US Surf Buzz: Storm Swells, Desert Surf Parks & Hall of Fame Glory
Hey wave riders and shutterbugs! Let's dive into the latest rippling across the US surf scene. We've got urgent swells brewing in California, a groundbreaking surf resort rising from Arizona's desert dust, and a legendary artist getting his flowers in South Carolina. Whether you're chasing winter barrels or just stoked on surf culture, there's plenty to ride this week.
Santa Barbara's Winter Wave Warning
If you're on California's Central Coast, paddle with caution. The National Weather Service has dropped a High Surf Advisory for Santa Barbara County through Thursday, with menacing 8-12 foot waves expected on west-facing beaches like Lompoc. The real troublemaker? Rip currents packing a punch that could linger into Saturday morning. South Coast spots will see smaller (but still sneaky) 3-5 foot sets. Senior meteorologist Rich Thompson warns these swells create 'more significant and widespread' rips – a serious reminder that our ocean demands respect. For surf photographers, this means dramatic light and powerful backdrops, but safety first! You can get the full forecast straight from the NWS.
Arizona's Desert Surf Revolution
Who said you need an ocean to surf? PHX Surf just dropped jaw-dropping renderings for its 40-acre Maricopa surf resort, breaking ground next March. This ain't no waterpark – we're talking a 137,000-square-foot Endless Surf lagoon with dual bays for shredders of all levels (think Munich's Surftown tech but in Sonoran Desert vibes). The 'barefoot luxury' vision includes 100 3D-printed villas with rooftop decks and a wellness campus, designed by AO (the same minds behind Palm Desert's DSRT Surf). For surf photographers, this is a playground of clean, consistent waves year-round with stunning desert backdrops. It's a game-changer for landlocked surfers and a whole new creative canvas. Check the future of surf right here.
Myrtle Beach's Surf Icon Gets His Due
From Barbie floaties to hall of famer – Drew Brophy's story is pure surf stoke. The Myrtle Beach native and pioneering surf artist will be enshrined in the Eastern Surfing Association Hall of Fame this month, joining legends who shaped East Coast surf culture. Brophy ignored his high school counselor's doubts about 'surfing and painting pretty pictures' and built a global brand recognizable on boards from Google to Sublime. Post-surf sessions in his hometown, he reflects: 'For me that meant traveling and painting and surfing the best waves in the world.' After surviving a 2021 health scare, this honor feels extra sweet. His rejection letters (labeled 'cartoon' by old-school mags) now fuel his mission: 'Stay true to your vision.' Get the full story over at the Post and Courier.
Whether you're dodging swells in California, planning desert sessions in Arizona, or just vibing with Brophy's journey, remember: the best waves and stories often come where you least expect 'em. Stay safe, keep creating, and we'll see you in the lineup!