by Franck Gazzola | Dec 17, 2012 | Daily Updates
The last World Championship Tour event of the season, The Pipeline Masters concluded last Friday in Hawaii. It wasn’t the best Pipeline I’ve seen for a Masters but it wasn’t the worst either, a solid 6 feet with the occasional 8 footer, fanned by a strong cross-off shore N-E trade wind. It wasn’t mean and ugly, more like – mean and occasional really good!
It had all the usual trademark excitement – big crowds, big wipeouts, some great tube rides and a showdown between two of surfing’s finest – Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson. For me, watching Joel make his heats almost felt like watching a classic Andy Irons progression. Sharp, procession surfing, a level above the rest of the pack. Except of course for Slater who looked his usual, 'ridiculously amazing' self.
Fortunately for us Aussies, Joel prevailed. It looked like it was all coming down to the ultimate, a Slater/Parko final but Josh Kerr stopped Kelly in the 2nd semi and Parko surfed and won the final as the new world champ. It was a fairy tale ending for the tall, lanky, Gold Coast natural footer after previously coming 2nd in four world title challengers.
The swell has backed off once again since the completion of the contest but it has still been over head at some spots and packing plenty of grunt!
Most of the traveling pro’s have packed up their huge, coffin size board bags and bolted for the airport. Things are starting to feel a little more mellow, the lineup is looking a little less crowded and the queue at Starbucks isn’t lining up out the door anymore.
I have one more report to go from the Islands next Friday and then it’s back to Bondi and reality. In the mean time, I will try and squeeze the trigger on a few more images for you in between surfs.
See you then.
Billy
by Franck Gazzola | Dec 14, 2012 | Daily Updates
Legendary Hawaiian surfer, Duke Kahanamoku once said “Aloha, which means love, is the key word to the universal spirit of real hospitality”. The majority of Hawaiians I’ve met over the years are truly beautiful people who display this philosophy all the time.
December in Hawaii, however, is crowded and as you know the Aloha spirit shown by all races tends to disappear quite quickly once the stress of a packed lineup takes hold. After all, we are all only human. Surprisingly, from what I have seen and heard this year, things have been relatively mellow. I think as a whole, most of us wish share that spirit of “Aloha” with our fellow man, even if we do occasionally divert from the path.
Since my last report from the North Shore the waves have been small, around the 2-3 foot mark, but the power of even a small swell here compared to the same size as home, always blows me away.
The Pipe Masters should be back on tomorrow as a new WNW swell fills in during the day. Stay turned online or Fuel TV for all the action of the Parko/Slater world title show down. Go Parko!
I found this really cool feature on the mechanics of how and why Pipeline breaks the way it does. If you’re a surfer, you will find this really interesting. Click HERE.
Don’t forget, Frothers have some great ideas for Xmas. Pop online or into our Bronte Gallery and check us out in real time! 145c Macpherson St, Bronte.
Have a great weekend.
Billy
by Franck Gazzola | Dec 13, 2012 | Daily Updates
Summer seems to be back in town! After a few day of gloom and grey, kitesurfers have folded the kites and the surfers are ruling the spot again !
It's clean.Waist high in Bondi, a little bigger in Bronte. Plenty of fun to have on such a warm and sunny day.
It's almost Christmas, and I still can't get used to the idea: this is my second Chrissi in Oz', and I still expect the snow to fall outside whilst wrapping up the gifts…It's still a weird feeling to be wearing shorts and look at the calendar saying ''December''. Not complainin'…just sayin' !
One thing I know for sure is that Christie, at the Frothers' gallery will help you out to choose the perfect Xmas present, for someone you love or for Kris Kringle ! 145MacPherson Street in Bronte.
Peace !
Franck
by Franck Gazzola | Dec 12, 2012 | Daily Updates
The wind has eased and Bondi is almost back to its best. Is it something to do with the significance of todays date 12/12/12? They say it is a day of spiritual awakening.
This could be true because I had my first out of body experience at about 5 am as I donned the lycra for the very first time. But for me it was like I had been there before. I am born to ride! I am taking up Triathlons. Seems to be all the rage at 35yrs of age. Watch out Spot and Reidy here I come!
Enough of my jibber – The waves are hitting the 2 ft mark and still has a fair bit of wobble in it. South Bondi seemed to be the GO where there was a little left and right shorey happening.
We're open in the gallery today – 145c Macpherson St Bronte or buy online HERE Xmas is less than two weeks away!
I hope you find yourself today – Brad
by Franck Gazzola | Dec 11, 2012 | Daily Updates
Ok so it's not the best out there! But did you see the sunrise? That was enough to get my froth on for the day!
There is not much to report on wave wise. A couple of guys gave Bronte reef a go. Occasionally one came through with a little bit of form but it mostly looked like my cats breakfast! Sloppy and mushy.
How good has the Billabong Pro been? Can't wait for the next round of swell to hit. GO PARKO and GO BILL MORRIS. Billy is over there catching all the action for us and has been swimming some solid PIPE.
"Saltwater People – Sydney's Southern Beaches" is available in our gallery and also online on our website HERE It really is a perfect christmas present that dives right into the history of our local beaches.
Keep warm frothers – Brad
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