Big Waves, Big Plans: From Florida's Future Surf Parks to North Carolina's Eroding Shores
Hey there, wave riders and ocean lovers! It's been a wild week in the world of surfing, with stories that run the gamut from exciting new developments to sobering reminders of the ocean's immense power. While the stoke is high down in Boca Raton, a fierce nor'easter is taking a serious toll on the Outer Banks. Let's dive into what's making waves right now.
First up, some seriously exciting news for the Florida surf scene. The city of Boca Raton is considering a $60 million surf park project, and things are looking promising. Earlier this week, district leaders gave the proposal a top rating, moving it one step closer to reality. The project, led by local developers Cheyne Cotrell and Matt Oliveira of Boca Surf Park LLC, is more than just a new spot to catch some waves; it's a potential economic boost for the community, promising over $30 million in economic activity and 80 to 100 permanent jobs.
'It's the perfect place. It's nice and south so it's warm all year round. We can be open 12 months a year,' Cotrell, a longtime Boca business owner, told WPTV. 'We are locals, we live here. I grew up in Boca, my family has, and we just want the best for the community.' The plan is to lease 20 acres of public land for the park, sharing revenue with the district. While some residents have voiced concerns about traffic and noise, developers say studies show minimal impact.
While Florida is looking to build new surf spots, North Carolina is watching some of its most beloved ones disappear. A powerful fall nor'easter has been relentlessly pummeling the Outer Banks, and the drone footage is jaw-dropping.
FOX Weather's Mark Sudduth captured the incredible, and frankly, terrifying footage of beach homes in Buxton hanging precariously over the churning surf. Nine homes have already collapsed in just over two weeks as swells from hurricanes and now the nor'easter have battered the coastline. The video shows a few homes still standing, propped up by extra supports workers have installed, while others are left with gaping holes where once were porches and stairs. 'We've got this nor'easter on top of a week of King Tides,' FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne reported from the scene. 'It's really just a recipe for trouble for this coastline that's already vulnerable.'
Sudduth, a North Carolina native, put it all in perspective when he said, 'This is important to me, more than just a job. My memories are out here with my family for three generations, really.' It's a stark reminder of the constant battle between our communities and the sea.
On a much lighter note, if you're looking for a healthy dose of stoke and some incredible local history, mark your calendars. The Women on Waves surf contest is coming to Capitola Beach in Santa Cruz from Oct. 18-19. This event is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of the legacy and community of women surfers.
The story of women in Santa Cruz surfing is a powerful one, reaching back to the early 1930s with Antoinette 'Akoni' Swan, one of the first documented women surfers in the area. As the Santa Cruz Sentinel points out, her story, along with others like Pat Collings in the 1940s, paved the way for future generations. The event and the surrounding community continue to build on that legacy, creating a space where women can find independence, belonging, and a whole lot of fun in the waves.