Newport Park Fight & Bodega Bay Scare
Well, folks, it's been a wild week in the surf world. Down in Newport Beach, the battle lines are drawn over a new surf park, while up in Bodega Bay, a surfer had a run-in with a toothy friend. Let's dive in.
Newport's Surf Park on the Ballot
Newport Beach is making waves, but not the kind you'd want to ride. The city council approved a 15-acre, 10-million-gallon surf park back in October, replacing the Newport Beach Golf Course. But now, more than 9,500 signatures have been collected to put the project to a citywide vote in November 2026. That's enough to get it on the ballot if the registrar validates them. The project has split the community: opponents say the golf course is the only affordable green space left, while supporters believe the surf park will help train surfers when the ocean isn't cooperating. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, one opponent called the council 'tone deaf'. Stay tuned, because this one's going to be a heated discussion.
Shark Scares in Bodega Bay
Up in Northern California, a surfer had a close call with a shark on Friday morning at North Salmon Creek Beach. The surfer was about 300 to 400 feet out when they got a bite on the hand. Luckily, they were able to paddle in and get to the hospital on their own. Photos taken by the Sonoma County Sheriff show some nasty-looking bite marks on the board and a bit of blood. The beach has been closed, and the species of shark hasn't been identified. SFist has the full story. It's a good reminder to keep an eye out when you're out there, but don't let it ruin your stoke.
That's the latest from the surf world. What do you think about the Newport surf park? Have you ever had a shark encounter? Drop us a line in the comments!