Keep the Waves All to Yourself at Secret, Exotic Surfing Spots

 

Tired of shredding the crowded waters where you live? Try these under-the-radar global locales, recommended by our experts, for  ...more

National Surfing Reserve

 

With a surfing history dating back to the 1920s, when the sport was still in its infancy, Phillip Island has long been a Victorian favourite of grommets (beginners) and seasoned board riders alike. Declared a National Surfing Reserve in recognition of its quality surf breaks and pristine environment, Phillip Island offers four sites along its coast: Cape Woolamai, Smiths Beach, Summerland and Cat Bay.

Boasting big wave conditions, left and right breaks, as well as plenty of small, consistent waves that are suitable for learners the island's beaches are home to a vibrant local surfing community of all ages and skill levels. So hit the water and learn new skills, get in some practice, or test your mettle out in the big swells.

Woolamai
A favourite of locals and visiting surfers, Woolamai has a number of quality beach breaks stretching from Magic Lands to Forrest Caves and ...more

Christian Surfers run Jesus Surf Classic double header

 

IT was a busy weekend for Christian Surfers UK as they spread themselves across two West Country locations for short and longboard versions of the Jesus Surf Classic.
The second half of the 22nd shortboard Classic ran at Croyde on Saturday, while the longboarders were in action at Polzeath.
Having run the junior divisions at ...more

Inaugural Carolina Surf Film Festival brings surfing to the big screen

 

Get stoked, Charleston. The first annual Carolina Surf Film Festival is going down Oct. 16-18 at the Brickhouse Party Plantation (1575 Folly Road) on James Island. The first-of-its-kind event in South Carolina features a variety of surfing-themed features and short films from around the world, including two from Charleston. The three-day fest will also include local artists, music, and food and beer vendors. Recently, City Paper caught up with organizers Chuck Gainey, Chad Davis, and Bo Edmunds to get the inside scoop on their upcoming event.

City Paper: What inspired you to create the Carolina Surf Film Festival?

Carolina Surf Film Fest: Last year, Chad attended the inaugural Florida Surf Film Festival and came back with the idea that we should host a surf film festival in Charleston. We've surfed together for over 20 years, and during that time, we've come to trust each other's instincts. We knew Chad was onto something good, so we signed on immediately. From the beginning, we wanted to celebrate the lifestyle and culture of the sport, while engaging local artists and businesses. We also wanted to honor the ...more

Dunbar surf brings Phoebe Strachan Scotland cap

 

The image is of sun-kissed sands and tropical palms, beach crammed with bronzed bodies and laid-back surfer dudes with sun bleached hair, eyes fixed for the next big breaker.

Teeth chattering on the shore at Belhaven Bay, desperately trying to change into a wetsuit in a freezing car park, then chucking yourself to the mercy of the North Sea, perhaps sounds a little less enticing.

For world-class surfer Phoebe Strachan however, the bitter cold of the East Lothian coast has been the perfect training ground.

Along with years of high level competition not on the crest of a wave, but at Highland dance contests where she perfected her balance and poise, Phoebe’s unusual approach to conquering the supercool sport appears to have paid off.

For she has just been selected as one of only two women in Scotland’s six-strong international surf squad, now preparing to ...more

Urban Outfitters nibbles on Luv Surf line

 

Many small apparel makers dream of getting carried by a big retailer.

Mission Beach-based Luv Surf Apparel, the latest rising star in serial entrepreneur Gina Champion-Cain's portfolio, will soon realize that dream. Champion-Cain brought the House of Blues to San Diego in 2005, owns The Patio restaurants, is building her own hospitality brand and now manages a fashion label.

Urban Outfitters next spring will sell three tops from the whimsical women's clothing and accessories brand in its new Without Walls collection for outdoors enthusiasts, available in nine stores from Costa Mesa to Cambridge, Mass. The news comes just weeks after the brand's announcement that its entire Be Free collection will be carried at independently run surf shop ...more

See Gisele Bündchen Surf in the New Chanel No. 5 Film

 

Chanel No. 5 spokeswoman Gisele Bündchen rides the waves this fall in the 

 perfume campaign’s new short film, ‘The One That I Want,’ 

directed by Baz Luhrmann. 

It’s a collaboration between the world’s highest-paid model (Gisele earned $47 million last year) 

and one of Hollywood’s most talented directors, 

for the bestselling iconic 1921 fragrance. What’s not to love?

The film will be released on October 15, though on October 13, 

Chanel released two photos of the model with a surfboard and

 a 15-second teaser (below) to enjoy in the meantime. 

We see Gisele riding the waves in a Chanel wetsuit with a Chanel surfboard, 

Gisele with big wavy hair in two different sparkly, bold dresses, 

and Gisele prancing through a damp and dark New York alleyway. 

It’s still unclear how these scenes will mesh in the ...more

Teens who surf really well do jumps and turns in Sumbawa!

Billabong took their Bloodlines program to Lakey Peak, Sumbawa recently 

and it was like peering into a very bright future.  

The third of three development trips that’ve also featured stints in Tahiti and Hawaii,

 Bloodlines is all about making young surfers even better. 

We’re in good hands, here.

You can’t help but wonder where these guys will be in five years.

 The world tour? A Kai Neville trip? Their local bakery? 

Regardless, these guys feed off each other in the water now, 

there’s no squabbling or jealousy or things you might expect from usual groms. 

They get pumped to watch each other surf.

more @ stabmag.com

October ushers in day after day of fun surf and perfect conditions in California

Mostly, no one likes to hear "we told you so." It's petty. Unless of course, it's something you actually wanted to be told.

Like, say for example we nominate California for October's Best Bet -- which we did last week -- and the Golden State goes ahead and exceeds everyone's expectations with a muiltple-day golden tubefest before the first week of the month is out. Then, it's like, "thanks! Can you tell us again? More, please."

It's no secret that October is probably the best month to be a regular surfer on the West Coast, for all kinds of reasons. Locally great weather. Water still warm. Kids back in school. Pros and aspiring pros in Europe. Fun, but not death-defying swells from at least three sources -- South Pacific, North Pacific and hurricanes off Baja. Etc.

So it's not exactly a surprise that October kicked off with a bang, but it certainly wasn't unwelcome, either. We asked Surfline forecast Kevin Wallis all ...more

Highest tides of year could bring rough surf to N.S. coast

 

Some of the highest tides of the year, coupled with steady onshore south and 

southeast winds, have prompted Environment Canada to issue a 

special weather statement for a large stretch of the Nova Scotia coast.

“The combination of the higher than normal tides as well as the winds may

 produce higher than normal coastal water ...more

Alana Rene Blanchard

 

Alana Rene Blanchard (born March 5, 1990)

 is an American professional surfer and occasional bikini model.

Alana surfs on the ASP World Tour.

Alana is involved in designing Rip Curl bikinis.

She is best friends with fellow surfer Bethany Hamilton,

 and was present when Hamilton suffered the shark attack that cost her an arm.

She was played by actress Lorraine Nicholson in the 2011 film Soul Surfer.

Alana currentl has her own show, Surfer Girl, by Network A,

which follows her life in Kauai as a professional surfer and model.

*The information copied  from wikipedia.org

SURF’S UP IN THE SEA ... AND ALSO A CHINESE RIVER

The Red Bull Qiantang Surfing Shootout is the first international river surfing competition. 

Surfing in a river is quite different from surfing in the sea. 

The height and the speed of river waves are not as high but a 

tidal bore can run for more than 10 kilometers. 

It requires good jet ski driving skills for surfers to chase

 the tidal bore and find a wave to surf. 

The Qiantang River has the world’s largest tidal bore, 

which reaches its peak on Aug 18 of the lunar calendar 

and be up to nine meters in height. 

The final of the surfing shootout this year fell on Sept 12, the peak day for the tidal bore. 

The tradition of riding waves on the Qiantang River dates back to the

 Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), when literary works of that era described wave riders.

 Modern surfing wasn’t introduced to China until the 1980s and 1990s, 

 when some Chinese studying in Hawaii and California returned to the motherland having 

picked up the sport, according to Bao Xuping, CEO of Surfing China, 

the organizer of the Shootout. 

There are quite a number of surfing clubs in Hainan and Shenzhen. 

The annual surfing shootout in the ...more

Gilmore has chance to wrap up surf title

Three of the four women's world surfing title contenders won their opening heats at the penultimate event in Portugal on Thursday.

Stephanie Gilmore was the only member of the quartet forced into the repechage second round after finishing runner-up to fellow Australian Laura Enever 14 points to 13.37 in round one.

Rankings leader Sally Fitzgibbons won her heat with 15.57, No.2 Tyler Wright, the winner in France last week, turned in the day's best score of 15.96 and fourth-ranked defending world champion Carissa Moore of Hawaii scored 13.54.

"It's a really nice feeling to start the day with ...more

A Surf Dream Come True

 

After making the long drive from Las Vegas to Southern California, a calendar mix up almost prevented nine-year-old Connor Schriever from surfing Malibu’s pristine waves. But thanks to quick thinking by organizers with the Mauli Ola Foundation, the young cystic fibrosis patient experienced something most beginning surfers only dream of — a one-on-one surf lesson with a local legend. 

“He said it was better than going to Disneyland,” said Allen Sarlo, the “keeper of Malibu” who stepped in on Saturday, Sept. 20 to give Connor a private surf lesson at Surfrider Beach.

Schriever and his family hit the road the week of Sept. 15, planning a few days of fun, including a visit to Disneyland and California Adventure. The week would culminate with a Surf Experience Day in Malibu for Connor and other cystic fibrosis patients. 

Cystic fibrosis causes a heavy mucus buildup in the lungs, and saline/saltwater treatments help break up the buildup. For patients like Connor, getting to play in the ocean is a natural treatment for something he spends nearly three hours treating every day. 

According to his mother, Connor wakes up 90 minutes before his ...more

Kelly Slater: Surf dude turns eco-warrior

The most successful board rider in the history of the professional circuit, he has seen up close the impact the human race has had on the planet's oceans during his illustrious career.

"This world is a scary place right now for the future of our children and their children and the next few generations," the 42-year-old tells CNN's Human to Hero series.

"Business is getting in the way of environmentalism and health, and at some point that's going to have to change.

"People really all have to figure out what's the most important thing, and that's water and food and air and, you know, the health of this planet."

The American points to the world's ever-increasing population as ...more

New Zealand's deadly surf spots

 

The big wave that grabbed young Jack Dixon off the Mt Maunganui shoreline is considered highly unusual, but some parts of the country are more prone to such freaks of nature.

Waves at some beaches, including Napier's Marine Pde, as well as at some rocky fishing spots and some river mouths are known to be treacherous.

Sometimes people washed into the raging sea are rescued, but often help arrives too late. Some of those grabbed by the sea are never found. 

Some big-wave incidents from the past decade or so include:

❏ December 28, 2013 - A Wellington woman in her 40s was moderately injured after being washed off rocks by a rogue wave at Castlepoint, Wairarapa. Bystanders and family members rushed to her aid and rescued her from the surge. 

❏ July 14, 2013 - Mario Openshaw, 29, of Whangarei, was swept off rocks while fishing at The Gap, near Taiharuru, northeast of Whangarei. His body was ...more

Vacationer catches shark while surf fishing

 

...a man vacationing in Emerald Isle was surf fishing when he caught the shark Tuesday. The man let the shark go after the photos were taken.

The man also caught a sting ray and let it go as well ...more

A video to save surfers from themselves

QS Men and Women Head to Iticare for Mahalo Surf Eco Festival

The tropical setting at Praia da Tiririca, located in city of Itacare, Brazil, will host the ASP 4-Star Mahalo Surf Eco Festival pres. by Skol from October 27 to November 1, 2014. Home to one of the longest-standing sites for professional surf competitions in Brazil, Itacare will gather some of the best surfers on the Qualification Series (QS) who are hungry for an opportunity to move up in the rankings.

In addition to men’s competition, the 2014 Mahalo Surf Eco Festival will witness competition from the ASP Women’s QS for the first time. Altogether, the Mahalo Surf Eco Festival will distribute over U$125,000 in prize money and ...more

Surf City Surf Dog Competition

 

Dedicated to surf loving canines, the 6th Annual Surf City Surf Dog Competition took place this weekend in Huntington Beach, California.  

Surfer Dog Tillman rides a wave in the Large division during the 6th Annual Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach, California on September 28, 2014.

A Surfer Dog rides a wave in the small dog division during the 6th Annual Surf Dog competition at Huntington Beach, California on September 28, 2014.  

A dog runs down the beach to compete in the 6th Annual Surf City surf dog contest in Huntington Beach, California ...more( +32 photos)

Wright blows surfing world title race open

Tyler Wright has blown the women's surfing world title race wide open with victory in France, ensuring an all-Australian three-way battle for the championship.

Five-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore and Sally Fitzgibbons had been locked in what looked to be a two-horse world title race, but their failure to advance past the quarter-finals at the Roxy Pro France in Hossegor opened the door for Wright.

The 20-year-old surged into contention with a crushing victory on Sunday, which lifted her to second on the rankings behind Fitzgibbon and dropped Gilmore to third with just two events remaining.

"I feel like I've been surfing well all year but have had some tough luck in my heats," Wright said.

"That said, I've managed to fly a little bit under the radar and keep myself in the race.

"It's so tight up there at the top of the ratings so it should be a great finish to the year."

The battle will now go down to the wire, with the world champion not to be determined until the finale in Hawaii in November, which follows next month's event in Portugal.

Fitzgibbon, who along with Wright is ...more

Filmmakers take on waves, and the scourge of hipster-ism

 

Can a hipster be cured?

Andrew Gesler of Ocean City and Margate’s Alex DePhillipo have weighed in on the question with a new film, which premiered this summer, and the prognosis isn’t good.

It’s called “Death 2 Hipsters,” and it’s a surf movie comedy.

Being cool, and the attended marketing of whatever coolness is, seems to be taking over surfing, said Gesler in a recent interview. Major fashion companies are reaching into surf culture.

The folks who put together the local surf movie “Dark Fall” wanted to try something new, a surf satire.

“The main part is Andrew turning into a hipster,” said DePhillipo in a phone interview from Florida, where the two were filming this week.  “It’s sort of treated like a disease, like drugs or alcohol. He needs to find his way back into surfing.”

The trailer and more details are at death2hipsters.com, along with a suggestion that anyone who may be offended stop wearing their sister’s pants and mixing techno music.

“From the creators of ‘Dark Fall,’ and films you’ve ...more

Quarterfinalists decided on Day 2 of Siargao Int'l Surfing Cup

 

SIARGAO ISLAND, Philippines (UPDATED) – Quarterfinalists were decided after Rounds 2 and 3 were completed in pulsing 3- to 4-foot Cloud 9 at the Siargao International Surfing Cup in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, on Saturday, September 27.

The expected increase in swell provided the international contestants with plenty of opportunities to pull into the world-renowned Cloud 9 barrels, as well as boosting airs and smashing big turns, with the Siargao crew clearly showing their local advantage in the face of the international contestants.

Out of the 8 quarterfinalists, 6 are ...more

Small Surf, Big Scores Open 20th Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup

 

The 20th Annual Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, an ASP 1-Star QS event that’s also sanctioned by the ASC, wrapped up Round 1 in building two-to-three foot surf with both tubes and turn sections on offer. After waiting two and half days for swell, competition commenced and the competitors turned it on in the fight for an all-important Round 2 berth.

Carlito Nogalo (PHL), winner of the Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup in 2012 started this year’s event with a bang, netting both a 7.50 and an 8.00 for a series of carves and barrel rides to ...more

Auckland Surf Champs 2014

 

Maori Bay Board Riders Club (MBBR) will be hosting the 2014 Auckland Surf Champs on Saturday the 18th of October 2014. Entries close Thursday 16th October at 5pm. Auckland Champs are always a fun event so if you wanna get involved then get your entries through ASAP as entries are limited ...more

My Ocean Guardian Journey 2013 Contest Winners

 

The results for our first annual My Ocean Guardian Journey Contest are in! The judging panel, comprised of the Bodhi Surf Advisory Board, had a tough time picking the winners as submissions were all fantastic. We at Bodhi Surf School want to thank everyone who participated — this was our first year holding this contest and we were stoked to hear about what you guys are both doing and planning. We are proud to be a part of such an innovative, environmentally aware, and responsible network of individuals, and we hope that you keep up the good work in 2014! Below you can read about these six Ocean Guardians and  ...more

Drone Surfing in New England

The Six-Week Surf (and SUP) Training Plan

 

Whether you're big wave surfing in Hawaii or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on Lake Tahoe, you're going to need great balance, core stability, upper body strength (for paddling out), power (for pop-ups), and endurance to look and feel like a pro on your board.

"As much fun as surfing is ...more

Hang loose at these top surf breaks in Costa Rica

 

Costa Rica has two distinct coasts — Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea — offering one great surf break after another. Surfers will find they have a lot of travel options, including bare-bone surfing cabanas or five-star luxury resorts. There's also a variety of vibes to complete a primo surf vacation. Some surfers will thrive in the surf-town party atmosphere of Jaco, while others will prefer to bliss out in the relative seclusion of Matapalo. If they plan to scour the whole country for the perfect break, they may want to leave their board at home and take advantage of the surf rental shops at the major beaches. Beginners will find plenty with easygoing waves and surf schools ready to teach the basics. Water temperature also plays friendly, with an average of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The Pacific side has the most consistent waves, although the Caribbean — when it's rolling — has the biggest waves that attract the most advanced surfers.

10BEST: Beaches of Costa Rica
COSTA RICA: Five best eco-destinations

There are more than 1,000 surf breaks in Costa Rica. Below are descriptions of 10 of them, designated for beginner, intermediate or advanced surfers.

Salsa Brava

Big-wave surfers come to this Puerto Viejo spot, where the country's largest waves swell and burst upon the shore. Formed by an offshore coral reef, the waves are often compared to the monster ones seen in Hawaii. They mostly break ...more

Yew.tv Surf Film Festival

 

Surf Films, iconic venues, cheap Jägermeister, tonnes of give-aways and the presence of two surf legends will no doubt trigger a small army of patrons screaming “YEW!”.

With indigenous surf creative Otis Carey & legendary bodyboarder Ben Player on the judging panel, we should see some interesting clips make it to the events, which kick off all around Australia and New Zealand in the first week of November. Submissions are open for another 8 weeks & surf filmmakers can expect huge rewards for their films; Such as an internship (with TV show The Crew), paid work, cash, international reach and much more. Give back to the ...more

She and the Sea

 

Those of you who visited us last season met our lovely 

surf coach and resident artist/long boarder, Kara Sparkman. 

This fall, Kara’s passion for art and surfing are coming together in a 

beautiful and inspiring endeavor, She and the Sea, that explores the 

surf life and culture of the Pacific Northwest. 

If you spent any time talking with Kara about She and the Sea, 

you already know how passionate she is about this project. 

As she and her team road trip along the coast from Oregon to Vancouver,

 they will be capturing and sharing the unique stories of the people (and especially women) who surf the cold and rugged waters of this area.

One of her first stops was in Washington, where Kara put her coaching skills to 

great use at a surf camp for kids from the Makah Reservation in Neah Bay. 

Watching Kara work with the kids here at Peaks n’ Swells, we have seen her genuine joy in helping kids catch their first wave, and we’ve seen her ...more

A drone called FRED could become valuable rescue tool for surf life savers

 

Volunteer surf lifesaver Daniel Smith’s innovative Higher School Certificate major project has the potential to make Hunter beaches safer.
The Merewether High year 12 student has been patrolling the region’s beaches for three years,  which gave him ample inspiration earlier this year for his Design and Technology major work.

 

‘‘There are many situations where quick response time is invaluable,’’ the 17-year-old said.

‘‘I wanted to build a system that would innovate the way surf lifesavers carry out rescues, to make them faster, easier and safer for both patients and rescuers.’’

Daniel’s First Response Emergency Drop or FRED is an unmanned aerial system comprising a hexacopter with a high-definition camera and the ability to drop a water-activated inflation device to a  person in the ocean.

He said surf lifesavers on land could launch FRED and use a remote control to direct it to a person in the water, with the aid of a video feed transmitted from the camera to a screen on land.

‘‘It’s of great advantage if it’s really ...more

John Severson’s Surf

 

Surf culture’s eighty-year-old founding father John Severson is still making waves. As a young painter, Severson captured the spirit of surf with pieces that range from the thrillingly vivid to the profoundly serene. While stationed in Oahu with the US Army, he started to explore film with cult movies Surf Safari and Surf Fever, and the success of these subsidized the launch of Surfer magazine, first published in 1959. It soon became the sport’s bible by pioneering a new visual language as a celebration of counter-cultural expression and individualism. John Severson’s Surf is a new book published by Maui gallerist Puka Puka, collecting paintings, prints and archival images that span six decades. Below, the octogenarian talks to Timothée Verrecchia about the everlasting inspiration of surf culture.

In the decades since you launched Surfer, the media landscape has radically changed. How do you feel about digital?
John Severson: I like it. the immediacy of the delivery, the ...more

Special olympics athletes from around Florida compete in surfing competition

 

COCOA BEACH, Fla. -- The Special Olympics Florida and Ron Jon Surf Shop surfing program has continued to grow across the state and this year nearly 150 athletes participated in the Statewide Surfing Competition held September 12-13 in Cocoa Beach, according to Ron Jon Surf Shop Spokesperson Ryan Julison.

Julison says the surfing program includes surfing instruction and education for the Special Olympics athletes who range in age from teens to mid-thirties.  Leading up to the statewide competition, the athletes participated in a series of weekly lessons to help them hone their skills and build on their experiences.  

The program also includes safety orientation, one-on-one interaction between the Special Olympics athletes and the experienced team of surfing professionals and some relaxation and fun on the beach.

Special Olympics Florida and Ron Jon Surf Shop launched the ...more

SURFING MAKING WAVES IN THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT

 

Dear Friends,

We are excited to share with you below an article that appeared yesterday in the influential online media outlet – Around The Rings – specializing in Olympic news.

The headline “Olympic Program Within Reach for Surfing” is exciting in itself and reflects the new and growing momentum we have gathered following Fernando’s amazing international outreach in the Olympic world.  In fact, this story comes off the heals of Fernando’s recent trip to Nanjing, China for the Youth Olympic Games where he was able to meet with top Olympic leaders and continue to press our case.

Given the online nature of this article and the ...more

Dear Friends,
We are excited to share with you below an article that appeared yesterday in the influential online media outlet – Around The Rings – specializing in Olympic news.
The headline “Olympic Program Within Reach for Surfing” is exciting in itself and reflects the new and growing momentum we have gathered following Fernando’s amazing international outreach in the Olympic world.  In fact, this story comes off the heals of Fernando’s recent trip to Nanjing, China for the Youth Olympic Games where he was able to meet with top Olympic leaders and continue to press our case.
Given the online nature of this article and the
- See more at: http://www.isasurf.org/surfing-making-waves-olympic-movement/#sthash.Hgt5Vq26.dpuf

La Jolla's WindanSea Surf Club wins championship at Malibu Surfing Association Classic Invitational

 

La Jolla's WindanSea Surf Club (WSC) earned the overall championship at the 2014 Malibu Surfing Association Classic Invitational and four members of the WindanSea Surf Club also achieved first place in their divisions.

With many calling it the best contest conditions at Malibu in 25 years, the Malibu Surfing Association (MSA) Classic Invitational Sept. 5-7, 2014 went off in consistent, shoulder-to-overhead surf under sunny skies, a superb field of competitors, and smiles all around. Members of WSC took first place in four of 13 individual divisions and WSC also won the prestigious club-overall championship crown. The win was WSC’s second this season and the second time in three years it has won the MSA event, held at First Point, Surfrider Beach in Malibu, Calif.

The Hawai’i Longboard Association finished second and took two individual titles including the ...more

Local Pro Kurt Rist Reveals Best Surf Breaks in the Hamptons

 

Since catching his first wave at age 7, professional surfer Kurt Rist has been hooked. The 28-year-old Southampton native has slowly raised the stakes over the years, from spending his pre-teen years compulsively surfing Flying Point Beach to chasing big waves in Hawaii, and most recently, Ireland.

While destinations like Puerto Rico or Tahiti may be more common, Rist followed friend and fellow co-worker Dylan Stott to the Emerald Isle in October 2010 after seeing pictures of the huge waves on the northwest coast.

Rist admits the conditions were harsh, with a great deal of rain, wind and darkness. But the waves made up for it.

“[This past winter] we were surfing 20-to-30 foot waves every two weeks,” says Rist. “The next piece of land in the way of those huge storms [that were hitting the Northeast] is Ireland. All those snowstorms equaled huge waves in Ireland.

“It is the most big-wave time I have ever spent,” Rist adds.

Admitting that he broke a few boards in the big ...more

Taking their first international surf trip

 

1966 saw the Swami’s Surfing Association set out on its first international surf trip and what was probably the first organized surfing surfari into Mexico.

The destination was San Blas in the state of Nayarit and the long lined up waves of Matanchen Bay.

Club administrator Shirley Bernard pulled off the impossible, not only securing a first class train car for the initial leg of the journey but also by filling up the required quota of seats by adding three members of the Windansea surf club along with a couple of co-eds from one of the local colleges.

With the required headcount assembled, boards were loaded onto a trailer and the crew was off to Mexicali where they boarded the train.

This step was not without incident however as two train cars had to be de-coupled in order to get the boards loaded, as they were too long to maneuver up the companionways.  Once onboard a treat that didn’t escape the 17 to 20 year olds was the presence of young kids strolling the passages carrying baskets of glistening Corona beer for 25c a bottle.

It’s safe to assume that after the expedition was over this minor detail was never divulged to inquisitive parents.

It was 36 hours to the plateau town of Topek from which a ...more

Skimboarders at the Wedge Newport Beach

Fitzgibbons grabs world No.1 surf ranking

 

Australian surfer Sally Fitzgibbons has snatched the women's world No.1 ranking from Carissa Moore on a day of upsets at Trestles in California.  

Australia's Sally Fitzgibbons has moved into top spot on the women's surfing world tour rankings after reigning world champion Carissa Moore bowed out early in California.

Fitzgibbons was only 200 points shy of Moore heading into the Swatch Women's Pro at Trestles, the seventh of 10 stops on the tour.

But Hawaii's Moore was beaten in the fourth round by American Lakey Peterson, assuring the Australian of the No.1 standing.

"Carissa Moore is Carissa Moore," Peterson said of defeating the two-time world champion.

"You have to surf the best you can to beat her."

Fitzgibbons will next face Bianca Buitendag in the quarter-finals after the South African disposed of Australian rookie Dimity Stoyle.

Five-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore, Laura Enever and Tyler Wright also enjoyed wins to progress to the last eight.

The men's competition wasn't without its own shock losses, with world No.1 Gabriel Medina and veteran Kelly Slater both going down in their opening round heats of the Hurley Pro.

Carlos Munoz, the first Costa Rican to compete in ...more

Wrightsville named one of top 20 surf towns in world

Wrightsville Beach was named as one of National Geographic's 20 best surf towns.

"The whole family can enjoy Wrightsville's trademark mix of sleepy southern beach town and growing metropolis," reads the feature on National Geographic's website. "Think catfish with caviar or barbecue with Beaujolais."

The magazine says surfing is best in Wrightsville from August to October, during the peak of hurricane season.

"The best swells, nor'easters, often come with strong winds and currents. Wait for them to pass then ...more

Byron Bay Surf Festival – 6 Weeks To Go!

 

Spring has arrived and the Byron Bay Surf Festival, beginning October 24th, is budding with exciting new announcements.

With a traditional opening ceremony by the Arakwal Bundjalung people followed by a free outdoor screening/Australian premiere of the Beyond the Surface film and raging launch party by NZ blues rock band Bonjah at the Beach Hotel, the festival kicks off with a BANG.

Saturday 25th absorbs the seaside with a beautiful, rambling market hub bursting with surf-inspired creative initiatives, ideas, arts, music, workshops, demos and delicious edibles. Some of the highlights include health and wellbeing seminars such as that of raw chef/nutritionist Samantha Gowing, surf injury expert/physiotherapist Ryan Huxley and Yoga sage Geoff Brooks. Selected stalls will showcase some of the best and most innovative brands in surfing such as the newly launched Banks brand, international labels like Sanuk, Moonjelly and Free People. Additionally, there will be an entire arena on the northern end of the festival site dedicated to charities, sustainability and gift clothing initiatives such as Smile, Hippy Tree, Kiss Max and Toms. Down the way will be many small local and international artisan and ...more

Cooney Surf Contest slated

 

PAIA - The tenth annual Cooney Surf Contest will be held at Hookipa Beach Park on Saturday, Oct. 11, starting at 7 a.m.

Divisions include Super Mini Groms (6 and under), Mini Grom (7-8), Menehune (9-11), Boys (12-14), Junior Men (15-17), Open Men (Pro-Am), Teeny Wahine (13 and under) and Open Women, along with a specialty event, the Invitational Air Show.

Entry is $25 for regular divisions and ...more

Dawn to Dusk: Surfing Rockaway Beach

 

Daylight: Rockaway from Fathom WayToGo on Vimeo. 

By Rob Corso for Fathom | There's a well-worn adage about surfing: You can't buy happiness, but you can buy a surfboard, and that's pretty close. Filmmakers and surf enthusiasts Rob Corso and E.J. McLeavey-Fisher head to the Rockaways, a popular NYC beach community, to ride out the last break of summer. And capture it on film for us. This is one you should watch in full screen mode.
NEW YORK CITY - It always surprises me how many people don't know that you can surf in New York City. When Mother Nature gives a swell to the Rockaways, you can be sure to find an ocean full of city surfers.
The surf culture is strong in the Rockaways. It has what most beach enclaves have: a small town feel, local entrepreneurs, an eclectic cast of beach bums, old salts, and town celebrities. Lately, a little of that New Brooklyn sensibility has spilled into this Queens beach town.
You may not find another beach like this in the world accessible by a metropolitan subway system. And with a handful of surf schools ready to ...more

Vintage Surfboard Swap Meet at Dive n’ Surf

 

On Saturday, September 13th from 7am-2pm as a part of Dive N’ Surf’s Surf/SUP Demo Days, the Longboard Collector’s Club will host a Vintage Surfboard Swap Meet.

“It’s an opportunity to browse, sell, or swap classic surfboards,” Saul Zaragoza of Dive n’ Surf said. “With Dive N’s Surf on 504 North Broadway being the world’s oldest and continually ran Surf/Dive shop in the world and Body Glove inventing the wetsuit, our location is ideal .”

The event will also celebrate the legendary Hap Jacobs as he will be making an appearance. Last Thursday Jacob’s former team riders honored him at a dinner at Captain Kidd’s. Attendees included legendary ‘60s era surfers Lance Carson, Rick Irons, Mike Purpus and Paul Strauch

“Jacobs Surfboards and old his shop on 422 PCH is a part of ...more

Surfin' USA: Dogs take to the water in barking mad Surf-A-Thon competition

 

Despite the threat of serious hurricane warnings, the canine competitors took to the waves to ruff it out to discover who was to be named top dog.
The ninth annual contest – in aid of the Helen Woodward Animal Center – is the largest of its kind and even features four different weight classes to sort the pro-pooches.
Spawning hilarious photos of dogs on surfboards the competition takes place on the well-named Dog Beach, in Del Mar, on the southern California coast.
The daring dogs – many of whom are from rescue centres – are judged on their ability to keep their soaking paws planted on the surfboard, ride the waves and have fun.
Dover, an eight-year-old ...more

Trestles heat draw and wildcard spots

 

The Hurley Pro and Swatch Women’s Pro at Trestles are all set to play host to the world’s best from tomorrow. In the hope of scoring better waves this year, the latest news is that the waiting period has been extended, running to September 20th.
“Trestles is a very consistent wave, and for high-performance surfing there’s no better wave in the world, especially when conditions are good, so it’s great to have a longer waiting period this year so we can take advantage of the best waves,” commented ASP Commissioner Kieren Perrow before going on to highlights what the judging panel will be watching out for.
“In order to do well at Lower Trestles surfers will need to show a variety of manoeuvres and really push the boundaries and I can’t wait to see what the ASP Top 34 and Top 17 have in store. On the men’s side Gabriel Medina will be one to watch but, when the waves are big enough, Jordy Smith can be devastating. I’m really looking forward to having the women at the competition this year and I’m excited to watch Carissa Moore and Tyler Wright compete because of their power turns.”
The forecast is apparently looking great, with ...more

Catching waves in Margate during 14th Annual Surf for a Cause

 

On a blistering hot day that felt more like Mid-August than September, hundreds of surfers took to the Decatur Avenue Beach in Margate City, New Jersey, Saturday for the 14th Annual Surf for a Cause.

The event, put on by the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation, aimed to raise money for individuals and organizations battling cancer.

Dean Randazzo, a professional surfer and Atlantic City native, started the foundation after battling Lymphoma four times throughout his career.

According to Shaun Smith of the Dean Randazzo Foundation, an estimated 180 surfers took part in the competitions. There were 11 divisions ranging from “Groms,” age 11 and under, to ...more

Jesse Mendes wins Azores Pro

 

Defeating Joan Duru in a hard-fought final, it was Brazil’s Jesse Mendes who ended up taking out the ASP Prime in the Azores over the weekend, claiming the first event of this year’s Portuguese Waves Series which again carries a bonus $50,000 this year for the overall winner.
Despite yet more challenging surf conditions, finalists treated crowds with an opening exchange right on the buzzer. Duru first, closely followed by Mendes on two righthanders, the advantage going to Mendes with a 7.50 against Duru’s 6.17. The talented Brazilian carrying momentum from his semifinal performance, quickly backed it up with a 6.17 as well, to take command of the final.
The two hungry QS campaigners even took the battle to the next level, sharing a peak, Duru on the right, Mendes on the ...more

Surf's up for free surfer at South Coast's Bawley Point

 

No place for the faint-hearted, huge swells on the South Coast cleared beaches of hardy surfers - except one.

Scott Dennis was given a tow-in by his mate Tim Taplin on a jet ski while another mate and freelance photographer, Simon Punch, jumped into the water to capture the action.

A south-westerly gale whipped up sand and stung faces on the beaches, while waves lifted and crashed with an intimidating roar, testing Taplin's skills in timing his run on the ski.

"It's a bit chancy, you want one that will break, a round, barrelling one, but if they clamp they will trap you inside," Taplin said.

Dennis, a carpenter who previously competed in pro-junior events, has for the past five years enjoyed a sportswear company's sponsorship, which enables the 29-year-old to travel broadly in search of great surf.

Lately he has been surfing at ...more

Surfing Cape Town

 

Provided you have a warm wetsuit, a full tank of petrol and some time on your side, you will always find surf down here. The option of two oceans, seasonal changes and varying wind direction create a constant desire to chase that perfect wave.

So, whether you are planning a learn-to-surf holiday or to tick off the spots featured in surf magazines and surf movies, Cape Town is well worth a visit. Not only will you be mesmerised by the spectacular scenery and refreshing water temperatures, you will be amazed by the variety of breaks Cape Town has to offer surfers.

From the world-renowned, big-wave spot of Dungeons in Hout Bay to the user-friendly and ever-popular Muizenberg, Cape Town appeals to all levels of surfers.

The key to understanding where the best surf is on any given day is to ask a local surfer, or you can pop into the local ...more

Skimboarding

Skimboarding (or skimming) is a boardsport in which a skimboard (a smaller counterpart to a surfboard without fins) is used to glide across the water's surface to meet an incoming, breaking wave, and ride it back to shore. Wave riding skimboarders perform a variety of surface and air maneuvers, at various stages of their ride, out to, and back with, the wave. Some of these are known as "wraps," "frontsides," "backsides," "big spins," "bigger spins," "360 Shuvs," etc. Unlike surfing, skimboarding begins on the beach by dropping the board onto the thin wash of previous waves. Skimboarders use their momentum to skim out to breaking waves, which they then catch back into shore in a manner similar to surfing. Another aspect of skimboarding is 'flatland', which involves performing tricks derived from skateboarding such as ollies and shove-its on the wash of waves without catching shore breaks. Skimboarding originated in Southern California when lifeguards wanted an easy way to get across the beaches of Laguna. Skimboarding has developed since then to extreme riding into big shorebreak ...more from wikipedia

Basic Skimboarding Tricks

 

Victoria World Championship of Skimboarding 2013

Perfect surf at the Azores Pro 2014

 

The world's best surfers have kicked off the SATA Airlines Azores Pro 2014, at Praia de Santa Barbara, on Sao Miguel Island, Azores.

The decisive Prime event opened with excellent four-to-six foot hollow waves, offering deep barrels and perfect wave faces for high-performance maneuvers. Caio Ibelli impressed with the highest heat score of the day.

"I've been here five days already, and yesterday the waves got big and I broke all my board. I was kind of bummed, but I went out there and looked for the barrels cause I don't feel comfortable doing turns on this board. There's nothing better to get barreled like that early in the morning, I'm stoked to be here in the Azores," says Ibelli.

Vasco Ribeiro, the event wildcard, lacks experience in Azores, but he clearly dominated his heat against current QS leader Matt Banting.

I'm really happy, I think I got a little bit too excited with the waves, so I'm stoked that I got a couple. I've been watching the previous heats closely, and I knew I could get the scores with turns, but yes when the occasional barrel came across I went for it," underlines Ribeiro.

Hiroto Ohhara, from Japan, turned the heat in the last minutes with a fast right-hander, as he came flying out of the barrel to collect an 8.67. Seconds later, he backed it up with several carving maneuvers to turn the lead and advance in first.

"I almost fell in the barrel but thankfully my board ...more

Surf contest to take place in October

Guahan Napu Inc. announced yesterday the Monster Energy Drink Surf the Basin VI competition will be held Oct. 1 at Hagåtña boat basin.

The competition will include four gender-neutral categories: Open Short Board Surfing, Open Long Board Surfing, Open Body-Boarding and Junior Short Board Surfing for those between the ages of 13 and 17.

Contingent dates for Surf the Basin VI are Oct. 25, Nov. 8, Nov. 22 or Dec. 6, if the wave conditions are not ...more

Kure Beach man sets world record for longest surf

 

 Ben Shaw started riding waves on Saturday morning at 6:34. He kept riding throughout the night, until shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday. In total, the Kure Beach native spent more than 29 consecutive hours on his board in the water.

The ride will officially be approved by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest consecutive surfing session in history!

Large crowds came out to J Avenue this afternoon to cheer on the local celebrity, but none were more proud than ...more on wect.com

Surfers race to catch massive waves across Southland

 

Mike Lucas charged into the surf at Newport Beach's legendary Wedge, 

paddling out to brave waves so big they seemed to fill the sky.

"You quickly realize you could be dead in a second if you don't know what you're doing," 

said Lucas, 26, of Huntington Beach.

From Santa Barbara to San Diego, the pounding surf

 — unleashed by Hurricane Marie circulating off the Baja coast — 

whipped up a quintessential Southern 

California scene: surfers and body-boarders scrambling to the beach 

to ride the monster waves while thousands of spectators arrived

 — where a rock jetty thrust into the ocean amplifies waves' height and force —

 lifeguards and surfers estimated the waves were reaching heights of 25 feet. 

Lucas said he hadn't seen breakers so large in years, 

and it filled him with nervous excitement.

 to bear witness, clogging the roadways and lining the seashore.

At the Wedge 

— where a rock jetty thrust into the ocean amplifies waves' height and force — 

lifeguards and surfers estimated the waves were reaching heights of 25 feet. 

Lucas said he hadn't seen breakers so large in years, 

and it filled him with nervous excitement.

But "once you get out there, you get in ...more

2014 Acer British Interclub Surfing Championships

 

The long wait is over. The Acer Interclubs is around the corner and will be bigger and better than ever!

 For those unfamiliar with this unique event, Surf clubs from throughout the UK 

put forward teams to represent their home breaks in Open, Women & Junior divisions. 

The teams often vary in skill level and seem to be made up 

of the more social specimen of humans. 

This family friendly, weekend of joy and surfing

 focuses around a celebration of the 

UK’s thriving surf club scene with a joust of ...more

WSIA Surf Expo 2014 Auction

Posted on unleashedwakemag.com/

Jamaica: An unlikely surf destination

 

Jamaica is a country mostly known for its music, Rastafarian roots, and Usain Bolt,

 but did you know that there are incredible waves in Jamaica, as well? 

Dylan Graves just recently returned from a trip to Jamaica, where his crew 

consisted of surfers Dane and Tanner Gudauskas, Dylan’s brother, Josie Graves, 

and photographers and videographers from Surfer magazine. 

They all met up with the legendary Billy Mystic and his family for an epic surf trip. 

On this episode of Cote’s Cube, Chris Cote and ...more

Massive summer swells bring out surf legends, gawkers, destruction

 

 NEWPORT BEACH - Nature put on a surf display for the ages Wednesday, and much of Southern California detoured to enjoy the stoke.

It was the kind of day that prompted people to ditch work and school, or stop whatever they were doing, to line the beaches and piers, just to be a part of it. For years, people who care about surf will reminisce about the day … “Remember that hurricane swell in summer of 2014?”

At the same time, Orange County Fire Authority workers hustled to stop flooding and save homes in Seal Beach, where a high tide and rising swell late Tuesday put three feet of seawater on some ...more

Day three at the best surf contest ever run (the Billabong Pro, Tahiti)

  

Well, that was really something. Day three of competition at the Billabong Pro, Tahiti saw round two wrap up and steam into an amazing round three amongst a rapidly growing swell and near-perfect conditions. Highlights? Where to even begin! With seven gents finishing on 18 (and above) combined totals, plus Kelly Slater’s 19.44 total and John John Florence’s 19.93 totals… if you didn’t watch this live, then you really must go get lost in the Heats On Demand for a stretch.

“I just went for it out there today, I’m really stoked it picked up and I’m so happy to get some waves,” said John John after beating fellow Hawaiian Sea Bass with a painfully close to perfect total. “The last few heats I’ve had I haven’t really got too many waves. The ten-point wave I got was crazy, I just hoped for the best and it worked ...more

THE UNDERTOW SURF DOCUMENTARY SET TO ENTER GLOBAL FILM COMPETITION

 

A unique surfing documentary set in Newcastle, England is in the running to win a global documentary film competition run by Talenthouse, Prime & Fire - Factory Media, and the British Film Institute.

Written and Directed by the writer of the multi award-winning surf feature documentary Waveriders, Lauren Davies of North East UK-based film company, Lola Cove Films and Produced by co-founder, Gabe Davies, Veitch will tell the inspiring and ultimately tragic true story of an outsider from Newcastle who dived into the hostile waters of the North Sea in the 1980s and defied the odds to chase a distant dream of becoming a professional surfer.

An online vote will decide their fate, with the top ten finalists going before a panel of esteemed judges. Lauren and Gabe are hoping the surf community will get behind their project in order to help them realise their goal of bringing this incredible human story of passion and determination to the screen. The teaser also ...more

2014 Champions Trophy in review

 

For the photos visit xgames.espn.go.com

5 of surfing’s deadliest surf spots

 

Allow us to preface this article with this: Surfing is not a particularly dangerous sport. You’re much more likely to die on the freeway than while pursuing the passion of wave riding. That said, tragedy strikes the tight-knit surf community more often than we would like, and there are a handful of surf spots where dying is more likely than at others. Regardless, surfers flock to these deadly waves in droves. It’s the rush, the danger, and the sheer joy one gets from flying down the face of an incredibly large mountain of water that keep us coming back for more despite the ...more

Sub-Zero surfing: Chasing waves in the Arctic

 

Whiteout blizzards, icy water that rarely tops 40 degrees and numb fingers and toes aren’t exactly synonymous with surfing.

But for a growing niche of hardy wave-seekers, those daunting conditions are part of a less-traveled journey to surfing nirvana: scoring that perfect, never-surfed-before swell in a remote cold-water place like Norway, Iceland, British Columbia, Newfoundland, Alaska or Russia.

“As a culture, surfing has always been rooted in the idea of going further and deeper and getting farther away.”- Chris Burkard, surf photographer

“It’s so rare in this day and age that you’re able to ...more