The most recently published news articles in all news sections.
Surf.Colonies.com: Tuesday, June 12, 2007
ESPN X Games Surfing Competition Held at Puerto Escondido July 3-6 for a Third Consecutive Year
Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 11 June, 2007 : - - Los Angeles, Ca -- The surfing competition of ESPN’s X Games will be held for a third consecutive year in Puerto Escondido. Famous for the big powerful waves of Zicatela Beach, the Men’s, Women’s and Local’s competitions are scheduled for July 3-6 at the “Mexican Pipeline.”
This year’s competition will feature two new events, Women’s Surfing and the “USA vs. the World” format replacing the “East Coast vs. West Coast” format in years past. The majority of X Games 13 will be held August 2-5, in Los Angeles.
For the first time, the Men and Women Surfing competitions will be streamed LIVE with real-time scoring and chat on expn.com July 3-6 starting at 8 a.m. ET. Replay capabilities, event highlights on-demand post-event, coverage will also be available. The Surfing Men’s Final will broadcast on ABC Sat., Aug. 5 at 4 p.m. ET and the Surfing Women’s Final will be televised at 9:30 p.m. ET.
“We're very excited to add an incredible women's field this year, and the change to 'USA vs. the World' is going to be electric,” said X Games General Manager Chris Stiepock. “The X Games prides itself on providing the best action sports athletes with the most challenging courses to allow them to display their athleticism and progression, and the 'Mexican Pipeline' at Puerto Escondido does just that."
National Surfing League founder Brad Gerlach said, “It's exciting to change the format and bring the leading surf stars -- men and women -- from around the world to the X Games.”
The invited surfers include U.S. Men’s Rob Machado and Jamie O’Brien, U.S. Women’s Rochelle Ballard and Megan Abubo, World Team Men’s Julian Wilson and Mick Campbell, and World Team Women’s Sofia Mulanovich and Stephanie Gilmore. Former World Champion Lisa Anderson will lead the USA Women’s team and seven-time World Champion Layne Beachly will coach the World team.
X Games added Surfing to the lineup of sports in 2003 with a discipline called The Game™. Developed by pro surfer Brad Gerlach, The Game™ places surfers into opposing teams – USA vs. The World at the X Games – competing for an overall highest score and the team victory. The sport of Surfing is the only sport in which the athletes are selected by each team’s coach, not by a committee.
Puerto Escondido is a traditional Mexican fishing village located 180 miles south of the city of Oaxaca and 70 miles west of Huatulco Bay in an area known as the Emerald Coast for its brilliant jade-green waters. It has long been known as one of the world’s heaviest places to surf.
The area’s wave season is from May through October, making July an optimal time for the X Games to hold its Surfing competition. Its reputation as the ”Mexican Pipeline” derives from the fast hollow waves that break in shallow water allowing surfers to pull in to giant tubes.
ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC will provide 14 hours of live programming August 2-5 as well as X Games 13 coverage on ESPN International, EXPN.com, ESPN Classic, ESPN360.com, SportsCenter and ESPN2’s X Center. X Games 13 will be televised on ESPN International to more than 120 countries and territories in Canada, the Pacific Rim, Middle East, Africa, Orbit and Israel.
About ESPN'S X Games Franchise
ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Original Entertainment, X Games, Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2.
In addition to the two U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Korea, Malaysia, China and Spain. The global franchise has also expanded its reach to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards and DVDs.
Retailers: Monday, June 11, 2007
We're currently taking applications for Part Time postions (possible full time).
Wages starting at $9/hr. General retail sales of clothing, footwear, hardgoods, accessories as well as basic shop duties including cleaning, merchandising and basic maintenance.
Surface Boardshop
Unit #129-735 Goldstream Ave
Langford, BC V9B 2X4
Surf.Colonies.com: Monday, June 11, 2007
SURFING shifts into neutral with second annual Green Issue
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starting with the October Issue, SURFING Magazine will purchase carbon offsets to minimize the impact of their business.
The Second Annual Green Issue, which hits newsstands and surf shops on August 21, 2007, will be the first in a yearlong commitment by the world’s most progressive surf magazine to diminish their carbon footprint.
“The first Green Issue focused on global warming and what that will mean for surfers,” says Evan Slater, renowned big-wave surfer and Editor of SURFING Magazine. “This year, in addition to expanding our coverage of ocean-awareness-related issues, we wanted to make the magazine itself more accountable.”
Working with Carbonfund.org, the leading non-profit climate change solution provider in the United States, Surfing Magazine will purchase carbon offsets in the form of mangrove reforestation projects in India. Mangroves are important habitat for fish and act to filter ocean pollution. By calculating the CO2 emissions produced by the production, distribution and printing of the magazine, Surfing will be able to neutralize its carbon footprint through reforestation.
Carbonfund.org supports renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects globally that reduce carbon dioxide emissions and the threat of climate change. Carbonfund.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
The celebrated best-selling issue will feature coverage from the Third Annual International Surfing Day, a global event benefiting Surfrider Foundation. This year’s issue will focus on ocean water quality, an issue close to every surfer’s heart. Additionally, The Green Issue will coincide with launch of “The Green Room,” an online eco-resource for surfers on SURFINGmagazine.com.
“We have an obligation to protect the resources that give us so much joy,” says SURFING Magazine Publisher Ross Garrett. “Offsets aren’t the whole answer, but they might buy us some time. Overall, through this issue and International Surfing Day, we’re focused on generating awareness and action with surfers across the globe.”
To further the green movement, SURFING is offering its advertising partners special advertising units and incentives for advertising that promotes their green initiatives.
For more information on SURFING Magazine’s Green Issue or International Surfing Day, please contact Lauren Orshansky at lauren.orshansky@primedia.com or log on to SURFINGmagazine.com.
About the SURFING Magazine
Founded in 1964, SURFING Magazine is the global leader in coverage of progressive surfing. SURFING is the official magazine of the National Scholastic Surfing Association and the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. The magazine’s unique properties include International Surfing Day, Shaper of the Year, Art of Surfing, Heat, Surfing TV, and Surfing’s Annual Swimsuit Issue. SURFING publishes 12 issues per year, and publishes daily on SurfingMagazine.com.
Surf.Colonies.com: Monday, June 11, 2007
Thousands of surfers enjoying the winter surf season are expected to converge on Durban just after the solstice to check out the hottest new surf movies at the Wavescapes Surf Film Festival, the only event of its kind in South Africa.
Wavescapes again teams up with the Durban International Film Festival (June 20 to July 1) to present a five-day feast of films that climax with a unique outdoor event at the Bay of Plenty lawns on June 29. The outdoor event, part of the opening of the Durban Beach Festival, features surfing films on a giant screen, prize giveaways and music by Farryl Purkiss, Oreka TX from Spain, and a demonstration of chinlone, the national sport of Myanmar.
Wavescapes 2007 will show wave riding in its myriad forms, from haunting visual eulogies about waves to gritty documentaries about suburban surf gangs; from surf exploration in exquisite lands to fascinating profiles of the world's best surf spots.
Movies making the festival a visual "Endless Winter" will be Bra Boys, Pipeline Masters, Sipping Jetstreams, Chasing Dora, Glass Love, Absolute Mexico, My Eyes Won't Dry and Shades of Bali.
Directed and narrated by Russell Crowe, Bra Boys documents the gritty side of surfing, and tells the tale of a surf gang from the south side of Sydney in Australia. The tightly made feature documentary Pipeline Masters stars South African Shaun Tomson and the tube-riding skills that made him an indelible part of the event's illustrious history. Pipeline Masters was directed by Stacy Peralta, who made the smash hits Riding Giants and Dog Town and Z-Boys.
Chasing Dora follows a trip to Jeffreys Bay in search of the psyche of the legendary and controversial Mickey Dora, while Sipping Jetstreams - a stunning visual travelogue made by Taylor Steele - is bound to make waves.
Wavescapes festival director Steve Pike said Sipping Jetstreams was one of his favourite new films. "It is the quintessential surf exploration movie made with razor-edged direction, stunning visuals and excellent editing."
"Another must-see is Absolute Mexico. Never mind the beautiful scenery, luxurious foliage, barren cliffs and airbrushed blue corduroy. Watching the raw power of these barrels, including one dredging monster that lasts a ridiculous 30 seconds, must be like downing a shot of 80 proof Mezcal!"
The Wavescapes Surf Film Festival (www.wavescapes.co.za) will run from 25 to 28 June at the KwaSuka Theatre, with the Durban Beach Festival finale at the Bay of Plenty Lawns on the evening of Friday, 29 June.
The Durban International Film Festival runs from 20 June to 1 July at a variety of theatres and venues across Durban. The full programme is available on www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or contact Centre for Creative Arts on 031 260 2506 or 031 260 1704 for further information.
ENDS
Media enquiries to
Sharlene Versfeld
Versfeld and Associates
Telephone: 031 201 1650
sharlene@versfeld.co.za
Members: Thursday, June 07, 2007
by Ryan
OK, watch out, this may be a bit of a sappy (And I mean ‘sappy’ in the most manly way possible!) and philosophical piece. For those of you not into philosophy I bring you the:
Executive summary To summarize, after spending the past 6 years of my life getting ready for this expedition, 24 months ago I met the most amazing woman on planet earth (now, my fiancé). 18 months ago I landed the job of my dreams. 5 days ago I quit the job of my dreams (hopefully I can get it back in the future!), and 20 days from now I will temporarily say goodbye to Thea. For a variety of reasons, for the past 10months, I have not been a part of this expedition on paper, and now I am STOKED to be back with it. The reality check of what OceanGybe is all about, and what Brys, Hugh and I are doing to our careers and personal lives is a very sober reality, but at the same time we are looking forward to the adventure and the challenge of spreading our message as far and wide as we possibly can!
And now for those of you that are interested, I bring you the:
Extended version!:
So without getting into any details, the past 10 months I have kept my name out of all the media, off the website, and have taken a supporting role in the planning and building of the final moments. It has been tough with the CTV news briefs, the newspaper articles, and others seeing the trip you have given so much for, without you being associated with it anymore. At the end of May, I helped Brys and Hugh pack up ‘ol Wilfred and watched them drive off into the sunset, bound for La Paz.
Their adventure had begun, and I was still staring down the barrel at 6 weeks of work! For the past two weeks I have been riding Vancouver flat, putting together list after list, compiling that MASSIVE amount of stuff that we need and what the boys could not pick up in La Paz. In my infinite wisdom, I decided to sell my car a month ago so avoid having to deal with the sale in the final week… try hauling 10 oil filters/ a stainless steel bracket, inverter etc on your bicycle from Richmond! Nossosmart!
This past Friday, June 1st, I gave my notice… hoping and praying that I was not going to burn this bridge, and half anticipating an escort to the door (such is the way in this industry). I have every intention of returning, as I am 100% sure that I would have no problem devoting my career to this industry - fast paced, engaging and lots of fun, I actually looked forward to going to work! The conversation with my boss went incredibly well, and his reaction is a tribute to this trip and also to the caliber of the employer. From their perspective, my timing could not be worse – slap bang in the middle of the busiest time of the year for them. Unfortunately, I could not offer them a reprieve on this timing, as the OceanGybe departure is already completely pushing the limit. Hugh, Brys and I are nervously watching the hurricane systems start to build in the Northern Hemisphere trades (Once in the Southern hemisphere, we are home free until November). We have already left it very late, and absolutely have to be on our way by the end of June. So after the initial shock of my announcement, and my subsequent description of the trip, the environment was completely supportive. It confirms a fact that the three of us have known for a long time: The motivations and goals of this trip are so completely pure, progressive and urgent, that support can even be gleaned from the very center of a hectic, finance driven corporate world!
Now, the job is one thing, but saying goodbye to my beloved fiancé, Thea, is going to be one of the hardest things I have ever done, or will ever do in my life. Among everything else, this girl is my best friend, workout partner, fellow adventurer – she surfs, snowboards, camps, hikes, loves the outdoors etc etc etc – one in a million for sure. I am incredibly blessed that I have found such a special girl, and also that she is willing to support me, the OceanGybe dream and our goals. We both believe that this will make us stronger, and lead us to some very interesting adventures together, at our many rendezvous points around the globeJ. I never fully appreciated the full force of the “reality check” I was to receive until it actually happened last week (even when I read Bryson and Hugh’s account of their ‘reality check’ half way down the west coast of the USA) - making a forced departure from our comfortable, terrestrial lifestyle has not been easy, even harder than I imagined. Brys has Jess, I have Thea. All three of us had very good jobs and are saying goodbye to families and very close friends. But you know what? It will all be worth it – as my grandmother, Cessie, has always said: “A tearful goodbye, is only the other side of a joyous reunion!”
LET’S GO!I fly to La Paz on the June 23rd, to be greeted by Bryson, Hugh and whatever remains of the giant “TO DO” list that Hugh and Brys have been steadily chipping away at. ~10 days later, at the beginning of what we hope is a LARGE weather window, we will hoist the sails, and point our bow south west toward the Marquesas Islands, some 2800nm (~5000km) across the BIG, BIG blue Pacific Ocean. This initial leg of the trip will be the longest of the entire 3-year circumnavigation. Trial by fire… er… water, I guess! Pray for fair winds and following seas…
Surf.Colonies.com: Wednesday, June 06, 2007
The 6th annual Clean Water Classic surfing contest has just wrapped up at Westport, Washington. This event was a benefit for the Pacific Northwest chapters of the Surfrider Foundation. The 2007 Clean Water Classic was presented by Global Surf Industries (GSI), the worldwide leading surfboard distribution company. The event drew more than 100 competitors and also drew many first time surfers to the beach as well. "It's great to see so many people surfing for the first time- it's just perfect!" said Mark Kelly, the President of Global Surf Industries.
Mark continued ""The surfing community of the Pacific Northwest should be very proud of itself. The quality of the surfing I saw on the weekend was sensational. The local guys can hold their head up high on the performance side of things. This was my first trip to the region, and having travelled extensively throughout the world I have to say that the "Aloha spirit" was alive and well in Westport. The surfing culture here is pure and the joy of surfing that I witnessed really fits with our company mantra - Life is better when you surf!" GSI brought several well known surfers to participate in the event, including Bonga Perkins (who is currently on the cover of Longboard magazine) and Steve Walden, a successful surfboard shaper/ manufacturer from Ventura, CA.
The event started with a GSI sponsored surfboard dealer heat on Friday, which drew three man teams from six surf shops. The three man teams surfed three boards (a shortboard, a fish, and a longboard). The shop winner was awarded a $2500 shop credit, which drew spirited competition to start off the surfing weekend. Steepwater Surf (Westport, WA) was the eventual winner of the GSI shop challenge.
On Saturday June 2nd, the first heats started at 8:00 AM at the jetty in Westhaven State Park, Washington. The event concluded at 3 PM on Sunday, June 3rd. Over the course of Saturday and Sunday, 50 heats were run with most being 15 minute heats. Six competitors per heat was the norm on Saturday, with the semi finals and finals on Sunday drawing between two and four competitors per heat. The weather was calm and foggy at times, with nicely shaped waves in the two to six foot range.
On Saturday night, GSI and Quiksilver combined forces to provide an extraordinary surf theme party which attracted over 450 people. The party turnout packed the Westport Convention Center, and featured a Quiksilver raffle, the donation of boards by Mark Kelly from GSI, and several surf movies and movie previews. One of the movies previewed was Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer which will be released by Fox on June 15, 2007. In this movie, the lead character rides a silver surfboard. The Clean Water Classic was selected by Fox to feature a very limited edition silver surfboard similar to the one used by the movie character. On Sunday, this board was given to the winner of the Master's Shortboard division (Matt Loughren). Matt is the well known owner of a local surf shop in Westport, and the crowd roared appreciatively as Matt stepped up to claim his one of a kind prize.
Other major sponsors who made the 2007 Clean Water Classic a great success include Rebel Boards, Awesome Surf Videos, Vitamin Water, One Ball Jay, Cleanline Surf, Sex Wax, XCel, Perfect Wave, Hammersurf, and Biofoam Boards.
2007 Clean Water Classic division winners included:
Pro/Am Shortboard Division (shortboards are less than seven foot four inches):
1st = Noah Cohen (Tofino, BC) . Noah also won the Best Wave and Shortboard Highest Scored Wave. Noah received $500 for his win.
2nd = Steve Martin (Westport, WA). Steve received $150 for his win.
3rd = Bastien Lanusse (Tofino, BC). Bastien received $100 for his win.
Master's Shortboard (40 + years of age):
1st = Matt Loughren (Westport, WA)
2nd = Andrew Drake (Seattle, WA)
3rd = Gary Smither (Coos Bay, OR)
Women's Shortboard:
1st = Leah Oke (Port Renfrew, BC). Leah won $150 for her win.
2nd = Rachel Ward (Seaside, OR)
3rd = Katt Dunn
Men's Longboard (longboards are more than nine feet long):
1st = J.P. Canis
2nd = Steve Martin (Westport, WA)
3rd = Andy Cordeiro
Master's Longboard:
1st = Perry Abedor (Dana Point, CA) Perry also won the Longboard Highest Scored Wave.
2nd = Andrew Drake (Seattle, WA)
3rd = Gary Smither (Coos Bay, OR)
Women's Longboard
1st = Rachel Ward (Seaside, OR)
2nd = Yvonne Mendel (Tofino, BC)
3rd = Hannah Nicholls (Depoe Bay, OR)
Junior's Division (between 12- 17 years old):
1st = CC Unger-Mayor (Tofino, BC)
2nd = Kye Peladeau (Tofino, BC)
3rd = Janek Peladeau (Tofino, BC)
Surf Kayak High Performance:
1st = Gary Korb (Port Angeles, WA)
2nd = Jameson Riser (Seattle, WA)
3rd = Kate Howell (Corvallis, OR)
Surf Kayak Novice/ Intermediate:
1st = Joe Dietrich
2nd = Jeff Daniels
Surf.Colonies.com: Tuesday, June 05, 2007
With two world champions recently gracing the shorelines of Western Australia this year, both Kelly Slater and Layne Beachley have left the public of the Oz west coast wanting to see more of the champions of the sport.
While Slater was off sampling some of the waves down the South West corner of the state during the Margaret River Pro, it was Layne Beachley who stole the hearts of women from all ages at the inaugural Women’s Surf Spree.
The two day event provided a range of opportunities for women of all ages to meet this amazing female Australian athlete and to experience the pure joy of the sport of surfing. It was a huge success with Beachley winning the hearts and minds of all who particpated and were involved.
Beachley gave a talk which was not only inspirational, but also amazing as she touched on the ups and downs of her carreer, growing up in a male dominated sport, how she got started in surfing, and how she has become the most successful female surfer in the world...
Beachley also mixed it with them on the water and the beach on Friday running an intermediate course giving advanced girls tips and advice side by side in the water with the 7x World Champ. On Saturday Layne ran a number of one hour female beginners coaching sessions that took place at Trigg Beach assisted with professional instructors from Surfing WA.
Beachleys rise to fame and her world record of 7 world titles started early. By the age of 20 Beachley trained day and night which thrust her into the limelight of the professional tour. Pushing herself beyond her bodys limit Beachley was hit by two devestating bouts of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 1993 and 1996.
CFS nearly ended her carreer with the physical, mental, and emotional challenge, but she beat depression to stay focused on her ultimate goal and that was to be World Champion.
Layne's competitive streak charges just as hard on land as in the water. In addition to her surfing and business commitments, in 2003 Layne created the Aim for the Stars Foundation to support and promote the academic, sporting, community and cultural dreams of young women.
Not one to take it easy, Layne continues to lead the way in women's surfing as she pushes for an unbelievable seventh World Title. With a lust for personal and professional happiness, Layne Beachley lives her belief that there are no limits to achieving goals and great success.
After such a great reception the first time around, The Women’s Surf Spree organised by Surfing WA will now be an annual event on the WA surfing calendar. Women will be encouraged to learn to surf, and / or participate in surfing competitions to improve their surfing technique to increase WA’s pool of female surfing talent. This is one event that women should not miss next year.
Surf.Colonies.com: Thursday, May 31, 2007
RIP CURL CANADA PREPARES TO DISH OUT SOME “STEW”…
TOFINO, BC – Attention all west coast surfers! Rip Curl Canada is proud to present “The Rip Curl Stew” a two-day judged surf contest, open to all ages - June 16th & 17th 2007 - held at Cox Bay in the heart of Tofino, B.C.
For over 40 years, Rip Curl has played a leading role in the surf industry and continues to move forward in Canada by gaining the rights to hold the only surf contest this summer in Tofino, BC. Looking into the future they feel strongly that this event will bring the surf culture of Vancouver Island’s past, back to life with a realistic goal - to continue to develop homegrown athletes to compete at a world-class level. “The purpose of this event is to give back to the surf community while developing the home-grown talent,” states National Sales Manager, Drew Hawkshaw. “we are stoked to be able to hold this competition and give back to the surf industry.” says Hawkshaw. The contest will feature seven categories – including open categories for men, women & children, a long board category, as well as a masters over forty category - allowing surfers at all levels & ages to showcase their talent!
With the estimated number of competitors in attendance being close to one hundred, it is lining up to be an unforgettable weekend. Along with the opportunity for up & coming surfers to showcase their talent, some of the well known athletes invited to compete include Peter Devries, the Bruhwiler brothers, Reid Jackson, Mike Stupka, Bastien Lanusse, Noah Cohen, Christian Moutinho and Brian Greig.
These guys are sure to take this competition to a whole other unexpected & exciting level. “I am confident this will be Canada’s premiere surf event for years to come.” states Hawkshaw.
Along with free admission for spectators, there will be over $10, 000 dollars worth of great give-aways from Rip Curl & the event sponsors, to be handed out all weekend. For the competitors there will be prize packs filled with amazing goods & winners will each receive a Barracuda Surfboard, Spy Sunglasses, Rip Curl wetsuit, Reef Sandals, Arbor Skateboard & much more! (To entertain the kids there will also be games held on the beach all day long.)
Matching the event theme, stew will be readily available on the beach to feed the masses, with all proceeds going to a Tofino based non-profit organization.
Anyone interested in competing can sign up at one of the following locations:
Long Beach Surf Shop – Tofino, BC
Sitka Surf Shop – Victoria, BC
Pacific Boarder – Vancouver, BC
Second Wave – North Vancouver, BC
Sponsors include: Rock Star Energy Drink, Spy Eyewear, SBC Surf Magazine, Reef, Inner Rhythm, Storm, Live to Surf, Long Beach Surf Shop, Coastline, Alternative Groove, HTO, Sitka, Pacific Boarder, Second Wave, La Nina, North Hill, Red Nik, Red Truck Brewery, Arbor Long boards, Harrison Beach Jewelry, Barracuda Surfboards, Santa Cruz Surfboards, Channel Island Surfboards, Sticky Bumps & Creatures Accessories.
Surf.Colonies.com: Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tofino, location TBA $80.00 cash June 15, 6:30pm
To pre-register contact Barbie Mayor Canadian Judging Manager
sbmayor@seaviewcable.net ISA Certified Judging Instructor
Improve your capacity to discriminate between surfers who
perform closest to the judging criteria from those who don't
Surf.Colonies.com: Tuesday, May 29, 2007
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A WELSH designer has come up with an ingenious tracking device to help stop surfboards being stolen or counterfeited.
Andrew Smith, from the city of Newport, came up with the idea for a unique chip linked to an international database after thieves took his board on holiday in France.
Now his invention has won the backing of the International Surfing Association, and is being sold to manufacturers in Australia, Brazil, the US and Europe.
The individually-numbered chip, which is embedded in the surfboard, contains details of the board’s specifications and its owner, helping to prove its authenticity and deter theft.
This is the equivalent of a football manufacturer gaining the support of governing-body Fifa, says Mr Smith, and is something which he hopes will cement the success of his business.
He said, “It’s gathering pace on a day to day basis. I work a 24-hour day because I’m working across four time zones. I’ve surfed all my life. I eat it, breathe it and live it.
“About two years ago my wife and I and my three kids went down to south-west France for a holiday and we stopped off in Bordeaux and I had all my surf boards stolen, mine and my kids’ – everything.
“I was smarting because my experience with insurance companies was pretty poor and my experience with the French police was worse and I wanted to do something about it.
“Some times you get your hands on a precious board that you really value and you want to protect it.”
New boards can cost anything up to £1,000, while some antique boards can change hands for more than £12,000.
With a background in IT and telecommunications Mr Smith, who has been surfing since he was 12, was familiar with databases and well placed to set up a system for tracking surf boards.
The trick was to find a way of making each one unique and so he came up with the idea of a chip which is built into the board during the manufacturing process.
Later it can be read by means of scanning, and a registration card will be provided to the buyer who can then register their details online.
The system has a number of benefits for both surfer and manufacturer, according to Mr Smith.
Not only is it a theft deterrent, but it also enables fakes to be more easily identified.
“The board carries a kitemark saying that it is electronically protected and you can use a scanner to buzz the chip and identify the board,” he said.
“If you went into the board to take the chip out you would seriously damage it.
“A customer can register his board and if he loses that board he can report it to the database as lost or stolen. If someone else has stolen it that person could possibly walk into a shop and say they want to sell it but the retailer will recognise the kitemark and ask for the registration card.
“So anybody that’s walking about with a stolen board is automatically going to find it more difficult to sell.
“It opens up a whole market with insurance companies because any item like a surf board is very difficult to insure because they don’t have any identification.
“So what we do is provide identification of ownership which makes them insurable.”
He added, “Then it became apparent that companies’s labels, their brands, were being ripped off. Boards were being manufactured and sold as ‘made in Australia’ when they had actually been made in China or somewhere. So we had an opportunity with branding because the serial numbers of the board is hidden in the chip but they’re unique and can’t be copied. The customer knows the board is absolutely 100% authentic.”
As well as surf boards the tracker system can be used in other extreme sports boards including snowboards, windsurfers and kite surfers. Second-hand boards can be re-registered to allow legitimate resale while still preventing stolen boards from being circulated.
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Surf.Colonies.com: Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Ray Call, a lifelong surfer, rides wave after wave, achieving effortless balance on his short board. Not so easy on a yoga mat. Standing heel to toe, eyes closed, spine straight, Call's legs wobble.
"I have a lot less balance than I thought I did," says Call, a 46-year-old engineer from Mission Viejo, Calif.
Instructor Peggy Hall explains the importance of balance postures to a class of eight, dressed mostly in surf T-shirts. "There are times you slip on your wax," Hall says. "Even just pulling on your wetsuit you have to balance on one leg so it doesn't get all sandy."
Hall leads the class in stretches to strengthen their shoulders for paddling, core work to more quickly pop up on the board, and how to relax with visualization of a favorite beach. One student describes the session as "yoga on surf steroids." It's also an accidental connection Hall discovered a decade ago that swelled, like the perfect wave, into a $100,000 a year business.
Her company, Yoga for Surfers, coincides with record numbers of women surfers and an overall explosion in the popularity of yoga. An estimated 2.3 million Americans surf, 30 percent of them women, according to Board Trac, a market research company. Out of 16.5 million yoga enthusiasts, 77 percent are women.
"It's such a perfect combination," Hall says. "We just got on the wave, and we've been riding it."
She's expanding into yoga for board sports, including snowboarding, wake boarding and skateboarding. "I think it's a clever marketing concept," says Corb Donahue, a San Clemente, Calif., action-sports marketer. "You could do [yoga] for circus acrobats. It works for anyone who needs continuing conditioning and strengthening."
Back at the yoga workshop in Laguna Beach, Calif., Hall begins the practice with a warm-up that she says can be done while scoping out waves. "Pretend like you're at the beach," she advises the class, which isn't too hard in the studio right off Pacific Coast Highway where an ocean breeze blows in through a door propped open with a yoga block.
During a foot stretch, she says, "You can imagine how good this feels in the sand." Hall demonstrates how to modify poses in the water, where to hold the surf board. She focuses on reducing tightness in hips and shoulders. She emphasizes posture and breathing. The benefits aren't just strength and flexibility. Hall says the yoga zone is similar to the surfing zone -- a place without distraction, a place without time.
"You are in complete immersion. It's so freeing for the rest of your mind," Hall says. "Surfing is also considered a very spiritual endeavor. People will say 'I feel like my soul was cleansed.' The same thing in yoga."
James Ruiz, 31, isn't naturally flexible, so he sought out Hall after reading about her in a surfing magazine. He has incorporated her DVDs into his weekly fitness schedule. He says he has experienced physical and mental benefits from the workouts.
"I'm not as stiff," says Ruiz of Laguna Niguel, Calif. "I see it physically from the aspect of being a lot looser on the wave, which is super important because you want to be fluid while you're going down the line on the face of the wave. Mentally, it's helped me get in control."
Ruiz, who works in real estate finance, incorporates poses in the water by sitting up straight and stretching his legs on the side of the board. The stillness and patience of the practice also helps him let go and be "more focused on simply being."
"If there are no waves, you can do yoga," Ruiz says. "I'm closing my eyes. In my mind, I'm catching wave after wave."
Members: Monday, May 28, 2007
Cheers,
Hugh and Bryson.
Oceangybe crew
Surf.Colonies.com: Monday, May 28, 2007
May 25, 2007
Running From June 1st to the 3rd, 2007 the beaches of Westport Washington will once again play host to the annual Clean Water Classic Surf Competition. The event, in its sixth year now, is the premiere surfing competition in the Pacific Northwest. Put on by the Surfrider Foundation in partnership with Global Surf Industries, this competition and three-day festival aims at not only promoting local surfing talent but raising awareness of local environmental issues that face our beaches and oceans.
The competition brings surfers from all around the world, including, Brazil, Mexico, Hawaii, Canada, and the United States all competing for cash and prizes. Surfers compete in a variety of heats including both men's and women's shortboard and longboard, junior shortboard, and masters short and longboard. Celebrity judges will be on hand this year to determine the winners. In attendance this year will be; Bonga Perkins, ex world champion longboarder and currently ranked 4th in the world; Carl Schaper, renowned Hawaiian surfboard designer; Steve Walden, world class longboard designer; Sonny Owens, 70's Huntington Beach surf legend and; Drew Kampion, former editor of Surfer, and Surfing magazine, and current editor of Surfers Path
Saturday night the festival will play host to a sneak peak of 20th Century Fox's new film The Silver Surfer. As well as several local and international surf films, and live bands that will rock the night away. Throughout the three days, the Surfrider Foundation and Washington Water Trails will be on hand educating attendees on good environmental practices as well as Leave No Trace principles. All proceeds raised from the festival go directly to supporting the surfrider foundation chapters in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.
More information and a schedule of events are posted at www.cleanwaterclassic.com
Surf.Colonies.com: Monday, May 28, 2007
SYB presentation brochure cover Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 25 May, 2007 : - - The first ever Surfing Year Book will make its debut in late February with a complete coverage of the world of surfing in 2007, publisher Surfersvillage revealed this week.
Surfersvillage chief executive Bruce Boal said that support for the Year Book had been phenomenal, with world and national governing bodies now behind the project. “There is a groundswell of support and anticipation for the Year Book,” Mr Boal said from SV headquarters in Biarritz, France. “The sport and culture of surfing has really come of age and people want a detailed record of events they can feel and touch.
At Surfersvillage we’ve recognized that there’s something very special about old school media, and while continuing to provide the best website coverage of surfing news in the world, we’re leading the charge backwards into book publishing.”
The stylish coffee table book compendium will feature articles and photos by the world’s leading surf media personalities, including former world champions Peter Townend, Shaun Tomson and Nat Young, and will be edited by veteran surf journalist and author Phil Jarratt. It will also feature results from every recognized surfing contest in the world in 2007, with photos and event reports.
“This book is going to be a first in many ways,” said editor Jarratt. “Bruce and I are putting together a global team of contributors to ensure that we cover the news from the smallest outposts of surfing as well as the meccas. We’re also striving to create a balance between the lifestyle and sport of surfing, with articles covering competitive and non-competitive aspects. It will be a book for everyone who loves surfing.”
The Surfing Year Book will be distributed globally and will retail for $US50. Advance discount purchases will be available on-line at surfersvillage.com and surfingyearbook.com
For more information contact … info@surfingyearbook.com
The Surfing Year Book
www.surfingyearbook.com
Surf.Colonies.com: Wednesday, May 23, 2007
May 21, 2007
Date: Sunday June 3rd. 2007
Time: 11:00 Am to 5:00 Pm
Location: Pier Plaza 315 Pacific coast Hwy, Huntington Beach 92648
Admission to the concert is "FREE"
Pier Plaza Bands:
Deep Sea from Rancho Cucamonga with Jon Henderson and special guests Travis & Marcus Barton formerly with Pacific Headhunters.
Insect Surfers with David Arnson is considered one of L A's hottest psycho-surf bands.
Sand Devils with Ran Mossessco originally from Israel now out of
San Diego return after a one-year hiatus adding to his family.
Surf Kings with Tom Stanton from Oceanside return by popular demand to Pier Plaza after many setbacks of unforeseen circumstances last year.
Abdel Kineche will be playing a solo medley of Shadows tunes such as the world famous Apache.
Detonators are blessed to return to the big stage this year after a near fatal accident with Rob Woolsey's car rolling down the Santa Monica Mountains.
Abdel will be joining the Detonators as guest with more Shadows tunes you might remember.
***Many of the bands have produced CD's for sale at this year's concerts***
Don't forget to bring your own chairs or blankets, hats, sunscreen & water.
HBISM Phone: 714-960-3483
Check out our website www.surfingmuseum.org
Members: Wednesday, May 23, 2007
A gybe is a movement that brings about change – both in direction and energy. This expedition is about redirecting the energy of humankind towards a sustainable future for our oceans.
*****
Oceans provide us food, knowledge and joy. However, with every passing moment, the health of our oceans is being eroded by human activity. Pollutants in our air, streams and earth eventually make their way back into our oceans, and through the food chain, back to us. This cycle of environmental “detachment” must end.
As three avid water activists, we are acutely aware that our oceans’ health will continue to erode from human pollution of all kinds. We are surfers, researchers and global citizens and we can no longer turn a blind eye. The urgency of this problem has inspired us to embark on a three-year circumnavigation of the earth’s oceans — the OceanGybe Global Research and Outreach Expedition.
A gybe is a movement that brings about change – both in direction and energy. This expedition is about redirecting the energy of humankind towards a sustainable future for our oceans. To achieve this, we will create awareness in every country we visit and inspire action in every person we touch.
During this three-year expedition, we will sail over every ocean in the world. We will go to many isolated coasts and beaches and will forward the following research and awareness activities:
- Document and record marine pollution and its effect on isolated, deserted islands and beaches.
- Use scientific principles to research and study the ocean reef and wave characteristics to better understand the interrelationships between ocean swell and bathymetry.
- Regularly update on-line all our findings, and make them available through print and broadcast media, - educational institutions and credible international research and environmental organizations.
- Pre-arrange meetings, school presentations, press interviews and public exposure events in order to bring environmental awareness to the communities we visit.
- To use the latest communication technology to post timely information and interact with participating partners.
Our goal is to better educate people of the interconnectedness of ourselves to our oceans. Our research will document this interconnectedness. It is our hope that our journey will inspire others to take action to save our oceans. What was once a whisper years ago, now roars “our oceans are ill and soon they will die.”
To download our media and sponsorship package, please click the text below:
Media Package
Members: Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Arriving in La Paz
by Hugh
On the drive down there was plenty of time for our thoughts to wander. It was easy to compare what I was feeling then, in the car, to what I had imagined we would feel weeks or months ago when we were planning the trip. The feelings were a lot different. Honestly there was a lot of second-guessing and questions. At one point, I turned to Bryson and said “Seriously, what is going on? Did we actually buy a boat in Mexico? Are we really driving to Mexico right now?!?! Exactly why did we do all this?” Apparently we did buy a boat and we were indeed on our way! So walking down the dock and getting on the boat brought the whole trip home. It was truly a sailing trip then. (Bryson’s Note: We haven’t been sailing yet – so far it has been a boat-fixing trip)
What to do?
Right away we were both extremely overwhelmed. We knew we had a lot of work to do on the boat, but seeing it all before us was pretty daunting. Where to start, what to do, where to go? I madly started making lists and forgetting them and trying to do things all at the same time. Bryson just started washing her down, then we went and got some dinner and went to bed full of worries, concerns and excitement. The next day we pulled everything out that we could, and scrubbed down the entire interior with biodegradable cleaner. It was really helpful just to get a handle on the situation, just clean and look around for the beginning of the day. Next, we made a list. A big list. After prioritizing all the items as a 1, 2 or 3 priority, we got stuck in. Bryson dove into the electrical and charging systems, and I began to tackle the radio installation and plumbing. Best not to think about all the jobs but just focus on the one at hand. For the past 12 days, we’ve just been working our way down the list here in La Paz, and we’re starting to get a hold on all the things that have to be done to the boat. Unless you’re a sailor interested in fixing up a boat to go offshore, the last 12 days have been pretty/extremely boring. If you are, read a few of the highlights below, all others can skip the rest. Electronics: About 4 years ago all the electronics on the boat were updated. What the previous owner didn’t do was remove the wiring for the old electronics. Equipment was removed (mostly) and the wires were left in place. So we have pulled out about 200 ft of redundant wiring. The short-wave radio was installed with about 2 ft of ground plane, and had a Coax wire to the backstay antenna. Not going to work – reinstall. Battery Charger had boiled all the batteries dry and needed replacing. Lights didn’t work. Too many electrical devices not breakered and running directly from the battery. The list goes on and on… just e-mail us if you are interested in the 4-page list of electrical things to fix. Plumbing: We’ve installed fresh-water and saltwater foot pumps, a 3rd water tank, and will be installing a water-maker tomorrow. Steering: There was a leak under the wheel so salt water was getting to the main steering pulleys. The bolts were almost rusted through, and the pulley and assembly came apart in 4 pieces when we pulled it off. We’ve replaced that, as well as all the steering cables. Had to remount the binnacle and seal it all. Engine/fuel; We’re fortunate that the fuel tank is easily accessible… that meant Bryson got to empty it, and scrape out the 25 years of crud accumulated at the bottom. He smiled the whole time! Had to install the battery off switch, remove all the old sour fuel, get and install a fuel gauge…
Work? What work? We left our jobs weeks ago?
Someone emailed me a few days ago and said: Send us some pictures of you drinking Margarita’s in the sun! You know, there really hasn’t been much of that/any of that! Our routine pretty much goes like this: Wake up at 7am, get some sort of exercise for about an hour, then get to work on the boat. Saw, solder, screw, scrape, pull, hammer until it gets too hot outside, then work in the cabin until it gets too hot in there too. Hose yourself down on the dock and repeat until about 10pm. If you haven’t worked on a sailboat or are having trouble imagining what it’s like to work on the boat, picture a cross between mechanics, Bikrams’ yoga, and meditation. Mechanics, well that’s easy; The hot yoga because the temperature is about 35 degrees below deck and you’re contorting yourself into tiny, awkward spaces; The Meditation, the patience of a Zen master is required not to break anything and get frustrated. By the time we are done, we wander up the street to get some taco’s at a nearby stand, and crash out in our bunks. I haven’t even had time (or the space) to unpack my duffle bag. I’ve been rotating 3 pairs of board shorts and 3 shirts. Despite the long days and hard work, it is looking good. Khulula is starting to feel like our boat, and every time as I look around her to see every repair, customization or upgrade, I smile to myself.
Members: Wednesday, May 23, 2007
 San Diego – La Paz
by Hugh After a couple of days in San Diego we were itching to get to La Paz and on to Khulula, our boat. So much driving hanging over our heads it was time to go. On Sunday morning we said good-bye to Janike and Chad and headed south.Our first challenge lay only a few miles away at the border to Tijuana. Old Wilfred was carrying more than a few thousand dollars worth of boat parts, camera equipment, tools, surfboards, an outboard engine and a dingy.
 We had heard too many stories from numerous boat owners that getting across the border can be very tricky. Apparently, you can be stopped and forced to pay upwards of 30% import duty on parts that the authorities deemed “new” and able to be resold. An extra 30% on our gear we did not want to pay! (or could afford to pay) We also heard that ‘original’ receipts would help get you through. So armed with doctored receipts for most of the big-ticket items listed at 10% of their value, we drove south. Well, as we would soon learn, a dirty $150 matt black truck with plywood paneling is excellent camouflage in Mexico; we cruised into Tijuana hassle free under the radar. Just another couple of ragtag surfers heading over the weekend…
I would love to tell you that the drive south from Tijuana to La Paz was a magical journey of self-discovery and compelling scenery, but it was not. It was long and hot. It was long and dusty. It was long. The most exciting part came at sunset in the middle of the desert on the first day, when Wilfred decided that he would take the Mexican camouflage a step further. Due to the lack of air conditioning, we were forced to drive with the windows open and the music turned to loud so we can hear it. All of a sudden it seemed Wilfred was a little louder than before. We were hard pressed to notice the difference in volume or tone of the noise the truck was making, but the evidence that lay spread out behind us on the highway was irrefutable; we had lost the muffler. No worries, pick it up, strap it to the roof and continue. It just increased our cover at the army or “federali” check points. We cruised through every single one without even a second look.
 After 2 days and over 1100 km’s of roads in the Baja, we arrived in La Paz. It was pretty exciting walking down the dock to the boat that is going to be our home for 3 years… pretty scary too.
Bryson’s Note: Perhaps it was just my mental state after driving for 6 days, but I thought the boat looked bad. Really bad. Why had I given all my money to Hugh to purchase this “thing”, was all I could think? It was covered with dust and looked haggard. After a wash down with the hose and a Fanta things started looking up.
Members: Wednesday, May 23, 2007
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 Driving Poor Wilfred to Mexico. - Bryson and Hugh
May 12th, 2007
Wilfred is my $150 CAN Nissan pick-up that I purchased numerous years ago just to get me through till the end of winter. I never expected the truck to last any longer but Wilfred has tenacity and the ability to stand the test of time.
On April 30th, Hugh drove over to my house with everything he thought he would need for this trip in the back of his fathers pick-up (He no longer owns any mode of transportation – except half a sailboat!). We piled everything in the backyard to sort through all the gear we had compiled over the past numerous years. This included the 9 brand new Sitka surfboards we had picked up early in the morning.
It was a gigantic pile, even bigger when we drove poor Wilfred up next to the pile. Everything had to fit, one way or another… And we had to leave space for the zodiac, cameras and other gear we were picking up on the way down. Well, this turned into a game of 3D Tetris to fit it all in. Things were fitted for size, then returned to the lawn, others were tried until the best combo was found. After a couple hours, we got it all in and the shocks on Wilfred seemed to be bending the wrong way.
Slowly and carefully we pulled out of the driveway and started for the border. We grimaced and winched as we drove over each and every bump, half expecting the car to break in half, literally. Despite the new wooden windows, the matt black paint and generally unkempt nature of the drivers, we somehow managed to pass through the border without a hitch. First stop: Blaine, WA for drinks and gas. Distance: 0.5 km from the border.
 Blaine, Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, Eugene… We stopped in Eugene for the evening to meet up with a good old friend, Cara, who had very kindly been storing another load of gear for us. Unpack, play 3D Tetris to fit it all in again, and back on the road headed for San Francisco this time.
Well, San Francisco is far away from Eugene. Especially when your truck can only go about 100km/hr. We had to stop a couple times just to re-tie the board racks, as there seemed to be a small problem with our initial effort. Then we discovered that a bridge in San Francisco had melted due to a fire and now we were being routed all over the city. (Side Note: Buy a map of San Francisco if you are planning on trying to find anything. I am sure it will help) 
After a slow morning and an amazing cup of Java overlooking the bay, off we headed to Monterey to meet up with a Surfrider Foundation Group. Off to the closest gas station to fill up again and check why the brakes felt “mushy”. Gas was easy. “Mushy” brakes were a little more difficult. We discovered that our brake line had rusted through and needed to be replaced. Local mechanic? 2 Days, not quick enough. We were going to have to do this ourselves. Fortunately we had the tools somewhat accessible in the bede of the truck, so we drove to the closest auto parts store, parked outside and started removing brake lines. 2 Hours, 2 litres of brake fluid, 3 brake lines, 2 new wrenches, and 2/3 of the cost of the truck, we were on our way again.
After meeting with some truly inspiring people from Surfrider in Monterrey, we were back on the road south. Destination? Malibu. Trevor of Livity Outernational had kindly offered us a place to stay, despite the fact that we were going to be pulling in hours late due to the brake issue. We were immediately taken in and made to feel right at home. The next morning we did it up SoCal style with a relaxed breakfast on the Malibu strip. With full bellies we headed up the beautiful canyon to visit the Livity HQ. We checked out the latest super-cool fashions made from organic and recycled materials.
Now armed with a map, and our sights set on San Diego that night, we could afford a bit slower pace. The folks up on Monterrey had suggested that we drop by the Surfrider National office in San Clemente and chat to the folks there. With little notice, Ed was kind enough to make some time to talk to us about the trip and find ways for Surfrider to use the data and findings we will come back with. Also a great learning experience for us to see all the work that Surfrider does.
 There was plenty of time for reflection on the drive down, and one of things that both Hugh and I constantly came back to was how lucky we were to call Vancouver home. From the scenery, the people, and the lifestyle, it is an amazing place. Driving on 12-Lane highways LA rush hour was one more reminder that things are pretty good up north. However, with the HOV lane working in our favour we made good time for the last stretch into San Diego.
Our plan was to spend a couple of days getting a few last bits of gear and meeting with some more folks interested in our adventure. Through a friend of a friend, we found some folks willing to put up two weary travelers and a truck full of gear. Chad and Janike were incredible hosts. It really fueled our fire to hang out with folks who had done so much traveling and understood what our trip was all about. After we had shared a drink we found out they had spent 3 months on a boat cruising in eastern Indonesia… a definite destination for us. So we got out the electronic charts for them to point out beaches and islands to visit. A couple epic spots out of the tourist route have been mapped.
After a couple more relaxed days we headed off for the Mexican border and beyond… Check the next posting for more details.
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Surf.Colonies.com: Monday, April 30, 2007
LES PERREAUX
Canadian Press
MONTREAL -- It's the first sunny day of spring and the surf's up in downtown Montreal.
Downtown, you say, in Canada's second-biggest city, hundreds of kilometres from the nearest ocean?
Yes, downtown, where the detritus of urban life bobs with the current of the St. Lawrence River, forcing surfers to dash out of danger as they slash "the Wave."
It's not exactly the pristine blue water of Maui, but a small-but-avid group of surfers use a massive standing wave in the St. Lawrence to pioneer a new way to "hang 10."
"If you can believe it, I moved to Montreal for the wave," says surfer dude Corran Addison, a native of Durban, South Africa. "Well, the wave and the women, but mainly the wave."
The wave is a murky green swirl in the shadow of the landmark Habitat '67 apartment building, a jumbled stack of building blocks just above the entrance to the Port of Montreal.
It is about 30 metres across and swoops down about 10 metres in front, creating a rotating water flow that combines with gravity to mimic a stationary ocean wave.
On a Saturday in early spring, three local surfers take turns riding the wave while dodging detached blue dock pontoons and a big chunk of wood with a child's balloons tied to it.
The denizens of Habitat sit on their balconies, sipping drinks and watching the show below.
"I'm not sure I would drink the water. Actually, let me rephrase that. I often do drink the water, I don't mean to, but I do," said Mr. Addison, 38, the owner of a Montreal surf shop.
He first used the wave for practice a decade ago as a competitive kayaker passing through Montreal, and discovered he could surf it, too.
Surfers now use standing waves in British Columbia, the Ottawa River in Ontario and Sturgeon Falls in Manitoba.
Mr. Addison spent a recent sunny afternoon in Chambly, Que., on the Richelieu River, where high springtime water and dangerous rapids make an "experts-only" ride.
In Alberta, surfers created an association last year to push Calgary authorities to consider their sport as they planned to build "play waves" in the Bow River.
The Albertans go year round, making -20 winter excursions to the fast flow of the Kananaskis River. They worry about freezing to death instead of choking on sewage.
"Surfing in January can be an amazing and surreal experience," said Paul Barrett, one of the local pioneers.
"Most days, it's just another day on the water. But other days, you have snow coming down, two-foot chunks of ice peppering you, wind, and the ever-lingering threat of hypothermia.
"But you won't see any other river users, just you, your mates, ice and Alberta's Rockies."
Mr. Barrett, 26, grew up surfing in California before moving to Calgary, where he adapted his sport to local rivers with the help of fellow Calgarian Ben Murphy and Montrealer Jean-Louis St-Arnaud.
"River surfing in Canada was definitely pioneered in Montreal," said Mr. Barrett, crediting Mr. Addison and Mr. St-Arnaud.
Andreanne Dumas learned the sport from Mr. Addison a few years ago in Montreal. She's hit the ocean a few times since then. "Personally, I'm better on the river, so I like it a bit better," Ms. Dumas said.
"It's a sport like any other. We take advantage of the water, we take advantage of the sun. And we're so far from the ocean, it's the only way."
Ms. Dumas said there are more similarities than differences between river and ocean surfing, but river waves roll onto themselves like surfing treadmills, allowing long rides to refine techniques.
"The difference is the approach to the wave," she said. "On the sea, you wait for the wave to come to you. On the river, you go to the wave. ..."
Compared to the 10-second rides a rookie ocean surfer can expect, a river surfer can ride as long as their legs can hold.
In an attempt to prove the point, Mr. Addison said he set a record last year when he surfed the Montreal wave for 90 minutes straight.
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