Undreamed Waters I Lucia Martiño

Undreamed Waters I Lucia Martiño

Professional surfer Lucía Martiño is in a phase of transition, shifting her focus toward audiovisual projects and moving away from competition. “I want to enjoy surfing differently, feeling free to go wherever I want whenever I want, and I’m much happier,” says the Asturian surfer. This time, she decided to travel to Iceland in winter to break out of her comfort zone and leave behind the usual destinations with perfect waves and warm waters. Iceland, in winter, is the exact opposite. Exactly what she was looking for. This is how Undreamed Waters was born, a project presented by Blue Banana.

With temperatures as low as -15ºC, freezing winds, and —according to locals— the largest snowstorms in recent years and the coldest winter in two decades, Martiño experienced the most extreme surfing sessions of her life, as well as some of the best.

She was accompanied by filmmakers Carlos Farrera and Ibai Mielgo, and supported by local guides Lukas Polach and Nicole Suehring, whose help was essential for navigating snowy roads and covering up to 8 hours of driving daily across the northern fjords. The team entered freezing waters where the temperature hovered around 2-3ºC. The beaches were covered in ice and snow, forcing them to walk over frozen surfaces near the shore to reach the break.

At times, there were 20-minute gaps between wave sets, during which heavy snow could fall. “It felt like stones were being thrown at my face—I had to shield myself with my board,” Lucía recalls. But the water wasn’t the worst part. The cold was so extreme that changing after each session became a feat in itself. “There were moments when I couldn’t even bend my fingers from the cold. We carried a bottle of hot water to help, but due to the humidity, my hand would freeze within seconds. I cried out of frustration because taking off my wetsuit was almost impossible,” says the Spanish surfer.

In addition to the weather conditions, the local wildlife added a special touch to the experience. Seals swam near the team during every session. And on the most remote northern beaches, Martiño had an unforgettable encounter with an elusive Arctic fox hunting in the light of the sunset. “It was one of those magical moments that make you realize how lucky you are to be there,” she recalls.

The Undreamed Waters team experienced intense days, driving through snowstorms to reach hidden waves among the fjords. Despite the challenges, every surf session became a lesson in resilience and passion for the sport. “This experience taught me that you don’t need perfect waves to enjoy surfing. It’s the challenge, the connection with the environment, and what you share with people that makes it all worthwhile,” Lucía concludes.

@lucia_martino/

Pretzels & Waves

Pretzels & Waves

In late October, the European riders of the Rip Curl team took on the iconic artificial wave at O2 Surftown MUC in Munich, delivering a spectacular show. From explosive airs to sharp turns, Lukas Skinner, Justin Becret, Matias Canhoto, and their teammates (Janina Zeitler, Hans Odriozola, Carla Morera de la Vall, Marley Benesenes-Masse, Paco Alonzo, and Daniele Mereu) put on a stunning performance on this one-of-a-kind wave.

The day before, the team explored Munich and celebrated their local teammate, Janina Zeitler, who made her mark on the famous Eisbach river wave.

North Stars | Surf Film

North Stars | Surf Film

A 42-minute surf film & visual portrait of Adrien Toyon by Yentl Touboul, supported by Vans and Sun Bum.

At the crossroads of a surf film and a visual portrait, the film depicts Adrien through the eyes of some of his closest friends and those of the board makers who’ve inspired his dive into alternative designs. Filmed around the world over two years, from Adrien’s home of Reunion Island to Australia, the Basque Country and the cliffs of Western Ireland.

Also featuring Mikey February, Andrew Kidman, Kobe Hughes, Lee-Ann Curren, Tom Morat, Shane Sykes, Peta, Koldo Illumbe, and more.

William Aliotti Twin Fin Invitational – Edit

William Aliotti Twin Fin Invitational – Edit

First edition of the William Aliotti Twin Fin Invitational took place in Seignosse, France, on October 23 and 24, and it wasn’t just another surf contest—it was a celebration of everything that makes twin fin surfing so special.

Inviting some of the best free surfers and twin fin lovers from around the world, the event was as much more about creativity and fun than about competition. Taking place over two days in perfect conditions, this Invitational flipped the traditional contest script by blending unique formats and having the surfers themselves take on the role of judges, making for a truly community-driven and joyful experience.

Matt Archbold – Off The Wall

Matt Archbold – Off The Wall

Matt Archbold is a legendary figure in the surfing world, known for his bold and aggressive style that helped define modern aerial surfing. Born in San Clemente, California, Archbold emerged as a prodigy in the 1980s, pushing boundaries with his innovative manoeuvres and fearless approach in the water. He became a cultural icon for his rebellious persona, embodying the spirit of surf counterculture with his punk rock aesthetic and freewheeling attitude. Though he chose to prioritise free surfing over competition, Archbold's influence on the sport is undeniable, inspiring a generation of surfers to experiment and express themselves creatively on the waves. His raw talent and charisma have cemented his place as one of the most respected surfers of his era. And yes, he still rips as can be seen in these recent edits...

Stories from The Eddie

Stories from The Eddie

‘Stories From The Eddie’ is a series that dives into the most iconic moments, from surfing's most iconic big wave invitational event. This first episode asks surfers like Mason Ho, Mark Healy, Landon McNamara and Emily Erikson what the event means to them. We also explore the entire reason why this event was founded in the first place: to commemorate the legacy of Eddie Aikau. The Hawaiian icon and waterman sacrificed his life seeking help when a traditional Polynesian vessel, the Hōkūleʻa, capsized in heavy seas in 1978. He was also the first ever lifeguard at the Waimea Bay where the event is held and is a true legend in the surfing world.