#big wave surf photographer

[thoughtartistry]

Surfing storm waves.

[biostatprof]

The ocean is ignoring everyone on land.

Fortunately.

[alanflowerspersonalblog]

[ 2016 Jacksonville Beach, FL ]

[fuckyeahfluiddynamics]

Beneath the Surf

A surfer duck-dives beneath a passing wave in this image from photographer John Barton. I always love seeing big waves from this underwater perspective.  (Image credit: J. Barton/OPOTY; via Colossal) Read the full article

[yelenasdiary]

Surfer!Kate request! Reader goes to the beach after having just moved to the beach city that Kate lives in and they both wipe out in a big wave and Kate goes out of her way to make sure Reader is okay. Flirting and an exchange of numbers on shore occur

Crashing Waves

Pairing: Pro Surfer! Kate Bishop x Fem, Marine Photographer! Reader

Summary: After a knock-out caused by a wave, the woman you crashed with goes out of her way to make sure you’re okay.

Fluff

Warnings: Mentions of Blood | 1.2K

AC: It’s taken me so long to write this, I know but I do apologise, and I hope you enjoy this! x

As if the sight before you had just come out of a magazine, the water was crystal blue reflecting off the blue sky. The weather was perfect, the waves were rolling in one by one as you stood there with your shortboard under your arm and a smile softly tugging at your lips. You had just moved to Dana Point, California after spending three years in Hawaii for work. After two long weeks of unpacking, you were just hanging for a surf. 

Your house overlooked the beauty of the ocean, where you lived, you always aimed to get a house that overlooked the ocean. Falling asleep to the waves crashing on the shoreline was something you’d never get tired of. Now you finally had the time to get used to your new surroundings and get back into the swing of your daily routines. 

The water was slightly cold when it touched your bare skin as you ran into the water before throwing your board in front of your and jumping onto it and paddling out further into the water. You shared the water with other surfers and like an unspoken language, everybody knew to keep space in between one another and only catching a wave when they felt it was safe enough to do so. You liked to wait a few moments before jumping onto the first wave of the day, you loved feeling the water flow between your fingers and watching the talent of others around you.

You turned your board and looked into the distance of the endless blue water, like a sixth sense, you knew the perfect wave was making its way. You began to slowly paddle forward, checking your surroundings to make sure nobody else was aiming for the same wave. The water began to rise, you paddled a little faster before placing your hands below your chest, your palms flat on the board while your fingers curled over the sides of the surfboard gaining a strong grip. 

The wave grew bigger and in one quick motion, you pushed your body up with your arms and tucked your feet up under you before placing one foot where your hands pushed up from and the other at a shoulder width behind you. The thrill of finally catching your first wave of the day felt like it was just you and the ocean. Until you heard a voice call out, “HEADS UP!” The voice called before you were hit with the end of another board and thrown off yours. The wave passed over you as you popped up from under the water and grabbing your board to keep you afloat. 

You felt the spot on your forehead where the strangers board hit you, red stained your fingertips causing you to get back on your board and paddle back to shore.

“I am so, so sorry!” A voice came up behind you as you reached down to grab your towel. “Are you okay?” They added. You turned around and smiled softly at the woman with long dark, wet hair and bright blue eyes and for a moment you had forgotten you were injured.

“Oh shit, I am so sorry, here! Let me help you” her voice snapped you back to reality.

“Don’t stress, it’s just a small cut” you replied, giving her a soft smile. 

“You’re literally bleeding, I am so sorry! I didn’t see you until the last second. Please let me get some ice or something, stay right here, I’ll be back!” She stressed. In all honestly, you were fine, the cut was small. 

“Honestly, it’s fine” you assured her, “it’s just a braze” you added but your words weren’t enough, the woman who looked familiar had already begun rushing over to the nearby ice-cream stand. While you waited for her to return, you racked your brain for where you’d see her familiar face before, but nothing clicked. 

“I got you an ice cream sandwich, just hold it against your head!” She returned, handing you the dessert in its wrapper. “Thank you” you smiled softly before placing the cold sandwich against the braze. 

“Now, how many fingers am I holding up?” The blue eyed woman said while raising 3 fingers in front of you. 

“Three, honestly I am okay” you replied in hopes to assure her of her worries. She smiled softly, “I’m sorry, I feel so bad. I honestly didn’t see you” she went on. 

“It’s okay….” You paused, waiting for her to introduce herself. 

“Kate, Kate Bishop” 

“Kate, it doesn’t even hurt, I promise” you replied. It finally hit you on who she was. “If anything, I am honoured to be wiped out by the Kate Bishop” you added. Kate looked rather surprised that you recognized who she was, as she was still in the early stages of making a name for herself in the pro surf league. “You know who I am?” She asked with a slightly cocked brow. 

“Are you kidding? I watched your comp this year! I wish I could’ve been there in person to watch but I was working so I had to watch it on TV. You were amazing!”

Kate felt her cheeks get slightly warm as her eyes dropped to avoid you seeing her blush. She wasn’t usually one to get giddy but something about you had her interested in wanting to know more about you. “Thank you” she looked up at you with a smile, “I don’t mean this in some creepy way, but I’ve never seen you around here before. Are you just passing through?” She asked. 

“I just moved here” 

“Oh, well, welcome to the Dana Point” Kate smiled once more before her eyes noticed the professional camera bag sitting next to you, “Folks around here are usually pretty nice but like most places, we have some interesting people. You might want to make sure you hide your camera while you’re surfing” she explained. You thought it was sweet that she was looking out for you, even if your camera was an old one and nowhere near as expensive as the ones that were at home. 

“Thank you, I guess I am lucky it’s just an older camera” you smiled thankfully. 

“You uh, you like taking photos?” Kate asked, hoping to keep the conversation between you two going. You nodded lightly, “I’m a marine photographer. While most people carry around their phones, I can’t seem to leave my house without a camera” you replied with a chuckle. 

“That’s really cool, I’d love to see your work sometime, if that would be okay” Kate said, nervously. Little did she know, you could tell that she was a little nervous. “Sure, but first you need to take me out for a thick shake” you replied, jokingly, kinda. Kate froze slightly, “I m-mean, I actually know a place that does really good shakes and smoothies” she offered. 

“Do share this wonderful place, please” 

Kate chuckled, “I guess I’ll have to take your number and take you in the morning, if you’re free” she replied with confidence. You were always hopeless at hiding your blushing cheeks but Kate smiled softly, “I take that as a yes” 

“I need a pen” you replied. 

“Oh, I have a really good memory” Kate assured you. Finally, you placed the melting ice-cream sandwich down and gave the blue-eyed woman your number and hoped to god that she could remember it. 

---

The next day, you just got out of the shower to hear your phone go off. As you opened the text message from the unknown number, a smile tugged at your lips. 

Kate: Good morning! I hope I haven’t woken you. But if you’re awake and thirsty, how about that thick shake?

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[cruise-in-your-glow-bus]

Siren Terzo teaser for @discountdemonwarehouse and @ghestie-nun

“Bit cold for cosplay photos,” I say, tearing my gaze away from his lean, pale torso and searching the deserted beach for any sign of a photographer, a backpack or bag or… something, anything, to make all of this make sense. 

This being the pale, shimmering torso of a man, rising up out of the ocean before me, gold dusting across his shoulders like fallen starlight, lean hips tapering to a fucking tail all overlaid in iridescent purple scales.

He grins at me. “Is it? The water feels fine to me.”

I snort in disbelief. “Right. Okay. Well, enjoy…”

My brain tells my feet to keep walking, but instead, my fingers curl on the leather of my sandals, and I stare into the strange man’s eyes. Even those eyes have to be part of his whole costume, I think. One dark, one white. It’s got to be a contact lens… or maybe he does actually have two different-colored eyes. That’s a thing that can happen.

The tail, though… that’s definitely not. 

It flicks through the water behind him lazily, waving back and forth as the gentle waves crest, break, and fall across it. I can’t stop staring, even if I know it’s rude. The man humors me as I stand there, trying to find the seam where the tail prosthetic ends and his pale torso begins. 

I can’t see it. 

Instead, there’s just a smooth, seamless transition between skin and iridescence. And he’s watching me as I stare at him, a little smirk tilting the corner of his full mouth, like he’s waiting for me to get a joke he already knows the punchline to. 

Mermaid. 

Well… mer man. 

As if in answer to my unspoken thoughts, the end of his tail flicks up and out of the water, moonlight catching on the spray of water and shining down on the nearly-transparent fin that flutters out from the tip. It reminds me, in an absurd way, of the betta fish in their little jars at the pet store. They always seemed so sad to me, and so elegant, stuck in cups so they don’t kill each other. 

And the man, the whatever he is, is still smirking at me. 

“I assure you,” he says, in a low voice that’s absolutely full of promise: “The size of the tail definitely correlates…”

I laugh out loud at this, deciding to play along. “Oh, and I bet you wear size fourteens, too.”

The man looks momentarily confused by this, but he recovers, pushing himself a little big forward on the sand. His belly is taut, shoulders and forearms flexing as he moves. He’s strong, I think. Deceptively so.

A man can’t chase you if he’s got a huge prosthetic fin on, though. I can definitely make it back up to my car before he can peel that thing off. 

“For you, bella, I will wear fourteen of whatever you want.” His laugh makes me want to fling myself into the sea. His eyes brighten, grin broad, white eye flashing. He tilts his head to the side, wet black hair falling artfully across his dark eye, and at his neck I see–

Wait. 

Wait. 

 Are those gills? 

I stare at them as they flutter, his throat bobbing beneath his pale, almost luminous skin as he swallows. 

He’s got gills. 

Gills and a tail. 

A very, very realistic looking tail.

No. 

Nope. Nah. What? 

“You can’t be real.”

He looks around, left and then right, eyes wide like he’s searching for something. And then, turning back to face me, he shrugs his narrow shoulders and says: “Oop! I guess I’m not real!”

Without another word, he ducks fully beneath the waves. Disappearing from sight completely.

“Wait!”

His absence makes panic flare in my heart; I take two steps closer to the shoreline, tossing my sandals behind me as I wade, ankle-deep, into the frigid surf. 

He pops back up again, shaking his hair out of his face like a wet dog, laughing. 

He’s laughing at me. 

“I thought I wasn’t real?”

“Y-you can’t be real!”

He rolls over onto his back at this, rubbing up and down his torso with broad, web-fingered hands, each tipped with sharp-looking gold nails. My mouth goes dry as I stare at him. Beneath the dip of a navel, his happy trail, such as it is, is purple scales… 

His skin is dusted everywhere with gold. 

I want to taste him. 

“I feel real, bella,” he says, voice just this side of a satisfied moan. “I feel very, very real. But perhaps, you’d like to check for yourself?”

[taz-ma-raz-skylar]

Taz Skylar on training his body and cooking skills ahead of One Piece Season 2!

Taz Skylar was met with an overwhelmingly warm welcome from One Piece fans at the 2024 MEFCC

By Sarah Kuleib ( February 15, 2024 )

Every pirate crew needs a cook. With a captain like Monkey D Luffy, whose ship seems to sail to the sounds of his stomach, finding a cook who could whip up the most delicious bowl of fried rice to join the Straw Hat Pirates was pretty high on his priority list. Luffy finds his cook in Sanji, and Netflix’s smash hit One Piece finds their Sanji in Taz Skylar.

When the Spanish-British-Lebanese Olivier Award-nominated actor was announced to be playing the romantic chef, Sanji, in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece, Skylar was catapulted to international stardom.

Skylar and his co-star Iñaki Godoy (Luffy), were recently in Abu Dhabi for the 12th edition of the Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC), where they were met by thousands of passionate fans in straw hats queuing up for hours to take photographs, get autographs, and witness the pair’s charming interactions at panel discussions.

Esquire Middle East sat down with Taz Skylar at the MEFCC to discuss his intense stunt training, Season 2 of One Piece, and what’s in store for the rest of 2024.

–

ESQ: You’re a man of many titles: actor, screenwriter, thrill-seeker, professional surfboard creator. What drew you to each of those things and how do they come together to inform one another in your career and life?

TAZ: I was a really shy kid and I never used to leave home much. Thrill-seeking, I used to see it in movies and I thought “Oh that would be cool!” Surfing was the first thing that I did. I remember the first time I got in the water with a surfboard and a wave hit me – it wasn’t even very big but I was little, and I was like “Ahhh!”, and I got out [of the water]. The guy who was teaching me – he was called Juanito, and he’s still my friend today, 15 years later – was like “What are you doing man? Get in!” He grabbed me, put me back on the board, and pushed me out and that changed my life that day. That was the gateway. I got into other scary stuff and I would get angry at being scared. So if I was scared I would be like, “Cool, now there’s no choice, now you gotta do it.” That kind of spiraled and now it’s just a thing that I do.

Writing and acting… well, acting was an accident.

ESQ: A happy one?

TAZ: It was a happy accident! I’m very happy about it! I only like acting when I like the thing I’m acting in; nobody likes acting when they don’t like the thing they’re acting in! So, I only act in things that I like – at least now, I’ve definitely made that choice – and I always like what I’m writing. I want to make films, I want to make shows. Being in them is a cool part of it, but I want to make stuff. In a world where financial security is there, I don’t find much point to life other than leaving a legacy I can be proud of, and I think that can achieved by making stuff.

ESQ: There’s a different joy in filmmaking and writing.

TAZ: Yeah, yeah! You feel resolved in what you’re doing and connected. You have some sort of choice over what it can say or what the outcome can be. One Piece in particular was really cool because Matt and the whole team were really good to us in terms of saying “What do you want to do with it? What do you want to bring to it?” and that’s not always the case. When I do a writer’s room with other writers, my thinking is like: What do you like? Do you want to sit on a chair? A yoga mat? Do you want to bob around on a skateboard? What makes you most creative? Because whatever it is, do that thing. That’s the kind of environment I want to create and be a part of. When a film or show or play has been made in that way, you can feel it, you can feel that it’s been made very rag-tag.

ESQ: On the topic of One Piece, how did you prepare for the role of Sanji – mentally and physically, I know you did all of your own stunts – and with season 2 confirmed, is there anything you learned that will inform or change how you prepare for season 2?

TAZ: Ooh… yeah I did all my own stunts! Part of how I prepared for it… I really went psychopathic on it. Like, let’s throw absolutely everything we possibly can at the wall because we don’t have much to stick right now, we’re starting from zero.

It was 4 hours of training in the morning, then I’d cook a dish we needed to do for the show, repeat that dish over and over again, another 4 hours, then we’d go to the sauna and stretch, they’d pull on my legs and push on my back. That made me improve really quick but what it also did was decimate my legs. I have scar tissue on the inside of my ligaments and it took me about a year to feel like I could land on my legs without pain – I used to duct-tape my legs! I had to be quiet about it so they’d let me do my own stunts.

There was no real way of improving whilst not hurting myself because of how far we needed to go. Whereas for the second season, because I’ve maintained my level and haven’t stopped training ever since– I trained this morning with Iñaki at the UFC gym [in Abu Dhabi]! Iñaki came with me to a kickboxing session and he’s gotten so good at tricking in between the seasons too! So, because we’re kind of at a level that we’ve maintained, the second season for me is about how much quicker I can be. There are not many new kicks or moves to learn, so it’s more about how great we can make those moves. Part of it is going: instead of training 8 hours today, I’m going to train 4 and focus on choreography. Or maybe today I’m just going to do 2 and then stretch, because the less injured everything is, the quicker everything moves.

So for season 2, I want to enjoy it more, and I want to make what we had a lot better… and I want [to do] the party table kick.

ESQ: Was there a specific stunt that was the most difficult to do?

TAZ: Yeah! So there was this one where we jump over a pool, kick the Fishman mid-air, and land on a little rock. And that was all practicals! It was so difficult to do because he was underwater and they had to time pulling him out of the water at the exact same time that I jumped, and landing at the same place so that I could kick, and then there was another wire pull that took him to the other side of the pool. That must’ve taken an hour and a half which doesn’t sound like that much, but we were up against time. I remember thinking: “If we don’t get this, they’re going to cut it. They’re going to cut the stunt and this stunt will never exist.” It was the last take where we just managed it and they all looked at it and went “Cool, we got it! We can keep it!”, and we just started cheering. Isn’t it mad to think that there’s a world in which half an hour would’ve made the difference between it existing and not existing?

ESQ: Now, I must ask… how do you really feel about Oregano?

TAZ: [Laughs] Ha! I love it! I put it on salads! It’s not for savages! It’s nice – have oregano it’s good for you!

ESQ: Who and what are some of your personal influences as an artist?

TAZ: Florian Zeller is my favorite writer. Rappers are my favorite poets. I like old films. Keanu Reeves in Point Break made me want to skydive and surf and jump out of planes. I love Bond. My dad loves Bond, we used to have a box set. I love the way those films are made. I just worked with Martin Campbell who made two of my favorite Bond films.

ESQ: What’s in store for Taz Skylar this year?

TAZ: I’ve got four TV shows in development, with different production companies. One of which is called Seesaw which made a lot of Florian Zeller’s films that I’m really excited about! I don’t have that much time until we go shoot [One Piece] again. There’s a book I’m trying really hard to get the rights to and adapt, so I’m chasing the author about that. I’m going to try and see if I can get all of those things done before I go shoot again.

https://www.esquireme.com/culture/interviews/taz-skylar-on-training-his-body-and-cooking-skills-ahead-of-one-piece-season-2

[rumbelleshowdown]

-

Question: How many unused prompts were left after the Showdown?

Answer: 170! And here they are! (Under the cut, b/c long.)

You’re not like me. 

Trust isn’t everything. 

Liberties. 

Teeth.

The light’s gone out. 

Sweet or savory. 

Worst patient. 

Flower of fate. 

Workplace romance. 

Cinderella AU. 

Wake the prince. 

Runaway bride. 

Little Gideon, shop, Weaver. 

Leather and steel. 

Magical exhaustion. 

Near-death. 

Fluffy clouds, shapes, sunlight. 

Dark, darker, darkest. 

The Book of Kells. 

The Long Room. 

Irish pub with music. 

Historical AU – Victorian. 

Sharing a dreamscape. 

Milestones. 

First kisses. 

Last time. 

Tea shop. 

Hedge maze. 

Heist gone wrong. 

Last of the teabags. 

Phone battery low. 

Is the ghost friendly? 

A bad book. 

Uglier than you are.

Talking in your sleep. 

Modern pop culture references

Soulmate au -seeing colors

Overhears talking to self

Plus size belle

Chatroom/catfishing

Matchmaker henry

Appearance glamor

Blind/deaf main character 

Talking tea pots

Dreaming of maidens and monsters. 

Whispers of desire. 

Belle kicks Zelena’s ass. 

TikTok trends. 

Twister game night. 

This isn’t your Uber. 

Adopting a new pet. 

Deck of cards. 

Aquarium, coffee, washing machine. 

Preparing for something big. 

Words on your skin. 

Enchanted Forest. 

High School Musical. 

Station 19. 

Hyperion Heights. 

Little girl named Rose. 

Storm, poison, tears, light. 

Sacrifice, True Love, healing. 

Weaver doesn’t make it. 

Nurse Belle. 

Please help my Papa. 

Please, wake up. 

Sacrifice, pain, light, laugh. 

Don’t leave me alone. 

Whiskey in a teacup. 

Night talk. 

Butler!Gold. 

The Light One!Belle. 

Let’s just pretend. 

Blood went cold.

Greenhouse, museum. 

Twirling in his arms. 

Crushed wedding. 

Flirting at a ball. 

“I forgot to shave?” 

“There is only me.” 

Forget-me-nots. 

Candyshop, Baelfire, awkward. 

Creature of darkness. 

Bird in a cage. 

Yearning for adventures.

Turn no into maybe.

I have school tomorrow. 

Some bathing suits shouldn’t…

Let’s keep this one. 

Younger and younger. 

My bag of tricks. 

Slowly yet surely. 

weaver. 

Warm and cozy. 

Library, lingerie, desk, defile. 

Ravenous, coverage, squirting. 

Moving out. 

Moving in. 

Cat sitting. 

“Well, this is awkward.” 

Red wine. 

Storybrooke’s incumbent mayor. 

Hiring Mr. Cassidy. 

Dagger, snow, fire. 

Arrows, magic, curse. 

Curse, awakening, assassin. 

Heroes.

The witching hour. 

Salt. 

Touch. 

Honeymoon. 

Cloud gazing. 

Spontaneous presents. 

Handcuffs. 

Stroking the hair. 

Soothing caress. 

Selfie. 

One last taste 

“Please don’t go.” 

Blood and tears. 

Wedding on the run. 

Werewolves, bake bread, family. 

Detective, curious, strange. 

Amnesia, photographs, scent, blankets. 

Bird in a cage. 

Secret garden. 

Fairy, mischief, music-box, mist.

Empty, street lamp, snow. 

Ball dancing, imp, tease. 

The girl is drunk. 

Golden hour. 

Lantern, fright, cloak. 

Crooked teeth. 

Magic ritual. 

Magical flower. 

White sheets, bright light. 

Lonely night. 

Stuck in my brain. 

Ski/Skateboard. 

Surfing. 

Dreadful weather. 

Strange love, trouble, ghost. 

Heaven in hiding, garden. 

Gardener. 

3 am, drive, hurricane. 

Dress made of gold. 

Dizzy, truth or dare. 

Suffocating, night, walk, breath. 

Running away. 

Ocean waves. 

Haunted house. 

Witch!Belle, magical library, Salem. 

Insane. 

Gloom. 

Goose, attack, hug. 

Strawberry shortcake, tongue, blood. 

Horrid sight, “How dear.” 

Liminal space. 

Hatred, “You saved me.” 

Poetry, smoking, naked, paintings. 

“It’s our secret, then.” 

Forest spirit. 

Jeweler!Gold. 

Misty town, secrets. 

Something to uncover. 

Mermaid/merman. 

Fall through the ice. 

Forest is my home. 

Dumb and dumber. 

You don’t know everything. 

-

[punkboyjuul]

You know why I like tattoos?

It's because they're permanent.

This obviously is something most of my family and relatives hate about tattoos "why do you want to get something permanent" "when you're old and wrinkly you're going to still have the tattoos" "what if you don't like the tattoos after a few years" like shut up.

Every single tattoo I get and want to get is going to be impulsive as hell. why? Because it's what I like at that moment in time. And isn't it so beautiful that you can have a permanent record of every single thing you ever liked? Your body is a canvas of every version of you. It's the version that spoke to the moon when you were lonely and so you got a tattoo of the moon. It's the version of you that just wanted a big and pretty tattoo so you got a moth on your forearm. It's the version that likes this band, it's the version that liked that band so you got it tattooed. It's the version that sent surfing one summer so you tattooed the waves. It's the version that fell in love with a movie so you got it tattooed. It's the version that found Edgar Allen Poe's poetry so perfect you inked it into your skin forever.

Every single version of you, spread out on your body in beautiful drawings. And they're permanent. Unlike diary entries, or photographs, or posters, they will last you forever. Isn't that just beautiful?

[biostatprof]

Big wave surfer. There's a black dot to the right of the surfer; that's a drone filming the surfer. Above the drone on top of the wave is the jet ski that dropped the surfer off in the first place.

The geometry gets a little crazy. The surfer is on the water, the drone is even slightly below the surfer, at least from this angle, yet is above the water, and the jet ski is about 6-12 meters (20-40 feet) above both the surfer and the drone.

[kaihayes]

Spotted in the streets of Brooklyn, it's KAI HAYES. They have lived in the city for A FEW WEEKS, working as a PRO SURFER. The TWENTY-EIGHT year old will probably be seen around BUSHWICK a lot, seeing as that's where they live. People say they can be a bit RESTLESS and BLUNT, but friends know them to be PERSONABLE and RESOURCEFUL. You know for sure you've found them when you've comes across FLIPPING THE BIRD TO AUTHORITIES, BLACK COFFEE, & CONSTELLATION DRAWN IN NOTEBOOKS. Welcome to Brooklyn, it's been waiting for you!

STATS

Full Name: Kai Nicholas Hayes Birthplace & Hometown: O'ahu, Hawaii Birthday & Age: September 24, 1996 & 28 Gender & Orientation: Cis male & Heterosexual Marital Status: Single Occupation: Pro Surfer & Podcaster Current Residence: Apartment in Bushwick Time in Brooklyn: A few weeks as of mid November 2024.

BIOGRAPHY

Kai Hayes is not your average adventurer. Born into a life of constant movement, his early years were shaped by the unconventional lifestyle of his father, a National Geographic photographer known for his free-spirited approach to life. Rather than enrolling Kai in a traditional school, his father chose to homeschool him while taking him on extensive travels around the world. From Hawaii to Bali to Costa Rica, Kai grew up in a series of transient homes, with each location offering new lessons and challenges. The ocean became his first classroom, and surfing his greatest passion. By his teenage years, Kai had already built a reputation as a competitive surfer, earning numerous titles and accolades.

Kai’s father was often away on assignments, which left him to navigate the world largely on his own. This solitary lifestyle taught him how to live out of a suitcase, embrace impermanence, and find stability in change. By the time he turned 18, Kai had visited more countries than most people do in a lifetime, yet a permanent sense of home or community remained out of reach. At 18, he decided to pursue professional surfing and moved to California to take his career to the next level. By 20, he had already secured his first major win at the World Surf League Championship. Despite his success, Kai felt unsettled. Although the ocean was a constant presence in his life, he longed for something deeper.

By the age of 24, Kai shifted his focus to extreme sports, including big-wave tow-in surfing and free diving. However, everything changed when surfing was added to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Eager to take on the challenge, Kai fully committed to the sport and began training with world-class coaches. At 27, he achieved his peak by winning a gold medal in the men's surfing event, marking a historic moment in his career. Although this victory was significant, it left him contemplating what to do next. Despite his success, Kai felt a lingering restlessness. The years of constant travel and competition had left him longing for stability and deeper connections in his life. In search of relief from the intense demands of his career, Kai’s friends encouraged him to explore something new.

They suggested Brooklyn, New York, as a place for him to recharge and experience a new rhythm of life. Intrigued by the idea, Kai decided to rent a loft in Brooklyn, hoping to immerse himself in the city's vibrant arts scene and creative energy. He hopes that Brooklyn offers the grounding and community he has been missing. For the first time, Kai is embracing the idea of slowing down and reflecting on his next adventure, seeking a balance between exploration and the sense of permanence.

HEADCANONS

Kai took home a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics for surfing.

An absolute savage at board games. His favorites are ones with strategy and some element of chance like Settlers of Catan or Risk.

Kai’s podcast, Waves and Wonders, isn’t just about surfing. It’s about life, chaos, and adventure. He’ll talk about everything from ocean conservation to conspiracy theories (and everything in between).

Has a hefty collection of vintage surfboards from all over the world.

If you ever try to get him into a chat about the weather or your latest trip to Starbucks, be prepared for a blunt answer like, “I don’t care.”

Fascinated by stars and the stories they tell. Goes stargazing pretty regularly.

Is seriously picky about his coffee. Black, no sugar. He’ll skip a meal before he’ll drink a bad cup of coffee. His grandad put him on it.

Known to turn up at parks with a surfboard, practice his moves on grass, or even hit the streets in flip-flops when it’s not even warm enough.

Despite his social media presence and podcasting, Kai isn’t a fan of large crowds.

Rare, but when Kai’s had a few drinks and the vibe is right, he’s been known to sing and has a pretty stellar voice.

CONNECTIONS

The Unexpected One: @drmatildamason

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[jacks-tracks]

Surfs Up!

Puerto international surf competition, and for once there,s surf, perhaps too much! Waves are varied as usual, no 2 alike and coming from far away storms, they are irregular in size and shape. The beach just in front of Casa Dans has the biggest waves but they just lump up and crash front on with no side shape to surf. The contest is held on Zicatela in front of the main hotels and the surf there while still irregular at least casts some rollers across the beach front creating acceptable shapes for the down wave plunges and zip through the tunnel made by the overhanging crests just before they fall. The best surfers catch that shape and do indeed free fall down the wave face at tremendous speed before turning with a rooster tail of spray to flash across the cascading water and ride through the tunnel made by the overhanging/collapsing wave front. There are surely surfer names for all these features, but I,m not hip.

Imagine a sheer faced 6 meter(20 foot) wave rushing towards shore suddenly rearing up as it hits the bottom and starts to tumble over itself. A 100 foot long wall of green water, with the top ripped off to shreds by the strong offshore wind, abruptly tips towards shore in a cascade of foam and wild water. If the shape is right,the boldest surfers paddle frantically to gain speed as the wave approaches, leap up onto their boards, somehow balancing on water, and drop straight down the wave face to the bottom where, having gained immense velocity they turn across the wave and rip along often with one hand touching the waves face leaving a rooster tail of spray,and lean into the curve so as to ride the wave diagonally. Perfection is to slip into the tunnel created by the crashing crest and ride inside the wave! As the wave subsides, the surfer bolts out of the tunnel before it collapses and rides back over the shoulder of the wave back to sea. All this take place in a brief moment, and sometimes the pros wait for one half hour for the perfect wave. As every wave is different, and some break right, some left, there is a skill in reading the incoming roll to predict whether to go or pull back as the mountainous wave peaks. The ocean is so clear, that the outline of the surfer can be seen through the wave as it falls away. So,each wave is different, each beach sets up it,s own patterns , and no two days waves are alike.

Yesterday at La Punta(east end of Zicatela beach) the waves were enormous, some topping 20 feet, and as it,s a flatter beach the waves take a long time to crest and fall, with some even reforming and cresting again half way to shore. Serious surfers paddle out to the very end of the rocky point and wait for the best roller, giving them a long run on a left breaking wave that can sometimes carry them all the way to shore over 200 meters. La Punta is where the surf schools take their clients for intermediate lessons. but not yesterday, just too rough. Paddling out through the breakers, ducking through the tumbling froth, and avoiding the really big boomers by ducking under water, it,s hard work to get outside the breakers, so no one is eager to ride a poor wave and have to expend all that time and energy again. The ambulance came to the shore along with police on quads, and lifeguards on a sea-doo. Someone in trouble, missing? No one was recovered while i was there.

The Surf competition is serious business, with prizes and glory. There,s a grandstand for announcers and judges, massage tables for contestants, and photographers with ultra long lenses catching the action. More than 500 people lined the beach to watch, sitting on the place where the beach sand crests at high tide, and often with shade umbrellas. Dogs frolic, vendors flog hammocks, and there,s a carnival like atmosphere, with people cheering on their favorites. It,s also a fashion show .latest beach clothes, name brands, and lots of deep tans, sun bleached hair and trim figures. Surfing is a community,and there,s lots of handshaking, fist bumping, and hugs. Average age 25! Colotepec staff pass with garbage bags for trash, people pause to pop up to Oxo for coffee and buns, and really it s a scene. Not sure why there were armed uniformed local police patrolling in pairs, why the Federal marines were carrying submachine guns, or why a team of helmeted army armed soldiers were there. Nothing like a poorly trained 18 year old with a submachine gun he,s just itching to use.

Surfing? only 2 contestants out at a time for 20 minutes, who had difficulty finding a good shaped wave to perform on, sometimes taking runs on smaller waves just to get points. It,s rare for some one to catch the barrel of the wave and emerge still upright in the spum blowing out of the tunnel.Top marks! This contest runs all weekend so perhaps the waves will cooperate better .

Saturday evening there will be another stage show on the beach below here. Likely a ranchero hero,with lots of brass oompah and wailing songs of love and life. I,ll go up to the terraza from where i can see the stage without mingling in the huge crowd. Volume no problem, I,ll need earplugs in bed!

[digitaltravelexpert]

The 15 Best Adventure Travel Niches Beyond the Beaten Path

Adventure travel has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, with more and more people seeking out thrilling experiences in nature and beyond. From scaling towering mountains to diving into the depths of the ocean, adventure vacation travel offers a wide array of activities that cater to thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. However, within the realm of adventure tourism lies a multitude of niches and sub-niches, each offering its own unique experiences and challenges. In this article, we'll explore 15 adventure safari travel niches and their corresponding sub-niches, providing a comprehensive overview of the diverse world of adventures in travel.

The 15 Adventure Travel Niches

Adventure vacation niches matter for travelers of all ages and niches because they ignite a sense of wonder and excitement, encouraging individuals to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences. From adrenaline-fueled activities to serene nature explorations, these niches cater to diverse interests and abilities, ensuring that everyone can find their thrilling adventure and create lifelong memories. It is Adventure tourism is indeed one of the most profitable travel niches. I. Classic Adventure Niches 1. Hiking and Trekking Hiking and trekking involve exploring natural landscapes on foot, ranging from leisurely day hikes to challenging multi-day treks. Sub-niches include high-altitude trekking in places like the Himalayas, multi-day expeditions along famous trails like the Camino de Santiago, and spiritual pilgrimage routes such as the Kumano Kodo in Japan. 2. Rock Climbing and Mountaineering Rock climbing and mountaineering attract those with a passion for scaling vertical terrain. Sub-niches include ice climbing in frozen landscapes, alpine mountaineering in high-altitude environments, and the technical sport of bouldering, which focuses on short, difficult climbs without ropes. 3. White Water Rafting and Kayaking For water enthusiasts, white water rafting and kayaking offer adrenaline-pumping experiences navigating fast-flowing rivers. Sub-niches include tackling Class V rapids for the ultimate thrill, embarking on multi-day river expeditions for a deeper wilderness experience, and exploring coastal waters through sea kayaking adventures. 4. Surfing and Kiteboarding Surfing and kiteboarding cater to those who seek excitement on the waves. Sub-niches include big wave surfing for the most daring thrill-seekers, kite surfing which combines surfing with flying a kite for added propulsion, and surfing retreats that offer a combination of skill development and relaxation. II. Nature-based Adventure Safari Niches 5. Wildlife Safaris Wildlife safaris provide opportunities to observe and photograph animals in their natural habitats. Sub-niches include Big Five safaris in Africa, birdwatching safaris for avian enthusiasts, and primate safaris focused on observing species like gorillas and chimpanzees in the wild.

6. Canopy Tours and Ziplining Canopy tours and ziplining offer a unique perspective of the natural world from above. Sub-niches include rainforest canopy tours for an immersive jungle experience, urban ziplining adventures for city dwellers seeking excitement, and night ziplining for a thrilling nocturnal adventure. 7. Polar Expeditions Polar expeditions take travelers to the ends of the Earth to explore remote and frozen landscapes. Sub-niches include Arctic cruises to witness polar bears and other Arctic wildlife, Antarctic expeditions for a glimpse of the vast icy wilderness, and specialized tours focused on polar bear spotting in regions like Churchill, Canada. III. Aerial Adventure Safari Travel Niches 8. Hot Air Ballooning Hot air ballooning offers a serene and picturesque way to experience landscapes from above. Sub-niches include sunrise or sunset flights for breathtaking views, luxury balloon safaris with gourmet dining experiences, and themed balloon rides such as balloon festivals or special events. 9. Paragliding and Hang Gliding Paragliding and hang gliding provide the exhilarating sensation of soaring through the air. Sub-niches include tandem flights for beginners, cross-country flying for experienced pilots seeking adventure over long distances, and acrobatic maneuvers for adrenaline junkies craving aerial thrills. 10. Skydiving Skydiving is the ultimate adrenaline rush, offering the sensation of freefalling through the sky. Sub-niches include tandem jumps for first-timers, solo skydiving for experienced skydivers seeking independence, and group skydiving events for a social and thrilling experience. IV. Water-based Adventure Travel Company Niches 11. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Scuba diving and snorkeling allow travelers to explore the vibrant marine life beneath the ocean's surface. Sub-niches include wreck diving to explore sunken ships and artificial reefs, cave diving for those seeking adventure in underwater caverns, and liveaboard diving trips for extended underwater exploration. 12. Sailing and Yachting Sailing and yachting offer the opportunity to explore coastal waters and remote islands. Sub-niches include bareboat charters for experienced sailors to captain their vessels, luxury yacht cruises for a pampered sailing experience, and sailing regattas for competitive sailors seeking to test their skills against others.

13. Freediving Freediving is a discipline that involves diving underwater on a single breath. Sub-niches include competitive freediving for athletes pushing the limits of human endurance, spearfishing for those who combine freediving with hunting, and breath-hold training for individuals seeking to improve their diving abilities. V. Extreme Travel Niches 14. Extreme Sports Extreme sports encompass a range of high-risk activities that push the limits of human capability. Sub-niches include BASE jumping, which involves parachuting from fixed objects like cliffs and buildings, wingsuit flying for those seeking the sensation of human flight, and extreme skiing/snowboarding for thrill-seekers conquering challenging terrain. 15. Survival and Bushcraft Survival and bushcraft focus on acquiring the skills necessary to thrive in the wilderness. Sub-niches include wilderness survival courses that teach essential survival skills, bushcraft expeditions for immersive experiences living off the land, and primitive skills workshops that explore ancient techniques for survival in nature.

7 Wild Adventure Niches

Certainly! Here are several wild adventure niches you can blog about, along with comprehensive explanations and examples where applicable: 1. Volcano Trekking: Embark on expeditions to hike and explore the world's most iconic and active volcanoes. These treks offer thrilling challenges and stunning landscapes, providing adventurers with the opportunity to witness the raw power of nature up close. Examples include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Fuji in Japan, or exploring the volcanic landscapes of Iceland's Highlands. 2. Desert Expeditions: Venture into the world's most remote and inhospitable deserts, where vast expanses of dunes, rock formations, and oases await. Desert expeditions offer the chance to experience solitude and serenity amidst breathtaking landscapes, with activities such as camel trekking, sandboarding, and stargazing under pristine night skies. Examples include crossing the Sahara Desert in Morocco, exploring the Atacama Desert in Chile, or trekking through the Namib Desert in Namibia. 3. Jungle Survival Adventures: Immerse yourself in the heart of dense rainforests and jungles, where lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, and challenging terrain await. Jungle survival adventures provide the opportunity to learn essential survival skills, such as building shelters, foraging for food, and navigating through dense foliage, while experiencing the wonders of pristine wilderness. Examples include expeditions into the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, exploring the jungles of Borneo, or trekking through Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. 4. Arctic Wilderness Exploration: Journey to the Earth's polar regions to explore vast icy landscapes, encounter unique wildlife and witness the stunning beauty of the Arctic wilderness. Arctic expeditions offer experiences such as dog sledding across the tundra, camping beneath the Northern Lights, and encountering polar bears in their natural habitat. Examples include sailing through the Northwest Passage in Canada, exploring Svalbard in Norway, or visiting Greenland's remote fjords and glaciers. 5. Caving and Spelunking Adventures: Delve into the hidden world beneath the Earth's surface by exploring caves and caverns filled with intricate formations, underground rivers, and mysterious chambers. Caving adventures offer the thrill of discovery and the chance to witness geological wonders found nowhere else on Earth. Examples include exploring the limestone caves of Mammoth Cave National Park in the United States, spelunking in the Waitomo Caves of New Zealand, or descending into the vast chambers of Son Doong Cave in Vietnam, the largest cave in the world. 6. Remote Island Expeditions: Embark on expeditions to remote and uninhabited islands, where pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and unique ecosystems await exploration. Remote island expeditions offer the opportunity for solitude and adventure, with activities such as sea kayaking, snorkeling with marine life, and camping on secluded beaches. Examples include sailing to the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, exploring the remote islands of Raja Ampat in Indonesia, or journeying to the untouched wilderness of South Georgia Island in the Southern Ocean.

7. High-altitude Mountaineering: Challenge yourself to conquer the world's tallest peaks and experience the thrill of high-altitude mountaineering. These expeditions demand physical endurance, technical skill, and mental fortitude as climbers navigate steep slopes, crevasses, and extreme weather conditions. Examples include summiting Mount Everest in Nepal, climbing the Seven Summits, or tackling challenging peaks in the Andes or the Himalayas. If you are a blogger or influencer, you can provide resonating content about detailed guides, personal anecdotes, tips for preparation and safety, and stunning photography to inspire readers to embark on their wild adventures. Each niche offers its unique challenges and rewards, providing endless opportunities for exploration and discovery in the great outdoors.

Adventure Park Niches for Bloggers and Travel Influencers?

Adventure parks offer a plethora of opportunities for bloggers and travel influencers to create engaging content, attract a wide audience, and collaborate with brands. Here's why adventure park niches are viable for bloggers and travel influencers, with a comprehensive explanation: 1. Appeal to Diverse Audiences: Adventure parks cater to a wide range of demographics, from families with children to thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies. This diversity in audience ensures that bloggers and influencers have the potential to attract a broad spectrum of followers interested in various aspects of adventure park experiences. 2. Varied Content Creation: Adventure parks provide bloggers and influencers with a rich tapestry of content creation opportunities. They can produce a variety of engaging content, including park reviews, ride and attraction highlights, behind-the-scenes looks, travel guides, safety tips, and immersive storytelling through vlogs and social media posts. 3. Visual Appeal: Adventure parks are visually stunning environments filled with colorful attractions, thrilling rides, and picturesque landscapes. Bloggers and influencers can capitalize on the visual appeal of these settings to create captivating and shareable travel content that resonates with their audience. 4. Unique Experiences: Each adventure park offers a unique set of attractions, themes, and experiences, providing endless opportunities for bloggers and influencers to explore and showcase different aspects of the parks. Whether it's a high-speed roller coaster, a themed water park, or a challenging ropes course, there's always something new and exciting to discover and share with followers. 5. Collaboration with Brands: Adventure parks often collaborate with bloggers and influencers to promote their attractions, events, and special offers. These partnerships can lead to sponsored content, influencer campaigns, exclusive access to park facilities, and opportunities for giveaways and promotions, providing bloggers and influencers with additional sources of income and exposure. 6. Engagement and Interaction: Adventure parks foster engagement and interaction among visitors, creating a sense of community and camaraderie. Bloggers and influencers can leverage this social aspect by encouraging their followers to share their own experiences, tips, and recommendations, thereby enhancing audience engagement and fostering a sense of belonging within their online community. 7. Evergreen Content: Adventure parks are timeless destinations that remain popular year-round, making them ideal subjects for evergreen content. Bloggers and influencers can create content that continues to attract traffic and engagement over time, ensuring sustained interest and relevance for their blog or social media channels. Key Takeaway: Adventure Park niches offer bloggers and travel influencers a wealth of opportunities to create compelling content, engage with their audience, collaborate with brands, and establish themselves as authorities in the travel and leisure space. By tapping into the excitement and allure of adventure parks, bloggers and influencers can elevate their content, expand their reach, and cultivate a loyal and enthusiastic following.

Adventure Blog Niches FAQs

What is the meaning of adventurous travel?Adventurous travel refers to exploring destinations and engaging in activities that involve risk, excitement, and novelty. It encompasses experiences such as hiking in remote wilderness areas, participating in extreme sports, or embarking on expeditions to challenging environments. For example, adventurous travel might involve backpacking through the rugged terrain of Patagonia or bungee jumping off a bridge in New Zealand.What is the meaning of travel and adventure niches?Travel and adventure niches refer to specific segments or categories within the broader travel industry that cater to particular interests or activities. For example, hiking and trekking is a niche within adventure tourism, focusing on outdoor exploration through walking or hiking trails, often in natural settings such as mountains or forests.What are examples of luxury adventure safari niches?Luxury adventure safari niches offer high-end, exclusive safari experiences with premium accommodations, personalized services, and unparalleled wildlife encounters. Examples include luxury tented camps in the Serengeti, private game reserves in South Africa offering bespoke safaris, and luxury river cruises along the Zambezi River with gourmet dining and guided wildlife excursions. Conclusion Adventure travel companies encompass a vast array of niches and sub-niches, each offering unique experiences for travelers seeking excitement, challenge, and connection with nature. Whether you're drawn to scaling mountains, diving into the depths of the ocean, or soaring through the sky, there's an adventure safari niche waiting to be explored. By delving into these niches and sub-niches, travelers can tailor their experiences to match their interests and embark on unforgettable adventures around the world. So, embrace your sense of adventure and set forth on a journey to discover the thrill of adventure travel. Some companies and professionals have taken this niche to form an adventure travel trade association. Further Resources on Travel Blogging Niches Why travel bloggers should explore off-beaten path niches and destinations in their blogging journey. 1. Unveiling Hidden Gems: By venturing beyond the beaten path, travel bloggers uncover unique destinations and experiences that captivate their audience's imagination and set their content apart in a crowded digital landscape. 2. Creating Authentic Connections: Exploring off-the-beaten-path travel niches allows bloggers to forge authentic connections with their audience by sharing stories and insights that resonate on a deeper level, fostering trust and loyalty. 3. Standing Out in a Saturated Market: With digital marketing skills such as SEO and social media marketing, travel bloggers can amplify their reach and visibility, positioning themselves as authorities in niche markets and attracting engaged followers seeking authentic and immersive travel experiences. 4. Embracing Endless Inspiration: Armed with passion and curiosity, travel bloggers are constantly inspired by the diversity of the world around them, fueling their creativity and driving them to seek out new adventures and stories to share with their audience. 5. Read the full article

[hawaiimeetings]

Plan the Hawaii Event of Your Dreams: Where Beauty Meets Warmth

Hawaii is not just a destination; it’s an experience that combines breathtaking natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat, a destination wedding, or a family reunion, Hawaii offers the perfect backdrop for your special event. With its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and welcoming aloha spirit, Hawaii is the ultimate paradise to make any occasion unforgettable.

Why Choose Hawaii for Your Event?

Hawaii’s unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture sets it apart from other event destinations. Imagine exchanging vows on a secluded beach with waves gently lapping at your feet, hosting a gala under a canopy of stars, or organizing a team-building retreat amidst verdant rainforests. Here’s why hawaii meetings and events should top your list for your next event:

Stunning Venues: From luxury resorts and beachfront villas to botanical gardens and historical estates, Hawaii boasts an array of venues to suit any event theme.

Year-Round Sunshine: With its tropical climate, Hawaii offers pleasant weather throughout the year, making it an ideal choice regardless of the season.

Cultural Enrichment: Incorporate authentic Hawaiian traditions, such as a hula performance or lei ceremony, to make your event truly unique.

Adventure Opportunities: Hawaii provides endless activities, from snorkeling and hiking to whale watching and surfing, ensuring your guests are entertained throughout their stay.

How to Plan Your Perfect Hawaii Event

Planning an event in a destination as picturesque as Hawaii requires careful consideration. Follow these steps to ensure your event runs smoothly:

Choose the Right Island Hawaii comprises six main islands, each offering its own unique charm.

Oahu: Known as the "Gathering Place," Oahu is ideal for large-scale conferences and vibrant nightlife.

Maui: Perfect for intimate weddings and luxury getaways, Maui boasts stunning beaches and upscale resorts.

Big Island: For adventurous events, the Big Island’s volcanoes and lush rainforests offer unparalleled experiences.

Kauai: The "Garden Isle" is perfect for nature lovers, featuring waterfalls, hiking trails, and serene settings.

Book Your Venue Early Hawaii’s popularity as an event destination means venues can fill up quickly. Secure your preferred location well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Incorporate Local Elements Make your event memorable by including Hawaiian music, cuisine, and traditions. Serve dishes like poke, kalua pig, and tropical cocktails to give your guests a taste of island life.

Work with Local Vendors Partnering with local vendors ensures your event reflects the true spirit of Hawaii. From florists who specialize in tropical arrangements to photographers who capture Hawaii’s natural light, local expertise can elevate your event.

Activities to Delight Your Guests

Hawaii offers an abundance of activities to enhance your event experience:

Water Adventures: Treat your guests to snorkeling tours, paddleboarding, or dolphin excursions.

Cultural Immersion: Organize a luau with traditional Hawaiian performances and cuisine.

Nature Excursions: Explore waterfalls, hike through lush valleys, or take a helicopter tour of the islands.

Relaxation: Pamper your guests with spa treatments or yoga sessions by the beach.

Make Your Event Hassle-Free

Planning a destination event can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. HawaiiMeetings.com is your go-to resource for creating a seamless event experience. From finding the perfect venue to connecting with reliable vendors, HawaiiMeetings.com simplifies every step of the planning process. Their expert team ensures that your event is not only well-organized but also filled with the magic of hawaii meetings aloha spirit.

 

Hosting an event in Hawaii is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. With its enchanting landscapes and warm hospitality, Hawaii offers everything you need to make your special occasion extraordinary.

[afrotumble]

From photographer Paul Nicklen. "Ha'a Keaulana, daughter of Brian Keaulana and granddaughter of legendary Buffalo Keaulana carries a 50-pound boulder while running across the sea floor to train for surfing. Her father teaches surfers that they should train for a four wave hold down in case of a wipeout in big surf. At 13-second intervals between waves, that means about a minute of being held down. It is one thing to hold your breath in a swimming pool for a minute and it something completely different to swim down 30 feet, pick up a huge rock and then run as hard as you can for a minute. Thanks to her lineage, community and training, Ha’a is a true water woman from Makaha. Hawaiians have saltwater running through their veins and epitomize what it means to be connected to the sea. As I shot these moments, I was completely in awe and full of gratitude for being exposed to this beautiful part of the world and the people who live it everyday. How does the ocean inspire you? Shot on assignment for National Geographic with Cristina Mittermeier Photography"

📷 Paul Nicklen

[bestsurfpodcasts]

"EPIC SURF DRAMA! Michael Peterson's Scandalous Life, Olympic Surprises!"

"NV Fins Showcase at The Boardroom Show"

NVS offers a variety of twins or fins with FCS plugs - NVS provides a great assortment of twins or fins, mostly in FCS plug - You can mix and match fins from NVS, offering versatility and options for surfers

Yamamoto wetsuits made of limestone for eco-friendliness and comfort - Less waste in production process - Promo code 'spit' for 15% off on Driftline wetsuits

Interview transcript sharing process and potential obstacles - Chris Malloy shares a never-heard interview with Mickey Dora with Dana Goodar's request in mind. - Challenges in finding a compatible player for the digital disc content, exploring alternative options.

Discussion on surfboard design and influences - Stab's article on twin fins and Creed MCTager's influence - Observations on a surfboard design by Alex No and its utilitarian approach

Discussion on riding a 1984 John Bradbury boxy rail at Swamis - Experience of nostalgia and difficulty riding the wider full boxy rail - Challenges faced with the flat deck design and need for commitment to ride effectively

The surfer Michael Peterson's drive and equipment - Michael Peterson attributes his contest wins to his 95% dead right equipment and sportsmanship. - He plans to retire at 25, is driven by a need to win, and has not yet excelled in contests in the islands.

Professional surfer had a disdain for the sanitized image of the sport. - Believed in preserving his individuality by keeping long hair, wearing dark and grungy clothes. - Speculation about the relationship between drug use and paranoid schizophrenia, and its impact on the individual's behavior.

Discussion on the worthiness of writing biographies about different individuals - Consideration of surfers like Michael Peterson and their impact compared to historical figures like John Glenn or Alexander the Great. - Exploration of the perspective that artists and individuals struggling with mental health are equally interesting subjects for biographies.

Enter the contest by uploading your forehand cutback video on Instagram with specific tags and mentions - Entries open until September 17th, multiple entries allowed - Epic major prize for the winning Surfer and Filmer, various categories for best performances

Discussion about the book and movie Cloud Atlas. - Mixed opinions about the movie, with some loving it and some hating it. - Challenging to adapt the book with multiple time frames into a film.

Kai Lenny's recent episode on Wing foiling and fishing - Kai Lenny is filming his Wing foiling and fishing activities and catching crazy stuff. - He impressively switches positions on the foil, catches waves, and surfs front side and back.

Warren bolster - Legendary surf photographer - Warren bolster was a self-taught American surf photographer, known for his watershot images and competitive surfing skills. - He began his surfing journey in Wahu in 1967, later moving to Cocoa Beach, Florida, and then to San Diego where he established himself as a top photographer for surfing magazines.

Surfer Edgar Groia won the heat with a big full front side full rotation air. - Defining the terms 'landed,' 'make,' and 'rode out' to better evaluate the air. - Arguing that he indeed landed, made it, and rode out of the air, despite the judges deeming it a no make.

Debating judging criteria for surfing completion is pointless. - The current conversation is ridiculous and lacks common sense. - Creating objective judging criteria doesn't work for each individual scenario in surfing.

Discussion about the icons of foam shaping at The Boardroom Show - Notable shapers include Michael Arol from Ventura, Jordan Bry from Virginia Beach, Ryan Burch from Encinitas, Simon Jones from Byron Bay Australia, Josh Hall from San Diego, Josh Axel Lorence from Spain, Grant Noble from Costa Mesa, and Moon from South Korea - Interesting conversation about Grant Noble's association with Costa Mesa and its surf industry roots

The surfboard industry and Best in Show event - Various surfboard builders like Mike Estrada Cordell Miller and others contributing to Best in Show - Free entry for any surfboard builder worldwide to display their boards at The Boardroom Show

Tim's recovery and love for surfing - Tim's enthusiasm for walking and shaping surfboards - Appreciation for Blackbird surfboards and Moonlight glassing

Discussion on surf forecast and impact on competition - Surf forecast predicts 15 to 18 feet swell, with potential for massive waves during practice times - Concerns raised about surf competition heat draws and qualification process for Olympics

Defection to continue as an Olympic story - Speculation on Felipe TOA's presence and performance at the event - Predictions for top contenders including John John Florence and vahini Fiero

Discussion on Shane Dorian coaching top surfers - Shane Dorian coaches John John Florence, Carissa Moore, and others - Interesting detail on Australia's Mitchell Ross being the assistant coach

Discussion about submitting clips for MP cuy contest - The speaker is hesitant to submit a clip as he feels unworthy and doesn't do turns anymore - One Margo cut back from bells is mentioned as a remarkable clip that could be submitted for the contest

Discussion on a remarkable cutback and a impressive surfing maneuver - The speaker recalls a memorable cutback experience on a surfboard, emphasizing the perfect alignment of board, wave, and execution. - An anecdote about a surfer named Dane Henry who executed a front side back flip in a competition and received a perfect score.

Acknowledging the role of a person in an origin story - Expressing gratitude for setting someone on a path - Recognizing experts for teaching important lessons

🏄‍♂️Podcast episode link: https://surfsplendorpodcast.com/365-spit-july-9-2024/

 🎬📸 CREDITS: 🎬Host, Producer: David Scales @David_Lee_Scales - https://www.instagram.com/david_lee_scales/ 

 🎬Host, Producer: Scott Bass @BoardroomShow - https://www.instagram.com/boardroomshow 

 📚 Full archive of past SPIT! episodes: https://surfsplendorpodcast.com/category/spit/?episodes=all

🔍 ABOUT SPIT! SURF NEWS PODCAST:  Spit! is a weekly show hosted by David Lee Scales and Scott Bass discussing all the latest surf news, surf gossip, and rumblings running through the surf industry and their local line-ups

 #MikiDora #OlympicSurfing #SurfingCompetition #SurfCulture #SurfGearReviews #SurfContests #surfnews