Maui Windsurf Win, Wavegarden Pool & Jordy Smith
When the waves at Fiji’s legendary Cloudbreak turned into a 13‑foot playground, Maui’s own Bernd Roediger stepped up, battling a strained ACL and a month without a board to claim the top spot. His victory, captured in stunning action shots, shows why windsurfing still thrills photographers and riders alike. As reported by Maui News, Roediger’s win marks his third major title this season and proves that dedication can beat the odds.
Meanwhile, over on the West Coast, Wavegarden just opened its second U.S. wave pool at DSRT Surf in Coachella Valley, turning the desert into a surf haven. The facility can crank out 1,000 waves per hour and boasts more than 60 wave types, including a 'Twister' barrel that lets you actually breathe while barreling. ‘I never imagined testing aerial waves in the middle of the desert,’ says founder Jacob Szekely. The pool will open to the public in late summer, with sessions starting at $60 an hour, a sweet deal compared to Palm Springs’ $100 rates. Check out the details over at The Inertia.
And for a dose of pure surf magic, Jordy Smith called a recent session at a semi‑secret Durban spot the 'day of days.' He and his crew tackled a wave with a lip thicker than a losing fighter’s and a spit that could knock a llama off its feet. The hollow barrel gave him plenty of time for a perfect shot, a dream for any action photographer. As The Inertia put it, 'It’s a wave that requires a late drop, a set line, and a few crossed fingers, but for Jordy it’s pure poetry.'
