If you haven’t had the chance to view Thomas Campbell’s mind-bending, dream state-inducing, knowledge transference of a film Yi-Wo, then you need to stream it during the Yi-Wo online world premiere October 10-12, 2025. We recommend it.
For all the details on how to register please and view the film click here.
[Link: Yi-Wo]
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Matt Barr’s Looking Sideways podcast goes deep with artist Thomas Campbell and his latest surf film Yi-Wo. If you haven’t seen this mind-bending, dream state inducing, knowledge transference tablet of a film, then maybe don’t listen to the podcast until you have. If you experienced Yi-Wo in a group setting (that is best), then by all means click the link for a peak inside one of skateboarding and surfing’s most intensely creative and prolific minds.
Our favorite line from Thomas was when Matt asked him how he knew the film was finished. “Just when it worked,” Thomas said, “Just when I could watch it from beginning to end and I didn’t want to change anything.” That’s only one of the reasons it took more than 10 years to complete.
[Link: Looking Sideways]
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Billionaires certainly do love the idea of wave pools even if very few of them have shown the ability to turn much of a profit. A new pool may be going into livable, lovable El Segundo, California if Toba Capital gets their way, according to a story on Costar.com.
A company tied to billionaire Vinny Smith’s Toba Capital has spent $54 million for a 9-acre slice of the former Raytheon Technologies Campus at 100 Nash in the city adjacent to Los Angeles, according to CoStar data. . . The firm is expected to build a surf park, a type of mixed-use real estate that is gaining traction across the globe with improvements in artificial wave technology and consumer demand for experiences in the wake of the pandemic.
You may remember Mr. Smith from his first pool venture, the Palm Springs Surf Club. Again, if a billionaire just wants to throw a couple ten millions around and get not much in return, we know of a great website they could buy. It’s surf adjacent, has a small, dedicated following, and could make those millions disappear in a myriad of fun ways.
[Link: Costar.com]
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It’s official. Kelly Slater has topped Hulk Hogan, Buzz Aldrin, and model Kate Upton as the favorite celebrity of Brevard County Florida according to the readers of Florida Today.
A one-time underwear model for Versace, Slater has graced the cover of many magazines and was once named one of the “100 Most Beautiful People in the World” by People magazine. He’s also appeared in several commercials and TV shows including “Baywatch.”
Congrats, Kelly. Your home town still loves you more than they love that Gawker killer Hulk Hogan. . . RIP.
[Link: Florida Today]
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Neftalie Williams, the director of the Center for Skateboarding, Actions Sports, and Social Change, will moderate the discussions with Steve Van Doren & skateboarder Bryce Wettstein as part of a four-day celebration of action sports and culture at San Diego State University October 9-12, 2025.
“We are thrilled to welcome Steve Van Doren and explore the incredible legacy of Vans across skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, music, and virtually every facet of youth culture,” said Williams. “His insights will help students understand how to build and sustain a culturally relevant business across generations. As the perfect complement Bryce Wettstein will share her journey as an Olympian, professional skateboarder, and college student — offering a powerful perspective that will inspire students and highlight the intersection of skateboarding, business, media, and culture.”
For all the info (and there is way, way, more) please click the link.
[Link: SDSU News]
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This is a year old interview with Sam McIntosh? Maybe. We’d never seen it. Came up in the feed today thanks to BeachGrit via that Derek fellow. Watch it if you want. Especially if you ever loved putting magazines together. Sam McIntosh obviously did. . . and does?
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The developers of a proposed surfpark in Jacksonville, Florida have discovered that new estimates on the park’s construction costs may mean no surf park, according to a story in the Jacksonville Daily Record.
The city is seeking to offer a $4.6 million incentive for the proposed Jacksonville Surf Park after its developer, Aventuur Inc., said new cost estimates have put the overall project in jeopardy. . . . The 5.5-acre park, part of a larger, 45-acre space, is planned in the eTown development in South Jacksonville. It has an estimated capital investment of $100 million.
So nice when City government chip in on private businesses isn’t it? See, socialism works for big business all the time. Would love to get a $5 million incentive from anyone at this point. Sidenote, if you have an example of a sustainable, profitable, stand alone wave pool built anywhere, please let us know.
[Link: Jacksonville Daily Record]
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Ron Jon Surf Shop founder Ron DiMenna died on September 6, 2025, according to a story on Florida Today. He was 88.
“Ron was revolutionary,” said Jack A. Kirschenbaum, a retired Cocoa Beach attorney and avid surfer who was a close friend of DiMenna and last saw him in August. “He turned surfing, which was a nomadic, fringe sport practiced by kids into a mainstream retail juggernaut. He saw what no one else saw. He will be sorely missed,” said Kirschenbaum, adding that DiMenna’s grand vision appealed to hardcore surfers and tourists alike, turning the giant Cocoa Beach store into another must-see Florida destination.
Our thoughts are with the DiMenna family. For the rest of the story, please click the link.
[Link: Florida Today]
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. . . and it’s starring Clay Marzo on his Catch Surf quiver so even more better. You know what they say, once you go soft. . .
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The Black Surfers Collective (BSC), remind everyone that they remain dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in ocean sports through strategic partnerships and signature events designed to break down barriers and create pathways to ocean access for underrepresented communities.
For all the details on their mission and upcoming partnerships and events please follow the jump.
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