June’s south swells continuing into July
Friday - July 18, 2008
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Aloha, surfers and beachgoers! Wave one: The summer of 2008 continues to be one of the best in decades starting with June. July had one five-day lull, but not anymore. If it’s Aloha Friday as you read this, south swells are still pumping out the fun. There have been three pulses in one week from Down Under. When July 1 came, waves were already four feet ... so that’s four swells in just over two weeks! This Monday another one hits! If this pattern continues, July can boast a fantastic follow-up to June’s record-breaking consistency - sweet stuff.
Of course, you know what this means ... all the numerous events and competitions have been scoring off their face. The surf for the T&C Grom Search at Queens was BIG for these kids. But there they were ... going for it. The Macy’s Pro E Series went off in perfect Ala Moana Bowls - it showcased not only the spot, but Hawaii’s future touring pros. Even good, old, reliable Sandy Beach thumped for the body-surfing champs and spectators all weekend long. If this isn’t rock ‘n’ roll in paradise, I don’t know what is.
Wave two: They’re rock ‘n’ rolling on the world tour as well. The gang is waiting for the next swell to hit South Africa’s Jeffries Bay. As I write this just before round three (top 32 or 16 two-man heats), there’s unbelievable tension in the salty air.
In a nutshell: Many are waiting to see if Kelly Slater ties another world record with the ever-influential Tom Curren (World champ: 85, 86, 90). What record, you ask? How about winning four straight WCT events? Keep in mind that the grand majority of top touring pros seldom win even one contest per year.Win one and you had a very good season.
I love world records ... those moments when history is made or could be made; moments when athletes of Slater’s stature boggle the mind. Freaks of nature like Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan who summon forces deep within and seem to control the elements and fate itself - at the precise moment needed.
Well, surfing is at that moment. If Mr. Surf gets his way, that’ll pretty much wrap up the Fosters WCT Tour of 2008 ... before half time (there are 11 stops). This is or rather “would be,” at this point in time, simply an absurd accomplishment. Baring any unforeseen accident or tragedy, the chance of Kelly losing his ninth title run is nearly nil. For the “other guys” to beat him, one would have to win four events as well ... and I just gave you those odds. This is the stuff of legend - happening now.
Wave three: I have my first contest for you to enter. It’s a Surf Haiku submission. Recall that a haiku is a Japanese poem composed of three unrhymed lines of five, seven and five syllables. Today, haiku is a 17-syllable verse often reflecting on some aspect of nature. You don’t have to be strict about these parameters. The poem typically presents an intense emotion or vivid image of nature, which, traditionally, is designed to lead to a spiritual insight. The three lines focus on a single element. It is the shortest form of Japanese poetry. Now let’s apply it to our favorite pastime! Are you in? Come on now, when was the last time you sat down to write a poem ... especially about surfing? I bet there’s a ton of talent out there. Enlighten us. Oh, and yes, you could win something in this drawing. I’m going to talk with a few surf shops and get some sweet gift certificates to inspire you.
Here’s a few for you. I recommend you GOOGLE “Haiku Poems"and get in the mood. Send your “Surf
Haiku” to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
No. 1: Haiku softly sings and a word picture is formed. A feast for the mind.
No. 2: Clouds sit still above. Mountains stir a placid sea. Nature’s beauty glows.
No. 3: Birds take wing on high, gliding over angry waves back to their safe nests.
See you back here in MidWeek next week.
GQ ... Dropping in 4 U!
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