Wavegarden CA Pool Opens, Maui Wins & Surf Safety
Summer surf news is hitting the feeds faster than a set at Pipe, and we've got the deets. From a new wave pool in the middle of the desert to Maui riders taking home hardware, plus some crucial safety updates for the California coast, here's what's going on in the water right now.
Desert Waves Hit the California Desert
Wavegarden is celebrating the opening of its second U.S. wave pool at DSRT Surf in the Coachella Valley, and honestly, it's only about 100 miles from the ocean. The facility can churn out 1,000 waves per hour and offers a catalogue of more than 60 world-class waves, including a 'Twister' barrel setting. Jacob 'Zeke' Szekely told us it's the best wave pool in the world, noting he never imagined testing aerial waves in the middle of the desert. Sessions are set to start as low as $60 per hour, which is a big step down from the competition. If you want to check out the full breakdown of this new spot, you can read the details over at The Inertia. For photographers, the consistent light and predictable sets make this a dream location for capturing action shots without fighting the crowds.
Maui Duo Dominates Fiji Surf Pro
Maui windsurfers Bernd Roediger and Morgan Noireaux are flying high after placing first and third at the Fiji Surf Pro in 13-foot surf at Cloudbreak reef. Roediger claimed first place despite competing with a strained ACL and having not windsurfed for more than a month. 'It's an incredible feeling. I have wanted to win here since the last Fiji event in 2023, but to actually win it is totally different,' Roediger said. Noireaux produced the highest-scoring single wave of the event with a 9.5-point ride before inconsistent winds left him finishing third overall. You can see the action here in the Maui News report. This is the kind of resilience that reminds us why we chase the water, even when the conditions get tough.
California Beaches Warn of Sneaker Waves
Not all news from the coast is celebratory. State lifeguards in Carmel are urging beachgoers to exercise caution as hazardous surf conditions, including sneaker waves and strong rip currents, are expected in the coming days. Joe Stoffers, a state lifeguard, emphasized the unpredictability of the ocean. 'People not understanding the conditions and understanding this is a wild place that plays by its own rules, you have to know what is going on and just be aware of your surroundings,' he said. Lifeguards recommend visiting beaches with stations where safety info is available, and new free life jacket stations have been announced to help. Get the latest updates from Channel 3000. Stay smart out there, because the ocean always wins.
That's the wrap for this week's surf news. What's your take on the new wave pool, or have you been hitting the water despite the conditions? Drop a comment and let us know how you're riding this summer.
