Flashback Boomerang with Occy

Flashback Boomerang with Occy

A bitter rivalry brewed between a father named Occy and his son, Sterling. Occy, a renowned surfer in his heyday, had never loved or supported his son’s dreams. He couldn’t bear the thought of Sterling surpassing him, and this rivalry tore at their relationship.

From a young age, Sterling had felt the pull of the waves, the irresistible call of the sea. He knew he was destined to be a surfer, to follow in his father’s footsteps, but his dreams were met with nothing but resistance from Occy. It was as if Occy had become consumed by jealousy, refusing to let his son shine in a world he once ruled.

One day, Sterling’s journey took him to a remote coastal village in Peru. There, amidst the wild beauty of the ocean, he finally found Occy. The reunion was tense, as years of resentment and unresolved emotions hung in the air.

The duel between father and son was mesmerizing. Sterling yearned to prove himself as the superior player and, in doing so, perhaps win his father’s recognition and love. They engaged in a game of pointing, testing their hand-eye coordination and precision. Occy, with years of experience, narrowly won this round.

Tragically, as they were leaving the field, Occy, who was still catching his breath, accidentally picked up a stray boomerang that had washed ashore. In a cruel twist of fate, the boomerang unexpectedly returned and struck Occy, leading to a fatal accident.

The world was left in shock as the legendary sportsman, Occy, passed away in such an unexpected manner. Sterling, who had finally bridged the gap between them, was left in mourning, with mixed emotions of victory and profound loss. It was a reminder that life’s twists and turns could be both unexpected and tragic, leaving Sterling to carry the weight of reconciliation and sorrow.

BL BLAST OFF

BL BLAST OFF

The evolution of the BL BLAST OFF over the last 18 years has seen it transform into a truly global event. What started out as in-person physical event in Sydney and Bali is now an international online stokefest!

The BL BLAST OFF VIDEO CHALLENGE developed by 1988 World Surfing Champion Barton Lynch, is a unique and exciting annual opportunity for young surfers from around the world to show off their skills and stoke in the water to a coaching panel of world class surf coaches and a global community of surfing families.

Across its many award categories, the BL BLAST OFF VIDEO CHALLENGE has become a haven of encouragement and support for the young surf community; as well as being a fun and competitive environment for surfers to elevate their skills and land on the radar of the surfing world as the world’s most promising future prospects.

This year, the BL BLAST OFF VIDEO CHALLENGE is presented by another exciting Lynch-led venture, the first ever surfing sports simulated game of its kind, BARTON LYNCH PRO SURFING. The project, developed by Barton Lynch and Western Australian-based studio BUNGARRA SOFTWARE, the game hits PC (Steam), PlayStation5 and XBOX platforms on November 17th 2023.

WATCH 2022 BL BLAST OFF VIDEO CHALLENGE FINALS SHOW

The BL BLAST OFF VIDEO CHALLENGE is open to young surfers 14 years and under and of any skill level – it is a four week coaching program at its core, with a championship component that will see winners decided in multiple categories and age divisions.

At its heart though, the challenge has been established to build community and inspire young surfers to share their stoke for surfing with others. Video submissions can include footage shot at any time during 2023 and feature any style of surfing and on any type of board or craft.

The videos can capture anything from a single wave, or a single manouevre; they can be fully edited, or submitted as is – the only stipulation is that each clip be a maximum of one minute in length.

Submissions open from October 16th through until November 17th 2023, for surfers aged 14 years and under (as of November 17th) and from anywhere around the world.

2023 BL BLAST OFF VIDEO CHALLENGE KEY DATES
Submissions open: October 16th – November 17th 2023

Categories open to be won as part of the BL BLAST OFF VIDEO CHALLENGE, alongside overall divisional winners for 14s, 12s, 10s, 8s and 6s, this year include:

PEOPLES CHOICE
EXPERTS CHOICE
WORST WIPE OUT
BEST TUBE
BEST AIR
BEST WAVE
OVERALL ‘BEST EDIT’ PRESENTED BY GoPro
BEST GoPro POV

as well as a new category in…
A NEW EARTH CLEAN UP (AND GOOD WILL)
In conjunction with sustainability partner, A NEW EARTH PROJECT, kids will show us the great work they have done in their community by helping others or the environment.

The 2022 VIDEO CHALLENGE saw over 200 videos submitted from surfers in over 26 countries. Over 90 prize packs were awarded to kids around the world – in 2023, the event aims to connect with even more groms and families globally!

Says Barton Lynch of the return of the video challenge in 2023,
“My Blast Off is an initiative to spread stoke among groms that has been running since 2006.
That’s when we first ran our Sydney Blast Off in the physical event form and that quickly turned into the most stoked event on the Australian surf calendar annually, with 330 kids taking part. When we took the concept online in 2020, we automatically reached a much broader and more diverse audience and spread the Blast Off stoke around the world.

The Blast Off community and event has long been the breeding ground for tomorrow’s champions, with many former Blast Off alumni going on to be world champs at the highest level, this is something that I am very stoked about. This is the fourth year of the video challenge and I can’t wait to see the videos from very best and most stoked under 14s surfers in the world and encourage you to tune in and support the kids by heading to bartonlynch.com

LS/FF

LS/FF

As the days draw in, London Surf / Film Festival has just dropped its longlist of Shorties x Northcore as fresh inspiration for the season ahead.

Serving up 90 minutes of bite sized, homegrown, surf movie magic – from a middle finger to polluters, to pondering the existential question of what it means to be a surfer, or exploring pure stoke through epic odysseys, cold water sessions, tropical delights and littoral insights – these tales are told in under 5 minutes by the UK’s best surf filmmakers.

“Short films are a central pillar of modern surf culture, this year I’m delighted to see how many films feature or have been created by women, it’s much more reflective of our line ups. From a female sculptor to longboard aficionados, and from close knit communities to activists, scientists and road tripping explorers, these films celebrate just what is to be a woman of the sea, and it can be whatever you want.” says Festival Director Demi Taylor. “Until 5th November, we’re asking you, the surf community to support your favourite short films by watching, enjoying, sharing and voting for them. As part of our commitment to UK and Irish filmmaking talent, this year we have a £500 bursary for the winning film.”
The best films, as selected by the surf community and the jury, will be premiered on the big screen as part of the 2023 London Surf / Film Festival presented by Finisterre hosted 23-25 November at Riverside Studios

The filmmakers are the people who keep the stoke fires burning long after the wave is spent so watch all the films and share the stoke here:

LS/FF 2023 presented by FINISTERRE
12th London Surf / Film Festival presented by Finisterre is hosted 23 – 25 November at the iconic Riverside Studios, London. Bringing to the UK a hand picked line up of the very best films from across the globe exploring surfing and surf culture in all its guises, accompanied by Q+A’s, talks, good times and more, it is a celebration of the cream of international surf culture.

Pilgrims

Pilgrims

Joss Ash, Reubyn Ash, Barnaby Cox, Malakai Hagley, Jobe Harriss and crew blazing through North Cornwall. What would you give to be on one of these leg burning lefts today, hit play for more.

Harbor Grovel – Dane Reynolds

Harbor Grovel – Dane Reynolds

Hunters back with the series ‘Daily Exports’ which stems from exactly that, he’d send us loosely edited videos with random songs or audio after going through footage after a day of surfing and sometimes they have more character than the tightly edited end product.

Unforgettable Surf adventures in Sri Lanka

Unforgettable Surf adventures in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka: The Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka, an island nation nestled in the Indian Ocean, is one of the most beautiful and biodiverse countries in South Asia. The small island is only about 65.000 square kilometres big but it boasts a rich and diverse cultural tapestry woven over millennia, exciting wildlife, a diverse landscape and above all amazing surf.

The year-round warm climate is mainly influenced by 2 monsoon seasons that create ideal surf conditions, dry weather with almost no rainfall and mild 23-32C temperatures along the south / southwest coast from December to April and along the east coast from March to September.

Beyond the waves and coastal beauty, Sri Lanka is an island of diverse wonders with many national parks and amazing spots for whale watching and snorkelling.

Eat, Sleep, and Surf at Kima Surf in Sri Lanka

Surfing is at the heart of Kima Surf and has been for over 25 years. It all started with organising surf trips in Bali and has now expanded to 4 surf camps and retreats in Bali and Sri Lanka.

Kima offers surf lessons for beginners, surf guiding for experts and a wide variety of activities around their beautiful locations in Bali and Sri Lanka. With the help of well-experienced surf guides, you’ll turn the island upside down to discover the best waves.

Surfing with Kima also means getting advice and feedback that will help improve your skills to the maximum. The surf camps are designed with practicality, authenticity and comfort in mind to create the perfect atmosphere for your surf getaway. Connect with like-minded people who are stoked to explore the waves and turn your surf vacations into an unforgettable experience!

In Sri Lanka you have the choice of two stunning Kima Surf camps … here’s the low-down on both …

Kima Surf Camp: Weligama
Location: South Coast

Hidden between palm trees and lush green vegetation, just a few steps from Weligama Bay, the Kima Surf Camp in Weligama beckons you to experience a unique surf holiday.

Housed in a charming Sri Lankan colonial homestead, it offers a variety of accommodation options to suit your preferences: cozy private singles, twin rooms, double rooms or spacious dormitories with single and bunk beds. Some rooms even have access to a private pool!

A real highlight is the luxury one-bedroom villa with a fully equipped open-air kitchen, a living room with dining table and sofa beds and a fantastic private garden. Perfect for couples looking for more privacy and extra comfort.

Right at the doorstep of the camp, you’ll find Weligama Bay, a gentle beach break that is the perfect spot for those who want to learn how to surf and beginner surfers. For more advanced waves, a short Tuk Tuk ride will take you to a number of thrilling surf spots. But it’s not just about the waves, the camp offers a yoga and workout area, a volleyball court, a spa where you can enjoy relaxing massages and a spacious pool area with sun lounges to hang around and chill.

Kima Surf Camp: Hiriketiya
Location: South Coast

Enjoy Kima Surf’s paradise in the heart of Sri Lanka’s south coast. Just moments from the renowned Hiriketiya Bay the surf and fitness resort in Hiriketiya is the perfect blend of surf, fitness, relaxation and luxury.

Stay in comfortable Western-style luxury cabanas, inspired by local jungle huts. You can choose between private double cabanas or spacious four-bed shared cabanas for groups or families. Either way, all are furnished in a modern tropical style, equipped with air conditioning and surrounded by the camp’s centrepiece: the refreshing pool with sun lounges to relax and tan on between surf sessions.

Take part in daily yoga sessions in the serene yoga shala or join the fully equipped gym for an extra dose of fitness. And whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate surfer, the Hiriketiya Bay, an amazing surf break, is just a stone’s throw away. Kima Surf in Hiriketiya is truly a piece of heaven on earth.

The Kima Package at Weligama and Hiriketiya

From unique surf adventures to unforgettable Sri Lankan experiences, Kima offers an all-around carefree package for surfers of all levels at both the Weligama and Hiriketiya surf camps.

At both locations, their package includes two guided sessions a day which are adapted to your skill level and the weather conditions on the day. Beginners can join a 5-day Learn-to-Surf-Program with experienced guides (Weligama camp recommended for this) which includes video analyses to help you understand and improve your technique, daily surf theory classes and pool sessions to refine your paddling skills.

You are what you eat – which is why Kima offers a healthy menu, fresh ingredients every day and avoids refined sugar, starch and flour in most of their dishes. The three-course breakfast is included and on 5 evenings a week Kima Surf Sri Lanka offers complimentary family dinners. These family dinners and other social activities like BBQs, beach volleyball, quiz nights, sunsets and more create a special social atmosphere in the camp.

To make your vacation a complete experience, Kima offers several cultural day trips to explore the beautiful culture and landscapes in Sri Lanka. Plus for a small extra charge you can book a trip to the famous Yala National Park or a Whale Watching Tour in Mirissa.

For more information on the stunning Kima Surf Sri Lanka surf camps, head to kimasurfsrilanka.com.