Big News, Bigger Waves, and a Legendary Fade to Black
What a week in surfing! From Hawaii's comeback king to freshwater sessions and a film series that shaped an era – the stoke is real for surfers and photographers alike. Let's dive into three stories that have our community buzzing.
First up, the big return: John John Florence has officially announced his comeback to the World Surf League Championship Tour for 2026. After taking 2025 off to bond with his young family and chase new surf adventures in the South Pacific, the three-time world champion from Haleiwa, Hawaii, scored a full Wildcard berth. As reported by Spectrum News, he'll kick things off at Australia's Bells Beach in April and wrap up the season where it all began – with the Pipe Masters at his home break. 'Having the time to explore and surf new waves with my family has been a dream for us,' John John shared. We can't wait to see what fresh lines and creative airs he brings back to the elite stage.
Next up, proof that true surfers never truly flatline: Ben Gravy scored head-high bombs in Lake Erie. Yep, you read that right – Ohio's Great Lake. When the forecast called for pristine freshwater swells while the ocean went flat, Gravy and his crew loaded up the car. 'We're going to load up the car and get ready to head to all-time Lake Erie,' he explained in his latest video. The session wasn't exactly a day at the beach – constant duck-dives and waves that felt like they were actively trying to shake riders off – but Gravy managed to carve out some memorable rides. As he noted on the drive home, 'Lake Erie proves to me, every time that I come here, waves are not supposed to be surfed. We just surf them.' You can catch the full freshwater adventure over at The Inertia.
And finally, a moment for the history books: the legendary Snapt film series released its fifth and final installment, aptly Snapt5. Spanning 25 years, Logan 'Chucky' Dulien's project defined a raw, no-frills approach to surf filmmaking – just powerful surfing and perfectly matched beats. 'A lot of people are like, ‘It’s not ending. You’re not done.’ And I know you can tell something’s different now,' Dulien shared about closing the book on the iconic series. Snapt5 delivers a who's who of modern surfing: current champ Yago Dora, Junior World Champion Bronson Meydi, Jack Robinson, Mason Ho, heavy hitters like Clay Marzo, and a global search that spotlighted nearly 30 groms under 17. After a whirlwind 60-premiere tour across 30 countries, you can stream the final bow right here on The Inertia. Don't hold your breath for Snapt6 – this wave has truly reached shore.
So there you have it: a champion's return, a freshwater mission, and a masterpiece finale. Which story has you reaching for your board or camera? Drop us a comment below and let the stoke flow!