Welcome to my surf trip to Hel, Poland. A destination with a growing and passionate surfing community. In this episode, I explore the unexpected surf culture of the Hel Peninsula during a winter storm, teaming up with renowned Polish surf photographer Krzysztof Jedrzejak who is a pillar of the Polish surf community. There was pun’s around every corner, fun waves, great music, welcoming locals and amazing food. I had a Hel time. Dylan Graves
28-year-old Lance Appleby is missing, presumed deceased after being attacked by a shark in South Australia, Granites Bay. What type of shark has not been confirmed but there were reports of an aggressive great white in the area.
Lance was known by many having grown up in Streaky Bay, at present the emergency services are still searching for a body. This tragic incident is just one of other shark attacks in the area. In 2023 Simon Baccanello, died in a suspected shark attack while surfing, and 55-year-old Tod Gendle was sadly killed while surfing at Granites beach, none of the bodies have been recovered.
Our thoughts go out to all affected by these tragic events.
A pretty special day. Maybe not actually the best waves of 2024 but it was definitely the most fun day of surfing.
26th December and unlike every other swell we’ve had this year, which all seemed weird with tides, winds and swell direction, it was the first day it was just me and Conor out and we could surf all day.
Usually there would be some traveling surfers around but with it being Christmas and all, we got some late presents too unwrap. Conor and myself were completely solo all day and had endless tubes and some hectic beatings haha. Gearoid Mcdaid
Land: @raymcdaid
Drone: @michealmccaughey
With strong onshore winds whipping up powerful swells of 2.5 to 3m nearly every day, the conditions were both challenging and breathtaking. A handful of dedicated local surfers braved the winter chill to score some serious kegs.
Together, the Florence brothers embody a shared passion for the ocean and an adventurous spirit that continues to inspire surfers around the globe. Hit play and pull in with some of the finest to do it on the planet.
A Film by Parallel Sea
Produced and Written by Spencer Klein
Principal Cinematography by Erik Knutson & Jared Butler
Edited by Jared Butler
Special thanks to Pete Johnson, Pat Oconnell, Jeff Hurley, Brandon Wasserman
Music Licensing: Dan Gibson / Good Time Management
There were emotional scenes at Waimea Bay today, as Landon McNamara won the prestigious ‘Rip Curl The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational’ in front of his father, and Contest Director, Liam McNamara.
The iconic big wave competition took place in monstrous 40+ feet surf, for just the eleventh time in its 40-year history.
Alongside taking the win, Landon also won the Best Wave Award with a perfect score of 50 out of 50, and the honour of being the first ever goofy footer to win the event.
“I don’t know how to feel right now; I think I’ve already cried ten times,” said Landon. “I’m so grateful to be here; I’m grateful to the Aikau Ohana, grateful to my Uncle Garrett and to my dad. I’m grateful to Eddie. They say Eddie picks the winner; I’m just so grateful he picked me.”
Landon’s father, Liam McNamara, who is also a highly decorated surfer, took on the role of this year’s Contest Director. One of his most stressful responsibilities involved making the decision of whether or not to run the event.
“We didn’t really know if it was going to be an Eddie-sized swell until about 3-4 days before. Not one swell forecaster told me I should run [the event], and no one said that I shouldn’t run it. Basically, they all left me on the fence. Ultimately, it came down to trusting my own knowledge of monitoring swells and my gut.” said Contest Director, Liam McNamara.
“A big part of deciding whether to run is making sure that there are enough consistently big waves to give all surfers enough opportunity. It was a tough decision and a bit of waiting game, but ultimately, the Bay called the day,” continued McNamara.
Liam taught Landon to surf just down the road from where the event was won.
“As a dad, I don’t know if there are many days that will surpass this one,” said Liam. “I think your circle of life is always blessed when you live from the heart, that’s the motto that I try to live by, and I think that was returned to my family today.”
The event featured a lineup of 35 men and 10 women whose scores were determined by their best 3 waves. The competitors were a mix of current surfing legends, local up & coming Hawaiians, and big-wave royalty.
The cultural significance of this event cannot be overstated. More than a competition, the day was a living tribute to Hawaiian hero, Eddie Aikau, to community, and to Hawaiian culture.
“Today has been one of the best days we could have hoped for. Great weather, consistent surf. You can just feel Eddie’s spirit so strong,” said Linda Aikau, President of the Eddie Aikau Foundation and younger sister of Eddie Aikau.
“We are so proud to be the instrument that makes all of this happen. There are a lot of sponsors and foundation members that work really hard to get where we are today and we are so happy to see it result in such as successful day, and something we can continue to perpetuate in Eddie’s honour. He helped so many people, and he still continues to do so ‘til this very day,” Linda finished.
Remembered by his family and all those who surfed today in his honour, Eddie’s legacy continues to reverberate through Waimea Bay, where he once patrolled the shore.
Rip Curl is honoured to have partnered with the Aikau Foundation on this iconic event and looks forward to a long and successful future together.
Event Results:
Landon McNamara
Mason Ho
Billy Kemper
Jamie O’Brien
Nic Lamb
Luke Shepardson
Nathan Florence
Kai Lenny
Koa Rothman
Best wave: Landon McNamara
Mark Fu Spirit Award: Greg Long
