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Kai McKenzie, All The Good Vibes.

In a world that often feels oversubscribed with negative news, take a moment to soak this one in — a story of resilience and perseverance.

Aussie surfer Kai McKenzie has returned to the waves (not for the first time) after a shark attack claimed his right leg.

Kai McKenzie’s story has become one of extraordinary resilience and hope. After surviving a brutal shark attack that cost him his leg, Kai refused to let the ocean become a place of fear. Months into his recovery, he made the powerful decision to return to the water — paddling out again at the very break where his life changed forever. His return to surfing wasn’t about denying what happened, but about reclaiming what he loves, proving that trauma doesn’t get the final word. Through grit, humour, and an unbreakable spirit, Kai has shown that resilience isn’t just surviving the worst moments, but choosing to move forward anyway, offering inspiration to surfers and non-surfers alike.

Check out the recent clip of him shredding — in his own words, “I lost my leg, but I didn’t lose surfing.”

Arctic Circle Angles

A surf mission deep into the Arctic Circle. 3.5-hour days. Polar nights. Frozen tundra. This is both the beauty and the brutal reality of surfing in the Barents Sea.

Surfing in the Barents Sea is a battle against freezing temperatures and icy winds, all in search of waves. Short polar days and long, dark nights test endurance at every turn, while the frozen tundra and drifting ice make every ride as dangerous as it is unforgettable.

This doesn’t phase Dylan Graves, Tim Latte, or Carlos “Charlie” Rodriguez Hernandez. Enjoy.

Filmed by: Paul Daniel
Edited by: Dylan Graves Color by ‪@danscotttt‬

Surfers: Tim Latte, Carlos "Charlie" Rodriguez Hernandez, Dylan Graves

Angry Cape Solander

When this finally surfaced, it left viewers in disbelief. Bits and pieces of the session had already been seen through the individual riders, but witnessing the entire day unfold from start to finish is something else entirely. Legendary drone pilot Shaun Petersen had been quietly sitting on this footage for almost a year… and boy was it worth the wait. Watch as Australia’s biggest chargers take on one of the world’s heaviest waves on an absolute MAXING day. Only the bravest — or maddest — need apply.

Shot via the expert drone pilot skills of Shaun Petersen. @shaun__petersen @shaun.drone

Featuring: @jackisabaker @themadhueys @_billyolsen @matisjosrolland @curtjohnson35 @oscarberry123 @kippcaddy1 and a whole host of other mad dogs willing to give the death slabs a good nudge!

Edit: We Bodyboard

Music: Terra Requiem - Dian Shuai
Alonia - Valante
Better Off (Instrumental Version) - Torii Wolf
The Source of Existence - Polar Nights
The Star Slowly Fades - Of Water
Hologram (Instrumental Version) - Torii Wolf

A Week Between Storms

January has been a rough one for waves. Finding the right windows hasn’t been easy, and solid swell has been hard to come by.

Earlier in the month, though, my mate Joel and I scored a great window and made the most of it — long, cold days in the water, surfing until we couldn’t feel our toes.

Those moments were beautifully captured by Kai Muir, Malcolm Anderson, and Luke Gartside.

Enjoy.
Craig McLachlan

Ben Skinner Requalifies for WSL Tour

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Ben Skinner claims emotional victory at WSL La Union International Pro to requaliy for the world tour.

Ben Skinner (GBR) has claimed a landmark victory at the World Surf League (WSL) La Union International Pro World Longboard Tour Qualifier, rising above a stacked field of more than 120 of the world’s best longboarders.

"I can’t quite believe it,” Skinner said after the win. “When I thought it might all be over, it turns out this might just be the start.”

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A fixture on the Longboard Tour for over two decades, Skinner has continually adapted as the competitive landscape has evolved, remaining a formidable presence in the water regardless of opposition. Despite an extraordinary career — including no fewer than eight runner-up finishes — the 41-year-old had not secured a major WSL victory in almost 15 years. That drought ended in La Union, as Skinner returned to the top of the podium in emotional fashion, a result that also secures his place on the Longboard Tour for another season.

The final was decided in dramatic style. The only competitor in the men’s field to consistently match the performances of the strong local Filipino contingent throughout the event, Skinner sealed the win with a last-minute buzzer-beater — the highest single score of the day.

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“La Union is an amazing place with beautiful people,” Skinner added. “I can’t thank the local community enough for the warm welcome.”

The event also marked a significant personal milestone. For the first time, Skinner competed at a WSL Longboard event alongside his son, Lukas Skinner (GBR). Lukas continues to impress in his own right, currently ranked 9th in the World Junior standings, with three more years remaining in the junior category.

“Thanks for the chair-up, Lukas,” Skinner joked. “I can’t wait to do the same to you for years to come.”

A massive congratulations to Ben, we can't wait to see what the year holds.