Surfer a-holes. Surfer heroes. Surfboard absconds. China surfs. Witches rule.

We got some good news, we got some shitty news, we got some witchy news, but mostly we got surf news this week.

GB Surf Cup postponed after verbal abuse of teen female competitors

Things got ugly at the GB Surf Cup in Thurso, Scotland—a comp meant to celebrate the best of British surfing ended in disappointment after a group of male “free surfers” reportedly verbally abused female athletes during the semi-finals. One of them was just 15 years old.

Officials from GB Surfing and the Scottish Surfing Federation confirmed the abuse happened during the women’s semi-final, causing the competition to be postponed for safety. Police were called, and an investigation is underway.

“Verbal abuse at young female athletes is unacceptable in surfing and unacceptable in society,” said Paul Stark, CEO of the Scottish Surfing Federation.

Former British surf champ and GB Surfing board member Arlene Maltman said the incident “stole their chance to shine.” A debrief with Channel Islands athletes is expected, and the comp may be rescheduled—but for now, this one leaves a bitter taste.

This story is based on the one from BBC News. Additional takes on the story and commentary from the other side were covered by Surfer and Beachgrit.

Teen surfer saves paralyzed Air Force vet in Oceanside

In Oceanside, California, a fun session nearly turned fatal for Air Force vet Scott Muir—until a 19-year-old surfer named Judah Ely saved his life.

Muir, who had just weeks earlier paddled 30 miles from Catalina to Newport to raise funds for ocean rescue scholarships, was thrown headfirst into the ocean floor during a wipeout, leaving him paralyzed and face-down underwater. Ely noticed something was wrong when Muir didn’t resurface.

With help from another teen surfer, Thomas Alspaugh (a junior lifeguard), they pulled him to shore. Muir is now in spinal rehab with movement returning in his arms and one leg.

A surfboard floated from Tasmania to New Zealand in 17 months

A Tasmanian surfer named Liam lost his board overboard during a boat trip in May 2024. Seventeen months later, it turned up—in New Zealand. The board was spotted by kitesurfer Albarito Bueno, who posted in a Facebook surf group to help ID it.

With the help of online surf sleuths and a visible shaper’s mark, he traced the board back to its Aussie owner. The two plan to reunite in Auckland, where Liam’s family is headed for a wedding.

Oceanographers say it’s unlikely but not impossible for a board to make that kind of trip—especially in a place like the Tasman Sea, notorious for its gnarly Roaring Forties winds and currents.

China opens its first surf-themed resort in Hainan

Mark your calendars for November 11: that’s the official launch date of China’s first-ever surfing-themed resort—Riyue Bay Surf Resort in Wanning, Hainan.

Backed by China Tourism Group, the resort is a massive 25-acre surf-centric complex with multiple hotels, a full lifestyle retail zone, and a groundbreaking pneumatic wave pool powered by American Wave Machines’ PerfectSwell® system.

The resort features four surf “zones” with wave heights from 0.5 to 2.7 meters (1.5 to 9 feet) and promises rides up to 18 seconds long. Bonus: it’s designed for all levels and can host international comps.

Witchy paddle parade takes over Madison

And now for something completely different: in Madison, Wisconsin, the Yahara Coven hosted a Halloween paddleboard parade down the Yahara River.

Dozens of witches (and the occasional wizard) gathered in full costume, paddling under bridges and forming a “magic circle” on Lake Monona. Candy was tossed, cackles were encouraged, and inclusivity was key—anyone with a paddleboard and a little spooky spirit was welcome.

There was also a similar happening in Morro Bay!