One wave, one dream, one unknown location...

As much as I love that secret spots still exist all over the place, it does my nana that I don't know where they are!

Source: www.swellnet.com.au

Good surfing and bad attitude

So, on the back of yesterday's post, I'm posting more retro surfing.

I think the guys that can bone this style out are fantastic to watch.

The only thing I don't like about this clip, is when its 'star' finds a dead sea bird on the beach that has died from being entangled in our pollution. For some reason the guy finds this funny - I think it's tragic! Part of surfing is having nature show you the wonders of the environment we share. I would expect the surfing experience to heighten people's sensitivity to animals dieing because of us - and not make them laugh at it. Disappointing...

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the wave riding at least:

Smooth surfing

Play time on a point

Retro 'stuff' is coming back - and it's back in surfing too.

Retro isn't really my cup of tea unless it's a style thing. The way I see it from a performance perspective, is that we want modern performance because it's better performance. And better performance is, well, better. I love how new boards turn better and hold their rail better for example. I love it how they are lighter and (often) stronger. I feel all of these benefits are tangible and real. I see this as good.

Despite these personal positions on performance, I do love this clip (see link below) of a guy who's going all retro in the water and ripping it up! I dig the super cool style.

This is one particularly for the longboarders out there:

Fun times on a log

Small and sloppy

Despite being quite a serious and dramatic shot, this photo is also quite amusing.

If you look closely, you can see the surfer looking up at the wave and thinking something along the lines of: 'what the heck have I got myself into here?!'

It's a bit late to be second-guessing oneself I think...

Source: www.surfline.com

Running from the axe

I can relate to this grommie in many ways.

During some rides, you spend little time looking for a place to do a bit of a turn - you're simply racing along hoping to survive!

This little guy may be quite the surfer, but at this moment he looks like he's holding on for dear life...

Source: www.tracksmag.com.au

Another surfing frontier?

Russia. Wow!

This clip popped up on line and I jumped on it.

The waves are small but good and fun looking. What captured me the most however, was how beautiful that part of the world really is.

From Russia with love

As unexpected Russia is as a surf destination, it seems to be right up my alley in terms of where I would love to head on a surf trip. Exotic, serenity, pits and nature. Could it get any better? Yes - sharing it with my girlfriend (who rips!) and my close surfing buddies!

When in doubt, perve on barrels...

This clip is of a surf spot here in Victoria, Australia - my 'local' stomping ground.

Victoria satellite photo

Even though I've been surfing here for around seven years now, I've no idea where this spot could be. Actually, I do have an idea, but I'd have to search it out.

There goes next weekend...

Footage: YouTube

There's reef and then there's REEF!

I feel that anything I could say about this bloke's guts or craziness would simply be an understatement.

I'll let you find the adjective that satiates you...

Source: Unknown

More of that English dream

I got a lot of positive feedback from my post of Friday 15 March, titled 'Something special out of the northwest of Europe'.

In the spirit of that post, my friend Michael sent me some more photos of that epic spot.

 Source: Unknown

It just goes to show that even in a country like England, one of the last to come to mind when thinking of epic surf, gangbuster waves can be found.

Source: Unknown

Perfect fun and a perfect slab

As I've previously mentioned, the notion of 'perfection' means many different things to different people. Today I'm catering to two of them: The perfect fun, playful type of wave, and the perfect thick, chunky slab.

I think it takes a rare breed to prefer the thick slab over the playful wave. There's no right answer to this though...

Source: www.surfline.com

Poifect slab

Cool Kirra

Kirra, while probably past it's heyday, is still one of Australia's most recognised waves. Talk about Kirra of old, and you'll get many surfers salivating.

Kirra, Greenmount, Snapper Rocks and Duranbah (D-bah) satellite photo

Because of excessive sand from dredging in the Tweed river, Kirra is no longer the long, long barrel of old. Despite this, it still turns on from time to time to produce short, but just a fun tubes.

The following clip shows Kirra in a different light - a more intimate light one might say:

Intimate Kirra

Backdoor anyone?

Respect if you say 'yes'!

Source: www.swellnet.com.au

A little scary last Saturday...

Last Friday night the surf report said there was 'some' swell on the way for the next day. When I got up at 4am to head down, I didn't expect to find this!!!

Photo: Willy

This spot's called 'Boneyards', and it's on Victoria, Australia's Great Ocean Road.

Great Ocean Road satellite photo

Never having surfed it before, I was glad to be the third of three guys in the lineup. I don't know if the pictures I took from the car park afterwards do it justice, but the place is thick, jacking and heavy! Like the name suggests I guess...

I only made one wave on the day - my first. It was the most critical take off I've ever made and so I'm proud of that achievement. Unfortunately that's as good as it got for me, as every wave afterwards munched me before I could get to the bottom of the face.

Fun and learning times none-the-less.

Photo: Willy

A sentimental visit back to a happy stomping ground

I surfed Peru for five weeks a handful of years ago. My memories are vivid and fond.

Peru satellite photo

This YouTube clip was forwarded to me by my girlfriend Pam. Having surfed some of these featured spots, this clip is a little special to me.

By the way, Indo isn't the only place that can be called 'Land of the Lefts'!

Footage: YouTube

More pits...

'Cuttie in your face' has been obsessing about barrels lately. I think being a surfing site means there's nothing surprising about that!

Anyway, the obsession continues with the clip on the end of this link:

Tube time

Hidden treasures

Look closely, and I'm sure you'll find something that tickles your fancy - no matter what your stance.

Photo: Pamela

Cold and filfy stinkies

As winter finishes in the northern parts of the globe, and starts setting in down in the southern parts, I thought I'd post a quick link (to remind those that need reminding) showing how colds waves can also be super fun.

Icy cold slabs

Something special out of the north west of Europe

This photo was taken by my good friend Michael during his working holiday in the UK a number of years ago.

Michael reflected to me about it recently:

'This is my own photo from my travels in UK not sure if i'd sent you this before. 

This was my favourite spot, the channel is man made from the 1800's using explosives but what a good job they did.

Can you imagine these blokes 200 years ago would have had no idea what a surf spot they where making!

You've got two A frames 50 meters apart, ultimately giving you 4 surf spots.

Also check out the water entry at the closer of the two spots, you can walk along a man made path and just jump in when it suits, than there's the man made viewing platform.

As I'm sure you agree surfing amongst nature is great but sometimes a little influence can go along way, this would have be a little creek with a rocky shore line and no surf.'

Photo: Michael

Michael's pretty spot on for mind. Normally we humans mess up surf spots. And while I agree the impact of the dynamite all those years ago would have negatively affected the natural marine environment, it has to be said the byproduct is two great surf spots.

Epic looking place indeed...

Simple, gentle, pleasures...

Surfing doesn't necessarily need to be about a 'rush' to be enjoyable - there can be other factors involved that make it a great lifestyle choice. Social, natural, physical/health or cosmetic factors often also come into play to complete the picture of this fantastic sport.

Here, the serenity and peace that this surfer seems to be experiencing is what make me wish to trade places with him/her on this particular occasion...

Source: Unknown

Travelling surfers: watch this space

Two days ago I arrived home from the US - only to find that the board that had travelled with me was dinged in three places. This was due to, I assume (safely I think), poor baggage handling.

Underneath view of the nose.

 Photo: Willy

I'm not going to name the airline at this stage, as I'd like to resolve the issue with them.

Far underneath view of the right rail.

 Photo: Willy

That being the case, the main purpose of this post is to make you aware (if you are not already) of the dangers of travelling by air with a surfboard. My board was protected in an Ocean & Earth Global Travel Series bag (see my review from Saturday 5 January 2013) and additionally wrapped in a towel and wetsuit. It turns out even this extra padding couldn't protect it.

Close underneath view of the right rail.

 Photo: Willy

I know the dings are small - hence I don't want to sound alarmist about it all. The thing to bear in mind is that the cost to repair these three dings will be between $100 and $150. I'm sure that that kind of money we'd prefer to keep to put towards a surf trip or something...

Far underneath view of the left rail.

 Photo: Willy

Plus, we all pay good money to fly and I think it's only fair we expect (and receive) decent baggage handling. I'll keep you posted over the coming weeks to let you know how it all goes for me.

Close underneath view of the left rail.

Photo: Willy

Sorry for the missing posts!

Just a quick post to apologise for my lack of updates to 'Cuttie in your face' over the last week or so.

I did have a number posts ready for you and programmed to drop on a daily basis. In hindsight, it seems the only thing I forgot to do was to confirm the drop schedule.

You can imagine my surprise coming back to work this morning, after arriving back from the US yesterday afternoon, to find I had seven or eight posts still sitting in my 'Drafts' folder.

Sorry to keep you waiting and thank you for your patience...

Source: www.surfline.com

Fun before the storm

With unpleasant weather seemingly approaching quickly, this Aussie spot dished up a little goodness before the chance of it all getting washed away.

Source: www.swellnet.com.au

A+

Aye! Do you agree this is an A-grade A-frame?

Source: www.swellnet.com.au

Burning water?

Maybe not.

But an idillic setting for a surf with a friend or two this is.

Source: www.surfline.com

Classic Pipeline

With the help of Google Earth/Maps (Google Earth/Maps) and other modern tools, new, epic breaks are constantly discovered.

Teahupoo is one such example.

Teahupoo satellite photo

While Teahupoo may now be arguably the world's most glamerous wave, I still believe there is a lot of room for the classic spots of yesteryear. Pipeline is one such example.

There is something awesomely unique about this spot that makes it instantly recognisable in any photo and clip.

Source: www.surfline.com

Danne doin' it again

This little clip on YouTube may be an advertisement for Quiksilver (Quiksilver), but it is worlth seeing. All of the footage is of Dane Reynolds making something out of (almost nothing).

If you've got some seconds spare, click ahead...

Footage: YouTube

Toes on the nose

If catching slabbing rights running along a low cliff edge doesn't tickle your fancy, maybe wrapping your toes over the nose of a gentle litle peeler is more your thing?

... As this guy is nicely demonstrating.

Source: Unknown

Trading places

I'm sure the chap in the foreground is wishing he could trade places with the chap in the background.

Source: www.surfline.com

Sing like a Canary

Popping up on line was a clip of some sweet surfing on Spain's Canary Islands.

Canary Islands satellite photo

I don't know if this guy's style tickles me so much - it's a bit to 'thrashy' for my liking. Regardless, it's still fun to watch.

Island fun time

So much peaky fun!

Yum, yum, summer fun!

After yesterday's wintry shot, I thought I'd lift the spirits and chuck something summery in.

Warming the cockles of your soul...

Source: www.swellnet.com.au

Snow white

Somewhere, in the depths of winter, when everything looked bleak, some guy jagged this spectacular wave.

Winter has its pitfalls, but uncrowded waves isn't one of them.

 

Source: www.surfline.com