Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Stellar Surf Blog
Please visit www.stellarsurf.wordpress.com as that one is my primary blog. Thanks so much!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
An App for the WCT?? Yes, please
I'm sure by now, you can see what a big marketing budget for a surf contest can do as evident by this year's US Open of Surfing. Pro surfers Julian Wilson and Josh Kerr tweeted how the Open was noticeably bigger than last. Even the local newspaper called it the SuperBowl of surfing.
The US Open of Surfing was co-sponsored by Nike 6.0, Hurley and Converse, and with that came a handsome marketing budget. They even developed a FREE US Open of Surfing app for the IPhone where you can watch the live webcast of the surf contest, music concerts, Walk the Walk fashion show, BMX, and skate competition. How much did that cost? Several thousands? Try at least $25,000 just for developing the app. Then there's the cost streaming and hosting.
However except for a few minor glitches in the beginning, I really liked how I could watch the live feed right on my iPhone. In addition, there were the results and schedule all conveniently located. I wouldn't have to be glued to my laptop for the web-cast.
However an app for just one event?? Well that doesn't do me any good after the event ends. I deleted the US Open app the day after. So it got me thinking, what if the major surf companies: Billabong. Quiksilver, Rip Curl, and Hurley either 1) develop an app to stream their events or 2) all team up with FuelTV to stream each WCT event.
Because in reality, these surf companies just don't have that type of money or resources to develop an app for just one event. The money would be of better use to improve the web-cast or the contest. Fuel TV is already making ways by broadcasting several of this year's WCT surf events live on their channel.
I'd pay for an app that allows me to stream the contests right on my iPhone though I might be regretting it later when I see my data plan bill for the month. Did they really get rid of unlimited data plan?? I'd be willing to pay up to $2.99; I think at any price point higher, the value doesn't equate to the cost (streaming quality, small screen, interactive features). How much would you pay??
Note: I couldn't see the live score or the situation as the heat progressed so if you're reading this and are considering on developing an app please add live scoring.
The US Open of Surfing was co-sponsored by Nike 6.0, Hurley and Converse, and with that came a handsome marketing budget. They even developed a FREE US Open of Surfing app for the IPhone where you can watch the live webcast of the surf contest, music concerts, Walk the Walk fashion show, BMX, and skate competition. How much did that cost? Several thousands? Try at least $25,000 just for developing the app. Then there's the cost streaming and hosting.
However except for a few minor glitches in the beginning, I really liked how I could watch the live feed right on my iPhone. In addition, there were the results and schedule all conveniently located. I wouldn't have to be glued to my laptop for the web-cast.
However an app for just one event?? Well that doesn't do me any good after the event ends. I deleted the US Open app the day after. So it got me thinking, what if the major surf companies: Billabong. Quiksilver, Rip Curl, and Hurley either 1) develop an app to stream their events or 2) all team up with FuelTV to stream each WCT event.
Because in reality, these surf companies just don't have that type of money or resources to develop an app for just one event. The money would be of better use to improve the web-cast or the contest. Fuel TV is already making ways by broadcasting several of this year's WCT surf events live on their channel.
I'd pay for an app that allows me to stream the contests right on my iPhone though I might be regretting it later when I see my data plan bill for the month. Did they really get rid of unlimited data plan?? I'd be willing to pay up to $2.99; I think at any price point higher, the value doesn't equate to the cost (streaming quality, small screen, interactive features). How much would you pay??
Note: I couldn't see the live score or the situation as the heat progressed so if you're reading this and are considering on developing an app please add live scoring.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Wish I was in Tahiti for the Billabong Pro
Every year, I look forward to the Billabong Pro in Tahiti. Tahiti and Pipe Masters are probably my favorite contests to watch because of how big and gnarly the waves can be. It certainly gets the adrenaline pumping just by watching the pros take off on a bomb. We’ve seen countless of photos and covers of pro and free getting barreled at Teahupo’0 and getting the ride of their life. I would just love to see big waves during the competition. Who wouldn’t want to see Andy Irons, CJ Hobgood, Kelly Slater get barreled while going left on a 8ft+ wave??
At Teahupo’o local knowledge here is key. In this year’s VZ Trials 2 local surfers, Tuamata Puhetini and Tamoroa McComb, won the wild card spots in pumping 6ft+ waves. They will join seeded wild card Manoa Drollet in Round 1. Typically at Chopes, it’s either on or off and the scores are either high or low. In 2008, wild card Bruno Santos won with a score of 9.16. Really?? A WCT win with a combined score of 9.16??
Is it Monday yet?? On a side note I need to check up on my Fantasy Surfer team for Chopes. To add more excitement at Chopes, 14 surfers will be cut at the end of the contest. Therefore those surfers in risk of being cut need to put it all on the line for a good result. Tune into the action with the live web cast provided by Billabong at www.billabongpro.com starting Aug 23. The waiting period is from August 23 – Sep 3rd.
At Teahupo’o local knowledge here is key. In this year’s VZ Trials 2 local surfers, Tuamata Puhetini and Tamoroa McComb, won the wild card spots in pumping 6ft+ waves. They will join seeded wild card Manoa Drollet in Round 1. Typically at Chopes, it’s either on or off and the scores are either high or low. In 2008, wild card Bruno Santos won with a score of 9.16. Really?? A WCT win with a combined score of 9.16??
Is it Monday yet?? On a side note I need to check up on my Fantasy Surfer team for Chopes. To add more excitement at Chopes, 14 surfers will be cut at the end of the contest. Therefore those surfers in risk of being cut need to put it all on the line for a good result. Tune into the action with the live web cast provided by Billabong at www.billabongpro.com starting Aug 23. The waiting period is from August 23 – Sep 3rd.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Is "Revolver" the "Modern Collective" of Skiing?
Summer coming to an end, it’s about time to start thinking about the winter. With winter, comes winter swells to offer surfers ample waves to satisfy their appetite. With no forecast of El Nino, I don’t expect this winter to be like the last. However what is winter without a little bit of snow and time on the slopes?? I stumble upon this trailer of a new ski movie, Revolver, from my twitter friend @theMorantAgency. I’m not going to even pretend I have any clue about skiing, but the airs and jumps these guys are pulling is simply mind-blowing. Kind of reminds me the airs Dane, Jordy, Dusty, Dion, and Yadin were pulling in Modern Collective. Your thoughts?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Back to Back Wins for Local Boy Brett Simpson
Then man of the moment is no other than Brett Simpson. Brett came into the US Open of Surfing as the defending champion, and now will go down in surfing history as the only surfer to win back to back titles in the men’s division here in Huntington Beach.
Local boy Brett Simpson edges out South African surfer Jordy Smith in the 35 minute finals in front of a home crowd packed onto the beach and wins $100,000. World #1 Surfer Jordy threw spray and pumped down the ramp to do an air but just couldn’t stick the landing.
On Brett’s road to a second US Open of Surfing title, he defeated surfers Dane Reynolds, Nathaniel Curran, and Kelly Slater. Brett beat out Kelly Slater in the semi finals just by .04 points, talk about a close one. Some would argue that Kelly’s first wave was underscored, but the 9x World Champion was a true champ and conceded the heat to Brett with only 20 seconds left.
Kolohe Andino, Alejo Muniz, Evan Geiselman, Miguel Pupo
In the men’s junior division, Evan Geiselman was crowned champion and donated $1,000 of his winning to the Stoked Mentoring organization. Kolohe Andino won the Hurley Pro trials and will get one of the Wild Card position for the Hurley Pro in September. Julian Wilson went bigger than Dane Reynolds to win the WPS All-Star Expression session.
On the women’s side, Nike stepped up and increased the prize purse giving 1st place winner Carissa Moore $50,000 in prize money; the largest cash prize for women’s in surfing history. Sally Fitzgibbon placed second and walked away with $15,000. Sage Erickson won the junior women’s title.
In the Pacifico Nose Riding Invitational, it was Joel Tudor who won; further solidifying his status as the winningest longboarder.
As promised Nike, Hurley, and Converse made this year’s US Open of Surfing bigger and better. We saw Weezer played on the beach in front of 50,000 people that stretched from the stage all the way to the beach. The kids at Corona Del Mar High School won Walk the Walk. In addition, we saw some great surfing by all the surfers who came out. It was crazy busy and like a circus in Huntington Beach during the nine-day event that offered surfing, BMX, and skateboarding.
Local boy Brett Simpson edges out South African surfer Jordy Smith in the 35 minute finals in front of a home crowd packed onto the beach and wins $100,000. World #1 Surfer Jordy threw spray and pumped down the ramp to do an air but just couldn’t stick the landing.
On Brett’s road to a second US Open of Surfing title, he defeated surfers Dane Reynolds, Nathaniel Curran, and Kelly Slater. Brett beat out Kelly Slater in the semi finals just by .04 points, talk about a close one. Some would argue that Kelly’s first wave was underscored, but the 9x World Champion was a true champ and conceded the heat to Brett with only 20 seconds left.
Kolohe Andino, Alejo Muniz, Evan Geiselman, Miguel Pupo
In the men’s junior division, Evan Geiselman was crowned champion and donated $1,000 of his winning to the Stoked Mentoring organization. Kolohe Andino won the Hurley Pro trials and will get one of the Wild Card position for the Hurley Pro in September. Julian Wilson went bigger than Dane Reynolds to win the WPS All-Star Expression session.
On the women’s side, Nike stepped up and increased the prize purse giving 1st place winner Carissa Moore $50,000 in prize money; the largest cash prize for women’s in surfing history. Sally Fitzgibbon placed second and walked away with $15,000. Sage Erickson won the junior women’s title.
In the Pacifico Nose Riding Invitational, it was Joel Tudor who won; further solidifying his status as the winningest longboarder.
As promised Nike, Hurley, and Converse made this year’s US Open of Surfing bigger and better. We saw Weezer played on the beach in front of 50,000 people that stretched from the stage all the way to the beach. The kids at Corona Del Mar High School won Walk the Walk. In addition, we saw some great surfing by all the surfers who came out. It was crazy busy and like a circus in Huntington Beach during the nine-day event that offered surfing, BMX, and skateboarding.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Jack’s Surfboards U.S. Open of Surfing Store Signings
Come on down Thursday Aug. 5th for the start of the major events during the U.S. Open of Surfing. Jack’s will definitely be contributing to the awesome stuff going down with tons of team signings, giveaways, and more all weekend long!
U.S. Open Of Surfing Jack’s Surfboards Shop Events:
Thursday 8/5
12:00 Rusty/Rockband Stage
2:00 Reef
3:00 Etnies, Body Glove
4:00 Freestyle
4:00 Roxy (girls store)
Friday 8/6
11:00 DC
12:00 Matix
1:00 DVS
1:00 Billabong (girls store)
2:00 Oneill
2:00 Oneill (girls store)
3:00 Vans
4:00 Volcom
4:00 Reef (girls store)
5:00 Billabong
Sat 8/7
10:00 Fox
11:00 Rusty Carnival
1:00 Globe
2:00 RVCA
3:00 Electric
4:00 Von Zipper
5:00 Lost
Sun 8/8
11:00 Reef
1:00 Oneill
2:00 Fox
3:00 Ezekiel
via U.S. Open of Surfing Store Signings Event List | Jack’s Surfboards :: Blog.
U.S. Open Of Surfing Jack’s Surfboards Shop Events:
Thursday 8/5
12:00 Rusty/Rockband Stage
2:00 Reef
3:00 Etnies, Body Glove
4:00 Freestyle
4:00 Roxy (girls store)
Friday 8/6
11:00 DC
12:00 Matix
1:00 DVS
1:00 Billabong (girls store)
2:00 Oneill
2:00 Oneill (girls store)
3:00 Vans
4:00 Volcom
4:00 Reef (girls store)
5:00 Billabong
Sat 8/7
10:00 Fox
11:00 Rusty Carnival
1:00 Globe
2:00 RVCA
3:00 Electric
4:00 Von Zipper
5:00 Lost
Sun 8/8
11:00 Reef
1:00 Oneill
2:00 Fox
3:00 Ezekiel
via U.S. Open of Surfing Store Signings Event List | Jack’s Surfboards :: Blog.
"Scratching the Surface"
Quiksilver’s pro surfer Julian Wilson’s much highly anticipated surf film Scratching the Surface will make its World Premiere this Friday night, August 6th at the Samueli Theater in Costa Mesa. With the US Open of Surfing competition going on just a few miles away in Huntington Beach, there is no doubt we will see several pro surfers at the premiere. Hopefully Adam Durrant doesn’t make an appearance (Adam Durrant is a web phenomenon trying to steal Julian’s identity).
Scratching the Surface also features pro surfers: Dane Reynolds, Taj Burrow, Mick Fanning, Dusty Payne, and a few more surfers doing what they do best on breaks all around the world. Costa Mesa is just the first stop of Scratching the Surface national tour, visit www.julianwilson.com for a list of tour dates and to see if a premiere is happening right by you!! Follow Julian on Twitter at @julian_wilson. Watch the trailer below…
Scratching the Surface also features pro surfers: Dane Reynolds, Taj Burrow, Mick Fanning, Dusty Payne, and a few more surfers doing what they do best on breaks all around the world. Costa Mesa is just the first stop of Scratching the Surface national tour, visit www.julianwilson.com for a list of tour dates and to see if a premiere is happening right by you!! Follow Julian on Twitter at @julian_wilson. Watch the trailer below…
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
HSS Autograph Signing during US Open of Surfing
Stop by HSS on Main St. during the US Open of Surfing for your chance to meet your favorite surfers and get their autographs!!!!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Preview: 2010 US Open Of Surfing
This weekend kicks off the return of the US Open Of Surfing at Huntington Beach, one of Southern California most well known surfing contest. The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) early this year awarded the men's contest with Prime Status due to various factors such as prestige, increase prize purse, web quality, site infrastructure, and more. The Open consists of 5 surfing divisions (men, junior men, women, junior women, sponsor event/demo) spread over 9 days of competition from July 31 - August 8th.
Last year, we saw 25-30 ft sets thanks to an earthquake off the coast of New Zealand and local surfer Brett Simpson win the contest against Australian pro surfer Mick Fanning. What an event it was with thousands of people on the beach for the final day to see Hurley's Brett Simpson take $100,000 prize purse for 1st place.
This year promises to be bigger and better, hopefully a swell comes through to offer spectacular waves for the surfers to show off their skills and aerials. With the new World Ranking system and the folks at Nike continue to offer $100,000 prize for the winner of the US Open of Surfing, we can expect to see more pro surfers in Huntington Beach with their eyes on the prize. Currently, 33 of the 45 WCT surfers are seeded in the contest. World Tour surfers Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, Taj Burrow, Dane Reynolds and Jordy Smith are just a few of the pro surfers expected to compete in the men's surfing division.
If you can't make it down to Huntington Beach, no worries you are covered with the web cast. This year, there will be a web cast not only for surfing, but also for BMX Pro, Converse skate, Walk the Walk and concerts. This year's music headliners include Weezer, Cobra Starship, Cold War Kids, Switchfoot just to name a few. The Festival Village, sponsor booths, will not open until Thursday. Throughout the week, there will be plenty of autograph signings, surf film premieres, and other events such as the Action Sports Conference and Agenda Trade Show going on in Huntington Beach. Visit HSS, Jack's Surfboards, and Rip Curl for when they will be hosting athletes autograph signings.
To view the web cast and a complete schedule of competition, visit www.usopenofsurfing.com.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Jordy Smith Wins Billabong J-Bay Pro, Ranked #1
Coming into J-bay, Jordy Smith was ranked # 2 in the World Title race and just spent a couple week surfing at home and watching the World Cup. After a two month hiatus, the ASP World Tour came back into action with full force and a pumping Supertubes.
Never had the Billabong Pro at Jeffrey Bay been ran and completed in the first 4 days of the waiting period. On the first day of competition, we saw 4 ft plus waves and everyone pretty much getting barreled. With 3 man heats going on in Round 1, we saw a majority of our top surfers win bypassing the Rd 2. Billabong’s Wild Card local surfer Sean Holmes did not win his heat against Mick Fanning and Roy Powers and was forced to surf Rd 2, but that is only the beginning of this “Giant Killer’s” run at the event.
Looking at the stats and history of Wild Cards in any surf competition, it would be pretty easy to agree that Sean is the most successful Wild Card of surfing. Sure Bruno Santos won the Billabong Pro in Tahiti 2008 as a Wild Card, but we’re talking on a consistent basis over time.
This event was clearly Jordy’s moment; his moment to shine and get his first ASP WCT win. To make it even more sweet, he won it on his home break among a plethora of South Africans blowing their vuvuzelas to support him. Ever since Jordy Smith came on the World Tour, fans of surfing have been closely watching him and Dane Reynolds excepting them to win and dominate the tour with their progressive surfing. Well Jordy Smith dominated this year’s Billabong Pro at Jeffreys Bay; easily advancing through each round until the semi-finals when Australia Bede Durbidge had Jordy Smith combo-ed in the last 4 minutes of the heat. Everyone was holding their breath, would this be it? Is this how Jordy Smith will bow out of the event, being combo-ed and oh so close to reaching the finals at his home break and possibly winning the event???
In the last 4 minutes of semifinal #1, Jordy caught one wave pulled out a Superman and finishing the wave with a few more solid turns, netting a 6.90 from the judges. As the seconds tick away, Bede caught a wave which allowed Jordy to have priority. Jordy took off on a small inside wave and just pulled out some solid turns before doing another air and milking the wave for all it got. It was probably one of the most dramatic wins, but a heart breaking loss for Bede. Jordy would go on to win the event against the underdog and Cinderella story of Australian Adam Melling. Adam came into the event ranked #41, knowing he had to get a good result or risk the chance of getting cut from the World Tour after Tahiti. Needless to say after making the finals, Adam is pretty much safe ranked at #19.
The World Title race in on, but it’s still pretty early with no one clearly leading. Taj Burrow’s solid performance brings him to # 2 ahead of Kelly Slater. There is only 5,000 points that separates #1 – #3 so it’s pretty much still anyone’s game. The WCT will take another break before heading to the crystal clear blue waters of Tahiti. Up next for a lot of our surfers is the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach starting at the end of July.
Never had the Billabong Pro at Jeffrey Bay been ran and completed in the first 4 days of the waiting period. On the first day of competition, we saw 4 ft plus waves and everyone pretty much getting barreled. With 3 man heats going on in Round 1, we saw a majority of our top surfers win bypassing the Rd 2. Billabong’s Wild Card local surfer Sean Holmes did not win his heat against Mick Fanning and Roy Powers and was forced to surf Rd 2, but that is only the beginning of this “Giant Killer’s” run at the event.
Looking at the stats and history of Wild Cards in any surf competition, it would be pretty easy to agree that Sean is the most successful Wild Card of surfing. Sure Bruno Santos won the Billabong Pro in Tahiti 2008 as a Wild Card, but we’re talking on a consistent basis over time.
This event was clearly Jordy’s moment; his moment to shine and get his first ASP WCT win. To make it even more sweet, he won it on his home break among a plethora of South Africans blowing their vuvuzelas to support him. Ever since Jordy Smith came on the World Tour, fans of surfing have been closely watching him and Dane Reynolds excepting them to win and dominate the tour with their progressive surfing. Well Jordy Smith dominated this year’s Billabong Pro at Jeffreys Bay; easily advancing through each round until the semi-finals when Australia Bede Durbidge had Jordy Smith combo-ed in the last 4 minutes of the heat. Everyone was holding their breath, would this be it? Is this how Jordy Smith will bow out of the event, being combo-ed and oh so close to reaching the finals at his home break and possibly winning the event???
In the last 4 minutes of semifinal #1, Jordy caught one wave pulled out a Superman and finishing the wave with a few more solid turns, netting a 6.90 from the judges. As the seconds tick away, Bede caught a wave which allowed Jordy to have priority. Jordy took off on a small inside wave and just pulled out some solid turns before doing another air and milking the wave for all it got. It was probably one of the most dramatic wins, but a heart breaking loss for Bede. Jordy would go on to win the event against the underdog and Cinderella story of Australian Adam Melling. Adam came into the event ranked #41, knowing he had to get a good result or risk the chance of getting cut from the World Tour after Tahiti. Needless to say after making the finals, Adam is pretty much safe ranked at #19.
The World Title race in on, but it’s still pretty early with no one clearly leading. Taj Burrow’s solid performance brings him to # 2 ahead of Kelly Slater. There is only 5,000 points that separates #1 – #3 so it’s pretty much still anyone’s game. The WCT will take another break before heading to the crystal clear blue waters of Tahiti. Up next for a lot of our surfers is the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach starting at the end of July.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
$4,000 for a Surfboard??
So I'm going to pull out "I'm a Girl" card and was reading Perez Hilton's fashion blog, cocoperez.com, when I stumble upon his post about luxury brands Chanel and Marc Jacobs coming out with their own line of surfboards.
Surfboards designed by Chanel
What's the sticker price you ask... try $4,000. Seriously??? $4,000 for a surfboard made by a French luxury clothing fashion brand??? The Chanel surfboards are shaped in monochrome carbon fiber, polyurethane and fiberglass and are delivered with a Chanel signature traveling case. There is about 4,000 other and probably better ways to drop $4K like a trip to Indonesia, a weeks stay at Tavarua Resort in Fiji, 4 Rip Curl's H Bomb wetsuits, a car, and the list just goes on.
Designed by Marc Jacobs
I'd doubt we'll be seeing one of these ridden by Stephanie Gilmore, Coco Ho or any of the guys. Although, I think it'd be pretty funny to read someone at Surfer or Surfing demo one of these boards and put it into their "Surfboard Buying Guide." These surfboards actually look like what one of those VH1's "You're Cut Off" princesses would buy if they suddenly have the urge to learn how to surf. Well at least the Chanel ones, I don't know what's going on with the Marc Jacob's design. What's next?? An 18 karat gold plated Swarovski covered skateboard?? However, I do have to say, the red Chanel one looks pretty cool but doesn't justify the $4k price tag. Hell I'll just create a Chanel sticker and just tack it on to any board.
Surfboards designed by Chanel
What's the sticker price you ask... try $4,000. Seriously??? $4,000 for a surfboard made by a French luxury clothing fashion brand??? The Chanel surfboards are shaped in monochrome carbon fiber, polyurethane and fiberglass and are delivered with a Chanel signature traveling case. There is about 4,000 other and probably better ways to drop $4K like a trip to Indonesia, a weeks stay at Tavarua Resort in Fiji, 4 Rip Curl's H Bomb wetsuits, a car, and the list just goes on.
Designed by Marc Jacobs
I'd doubt we'll be seeing one of these ridden by Stephanie Gilmore, Coco Ho or any of the guys. Although, I think it'd be pretty funny to read someone at Surfer or Surfing demo one of these boards and put it into their "Surfboard Buying Guide." These surfboards actually look like what one of those VH1's "You're Cut Off" princesses would buy if they suddenly have the urge to learn how to surf. Well at least the Chanel ones, I don't know what's going on with the Marc Jacob's design. What's next?? An 18 karat gold plated Swarovski covered skateboard?? However, I do have to say, the red Chanel one looks pretty cool but doesn't justify the $4k price tag. Hell I'll just create a Chanel sticker and just tack it on to any board.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Joel Parkinson vs David Beckham
Which injury is worse David Beckham's torn Achilles Tendon or Joel Parkinson's sliced heel??
To not stun my unprepared or sensitive viewers with those graphic bloody images, I’ve provided the links below for those who want to view:
David Beckham: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1270269/David-Beckham-reveals-gruesome-shot-surgery-performed-Achilles-heel.html
Joel Parkinson: http://joelparko.com/photos/turn-away-now/
To not stun my unprepared or sensitive viewers with those graphic bloody images, I’ve provided the links below for those who want to view:
David Beckham: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1270269/David-Beckham-reveals-gruesome-shot-surgery-performed-Achilles-heel.html
Joel Parkinson: http://joelparko.com/photos/turn-away-now/
Friday, July 2, 2010
If you haven’t gone for a surf lately, then you should probably know that the water has significant warmed up. It’s in the mid 60′s right now and there really is no need for a full 3/2 wetsuit. I never thought I would be able to surf the waters of California in a pair of board shorts, but the day has come.
However with warm waters comes a little nuisance for surfers: stingrays.
After I finished watching the World Cup match, I was desperate for a surf session even though I knew it was pretty flat. I decided to surf at Tower 16 of Bolsa Chica. I had just bail on a wave on the inside and was getting back on my board when… bam a quick stab on the bottom of my foot.
I quickly jump on my board, while come to a realization of “Oh so this is what being stung by a stingray feels like… Or was it that fisherman’s hook that got me??” I look down and my foot is bleeding and I’m trying to paddle in. Once I made it to shore, I started feeling my foot swelling started hopping to try to get some help. Luckily there were these two guys who helped me to the lifeguard tower to get some treatment. The venom from the stingray acts pretty quickly. In less than 5 minutes, I could feel the venom cramping up my leg near my hip. It just feels like you’re being compressed and this throbbing, stinging pain.
When we got to the life guard tower, they told me to soak my foot in hot water, as hot as I can stand. Instant relief came when my foot hit the searing hot water as the heat began to immediately break down the poison from the stingray. I went from being not being able to talk to having a coherent conversation.
After two hours of soaking my foot in hot water, the pain was bearable for me to drive home.
What to Do if You’ve Been Stung
1. Immediately submerge wherever you’ve been stung under HOT Water, as hot as you can stand it. Keep replenishing the hot water once as it begins to cool (Peeing on it will do absolutely nothing)
2. Check to see if the barb is still in the wound. If so, remove it and clean the wound so it would get infected.
3. The area around the wound will feel sore and bruised for a couple of days. You can soak your wound hot water when you get home.
4. Don’t forget to regularly to change band-aids or dressing of the wound to prevent infection.
5. You can visit a doctor if you have concerns or are allergic to stings (bees, jellyfish, etc)
However with warm waters comes a little nuisance for surfers: stingrays.
After I finished watching the World Cup match, I was desperate for a surf session even though I knew it was pretty flat. I decided to surf at Tower 16 of Bolsa Chica. I had just bail on a wave on the inside and was getting back on my board when… bam a quick stab on the bottom of my foot.
I quickly jump on my board, while come to a realization of “Oh so this is what being stung by a stingray feels like… Or was it that fisherman’s hook that got me??” I look down and my foot is bleeding and I’m trying to paddle in. Once I made it to shore, I started feeling my foot swelling started hopping to try to get some help. Luckily there were these two guys who helped me to the lifeguard tower to get some treatment. The venom from the stingray acts pretty quickly. In less than 5 minutes, I could feel the venom cramping up my leg near my hip. It just feels like you’re being compressed and this throbbing, stinging pain.
When we got to the life guard tower, they told me to soak my foot in hot water, as hot as I can stand. Instant relief came when my foot hit the searing hot water as the heat began to immediately break down the poison from the stingray. I went from being not being able to talk to having a coherent conversation.
After two hours of soaking my foot in hot water, the pain was bearable for me to drive home.
What to Do if You’ve Been Stung
1. Immediately submerge wherever you’ve been stung under HOT Water, as hot as you can stand it. Keep replenishing the hot water once as it begins to cool (Peeing on it will do absolutely nothing)
2. Check to see if the barb is still in the wound. If so, remove it and clean the wound so it would get infected.
3. The area around the wound will feel sore and bruised for a couple of days. You can soak your wound hot water when you get home.
4. Don’t forget to regularly to change band-aids or dressing of the wound to prevent infection.
5. You can visit a doctor if you have concerns or are allergic to stings (bees, jellyfish, etc)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Surf 24
What an eventful Fathers Day weekend. Sunday June 20th, Fathers Day, just also happens to be International Surfing Day. In celebration of ISD, there were several events going on along the coast of Southern California.
I went to the Surf 24 event by the Huntington Beach pier, and boy was it jam packed full with stuff to do. On Main St., there was a Chili Cookoff contest going, Hurley had a skateboard ramp demo set up, and just south of the Pier was the event site for Surf 24.
Surf 24 was hosted by Pro Surfer Peter Townsend, Tanna Freddrick and Project Save our Earth. There were team of surfers who had to have a member in the water for the 24 hour surf-a-thon to help protect our surf. There were are few celebrities who came out and got went to help raise awareness such as actors Sam Trammell (True Blood), Chad Lowe (Drop Dead Diva), Eric Balfour 24), and many more. Many of the sponsors had their riders down at the event to compete in several heats. In the end, Team Billabong posted the highest score tally over 24 hours and won the event.
Actor Sam Trammell from True Blood getting interview by Fuel's Pat Parnell
Other participating surfers was 2009 US Open of Surfing winner Courtney Conlogue, Tom Curren, Cody and Evan Thompson just to name a few. Surf 24 raised $50,000 to benefit Surfrider Foundation, Heal the Bay, and Inside the Outdoors.
I went to the Surf 24 event by the Huntington Beach pier, and boy was it jam packed full with stuff to do. On Main St., there was a Chili Cookoff contest going, Hurley had a skateboard ramp demo set up, and just south of the Pier was the event site for Surf 24.
Surf 24 was hosted by Pro Surfer Peter Townsend, Tanna Freddrick and Project Save our Earth. There were team of surfers who had to have a member in the water for the 24 hour surf-a-thon to help protect our surf. There were are few celebrities who came out and got went to help raise awareness such as actors Sam Trammell (True Blood), Chad Lowe (Drop Dead Diva), Eric Balfour 24), and many more. Many of the sponsors had their riders down at the event to compete in several heats. In the end, Team Billabong posted the highest score tally over 24 hours and won the event.
Actor Sam Trammell from True Blood getting interview by Fuel's Pat Parnell
Other participating surfers was 2009 US Open of Surfing winner Courtney Conlogue, Tom Curren, Cody and Evan Thompson just to name a few. Surf 24 raised $50,000 to benefit Surfrider Foundation, Heal the Bay, and Inside the Outdoors.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Try Surfing This Wave...
I bet you will slide right off your board and get sick from the oil. You couldn't even photoshop that water to look clean.
2010 Design For Humanity
Last Thursday, the people at Billabong put on an awesome event at Paramount Studios back lot in Los Angeles. Held annually since 2006, Design for Humanity is Billabong's charity initiative with this year's proceed going to benefit Invisible Children. In northern Uganda, children are kidnapped from their homes and turned into soldiers.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0XQEysQJPQ]
Design for Humanity brings together art, music, and fashion. The highlight of the event was probably the fashion show. The models strutted their stuff down the runway in bright neon swimsuits. The suits definitely had a sporty yet feminine edge. I guess we can expect to see more lace on the beach since it was a common theme throughout the show as cover-up pieces.
Walking around the back lot, there were plenty of artists at work using various mediums. From watercolor graffiti, painting, and spray-painting, you had pick to watch them create their vision.
In addition, there was an art gallery where you can bid on several pieces of artwork. Some of my favorites are as followed:
To cap off the night was a performance by electric duo FischerSpoon. The entire time I was watching the performance, I just kept thinking the male lead is the male equivalent of Lady Gaga mixed with a little bit of Harajuku Gwen Stefani. He was quite entertaining and put on an interesting show. There was plenty of entertainment for you whether it be art, music fashion or even food. There were several food truck placed around the backlot, from grilled cheese, vegan, cookie ice cream sandwich and hot dogs. The longest lines were for the bar.
To view more photos, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/stellarsurf1/sets/72157624129636367/
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0XQEysQJPQ]
Design for Humanity brings together art, music, and fashion. The highlight of the event was probably the fashion show. The models strutted their stuff down the runway in bright neon swimsuits. The suits definitely had a sporty yet feminine edge. I guess we can expect to see more lace on the beach since it was a common theme throughout the show as cover-up pieces.
Walking around the back lot, there were plenty of artists at work using various mediums. From watercolor graffiti, painting, and spray-painting, you had pick to watch them create their vision.
In addition, there was an art gallery where you can bid on several pieces of artwork. Some of my favorites are as followed:
To cap off the night was a performance by electric duo FischerSpoon. The entire time I was watching the performance, I just kept thinking the male lead is the male equivalent of Lady Gaga mixed with a little bit of Harajuku Gwen Stefani. He was quite entertaining and put on an interesting show. There was plenty of entertainment for you whether it be art, music fashion or even food. There were several food truck placed around the backlot, from grilled cheese, vegan, cookie ice cream sandwich and hot dogs. The longest lines were for the bar.
To view more photos, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/stellarsurf1/sets/72157624129636367/
Let's Refresh the Gulf
One night flipping through the channels I stumble upon a Pepsi commercial, "We're giving million of dollars to fund ideas that will refresh the world."
Then it hit me, why can't they use those funds to help clean up the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. It's been almost two months now since the Deep Horizon oil spill disaster and it's becoming beyond epic proportions. In the past few days, there has been more focus in the media about the clean up process with BP's CEO Tony Hayward claiming "we will do whatever it takes to make things right."
It's not Pepsi's responsibility to clean up the oil, but the area is in desperate need for immediate relief and action. Local business is struggling to stay open; tourism has been wiped out, and now the seafood is feared to be unsafe to eat. The Gulf area is in a great need to be refreshed and be injected with hope and life.
If you ask me, refreshing the gulf fits into the objectives of the Pepsi Refresh Everything project. I'm in NO WAY promoting Pepsi. I'm actually very bias to Coca Cola since I've been raised in Atlanta, GA and my dad has worked for Coca Cola since I was a little girl. I really rather see Coke down there helping those people. I can just see the commercial now, "A local shrimper pulls up empty nets cover in oil and goes home to meet him family for dinner. With a sad and helpless look on his face, his wife/child/whoever hands him a bottle of Coca Cola, and ta dah Open Happiness..." Both of these companies have a vested interest in helping out these people. It's practically in Coca Cola's backyard and there is plenty of consumers there to develop brand loyalty and market share.
The great thing about the Pepsi Refresh project is that it puts power into YOUR hands. YOU submit idea, YOU vote for what ideas you like best. To learn more about Pepsi's Refresh Everything visit http://www.refresheverything.com/ and don't forget to vote!
Then it hit me, why can't they use those funds to help clean up the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. It's been almost two months now since the Deep Horizon oil spill disaster and it's becoming beyond epic proportions. In the past few days, there has been more focus in the media about the clean up process with BP's CEO Tony Hayward claiming "we will do whatever it takes to make things right."
It's not Pepsi's responsibility to clean up the oil, but the area is in desperate need for immediate relief and action. Local business is struggling to stay open; tourism has been wiped out, and now the seafood is feared to be unsafe to eat. The Gulf area is in a great need to be refreshed and be injected with hope and life.
If you ask me, refreshing the gulf fits into the objectives of the Pepsi Refresh Everything project. I'm in NO WAY promoting Pepsi. I'm actually very bias to Coca Cola since I've been raised in Atlanta, GA and my dad has worked for Coca Cola since I was a little girl. I really rather see Coke down there helping those people. I can just see the commercial now, "A local shrimper pulls up empty nets cover in oil and goes home to meet him family for dinner. With a sad and helpless look on his face, his wife/child/whoever hands him a bottle of Coca Cola, and ta dah Open Happiness..." Both of these companies have a vested interest in helping out these people. It's practically in Coca Cola's backyard and there is plenty of consumers there to develop brand loyalty and market share.
The great thing about the Pepsi Refresh project is that it puts power into YOUR hands. YOU submit idea, YOU vote for what ideas you like best. To learn more about Pepsi's Refresh Everything visit http://www.refresheverything.com/ and don't forget to vote!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Photographed by Sean Gardner / Reuters
With each passing day, thousands and thousands gallons of more oil leaks into the the Gulf of Mexico, and the public’s frustration to contain the oil just grows exponentially. It has been 46 days since the April 20 explosion, and they are no closer to stopping the oil leak.
Every day while channel surfing, I can barely watch the footage of the cam from underwater for more than 5 minutes. It’s just heart breaking to see especially since I surf, love the ocean, and I’ve lived in Florida for 4 years. The waters of the gulf is just beautiful and crystal clear blue where you can see the bottom.
One of the first things I remember thinking while watching the oil spill unravel is “Hey! It’s almost hurricane season. Just what the gulf needs, another Katrina to cause massive storm surge to push the oil further inland.” My freshman year in college, Category 1 Hurricane Katrina decided to sit on top of Miami; our campus was a disaster afterwords. I can even begin to fathom what the gulf would be life if a hurricane comes through or even close to the gulf. The winds and storm surge will push the oil further inland or into the Loop Current, carrying the oil to the eastern coast of Florida and up the US coastline.
If you think the camera’s show the extent of people’s anger over this disaster, just check your Facebook news feed or Twitters #TT. Here are some updates I’ve read:
“Louisiana isnt the only place that has shrimp,”said British Petroleum rep Randy Prescott. His office phone number is (713) 323-4093, email is randy.prescott@bp.com. Give him a call or send an email! You can tell him and BP isn’t the only placethat has fuel for your car!”
“Dying, dead marine wildlife paint dark, morbid picture of Gulf Coast following oil spill http://bit.ly/dDe556 Boycott BP #fuckBP”
A bird is mired in oil on the beach at East Grand Terre Island along the Louisiana coast on Thursday, June 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
“big_picture Caught in the oil http://bit.ly/9Xg4MA #oilspill”
“holleya Look at this heartbreaking photo from the Gulf – then sign the petition to get America off oil: http://bit.ly/9pN6Pb #moveon #bp #oilspill”
” barkway @DWSTweets MAKE #BP HIRE PAID CERTIFIED HAZ workers who can SAFELY clean up #oilspill mess. Don’t endanger volunteers. Jobs? Hello?”
I’m angry and just a lost for words. It just makes me sick to my stomach. I was watching MSNBC last night, and I saw some photos of pelicans and other birds just covered in oil and dead just floating.
Photographed by Charlie Riedel / AP
I hope this oil disaster will fuel the growth and distribution of alternative energy sources. I’m making a conscious effort to avoid filling up at any BP pumps. I also didn’t really appreciate the spike in gas prices from the oil spill.
Get involved, voice your opinion, sign a petition against off shore drilling, boycott BP, or volunteer!!! Hands Across the Sand will be coming to your beach on June 26th http://www.handsacrossthesand.com/
More compelling images at:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/06/caught_in_the_oil.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36880053/ns/news-picture_stories/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1
Thursday, May 27, 2010
One Year Ago...
Give or take a few days, it was at this time last year that I walked across the stage and shook hands with President Shalala, accepted my diploma and so ended my days of undergraduate studies in Miami, Florida. It was the end, but the beginning of a long road, filled with disappointments, barriers, tears, and a whole lot of surfing in the pursuit of a dream.
It all began in the fall of my junior year at the University of Miami. Before ever starting a college application, I told myself that I was going to spend a semester abroad, and now it was time to check it off my list. There was only two places that really called out to me to go abroad: Monaco or Australia. At the risk of not graduating on time, I chose to go to Sydney; a choice that will change my life and who I am.
It was in those 5 months in Australia that I figured out who I was and what I was made of. It was the first real eye opening experience and I knew what I was like to be on your own and independent. It’s quite different when you’re half way around the world on your own. Course whenever anyone visits Australia/Sydney, there are quite a few “Must Do,” and right at the top of my list was to learn how to surf. I booked myself on a weekend surf camp and was taken down the coast to 7 Mile Beach.
I had two fantastic surf instructors, Chris and Andrew, who kind of looks like Kelly Slater, so we just called him Kelly the entire time. I have to credit it to these two guys for getting me into surfing and being patience w/ me, especially Chris who figured out that I was goofy and not natural.
Combined with having awesome surf instructors and living at Bondi Beach when I returned from surf camp, I continued at surfing. The sensation of catching a wave and standing for the first time is addicting and an adrenaline rush. I can’t wait to get my first barrel. I didn’t want to leave Australia. There must be something in the water of there.
Upon returning to Miami and with the assistance of my wonderful mentor, I saw the path to marry my passion with my career and so I set to pursue a marketing career in the surf/action sports industry. There wasn’t really much I could do being Florida where the only waves we get were from Hurricane swells. I knew if I was serious about working in the surf industry, I would have to move to Southern California or the Gold Coast in Australia.
So just a month after graduating, I moved out to Souther California and started to pursue my dream; that was almost a year ago. Am I any closer?? Well I’m a hell of lot closer than I will ever be if I stayed on the East Coast. I’ve got a few breaks here and there, but it’s about the hunt and pursuit not the catch that makes this all so exciting and thrilling. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.
It all began in the fall of my junior year at the University of Miami. Before ever starting a college application, I told myself that I was going to spend a semester abroad, and now it was time to check it off my list. There was only two places that really called out to me to go abroad: Monaco or Australia. At the risk of not graduating on time, I chose to go to Sydney; a choice that will change my life and who I am.
It was in those 5 months in Australia that I figured out who I was and what I was made of. It was the first real eye opening experience and I knew what I was like to be on your own and independent. It’s quite different when you’re half way around the world on your own. Course whenever anyone visits Australia/Sydney, there are quite a few “Must Do,” and right at the top of my list was to learn how to surf. I booked myself on a weekend surf camp and was taken down the coast to 7 Mile Beach.
I had two fantastic surf instructors, Chris and Andrew, who kind of looks like Kelly Slater, so we just called him Kelly the entire time. I have to credit it to these two guys for getting me into surfing and being patience w/ me, especially Chris who figured out that I was goofy and not natural.
Combined with having awesome surf instructors and living at Bondi Beach when I returned from surf camp, I continued at surfing. The sensation of catching a wave and standing for the first time is addicting and an adrenaline rush. I can’t wait to get my first barrel. I didn’t want to leave Australia. There must be something in the water of there.
Upon returning to Miami and with the assistance of my wonderful mentor, I saw the path to marry my passion with my career and so I set to pursue a marketing career in the surf/action sports industry. There wasn’t really much I could do being Florida where the only waves we get were from Hurricane swells. I knew if I was serious about working in the surf industry, I would have to move to Southern California or the Gold Coast in Australia.
So just a month after graduating, I moved out to Souther California and started to pursue my dream; that was almost a year ago. Am I any closer?? Well I’m a hell of lot closer than I will ever be if I stayed on the East Coast. I’ve got a few breaks here and there, but it’s about the hunt and pursuit not the catch that makes this all so exciting and thrilling. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Two Champions Crowned: Andrew Doheny & Gabe Kling
Let the champagne pour for Gabe Kling….
Two champions were crowned today at the cobblestone pointbreak of Trestles. Newport Beach’s Andrew Doheny was crowned as the new Oakley Pro Junior Champion, beating out Nat Young, Dylan Goodale and Tyler Newton. Hurley’s Evan Geiselman narrowly missed getting into the final; he needed a 7.49 and the judges gave him a 7.48, just .01 margin. As for the 6.0 Lowers Pro, after beating out a number of WCT surfers, St. Augustine’s Gabe Kling was crowned champion.
Looking at the draw for the Rd of 16, there were countless good matchups that just could not be missed. Many heats pinned the upcoming youth against veteran CT sufers. Chris Davidson “Davo” against Seabastian Zeitz. I had a quick chat with SeaBass right before his heat, and he was just soo stoked and pumped to go out and surf against Davo. He even made sure to get some of the “lucky contest wax.” Unfortunately for Seabass, throwing out the fins and rail to rail surfing was just not enough against a focused and hungry Davo.
The road to the finals for both finalists was no easy task. With 30 out of 44 WCT surfers in the contest, it was more like a CT event. After a missing a few years, Davo is back on tour this year and in form and focused.
Almost stealing the show at the end was Andy Irons. Throughout the contest, he surfed consistently and solidly. It was not until this semi-final heat against Gabe Kling did Andy lose his mojo. In the first few minutes of the heat, AI’s board just buckled underneath him and broke. That just killed his rhythm and he never got back into the heat. It was his favorite board, and the board he used to come back on the tour and achieve his dream. AI is definitely happy with his result and everyone on the beach was cheering him on wanting him to win. It will take a few more events before he truly gets back to the level of competition.
At the end of the day, it was all about Gabe Kling. He built momentum throughout the contest and was just focused on his surfing and being reserved. He also had such a friendly demeanor to him. He had to surf against, Jordy Smith, AI, and a slew of other well name surfers. Gabe is such a deserving winner who couldn’t be more delighted to win by just narrowly missing out on this year’s CT injury wild card. Gabe unfortunately had to miss the majority of 2009 Dream Tour due to injury.
Gabe and Davo having a quick chat before the awards ceremony
Australia’s Josh Kerr also put up a good show here at Lowers, pulling out airs and solid surfing. Looks like his ankle is healed and we’ll see Josh next at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach in July.
Two champions were crowned today at the cobblestone pointbreak of Trestles. Newport Beach’s Andrew Doheny was crowned as the new Oakley Pro Junior Champion, beating out Nat Young, Dylan Goodale and Tyler Newton. Hurley’s Evan Geiselman narrowly missed getting into the final; he needed a 7.49 and the judges gave him a 7.48, just .01 margin. As for the 6.0 Lowers Pro, after beating out a number of WCT surfers, St. Augustine’s Gabe Kling was crowned champion.
Looking at the draw for the Rd of 16, there were countless good matchups that just could not be missed. Many heats pinned the upcoming youth against veteran CT sufers. Chris Davidson “Davo” against Seabastian Zeitz. I had a quick chat with SeaBass right before his heat, and he was just soo stoked and pumped to go out and surf against Davo. He even made sure to get some of the “lucky contest wax.” Unfortunately for Seabass, throwing out the fins and rail to rail surfing was just not enough against a focused and hungry Davo.
The road to the finals for both finalists was no easy task. With 30 out of 44 WCT surfers in the contest, it was more like a CT event. After a missing a few years, Davo is back on tour this year and in form and focused.
Almost stealing the show at the end was Andy Irons. Throughout the contest, he surfed consistently and solidly. It was not until this semi-final heat against Gabe Kling did Andy lose his mojo. In the first few minutes of the heat, AI’s board just buckled underneath him and broke. That just killed his rhythm and he never got back into the heat. It was his favorite board, and the board he used to come back on the tour and achieve his dream. AI is definitely happy with his result and everyone on the beach was cheering him on wanting him to win. It will take a few more events before he truly gets back to the level of competition.
At the end of the day, it was all about Gabe Kling. He built momentum throughout the contest and was just focused on his surfing and being reserved. He also had such a friendly demeanor to him. He had to surf against, Jordy Smith, AI, and a slew of other well name surfers. Gabe is such a deserving winner who couldn’t be more delighted to win by just narrowly missing out on this year’s CT injury wild card. Gabe unfortunately had to miss the majority of 2009 Dream Tour due to injury.
Gabe and Davo having a quick chat before the awards ceremony
Australia’s Josh Kerr also put up a good show here at Lowers, pulling out airs and solid surfing. Looks like his ankle is healed and we’ll see Josh next at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach in July.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Day 3 of 6.0 Lowers Pro
Surf action down at 6 Star Prime Nike 6.0 Lowers Pro was another great day. The surf was noticeably smaller than yesterday and not as consistent or clean. Yesterday, the majority of waves were split at the peak; whereas today surfers preferred going right. Fun fact, Rip Curl's goofy footer Owen Wright went for his first right ever at Trestles today in a competition.
The day started off with the Round of 48 with the 4-man format with the top two finishers advancing. An exciting must watch heat features Hurley's Adrian Buchan, Sebastian Zietz, Jeremy Flores, and Eric Geiselman. Sebastian yesterday advanced even with an interference called. Eric Geiselman attempted several air reverses, but just couldn't find his landing and was thus eliminated today. Ace continued his consistent effortless surfing to make it through.
Red Bull's Julian Wilson and Quiksilver's Dane Reynolds fail to advance from the round of 48 along with a few other Dream Tour surfers Ben Dunn, Damien Hobgood, Den Morrison, and Tom Whitaker to name a few.
Things really got interesting in the afternoon in the Round of 24 with 3- man heat formats with top two advancing. Heat 6 was restarted when neither Andy Irons, John Florence, or Tiago Pieres took off on a wave in the first ten minutes. The restart gave each surfer a chance to really showoff their skills with a set coming in right at the sound of buzzer.
This was certainly an entertaining heat with veteran surfer Andy Irons and grom John Florence exchanging wave after wave and seesawing the lead position. They put their fellow competitor Tiago in combo land. Grom John Florence and Andy Irons both advance with some sick snaps and air reverses. Andy had to give it up to John, who was just ripping thanks to his skate influence. After the heat, the two had a little tête-à-tête moment with AI most likely giving fellow Hawaiian John some advice.
Tomorrow we will see the start of man on man format in the Round of 16. The heat draw is shaping up to looking something comparable to a World Tour event. You wouldn't want to miss a heat. Some heats I'm looking forward to watching:
Adrian Buchan vs Jadson Andre
Owen Wright vs Andy Irons
CJ Hobgood vs John John Florence
Josh Kerr vs Jordy Smith
The day started off with the Round of 48 with the 4-man format with the top two finishers advancing. An exciting must watch heat features Hurley's Adrian Buchan, Sebastian Zietz, Jeremy Flores, and Eric Geiselman. Sebastian yesterday advanced even with an interference called. Eric Geiselman attempted several air reverses, but just couldn't find his landing and was thus eliminated today. Ace continued his consistent effortless surfing to make it through.
Red Bull's Julian Wilson and Quiksilver's Dane Reynolds fail to advance from the round of 48 along with a few other Dream Tour surfers Ben Dunn, Damien Hobgood, Den Morrison, and Tom Whitaker to name a few.
Things really got interesting in the afternoon in the Round of 24 with 3- man heat formats with top two advancing. Heat 6 was restarted when neither Andy Irons, John Florence, or Tiago Pieres took off on a wave in the first ten minutes. The restart gave each surfer a chance to really showoff their skills with a set coming in right at the sound of buzzer.
This was certainly an entertaining heat with veteran surfer Andy Irons and grom John Florence exchanging wave after wave and seesawing the lead position. They put their fellow competitor Tiago in combo land. Grom John Florence and Andy Irons both advance with some sick snaps and air reverses. Andy had to give it up to John, who was just ripping thanks to his skate influence. After the heat, the two had a little tête-à-tête moment with AI most likely giving fellow Hawaiian John some advice.
Tomorrow we will see the start of man on man format in the Round of 16. The heat draw is shaping up to looking something comparable to a World Tour event. You wouldn't want to miss a heat. Some heats I'm looking forward to watching:
Adrian Buchan vs Jadson Andre
Owen Wright vs Andy Irons
CJ Hobgood vs John John Florence
Josh Kerr vs Jordy Smith
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Best Waves in a Competition??
What day of competition at Lowers today!!!
Tom Whitaker claims the waves pumping at Lowers and just peeling left and right are some of the best waves he’s ever ridden in a contest on the CT or QS. Not to mention to cap off the end of the day in the final heat with Jordy Smith getting a perfect 10.0 wave score, the only one of the competition so far. Naturally, he won his heat.
The Hobgoods @hobgoods just tweetd on Twitter:
"Trestles after 1pm, was about as good as i've seen it over the years. 6* primes might be up on the CT"s 3-0, not that i'm keeping score..."
The move of late are certainly air reverses following Jadson Andre’s win of the Bilabong Pro in Brazil. Eric Geiselman and Josh Kerr pulled off some big forehand airs in their heat and the judges just loved it. Josh Kerr was impressive in his opening wave getting an 8.9 without doing any airs.
There were many heats that look really good on paper such as Heat 11 with Eric Geiselman, Patrick Gudauskas, Brett Simpson, and Dylan Graves and Heat 14 with Hawaiians Dusty, John John, Tonino and Aussie Dean Morrison. These two heats didn't fail to disappoint. In addition, Sebastian Zietz advanced even with an interference call on him.
So what were the waves like at Lowers today?? SSW swell peaked with some westerly winds warming up the water with shoulder to head high with occasional overhead sets with just some onshore winds. Lowers was really coming alive in the afternoon as the tide was coming in. The sets just kept on coming to the surfers delight.
Failing to advance to the Round of 48 today were several CT surfers, Daniel Ross, local surfers Tanner and Patrick Gudauskas, Michel Bourez, Brett Simpson, Dusty Payne just to mention a few.
Andy Irons, Hobgood brothers, Josh Kerr, John John Florence, Dane Reynolds, and Owen Wright advance to the Round of 48 which will commence tomorrow.
The Rd of 96 also is where the prize money will be dispersed; those exiting this round will be getting $500 and points. First place for the 6.0 Lowers Pro is $20,000 cash prize.
Swell is expected to stay past Saturday. Can't wait to see what the competition will be like tomorrow.
6.0 Lowers Pro Round of 96 Results:
Heat 4: Nat Young (USA), 11.47, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.90, Kai Otton (AUS) 10.56, Tim Boal (FRA) 8.84
Heat 5: Taylor Knox (USA) 12.24, Tim Reyes (USA) 11.33, Dayyan Neve (AUS) 9.63, Hugo Savalli (REU) 8.07
Heat 6: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 13.30, Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 13.26, Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 12.90, Mason Ho (HAW) 10.56
Heat 7: Nate Yeomans (USA) 12.83, Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 12.40, Daniel Ross (AUS) 10.66, Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF) 9.48
Heat 8: Chris Davidson (AUS) 16.77, Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 13.77, Gabriel Medina (BRA) 12.70, Kai Barger (HAW) 8.26
Heat 9: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 16.43, Adam Robertson (AUS) 16.33, Glen Hall (IRL) 12.34, Marlon Lipke (DEU) 11.20
Heat 10: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.00, Kolohe Andino (USA) 11.77, Marco Polo (BRA) 11.67, Brian Toth (PRI) 8.83
Heat 11: Dylan Graves (PRI) 14.10, Eric Geiselman (USA) 13.80, Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 12.17, Brett Simpson (USA) 8.67
Heat 12: Jadson Andre (BRA) 16.20, Sebastien Zietz (HAW) 11.87, Brandon Jackson (ZAF) 9.33, Chris Waring (USA) 7.40
Heat 13: Dane Reynolds (USA) 17.54, Michael Picon (FRA) 12.27, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.26, Leonardo Neves (BRA) 11.17
Heat 14: John John Florence (HAW) 15.93, Dean Morrison (AUS) 13.66, Dusty Payne (HAW) 11.20, Tonino Benson (HAW) 8.07
Heat 15: Tiago Pires (PRT) 14.50, Blake Thornton (AUS) 13.94, Darrell Goodrum (USA) 7.77, Shaun Ward (USA) 6.23
Heat 16: Owen Wright (AUS) 14.50, David Weare (ZAF) 11.50, Willian Cardoso (BRA) 6.83, Joel Centeio (HAW) 6.67
Heat 17: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.70, Gabe Kling (USA) 15.97, Maxime Huscenot (REU) 12.24, Alain Riou (PYF) 11.37
Heat 18: Thiago Camarao (BRA) 14.93, Cory Lopez (USA) 14.06, Neco Padaratz (BRA) 13.20, Luke Munro (AUS) 10.94
Heat 19: Jonathan Gonzales (CNY) 17.00, Andy Irons (HAW) 12.94, Jay Thompson (AUS) 12.43, Marcio Farney (BRA) 10.24
Heat 20: Nathan Hedge (AUS) 15.13, Dion Atkinson (AUS) 12.13, Bernardo Miranda (BRA) 9.86, Michel Bourez (PYF) 9.47
Heat 21: Joan Duru (FRA) 14.80, Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.07, Gony Zubizarreta (ESP) 11.40, Jean Da Silva (BRA) 11.03
Heat 22: Tom Whitaker (AUS) 17.25, Josh Kerr (AUS) 13.40, Jarrad Sullivan (AUS) 13.24, Blake Jones (USA) 12.34
Heat 23: Wiggoly Dantas (BRA) 15.33, Drew Courtney (AUS) 13.60, Mick Campbell (AUS) 12.77, Rudy Palmboom (ZAF) 7.40
Heat 24: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 18.93, Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 15.27, Austin Ware (USA) 13.43, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 12.33
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Day 1 of the 6.0 Lowers Pro
8:00 AM on an overcast Wednesday, the Prime 6.0 Lowers Pro started off with the Round of 128. As I was taking the short hike down the trail to get to the surf competition site, Globe rider CJ Hobgood comes walking up the trail. CJ probably had a quick early morning session to get some practice in before his heat tomorrow.
The first heat was already in the water surfing, carving turns and cracking the lip. The morning was kind of slow with more turns than airs because of the low tide. In Heat 4, the sets just weren't coming for @Sunny_Garcia to advance through; Sunny finishes 4th in his heat.
Nike 6.0's rider Hawaiian Kai Barger was very selective in his heat. He picked the best waves and won with a two wave total of 15.44. There were quite few big name surfers waiting as alternates to get into this Prime event, most notable was Kelly Slater. North America is now home to 4 ASP Prime events after the US Open in Huntington Beach was awarded prime status. A staple to each surf event is no other than Aussie Paul Fisher, who was out with his cameraman in the athletes' tent interviewing them for his Fishtales on his website followthefish.tv or @followthefishtv.
Right before aerialist Eric Geiselman's heat, he had a short practice session practicing his airs. In his heat, he went to work and pulling off air and big committed turns. The judges greatly rewarded him and he won his heat. After Eric, we started to see a little more airs.
It was not until the Rd of 96 started that things got really interesting down at Lower Trestles. The SSW arrived and Adriano De Souza just lite Lowers up, posting the highest heat total of the day. Adriano and Aussie Nic Muscroft win of Heat 1, sending defending 6.0 Lowers Pro champion Freddy Patacchia home. Quickly to follow Adriano stellar performance was @Julian_Wilson, pulling more airs and making his presence's now. Looks likes his ankle is heal, and who knows, we might even see a Sushi Roll
tomorrow!!
Tomorrow, we will see the completion of the Rd of 96, with many of the heavy hitters Jordy Smith (@Jordstyle), @achebuchan, Josh Kerr (@kerr_azy1), Dane Reynolds, surfing in the afternoon and with the SSW swell peaking tomorrow.
6.0 Lowers Pro Round of 96 Results:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 17.90, Nic Muscroft (AUS) 15.90, Fred Patacchia (HAW) 13.50, Nathaniel Curran (USA) 8.27
Heat 2: Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.17, Ben Dunn (AUS) 11.13, Granger Larsen (HAW) 10.90, Travis Logie (ZAF) 10.17
Heat 3: Heitor Alves (BRA) 14.26, T.J. Barron (HAW) 13.67, Jihad Khodr (BRA) 11.73, Roy Powers (HAW) 10.83
6.0 Lowers Pro Round of 128 Results:
Heat 1: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 14.67, Julian Wilson (AUS) 11.16, Andre Silva (BRA) 9.00, Pablo Paulino (BRA) 6.60
Heat 2: Granger Larsen (HAW) 15.00, T.J. Barron (HAW) 11.67, Masotashi Ohno (JPN) 11.64, Eneko Acero (EUK) 10.30
Heat 3: Nat Young (USA) 10.63, Hugo Savalli (REU) 9.90, Marco Giorgi (URY) 9.83, Brad Ettinger (USA) 8.37
Heat 4: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 13.84, Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF) 12.77, Rhys Bombaci (AUS) 12.40, Sunny Garcia (HAW) 10.84
Heat 5: Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 11.27, Mason Ho (HAW) 10.57, James Taipan Wood (AUS) 8.37, Jesse Merle-Jones (HAW) 7.83
Heat 6: Kai Barger (HAW) 15.44, Adam Robertson (AUS) 14.03, Lincoln Taylor (AUS) 13.67, Heath Joske (AUS) 7.17
Heat 7: Brian Toth (PRI) 12.37, Dylan Graves (PRI) 11.80, Kieran Horn (USA) 10.57, Brent Dorrington (AUS) 7.26
Heat 8: Eric Geiselman (USA) 15.16, Chris Waring (USA) 13.84, Royden Bryson (ZAF) 12.27, Luke Campbell (AUS) 10.90
Heat 9: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.67, Tonino Benson (HAW) 12.30, Warwick Wright (ZAF) 11.80, Jayke Sharp (AUS) 9.93
Heat 10: John John Florence (HAW) 13.23, Shaun Ward (USA) 13.17, Paulo Moura (BRA) 10.10, Romain Cloitre (FRA) 9.43
Heat 11: Joel Centeio (HAW) 17.10, Maxime Huscenot (REU) 13.86, Hizunome Bettero (BRA) 13.53, Blake Wilson (AUS) 10.27
Heat 12: Cory Lopez (USA) 15.87, Jonathan Gonzalez (CNY) 11.87, Yujiro Tsuji (JPN) 11.74, Corey Ziems (AUS) 10.84
Heat 13: Marcio Farney (BRA) 14.83, Thiago Camarao (BRA) 13.33, Yadin Nicol (AUS) 12.93, Olamana Eleogram (HAW) 12.40
Heat 14: Nathan Hedge (AUS) 16.97, Jean Da Silva (BRA) 14.96, Kiron Jabour (HAW) 13.33, Hodei Collazo (EUK) 11.93
Heat 15: Jarrad Sullivan (AUS) 11.60, Rudy Palmboom (ZAF) 11.43, Torrey Meister (HAW) 9.92, Jack Perry (AUS) 6.14
Heat 16: Wiggoly Dantas (BRA) 14.60, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 13.40, Leigh Sedley (AUS) 11.94, Patrick Beven (FRA) 11.30
Friday, March 5, 2010
'CT 2010
I was down in Huntington Beach at HSS for Brett Simpson's Send off Party to the WCT. Brett joins the Tour as a rookie along with slew of others such as Dusty Payne, Owen Wilson, the Gudauskas brothers, Jadson Andre, Dan Ross and Nate Yeomans to name a few. With the first event of the Tour finished, let's check out this year's World Tour.
Snapper Rocks was the much anticipated return of Andy Irons to the 'CT after a year off. Everyone wanted to see if he can come back and make a run for the Title. Unfortunately he didn't have a strong result and was knocked out in Rd 3 against a rejuvenated Bobby Martinez. Bobby's strong performance at Snapper was a big surprise making it all the way to the semi-finals before losing out to the event winner Taj Burrow.
I predict Bobby Martinez will continue to do well this year and make the Top 32 since he is now sponsored by O'neill and doesn't have to finance being on the Tour himself. Less pressure obviously is helping his surfing, but he also did win last year's Tahiti event financing himself.
For the 2nd half of the year with Kelly Slater clearly out of the World Title race, there was much talk about the Rebel Tour. After the ASP revamped this year's tour, nothing has been heard about the Rebel Tour. For right now, it seems like Kelly will stay on the 'CT and have fun testing out his new equipment in pursuit of this 10th World Title. Kelly is Kelly; consistent and technically awesome. No reason for him not to be in the Top 10.
The Aussies will be a strong force this year on the Tour. Joel will be hungry to grab that elusive Word Title. Taj has been building momentum since his win against Kelly at '09 Pipemasters. He's won 3 events in a row. Mick will be defending his World Title.
What we will be looking for this year it to see Dane Reynolds wins his first 'CT event. He just ran out of batteries last year at Trestles. His fans just really want him to be rewarded with a win for being the most interesting and fun surfer to watch.
Right behind Dane will be Jordy Smith and the rookies anxious to prove themselves on Tour. Brett did pretty well for this first event making it through to the third round before losing to Mick Fanning. Mick wasn't going to lose to Brett again. Dan Ross had the best result of the rookies making it to the 4th round.
These first 5 events are extremely critical because after the 5th event, the number of surfers on Tour will be reduced to 32. Much of the next 4 events, we'll see surfers fighting for every win to make sure they stay on the tour especially with the less experienced ones. They need to surf smart, have a strategy, and stay focus.
Let's see how my Fantasy Surf team will do at Bells.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)