Jordy Smith’s ‘Day of Days’ and California Wavegarden
Jordy Smith, the Durban‑born ripper, called a recent session at a semi‑secret break his “day of days,” a phrase that usually means the perfect wave you’ve been chasing for years. He was joined by Chad Du Toit, James Ribbink, Josh Redman and Brandon Jackson as they tackled a wall of water with a lip thicker than a losing fighter’s and a spit that could launch a llama into orbit. The conditions demanded a late drop, a tight line and a lot of courage, but for Smith the risk was worth the reward. As The Inertia explained, the wave is not for the average Joe and offers a rare photographic playground for anyone with a camera and a nerve.
A Secret Spot in Durban
Jordy Smith, the Durban‑born ripper, called a recent session at a semi‑secret break his “day of days,” a phrase that usually means the perfect wave you’ve been chasing for years. He was joined by Chad Du Toit, James Ribbink, Josh Redman and Brandon Jackson as they tackled a wall of water with a lip thicker than a losing fighter’s and a spit that could launch a llama into orbit. The conditions demanded a late drop, a tight line and a lot of courage, but for Smith the risk was worth the reward. As The Inertia explained, the wave is not for the average Joe and offers a rare photographic playground for anyone with a camera and a nerve.
California’s Desert Wave Pool
Meanwhile out in the California desert, Wavegarden is celebrating the opening of its second U.S. wave pool at DSRT Surf in the Coachella Valley. The facility can crank out 1,000 waves per hour and boasts more than 60 world‑class wave designs, from air‑friendly aerials to a powerful “Twister” barrel that lets you actually breathe while you ride. Founder Jacob “Zeke” Szekely says the pool packs seven turn‑focused waves, five barrel‑ready sections and a dozen aerial variations, making it a dream for surf photographers looking for fresh backdrops. The pool will charge as little as $60 per hour once it opens, a bargain compared to the $100‑plus sessions at Palm Springs Surf Club. As The Inertia noted, the technology finally brings the ocean’s drama to a controlled, repeatable setting.
From a hidden Durban break to a high‑tech desert pool, these stories show how surfing continues to push boundaries — whether you’re chasing a once‑in‑a‑lifetime wave or setting up your camera at a man‑made wave that never quits. Which spot would you book for your next shoot? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned for more surf news.
