Surf Snaps Roundup: Pipeline, Healing Waves, and Arizona's Inland Fest
Hey Surf Snappers! What a wild week in the surf world. From legendary North Shore sessions to groundbreaking therapy programs and desert festivals, the stoke is alive across the country. Let's dive into the stories that matter.
Jamie O’Brien Rides the 'Best Early Season Pipeline Ever'
When Pipeline breaks early, it’s usually a teaser. But this October surprise? Jamie O’Brien called it the best early season Pipeline he’s ever seen. The iconic North Shore spot lit up with thick, hollow waves that had Jamie charging like it’s December. As The Inertia reports, the crowds have since swarmed the break, but Jamie’s initial session set the bar high. For surf photographers, those golden-hour Pipeline barrels are pure gold—especially when Jamie’s on the lens.
Surfing Therapy for Veterans: New Study Proves Waves Heal
We’ve always known the ocean resets the soul, but now science backs it up. A San Diego State University study found that just seven days of surf therapy slashed veterans’ depression levels by 44% and cut anxiety rates by a stunning 70%. The program, run with Operation Surf, provided adaptive gear, yoga, and peer sessions for vets with PTSD. As NBC 7 San Diego notes, female veterans showed immediate gains, while men continued improving long-term. This isn’t just surf—it’s lifelines in wetsuits.
Arizona Goes Wild With Revel Ruckus Surf Fest
Who needs coastline when you have wave pools? Arizona’s Revel Surf is hosting the Revel Ruckus festival—a two-day bash packed with big-air contests, cliff diving, and pro demos. Pros like Noah Beschen and Nathan Fletcher are turning the desert into a surf hotspot. As NewsBreak covers, the festival’s tech (Swell MFG and UNIT waves) gives East Coasters a taste of barrel-chasing without the salt. General admission tickets are $35, but the real treasure? Watching legends like Heimana Reynolds shred landlocked waves.
From Hawaii to the desert, surf culture is thriving. What’s your favorite story this week? Share your thoughts below, and keep snapping those waves—we’ll see you in the lineup.