Wave Pool Update, Safety Tips & Boogie Board Memories
First up, the desert just got a little more salty. Wavegarden has flung open the doors of its second U.S. wave pool at DSRT Surf in California's Coachella Valley, and the early buzz is all about those endless barrels and air‑friendly ramps. As reported by The Inertia, the facility can spit out 1,000 waves an hour and offers a catalogue of more than 60 world‑class wave shapes, including a dedicated 'Twister' barrel setting and sections designed for aerial practice. Jacob Zeke Szekely summed it up nicely: 'I never imagined I would be testing aerial waves in the middle of the desert… It’s the best wave pool in the world.' If you’re itching to give it a go, sessions are expected to start at around $60 an hour—definitely a friendlier price point than some of the other inland options.
Meanwhile, lifeguards up and down the California coast are sounding the alarm on hazardous surf. With sneaker waves and strong rip currents making an appearance, officials are urging beachgoers to keep a healthy respect for the ocean. As noted by Channel 3000, the advice is simple: stay off rocks, keep a close eye on kids, and never turn your back to the water. Lifeguard stations are now offering free life jackets, a handy backup for anyone caught off guard by a sudden surge. Joe Stoffers, a state lifeguard, reminded us that 'People not understanding the conditions and understanding this is a wild place that plays by its own rules, you have to know what's going on and just be aware of your surroundings.' The National Weather Service has also issued warnings, so it’s worth checking the forecast before you paddle out.
Finally, let’s take a quick dip into nostalgia. Remember the days before the sleek foam boogie board dominated the lineup? Back in the day, surf mats—those heavy canvas‑and‑rubber rafts you had to pump up—were the go‑to for first‑timers. As recalled by OC Today‑Dispatch, Dave Dalkiewicz shares that 'As for me, and many others, riding a wave on a surf mat was my first surfing experience.' He also points out how fins on your feet can turn a casual paddle into a proper glide, and how Tom Morey’s invention of the boogie board in the mid‑1970s eventually shifted the tide. It’s a fun reminder that every surfer’s journey starts somewhere, whether it’s on a inflatable mat, a foam board, or even a brand‑new wave pool in the desert.
Whether you’re chasing the perfect barrel at DSRT, staying safe on a sneaky swell, or reminiscing about your first wobbly ride, there’s plenty to keep the stoke alive. Got a favorite spot or a throwback surf story? Drop it in the comments and keep the conversation rolling.
