Donovan Frankenreiter new Album - 05th Oct 2010

We were recently sent a copy of Donovan Frankenreiter's (DF from here on in!) new album, due for release tomorrow and asked to review it. Being a DF fan already its tricky to remain objective so I've embedded his latest video of the album title track- Glow, so you can also judge for yourself.

In a nutshell theres no surprises with the new album- its all the usual DF sound, which is no bad thing however as the album as a whole has a super chilled out vibe, perfect for background listening at home or a post surf drive home. The track "Glow" has a hint of Paul Simon and "Hold on" has a more party feel whilst the remaining tracks will all feel familiar if you've heard DF's music before.

I've found myself giving the album repeated listens already so I've a feeling it'll remain on the i-pod for sometime. "Glow" the album is worth a purchase

Slater, Seignosse and slabs: Quiksilver Pro WCT france 2010

 I've watched the World tour online countless times, Teahupoo, Bells, Pipeline etc but have always wanted to attend an event in person, especially to witness Kelly Slater before the inevitable end of his tour days and a possible 10 titles!

Thankfully because we have the good fortune of being only a one and a half hours flight and a 30 minute drive from one of the tour stops in Hossegor, France, I finally made the pilgrimage to watch Slater and the rest compete and free surf. For a modest fee, Ryanair got me there, Alamo hired me a French hatchback car big enough to slide a board into and Quiksilver kindly supplied press passes so I could hang out in the thick of things at the beach.



The first heats were on the Sunday I arrived in solid 4-6ft waves, so a rapid drive to the beach meant that I caught some of the action along with the thousands of other spectators lining the sand in Seignosse. To stand and hear names like Irons, Martinez, Fanning etc being called out over the tannoy and be able to watch these guys surf was kind of surreal. The atmosphere of a WCT event is unlike any other surf competition I've been to- the French crowd were amped, applauding and cheering every great carve, cutback and air and the riders were mobbed as they got out of the water.

That is until Kelly Slater appeared and all others were ignored. I have to admit to being a little star struck myself when in his presence and also astonished at the attention the man received. Every move he made was followed, watched, photographed and filmed. Whenever Slater was in the water crowds flowed up and down the sand tracing is movement in the surf and as soon as he exited the ocean onto the beach, the stoked mobs descended on him. I'm sure he's used to it by now but it still must be kind of trippy getting that kind of adulation.

I also had the chance to watch Slater free surf that evening with a few locals paddling alongside which has to be a talking point for any surfer...in what other sport can you watch a mega star compete and then join them later on the field of play? I'm not sure you'd get too close to Beckham for a kick about after a match!

Attending a WCT event was a great experience and one that I wont forget. So a congratulations to Mick Fanning on his win and a big thanks to Quiksilver for their hospitality:

http://quiksilverlive.com/

Guiness World Surfing record attempt

The Guiness world record attempt for ‘most surfers riding the same wave’ that will be staged at the Earthwave Beach Festival in Muizenberg on the weekend 25 & 26 September.

The record currently stands at 110 surfers riding a wave for 5 seconds or more, and this year organisors are expecting 500 participants, who can include anyone who can stand up and ride a wave for five seconds+

The Perfect North sea Storm

OK, well not quite the perfect storm but getting close as far as North sea surfers are concerned. This low pressure blowing winds straight down the North Sea will generate waves from way North near Norway producing a solid swell with decent wave period of 11 to 12 secs. So If we're not in the office later this week you know why! :)

For more info on surf foreasting check out our surf info page

Win a custom surfboard signed by Jack Johnson

Explore.org  have recently teamed up with Jack Johnson to create the ‘Capture Your Commitment’ Campaign in order to create positive global change.

You can be part of the community by signing up at explore.org/jack-johnson and help achieve sustainable change.

                                                

Explore will be giving away daily prizes like Jack Johnson’s newest CD, ‘To the Sea,’ and $25 iTunes gift cards and the grand prize is a custom surfboard signed by Jack!

explore is a multimedia organization that documents leaders around the world who have devoted their lives to extraordinary causes. Both educational and inspirational, explore creates a portal into the soul of humanity by championing the selfless acts of others. For more info visit http://explore.org/

Billabong Pro Tahiti- Update and highlights

News update:

"The idyllic conditions of the past two days were washed away this morning under heavy south wind and rain, forcing the Billabong Pro Tahiti to call competition off after completing the remaining four heats of Round 3.

Stop No. 5 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Tahiti is both a pivotal point in the hunt for the 2010 ASP World Title as well as the midyear field reduction. Highlights of the event so far along with the list of surfers cut from the tour are below:



Surfers relegated to ASP PRIME and Star events

- Drew Courtney (AUS), 31
- Neco Padaratz (BRA), 34
- Tanner Gudauskas (USA), 22
- Mick Campbell (AUS), 34
- Kieren Perrow (AUS), 33
- Tom Whitaker (AUS), 30
- Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), 25
- Blake Thornton (AUS), 25
- Dean Morrison (AUS), 29
- Jay Thompson (AUS), 28
- Nate Yeomans (USA), 29
- Ben Dunn (AUS), 24
- Marco Polo (BRA), 29

Billabong Pro- Tahiti 2010 is on

Latest update:

"After seven, consecutive lay days, the Billabong Pro Tahiti commenced action today, and the world’s best surfers unleashed a barrage of high-fi performances on glassy three-to-four foot (1.5 metre) barrels on offer at Teahupoo.

Stop No. 5 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Tahiti completed Round 1 and the opening six heats of Round 2 today, bearing witness to interesting developments in the 2010 ASP World Title Race as well as the dramatics of the midyear cut-off.

When competition resumes, up first will be Taylor Knox (USA), 39, up against Jay Thompson (AUS), 28, in Heat 7 of Round 2 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti. Event organizers will reconvene today at 6am to assess conditions for a possible 6:30am start.

Surfline, official forecasters for the Billabong Pro Tahiti, are calling for the current south-southwest swell to fade throughout tomorrow, with a small mix of south and southwest swell on offer for the end of the waiting period.

Billabong Pro Tahiti 2010 Teahupoo, still on hold

News update:

With virtually no surf to speak of yesterday, event organizers at the Billabong Pro Tahiti have called the fourth consecutive lay day, but with swell projected to rise throughout the day today, the world’s best surfers may finally hit the water in the morning.


“No surf today and we’ve called competition off but tomorrow looks like a real possibility,” Richie Porta, ASP International Head Judge, said. “We’ve known from the beginning that the forecast we were presented with would be challenging. Swell is projected to increase this afternoon and into tomorrow and we could be looking at a Round 1 start in the morning.”

Surfline, official forecasters for the Billabong Pro Tahiti, are calling for a small, long period southwest swell to build slowly today and continue Friday, which will offer a slight increase in size and power from what we’ve seen the past couple days. A better looking swell is lining up for Sunday afternoon and Monday.

A full breakdown of ASP World Title Rankings possibilities, including the ASP midyear field reduction, for the Billabong Pro Tahiti are available at ASPWorldTour.com Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible 8am start. 

The Billabong Pro Tahiti will be webcast LIVE via billabongpro.com/tahiti10

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS
Heat 1: Damien Hobgood (USA), Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Jay Thompson (AUS)
Heat 2: Jadson Andre (BRA), Luke Stedman (AUS), Nate Yeomans (USA)
Heat 3: Bobby Martinez (USA), Jeremy Flores (FRA), Marco Polo (BRA)
Heat 4: Dane Reynolds (USA), Tom Whitaker (AUS), Blake Thornton (AUS)
Heat 5: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Roy Powers (HAW), Tim Reyes (USA)
Heat 6: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Joan Duru (FRA)
Heat 7: Mick Fanning (AUS), Adam Melling (AUS), Tamaroa McComb (PYF)
Heat 8: Jordy Smith (ZAF), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Manoa Drollet (PYF)
Heat 9: Taj Burrow (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT), Tuamata Puhetini (PYF)
Heat 10: Kelly Slater (USA), Andy Irons (HAW), Heiarii Williams (PYF)
Heat 11: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW), Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 12: Owen Wright (AUS), Brett Simpson (USA), Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Heat 13: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 14: Michel Bourez (PYF), Dean Morrison (AUS), Mick Campbell (AUS)
Heat 15: Taylor Knox (USA), Luke Munro (AUS), Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 16: Chris Davidson (AUS), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Ben Dunn (AUS)

Petition to stop dumping sewage into North sea

Some very narrow minded local water authorities on the UK's east coast are allowing partially treated sewage to be pumped into the North Sea straight off the beaches for 6 months of every year. Its a disgusting thought but thankfully the amazing team at Surfers Against Sewage are campaigning on our behalf to put a stop to this gross practice. So please sign up to the petition link below to help put a stop to this. Thanks

                                           

                                                        
http://www.sas.org.uk/campaigns/sewage-and-sickness/2010/07/30/year-round-uv-sewage-treatment-it%e2%80%99s-utterly-vital/

Billabong art of shaping 2010

The Billabong art of shaping happened over the weekend. Its a really interesting concept and was located in Orange County this year:




"Billabong USA is proud to announce the third annual “Billabong Art of Shaping Orange County Edition Event” August 13th at the ASR Action Sports Retailer Trade Show and August 14th at the Sacred Craft consumer surfboard expo which both run concurrently at the San Diego Convention Center.

This years’ “Billabong Art of Shaping: Orange County Edition” event will feature many of the top shapers from the hotbed of the Orange county surfing community. The finalized list of invitees includes Robert August, Matt Biolos, Steve Boehne, Bob “The Greek” Bolen, Lance Collins, Richard Harbour, Roger Hinds, Bob Hurley, Bruce Jones, Jeff “Doc” Lausch, Terry Martin, Mickey Munoz, Timmy Patterson, Ed Sakal, Peter Schroff, Terry Senate, Cole Simler, Tim Stamps, Bill Stewart, Shawn Stussy, Jeff Timpone and Barry Vandermeulen.

Orange County is well known for forward thinking creative shapers with a long heritage from the likes of Dale Velzy and Hobie Alter in the 50’s and 60’s through the radical 70’s, punk rock 80’s and into the present. Names like Rich Harbour, Robert August, Bob “The Greek” Bolen, Terry Martin, Mickey Munoz, Billy Stewart and Steve Boehne paved the way for Shawn Stussy, Lance Collins, Peter Schroff, Jeff Timpone, Bob Hurley and “Doc” in HB while Matt Biolas, Cole Simler, Timmy Patterson and Terry Senate hold court in south county. Meanwhile craftsmen like Roger Hinds, Bruce Jones, Ed Sakal, Tim Stamps and Barry V have stealthily done their thing.

The intention of Billabong’s 2010 Art of Shaping Orange County Edition Event is to showcase and pay tribute to Orange County shapers and their invaluable accomplishments and contributions to the art of surfboard building over the last five decades. Close examination of the list of invitees will reveal shapers from each decade that collectively have established the reputation of Orange County as a “hotbed of innovative surfboard design, development and forward thinking.” 

The Concept
The concept of the “Billabong Art of Shaping Event” is simple; it is a venue to showcase the talent of Orange County surfboard shapers and craftsmen by allowing them to build boards that highlight their particular contribution or influence on the evolution of the surfboard over a particular span in time. Shapers are invited and encouraged “to create a board representing the era, style, or shape they are best known for or relate to”; whatever best motivates their creativity and talent.

The shapers entry is then placed on display at the ASR trade show and the Sacred Craft consumer surfboard expo along with full sized images of the shaper himself and a profile that includes information on the board he chose to build, his company or label, and his shaping history or career.


How it Works
All invited shapers receive a check from Billabong for $600 to be used towards materials. The shapers are then free to submit whatever type of board they choose; knowing they will be in friendly competition with their peers to win bragging rights of winning the “Billabong Art of Shaping Event”, along with a check from Billabong for $2,000. The first runner up will receive a free full page ads in SURFING Magazine’s “Board Builder’s Issue” featuring his boards and label. The second runner up will receive a free full page ad in SURFER Magazine’s “Board Builder’s Issue” featuring his boards and label.

As the “Billabong Art of Shaping Event” is a charity event, the winner of the competition is the shaper of the board that brings in the highest auction price and thus becomes the largest single donor to the Billabong Art of Shaping Beneficiary; The SIMA Humanitarian Fund Grant Recipients which includes Keep a Breast, Boarding for Breast Cancer, Surfer’s Healing, Jimmy Miller Foundation, AccesSurf Hawaii, Mauli Ola Foundation, Best Day Foundation, Outdoor Outreach, Stoked Mentoring, Life Rolls On, Project Wipeout, Surf Aid International and Sumba Foundation.

Competitors try out Matunas Organic surf wax in 2010 Relentless Boardmasters, Newquay

Latest News:

Extremehorizon Surf Distribution and Matunas Organic surf wax were pleased to be given the opportunity by the UKPSA Pro-surf tour, organisors of the 2010 Relentlesss Boardmasters, to offer free Matunas wax samples to all of the competitors in this years event.

The Relentless Boardmasters is Europe's ultimate action sport and music festival, held over 5 days in Newquay the UK's original surf town.

                             
The festival is set across two locations. Fistral Beach hosts the Men’s 5 star WQS surf event, Vans summer sessions, retail village and Nuts bikini babe competition, while Watergate Bay entertains the masses with 6 music stages filled with the latest and greatest musicians from around the globe.

Extremehorizon, Northern European distributors for Matunas said “We'd like to thank the UKPSA for welcoming Matunas wax into such a prestigous event and to the Boardmasters competitors for trying out the cool temp wax during the heats. It was a great opportunity to gather direct and respected feedback on the brand from such a amazingly talented cross section of international pro-surfers”

Top British surfer Sam Lamiroy who finished an overall 9th position in the competition said of Matunas wax “I actually put Matunas on my board just before my heat, an unusual gamble for me to be honest and i was really, really relieved to find that it's actually one of the best types of wax i've ever used.... stoked!”

Dave Reed, Contest Director said of the initiative “We are grateful for the generosity of Extremehorizon Surf distribution and Matunas wax for helping out the surfers with wax during the Relentless Boardmasters”

Matunas have been making an organic surf wax from their 25 acre farm in Santa Cruz California since 1998. They use ingredients grown on the farm and everything is 100% natural, with fragrances from real strawberries, raspberries and jasmine flowers. Matunas have created a product which is superior to paraffin and chemical based surf waxes by manufacturing a non-toxic, biodegradeable wax presented in 100% recycled paper, soy ink, wrappers.

Matunas eco-surf wax has been tested and proven by some of the worlds best surfers including Kelly Slater, Gerry Lopez, the Malloy family, Cory Lopez, Chris Ward, Brett Simpson, Ratboy, Gavin Beschen, Joel Tudor and Tom Curren.

Matunas also received the honour of winning the Green Product of the year 2007-08 by Surfers Path and enjoy continuing support of the Surfrider Foundation and Surfers Against Sewage.

Matunas surf wax is an environmentally friendly alternative that's beneficial to our oceans and a small step towards sustainability in surfing

Polls open for Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau

Public polling has begun for the 26th annual Quiksilver In Memory Of Eddie Aikau. Voting will close August 31, 2010. More than 70 of the world's best big wave paddle-in surfers are posted on the polling list. To vote for your favorite big wave rider go to polls.quiksilver.com. Voting is limited to one vote per voter.



This is stage one of the selection process to elect the esteemed 24 invitees for the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau. The event will run on one day between December 1, 2010, and February 28, 2011, when waves at Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, reach a minimum of 20 feet. An Opening Ceremony on December 2nd, 2010, will bring together the Aikau Ohana and selected Invitee and Alternate competitors.

Cast your votes here: 
http://polls.quiksilver.com/

Northcore team talk big waves, boards and the surfing life

Northcore Europe is a core surf brand with some of the best accessories and hardware in the business. They also have a great team who talk about their own personal surfing journeys in this great short film.....

San Diego surfer swallowed by massive Great white shark!

We can see locals call this statue the Cardiff Kook...and over time it looks like its taken a fair amount of abuse in various forms but this prank is a classic. Heres the story:

"The statue named 'Magic Carpet Ride', created by artist Matthew Antichevich sits located on Coast Highway 101. This morning it was surrounded by a sculpture of a great white shark. The often-abused statue of a surfer in Encinitas was turned into a Jaws-dropping artwork early Saturday morning by a group of unknown pranksters.

Nearby campers at San Elijo State Beach said they heard a ruckus near the statue about 4 a.m., but didn’t see or hear how the pranksters were able to put the giant shark around the surfer. The shark didn’t appear without warning. Large sharklike fins had been placed on the other side of the highway earlier this week then, over the course of the past two days, the fins moved closer to the statue, as if the shark was circling in on its prey.

A large seam along the shark’s jaw indicates it was transported in two large pieces and then stuck together with a foamlike sealer that also made it look like the beast was bursting through the surface of the ocean.

The statue, called "Magic Carpet Ride," was made by artist Matthew Antichevich and erected in 2007 at a cost of $120,000 paid. It was said to be the first to honor surfing in San Diego County. But the reaction from local surfers was cool at best, and heated at worst, as they found the surfer to fall short of the image they thought their sport should project.

Criticism since before it was unveiled back in July of 2007 ranged from; "I'm not impressed with it," in a 2007 interview, to "It looks more like a dancer than a surfer to me." For years, many have seen the statue as an unrealistic depiction of a surfer. "Sometimes he's called the 'Cardiff Kook.' Sometimes 'Fairy Mary.' He's little 'fem' and the surfers don't really care for him," said a Cardiff resident.

The “Cardiff Kook,” has routinely been dressed in different costumes by snarky locals. At various times, the statue of the young male surfer has been adorned with a ballerina’s tutu and luche libre wrestler’s mask, a woman’s bikini and other costumes, most recently a tennis outfit with racket. But the shark attack took pranks on the statue to a new level.

That may be why so many have already signed a petition taped to the side of the display to keep the shark up."

The new VW T6 transporter?

Visit any UK and ireland surf spot and chances are amongst the assembled surf vans will be a VW. The association with surfers and VW goes way back with the old beetles and Split screens being the surf transport of choice.

These Vee Dubs look cool but arent exactly the best things to drive especially long distances, so thankfully we now have the option of the T5 transporter...well that choice may be about to be extended soon with the introduction of the T6 in 2011 or 2012. I'm personally not sure about the looks of this particular design but see for yourself below...

Blue Crush 2 The Movie to be released spring 2011

So Blue Crush the original was a little bit cheesy, but very watchable with some great surf footage from theNorth Shore so Blue Crush 2 shot on location in South Africa could be one to watch with a release date of Spring 2011. Heres the blurb:

"The search for the ultimate wave becomes an exotic and exhilarating journey of self-discovery and heartfelt friendship in Blue Crush 2, currently filming on location along the wild coast of South Africa, famous for its bone crushing waves. The all-new movie installment based on 2002’s hugely popular Blue Crush, which starred Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez, follows an adventurous young woman on the surf adventure of a lifetime.

The film’s hot, young, international cast includes Sasha Jackson (“One Tree Hill”), Sharni Vinson (Step Up 3-D), Elizabeth Mathis (Enchanted), Ben Milliken (Newcastle) and newcomer Chris Fisher. In Blue Crush 2, a young California girl treks across her late mother’s beloved South African beaches riding some of the world’s most spectacular waves, while making lifelong friends and gaining new insights into her past and future. Filmed along the beautiful coastline of South Africa, Blue Crush 2 features some of the most picturesque beaches on the planet, including the renowned “home of the perfect wave,” Jeffrey’s Bay (aka “J-Bay”), North Beach, Glenmore, Banana Beach and Coffee Bay.

The film also features many world-class female surfers from the Roxy team, some of whom currently hold a Women’s World Ranking from the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP)¹ including: Sally Fitzgibbons (#1), Laura Enever (#3), Bianca Buitendag (#14-tied) Rosy Hodge (#17-tied), Tanika Hoffman, and Danielle Le Roux. Additional female surfers featured in the film include Sarah Baum (#24-tied), Roxy Louw, Tarryn Chudleigh, Kirsty Delport, Mia Hordyk, Morag Steele and Heidi Palmboom.

Performing daring stunts and conquering some of the wildest surf ever seen on film on the men’s side is Taj Burrow, Jordy Smith and Travis Logie who are ranked #1, #2 and #36 respectively on ASP’s Men’s World Rankings². The film also features big wave surfer Grant “Twiggy” Baker, Rudi Palmboom Sr, Casey Grant, Warwick Wright, Mikey February and Andrew “Roosta” Lange.

Jordy Smith Takes win a Billabong pro J-bay

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa; - Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, has claimed his maiden ASP elite victory, taking out the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay over Adam Melling (AUS), 25, in front of a capacity hometown crowd.

Event No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay was nothing but blaring Vuvuzelas and roars from the bluff as these two titans went tit-for-tat in an incredible Final exchange. The young South African proved the victor, dominating from the outset and securing an emotional first win.

                                       

"This is the best day of my life," Smith said. "The crowd on the beach has been supporting me the last few days and hearing the cheers and the Vuvuzelas just gets me fired up to perform. It feels like they're pushing me along. I couldn't have done it without them."

Billabong Pro J-Bay 2010 kicks of in style

Billabong Pro News update:

"The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay is back on this morning with clean, consistent three-to-four foot (1.5 metre) waves racing down the point.

Event No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will look to complete the remaining 14 heats of Round 2 before entering into Round 3. Depending on the consistency of the conditions throughout the day, event organizers will consider the option of activating the Dual Heat System.


“We have another beautiful day of swell on offer this morning and we’ll be commencing as soon as possible with the first heat looking to start around 7:30am,” Richie Porta, ASP International Head Judge, said. “We’re running 30-minute heats at the moment, but will monitor conditions to see if there is an opportunity to run the Dual Heat System and take advantage of the surf we have today.”

Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay 2010

The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay 2010 kicks of in less than a week- Joel Parkisnon is out with a badly sliced foot after a wipeout at his home break of Snapper Rocks and Kelly Slater is still on for world title number 10! Heres the ASP news on the event:



Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, Stop No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the greatest assemblage of surfing talent in history journeys to South Africa for the next thrilling instalment of the 2010 ASP World Title race and the dramatic mid-year field reduction from the ASP Top 45 to 32.

Kelly Slater (USA), 38, former nine-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 1, has recovered from a slow start (Equal 9th) at the season opener on the Gold Coast with a victory at Bells Beach and a Runner-Up in Brazil to land him in his current No. 1 spot. A threat in any conditions, but especially considering the upcoming events, Slater is poised to make a run at an unprecedented 10th ASP World Title in 2010.

“I feel less pressure this year and that's a good thing,” Slater said. “I didn't have what I would call a very good year for myself last year, and this one started out slowly but sped up as I found focus through the injury at Bells. From here on out, I stay aware of what I need to.”

A four-time past champion at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (1996, 2003, 2005, 2008), the long righthanders suit the iconic natural-footer’s approach perfectly, and the Floridian is eager to return to the singlet and to elite competition after the lengthy break.

The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will be webcast LIVE via billabongpro.com/jbay10. For more information, log onto aspworldtour.com

Student drowns at Fistral Beach Newquay

Last Sunday the 27th June will be a day most England football fans will want to try and forget, but following the defeat against Germany the disappointment was soon brought into perspective as we watched from a headland looking over Fistral beach, Newquay, as a life or death drama unfolded.

We watched as the Lifeguards, Coastguards, RNLI, police and Navy air sea rescue all joined in a search for what later emerged was a missing swimmer. Heres a brief summary from the BBC:

"The alarm was raised by a surfer who spotted a man and woman in trouble in the water at Fistral Beach in Newquay at about 1645 BST.

The surfer rescued the woman but was unable to reach the 22-year-old Indonesian student from Newcastle University.


The Indonesian woman, who has not been named, is in a stable condition at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske."

We heard that the student got into difficulties in the heavy shorebreak at North Fistral where a solid 4ft swell was running, and he most likely was caught in a rip and disappeared.


For more info on ocean saftey and rips try these 2 resources:

Rips-wikipedia
Surfing safety

Billabong Pro 2010 at J-Bay

ASP News:

The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, Stop No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, is poised to be one for the ages as the best assemblage of surfing talent in history prepare to do battle on one of the world’s greatest canvases, the iconic righthanders of Jeffreys Bay.

After three events this season, the ASP World Tour journeys to South Africa amidst a red-hot ASP World Title race as well as the cutthroat, mid-year field reduction to the ASP Top 32.

Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, reigning ASP World Champion, has had an uncharacteristically slow start to the season, collecting two 9ths and a Runner Up, putting him in the ASP World No. 4 spot. A former two-time winner of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (2002, 2006), Fanning will look to regain some magic in South Africa in order to rein in former nine-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 1 Kelly Slater (USA), 38.

The waiting period for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will begin on Friday, July 15 and run through July 25, 2010. The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will be webcast LIVE via billabongpro.com/jbay10. For more information, log onto aspworldtour.com.

Origins of Lincolnshire North Sea Surfing

The origins of Surfing in Lincolnshire's often inhospitable and fickle North Seas has been a difficult one to pin down, we had known about a Lincolnshire surf club in the 1960's, but little else. So we were fortunate to meet Mick Rampton recently, who is proclaimed to be Lincoln's first surfer! Below is a short profile of local surfing back in the day kindly written by Mick Rampton, which casts light on surfing origins in our part of the world 40 years ago.

My first taste of surfing was in the summer of ’68 whilst on holiday in Perranporth, Cornwall.  I hired a board from a lone Aussie on the beach for £1, which was my total spending money for the day. (wages then were £23 per week, so not cheap).  

There were only half a dozen surfers out, not like today’s crowded waves.  After persevering all day without tuition I was able to catch waves and ride.  This is all it took for me to get hooked. 

Upon returning to Lincoln I was frustrated by the lack of awareness of this great sport, also the lack of equipment and suffered ridicule from my friends who insisted that you could not surf at the East coast.   

After a bit of research in the winter of 1968, I discovered that there was a surf club in Scunthorpe of all places, the founder members being Pete and Ross Maw. Desperate to have a board, I bought one from Pete Maw; it was a 9’ Bilbo pintail.  I wish I still had it as it was brilliant for catching East Coast waves.   Other names I can remember at that time were Alan Taylor, Mickey Davies, Ken Brocklebank and Johnny Bush.  The last two lived in Grimsby where there was an affiliate club.  In the winter we used to meet in a club house in Cleethorpes to watch surf films that had come from New Zealand. This would be 69/70.  There were enough of us plus wives & girlfriends to have an annual dinner. 

   

We were all in to making our own boards at that time and even gluing together our own wetsuits from kits. I subsequently made two surf boards of my own one in 1970 and the other in 1975 and with my new found friends surfed all over the UK but the club’s home beach was Sandilands, near Sutton- on-sea.


 At weekends we would dash off to Scarborough or Cayton Bay or even Cromer.  Some of us lost surfboards off flimsy roof racks on the way!  There were no surf reports in those days so it was basic instinct and guess work whether there would be any surf when we got there.  The locals would say, “Ah, you should have been here yesterday, it was 6’, green and glassy”, so nothing changes. 

By 1972 Lincoln’s contingent of surfers had grown to four and I had persuaded Sceptre Watersports to stock a small selection of boards. By then most of our summer holidays were spent in Cornwall, North Devon or The Gower Peninsular, mainly for the surfing. 

I stopped surfing seriously in 1986 after a nasty experience on Fistral Beach, Newquay.  Surfing alone early in the morning I lost it on an 8’ plus and was dragged under water by my leash, feet first and I was close to drowning when I finally surfaced.  None the less I have since surfed in New Zealand, Hawaii and Portugal whilst holidaying but the heady times of the 60’s and 70’s were the best.  We had nothing of today’s hype and equipment but we still had fun, fun,fun.  Happy surfing guys.  

*Picture: Sandilands 1972. Thankfully wetsuits have improved since then

UK Surf photography at its best

You may have noticed some changes to the extremehorizon.com home page which include some awesome UK surf shots from Fistral beach and Porthleven taken by one of Britains leading surf photographers Geoff Tydeman. The work which Geoff has been producing has captured some stunning images of surfing in the British Isles showing just how good the waves can be here on our little island. In Geoff's own words:

"I've been snapping surf shots since 1974, Manager of Bilbo Surf Shop Newquay 1973 - 1978, I was the first editor of Wavelength Magazine in 1981 - 1983, and have been photo freelancing on and off ever since, but since digital photography really took off I've got back into it full time. I also made the film "Fistral Sessions" which was released in 2003, the film was taken up by the "Surf's Up" travelling museum exhibition 2005 and for two and a half years was played on continuous loop within the exhibition, making it the longest running public display surf film (in Britain? Europe? - unless you know different!). I've recently been contributing photos to the British Surf mags and various websites where my work has been receiving some very positive feedback."

Check out more of Geoff Tydeman's work here GT Images or feel free to comment with your views on the shot featured here.

What makes the ultimate Kook?

With surfing, the same as any sport we all have to start somewhere so little errors when we're learning to surf can be forgiven, however the fun survey below highlights errors made by the perpetual Kook...you know the ones who can be spotted a mile off. They are the weekend warriors who have the opportunity to learn but never bother...super Kooks. Cast your vote below or feel free to leave a comment:

Has Russell Ord captured the sickest wave ever Surfed?!!

We all know that Western Australia has some crazy heavy secret reefs and, as we've written about in these pages before, photographer Russell Ord has been out there documenting them in all their glory. But every so often a picture turns up that blows you away, think Greg Noll 3rd reef Pipeline, Jay Moriaty wipe out at Mavericks, Laird Hamilton at Teahupoo, well in my opinion this shot is up there with them....its just insane.

With over 10 years experience in surf photography, Russell Ord enjoys an international reputation built on an enthusiasm for surfing. His affable and modest demeanour masks a remarkable talent and an inherent ability to translate the natural environment into his still photography. Russell and his family have recently established a cool new gallery in WA.

The Sitting Room Gallery is a creative design space featuring incredible images of Australian Surf Photography. Ideally located in Cowaramup, just outside Margaret River in Western Oz, the inviting studio was created by Russell to showcase his surfinging photography and promote the work of other professional surf photographers. For more info check out http://sittingroomgallery.com.au/

Bondi Lifeguard breaks neck surfing at "Ours"

The reef break named by the Bra Boys as "Ours" is a mutant wave in Sydney Australia and the following story is from coastalwatch.com. Check out the board and Kobi Graham going up and over the falls- nasty:

Bondi Rescue lifeguard Kobi Graham suffered a hideous wipe out at Cape Solander mid afternoon on Sunday May 30. Kobi took off on a slabbing 6-8ft bomb and kind of nose dived, free falling head first into the reef at 'Ours'.

For those that don’t know “Ours” is a notorious big wave surf spot just outside the entrance to Botany Bay. The wave comes out of deep water before literally exploding on a shallow barnacle encrusted rock ledge no more than 10 metres in front of the sheer cliff face. Kobi fractured two vertebrae, meaning he broke his neck in layman’s terms.

Fellow Bronte surfer and good friend John “Bones” Dwyer helped Kobi onto a sled and then coastalwatch photographer Billy Morris drove them around to Kurnell beach on a jet ski and promptly called an ambulance. Thanks to Bones and Billy’s quick response Kobi was then airlifted to Royal North Shore hospital within 20 minutes, where he is now reported to be in a stable condition.”

Womens ASP world tour hits Peru

Latest Extremehorizon surf shop news:

The world’s best female surfers will assault the South American continent this week for the fifth stop on the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour, the Movistar Peru Classic presented by IDP.

For the first time in the event’s storied four-year history, the Movistar Peru Classic will whisk the ASP Top 17 away from the lengthy, sandbar lefts of Lobitos and Mancora in exchange for the punchy reefbreaks of San Bartolo in Lima.



Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, reigning three-time ASP Women’s World Champion and current ASP Women’s World No. 1, has been on a rampage in 2010, collecting three wins from four events and grabbing a stranglehold on the rankings’ lead.

“It has to be the most talented field ever and so this great string of results has surprised me as well,” Gilmore said. “I think the first few events have left everyone questioning the results of the rookies and younger girls, so the focus and expectation grows on them and then allows me to be comfortable and just do my thing.”

Signed Kelly Slater Limited edition Print on Ebay

Sean Davey and Kelly Slater have donated a signed print for a fund raiser and have placed 2 for sale on Ebay...starting bids begin at $290 and theres just over a day left: heres the info on the prints which will no doubt become highly prized as theres only 20 been produced.

This picture by renowned sports lens-man Sean Davey, captures Kelly Slater at the absolute peak of his skills, dealing with a 30 foot monster wave at the recent Eddie Aikau big wave surfing invitational, held in 20-30 foot waves at Waimea Bay, Hawaii on December 9th, 2009.

This is an extremely LIMITED EDITION print and graciously donated by Sean and Kelly specifically for Friends of Kehau Sullivan. Only 20 have been produced in the world and all have been signed by Kelly personally.

Due to the very limited numbers, we anticipate great interest in these limited edition prints from serious surf collectors. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Friends of Kehau Sullivan which aims to cover the medical costs associated with Kehau’s open heart surgeries

Surf gets BIG at Teahupoo

Heres footage of a massive session at Teahupoo in March...when it gets this big your huevos need to be of similar proportions!!!

KEYPOD charity donation goes to Surfers Against Sewage

Extremehorizon and our product "KEYPOD" portable key safe, are proud to be members of 1% for the planet an organisation established to enable businesses to donate 1% of their nett profits to charities.

This year our donation has gone in full to Surfers Against Sewage who have done some amazing work over the years campaigning to keep our British seas and beaches clean of rubbish, untreated sewage, contaminated land run off water etc. Thanks Guys

Home Win for Chile in 30ft Punta De Lobos waves

Local big wave rider Cristian Merello, 28, has won the Quiksilver Ceremonial Punta de Lobos Big Wave Invitational, staged in waves of up to 30 feet yesterday. The event launched the 2010-2011 Big Wave World Tour that Merello now leads.

Merello employed patience, local knowldege and a determined effort to ride the biggest waves to overcome his more experienced challengers. Being a goofy-footer on the reeling lefts was no handicap, either.

Runner-up was Peru's Gabriel Villaran, whose performances throughout the competition were nothing short of spirited. Villaran only added to his reputation of being one of the most well rounded surfers on the planet, doling out many high-risk maneuvers that are typically reserved for flamboyant small wave surfing.

Third place went to California's Peter Mel (Santa Cruz), followed by Jamie Sterling (Hawaii), Mark Healey (Hawaii), and Greg Long (San Clemente, Ca.) in that order. En-route to the final, Merello also accounted for the eliminations of Grant 'Twiggy' Baker (South Africa) and Carlos Burle (Brazil).

Adding to the moment, all of the surfers competing today came together to present a total of $15,000 to local fishermen from the village who lost their homes during the February 8.8 earthquake and ensuing tsunami.

Quiksilver Chile Big wave event is GO today

The Quiksilver Ceremonial Punta de Lobos Big Wave Invitational, has officially been called ON for Wednesday, May 19, after event organizers received forecasts that waves measuring 25 feet and larger will hit Punta de Lobos, Pichilemu.

A one-day, big wave invitational surfing contest, the Quiksilver Ceremonial will crown the event's champion tomorrow afternoon. The winner will also become the early leader of the 2010/2011 Big Wave World Tour. The event features 24 of the world's top big wave riders and will be broadcast live at:
quiksilver.com/chile

"These are the most perfect conditions you can expect in Punta de Lobos," said local resident, big wave expert and invitee to the event, Ramon Navarro. "We are expecting swell and winds from the perfect direction and waves of more than 25 feet.

"The surfers and media in Chile are going crazy. I think it will be one of the most impactful events in the history of surfing here, having some of the biggest waves ever for a paddle-in surfing event in Chile."

All of the surfers who compete tomorrow have rallied to pledge 50% of their prize winnings toward local relief efforts in the Pichilemu region of Chile following the February 27 earthquake and tsunami that devastated the area. The total prize purse of the event is US$ 30,000.




INVITEES:
Grant "Twiggy" Baker (South Africa)
Chris Bertish (South Africa)
Carlos Burle (Brazil)
Ryan Cabezas (Chile)
Kohl Christensen (Hawaii)
Danilo Couto (Brazil)
Shane Desmond (Santa Cruz, Ca., USA)
Shane Dorian (Hawaii)
Cristobal Gonzalez (Chile)
Mark Healey (Hawaii)
Greg Long (San Clemente, Ca., USA)
Diego Medina (Chile)
Peter Mel (Santa Cruz, Ca., USA)
Cristian Merello (Chile)
Marcos Monteiro (Brazil)
Ramon Navarro (Chile)
Jamie Sterling (Hawaii)
Leon Vicuna (Chile)
Gabriel Villaran (Peru)
Dave Wassel (Hawaii)
Fernando Zegers (Chile)
plus 3 local trialists

Lincolnshire surf is clean....for now

Surfers Against Sewage released the following statement today to update on the situation where Anglian water are pumping partially treated sewage onto our beaches and water:

SAS Inform Water Users, It’s Safe to Go Back In, For Now…

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) campaigners are today relieved to announce that the Ultra Violet (UV) treatment that renders sewage effluent clean and safe, has finally be turned back on by Anglian Water at the popular beaches of Cleethorpes and Mablethorpe. Unfortunately for surfers this is just as the best surf season finishes.

Anglian Water turns off their UV treatment outside the bathing season (1^st of October until the 15^th of May). Unfortunately for surfers this is the best season for surf. Turning off the UV results in a dramatic increase in the potentially harmful pathogens released to the sea. Pathogens that can result in Hepatitis A, Ecoli 0157H, Gastro Enteritis and much, much more.

SAS are concerned not just about the impacts on the marine environment but also about the potential health impacts on the local water sports community that use these beaches all year round. Research has shown that surfers are 3 times more likely to contract Hepatitis A than bathers as we immerse and ingest more than the average bather. This research is been backed up with anecdotal evidence from the local water sports community.

Turning off the UV is a significant step backwards in protecting our marine environment from pollution and SAS believe there are other energy saving steps the company should be making first and foremost.

The water company could also be doing more to create its own renewable energy from the sewage treatment process. For example, Severn Trent Water will soon be producing approximately 50% of their sewage works energy requirements by using gas produced from the sewage treatment digestion process.

SAS are calling on the Environment Agency to ensure that Anglian Water fully treat their sewage and properly protect water users all year round. And from the 1^st of October onwards we are calling on the Environment Agency to undertake a comprehensive study into the presence of water users at Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes.

Matt Strathern at Extreme Horizon Surf Shop says: “There’s a strong and increasing water sports community that want to use the sea all year round. I’m hearing from many locals who are complaining about ear, nose and throat infections and because of the reduced treatment people are less keen to go in knowing what could be out there.”

Surfers Against Sewage Campaign Director says: “Surfers and waveriders in Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes deserve the same levels of protection offered elsewhere around the country. Because surfers are immersing and ingesting in the water, especially in winter, we are more at risk from harmful pathogens like hepatitis A and Ecoli and need year round protection.”

Surf for life organisation leads the way

Heres a really forward thinking non-profit organisation, established by 8 surfers in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica with the vision of making their surf destination a better place for having been there and giving something back by way of thanks for the great waves and hospitality. Their project in Puerto Viejo is to build a high school for the local kids and theyre looking for funding donations. Jaimal Yogis, author of the awesome book "Saltwater Buddah" has given his support - heres what he has to say...



The work these guys are doing is a great example for travelling surfers, as theyre demonstrating that giving a little back during your surf trip enriches the experience for everone involved. For more info on Surf for life click here or on surfing in Costa Rica click here

Noel Robinson Big wave rider dies in surf tragedy

The surfing world is mourning the loss of a well-known North Coast boarder who died after wiping out in the surf off southern Mexico near his winter-time home. Surfer and videographer Noel Robinson split his time between Bodega Bay and Puerto Escondido, where the accident occurred about 200 miles south of Acapulco.

Surfline photographer Edwin Morales: "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."

Robinson grew up on the Sonoma Coast, cultivating a following with his skill, adventurous spirit and warm persona. “He's really popular out here. Everyone knew him,” said surfer Chris Hansen, who works at the Bodega Bay Surf Shack. “Great surfer.”

In addition to a lifelong devotion to surfing, Robinson was a well-known vidoegrapher who contributed to EPSN. Last month, his footage of South African surfer and friend Grant “Twiggy” Baker at February's Mavericks Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay was recognized at the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards.

Robinson was himself photographed riding a tube in Puerto Escondido by Surfing Magazine Senior Photographer Jeff Flint just an hour before his death. News of the tragedy quickly spread, reaching the North Coast in about an hour, Hansen said.

“It just spread like wildfire,” he said. “Everyone's talking about it. It's a horrible tragedy, but you know, he died doing what he loved.”

Source: Surfers Village/Surfline/pic Todd Glaser

Artificial surf reef in India

Commissioned by India’s Department of Tourism as a multi-purpose solution to impending coastal erosion that would also “improve ecology” and boost the local economy through increased ocean-based recreation, the artificial reef was completed by ASR Ltd in early 2010. The company, an entity with over 30 years of experience in multi-purpose reef construction, lists over 50 ongoing or completed projects on their web site including artificial surfing reefs in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand and most recently in Boscombe, England.



While the two reefs mentioned have incurred mixed reviews online (Some note the fickle conditions their beach requires. Some say Boscombe gets quite hollow during peak moments. Some call both endeavors “failures.”), ASR Ltd. has certainly gathered favorable attention from the surf community after releasing a video of the lefthander at Kovalam.

Daruka Dasa of The INDIA Surf Club had this to say about the new reef: “We haven’t visited Kovalam since they had the new reef built,” said Dasa, “but we plan to in the upcoming months (pre and post monsoon seasons). Look forward to seeing how it handles some larger swell! It’s also a great thing for Kovalam in helping them prevent coastal erosion. They were really starting to run out of beach.”

Dasa also passed along a message from a member of Kovalam Surf Club, who recognized the positive and negative effects of the new reef. “Unfortunately, this year we had less surfable days because the reef only starts to work when the swell is above 3 feet,” said the Kovalam Surf Club Member, “but when it works it throws up a sucking barrel. When it goes off Kovalam now offers a good quality reefbreak and the level of the kids grows gradually with every surf session.”

Source: Surfer

Extremehorizon Distribution and Errant surf team up

Extremehorizon Distribution, are pleased to announce their collaboration with Newquay based, Errant Surf Travel & Instruction.

Errant are to work with the Extremehorizon distribution product and brand range hosting the first Cornish Test Centre for selected brands, including Northcore, Matunas wax, Slosh wetsuit shampoo, Raptor fins and Powerstroke Bungee cord surf trainer. The range of products will also be made available to Errant's surf school clients not only to try for themselves but to purchase.

Errant was founded by Chris Thomson and is now Europe’s leading surf holiday company, offering surfing holidays in Bali, Barbados, Morocco, Spain, Newquay, Maldives and many more top locations.

Errant cater for individuals, couples, families and groups and can recommend and build trips for anyone from a first time surfer or a pro searching for that perfect surf holiday.

The Newquay surf school also run NARS Beach lifeguard Awards, longboard coaching weekends and BSA surf coach awards.

Extremehorizon Ltd spokesman said of the collaboration, “We are really happy to be working with the Chris and the team at Errant who are leading the way in surf travel and coaching. It also offers customers a great opportunity to see and test products in our range which is being distributed to surf retailers across the UK and Europe.

Kelly Slater gifts Bells Beach trophy to Aboriginal Co-op

Nine time world champion, four time Rip Curl Pro champion and right now world number one surfer on the ASP 2010 season ratings, Kelly Slater showed his immense appreciation for Australian Indigenous Culture by gifting his winning 2010 Rip Curl Pro ‘BELL’ trophy to the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.

Slater who has twice before been the recipient of a traditional aboriginal welcome to the winner’s podium by the Je-Be-Weng Aboriginal Dancers when receiving his trophy explained that when he arrived at Bells this year he had decided that if he won he would give his trophy to the Wathaurong community in recognition of their previous support of him and as an acknowledgement of the traditional owners of the land.

He went on to say half way through the final and well behind in scores he suddenly remembered his personal pledge and he thought he may not get the opportunity, one he really wanted and that just after this thought the wave that ultimately won him the event came his way!

"I'm really excited because I remembered that before this contest I promised myself that if I won, I would give to trophy to the Wathaurong (local aboriginal tribe) people," Slater said. "I didn't remember that until I was out in the water and right when I did, those waves came. So before I give it to them, I want to pass the trophy around for everyone to give a ring because that's never been done before."

US oil spill is potential Eco disaster

The US Coast Guard is investigating reports that oil has started washing ashore on the Gulf Coast from a leaking offshore well.

Up to 5,000 barrels of oil a day are thought to be spilling into the water after last week's explosion on a BP-operated rig, which then sank.

President Barack Obama has pledged "every single available resource" to help.The US navy has been deployed to help avert a looming environmental disaster.

The US Coast Guard said it had sent investigators to confirm whether crude oil had begun to wash up on parts of the Louisiana shoreline.

"This is a very, very big thing," said David Kennedy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He told the Associated Press news agency that the clean-up efforts could be "mind-boggling".

An emergency shrimping season was opened on Thursday to allow fishermen to bring in their catch before it was fouled by the advancing oil.

The US government has designated the Gulf of Mexico oil spill as an "incident of national significance". This allows it to draw on resources from across the country.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has declared a state of emergency and asked for federal funds to deploy 6,000 National Guard soldiers to help with the clean-up.

The Louisiana coastline, with its rich shrimp and oyster beds, is the most threatened by the spill. There are also fears of severe damage to fisheries and wildlife in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Navy vessels are helping to deploy booms to contain the spill.

President Obama has dispatched high-level administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, to the area.

*source BBC

Billabong XXL big wave awards 2010 results

Grant 'Twiggy' Baker from Durban, South Africa took top Ride of the Year honors in the premier category of the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards, at a glittering function in Anaheim, California on Friday.

Baker, 36, pocketed US $50,000 for his incredible ride on an enormous wave which he paddled into during the Maverick's Surf Contest at Half Moon Bay in Northern California on February 13, 2010.

Regarded as the Oscars of big wave surfing, the Tenth Annual XXL Awards recognize the biggest and heaviest waves ridden and documented over the past twelve months anywhere in the world.



2,300 surf-stoked fans packed the Grove Theater in Anaheim to witness mind-blowing rides from Chile, South Africa, Australia, Hawaii, Mexico, California and French Polynesia. In what proved to be one of the best years in big wave surfing history, over 1000 images and videos were submitted for judging. The awards are decided by a panel of 400 surfers, selected surf media and big wave aficionados.

Sebastian Steudtner (Nuremberg, Germany) finished first in the Billabong XXL Biggest Wave division for a giant tow-in ride at Jaws, Maui, Hawaii on a monster wave that took everyone by surprise for its size and speed. It was the first time a German surfer had appeared on the XXL stage.

Shawn Dollar officially surfed into the record books for riding a paddle-in wave judged to be 55 feet on the face to win the Monster Paddle Award. The previous Guinness Book best was held by Californian Taylor Knox for a 52-foot wave ridden at Todos Santos, Mexico in 1998.

Billabong XXL Big Wave awards 2010

The countdown is underway as the elite of the big wave surfing world converge on Southern California for tonight's Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards. The Oscars-style ceremony at the Grove Theater in Anaheim, CA will pay tribute to the greatest achievements in high surf during the last year with a red carpet gala and a star-studded array of nominees and presenters. Over 2,200 surf industry VIPs will attend the invitation-only event which will be carried via a live webcast on BillabongXXL.com

The tenth annual XXL Awards have shaped up as the most spectacular in the event's history, thanks to an extraordinary year of El Nino-fueled swells spanning the Seven Seas. Over $130,000 in prizes will be distributed to the champions in an array of categories including the Ride of the Year, Billabong XXL Biggest Wave, Monster Paddle, Monster Tube and Surfline Overall Performance Awards. The top female surfers of the year will contend for the Billabong Girls Performance crown and the greatest mishaps of 2009/10 will be celebrated with the crowd-pleasing Verizon Wireless Wipeout of the Year Award.

Bryson takes O'Neill Highland open 2010

Lord Royden Bryson has won the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Scotland 2010 in epic Thurso East conditions.

“Really?! I am a Lord?” asked Royden. “I had no idea! I was just so happy with the ASP ratings points and the $20,000 from this competition as well as that highland sword. That’s amazing that I have land and am a Lord!”

South African Royden, Spider surfboards team rider and Brazilian Yuri Sodre – now also Lord Yuri - paddled out for the final heat of this 2010 competition in 6 foot Thurso East, with the sun shining and a gentle offshore wind blowing.

“It was such a beautiful morning,” said Royden. However it was 25 minutes until he got a wave in the final, with a restart after 10 minutes while the swell had a temporary little break.

“I was just worried about staying warm out there,” said Royden. “It was a long time in the water.” But he made the wait worth it with a score of 8.33 from his first wave, following that up with a 5.50.

“I am just so excited to win,” said Royden. “I feel like I’ve had a lot of close results recently. And to actually get there and win again feels amazing.”

After such a varied and unique week of surfing the finals today were always going to be something special – especially when Thurso woke on the bright Monday morning to snow on the ground and a frost in the air.

“I got up really early this morning – about 5am to go for a freesurf,” said semi finalist Shaun Cansdell. “There was snow everywhere. I couldn’t even see out of the car window – everything was frozen. I was so stoked I did it. It was such a nice morning”

The O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series now looks to move onto its third event of the year over in Cape Town, South Africa in July. And all the surfers will be chasing those valuable CWC Series ratings points in the battle for the $50,000 for the series winner.

Currently in equal first are CWC Tasmania winner Stuart Kennedy, and Royden Bryson.

Massive Hammerhead shark caught in NSW

I think this beast might make you jump if it swam beneath you in the line up!!

Fishermen caught the giant Hammerhead shark this week weighing one and a quarter tonnes and measuring 20ft long, off the north coast of New South Wales. It is thought to be at least 40 years old. The shark died as it was hauled to shore. 'It's a magnificent specimen for sure' said Mr Hislop of the Shark Museum in Queensland.

Some species of hammerheads are on the global endangered list but they are not renowned for attacking humans, unlike the man-eating great white shark. Hammerheads, found in warm waters around the world, get their name from the shape of their heads, which are flattened and extend sideways.
This is thought to help them move in close to their prey and to find food on the sea bed.

While they are not notorious for killing humans, the International Shark Attack file lists them as seventh among sharks that pose a danger to people, the most dangerous being the great white. In recent years there have been 33 reported hammerhead attacks on humans, but none have been fatal.

Oneill Cold Water classic Thurso 2010 kicks off today

The O'Neill Cold Water Classic (CWC) Scotland kicks-off today, in Thurso on Scotland's northern coast for its fifth consecutive edition. Known as the coldest surf contest on tour and attended by the world's best searching for extreme conditions and world class waves, the O'Neill CWC Scotland is the first event of this year's ASP European Star Series offering crucial ratings' points and a coveted US$ 145,000 prizepurse.

Having witnessed exceptional surf and fantastic battles over the years, the ASP 6-Star rated competition will once again see the gathering of some of the world's best surfing athletes, including former ASP World Champion Sunny Garcia (Oahu, HAW) and past event winners Adam Robertson (Victoria, AUS) and Russell Winter (Cornwall, GBR).

"The O'Neill Cold Water Classic Scotland is one of those events that make our sport so special," ASP Europe President David Mailman said. "It is a unique and challenging destination that brings diversity to the tour and is a draw card that never fails to deliver for the best surfers on the planet."