hiya wa howa aswat

"This is a very similar angle and set up to a photo I shot a few years ago that was awarded Photo of the Year by SURFER. This was actually taken two years later and it really depicts just how varied nature can be. You have the heaving tube with Kalani Chapman, the double rainbow, the mountains, and the rain. They're all lined up and working together." Photo: Noyle




"I took this photo of Slater and Reef McIntosh during the Eddie. The people behind the event asked me if I wanted to swim Waimea during the event and, being young and naive, I said yes. Turned out two other people declined it before me. It was pretty nuts. I was terrified, but to be given a front-row seat to such a special event was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Photo: Noyle


WORDS AND PHOTOS BY ZAK NOYLE
"I love this angle. You have Jamie O'Brien going switch at Pipe and you can make out the other photographers on the shoulder. For this shot, I was actually swimming back out and just turned around really quickly as the wave broke and Jamie flew by. I actually didn't even know he was going switch until I looked at the images later that night."


"This is Makua Rothman at Pipe. I love the color of this image. When I took it, I was actually caught inside from the wave before and was trying not to get pounded. So as I was swimming back out, I saw Makua on this gem. I guess getting caught inside for this moment was both a blessing and a curse." Photo: Noyle


"This is Danny Fuller at Teahupoo shot with an over-under rig. We flew down to Tahiti thinking it was going to be big, but the swell never really materialized when we got there. So we decided to get a little weird and played around with this over-under rig and got some amazing results that wound up being used as a feature in SURFER." Photo: Noyle


"This image of Zeke Lau was taken in Honolulu and is a really different perspective than I normally shoot. I wanted to really put the viewer in the water, so I was going for angles that were similar to what you would see if you were paddling out to the lineup." Photo: Noyle


"Randall Paulson, who is pictured here on a huge wave at Pipe, was the first person to show me the ropes at Pipe. I think I was 20 or 21 and he taught me where to swim, where to sit, and what to look for when you're shooting Pipe. So to be able to get a shot like this of a guy that helped me so much feels really good. Thanks again, Randall." Photo: Noyle


"What a lot of people don't realize is just how close we, as water photographers, get to our subjects. This photo of Billy Kemper was shot this past winter and Billy actually hit my housing with his rail as he flew by. He was apologizing after and I told him, 'Don't apologize! I think we just got a really good one.'" Photo: Noyle


"What I love about this photo is just how green the water is. It's a photo of Dane Gudauskas on a really solid one at Pipe. I think it'd been raining for about a week straight, which gave the water at Pipe this odd green tinge. It contrasted really well with the blue sky overhead." Photo: Noyle


"I shot this photo of Stephen Koehne at Off The Wall during the Volcom Pipe Pro a few years back. A lot of the waves were closing out, but there were a few that were absolutely perfect. I was the only photographer shooting this session and it's one of the most memorable days of my life. At one point during this session, I actually lost my housing and camera with all of my photos. Thank God I found it." Photo: Noyle


"Early mornings and late afternoons are my favorite time to shoot Pipe. Typically, Pipe gets a little bit of morning sickness so it's not always good at first light. But this particular day, I had a feeling we would score so Danny Fuller and I paddled out at dark, hoping to get a few by ourselves. It was firing and the early morning light made the photo really unique." Photo: Noyle

Collapsible surfboards, folding surfboards or travel surfboards. No matter how you name them, they will be very useful if you're a frequent surf traveler.

Yes, they're special. They've not been shaped the classic way, and they've serve a different goal. In a time when it's easier to travel by air, but airline companies are not surfer-friendly, a portable surfboard is always a genius idea. Think of how Lego and Meccano got popular.

Karl Pope and Thomas Price were the pioneers of portable surfing. In 1964, they registered the patent for the first ever collapsible surfboard, "characterized by its simplicity of construction and in its adaptability to economical manufacture". Pope later developed a commercial version named Bisect.


In 1966, Herman Bank, a JPL engineer, cut a surfboard into two pieces so that it would be easier to transport. The Multiboard, also known as the "suitcase surfboard", didn't find room in the surf shops.

The collapsible surfboard market is still building its structures in the conservative surf industry circuit. After all, how would you promote a surfboard than can be divided into many pieces?

Two purposes may be sufficiently appealing. Get a surfboard on a car trunk, or get a surfboard in an airplane. Still not convinced? Why don't you consider it as an exotic alternative addition to your quiver? They're light and offer adjustable flex.

Modeling and analysis (Pado, Schiel, Cole, Harvey and Dragoesi, 2012, University of California) of different cuts and shapes show that the ideal design consists of four sections connecting at 60 degrees.


Nicholas Notara designed a black, carbon-fiber collapsible surfboard. Two pins and a quick release lever turn this five-fin setup beauty into half its size for easier transportation and storage. Notara's "C2", a concept model, has never seen the light of day, but it looked good.

Walden Surfboards develops four tri-fold models. The secret lies behind a steel cable, cedar wood and metal caps. They've been tested in the waves and do their job nicely.

Multiple Exchange Surfboards lets you choose a nose for your board, and then a specific tail design. That's it. Board ready.


If you're looking for a custom-built surfboard that break into two, three or four pieces, don't expect high performances. Portability and fun are the main ingredients. Say goodbye to excess baggage fees.

The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) has announced the acquisition of the Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards.

The sole governing body of professional surfing promises to expand its reach and co-sponsorship opportunities, while Billabong maintains a key naming rights position.

"This is a platform to honor the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to the art of big wave surfing and we are honored to continue this tradition in future years," says Paul Speaker, CEO at ASP.

The Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards were founded in the 1990s by Bill Sharp, when big wave surfing was just and underground movement.

Held annually at the Grove Theatre in Anaheim, the Billabong XXL Awards has traditionally honored a cross-section of big wave accolades, including: Paddle Award, Biggest Wave Award, Men's and Women's Performance Award, Wipeout Award, Biggest Tube Award and the top-line Ride of the Year.


"The XXL Property is now in its 15th year - over this time period the event has gone off every year and over $1.5 million of prize money has been awarded to the big wave surf community," adds Graham Stapelberg, marketing manager at ASP.

“I think I just fell in love with that feeling you get from being terrified but still doing it.” He says. Ironically, it was the urge to provide his mum with some real estate as a reward for helping him conquer his fears, which pushed him on, and almost killed him. Nothing ventured, nothing gained…

The Harlem Globetrotters have gone surfing at Puaena Point Beach, on the Oahu's North Shore.

What are famous basketball players doing in boardshorts? Enjoying summer holidays? Taking a break after a strenuous game? Working on a tan?

Bull Bullard and Flight Time Lang, dunker and dribbler for the Harlem Globetrotters, have rapidly learned how to ride waves in the warm waters of Hawaii. After a quick introduction to surfing, the stars hit the waves and impressed.

With 12-foot surfboards, Bullard and Lang caught wave after wave, showing talent and ease in the water, and even got comfortable enough for some ball tricks and spins while wave riding. After all, they couldn't stop being basketball players.

"It's the number one hardest thing. If you don't do this every day, if you don't take it seriously, you could hurt yourself or kill yourself. It was our first time doing it. So we weren't pro, but we got the hang of it," Bullard told The Huffington Post.


The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team founded in 1927. They have already played more than 20,000 exhibition games in 120 countries.

Gabriel Medina is the captain of the pro surfing fleet, as the ship reaches the warm waters of Copacabana for the 2014 Billabong Rio Pro, in Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro is a busy world capital. The FIFA Brazil 2014 is about to kick off in the multiple green fields of the country, and tourists are flocking to Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) for the world's most popular sports event.

But Gabriel Medina is currently focused on his own challenge. The young talented surfer from Maresias wants to add another page to the history of his own sport. That is why he is a man on a mission. Could he be the first ever Brazilian to claim a world surfing title?

At Barra da Tijuca, there will be a packed beach full of Brazilians cheering him and Adriano de Souza. If the spot doesn't pump, there's always Arpoador and Canto do Recreio as backup sites.

The 2014 Billabong Rio Pro will be surfed between 7th-18th May, in Rio de Janeiro.

2014 Billabong Rio Pro Round 1 Matchups:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza, Bede Durbidge, Dion Atkinson
Heat 2: Gabriel Medina, Sebastian Zietz, Tiago Pires
Heat 3: Taj Burrow, Adrian Buchan, Raoni Monteiro
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson, Adam Melling, Brett Simpson
Heat 5: Kelly Slater, Jeremy Flores, Peterson Crisanto
Heat 6: Mick Fanning, Mitch Crews, David do Carmo
Heat 7: Josh Kerr, Fred Patacchia, Travis Logie
Heat 8: Jordy Smith, Filipe Toledo, Aritz Aranburu
Heat 9: Julian Wilson, Miguel Pupo, Alejo Muniz
Heat 10: Nat Young, Glenn Hall, Jadson Andre
Heat 11: Michel Bourez, Owen Wright, Matt Wilkinson
Heat 12: John John Florence, CJ Hobgood, Kolohe Andino

2014 ASP World Championship Tour Rankings:

1. Gabriel Medina (BRA) - 19,200
2. Joel Parkinson (AUS) - 18,400
3. Mick Fanning (AUS) - 16,950
4. Kelly Slater (USA) - 16,900
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) - 16,250

Recently California’s Dillon Perillo offered his five favorite summer surf destinations. Because we’re all about equality, for this week’s column we headed east to see what Floridian Evan Geiselman has on his itinerary.

Costa Rica is possibly the most tried and true summer escape. Photo: Lowe-White

Costa Rica: A staple in the diet of many traveling surfers, Costa Rica has been a part of our collective must-travel list since the early ’90s. “It’s definitely one of my all-time favorite places to surf in the world,” says Evan. “The waves are awesome and in the summer there’s a bunch of south swell that lights up Central America, so I try to make it there whenever I can.”

Airfare from Florida to San Jose: $500+

Boards to Bring: Although the surf in the area can get throaty, the majority of the setups are playful beachbreaks. Your standard shortboard and a backup fish/funboard should do the trick.


Where to Stay: Costa Rica is home to a number of surf camps that cater specifically to traveling surfers. With a plethora of options in the north, central, and southern parts of the country, finding a place to lay your head shouldn’t be a problem.

Tahiti: If you’re looking to test yourself in the South Pacific, then Tahiti may be the trip for you.
Breathtaking beauty, frequent south swells, and a whole host of lineups wait for you once you land in Papeete. “I’ve only been there once, but in the summer it breaks often with all the south swell they get,” says Evan. “Teahupoo is one of my favorite waves—I really can’t wait to go back.”

Airfare from Florida to Papeete, Tahiti: $2,000+

Boards to Bring: There’s much more to Tahiti than just Teahupoo, but with that said, you just might want to scare yourself for the barrel of a lifetime. In addition to your standard shortboard, you should bring a few step-ups. Don’t be fooled, even the most inviting Tahitian reef passes can claim skin.


Where to Stay: If you’re going to surf Teahupoo, your choices are limited to a few homes that act as bed and breakfast inns. You’re best bet is to ask around and try to find a friend of a friend to stay with. The Tahitians are truly hospitable people and will treat you like family.

Indonesia: With more than 18,000 islands and countless reefs making up Indonesia, you’re more likely to get the wave of your life here than anywhere else. “I always find myself going to Indo at least once a summer. Between doing a boat trip to some remote stretch or going to Bali, I always look forward to it and we almost always score.”

Airfare from Florida to Bali: $2,500+

Boards to Bring: Leave your fun boards at home. Your quiver should consist of equipment for barreling lineups. Although many of the waves are rippable, you’re not traveling to Indo to do cutbacks.


Where to Stay: If you’re heading to Bali, we recommend spending a few days near Keramas, Uluwatu, and Canggu. If you’re hell bent on raising hell, grab a hotel room in Kuta for the weekend. For most other Indo trips, you’ll be laying your sunburnt head either on a boat huffing diesel fumes or at one of the hundreds of surf camps in the island nation.

Outer Banks: As all-American as surf trips come, a well-timed strike mission to the Outer Banks should be on the list of every East Coast surfer. “I want to spend a lot more time there this summer,” says Evan. “When we get hurricane swell on the East Coast it gets really good up there. I haven’t yet scored it, but I hope that changes soon.”

Airfare from Florida to North Carolina: Are you kidding? If you hustle, you can drive there from Cocoa Beach in about a day.

Boards to Bring: When you’re loading up your truck (many Outer Banks peaks require four-wheel drive) we advise bringing something with a rounded pin and a little foam. It wouldn’t hurt to bring a few spares in the event that you score classic OBX tubes.


Where to Stay: Since you began this trip in your truck, why not save a few hundred bucks and sleep in the back of it? If you have a shell or camper and a proper sleeping bag, you’ll be sleeping in style. Otherwise, good luck finding a hotel vacancy during the summer months.

California: Think Southern California is overrun with people and all the good peaks are painfully crowded? Well, you’re absolutely right. You may not score empty perfection, but you will find playful waves, attractive women, and Lower Trestles. “I love being in California in the summer,” says Evan. “There’s tons going on and you can surf Lowers almost every day.”

Airfare from Florida to Los Angeles: $400+

Boards to Bring: Save yourself some baggage fees and don’t bring anything. Half of San Clemente is populated with world-class shapers. Either order one ahead of time for pick up when you land, or go check out the factories for the best deal on off-the-rack models.


Where to Stay: If you’re going solo for the whole summer, you can rent a room for a few months via Craigslist. If you’ve outgrown vagabonding and work as a hedge fund manager, we hear good things about the Ritz that overlooks Salt Creek.

The British Army Surf Team and the US Marine Corps Surf Team will literally battle themselves in the waves of Del Mar Jetty, Southern California, on the 24th May, 2014.

The innovative event will see a 10-man team surf relay, with 10 minute rolling heats, and a maximum of three waves per heat, with the best wave counting.

"We are really stoked to get out there and compete against our fellow service men in the States. The competition will be tough, competing at their local surf breaks, against a very experienced and well practiced USMC team, but we are more than up for the challenge", says Capt Joe Robinson, secretary of the British Army surfing team.

"We will improve our competition skills with a 12-day surf camp along the Southern Californian coast, in the run up to the comp, to help acclimatise and get used to the breaks".


The contest is part of the Red Bull Rivals International Surf Competition.

Jake Paterson has been crowned the Kailis' King of the Point 2014, in the City of Stirling, Australia.

Yallingup surfers claimed three of the four divisions contested at the King of the Point 2014. The heated final between Paterson and Mitch Taylor saw Jake holding onto his crown for another term, with a combined total of 15.60 points.

"I'm super happy to win, it was tough conditions today and I just made the most of it. I got down here early and had a little warm up session which I think really made the difference, because in my first heat I just knew which were the good [waves] and which were the bad ones, and just got the job done," says Paterson.

Reigning Queen Claire Bevilacqua proved experience is key when taking out a back-to-back crown with a combined score of 15.47 against Bailee Hastie with 11.44, Skip Van Peer with 10.93 and Emi Campbell with 10.03.

"It's really fun to be back and competing and hopefully next year we can get a few more girls involved and all the juniors down here doing it. I'm always going to be a Perth girl really and Jake and I winning again this year is pretty funny as we're here doing it for the old dogs," adds Bevilacqua.

Controversy in the Prince of the Point put Trigg's Pascal Hutchinson in fourth place after an interference call on Jake Edwards in third place, with James Fleming, who also took out the Expression Session, in second place, and Yallingup's Kael Walsh taking out first place.

The Lord of the Point Over 30s final saw two points separating first from fourth place, with Karrinyup's Drew Everest coming out on top with a combined score of 16.50 over Mick Jardine with a 14.94, Luke Hayter with a 14.40, and Kerry Whitford with a 13.84.

Jake Paterson and Claire Bevilacqua have earned themselves a spot into the trials of the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro 2015.

Kailis' King of the Point 2014 Results:
King (Open Men's)
1. Jake Paterson (Yallingup)
2. Mitch Taylor (Trigg)
Queen (Open Women's)
1. Claire Bevilacqua (Yallingup)
2. Bailee Hastie (Margaret River)
3. Skip Van Peer (Mandurah)
4. Emi Campbell (Denmark)
Prince (Pro Junior U21)
1. Kael Walsh (Yallingup)
2. James Fleming (Geraldton)
3. Jake Edwards (Cottesloe)
4. Pascal Hutchinson (Trigg)

Lord (Masters Over 30s)
1. Drew Everest (Karrinyup)
2. Mick Jardine (Trigg)
3. Luke Hayter (Scarborough)
4. Kerry Whitford (Trigg)

In the words of Jake Paterson, talent can only take you so far and it’s a long hard road if you want to be a professional surfer. Perhaps nobody knows that better than Maui surfing phenom Clay Marzo.

At age 15, as part of Quiksilver’s ‘Young Guns’ programme, Clay was heralded as the most talented up-coming grom in the world, eventually earning himself his very own profile movie at age 18 ‘Clay Marzo, Just Add Water’, in which the great Andy Irons also declared him as the best 18 year old ripper in the world. His natural talent and potential were off the chart.

However, as the profile film also pointed out, diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome it was highly likely Clay would find it difficult to navigate his way in the cut throat world of professional surfing. In the words of surf photog Jimmy Wilson, “Eventually if you keep turning down opportunities, they’re not gonna come anymore.”

Now 24, Clay Marzo finds himself at a crossroads in his career and Epic TV recently caught up with the inspirational Hawaiian ripper to find out what Clay is thinking.

Garrett McNamara will surf the wake of the catamarans that cross the Tagus River, in Lisbon, Portugal, on the 28th April, 2014.

The Hawaiian big wave rider was invited to surf the "Gasoline" river wave, an artificial ride created by modern full-throttle catamarans which connect Lisbon and Barreiro.

The "Gasoline" surf spot is only available six days per month, depending on the schedule of the big boat, the tide and moon phase. It offers a two-foot wave that can be ridden for up to 150 meters.

Garrett Mcnamara will also participate in a documentary about his relationship with the Portuguese coastline. The record for the world's largest wave ever ridden by a surfer still stands in Praia do Norte, Nazare.


Discover  the best river waves in the world.

Wavelength Magazine has been bought by a group of surfers and is seeking crowd funding support to keep it alive in print and digital environments.

In 1981, photographers John Conway and Jeff Tydeman gave birth Wavelength. Europe's longest running surf mag has been traveling through decades of change in the surf industry, and in media.

When Wavelength was born, there was no internet and Mark Richards was ruling the IPS World Circuit. Kelly Slater was an unknown surfer, and there were still two German states.

In the following years, John Conway would sadly pass away with cancer. The surf mag changed owners - Cornwall and Devon Media, and later Wild Bunch Media - and is now fully controlled by surfers.

"The magazine isn't going anywhere, in fact it's getting even better, higher quality, with a tight team of top image makers and writers to put together a bi-monthly journal which is firmly focussed on long form journalism, incredible exclusive imagery and the love of being a surfer from The British Isles," the Wavelength team explains.7

"We want to produce a mag that you have to pick up in a newsagent, can't wait for it to land on your door mat and to do that we need to make it all together."


Tim Nunn, surf and adventure photographer, is leading the ship into new and favorable swells.

Feet position on a surfboard is critical. From the moment you pop-up until you reach the white water, your feet will be constantly working and shifting. How do you stand up on the board?

In surfing, feet mean balance, control and speed. With the help of your hips and arms, your feet will swing you through the optimal surf line. That is why feet positioning on a surfboard is a must-have lesson.

Fortunately, there's a golden rule. Your front foot should always be in the middle of the plank - lengthwise and widthwise - regardless of what size your board is. That is the classic, general position.

Your front foot is controlling the board and should always be placed over the stringer, except when you're maneuvering in the waves, no matter if you're a regular, goofy-foot or switch-foot surfer.

The same rule applies to your back foot. The standard mode tells us that your back foot should be positioned on the opposite side of the front fins. If you use a traction pad, it will be well over the grip.


If you want to turn quicker or adjust it for a maneuver, then your back foot will slide back towards the tail. This slight adjustment will loose the board in critical wave sections.


In advanced surfing, both feet will be shifting around over the surfboard. In other words, you're constantly adapting to different situations. For example: moving forward for barrels and aerials, and moving backward for lip attack.

If you're looking for speed, your feet may move forward in the nose direction. If you need to carve hard or go straight off the lip, then your feet should move backwards.

If you're riding the right surfboard for your weight/height, you'll notice that your feet will be about shoulder width apart. Get used to your feet position when taking off, in order to avoid unnecessary correction during each ride.


As a conclusion: your back foot is usually the brake and your front is the gas pedal. Keep up the momentum and get your feet on the right place, next time you paddle for a perfect wave. Small changes make miracles.

Aerial surfing has been gaining momentum in modern waves. How does a surfer pull an aerial? Learn the winning formula of airborne surfing in 10 easy steps.

Taking a surfboard into the air, well above the lip, requires technique, experimentation and a good wave ramp. Frontside punts are accessible to the average surfer.

Old school surfers were not designed for aerial surfing, so they had to learn with the young surf generation. Today, surf magazines love aerials in their covers.

The first aerial featured in the cover of surf magazine was scored by Kevin Reed, in December 1975. The door to new school surfing had been opened quietly by skateboarders and their ollies.

By the beginning of the 21st century, aerial tricks and moves are part of the surf judging criteria, at least, in small-to-medium height waves. You may not fly up to the skies, but it is important to learn how to take off from the lip of the wave.

To learn how to do an aerial in surfing you need a shortboard, a light onshore breeze over the lip of the selected wave and speed. The aerial winning formula is:
1. Take-off in a steep two-to-three foot wave.
2. Pump for speed and target a closing section or a breaking wave lip.
3. Maintain a straight oblique surf line towards the selected launch pad.
4. Widen your stance, kick the tail with 66% of your feet weight, let the surfboard leave the lip and raise your knees foot to chest level.
5. Control the excessive weight of your back foot with a slight push of the front foot over the board.
6. As your surfboard takes it to the air, smoothly drive it to the landing site.
7. Grab a rail to correct the trajectory, if needed.
8. Turn your eyes, head and body to the flats.
9. Stay low, bend your knees and torso to prepare for land impact.
10. Distribute your weight on both feet and finish the air move.

Flight technique is the most important skill when it comes to aerials in surfing. The decisive moment arrives when your surfboard is about to leave the wave face. When you pop up out of the lip, your front foot should be in the center of the board and your rear foot should be in the traction pad.

As you strike the tail, let your body fly as high as possible in the air. The front foot will control the surfboard flight towards the landing site, be it flats or white water.

Speed is critical in aerial surf maneuvers. The highest speed you get down the line, the highest aerial you will pull. Try to get airborne off the wave ramp as many times as possible until you complete. Practice will make you pull the first ever aerial of your surfing life.>

A group of surf entrepreneurs from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has developed "Surf Sauna" for cold water surfers who discover paradise in a hot shower after a gelid surf session.

There's nothing like feeling cold. When the water temperature is below 50°F (10°C), we wish we could be sitting in a tropical sunny beach, surrounded by warm grains of sand.

Fortunately, surfers think. Tyler Sauter, Ross Beane and Zak Robinson developed a warm retreat for surfers who brave cold water surf spots, in order to make winter relaxing. Simple yet effective.

"Surf Sauna" may accommodate up to eight freezing surfers. It is built with Western Red Cedar, which is naturally rot resistant and antimicrobial. The chassis and hardware are made from marine grade galvanized and stainless steel to hold up to years of salt water exposure.

Temperatures inside may reach 194°F (90°C), and the list of optional extras include an off road kit, changing tent and shower, or a propane stove upgrade.

They've thought of everything. Plus, and very important, it's portable. "Surf Sauna" can be bought or rented by the day. This cold water surfing antidote will be yours starting at $16,400.


The price includes surf racks, a wood fired stove, the aluminum brim, and brass hatch. Surf clubs and schools will definitely love the idea.

'John [John Florence] is really bad at giving skate lessons'

In professional-surfing jargon, a “lay day” is when a surf contest is called off for the day due to less-than-ideal conditions. For surfers on the ASP World Championship Tour, it’s a welcome respite from the stress of competition. That said, you never really know when it’s going to be a lay day, so when one is called by the contest director early in the morning, the first thing pro surfers do is ask each other, “What are we going to do today?”

"Joel Parkinson Pro Surf Training" is a mobile phone app with 30 programs and over 150 surfing specific exercises to make you a stronger, faster, better surfer.

Joel Parkinson and Wes Berg have teamed up to produce a smartphone application which allows you to prepare your body for different wave needs.

From long point breaks to big barrels, and perfect beach breaks, the app has different programs so you can train and improve in the types of waves you want to surf.

Each exercise replicates the body movements used in surfing so what you do in the gym directly translates to the way you perform in the water.

The app focus on core strength, leg power, and balance. It is designed to give all surfers, from beginners through to experts, the tools and confidence to be the best surfer they can be.


Record workouts, track your progress and let friends know what sessions you have completed. "Joel Parkinson Pro Surf Training" is available for iOS and Android.

Some heavy duty tube threading all over the place from Clay Crandal…

Improving your swim strokes means catching more and better waves. Paddle power is not a technique, rather it is the result of a quality fitness workout.

Have you ever felt out of breath in the early minutes of a normal surf session? Are your arms in pain? Don't worry, you're definitely not alone in the line-up.

Whether you're escaping from a freak set or paddling for a small, mushy, summer wave, you'll need well-trained arms and lungs. And don't forget to maintain a correct body positioning on a surfboard.

Strong strokes can be built, no matter how old you are. Have you got a standup paddle board? You should, because it will strengthen shoulders, biceps and triceps. That's endurance paddling training.

Do you live near a swimming pool? Schedule a one hour intensive training, twice a week, with short and fast sprints. With time, you'll be generating more speed per stroke.

Extend your arm, open your torso and focus on a determined, deep stroke, with full physical commitment. Fingers are decisive. Although you might initially feel that closed fingers are more effective, science has a different winning formula.

Researchers have proved that the optimal width between fingers is 20 to 40 percent. Timing is also critical. Make sure your non-paddling arm is not causing drag. As for your paddling arm, bend the elbow, lift the chest and push the body up.

You'll notice that your hip will be almost touching your hand by the end of each stroke. With your body perfectly aligned with the surfboard, you'll rapidly feel that you're paddling faster. One stroke at a time, and steadily developing muscle memory.

When the wave comes, prepare for an extra boost, maintaining balance over the board and performing a down-up chest movement in the critical pop-up moment. If you lift the chest too much, the surfboard's tail will sink in the water causing drag.


Finally, if you're surfing in small wave conditions, take an extra paddle before popping up. In large surf don't it, otherwise you'll probably be too fast for the steep drop.

New Zealand's first artificial surf reef will be removed from Mount Maunganui.

The $1.5 million investment was a dream that started in the late 1990s. It promised world-class rides and up to 50 surfers at a time in the waves.

The submerged reef was placed 250 meters offshore from the corner of Tay Street and Marine Parade, five minutes drive south of the main beach.

The structure was never fully completed, and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council decided it was time to remove the reef to reduce risk to swimmers in the area. There are dangerous rips nearby.


The artificial surf reef was designed by ASR Limited, the same company that failed to deliver a quality solution in Boscombe, England. ASR has gone into liquidation.

Surfers love sandals. Who doesn't love to feel the warm sand while looking at a perfect peeling wave?

Surf sandals connect us to the place we call home. When we're at the beach, we're in tune with the elements.
Modern sandals go beyond the summer season. They're comfortable, durable, soft and anatomically designed to adapt to your feet.

Sandals for surfers offer fluffy soles and have become part of essential accessories we must own in our beach life.

There are two main types of surfing sandals: flip-flops and walking sandals. You will wear them in different occasions.

Flip-flops, also known as thong sandals, are the classic beach sandals. They will let your feet breathe, and feel the grain sands and salted water.

Walking sandals will allow you to drive your car and explore steep streets of your favorite surf town, with extra protection around your toes.

Reef is one of the leading brands in the surf sandal world. They've been blending nubuck, feather foam and high density EVA outsole to produce outstanding sandals for the most demanding surfer.

Rainbow has been making surf sandals since 1972. The founder designed a sandal that looks good, feels great, and doesn't wear out. These are premium sandals for life.

Sanuk says "they're not shoes, they're sandals". We agree. Their super soft touch offer a classic look for the contemporary surfer.

Freewaters is in the surf sandal market with style and natural feeling. Some models are Vegan-friendly and contain no animal materials or by-products.

Cobian is a beach lifestyle brand with multiple models for men and women. The conservative offer contrasts with the rad and colored sandals available in the market.

Olukai is known for its luxury Hawaiian surf sandals. You'll find premium upper leather models, as well as larger, wider arch and toe area footwear.

Hurley promises the most comfortable sandal yet. The brand offers technology that mimics how the foot moves, and soft EVA footbed that molds to your foot.

Quiksilver has flip-flops for all tastes. Wether you prefer traction sandals or helm sandals, the surf style is always there.


O'Neill presents affordable, quality beach sandals in multiple cream colors and patterns.

Rip Curl has launched the world's first surf watch with a built-in GPS system.

The Rip Curl Search GPS watch will track your surf, register your top speed and distance and rack up your wave count in each session.

You can easily sync your data to the Rip Curl Search App or website to re-live your surf with location maps, image sharing and graphic charts which showcase your session.

The new revolution will try to connect surfing and speed, once again. In 2011, the professional surfing circuit tried an innovative speed management system.

The GPS device tracked the surfers' performance in order to unofficially "crown" a speed champion. The idea got lost in the ether and the ASP World Tour quietly discontinued the GPS test.


The Rip Curl Search GPS watch will get things personal. You'll be able to build your own rankings and compare it with others.

Thousands of surfers and sailors have honored the life of Hobie Alter in an impressive memorial paddle-out, at Doheny State Beach, California.

The man who teamed up with Gordon Clark to use polyurethane foam in modern surfboards had only one wish: a traditional Hawaiian paddle-out ceremony after he died.

"It was unbelievable. It was unbelievable. I knew there'd be quite a few people here, I didn't think this many, so it's a great day,", says Hobie Jr, reliving the hundreds of flowers in the water and raised paddles in the air.
Hobie Alter was a watercraft pioneer. After setting up a revolution in surfing, the entrepreneur from Ontario, California, designed and developed the famous and iconic Hobie Cat sailboat.


During the Hawaiian paddle-out ceremony, the Orange County Harbor Patrol boat sprayed water, creating a rainbow. Alter passed away at 80. His legacy will surely live on forever.

Mick Fanning has conquered the Rip Curl Bells Beach 2014, in two-to-four foot surf at Winkipop, Victoria, Australia.

The all-Australian final saw Fanning coming up against an in-form Taj Burrow, who had just defeated John John Florence, one of the standouts of the early rounds.

Burrow logged a few small scores, while Fanning waited patiently for a quality set wave. Fanning would not falter on his opening ride, surgically dismantling the righthander for an excellent 8.83. The reigning two-time ASP World Champion's precision continued, adding an additional 8.00 to his scoreline.

Burrow was in need of big scores entering the back half of the heat and the veteran would deliver, blitzing a steep wall with tail-drifting turns for a near-perfect 9.63, clawing his way back in to the heat.

But with no notable set to match, Fanning was able to use priority to his advantage for the remainder of the heat, holding on to claim his third Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach title.

"After that result (13th) in Margaret River I went home and worked really hard and I'm so pleased that the hard work paid off. Congratulations to Taj, I've never been so nervous for nine minutes of my life, he surfed amazingly," says Mick Fanning.

"We got to surf everywhere at this event which was awesome, we got to surf the Bowl, Rincon and to finish at Winkipop. It's always been my dream to surf a Heat at Winkipop. This is such a special event for me and I feel comfortable here. With the calibre of surfers on Tour at the moment there's never an easy heat and it keeps it so exciting."

Rip Curl Bells Beach 2014 Final:
Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.83 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 13.46

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Semifinal:

Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.43 def. John John Florence (HAW) 13.43
Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.20 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 17.36

Surfers will paddle faster if they spread their fingers optimally.

Paddling faster is a competitive advantage. You'll catch more and better waves. There are several paddling tips and techniques to get your surfboard moving faster.

Interestingly, the ultimate paddling/swimming secret is in the fingers of our hands. Scientists from the University of Toulouse (France), Duke University (USA), and the University of Pretoria (South Africa) have contradicted common sense.

"A larger paddle means a larger force exerted on the surrounding water body, not a higher efficiency", explains the paper published in the Journal of Theoretical Biology.

Although spaced fingers create a greater force and not greater power, spaced fingers are advantageous.
"The explanation is that the greater force lifts the body higher above the water line, and this leads to greater swimming speed, which is in line with the rest of the constructal-law design for animal swimming."
In the paper "The constructal-law physics of why swimmers must spread their fingers and toes", published in 2012, we can discover that the optimal spacing was confirmed by computer simulations of water flowing frontally.

Researchers found out that the optimal spacing is in the 20%-40% range. In other words, the total force is 53% greater when the fingers are spaced optimally.

"The optimal spacing is twice the boundary layer thickness of one finger. The speed advantage comes from the greater force, which lifts more mass above water," the study concludes.
"It is a counterintuitive idea, the fact that you should paddle with a fork, not with an oar. It's like having an invisible web," adds Adrian Bejan, one of the study's contributors, and professor of mechanical engineering at Duke University.


So, next time you're paddling for a mushy wave, make sure you've slightly opened your fingers.

What do you do when you're 15-year-old bodyboarder with a broken arm? Ask Marli Dunn and he will tell you.

Marli Dunn is a young bodyboarding talent from South Durras, Australia. He loves bodyboarding, but how can you possibly do that with a broken arm. Are you waiting for it to improve?
Of course not. Dunn took an old bodyboard, made two holes and added a thick rope. That's it. Ready to ride.

Marli Dunn is seeking help to pursued a professional bodyboarding career. The potential sponsors should know that he can get barreled with a white plaster cast.


Like Milton Berle once said: "if opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."

Team France is leading the charge at the 2014 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship (WJSC), in five-to-eight foot waves Ecuador.

With repechage heats, it's a "do-or-die" moment for many surfers in the world's largest junior surfing competition.

Josh Moniz, defending Boys Under 18 gold medalist, was eliminated from the contest. Another casualty was one of the event favorites, Noe Mar McGonagle from Costa Rica, who came close to a gold medal in 2012.

After five days of competition, the French team has only lost one of their 12 athletes so far. Following close behind are Australia and Hawaii.

The host country, Ecuador, is sitting in 12th place after losing all of their athletes except Esnaider Parrales, who is keeping the hopes alive for the local team in the Boys Under 18.

Leonardo Fioravanti, from Italy, was the best surfer in the Under 18 repechage. Fioravanti earned a 13.50, and defeated Costa Rica's Manuel Mesen (9.17) and Canada's lone competitor, Sean Foerster (3.73), who is now out of the Medals race.

"It's not like the qualifying round, where you lose and you get another chance so this is it; everyone's giving 100%," underlined Fioravanti.

In the Girls Under 18, despite getting off to a great start in her Round 3 heat, USA's Frankie Harrer, was sent home in her repechage Round 4 heat.


The standout of this round was Australia's Holly Wawn, a member of the 2013 Australia Gold Medal Team, who earned the highest heat total of 9.33.

Russel Beirke, Scott Dennis, Kye Hoole, Brett Butcher and a few others get barrelled on the South Coast.