Prince Harry is trading royal engagements for sun, surf, and some serious wave-riding fun off the coast of California.
The Duke of Sussex, 41, recently showcased his surfing skills under the guidance of celebrity coach Raimana Van Bastolaer, a professional surfer known for his big-wave expertise.
Harry looked effortlessly in his element as he tackled the waves in a sleek black wetsuit, crouched on a white surfboard, and navigated a powerful six-foot barrel with surprising poise.
A Helping Hand from a Pro
In clips shared on Instagram, Van Bastolaer gave viewers a glimpse of Harry’s surfing lessons.
At one point, a jet ski rides beside the duke, who sports a casual baseball cap, while he balances on the sunlit water.
Another clip shows Harry standing upright on his board as Van Bastolaer approaches on his knees, gently guiding him by placing a hand on his lower back—a subtle yet clear sign of mentorship and camaraderie between the two.
Surfing Under the Lights
The footage didn’t stop at daytime waves.
Harry was also seen practicing under floodlights, flashing a smile and giving a thumbs-up to someone off-camera.
The man-made wave at the center of all this action is a six-foot barrel at Kelly Slater’s famous Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California.
Renowned as the world’s best artificial wave, it stretches up to 2,300 feet and is the only wave of its kind accredited by the World Surf League, making it competition-ready for elite surfers.
A Musical Backdrop and Memorable Moments
Van Bastolaer paired the Instagram post with a reggae version of Queen’s hit, adding a playful soundtrack to Harry’s surf adventures.
This isn’t the duke’s first surfing outing at Slater’s Surf Ranch.
Last year, he was spotted jet-skiing alongside his son Archie, then five, in a now-deleted image posted by Van Bastolaer.
The caption at the time encouraged positivity: “Don’t hate but be happy & keep smiling. Brother HARRY, Let’s go for 2025!”
Building Friendships Through Surfing
Since relocating to California, Harry seems to have formed a strong bond with Van Bastolaer.
Reports suggest Meghan gifted him surfing lessons for his 36th birthday, cementing his love for the sport.
Van Bastolaer, celebrated for his big-wave exploits in Tahiti, has shared multiple clips of the duke learning and enjoying surfing over the past year, highlighting both his dedication to the craft and his playful side.
Looking Ahead
With his growing friendship with Van Bastolaer and regular surf sessions, it seems Harry’s California chapter is as much about family fun and hobbies as it is about adjusting to a new life.
Whether he’ll take on even bigger waves or invite Meghan and Archie for more surf adventures remains to be seen—but one thing’s clear: the Duke of Sussex is riding this new wave of life with enthusiasm.
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