Browse surf stories stories, interviews and surf updates from BOMBA Surf.
Winter doesn't scare us. Cold water, grey skies, heavier swell, that's where the real stories live. This winter, BOMBA Surf Magazine is calling on the community to capture those raw, unfiltered moments and throw them into the spotlight with our Wave of Winter Video Comp 💣 From now until midnight at...
It took me an entire day to try to get to terms with your loss, Petter. It's late now, and I still haven't managed. Because how could I? And rather I should say, how could we all? You danced around life, carefree and happy, and around you, we were always shining. Your bright light was immense, warm ...
Last night at POPP Social in Sliema , the community came together for something special — a fundraiser in support of Gaza's surfers . Under the warm glow of the courtyard lights, we screened Gaza Surf Club , a powerful film about resilience, hope, and the ocean's unbreakable pull. Surfers, friends, ...
Yesterday afternoon at Golden Bay, a group of local surfers became heroes after rescuing several tourists who were swept out by a strong current. The incident unfolded quickly as unexpected rip currents pulled swimmers away from shore, leaving them struggling to stay afloat. Witnesses say that surfe...
Learn how to read surf forecasts like a pro. This guide explains how to interpret swell, period, wind, tides, and surf forecast tools like Windy, Surfline, and Windfinder — so you can score the best waves every time. Introduction: The Art of Predicting Waves Every surfer knows the feeling — you pull...
Riviera Bay is alive again. The sun's low, the swell's up, and a pack of locals are scattered across the lineup, chatting, dropping in, wiping out. But there's one grom out there who seems to belong more to the sea than to the shore. Barely fourteen, wiry and wide-eyed, Kiran Boult Cassar paddles in...
This one felt so good! After a long, barren run, the Mediterranean finally woke up, with huge waves coming into Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. The swell, with over 2-meter waves, brought with it a huge collection of surfers as everyone got their feet wet. The waves were clean for the first couple of...
I barely slept last night. Maybe it was jet lag. But more likely, it was the fear of missing waves. John from Flohana hadn't replied since we met the day before. At 5 a.m., unable to wait any longer, I gave in to desperation and messaged local folks on Marketplace, hoping someone would rent out thei...
Surfing in Malta isn't about daily consistency—it's about knowing when the Mediterranean is going to switch on. The island is surrounded by deep water, so swells arrive suddenly, often building fast and fading just as quickly. The secret to scoring is understanding which conditions work for which br...
Malta isn't the first place that pops into your head when you think "surf trip," but the island has a quietly growing surf scene. Sitting in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta doesn't have the constant ocean swell of Portugal or Morocco, but when the conditions line up, the waves here can be wor...
For those unfamiliar with the East Coast of the U.S.—particularly central Florida—it's a region known for its warm weather, diverse wildlife, and its share of tropical storms. And of course, the infamous image of the "Florida Man" has made headlines worldwide, adding a layer of chaotic charm to the ...
When it comes to skateboarding legends, Sandro Dias has always lived in rare air. A six-time world vert champion, an X Games icon, and one of the few men ever to land a 900 on vert, he has consistently pushed the limits of what's possible on four wheels. But his latest project with Red Bull has rewr...
Marley's finally woke up from its summer coma on Friday the 19th, and the place didn't disappoint. That wave is a cocktail of fun and fear, fast little runners, a rip that doesn't quit, and two reef slabs waiting to tattoo your body if you get lazy. Tempting, right? Well, we did see some blood...
When people think of surfing, they often picture Hawaii's legendary waves or Australia's golden coasts. But tucked away in Europe, the Mediterranean Sea is quietly building its own surf culture. From Malta's reef breaks to Spain's bustling surf schools, the Med is becoming an accessible and exciting...
At our last Wave Waste clean-up at Għajn Tuffieħa , together with our friends Zibel (local legends) and Singita, we pulled all sorts of junk off the sand. Plastics, bottles, nets, wrappers… the usual suspects. But buried under it all, we found something different: a bucket hat. It was dirty, salty, ...
The world's best surfers are about to descend on Cloudbreak, Fiji, for the 2025 WSL Finals (August 27 – September 4). The anticipation is sky-high—this is the first time the one-day showdown that crowns surfing's world champions has landed in the South Pacific. But as the clock ticks down, one quest...
Last Friday was one for the history books at our beloved Għajn Tuffieħa, our iconic surfers bay that has been the backdrop for countless sessions, sunsets, and community moments. But before the sun went down and the projector lit up for our WSL Teahupo'o Women's Watch Party, our crew came together f...
With a streak of more than 40 years, the Northern California core lord has gracefully kicked out. Some records in surfing feel untouchable. Slater's 11 world titles. Eddie Aikau's rescues. And Dale Webster's 14,642 consecutive days in the water — a run so absurdly committed it might never be matched...
On Friday, 8th August, after our epic beach clean up, the Għajn Tuffieħa car park turned into the ultimate surf fan's lounge. Under a blanket of stars, with the summer breeze rolling in from the hills and bay, we gathered to watch the WSL Teahupo'o Women's event together, right where we normally par...
Oh how we wish this week would last forever. We've been surfing since Saturday evening, with waves carrying us right through to sunset on Thursday. This one was forecasted in about two weeks before, and the regular checks kept getting better and better. "Oh, look one more day! Oh, wow, look at that ...
The MSA held their annual skate comp King of the Park in July at the Msida Skatepark, with 16 skaters competing for the coveted crown on the concrete jumps. We were treated to an absolute spectacle with tricks galore and brilliant live bands keeping the vibes high. Beers, skate and live music in the...
We're launching something small with big intentions and you're invited to the launch! On Thursday, 8th August , BOMBA is teaming up with Zibel and Singita to kick off Wave Waste , a community-powered project aimed at keeping our beaches clean and giving new life to ocean plastic. At the entrance to ...
Most people talk about breaking free. Luke Deakin laced up his boots and walked out the front door. No gimmicks. No entourage. Just a backpack, blistered feet, and the stubborn belief that the world is best understood at walking pace. Under the name Chubby Trekka , this quietly fearless Brit is trek...
The Tahiti Summer swimwear collection by MIA VICKERY this year is inspired by the lifestyle and vibrant colours seen through a surfer's eyes. The stand out sets are made from high-tech sustainable materials made from recycled nylon waste found in our oceans. The colours of the collection captu...
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...
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...
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 Ä nejna Bay – home t...
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...
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...
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...
In an exciting expansion of its Championship Tour, the World Surf League (WSL) has officially announced the inclusion of Għajn Tuffieħa Bay in Malta as a brand-new destination in its prestigious lineup. This event, scheduled to kick off in March following the Portugal stop, marks a significant addit...
"It was insane," opens Flynn… "just fucking insane." Most of us have flirtatiously gazed at the Sliema coastline on a windy day. We've seen rollers, barrels, dumpers and ugly messes. The coast there is open, jagged with lots of little nooks and crannies. Yes, it's literally the perfect swim spot on ...
What's the best 100 you've ever spent? Think about it, it's €100 euros, it can be a night out, a fancy restaurant, a thick winter jacket, a spa day, 5 grams of weed, some shroomies for the homies, a shiny little object for your house. Anything. Think about it. 100 euros doesn't get you much nowadays...
Fresh off a plane from Bali, Malta's own surf coach Valerio Cicconi has plunged back into the island's waves with a hunger that can only be satisfied in waters as challenging as those of the island's very advanced spots. His preferred spot, which will not be named, is a point break over a reef. It i...
We're Going Big – Join Us at Billabong's Epic Store Launch! Hey everyone, we've got some awesome news that's too good to keep under wraps! Billabong has just upped their game in a major way. They've moved – though not far, just next door – into a way bigger space in the usual spot, the Plaza and you...
When nightmarish leviathans surge toward our shores, most cower and retreat to safety… yet a few dare to chase the thrill. These monstrous waves, colossal and tumultuous, loom like watery behemoths just a breath away from the land. To many surfers, they spell doom, their menacing forms breaking over...
Supertubos in Peniche, Portugal, is renowned as one of the premier surfing destinations globally, celebrated for its powerful, hollow waves that offer dramatic barrels. Here's a comprehensive guide to this iconic surf spot, perfect for World Surf League (WSL) content: Location and Conditions Supertu...
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 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...
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. ...
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 ...
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...
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...
High surf conditions have led to multiple rescues and safety warnings across the North Shore of Hawaii. Lifeguards have been actively responding to emergencies as waves reach dangerous heights, prompting officials to advise the public to stay away from affected shorelines. Key Takeaways Lifeguards e...
In recent years, the issue of social isolation among Generation Z has gained significant attention, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As young people increasingly turn to surfing as a means of social connection, initiatives like Hinge's One More Hour are emerging to combat lonelines...
Let's be completely honest here, we love it aye! We shamelessly adore our own surf photos and here in Malta we are absolutely blessed. We've got more cameras on us than when we walk into a bank. All our insta's are loaded with surf pics, our Tinder bios have at least two in the can, and they're the ...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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...