Surf News Roundup: Florence, Newport Park, and a Cautionary Tale
Hey surfers and photographers! Grab your post-surf coffee and dive into the latest waves of news. From pro tips to local drama and a crime scheme hitting close to home, here’s what’s buzzing in our community.
Nathan Florence’s Fast-Track to Better Surfing
We all chase that next-level feeling, right? Who better to guide us than Nathan Florence? In his latest video, 'The Fastest Way to Improve Your Surfing,' he cuts through the noise with no-nonsense advice. Spoiler alert: it’s not about fancy workouts or visualizing—it’s about actually surfing.
‘In order to ride more waves, you got to learn how to paddle better. You got to learn to duck dive better. You got to learn to position [yourself] better,’ Nathan says. His focus? The fundamentals that keep you in the lineup longer. Whether you’re just catching your first whitewater or honing your turns, his tips are pure gold. For the full scoop, you can watch his breakdown over at The Inertia.
Newport Beach Surf Park: A Tale of Two Votes
Newport Beach’s surf park drama just took a wild turn. Last October, the city council greenlit a plan to slash the local golf course in half, swapping fairways for a wave pool. But residents weren’t buying it—they gathered enough signatures to put it on the ballot. Instead of facing a public vote, the council reversed course, effectively undoing their approval.
‘It’s a simple decision,’ said Councilmember Erik Weigand, noting the verified signatures saved the city time and hassle. The project isn’t dead though—owners still have the green light for a smaller footprint. This story shows how community spirit can shape our surf havens. For the nitty-gritty details, check it out on Voice of OC.
$1M Surf Scam: A Warning for Beachgoers
Think twice before leaving your car unlocked at the lineup. Moundir Kamil, a 56-year-old Orange County man, orchestrated a slick $1 million fraud scheme targeting surfers across Southern California. The playbook? Watch surfers stash their keys, confirm they’re in the water, then swipe wallets and phones from their rides.
Kamil and his crew hacked facial recognition on stolen phones, drained bank accounts, and splurged on luxury goods—all while approving fraud alerts by phone. Now awaiting sentencing, Kamil’s got a rap sheet that includes a past $1 million tax refund theft. This is a harsh reminder: lock up your gear. For the full story, dive into The Inertia’s coverage.
Stay tuned, stay safe, and catch you out there!