5,000 Waves & Gaza Surf: Surf's Unexpected Heroes
While most of us are nursing New Year's hangovers, Merewether surfer Josh Levey will be chasing something way bigger: 5000 waves in January. That's right – 161 rides per day for 31 straight days. All for love of the sport and a deeper mission. The 21-year-old emerging pro is tackling this mind-bending challenge to raise funds for Newcastle homelessness charity Soul Hub, turning his surf sessions into lifelines for those in need. 'It's a mammoth test,' Levey admits, but his motivation burns bright. Picture the dedication: pre-dawn paddle-outs, midday sessions, and sunset rides – all captured by countless photographers who'll surely flock to document this feat. You can read more about Levey's labour of love as reported by the Newcastle Herald.
Meanwhile, halfway across the world, surfers are carving a different kind of resilience off Gaza City's coastline. Against a backdrop of conflict-damaged shores, these wave-riders paddle into the Mediterranean, carrying boards past debris, warming up on scarred sand, and catching Mediterranean swells. The Associated Press photographers frame these moments – not just of surfing, but of human spirit. These images tell a silent story: where waves break, hope persists. The shoreline bears visible wounds, yet surfers still find solace in the ocean's rhythm. It's a reminder that surfing transcends borders, budgets, and battles. The full gallery of these powerful frames can be seen over at the Eagle-Tribune.
From Levey's relentless charity quest to Gaza's quiet defiance, these stories spotlight surfing's soul. It's not just about perfect barrels or aerial maneuvers – it's about the ocean's power to heal, unite, and drive change. Whether you're shooting dawn patrols at Newcastle or Gaza's stormy breaks, these tales prove every wave holds a story. What will your next surf session reveal? Share your thoughts with the Surf Snaps crew – let's ride this wave together.