Three Big Waves Shaking the Surf Scene Right Now
Hey wave warriors and lens lovers! The ocean’s been cooking up some serious stories lately—from historic victories and groundbreaking events to weather wildcards. Let’s dive into the latest that’s got our stoked (and no, we’re not saying that).
First up, Costa Rican phenom Leilani McGonagle just dropped jaws at the Super Girl Surf Pro in Oceanside, California. She became the first non-American ever to snag top honors, edging out local favorite Alyssa Spencer with a decisive 14.10 points. That’s right—Leilani turned the California coast into her personal highlight reel, taking home 4,000 Qualifying Series points and proving that Pavones power travels far. You can catch the full replay here.
Meanwhile, Hawaii’s making history on the home front. The islands just launched the inaugural Hawaii High School Athletic Association surfing tournament, finally giving keiki a chance to compete for their schools in the sport that defines their culture. Set for May at iconic Hookipa Beach, the event—backed by Gov. Josh Green and five-time world champ Carissa Moore—will rotate islands yearly. With $685K in state funding, this could be a game-changer for the next generation of surfers. Get the details straight from the source right here.
And for those eyeing the East Coast, Hurricane Gabrielle’s stirring things up. The Category 4 storm’s churning 140-mph winds, generating massive surf and dangerous rips from North Carolina to New England—even as it curves away from land. If you’re planning a session, prioritize safety over epic swells (we said it!). Track the storm’s path with Weather Channel updates.
From contest wins to cultural shifts and weather curveballs, the surf world’s buzzing. Stay tuned, stay safe, and keep chasing those perfect frames—we’re all in this together.