Hawaii Waves Goodbye to Red Tape, Hello to High School Surfing
Remember those early morning surf sessions before school? For Hawaii's groms, that's about to become official business. After years of pushing through bureaucratic chop, the Aloha State has officially crowned surfing as a sanctioned high school sport. The first-ever statewide championships are locked in for May 1-2, 2026, on Maui – and you can almost smell the sunscreen already.
This isn't just a win for local shredders; it's a landmark moment for the sport. The state legislature dropped nearly $700k to get the leagues off the ground, a serious commitment. As State Rep. Sean Quinlan (North Shore surfer, naturally) pointed out, 'It’s probably the safest high school sport we have.' Safety first, then style points. You can read the full story over at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
The timing is extra sweet for Maui. Hosting the state titles is a huge boost for an island still recovering from the 2023 wildfires. Five-time world champ and Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore was a vocal champion of the legislation, showing just how deep this runs. As the Star-Advertiser notes, these championships won't replace lost tourism dollars like a pro event, but they're planting something far more valuable: the next generation of surfers, right where it counts.
And speaking of the next generation, let's give a shout-out to Kiwi sensation Jack Tyro. Making his World Longboard Tour debut at the iconic Bells Beach in Australia, Tyro didn't just show up – he pushed the tour leader, Australia's Kai Ellice-Flint, right to the wire. A razor-thin 0.07-point difference in the Round of 16 is an incredible opening act. Surfing New Zealand is beaming, and rightfully so. For more on Tyro's breakout run, check the full report from Surfing NZ.
From North Shore politics to Aussie comps, the stoke is real. It’s proof that whether you're carving a point break in Maui or grinding a rail in New Zealand, the love for the water connects us all. So grab your board, hit the water, and let’s see what waves the future holds. What’s the vibe like at your home break these days? Drop us a line!