As I predicted, A.I. seems to have found his footing, his confidence and some of his drive. I really hope he can get his eye of the tiger, F*ck the world self back. I think it would be a great story to see him back on top again.

Fantasy Surfer continues to shit the bed this year with their new website, it lost all saved teams for the entire league and everyone is in an uproar about it. I think its funny that all of their advertisements seem to be working just fine, while the core of their site is rotten. That is actually a good ad revenue strategy, get thousands of fanatic users with a core following, rebuild what you got them to love and make sure it does not work, then plaster the site with Google and sponsor ads. Then your thousands of fanatic users will check the site several times per day throughout the contest period to see if the site is fixed.I wish I would have ponied up and paid to do FASL this year as my teams for both events would have done very well.

Rip Curl also announced the location for the Search Event and it is going to be in Puerto Rico this year. The waiting period is October 30th to November 10th, and I am going to do my best to visit Stefan Summer and Sydney during this period as the contest will surely be near their casa. Hopefully the wife will let me go after the new baby arrives in Aug/Sept.

Rip Curl Pro 2010 – Kelly Slater Wins Bells

And a quick video request for the Smythe:

Edward Ryan Makua Hanai Aikau (Kahului, Hawaii, May 4, 1946 – March 17, 1978) was a well-known Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer. The words Makua Hanai in Eddie Aikau’s full name mean feeding parent,[1] an adoptive, nurturing, fostering parent,[2][3] in the Hawaiian language. As the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu, he saved many lives and became famous for surfing the big Hawaiian surf, winning several awards including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship.

Life
Born in Kahului, Maui, Aikau was the third child of Solomon and Henrietta Aikau. Aikau first learned how to surf at Kahului Harbor on its shorebreak. He moved to Oʻahu with his family in 1959, and at the age of 16 left school and started working at the Dole pineapple cannery; The paycheck allowed Aikau to buy his first surfboard. In 1968, he became the first lifeguard hired by the City & County of Honolulu to work on the North Shore. The City & County of Honolulu gave Aikau the task of covering all of the beaches between Sunset and Haleiwa. Not one life was lost while he served as lifeguard of Waimea Bay, as he braved waves that often reached 30 feet (9.1 m) high or more.[4] In 1971, Aikau was named Lifeguard of the Year.[5]

Lost at Sea
In 1978, the Polynesian Voyaging Society was seeking volunteers for a 30-day, 2,500-mile (4,000 km) journey to follow the ancient route of the Polynesian migration between the Hawaiian and Tahitian island chains. At 31 years of age, Aikau joined the voyage as a crew member. The Hokule’a left the Hawaiian islands on March 16, 1978. The double-hulled voyaging canoe developed a leak in one of the hulls and later capsized about twelve miles (19 km) south of the island of Molokai. In an attempt to get help, Aikau paddled toward Lanai on his surfboard.[6] Although the rest of the crew was later rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, Aikau was never seen again. The ensuing search for Aikau was the largest air-sea search in Hawaii history.[7]

The last person lifeguard Eddie Aikau rescued at Waimea Bay was a young TV producer named John Orland, who had just wrapped up production on a TV pilot called the “Hawaii Experience,” starring Bob Crane from Hogan’s Heroes. He was rescued on February 19, 1978, less than a month before Eddie Aikau was lost at sea.

Memorial surfing invitational
In Aikau’s honor, the surfwear company Quiksilver sponsors the “The Eddie”[8]—the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau at Waimea Bay. The idea of the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational was created by Bruce Raymond and Bob McKnight.

Since its inception (Eddie Aikau’s brother Clyde Aikau[8] won the first Eddie in 1985), the tournament has only been held seven times, due to a precondition that open-ocean swells reach a minimum of 20 feet (this translates to a wave face height of over 30 feet).[9] The most recent tournament was in December 2004, when waves in the bay reached 30 to 50 feet (15 m) high. The contest only invites 24 big-wave riders to participate in two rounds of competition. The event does not allow the use of jet skis to tow surfers into the waves.

Popular culture
In the 1980s, bumper stickers and T-shirts with the phrase “Eddie Would Go” spread around the Hawaiian Islands and to the rest of the world. According to maritime historian Mac Simpson, “Aikau was a legend on the North Shore, pulling people out of waves that no one else would dare to. That’s where the saying came from — Eddie would go, when no else would or could. Only Eddie dared.”[7]

Another variation of the aforementioned popular phrase is “Eddie wouldn’t tow.” This phrase is in reference to the method of big wave surfing in which one surfer must accelerate another surfer (the former on a jet ski, the latter towed on a surfboard) to the speed of a large, fast wave. It is also partially in response to the controversy over the “unnaturalness” of tow-in surfing; many surfers feel that being towed in to a wave, as opposed to paddling, is against the spirit of the sport.[10]

Other variations of the phrase include “Eddie would throw” (in support of the University of Hawaii’s passing attack by Colt Brennan under June Jones), “Eddie wouldn’t crow” (in opposition to boastful and egotistical surfers), and “Eddie would hoe” (in support of Native Hawaiian agricultural outreach programs). Another variation used recently during the 2008 election campaign for Honolulu rail transit was the slogan, “Eddie would ride.”

24 waves within a 45 minute speed boat ride of the land based “Resort Latitude Zero“, this newly opened resort expands on the successes of its predisessor Kandui Resort in the Mentawai, and is truely a surfing nirvana.  In addition to the waves (see images below), the resort features include: 270 degree ocean view rooms with a/c and high ceilings, swimming pool and lounge area for after surf beverages.. Are we there yet? RLZ also prides itself on top-level service in every area: accommodations, services, activities, amenities and food. Did I mention the waves are good too?

Sydney Slab Dee Why Point Working

Go Get Some Slab

Check out the pool in the foreground. Australia has such a great outlook on outdoor and ocean lifestyles. All major beaches in Australia have these concrete pools built by the beach. They are salt water pools and have no filters or pumps that would take up city resources. They are cleaned with the tidal swings. The ocean washes the old water out and the new water in every high tide.

Parkinson Leads ASP Top 45 into the Jaws of the Billabong Pro Tahiti

TEAHUPOO, Tahiti (Thursday, May 7, 2009) – The 2009 Billabong Pro Tahiti presented by Air Tahiti Nui is days away from commencing with the world’s best surfers descending upon the tiny town of Teahupoo at ‘the end of the road’ for Stop No. 3 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, running from May 9 – 20, 2009.

This year’s event will run the new format, seeding all competitors directly into man-on-man elimination heats, with the Top 16 seeded directly into Round 2 while the remaining surfers battle it out in Round 1.

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 27, current ASP World No. 1, has been in devastating form this season, collecting two wins in two events with an eye on an inaugural ASP World Title. The phenomenal natural-footer has demonstrated incredible focus thus far and is the frontrunner heading into Tahiti.

“The difference this year has been my understanding of what it takes to get the best out of myself and then my desire to do what it takes,” Parkinson said. “Making sure that every day, I am better prepared than what I was the day before and that preparation is specific to each contest that I compete in.”

Parkinson’s recent results at the Billabong Pro Tahiti have been impressive, netting equal 3rd place finishes in 2007 and 2008, establishing himself as a legitimate contender at Teahupoo.

“I do feel like over the years I have become more familiar with the wave and whilst Teahupoo is never predictable, it is reassuring to know that I have done the work here before.” Parkinson said. “I am excited to go back there this year and build on my results from the last two years.”

Despite his excellent results this season and his solid track record at the Billabong Pro Tahiti, Parkinson is wary of the many challenges he’ll face as the world’s best surfers angle for a result in Teahupoo’s ledging lefthanders.

“I think everyone will be in the mix for a win,” Parkinson said. “Remember, it is only the third event so everyone is still keen to do well – myself included. But on an individual side of things, the wildcards will be sure to shake things up like they have the first two events. Andy Irons will be challenging for the title. And of course Mick (Fanning) will be a threat because he is the best surfer right now and probably the hungriest.”

Parkinson is seeded directly into Round 2, where he’ll meet one of the advancing surfers from Round 1.

Fred Patacchia (HAW), 27, current ASP World No. 3, has been in sizzling form this season, racking up a 9th and a 3rd in his first two events on the ASP World Tour before collecting an impressive win at the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star Prime 6.0 Lowers Pro in Southern California over the weekend.

“I’ve been really focusing on my backhand surfing,” Patacchia said. “My first couple years on tour, I felt like my backhand attack wasn’t good enough. I’d go into a heat feeling negative and defeated. This year, I’m feeling confident and more prepared. I’ve made some slight changes with my boards and that’s made a big difference. No big plans for Tahiti, just pull in deep and come out. Not much to it.”

Patacchia came as close as runner-up in Tahiti in 2006, but the young Hawaiian is keen to improve his personal best at the infamous lefthander in hopes of maintaining a solid footing in the ASP World Tour ratings.

“I love getting shacked,” Patacchia said. “Tahiti is one event I’d love to win. I don’t necessarily feel comfortable, but I know for a fact I feel more comfortable than most of the Top 45. I’d love to break into single digits. I’m sick of getting second. I want to win an event.”

Patacchia is seeded directly into Round 2, where he’ll meet one of the advancing surfers from Round 1.

Bruno Santos (AUS), XX, defending event champion who surfed from the trials to the title in 2008, will join former three-time ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW), 30, and Von Zipper Trials Winner Heiarii Williams (PYF) as wildcards in the 2009 Billabong Pro Tahiti.

Santos, Irons and Williams will face Kai Otton (AUS), 29, Jihad Khodr (BRA), 25, and Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), 23, respectively in Round 1 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti.

Surfline, official foreers for the Billabong Pro Tahiti, are tracking a head-high Southwest swell for the upcoming weekend before a stronger tem moves into place early the following week.

The Billabong Pro Tahiti presented by Air Tahiti Nui boasts a waiting period from May 9 through May 20, 2009.

The event web LIVE via www.billabongpro.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Tim Reyes (USA) vs. Mikael Picon (FRA)
Heat 2: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Ben Dunn (AUS)
Heat 3: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Nathaniel Curran (USA)
Heat 4: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
Heat 5: Drew Courtney (AUS) vs. Marlon Lipke (DEU)
Heat 6: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 7: Dayyan Neve (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 8: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) vs. Heiarii Williams (PYF)
Heat 9: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Bruno Santos (BRA)
Heat 10: Jihad Khodr (BRA) vs. Andy Irons (AUS)
Heat 11: David Weare (ZAF) vs. Dustin Barca (HAW)
Heat 12: Jay Thompson (AUS) vs. Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Heat 13: Tim Boal (FRA) vs. Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 14: Tiago Pires (PRT) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 15: Heitor Alves (BRA) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF)
Heat 16: Roy Powers (HAW) vs. Mick Campbell (AUS)

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 2: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. TBA
Heat 3: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 4: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 5: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. TBA
Heat 6: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 7: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 10: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. TBA
Heat 12: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. TBA
Heat 13: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 14: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 15: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 16: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. TBA

Puerto Rico hasn’t had the most epic winter for surf, but it’s been real good. Not one of you fools made it down here. Smythe? Are you hitting up PR on your way to Geoff’s wedding?

Casa Rincon is closing down for guests. There’s gonna be a new donkey in town, and she’s gonna be able to out surf The Smythe in under 10 years. We’re getting the house ready for the baby and there will be more surf for me if none of you are down here surfing. I leave you with pictures.

What did you do on New Years day?

Windy and Fun; 78 degree water and it's March

I don’t know DJ, nor have I met him, but I hear he is a class act guy. Kate and the sport of surfing deserves  ‘em.

Darren “the legend of rincon” that is featured in this article, is one of Stefan’s friends who I played poker with and shared drinks and story with at Bunger’s in sandy beach the week before this featured swell. Darren is also a class act guy.