Surf Stories That Spark Stoke
Hey wave riders! This week's surf scoop has something for every grom, seasoned pro, and lens-toting ocean lover. We're uncovering the magic that makes Haleiwa more than just a surf spot, celebrating the next generation of shredders at Torquay, and tagging along with a photographer who swapped Colorado peaks for Hawaiian barrels. Let's paddle in!
Haleiwa: Where the Community Shines Brighter Than the Pipeline
Think North Shore = Pipeline? Think again. Director Connor Trimble flipped that script in his new film HOMETOWN HYPE: Haleiwa. Instead of just focusing on world-famous breaks, he zoomed in on the real heart of the place—the people. Shapers crafting boards behind garage doors, lifeguards keeping watch, even a taro farmer tending to the land. "If there's no waves there, the community would still be really special," Trimble says after a decade filming Pipeline. His secret? Focusing on the 'coconut wireless'—the tight-knit small-town vibe where everyone knows your name and if you step out of line, you'll get straightened out faster than you can say 'shaka'. It's a reminder that surfing's soul runs deeper than the barrel. You can catch the full story over at The Inertia.
Torquay's Micro Groms Cup: When Future Legends Meet Wild Waves
Down under, the future of surfing was charging hard at the Victorian Micro Groms Cup. Over 60 junior surfers faced off in churning waves, and the talent was absolutely electric. Torquay local Stevie O’Day stole the show in the Under 14 Girls final with a near-perfect 9.33 wave score, while Levi Vosloo made history in his first national event with a dominant 16.66 in the boys' division. "I just tried to go big on every wave!" Vosloo said after his victory. These groms aren't just surfing—they're redefining what's possible in average beach breaks. It pure, unfiltered joy in the lineup. For the full results, check out the heat-by-heat action at Surf Coast Times.
From Colorado to Pipeline: A Photographer's Ocean Quest
What does it take to shoot Pipeline from inside the barrel? Just ask Christa Funk—the Grand Junction native who traded desert valleys for Hawaiian waves. Her film "First In, Last Out" tells her wild ride: Coast Guard service transforming into surf photography, dodging massive sets to capture the perfect shot, and becoming one of the few female lens pros in the heavy-water game. "I don't like being in front of the camera," admits Funk, whose work features surf legends like Sheldon Paion. But when Red Bull approached her to tell her story, she jumped in. The result? A raw, behind-the-scenes look at the grit and glory of surf photography. Catch her journey right here.
Whether you're stoked on community, grom progression, or photographic courage, these stories prove surfing's magic happens both in the water and the connections we make. Keep chasing that saltwater stoke!