Breaking Ice

[Owen Wright : photo Kirstin Wilson]

Owen Wright (Culburra, NSW) is surfing’s undisputed high-flyer after taking down the greatest-ever line-up of aerialists at the Boost Mobile Surf Sho presented by Nokia at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast today, walking away with his largest pay day ever. The eighteen year old Aussie put the contest out of reach with a near perfect aerial, scoring a 9.93 out of ten.

“With a couple of minutes remaining the perfect ramp popped up and I sealed the deal. When I landed it I hoped no one landed anything bigger cause all the guys were capable of pulling a big move off. It feels great to win it.”

To read more on the days events visit Global Surf News

I’m back behind the steering wheel with my foot on the gas. Those responsible for my iMAC debauckle have been sought out and persecuted. Justice served… they won’t be causing us any more trouble.

I must admit I’ve been slow on the rebound. It’s been tough getting back to writing. Luckily I came across a great website www.seaschool.org. And as it turns out, Gorillas In The Fog Director, Breaking Ice Cameraman, Pat Bannister is giving seminars on surfboard shaping. Is there anything this guy can’t do? Here’s the ad:

Build Your Own Surfboard in a WEEK!

Come and learn the art of shaping a surfboard with us and have it ready for summer waves! Taught by Patrick Bannister, this course will take you through the steps of the process to create your own professional-quality surfboard.
Introduction session at Sea School office, 2057 Gottingen Street, Halifax, Thursday June 5th, 6-8:30pm
All other sessions at Bloomfield Center, 2786 Agricola Street, Halifax
June 14th & 15th, 9am-5pm
June 16th-20th, 5:30-9pm
June 21st & 22nd, 9am-5pm
$700

I’ll be back in fine form tomorrow with my interview with Andrew Hunter of Andrew Hunter & the Gatherers.

Mike

I was surfing the internet this morning and came across an article on surfersvillage about a new small wave hybrid board coming out of Australia called the Mini-Mini…

At first glance the Mini looks simple enough but move closer and you will soon discover the science of the cathedral hull which gives the board paddle way beyond its length and would also encourage anyone still alive from that era to pull a Paul Strauch cheater five when no one is looking. Rockers, widths, thicknesses and plan shape are all designed to give the best paddle performance (for a short board) without once interfering with any facet of performance.

Bourton Shapes designer, and partner in Australia’s BASE Surfboards, Murray Bourton has been creating specialty boards for some 38 years. Sniffing around his site, I think he may have just designed a board that could make those tiny spring sets that plague our waters on the east coast of Canada a bit more fun.

[via Surfers Village via Bourton Shapes ]

[source: Footprint Books]

In case any of you are prepping a surf trip to Europe in the next little while here’s something that you may find extremely helpful.

Chris Nelson and Demi Taylor are releasing their second edition surf travel guide Footprint Surfing Europe.
It’s completely overhauled for 2008 and packed with accurate surf information and mapping.

The continent’s wave-rich coastline comes to life with stunning photography from some of the world’s most creative cameramen. And it’s chalked full of surfer’s tales of adventure and discovery.

Surfing Europe is a comprehensive guide that combines detailed surf and travel essentials with recommendations on the best places to eat, sleep, drink and even get your board fixed, ensuring maximum water time. Covering England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco plus new regions Northern Ireland and Italy, it’s an essential companion for anyone serious about surfing in Europe.

Best of all it will fit in your glove box. Available from all good surf shops and book stores £24.99.