Latest surf news, competitions and community stories from Malta and around the world.
Texas and Florida are experiencing a surge in the development of surf parks and artificial lagoons, transforming inland areas into surf destinations. These ambitious projects, featuring advanced wave-making technology, promise year-round surfing opportunities and are often integrated into larger res...
Ballito Open Delivers Thrills and Spills on Opening Days The Ballito Open, a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 2,000 event, has seen a mix of stellar performances and challenging conditions over its opening days. Surfers battled through varying surf, from pumping waves to tricky onshore...
Surf's Up! South Britannia's Ambitious Surf Park and Community Project Gets Green Light After over a decade of planning and review, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has officially approved the South Britannia master-planned community. This ambitious project, anchored by British Columbi...
WSL VIVO Rio Pro: Upsets, Semifinals, and Finals Day Drama in Brazil The WSL VIVO Rio Pro in Saquarema, Brazil, delivered a thrilling spectacle of surfing, marked by unexpected upsets and intense competition. As the ninth stop on the Championship Tour, the event saw top-ranked surfers fall early, wh...
Australian surfing sensation Hughie Vaughan, 18, has taken the extreme sports world by storm with a groundbreaking aerial maneuver at a Texas wave park. Dubbed the "stalefish flipper" by skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, Vaughan's move at The Nines event has garnered millions of views and wi...
The WSL VIVO Rio Pro in Saquarema, Brazil, has been a hotbed of upsets, with top-ranked surfers facing early exits. Amidst the turbulence, American surf icon Caroline Marks has delivered a standout performance, securing her spot in the semifinals. The event continues to intensify as the Championship...
Eighteen-year-old Australian surfer Hughie Vaughan has sent shockwaves through the extreme sports world with a groundbreaking aerial maneuver at a Texas wave park. Dubbed the "stalefish flipper" or "stalefish backflip," Vaughan's feat has garnered millions of views online and ear...
The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour has seen significant shifts in its rankings, with new and established talents vying for the top spots. Recent competitions have reshaped the leaderboard, highlighting stellar performances and unexpected upsets as the season progresses towards the finals....
In a groundbreaking moment for surfing, 18-year-old Australian Hughie Vaughan executed a never-before-seen aerial maneuver, dubbed the "stalefish flipper," at a Texas wave park competition. The move, which involved a backflip while holding his board, has captivated the surfing world and ga...
Artist, surfer and overall badass Mariah Buhagiar may have spent her winter recovering from knee surgery, but this didn't keep her from staying close to the surf in her own way. She decided to swap her paintbrushes for an entirely new medium, film, and with surf as her main focus, created Mediterran...
A German university surf contest in Seignosse, France, was marred by aggressive localism when a French surfer deliberately pushed a German competitor, Maya Sauer, off her wave. The incident, captured on video, highlighted escalating tensions between local surfers and event organizers, raising concer...
Luca Arrigo didn't find surfing—it found him, at a time when he needed it most. We're sitting in a Bulgarian restaurant in Malta, boards stacked in the car, salt still in our hair after a morning session at Ghajn Tuffieha. We're greeted by the most welcoming of restaurant hosts, who serves us a home...
You can dodge closeouts, you can dodge crowds, but you can't dodge the dude frothing out of his sunburned neck to tell you to f**k off. Surf localism isn't just alive—it's thriving. It's grown men gatekeeping beach access like it's ancient treasure, kids slashing tires with rusty fins, and unspoken ...
The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour is heating up with two major upcoming events: the Surf City El Salvador Pro and the VIVO Rio Pro in Brazil. These stops are crucial for surfers aiming to secure their positions for the mid-season cut and ultimately, the World Title. Surf City El Salvador...
2024: A record-breaking year In summer 2024, Malta and Gozo saw a record eight loggerhead turtle nests—surpassing the previous high of seven in 2020 These nesting events occurred on several sandy beaches: Golden Bay (Ramla tal‑Mixquqa) – initial nesting spot and multiple clutches Ġnejna Bay – home t...
Gold Coast City Council is considering making the World Surf League (WSL) financially responsible for a "mud pit" left at Burleigh Heads following the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro. The council asserts that event organizers are liable for repair costs, while the WSL claims the site was already dam...
World Surf League Expands Challenger Series with New Stops, Igniting Fan Debate The World Surf League (WSL) recently announced the addition of two new events to its Challenger Series (CS) schedule, sparking considerable discussion among fans and athletes. The new stops, Pipeline and a second Newcast...
The iconic Snapper Rocks Superbank, a world-renowned surf break on Australia's Gold Coast, has been severely impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The extensive sand erosion has rendered the site unsuitable for the upcoming World Surf League (WSL) Gold Coast Pro, forcing organizers to relocate the...
Surf's Up, America! New inland surf parks are making waves across the United States, bringing the thrill of surfing to landlocked regions and coastal cities alike. From the deserts of Utah to the heart of Texas and the shores of Florida and California, these ambitious projects promise consistent, cu...
Because waiting for waves is noble. But boring. Let's be honest: the Mediterranean doesn't always play nice, especially here in Malta. One minute she's throwing head-high wedges. The next, she's a polished mirror. Beautiful? Sure. Surfable? Not a chance. Which is where Malta Surf School comes in, fl...
Indiana is set to experience a significant boost in broadband connectivity as Surf Internet and Comcast commence major construction projects across the state. These initiatives, backed by substantial investments and state grants, aim to expand fiber optic networks to thousands of homes and businesse...
An Australian national, Lamar Ahchee, is facing the death penalty in Bali after being arrested on charges of trafficking $1.1 million worth of cocaine. The drugs were allegedly found hidden in chocolate wrappers. Ahchee's lawyer claims he was set up and unaware of the package's contents, highlightin...
Michael Schwab, son of financial magnate Charles Schwab, is making significant waves in Mexico with the development of the Cabo Real Surf Club. This ambitious project, set to open in 2026, features North America's first Endless Surf wave basin, aiming to create a premier surfing community for famili...
Jack McCoy, the legendary surf filmmaker known for his groundbreaking contributions to surf cinema, has passed away at the age of 76. His family announced his death on social media, expressing their deep sorrow and celebrating his profound impact on the surfing community and environmental activism. ...
In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, South African surfer Jordy Smith has knocked reigning champion Italo Ferreira off the top of the rankings. This shift came after Ferreira's unexpected defeat at the Margaret River Pro, where he faced off against Aust...
There's an old myth in surfing: the first one who bombs a new site gets to name it. That's cool, right? So, let's break down what it takes to name a spot The Naming Game Surfers are many things—wave chasers, glorified nomads, spiritual beings on decks of epoxy or foam. But if there's one thing surfe...
In an exciting development for Texas, Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey and skateboarding legend Tony Hawk have teamed up to launch the Austin Surf Club, a unique surf community set to redefine the landlocked state's recreational landscape. Located just southeast of Austin, this ambitious project a...
A dramatic rescue unfolded on Saturday evening at Sydney's northern beaches when five teenage boys were thrown into the ocean after their boat capsized. The incident, which occurred around 5 PM, prompted a swift response from surf lifesavers, police, and emergency services, ensuring the boys were sa...
The Austin Surf Club is making waves in the heart of Texas, attracting high-profile celebrities and investors eager to be part of this exclusive surf community. With a unique blend of luxury living and surfing culture, the project is set to redefine the landscape of Austin's real estate market. Key ...
In a surprising twist that has thrilled fans and surf enthusiasts alike, Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey and former NFL quarterback Drew Brees have joined an exclusive surf club in Austin, Texas. This unexpected partnership is set to elevate the local surfing scene and bring a touch of celebrity...
In a surprising twist for both the surfing and celebrity worlds, Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey and former NFL quarterback Drew Brees have joined an exclusive surf club in Austin, Texas. This new venture not only highlights the growing popularity of surfing in landlocked areas but also showcase...
A tragic incident occurred on Hilton Head Island early Sunday morning when a 50-year-old woman was found unresponsive in the surf. Identified as Aine Ni Cheallaigh from New Jersey, she was pronounced dead at the scene, with authorities indicating that her death was due to drowning. Key Takeaways Ain...
I didn't quite know how I'd feel, surfing for the first time in over 3 months. My last session at St Lucian was okay… A new spot, a weird wave which breaks funny, and a cold breeze. My winter in surf was amazing. Surfing daily for over a week in December, alone or in a pair without the pressur...
A tragic incident unfolded early Sunday morning on Hilton Head Island when a 50-year-old woman was discovered unresponsive in the surf near Collier Beach Road. Authorities responded to the scene around 1:00 a.m. and pronounced her dead shortly after. The circumstances surrounding her death are curre...
One of the most anticipated developments in the surfing community is on the horizon as Florida prepares to welcome its first-ever Endless Surf wave pool. The Point Surf Park, located in Fellsmere, is set to break new ground in 2026, promising to revolutionize the surfing experience in the Sunshine S...
The Gold Coast Pro final witnessed an electrifying clash between Julian Wilson and Filipe Toledo, showcasing not only their surfing prowess but also the intense rivalry that has developed between the two athletes. The event, held at the iconic Snapper Rocks, captivated fans with its high stakes and ...
The surfing community is in mourning following the unexpected death of Timo Jarvinen, a celebrated surf photographer known for his stunning imagery and unique perspective on the sport. Jarvinen passed away at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy that has touched many in the surfing world, includin...
On May 10, 2025, Filipe Toledo and Bettylou Sakura Johnson emerged victorious at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro, held at Burleigh Heads, Queensland. This event marked a significant moment in the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, showcasing thrilling performances from both champions in front of a...
A tragic incident unfolded at Ocean Beach in San Francisco on May 8, when a man died after attempting to rescue a dog from the surf. Witnesses reported that the man, fully clothed, rushed into the water to save the struggling pet but collapsed shortly thereafter. Despite the efforts of bystanders an...
In a thrilling display of talent and determination, Bettylou Sakura Johnson from Hawaii clinched her first World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour victory at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro in Queensland, Australia, on Saturday. The 20-year-old Haleiwa native triumphed over Australian surfing veteran Sa...
The 2025 Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro, held at Burleigh Heads, showcased thrilling performances from top surfers, culminating in victories for Filipe Toledo and Bettylou Sakura Johnson. Both athletes delivered exceptional heats, with Toledo marking his return to the Championship Tour and Johnson claiming h...
A heated argument over surf etiquette escalated into violence at the Hook in Santa Cruz, resulting in the arrest of a local surfer. The incident, which occurred on April 27, involved a confrontation that led to one surfer allegedly using a kubotan to stab another. Key Takeaways A surfer was stabbed ...
Filipe Toledo showcased his surfing prowess at the World Surf League (WSL) Gold Coast Pro, defeating Australian veteran Julian Wilson in a nail-biting final. The event, held at Burleigh Heads, saw Toledo reclaim his spot at the top of the surfing world after a year away from competition. Key Takeawa...
Jamie O'Brien, the renowned professional surfer, recently embarked on an adventurous journey to Alaska to surf the majestic tidal bore of Turnagain Arm. After a missed opportunity on his first attempt, O'Brien and his team successfully rode the waves, showcasing the thrill of surfing in one of natur...
In a thrilling adventure that showcased both skill and perseverance, renowned surfer Jamie O'Brien successfully surfed the freezing tidal bore of Turnagain Arm in Alaska. After an initial setback, O'Brien and his team managed to catch the wave, marking a memorable moment in the world of surfing. Key...
In a thrilling development for surf enthusiasts and fans of celebrity culture alike, Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey and skateboarding legend Tony Hawk have joined forces to invest in the Austin Surf Club, a groundbreaking wave pool project spearheaded by surfing icon Kelly Slater. This innovati...
Clyde Aikau, a revered figure in the Hawaiian surfing community and younger brother of the legendary Eddie Aikau, passed away peacefully at his home in Waimanalo on May 5, 2025, at the age of 75. His legacy as a big wave surfer, lifeguard, and community advocate will be remembered by many. Key Takea...
Nicolas Cage recently opened up about a terrifying surfing experience while preparing for his latest film, The Surfer . The actor faced not only the challenges of mastering the waves but also a close encounter with a shark and a dangerous rip tide that left him questioning his future in the sport. K...
For the first time in nearly two decades, the UK Surf and Skate Expo is set to take place in Newquay, Cornwall, from September 12th to 14th, 2025. This exciting event will gather surf enthusiasts, skaters, artists, and industry leaders, celebrating the vibrant culture of surfing and skating in the U...
In a significant overhaul marking the 50th anniversary of professional surfing, the World Surf League (WSL) has announced a revamped Championship Tour (CT) format. Starting in 2026, the iconic Pipe Masters will return as the season finale, reshaping the competitive landscape of the sport. Key Takeaw...