“Umpa LoomPa’s!!!”: Fans Amused as Surfer Shares a Wave That Fictional Character ‘Willy Wonka’ Would Surf

Surfing has always been a sport of adventure and creativity, but what if we took it to the world of pure imagination? That’s exactly what Hawaiian surfer Koa Smith did when he shared a mesmerizing wave that seemed straight out of the fictional world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

Fans were left amused and captivated by the whimsical connection between surfing and everyone’s favorite chocolatier. Koa Smith is no stranger to the surfing world. With a successful junior career that included three national championships, He chose a different route as a professional free surfer, traveling the globe in search of the most breathtaking waves.

Did Kelly Slater do it first?

His skills and performances at renowned spots like Pipeline and Jaws have made him a well-respected figure in the surfing community. In 2014 his GoPro video of a mind-blowing 30-second tube ride at Skeleton Bay, Namibia, went viral. The film received praise and won the inaugural GoPro of the World competition as well as the renowned Best Barrel prize at the Surfer Poll. It continues to be regarded as one of the most extraordinary barrels ever discovered. Koa uploaded a video of himself surfing the turbulent, murky seas at the river mouth at Waimea Bay. The water took on an odd, almost chocolate-like color.

Interestingly, the intertwining of surfing and Willy Wonka is not a new concept. Back in 2015, when Kelly Slater’s wave pool debuted, similar comparisons were made. The wave that Koa Smith surfed bears resemblance to a standing wave—a mesmerizing phenomenon where waves bounce up and down within an enclosed or partially bounded water body. Though they do not move forward, standing waves blend two opposite waves of the same amplitude and wavelength, creating a captivating spectacle. Surfers are often drawn to river waves and indoor stationary waves, akin to the one Koa encountered, as they embody the essence of standing waves. Koa Smith rode the wave as if it were a never-ending chocolate river and his fans went into a frenzy sharing their amazement.

Fans reacted to Koa Smith riding the chocolate wave…

Koa jokingly asked in the caption of his post, “But what if Willy Wonka was a surfer? Surely, he’d have a wave pool in his chocolate factory.” The fans quickly joined in the jovial mood. While some cheered Koa on for his bravery, others daydreamed about sipping the delicious water. Humor was added to the debate with a mention of Willy Wonka’s gluttonous character Augustus Gloop.

The relationship between the well-known fictional figure and the surfing community excited and inspired the fans. One commenter said, “And that water we could drink, and it’d be so tasty!!!!” While others complimented him saying, “Wooo! Brave soul” Another said, “Augustus Gloop, is that you???”  While one joked,“Umpa LoomPa’s!!!” He received another praise that said, “Bad ass”.

Read more: Kelly Slater Celebrates Rare First Win Outside the Surfing World

Koa’s experience on the water seemed like nature’s own wave surf machine, evoking a profound sense of awe and wonder. Through their shared joy and amusement, fans celebrated the enchanting connection between a fictional character and the exhilarating sport of surfing that continually pushes boundaries.

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