"You guys are f'ing tone deaf."

Stab Magazine and its patented “access journalism” may have finally reached that bridge too far in El Salvador. The subscription surf blog, famous for trading spine for the ability to chat with Andrew Tate acolyte Cole Houshmand, is currently being castigated by its most ardent fans after posting a fawning account of riding the country’s presidential helicopter while he busily locks up much of his, and everyone’s, populations up in just-built mega-prisons.

El Salvador, of course, in the news of late for locking much of its, and any world leaders who asks nicely, population up in just-built mega-prisons.

Blissfully unaware and/or acting in its role as the “Vichy Regime of Surf Media,” Stab celebrated the whole ordeal on Instagram, doubling down on its cosplay by penning, “What happens when the WSL gets their hands on a Reagan-era helicopter?”

The reaction, from ardent fans, swift and honest.

A sampling:

“You boys breaking into the mega prison?”

“@wsl @stab @surfline all on the (El Salvador president) Bukele propaganda”

“The image of white Americans flying over a Global South country currently illegally detaining people, using the country’s military helicopter as if nothing is happening is both dystopian and deeply disturbing.”

“Meanwhile, 150+ people were taken from the U.S. and are now housed in an El Salvadorian super max prison many of whom had no due process. You guys are f’ing tone deaf.”

Well, that was enough for Stab to jump in and start scrubbing the narrative by deleting critical comments though difficult to delete critical x critical comments and another sampling:

“Why are you deleting comments criticizing the fascist murdering dictator whose reputation you’re laundering with this post?”

“You know why.”

And that’s where it appears the entire thread was shut down.

To be real honest, it’s all very awkward. Stab’s publisher and erasure of history Sam McIntosh should, at this point, know better than to send thirsty li’l illiterate sycophants anywhere and/or should read a book other than The Bad Girls’ Guide to Better.

Is this the time to be better than better?

More as the story develops.

"The decision follows significant cyclone-related impacts to the Snapper Rocks sandbank and beach..."

Whilst you may be busy either counting money gained or ruing money not gained in latest stock market spike, major surf news has just dropped. Currently in the midst of an El Salvador event that is threatening to run forever, the World Surf League just announced that it is dropping Snapper Rocks, post Bells, as its sixth stop.

Per the scintillating press release:

The decision follows significant cyclone-related impacts to the Snapper Rocks sandbank and beach, which has made the location currently unsuitable for the CT. Extensive assessments and engagements have confirmed that the bank is extremely unlikely to recover in time for the event window from May 3 – 13, 2025.

The stretch of sand from Snapper Rocks to the Kirra groyne—known as the “Super Bank”—is famed for producing long, flawless waves. However, after crossing the Gold Coast coastline in early March, ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has left a deep trough where the famed waves typically break, leaving the iconic super bank and beach without the sand needed to host the upcoming CT event. While the Tweed Sand Bypass System usually helps restore the sandbanks at Snapper much quicker than other beaches, widespread erosion along the Tweed Coast has limited the sand available for replenishment. As a result, while the sand may return in the coming months, it is extremely unlikely to recover in time for the upcoming CT event.

Where will our heroes and heroines be heading instead?

“While we are, of course, disappointed Snapper Rocks won’t be hosting the highly anticipated return of the Championship Tour this May, we know Burleigh is a world-class point break that will challenge the globe’s very best surfers,” Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said. “For surfing fans, the relocation of the Gold Coast Pro to Burleigh provides a unique and very special opportunity to watch the world’s leading surfers do battle at one of the world’s most iconic surfing destinations steeped in history. There is no doubt our famous Super Bank at Snapper will return better than ever, planning for this in 2026 is underway, and we look forward to seeing the Gold Coast Pro back to its rightful home for the 2026 event and beyond.”

Feint praise for Burleigh, if the text means anything.

Thoughts?

Prayers?

More as the story develops.