Imagine...

Imagine trekking through a jungle for a number of hours, to finally pop out and find this little beauty. Cheering!

Imagine then, thinking for a split second that you must have it all to yourself, only to spot a handful of other surfers already on it. Spewing!

Still, with a reeling point like this, you'd hope there would be enough waves to go around...

Source: www.swellnet.com.au

Three days until entries close!

There are only three days left for you to get your entries into the first ever competition from 'Cuttie in your face'!

Check out all the details by clicking on the orange tab labelled 'Competitions' and reading away...

The best entry gets wax and a comb - jackpot!

Source: surfmusic.blogsome.com

Summer colours

As summer starts hitting the southern hemisphere, and 'Northerners' start getting into the depths of winter, I thought I'd post a photo celebrating summer - a time when most of us like to go for a squirt.

I think little makes a wave look more summery than a turquoise cylinder like this one.

Hope this gets you chucking on some boardies or a bikini!

Source: www.surfingnetwork.com

Empty slab somewhere

How's this for a lucky surfer?! In the bottom of the shot you can see a red 4WD having a little squizzy at the surf.

I hope they suited up after this wave passed, because it would be rude to pass this empty opportunity up!

I wonder if all the fishermen/women on the jetty realise what they're missing out on?!

Hoot!

Source: www.surfresortfinder.com

Note to self

So, I tried to squeeze in a cheeky Christmas morning surf today to avoid the summer crowds. I scored small, fun and clean 'Triggs'. Triggs is on the stretch of coast on the outskirts of Adelaide, South Australia known as 'The Mid'.

Mid Coast satellite photo

At most, I shared the waves with two other guys.

I had been enjoying my surf on my new flat summer board - 'The Mullet'. It was going a treat! The Mullet was picking up waves super easy and scooting along their tiny faces nicely.

When the time came, it was time to call it a sesh and head back home. Calling it must have jinxed me. As I flicked off my last wave, trying to plop off my board into the water, my knee caught the tail and damaged it a bit.

The photo below shows the nice bit work my knee did.

My baby is now tarnished.

Photo: Willy

The lesson for me out of all of this, one that I should have learnt many years ago, is to plop into the water well away from my board in future. Otherwise, I can expect damage like this to continue to be commonplace...

Festive season wishes

If you're Christian: Merry Christmas! If you're Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or any other religion: Happy Tuesday!

Whatever your persuasion, I hope you receive an empty wave, just like this one, all to yourself on this day. If you don't, I hope any presents you have received make up for your loss...

How lucky is this person?! Total playtime and nobody's out!

Source: www.surfline.com
Additional artwork: www.surfline.com

Short flick - big impact

This little link to YouTube has been sitting in my email inbox for quite some time now. It has come to my attention thanks to my mate The Earl.

There is plenty of good stuff  in this clip to rave about. My favourite part though, is the heart shown by the chap who decides to quit the world tour to surf and meet the people behind the locations he visits. This guy comes across as a genuine bloke who actually cares about the people around him.

I feel many of us are often guilty of simply walking past such enriching opportunities at times in life - absolutely me included.

Footage: YouTube

Poetic waves

In the split second it takes for a wave to break, a lot of beauty passes unnoticed to the human eye.

This clip I found on Vimeo allows us to appreciate the detail we ordinarily miss, when caught up in the moment:

Vimeo: Poetic waves

I always found the ocean and its waves beautiful. After seeing this clip, I appreciate the ocean and its waves are even more spectacular than I originally thought. I hope you find this slow-mo footage just as impressive to watch...

Surfing with mates

There are many different key ingredients for a fun surf: Swell, winds and tides are a start. I would also add 'company'.

I love surfing. And the only thing better than catching a sweet wave, is being able to share it with someone you care for (on any level).

Cruising the web I found this. The waves are about half a foot, but there is some shape and they are clean. What caught my attention this time, and made me want to blog about it, was having the feeling of wanting to substitute myself and a surfing friend with both of these two guys. For me, satisfaction comes from surfing in beautiful locations, in relaxing conditions with friends. I'm guessing these guys had a fun little sesh together - and I would have too.

You don't always need great waves when you're surfing alone with buddies.

Source: http://www.australiassouthwest.com

Competition update

Competition entries are now starting to roll in - and we have a new leader!

Some of the entries that haven't made the top spot so far are:
- 'You really know you're a surfer when you can drive and check waves simultaneously'
- 'You really know you're a surfer when you stop getting thrown from the top of the lip and free fall on every wave.'

Source: www.surfline.com

Keep the entries coming peeps! You've got until the new year to get them in.

Love not war

My friend Michael forwarded me this little cartoon a number of weeks ago.

Even though I'm a peace-loving guy who is passionate about the soul side of surfing, I can't help but chuckle at this. I guess it's funny because it's (unfortunately) true.

Surfing is meant to bring out the best in us. Unfortunately this isn't always the case.

Source: www.swellnet.com.au

I find it hard to understand attitudes like these. Unfortunately they are common and can be found everywhere - particularly in sport. Many skiers don't like snowboarders - and vice versa. Many skateboarders don't like rollerbladers - and vice versa. And the one I'm sure many of us are exposed to: many surfers don't like bodyboarders (just to name one sub-group) - and vice versa.

I guess the question I want to ask is 'why'? I've thought about this question quite a lot over the years and have spoken to a number of people about it. Nobody has yet given me a single justification as to why this superficial dislike is okay.

I'd be really interested to receive comments from anybody who does support this attitude. I'm keen to learn about this perspective. Maybe I'm missing something?

Until I change my mind however, I'm going to continue believing that we should all just chill and share the waves - no matter what craft we find ourselves on...

Magic Mex

Those who know me, know that Mexico has a special place in my heart. I find the landscapes, animals, people, food and weather all extremely attractive.

Mexico satellite image

Nothing however, is more attractive than warm, perfect Mexican waves.

While Mexico has many famous beaches, it also has a number of really famous points!

This little clip showcases some beauties firing off their rocker!

Footage: YouTube

I wonder if, following this clip, I should have also included a link to help you book plane tickets over there?

Blue bliss

Tonight's post is short and sweet.

It's a photo I found on line.

This photo seems to have been taken on a day where there surf looks peaceful... fun but peaceful. The shimmer on the glassy water, the seeming silence and the cloudless sky create an air of tranquillity.

For me it's the kind of session I'd love to share with my mates...

Source: www.clarklittlephotography.com

The story behind the name

Many people ask me why I've chosen 'Cuttie in your face' to be the name of this blog.

Unfortunately, the story isn't thaaat exciting...

Well before this blog started, I had (and still have) an email list where I distributed surfing photos amongst my internationally-dispersed surfing friends. Slowly, over time, I started to sign my emails off by writing 'Cuttie in your face'. This had replaced 'Chow', 'Regards' or 'Cheers' - just to name a few. I liked this sign-off so much that I've taken it with me to this blog, and it's now become the name.

But what does 'Cuttie in your face' actually mean?

Summer lovin'

Source: www.swellnet.com.au

As far as I can see, to do a cuttie in someone's face can be interpreted in three ways:

1.
It is a turn on a wave, made out of necessity (but coincidentally in front of another surfer), to get back into the pocket. In this case the 'victim' is simply an innocent bystander who gets sprayed with water .

2.
It is a turn on a wave right in front of a surfer paddling out to the lineup. This turn is thinly veiled aggression, and is aimed at intentionally spraying the 'victim' with a face full of water. I view this is an assertion of some sort of dominance.

3.
It is a playful act whereby the surfer performs a turn on the wave right in front of their friend who's paddling out. This is a friendly gesture exploiting the luxury of friendship.

My blog, 'Cuttie in your face', is all about fun. Hence, 'Cuttie in your face' is in reference to the playful cutback. So, next time you're out surfing with friends, be sure to smile as you throw that bucket on their shnoz!

Dane on film

Dane Reynolds is a surfer I've only really leaned of in the last year or so. Ever since that moment, he seems to have started popping up in a lot of footage I see on line.

The bloke certainly knows how to surf and, for mind, have fun. I think there is a lot to admire about a guy who quits the pro tour to give himself the opportunity to freesurf more often.

So, for your enjoyment, I'm posting a vid-length clip of Dane. He's having some freesurfing fun he's made the time to have...

Dump!

I've been browsing on line again lately, and in the process have collected these little gems to share with you.

The first one is of a local spot of mine: the world famous Bells Beach. And firing off the dial!

Bells Beach satellite photo

Three little soldiers pass by.

Source: www.tracksmag.com

'You get this one buddy, the ninth one in this set is lining up super sweet!'

Source: www.tracksmag.com

An empty playground in paradise.

Source: www.tracksmag.com

The brave get rewarded.

Source: www.swellnet.com.au

Finally! Someone in commercial television who understands surfing!

Surfing has become such a cheesy cliche in modern pop culture.

Because of surfing's free and easy lifestyle image, the sport has been bastardised everywhere. Nowhere is this more obvious than in commercial TV advertising. The biggest offenders would have to be car companies. These guys always seem to have a board strapped to the roof of their latest Gen X and Gen Y pitch.

Typical commercial cheese.

Source: www.themotorreport.com.au

Where's the swell for that thruster?

Source: www.suzukiqld.com.au

The worst part for me is that the producers of these TV commercials obviously don't have the foggiest idea about surfing. How often do we see a brand-spanking SUV parked on a 'sexy' angle at the beach? How often does a handsome young couple (with wind wafting through their freshly coiffed hair) accompany it, posing with surfboards under arm? How often is this young couple checking out totally flat conditions? The answer to all three questions is 'all the time'!

It is for this reason that I'm totally and refreshingly in love with Aldi's charming new Christmas commercial. Not only is it clever and full of character, but it also really appeals to the surfer in me. The person who produced this advertisement actually knows what surfing is about! The result is a commercial with a bit of substance that stands out amongst the clutter.

Check it out. I'd be interested to know what you think...

Footage: YouTube

No matter how many times I see it, this advertisement always puts a smile on my face.

And if it takes barrel-riding Santas to positively influence commercial TV, I'm all for it.

Reef

Source: wetsuitcentre.co.uk

A number of days ago, I posted an article on the decline of Quiksilver, in my mind, as a surf brand in the true sense of the word.

For myself, and only personally speaking, a brand that I have grown closer to as a surfer is the Brazilian surf brand 'Reef'.

Reef

Reef: famous for shoes, boardies and nice bums.

These are shoes...

Sources: shop.reef.com/guys-shoes/l/109

These are boardies...

Source: shop.reef.com/guys-apparel/l/120

These are some girls' bums...

Source: ink-ambitiously.tumblr.com

And this is a guy's bum. (Yes, I am straight - I just believe in sexual equality)

Source: www.genxjourney.com

I can't say that Reef is 100% surfing, as I know the business also has a presence in skating. I guess what appeals to me about Reef, is that they seem to be much less of a corporate machine than many other larger surf brands. I'm prepared to admit this may only be a perception. Either way, the company still seems to have it's roots genuinely in surfing. While their gear seems to be of a high quality, I wouldn't call their range outside of footwear, boardies and t-shirts 'comprehensive'.

Still, one of my favourite surf brands for mind...

Swellnet

'Swellnet' is one of three sites I regularly use to check, and cross-check surf forecasts, before I head down for a wave.

Swellnet

Swellnet only provides surf forecast information for Australia. Therefore, this review may be of limited use to the international readers of 'Cuttie in your face'.

I don't necessarily feel that Swellnet's the best forecasting site out there - mainly due to the very limited detail it provides. I do however like to use Swellnet as a quick reference summary of the upcoming week's outlook.

Swellnet only really provides am and pm forecasts - instead of the hourly or three-hourly forecasts some other sites provide. One of the best things about Swellnet however, is that it provides relatively up-to-date photos of the prevailing conditions. This allows surfers to better interpret the forecast data, and in turn make better judgements. For those surfers that are not particularly skilled at interpreting surf forecast data, Swellnet also provides recommendations on what the best days and times for surfing will be over the coming week.

In summary, I'd only really recommend Swellnet to the beginner surfer, or the surfer with only 30 seconds to spare to check the upcoming week's outlook. If you're more experienced, or have more time up your sleeve, I'd recommend checking the conditions/predictions of another site.

On the side, Swellnet's also good for a picture, story and (another) blog. I'd recommend checking it out for all of this other additional value the site provides.

Here's an example of a sweet photo Swellnet had up today:

Source: www.swellnet.com.au

Competition update

Just a friendly reminder that entries for my competition close at midday on Tuesday 1 January 2013, Melbourne, Australia time.

Entry is easy. All you need to do is complete this sentence: 'You really know you're a surfer when...'

Source: www.surfline.com

The prize for the best entry is three blocks of cold water wax and a versatile wax comb.

I'm not going to reveal the leading entry at this stage, but here are two examples of some that almost held the top spot:
- 'You really know you're a surfer when you feel sorry for those that aren't'
- 'You really know you're a surfer when you get excited over the smell of fresh neoprene'

Both of these are pretty clever. If you think you can do better, please submit your entry to me at: l.gorajek@gmail.com

What surfer doesn't need some of this good stuff?

Photo: Willy

A famous left with commentary from a famous right

Just over a week ago, I posted a clip of a soon-to-be very famous left in Africa.

After trawling through YouTube a bit, I stumbled upon this juicy little piece of the same spot. The commentary is lifted straight out of Bruce Browns seminal surf movie: The Endless Summer.

The Endless Summer by Bruce Brown

I guess it's reasonable to expect that every surfer has their own definition of what makes a 'perfect' wave. It's highly probably that all of these definitions will differ - at least slightly. If I use myself as an example, my favourite waves are not necessarily the best surf spots I've been lucky enough to surf. My favourite waves for example, are usually in places where I also have some sort of connection and history with the area and people.

Despite these differences existing, which is a good thing, I still think most of us would love an opportunity to head over and surf this spot - even if for only one day.

Please sit back and enjoy more footage of this perfect, thick and fun looking wave...

Footage: YouTube

Choices

I guess the question to be asked is whether you'd choose to paddle this wave, tow in, or simply roll over in bed, sleep in and wait for the swell to drop...

Source: www.swellnet.com.au

Not so garbagy Garbage

I've spent a bit of time in San Diego, California over the years. Two of the spots I've been lucky to surf are North Garbage and South Garbage. Both spots are in the seaside (duh) suburb of Point Loma.

Point Loma satellite photo

My girlfriend Pamela, a cool as surfy chick, scored a bit of swell there a few days ago.

This first snippet of footage is of the first day Pam went out. Pam enjoyed clean and long head-high peelers - and almost lucked into and out of her first tube. The weather in this clip is how I would generalise San Diegan weather to be (from my limited experience): often very still and overcast in the mornings.

Footage: Pamela

The second day of surfing, while bigger, wasn't as good as the first. That day, Pam was greeted with a rough entry and exit as the high tide and big swell made things challenging. The story goes that Pam made it in and out safely with no hassles. Anybody who knows me and slippery rocks knows that I'd have been all over the place like a mad woman's custard!

Footage: Pamela

A friend of a friend...

About two years ago, a few months before I did, my brother went on a solo Mexican surf mission.

Towards the end of his trip he stopped at Boca De Pascuales, commonly known to surfers as simply 'Pascuales'. From personal experience, this is a very heavy beach break that can hold some serious size (I'm proud to say that when I went there, I got two backhand barrels - pig-dog style)! Adam fell in love with the place and stayed for a week before he had to head back home. While there, Adam stayed next to a bloke who he describes as a 'funny, lovely guy, but mad as a snake'. Apparently this guy next door was a very respectable big wave surfer...

Pascuales satellite photo

The story goes that my bro remembered him filming some of his surfs with a GoPro - before it got lost in the surf one day.

GoPro

Curiosity recently got the best of my brother, and led him to see if this guy had posted anything on YouTube. Sure enough, he stumbled upon this fun little clip of those very surfs:

Footage: YouTube

Bumper Bells

My buddy Gav, who also happens to be the author of 'I have a secret wave' (published under 'Good reading' on Saturday 1 December 2012), recently came back from a jaunt that saw him trip around Australia's states of Tasmania and Victoria.

Aside from showing his overseas friend a bit of our beautiful country, Gav managed to squeeze in (and score) a few sweet surfs.

Early during his Victorian leg, Gav scored a mid-week day at Bells Beach.

Bells Beach satellite photo

Photo: Gav

As you can see, there weren't too many people out. The waves had a bit of size and the conditions looked near perfect. Lucky bugger that Gav!

Photo: Gav

Sun-filled fun

Today's photo popped up on Facebook recently, and I thought it was well worth sharing.

Not only do the shapes and stunning colours of this shot impress me, but I also have a suspicious feeling this photo is of Knight's Beach in South Australia's Port Elliot - my old surfing stomping ground for well over a decade.

Port Elliot, South Australia

Source: Unknown

Big hit

Just a quick note to everybody who supported me on Saturday, when 'Cuttie in your face' launched: Thank you all! I was only expecting 20 to 30 visitors, and was hoping to reach 50 if I was lucky. You guys smashed that with a whopping 153 visits!

I hope I will be able to continue to develop this blog into something even better for you over the coming months and (hopefully) years.

In the mean time, while I beaver away at this thing, I'll leave you with the image below - I think is, quite simply, 'liquid poetry'.

Source: Unknown

Photo dump!

I've got a stash of photos I've picked up on line over time clogging up my hard drive. So much so, I need to show them here to relieve the backlog. Welcome to my first photo dump!

Hope you like this juicy little assortment:

This spot doesn't look hard to get to at all does it!?

Source: Unknown

(Almost) Empty Mexican fun-time.

Source: www.surflaspalmeras.com

Looking at this photo while seated at my desk gives me the urge to book a plane ticket - pronto!

Source: www.tracksmag.com

Who knows how this wave ends? Maybe with a mouthful of rock?

Source: www.surfline.com

With surrounding harsh lines and soft curves setting scene, this chap stays poised, relaxed and neatly slotted in the pit.

Source: Unknown

You can go left, or you can go right. I'm pretty sure we'd all go right...

www.swellnet.com.au

'You can't miss it buddy - it's right at the end of the street.'

Source: www.surfline.com

Sneaky inside bowl.

Source: www.surfline.com