In a plastic age full of fake news, fake tan, fake claims and a desperate marketing drives to create ‘brand authenticity’ through fake celebrity ‘influencers’ the stories of the founding of surf brands like RipCurl and Quiksilver, who both celebrate their 50th birthdays this year, stand out like flaming beacons of hope. From dreams and sewing shorts and wetties in the garages of Victoria to multi million dollar companies fuelled by the chase for waves these businesses and their founders invented an industry, a world tour, professions (pro surfer) and gave us all better equipment. They also inspired 1,000s of other surfers to chase the same lifestyle at various levels. From bums in shitty sand filled cars to surf execs flying around the in globe private jets and surf tripping on luxury yachts…They are remarkable stories.
So I’m really pleased that to celebrate 50 Years of Surfing, Rip Curl have announced the launch of ‘The Rip Curl Story’, written by esteemed surf writer Tim Baker.
“The Rip Curl Story is the remarkable tale of two young surfers who pursued a dream to make a living out of the pursuit of the ultimate ride. The brand that these men built not only satisfied their own surf wanderlust, but also inspired many others, riding the wave of the global youth revolution of the late ‘60s.
“When two friends in Torquay, Brian Singer and Doug “Claw” Warbrick, decided on a whim to make surfboards in 1969, they never imagined that in 2019, they would be celebrating their brand’s 50th anniversary. For the very first time, the entire true story of Rip Curl, which forms a vital part of of Australian surfing history, is revealed by bestselling surf writer Tim Baker.
“Rip Curl’s mantra quickly became “The Search”: the pursuit of new waves on distant shores, new thrills – skiing, snowboarding, windsurfing – and better equipment to elevate those experiences.
“Rip Curl has continued to invest in the surfing industry as a whole by not only by sponsoring two events on the World Surf League’s Championship Tour, The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and the Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal, but also by supporting the careers of the world’s great surfers – from Midget Farrelly to Michael Peterson, Tom Curren to Damien Hardman, Pam Burridge to Stephanie Gilmore, and of course Tyler Wright, Mick Fanning and Gabriel Medina.
“The Rip Curl Story is a series of ripping yarns and is as much a smart business primer as it is a wild adventure story. It will make readers want to surf more, travel further, follow through on that business idea and pursue their own Search.”
‘”The Rip Curl Story” is on sale now. Get Your Copy Online, in Rip Curl retail, at your local surf shop or in select bookstores today.
Across the week of the 6th to the 14th of April, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is organising its biggest ever Big Spring Beach Clean. Encompassing the full Summit to Sea message, SAS has over 600 events taking place from mountain tops to rivers and beachfronts across the UK.
SAS is now calling for a giant wave of volunteers from across the UK with aims of over 30,000 volunteers taking to our beaches, mountains, streets and waterways to keep them clear of plastic. These include:
Most Northerly – Skara Brae, Orkney
Most Southerly – Le Braye, Jersey
Most Easterly – Lowestoft, East Anglia
Most Westerly – Enniskillen Island, Northern Ireland
Most Rural – Arnol, Outer Hebrides
Most Urban – Royal Docks, London
Most Daring – Surfers Against Sewage Rep Laura Sanderson will be swimming the 26kmn Afon Glaslyn in Snowdonia from the highest point Llyn Glaslyn on Snowdon, down to the sea. Laura will be collecting plastic and water samples throughout the swim to be tested at the laboratory at Bangor University where the research will give us a greater understanding of levels of microplastics through a water catchment system.
With the effects of Storm Gareth being felt nationwide, SAS hopes this united front created by armies of volunteers will be able to urgently remove tonnes of plastic pollution and waste from our environment.
"We are just emerging from a series of heavy storms battering the UK, including Storm Gareth a few weeks back. We have to mobilise as many people as possible to take action in the face of this plastic crisis, right across the UK, from summit to sea. Collectively we can all make a difference. This is our biggest beach clean ever, and we’re seeing higher numbers of people than ever engaging in plastic pollution campaigns and wanting to take action due to the Attenborough effect and the awful scenes on television and in our newspapers" - Hugo Tagholm, CEO Surfers Against Sewage
As part of the cleans this year, Surfers Against Sewage is asking volunteers to track the brands they are finding during the cleans as part of a UK-wide Plastic Pollution Brand Audit, aimed at identifying the big businesses most responsible for plastic pollution around the UK.
Almost a decade ago, Surfers Against Sewage conducted an award-winning Plastic Pollution Brand Survey that revealed that the majority of all beach pollution (56%) was attributable to just twelve corporations, dubbed the ‘Dirty Dozen’. This included Nestle, Coca Cola, Walkers Snacks / Frito Lays, Kraft, Tesco, Mars, Unilever, PepsiCo, United Biscuits, Carlsberg, Co-Op and Asda.
10 years later, SAS is updating the survey to find out what has changed and will use the data to inform the UK Government’s current consultation on plastics.
"Every single piece of plastic we intercept is a victory for our oceans and environment, but it is vital that we concentrate on stopping pollution at source and challenge the systems responsible for its production. The evidence gathered by volunteers across the UK will be used to send a direct message to big businesses and those in power that we need to make tangible changes"
Boardmasters has today announced that Rudimental will headline the Land of Saints Stage on Saturday 10 August, with a special guest DJ set, joining the bill alongside already announced acts including headliners Wu-Tang Clan, Florence + The Machine and Foals plus The Wombats, Dizzee Rascal, Jorja Smith, Plan B and many more. Boardmasters has also revealed details of the BBC Music Introducing stage at The Netloft and announced more emerging acts for this year’s festival.
Cornwall’s own surf and music festival takes place from Wednesday 7 – Sunday 11 August 2019 across two stunning sites, Fistral Beach for exhilarating international surf action and Watergate Bay for world-class live music and simply unbeatable views. Tickets are on sale NOW via the website from £30 deposit.
Fresh from summer hit ‘These Days’, and having received widespread critical acclaim for their latest album ‘Toast To Our Differences’, Rudimental make a triumphant return to Boardmasters, riding high on the wave of enormous chart success. The group, hailing from London, have collaborated with huge names including Stefflon Don, Major Lazer, Protoje and more, and are sure to deliver their most innovate, creative and high-octane performance, jam-packed full of their biggest hits including ‘Feel The Love’ and ‘Waiting All Night’ as they headline Boardmasters’ Land of Saints stage on Saturday night with a very special DJ set.
This year, a total of twenty-four acts will perform on the BBC Music Introducing Stage located at The Netloft, at Watergate Bay. Among these talented emerging acts, Charlie Bowdery who is teetering on the edge of success will return to Boardmasters with his eclectic mix of R&B, Grime and electo pop – whilst in contrast rising fourpiece band Haunt The Woods will take to the BBC Music Introducing stage with their alternative folk and rock material. Other acts include Bonetired, Hypophora, Half Kut, Milo Gore, Moriaty and Ezmay Grace to name a few. With most of the acts hailing from or living in Cornwall and its surrounding areas, BBC Music Introducing is intent on supporting local acts, nurturing their talent through giving them a platform that allows them to be discovered nationally and internationally.
Also joining the Boardmasters line-up for 2019 are indie outfit Airways who’ve just returned from supporting Deaf Havana on their European tour, viral hitmaker Chelou, local Falmouth four-piece Holiday Ghosts who will bring bluesy rock’n’roll, ‘David At The Bar’ singer-songwriter Jerry Williams and plus fuzzy indie-pop sounds from Peaness. Plastic Mermaids are ready to take festivalgoers on a sonic adventure, with Ted Jasper providing the house-vibes, while punk five-piece The Murder Capital, along with Sunday Shift, Whenyoung and Xylaroo are also heading to Watergate Bay this summer.
This Saturday 6 April, in a continued and and longstanding partnership with Surfers Against Sewage, Boardmasters’ ‘Big Spring Beach Clean’ will take place on Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach as part of continued efforts and tremendous ongoing work to protect the oceans, beaches and coastlines in the UK and beyond. This follows the ‘Big Autumn Beach Clean’ in October last year, which saw hundreds of local volunteers join forces with Boardmasters and Surfers Against Sewage to clear plastic and general waste from two of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches. Volunteers can register for free online to take part in the ‘Big Spring Beach Clean’ this Saturday.
Inspired by the freedom, adventure and creativity of surfing and music, Boardmasters was born in 1981. Expect parties that run late into the night and a beautiful beach to recuperate on during the day. The five-day event is situated across two stunning locations in Cornwall – UK surfing mecca, Fistral Beach, where world class International Surf Competitions take place, and the most stunning location in the country to watch live music, Watergate Bay.
Book your tickets now via the Boardmasters website,
Luke Dillon, currently doing GB and Cornwall proud on the QS, has picked up sponsorships from Ginsters, Cornish pasty maker since 1969…
Ginsters is supporting Dillon, 24, as he continues his mission to become one of the top ten surfers in the world. Luke said:
‘I’m a proud Cornish boy, through-and-through. During my stints at home between competitions, I still get a buzz out of surfing at North Fistral, especially when you’re out with locals in the water, having fun and remembering what it’s all about.
‘That’s why Ginsters is such an outstanding company to stand alongside; they’re a Cornish business that has been in Cornwall since the beginning and always champions everything our county has to offer. It feels like a natural, down-to-earth connection and I’m excited to see where this year takes us. I reckon they’ll grant me access to an unlimited supply of pasties too!
‘Sponsorship plays an increasingly important role in surfing as a global sport. Without funding, competing on the world’s stage would be a much greater challenge. It’s amazing that Ginsters makes it possible.’
Kieran Hemsworth, Managing Director at Ginsters, said: ‘This year, we’re marking our 50th anniversary in Callington; that’s half a century of being established in the heart of Cornwall and witnessing the extraordinary talent our county has to offer the rest of the world.
‘Luke represents everything we, at Ginsters, are passionate about too; dedication, honing your craft, striving to achieve the best… and always celebrating your roots. We couldn’t be prouder to be his official sponsor for 2019 and be a part of Luke’s journey to becoming GB’s highest-ranking male. We can absolutely line-up all the pasties he can eat!’
A collection of footage from this past fall to early winter of Seth Conboy around his home town of New Jersey. Gritty and moody, hit play and watch one of Jerseys finest punt and pull in, enjoy .
The 2019 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) season will officially open tomorrow with the Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast. The event will launch what is set to be one of the biggest years in surfing yet with equal prize money, Olympic qualification, and a new level of progression from the world’s best surfers.
2018 WSL Champions Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Gabriel Medina (BRA) are ready to kick off their World Title campaigns wearing the Jeep Leader Jersey at Stop No. 1.
Seven-time Champion Gilmore now leads a dangerous group of women who are ready to push the limits and make their mark on surfing. The field includes Lakey Peterson (USA), who is ranked No. 2 to Gilmore after falling short of the Championship last season. But now, Peterson holds the advantage of being the 2018 Gold Coast event winner. The American is excited to get the season underway and be one step closer to achieving her World Title goal.
“I want to win the World Title this year -- it’s always the goal,” Peterson said. “My mindset is very similar to last year, but I definitely had a lot of breakthroughs not only with my surfing but with what I learned from being in the World Title race. There is always such an electric atmosphere around this event with it being the first one of the year. The warm water, the early mornings and the beauty of the Gold coast all make for a really exciting competition for the fans and for us, the surfers. This is such an iconic place for surfing, so I’m really happy to be back and starting the season for 2019.”
Hailing from Queensland, Julian Wilson (AUS) has always had the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast on his bucket list of events to win and in 2018 he achieved this dream, winning the event in pumping waves on the point at Kirra. Having finished the 2018 season just short of taking his maiden World Title, Wilson is poised for another perfect start in 2019 as he prepares for one of his favorite stops on the elite CT.
“This is the closest event to my home and it’s held in waves that are really similar to ones I grew up surfing on the Sunshine Coast, so it’s definitely the dream event for me,” Wilson said. “The best part is it’s the one event in the world that my father comes to watch and it’s one that I used to come and watch as a kid so there are plenty of great memories here. It’s always exciting to kick the year off and see where everyone’s form is at and get a first glimpse of the rookies on the big stage. I can’t wait to pull on the jersey and get the season started.”
Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Wildcards: Reef Heazlewood, Mateus Herdy, and Isabella Nichols
Mateus Herdy (BRA), 2018 World Junior Champion, has been selected by Quiksilver as the Quiksilver Pro wildcard. Herdy will come up against Medinaand Ryan Callinan (AUS) in Heat 6 of Round 1 when the competition gets underway. Aussie upstart Reef Heazlewood (AUS) will be the second event wildcard after winning the trials today and will take on fellow Sunny Coaster Wilson and 2019 CT Rookie Seth Moniz (HAW).
Trials winner Isabella Nichols (AUS) will compete in the Boost Mobile Pro as the wildcard. She will face Gilmore and Paige Hareb (NZL) in Round 1 Heat 3.
Tyler Wright (AUS), two-time WSL Champion, has withdrawn from the first half of the season and will be replaced by Keely Andrew (AUS). Silvana Lima (BRA) will be out of this event due to an ongoing knee injury and will be replaced bySage Erickson (USA).
2015 WSL Champion Adriano de Souza (BRA) has withdrawn from the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast and the entire Australian leg with a knee injury and will be replaced by countryman Caio Ibelli (BRA).
CT Stars Team Up with Local Indigenous Surfers For Annual Juraki Challenge
CT Stars Team Up with Local Indigenous Surfers For Annual Juraki Challenge
After an inspiring Welcome to Country ceremony, CT surfers joined forces with some Indigenous Australian surfers for the Juraki Challenge Teams Men’s and Women’s Heats.
Juraki is an Indigenous not-for-profit community organization committed to creating, supporting and partnering in community activities, programs and events that give Indigenous children opportunities. Today they paired four young men and four young women with CT surfers for two action packed heats. Carissa Moore (HAW) won her second Juraki Challenge in a row with her partner Jalaan Slabb, and Soli Bailey (AUS) took the win with his young partner Julung Slabb. Young Girls Surf with Heroes at Rising Tides - WSL Girls Program
Young Girls Surf with Heroes at Rising Tides - WSL Girls Program
Female surfers of all levels and ages came together today for the Rising Tides - WSL Girls Program. The event started on the beach at Duranbah where up-and-coming surfers aged 6-to-16 took over the lineup alongside their heroes including Gilmore, Peterson, Moore, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Paige Hareb (NZL), Bronte Macaulay (AUS), Brisa Hennessy (CRI), Malia Manuel (HAW), Caroline Marks (USA), and Macy Callaghan (AUS). In addition to the current CT athletes, special guests included 2005 World Champion Chelsea Hedges (nee Georgeson) and newly crowned Big Wave Champion Keala Kennelly. The event picked up again in the evening with the beginner session, where the professional surfers taught young girls how to surf at Rainbow Bay.
Red Bull Airborne Gold Coast
The Red Bull Airborne Gold Coast will witness the most creative surfers take to the air in this specialty series. The event window will open tomorrow and run through April 9, 2019. 18 surfers will be featured across two rounds. The first round will host six qualifying heats with six surfers in each heat. The second round will be the six-person Final.
Red Bull Airborne Round 1: Heat 1: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Kalani David (HAW) vs. Harry Bryant (AUS) vs. Finn McGill (HAW) vs. Mitch Parkinson (AUS), vs. Aaron Kelly (USA) Heat 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Matt Meola (HAW) vs. Noa Deane (AUS) vs. Kael Walsh (AUS) vs. Thomas Woods (AUS) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA) Heat 3: Jack Freestone (AUS) vs. Eithan Osborne (USA) vs. Chippa Wilson (AUS) vs. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) vs. Coby Perkovich (USA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA)
Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast Round 1 Matchups : Heat 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) vs. Keely Andrew (AUS) Heat 2: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Coco Ho (HAW) vs. Sage Erickson (USA) Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Paige Hareb (NZL) Heat 4: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRI) Heat 5: Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS) Heat 6: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 1 Matchups: Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Soli Bailey (AUS) Heat 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW) vs. Jack Freestone (AUS) Heat 3: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Kelly Slater (USA) Heat 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Joan Duru (FRA) vs. Caio Ibelli (BRA) Heat 5: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW) vs. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) Heat 6: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Ryan Callinan (AUS) vs. Mateus Herdy (AUS) Heat 7: Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA) Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) Heat 9: Wade Carmichael (AUS) vs. Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Ricardo Christie (NZL) Heat 10: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA) Heat 11: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Willian Cardoso (BRA) vs. Jesse Mendes (BRA) Heat 12: Mikey Wright (AUS) vs. John John Florence (HAW) vs. Peterson Crisanto (BRA)
The Quiksilver Pro, Boost Mobile Pro, and Red Bull Airborne will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and Facebook.com/WSL. Also check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
