Surfing

Surfing takes the spotlight: major wins and big changes in the sport.
The past few weeks have been a big deal in the surfing world. What started as another competition season quickly turned into something that everyone in the community is talking about.
New surfing champions take the global stage.
Australian surfer Molly Picklum delivered a stunning performance to claim her first world title. After losing her opening heat, she came back with two powerful rides, scoring 15.83 and 16.93 – numbers that left no doubt about her win. Her technique and timing against the unpredictable waves were exceptional, and many analysts are already calling her one of the most promising athletes of the next decade.
On the men’s side, Yago Dora from Brazil claimed the top spot, defeating American surfer Griffin Colapinto with a final score of 15.66 to 12.33. Dora’s calm and smooth style contrasted with the power of the Pacific waves, earning praise from both judges and fans. His win adds another chapter to Brazil’s legacy in international surfing.
For young surfers around the world, these victories are more than just numbers on a scoreboard – newer, younger athletes can dominate some of the most challenging breaks in the world.
A major change in how surfing records are measured.
The decision by the World Surf League to stop officially measuring giant wave records is another significant event. In the past, the WSL verified when surfers claimed to ride record-breaking waves – sometimes over 20 meters high. But this system often led to debates over how waves should be measured, what equipment should be used, and what truly counts as a “record.”
From now on, this responsibility will shift to Guinness World Records and other independent organizations. The WSL explained that it wants to focus more on the competitive side of the sport rather than the controversies surrounding extreme wave measurements.
This change could affect how surfers approach big-wave competitions. While records will still exist, they’ll carry a different kind of weight – less tied to the official league and more to individual achievements.
A historic first for Ireland.
Another highlight came from Europe, where Gearoid McDaid became the first Irish surfer to win a gold medal at the European Surfing Championships. This win was a milestone for a country not traditionally known for its surfing scene. McDaid’s victory is expected to boost the sport’s
popularity across Ireland and northern Europe, encouraging more young people to take up surfing in places where the waves are colder but just as powerful.
Whether you’re someone who surfs regularly, dreams of learning, or just enjoys watching athletes challenge the ocean, these events mark a turning point. The sport is growing, modernizing, and welcoming new voices and talents.
Surfing isn’t just about chasing waves anymore. It’s about shaping the future of a global movement.