From Otter Snatches to River Parks: Wild Week in Surfing
What a week it’s been for our surf community! From unexpected furry friends taking over boards to groundbreaking new surf parks and Pipeline’s legendary waves, there’s no shortage of stories to share. Let’s dive into the top moments that had everyone talking.
First up, Santa Cruz is buzzing once again with sea otter antics. Just a day after a board theft incident, surfer Isabella Orduna got the surprise of her life when an otter bit her foot and then commandeered her board for about 20 minutes. As reported by KSBW, the scene unfolded at Steamer Lane, a popular surf spot. Orduna remained calm, and with the help of another surfer and emergency services, she got out safely. Locals recall Otter 841, the famous board-stealing otter from a couple of years ago, but experts can’t confirm if it’s the same one. Either way, it’s a reminder that in the ocean, we’re sharing the waves with all kinds of characters!
On a more innovative front, Minnesota is making waves—literally. The City of Anoka is planning a $51 million redevelopment of the Rum River Dam to include a whitewater surfing park. This exciting project, as covered by MinneapoliMedia, promises to bring surfing to the landlocked state and create a new hub for adventure. Imagine the possibilities for surf photographers capturing unique inland action!
And over in Hawaii, the surf gods delivered at Pipeline. On October 14th, a solid swell made its way to the North Shore, bringing double-overhead waves that had the pros going big. As documented in the latest episode from Oahu Surf Films, Jamie O’Brien, Ivan Florence, Nathan Florence, Mason Ho, and even a surprise appearance by Mikey February showed up for a heart-pounding session. The footage is a must-see for any surf enthusiast or photographer looking for that perfect shot.
From cheeky otters to groundbreaking parks and legendary waves, this week proves that the stoke of surfing is alive and well. Whether you're in the water or behind the lens, there’s always something new to love about our ocean lifestyle. Stay tuned for more updates, and keep those cameras ready—you never know when the next epic moment will strike!