (USA)Caroline Marks (USA)Johanne Defay (FRA)Molly Picklum (AUS)Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)Teresa Bonvalot (POR)Tyler Wright (AUS)MenQualified via 2023 ISA WSGAlan Cleland Jr (MEX)Billy Stairmand (NZL)Kauli Vaast (FRA)Reo Inaba (JPN) Qualified via WSL Championship TourEthan Ewing (AUS)Filipe Toledo (BRA)Griffin Colapinto (USA)Jack Robinson (AUS)João Chianca (BRA)John John Florence (USA)Jordy Smith (RSA)Matthew McGillivray (RSA)Kanoa Igarashi (JPN)Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
The Best Waves and Biggest Wipeouts of La Vaca Gigante 2024 SurferToday 2024-02-28 | The 10th edition of La Vaca Gigante in 2024 showcased an awe-inspiring display of skill and bravery as 24 surfers, both local and international, tackled the imposing Cantabrian waves, reaching heights of over 23 feet.Indar Unanue emerged triumphant, claiming victory in the prestigious event.The competition began under cloudy skies in Cueto, with minimal wind, and the trial round featured seven surfers vying for the last spot in the main event.Frenchman Pierre Rollet dominated the trial round with 24.11 points, earning a spot in the final phase.The main event featured 18 surfers in three heats, competing for a €10,000 prize pool.The audience gathered at the cliffs, witnessing 45-minute heats where surfers aimed to accumulate points from their two best waves.Local talent shone in the initial rounds, with Nico García and Nano Riego securing top spots in the first round.However, foreign surfers Indar Unanue and Nic Lamb delivered outstanding performances in the second round.The final showdown attracted around 10,000 spectators, with six finalists facing an hour-long heat in challenging seas.Nico García and Nano Riego claimed third and second place, respectively, while Pierre Rollet narrowly missed the podium.Indar Unanue stole the spotlight with two waves above 9 points, accumulating an impressive combined score of 29.53 out of 30.Indar Unanue's victory in the 10th edition of La Vaca Gigante is particularly noteworthy as he returned after a hiatus, clinching the championship after finishing as the runner-up three times before.Reflecting on his win, Unanue expressed gratitude to the organizers and everyone involved, stating, "I was very excited to win the championship because, after several podiums, I was really looking forward to it. Thank you to all the riders, safety patrol, public, and organization staff for making it possible!"La Vaca Gigante 2024 | Results1. Indar Unanue (EUK) 29,532. Nano Riego (CAN) 22,213. Nicolás García López (CAN) 20,614. Pierre Rollet (FRA) 19,545. Nic Lamb (USA) 17,996. Juan Merodio Velasco (CAN) 2,46Best Cantabrian Surfer: Nano RiegoBest Wipeout: Juan MerodioFull Story:surfertoday.com/surfing/indar-unanue-conquers-la-vaca-gigante-2024
Surf Masters WA State Championships 2024 | Highlights SurferToday 2024-02-27 | The shores of Margaret River reverberated with cheers and applause as twelve State Champions were crowned amidst the pounding surf of Gas Bay.The 2024 Surf Masters WA State Championships culminated yesterday in a spectacular display of skill and passion, leaving spectators breathless and surfers exhilarated.The WA Surf Masters Championships made a triumphant return to Gas Bay, with the surf conditions exceeding expectations, offering hollow tubes and clean faces for the competitors to showcase their talent across various divisions, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown.Surfers from right across Western Australia converged on Margaret River, eager to seize their shot at State Championship glory.The event was a testament to the depth of talent in WA surfing, with former World Surf League (WSL) competitors, rising stars, and seasoned champions sharing the waves in a stunning display of excellence across three action-packed days of competition. Current Under-16 National Champion Maverick Wilson stole the show in the Open Men's final, delivering a masterclass performance to claim his maiden Open Men's State Title, mixing precision and flair effortlessly.Wilson posted two seven-point plus rides in the 25-minute final, finishing on a combined total of 14.07 (from a possible 20), leaving in form surfers Jack Mitchell, Jerome Forrest, and Okie Fraser (Margaret River), chasing good to excellent scores when the siren sounded.Wilson's maiden Open State Title secured his ticket to the WA Trials, where he'll surf for a wildcard position into the fifth event of the WSL Championship Tour in April. “I'm over the moon and didn't expect to walk away with the win,” said Wilson.“I saw the draw, and it was stacked with WA's best talent, so I'm stoked to get the win, and the opportunity to surf in the Trials is amazing.”Dunsborough's Emma Cattlin will also compete in the WA Trials after claiming victory in the Open Women's division.Proving that passion and determination know no bounds, Cattlin used her strong backhand attack with lethal efficiency, posting a two-wave total of 12.76. In one of the tightest results of the event, just 1.46 separated all four finalists, with Olive Hardy finishing in a close second, ahead of Kaleisha Launders and Mia McCarthy.“This is the first event I've won in a long time and it's nice to be back in some proper waves,” said Cattlin.“After surfing in Perth for the past year, it's really nice to be able to do some deep bottom turns and hit some sections on big waves. I'm stoked to make the Trials, and I'll be doing my best to give it a proper crack this year.”From the scintillating Under-21 Pro Junior division to the fiercely contested Over-65 Men's category, every heat that hit the water was a testament to the dedication and talent of WA's surfing community. Okie Fraser was a standout surfer all weekend, making the Open Men's final and carving his way to an electrifying victory in the Pro Junior division.Andrew Sheridan was another local surfer to impress, claiming two State Titles at his home break, winning the Over-40 and Over-45 Men's division.Belinda Adams defended her Over-35 Women's State Title, while Jesse Molly, Warren Boyes, and Brian Williams all secured their first WA State Title victories with hard-fought wins in their respective divisions.“That was a memorable event with some world-class performances to match,” said Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks.Jack Mitchell earned the Wave of the Weekend for the only perfect 10-point ride of the event. 2024 Surf Masters WA State Championships | ChampionsOpen Men: Maverick Wilson (Dunsborough)Open Women: Emma Cattlin (Yallingup)Under 21 Pro Junior: Okie Fraser (Margaret River)Over 35 Men: Jesse Molloy (Golden Bay)Over 35 Women: Belinda Adams (Busselton)Over 40 Men: Andrew Sheridan (Margaret River)Over 45 Men: Andrew Sheridan (Margaret River)Over 50 Men: Warren Boyes (Dunsborough)Over 50 Women: Samantha Vanderford (Green Head)Over 55 Men: Brian Williams (Mandurah)Over 60 Men: Patrick Connell (City Beach) Over 65 Men: Barrie McKinnon (Dunsborough)Footage: Surfing WA
GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Cape Verde 2024 | Highlights SurferToday 2024-02-23 | The inaugural event of the 2024 Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour marked the beginning of the kitesurfing season with the first World Cup.Ponta Preta on Cape Verde's Island of Sal hosted 37 top kitesurfers from 16 countries, showcasing their skills on the renowned waves.Airton Cozzolino, the reigning Kite-Surf World Champion from Italy, continued his impressive form in the men's competition. Cozzolino dominated the final, securing significant scores, including a 9.10 and an 8.53.Competing against his friend and mentor Mitu Monteiro from Cape Verde, both riders showcased their prowess on epic waves.Despite a strong effort, Monteiro couldn't match Cozzolino's high scores and settled for second place. The battle for the third podium spot was intense between Brazilians Pedro Matos and Gabriel Benetton, with Matos clinching third place with an 8.30 wave score, just 0.07 points ahead of Benetton.In the women's competition, Moona Whyte, the reigning Kite-Surf World Champion from the USA, dominated the final.Whyte secured the win with two flawless 10-point rides in optimal conditions. Her opponent in the final, Capucine Delannoy from Italy, put up a strong fight, but Whyte's perfect rides in the final set of waves secured her first place, leaving Delannoy in second.The mini-final between Charlotte Carpentier from France and Camille Losserand from Switzerland was highly competitive, with both athletes closely matched on the scoreboard.Losserand's final wave gave her a slight edge, securing third place on the podium by a fraction of a point.GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Cape Verde 2024 | ResultsMen1. Airton Cozzolino (ITA)2. Mitu Monteiro (CPV)3. Pedro Matos (BRA)Women1. Moona Whyte (USA)2. Capucine Delannoy (FRA)3. Camille Losserand (SUI)
Surfer (Extended Version) | 1999 Guinness TV Commercial SurferToday 2024-02-23 | In 1999, director Jonathan Glazer and Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO (London) collaborated to create an extraordinary surfing commercial for Diageo, the multinational owner of Guinness.Known as "Surfer," this 60-second TV ad tells the tale of a Polynesian surfer conquering a massive wave under unique circumstances, turning it into a poetic, metaphysical, mythological, and philosophical experience.The commercial, shot over nine days in Hawaii, gained international acclaim and numerous awards. It was even hailed by Channel 4, The Sunday Times, and The Savory as the best ad ever.Inspired by Walter Crane's 1893 painting "Neptune's Horses," the monochrome ad also drew influence from the 1998 commercial "Swim Black" and Herman Melville's "Moby Dick."The voiceover, done by Scottish actor Louis Mellis, was guided by the style of poet Seamus Heaney.The soundtrack, composed by Leftfield, became part of the song "Phat Planet" in the band's album "Rhythm and Stealth" (1999)."Surfer" features Hawaii's Brian and Russ "Rusty" Keaulana, sons of legendary waterman Richard "Buffalo" Keaulana.The ad metaphorically symbolizes patience in waiting for the perfect wave and the Guinness two-part pour process, challenging the perception of Guinness as an "old man's drink."The production involved meticulous details, including addressing challenges like filming horses on a blue screen and choosing the right breed for jumps.The lead surfer, Chadwick "Dino" Lanakila Ching, was a local amateur discovered on the beach.The shooting in heavy waters, featuring massive waves and hanging cameramen off speedboats, presented significant challenges.The commercial's black-and-white tones highlighted the Guinness characteristics, while VFX by The Computer Film Company added surfing horses to Hawaiian waves.The choice of Leftfield's "Phat Planet" for the soundtrack, sounding "underwater," was made after considering around 2,000 tracks.Despite initial disappointing research results, the ad was launched on St. Patrick's Day in 1999, leading to remarkable success.It sold an additional Olympic swimming pool of Guinness every month and won the Gold Lion at the 1999 Cannes Lions International Film Festival.The 2005 "The Work of Director Jonathan Glazer" DVD includes an extended 90-second version of the iconic TV commercial.Guinness "Surfer" (1999) | CreditsClient: Diageo/GuinnessDirector: Jonathan GlazerEditor: Sam SneadeProducer: Nick MorrisProduction Manager: Patrick DuguidProduction Company: Academy FilmsAdvertising Agency: Abbott Mead Vickers BBDOAgency Creative: Walter CampbellAgency Creative / Copywriter: Tom CartyAgency Producer: Yvonne ChalkleyAccount Executive: Gavin ThompsonCreative Director: David AbbottArt Director: Walter CampbellDirectors of Photography: Ivan Bird, Don King (water), Lee Allison (aerial)Production Designer: Ben MyhillSound Design / Music Production Company: Wave Studios, LondonSound Designer: Johnnie BurnHorse Supplier and Trainer: Tony SmartVFX: The Computer Film Company (CFC)VFX Producer: Rachael PenfoldVFX Designer/Supervisor: Paddy Eason and Abbott Mead VickersCGI Supervisor: Dominic ParkerVFX Designer: Adrian de WetCGI Animator: Richard ClarkeDigital Paint and Animation: Gavin Toomey, Alex Payman, and Joe PavloVFX Designer and Colorist: Tom DebenhamActors: Chadwick "Dino" Lanakila Ching, Brian Keaulana and Russ "Rusty" KeaulanaFull Story:surfertoday.com/surfing/one-of-the-most-exciting-surfing-adsSubscribe to SurferToday on YouTube🔔 http://bit.ly/2TSO2beOnline Surf Shop🏄🏻♂️ bit.ly/online-surf-shop
La Vaca Gigante 2024 | Big Wave Surfing Highlights SurferToday 2024-02-23 | The 10th edition of La Vaca Gigante is now history.Twenty-four local and international surfers fought today in the imposing Cantabrian wave, surfing walls of more than 7 meters high, which crashed against the Cantabrian coast - an epic day of XXL surfing in Santander finally crowned Indar Unanue as champion, who ended up shaking the cowbell and raising the milk jug that accredits the winners of this prestigious competition.The day dawned cloudy in Cueto, with almost no wind, and the silence was only broken by the sound of waves eagerly awaiting their turn to shine.The tide was rising, and around noon La Vaca Gigante 2024 competition started with the trial round, a preview in which seven surfers competed to achieve the last place for the main event.The action did not take long to start, with good waves and very powerful surfing, especially by the Frenchman Pierre Rollet, who, with 24.11 points, surpassed the rest and made a place for himself in the final phase of the event.With the Main Event roster already complete,18 surfers, divided into three heats of 6 riders each, the fight for €10,000 in prize money got underway before an increasingly large audience arrived at the imposing cliffs looking forward to enjoying a great day of high voltage surfing.The competition format consisted of 45-minute heats in which surfers would add their two best waves; the best of the two would also count double.The first round highlighted local talent, with Nico García and Nano Riego taking the first and second places – 23.84 and 22.87 points, respectively – which gave them access to the grand final.The participants of the second round entered the water immediately afterward, and the tables turned as this time it was the foreign surfers Indar Unanue and Nic Lamb who got the best waves of the heat, adding a score of 25.27 for the Basque and 25.39 for the Californian.Finally, the third round featured local Juan Merodio and Frenchman Pierre Rollet.Merodio achieved a perfect score of 10 on his best wave – 26.90 in the combined wave – and Rollet achieved the highest combined score of the qualifying rounds with 28.27 points.With the final list of cowboys who would fight for this year's title, around 10,000 people crowded the cliffs of Cueto expectantly to see what would decide the grand finale of La Vaca Gigante 2024.With six finalists and an hour-long heat in a capricious sea, things wouldn't be easy for the riders. Patience, talent, and wisdom would be the keys to the golden round of the championship.The Cantabrians Nico García and Nano Riego – champion of the last edition – asserted their status as locals by being very active throughout the final, adding a combined score of over 20 points, putting them on the podium in third and second place, respectively.The Frenchman Pierre Rollet, one of the most notable names of the day, rode a bomb that the judges scored with a 9.77.However, he lacked a second wave that would have put him on the podium or even allowed him to challenge Indar Unanue, who was unbeatable in the final heat, for the victory.Unanue scored two waves above 9 points –9.67 in the second wave and 9.93 in the third–to add a combined score of 29.53 out of 30 possible.The numbers of the Basque surfer in this 10th edition of La Vaca Gigante are impressive. After a few years without participating in the competition, he finally won after finishing second three times before.La Vaca Gigante 2024 | Results1. Indar Unanue (EUK) - 29,532. Nano Riego (CAN) - 22,213. Nicolás García López (CAN) - 20,614. Pierre Rollet (FRA) - 19,545. Nic Lamb (USA) - 17,996. Juan Merodio Velasco (CAN) - 2,46Best Cantabric Surfer: Nano RiegoBest Wipeout: Juan MerodioFootage: La Vaca GiganteSubscribe to SurferToday on YouTube🔔 http://bit.ly/2TSO2beOnline Surf Shop🏄🏻♂️ bit.ly/online-surf-shop
Molly Picklums 9.67 Points for a Massive Single-Maneuver Wave at Sunset Beach SurferToday 2024-02-22 | Molly Picklum added yet another highlight to a spectacular four-week stint on the North Shore.The Australian surfer landed one of the biggest turns in competitive surfing in the 2024 Hurley Pro semifinal heat against Brisa Hennessy.The young Australian took off on a classic, double overhead Sunset Beach wave, executed a perfect bottom turn, went vertical, and hit the falling lip.The high-risk hack was performed at a critical moment.Picklum was able to drive her surfboard downward and vertically and, despite disengaging from her equipment at some point, made sure to land ahead of the whitewater.The single-maneuver wave was rewarded with 9.67 points from the judges, with one of the five members of the judging panel even awarding her a Perfect 10.The regular foot continues to push women's surfing to unprecedented levels.A couple of weeks ago, Molly Picklum rode a Perfect 10-point wave at Banzai Pipeline for a massive, deep tube-riding stunt.Footage: WSLSubscribe to SurferToday on YouTube🔔 http://bit.ly/2TSO2beOnline Surf Shop🏄🏻♂️ bit.ly/online-surf-shop
2024 Volcom Surf Happening | Highlights SurferToday 2024-02-22 | El Roquete never disappoints.The North Tenerife spot in Spain delivered rippable walls and sunshine for the first Volcom Surf Happening physical competition after two seasons of digital-only battles.Despite the 20-second massive swell clearing out the area, the left pointbreak provided a somehow sheltered arena for the event to run.Yes, there were a bunch of cleaning sets and a lot of paddling, but some of the best up-and-coming European surfers handled it like champs and put on a good show.The fresh and original format with no eliminations lets them give their best throughout three rounds.In the 16 and under-year-old men's division, standout surfers were Alejo Valido from Lanzarote, taking home the best wave of the day prize, and Axel Domingez from France, the runner-up who also took the Best Trick prize and Competitors Pick with consistency and flair.Honorable mentions to Dominican but Portugal-based Francisco Anglani, Makoa "Chacho" Gomez, and Jorre Claeys from Belgium…The 16 and under-year-old women's division was outstanding, with fierce competition, some solid maneuvers, and great styles, navigating through the heaviest sets without a cringe.Better keep an eye on young Spanish surfer Carla Morera, style not being a matter of age and taking home the Best Wave of the Day, right in front of Adriana Hidalgo, who also took home the Best Trick and Competitors Pick.Clemence Schorsch from France didn't let go and finally got to express herself in the last round with a mean hack, getting her the Best Trick prize.Another standout was Canarian surfer Sol Borelli, who took the second Competitors Pick prize with super consistent surf all day.We must also mention Portuguese ripper Lua Escudeiro for her performance and elegant surfing and Basque powerhouse Saioa Ortega for slicing the open faces.Women's Best Wave 1. Carla Morera2. Adriana HidalgoMen's Best Wave 1. Alejo Valido2. Axel DomingezWomen's Best Maneuver1. Clémence Schorsch2. Adriana HidalgoMen's Best Maneuver1. Axel Domingez2. Makoa GomezWomen's Competitors Pick (style)1. Adriana Hidalgo2. Sol BorelliMen's Competitors Pick (style)1. Axel Domingez2. Francisco AnglaniFootage: @volcom / @agencia_spankysSubscribe to SurferToday on YouTube🔔 http://bit.ly/2TSO2beOnline Surf Shop🏄🏻♂️ bit.ly/online-surf-shop
2024 Capítulo Perfeito | Highlights SurferToday 2024-02-19 | Watch the highlights of the 10th edition of the Capítulo Perfeito held in thumping surf at Carcavelos Beach in Portugal.Tiago Stock, a local charger, emerged victorious at the 10th annual Capítulo Perfeito held at Carcavelos Beach, Portugal.In the final, he defeated Rob Machado, Dylan Graves, and Balaram Stack.Carcavelos Beach provided a day of dynamic, barreling waves for all 16 participants during the 10-year anniversary of Capítulo Perfeito.Some of the world's leading tube specialists and top Portuguese surfers showcased their skills in a full-day surfing exhibition.Ultimately, the 18-year-old Portuguese surfer secured the top honors, becoming the first trialist to win the event and receiving the €20,000 winner's check.Adding to the local triumph, Salvador Vala, a 16-year-old, won the Next Generation Special Heat for young surfers in the New Generation category (U-18).Vala's impressive 8.25 ride earned him €1,000 in cash, a 500€ travel voucher, and a 7-day double stay at the Hiddenbay Resort in the Mentawai Islands.Additionally, he claimed the Worst Wipeout by Nixon prize (€500).Despite not making it to the final, former Capítulo Perfeito champion Bruno Santos reached the semis after a strong start, securing the Best Tube (€2,500) and Best Score (€2,000) prizes.Kudos to semi-finalist Lucas "Chumbo" Chianca, who received the Ricardo dos Santos Commitment Award by Corona (€2,000) for tackling the biggest and most technical waves.Throughout the day, the consistent swell delivered powerful eight-foot sets at Carcavelos Beach, known as one of Europe's best beach breaks when conditions are optimal.A crowd of 20,000 people on the beach and numerous online spectators via YouTube's livestream witnessed an unforgettable day of surfing, enthusiastically supporting the local heroes.In addition to the mentioned athletes, Anthony Walsh, Aritz Aranburu, Francisca Veselko, João Maria Mendonça, Nathan Hedge, Nic von Rupp, Pedro Boonman, Tiago Pires, and William Alliotti also participated in the competition.Former Capítulo Perfeito champions in previous years include Tiago Pires (2012), Nic von Rupp (2013, 2014), Bruno Santos (2015), Aritz Aranburu (2016), William Aliotti (2018), Anthony Walsh (2020), Aritz Aranburu (2022), and Nic von Rupp (2023).2023 Capítulo Perfeito | Final1. Tiago Stock (9.75)2. Rob Machado (5.25)3. Dylan Graves (2.60)4. Balaram Stack (1.25)AwardsBest Tube: Bruno Santos (BRA) 9.90Best Score: Bruno Santos (BRA) 16.90Worst Wipeout: Salvador Vala (PRT)Ricardo dos Santos Award: Lucas Chianca (BRA)New Generation Special Heat Winner: Salvador Vala (PRT)Footage: Capítulo PerfeitoSubscribe to SurferToday on YouTube🔔 http://bit.ly/2TSO2beOnline Surf Shop🏄🏻♂️ bit.ly/online-surf-shop
Molly Picklums Perfect 10 at Pipeline SurferToday 2024-02-13 | February 10, 2024, was a special day as it delivered the first-ever Perfect 10 in a women’s Championship Tour (CT) at Pipeline.Australia's Molly Picklum, who was chasing the perfect backhand tube at the Banzai Pipeline all week, finally found herself in the right position.Dropping very late into a double-up, she barely squeezed under the lip before coming out with the spit to collect the perfect score for her flawless technique and commitment.Footage: @wslSubscribe to SurferToday on YouTube🔔 http://bit.ly/2TSO2beOnline Surf Shop🏄🏻♂️ bit.ly/online-surf-shop
Virtual Surfing Video Game Gets PS5 Release SurferToday 2024-02-09 | Waveor, a German indie game developer, announced significant advancements and new features in its popular surfing simulation game, "Virtual Surfing."The game is now optimized for the PlayStation 5 (PS5) platform.With the powerful capabilities of the PS5, players can now experience highly complex water surfaces rendered in ultra-high definition (UHD) at an impressive 60 frames per second, delivering unparalleled realism in every wave.“Virtual Surfing" offers a truly immersive experience where every movement is influenced by interactions between the surfboard, surfer, and water.The game's dynamic nature ensures that each ride is unique, with even the slightest water bumps altering the surfboard's behavior.It even makes a difference where exactly these bumps hit the surfboard.Due to the nature of this simulation, large, bumpy waves create a rougher ride than small, smooth waves.Among the graphical improvements are dynamic character animations and shading, creating a realistic "wet look" for surfers, complete with water droplets that respond to the surfer's movements and posture.Additionally, advancements in white water graphics offer a lifelike representation of the complex interactions between surfboard, waves, and air, further enhancing the game's visual fidelity.The ride is completely different every time, depending on which bumps you hit or how sharply you take the turns.This is because the controls also allow beautiful turns.“As part of this release, we are presenting improved simulation properties, resulting in a more authentic riding experience.”, explains Vincent Galioit, CEO of Waveor.Very free camera options allow the waves to be viewed from a variety of perspectives, including the first-person perspective.This makes the lighting effects particularly impressive."We can now render these effects more clearly and vividly than ever before," says Vincent Galioit, adding, "We're thrilled to bring these groundbreaking improvements to Virtual Surfing. With the PS5's capabilities and our commitment to realism, players can expect an unparalleled surfing experience that captures the essence of surfing."Subscribe to SurferToday on YouTube🔔 http://bit.ly/2TSO2beOnline Surf Shop🏄🏻♂️ bit.ly/online-surf-shop
La Vaca Gigante 2024 | Teaser SurferToday 2024-02-06 | La Vaca Gigante is gearing up for what could be its monumental 10th edition, introducing a three-month waiting period.From February 6 until May 20, 2024, local surfers and wave forecasting experts will diligently track swells in the Cantabrian Sea to pinpoint the optimal conditions for the eagerly anticipated La Vaca Gigante (The Giant Cow) competition.Set against the picturesque backdrop of Santander, Spain, this big wave surfing spectacle hinges on the presence of waves that can scale impressive heights of six, seven, or eight meters, complemented by the right mix of strength, winds, and tide.Should these conditions align, the organization promptly issues alerts, accessible through various social networks, initiating a feverish countdown to coordinate the event situated on the cliffs of Cueto in Cantabria's capital city.Maintaining its invitational format, this edition will feature a face-off between nine local Cantabrian surfers and nine surfers hailing from around the globe—all vying for the coveted €10,000 prize.A robust safety infrastructure, comprising both aquatic elements like 10 jet skis and a hospital boat and land-based support such as lifeguards and ambulances, ensures the well-being of participants amidst the thousands of spectators.Pedro García, President of Santander's Obsession A2 Club, emphasized that "currently La Vaca Gigante is the only paddle-in giant wave contest in Europe," expressing hope for timely weather conditions. "Last year, it was at the end of March. Let's see if the series of storms we will receive coincides with southerly winds and the tide that we need."Notable updates for this edition include a streaming broadcast and a concerted effort to promote female participation. García proudly announced, "We were pioneers, and on this occasion, we have three confirmed surfers: Shannon Marie Quirk, Katie McDonald, and Laura Coviella."Familiar faces, including the reigning champion Nano Riego and wave pioneer Óscar Gómez Ibars, will be joined by international stars like Lucas 'Chumbo' Chianca, the Tow-in Surf World Cup champion in Nazaré.Gustavo Cubero, Cantabria's Government Tourism General Director, underscored the event's significance, stating, "La Vaca Gigante is sustainable and family tourism, making it a crucial commitment for our future."Echoing this sentiment, Beatriz Pellón, the Sports Councilor of the Santander City Council, remarked, "For the city, it is a spectacular external promotion. La Vaca Gigante will continue, and I hope we can continue supporting it for many years."Footage: La Vaca GiganteSubscribe to SurferToday on YouTube🔔 http://bit.ly/2TSO2beOnline Surf Shop🏄🏻♂️ bit.ly/online-surf-shop
72 Feet and 4 Inches: Patri McLaughlin Rides Largest Kitesurfing Wave for the Guinness World Records SurferToday 2024-01-30 | Patri McLaughlin is making a splash with his newfound record title. On 22 January 2023, the Haiku, Hawaii, USA, native kitesurfed into a massive wave in Peahi (Jaws) Maui measuring 22.04 meters (72 feet and 4 inches), breaking the record for the largest wave kitesurfed (male). That's taller than the White House, which measures 70 ft to the top of its roof.Although there are many different disciplines in kitesurfing, Patri has always focused on riding on a surfboard and using the kite's power to pull him into waves.Patri's love for kitesurfing began when he was very young. As a child, Patri was obsessed with snowboarding.Growing up in Hawaii, he frequently asked his mom if they could go skiing. "She was smart and said, 'Let's spend the same money that a ski trip would cost and get you into a sport you can do at home,'" said Patri."In 2002, when I was 12 years old, I took my first lesson."Patri says kitesurfing quickly became a passion, and in 2011, he began a partnership with the company Duotone and started competing in the world tour.Patri has always pursued big waves and has been kiting the big wave spot on Maui Jaws for over a decade. "This particular swell was the biggest swell I've ever seen," said Patri. "I rode out there all day, and this was the last wave I caught." When he kicked out into the channel, Patri noticed everyone screaming and saying it was the biggest wave of the day. When Patri saw the photo of the wave, he knew it was also the biggest wave ever kited and decided to apply for a Guinness World Records title.Patri says he had major surgery four weeks before the day he broke the record and technically wasn't supposed to be out on the water. "There are offshore buoys that measure swell to the north of the Hawaiian Islands, and I've monitored them for years," said Patri. "They read the swell roughly 12 hours before it hits Hawaii." The night before, they were reading numbers bigger than anything Patri had ever seen. He told himself he'd just go out on the jet ski and look at them. When he and his partner Jesse Richman got out there, they tried to anchor their ski, and Patri froze as he watched such massive waves hit the reef."The wave was so big and scary," he said. There was no way I was going to miss this session. My surgery would be fine as long as I didn't fall.Patri says having the opportunity to break the record was a surprise, and he didn't train any extra since it wasn't something he intended to do. However, as a big wave athlete, he regularly goes to the gym and eats healthy foods. "The most important part about riding big waves is the mental preparation," said Patri. "You need to trust your skills completely. Any doubt or hesitation can be deadly."Throughout the years, Patri has had multiple injuries, with the worst being when he cut off the tip of his pinkie finger with the kite line. He has also been knocked out a couple of times, broken his nose, and has also washed out to sea.Despite the injuries, Patri enjoys kitesurfing big waves and says his favorite thing to do is to get barrelled. "That's when the wave breaks on a very shallow spot and makes a funnel of water that you can ride through," he said. "You're completely surrounded by this violent force, but you can stand in it and ride through it unscathed. For me, that's the best feeling in the world."Patri says the record-breaking wave was extra special because it was the last wave of a very memorable season. "I caught a bunch of very large waves, and just as the wind was dying out, I caught that record wave," he says. "After that wave came through, I couldn't kite anymore because the wind died and got too light to ride." Patri says Brad Price, who is head judge of the PKRA and KSP World Tours kitesurfing events, has been monumental in his kitesurfing hobby. "He got me into tow surfing when I was 17, and he's the first person that I ever went to Jaws with," he said. I really respect the people who get out there and charge for themselves, and I'm forever grateful to Brad for taking me under his wing and teaching me how to handle big surf.Patri says his friends and family are even happier about his new record than he is. He says his family isn't into water sports and sees his new record as a massive accomplishment. Next, Patri would like to make some forecast trips to different waves when the swell is really large. "Large waves are rare, and they only occur when there is a large storm on the ocean that generates massive waves," he said."I would love to have more of a budget to chase big waves around the world and kite them."Although he never tried to break a record, he would also like to catch an even bigger wave and break his own record.Footage: Carlo Carbajal and Slater Neborsky
