From Cox's Bazar to Coachella: This Week's Surf News Hits Different
Surfing is having a moment on multiple fronts this week — from a teenage girl in Bangladesh chasing Olympic-style dreams to a brand-new wave pool opening in the California desert. Grab your coffee, settle in, and let's catch up on what's happening in the surf world.
Bangladesh's Surfers Are Chasing Something Bigger
Meet Fatima Akhter, a 16-year-old from Cox's Bazar who rides waves in a country where cricket and football dominate the sports scene. As surfing makes its debut at the Asian Games in Japan this September, Akhter and fellow surfer Mohammad Mannan are determined to put Bangladesh on the map. 'The moment I step onto the board, I forget everything else,' Akhter shared. Mannan, 25, sells seashell jewelry to support his family and taught himself by watching YouTube videos of John John Florence. His parents wanted him to focus on studies, but he believed surfing would grow. 'Surfing isn't a lucrative sport in Bangladesh now, but nobody can say it never will be.' You can read the full story over at The Daily Star.
Wavegarden Opens Second US Wave Pool in Coachella Valley
California just got a new surf spot about 100 miles from the ocean. Wavegarden has officially opened DSRT Surf in Coachella Valley, becoming the second US wave pool operated by the Spanish tech company. The facility can produce 1,000 waves per hour with over 60 wave variations, including a dedicated aerial training wave and a barreling 'Twister' setting. 'I never imagined I would be testing aerial waves in the middle of the desert,' said Jacob Szekely. Sessions are expected to start as low as $60 per hour when the pool opens to the public in late summer. Read more right here at The Inertia.
California Lifeguards Issue Hazardous Surf Warnings
While surfers dream of big waves, California lifeguards are urging beachgoers to respect the ocean's power. State lifeguards in Carmel are warning about sneaker waves and strong rip currents expected in the coming days. '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,' said lifeguard Joe Stoffers. Free life jacket stations have been announced at select beaches. Always check conditions before heading out and respect the ocean — it's the one boss you don't want to cross.
From underdog dreamers to desert wave pools to sneaker wave warnings, this week in surf news reminds us why we love this sport. Stay safe out there and keep chasing those waves.
