Latest surf news, competitions and community stories from Malta and around the world.

Back in a Wave Pool for The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro
The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, one of the World Surf League's (WSL) most anticipated events, showcases top-tier surfing in a unique and innovative environment. Here is a detailed guide to this exciting competition. History and Background The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro is relatively new to the World Surf League cal...

January Rewind: Super swell for the New Year
January was turbocharged! Many hate the first month of the year. Traditionally, the month always seems to drag on forever and we're often fat, broke and trying not to smoke or drink. Those resolutions all lasted about, checks notes , two and a half days. Not bad, better luck next year! But one resol...

Gabriel Medina's Injury Shakes Up 2025 WSL Championship
The 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour has kicked off, but the excitement is tempered by the news that three-time world champion Gabriel Medina will be sidelined due to a pectoral injury. Medina, known for his explosive surfing style and competitive spirit, underwent surgery after sustai...

Heroic Rescue: Father and Son Saved from Treacherous Surf at Indian Beach
A father and his 15-year-old son were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after getting caught in dangerous surf conditions while boogie boarding at Indian Beach near Cannon Beach, Oregon. The incident occurred on Sunday, January 20, 2025, prompting a swift response from emergency services after a 911 c...

WSL Cancels Highly Anticipated Jaws Big Wave Challenge for 2024/25
The World Surf League (WSL) has announced the cancellation of the Jaws Big Wave Challenge for the 2024/25 season, leaving fans and surfers disappointed. This prestigious event, known for its massive waves and thrilling competition, will not take place this year, marking a significant change in the s...

Daring Rescues Amid Dangerous Surf: A Father and Son's Close Call
A series of surf-related incidents over the weekend highlighted the dangers of ocean activities, particularly in high surf conditions. A father and son were rescued at Indian Beach, Oregon, while search efforts continued for two missing individuals in Hawaii, emphasizing the need for caution among b...

Jaws Big Wave Challenge Canceled for 2024/25: A Major Setback for Surfing Enthusiasts
The World Surf League (WSL) has announced the cancellation of the Jaws Big Wave Challenge for the 2024/2025 season, marking another disappointment for big wave surfing fans. The event, held at the iconic Pe'ahi surf spot in Maui, will not take place due to the WSL not being granted the necessary lan...

The Banzai Pipeline: The Iconic Opener of the World Surf League
The World Surf League (WSL) event at the Banzai Pipeline is a pilgrimage for the surfing world. Held on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, this competition serves as the dramatic opener for the WSL Championship Tour, setting the tone for the season. The Banzai Pipeline, or simply 'Pipeline', is renown...

John John Florence announces WSL break
World Champion John John Florence has announced he will not compete in this season's WSL Championship Tour. The Hawaiian-born three-time champion will take a break from the tour after an intensive year which saw him claim his third World Title. "Ive decided to focus on surfing in a different way thi...

Foxtel Group and WSL: A Partnership That Rides the Waves into 2025
Foxtel Group has officially renewed its partnership with the World Surf League (WSL), extending their collaboration for another two years until 2025. This renewal comes at a pivotal time as Foxtel transitions to new ownership under UK streaming giant DAZN, valued at $3.4 billion. The deal ensures th...

High Surf Forces Closure of Three Beaches on the Big Island
Three beaches on the west side of the Big Island have been closed due to the impact of high surf conditions reported over the weekend. The closures, announced by the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency, are precautionary measures to ensure the safety of beachgoers and residents. Key Takeaways Beache...

Foxtel Group and World Surf League: A Partnership That Rides the Waves Into 2025
Foxtel Group has officially renewed its broadcast rights deal with the World Surf League (WSL), extending their partnership for another two years through 2025. This renewal ensures that Australian audiences will continue to have access to live and on-demand professional surfing events across Foxtel,...

Surfing Icon Mike Hynson Dies at 82, Leaving a Legacy in Wave Riding
Mike Hynson, a legendary figure in the surfing world and co-star of the iconic film "The Endless Summer," has passed away at the age of 82. His contributions to surf culture and board design have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of surfers around the globe. Key Ta...

Crosby Colapinto's Injury at Backdoor: A Setback for the Rising Star
Crosby Colapinto, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, has suffered a significant injury while practicing at Backdoor, just days before the start of the 2025 WSL Championship Tour. The incident occurred when he fell into the reef, resulting in a broken elbow that will require surgery and likely keep him sid...

Surfing While Pregnant: Marie's Journey on the Waves
Pregnancy brings with it a tide of changes, but for some, like Marie, an avid surfer, it's also a time to adapt and continue embracing the passions that define them. Surfing through pregnancy, Marie shares her experiences, challenges, and the joyous moments of riding the waves with a baby on board. ...

Community Rallies Together for LA Fire Recovery Efforts
In the wake of devastating fires that have swept through the Los Angeles area, local residents from Manasquan and Spring Lake are stepping up to support recovery efforts. Coordinating fundraisers and donation drives, they aim to assist those affected by the fires that have displaced thousands and sc...

Surfing Legend Mike Hynson Dies at 82, Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Mike Hynson, the charismatic surfer and co-star of the iconic surf film "The Endless Summer," has passed away at the age of 82. Hynson, who was known for his effortless style and contributions to surf culture, died on January 9, 2025, in Encinitas, California, surrounded by loved ones. Key...

Gabriel Medina's Injury: A Major Blow Ahead Of The 2025 Surfing Season
Surfing enthusiasts are gearing up for the 2025 World Surfing League (WSL) Championship season, set to kick off later this month at the iconic Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii. However, the excitement has been dampened by the news that Brazilian surfing sensation Gabriel Medina will be sidelined due to a r...

Surfing Legend Mike Hynson Passes Away at 82
Mike Hynson, a celebrated figure in the surfing world and co-star of the iconic film "The Endless Summer," has passed away at the age of 82. His contributions to surf culture and his adventurous spirit have left an indelible mark on the sport and its community. Key Takeaways Mike Hynson wa...

WSL Makes Waves: Acquires Kelly Slater Wave Co.
The World Surf League (WSL) has officially acquired the Kelly Slater Wave Company, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of competitive surfing. This strategic move aims to enhance athlete training, broaden access to surfing, and increase global fan engagement through innovative wave tech...

Surf Industry Faces Challenges and Opportunities Amid Major Changes
The surf industry is currently navigating a turbulent period marked by significant layoffs, store closures, and a shift in brand ownership. Liberated Brands, a key player in the surf apparel market, has laid off nearly 400 employees and closed its Costa Mesa offices, while the Surf Expo showcased ne...

Gabriel Medina's Injury Forces Him to Withdraw from WSL Season
Three-time surfing world champion Gabriel Medina has announced that he will be withdrawing from the start of the World Surf League (WSL) season due to a pectoral injury sustained while surfing in Brazil. The injury, which required surgery, has put a significant damper on Medina's preparations for th...

Bahrain Surf Park: A New Wave of Community and Culture
Bahrain is set to make waves in the surfing world with the upcoming launch of the Bahrain Surf Park, featuring the innovative Club Hawaii Experience. This park, the first of its kind in the MENA region, will utilize advanced Wavegarden Cove technology and is expected to open in early 2026, promising...

Exciting Developments in the World Surf League: New Sponsorships and Events
The World Surf League (WSL) is making waves with exciting new sponsorships and events that promise to enhance the surfing experience for athletes and fans alike. Hydralyte has extended its partnership with WSL for two more years, while the inaugural Phillip Island Pro is set to determine the Asia Pa...

Art and Attitude: Surfing Mariah's Way
Catching up with Mariah Buhagiar is always fun. She's explosive, open, confident and completely unfiltered. She's a coiled spring, ready to pop. Chatting her right before a Christmas Day surf was amazing as her stories of surf and art are as vibrant as the sunlit beach. She was just visiting from a ...

Surfing Stars Set to Shine at WSL World Junior Championships in the Philippines
The WSL World Junior Championships is set to kick off on January 13, 2025, at Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, Philippines. This prestigious event will showcase 48 of the brightest young talents in surfing, as they compete for the title of 2024 WSL World Junior Champions. Key Takeaways Event Dates : Ja...

Surfing Giants: The Thrill of the WSL Big Wave Season
The World Surf League (WSL) Big Wave season is officially underway, with the TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge set to take place from November 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. This thrilling event draws the world's top surfers to Portugal's Praia do Norte, where they will face some of the largest waves on ...

Surfing's New Frontier: The Natural Selection Surf Event
A groundbreaking surf event, the Natural Selection Surf, is set to take place in February 2025 in the stunning backdrop of Micronesia. This innovative competition, an extension of Travis Rice's renowned extreme sports series, promises to redefine the surfing landscape with a unique format and an ecl...

Surf's Up: Exciting Events and Competitions Amidst High Surf Conditions
The surf industry is buzzing with excitement as two major events unfold: the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout in Hawaii and the Surf Expo in Florida. Both events showcase the thrill of surfing and the vibrant culture surrounding it, drawing enthusiasts and professionals alike. Key Takeaways Da Hui Backdoor ...

Surf's Up: Gold Coast Open Returns to Burleigh Heads in 2025
The iconic Gold Coast Open is set to make waves once again at Burleigh Heads from February 14 to 16, 2025. This thrilling event will feature the world's best surfers competing in the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 1000, promising an action-packed weekend filled with surfing, sun, and...

How Kilojoules are changing surf
In the world of surfing, the term "kilojoule" (kJ) might not be as commonly discussed as "wave height" or "tide conditions," but it holds a significant place, especially when evaluating the energy of waves and their potential for surfers. This article will delve into what a kilojoule is, how it rela...

Phillip Island Pro: The Decisive Event for Asia Pacific's 2025 Challenger Series
The Phillip Island Pro, a new Qualifying Series (QS) 3000 event, is set to take place from March 17 to 22, 2025, at Cape Woolamai, Victoria. This exciting competition will determine the representatives from the Asia Pacific region for the prestigious World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series in 2025...

Santa Cruz Surfer Alo Slebir Makes Waves With Potential World Record Ride
Alo Slebir, a 23-year-old surfer from Santa Cruz, has made headlines after riding what is believed to be a world-record wave at Mavericks, measuring an astonishing 108 feet. This remarkable feat occurred during a massive swell that hit the California coast just before Christmas, drawing surfers from...

California Wildfires Impact Local Surfing Communities
As wildfires rage across California, the impact is being felt far beyond the fire lines, reaching even the state's beloved coastal areas where surfing communities are facing significant challenges. From ash-covered beaches to hazardous air quality, surfers and local businesses are grappling with con...

Why Surfers Love Tacos: An Investigation into a Delicious Phenomenon
In the vast and intricate tapestry of global cuisine and sport culture intersections, few relationships are as profound—or as profoundly tasty—as that between surfers and tacos. Let's dive into the crispy, crunchy, and undeniably cheesy reasons behind this culinary love affair. The Wave of Flavor Fi...

Record breaking December
OMG we made it! This is the 12th BOMBA Rewind, wrapping up an entire year of surf, surf culture and bags of fun, and since surf is the gift that just keeps giving, December was incredible. The mad month kicked off with record-breaking winds over the islands, maxing out at 87km/h! With winds ma...

Mavericks Surf Competition Breaks Records With Unprecedented Wave Heights
The Mavericks Surf Competition recently witnessed an extraordinary display of nature's power, as surfers faced what many are calling the biggest waves ever recorded at the iconic Half Moon Bay location. With wave heights exceeding 60 feet, the event attracted both seasoned surfers and spectators eag...

Epic Surfing Moments That Defined 2024
2024 has been a monumental year for surfing, showcasing thrilling competitions, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments. From the Olympic stage in Tahiti to the legendary waves of Nazaré, the surfing world has witnessed extraordinary feats that have captivated fans and athletes alike...

Santa Cruz Wharf Partially Collapses As High Surf Hits California Coast
A section of the historic Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed into the ocean on Monday, December 23, 2024, amid a high surf warning issued by the National Weather Service. The incident, which occurred around midday, resulted in three individuals falling into the water, prompting immediate rescue efforts by l...

Surf's Up: Gold Coast Open 2025 Set to Make Waves at Burleigh Heads
The pristine shores of Burleigh Heads are set to sizzle with the return of the highly anticipated Gold Coast Open (GCO) in 2025. From February 14 to 16, the internationally acclaimed surf event will bring professional surfing back to Queensland, attracting world-class talent to compete in the World ...

Treasure Coast Board Riders Set to Make Waves at 2025 World Club Challenge in Australia
The Treasure Coast Board Riders, a burgeoning surf club from Vero Beach, Florida, is gearing up to compete in the prestigious 2025 Usher Cup World Club Challenge in Australia. This event marks a significant milestone for the club, which was founded just two years ago in 2021. With a roster of talent...

Massive Surf Swells Set to Hit Hawaii This Weekend
As the holiday season approaches, Hawaii is bracing for what is expected to be the biggest surf swell of the winter. With wave heights projected to reach up to 50 feet, surfers and beachgoers are advised to exercise caution as conditions become increasingly dangerous. Key Takeaways Peak Surf Conditi...

Surfing's Future Stars Set to Shine at Phillip Island Pro 2025
Surfing enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting event as the Phillip Island Pro is set to take place from March 17 to 22, 2025. This elite surfing competition, secured by the Allan Labor Government, aims to showcase the next generation of surfing talent from across the Asia and Oceania regions. C...

Riding the Giants: Insights Into the Big Wave Surfing Season
As the 2024–25 Big Wave Challenge season kicks off, surfers and fans alike are gearing up for an exhilarating few months of massive swells and thrilling competitions. With the TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge set to take place at Portugal's Praia do Norte, the excitement is palpable as some of the wo...

Nathan Florence and Erin Brooks Crowned Champions at 2024 Pipe Masters
Nathan Florence and Erin Brooks have emerged victorious at the 2024 Vans Pipeline Masters, held at the iconic Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu. Despite the lack of official coverage from the event's sponsor, Vans, the competition showcased thrilling performances from top surfers in challen...

Surf's Up: McKinney Set to Welcome New Surf and Adventure Park
The City of McKinney, Texas, has announced an exciting new partnership with Cannon Beach to develop a $200 million surf and adventure park. This ambitious project, set to break ground in 2025, will transform a 35-acre site into a premier recreational destination featuring a surf lagoon, resort-style...

Surf Coach Connor Lyons Faces Serious Charges Involving Children
A prominent surf coach and World Surf League competitor, Connor Lyons, has been charged with multiple serious offenses against children. The 26-year-old from Peregian Springs is facing 12 counts of indecent treatment of children and three counts of willful exposure. The allegations involve incidents...

Surfing Legend Kelly Slater Set to Sign His New Book in Cocoa Beach
Local surfing icon and 11-time world champion Kelly Slater is making a special appearance in Cocoa Beach to sign copies of his latest book, "A Life of Waves." The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 19, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Café Surfinista, located at 86 N. Orlando Ave. Key Takea...

Historic Win for Erin Brooks at 2024 Fiji Pro
In a stunning display of talent and determination, 17-year-old Erin Brooks made history by winning the 2024 Fiji Pro, marking a significant milestone for Canadian surfing. Competing against seasoned athletes, Brooks showcased her skills and resilience, ultimately defeating Olympic silver medalist Ta...

Controversy Surrounds WSL Judging Calls
The recent World Surf League (WSL) event has ignited a firestorm of controversy following a contentious judging decision that left fans and competitors alike in disbelief. Brazilian surfer Italo Ferreira, the reigning world champion, executed a stunning full rotation air maneuver during his heat aga...