This Week in Surfing: New Spots, Hidden Waves & Big Wins
The surf world moves fast, and this week had no shortage of jaw-dropping moments. From the deserts of California to the reefs of Fiji, here are the stories you need to know to get your camera rolling.
A Desert Wave Pool Beckons
California just got a new surf spot, and it’s only about 100 miles from the ocean. Wavegarden is celebrating the opening of DSRT Surf in Coachella Valley. It’s just the second park on U.S. soil currently operated by the Spanish tech company, following its Virginia Beach location. The pool can produce 1,000 waves per hour and offers a definitive catalogue of more than 60 world-class waves. You can read the full report right here.
As Jacob 'Zeke' Szekely noted, 'I never imagined I would be testing aerial waves in the middle of the desert.' For photographers, this is a golden opportunity to capture dynamic action shots in a controlled environment without the unpredictability of the open ocean. Sessions start as low as $60 per hour, making it accessible for everyone.
Finding the Forgotten Break
Sometimes the best waves are the ones you have to search for. Jordy Smith, alongside Chad Du Toit, James Ribbink, Josh Redman, and Brandon Jackson, scored a truly hollow day at a semi-secret spot in Durban, South Africa. Smith called it the 'day of days,' a phrase that hits different when you're riding a lip thicker than a losing fighter's and a wave with a power that could rival a llama's. Read more about Smith's hunt over at The Inertia.
For us at Surf Snaps, this kind of hidden spot hunting is pure inspiration for your next photo walk. Seek out the local breaks, talk to the old-locals, and document the magic that happens when the ocean decides to give up its best secrets.
Maui Windsurfers Take Fiji by Storm
Maui’s finest took the win at the Fiji Surf Pro, with Bernd Roediger claiming first place and Morgan Noireaux finishing third. Roediger, competing with a strained ACL and a month off windsurfing, nailed it. 'It's an incredible feeling,' he said. Meanwhile, Australia's Jane Seman dominated the women's event to reclaim her Cloudbreak title. Get the full breakdown at Maui News.
The competition featured some of the biggest conditions ever seen on the tour, complete with destroyed rigs and a broken foot—showcasing the raw intensity of the sport. Whether you are capturing the crisp lines of a windsurfer or the chaotic beauty of a massive wave, these events provide incredible visual content.
What are your favorite spots to capture on camera this season? Drop them in the comments!
