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Kris Hopkins surfing

Tanker Surfing with Kris Hopkins

Kris Hopkins is one of Salt Life’s newest team members. Kris grew up on Galveston Island, a barrier island just south of Houston, and, like his father, he grew up surfing. Kris has been a competitive surfer since he was 10 years old. 

 

As much as Kris loves beach surfing, the waves on Texas’s Gulf Coast are super inconsistent—especially in the summer, when he can go a full month without riding a wave. While summer storms occasionally bring some good surf, it tends to be pretty flat until fall rolls around. 

 

However, South Texas surfers have found a solution to that problem in the form of tanker surfing. Rather than letting the surf come to you, tanker surfing involves chasing the waves created by the massive ships that pass through Houston’s shipping channels. Here, Kris breaks down everything you need to know about getting after tanker waves. 

What is Tanker Surfing?


When a tanker or cargo ship rolls through a shipping channel, its wake creates a massive wave, which breaks when it hits the sandbar beneath the surface. The waves vary in size depending on the weight and speed of the ship, but they can reach waist or even chest high.

 

Tanker surfing is unique in that the ships create one long, practically unbroken wave that you can ride for several minutes. Last year, Kris managed to catch a mile-long tanker wave that took him, his father, and his son on an epic seven minute ride. 

Tanker waves

What You Need for Tanker Surfing


First and foremost, tanker surfing requires that you ride out towards the shipping channel on a jet ski or boat. You’ll also need to know when to expect the tankers, which requires a bit of research using a shipping website like VesselFinder.com. 

In terms of equipment, Kris recommends using a longboard, which will help you get over the steep parts of the wave and glide through slower or deeper sections. 

Kris Hopkins surfing

Tips and Tricks for Successful Tanker Surfing


Even if you’re an experienced surfer, tanker surfing presents some unique challenges. Here are some of Kris’s best tips for a great day riding tanker waves:

 

  • Be patient. Sometimes, tankers come through but don’t create enough of a wake for a good wave. This may be because they’re not heavy or fast enough. In that case, be patient and wait for the next one.
  • Chase inbound tankers. Because they’re heavier, they tend to create the best waves.
  • Leave early in the morning when the wind is calm.
  • Aim for the big wave. There’s usually one main wave, with a couple of smaller ones before and after.
  • Look out for breaks. There are a handful of little breaks created by sandbars or manmade jetties. You can catch one wave in different sections.
  • Don’t underestimate the swell created by a tanker. Waves can reach as high as your chest!
  • Learn your way around the shipping channel or bay. Boats have flipped before, so be prepared and keep an eye on the water.
  • Learn the ropes. If you’re nervous about tanker surfing for the first time, you can book a charter through Tanker Surf Charters in Galveston.
Kris Hopkins surfing

Final Thoughts


Between the Waco Wave Park and Gulf Coast tanker surfing, Texas is home to some of the most unique surfing experiences in the country. We’re glad to have Kris on Team Salt Life, and we’re super grateful to him for sharing his knowledge and experience with us! You can follow Kris on Instagram @hoppy_crew. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more insider info from the best surfers in the country. Stay Salty!

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