Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Andy Irons RIP

Three-time world champ passes away; surfing world in shock
Kauai's favorite son and immensely popular three-time world champ Andy Irons just passed away this morning in a Dallas hotel room, reportedly from Dengue Fever. He was 32.
Irons missed his R1 and R2 heats at the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico earlier this week due to illness. According to a source close to the family, after leaving PR with a serious fever and dehydrated, he was unable to board his plane to Kauai in Dallas, and was found dead in his hotel room this morning.



He leaves behind a pregnant wife, Lyndie, as well as brother Bruce and his parents.

As noted by the ASP, Irons, who began his career with the elite ASP World Tour in 1998, went on to collect 20 elite tour victories, four Triple Crown of Surfing Titles, three consecutive ASP World Titles and change the sport forever with his unparalleled ability and comprehensive approach to surfing.


At this time the family thanks his friends and fans for their support, and asks that the community respect its privacy. The family also asks to not be contacted so their focus can remain on one another during this time of profound loss.


Here is the official Irons Family Statement: "The world of surfing mourns an incredibly sad loss today with the news that Hawaii's Andy Irons has died. Andy was a beloved husband, and a true champion."

"The surfers today lost a brother," says ASP CEO Brodie Carr. "We all lost one of our fellow tribesmen and one of our family we've been traveling with for many years, we lost a world champion; we lost a friend. It's extremely difficult and sad day for all of us."



Wednesday is an official day off competition to pay respect to Andy.

Our hearts and sympathies go out to the Irons' family and friends. Check back for more as the story develops, and please leave condolences below.

Story by: http://www.surfline.com/ - http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/andy-irons-rip---three-time-world-champ-passes-away-surfing-world-in-shock_49481/


Thursday, October 14, 2010

Jiu Jitsu is Great Cross Training!

Have you ever wanted to Learn Jiu Jitsu? I have been training in Muay Thia Kick Boxing for over 7 years now. I went on a business trip in Humboldt Bay California and I found a Gym called Humboldt Bay Jiu Jitsu. I signed up for a Class at Humboldt Bay Jiu Jitsu and trained with one of their instructors Alex Ross. I had a great session and learned some very effective moves! Alex the Instructor was very knowledgeable and really took his time with the Class.


If you are ever in Humboldt Bay California and want to get some great exercise, then look up Humboldt Bay Jiu Jitsu. Jiu Jitsu is a great sport for the body and mind. I recommend training to anyone and I recommend going to Humboldt Bay Jiu Jitsu. You can find them online here.



Thursday, October 7, 2010

This is for you PPP

The selfish philosopher rages.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Ding Repair 101

So you Dinged your board! In this Economy, spending another 300.00 on a New Stick is not realistic. I am a sponsored Surfer, I get 4 Boards a year and I still repair all my own Dings. There are some Steps to remember when performing surgery on your favorite Board:


- Always Dry the Ding out for 24 hours before starting the repair.

- Sand down or Cut back the Ding. Make sure to cut all the Soaked or Damaged Foam out. If not you will eventually get a Delam.

- Once the Ding is fully cut back, make sure the surface is clean and sterilized

- Once you have cleaned and sterilized the Ding, build a Support Structure around the Ding. You can use Tape, a piece of a plastic bottle or zip lock bag. Build a Structure around the ding with enough room for the Q-Cell and Resin to Fill the Ding.

- Fill the Ding with your Fix Mix. Some use Q-Cell and Resin, some use Solar Resin with the Q-cell built in. Which ever Method you prefer, remember once the Sun hits the Resin mixed with a Hardener you only have seconds to work with it!

- Poor in you Mix and let it sit. Make sure the sun is directly on the Ding.

- Once the Ding is Filled and the Mix is Hard, then cut back the extra Resin. You can use a Razor Blade or sharp knife and Genteelly cut back the excess Mix or Resin.

- Once the Ding is roughly cut back, then you can begin to sand the ding.

- Once the Filler is sanded down, then you can cover the Ding with Glass. Remember to Cut the Glass with enough excess to cover the full Ding. This is very important when fixing a Ding on a rail. I always measure twice and cut once!

- Now that your Glass is Cut, Mix some Resin and Hardener and poor it over the glass. Place the Ding in the direct sun light again for Maximum Hardening.

- Now you can sand down the Ding. Make sure not to Sand too deep here and use a 220 Grit sand Paper or higher. Only Sand the Ding area and do not weaken the area around the ding by over sanding. a good tip here is to use a Wet Sand Paper and run water over the Ding while you Sand.


Good luck and Keep those Boards Water Tight!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Mavericks Event To Be Called “The Jay?”

"I think about my Bro Jay almost every time I get in the Water! He was an amazing WaterMen and to this day every time I Paddle out in a Heat I think about Jay! I would see him every day on  East Cliff riding his bike. I would yell, Jay, and he always look back with the Raddest Smile! Like he new he would be getting good waves that day! I still remember him coming back to class after free falling at Mavs, he said it felt like a Mac truck on his chest and then he laughed! I miss the Days with Steve, Mike D, Matty, Neil, Roger and Jay, early morning Dawn Patrols in Northern SC! Its very true, "Only the Good die Young", God Speed Jay!"

- Brandyn Garske



Mavericks Event To Be Called “The Jay?”

A new organization -- including some of the most notable names in Mavericks surfing -- is submitting an application with the San Mateo County Harbor District early next week seeking to hold its own contest at the famed Mavericks surf spot. Because the district will issue only a single permit, the group could force out Mavericks Surf Ventures, which has run the competition in recent years.


“We’re (hoping) to run the whole thing next year,” said local surf photographer Doug Acton, adding that the contest would honor friend and legendary surfer Jay Moriarity. The contest would be called "The Jay Moriarity Maverick's Invitational."



Joining Acton in key roles at the organization are surfers Peter Mel and Grant Washburn and Moriarity's widow Kim Moriarity as well as Darren Brilhart and Frank Quirarte, who both have experience helping to organize contests at Mavericks. In addition, Katherine Kelly has signed on and surfing legend Jeff Clark has been asked to participate. His participation is not yet clear, according to an email from the group.


The group says it has secured a three-year sponsorship deal with Barracuda Networks and plans to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside, the Half Moon Bay PAC and the Jay Moriarty Foundation.

Acton said the new group wants a return to the ethos of the early days of Mavericks.


Harbor District General Manager Peter Grenell confirmed that he expects two organizations to vie for the single permit.



“Because another group has indicated that they want to seek a permit we have to review each permit and take it to the Harbor Commission,” said Grenell.

The Harbor District hasn’t had to deal with two groups vying for this single permit since the first year of the competition when a second request for the permit forced the district to decide it could handle only one event.

The new organization is filing for non-profit status, and according to Acton. That would set it apart from Mavericks Surf Ventures, which operates for-profit.

“When you’re dealing with a company running the contest, they forget the community is impacted more than anyone,” Acton said. “We want everyone in the community to benefit.”

Acton and Quirarte said the group has full support of Mavericks competitors.

Mavericks Surf Ventures representatives could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon. The organization is carrying on with business as usual and recently announced it’s “picking up right where last season left off,” and laying the groundwork for the 2010-2011 contest.

Last year's contest was considered a classic and surfers said it was among the best big-wave events ever held. It was also marred by waves crashing the shore and sweeping fans off their feet. Several people were injured while watching the contest.

“They’re not bad people … I’ve worked with them in the past but I just want this competition to benefit the community more than it has in the past,” Acton said. Quirarte said the new group planned a significantly reduced footprint on the coast, if granted the permit to hold the contest.

Created by Clark in 1999, the first big-wave event at Mavericks was called “Men who Ride Mountains.” If the contest comes off this winter, it would be the eighth such competition.

The event has been run by several different organizations over the years. Clark partnered with Evolve Sports in 2003 and Mavericks Surf Ventures was born.

The first chance for the Harbor District to address the matter at a regular meeting would be the first week in September.




Read more - http://www.hmbreview.com/articles/2010/08/10/news/breaking_news/doc4c5ce55924ebd445604625.txt

Friday, July 30, 2010

SurfReportSoCal.com has Teamed up with SanDiegoBolts.com!

Two local SoCal Companies have Teamed up! SurfReportSoCal.com has Teamed up with SanDiegoBolts.com! Go to SanDiegoBolts.com and Sign Up useing your Email and Get a FREE SanDiegoBolts.com Sticker! If your a San Diego Chargers Fan, you can't miss this Site!





Monday, June 21, 2010

Go Pro Surf Camera in HD!

I just bought a Go Pro Surf Camera in HD. This Camera is amazing! Water Proof and Shock Proof, this Camera can take a Picture and a solid fall!


Come buy the Go Pro Surf HD Camera here - http://www.surfreportsocal.com/

This is honestly the best Camera on the Market! The Shots this Camera can Produce are Unreal!



Be a Pro with out the 1,000's of dallars in equipment, Buy a Go Pro Surf HD for under 300.00!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Jensen and Steinriede Win WLA Pro Over Global Field

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Sunday, June 6, 2010) –
http://www.aspnorthamerica.com/news_show.php?id=1030



Californians Taylor Jensen (Oceanside, CA), 26, and Lindsay Steinriede (Dana Point, CA), 24, won the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) 1-Star WLA Pro presented by Kicker over an impressive list of global talent at South Huntington Beach Pier in peaky two-to-four foot (1 metre) surf.

Surfers compete on the ASP LQS in hopes to finish within the top of their regional ratings to eventually qualify for the ASP World Longboard Tour (WLT).
Jensen, who is a two-time ASP North America Longboarding Champion and perennial standout on the ASP WLT, added another victory to his plethora of wins at Huntington Beach when he claimed the WLA Pro over fellow finalist Ned Snow (Wailua, HI), 25, after ousting former ASP World Longboard Champions Bonga Perkins (HAW), Josh Constable (Noosa, AUS) and ASP North America Longboard ratings leader Kai Sallas (Waikiki, HI), 28.
“I’m stoked, I’m not sure how many contests I’ve won here at Huntington now,” Jensen said. “This is definitely the place that I’ve won the most events. I think that when I know I’ll be competing in Huntington, I enter the contest with extra confidence. It just reminds me of surfing at home in Oceanside.”
Jensen has adapted a more relaxed approach to competition and feels that his calm demeanor continues to assist in his success.
“I always feel like I surf better when I’m not putting pressure on myself,” Jensen said. “I really just enjoy coming up to the events to see everyone and have fun and when I keep that in mind I seem to do better in events.”



Steinriede marched through an impressive field of international talent including fellow Californian Kaitlin Maguire (Ventura, CA), 22, and Kelly Nicely (Oceanside, CA), 31, before topping Leah Dawson (Oahu, HI), 23, in their Final matchup.
“I’m pumped right now,” Steinriede said. “There were so many good surfers in this event from Hawaii and Nava (Young) from Australia, so I’m really happy to have won with all of the talent in this event.”
The talented regular-footer relied on her selective wave strategy as an accomplice and her patience paid dividends.
“Today’s conditions were some of the best that we’ve had,” Steinriede said. “I just decided when I paddled out that I wasn’t going to worry about the scores too much and just focused on picking the best waves and surfing them the best that I could.”

For additional information on the ASP LQS log on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.aspnorthamerica.org

Monday, June 14, 2010

New Surf Cams Added!

SurfReportSoCal ahs added new Cams!






Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Shark Encounters at San Onofre State Beach and Torrance

May 31, 2010 - http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/press-release/shark-encounters-at-san-onofre-state-beach-and-torrance_43986/

San Onofre State Beach -- On May 29, 2010 Daniel Sandoval was surfing Trail 1 at San Onofre State Beach. The time was not noted but estimated at 3 - 4:30 PM. He had been on the water about 45 minutes prior to the encounter. Air and water temperatures were estimated in the mid-70s and low 60s Fahrenheit, respectively. Sea conditions were 2 - 3 foot waves, occasional sets, under a clear sky. Sandoval reported; "I paddle out and after a few minutes a surfer on a yellow longboard told me he had seen a shark swimming North and South about 15 minutes beforehand. I was somewhat apprehensive, but he said he'd watch out for me and let me know if he saw it again. After 30 minutes or so about 10 - 15 feet North of me was what I believed to be a shark. As soon as I saw it a paddle boarder told me there was a shark near. It scared me so I laid quietly on my board while the paddle boarder headed for shore. He had told me the shark was about 20 feet behind me. After a few more minutes I headed for shore. I waited on shore for about an hour or so and figured the shark was gone. I headed back out. Not long after I was in the lineup a surfer tells me there's a 6 - 7 foot sharks nearby as he takes a wave in to the beach. By this time the waves were somewhat flat so I paddled in to shore." Please report any shark sighting, encounter, or attack to the Shark Research Committee.




San Onofre State Beach -- On May 29, 2010 David Moroni was surfing Trail 1 at San Onofre State Beach near San Diego. It was about 2:00 or 2:30 PM and he had been on the water about 30 minutes. The sky was clear with a mild West wind of about 5 knots. Air and water temperatures were estimated at 75 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. The water was 8 - 10 feet deep over a rocky-reef with scattered sandy areas and visibility limited to about 3 feet. Sea conditions were 2 - 3 feet with a light chop. Surfers in the area observed 2 Dolphins about two hours prior to the encounter. Moroni reported; "I was sitting still on my longboard, although there were other surfers nearby. Another surfer to my left (unnamed) first spotted the shark, and then I noticed it about 50 feet to my left slowly swimming out and away from shore. This was around 2 PM. I spotted the dorsal and tail fin simultaneously coming out of the water for a few seconds. About 1 minute later, a surfer on a yellow longboard was paddling parallel to shore, heading West in front of my location. The same shark was seen following about 50 feet behind the unnamed longboard surfer just seconds later. I notified the surfer of the situation and he acknowledged and continued to paddle in the same direction. About 10 seconds later the shark turned left and swam back out and away from shore. About 20 minutes later the shark returned, first noted swimming parallel to shore about 50 feet in front of me again with other surfers nearby and the shark was between me and another surfer who was sitting further out. The shark disappeared for about 20 - 30 seconds and then reappeared as a set-wave was coming in, and the shark was seen 'riding' the wave in to shore, and then disappeared again as the wave broke and there was white water masking the location of the shark. I stayed in the water, caught a few more waves and paddled in to shore about 15 minutes after the last encounter. The shark had a dark grey colored top with a curved, slightly triangular dorsal fin. Distance from tail to dorsal tip appeared to be 4 feet. Another surfer identified the full body through an incoming wave and noticed a whitish color at the bottom of the shark." Please report any shark sighting, encounter, or attack to the Shark Research Committee.



Torrance Beach -- On May 29, 2010 Andrew Clayton was boogie boarding at Torrance Beach, which is between Redondo Beach and Malaga Cove. It was 10:30 AM and he had been on the water about 2 hours. The air and water temperatures were recorded at 73 and 58 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. Water depth was unknown due to poor water visibility of 3 feet or less. No marine mammals were observed in the area during his time on the water. Clayton recalled; "I was paddling out after catching a wave and I dove under a wave and when I came up I saw the top of the shark's head, dorsal fin and, its tail. It thrashed its tail and went back under the water I immediately got out of the water. The shark was about 7 or 8 feet in length and had a large dorsal fin and a long tail, possible a Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus)." Please report any shark sighting, encounter, or attack to the Shark Research Committee.

Wave vs. Wave

Breaking News in San Diego's War Between the Surf Machines
May 28, 2010 link:http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/press-release/wave-vs-wave-breaking-news-in-san-diegos-war-between-the-surf-machines_43971/



Stand on any beach on any ocean, and one of the things you will eventually notice about waves is that they keep coming--which might turn out to be the case with legal disputes over wave-making technology as well.


It certainly seemed that way last year, when I wrote about a startup in Solana Beach, CA, called American Wave Machines, or AWM. Founder Bruce McFarland and his wife Marie started the company in 2000 to develop his ideas for SurfStream, a machine capable of generating a standing wave big enough for paying customers to surf. But AWM's hopes for a glassy ride to the green room got pitched in the soup in 2008, when San Diego's "wave war" began.

McFarland's former boss, Tom Lochtefeld, filed a patent infringement suit, alleging that AWM's technology was infringing on patents that Lochtefeld and his company, San Diego-based Wave Loch, have been commercializing since 1991. Lochtefeld was all amp'd about McFarland dropping in on his wave--or what he said was his wave. It was like a field day at the courthouse for all the men in the gray suits. AWM denied Lochtefeld's allegations, and asked a federal judge in San Diego to suspend the litigation until the patent office has conducted an official review of the claims asserted by Lochtefeld and Wave Loch.

So it seemed like victory at sea for AWM when I got a press release this week (from AWM) that says the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) "has invalidated each of the 27 patent claims asserted by Wave Loch in its patent infringement claim against American Wave Machines."

In an e-mail, the lawyer for AWM, Gil Cabrera, says, "Once the USPTO issues the Reexamination Certificate consistent with its final rejection of Lochtefeld's claims, we will file a motion to dismiss the entire case because none of the claims he asserted against AWM survived reexamination."

Cabrera says the patent office ruling puts AWM in a "great position to ultimately prevail in the litigation." But when I asked Lochtefeld for his response, he was like, Whoa. Wait a minute Ho-dad. He tells me by e-mail: "Bruce. Your information is false." Then he calls me--from London--to say, "There are still patent claims outstanding. I met with the patent office yesterday and they have approved numerous other claims that make our patents even stronger."

So I check back with Cabrera, and he says, "Basically, every claim [Lochtefeld] challenged was rejected by the USPTO. He amended his claims and some of those amendments were allowed. So his patents are going to issue, just without any of the claims he claimed AWM was infringing. He'll likely try to argue that the new claims are infringed, but the problem is that would only start from when the new amended patent is issued--in which case nothing AWM has done to date would be infringing. And it is our belief that the new claims are also subject to challenge and are not being infringed... this ruling puts AWM on track to dismissal of the claims."

An hour or two later, I get a call from W. David Osborne, who is the general counsel for Wave Loch, and he says that Lochtefeld called him from London too, and he's sending me a press release titled, "Wave Loch Must Once Again Set the Record Straight Regarding American Wave Machines' Misrepresentations."

In its statement, Wave Loch says, "neither the litigation nor the USPTO process is complete" and as a result of the patent review, "Wave Loch now expects the patents asserted against AWM to emerge from the reexamination process even stronger and to be able to add more claims against AWM... AWM, however, continues to attempt to sell the SurfStream, and by doing so, continues to place itself and its customers at risk of being subject to injunctive relief and significant monetary damages."

A lot of shoobies and other right coasters seem to think that California surfers are easy-going, like Jeff Spicoli in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" or the sea turtles in "Finding Nemo." But if you start messing with their waves--dude!--they can go aggro in a heartbeat! And so San Diego's wave war continues---the arguments pounding, pounding, pounding.


Read more: http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/press-release/wave-vs-wave-breaking-news-in-san-diegos-war-between-the-surf-machines_43971/

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

PLA Cancels HB Open Event for June 2010 !!!

Whats the deal with PLA (Professional Longboarding Association) Canceling the HB Open in June? What happened in Costa Rica that Ruined the Rest of the Season? Can any one clear his up for Us?



Below is what we know:

A news letter went out May 19th 2010 (below)
"The Professional Longboard Association announces today that they have been recommended to make adjustments to the purse at the America's Open of Longboarding, an event that is set for June 4-6 in Huntington Beach, CA.

The decision to lower the purse prize for this event comes from a concern in the PLA that they would not be able to support this event from a monetary standpoint. "It is unfortunate that we have to lower the purse for this event, but due to the economic climate, and considerable lack of corporate support for the longboard community we unfortunately have not been able to bring in the sponsorship monies that would cover a 6-star purse", said Jeff Stoner, Executive Director of the PLA. After multiple conversations between the ASP and the PLA, the recommendation for this event, due to time constraints and proximity to the event date, was made to lower the purse prize, but keep the star rating and point structure in tact. "The decision to make these changes was in the best interest of all parties, including the surfers. The timing is not the greatest, but due to everything the PLA has gone through this year to sustain the PLA, this was the best option we could provide for everyone", said Stoner. "its not the most ideal situation, but it beats the alternative of cancellation" continued Stoner.
The current structure for the event is as followed; 6 star point ratings, and 3 star purse structure, which brings the purse money to $15,000 and $5,000 for men and women respectively."



Now today I hear this?
"Hope all are well. I am writing to you in regards to the PLA event in HB to be held on June 4-6. it is my unfortunate position that I must tell you all that the PLA HB event and the remainder of the season has been CANCELLED due to lack of monetary sponsorships. Although the HB decision is last minute for many of you, the ASP and PLA thought it was the only reasonable option for this event. Last week we made the decision to try and lower the purse prize to help with costs of the event, and at the time this was a reasonable option, due to we were talking with 3 potential sponsors, in the end the sponsors decided they could not put forth the requested monetary amount or asked to pay a lower monetary amount which in the big picture of the event would not have helped.

The PLA admits it made a mistake in Costa Rica, when it came to monetary commitments and payouts, and we feel it is not fair to anyone to repeat this situation just to continue with an event.
I hope you all understand our situation and the time and effort we have put in not just this year, but over the last 2 ½ years to create something for you, the longboarder. We have tried to do everything to keep the PLA in the best position possible. In the end it all comes down to sponsors and industry support. We feel very lucky to have had companies like Maui Jim, Power Balance, Kicker and Ocean Current with us this year, and truly appreciate their support, but without true support from the surf industry as a whole, longboarding will always have a hard time catching up to shortboarding. We will continue to work towards building a surf series and creating events, unfortunately the PLA and myself personally cannot afford to monetarily back the these events without help from corporate sponsors and the surf industry.
What’s next for the PLA? The PLA will take this opportunity over the next couple months to figure out the rest of the 2010 season. The possibilities are slim, but we will never close the door completely. We will also take this time to focus on 2011, and what needs to be done with sponsorships to make it possible for us to run 2-3 high quality events. Although this year has been difficult, we promise that the PLA will always be around to support longboarding, and will always do our best in creating events to help better each one of you.
In regards to other issues, the PLA will follow through with other commitments and asks each one of you to please be patient as it will take some time to resolve these issues.
Thank you for your understanding on this matter, and once again the PLA apologies to each one of you, and asks for your continued support.
Sincerely
Jeff Stoner"

I know there are rough times for all Sports, but whats going on With LongBoarding? Doesnt everyone know that Longboarding started Surfing! That whole "sole" and "free riding spirit" came from Longboarding! Wheither it is Joel Tudor riding the Nose or Kia Salis Boosting an Air on a 9.0, you need to admitt at some point this is a very Exciting Sport! Why hasnt RedBull or Monster or TransWorld stepped up and Sponsored this PLA ASP sieries? I just dont get it? Step it up Corperate Worl; if you are on the fense, go Watch "Fresh Fruit for Rotten Vegetables"! I am sure this video will help you make up your mind! Get it together out there! We want to Surf!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

CELESTINO DIAZ: RIP ; MARVIN FOSTER: RIP

The Passing of Two Legends!

North Shore legend passes away in Hawaii!
North Shore local Marvin Foster passed away on May 18th in Haleiwa, Hawaii. He was 48 years old.

According to Star Bulletin, Foster died from asphyxia due to hanging earlier this week, according to the city Department of the Medical Examiner. The manner of his death was classified as a suicide.
Foster, also called "Carvin Marvin", was known for his fearless frontside and backside tuberiding skills at Pipe and Backdoor in the late seventies/early eighties. He turned pro in 1980, placing well in local contests and winning the 1984 Peru International. Foster was also known for his part in the seminal surf flick The Performers, which documented the '82/'83 North Shore winter.
He'll be missed by the North Shore and international surf communities.

Check back for more info on his death, and leave comments below.
http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/marvin-foster-rip--north-shore-legend-passes-away-in-hawaii_43528/

Puerto Escondido local 'The Apache' passes away!
Longtime Puerto Escondido local Celestino Diaz passed away yesterday of unknown causes. He was 32.

Diaz grew up in Puerto's heavy tubes, winning the Mexican Junior Champs in 1995 and spent his teenage years traveling between California, Indonesia and Hawaii.

Fellow Puerto local Coco Nogales wrote, "Honor him like all the others, he was a warrior. I've grow up with him and seen it all."
http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/celestino-diaz-rip--puerto-escondido-local-the-apache-passes-away_43579/

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

RIP: NOEL ROBINSON

By: Edwin Morales (photos + captions)
http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/rip-noel-robinson--underground-norcal-charger-filmer-drowns-at-puerto-escondido_43204/

NorCal charger and filmer Noel Robinson drowned while surfing Puerto Escondio this morning.


From Surfline photographer Edwin Morales: "I'm really sad to inform you we have lost a good waterman today in Puerto Escondido. He took off on a solid righthander and wiped out and never came out. Lifeguards and everyone else on the beach were looking for an hour and 20 minutes until they finally found his body."

Puerto resident Ana Quadros adds, "It wasn't super big, I don't know how it happened -- no one does."

Robinson was equally home behind the lens and in the water, spending long summer stints in Puerto Escondio and chasing winter swells in NorCal. He's most recently known for filming Twiggy's XXL Ride of the Year this winter at the Mav's contest and has been a frequent Surfline contributor and he'll be greatly missed.


Stay tuned for more developments and leave condolences below.


http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/rip-noel-robinson--underground-norcal-charger-filmer-drowns-at-puerto-escondido_43204/

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Want to Sell Surfing? Go Big!

By Zach Weisberg - April 30, 2010 - 01:46



A lot of attention has been given lately to the retooling of the “ASP World Title Race” and the doubtful emergence of a prospective Rebel Tour. I suppose those are important things for professional surfing to consider, but such alterations are relatively inconsequential when it comes to the inspiration for most of these changes: drawing mass appeal. If surfing really wants to gain mainstream traction (which, no doubt, many surfers have no interest in accomplishing), it needs to continue cultivating and repackaging a phenomenon that dedicated watermen and landlocked civilians find eternally fascinating — big-wave surfing — something that Gary Linden has known for twelve years and Billabong’s XXL initiative has only recently begun to fully realize.

In the winter of 2009, renowned San Diego shaper and accomplished big-wave surfer, Gary Linden, launched the first incarnation of the Big Wave World Tour. Just last week he crowned the Tour’s first World Champion, Carlos Burle, at a private ceremony held at San Clemente’s Surfing Heritage Foundation.

“It’s not just about attracting attention to big-wave surfing – but surfing, per-se,” says Linden, 61. “I think that’s a conduit; you can understand it. It’s life or death. There’s no intricacies. There’s no nuances. What is a stale-fish air or whatever? You can’t understand it. Once we get involved and are captivated by surfing then we’ll start to understand the intricacies…like golf. Golf is boring to watch unless you play golf, but there are so many people playing golf that it has a big audience. We need to get to the same place in surfing.”

Agree with his intentions or not, Linden has a point. There’s little room for misinterpretation when watching a human being scale a 70-foot wave face. Despite the apparent risks involved (read: mortality), the image provided by such a superhuman endeavor is startling. “A grandma in Michigan can understand: Little human. Giant wave,” Laird Hamilton told me during an interview last year. “That would cover the conversation pretty quickly.”

That’s why Linden’s Big Wave World Tour, which links together pre-existing events located in Chile, Peru, Mavericks, Todos Santos, and at Nelscott Reef in Oregon fills such an important void in the world of professional surfing. While tailoring the contests’ packaging for mainstream consumption remains nebulous (live webcasts and post-event television edits currently lead the pack), The Big Wave World Tour presents an organized opportunity for surfing to showcase itself at its most extreme. The X-Games certainly couldn’t do that, which is probably in part why surfing got cut from ESPN’s annual tribute to action sports in 2008. A well-timed hack in shoulder high sandbars doesn’t exactly offer the same compelling treachery as a late drop beneath a two-ton curtain at Mavericks.

And Linden isn’t alone in his efforts. The Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards, now in its tenth year, pioneered recognition for big-wave surfers’ value and courage. Billabong most recently awarded Grant “Twiggy” Baker $50,000 for his “Ride of the Year” at Mavericks this winter, and while Billabong may be the surf industry’s champion for big-wave surfing, clairvoyance couldn’t come quickly enough.

Consider the career of the world’s most respected contemporary big-wave surfer, Greg Long. An Eddie Champion and multiple-time winner at the XXL Awards, Greg Long was just another surfer without a major sponsor, literally living out of his vehicle two years ago. It wasn’t until he had the financial backing of Billabong that he could afford to pursue his passion to the extent he deserved – and we deserved. His brother, Rusty, fought a similar battle, finally acquiring sponsorship with Quiksilver this year, which makes it apparent that so many of the surf industry’s resources have been directed at serving the nuances of the ASP World Tour, that we’ve neglected to cultivate surfing’s most marketable (or at least gripping) subculture: the giant-slayers.

But right now, in late April of 2010, big-wave surfing looks to turn the corner. Just a few months ago, the world watched Greg Long win the 2009 Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau. (The New York Times even ran a story last winter surprised that the Eddie didn’t run on its expected day of the waiting period…since when is the Eddie not running news?) Carlos Burle just claimed the first-ever Big Wave World Tour Championship, and The Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards dished out over $100,000 to the world’s bravest hell men. Right now, it’s safe to say that momentum is in big-wave surfing’s favor.

Now, it’s up to the surf industry to keep it rolling.

By Zach Weisberg - April 30, 2010 - 01:46 - http://blogs.surfermag.com/office-blog/opinion-want-to-sell-surfing-go-big/

Monday, May 3, 2010

GULF OIL SPILL: REACTIONS AND THREATS!

GULF OIL SPILL: REACTIONS AND THREATS
Consequences may be Gulf-wide and extend into the South Atlantic

By: Terry Gibson
http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/gulf-oil-spill-reactions-and-threats-consequences-may-be-gulf-wide-and-extend-into-the-south-atlan_43091/

As public awareness grows regarding a major oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon rig well on a lease owned by British Petroleum (BP), the thousands of people that participated in the Hands Across the Sand (visit www.handsacrossthesand.com) movement are stewing in black irony -- oil-black irony.

"Hands" founder Dave' Rauschkolb's concerns about a potentially catastrophic spill are proving prescient, as oil threatens Gulf and Atlantic beaches and many other ecosystems vital to surfing, recreational fishing, the seafood industry, and tourism in general.

"We feel for the families of the eleven workers killed in the blast," said Rauschkolb, a veteran waterman and restaurant owner from Seaside, Florida. "And it is a shame it is going to take a spill of this magnitude to hopefully open our leaders' minds to the risks oil drilling presents to our coastal communities and fragile environment."


During this spring's Florida legislative session, "Hands", along with an array of environmental groups, succeeded in convincing the Florida legislature not to lift a ban on drilling within 234 miles off Tampa, at least this year. But it's now clear that spills occurring far beyond the line of prohibition can have disastrous impacts. Meanwhile, new reports based on whistle-blower testimony suggest that many other Gulf rigs pose significant threats. The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee has demanded that BP produce "a copy of [these] inspection reports, as well as any reports of other inspections at the Deepwater Horizon rig, including all inspections of the blowout preventer."

Speaking from Louisiana, President Obama stated that, "'Let me be clear, BP is responsible for this leak. BP will be paying the bill." One estimate of damages is high as $14 billion, given a worst-case environmental scenario.

Coming to a Beach Near You

As of this writing, Monday morning, May 3rd, EST, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that the 5,000-foot-deep well is spilling 200,000 gallons or 5,000 barrels per day, and that the spill now covers at least 900 kms. Oil is expected to wash ashore today in what ecologists call the "fertile crescent" -- the coastal marshes of the North Central Gulf that are the primary producers of marine life in the water body. Dead animals have been reported already washing ashore. NOAA has closed waters from the mouth of the Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle to fishing for ten days.

Experts say that the geographic range and extent of physical damage will be directly related to how quickly engineers working for BP can cap the well or drill a "relief well," which would siphon off the oil from another hole. Estimates range from a few days to three months. No coastal area in the Gulf or South Atlantic is safe, and virtually every known significant ecosystem could be impacted.

Surfline forecaster Mike Watson explained that the winds that are currently pushing spill towards shores of the northern Gulf will subside as a cold front passes through. These winds -- up to 40mph out of the southwest -- have limited the abilities of responders to contain the oil with booms. But, they have kept it out of the loop current, which feeds into the Florida current, which feeds into the Gulf Stream. The implication is that through this complex nexus of currents, the entire northern Gulf, the Gulf Coast of Florida, and coastal areas as far north as Cape Hatteras are likely to be affected. The western Gulf is also threatened as summertime winds change prevailing currents into an east-west pattern. A Coriolis affect related to the Mississippi River's influence might also hasten its spread to western Louisiana and Texas coastal features.
 
Worries Bigger than Tar on Wax


Scientists are concerned that the spill could push over-fished species to the brink, and already beleaguered ecosystems past "tipping points." For instance, right now, the imperiled bluefin tuna is spawning in the loop current. Their larvae remain at or near the surface, and contact with oil is fatal to most larvae. (For more info, visit http://www.pewenvironment.org/gulftuna.)

"Because of the way that relatively immobile things wind up together in these currents, pelagic larvae and oil may well wind up together," said Dr. Larry Crowder, an ecologist at Duke University.

The implications for estuarine habitats such as mangroves and tropical coral reefs are similarly dire. In 1989, renowned Paleo-ecologist Dr. Jeremy Jackson studied the impacts of a spill in Panama, in an area where significant baseline data had already been collected.

Bob Glazer, Executive Director of the 64-year-old Gulf & Caribbean Fisheries Institute (gcfi.org), interpreted the paper for concerned coastal stakeholders here.

"This most definitive research showed that after a bad spill, transplanted mangroves did not take and seagrass beds died on oiled reef flats. And stony corals in less than three meters had from 45-percent to a 96-percent loss of coral, while un-oiled reefs had essentially no loss in coral cover. Whole strips of mangroves perished. Obviously, here in the Keys, we, like everyone else along the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico, are hoping that the oil from Deepwater Horizon blowout doesn't reach our shores."

The 1989 Panama spill, and other examples, support concerns that the spill could push beleaguered Gulf ecosystems, such as the north-central marshes and coral reefs in the tropical zone, which are already some of the most rapidly disappearing coastal ecosystems in the world, past a "tipping point."

"It is difficult to say in the early stages of this unfolding situation," says leading snapper researcher Dr. Jim Cowan, from Louisiana State. "But there are few directions in which the spill can move that will fail to produce some impacts on fisheries production, especially if the problem becomes chronic--i.e., the flow of oil is not stopped quickly."

Oil Politics & a New National Ocean Policy

In March, President Obama launched an aggressive plan to lift a decades-long moratorium on offshore oil drilling along the East Coast from Delaware to Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska. Most pundits interpreted this announcement as horse-trading with the oil industry in exchange for support for climate change legislation, one of the administration's top priorities. Another priority is the establishment of a National Ocean Policy framework -- and many surfers, anglers, divers and others who depend on coastal and marine resources hope the President puts this framework into place soon through an executive order. The administration has signaled that it will.

This process began about a decade ago with the advent of the Pew Oceans Commission, and it's subsequent report stating, in essence, that America's coasts oceans are in serious trouble. The George H.W. Bush administration established the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy (USCOP), which returned with similar findings. In June of 2009, President Obama sent a letter to Council of Environmental Quality asking the heads of federal agencies associated with coastal and ocean management to make recommendations for a national policy that "ensures protection, maintenance, and restoration of oceans, our coasts and the Great Lakes." It will also recommend a framework for improved stewardship, and effective coastal and marine spatial planning. (For more info, visit www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans).

While it's unreasonable to think that these policies will halt all drilling, which may not be in the best interests of the nation, the President said he will ban new drilling for the time being, and has also ordered environmental agency officials to inspect all offshore oil rigs and platforms to make sure they adhere to US safety codes. If there's a bright side to this black tragedy, it's that the administration and congress will likely be much more motivated to recognize through policy that natural coastal and marine resources are the core economic assets of coastal communities, and prioritize conservation and the preservation of sustainable uses of these resources.

On April 16 and 17, prior to the spill, NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenko and Associate Administrator Eric Schwaab spoke to more than 70 leaders in the recreational fishing community at the recreational fishing summit promised by Lubchenko early in her tenure as NOAA Administrator. Both officials, along with an official from the Council of Environmental Quality, stated in essence that, "environment vs. economy is a false dichotomy." If the spill continues unchecked, and if the President holds BP to paying for the damage, the company, along with the millions of people dependent on ocean and coastal resources will painfully and profoundly realize how dangerously false a dichotomy it is.

By: Terry Gibson is a long-time surf journalist, environmental writer and professional advocate for leading conservation groups.
http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/gulf-oil-spill-reactions-and-threats-consequences-may-be-gulf-wide-and-extend-into-the-south-atlan_43091/

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Encinitas allows proposal for Swami’s surf contest

Encinitas allows proposal for Swami’s surf contest!
By Tanya Mannes, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 12:23 a.m
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/mar/11/council-allows-proposal-for-swamis-surf-contest/

ENCINITAS — The Encinitas City Council last night decided to open Swami’s Beach for a potential surf contest despite protests from local surfers who said the secluded point break should be kept pristine.


Until now, Encinitas has never allowed organized public events at Swami’s, which is less accessible than other local beaches.

Swami’s is a thin strip of sand, sometimes immersed in water at high tide, below steep sandstone bluffs just south of a spiritual retreat and meditation gardens. Surfers park in the lot above, then climb down a narrow access stairway with their boards.

The council voted 3-2 to allow world-renowned surfer Linda Benson to seek a city permit to hold her four-day women’s longboarding championship at Swami’s in October, as the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended.

Mayor Dan Dalager, Councilman James Bond and Vice Mayor Maggie Houlihan said the city’s permit process will determine whether Benson’s contest can work at that beach.

“That’s what the process is about,” Dalager said. “It may not get through the process, or it may.”

Benson is a surfing world champion. Her contest, the Women’s World Longboard Championships, was held in France in past years.

In her presentation to the council, she said the contest would showcase Encinitas as a surf town, and she pledged to be sensitive to the environment.

The proposal will be analyzed by city staff members who will determine whether to issue a permit. Benson will be required to pay for city expenses such as traffic control, officials said.

Opponents at last night’s meeting reiterated concerns that the event with 64 competitors would block access for local surfers in prime wave season, and they raised concerns about parking, traffic congestion and access. They fear Benson’s contest would set a precedent for reserving Swami’s.

Councilman Jerome Stocks and Councilwoman Teresa Barth didn’t support allowing Benson to seek a permit because of what Stocks called the “serious logistical issues” at that beach.



http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/mar/11/council-allows-proposal-for-swamis-surf-contest/

Commissioners consider pro-surf contest at Swami's

Commissioners consider pro-surf contest at Swami's
By RUTH MARVIN WEBSTER - For the North County Times

Posted: January 19, 2010 8:50 pm
http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/encinitas/article_71729491-7840-5c75-aa04-e70308eb191a.html
 
Local surfers weighed in Tuesday night on a controversial proposal by legendary surfer Linda Benson to bring the Women's World Longboard Championship to Swami's Beach in October.


Last year the Encinitas City Council charged the city's Park and Recreation Commission to solicit public comment on the feasibility of holding such a high-profile event at Swami's, a renowned surfing spot that has never before hosted a pro-surfing contest.

"As a longtime local of Encinitas, I felt that this event would be a great opportunity for Encinitas to celebrate with women longboarders as we continue to honor the spirit of our sport," Benson told the commissioners. "Swami's is a world-class wave, arguably the best wave in the area; a truly perfect venue for a world championship."

For months, petitions both in support of and against the proposal have been circulating among local surfers.

Benson, a five-time U.S. champion and member of the International Surfing Hall of Fame and Cori Schumacher, two-time World Champion and two-time U.S. Champion took turns presenting a proposal to move the annual event from its current home in Biarritz, France to Encinitas. Benson told the commissioners that she expects that 64 or so women would compete at Swami's during the four-day event with more women competing in qualifying rounds held earlier at Moonlight Beach, also in Encinitas.

The Women's World Longboard Championship began in 1995 in Costa Rica and has traveled to different parts of the world, Benson said. Then in 2005, Benson obtained rights to the contest with the hope of bringing it back to Swami's where she first surfed in 1956.

Benson said she envisions an Encinitas Surf Festival with 40 to 50 vendor booths and exhibitions, a pancake breakfast and film festival to run alongside the event.

But not all local surfers are convinced that Swami's is the right venue for a world championship.

Calvin Tom, an Encinitas surfer, said he had a multitude of safety concerns. He highlighted the fact there is no pedestrian crossing across the railroad tracks or the Coast Highway near the Swami's parking lot entrance and that the low railings over unstable cliffs and limited access to the beach could be dangerous to spectators.

"For me, a contest (at Swami's) doesn't make that much sense, and we have other locations that have been proven to be better," Tom said.
Encinitas resident Michelle Woo Bowman agreed.

"I'm here to give you options," she told the commissioners Tuesday night.

"Option No. 1 is Cardiff Reef," she said. "It has plenty of parking, it is ADA (American Disabilities Act) accessible, has good surf and has hosted previous successful contests ... And option No. 2 is Seaside. It also has parking, is ADA accessible, has good surf and previous successful contests. What is not an option is Swami's."

Benson said city staffers recommended she not make a permit request for the event until the City Council decided whether to allow the championship at Swami's.

And when asked by commissioners whether she would consider taking her event to another Encinitas location, namely Cardiff State Beach or Seaside, Benson said no.

"Those aren't world-class waves," she said.


http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/encinitas/article_71729491-7840-5c75-aa04-e70308eb191a.html

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Tony Silvagni Wins Ocean Beach PLA Pro!!!

Tony Silvagni Wins Ocean Beach PLA Pro
ASP - http://www.aspnorthamerica.com/news_show.php?id=910


Tony Silvagni Wins Ocean Beach PLA Pro

SAN DIEGO, California (Sunday, February 28, 2010) – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) 2-Star Ocean Beach PLA Pro saw Tony Silvagni (Kure Beach, NC), 23, clinch the event win by navigating through wild 10 to 12 foot (3-4 metre) surf at San Diego’s Ocean Beach Pier.

The four women’s finalists of the Ocean Beach PLA Pro presented by Gidget opted not to surf and evenly divide the ratings points and prize money due to the day’s brutal conditions.

The Ocean Beach PLA Pro represents the first of six events on the 2010 ASP North America LQS calendar and Silvagni’s win today establishes the young East Coaster as the early season frontrunner.

Silvagni not only had to battle the victory at seas conditions throughout his marathon day of competition, but also topped some of the globe’s finest competitive longboarding talent including three-time ASP World Longboard Champion Colin McPhillips (San Clemente, CA), 34, and French standout Remi Arauzo (FRA), en route to clinching his inaugural ASP LQS victory by combining critical rail-to-rail surfing and classic noseriding.

“I’ve made so many finals and it feels amazing to finally win an ASP LQS event,” Silvagni said. “It’s always been my goal to start the year out on top and it’s great to finally accomplish my goals.”

Silvagni, who will be competing in his sophomore year on the ASP World Longboard Tour (WLT), was thrilled to clinch the season opening regional ASP LQS event and hopes to utilize the 2010 American series to sharpen his competitive skills before combating the world’s top competitive talent searching for the crown of ASP World Longboard Champion.

“This is a great kickoff to my year for the WLT,” Silvagni said. “It really gives me confidence going up against the world’s best. Now I’m off to Hawaii to spend time with my girlfriend and will be surfing a lot more.”

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.aspnorthamerica.org


Ocean Beach PLA Pro Final:

1-Tony Silvagni (USA) 13.17

2- Zack Howard (USA) 11.57

3- Remi Arauzo (FRA) 9.43

4- Colin McPhillips (USA) 4.34



Ocean Beach PLA Pro Semifinals Results:

Heat 1: Tony Silvagni (USA) 17.17, Zack Howard (USA) 10.94, Kai Sallas (USA) 10.60, Josh Baxter (USA) 9.47

Heat 2: Colin McPhillips (USA) 9.80, Remi Arauzo (USA) 8.23, Scott Brandenburg (USA) 8.17, Steve Newton (USA) 3.27



Ocean Beach PLA Pro Quarterfinals Results:

Heat 1: Tony Silvagni (USA) 12.77, Zack Howard (USA) 11.76, Brett Robbins (USA) 6.50, David Arganda (USA) 5.00

Heat 2: Kai Sallas (HAW) 15.33, Josh Baxter (USA) 12.60, Noah Shimabukuro (USA) 8.60, Blaine Lewis (USA) 8.50

Heat 3: Colin McPhillips (USA) 17.67, Steve Newton (USA) 12.43, Ty Roach (USA) 8.56, Tim Reda (USA) 2.63

Heat 4: Remi Arauzo (FRA) 12.23, Scott Brandenburg (USA) 8.20, Cole Robbins (USA) 7.97, Eli Gillis (USA) 7.03



Ocean Beach PLA Pro Round of 32 Results:

Heat 1: Zack Howard (USA) 15.83, David Arganda (USA) 10.57, Troy Mothershead (USA), Dennis Bourg (USA) 4.80

Heat 2: Tony Silvagni (USA) 15.44, Brett Robbins (USA) 6.74, Mike Gilliard (USA) 5.87, Seth Bowman (USA) 5.63

Heat 3: Noah Shimabukuro (USA) 10.40, Josh Baxter (USA) 9.77, Joe Aaron (USA) 6.57, Corey Hartwyk (USA) 5.83

Heat 4: Kai Sallas (HAW) 14.50, Blaine Lewis (USA) 6.87, Eric Marin (USA) 6.00, Mike Stidham (USA) 5.63

Heat 5: Colin McPhillips (USA) 9.17, Tim Reda (USA) 4.03, Cameron Fullmer (USA) 3.50, Jerry Swearingen (USA) ns

Heat 6: Steve Newton (USA) 15.67, Ty Roach (USA) 5.57, Cody Ulrich (USA) 4.83, Brendan White (USA) 1.07

Heat 7: Remi Arauzo (USA) 14.97, Scott Brandenburg (USA) 10.60, Terry Gillard (USA) 8.24, Bucky Barrer (USA) 2.50

Heat 8: Cole Robbins (USA) 6.90, Eli Gillis (USA) 6.50, Josh Rapozo (USA) n/s, Matt Elias-Calles (USA) n/s

ASP PLA Ocean Beach Event #1 - 3rd in my heat

The waves were Knee High and very sloppy! As Noah said perfectly in our heat "its wierd out here!". I took 3rd in my heat with a combined 4.80. I battled back and forth with Cory Hartwyk; he ended up getting the better waves and took 2nd. Fun Contest, but the weather was Poor. OB delivered and the PLA put on a very fun event! Looking forward to the next event!

Heat 3: Noah Shimabukuro (USA) 14.16, Corey Hartwyk (USA) 5.90, Brandon Garske (USA) 4.80



ASP Article - http://www.aspnorthamerica.com/news_show.php?id=905

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Huge waves at Mavericks injure spectators !

Huge waves at Mavericks injure spectators

Demian Bulwa, Chronicle Staff Writer
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/


The Super Bowl of Surfing lived up to its legend Saturday, and then some. The waves at Mavericks were so massive - the biggest in the history of surf contests, some said - that they caused collateral damage on the sidelines.
Long before South African Chris Bertish tamed a pair of monster swells to win the $50,000 first prize at the seventh Mavericks Surf Contest north of Half Moon Bay, a series of waves crashed into some of the thousands of fans who had flocked to the beach to try to see the action.
Just after 9 a.m. near Pillar Point, 13 people were injured and at least 40 people were knocked off their feet, officials said. Many of them had been standing on a short concrete wall and were thrown into rocks or mud by a surge of water.
A stage set up for an award ceremony toppled, while sound equipment meant for a beach broadcast was swamped.
The most serious injuries involved broken bones - including a man with a broken leg and a woman with a fractured ankle. Three people were taken by ambulance to local hospitals.
Wave faces up to 50 feet high
The injuries prompted authorities to evacuate one stretch of the beach and stop allowing newcomers to enter the main viewing area. Still, hundreds remained as vendors on the beach continued to sell pizza, sausages and T-shirts.
Some of the wave faces at Mavericks appeared to be more than 50 feet high. They were clean and smooth - ideal for surfing - thanks to low wind. Bertish was among those who said the waves might be the biggest ever surfed in a contest.
So big were they that they nearly knocked Bertish out in the first round. He said he was sucked back into a wave that he was trying to paddle past and was held underwater so long that he nearly blacked out.
"Finally I saw blue sky - the brightest blue sky you've ever seen in your life," said the 35-year-old Cape Town resident, who does marketing for two surf companies.
Bertish was competing in his first Mavericks event after years of trying to get in. He flew 36 hours after learning the contest had been called, leaving after work Thursday - "I didn't even pack a toothbrush," he said - and landing just after midnight Saturday.
Both of his boards didn't arrive, Bertish said, prompting a baggage handler to tell him, "Don't worry, you can just rent one."
Hoping for a view
Instead, Bertish used a board he had stashed with his friend Jeff Clark, who discovered Mavericks, first surfed it as a teenager, and co-founded the contest in 1999.
Before Bertish caught his first wave, thousands of spectators gathered at a nearby beach, arriving despite being warned by organizers that the surfers - a half-mile into the ocean - would be difficult to see. Some arrived at 4 or 5 a.m.
Organizers had provided nearby parking and shuttle buses to the beach, but had also encouraged fans to watch a Webcast or live feed on the big screen at AT&T Park in San Francisco, where admission was $25.
Hundreds clambered up hillsides trying to view the competition. Some hopped fences. But it was foggy and the waves were so big that a surfer on one wave could be obscured by the wall of water in front of him.
Many people simply sat on the beach and watched a big screen. Others stared out at the water, in the general direction of the contest.
"We're catching the Mavericks even though you can't see a friggin' thing," said Debbi Jones of Menlo Park. "Now we can say, 'I was there.' "
"I thought I might have seen a person at one point," said her husband, Conrad Jones. "But it was fleeting."
Injuries 'predictable'
The waves that injured spectators rolled in before a 10 a.m. high tide. They did not come without warning: The wall hit by a surge of water had already been covered by smaller incursions, but fans had returned to it.
One wave knocked down Betsy Foreman, 48, of Ukiah (Mendocino County), and broke her ankle. She had been part of the way up a hillside with other fans but had come down and was walking away from the water at the urging of San Mateo County sheriff's deputies.
"The wave knocked us down and washed people on top of us," said Foreman's fiance, Dan Quarles. He didn't blame organizers, saying, "You take your chances."
Mary Gram, 51, of San Rafael appeared to have a broken or dislocated middle finger on her right hand. As she waited for medical attention, she said, "I guess I'm lucky. But I lost my iPhone."
Grant Washburn, a 42-year-old surfer from San Francisco and a veteran at Mavericks, said the injuries and wrecked equipment on the beach were "absolutely predictable."
"They should never have put anything there," Washburn said. "There's a high tide with a 25-foot swell, and they set up right where the water washes over. This is why I tell my wife and kids not to come."
"That's why the engineers put a wall there," he said. "It's well documented and understood by people. You could have easily had a kid, or an adult, killed."
'Consistently bombing'
Keir Beadling, the chief executive of Mavericks Surf Ventures, said organizers will investigate what happened to see if changes need to be made. But he downplayed the injuries to spectators, saying they should have been watching on the Webcast or at AT&T Park.
"It's probably been blown out of proportion," he said on his cell phone, while riding in a boat a half-mile from the shoreline. "We're all having to deal with Mother Nature. Everybody has to exercise common sense."
The injuries, he said, "are the type of things that happen when you're out in nature. We're not in a parking lot ... to watch these guys surf in these conditions is extraordinary."
Surfer Ion Banner said the waves were "consistently bombing." In the first heat of the day, he was running out of time and needed a big score. So he paddled into a wave that he said he might have normally skipped.
"It was brutal. I free-falled 10 or 12 feet. I never even connected. My board was doing a wheelie," he said. "It was one of the 10 worst wipeouts I've ever had."
When he emerged from the "spin cycle" of the crashing wave, his nose was bleeding and his right eye was bruised. He was dizzy and felt ready to throw up. Worst of all, time was up and he was eliminated.
A majority of the surfers voted over e-mail to hold the contest Saturday after consulting weather reports and buoy readings. But some voted no, worried that the waves might be too big, wind-chopped and dangerous.
The event came after a stormy offseason in which Mavericks Surf Ventures sacked its contest director, Clark. Clark sued last month, saying he wasn't paid thousands of dollars in promised salary and royalties.




Demian Bulwa, Chronicle Staff Writer
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/02/13/BATA1C1AAA.DTL#ixzz0faTpDKHe

 

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

STEVE SCHAFER RIP

STEVE SCHAFER RIP
Florida surfer killed by shark while kiteboarding
By: Terry Gibson
http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/steve-schafer-rip--florida-surfer-killed-by-shark-while-kiteboarding_40850/

Last Wednesday, this small, tight-knit surfing community lost one of its favorite sons to a shark. Thirty-eight-year-old Steve Schafer was kiteboarding off the south end of Stuart Public Beach when lifeguards saw him fall and fail to get back up again. Schafer was an artist, graphic designer and central figure in this close and caring surf community
Veteran lifeguard Daniel Lund, a longtime surfer, and once a shark-bite victim, paddled out on the rescue board through strong northeast windswell. He heard Schafer say he'd been bitten, and there were sharks in the water, so Lund used the sail as a shield while he put Schafer on the rescue board. Schafer lost consciousness during the paddle in and never regained it
Schafer, who was equally competent with a kiteboard or shortboard under his feet, may be the first recorded victim of a shark attack while kiteboarding. Two years ago, what was probably a bull shark did major damage to a surfer just north of Stuart Public Beach. But the last fatality, likely caused by a tiger shark, happened in 1982.
To call this place "sharky" is an understatement. Stuart literally sits on the boundary between the tropics and temperate climate zones, so many species that normally live as far south as the Caribbean and as far north as Chesapeake Bay frequent this area. Plus, the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie river systems converge here to flow out the St. Lucie Inlet. With more than 800 described fish species, these are the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America. And, extensive reef tracts surround the inlet, which is essentially a rivermouth. The Gulf Stream current, which runs about 10 miles offshore frequently spins eddies into nearshore waters. Because of this mosaic of habitats, millions of pounds of Spanish mackerel and bluefish come ashore here in the winter. Blacktip, spinner, tiger, bull, dusky and even the odd migratory great white shark pass through and forage on the myriad bait.
 
There was considerable discussion about the species of shark responsible. It was suggested that a great white might have been the culprit. Juvenile great white sharks are seen here, though there has never been a recorded great white attack in Florida. Experts such as the University of Florida's George Burgess will continue to assist with the autopsy, but after examining the wounds and over-laying shark jaws it appears that either a tiger or bull shark was the culprit. Burgess said that he might have a final answer within ten days. (It is not always possible to discern species from a bite.)


Some wonder if the massive fish kills experienced several weeks ago due to historic low temperatures may be influencing shark behavior somehow. And many experienced local surfers attest that nearshore waters are much cloudier since Martin and St. Lucie counties last pumped offshore sediment on the beaches -- sediment that proved to be various kinds of mud. Further, massive canal discharges from Lake Okeechobee appear to have caused sedimentation and re-suspension issues on local reefs. Dirty water is a common denominator in most Florida shark bites, and the water was roiled by sideshore winds when Schafer was attacked.

Experts continue to warn surfers that we are the most vulnerable water users, and to avoid surfing in low-light conditions and when other fish such as baitfish or mackerel and bluefish are obviously present. Dr. Grant Gilmore, the scientist who first described the 800-odd fishes that frequent this area, says that the time of the attack is no surprise at all. Most foraging occurs early and late in the day. Schafer was hit around 4:30 p.m.

The attack provoked a variety of responses: shock, awe, terror and disbelief. A memorial paddle out was held today, Saturday.

Schafer taught Surf Central Surf Shop manager Teague Taylor to surf when they were kids. Taylor said, "I just can't picture anyone, let alone a friend being circled by sharks here in Stuart, Florida, especially Steve, doing something that he loves to do, doing something that he's done most of his life."

By: Terry Gibson
http://www.surfline.com/
http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/steve-schafer-rip--florida-surfer-killed-by-shark-while-kiteboarding_40850/

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Mainland America Claims 10 surfers for 2010 ASP Dream Tour!!

Mainland America Claims 10 surfers for 2010 ASP Dream Tour

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Sunday, December 20, 2009) – Now that the dust has settled after the dramatic finish to the 2009 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour season, 10 Mainland American surfers have secured the right to surf amongst the top 45 for the 2010 ASP Dream Tour.




The 2010 ASP World Tour season, which will undergo a significant facelift, will see six veteran surfers lead the four fresh faces to qualify via the ASP WQS towards the ultimate goal of the ASP World Title.



Kelly Slater (Cocoa Beach, FL), 37, former nine-time ASP World Champion, was the top rated American to requalify for next year’s quest for surfing’s throne after a near-immaculate performance at the Billabong Pipe Masters where he finished runner-up behind Australian talent Taj Burrow (AUS), 31. Despite leading America’s strong force of competitors into the 2010 season, the iconic-veteran was cautious in announcing his commitment to the ASP World Tour for next year.



“I don’t know if I’m going to do the tour full-time next year,” Slater said. “I’m sort of feeling it out. I’ve just competed for so many years, doing the same thing and going to the same places, it’s a little monotonous. When you find some meaning in it and it’s bigger than just going and surfing, then it becomes more exciting, but, unfortunately, this year I had a pretty lackluster year in a lot of ways, both personally and competitively and it probably showed in my surfing.”



C.J. Hobgood (Melbourne, FL), 30, who was the 2001 ASP World Champion, finished his year No. 7 amongst the elite and capitalized on his impressive barrel-riding skills at Pipeline to finish his year off with a fifth at the Billabong Pro while posting one of the event’s perfect 10-point rides for a massive forehand barrel.



Also wrapping up their year within the crucial top-27 on this year’s ASP World Tour were Bobby Martinez (Santa Barbara, CA), 27, who claimed a crucial win at this year’s Billabong Pro Tahiti and finished the year ASP World No. 8, Damien Hobgood (Satellite Beach, FL), 30, who posted his best result of the season with a runner-up finish at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, finished the year No. 9, while California sensation Dane Reynolds (Ventura, CA), 24, finished the year rated 10th.



In addition to the top 10, Taylor Knox (Carlsbad, CA), 38, who just completed his 16th season amongst the world’s finest surfing talent, wrapped up his season rated 11th, guaranteeing the veteran competitor an amazing 17th season on the ASP World Tour.



To see all surfers’ profiles and the 2010 ASP World Tour schedule log on to www.aspworldtour.com



American Surfers Qualified for 2010 ASP World Tour

1. Kelly Slater

2. C.J. Hobgood

3. Bobby Martinez

4. Damien Hobgood

5. Dane Reynolds

6. Taylor Knox

7. Patrick Gudauskas

8. Nathan Yeomans

9. Brett Simpson

10. Tanner Gudauskas



(Dec.20,2009)  -  http://www.aspnorthamerica.com/
http://www.aspnorthamerica.com/news_show.php?id=855