Surf News

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

Surfing Showdown: WSL Finals and Big Wave Season Insights

Surfing Showdown: WSL Finals and Big Wave Season Insights

The World Surf League (WSL) Finals and the Big Wave season are set to captivate surfing enthusiasts this fall. With the WSL Finals kicking off on September 6, fans are eager to see who will emerge as the world champion. Meanwhile, the Big Wave season is officially open, promising thrilling competiti...

Historic WSL Finals Day: A New Era in Surfing

Historic WSL Finals Day: A New Era in Surfing

The WSL Finals Day at Lower Trestles was a spectacle of talent and determination, showcasing the best surfers in the world under the California sun. With temperatures soaring to 90 degrees, the competition heated up as Caity Simmers made history by becoming the youngest world champion, defeating Car...

Stylish Sky Howes secures the Summer Snap

Stylish Sky Howes secures the Summer Snap

If you didn't attend the 14th September's Surf Summer Snap Competition organized by the Malta Surf & Sup Association, you missed out! 20 surfers took part in the second edition of the Summer Snap at Ghajn Tuffieha, and boy did the bay deliver. Massive winds all week brought giants to the beach, ...

August Rewind: Starry skies and mini swells

August Rewind: Starry skies and mini swells

August is always a tricky month while surfing in Malta. The heat is often unbearable; it's flat, it's dry, and the air is sticky. We end up stinking of sweat and hogging the AC systems whenever we can. Ah, such a lovely image. But, it's not all doom and gloom as we managed to get together for anothe...

One Breath with  World Record Diver Branko Petrovic

One Breath with World Record Diver Branko Petrovic

The sun sets on the bay and Branko Petrovic stokes the charcoal. Tiny orange ambers sparkle upwards as Branko begins his tour into his parallel universe. Branko is, in every aspect, a superhuman. Passionate and full of energy, he lives in a different world to us and, thanks to his sport, he can visi...

Flynn Mifsud is in his element living his best life.

Flynn Mifsud is in his element living his best life.

If there are waves he's there. If it's flat calm, he's there. If there's wind, he's there. Flynn is a true waterman, and at 18 years young, this human is on his way to greatness. He fixes engines, sails massive yachts, works on superyachts, spearfishes his dinner, repairs surfboards and surfs to an ...

New T Shirt: Aprille Zammit's Thinking About That Swell

New T Shirt: Aprille Zammit's Thinking About That Swell

This girl has talent. She is a freediver, sailor, and surfer rolled into one with a keen eye for photography. Oh, and let's also throw design skills and a passion for screen printing into the mix. Did we miss anything? Well, lucky for you, she's just designed a beautiful t-shirt, and lucky for us, s...

July's super line up!

July's super line up!

Last month all kicked off with the beautiful news that a turtle returned to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay to lay her batch of eggs! The only trouble was due to the massive incoming swell, volunteers from ESA Malta and Nature Trust Malta had to carefully transfer the eggs to Golden Bay, right next to another ba...

Surfers reviving Malta's Slackline community

Surfers reviving Malta's Slackline community

A few years ago, this island hosted an outstanding slackline community led by a talented bunch of balance masters. They rigged highlines across Wied Mielah in Gozo, St Peter's Pool, and more gorgeous spots that wowed us all. The world was their playground. They'd rig at festivals, over land and sea,...

Surfing in Your 30s: Embracing Freedom and Navigating Challenges

Surfing in Your 30s: Embracing Freedom and Navigating Challenges

As surf continues to grip the island, many people are messaging in on our insta channel asking: "Is it too late to start surfing? I'm 30?" "Can I learn now?" "How hard is it to surf in my thirties?" Now as I paddle out in my (late) thirties, it's good to reflect and look back at my journey. There's ...

We made history in June

We made history in June

This month's newsletter is the easiest to start! June 2024 was simply unbelievable and will forever be marked as the month we made history for the sport of surfing in Malta. It was an honour to combine with Malta Surf School and Hadrien Meyer to deliver the island's first-ever female surf competitio...

Mermaids of Malta Surf Contest at GT

Mermaids of Malta Surf Contest at GT

Ghajn Tuffieha Bay at sunset is going to be the perfect setting for Malta's first-ever female surf contest. Bomba Surf Magazine, your go-to for all things surf and stoke, is amped to announce the latest contest. It's time to wax your boards, tighten those leashes, and paddle out into the spotlight. ...

Memorable May: surfs, chats & the Ripper

Memorable May: surfs, chats & the Ripper

We're still not over the BOMBA 80's Ripper! Flicking through the photos and videos, looking at those insane costumes, brilliant dance moves and amazing vibe is fun and this party made may extremely memorable!  SE delivery The month kicked off with an epic PG session, where Carlo and Valerio cha...

Flying High with Basile Rio

Flying High with Basile Rio

Surfing, kiting, windsurfing, wakeboarding, foiling… you name it, he's tried it. And if you know Basile Rio, you'll understand pretty soon that this human does not do things in halves. He's a waterman and will try to thrive in everything he does … however lucky for us, there's one that sticks more t...

Swell, parties, trips and more: Read April's news round-up.

Swell, parties, trips and more: Read April's news round-up.

April was a fun one! We had a cocktail of wavey days, parties, big news, trips (not the dodgy types), pranks and a lot of good vibes. Sunny days, windy ones, rainy ones which left our cars brown, and most importantly big surf. Read BOMBA's first news report now. The Sea Cat got wet, then went green ...

Surf's Split Persona: Competitive v Free Surfers.

Surf's Split Persona: Competitive v Free Surfers.

Surfing, the art form half Zen meditation and half pure adrenaline rush, has morphed into a dichotomy as wide as the Pacific. On one shore, we have the World Surf League gladiators, donning their jerseys like armour, battling it out in the Colosseum of waves for glory and cash. On the other, the fre...

Paola Dropping Sick New Skatepark

Paola Dropping Sick New Skatepark

In perhaps the most exciting local news this year, The Malta Street Sport Alliance, Malta Skateboarding Association together with the Paola Local Council combined with Mind Work Ramps from Latvia to build a sick new skatepark in Paola.  The skatepark is complete and looking lush, but before we ...

Kai Lenny opening Surf Resort in Riviera, Malta

Kai Lenny opening Surf Resort in Riviera, Malta

In an exciting development for the global and Maltese surfing community, world-renowned big wave surfer, Kai Lenny, is embarking on a groundbreaking project in the heart of the Mediterranean. Riviera Bay, Malta, known for its crystal-clear waters and serene beauty, is soon to become the epicenter of...

Where the f*ck is surf culture heading?

Where the f*ck is surf culture heading?

Surf culture, once the bastion of rebellion, the epitome of counter-culture, where the lawless spirits found their calling amidst the waves, seems to be at a crossroads. Gone are the raw, unfiltered days of the 90s, when surfing was less about the gloss and more about the grit. Today, we stand at th...

Eat your surfboard

Eat your surfboard

Ever taken a bite out of your board? Perhaps a little love bite out of pure affection? Good, neither have us… that would have been weird, but who's here to judge what you do when no one's looking? Well, there's good news for those wanting a surf & turf on the menu. With Easter coming up, Giulia ...

Blood, sweat and barrels

Blood, sweat and barrels

A sizzling, wind-driven swell hit the southern tip of the island on a Sunday, meaning only one thing: Surf… and lots of it. Messy, confusing and shifty at first, with a huge current making it challenging for surfers, but we're all stoked to have slightly sore muscles the morning after. We worked for...

The Rise of the Free Surfer

The Rise of the Free Surfer

Free surfing. The search, the long journeys, the peace, the freedom, the joy. It's a lifestyle which packs the most appeal. No one above you, surfing at your own pace with no schedule or time frame. Just you, your board and the world. What's not to love? In this episode of The Crunch, we explore the...

Snapping boards at sunset

Snapping boards at sunset

We can fit in more alliterations if you like too... Surprise southern swell draws salty surfers in, snapping surfboards and surfing a session topless. Shall we keep going witht the s sounds? Shit okay… What a super bit of Wednesday evening madness that was.  Most of us reeled at the wave of rel...

Waves of Inspiration: Unraveling the Artistic Soul of Surf Culture

Waves of Inspiration: Unraveling the Artistic Soul of Surf Culture

Surf culture and the world of art have long shared a symbiotic relationship, each influencing and enriching the other in profound ways. This BOMBA Crunch episode seeks to dive into the heart of this connection, unravelling the threads that bind surfers and artists. The fusion of surfing and art is n...

Sosty's snaps: a meditative journey from dolphins to surfers

Sosty's snaps: a meditative journey from dolphins to surfers

Dolphins and surfers share a surprisingly common lifestyle, making us wonder if we're distant cousins separated at sea. Both are undeniably cool, effortlessly riding waves with a grace that makes mere mortals envious. Dolphins, with their built-in wetsuits and natural surfboards with the best-tech f...

Riding High: Unrolling the link between surfers and stoners

Riding High: Unrolling the link between surfers and stoners

Picture this: a sun-soaked beach, waves crashing, and a group of surfers chilling on the sand, passing around a doobie with the same care and attention they give to waxing their boards. We're exploring the link between stoners and surfers, a relationship that's been riding the waves since the swingi...

Got a ding? Give the Sea Cat a ring!

Got a ding? Give the Sea Cat a ring!

In the world of waves, salt and spray, There's a tale to tell, so listen and stay When surfboards suffer, in dismay, "Got a ding? Give the Sea Cat a ring," they say. Meet our hero, swift and keen, With magic hands, the best you've seen. She mends the boards, makes them glean, In our waters, she's th...

Hadrien Meyer hammers the Reef Rampage home!

Hadrien Meyer hammers the Reef Rampage home!

Style, grace mixed with a touch of that famed French flair. Hadrien Meyer took the inaugural Reef Rampage, giving us an excellent day of brilliant surf. The Malta Surf and Sup Association 's first event, held in Marley's Bahar ic Caghaq, drew in the crowds on fine sunny day with great waves on the 2...

An earthquake session, with Matt Formosa

An earthquake session, with Matt Formosa

An aquatic earthquake just off the coast of Greece made for a Bomba chance encounter. The forecasts predicted wind up north, pulling all the surfers to the usual sandy bays. One local with his ear to the ground had a different plan. A super spot down south, directly affected by the distant quake.&nb...

Get ready for the Reef Rampage Surf Competition

Get ready for the Reef Rampage Surf Competition

The Malta Surf and SUP Association proudly invites you to attend the first surf competition of the year: ⚡ REEF RAMPAGE ⚡ Sunday 21st January from 09:00 am onwards 📍 Marley's surf spot Bahar ic Caghaq 📍 BOMBA Surf Magazine will be on hand with live updates on the day, so follow @bomba_surfmag...

Massive tunes, massive waves!

Massive tunes, massive waves!

The first weekend of 2024 has set a high standard. It was massive, in every sense of the word, kicking off with an incredible dub vinyl set by Bass Culture 's Miguel & Mark. Pro tip: don't go for a quick drink before a surf set, it's never just one is it? But no regrets, we continue. With last n...

2023: Family Time

2023: Family Time

My word, what a year it's been aye? New waves, boards, merch, events, and most importantly: friends. 2023 has been an explosion, and we're still at the start of this big bang. Think about it, we've now got:  Dedicated and excellent photographers and videographers snapping our surfers.  A l...

What's the fuss about dropping in?

What's the fuss about dropping in?

For those of you still waxing your boards in newbie-land, 'dropping in' is what happens when a surfer catches a wave that another surfer is already riding. Imagine you're about to take the first bite of a juicy burger, and someone swoops in and snatches it from your hands. That's dropping in, my fri...

Find BOMBA at the official Quiksilver & Billabong Stores in Sliema

Find BOMBA at the official Quiksilver & Billabong Stores in Sliema

Rocking up alongside surfing legends in the lineup is an absolutely magical feeling. Right now, when you head to Malta's official Quiksilver and Billabong stores in the Plaza in Sliema, you'll find a host of influential surf brands, with locals BOMBA also finding a spot in the lineup. These brands h...

Life lessons and surf- with Bray Grima

Life lessons and surf- with Bray Grima

"Surfing teaches you how small you actually are, and keeps you on edge. This feeling of being humble is now a constant feeling." Interview done. Thanks Bray, no more needed, we won't top that! But he continues, oh there's more, loads more... We chatted endlessly about three key pillars, which Bray u...

Purple-haze skies and a Skate Bowl down South

Purple-haze skies and a Skate Bowl down South

The Barcelona vibes were vibin' along the Pretty Bay Promenade in B'Bugia this past weekend. The Malta Sports Association and the Malta Street Sport Association rolled up with their extreme sport dedication to host a weekend of scooter, skate, parkour, bball and general street energy, including some...

Going where the surf takes him - with David Manteuffel

Going where the surf takes him - with David Manteuffel

When David Manteuffel traded Central America for Malta, many felt he was crazy. After all, this tiny Mediterranean island isn't exactly world-renowned for its waves. But as David's story goes, sometimes you just have to go where the surf takes you. "Why did you come to Malta?" I asked him, my scepti...

Discovering a hidden spot

Discovering a hidden spot

Getting to this spot was half the fun. An unusual surf spot, which required precise planning and local knowledge to get there. A journey through an intense network of baked roads, until finally a few (potted) plants could be seen. This area is tucked deep within a foreign civilization and if yo...

Surfing with Saints

Surfing with Saints

Duuuuude, listen to this! I decided to go shred after having taken my wisdom tooth out, as, you know, I'm too wise, and wow man what a ride…! Being that bit lighter, meant my turns were sharper, with extra spray and at one point man I was flying over those waves, looking down at the surf like an alb...

I swear this happened, I promise.

I swear this happened, I promise.

Dude, you won't believe this gnarly tale, but I swear it happened! Picture this: a sunny day at Riviera Bay, the waves were like, "Whoa, bro, ride me!" And I was like, "Yewwww, it's on!" So, there I am, paddling out on my trusty board, which I lovingly named "Squirtle" because, you know, Pokémon and...

Surfing, Stoke & Self-Discovery: Alexia's Story

Surfing, Stoke & Self-Discovery: Alexia's Story

Picture this: sunsets melting into the horizon, waves whispering secrets, and the undying spirit of adventure in every splash. Welcome to the world of surfing, where the synergy of nature and human spirit creates an electrifying dance on the water. In the midst of this captivating realm, there exist...

From Malta to the BMX World Championships in Glasgow - Gianni Zahra

From Malta to the BMX World Championships in Glasgow - Gianni Zahra

You don't get much bigger than this! On the 5th of August, the 2023 UCI BMX World Championships commenced in Glasgow, with Maltese rider Gianni Zahra in the pack.  When BOMBA heard we had a local taking part in the BMX World Championship, we HAD to find out his story. We know we know, it's not ...

Editorial - keep it coming!

Editorial - keep it coming!

When two surfers meet to discuss something they both love and adore, something magic occurs that transcends reality. During these interviews, time often vanishes and as a listener, I feel in the present moment. We share a common life philosophy, a deep interest in a sport so intertwined with nature,...

Pink sausages under a meteor shower

Pink sausages under a meteor shower

During the first couple of weeks of August, the Maltese islands were treated to a show by the universe itself. As the skies cleared up and dark enveloped this part of the globe, a billion stars revealed themselves in transition, flashing in front of our eyes in a gorgeous display of the universe's s...

Titanic Tiago takes top spot in tremendous Summer Snap

Titanic Tiago takes top spot in tremendous Summer Snap

16 surfers took to Ghajn Tuffieha bay on Saturday 6th August to compete in the flash surf competition the Summer Snap. Fans filled the bay on a glorious Saturday afternoon which saw the beach getting bombarded by huge waves which paved way for a brilliant surf contest. These conditions were not for ...

Girl power shines through the night surf

Girl power shines through the night surf

Under the stars and a bright moon, Malta Surf and SUP Association 's night surf went ahead at Riviera Bay, to the sound of some lovely live classical music after a gorgeous sunset session. The surf girl club, consisting of Mariah Buhagiar, Rebecca Muscat, and Kristina Cassar Dowling slapped on their...

Surfing the world with Mick Hay

Surfing the world with Mick Hay

You know those travel scratch maps we all have? I look at mine and sigh at the large unscratched patches never seem to fill as it's vasty empty, with travel plans seemingly etched in sand. Mick Hay's map is absolutely scratched out… he's travelling the world, and is surfing some epic spots en route!...