Surfing's Wild Week: Santas, Bodyboards & Wave Pools
Hey surf fam! Let's dive into some of the most talked-about stories from the past week. From a Florida tradition that's warmer than the sun to a stir in the surf film world and a game-changer in wave technology, there's a lot to catch up on. So grab your board and let's ride the waves of news!
Florida's Festive Surfers: The Story of Surfing Santas
What started as a family outing in 2009 has blossomed into an annual Christmas extravaganza in Cocoa Beach, Florida. George Trosset and his family hit the waves in Santa costumes, and a photographer happened to capture the moment. That photo sparked a tradition that now draws hundreds of Santas and thousands of spectators. The event, held on Christmas Eve, raises tens of thousands for charity and includes live music, hula dancing, and a costume contest. It's a beautiful example of how surfing can bring a community together during the holidays. You can read the full history of how this Florida tradition started right here.
Bodyboard Film Stirs the Pot: Tension 11 Named Best of 2025
The surf world is buzzing after Tension 11, a bodyboard film, was crowned the best surf film of 2025. The controversy? Well, it's a bodyboard film, not a traditional surf movie. But viewers are saying it might just be one of the best surf films ever made. The film has been turning heads and challenging what we think of as "surfing." If you haven't seen it, you might want to check it out (but be warned, some content is for mature audiences). You can watch the full film and decide for yourself over at BeachGrit.
New Wave on the Block: Surf Lakes' Ocean-Like Technology
Wave pools have come a long way, and Surf Lakes is pushing the envelope with a technology that aims to replicate ocean waves as closely as possible. Their displacement method creates waves that are different from other wave pools, and early feedback from surfers is positive. For photographers, this means new environments to capture. For surfers, it's a training ground that can transfer skills to the ocean. The company is focused on engineering the perfect wave form. Dive deeper into how Surf Lakes is changing the game on Wave Pool Mag.
That's a wrap for this week's surf news! What do you think about these stories? Drop us a line in the comments. And don't forget to tag your surf snaps with #SurfSnaps so we can see your adventures!