The winter swells of January brought more than just cold water this year; they brought a historic end to the school’s surf team. This season our athletes were out in the lineup putting up performances that shattered previous school records. This season was by far our best ever by securing our highest-ever overall finish among the competing teams in our league, proving that our program has evolved into a powerhouse on the coast.
The depth of talent this year was evident across every discipline, as we saw new core lords emerging. We saw success in the bodyboard, shortboard, and longboard categories.
Hudson Walker ‘26 commented, “Bodyboarding isn’t just a sport: it’s a lifestyle. Every day, I’m working on getting myself better at it.” Our bodyboarders displayed incredible control and bravery in heavy sections, while our shortboarders executed sharp, progressive maneuvers that consistently impressed the judges.
Ryan Klein ‘27 stated, “I’ve been a surfer most of my life but just joined the surf team for my junior year, and it was the best decision I could have made for myself.” Ryan’s late entry into the Loyola surf team proves that it’s never too late to join. Also, we have to appreciate the longboard squad that brought a sense of classic style and grace to the water, claiming top-tier finishes that were instrumental in our climb up the rankings. This collective excellence across all divisions ensured that we weren’t just competitive in spurts but a dominant force from the first heat to the last.
Our road to the podium was a scenic but demanding one, with competitions spanning the iconic coastline from the world-class points of Malibu up to the peeling rights of Carpinteria. Navigating such diverse breaks required immense adaptability and a deep understanding of the ocean’s moods. To prepare for these challenges, the team committed to a rigorous schedule, hitting the water for organized practices several times a week. These early morning sessions, often held before the sun had even fully cleared the horizon, were the true foundation of our success. As we look back on this record-breaking year, it’s clear that the hardware we brought home was earned through every cold paddle and extra wave taken during those quiet hours of practice.
