News | Carve Surfing Magazine | The latest news in surfing

MERGE | A Billabong Team Surf Film

No grand concept. No overcooked storyline. Just a handful of Billabong team riders following swell wherever it decided to show its face. Somehow, every stop on the map lit up.

Ethan Ewing went to Fiji – scored. Lennix Smith invited Eithan Osbourne, Willis Droomer and Taylor Bartlet to surf out the front of his house – scored. Creed McTaggart went home to WA – scored.

Suddenly there were hard drives full of clips and no obvious way to stitch them together.

So Billabong filmer Thomas Crews did what any good surf filmmaker would do — threw the rulebook out the window. The result is a loose, 20-minute collage that nods to cult Aussie classics like Pulse: raw travel, good mates, endless road miles and an unhealthy amount of perfect surf.

Expect heavy water. Big punts. Cavernous tubes. Clean lines. No gimmicks. Just rail, speed and enough power to make Occy well up.

Starring Ethan Ewing, Lennix Smith, Creed McTaggart, Willis Droomer, Eithan Osbourne, and introducing Taylor Bartlett.

Filmed across Western Australia, Victoria, Fiji and the NSW South Coast.

GADIS Longboard Pro Ferrol

Edouard Delpero and Ginger Caimi Win GADIS Longboard Pro Ferrol

Edouard Delpero (FRA) and Ginger Caimi (ITA) won the World Surf League (WSL) GADIS Longboard Pro Ferrol in fun two-to-three-foot surf to end the 2025/2026 season on a high. With this win, Delpero and Caimi were also crowned the WSL European Longboard Champions, qualifying them for the World Longboard Tour (WLT) which starts next month.

After the celebrations quietened down, it was time to get back to business as the GADIS Junior Pro Ferrol took to the water. The first two rounds of the men’s competition were completed, as well as the women’s opening round. The next call will be on Saturday, June 27 at 8:30 a.m. GMT+2.

Edouard Delpero Adds Name To Winners List in Ferrol

After two consecutive final appearances in Ferrol, Edouard Delpero (FRA) has had great success, however he was still searching for the elusive win. As the second and last stop on the regional longboard tour, Delpero had to win the event if he wanted to contest for the European Longboard title. This extra motivation saw the Frenchman open his campaign in Ferrol with excellent rides from the Quarterfinals all the way to the Final, showcasing his ability for strong turns, smooth transitions and excellent noseriding.

“It was a bit of a challenge to come back with the new generation,” said Delpero. “It’s a challenge to compete and make a statement that you’re back and that you want to win, but I feel really good. It was good to start the season like this.”

The men’s final was an exciting battle between Delpero, Ben Skinner (GBR above), Jon Garmendia Gonzalez (EUK) and Louis Marchiset (FRA). Delpero had to play catch up with Skinner and Gonzalez taking an early lead, but Delpero came back strong to score the best wave of the heat, an 8.5 (out of a possible 10) to secure the win and edge out Skinner for the European championship. Delpero has requalified for the World Longboard Tour and will head to the US Open to start his bid for a World Title.

“I’m happy to see the younger generation pushing me, pushing us, with Ben (Skinner) in second and he surfed really well. It’s a good way to up the level. I got runner-up in the world title chase last year, so I want to go again, but this year I’m being a bit more intentional about traveling with the family instead of focusing on the results.”

Ginger Caimi Defends Title with Excellent Showing

The defending event winner, Ginger Caimi (ITA), came into Ferrol as the favourite and leading the rankings after winning the first stop on the regional tour. Caimi became the youngest person ever to qualify for the World Longboard Tour in 2025, and since then she’s just racked up more experience in the contest jersey. Caimi improved in every heat out at Ferrol, and left her best performance for the women’s Final. She set the tone when she opened up with an excellent 8.17, and she never let go of the lead. Closing out the win with a beautiful ride for an 8.27, Caimi successfully defended her title in Ferrol and added the WSL European Longboard title to her trophy cabinet.

“I feel super good, it’s my first European title,” said Caimi. “I can’t believe it. I was so excited during the final, because I really wanted to win it. There was a bit of pressure to requalify for the World Tour, and I really wanted to get back there. When I got that first wave and it was an 8, I just told myself to keep pushing, and go for the win. I can’t wait to compete on the World Tour again.”

The 14-year-old made it two out of two wins for the season, comfortably taking the top spot on the rankings ahead of multiple European champion, Alice Lemoigne (FRA). Emily Currie (GBR, below) earned her best result in Ferrol with a runner-up finish that sees her tied with Lemoigne at No. 2 on the rankings.

Victory for Sawyer Lindblad and Yago Dora

Sawyer Lindblad (USA) and Yago Dora (BRA) claimed wins at the VIVO Rio Pro Presented By Corona Cero, Stop No. 6 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). Dora’s Finals Day excellence delivered a major win to bring the event title back to Brazil, his second following his win in 2023, against now World No. 1 Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) in their Final clash. A momentous day for women’s surfing, with Lindblad crowned event victor for her first-ever CT victory, overcoming 15-year-old phenom Tya Zebrowski (FRA) in Zebrowski’s maiden Final appearance.

Yago Dora Delivers Win For Brazilian Fandom at Saquarema

The reigning World Champion, Yago Dora (BRA), added a momentous fourth CT victory to his career highlights after claiming a second VIVO Rio Pro title, and claimed the GWM Tank 300 after scoring the highest heat total in the men’s or women’s Final, a 15.00 (out of a possible 20). Dora’s high-flying antics and searing rail work throughout the 2026 event garnered five of the top six scores, including an event-best 8.50 (out of a possible 10). Dora, 30, now reasserts himself toward the top of the rankings, leaving Rio ranked World No. 2.

“It’s amazing here. It’s no secret that I love this place. It’s unbelievable how many people here with the rain and the storm, and I’m so thankful for the energy,” said Dora. “That fueled me up after thinking it was going to be an empty beach today. I was hoping for a big crowd, and they really showed up. It’s really special here, and I love surfing in front of this crowd. It fuels the fire for me, and as soon as I walked down the beach and saw them, I knew I had to bring this win to them. They deserve this.”

“I knew Leo [Fioravanti] would get a big advantage if he got the win, so it was really important to win this one and get a little closer to him. The goal is No. 1, and I’m working really hard to get it again.”

Leading into the Final and with the updated rankings, a battle between World No. 1 Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) and World No. 3 Yago Dora (BRA) provided fireworks. Fioravanti’s quick start was quickly supplanted by Dora’s aerial masterclass, soaring a backhand full rotation in the shifting conditions to post an excellent 8.50 (out of a possible 10). Then, Dora stayed busy and found multiple opportunities under priority, eventually navigating the lineup to find a 6.50 back up on another backhand air-reverse to push Fiorvanti’s requirement to an excellent 9.33. But, the Italian’s back-to-back 2026 CT wins weren’t to be as his last opportunity fell short of the requirement on his last attempt, crowning Dora the 2026 VIVO Rio Pro victor.

Dora had to overcome a heavyweight Semifinal clash with Australia’s perennial World Title contender, Ethan Ewing (AUS), a rematch of their 2023 VIVO Rio Pro Final. In the Semifinal, Dora posted an excellent 8.17 to cement his place in the Final. Dora is joined in the Top 5 by fellow Brazilian World Champions Italo Ferreira (BRA) and Gabriel Medina (BRA), and countryman Miguel Pupo (BRA), along with Samuel Pupo (BRA) ranked No. 6, leaving Rio.

Sawyer Lindblad Claims Maiden CT Victory Over Rookie Phenom

A fourth-career CT Final for Southern California’s Sawyer Lindblad (USA) marked her maiden victory at the VIVO Rio Pro. Lindblad finished runner-up at this event in 2024, also finishing runner-up at Margaret River that year and having a recent second-place finish in New Zealand. Now, the 20-year-old, Lindblad, adds a first-ever CT victory to her already incredible resume and now sits at No. 4 on the rankings.

“I feel amazing. I’m really emotional right now after I’ve worked so hard for this, and I feel like I’ve gotten so many seconds. I’m just really happy it was my day,” said Lindblad. “I want to thank my sponsors who have been with me since such a young age. My parents, who are my biggest supporters, and my dad for coming down here with me. I want to thank the crowd for coming down every day, in the rain today, it’s been so incredible. I’ve had some really special moments here in Brazil. I qualified for the Tour here, made my first Final here, and now won my first CT here, so it’ll always hold a special place for me. There are some really exciting stops coming up so I’m just really excited now."

A Final featuring two of surfing’s rising stars, 2024 Rookie of the Year Sawyer Lindblad (USA) and the youngest CT qualifier ever, Tya Zebrowski (FRA). Tough conditions tested Lindblad and Zebrowski early in the heat, providing only minimal scoring opportunities as Lindblad found an early 7.57 heat total lead. The two hunted the lineup, Zebrowski falling on a major scoring opportunity that would’ve easily turned the heat in her favor. But, Lindblad’s forehand on the lefts kept inching her score line up, totaling a 7.67 heading into the dying minutes. With the waves not cooperating to provide a spark in the final moments, Lindblad held onto her lead until the horn ended their battle and crowned her the VIVO Rio Pro victor, and first-ever CT win.

Lindblad’s journey to the Final matchup with Zebrowski included a massive win over Luana Silva (BRA) in the Quarterfinals and 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) before lay days had the San Clemente competitor preparing for the 15-year-old Tahitian phenom in the Final.

Leonardo Fioravanti Takes Over Yellow Leaders Jersey Leaving LATAM

After a momentous, first-ever CT win of his own in El Salvador, Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) carried that momentum all the way toward back-to-back Final appearances. The Italian’s Semifinal win over Saquarema’s own João Chianca (BRA) pushed him to No. 1 on the rankings for the first time in his career heading into Tahiti. Now, Fioravanti, 28, prepares for his first proper World Title run with six events remaining in the 2026 CT season.

“We dream our whole lives to be in these places, and fight for Finals against the best in the world. I’m very proud of my performances in the last two events,” said Fioravanti. “I got my first win, and then I came to Brazil, honestly, not many expectations, even though I knew I could do well here, but this place is very hard. I had so many heats against some of the best Brazilians, including Weslley [Dantas], then Samuel [Pupo], and João [Chianca], then Yago [Dora] in the Final. This is the best part of this event because they have the best support, and you get to compete in that environment.

15-Year-Old Tya Zebrowski Earns First CT Final Ahead of Tahiti

Officially qualifying for the CT at age 14, Tya Zebrowski (FRA) became the youngest to achieve the feat. Now, the 15-year-old Tahitian phenom, Zebrowski, earned her first-career CT Final at the 2026 VIVO Rio Pro to help ignite her season after a string of early losses. A defining year on the Challenger Series witnessed Zebrowski claim the season win, entering the 2026 CT season as the top-seeded Rookie contender, where she has had to face Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Carissa Moore (HAW) early in events, and accomplished besting both in Rio on the way to her runner-up finish.

"I feel incredible. It’s my first-ever Final on the CT and it’s amazing," said Zebrowski. "This is a dream come true for me to be on the Tour and be among the best surfers in the world. I’m just so thankful to be a part of it. Thank you to my family, my whole team, my sponsors. And a big thank you to Saquarema, you are the best for supporting us all week and I’ll try to do better next time.”

VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero Women’s Final Results

1 - Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 7.67

2 - Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 6.10

VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero Men’s Final Results

1 - Yago Dora (BRA) 15.00

2 - Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.17

VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero Men’s Semifinal Results

HEAT 1: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.00 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 10.10

HEAT 2: Yago Dora (BRA) 14.30 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 11.67

Malibu Moments – Swell Diaries

Malibu woke up and remembered who it was.

Day 4 of this Southern California run wasn’t just another swell check—it was one of those rare Malibu days that justifies decades of hype. Endless walls, absurdly makeable sections, and a lineup stacked with surfers who knew exactly what to do with them.

This swell has been on a heater, and Malibu cashed in.

If you’re into clean cinematics, proper pointbreak surfing, and watching one of surfing’s most iconic waves do what it does best, you’re in the right place.

Riding the Fashion Wave

Words: James Wilkinson

Luxury fashion has always had a habit of peeking over the fence at skate and surf. Lately, though, the crossover feels bigger than ever.

With Pharrell Williams steering the ship at Louis Vuitton, skate shoes, oversized fits and surf-adjacent aesthetics have found themselves rubbing shoulders with five-figure handbags and Paris runways. To be fair, Pharrell's always moved comfortably between worlds. He's also a genuinely solid skateboarder, not just someone borrowing the look, and his creative output has consistently reflected genuine respect for the cultures that inspire him. But as luxury continues its love affair with streetwear, the conversation isn't going anywhere.

The question that's been bouncing around the internet is simple: is this appreciation, collaboration, or another example of luxury fashion commercially benefiting from cultures that did the hard yards long before the runway came calling?

Despite the noise, there haven't been any widely reported legal showdowns between the major fashion houses and core skate or surf brands over this latest wave of inspiration. Instead, it feels like another chapter in the ongoing merge between luxury and street culture, where the line between influence and ownership gets blurrier every season.

It's also worth remembering that Pharrell's connection to boardsports isn't just mood boards. He's poured energy into his hometown of Virginia Beach, backing an ambitious surf park project alongside broader community initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for local kids, supporting youth programs, and investing in the city's future. Whether you're into his fashion or not, that part's hard to argue with.

As for me? I've been wearing Vans since I was a nipper (see photo), and I don't reckon that'll change because someone in Paris decided skate shoes belong on a runway. These things have still got miles left in them, and there's something satisfying about squeezing every last session out of a pair before they're officially cooked.

Sure, maybe one day I'll end up in a pair of Louis Vuitton sneakers.

But I'd probably still reach for the Vans.

For the record: these aren't actually the same pair I've had since I was a kid. I'm loyal, not miraculous.