Olympics & Michigan: Surf's Unexpected Frontiers
Surfers, photographers, and ocean lovers—get ready for a wave of change that’s hitting the US from California to the Great Lakes. This week, we’ve got two stories that show how surfing is evolving in ways we never imagined.
First up, the big news: San Clemente, California, has been officially declared the American Olympic surf point break for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This is huge for the heartland of US surf culture, but it’s also sparking a lot of chatter. Local surfers are excited but also a bit concerned about the crowds. As one local put it, 'Where are they all gonna park?' and 'More people are probably going to want to surf trestles or lowers but they’re not gonna catch any waves.' There’s also a power struggle between organizations vying for control, and even a movement to establish a sovereign HawaiĘ»i Surf Team. The decisions in the next year will shape how surfing is presented on the world stage. You can read the full breakdown right here.
Now, let’s shift gears to the Great Lakes, where surfing is thriving in the most unlikely of places. Northern Michigan has a surf scene that’s been built by idealists who refuse to believe that waves are only for coasts. It’s a place where people still get skeptical looks when they say they surf, but the community is real and passionate. Mike King, who’s part of the scene, says, 'You kind of need to be an idealist.' They surf in all conditions, from sunny 75-degree days to negative 10-degree winters with two feet of snow. It’s not about being the best; it’s about the joy of riding waves wherever you find them. This story is a perfect example of how surfing is for everyone, everywhere. Check out the full story over at The Inertia.
From the Olympic stage to the icy waters of Michigan, surfing continues to surprise and inspire. Whether you’re a pro chasing the next big event or a weekend warrior finding joy in a small wave, it’s all about the passion. What’s your favorite unexpected surf story? Let us know in the comments!