A New Wave Pool, a Secret Wave & CA Safety Alerts
Surf lovers have three hot topics to chew on this week: a desert‑born wave pool that’s ready to roll, a pro surfer’s legendary secret break, and a safety push from California lifeguards.
Wavegarden’s Desert Wave Pool Opens
The Spanish‑crafted Wavegarden just unveiled its second U.S. wave pool in Coachella Valley, about 100 miles from the ocean. The facility can generate 1,000 waves per hour and boasts a catalogue of more than 60 world‑class waves, from the 'Twister' barrel to aerial ramps that let you practice flips in 30-second bursts. Sessions start at roughly $60 an hour, a bargain compared to the $100‑plus rates at Palm Springs Surf Club. As The Inertia explains, the pool’s high‑tech controls let riders fine‑tune wave size and shape, making it a playground for both beginners and seasoned aerialists.
Jordy Smith’s ‘Day of Days’ in Durban
Five‑time world champion Jordy Smith recently bragged that a semi‑secret wave in Durban, South Africa, was 'the day of days.' He and a handful of local surfers tackled a hollow wave with a lip thicker than a losing fighter’s and a spit that could launch a llama into the air. It required a late drop, a precise set line and nerves of steel – exactly the kind of moment that makes for stunning surf photography. You can read the full story over at The Inertia.
California Lifeguards Warn of Hazardous Surf
State lifeguards along the California coast are sounding the alarm on sneaker waves and strong rip currents that could catch unsuspecting beachgoers off guard. To combat the risk, they’ve installed free life‑jacket stations at several beaches and are urging the public to stay near lifeguard towers, keep an eye on children, and never turn their backs on the ocean. For details on the safety push, see Channel 3000.
Whether you’re planning a session at the new wave pool, chasing that perfect barrel in Durban, or just hitting the shore in California, stay stoked, stay safe, and don’t forget to share your best shots with the Surf Snaps community.
