Beginner surfers banned. Surfing dogs chase world records. The greatest surf exhibit ever hits Santa Cruz.

Beginner surfers banned from Cloud 9, Siargao (allegedly)

Siargao Island has been on our 25 best beginner surf spots list for months. We’ve always recommended Jacking Horse—and staying away from Cloud 9. But let’s be honest, Cloud 9 has played host to plenty of beginner surf lessons when it’s waist to shoulder high.

No more, according to local photographer Bryan aka @SiargaoSurfPhoto, who recently posted:

“Beginner surf lessons are NOT ALLOWED at Cloud 9 surf spot. Surf shops are NOT ALLOWED to rent out surfboards to beginner surfers without an instructor.”

Bryan added that with a new local government and dedicated surf leadership, it’s time for Siargao to uphold a higher standard of professional surfing—grounded in respect, discipline, and value for the island. “Together, let’s protect the spirit of surfing,” he wrote, “and ensure it reflects the pride and professionalism our island deserves.”

There’s been no official word from the local government yet, or details on how this would be enforced. So is it a formal rule? Or just wishful thinking?

Meanwhile, surf media readers across the spectrum—from Surfer to BeachGrit—seemed to rejoice (see comments sections) with the usual “death to beginners” rhetoric. But here’s our take: beginner surfers don’t know what they don’t know. If Cloud 9 is offering surf lessons, is it possible those beginners simply don’t realize it’s not the right break for them?

The Hawaiian princes return to Santa Cruz for a surf history celebration

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) just launched what might be the biggest surf history exhibit ever—and it’s all about surfing’s royal Hawaiian roots.

Heʻe Nalu Santa Cruz celebrates the legendary 1885 visit of three Hawaiian princes—David, Edward, and Jonah—who introduced surfing to the mainland U.S. by riding redwood olo boards at the mouth of the San Lorenzo River.

The exhibit includes more than 50 historic surfboards, including precise replicas of the princes’ original boards, the oldest known surf artifact (a 240-lb plank from the 1830s!), Princess Kaʻiulani’s personal board, and boards shaped by Bob Pearson for Chasing Mavericks.

It also honors four trailblazing women in early surf history, including Dorothy Becker—one of the first mainland women to surf Waikīkī—and Antoinette Swan, a Santa Cruz resident of noble Hawaiian lineage who hosted the princes during their visit.

The calendar of events includes paddle-outs, walking tours, surfboard exhibitions, film screenings, and even a play titled “There Are No Kooks in Heaven.” The exhibit runs from July 18, 2025 through January 2026 at the MAH. If you can’t make it in person, Good Times Santa Cruz has a fantastic write-up with photos.

Puppies hit the lineup at the UK Dog Surfing Championships

Do dogs enjoy surfing? Some breeds love it, others just want to be close to their human. But either way, the UK Dog Surfing Championships are back in Poole on Sunday, July 27.

This year, 20 dog-human duos will hit the waves at Branksome Dene Chine Beach, and two Guinness World Records will be on the line: one for the fastest 50-metre human-and-dog paddle sprint, and another for the most dogs riding a single giant paddleboard.

Registration costs £35 per team and closes on July 20. Dogs need to be calm and confident in the water, and humans must be able to paddleboard on their knees—according to event organizer Mark Reeves. Expect wagging tails, wipeouts, and lots of joyful chaos.

Author: The Wipeout Weekly team