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>>>   2001 August NEWS

  INDONESIA : 11 worldclass reefs within reach of Nemberela Beach Resort.

GRote Island, off West Timor, is home to the infamous area called T-Land which lays claim to having the longest right hand wave in Indonesia and Nemberala Beach Hotel on the Island is smack bang, right in the middle of T-Land. Nemberala boasts white sandy beaches lined with coconut palms and magnificent sunsets as the hotel faces west. It is without a doubt a very beautiful part of the world. There are eleven thundering surf breaks within the area, which makes the area even more attractive. Nemberala Beach Hotel can ferry groups of up eight to ten surfers to any surf breaks within the area at one time. That is eleven different pumping reef breaks to choose from! 
Nemberala Beach Hotel tariffs (including three (3) meals per day).
$18 (USD) per person / day. Twin share.
$25 (USD) per person / day. Own bungalow. (No share arrangement).
 
Web : http://nemberala.com

SRI LANKA : STC new adventure camp & tour south of Arugam Bay. 

Surf Lanka is operating through STC in an unknown surf region south of Arugam Bay near the Yala National Park. The resort is located between two beaches. It has a sea water swimming pool, tennis court, volleyball facility, games room, fax, idd telephone and email. The area where the resort is located is wave rich and being located at the bottom of Sri Lanka which gets swells from many directions and there is surf all year round. The biggest surf is from May - October. You have 3 options.  1.To stay in the resort area and surf the break around the area. We do a surf check from our house which is located 15 min from the hotel. We use either a motorboat with 25hp engine or an air- conditioned van to go surfing depending on the swell and wind patterns for the day. There are plenty of empty breaks to surf. 2. Go further afield one or two hours travelling to surf other breaks. These spots are located near the National Park and the west coast. You would return to the resort by night. 3. Full Safari...where we travel around the SW - SE coast staying at different hotels that we have chosen due to their position to the surf and for their comfort. Also we use bungalows that are located within Yala National Park.  You can also include in your trip, lessons on Yoga, Tai Chi, Macro Biotics or Herbal Medicine for travellers... AUD$155 per day - surfer AUD$105 per day - non surfer Web : http://www.surftravel.com.au

PANAMA : a new surfcamp  1 hour from Panama City

Come to Riomar in the bay of Panama, we are 1 hour away from Panama City. You can surf over 12 uncrowded breaks in this area. In the nearby town of San Carlos there are restaurants, grocery stores, drugstores, a medical center, in a very slow paced atmosphere with security and comfort. Riomar facilities include : 8 independent rooms with a/c and bathroom; each of these can accomodate up to 4 surfers. A social area that includes a large bohio with hammoks all around it, satellite TV, full kitchen services, internet access, a swinmming pool, and a river on our backyard.The beach is 2 min walk. In Panama there are 2 seasons during the year. The dry season or our summer, from December to April and the wet season from May trough November.The rainy season is best for surf on the Pacific coast, we get all the swells that develop in the southern hemisphere. The best swell direction is from 195° to 230°. The weather Panama is very predictable. A weather report saying: "clear this morning, cloudy in the afternoon with showers around 5 pm " will work just fine on a daily basis. The average temperature year round is 32°c and water temperature averages 28°c. US$ 15.00 Daily Single  US$ 32.00 Daily Single (with meals included) US$ 25.00 Double US$ 30.00 Triple Web : www.novelpages.com/riomarsurf/index.htm

FIJI : Nagigia island opens new zone south of Frigate's

According to his Japanese Surf Guide, Taka Mashiko, Nagigia Island Resort has 5 surf breaks, depending upon wind direction, tide and swell. Nagigia Island is situated on the northern part of the outer reef (just off Cape Washington) that curves around almost 270 degrees, picking up wind and swell from many different directions. The trade winds (S-E) are most days of the year except in the summer season (December through to March) when there is regularly also a NE wind. The different wind angle makes different breaks offshore and these are also very excellent breaks. The Nagigia Island outer reef is more exposed to swells than any other resort in Fiji and often has surf even when other surf resorts do not. The large King Kong mountain near the Nagigia reef also has a moderating effect on the wind at the King Kong Left break so that we are still operating when other resorts are blown out. The cheapest way to fly from Nadi is on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, when Sunflower Airlines will configure their planes so our guests can bring their surfboards. This must be pre-booked in advance. The price is US $124 per person Nadi International Airport to Vunisea Airport round trip. Each board bag (containing no more than 3 surfboards) is US $60 round trip.  US $155 per person per night sharing a Bure US $185 per person per night, sole person in Bure (if available) Weekly Promotion

Web : www.fijisurf.com

>>>   2001 June NEWS

SAMOA : a new surfcamp on Upolu.

Galu Mana Surf Resort is situated within paddling distance of five major surf breaks : Boulders, Siumu, Ti'avea, Plum Pudding, Waterfalls. You will enjoy staying at Galu Mana, for US$65 per day including a comfortable fale, meals and transportation. Guest capacity is limited to 8 surfers ! Start surfing at first light while being awed by a vast expanse of sunrise across rolling waves. Tow ins available. Check the website which is simple but fast, including a secured Credit card reservation.
Web : www.samoaunderground.com

SOUTH AFRICA : Anstey's backpackers ideally located for Durban's Cave Rock 

Rudy Palmboom charges big waves, he's been scoring heavy duty out at the Red Bull Big Wave Evenet in Cape Town. With his wife Tersia, he runs a friendly and fully serviced backpackers in Ansteys, about 10 min South of Durban within walking distance from the legendary Cave Rock. The spot fires some treacherous barrelling rights that are unfitted for the unexperienced. Rates are 140 Rd (20 US$) for a double and 60 Rd (8 $) for a dorm room. Although graphically cool, the website takes ages to deliver the goods but it's worth waiting.

Web : www.ansteysbeach.co.za

EUEIKI ISLAND : East of Tongatapu  Eueiki until now had no accommodations. January of this year, GO Tours, whose boss is married to a women from Eueiki, is constructing 4 fales with private gardens to accommodate a maximum of 8 guest only. In addition to the 3 reef breaks, Rapids, Gilligans and Crossroads for unlimited, uncrowded surfing, Go Tours have available offshore fishing, snorkel fishing both day and night, outrigger canoes and eco hikes. The rates are US$35.00 per person per night with a 5 night minimum, including accommodation, breakfast, dinner and unlimited surf ! Transfer from Nuku'alofa (Tonga), Kolonga or Afa to Eueiki is US$20.00 per person return, minimum 2. people. By the way, check this surfing island browsing the new Go Tours website. Web : www.surftheearth.com.au/tours.asp?gid=8&tid=117

AIRLINES BOARDTAX : it's getting worse !

United and Continental airlines deny surfboards as luggage please forward to as many surfers as possible urgently. Surfers please be advised that Continental Airlines and United airlines have "embargos" in effect to several key surf travel destinations in Mexico and Central America. What "embargo" means, is that they are absolutely not accepting surfboards (or any excess baggage) on these flights indicated. If anyone is booked on these carriers, at these times, to these destinations affected, contact a customer service supervisor at the airline in question immediately and appeal for a full refund, or call your travel agent. The airlines are not making any exceptions. If you show up at the airport for any flights where embargos are in effect your boards will not be uploaded onto the plane. In effect therefore, your surf trip will be ruined. Surfers, boycott continental airlines at all costs. Also, do not fly United 889/888 to and from LAX and Costa Rica from may 30-aug 15, or nov 1- jan 13. Alternative surf-friendly airlines are Lacsa, American, Mexicana, Alaska, Delta, Taca, Lan Chile, America west, and Aeromexico. Be on the lookout for more embargos, more routes effected, etc... The embargos seem to be becoming more common" Henry Morales - Wavehunters SURFER FRIENDLINESS FACTOR by Yep : VERY FRIENDLY British Airways, Garuda, TAP, Qantas, Singapore FRIENDLY Air New Zealand, Lufthansa, Air Lanka, Aero California, LACSA, Varig, TACA, JAL, Aero Mexico, Mexicana, Cathay, Malaysian, Hawaiian, American  UNFRIENDLY Lan Chile, Mexicana, TWA, AOM, Air France, SAA  VERY UNFRIENDLY KLM, Delta, United, Continental, Iberia

Besides Wavehunters's warning, there has been several reports from all over the surfing World that airlines are getting tougher, SAA charging for any nat'l / int'l South African flights or Air France charging on domestic flights or cheap Ryan Air starting to discourage surfers from taking their boards. The surfing future looks gloomy. Solutions ?  As long as a proper range of boards is not available in most surfshops, it means a growing number of surfschools with equipment will be favoured. Convertible boards technology has been deviced since the 60's for longboards and it seems that semi-gun options are now available. It's called a Bisect board because it's cut in half. Your board needs to have at lease 2 7/8" on the thickness and 21 3/4" on the width. Board, system, special boardbag ( 4-5 ft long !) costs 1250 US$ which is obviously a worthy investment if the board doesn't snap. It's time to think different for board transport ! Web : www.bisect.com

FRENCH POLYNESIA : get aboard the Fetia Reva in Raiatea

French Polynesia offers magic surf but most of the waves break on barrier reefs usually quite away from the shore. Some of them remain within paddling distance but it's dangerous to rely on 30 to 45 min paddle would you get hurt, snap your board, bleed heavily...which may happen on those wild powerful breakers. Raiatea island is part of the leeward islands of "îles de la Société", the central group of islands not far from Tahiti. Combined with Taha, Raiatea holds some good spots. Get aboard the Fetia Reva, an American Marine-built Grand Banks 36ft Classic. Powered by 2 x 135 ch, it offers decent speed and amenities to do anything from daytrips to weektrips around with up to 6 people.

Contact : aniort.jeff@free.fr

>>>   2001 April NEWS

 

 

QUIKSILVER : news about the Crossing and the Travel Branch.

          

Although there is no link between both infos, here is some interesting news for the surftravel community. Get in a Boardrider Shop and get the latest Crossing promo book. Besides glorious pictures and epic stories, there are some fascinating statistics. From April 99 to September 2000, 54 worldclass spots have been discovered ( 32 rights, 22 lefts). The biggest surf was a 15-18ft in French Polynesia. The longest barrel award was scored by Shane Dorian : 12 sec ! The Indies Trader has travelled 25,144 nautical miles which is more than the earth circumference at the equator. There has been 200 happy fews getting aboard !
 Now, Quiksilver USA (one of the 12 licensees of Quik Int'l) has sold a lease to use the name for a new travel company which targets upper class surfing adventures. Obviously, you can book a special seat on the Crossing in May, get a few places on Tavarua in April / May / Nov. Right now, there are only 3 destinations as such : The Mentawaii (4 boats), Tonga (Ha'atafu ; from 65 USD / Day) and Sumba (Nihiwatu, new luxurious 5-star resort from 450 USD/ dble). New destinations : Gold Coast Australia, Costa Rica, Philippines, Fiji, Tahiti , Maldives, Puerto Rico
Web : www.quiksilvertravel.com ; www.quiksilver.com/crossing

 

 

 

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HINAKO'S Wisma Jendela : Wetsand Surf Voyager 

For the past 8 years, Aussies Steve Stewart & Mark "Max" Grant of the Sunshine coast have called this home. Along with an Indonesian partner they have built "Wisma Jendela" - House of Windows. Wisma Jendela is less of a surf camp than a surfer's utopia tucked away in the forgotten atolls of Western Sumatra. Wisma Jendela is a place where a surfer might feel like they had died and went to heaven. No doubt Aussies Steve Stewart and Max Grant had such a concept in mind when they left their native Queensland a decade ago to begin construction on their dream in these islands called the Hinakos, west of Nias.In this surf infested region, along with the basic designs for a surf camp at Asu, a solidly constructed 2-story pole house, and a speedboat, Steve and Max would begin to lay claim to the world class waves of Asu (lefthander) and Bawa (righthander). In time they would explore and discover new breaks both in the Hinakos group and along the west coast of Nias Island. The notion of the "perfect day" for Steve, Max and their guests would soon become a daily reality. 
Check Wetsand, this search engine has linked with Wavehunter to produce much surftravel infos. 

Web : www.wetsand.com

 

 

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SURF RAGE : Surf violence on the rise !  Waveriders are wondering how the growing surf population will affect the atmosphere in the lineups. Although much is going through education, it's been stated that some places will be getting wilder. Since Nat Young has been bashed in Angourie, much has happened. He had a commission working on this peticuliar subject in the Parliament. Besides moving to the U.S, he wrote a book "Surf Rage" to state what is known as Localism.  Surf Rage : A Surfer's Guide to Turning Negatives Into Positives" (Nymbodia Press), $22.95.

Here are some results of a survey conducted in Australia & New Zealand among 115 waveriders. AGGRESSION AND VIOLENCE : UP (32 %), DOWN 9%, STABLE ? 59% HAVE YOU BEEN : attacking (7%), Victim (9%), assault witness (54%) CONCERN : never mind (36%), at times. (57%), often (5%), constantly (2%) Worst 10 places ( Yep) : V-Land ( Hawaii), Kalehewai (Hawaii), Lunada Bay (California), Tamarin Bay (Mauritius), Black Rock (Australia), Cactus (Australia), Silver Strand (California), La Santa left (Canarys), Pepino (Brazil), J-Bay (South Africa)

 

 

 

 

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MADAGASCAR : boat, hotel, tour.... now available

The huge unknown African island is starting to unveil its surfing charms through different initiatives. Besides "Sweet Sunshine" charter boat cruising between Anakao and Ifaty (Tulear area), you can now share overland experiences. By the way, if you want to read a good report of a such a trip in the Mozambique Canal, have a go at South African Zig Zag mag. Try the pointbreak hotel in Fort Dauphin with True Blue if you want to be facing a mellow right. There is also a Flysurf camp in Vinanibe closeby ( Bookings : Fun&fly). Contact Mada Surfari if you're keen for some hardcore overland experiences. 

Web : www.truebluetravel.co.za, www.zigzag.co.za, www.mada-surfari.com

 

 

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PAKISTAN : We're off to the MAKRAN COAST in June !

    

Through the compiling of the World Stormrider Guide, we've been looking at swell statistics and coastal maps extensively ! There are still many islands that haven't been surfed because of incredibly hard access and that's why the Crossing is scanning the Pacific or why the Search Expeditions will visit Chagos islands for example. We found out that the Arabian Sea was so much ignored whereas the SW monsoon between June and August is stirring up huge seas when it gets in contact with the Arabic Peninsula (The Somali Current). This fetch has already proven good results in Oman (See Surfer Mag "Empty Quarter" last year with Shannon Mc Intyre, the same surfer that did the trip to the Kurils-USSR in the Surfer's Journal ) and apparently, the potential over the Makran Coast is stunning. The coastal set-up is ideal, favoring some J-Bay types of spots. However, the Baluchistan is off limits to foreigners because of tough islamist beliefs (we're talking about the Talibans headquarters) and lack of facilities (no roads, electricity...). Through a mission of "identifying the surfspot resources", we have permits to leave the main cities (Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara) riding camels for 3 weeks alongside 200 K of coastline. This will probably be the first surftrip to this region. 
Any info would be helpful if you have contacts around the Arabian sea. We'll keep you in touch with this wonderful (and dangerous) surf discovery.

Contact : Yep

 

 

>>>   2001 February NEWS

South African surf pioneer and wave-riding veteran, Baron Stander, has opened South Africa's first and only surf museum. Situated at the Ocean Sports Centre at Dairy Beach in Durban, there is apparently a classic range of old surf paraphenalia, sepia pics of the old surf crew from the early days, equipment, accessories, old contest material (posters, etc), and a whole bunch more.Baron told Wavescape: "I've just looked at some GREAT photos of surfboards and surfing in Cape Town in 1924!!-- I have all kinds of really good surf craft and memorabilia on display--we are putting together a new website and I will let you know when it is ready."

Web : www.wavescape.co.za

INDO : the World´s best waves ?   Australia's TRACKS magazine published their list of The Best 100 Waves In The World in the October issue and Indo came out on tops with 17 breaks making the 100 list - for the percentile challenged that's a whopping 17%.

1.Desert Point 3.G-Land  10. Padang Padang 12. HT'S 15. Macaronis 31. Nias 33. Lakey Peak 34. One Palm Point 35. Uluwatu 37. Scar Reef 40. Panaitan Island 44. Periscopes 45. Asu 59. Bawa 68. Canggu 93. Kuta Beach 100. Lances Left

Web : www.tracksmag.com.au

WEST AUSTRALIA : Save Smiths Beach

Smiths Beach is a beautiful bay south of Yallingup in the south west corner of Western Australia. Many Western Australians, interstate and international visitors have been inspired by the natural beauty of the relatively unspoilt coastline in this area. A few small coastal hamlets exist. The hamlets cater for summertime holidaymakers and tourists, with a few lucky local residents and an increasing number of holiday houses for the wealthier among the populace. The Danger! Now there is a proposal to develop this virtually unspoilt bay. The paradox of development in an area of scenic beautyThe paradox in the proposed development plan is that the reason for visiting this coastline is its inspirational natural beauty. By allowing large scale development on the coast we are destroying the main reason why so many people visit the beaches in the south west of Western Australia.Action! The most active form of action an individual can take on this issue is to write their own personal submission. The Smiths Beach Action Group ask all visitors to this site to put their thoughts down on paper and submit them to the Busselton Shire before Monday February 19, 2001. Web : www.savesmithsbeach.com

    MENTAWAII : news from Great Greaks International

Check the December 2000 news. Tim Baker had a second look and interviewed Rick Cameron about the new policy over the magic islands. Mentawai BUPATI (mentawai administration) introduces "ZAP" to manage crowds. BUPATI staff has been checking all boats and campers in the field for a valid zap (zone agreement permit) since October 2000. Holders of these permits should pay a US$5.00/day local government tax to surf in the following MWB zones: 1. nyang nyang zone - e-bay, nipussie, bank vaults, bang bangs, kandui, chubies, 4 bobs, mainu, koraniki. 2. katiet zone - hts, lances, ets, bintangs 3. silabulabu zone - maccas left and right. 
A strict quota of 100 surfers/day will apply and permits will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis. Anyone surfing will be counted on the permit. I.E surfing captains and crew are considered "surfers" and they need to register.There are now phone/fax facility at HTs and radio at E-bay, surfers visiting HT's can now make int'l phone and fax calls from within sight of the break (us$5.00 /minute or per fax page). Silk Air is to introduce Wednesday flight from june 2001 on surfers have the option of taking a wednesday flight to/from Singapore/Padang. Surfboard charges for 2 boards are free but us$100 will be charged for additional boards.

Web : www.greatbreaks.com.au

>>>   2001 January NEWS

SURFER'S VILLAGE : Global surf news everyday


If you wanna have fresh news from all over the surfing planet, move on to Surfer's Village and click the area you're interested in. It's not only contest news ! Together with surfingdaily news, there is great way to get in touch with the local as well as any int'l news. Surftrippers won't be disappointed either as there as unsual reports about Mentawaii, Mavericks, Crossing and other Quik Stuff. Currently, the surf trip section shows a brief view of Puerto Rico. We've witnessed some hot slide shows (cf.animation) with music and captions much faster to download than any videos. Then, if you look for a specific website, bear in mind surfersvillage is linked with 8footperfect search engine.

Web : www.surfersvillage.com ;             www.surfingdaily.com ;             www.8ftperfect.com

WANNASURF : feed the surfmaps and spots worlwide database ! As well as providing detailed weather maps and a discussion forum,Wannasurf is designed to become a comprehensive World Atlas of Surfing. However, to achieve this - and to allow them enough free time to go surfing - they are asking for help to create this database by submitting your local surf-spots via the 'Add Spot Form' data sheet, and to make the pages rich by adding your photos. Although some "secret spots" should be left off the map to keep the search spirit alive, it's still a great initiative. Current status of the database : 46 countries, 138 regions, 157 spot maps, 400 detailed spots... Web : www.wannasurf.com

TITO ROSEMBERG : on a surftrip for the last 30 years.

You remember the "African Trilogy" by Craig Peterson and Kevin Naughton published in Surfer Magazine in the mid 70's ? In Morocco, the two lads meet this Brazilian guy driving a Land Rover. There is Tito Rosemberg in 1975 and since then, he's been tripping all over. Its curiosity took him to pass half of his life off Brazil. He's been working in 80 countries over the 5 continents : broadcaster, carpenter, publisher of periodical, entrepreneur," tratorista", singer, sailor, kitchen assistant, constructor, environment consultant, shaper, news agency manager, tourist guide, driver of truck, assessor of Social Communication and International Relations of the Funai, craftsman, sculptor, candidate the councilman, painter of walls, "palestrante", pizzaiolo, dishwasher, barman and activist...And he fluently speaks 5 linguages. Too bad his 1800-picture website is only in Portuguese. Web : www.titorosemberg.com

SURFTREKS : around the world in as many surfshores as you want

Who can honestly admit he never dream of a worldwide surftrip ? Obviously, it takes time and money to prepare for such a major travel but it's definitely the experience of a lifetime. It's not only a matter of vacation but a real travel that will affect your life in the long run. You leave for 6 months or a year, you plan your departure dates in advance (it's quite costly to change dates) but you get cheap tickets varying from US$ 1495 to US$ 2795. Prices vary on departure dates and your flexibility to avoid busy periods (X-Mas, July-August). Surftreks travel agency offers many different ways. Choose one of the main deals, take the Endless Summer I or II routes or customize your own itinerary with the Trip Planner. Soon, a surftrip journal will allow those who travel with digital tools to keep in touch with anyone. Don't forget to come back home...

Web : www.surftreks.com

>>>   November NEWS

FIJI : don't miss Tavarua resort guides... "No one will argue that modern surf camps like Tavarua directly contrast to our sport's Spartan, dusty-dome-tent yesteryear. But pining for the past doesn't add up to jack when you're about to pull into the cavern of your life at Cloudbreak" Check out this excellent piece about this world's gem as well as the other "resort guides" ( Mentawaii, G-Land) which brings in-depth infos.Check the excellent USA surfguide with maps, spots and very accurate travel infos. web : www.swell.com

PERU : a law for "the preservacion de las rompientes" has been passed by the Government to issue a list of Heritage spots.

In 1992, a small group of peruvian surfers founded ACOPLO (Asociación para la COnservación de las PLayas y Olas) won a struggle against the peruvian governement to save Cabo Blanco tubular lefts. With the support of big game Gringos, local fishermen had a rock groin plan right on the spot but surfers made it move. However, being just N of the breaking wave, rides get dangerous on big days. It should have been built south. More projects threat worldclass spots (La Herradurra, Pacasmayo). Now, a law of "la preservacion de las Rompientes" was voted June 2000 to protect the best spots. Check out in Peru Azul, an excellent website with great maps, spots descriptions and many other hot stuff for surftravelers.

web : www.peruazul.com.pe 

NEW ZEALAND : follow Tom Adamski's trip to New Zealand .

"My wife Rachel and I booked this trip 8 months in advance. After a good friend told us of some price breaks on airnz.com, we found round-trips for $699 a piece. Acting (somewhat) impulsively, we bought the tickets not only in anticipation of some clean, uncrowded surf, but as a sort of rebellion against our increasingly busy lives. Spending 12 hours a day staring into a monitor takes its toll, and we planned to take some of that time back for ourselves on this trip. We ordered some new boards, determined our budget, and waited as the work weeks came and went". Surfspot is a new surftravel site using Flash.

web : www.surfspot.com

QUEENSLAND : take an online surftrip to Stradbroke island

"Welcome crew to Worldsurfers' Straddie Online in North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia. We want you to feel a part of the trip too, so we've made it easier for you to snoop in to our daily diaries and check out the photos, video and what we're up to. Get to know some of the crew through their profiles, check out the maps with cool things to see and do in South East Queensland, click onto the links page or check out our regular Worldsurfers features". Follow this 9 day trip with pros to this long deserted island off Brisbane.  web : www.worldsurfers.com/straddie/

>>>   August NEWS

MALDIVES-TRIPTIC : the girl,  the crazy and the pro.

In April, 12 year old Renee and her Dad went to the Maldives for a surf trip. Here is her story.... The Maldive islands are off the southern coast of India and are known for their great surfing and diving. Some people think the islands are actually sinking and might not be there for too much longer.
We stayed at Pasta Point, a little village for surfers. Right out the front of our huts were the best reef breaks. Almost every day during the week the surf was glassy, barrelling 4 - 8 foot. There was hardly any wind but there were often strong currents, so strong that even good surfers had to paddle back in. The reef was quite deep so you could surf at low tide without worrying about hitting the bottom...

Web : www.worldsurfers.com/express/fusion/default.htm 

"Bism'Allah : going deep in the Southern Atolls..." Lately, tales of Russia and Chile featuring unknow surfers as true latter day surf explorers signals a reversion to days of old. Because of the high pressure pro tour schedule and demand for editorial shoots, more often thna not exploratory trips ra ethe domain of passion more than scheduling. Re-treading proven paths is a lot eaiser than heading off into the unknown. Web : www.hardcloud.com/surf/trav/

Big Wave Africa crowns first champion

Sean Holmes from Wilderness became the inaugural Red Bull Big Wave Africa Champion when the event was staged in epic five to six metre waves at Dungeons, the extreme surf break off the Sentinel at Hout Bay. Holmes, 23, earned his victory with a perfect 10 point ride in the final when he dropped down the face of one of the biggest waves, executed a bottom turn and then emerged out of a huge tube to cheers from the flotilla of boats in the line up and the crowds that lined the mountain side over looking the break. Durbanites Rudi Palmboom and Jason Ribbink took home second and third places respectively with highly committed surfing in the huge waves that poured through during the final. Holmes took home R30 000, a Sector watch, a magnum of Moet and the Big Wave Africa trophy, an authentic Zulu shield and spears, which epitomized the courage and commitment required to take on the ocean at the height of its power. Fourth to sixth place in the final went to Ian Armstrong (CT), Mickey Duffus (CT) and David Stolk from Reunion Island, all of whom had finished in the top three in their earlier semi-finals. The Sensi Threads award for the Biggest Wave Ridden during the 25 day event went to Grant Washburn from California for the seven metre monster he rode at Dungeons on Monday 29 May.		(c) Red Bull
	Thanks to : Red Bull    Web : http://events.redbull.co.za/bwa2/

ANGOLA : bitten by a Great White and lions the very same day...

 
(c) Wannasurf

In the fall of 1993 John Doyle of Denver Colorado was surfing alone at a remote location in Angola, West Africa. 
After spotting some thrashing fins about 20 metres away and aware he was sporting a minor, bleeding reef cut on the heel of his right foot, he decided he should get out of the water. Noticing a set, he paddled toward the thrashing water to get into position to catch a wave in. As John was stroking into the wave he noticed a shark fin powering directly towards him, he lept to his feet and was onto the wave that should have taken him all the way in, but no. In all the panic John caught a rail coming out of his bottom turn and came off. 
John Doyle didn't even make it to his board before receiving a sharp pain in his calf muscle. A white pointer had latched on to his lower right leg. Reaching down he managed to sock the marauding attacker in the nose, releasing its grip. John lunged onto his board and positioned himself for the next wave to wash him in. Wallowing in the foamy white water John lay helpless as the shark came at him again, this time from the side. His only option was to roll off his board and force his new 7'2'' pin tail into the mouth of the beast. As the board crunched immediately into two John pounced onto the rear half and spun around just in time for the next set wave to take him in. Unable to walk, he crawled up the beach and assessed his massacred leg. It was broken and bleeding bad. After stumbling to his '73 Land Drover 4WD he wrapped his leg in clothes and proceded to head for the nearest community to get medical help which incedently was 1 hours drive away. 
But his ordeal was not over yet. In the 35 degree heat John was dehydrated and desperately needed water. Upon arriving at a creek he layed down on a rock by the edge to have a drink and a brief rest. His bloodied body lying limp on the rock was noticed by a male lion which set upon the unweary victim with vigourous ferocity. After a severe bite to his torso John managed to fend off the lion with a stick. He noticed, however, that a pack of lions were rapidly approaching to join the frenzy. John had dragged himself halfway into the vehicle when the pack got to him. Receiving several bites to his arms and legs whilst fighting them off, he managed to enclose him self inside his Land Drover. Unable to drive for the state of his mauled body, he just sat there while the lions proceded to batter his car in an attempt to get at him. 
Eventually they gave up and if it wasn't for the tourists that were passing by a half hour later who drove him to medical attention, John wouldn't be alive to tell the story today. The Doctor confirmed both lion and white pointer lacerations to many parts of John Doyles body leaving him with over 250 stitches. The Great White shark was estimated from the bite wound to be around 3 metres long. John has now well and truly recovered, living with his wife and family in California. John says he still surfs regularly but Janice (his wife) wont let him surf alone anymore. The remaining half of John's surfboard hangs proudly on the wall of his study as a constant reminder of how lucky he is to be alive.

Thanks to : 7 shores, the surftraveler surfwear brand

Web : www.sevenshores.com.au 

>>>   July NEWS

World Surfing Games in Maracaipe: Brazil campeon mundial !

Since the first Brazilian title in the WSG in Porto Rico (1988, Fabio Gouveia), it has been made clear that Brazil has become the main surfing country after Australia and the US (including Hawaii). It seems that we are facing a new era where Brazilians claims the supremacy. After the US games in 1996 where the US won, the US federation could not convince Pros to be part of their teams. Since 96, the team competitors can be pros but the US don't send any more pros. The Aussie team, which have been consistently winning, had done well in Portugal but this time, the WQS in Nias jumped from 3 to 5 stars and many pros, especially Juniors prefered money and tubes to points and beachies. However, Brazil had their best team ever with most of their top riders. It's no surprise that Brazil gets the crown, missing the 100% world titles thanks to an unexpected Hawaian Junior defeating 3 Brazilians in the final heat. Even guys like Mike Campbell and Neridah Falconer could not reach the finals (Campbell has shown clearly his disagreement with the judges), which plunged Australia in the 3rd, behind a fully excited Hawaian team. Beyond that wonderful mixture of 31 surfing countries, a few things can be noticed.

==>Maracaipe Beach has revealed a surf region much less known that South Brazil. Despite frequent rains and consistent but not strong onshores, there is always surf there during the rainy season. The weather patterns are very unstable but the surf remains a punchy 2-5 ft average beachbreak, which never gets flat. The WQS event normally happens in late October, a better bet for weather but less consistent for waves.  ==>Porto de Galinhas is the resort area but quite away from Maracaipe especially with the muddy roads. There are a few good hotels and Pousadas in Maracaipe (Flat, Coqueiros), stay there if you don't expect international standards (Ocapora). ==>It's a pity that some countries can't have a full team because they can afford the 100$ / team competitor. A few small countries could not really play even with their neighboors for lack of Finance ( e.g Chile) ==>It's a reality that the next ISA WSG will be in Durban, South Africa in July 2000.

Winners :
KNEEBOARD. Sergio PEIXE ( Brazil): 43 years old, he was the oldest competitor and was stoke to be the champion, beating 4-times champ Gigs Cellier ( Sth Africa). Question : is Kneeboard bound to disappear now that bodyboard has been included in 1988 ?

LONGBOARD. Marcelo FREITAS. (Brazil) : he's a yound talented longboarder taking the lead after Picuruta Salazar.

BODYBOARD WOMEN. Karla COSTA (Brazil) : she's a consistent prone rider living in the US for a better career. She married South African pro bodyboarder Allistair Taylor. Chasity Baltazar from Hawaii has done some hot drop-knee manoeuvers, revealing again the tough game of comparing the two positions.

BODYBOARD MAN. Guilherme TAMEGA (Brazil) : he already had many world titles and has been winning easily.

OPEN WOMAN. Tita TAVARES (Brazil) : how could she miss the title ? She's from a N state (Ceara), she's been trained on that type of waves, she's WCT n°4, surfs with power.

JUNIOR. Joel CENTEIO (Hawaii). The dominance of the junior brazilians has been massive through heats. The final had 3 brazilians and one hawaians. With a clean back-hand attack, Joel became the Hawaian hero despite guys like Fred Patachia or Jason Shibata.

OPEN MAN. Fabio SILVA : That guy from Ceara state represents the typical N Brazil surfer.

Country ranking  COUNTRY WSG 2000   WSG 1998 BRAZIL 1st 2nd HAWAII 2nd 7th AUSTRALIA 3rd 1st SOUTH AFRICA 4th 3rd FRANCE 5th 5th TAHITI 6th 10th PORTUGAL 7th 4th SPAIN 8th None NEW ZEALAND 9th 8th USA 10th 6th JAPAN 11th 9th PERU 12th 14th VENEZUELA 13th 12th UK  14th 11th PORTO RICO 15th 13th ARGENTINA 16th None MEXICO 17th 28th CHILE 18th 21st GERMANY 19th 23rd IRELAND 20th 15th ITALY 21st 20th BARBADOS 22nd 16th URUGUAY 23rd None NAMIBIA 24th 29th SWITZERLAND 25th 26th COSTA RICA 26th None CANADA 27th 25th ISRAEL 28th 17th ARUBA 29th 32nd GUATEMALA 30th 34th ECUADOR   31th 24th

Missing ISA countries : Morocco, Panama, Austria, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Republica Dominicana

Missing countries : Indonesia, African countries, Indian Ocean main islands (Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka...), South Pacific Islands ( Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Guam, Philippines...), Central American countries (El Salvador, Nicaragua) 

>>>>   June NEWS

SOUTH JAVA : Discover Pandangaran

While most of Indonesia is mainly known for its small islands, one could wonder why the main islands don't get surf. Look at Java, on the E side is G-Land and the W side has been revealed by Ombak Tujuh, Cimaja and Panaitan island. So, what about 1600 km of South Shore inbetween ? It seems that there is a vast majority of wild black sand beachbreak but however, there are mellower options like Pandangaran beachies and small reefbreaks and Batu Karas fun sandbottom right pointbreak. This area is programmed for Sistas (girls) by In Search Travel, which is an Aussie T-O favoring small groups and cultural discovery. They have different kinds of Surf Search all around Indonesia. Web : www.insearchtravel.com

SUMBA EAST : A set of 2 new surf resorts in the Nusa Tenggara

Sumba is located halfway between Bali and Timor, immediately E of Sumbawa and S of Flores. It's been long ignored in the surftravel indonesian spectrum because the surf is allegedly either big and gnarly or flat and tourism hampered by poor transports and endemic malaria. While the NW side is moutainous and green, the SE is dry and flat. That's where 2 new Surf Resorts have opened recently. Selala is onshore and costs 25 US$/day all inclusive while the other resort is located on a small inhabited island, 50 US$ /day. Each resort is fully serviced and can host about 12 guests. Make your choice and surf the "Office" Indo-classic lefts or the Race Track or Five-O at the onshore location or quality lefts and rights on the island. It costs ± 200 US$ t flights from Bali to Waingapu. Web : www.eastsumba.com

SAN DIEGO : Visit the surfing mall at the Wave House !

In June, a 7-acre area of 7 waves, restaurant & bars, California's largest retail surf shop, opens on the beachfront in Mission Beach. This is an expected continuation of the huge success of Flow Riders all over the world. Bruticus Maximus is the wordclass spot with 10ft tubing wave while there are 6 training waves to get prepared for the beast. The board is a minimal point of contact with Nature's primordial powerflow, like a magic carpet. The Wave House will be the second stop of the Wave Loch Global Wave Tour. A new era of urban waves is born. If ever San Diego gets flat, there will be always a place to ride. Web : www.wavehouse.com

MARACAIPE : 40 surfing nations gather for the World Surfing Games From June 6th to June 18th, the International Surfing Association ( ISA) is organizing the World Surfing Games south of Recife in Brazil. The event is way beyond a "heats and results" contest, it's first and foremost a cultural blend of worldwide waveriders and a team event. WSG occur every 2 years, the previous games being held at Carcavelos in Portugal. It seems the Indonesian team will be attending the event this time and a Spanish Federation has been constitued to form the first Spanish Team. Even though the wave conditions should be a 2-4 ft onshore beachbreak, it will be certainly a wonderful scenery for cross-cultural sports & music events. YEP will be there for 2 weeks to get an in-depth view of the waverider's biodiversity. Web : www.worldsport.com  (surfing)

PUNTA DE LOBOS : Watch a video clip on Surf Channel " Destination Chile"

After Fiji, Surf Channel has produced a 3 min surftravel video to discover the Surf in Chile. Either load Real Player (Lo , Hi) or Windows Media ( 56, 100, 300) to play the movie. The surfschool operator talks about his life, surfing at Punta de Lobos and Chile. The lefts can be ridden for 1 km and the peak at the Rock starts at a mellow 10ft. Despite the coldish water, it's a great wave with plenty of potential for less crowded spots around.  Web : www.surfchannel.com

ALMADIES PENINSULA : stay healthy and active at the Warung Glisscamp

Since the first waves ridden at Ngor island by Robert August in 1964 for Endless Summer, Senegal has always been kept silent. Despite Craig Peterson and Kevin Naughton trip in 1974, surfing has hardly ever been developed by locals because of lack of material and money to build or import surfboards. Immediately W of Dakar, Ngor is the hub of 15 quality reefbreaks, a worldclass (Ouakam rights aned lefts) as well as well as mellow beaches for beginners. The camp is made of 18 fully serviced rooms of 2-4 people and 2 luxury flats for 6 people. Even though it's pretty consistent for surf, you still have the option to do windsurf or flysurf when the trades blow strong. The international airport is only 5 min away with 30 flights weekly from France (many charter flights from Paris). The camp will be opened for the surf season's start in October. Now that the new President has won the elections without trouble, it will be likely that the country will remain politically stable for the next few years. E-Mail : alain.s@fairteam.com

 

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>>>>   May NEWS

SAMOA : make a virtual trip live with an Aussie team

Since the Quiksilver Crossing, it's now a reality to broadcast photos and infos live to our computer through the web. Surfing World has launched a trip with a Aussie team to surf Upolu island in the Western Samoa. From April 3rd to 15th, you could follow every day the team sessions with live report, digital photos and video downloads (Real Player) by phoyographer Jon Frank ( Litmus). From Samoana Resort in the South Shore, the boyz could roam the many surf spots but it seemed Coconuts was the sure bet and Nusafee the worldclass when the swell is on. Although the image quality can't be as good as slides scans, the result is good enough. The report is funny and goes beyond the traditionnal surf-orientated stories, follow the fafafine Parade in Apia ! There is also a good map with accurate infos about Upolu. Don't forget to register to enter a premium contest to win a trip to G-Land !

Thanks to : Samoana Surf resort, World Surfaris
Web : www.surfingworld.com/samoalive

 

PIPE vs TEAHUPOO : 1-1

Since the huge media coverage on Teahupoo in Tahiti last year and all the fuss already done by the Surf Media about the "Phenomenon", it's clear that the Hawaian Pipe has now a major rival in terms of power, filthiness, awe and danger... And the waveriders are charging ! What was bound to happen is now a sad reality with two back to back casualties at both spots. March 20th, Pipe was 12-15ft, square and horrendous. Californian Travis Musselman, 28 years old, a glasser for years on the North Shore had his last tuberide getting a huge closeout before a 7-wave set breaks at Third Reef. It's likely Travis' leash got stuck in the reef and that he drowned in this swell fury.  Despite attempts to find the body, the Ocean would not spit the body. April 19th, 1 month afterwards, Brice Taerea, 25, is surfing 10foot wild Teahupoo. Then, this horrendous 12ft set wipes everyone out. It seems Brice tried to duck dive, got suck over the falls and got pounded on the reef, face first. After being held underwater for 5 minutes and suffering multiple fractures, he had been taken to hospital, unconscious. He was pronounced dead later after having plunged in a deep coma. He's survived by his wife and 6-year old kid. Word : Rest in Peace. Let's have a deep thought for their families...

 

REAL SURF POLLS : give your opinion and check out the results

Real Surf, a major Australian-bases surfcams website, is having weekly pools about classic surfer's favorite behaviors and thoughts. Polls are getting popular on the web because you can take part to the vote and wathc th result on-line. There has been 21 questions so far and let's have a look a some of the burning travel issues. Favorite size surf : 4-6 ft (54%).  Ideal surfing holiday (from oz) : Indonesia ( 24%), Australia ( 18%), Tahiti ( 11%).  Sex / surf session preference : Surf (57%) Artificial reefs : Support 100% (50%), Against 100% (12%) Drop in cases : can't make it (60%), never (19%), the guy is a kook (14%), perfect wave (6%) web : www.realsurf.com/cgi-bin/survey.cgi

 

NAT YOUNG BASHED : Nat's is like that and that's Nat !

The story has been ran in Australian mainstream press so most of you might be aware of what happened. Early April, in Angourie, land of the living Legend, Nat dropped in on Luke Hutchinson, 18.  When they got out, they have an argument. Nat, 52, felt abused about Luke's word and punched the kid strong enough to require a stitch. Later on, Mr Hutchinson lost his temper and started pounding Nat like he could have killed him. Both were wrong and both are sorry now. Nat's face has been destroyed and had to undergo 6 hours of surgery. This is to show us that 2 animal behaviors can led us to make irreversible things. It seems violence is rising again in the lineups at the worldclass spots. How much is worth a good crowded wave vs an average uncrowded one ?  Web : www.sunherald.com.au/content/20000326/spill.html

 

INITIATIVE OCEAN 2000 : Surfrider Europe 10th birthday and major Fair

Surfrider Foundation Europe is organizing the 2nd "Initiative Ocean" Fair in Biarritz June 2-3-4th.  10.000 visitors are expected. It will take place in the prestigious premises of Bellevue Casino, with a breathtaking view on Grande Plage. 30 companies involved with environmental issues will display their efforts while many lectures will be held. Yep will be exhibiting and will have a lecture regarding "Waves in danger : swell excess and shore desctructions". Surfrider will have a global meeting for this event, there will be kid contests, a paddleboard race, free surfing lessons and so much more.

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>>>>   April NEWS

OCEANOGRAPHY : Internal waves revealed by the Space Shuttle

Believe or not : there are waves below the surface ! Insane photos have been taken from The Space Shuttle to prove the existence of internal waves. They have been known in coastal waters since the late 1800's. Internal waves occur in sets of 4 to 8 waves, the lead wave being the highest, with great wavelengths from 2 to 6 km, measured from crest to crest. Although it might seem somewhat complex, there are also nonlinear, localized waves called "Solitons" in groups of 6 due to tidal moves. The first known spot is the Andaman Sea where waves can reach 120m : maybe underwater surfing with scuba equipment will be the next borderline ! For scientific explanations and great space photos about islands, check NASA website. Web :  http://daac.gsfc.nasa.gov/CAMPAIGN_DOCS/OCDST/ shuttle_oceanography_web/oss_70.html

CALIFORNIA : painter and photographer gather on a website      

I went to Madeira because of a travel article published in Surfer Journal (#9) with B&H scenery pictures by Chris Lechinsky. Although the island's name was not mentionned, it was obvious that this N atlantic island, portuguese speaking, was too warm for Azores and too wet for Cabo Verde. When you get to Jardim do Mar main plaza, there is a wall painting representing the lineup at its best. It's signed Charlie Clingman '95. The two artists from Del Mar meet again on a website called Delmar Arts. Charlie displays 13 years of "dreamscapes"lineup paints over the world while Chris gives a good view of his "seascapes" shots.  Web : http://www.delmararts.com

SURF X-CHANGE : the cheapest way to surf the world Surftravel is costly when you have to fork out all the expenses. Here is a way to cut down the costs and focus on cultural curiosity : exchange weeks of stay through the web. It's like school exchange program for surfing. You just have have to fill out a form with clickable answers : how you are, where you wanna go, how long you can host and travel, what's your surfing skill... Then, if you receive e-mails, you will make up your mind about the person you will meet. Be open-minded ! That means you will save on accomodation, transport and maybe food. That also means X-change surfers to really meet local surfers, surf the right spots and avoid newcomer's traps. If you are a young easy-going guy with not much money, it might be a good way to discover the world ! Web : http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/5177

MENTAWAII : help locals avoid totally preventable deaths with Surf Aid !

The Mentawaii islands are not only home of the most consistent worldclass spots on the planet but also a gentle indigenous culture 10,000 years old. Kiwi Dr Dave Jenkins and Bronwyn Morgan have founded Surf Aid, a non-profitable organization in order to improve significantly the wellbeing of people in poverty stricken surfrich areas. How ? By focusing on disease prevention and education, by training and empowering local health staff and by applying grants on behalf of our indigenous friends. Please help these courageous people from Gisborne, New Zealand. Web : http://www.surf-aid.org

SURF TRAVEL OPERATORS : special offers !

Because lone surftripping is risky especially to the new areas discovered in the last borders of the earth, many travel companies have specialized in surf travel operations divided in yachts, camps and tours. Let's see what's new after Y2K. •Because of the Rand's low rate, South African "True Blue" offers real bargains. Madagascar owns 700 km of coral reefs on the west side blessed by dominant SW offshore winds. Spend 10 days on "Sweet Sunshine" catamaran for 880 US$ from May To August : only May is fully booked until now !
•Australia's STC is undoutedbly the major charter boat operator in the surfworld. Here are two new options : Andaman's and New Caledonia. Just off Queensland, french island New Caledonia owns the biggest lagoon in the world. Get aboard 6-guest magnificent La Violante (shown here) to cruise the virgin reefs south of Noumea. Only June-July are available now for 3125 AUD$ / 10 days. The Andamans in the Bengal Sea, above Indonesia, offer clean mid-size surf whose potential has been discovered only 4 years ago. Get to Port Blair and enjoy a 11 days trip for 2500 AUD$. 
•If you have a look at Go Tours Travel, you will encounter easy waves trips that you're not likely to see anywhere else : Cimaja Point Resort in West Java, Fiji Beach House in newly discovered Malolo island, Badoc Surf Resort on the W side of the Philippines located in the NW island in the China Sea and 3 options in the Solomon's. 
•Worldsurfaris is another name to remember especially if you've chosen Papua New Guinea alias PNG, in the heart of Melanesia. Hurry up because the season ends in April. Get to Nusa islands Retreat and enjoy the perfect small surf with 12 surfers around max !
•If you're wondering how much you will pay for flight boardtax, here is a tip : visit Wavehunters website and check the board fee chart from the US. Try to remember surfer-friendly airline companies while buying your ticket : Qantas, Singapore, Lufthansa, Tap, Air New Zealand...

Webs : 
http://home.global.co.za/~trueblue
http://www.surftravel.com.au
http://www.gotours.com.au
http://www.worldsurfaris.com
http://www.wavehunters.com

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>>>>   March NEWS

PHILIPPINES : Australia sent 28 boards to the locals !

Most of the travelling surfers have experienced this awkward feeling when they look at the beat-up boards that most locals ride in developing destinations. Heaps of these guys are poor fishermen who can't afford buying a board, let alone a new board. Well, 28 filipinos had a great day in Sept99 when they received a new board from Australia. After 3 days of negotiations and 250 US$ worth of customs, the boards made their way from their generous donators to the happy locals. Locals residence : La Union (W Luzon), Zambales (SW Luzon), Baler (E Luzon), Daet (Camarines N), Catanduanes (NE island) and Siargao (Surigao N island) Thanks to : Mark Flynn (Show Freight), CT, Great Surf Adventures, Tony Borra (Siargao), Coca-Cola, Mylene&Dino Lising (Boardrider & Surfworld Makati), Richard Gomez (Government), Roy Norris (Surfing Australia) Web : http://www.localvibe.com

SOUTH PACIFIC : the Quiksilver Crossing discovered 24 worldclass spots

The South Pacific has undoubtly the greatest potential for worldclass spots discoveries because there are heaps of unhabited islands, plenty of SW swells and constant ESE trades. The Indies Trader with captains Martin Daly and John Mc Groder has been hired for a year by Quiksilver International to explore a huge area between the 21° paralells. Starting from Cairns, Aus in March 99, the boat went through Melanesia, Micronesia, Fiji and Polynesia. " The website is not a guide to secret spots " says Quiksilver who confesses " not giving any specific information about the areas they are visiting to keep the locations confidential to avoid any possible future exploitation ". 24 A-grade spots and a total of 39 breaks have been discovered so far for 15.000 nautical miles traveled. Monthly stats give the number of breaks surfed split in 3 categories : well known, little known (<than 50 people) and unknown. More than 135 riders have been invited on that trip. There is also a partnership with the UN program called the Reefcheck to explore the reefs. Visit the website for audio/photo/video (with Flash) coverage of boyz and girls having fun. Thanks to : Quiksilver Web : http://www.quiksilver.com/crossing

ANTARTICA : high latitude surftrips have discovered iceberg surfing

SMA's (Surfers Medical Asssociation) founder Mark Renneker has launched a 3-weeks expedition in February 2000 cruising the Drake Passage between Cape Horn and Antartica to search for icy spots. The boat led by captain Jérôme Poncet had a team of 8 people including doctors, journalist (Steve Hawk, ex-Surfer editor), photographer (Art Brewer) and pro surfer Chris Malloy. Diaries can be heard online with Real Audio. Maps of the itinerary show several islands around the South Shetlands between 62° and 64° of Latitude S, beneath the Antartic circle (66°). The surf ranged from flat to double overhead in water as low as 33°F ( 1°C). The highlight of the trip was a rideable wave breaking on a iceberg shelf.  Thanks to : Ford, Quokka, Surfline Webs :  http://quokka.com/surfing_antartica http://www.surfline.com http://www.swell.com

NORWAY : solve the riddle to find Vallaha !

In an 8-page trip published in a recent issue of Surfer Magazine, Santa Cruz surfers (Shawn Barron, Flea Virotsko, Anthony Ruffo...) have achieved what can be the highest latitude surftrip ever : 67° of N latitude, above the Artic Circle ! Like usual, the journo (Ben Marcus) shushed the word about locations except for Stavanger, Norway's surfhub, to respect the locals' will. Can locals be seriously afraid of crowds knowing Norway is the one the costliest and coldest place on earth : gas is 2 US$ for a liter, a cup of coffee is 4 US$ and a week rental costs 1000 $ ! Whatever, enough hints are given to find the place. You learn Valhalla is an island, about the same latitude as Barrow (Alaska), 5 hours from the mainland. If you found out about the airport's name the crew flew in, you 're nearly there. Nearly ? But who would like to get there anyway. Thanks to : Surfer Magazine, Braathens Airlines Web : http://www.surfermag.com   (Bonus coverage)

WORLD EVENTS : what about ISA after its February executive meeting ?

Since the 1st world championships in 1964 in Manly Beach, surfing contests have taken different directions : pro contests or theme surfing events. Because pro-surfing mainly gathers surfers from 3 countries (Australia, Usa and Brazil) and are so focused on performance and results, one can blame these events to lack the surfing spirit and the diversity of surfing ethnics. The International Surfers Association (ISA) focuses on team events with a wide participation of worlwide surfing federations.  President Fernando Aguerre made it clear that the association's financial future is safe. ISA's main work used to be the organisation of the World

 Surfing Games but they have now expanded to many great events :
•Big Wave : after the very successful edition of Todos Santos in 1998, ISA is putting up a big wave World Tour in 2000 passing through Madeira (February) and South Africa (May)
•Aloha Cup : continent team events will be hold before the final is Hawaii in December
•World Surfing Games : next edition will take place in Maracaipe, Pernambuco (100 K south of Recife) in Brazil, gathering 40 nations from the 6th to the 19th of June. By the way, the cycle will switch to odd years to avoid overlapping with Olympics or FIFA world cup. (Proposed schedule : South Africa (2002), Mexico (2003), Ireland (2005)
•Board donations : Brazilian representant Marcos Conde brought a softboard to Nicaragua to plant a seed to the first surfing school there.
Thanks to : Reef, Momaii, DSO.

Webs :
http://www.isasurf.org
http://www.worldsport.com/worldsport/sports/surfing

WEBCAST : watch major pro contests live !

Since Billabong launched the first online video coverage of J-Bay WCT Pro in July 99, the live webcast has improved drastically. From a single webcam with low bandwidth, the webcast is now a potential full-on TV broadcast with several cams and up to 300k / sec stream using Microsoft Media Technologies 4.0.

During the last Pipe Contest, 1stbyte.com had an average of 200.000 users jumping to 2 million page views daily during the final. There was a 30% international audience with a 50/50 between low bandwidth ( 56K) and maximum stream (300k which is half TV resolution). Live stream is definitely the future for contests when the surf is epic. In mid-February, there were even 2 live webcast at the same time : HIC Pipe Pro (surfinglive.com) and O'Neill Cold Water Classic in Santa Cruz. Check the next Billabong contest in Kirra March 9th-19th.
Thanks to : Microsoft, 1stbyte , Billabong, surfinglive, surfline

Webs :
http://www.surfinglive.com
http://www.surfline.com
http://www.billabong.com

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