Dorian, Rogan & Otters: Wild Week in Surf
Well folks, if this week's surf news has taught us anything, it's that the ocean always serves up surprises—whether they're stem cell breakthroughs, trophy wins, or furry board thieves. Grab your post-surf coffee and let's dive into the wildest stories making waves across the globe.
Shane Dorian Meets His Podcaster Doppelgänger
Is it Shane Dorian? Or is it Joe Rogan? The internet's officially stumped after the big-wave legend and world's most popular podcaster became impossible to tell apart. Turns out Dorian's latest stem cell treatments in Mexico—complete with hyperbaric chambers, NAD infusions, and ozone therapy—are giving him that signature Rogan-esque glow. 'It's been a huge difference in my quality of life,' Dorian shared recently, crediting the cutting-edge therapies for letting him surf, train, and even bowhunt like a boss. At this rate, we're expecting a Dorian-Rogan collaboration album next—maybe a podcast called 'Stem Cells and Swells'? You can read the full breakdown right here.
Brazil Celebrates as Pupo and Hopkins Clinch Saquarema Titles
Down in Saquarema, Brazil, the waves delivered drama as Samuel Pupo and Yolanda Hopkins seized the Saquarema Pro finals over the weekend. Pupo, who's now climbing the Challenger Series rankings after his second win at this spot, was practically speechless: 'I just can't believe that I won here again. It doesn't feel real,' he gushed. Meanwhile, Hopkins claimed her maiden Challenger Series victory with some silky smooth backside turns that had the crowd buzzing. The wins weren't just personal triumphs—they're serious game-changers for their qualification dreams. Check out the full highlights over at NewsX.
Santa Cruz Surfer vs. the Surfboard-Stealing Otter
Back in California, Isabella Orduna's surf session took an unexpected twist when an otter bit her foot and refused to vacate her board for 20 minutes. 'I'm like, "Okay, that's not good,"' Orduna recalled after the Steamer Lane standoff. Authorities suspect it might be Otter 841—the same viral culprit who made headlines in 2023 for hijacking surfboards. 'You don't go out thinking an otter is going to get on your board,' quipped Marine Safety Officer Ben Coffey. While Orduna escaped unscathed, the incident has locals on high alert and surfers double-checking their leash setups. For the full story—including Mark Woodward's photo of a 'true wrestling match' between a surfer and an otter—head to People.com.
From Mexico's wellness retreats to Brazil's trophy ceremonies and California's furry freeloaders, it's clear that surfing's never short of stories that remind us why we love this sport. Share your own wild encounters in the comments—because let's face it, the ocean's always got more surprises than a well-packed cooler. đ