Surfers Go Big: Asian Games, Fiji Wins, and a New Wave Pool
The surfing world has been buzzing nonstop this summer, and we've got three stories that capture the spirit of what makes this sport so incredible. Whether you're paddling out at dawn or chasing the perfect lens, there's something here for every surfer and photographer in our community.
Bangladesh's Surfers Carve a Path to the Asian Games
Surfing is about to make its debut at the Asian Games in Japan this September, and two riders from Cox's Bazar are determined to put Bangladesh on the map. Mohammad Mannan, 25, and Fatima Akhter, 16, train on the seemingly endless Bay of Bengal coastline, defying stigma and family expectations to chase their dreams. Mannan sells seashell jewellery to support his family and honed his craft by watching YouTube videos of John John Florence, while Akhter described the feeling of riding a wave as 'impossible to describe.' As reported by The Daily Star, these two are proof that passion for the ocean doesn't need a fancy lineup or big budget — just heart and a board.
Maui Windsurfers Fly High at Fiji's Cloudbreak
Bernd Roediger and Morgan Noireaux put Maui on the map once again, claiming first and third place at the Fiji Surf Pro at the legendary Cloudbreak reef. Roediger won the event despite competing with a strained ACL and having not windsurfed for over a month — talk about timing. He called it 'like a blessing,' and honestly, who can blame him. Noireaux dropped the highest-scoring single wave of the competition with a 9.5-point ride, though inconsistent winds made landing a second scoring wave tough. As reported by Maui News, the event featured some of the most demanding conditions on the tour this season, with four rigs destroyed and one competitor breaking a foot. For photographers, Cloudbreak in those conditions must have been an absolute dream — and a serious reminder to keep your gear protected.
California Gets a Second Wave Pool, and It's a Big Deal
Wavegarden just opened DSRT Surf in Coachella Valley, California's second wave pool park on U.S. soil (the other is in Virginia Beach). The facility can produce 1,000 waves per hour and boasts over 60 wave types, including one specifically designed for training aerials. 'I never imagined I would be testing aerial waves in the middle of the desert,' said Jacob 'Zeke' Szekely. Co-founder John Luff was blown away by the barrel section, saying 'the barrel is so long that it actually gives you time to take a conscious breath in there.' Sessions are set to start as low as $60 per hour when the park opens to the public later this summer, making it far more accessible than Palm Springs Surf Club. For photographers, a new wave pool means new creative opportunities — controlled waves, predictable lighting, and zero sunburn. You can read more about the opening right here at The Inertia.
Whether it's a teenager from Cox's Bazar dreaming of the Asian Games, a Maui windsurfer conquering Cloudbreak, or a desert wave pool changing the game for California surfers, 2026 is shaping up to be a year worth watching. Keep your eyes on the water and your cameras ready — the best stories are always the ones we didn't see coming.
