Back at the American Dream wave pool once again…. but this time, things got a little more interesting. Joining the session were two larger-than-life personalities: Action Bronson and Martins Licis.
If you’ve never been to it, the wave pool sits inside the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, one of the most unique surf spots in the world. It’s home to the Skudin Surf Wave Pool experience, where surfers can ride perfectly controlled, machine-generated waves under a massive glass ceiling. With crystal-clear water, powerful wave settings, and the ability to dial in custom shapes, it’s become a go-to training ground for pros and a dream come true for first-timers looking to feel what it’s like to surf in a completely controlled environment.
If you know Action, you know he’s more than just a rapper. He’s a chef, author, TV host, and someone who’s taken a serious passion for surfing over the past few years. When he showed up, he wasn’t just there to cruise, he was on a mission to get barreled. You could tell from the moment he paddled out that this wasn’t just for fun, he wanted to feel that perfect pocket of water wrapping over his head.
Then there was Martins Licis, 2019’s World’s Strongest Man. A guy who can deadlift over 1,000 pounds but had never tried surfing before. This was his first time on a board, and the goal was simple, get him standing up for the very first time. Watching someone with that kind of physical power try to balance on a wave was a reminder that surfing isn’t about strength alone — it’s about timing, flow, and connection.
The energy in the pool was unreal. Action was hunting for that perfect barrel, while Martins was laughing his way through wipeouts and little victories. Everyone around the pool was feeding off that mix of focus and fun, the kind of vibe that makes sessions like this so memorable.
I shot the day on my Sony A9 with the Sea Frog Water Housing and captured some behind-the-scenes moments with my good old iPhone. Huge thanks to the crew at Skudin Surf and the team at American Dream for always keeping the stoke alive and creating a space where anyone from first timers to world-class athletes can share the lineup.
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