Ron Jon Surfpark Promises Overhead Surf - In Orlando

Just spent some time poking around the Ron Jon Surfpark web site. Among other things, good old Ron and Jon are promising that they'll be able to bring overhead, saltwater surf to Orlando sometime fairly soon.

Details are pretty sketchy on exactly where the park is at in terms of construction, but if you've got $60 and are anywhere near Orlando at some point next year, you should be able to get access to 100-yard, peeling eight foot waves for a couple of hours.

Sound promising? No official opening date has yet been announced, but if you're interested in finding out more, visit RonJonSurfpark.com.

Joel Parkinson Wins the Quiksilver Pro France

For the second event in a row, the Foster's "oil cans" came out as the Aussies celebrated a WCT victory by one of their own.

This time it was Joel Parkinson, who took down Mick Fanning handily in an all-Australian final, after Fanning and Parko had beaten Kelly Slater and Andy Irons, respectively, in the semis.

It was Parkinson's first 'CT victory of the year, and he's now moved into fourth in the rankings as we now head for Mundaka, Spain.

The waiting period for the Billabong Pro Mundaka begins mid-week, so stay tuned for more WCT action.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

There was a time when Silver Strand beach in Oxnard, California was one of the most localized surf spots on the planet. Even though there were plenty of photos taken care, the spot was rarely mentioned by name in surf publications, and the locals liked it that way.

For the most part, those days are over. It's no secret that Timmy Curran and his brothers grew up right down the street from Silver Strand, and more images and video clips capture the spot these days when it's going off, including this one from Gary Wilcox at YouTube. George Harrison provides the soundtrack.

Round Three Completed at Quiksilver Pro France

Pretty long day today in Hossegor, France at the Quiksilver Pro France. Only one big upset as round three played out: Taj Burrow went down to Pedro Henrique of Brazil.

Round four will no doubt commence tomorrow morning, with Mick Fanning vs. Bruce Irons in the second heat. Get up early and watch the action live at ASPWorldTour.com.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

After the Quiksilver Pro France finishes up this weekend at Hossegor, the World Championship Tour moves to Mundaka, Spain. Mundaka had fallen off the surf world's radar for a time last year, and the scheduled WCT event there had to be cancelled due to degradation of the famous left.

But now it's 2006, and Mundaka has made a big-time comeback, as evidenced in today's video from YouTube.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

Smallish waves, bumpy conditions, cold water and surprisingly hot surfing accompany this morning's clip from Oregon.

Jack Johnson provides the soundtrack. Watch it now at YouTube.

Rookies Go Down at Quiksilver Pro France

Ah, the trials and tribulations of a rookie surfer on the World Championship Tour.

Just 10 days ago, Aussie Bede Durbidge shocked the surfing world by winning the Boost Mobile Pro at Lower Trestles. Today in France he shocked absolutely nobody by flaming out in the second round of the Quiksilver Pro at Hossegor.

Earlier this year, Santa Barbara homeboy Bobby Martinez looked like a shoo-in for WCT Rookie of the Year honors. Today he joined the ranks of second round losers for the second time in the past three events.

On the other end of the spectrum, you've really got to hand it to Mark Occhilupo. Occy's 40 years young now, and continues to take out younger competitors on a regular basis. The guy's ranked 15th in the world and with another heat win tomorrow, will move up further in the ratings.

Tune in on Thursday for all the action at ASPWorldTour.com.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

Sunny skies, clean conditions, overhead sets and warm(er) water - must mean a hurricane-spawned swell in Rhode Island, and this morning's clip captures it all.

Yes, "average Joe's" can and do post lots and lots of surf video at YouTube.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

Sunny skies, clean conditions, overhead sets and warm(er) water - must mean a hurricane-spawned swell in Rhode Island, and this morning's clip captures it all.

Yes, "average Joe's" can and do post lots and lots of surf video at YouTube.

Best Contest Waves Ever at Rip Curl Search Mexico

...and while we continue to wait for round two of the Quiksilver Pro France to begin, some brief commentary on the Rip Curl Search event in Mexico earlier this summer.

I mean, here we are in 2006 and the WCT "Dream Tour" has been playing out for the past several years. So to hear many, many top pros and industry observers call the Rip Curl Search at "La Jolla" the best waves ever for a professional surf contest, it's worth some consideration.

So start your thinking on this topic by taking a look at the video clip from the Rip Curl Search Mexico at SurferMag.com.

Multiple 'Lay' Days Make for Boredom in France

The multiple postponements of the second round of the Quiksilver Pro France at Hossegor have made for some fairly boring days as we wait for the swell (and conditions) to turn on again.

The latest word is that tomorrow is setting up nicely, and things should get going early on Wednesday morning, French time.

Tune in and catch the action live at ASPWorldTour.com.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

This morning we've found some action from the first Brazilian Tow-In Championship at Jaguaruna reef.

I wonder if it actually gets bigger down in Brazil than what's captured in the footage? Looks like the contest was run in conditions that could be compared to a small day at Todos Santos off Northern Baja.

Check out the clip now at YouTube.

At Season's End, Kevin Correia Gets Back in the Water

The San Francisco Giants' season will end this coming weekend without a trip to the playoffs (again), which means Giants relief pitcher Kevin Correia will be free to pursue his other passion: riding waves.

So here's the question for anyone how knows something about San Diego native Correia: is Kevin a baseball player who really enjoys surfing, or just a surfer who makes a living as a pitcher six months a year?

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

Jamie Ballanger is one of Hawaii's top photographers/videographers, and in today's featured video clip, Ballanger captures top pros doing battle at Pipeline (during the Pipeline Masters), Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach.

Watch carefully and you can get a feel for a "behind the boil" takeoff at Waimea and the shiftiness of the inside bowl at Sunset. The music rocks too. Check out the clip now at YouTube.

'Ultimate Sessions' DVD a Must-Have for Those Who Appreciate Surf Movie History

This morning we screened OP's new Ultimate Sessions DVD, a compilation of ground-breaking footage from many of the best surf movies ever made, including Cosmic Children, Morning of the Earth, Free Ride and Jack Johnson's September Sessions.

A pair of sequences really stand out in Ultimate Sessions, the first involving Hawaiian Dane Kealoha at Supertubes in 1986, from Scott Dittrich's Amazing Surf Stories. Supertubes is a semi-secret spot with a location that's generally referred to as "somewhere in north Los Angeles County." Here's the truth: it's not in L.A. County, but rather in southern Ventura County. That's as much as needs to be given away; if you go looking for this spot and don't know when to look for it, chances are you'll never see it break.

The other session of particular interest involves Tom Curren and his first visit to Jeffrey's Bay in South Africa in 1992, from Sonny Miller's Searching for Curren. It's been widely reported that Curren's first waves at J-Bay were among the best ever ridden at the spot to that point in time, but I'm here to tell you that Shaun Tomson flat-out surfed the place better than Curren did around the same time, as documented by Bruce Brown in Endless Summer II.

For anyone who really appreciates great surf films, Ultimate Sessions is a must-have. Buy it now at SurfVideo.com.

Dustin Cuizon a WQS 'Bubble Boy'

As the year-long World Qualifying Series begins to wind down, Hawaii's Dustin Cuizon finds himself near the "bubble," where he could gain entry into the WCT's big show next year, or fall just short and face another year of slogging it out on the WQS.

Since breaking through this past spring with a win at the Body Glove Surfbout at Lower Trestles, Cuizon has had a solid year and made another final this afternoon at the Newport Beach Pro.

Cuizon currently sits 19th in the WQS (the highest rated 'QS surfer from Hawaii), with a four-star and two six-star qualifiers on tap to end the season in his home waters on the North Shore.

My bet? Dustin Cuizon will be the next young Hawaiian surfer to join the WCT in 2007.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

Have you ever noticed that when Swami's in North San Diego County gets really, really big, it looks a lot like Bells Beach in Australia?

Here's proof positive in today's short video clip from YouTube.

Pipeline: Not Just Another Surf Spot

A few years back while in the midst of a heated race for the world title, Australian Mick Campbell was quoted as saying something about Pipeline along the lines of the spot being "just another left."

Not surprisingly, Campbell lost the world title that year at Pipeline to Kelly Slater, who knew from many years of experience that Pipeline is indeed not "just another left."

Mick Campbell will rejoin the WCT in 2007 and will have another shot at the Pipeline Masters, nearly always the most dramatic professional contest of the year and the subject of the new documentary film Pipeline Masters, by acclaimed filmmaker Stacy Peralta.

Peralta's two previous films, Dogtown and Z-Boys and Riding Giants, have been well-received in the mainstream film world...in fact Riding Giants was selected to open the Sundance Film Festival a couple of years back.

So if Pipeline Masters is anywhere near as good as Peralta's previous efforts, it's definitely going to be worth seeing. Watch the trailer now on the home page of SurfingTheMag.com.

Fred Patacchia - Lofty Expectations Fulfilled

Hawaiian homeboy Fred Patacchia is one of the many surfers in the past decade who turned pro early after a stellar amateur career, only to struggle with high expectations.

Largely invisible for some years, a lot of industry types were just about to give up on Patacchia when he finally broke through the WQS to earn WCT rookie of the year honors last year.

Freddy surfed well in the first round of the Quiksilver Pro France at Hossegor, and is increasingly comfortable with his hard-earned position in pro surfing's major leagues.

For some interesting reading on the life and times of Fred Patacchia, here's a link to an interview done by Chris Mauro at SurferMag.com.

Quiksilver Pro France Round One Now Completed

Round one is now in the books at the Quiksilver Pro France at Hossegor. Hawaiian Bruce Irons dominated in the pumping conditions, and both Kelly Slater and Andy Irons took care of business, advancing straight to round three.

Among the disappointments: Pancho Sullivan and Bobby Martinez, both of whom were trounced and are headed for the "losers" round.

Round two may take place on Sunday. Check out the Quiksilver Pro France contest web site for the latest details and live event coverage.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

This morning's video clip features some heavy beachbreak barrels from Hossegor, France, site of the Quiksilver Pro France this week.

Packed with action from what the director calls the best day of the 2005 summer season, watch the clip now at YouTube.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

Yeah, even "Average Joe's" can find some fun ones in the warm, winter waters of Puerto Rico. Proof positive is available in today's featured video from YouTube.

A tip to would-be video directors: don't let pesky palm trees ruin your shots!!!

Greg Long at Dungeons: One of the Biggest Waves Ever?

There's quite a bit of talk right now about Greg Long catching a big, big bomb recently at Dungeons in South Africa. This was around the time of the Red Bull big wave event, although Long's wave wasn't actually during the contest.

At the time the wave was ridden, observers said that Long's wave is a shoo-in to win the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Award when it's presented next spring.

But I'm not so sure. Winter is yet to begin in the northern hemisphere and a lot of folks are saying that El Nino (that little bastard) will have a hand once again in this winter's weather. How big a hand remains to be seen, but suffice it to say that there's a lot of big wave surfing still to be done before anyone will decide on who's ridden the biggest wave of the year.

There are three good still images of Greg Long's South African monster, which looks like it jacked a lot when he finished the drop. Here's a link to the sequence.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

Does the surf ever get good in South Carolina?

Yes.

Can you get tubed in South Carolina beachbreak?

You bet.

How do I know this?

I just watched this video from Folly Beach, South Carolina on YouTube.

Dane Reynolds to Pursue WQS in 2007

You heard it hear first: Ventura, California native and Quiksilver team rider Dane Reynolds will launch his pursuit of qualifying for the WCT in 2007 by surfing a full schedule of WQS events.

Along with Jamie O'Brien and Bruce Irons, Dane is one of the most creative, progressive surfers on the planet. Time will tell if Reynolds has the stuff to compete in the WCT's major league, as Irons has been less-than-spectacular with his WCT results during the past couple of years.

For more on Dane Reynolds, here are links to a couple of features at SurferMag.com and SurfingTheMag.com.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

Sunny skies, full wetties and clean-up sets characterize El Porto in the wintertime.

This morning's clip features some good footage of the urban break, where L.A. surfers gather when the west and northwest swells start pumping.

Check it out now on YouTube.

Rusty 'Skunkworks' Promises Board-Building Progress

Perhaps never in the history of surfing are we in as dynamic an environment as we currently are when it comes to shaping and manufacturing surfboards.

Since the abrupt closure of Clark Foam 10 months ago, more ideas have been tossed about than during any period in the past 50 years.

Now, there's word out of San Diego County that Rusty Preisendorfer and his team are working on some super-secret, "sandwich" composite boards that may be available for custom orders by this winter.

Interested in learning more? Visit RustySurfboards.com, poke around a bit and see if you can find out more details.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

This morning Geoff Brack and his crew of "nortes" experience the sights, sounds and killer lefthanders of Nicaragua.

Watch the clip now at YouTube.

Carissa Moore: Taking On - And Taking Out - The Boys

Hawaii's Michelle Wie (many, many missed cuts in men's golf tournaments) can't compete with the guys, but Hawaii's Carissa Moore sure can.

Moore took on - and took out - the boys last month at the Rip Curl GromSearch, blowing up in excellent conditions at Kewalo Basin on Oahu's South Shore.

So who's going to make more history in female vs. male sports competition: Wie or Moore? My money's on 13 year-old Carissa Moore. Care to place a bet?

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

Making the run to northern Baja is a rite of passage that every young surfer should have the chance to experience.

This morning's clip from Rock Box Films chronicles a cold morning session at Baja Malibu. The Beastie Boys provide the soundtrack. Watch it now at YouTube.

Business Trips Should Not (Always) Involve Surf Spots

This morning I'm on a flight to a place where the air is fresh and balmy, the water is warm and clear, and the forecast is for head-high waves this afternoon. I'll be staying just across the street from a good reef...and I will not be able to surf.

Business trips should not (always) involve surf spots!!!

Early Season Swell Greets the North Shore of Oahu

Oahu's North Shore re-awakened this past Friday after its annual summer slumber, and Hawaii Surf Session Report was there to capture the action at (among other spots) Gas Chambers and Leftovers.

The swell wasn't particularly big, but it was fairly clean and the boys were out in force to welcome the early-season action.

Watch Hawaii Surf Session Report #101 from the North Shore at Yahoo Podcasts.

Jesse Billauer: Life Does Indeed 'Roll On'

One of the most inspiring things I've seen recently was Jesse Billauer being towed into the Lower Trestles lineup on Saturday afternoon at the Boost Mobile Pro (Presented by Hurley). Jesse participated in the Expression Session just before the final.

Jesse's story is fairly well-known in the surf world today (17 years old, an aspiring pro, thrown head first into a sandbar and fracturing a vertebra in his neck while severing his spinal cord), but watching his pure enjoyment of riding waves as a quadriplegic never gets old.

For more on Jesse Billauer and his Life Rolls On foundation, visit LifeRollsOn.org or JesseBillauer.com.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

Where is the Shark Park? I don't know, and maybe only a handful of surfers on the planet do know the spot's location.

But the rest of us do know this: it's big, it's cold, it's thick and it's scary.

Want proof? Here's three minutes of video from YouTube.

Australian Rookie Bede Durbidge Wins Boost Mobile Pro at Lower Trestles

Could a WCT rookie who only made it to the big leagues when Luke Egan retired last year really take down Andy Irons (three world championships) and Kelly Slater (seven world championships and soon to be eight) in the same day?

The surprising answer is yes, as Aussie Bede Durbidge won the Boost Mobile Pro (Presented by Hurley) at Lower Trestles this afternoon.

Slater did extend his ratings lead over both Taj Burrow and Andy Irons with his appearance in the finals.

Next up: the Quiksilver Pro France, beginning in just six short days at Hossegor. Pray for French surf!!!

Andy Irons Goes Down in Defeat at Boost Mobile Pro

Andy Irons has been defeated by Aussie Bede Durbidge in round four of the Boost Mobile Pro (Presented by Hurley). In deteriorating conditions, Irons fell behind early and couldn't get the score he needed to overcome the upstart Australian.

Kelly Slater now has a golden opportunity to extend his WCT ratings lead. All Slater has to do now is keep winning.

Complete live coverage at BoostMobilePro.com.

Hurricane Lane to Skunk California - Again!

For the second time in two weeks, a hurricane of significant strength has moved its way up Mexico's Pacific Coast. Hurricane Lane has reached Category 3 strenth, but instead of following a north/northwest track, Lane will turn right toward the Mexico mainland and make landfall somewhere in the Mazatlan region.

So Cabo gets spared this time around, and SoCal surfers basically get skunked. In other words, no overhead hurricane swell for this year's "September Sessions."

Boost Mobile Pro Round Four on Now

Round four of the Boost Mobile Pro (Presented by Hurley) is live now at Lower Trestles. Fanning, Parko, Dingo and Slater have already advanced.

Andy Irons is in the water right now against upstart Aussie Bede Durbidge. AI is looking shaky as the water starts to get some bump on it.

Tune in for live action in today's final day at BoostMobilePro.com.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

This morning's video clip featues some aerial antics from Sebastian Inlet in Florida, including several "Tow Ats."

The accompanying music basically sucks, but the action is definitely worth taking a look at (after all, you don't always need your speakers). Watch it now at YouTube.

Kelly Slater and Eddie Vedder: Outside Magazine's Featured 'Buddies'

Just cracked open the October issue of Outside Magazine - the "Buddy Issue." Among the featured friends are Kelly Slater and Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, who discuss (among other things) surfing, music and travel in an interview.

In describing their friendship, the pair lays it on kind of thick, to the extent that at some point they may read the piece and actually be a little embarassed. Some selected quotes:

From Kelly Slater (in his typical fashion, on the friendship's development): "...we didn't become friends until we understood enough about ourselves and our lives for it to mesh really well."

From Eddie Vedder: "I relish every second we have together..."

Sheesh! But anyway, if you want to read the whole interview, pick up the current issue of Outside Magazine on newsstands now. And if you're interested on my take on Slater's chances of joining Pearl Jam onstage in Honolulu in December, read my previous post.

No Major Surprises During Round Three of Boost Mobile Pro

All of the favorites went about their business at the Boost Mobile Pro (Presented by Hurley) today, and round three was completed in fairly good conditions at Lower Trestles.

A couple of semi-upsets: San Clemente local Chris Ward taking down Taylor Knox, and Bobby Martinez falling to Brazilian vet Victor Ribas.

Among the more impressive performances was that of Mark Occhilupo. Now four decades old, Occy has reportedly been riding some new boards that have him turning back the clock. Occy took down Hawaiian Fred Patacchia and Taj Burrow awaits him next in round four.

On Saturday the contest must be completed, with four solid rounds of action. Log on to BoostMobilePro.com beginning at 8:00 a.m. Pacific time.

Boost Mobile Pro Round Three Today

Okay, so yesterday was (thankfully) a no-go, but there's new south swell in the water at Lower Trestles this morning, and even with overcast, coastal "eddy" conditions, round three will go off today.

Mick Fanning is up in the first heat starting right now, and on Saturday the contest will finish up with the quarters, semis and final.

The 2006 Boost Mobile Pro (Presented by Hurley) is live now at BoostMobilePro.com.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

A rising south swell means that there may be some decent waves this weekend for the annual C Street Longboard Classic in Ventura.

Don't know what C Street is like? Then take a look at this clip of "The Lost Bunch" from last winter on YouTube.

PS - The waves at C Street this weekend will not be as good as they are in this video.

Surfline Launches 'Surfline Women'

Okay, so I'm a big enough man to admit it: the "girls in the curl" probably don't get nearly as much respect as they deserve for being the ocean athletes they are.

In response to this sentiment, Surfline has launched "Surfline Women," complete with news, surf tips, travel information, video clips, profiles, letters and the "WCT Contestzone."

Check it out now girls (and guys) at Surfline.com.

Boost Mobile Pro Round Three Today

Round three of the Boost Mobile Pro (Presented by Hurley) is scheduled to run today.

Another full day of action from Lower Trestles is coming up, with Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, Taj Burrow, Mick Fanning and the rest of the WCT cast.

Watch the event live now at BoostMobilePro.com.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

This morning the Santa Cruz crew is featured in smooth, glassy conditions at Steamer Lane.

As summer turns to fall and the first northwest swell of the season is in the water, it's time for the Lane to begin to do its thing again.

What's it like when Steamer Lane starts to fire? Check out the clip and see for yourself at YouTube.

Kelly Slater, Sofia Mulanovich Win Surfer Poll

To absolutely nobody's surprise, Kelly Slater has once again won Surfer Magazine's Surfer Poll award for 2006. And although Sofia Mulanovich lost her world title to Chelsea Georgeson last year, Mulanovich still managed to win the magazine's coveted reader's poll award.

Complete coverage of the big night is available at this link. A video clip of Kelly Slater's acceptance speech is also available on the SurferMag.com home page.

Jamie O'Brien: Not Ready for the WCT

As reported in this blog last week, Jamie O'Brien is not particularly interested in contest surfing at this point in his career.

This is probably a good thing, as O'Brien was not-so-quietly shown the door by the resurgent WCT vet Taylor Knox at the Boost Mobile Pro (Presented by Hurley) this morning at Lower Trestles.

Round two was completed today in a dropping swell. It may continue to deteriorate tomorrow, but the contest must be completed by Saturday so it appears likely that we won't see Lowers at its best this year.

Tune in again tomorrow morning for the contest call at BoostMobilePro.com.

Boost Mobile Pro Day Two: About to Begin

Day two of the Boost Mobile Pro at Lower Trestles is about to begin. The first heat is a barnburner: Mick Fanning vs. Dane Reynolds.

Get online now at BoostMobilePro.com.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

It's hurricane season again in the Atlantic...good news for those who surf the Cape Hatteras area of North Carolina.

Today's clip features Paul and James Jackson from last year's hurricane season at Hatteras. Enjoy it now at YouTube.

Trestles: Too Good Not to be Saved

One of the things that folks should be aware of when watching or reading about the Boost Mobile Pro (Presented by Hurley) that's currently taking place at Lower Trestles is the growing campaign to save the spot from further development (i.e. more pavement).

According to SaveTrestles.org, the issue is as follows:

The Transportation Corridor Agency, a privately held company, is seeking to build an extension to the existing 241 Toll Road. The proposed Foothill Transportation Corridor South (FTC-South) is a sixteen-mile long toll road highway that would connect the current terminus of the 241 Toll Road to Interstate 5. The TCA is proposing six alignments for this project; four of which run directly through and along San Mateo Creek. If constructed, not only would this project directly threaten the world class surf break at and around Trestles (including Uppers, Lowers, Middles, Church and Cottons), the project would also result in the obliteration of Southern California's last remaining pristine coastal watershed and substantially degrade habitat that is critical for the survival of at least seven endangered species, including the Southern Steelhead trout.

To learn more and get involved, visit SaveTrestles.org.

Pancho Sullivan Edges Closer to the Bubble

Being a thirty-something rookie on the WCT is no easy gig. Just ask Hawaii's Pancho Sullivan. He started the year out strongly in Australia, barely showed up in Tahiti and Fiji (where many expected strong performances), then rebounded somewhat in Mexico and South Africa.

Which brings us to today at Lower Trestles, where Sullivan posted one of the lower scores of the first day while finishing last in his initial heat. While it's reasonable to assume that Pancho will be hard to beat at Pipe in December, he's got to avoid the infamous "bubble" by getting some results right now.

The pressure's on Pancho Sullivan in the second round of the Boost Mobile Pro as he faces local boy Chris Ward. Live coverage should resume tomorrow at BoostMobilePro.com.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

Allan Weisbecker, Kevin Connelly and friends explore Costa Rica's Pacific coast (including Playa Grande, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas, Playa Negra, Marbella, Boca Barranca, and Pavones) in this morning's clip.

Check it out now at YouTube.com.

Boost Mobile Pro Set to Kick Off Today at Lower Trestles

After a nearly two-month hiatus, the chase for the world title begins again in earnest today with the Boost Mobile Pro (Presented by Hurley) at Lower Trestles. The swell throughout the event is looking to be waist-to-shoulder high for this one, so look for the small wave guys to step up.

Live coverage should begin a little later this morning at BoostMobilePro.com.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

...but Dean "Dingo" Morrison is no average Joe, as two-plus minutes of Dingo at the Superbank readily confirms.

Check out a clip from Dean Morrison's Superbank session at YouTube.

Mick Campbell Going Back to the Show in 2007

With two consecutive huge wins at the Sooruz Lacanau Pro and the Rip Curl Pro at Hossegor, France, 32 year-old Australian veteran pro Michael Campbell will be headed back to the WCT big leagues in 2007 after a couple of years on the WQS.

As Campbell said following the victory at Hossegor, "sometimes when you're on a roll, you're on a roll." Good on ya, Mick! See you again on the 'CT in 2007.

Gerry Lopez Weighs in on G-Land

One of the few unanswered questions I have about the life and times of Gerry Lopez concerns his relocation some years back from the Hawaiian Islands to Bend, Oregon. I mean, I know the cost of living in Oregon is substantially less than it is in Hawaii, and the snowboarding is good in the winter, but seriously Gerry: Bend, Oregon?

But I digress. From his early 70's mastery of the Banzai Pipeline to his initial, feral forays into Indonesia with Peter McCabe, Lopez has obviously compiled an extensive list of surf stories and has a unique way of telling his tales.

One of Gerry Lopez's most recent accounts appears (at least in part) on The Surfer's Path web site. Read an excerpt from "The Edge of Panic" now at SurfersPath.com.

Ross Clarke-Jones' Red Bull TaiFu Chases Typhoons Across the World

Aussie big-wave veteran Ross Clarke-Jones is looking for new, challenging waves, and is currently interested in harnessing the mammoth energy of a typhoon swell in Japan, then riding it.

Jones has put together a hard-charging crew to join him, including two-time world champ and fellow Australian Tom Carroll, Brazilian Carlos Burle and Ian Walsh from Maui, along with local standout Shimpei Horiguchi.

For more on the adventures - and misadventures - of the Red Bull TaiFu big wave expedition, visit RedBullTaiFu.com.

Jamie O'Brien: Free, Progressive Surfing in Lieu of Contests

As anyone who has seen the film Freakside will attest, Jamie O'Brien is one of the best, most radical surfers on the planet.

A significant number of questions during the past couple of years have involved his willingness to pursue contest surfing, which O'Brien has recently answered by saying (on his web site) that contests will be shelved for at least the next several years in favor of a continued focus on free, progressive surfing.

So those hoping to see Jamie O'Brien on the WQS or WCT anytime soon will have to wait, and in the meantime, can visit JamieOBrien.com and watch the trailer from Freakside.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can Go to Post Videos

Today's YouTube clip is actually a clip from the Billabong Odyssey. The opening sequence involves Brad Gerlach towing Mike Parsons into a massive Jaws bomb, with an unusual camera angle that adds significant drama to the clip.

Watch it for yourself at YouTube.

Rusty Long on the Cortes Bank

As surf spots go, the Cortes Bank is about as remote as the moon, sitting as it does 100 miles off the California coast in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

As part of a Surfer's Journal feature in the current issue, Long tells of a covert run to the Cortes Bank with his brother Greg, photographer Rob Brown, Mike Parsons and Brad Gerlach.

The group ends up scoring what Rusty Long describes as the "best waves I’d ever seen at about 50 feet."

To read the story, visit SurfersJournal.com.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can (and Do) Go to Post Videos

Pat Morris is featured this morning in some small summer beachbreak in New Jersey. Soundtrack from Switchfoot.

Here's the link at YouTube.

Greg Long and 'Twiggy Baker': Living for Big Waves

Greg Long and Grant "Twiggy" Baker really, really like big waves, as Maverick's standout Grant Washburn illustrates in a recent video clip from a pair of sessions at the notorious Dungeon's in South Africa.

Described as "beyond XXL," check out this clip on Surfline Video.

Longboard Tribe Returns to 'C Street' in Ventura Next Weekend

The annual C Street Longboard Classic returns to Ventura on September 16 and 17.

A fundraiser for the re-establishment of the C Street Surfing Museum, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever this year, with highlights that include an appearances by top pro longboarder (and Roxy Girl) Kassia Meador and Buddy the Surfdog (a C Street legend), a Surfrider Foundation presentation of “Peel” on Saturday night at the Ventura College Theater, Surfrider’s Clean Water Paddle Out on Sunday morning, and a big party at Franky’s on Main Street with music and food. A big favorite with the longboard tribe, the C Street Longboard Classic will be taped for future broadcast on Fox TV.

For more on this year's C Street Longboard Classic, visit CStreetLongboard.com.

Nalu Underground: The Movie Out Now!

Looking for a video that features a host of young-up-and-comers that "show up and blow up?" Something that's so full of action it makes you want to go surf right now?

Then take a look at NU: The Movie from the good folks at Nalu Underground. The film's trailer alone offers more hot surfing in a couple of minutes than most surf flicks do in ten times that time.

Watch the trailer for free at TransworldSurf.com, and then buy it (free shipping for online orders) at NaluUnderground.com.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Can (and Do) Go to Post Videos

This morning we present some big, crowded, and very dangerous Black's Beach sessions from December 2005.

Tom Lynch's clip features pristine, glassy conditions, huge cleanup sets, and a dolphin out charging just as hard as the surfers, kneeboarders and bodyboarders in the water.

Check it out at this link.

Legendary Surf and Skate Photographer Warren Bolster Passes Away

It is with great sadness that I must report tonight that the legendary surf and skate photographer Warren Bolster has passed away.

Bolster reportedly had been in failing health and was frequently in great pain. He apparently took his own life.

There are relatively few people involved in the surf world that can certifiably be called a "legend," but there's absolutely no question that Warren Bolster did indeed fit that description.

For more on the life, times and work of Warren Bolster, here's a link to a story at SurferMag.com.

'Sipping Jetstreams' Book and Film Coming October 1

Looking for a holiday gift for a surfer who really appreciates traveling the world? You could do worse than Sipping Jetstreams, a new book (and film) from Transworld Surf senior photographer Dustin Humphrey and legendary surf filmmaker Taylor Steele.

As described by its creators, Sipping Jetstreams is a photographic journey of discovery and adventure, focusing not just on the surfing but the places and the faces of Morocco, Barbados, Japan, Italy, Hong Kong, Egypt and more.

This is high-quality stuff - the book is of the "coffee table" variety and will be available on October 1. Check it out at SippingJetstreams.com.

Surfer Poll Awards to be Webcast Live at SurferMag.com

So it's now September and next Tuesday the Boost Mobile Pro (Presented by Hurley) will bring the WCT to Trestles in San Clemente. And since the world's best competitive surfers will be in SoCal, Surfer Magazine has scheduled its annual Surfer Poll awards ceremony/raging party for September 12 at the Grove in Anaheim.

Surfer Magazine just announced that the Surfer Poll awards will be webcast live for the first time at SurferMag.com. Here's a link for complete details on the big event (which begins on Tuesday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m. Pacific time) at the Surfer Magazine site.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Go to Post Videos

This young Rincon ripper doesn't dig too many rails during a shoulder-high session at the "Queen of the Coast."

Here's a link to the YouTube video of the day.

Elle Macpherson and Hot Tuna - Need I Say More?

Just ran across this gem of information: (former) supermodel Elle Macpherson has joined the board of directors at Australian surfwear manufacturer Hot Tuna.

I might be able to come up with something witty and/or mildly funny to write about this development, but I'll leave that up to you...the material almost writes itself.

Here's a link to more details on this story from modelsblog.info.

Summer Tow-In Madness at Teahupo'o in Tahiti

This morning I went out for a bike ride. It was early and the air was a bit cooler than it has been of late. Yeah, summer's now winding down and I started to think about big winter waves, which in turn led to thoughts of epic tow-in sessions.

Tonight I took a look around online for some sick tow-surfing footage and ran across this gem from July 28 at Teahupo'o, Tahiti. The video is fairly lengthy, but be sure to watch it all because the slow motion bomb at the end is definitely worth your while.

Thanks to TowSurfer.com for capturing Chopes in all of its glory.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Go to Post Videos

Here's the YouTube surf video of the day. It's just over five minutes long and illustrates in great deal what not to do on the North Shore.

You may be required to register as a YouTube user to see this one, which features an old-fashioned North Shore smackdown. Click here to watch the video.

Kelly Slater to Join Pearl Jam (Again) in Hawaii?

So check this out: a couple of months back there was quite a bit of hoopla when Kelly Slater failed to arrive on time in South Africa for his first round heat at the Billabong Pro at Jeffrey's Bay.

The story is that Slater was hanging in SoCal with Pearl Jam, who were doing a number of shows in the L.A. and San Diego area. At least once, Slater actually joined Pearl Jam on stage for the band's cover of Neil Young's classic "Rockin' in the Free World." Slater eventually did make it to J-Bay and surfed his way to a third-place finish in the Billabong event.

Now Pearl Jam has signed to open for U2 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu on December 9, which is two days into the holding period for the Rip Curl Pipeline Masters. Will we see a Pearl Jam/Kelly Slater reunion that night? Tickets for the U2 show with Pearl Jam are still available at Ticketmaster and through various brokers. Get them while you can.

Pre-Hurricane John Ripping in the Sea of Cortez

Further to my earlier post about the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula being once again open for business, this evening I stumbled across some Surfline Video of a crew tearing a smoking hot Sea of Cortez point break to pieces just before Hurricane John arrived over the weekend.

Set after overhead set rolls through and it's systematically taken apart by Zach Plopper, Jordan Carter, Ryan Cappelen and Pete Mussio. Check it out by clicking here.

Hope the guys got out or hunkered down somewhere before the 'cane arrived!!!

Environmental Tips from Surfing Magazine

According to the "Green Issue" of Surfing Magazine that's on newstands now, anyone (that means you) can be an environmentalist - easily. A few quick do's and don'ts we can all practice in our daily lives:

Do:

• - Buy products in bulk from places like Costco or Sam's Club. Less packaging means less trash in your can...and on the beach.
• - Get your oil changed. Spend the extra dough rather than doing it yourself. The guys changing your oil will properly dispose of it, and it won't end up in the drain and - by extension - the ocean.

Don't:

• - Take long showers. Take one shower a day, and if you surf twice, make one of the post-surf showers a refreshing outdoor shower. No reason to waste water...the money you'll save on the water bill will enable you to pay for an oil change (see above).
• - Mow your lawn, or at least as often as you currently might. Keep your grass at around 3 1/2 inches and you'll use less fertilizer and gas for the mower. Plus you'll have more time to surf.

Interesting in reading more? Pick up Surfing Magazine. Check out the site at SurfingTheMag.com.

Allan Weisbecker is at it Again with New Book

For anyone who read In Search of Captain Zero, Allan Weisbecker's tale of his long trek from Long Island to Costa Rica, made with the hope of re-connecting with a long-lost friend, the reader might be left wondering what became of Weisbecker's life "down south" after "Captain Zero" had been located. Probably just a lot of good waves and a lifestyle Ticos refer to as "pura vida" while working with Sean Penn to bring In Search of Captain Zero to the big screen, right?

Hardly. Apparently after relocating to Pavones on Costa Rica's southwest coast, Weisbecker managed to find plenty more action, much of which is set to be revealed in the upcoming Can’t You Get Along With Anyone? A Writer's Memoir, and a Tale of a Lost Surfer's Paradise.

According to Weisbecker, in Costa Rica (or at least that region of Costa Rica) there's no shortage of danger or ill will to be found, and his characterization of Pavones may differ significantly from what other visitors have experienced.

Which makes one wonder: is Pavones really that dangerous, or does Weisbecker just tend to attract trouble? Either way, Can’t You Get Along With Anyone? A Writer's Memoir, and a Tale of a Lost Surfer's Paradise will no doubt make for an intriguing read.

Prep yourself by visiting Alan Weisbecker's site at AWeisbecker.com.

YouTube: Where Average Joe's Go to Post Videos

...and I'm a poet and didn't even know it (ha!).

But (more) seriously, check out Willie Smith from Oceanside (not just your average Joe) ripping in Cabo on YouTube.

By the way, Hurricane John has now moved away from the Baja peninsula, the airport has re-opend and Cabo is once again open for business, with relatively little damage to Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch Sued by Newport Artist Robb Havassy

Would any surfer ("core" or otherwise) in his/her right mind really wear the cheesy clothes that are likely being pumped out of sweat shops for the Hollister clothing line?

The pseudo surf wear company (part of the even-more-questionable Abercrombie & Fitch corporation) has recently been sued by Newport Beach, California-based artist Robb Havassy, who claims that Hollister used Havassy's artwork in its outlets without his approval.

Both Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch are reported to have basically ignored Havassy, and the artist continues to press ahead with the lawsuit.

Take a good look around West Coast restaurants or shopping malls these days and you'll no doubt be stunned at the sheer numbers of teens and twenty-somethings in ultra-trendy Hollister shirts. This is not to say that Quiksilver, Billabong, Hurley, etc. are patron saints, but sheesh, if you're even thinking about supporting a company like Hollister (or worse, Abercrombie & Fitch), please think twice about where you're spending your money.

Hawaii Surf Session Report - Nearly 100 Episodes Strong

Got an iPod? Better yet, got a video iPod? If you do, you really should look into downloading or picking up a free subscription to Hawaii Surf Session Report, one of the better video podcasts of any type available today.

Produced and narrated by Thomas Gaupp, episode #99 from late-August features some red-hot pro longboarding action at Queen's during the annual Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest, along with a short interview with Scotty Fong, Jr.

No iPod? Not to worry. Episodes can be downloaded or viewed via Quicktime at Podcasts.Yahoo.com.

Stand Up Paddle Surfing: Fad or Fantastic?

So I was out surfing at a spot that over the years has been popular first with longboarders, then with short-boarders, then with "modern" longboarders, and now - increasingly - with stand-up paddle surfers.

It was really small and pretty weak and I couldn't help thinking about how at some point in the early 1990's it became next-to-impossible for anyone riding anything under eight feet long to catch a wave among the growing horde of reasonably fit surfers riding boards nine, ten, even ten-plus feet long.

So here's what I found interesting: when you take a look at the really long, wide and thick boards that stand-up paddle guys are riding today, and assume that these guys are for the most part pretty experienced, it's now extremely difficult for an average guy on a ten-foot longboard to catch the best set wave on a small, inconsistent day. After all, half the battle's been fought as the guy with the paddle is already standing up!

Where once the longboarder could sit deeper and cruise into waves long before short-boarders could even get moving, along has come the stand-up paddle surfer to exact the same sort of buzz-kill on the longboarder.

Rob Machado Hosting Weekly Radio Show on 103.7 Free FM in San Diego

Have you had a chance to listen to Rob Machado's new hour-long weekly radio show on 103.7 Free FM in San Diego?

What's that you say? You don't live in the San Diego area? No worries mate, you can listen live online to Rob's show Off the Lip (also featuring his dad, Ed Machado) on Sundays from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time by clicking this link to the 103.7 Free FM web site - just click the "Live" link at the top of the page.

Wonder when the shows will be taped and made available to download as Podcasts?

Globe WCT Fiji: Really the "Sickest Event on the Planet?"

Okay, maybe the ASP's annual visit to Tavarua, Fiji for the Globe WCT Fiji isn't necessarily the "sickest event on the planet" (at least not every year), but it rarely falls anything short of spectacular.

This year's event this past May was no exception. Want proof? Check out highlights now on this page at SurfingTheMag.com.

Mick Fanning on Film - and on Fire!

The new Rip Curl film "Mick, Myself and Eugene" follows Micheal Eugene (aka Mick) Fanning around the world - most notably Hawaii, Indo and his homeland of Australia.

The devastating leg injury Fanning suffered a couple of years back now seems long ago, as he takes apart the Superbank with snap after devastating snap, then does the same on the larger playing field of Sunset Beach with Hawaiian veteran (and WCT rookie) Pancho Sullivan.

While the film only includes fleeting glimpses of "Eugene" (Mick's hard-partying alter ego), if you're a fan of Mick Fanning, you're gonna want to pick this one up. Find it now at RipCurl.com.

Sharkbait T-Shirts Rule!

I recently ran into this guy named Dan from Hawaii Surfboard Rentals, which specializes in high-performance board rentals, mainly for folks visiting Hawaii who don't want to hassle with increasingly expensive, increasingly complicated airline regulations related to "oversized baggage" - especially involving longboards.

But anyway, Dan showed up wearing a t-shirt from Sharkbaitsurfwax. The wax works well, but I gotta say that the shirts are the real attraction. Very cool logo...Sharkbait shirts rock!

Eddie Rothman of Da Hui - Then and Now

Just picked up the latest issue of Surfer Magazine, and had to laugh when I read through the Letters section and found "Turtle" from the 1987 flick "North Shore" checking in.

Here's some trivia: Da Hui kingpin Eddie Rothman appeared in "North Shore" as one of (what else) the Hui heavies from which Arizona surfer Rick Kane had to earn respect. Check out this 2005 interview with Eddie Rothman at DaHui.com to find out more about what he's been up to since his days appearing on the silver screen.

Sunset at Sunset

It feels really good to spend a summer Sunday afternoon at Sunset Beach on the North Shore, as my wife and I did last weekend.

After a stop at Ku Aina for a sandwich and a run to Pupukea Foodland for water, we set up shop at Sunset Beach and a quick swim out to the point revealed plenty of honu (sea turtles) cruising below the surface and Triple Crown of Surfing director Randy Rarick out enjoying the afternoon on his longboard.

Later, a walk through the quiet neighborhoods and past Ken Bradshaw's place (which looks like its undergoing some construction work) and back to the beach for sunset at Sunset. Almost perfect...guess it's a little too much to ask for overhead sets in August!

Bobby Martinez Has Arrived!

Question: how do you know when a surfer's popularity has hit the mainstream?

Answer: when you walk into a bar at a Mexican restaurant and a middle-aged lady is wearing a t-shirt with a picture of Bobby tearing the top off a head-high right.

Yes, this happened last night, and yes, Bobby Martinez has gone from near-obscurity a year ago while toiling it out on the WQS to the top five of the ASP world championship tour and a shoe-in for WCT rookie of the year.

Bobby was raised in a working-class area of Santa Barbara (and yes, there is a grittier, tougher part of Santa Barbara where home prices don't average more than a million bucks). Which sort of begs the question: when's the movie deal going to happen?