Down the Line May 15th, 2011

From Down the Line Surf Talk Radio, May 15^th, 2011

You can listen on Sunday morning at 8 AM on AM 1360

Top Five Stories

1) Over the past month and a half we have been following the story in Japan regarding the countries efforts to maintain their nuclear reactors and the waste that has built up in their facilities since the massive tsunami that hit their country. Recently we have learned that even the tankers which come from Japan will register nuclear radiation on the Geiger counters used to detect nuclear weaponry at our ports and harbors. As the story unfolds we continue to see humanity at work, despite disaster. There is one lone surfer who has been seen surfing the waters off of Sendai. He is undoubtedly being irradiated and is aware of the fact that the waters are unsafe, but according to an industry source that is familiar with the situation on the island, he is surfing the waters he has grown up knowing and loving, alone and in spite of the harsh situation life has presented to him. The deeply symbolic act he is partaking in has established him as a sort of martyr to a surfing community with a sympathy and compassion for its brethren around the globe. Although there isn’t much news coming from the mainstream media regarding the month-old situation in Japan, efforts are being established to curb this ominous situation. The disaster that has befallen the established surfing community in Japan should be of the highest importance to the surfing community

Fairwinds.com

2) DavidPuu.com: a new blog with a very unique perspective. The blog is run by David, a noted photographer, surfer, and shaper who has grown up locally in Ventura, California. It is an op-ed from David’s perspective on Californian culture – the premiere of the blog features an article about the manufacturing of the Corvair in California during the early 60’s. Check out this new, entertaining blog as soon as you get a chance.

3) Nike 6.0 announces it will move into the Australian contest circuit, designing a robust set of events which will commence shortly after Nike’s Action Sports Festival in Huntington Beach, California in early 2012. Nike has the backing of iconic Aussie surfers such as “Rabbit” Bartholomew and Barton Lynch. Nike has been building its relationship with the pro surfing tour for many years now and have developed a hot brand through promotional gun-slinging as well as picking up the most talented and attractive young surfers in the world. The up-and-coming company will offer up an enormous sum of money in order to try to lure the best surfers from around the world to attend this event which they plan to hold in Australian between the ASP Snapper Rocks and Bells events. It is rumored that the prize will exceed one million US dollars and may be the biggest prize ever awarded. It seems Nike is poised to create its own PRIME series, holding multiple events in densely populated metropolitan areas around the globe. The combo of cash prizes and points for the World Tour will have a deep draw for the most competitive surfers competing on the World Tour.

Nike's Surf Team

4) Despite Occy’s great physical form, he has posted the worst performance ever on Australia’s Dancing with the Stars according the judges who were highly critical of his performance. Fortunately for us, he made it past heat 1…or, round 1, and will have another opportunity to prove his dancing prowess. At least it can be said that there is really nowhere for him to go from here but up.

5) Check out The Battle of the Paddle

Extra) Check out the video of Garret Maknamera’s motorized stand-up paddle.

Brad Gerlach stops by the studio to talk to Bassy & Baldy about all things surfing. The guys get his thoughts on the new ASP ‘Metro’ Tour, of which he says he is excited and supportive. His claim is that although it may be a different scene then what we are used to seeing, it should be good for the progressive nature of modern surfing. The top surfers are incredible in mediocre surf, almost even more progressive in mediocre surf, and the viewers can actually feel a little bit closer to the guys when they surf mundane beach-breaks versus some aquamarine tropical point. It also lends itself to the brands and getting them more exposure by reaching out to people in populated metropolitan venues. With the use of the waiting period, which is a relatively new system on the tour, you have the ability to hold the event while waiting for good surf to come into town. Gerlach has been spending a lot of time on the beach coaching, picking up a small contingent of young, competitive groms. He noted that Kolohe Andino’s choice to take on Mike Parsons as a coach is going to greatly raise his chances of winning a World Title, and winning it soon. Although Parsons has been a mentor to ‘Brother’ since he was just a young boy, Mike has officially signed on to tour and train with Kolohe throughout the entire year. Brad is coaching young up-and-comer Connor Coffin, who will be competing throughout the year with other young talents such as Kolohe Evan Geiselman, Jack Freestone, and his brother Parker Coffin. Chris Gallagher, a good friend of Gerlach’s, has entered the coaching scene along with other notable name in Barton Lynch. This level of talent on the beach is almost as high as it is in the water, but despite these guys long history of competition the atmosphere remains light-hearted amongst the group of coaches. The guys agree that Dane Reynolds is another young surfer who could greatly benefit from the use a coach or mentor. He has recently overcome of an injury and with those long periods out of the water often comes reflection on surfing motives and techniques. Dane has consistently looked conflicted, surfing well but lacking the killer instinct necessary to make big moves on the World Tour. Perhaps his respectful nature is creating an inner conflict as he tries to motivate himself to take down the surfing heroes he grew up idolizing. All these aspects of Dane Reynold’s surfing contribute to his needing a coach of some kind in order to keep his mind focused on his goals. As the next generation of surfers come into the spotlight and push some of the older, more experienced surfers off the tour, he could possibly find himself a little bit more mature and willing to accept an expert tour surfer onto his team. Quiksilver is doing a great job in working with Dane to establish an entire motif around his laidback style, whether it be a decision of Dane’s or the Quiksilver marketing team. He is a sort of anti-Kelly, and they are running with it.

Brad is content with the tour as it stands, and is appreciative of the new rules and ideas the ASP has recently instituted. When asked about the possibility of creating a sort of final playoff at Pipeline between the top four surfers at the end of the ASP Tour season, he tended to disagree, leaning more towards the surfers well-being and competitive mindset. Although he agrees it would be a very entertaining finish to the year, it might be a hindrance to the competitive nature you see at each of the stops on the tour. If the top ten guys begin thinking that they can coast into the final rounds of the tour, looking just to get a fourth place finish and make the final, we could see a real deterioration in the level of surfing.

You can see Brad Gerlach surfing this year in the Pipe Masters Contest.

A Few E-mails:

“Dear Bassy, I have to take issue with your Alana Blanchard is Anna Kournikova of surfing take. Yes, they are both hot and get lots of sponsorship opportunities because of their hotness. The thing is Anna Kournikova has never won a WTA singles Title, thus the nickname, ‘Anna Quarterfinal-ica, where as Alana Blanchard has gotten wins and beaten the best female surfer out there head-to-head, Stephanie Gilmore. Sure Steph may have gotten a bad deal with Rip Curl signing only Alana Blanchard and not Step, but that’s not Alana’s fault. You’re being a bit tough on Blanchard to call her Anna, it’s not her fault she is super hot. Just some thoughts - from a fan of you and Anna.

Mark, NC

BASSY: Let me just say this, Alana Blanchard has never won a WT event. The analogy is that neither one of them has ever won an event – they’re both super hot and they’re being marketed for that hotness. I’m not against Blanchard – I think that she should take some capital from her Rip Curl earnings and payouts to start her own brand. Her father, whose a smart guy, would be wise to start an Alana Blanchard Bikini brand – stuff you can wear in the surf that is super hot, put an ad in Transworld Magazine, just call it Alana, and get running with her own brand. She could make millions of dollars just like Anna Kournikova. I don’t believe she needs Rip Curl. The paradigm has already been established by Anna that you don’t have to win to be a hot brand in certain markets. She looks like a supermodel because she is a supermodel in the world of surfing. She lost her heat this morning in Rio, Brazil, but really, who cares…

“I want to comment on the world tour and Matt Warshaw’s article on the search and using Travelocity to find San Francisco. I understand a bit of what Warshaw is saying about it being a non-search because you don’t have to search for the OB in San Fran - everyone knows that it exists, but I also like what Chris Cote, editor of Transworld Surf, had to say about it being a place where people can go and watch the pros while having easy access to watch them. I’m on Long Island in New York and its going to be very interesting to see what happens when Quiksilver comes here this summer. Its good for Quiksilver and the sport of surfing, but if the waves are marginal to crappy, which they are most of the time here, who knows what’s gonna happen. Most of the places on the tour can hold a swell for a week or so, but a Long Island swell in September may only last 5 – 8 hours if you’re lucky. I’m hoping for the best so it’s not just a skateboard and lifestyle festival in New York City. Otherwise, I’d rather be watching a webcast of the pros surfing in G-land. Thanks for the great show.

Jim, NY

BALDY: I was with a guy who was visiting down from San Francisco. He lives right on Ocean Beach front and center who was saying, ‘I can’t wait, I’m so excited.’ I think Quiksilver’s model is different with the skating, DC is involved, and there is a lot of other stuff going on.

Wow this is really late, but here you go anyways...

Down the Line Surf Talk Radio, from the April 17th show.

Brought to you by the ‘Stand-up Round-Up’ Flat Water Festival and Board-works Knockout Race on Sunday, May 1^st, at Bonita Cove. All of the stand-up paddle industry manufactures will be down there with their boards – this is a chance for you to get out and try out some flat water boards. It’s a great way to get in shape, do some paddling; bring your family out, it’s going to be an all-day affair featuring a friendly knockout race to cap the afternoon.

The New Centaura Surf Company will cruise you around in comfort and style on their fully modernized surf vessel, the Pelarue. Visit Indosurfboat.com to book the trip of a lifetime.

We have more news on the Travis-sham mockery of the decade, the 9/11 of ocean tragedies. Last week, the fire was stoked on Down The Line Radio regarding the news that up to 7.5 million times the legal limit of irradiated waste is being disposed of into the oceans off the coast of Japan as a result of their problems with the nuclear reactors in tsunami effected territories. The main focus of the discussion was on the response that the Surfrider Foundation and other various organizations were arranging to counter-act the illegal procedures. We should note that it is understandable for a certain type of aftermath to result after calamities of this scale, but for there to be no reaction on the part of individuals and organizations who claim to facilitate ocean activities is completely unacceptable. While the main thrust of the blame was cast upon the big name foundations, such as Surfrider, Greenpeace, Sierra Club, even major brands in surfing, fishing, diving, or boating could easily get involved by offering services or donating money. A major movement needs to be seen within the surf industry itself to contribute funds to this cause. The official response from the Surfrider Foundation is that their only course of action is to refer people to the Japanese Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation with donations. The organization has maintained its position that is will not request sums of money from large organizations, but prefers to help make an impact by connecting individuals with those in need of money or services. The official statement of Down The Line Surf Talk Radio is simply 100 for 100. Bassy has initiated the first $100 donation, followed by Surfrider President Jim Moriarti and other personal friends. The idea is: 100 people donate $100, equaling $10,000 – the Surfrider Foundation matches the funds raised. Unfortunately, the Surfrider Foundation is not known to offer such large amounts of money for aid situations, as they do not have the funding or man-power to generate those sums. The sentiment has been offered that “if now is not the perfect time to change that[Surfrider’s] mentality, when would be?” Before we can expect any large contributions from major organizations, we must find ourselves personally accountable. You can join the effort on Facebook and be part of the 100 for 100 movement.

Down the Line on Facebook

Rip Curl has mustered up a lot of press this week regarding the Indonesian tidal bore known as ‘Seven Ghosts’. This phenomenon of nature is a true wonder to see, with up to 20 barreling lefts lined up next to each other across the span of the river. The tidal bore is created a few times a year as the moon swings its gravitational focus upon the little Indonesian island and the tide fills in to form this mystical, swirling perfection. One wave can be ridden for up to an hour and a half as it rushes down the river but as a result it is a tow-in wave only. Check out the footage below:

Soul Surfer: the Bethany Hamilton story, premiered at number four at the box office its opening week, reaching $10.6 million in sales. The movie had high hopes but it is uncommon for surf movies to make a huge impact in Hollywood. It not only has outdone itself regarding opening sales, but is also captivating its audiences with great surfing and an inspiring message. The story resonates with many different groups of viewers and is a great family movie. It is a film about surfing, triumph, living, learning, hardships, and ultimately being true to yourself. You can see it at a local theatre near you.

Dancing with the Stars: Australia, has hooked up with its newest star; former surfing world champion, Marco Jay Luciano Occhilupo. Marc ‘Occy’ Occhilupo is known by many to enjoy his fair share of karaoke, and may have even displayed a slight ’groove’ from time to time, which should make his transition to the dance floor a smooth an easy one. His professional dance partner is professional dancer Jade Brand. Which high profile American surfer could you see in the American version of Dancing with the Stars? Gerlach? Slater? Machado? Let’s make it happen.

Alana Blanchard. Need we say more? Alana Blanchard has become the Anna Kornikova of surfing, trade marking the women’s surf industry with her gorgeous looks and ever-shrinking bikini. Photos of her rarely display any surfing, preferring to market wetsuits, swimsuits, and surf gear through the age old adage of ‘sex-sells’. I don’t think too many people are complaining. Her celebrity has superseded her surfing ability and she has been able to create a brand of herself by attaining a certain pop status. We should keep an eye on Alana, because we want to witness the evolution of this young surfing powerhouse - who are we kidding?

Rattlesnake season is here and Southern California is known to be a hotspot for dangerous snake bites. Many people will underestimate the range and speed with which a coiled snake can strike. Bites will often occur when humans startle the snake or provoke it, and you should be particularly careful when you come across items that can shelter a snake such as fallen trees or large rocks. Rocky outcroppings and ledges are the most popular places for rattlesnakes to sun themselves but you can often find them in the middle of a trail trying to get warm. If you are walking down any trails or paths that are brushy or overgrown, maintain a keen sense of awareness as you can find these snakes in very uncommon of familiar places and if you do encounter a snake, allow it room to retreat. As the weather warms up and the spring rains fall, the snakes begin to search for food or shelter, often crossing well known walking or jogging routes. They are very aggressive and can attack without being provoked. If you plan on going into any area that is habitable by rattlesnakes you should keep a very close eye out on the ground as well as areas just off the path. Often simple precautions and awareness can make the difference between seeing a rattler and being bitten.

The 50^th anniversary of the competition held at Bells Beach in Austrailia will kick off on April 19^th. The extensive history of this event sets it apart from any other event on the tour - it being the only venue that has more than twenty years in running competition. Couple that with the incredible list of former world champions that also share the Bells title and it becomes a storied tradition among surfing culture worldwide . Previous Bells Champion, Mark Richards is quoted as saying, “this is the only trophy that matters in surfing and the rest of them are bullocks.” It is a place that lies close to the heart of local surf culture and ‘a Bells run’ is a long-lasting Australian surf tradition. A few names to consider as frontrunners for the title are Owen Wright, Julian Wilson, Adam Melling, and of course, Kelly Slater. Although regular-footers usually have the run of the break, we may see some radical backside wave riding from some of the ‘goofies’ on tour. Although we have 32 different surfers to watch, most bets are that one of the guys from the top ten will be leaving with the trophy. The amount of surfers on tour seems to be superfluous as most viewers are really only interested in watching those matchups featuring the top ten or twenty surfers, something that usually only happens in the later rounds of the contest. We’ll leave you with a quote from Jeff Baldy Baldwin to sum it up: “Everyone’s going to be ripping, but if you’re rated 20 or below, you could have the best heat of your life, but nobody cares…isn’t it a sad truth.”

Rip Curl Bells Beach

The San Diego North County Senior Olympics Surfing Event will be held on Saturday May 7^th, at Oceanside Harbor. There will be various age brackets within the ‘senior’ category so that you can participate with your friends and peers. Jon Rinehart of Rinehart Insurance is organizing the event and is volunteering a large amount of time. Go to www.SDseniorgames.org to sign up for the SDNC Senior Olympics.