What my friends are scoring in the US while I'm visiting home...

So, sadly for me, my friend and girlfriend are scoring back in California while I surf in (relative) mush with my friends back home in South Australia.

For example, Pam got County Line two days in a row.

County Line Beach satellite photo

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Source: maps.google.com/maps?hl=en-GB&tab=cl

Here's a photo of the second day she had some fun:

Photo: Pamela

At roughly the same time, my mate Andrea scored El Porto.

El Porto Beach satellite photo

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Source: maps.google.com/maps?hl=en-GB&tab=cl

Here's a video of that day he uploaded onto YouTube (If you look at the above satellite photo, you can see the rock groin he filmed the footage from):

Footage: Andrea/YouTube

I on the other hand, have been flapping around in plappy waves in South Australia's Goolwa Beach.

Goolwa Beach satellite photo

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Source: maps.google.com/maps?hl=en-GB&tab=ml

Here's a photo of how much worse I did than my Californian friends:

Photo: Willy

To add salt to the wound, pardon the pun, I also hurt myself in the process:

Photo: Willy

But then again, I can't complain: my mate Michael dislocated his knee in the same session...

A week of surf love for Joel Tudor

Wow!

After serendipitously recently stumbling upon Mr Joel Tudor on YouTube, and posting the clip of him last Tuesday, I've done a little bit more research on the guy.

(Joel Tudor post from Tuesday 26 November 2013)

And I really like what I see.

I have to say he is my new favourite surfer by a country mile. If there is anybody's style I wish I could have, it would be his (I've always thought the best looking surfing is smooth surfing).

So, on the back of this, I'm dedicating a weeks worth of posts to him.

Photo of Joel Tudor

Source: www.sector9.com/blog/?tag=joel-tudor

I'm attaching today's clip as a brief introduction to his smoothness. What I particularly like is how Joel patiently, gracefully and assertively dispatches with drop-ins. Class.

Today's clip is filmed at California's famous Rincon.

Rincon Point satellite photo

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Source: maps.google.com/maps?hl=en-GB&tab=ml

Enjoy:


JOEL TUDOR - RINCON from Matuse Inc. on Vimeo.
Source: Vimeo

If you enjoyed that clip, and want to be kept abreast of some of Joel's upcoming endeavours, you're welcome (I guess) to also 'like' him on Facey:

Joel Tudor's Facebook page

While Willy's away...

While I'm back home in Australia, visiting family and friends, it looks like my gf Pam is having a great time without me.

Just yesterday, on Thanksgiving, she scored relatively empty County Line.

County Line Beach satellite photo

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Source: maps.google.com/maps?hl=en-GB&tab=ml

Here's a snap of the arvo session she had:

Photo: Pamela

An eclectic mix of surfing photos

Today I'm sharing with you an eclectic mix of surfing photos.

This first one is special to me because of the Pelicans. I was first attracted to the northern hemisphere pelicans when I was on my surf trip to Mexico in 2011.

Mexico satellite photo

The pelicans there were spectacular, 'surfing' the waves on their morning and afternoon pilgrimages to and from their feeding grounds.

And now that I'm living in the US, I get to see many of the same pelicans fly by me as I surf.

USA satellite photo

Source: plus.google.com/u/0/+SweeOh/posts

This second photo is special to me, because one of the things on my life's to do list is to surf a tidal bore.

(Nerdy) explanation of tidal bores

If I can score a tidal bore with scenery such as this, that would be a total bonus.

Source: plus.google.com/u/0/+SurfAlaskaNet/videos

This last photo is simply my attempt to post something meaty if you find the first two photos a little boring.

Hope this satiates...

Source: plus.google.com/u/0/+oneill/posts

The (whole) beauty of surfing

I've recently fallen in love with the idea of sharing the beauty and emotion of the whole surfing experience - warts and all.

Today's post, the below attached Vimeo clip, is an expression of this love.

The clip touches on the hit-and-miss of surfing with it's often fickle conditions and dud days. It also does a great job of showing the beautiful scenery we as surfers are often exposed to - particularly when we travel to remote locations. And finally, it effectively shares the joy of surfing when everything comes together and a great surf is had.

I hope you too enjoy watching it...


Pilgrimage Of Grace- A Northcore Film from Northcore on Vimeo.
Source: Vimeo

Surf images straight out of your dreams

More photos from the internet today.

I'm sure there's something here for everybody.

Source: plus.google.com/u/0/+AndrewBlackwell/posts

Source: plus.google.com/u/0/+AndrewBlackwell/posts

Source: plus.google.com/u/0/+AndrewBlackwell/posts

Source: plus.google.com/u/0/+AndrewBlackwell/posts

Smooth as silk

As I sit in the airport, on my way home, I find this surf clip on line.

There was no reason for me not to post it. It is one of the smoothest things I've ever seen in the water.

I so wish I could surf like this bloke.

Source: YouTube

Surf and wave pics

Well, it's the second to last day of my holidays and I'm short on time for a semi-decent post again.

I was able to scrounge together some good photos for you.

Enjoy.

Source: www.worldsurfaris.com/wordpress/index.php/world-surfaris-boat-trips/png-boats/png-surfaris-picture-teaser-2/

Source: www.worldsurfaris.com/wordpress/index.php/worldsurfaris-surf-news/surf-and-a-latte/attachment/png-surf-trip-89-6/

Source: www.worldsurfaris.com/wordpress/index.php/world-surfaris-boat-trips/png-boats/png-explorer-pic-teaser-3/

Source: http://theperfectwavetravelco.blogspot.com/2011/02/surfing-in-papua-new-guinea.html

Source: www.theperfectwave.com.au/blog/uncrowded-waves/next-in-the-surf-photography-trips-series-papua-new-guinea-on-board-png-explorer/

Source: www.worldsurfaris.com/wordpress/index.php/category/world-surfaris-boat-trips/png-boats/png-frontier-surfaris-remote-far-north-eastern-png/

Source: www.dailystoke.com/2010/06/papua-new-guinea-going-off-the-surf-map/

Source: www.surfertoday.com/travel/7931-surfing-crystal-waters-in-papua-new-guinea

Source: www.worldsurfaris.com/surf-travel/Papua-New-Guinea/Tupira-Surf-Club-Madang/testimonials/

Today's late post

Despite still being on holiday, and far away from the surf, I still found these three waves for you to enjoy.


Micah Lester : Cold Cove : The Winter Session from The Winter Session on Vimeo.
Source: Vimeo

More surf piccies

Dear readers,

I'm still on holidays away from the coast and am short on internet time. Please accept these quickly compiled photos in the mean time.

Source: www.surf-much.com/session/view/97/Ireland/West%20and%20South/Clare,%20Limerick%20and%20Kerry/Rileys

Source: www.surfaroundireland.com/2010/08/artic-surf-film.html

Source: martapiqsairlanda.blogspot.com/

Source: www.surfaroundireland.com/2010_10_01_archive.html

Source: surf-much.com/session/view/32/Ireland/North%20and%20East/Donegal%20and%20Sligo/

Holiday surf post

Sorry kids - I'm away on holiday for the next four days.

I've only got a surf piccy for you:

Source: www.wannasurf.com/spot/North_America/Canada/East_Coast/cow_bay_-_moose_rocks/photo/index.html?wdaction=lib.WDPagePhoto.show&file_id=74341

Source: lehmanhillfarm.blogspot.com/

Source: www.theinertia.com/surf/a-conversation-with-peter-devries/

Pro-level amateur surf footage

I'm on the run again today guys, so I only have a quick clip for you again.

Wish we were there!

Footage: YouTube

Would you like fries with that?

Today's clip is of a few amateur surfers scoring an epic session on a nicely sized right hand reef break.

Enjoy.


Footage: YouTube

Magic in Mexico

As is often the case when I go hunting for photos for you, today I typed 'Mexico surf' into Google's search bar.

Mexico satellite photo

View Larger Map
Source: maps.google.com/maps?hl=en-GB&tab=ml

Can you really blame me for doing so on such a regular basis? The place is just such a fond memory for me, and the photos that come out of the search are always memorable.

Source: www.wavehunters.com/mexico-surfing/salina-cruz-surf

If you believe all the photos in the media, Mexico is just pit, after pit, after pit.

Source: www.zaknoyle.com/index.php#mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=13&p=0&a=0&at=0

In reality, I can tell you that's not really true. Regardless, there are still great hollow waves to be found. You just have to know where to look and you need to be prepared to drive.

Source: www.surfline.com/surf-news/surf-trips-from-around-the-world_100552/

Reviewing my new surf beast

This is not a paid commercial...

... Just a strong personal endorsement for a super sweet surf mobile.

Source: www.technologytell.com/in-car-tech/1848/volvo-geely-get-in-on-research-center-game-as-well/

If you haven't already guessed, I've purchased a Swedish surf bus - a Volvo XC70 to be exact. 'XC' stands for 'Cross Country'. I've long believed this model would be appropriate for a city-based surfer like myself who's also partial to a spot of camping.

Truth be told, when I was looking for my car, a Volvo wasn't my first choice as I'm a passionate Subaru man. However, I couldn't pass this one up.

Below are two screen dumps of the on line advertisement that got me salivating.

Photo: Willy

The screen dump below lists many of the car's vitals. That being the case, I won't repeat all of them to you - but I will go through a few key ones.

All wheel drive: nice and handy for a surfer expecting to go places.

Turbo charged: always helps for smoking kooks racing you to the beach on an epic day.

Five cylinders: perfect (I always insisted four wasn't enough but six were too many).

Cruise control: ideal for chilling on the way home after a tiring session.

Heated seats: bring on winter!

Photo: Willy

So yesterday I went for a surf in my new wheels (the surf was plappy so it's not worth talking about).

The car proved it's city surf capabilities fitting three people and two boards very comfortably.

Photo: Willy

Our drive was made easier in both directions with the interior's wood-grain trim comforting us and creating a sense of 'home'.

Photo: Willy

Split seats are always a welcome addition in any suburban surf bus. They let you simply throw your board in whenever you're in need of a quick getaway.

Photo: Willy

Plenty of room inside - no need to say more here.

Photo: Willy

Photo: Willy

For those of you who are interested in the off-road performance capabilities of the XC70, 1999 vintage, I've attached two clips for you to watch if you wish.

If I'm objective, I'd have to say I'm a little disappointed in the car's apparent performance off-piste. It seems as though it's low clearance is one of its achilles heels...

Footage: YouTube

I guess its seeming inability to climb the below mound is another reason why, as much as I love this car, I'm a still a Subaru man. I strongly feel that my 1997 Subaru Forester would have made this much more easily.

Footage: YouTube

Despite this, I still do love my new old Volvo and have general positive feelings about it.

If you want to learn more about today's version of the XC70, please click on the link below:

Link to Volvo XC70 site

If you just want to learn more about Volvo's in general, go to the link below:

Link to Volvo cars site

And if you don't give a crap about any of this, and just want to see a sweet wave, I've attached a picture below just for you.

Source: www.surfline.com/travel/index.cfm?id=7263

A colder part of Australia

Today's video comes courtesy of Australia's most southern, and coldest, state: Tasmania

Australia satellite photo

Tasmania satellite photo

View Larger Map
Source: maps.google.com/maps?hl=en-GB&tab=ml

I've often regarded 'Tassie' as one of Australia's last surfing frontiers (along with the whole west coast and most of the southwest coast I guess - now that I think about it).

I feel the small population, sparse infrastructure, and cold temperatures would make it harder for the sport to go all pop-culture there.

And with little jewels like this hiding around the place, it seems to be a place well worth the visit.


Tasmania Points from Andy Chiz on Vimeo.
Source: Vimeo

Beautiful

Surfing beauty comes in a number of forms.

Some beauty comes in the form of shapes colours and textures...

Source: plus.google.com/u/0/111631245734319873008/posts

... And some beauty comes in the form of our planet's living creatures.

Source: plus.google.com/u/0/111631245734319873008/posts

Choice and cheezy

Today I've gone on a bit of a photo frenzy.

I've gone on line (aka 'my happy hunting ground') and dug up a series of sweet pics for you.

I've posted them in order from the merely good, to the incredible.

Source: kurungabaa.net/2011/06/21/surfing-taiwan-note-3/

Source: magicseaweed.com/photoLab/viewPhoto.php?photoId=290070&photoOfTheDay

Source: surfingtaiwan.com/

Source: surfingtaiwan.com/

Source: denver.dumb1.com/

And I thought, after all of that juice, I'd finish today's post with a little bit of Aussie cuteness.

Source: instagram.com/p/ZqwniVFUrB/

A vid in a dash

Dear readers:

Sorry, today's another day where I'm on the dash.

Please accept this short surf clip as a token of my apology.


The Clocktower from Roger Sharp on Vimeo.
Footage: Vimeo

A good surf and a poor toilet

So I've been in the US for some months now - all of which has been without a car.

Well I finally pulled my finger out last week and got my self some wheels. I'll blog about my new surf bus later though...

This story's about the morning I took off work to pick it up.

I needed to pick my new car up from Manhattan Beach - near El Porto Beach in Los Angeles, California, USA - at about 11am.

USA satellite photo

California satellite photo

Los Angeles satellite photo

El Porto satellite photo

View Larger Map
Source: maps.google.com/maps?hl=en-GB&tab=cl

Since that gave me an excuse for a morning off, Pam and I decided to head down early, go for a surf, and grab breakfast.

On the day, we got up early(ish) and headed down.

Photo: Willy

We were greeted with a perfect, still morning with a nice pulse of swell pushing through on the incoming tide.

Photo: Willy

We surfed for as long as we could before we needed to get out. That being said, we probably couldn't have surfed any longer since the tide had well and truly swallowed things up by the time we go out.

Photo: Willy

So, that was a good part of my morning.

The bad part of my morning was needing to use the public toilets at El Porto for a 'number 2'. I don't want to sound like a prude, but for me, toilet time is private time.

What's the deal with these low partitions?!

While I had no intentions of sharing anything with anybody, I went none-the-less. Such was the urgency.

So, if any El Porto bound surfers out there value their privacy (and dignity), I suggest you go at home before you head down.

Disgrace.

(Rushed) Photo: Willy

After the lowest point of my morning, Pam and I headed to the local strip in Manhattan Beach called Highland Avenue.

Highland Avenue satellite photo

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Source: maps.google.com/maps?hl=en-GB&tab=ml

What can I say, that place is gold!

There a loads of eateries to choose from - all of which are funky and offer something unique.

Surfing or no surfing, I'll be heading there again.

Photo: Willy

Aside from the cuisine, the views up and down the streets and walkways are lovely. It's such a quaint looking place considering it's in the heart of big, smokey LA.

Photo: Willy