Extremehorizon surf blog providing: regular surfing news, updates, stories, surf pictures, product reviews, surfer interviews and anything from the world of actions sports which is begging to be blogged!
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
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
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 $15,000 to local fishermen from the village who lost their homes during the February 8.8 earthquake and ensuing tsunami.
The Quiksilver Ceremonial Punta de Lobos Big Wave Invitational, has officially been called ON for Wednesday, May 19, after event organizers received forecasts that waves measuring 25 feet and larger will hit Punta de Lobos, Pichilemu.
A one-day, big wave invitational surfing contest, the Quiksilver Ceremonial will crown the event's champion tomorrow afternoon. The winner will also become the early leader of the 2010/2011 Big Wave World Tour. The event features 24 of the world's top big wave riders and will be broadcast live at: quiksilver.com/chile
"These are the most perfect conditions you can expect in Punta de Lobos," said local resident, big wave expert and invitee to the event, Ramon Navarro. "We are expecting swell and winds from the perfect direction and waves of more than 25 feet.
"The surfers and media in Chile are going crazy. I think it will be one of the most impactful events in the history of surfing here, having some of the biggest waves ever for a paddle-in surfing event in Chile."
All of the surfers who compete tomorrow have rallied to pledge 50% of their prize winnings toward local relief efforts in the Pichilemu region of Chile following the February 27 earthquake and tsunami that devastated the area. The total prize purse of the event is US$ 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
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 (1st of October until the 15th 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 1st 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.”
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
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.”
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.”
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.
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."
