Champion Wins, Waves Saved, Festivals Roll
Fall's here, and the surf world's buzzing with stories that'll stoke your passion. From California's adaptive surfing scene to Mexico's coastal victories and surf film festivals, there's plenty to celebrate. Let's dive into three updates making waves right now.
First up, Llywelyn "Sponge" Williams just claimed the AASP World Tour title in Oceanside, California. After a heart-pounding heat where he sat scoreless in fourth place, Sponge pulled off an epic buzzer-beater—scoring a 9.5 on his final wave to leapfrog Australia's Mark "Mono" Stewart. This win marks his first World Tour title after a jaw-dropping 55 podium finishes and 25 golds over nine years. As he told his team, 'It came down to needing another wave in the last 24 seconds. I rode it to the beach and scored a 9.5; it was perfect.' Now he's chasing his fourth Para Surfing crown in California this November. Get the full heat breakdown right here.
Meanwhile, south of the border, Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum hit pause on a port expansion that would've crushed iconic surf breaks like 3Ms and San Miguel. The $276 million project planned a mile-long breakwall that would've wiped out multiple spots. But after fierce opposition from Ensenada surfers and environmentalists—led by oceanographer Gino Passalacqua and the group Ensenada Digna—the government stepped back. 'This doesn't mean the project is canceled,' warns Passalacqua, 'but it's hopeful. We still need to maintain the pressure.' The victory shows what community action can do. You can read the whole story over at The Inertia.
Prefer your surf on-screen? The fifth annual Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival hits the historic Lobero Theatre this weekend, September 26-27. Expect gripping docs like one on Ventura's 20-foot December swell that flooded the coast. 'You see these incredible images of people riding waves that are like mountains,' says organizer Matthew Wesson. It's the perfect post-surf session vibe—no wetsuit required. Perfect for photographers too, since these films capture ocean artistry from angles you can't see from the beach. Catch the lineup here.
Whether you're chasing waves, fighting for them, or just love the culture, these stories prove the stoke's alive and kicking. Stay tuned for more from the Surf Snaps community—and keep your fins ready.