Surf Olympics 2028, Otter Heist & Local Art
The surf world’s buzzing with three stories that’ll make you grab your board—whether you’re chasing waves or behind the lens. First up, San Clemente’s about to hit the global spotlight as the official U.S. Olympic surf venue for 2028. Lower Trestles, the iconic break where groms and legends session, is now center stage. But it’s not just about the waves—it’s a high-stakes power struggle between USA Surfing and US Ski and Snowboard for control of U.S. Olympic surfing funding and athlete development. Local surfers are stoked but worried: “Where are they all gonna park?” asked David Ball, a San Clemente regular, while Levy Hansen noted the crowds might make sessions “super gnarly” for local groms. The outcome could shape whether surfing’s grassroots spirit shines or gets drowned by corporate tides. You can dive deeper into the Olympic drama right here.
Down in Santa Cruz, a furry bandit made headlines at Steamer Lane. Isabella Orduna got more than she bargained for when an aggressive sea otter bit her foot, then commandeered her board for a 20-minute lounge session. Lifeguards rescued the situation, returning her board after the otter was shooed off. Sound familiar? This echoes the antics of Otter 841, the notorious wave-thief who’s been evading capture for years. While officials can’t confirm if this is a copycat or 841 herself, one thing’s clear: Santa Cruz surfers now have a wild card to watch. For the full scoop, check out ABC7 San Francisco.
And in Dana Point, surf photographer Jared Sislin’s lens has landed big—literally. He transformed a dreamy sunset shot of Salt Creek into a massive mural at Girl in the Curl Surf Shop. The vinyl masterpiece, featuring glassy waves and the Healands in the background, is already calming commuters and coffee-goers along PCH. Sislin, who cut his teeth shooting surf camp kids, called it surreal: “The printer FaceTimed me when it went up, and right then I knew there was nothing to worry about—it looked killer.” For Sislin, it’s a tribute to the town’s surf culture. “We’re a surf town,” he said. “Showcasing local art? That’s what it’s all about.” Get the story behind the lens at Picket Fence Media.