Maui Windsurfers Rule Fiji’s Legendary Cloudbreak; California’s Desert Gets a Wave Pool, and Boogie Board Legends Rejoice
When Bernd Roediger clinched first place at the Fiji Surf Pro, he didn’t just ride the wave—he rode the moment. The Maui-based windsurfer overcame a strained ACL and a month-long break to conquer Fiji’s iconic Cloudbreak reef, calling the victory 'a blessing' as reported by Maui News. His teammate Morgan Noireaux, fresh off a jaw-dropping 9.5-point single wave, secured third overall despite inconsistent winds. Meanwhile, France’s Antoine Martin took second, proving Fiji’s brutal conditions don’t mess around—four rigs were destroyed, and one competitor broke a foot. The women’s division? Aussie Jane Seman dominated, reclaiming her Cloudbreak crown with flawless barrel-riding. 'It’s an incredible feeling,' Roediger said. 'So many things have to go your way.'
Wavegarden’s Desert Surf Spot Is No Joke
California’s Coachella Valley just got a surf spot that’s 100 miles from the ocean—and it’s already blowing minds. Wavegarden’s new DSRT Surf park promises 1,000 waves per hour, with a 'Twister' setting for barrel enthusiasts and ramp sections designed for aerials. 'I never imagined I’d test aerial waves in the middle of the desert,' said pro surfer Jacob Szekely, who called it 'the best wave pool in the world.' At $60 per hour, it’s more affordable than Palm Springs Surf Club’s $100 entry fee. The tech company, which previously powered Austin’s NLAND, claims this is a leap forward in wave generation. 'The barrel is so long you can take a conscious breath in there,' added co-founder John Luff. Public access is expected by late summer—a surf-nerd’s dream come true as The Inertia reports.
Boogie Boards: The OG Foam Friends of the Sea
Remember when 'riding the wave' meant lying on a boogie board? Dave Dalkiewicz, owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop, takes us down memory lane in his latest column, recalling how surf mats—thick, canvas-covered vehicles—were the precursors to today’s bodyboards. 'Fins on your feet' made all the difference back then, whether you were body surfing, boogie boarding, or just swimming. Introduced by Tom Morey in the mid-1970s, boogie boards weren’t just fun—they were a gateway to stand-up surfing. While surf mats are rare now, the spirit lives on in every kid who grabs a foam board and grins from ear to ear. 'It’s still the same feeling,' Dalkiewicz says. 'You catch a wave, and the world slows down.' That nostalgia is alive and well, whether you’re in Ocean City or surfing the internet’s endless scroll via OC Today-Dispatch.
From Maui’s grit to California’s innovation, and the humble boogie board’s legacy, surfing’s evolution is as dynamic as the ocean itself. What’s next? Maybe a boogie board contest at DSRT Surf. Until then, keep chasing those waves—whether they’re in Fiji, the desert, or your backyard.
