New HBO Drama to Focus on Surfers, Drugs

Yeah I know. You're thinking what's new here. But if you've ever read a book by acclaimed novelist Kem Nunn and have a good understanding of HBO's track record of producing dark, edgy series, this one's going to be worth watching.

Find out more about HBO's new "surf noir" series John From Cincinnati at SurferMag.com.

Inside the Billabong Girls' Base Camp on North Shore

Ah, everyone deserves a holiday break, even good 'ol Doc. But I'm back, and for one of my last postings of the year, I'll direct your attention to Surfline, which has yet another great feature, this one taking us on a "home invasion" of the Billabong Girls house at Velzyland on the North Shore.

Get the inside story now at Surfline.com.

Cody Graham on Kauai's Takeover of Pipeline

In the early 90's, veteran Pipeline charger Cody Graham was one of the first (with Braden Dias) to migrate from Kauai to Oahu (okay, so it's only a 19-minute flight) and set up shop as a regular in the Pipeline lineup.

Obviously, Graham started a trend that's been followed by literally dozens of great Kauai surfers. Surfer Magazine's Scott Bass talks to Graham about how things have changed at Pipeline in a clip from Bass' weekly podcast show "In the Lineup." Watch the video at SurferMag.com.

An Aussie 'Hog' Sent Down to Minors for '07 Season

The ASP has now announced its WCT qualifiers for the 2007 tour and perhaps the most surprising surfer missing is Nathan Hedge. The Australian "Hog" was one of the most patriotic of a generally very patriotic clan of Ozzies, but had an off year after six straight on the 'CT - a couple of them spent in the top 10.

So now's the big test for Hedgey. Will he rejoin the WQS and attempt to re-qualify for the '08 WCT, or have we seen the last of the beloved Aussie Hog? We'll see when things get rolling again next month...the first six-star of the year in Brazil begins before the end of January.

For the complete list of 2007 WCT qualifers, check out ASPWorldTour.com.

Bruce Irons Opens Up in January 2007 Surfer Magazine

For those who know Bruce Irons as a man of (relatively) few words, it might be refreshing to find him so actively participating with older brother Andy as guest editors of the January 2007 edition of Surfer Magazine.

And in one of his most interesting commentaries, Bruce takes "little league parents" to task as part of his message for today's groms.

A few selected quotes:

"To focus your life entirely on surfing when you're so young sucks all the fun out of it, and that's just not healthy. What's worse are the parents I see pushing their kids too hard. They, more than anyone, should know better."

Pick up the January 2007 issue of Surfer Magazine - with guest editors Andy and Bruce Irons - on newsstands now.

Clark Foam Bombshell - 54 Weeks Later (And Counting)

It's been a little over a year since the sudden, dramatic shutdown of Clark Foam sent a shockwave through the entire worldwide surf industry.

In a timely, very interesting photo feature, Surfing Magazine provides a peek into the previously mysterious world of surfboard blank construction, courtesy of Scott Saunders and Just Foam of Oceanside, California.

Check out the pics now at SurfingtheMag.com.

Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters Final Round Video

Wanna see every ride of Thursday afternoon's Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters final round, with Andy Irons, Kelly Slater, Rob Machado and Cory Lopez, all in less than four minutes?

Upon further review (as the refs always say in NFL games), the difference between Irons' and Slater's best waves in the final seemed closer than the heat scores reflected. Suffice it to say that the judges had to deal with a lot of action and some incredible surfing as the best two surfers in the world in the past ten years duked it out.

Check out the video clip now at Surfline.com.

Andy Irons Wins Pipe Masters, Triple Crown

Multiple Triple Crown winner and current Surfer Magazine guest editor Andy Irons put a big, fat exclamation point on the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters this afternoon, scoring 19.87 out of a possible 20 to take out Kelly Slater, Cory Lopez and Rob Machado and win the event handily.

Irons' two scoring rides must be seen to be believed. To surf that well under the amount of pressure and glare almost defies belief.

All that remains now are tonight's parties on the North Shore and the WCT's annual awards shindig.

You're going to want to see Andy's waves from the final. Keep an eye on TripleCrownofSurfing.com for video clips within the next couple of days.

Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters to Resume Thursday?

The swell is on the rise at Pipeline and the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters looks good to go on Thursday.

Round three action should begin tomorrow morning. In the meantime, check out some highlights from the initial rounds at Surfline.com.

North Shore Party Scene in Full Swing

Think that winter on the North Shore is all about the surf? Not when the ASP "circus" is in town.

Check out the last two paragraphs of Surfing Magazine's "North Shore Week in Review" feature for all the titilating details on this year's hottest goings-on that don't involve riding waves.

Tow Teams Take Advantage of Huge Oregon Swell

Nelscott Reef, Oregon was the scene of the latest big wave tow-in contest, with most of the best-known chargers in attendance, including Hawaii's Garrett MacNamara and Kealii Mamala, who won the event in some pretty epic conditions.

Surfline.com's got it covered with a slideshow. Check out slide 11 of 18 at this link.

Locals Dominating Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters

The many WCT guys who are no longer with us after two rounds of the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters are probably wondering how much time it really takes out at Pipe to turn in the type of performances that locals have mustered so far.

Let's put it this way: there are 32 surfers preparing tonight for round three, and no less than 35 percent of them are NOT on the WCT (at least not full time).

Surprised? You shouldn't be. I mean Adriano de Souza at freakin' Pipeline? Puh-leeeease!!!

Here's the lesson. Experience at Pipeline means everything...just ask Kelly, Andy, Bruce and Pancho. This idea of letting locals into the "Greatest Show on Surf" at Pipeline is pretty controversial (even Sunny Garcia had a problem with it some years back), but the event is definitely better for it.

Layne Beachley on Top of the World Again

So it's been two days lacking basic Internet access, plane flights and exhaustion, but Doc is back (don't ask).

You've really got to hand it to the legendary Layne Beachley, who managed to take out yet another women's world title the other day at the Billabong Pro at Maui's Honolua Bay.

There's a great story on Layne at ASPWorldTour.com.

It's Layne Beachley vs. Chelsea Georgeson for All The Women's Marbles

Yesterday was the first day of the holding period of the final women's Triple Crown event at Honolua Bay on Maui, and did the bay ever come through!

Three rounds were run in stunning, nearly perfect conditions and the girls took full advantage of the glassy, hollow conditions.

A lay day has been called today, but when the contest resumes it's a battle between two Aussie world champs - Layne Beachley and Chelsea Georgeson - for all the WCT marbles as the season winds down.

In the meantime, the North Shore is huge, windy and washed out, as we await the Pipeline Masters kick-off. I've actually been longboarding in Waikiki and am headed to Aloha Stadium tonight for the massive U2/Pearl Jam concert.

Check TripleCrownofSurfing.com for daily updates on both the women's and men's events.

WQS Qualifiers - Who's Going to the Show?

So yesterday, with the completion of the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach, a long season on the WQS was put in the books. Who made the cut and is going to the WCT in '07?

Jeremy Flores. The Frenchman (by way of Australia) adds another European to the 'CT roster - more will follow.

Mick Campbell. Formerly in the WCT top ten, then off the surf world's collective radar, and now back for another shot.

Josh Kerr. Red-hot Aussie and Rusty team rider who qualified in his first serious year on the 'QS.

Neco Padaratz. Brazilian veteran who previously spent some time in the penalty box for steroid use (of all things).

Ben Dunn. Yet another young Australian served up from the WCT factory down under.

Gabe Kling. American who showed the world this year that hard work and persistence does pay off on the WQS.

Best of luck next year to all of the new and returning members of the WCT. For the final 2006 WQS standings, visit ASPWorldTour.com.

Shaun Thomson's 'Surfer's Code' Book Available Now

During the final round of the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing this afternoon, former world champ Shaun Tomson spent some time in the announcer's booth talking up his new book, Surfer's Code - 12 Simple Lessons for Riding Through Life.

In the book, Tomson shares pieces of wisdom he's picked up from 37 years in the water with some of the world's greatest surfers.

If you want to see Shaun at the height of his powers, you'll want to rent or buy Endless Summer II. Yeah, I know it's a decade old, but watching Shaun do his thing at J-Bay is definitely worthwhile.

Find out more about Shaun Tomson's Surfer's Code - 12 Simple Lessons for Riding Through Life at SurfersCode.com.

Joel Parkinson Dominates Final at O'Neill World Cup of Surfing

Aussie Joel Parkinson racked up another big win this afternoon at Sunset Beach in the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing.

Parko completely dominated the final, scoring an epic ten point ride that included two huge, arcing carves, with a barrel in between. Eighteen year-old South African Jordy Smith finished a surprising second, besting Hawaii's Andy Irons (who looks poised to win another Triple Crown) and Fred Patacchia

Sunset Beach was epic today, with set after set rolling through and contest organizer Randy Rarick smiling following a very slow start to the Triple Crown at Haleiwa in November.

It's now on to Pipeline for the culmination of the Triple Crown and the World Championship Tour for this year. Find out more at TripleCrownofSurfing.com.

Action Resumes at O'Neill World Cup of Surfing

So Sunset Beach is starting to roar back to life and the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing managed to run some round five heats today. Fred Patacchia was up first and advanced behind little-known Aussie Jay Thompson, and Joel Parkinson was looking really, really good in posting the highest score of the day (by a mile).

Kelly Slater managed to advance, as did Andy Irons, Pancho Sullivan and Mick Fanning. All in all, the upcoming quarterfinal heats are pretty loaded, and tomorrow's looking to produce bigger surf than we had today. Tomorrow is the last day of the holding period so it's definitely on.

Get online for all the Wednesday action at TripleCrownofSurfing.com.

Kelly Slater on Contest Structure and More

If you’ve followed pro surfing much in the past decade, you’ve probably noticed that lots of pro surfers spend a significant amount of time (when out of the water) commenting on the way their collective surfing is judged, where the contests are held, and how they're run.

Kelly Slater is not an exception here, and has had thoughts on everything from contest judging to contest venues to contest formats and statistics over the years. He sat down with WorldProSurfers.com earlier this year in Europe to share his thoughts on the eighth world title, contest formats and leader boards. Watch the interview now.

Buttons Launches New Surf & Skate Brand in Hawaii

Way back when I was a little, little kid just taking an interest in surfing, Hawaiian local boy Buttons Kaluhiokalani was a total star. Along with his South Shore sidekick Mark Liddell, Buttons drew lines that few – if any – other surfers in the world could match at spots like Kaisers and Ala Moana.

Watching Buttons recently in the film Ultimate Sessions definitely brought back some good memories, even though the footage was captured on the North Shore as opposed to his South Shore stomping grounds.

Although Buttons has faced a variety of challenges in his life (causing him to fall off the surf world’s radar for a period of time), it’s great to see him now involved with his own signature brand, Buttons Hawaii, which focuses on surfboards, skateboards and apparel.

Want to find out what Buttons Hawaii is all about? Visit ButtonsHawaii.com.

Another Lay Day for O'Neill World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach

It's Sunday morning on the North Shore of Oahu and things are pretty quiet. Pearl Jam played the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu last night and the University of Hawaii football team finally lost a game, to Oregon State at Aloha Stadium.

Some Christmas shopping is actually sounding pretty good today, as we await our next swell (rumored to arrive tomorrow). The Surfing Magazine web site has been doing a great job with their weekly North Shore synopsis, so if you're interested in finding out what's been happening during the past week click this link, or simply scroll through the blog entries below.

Hawaii Surf Session Report Celebrates First Anniversary

Just found out that Hawaii Surf Session Report recently celebrated its first anniversary with an extra-long (nearly seven minute) film capturing North Shore action the weekend before Thanksgiving.

As mentioned a couple of weeks back in this blog, while the WQS guys were getting skunked down the road at Haleiwa during the Op Pro, the rest of the North Shore was absolutely firing. This clip is proof positive.

I think it was Taylor Knox who once proclaimed "Log Cabins is not a surf spot," but you might beg to differ after watching this episode of Hawaii Surf Session Report. And if you dig jazz, you'll like the soundtrack.

Longboard TV Episodes and Seasons Available for Download

If you're a longboard enthusiast (or know someone who is), you may be pleased to know that individual episodes and even complete seasons of Longboard TV (shown regularly on Fuel) are available for download.

Longboard TV describes itself as "the first and only international TV series devoted exclusively to long board surfing," and is very well put together.

Interested in finding out more? Visit SurfHistory.com.

Surfrider Foundation Issues 2006 State of the Beach Report

The Surfrider Foundation has released its 2006 State of the Beach Report and it provides some pretty interesting reading.

Not surprisingly, many beaches worldwide continue to receive some very low ratings in the areas of water quality, erosion response and shoreline structures.

My recommendation: read through your local report and then think about doing something. Getting involved is as easy visiting Surfrider.org.

Melanie Bartels Goes Big With Win at Roxy Pro Sunset Beach

Melanie Bartels from Hawaii notched a big win yesterday afternoon at the Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach, taking out red-hot Stephanie Gilmore from Australia and Women's WCT fixtures Chelsea Georgeson and Rochelle Ballard in some fun-sized conditions.

The 'CT girls will now be sent off the rock known as Oahu and are headed to Kapalua, Maui, where they'll hope that Honolua Bay turns on during their next holding period that begins next week. We'll miss that crazy partying Aussie Claire Bevilacqua, whose stories usually bring a chuckle or two in the lineup.

On the guys side, round four was completed and Kelly Slater managed to advance in a fairly horrible heat. Slater has never fared well at Sunset. Bruce Irons went down while bro Andy took one more small step toward another Triple Crown title, and finally, junior superstar Kekoa Bacalso won a heat this afternoon, taking down two WCT competitors.

Waiting for this morning's call. TripleCrownofSuring.com.

Kelly Slater on Waimea Bay

As reported last night, the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau held its opening ceremonies yesterday, and the holding period has now begun.

Pearl Jam has just arrived in Hawaii (rumored to be staying at the Turtle Bay Resort), and played a private concert, with Kelly Slater joining the band onstage (as he may do again at Blaisdell Center in Honolulu tomorrow night, and again next Saturday night at Aloha Stadium when Pearl Jam opens for U2).

Speaking of Slater, the Quiksilver.com site has an interesting interview with the eight-time world champ, specifically on his relationship with - and experiences at - Waimea Bay, site of the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau event. Read the interview.

Runman's 'Bruce Movie' - Good For a Few Laughs

If you've never seen a Runman film, you really have to see them to believe 'em.

For Runman's take on The Bruce Movie, check out this short at YouTube.

For more on Runman, visit RunmanFilms.com.