Surf Stories That Warm the Soul
Grab your board wax and settle in, because we've got three tales that'll make you smile wider than a perfect barrel. From groundbreaking new surf parks to incredible human resilience and a global holiday tradition that warms the heart—this is your weekly dose of stoke.
Texas Gets Next-Level Surf Park with Kelly Slater Tech
Austin Surf Club just dropped some serious eye candy—fresh renders and a video showcasing their upcoming surf destination in the Lone Star State. Using Kelly Slater Wave Company technology, this isn't just another wave pool; it's a full surf-anchored community space blending epic waves with lifestyle amenities. Once it opens, Texas will join the ranks of surf havens like Waco Surf and HTX Surf, giving West Coast surfers a reason to head east. The visuals show a massive wave basin that'll be a photographer's dream—imagine capturing clean, consistent barrels without battling crowds! No opening date yet, but we're keeping our wax ready. Check out the full details on Surf Park Central.
Paralyzed Surfer's Christmas Miracle: Back in the Water
Picture this: After nearly drowning and being left paralyzed from a surfing accident, Scott Muir lies on his belly at Doheny State Beach, catching tiny waves on Christmas Eve. That's not a scene from a movie—that's real life. Muir, a pilot and Air Force veteran, spent 85 days in rehab after his October wipeout. But thanks to his rescue buddy Judah Ely (who saved him that fateful day) and relentless physical therapy, Muir was back in the ocean, grinning from ear to ear. 'Whatever you have in front of you, you have to be OK with what your life is like,' Muir said. His comeback is a testament to the ocean's healing power and the unbreakable spirit of surfers. Read the full story in the Orange County Register.
Santas Take Over Waves From Florida to Greece
Cocoa Beach, Florida, turned into a winter wonderland (minus the snow) as over 12,000 people gathered for the 17th annual Surfing Santas. Red-suited surfers paddled out, some even parachuting in from helicopters, while a SpaceX vs. Blue Origin 'surf-off' added playful tech rivalry to the mix. But the cheer didn't stop there—this holiday tradition has gone global. In Greece, paddleboarders dressed as Santas hit the Thermaikos Gulf; surfers in Scotland braved icy waters; and hundreds rode waves in The Hague, Netherlands. Whether they're in boardshorts or wetsuits, Santas worldwide prove that surf culture and holiday spirit make the perfect holiday cocktail. Dive into the global phenomenon on AOL.
From cutting-edge wave tech to jaw-dropping comebacks and pure festive fun, it's clear surfers are redefining what's possible on a board. What stories are you stoked about? Drop a comment below—let's keep the conversation riding!