Asian Games Surf, Wavegarden Pool, Jordy Smith’s Secret Spot
Surfing is hitting a global surge, from the streets of Cox's Bazar to the desert waves of California and the hidden breaks of Durban. As the sport gears up for its Olympic debut, stories of determination, innovation, and pure adrenaline are lighting up the scene.
In Bangladesh, a tiny but fierce community is making waves at the Asian Games. Teen surfer Fatima Akhter and veteran Mohammad Mannan are chasing the dream of representing their nation on the world stage, training on the long beaches of Cox's Bazar while battling stigma and limited resources. As reported by The Daily Star, their journey shows how surfing can become a path to pride and possibility.
Meanwhile, California just got a high‑tech oasis for wave lovers. Wavegarden’s second U.S. wave pool, DSRT Surf in the Coachella Valley, can crank out 1,000 waves per hour and offers a catalogue of over 60 custom shapes, including a powerful ‘Twister’ barrel and air‑friendly ramps for aerials. Jacob “Zeke” Szekely says the pool is ‘the best wave pool in the world,’ and sessions start at $60 an hour — half the price of nearby Palm Springs. The full story details how this desert‑born surf spot could become a photographer’s new playground.
Across the ocean, South African pro Jordy Smith called a recent session at a semi‑secret Durban break the ‘day of days.’ With a lip thicker than a losing fighter’s and a spit more powerful than a llama’s, Smith, Chad Du Toit, James Ribbink, Josh Redman and Brandon Jackson paddled into a wave that demanded a daring late drop and perfect timing. The deep dive captures the raw energy and the perfect barrel that made that day unforgettable.
