What happens when the best surf trip of former world champ Joel Parkinson's life happens years after his retirement? He enjoys it even more.
Starring Joel Parkinson, Creed McTaggart, Eithan Osborne, Jai Glindeman, Dakoda Walters and Kian Martin, shot in the Mentawai Islands earlier this year and created by Mikey Mallalieu and Tom Jennings. Special thanks to Captain Ricky and the crew at Sibon Charters, best boats in the Ments.
Savage Waters, the British made surf exploration film, is rolling out the premiers and winning awards, yesterday winning Best feature, Best original soundtrack and a special mention for Cinematography going to Mikey Corker at The Richard Harris International Film Festival last weekend.
The film follows the adventures of a crew as they sail the Atlantic in search of uncharted islands that hold a mythical big wave as mentioned in a 19th century treasure hunters journal. North Devons Matt Knight sets sail with a changing crew of family and friends in search of the perfect wave but the ocean and life throws challenges at the crew turning what could have been a quick surf trip into years of challenges.
Filmed in Ireland, Portugal, Acores, Madeira and The Savage Islands over five years with surfers Matt, Peony, Taz Knight joined by Cotty, Ed Smith, Alex Bothelo it is well worth a watch!
The UK Premiere is tomorrow night in Liverpool at the Odeon Liverpool One
Then in Stirling, Scotland 6 November, Kendal 19 November, Lewes near Brighton 20 November, and rolling out across the globe. Dates here.
Yeppoon, Qld, Australia – Wave pool wave pool development and operations company, Global Surf Ops Pty Ltd T/A Global Surf Parks (GSP), has signed an agreement with Surf Lakes International, to rebuild the existing Surf Lakes Yeppoon research and development site and include significant development so that it may be open to the public.
The site, located midway between Rockhampton and Yeppoon, has been in use since 2018, but being a prototype, has served only to successfully prove, test and improve the capability of Surf Lakes unique wave making technology. To date, invitations to selected guests have been extended to enjoy, and provide feedback, on the incredible surf experience on offer.
“We are extremely happy that Surf Lakes International and GSP have been able to come to an agreement whereby a significant community asset may be finally opened to the public,” said GSP Business Development and Media Director, Wayne Dart. “Having worked with Surf Lakes over the past few years to develop and manage the in-water experience, we know just how incredible the experience will be and we know that the technology is by far and wide the best in the world.”
The existing Surf Lakes site located between Rockhampton and Yeppoon on Queenslands Capricorn Coast is to be overhauled and developed.
“It is a truly amazing location, and in proximity to other star attractions, such as Great Keppel Island and the Southern Great Barrier Reef,” continued Dart. “We know that it will be a preferred internationally recognised destination for not just die-hard surf enthusiasts but also families, school groups and corporates. We are genuinely super excited!”
Founder and CEO of Surf Lakes, Aaron Trevis, who also grew up in Yeppoon, was equally enthused about the park finally being developed so that the public may also enjoy the waves and the amazing natural backdrop.
“Having seen the sheer surf-stoke and the now global interest in Surf Lakes technology, and also knowing how special the Surf Lakes Yeppoon location is, we can’t wait to see the site become commercial,” said Trevis. “With the Development Application (DA) approved by Livingstone Shire Council last year, we have been working hard with GSP to finalise this deal and we will continue liaising with them to ensure the site is a huge global success."
The region’s peak tourism and economic development organisation, Capricorn Enterprise has been a strong advocate for the project since its inception and recognises the enormous economic contribution a commercial facility will provide to the local, regional and state economies.
DA approved initial site plan for the intended development intended to be open to the public in 2024
“Already, the Surf Lakes prototype has attracted famous faces and investors from around the world who have come to witness its incredible capability,” said Capricorn Enterprise CEO, Mary Carroll. "And with the commercial facility now becoming a reality and being a major experience-focussed development, we genuinely expect an elevation in the destination’s and the region’s appeal to a completely new audience.”
In 2021, a DA approval was granted to the exiting site and will allow for accommodation, a food and beverage precinct, eco camping and glamping, an events and entertainment area and more. The site will also expand from its existing 15-acre footprint, to approximately 100 acres and will have access via Yeppoon Road. More detail about the development will be forthcoming.
GSP is in discussions with potential investors, and are open to hearing from others who may wish to participate in the development opportunity.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2023 with a public opening in 2024.
Kuta – Saturday, 29 October 2022: First day of the Rip Curl GromSearch 2022 went ahead today with the most talented young surfers from all over Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Japan, France, USA, England, and beyond. Competing in an exciting, safe and friendly environment, with high voltage action from all 112 competitors of boys’ divisions including Under 16’s, Under 14’s and Under 10’s.
The legendary beach break, Halfway Kuta Beach greeted the Groms with super nice 3 to 4 foot long waves, perfect sized conditions to show-off their skills during the day. Starting with the boys under 16 division, the touristic Kuta beach were perfect and sunny all day, giving our Groms the chance to showcase their talents and offered good and fair competition. The contest continued with the under 14 divisions, followed by under 10meanwhile all girls’ divisions will compete the next day.
Nick Chong, this year’s Contest Director, made the call for Day-1 of the GromSearch 2022. “Conditions today were perfect with contestable Lefts and Rights at Halfway offering up ample opportunities for all Surfers on Day 1. Forecast for Finals Day Tomorrow (Sunday) we’ll see swell drops but wind will be more favorable and our new Rip Curl GromSearch Champions will be Crowned”.
Round 1 of Under 16 division started off with Westen Hirst’s aerial scoring 6,67 out of his 12,34 total heat. Securing his Quarterfinal spot along with I Gede Surya (10,20), Teddy Bille (9,33), Kahea Desantis (10,43), and Philip Duke (10,33). All U-16 competitors will continue their QF heats the next day.
The U-14 division saw Dylan Wilcoxen flied out the gate with an 8,00 and a 4,83 giving the talented free surfer a heat total of 12.83. Made Nesa on the other side of the draw surfed very strong with a total heat of 10,50. Both are respectively moving forward to the Finals Day tomorrow.
Standouts in the U-10 division with very impressive power surfing was I Gede Darma Wisesa with the highest wave total of the day 17,33 (9,50/7,83). Also reaching an excellent single wave score in the U-10 Boys was Jasper Glossop locking in a 9,00/4,83 for total heat of 13.83. “I’m so happy to get the 9,50 score. The waves were pretty great. Thanks to my father who’s been spotting me the waves!” said Darma Wisesa in the end of his heat.
The competition was not the only highlights of the day as Rip Curl also organised morning beach clean up, fun and interactive beach games for the kids with a lot of prizes, and last but not least, an environmental and recycling program education for the Groms conducted by the crew.
Hossegor during the month of October usually delivers and this year is no different with only a few down days. To recap this magic month, endless tubes, incredible light with sunny skies and summer temperatures and this year a little more space for the locals following the absence of the Quik Pro.
Slide away with Oscar Langburne, free surfer and style-master riding Christenson and Channel Islands boards down in Mexico.
All footage Hayden Garfield.
