From Cocoa Beach to Championship Dreams: Surf Week Highlights
Hey Surf Snaps crew! Catching your breath after a session? Grab your coffee and dive into some waves of surf stoke we've been tracking. This week brought us a powerful tribute, a rising star's big leap, and some pure board craft wisdom. Let's paddle in!
First up, the energy in Cocoa Beach is electric as they gear up for the 40th annual NKF Surf Festival. It's not just about the waves; it's a massive celebration raising over $10 million for kidney disease research and patient care since 1976! This year honors the legendary Richard Salick, a champion surfer and tireless advocate who battled three kidney transplants and cancer with incredible perseverance. Think about this: the very first contest back in '76? It raised a humble $126 and featured a young Kelly Slater on his first-ever competition launchpad! That's some serious surf lineage. The fest runs Oct 11-13 at Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, packed with contests, a block party, a silent auction, and even a paddle-out memorial honoring Ron DiMenna. It's a heartwarming reminder of the community and spirit that defines surfing.
Speaking of spirit and rising stars, keep your eyes locked on Tahitian phenom Kauli Vaast. After his gold medal performance in Tahiti at the Paris Olympics, the reigning champ is making serious moves on the path back to the Championship Tour. His recent win at the Challenger Series in Portugal wasn't just another event; it vaulted him 11 spots to the top of the CT qualification rankings for 2026! Vaast, known for his fearless barrel riding at Teahupo'o, has the heavy water chops needed to dominate the elite tour. With four of seven Challenger Series events done, he's sitting pretty. As The Inertia reports, he already has 19,200 points – way ahead of the pace needed – and his strength at Pipeline (coming up next) makes him a major contender. Vaast is driven, focused, and aiming to be the first Tahitian male on tour since Michel Bourez retired. Rooting for his success feels natural – he's carrying the torch for his homeland and the next generation.
Now, let's talk craft. Ever felt your mid-length board feeling a bit... sluggish? You're not alone. The mid-length revival is fantastic, but translating that extra volume into smooth speed takes a little know-how. Enter the master, Devon Howard. In a recent chat on the Basis Surf podcast, Howard broke down the art of generating speed on boards that aren't your standard shortboard. He tackled the specific challenges – like different rocker and volume distribution – and shared practical tips to help you harness that glide. Whether you're cruising on a funboard or logging a proper longboard, Howard's insights, as detailed by The Inertia, can unlock a whole new level of flow in your surfing. It's about understanding your board's personality and making it dance on the wave face.
So there you have it: celebrating a legacy that fuels future generations, watching an Olympic champion aim for the ultimate stage, and honing the skills to ride your board with pure joy. That's the surf tapestry we're part of. What's stoking you right now? Share your thoughts in the comments below!