Surf Stories: Maui Wins, CA Wave Pool, Jordy's Secret Spot
First up, the Fiji Surf Pro turned into a windsurfing showdown, with Maui’s own Bernd Roediger clinching the top spot despite a strained ACL and a month off the water. The event, held at the legendary Cloudbreak reef, served up 13‑foot barrels that tested every rider’s skill, and Roediger’s final score of 18.07 sealed his third win of the season. As mauinews.com reports, the competition drew the world’s best and even saw a broken foot from a wipeout, proving the sport’s raw intensity.
Meanwhile, California surf lovers got a reason to smile as Wavegarden celebrated 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 a catalogue of over 60 custom waves, including a dedicated 'Twister' barrel and air‑friendly ramps for aerials. Founder Jacob 'Zeke' Szekely summed it up, saying the pool is 'the best wave pool in the world,' while early sessions start at just $60 an hour, a bargain compared to the $100 minimum at Palm Springs Surf Club. Details are still emerging, but the The Inertia has the full scoop.
On the other coast, Jordy Smith called a recent surf session at a semi‑secret Durban break the 'day of days,' a phrase that means the wave was so perfect it felt mythic. He joined Chad Du Toit, James Ribbink, Josh Redman and Brandon Jackson to ride a hollow wave with a lip thicker than a losing fighter’s and a spit that could knock a llama down. The spot demands a late drop, a set line and a dash of courage, but for Smith it was pure stoke. As The Inertia explains, moments like this keep the surf community dreaming.
These three stories capture the pulse of surf culture – from high‑octane competition and cutting‑edge wave technology to the timeless thrill of a perfect wave. Which one will inspire your next session or shoot? Drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation rolling.
