When the Wave is a Train and the Stunt is Deadly
It's a story that sends a chill down your spine, a harsh reminder that not all 'surfing' is done on water. Early one Saturday morning in New York City, two girls, just 12 and 13 years old, were found dead on a J train. They were subway surfing—a dangerous trend that continues to claim lives, despite efforts from the NYPD, MTA, and social media platforms to stop it.
The tragedy didn't end there. As reported by NY1, the very next day, another pair of teens, a 13 and a 14-year-old, were caught in the act. NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta put it painfully: 'Now we’re able to go home and tell their parents, ‘Hey, they were on this train. They were surfing’ and maybe get them some help...But unfortunately, with the 12-year-old or 13-year-old, we’re not going to be able to do that. We had to go and tell the parents that they lost their children.'
This year alone, the NYPD has recorded five fatalities from subway surfing, with at least 130 arrests. The problem is deeply tied to social media, where kids meet up, share videos, and egg each other on. One victim, 12-year-old Zemfira Mukhtarova, was known for her thrill-seeking clips, including lying on train tracks. Her family’s story, as detailed by Sinar Daily, is absolutely heartbreaking. Her father described her as 'full of life,' and her younger sister now warns others, 'The thrill isn't worth it.' It's a tragic wake-up call for a community that lives for the stoke of a wave, but must remember the difference between a thrill and a life taken in an instant.
A Different Kind of Wave: WSL Returns to Surf Abu Dhabi
While the story from NYC is a somber one, let's shift our focus to a wave that is built for fun, not for fatal folly. The World Surf League is making a splashy return to Surf Abu Dhabi this October for the Longboard Classic. Forget crowded subway cars; this event is set on the stunning Hudayriyat Island, offering a weekend packed with world-class surfing and festival vibes.
This isn't just any surf competition. It's a chance to see some of the best longboarders in the world, including five-time World Champion Taylor Jensen from the USA, French powerhouse Alison Lemoigne, and South Africa's Steven Sawyer. The action will be non-stop, with nine hours of surfing each day for spectators to enjoy from rooftop decks with panoramic views. It's a photographer's dream, capturing the smooth, flowing lines of longboarding against a backdrop of luxury.
When the sun goes down, the party continues with a live concert from surf musician Donavon Frankenreiter and a festival atmosphere complete with food trucks and family-friendly fun. Even if you can't make it to the UAE, you can still catch all the action, as the event will be live streamed on worldsurfleague.com. General admission is free, making it an accessible taste of global surf culture right in the heart of the Middle East.