Great white versus mahoosive seal

Great white versus mahoosive seal

If there are two creatures a lot of surfers aren’t too keen on it is massive seals with attitude problems and, or of course, whiteys.

But who would win in a fight? Let’s find out!

14-year-old Luka Oosthuizen video from the Robberg Nature Reserve in South Africa shows the huge elephant seal chasing away the shark as it attempted to swim towards a seal colony.

So maybe the unnatural fear of fishy breathed, bearded water dwellers isn’t so unnatural.. Nor that of seals..

DIY SOS, Good Vibes.

DIY SOS, Good Vibes.

An adaptive surf school in Swansea is the proud owner of the UK’s first purpose-built, inclusive surf facility, following a visit from the BBC’s DIY SOS team and Children in Need.

Surfability UK supports more than 500 surfers from all over the Britain, helping them to overcome physical impairments to experience the thrill and freedom of riding the waves.

The community interest company had been operating out of a dilapidated bus stop with no electricity, running water or ventilation.
Now, thanks to hundreds of local volunteers, the surf school has a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly headquarters. The new build gives clients a safe, dry space to change in privacy for surf sessions, while the bus stop – now fully renovated – provides secure surfboard storage.
Swansea-based Huw Griffiths Architects designed a building that draws inspiration from its surroundings. Surfboard-shaped and in tones of blue, sand and driftwood, the facility sits naturally in the picturesque environment of Caswell bay on Wales’s Gower peninsula. Power is provided by solar panels, while the flat grassed roof features locally-sourced plants.

“It doesn’t feel real. It’s just so different,” says Surfability UK founder and director, Ben Clifford.

“It’s been raining so hard this week. Usually we would come down an hour early to bail out the building before we start our day. We used to put bricks down to use as stepping stones through the water. It was cramped, dark and full of spiders.

“Now we have wet and dry storage so all the gear can stay in top condition. It’s so much easier already, and all our participants love the changing rooms. It’s incredible to have different rooms for different equipment.

“Light switches, windows, desks and counters are all at wheelchair height, the doorways are wider. Everything has been done to accommodate our surfers.”

On the project’s socially-distanced final day, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles spoke of the “extraordinarily difficult” task of completing the build under Covid-19 restrictions.

“As far as we’re aware, it’s the first purpose-built facility of its kind anywhere in the world. It’s an extraordinarily beautiful building – something that Swansea, south Wales and indeed the UK can be very proud of,” Mr Knowles said.

As adaptive surfing evolves and improves accessibility at grassroots level, its growth plays out on the elite stage: this year’s edition of the AmpSurf ISA World Para Surfing Championships broke participation records as 140 athletes from 24 national teams competed at La Jolla, California.

“We’re really close to ticking all the boxes for adaptive surfing to become a Paralympic sport – that’s the next step,” Ben says, as surfing prepares to make its Olympic debut at the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games, now set to take place in the summer of 2021, according to the Tokyo2020 website.

Thanks to the pioneering work of Ben and his team, the future of this sector looks overwhelmingly positive, with countless individuals across the UK and the world set to defy their disabilities and share the stoke of riding waves. But for now, the miracles keep happening down at Caswell bay.

“I’ve got a student who is visually impaired and able to paddle the board, get to his feet and ride waves unassisted. I’ve coached a 50-year-old guy who has one leg and a 13-year-old boy with cerebral palsy,” Ben says.

“They want to surf every Saturday come rain or shine. It’s an honour to be able to help them. People see that on the beach and they’re blown away.

“We have quadriplegics and people with cognitive disabilities. They can’t swim but they want to surf every week. They don’t see barriers, so why should there be any?”

The interior of Surfability UK’s new headquarters will be unveiled on the DIY SOS Big Build Children in Need special on Thursday 12th November on BBC One.

If you would like to show your support for the vital work being done by Surfability UK, you can donate to BBC Children in Need at bbcchildreninneed.co.uk.

World exclusive video premiere.

World exclusive video premiere.

Legendary musician Paul McCartney has teamed up with climate change organisation Surfers For Climate for the world exclusive music video premiere for Wine Dark Open Sea.

McCartney’s love of the ocean led him to collaborate with award winning surfing filmmaker Jack McCoy for the second time following the release of the video for Blue Sway, which won multiple ‘Best Music Video Awards’ at major film festivals around the world.
The premiere will feature Surfers For Climate co founder Belinda Baggs and Jack McCoy who will provide viewers with an introduction to the Surfers For Climate organisation, an exclusive insight into the making of the film clip and how McCoy and McCartney came together to create the video for such a great cause.

’I’m thrilled to support Surfers For Climate. Their work is something that really appeals to me as we all have a responsibility to do our bit and this is a great way to bring people together with a shared passion for the seas and oceans from all around the world for positive climate action.” Says McCartney

“It’s an honour to again work with the most influential artist in the modern world and to have him support such a great cause to raise awareness on the importance of acting now in the fight against climate change. It is our duty to protect our environment and limit the impact we make as humans”. Says McCoy.

Arguably McCoy’s best ever work, the video features former champion surfer and Surfers For Climate co – founder Belinda Baggs. In true McCoy style, the video takes us on a journey and appeals for us to open up your heart to the ocean.

“I love the video that my friend and surf filmmaker Jack McCoy has created for this. The striking footage of pro longborder Belinda Baggs and her dance on water is a powerful reminder of how incredible our oceans are and that they need our help to protect them and preserve their wonder for generations to come.” Says McCartney

“Every time I watch the video I get goosebumps, we believe people will connect with the video to make a conscious effort to support our fight against climate change. For surfers, the ocean is life. Climate change, fuelled by fossil fuels, threatens everyone’s way of life. Our goal is simple, we want to pass on a healthy ocean to the generations to come.” Say’s Baggs

Viewers can view the premiere for a $5 donation that will go towards supporting partners Surfrider Foundation Australia and Seed Mob.

Watch Wine Dark Open Sea Premiere here:

Send in your shots win a Hydro Flask

Send in your shots win a Hydro Flask


Cribbar. Photo Sharpy

Winter swells are here and so are dropping water temperatures. To reward those budding British and Irish photogs out there freezing on the land or in the water taking shots of friends we have partnered with Hydro Flask to give away five 21 oz flasks for the best photos chosen for our Sessions pages in the next issue.

The 21 oz flask come in a range of colours and will keep liquids hot for 12, cold for 24 hours thanks to TempShield double wall vacuum insulation

Made from super durable pro-grade stainless steel which ensures pure taste and no flavour transfer

Proprietary powder coating (which gives the bottle colour) increases grip and is extra-durable

BPA and phthalate-free
Compatible with the Standard Mouth Insulated Sports Cap

And they have a lifetime warranty.

RRP: £31.95 there is more info here

Contribute you photos email your hi res shots to ‘Sessions’ at [email protected]

Standard Procedure

Standard Procedure

Born under the harsh Australian summer sun, Standard Procedure, is a new range of topical skin care made to withstand the toughest elements.
Inspired by the sun-kissed days of bygone eras; the surf explorations of Australia’s magical coastlines, the long haired beach boys and bronzed bikini-clad women, Dion Agius and Zepha Jackson, have come together to bring Australian surf nostalgia back to life in a brand new way. Dion, a professional surfer raised on the beach and in the saltwater, and Zepha, an innovator and advocate for ethical manufacturing – the two friends have combined their knowledge to produce a high quality, protective sun-care range. Mixed with native Australian super fruits containing antioxidants and vitamins a, b + c, Standard Procedure is a reef friendly product free of paba, parabens, oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Working together with Zepha’s family business, a topical skincare factory with over 30 years experience in the sunscreen industry, Standard Procedure is a TGA certified product, that meets the highest standards globally and is ethically made only minutes from the beach on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.

Find out more here.

WSL Breaking News

WSL Breaking News

The World Surf League (WSL) today announced Lower Trestles, CA will be the location of the WSL Finals in September 2021.

Professional Surfing Returns To Trestles
The world-renowned surf break of Lower Trestles is back on the WSL Championship Tour (CT) calendar in 2021, this time as the stage of the first-ever WSL Finals. The men’s and women’s World Titles will be decided in a single-day competition, where the top five men and top five women ranked during the CT season will battle for their respective titles in a new surf-off format at one of the world’s best waves. The WSL Finals waiting period will run from September 8 – 17, 2021. 

“Putting on an international tour amid a global pandemic is not an easy task, but the dedication and work of the entire organization, gives us confidence that we can safely execute these competitions on behalf of our athletes, staff and the local communities,” said Erik Logan, WSL CEO.

It’s ON! Hawaii to Kick-Off CT Season
The road to The WSL Finals will start at the Maui Pro presented by ROXY with the women competing at Honolua Bay in Maui, Hawaii from December 4 – 15, 2020 (changed from the previous date of Nov 25 – Dec 6). The men will compete at Pipeline in Oahu, Hawaii at the Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask from December 8 – 20, 2020 in Oahu, Hawaii. 

“I am so excited about WSL’s announcement to start the 2021 Championship tour this December in Hawaii,” said 4x reigning WSL Champion, Carissa Moore. “Honolua Bay, Maui for the women and Pipeline, Oahu for the men. Hawaii is such a big part of surfing history and culture and there is no better place to start a season and end a challenging year on a positive note. I want to express my appreciation to everyone involved in making these events happen including the WSL, state of Hawaii and all the amazing fans for your support. As we all continue to navigate these unprecedented times and adapt to a new norm, we are so grateful for your support and good vibes from home this year in order to keep everyone safe. Hope there is some good swell on offer and we can put on a great show for you!“

This season’s Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask will be the 50th edition of this legendary contest, which has crowned World Champions such as Andy Irons, Kelly Slater, and reigning WSL Champion, Italo Ferreira. 

The WSL is working closely with the State of Hawaii and local government agencies, to implement the WSL’s COVID safety plans for each broadcast-only competition, which were developed in collaboration with the State of Hawaii and the counties of Honolulu and Maui. 

New Tour Stops Added to Opening Leg of 2021 Schedule
The WSL will add two new tour stops to the CT for the 2021 season. Firstly, the CT will return to the iconic Sunset Beach in Oahu, Hawaii from January 19 – 28, 2021 for the Sunset Open. This will mark the first time there has been a combined men’s and women’s CT competition at Sunset since 1991 and the first Women’s CT stop on the North Shore of Oahu since 2010. 33 years after the first CT competition at Steamer Lane, the world’s best surfers are planning to return to Santa Cruz for the Santa Cruz Pro, from February 2 – 12, 2021.

Opening Leg of 2021 Championship Tour*
*All tour stops and dates subject to change due to applicable COVID-19 related restrictions, including global travel restrictions.

Maui Pro presented by ROXY: Maui, Hawaii | Dec 4 – 15, 2020
Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask: Oahu, Hawaii | December 8 – 20, 2020
Sunset Open | January 19 – 28, 2021
Santa Cruz Pro | February 2 – 12, 202

With the current focus on running the opening leg of the tour in the United States, additional changes to the 2021 season include the postponement of the MEO Pro Portugal until later in the season, shifting the dates for the Corona Open Gold Coast presented by Billabong to May 3 – 13, 2021, and moving the Oi Rio Pro presented by Corona to June 11 – 20, 2021.

Based on the global nature of the CT and the unknowns around COVID-19, the WSL will share updates on the remaining schedule in the new year. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

COVID-19 Protocols
The WSL has collaborated extensively with public health officials, medical experts, as well as local government agencies, to create thorough health and plans for the upcoming CT season. These plans were designed to ensure the health and safety of athletes, staff, and the surrounding community. All CT competitions will be strictly executed to follow the WSL’s health and safety procedures, which were developed based on guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and emerging best practices established by other sports leagues and broadcast-only live sports. These procedures include testing for athletes and essential staff, strict physical distancing measures, temperature checks, limited or no on-site fans, and minimal personnel on-site. 

After canceling the 2020 Championship Tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WSL ran a series of regional competitions from August 9 through October 6, 2020 in California, Australia, Brazil, France, and Portugal. These six WSL Countdown stops and two specialty competitions ran with no COVID-19 issues. Similar COVID safety plans will be implemented for each stop in the 2021 CT season.