How to Read Buoys with Ian Walsh

Although most of us would never admit to it, there are tens of thousands of surfers that understand buoy readings about as well as we understand why Julian Wilson lost his heat against Ace Buchan at the Billabong Pro. Unfortunately, there’s a whole mess of good intel the buoys are offering that’s falling on deaf ears. To set us wise on just what the buoys can tell us, we called on Ian Walsh, a man so in tune with the inner workings of forecasting that he doesn’t even bother to read buoys anymore; buoys read him.

General Forecast Vs. Buoy Readings
(ie. Magic Seaweed vs. NOAA Buoy)

“A general forecast can help you get a picture of what a swell could produce while an actual buoy reading confirms just how big or small the swell really is. The numbers coming off of a buoy are a pure reading of what the ocean is doing at a certain point in time. It really is a much more accurate depiction of the size, angle, and winds of an oncoming swell. A general forecast, on the other hand, is just a prediction of what the swell might end up doing.”

The Period

“When you start reading the buoys, you’ll hear the term ‘period’ used a lot. The period of a swell refers to the time between each wave in a set and has a ton to do with the size, speed, and the overall condition of a swell. If a buoy reading says ‘10 feet at 20 seconds,’ that means it took 20 seconds to pass between the top of first wave (which was 10 feet) in the set and the top of the second wave in the set.”

Long-Period Vs. Short-Period Swell
(ie. Hurricane swell vs. Nor' Easter swell)

“If you’re tracking a big storm out in the ocean that’s sending swell to a surf spot far removed from the storm, you’re looking at a long-period swell. These types of swells are a lot cleaner and more organized because the swell has had a bunch of time to clean up as it heads through the ocean.

“If that same storm was much closer to the shore, then it would give off a shorter period read on the buoys because it’s had less time to get to the lineup. As an example: a reading of 10 feet at 20 seconds would be considered a long-period swell while a reading of 10 feet at 12 seconds would be a short-period swell. Again, a longer-period swell will be cleaner while a shorter-period swell will be a bit more mixed up and look like storm surf.”

Dialing Your Buoys

“Once you start to pay attention to the buoy readings, you’ll begin making associations with readings on days that were really good at certain spots. If we see a swell forecast for Jaws that’s supposed to be really big, I’ll check the buoys as the swell starts to finally hit Hawaii. If it’s above a certain size and period, then I know it could be on and I’ll start checking the angle of the swell to make sure it’ll hit the reefs right. Every wave likes a different size, angle, and swell direction, you just need to do the research to figure out the right readings. Once you get that dialed, that opens up a lot of doors and you’ll probably be getting barreled a lot more.” GOMOOS.org has the buoys you want to learn.

Dawn Patrol Pay-Off

p. GITV

They saying is "patience is a virtue" and to be perfectly honest it's a virtue I don't do very well with. Recently GITV posted a piece in the I Love NH section of their website titled Patience. The piece is a look at things to come once "summah" is ovah... you know quiet beaches, cool off-shore breezes, and most importantly some (fingers crossed) hurricane swell. Last night after a great meal I sat on my porch nursing a glass of whiskey and paging through Patience. I sat there remembering the swells and remembering the feeling. I went to bed thinking about things to come and hoping they come sooner than later.

When I woke this morning and I began going through my morning routine, I saw something on the cam that didn't look real. It was a real wave... a perfect a-frame peak that appeared to be waist high maybe even bigger. I sat there waiting to see another like it and after a few minutes I saw it, a whole set of real waves. After a two and a half hour session this morning I can certainly say there were some real waves out there, waist high and bigger on some of the sets. The waves had great shape and good push, dare I say they reminded me of hurricane swell.

Could my patience be paying off? Could this be a preview of things to come? One can only hope but for now my stoke is high and my arms are tired.

Thanks for the surprise ocean, it was just what I needed.

Loaded Fattail Available At PIONEERS in NH Friday, July 29th

Although the lovely Loaded Pintail may be discontinued, it's spirit lives on in the form of the new Loaded Fattail Longboard skateboard — Along with a few convenient modifications! The Loaded Fattail Longboard Skateboard features a wider and more refined cambered/concave standing platform, two truck options, a nominal nose kick and a functional (if corpulent) kicktail. Designed for parking garages, pumping, freestyle, a bit of freeride, commuting and eating tubs of rocky road. Because as we all know, she gotta pack much back.

The Loaded Fattail comes to us in three flex variations to help you select the most appropriate level for your body weight and preferred riding style. The Fattail dimensions are; Length: 38"; WB 26.5" & 27.4" and are set to come with Paris 150s and Orangatang Stimulus wheels!

The Fattail will be available in select skate shops worldwide on Monday, August 1 but you can find it HERE AT PIONEERS on Friday July 29th.

Check out a first look HERE from a Loaded Test Pilot.

We're very stoked to have this new board coming in as well as you coming in to check it out.

The Journey Ends Tomorrow

Ralph's 365 day odyssey of AWESOMENESS to raise awareness and money for families battling cancer is coming to an end tomorrow night. Ralph is asking for anyone and everyone to meet him down at the wall at 1oth street at 6pm to cheer him in on his last wave. Please come out and SUPPORT Ralph if you can. To view his endeavor in full click HERE.

Stoked on you Ralph!!!

Julian Wilson gets robbed by the judges at the Billabong Pro at J Bay

Ok gang, climbing up my soap box for a good ol' fashion rant.

The Association of Professional Surfing has this thing called the world tour that is supposed to "PUSH" the progression of the sport. After watching Julian Wilson's heat versus Ace Buchan I think that someone needs to remind the judges of that. It's my opinion that Julian Wilson got absolutely robbed in his quarter finals heat against Ace Buchan at the Billabong Pro.

Not to say Ace isn't a great surfer but come on, the dude got an 8.7 for 5 of the same turns on his first wave and then an 8.07 on his second wave for a "shakey" takeoff followed by a floater and 2 foam climb sorta turns (that wave should have been a 5 at best). Meanwhile Julian is going for it with critical fins free surfing. He did a big air reverse and followed it up with two good turns for a 7.3 and then on his second wave did a huge turn and a huge tail waft for a 7.6 . Julian was surfing with commitment and he was going for broke! Ace was surfing safe and shouldn't have been rewarded with 8 point plus scores.

Oh, don't think I'm alone in this stance either, here are a few of my favorite quotes from my like minded internet friends.

"don't understand that one... 8's for standard back hand hacks and 7's for finners and air reverses?"

"Looks like Jules got smoked........by the judges that is..."

"Un flote y un giro medio chungo, todo agachado un 8.07 y dos reverses un 7....mmm....no sé yo..." (not exactly sure what he's saying but I think he's saying floaters and turns get 8s and air reverses get 7s....I don't get it)

"8's for repeating the same turn?"

"take off like a BodyBoard! floaters over mush withewater! So I can win a WCT! Air reverse? No, I can't do that. but I don't need it! KKKKKKKKKK"

"I think it has to more with the fact that if Julian Won the heat HE would have surfed against Jordy in Semi. Ace was always going to be beat by Jordy - but Julian NOT SO MUCH. That is how I saw the scoring for this Quarter Final Heat!"

Julian was one of the inform surfers of the event and it should have been a Julian vs Jordy semi final. I think we could have easily seen a Julian vs Mick Final. That's my opinion, I'm sticking too it and in closing I think we need new, younger judges or even better would be a system where the surfers judged each other.

Please feel free to pipe in with your own two cents. I'm posting the vid on Facebook, go ahead and sound off.

Final Highlight with Jordy and Mick!

J-Bay Update; Round 5 complete, Quarters thru Finals SUNDAY

Jeffreys Bay -- The world’s best surfers put on a high-performance clinic today in pumping six-to-eight foot (2 – 2.5 metre) surf as the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay rampaged through Rounds 3, 4 and 5. The fourth stop on the 2011 ASP World Title season, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay navigated a challenging forecast throughout the waiting period to arrive at today’s idyllic conditions and set up for a dramatic finish tomorrow. Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, current No. 5 on the ASP World Title rankings and defending event winner, came back from a slow start to the day with the performance of the event, an 18.30 out of a possible 20, in his electric Round 5 win over Bede Durbidge (AUS), 28.

“I took a pintail out in my Round 4 heat and felt like I was going backwards on it,” Smith said. “I switched it up for the last heat and I’m stoked I found a board I really like. The waves out here this afternoon are really fun. Even with that little wind on it, there are still some really good ones out there and they’re really good for airs.” Smith capped off his sensational Round 5 performance with a massive full-rotation air reverse on the bricks to the tune of a 9.47 out of a possible 10. The South African will face former event Runner-Up Damien Hobgood (USA), 32, in the Quarterfinals when competition resumes tomorrow.

Julian Wilson (AUS), 22, is enjoying his first-ever trip to Jeffreys Bay and today scored the event’s first Perfect 10, linking a bevy of searing forehand arcs before navigating an incredible barrel to the raucous applause of the thousands on the beach and the hundreds of thousands watching online. “The waves are so good this morning that it was only going to be a matter of time before one opened up like that,” Wilson said. “When I paddled into it, I could kind of see it had a double-up forming down the line and when I pulled in at Supers, I thought it’d be good if I got one section. Then I couldn’t really make the doggy-door on that one and I pulled into the Impossibles section and it somehow let me out. It was an incredible feeling.”

Despite a stumble in Round 4, the young Australian rebounded in Round 5, blending some incredible fin-free surfing with strong rail turns to overtake Daniel Ross (AUS), 28, and advance through to the Quarterfinals – a career-best finish. “It’s been an exhausting day of surfing,” Wilson said. “Without the jetski assist and the long paddles, you’re definitely exerting a lot of energy out there. I gave my Round 4 heat everything I had and I came in a bit angry that I didn’t come away with the win. That probably wasted a bit more energy. I knew I had to throw everything I had against Rossy (Dan Ross) and I’m stoked to come away with the win. It’s my best result on tour so far.”Wilson will face compatriot Adrian Buchan (AUS), 28, when Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay competition resumes.

Buchan, current No. 17 on the ASP World Title rankings, put in a sensational performance of his own this afternoon, annihilating the Jeffreys Bay walls on his backhand to collect an impressive 17.54 out of a possible 20 and advance past his in-form Round 4 opponents. “It was such an exciting heat with Jordy (Smith) and Julian (Wilson) as they’re amazing talents,” Buchan said. “That said, I felt really confident. My board feels great and I was posting big scores in other heats so I knew if I could get two good waves, I’d be in there. Fortunately for me, I started with a big score and that gave me momentum moving forward through the heat.”

Now into the Quarterfinals of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, Buchan is in a position to be the first goofy-footer to take out the event title since 1999 ASP World Champion Mark Occhilupo (AUS), 45, scalped it in 1984. “At Jeffreys Bay, the hardest thing for a goofy-footer is how fast it is,” Buchan said. “That also happens to be the best thing about the wave. On your backhand, there’s nothing better than building up lots of speed and having the ability to do critical floaters and big top turns. The bigger it gets is obviously a benefit to guys who have to surf on their backhand.”
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, two-time past winner at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (1999, 2009), continued his sizzling form today blitzing his Round 4 match against compatriots Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, and Adam Melling (AUS), 26. “I’ve always been a bit skeptical of Round 4 but I’m becoming a believer now,” Parkinson said. “You can really throw caution to the wind and let loose in your surfing. So I’m feeling really good at the moment. It’s definitely a relief to go straight into the Quarterfinals, and now I’ll relax on focus on a positive finish tomorrow.” Parkinson will take on rookie sensation Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, in tomorrow’s Quarterfinal bout.
Muniz caused the upset of the event this morning, eliminating then-frontrunner in the 2011 ASP World Title race and compatriot Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, in Round 3 of competition. “That was a very important heat for me,” Muniz said. “I needed to make that heat to ensure I would be safe for the August rotation, and now that I’m guaranteed for the rest of the year, I am so happy. I didn’t want to compete against Adriano (de Souza) because he is going for the ASP World Title, but that’s what happens sometimes.” De Souza’s Round 3 loss sees Parkinson ascend to the leader spot in the hunt for the 2011 ASP World Title.

Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, current ASP World No. 34 (ASP World Rankings), applied a different approach to Jeffreys Bay today, utilizing an unparalleled repertoire of progressive maneuvers to notch up high scores in Round 4 and advance directly into the Quarterfinals. One such move, considered by many to be the high-performance statement of the year, involved a full-rotation method grab alley-oop, scoring an 8.90 out of a possible 10. “I was killing myself trying to play it safe and do a bunch of turns through to the end,” Kerr said. “I wasn’t getting big scores and I just started trying to do big turns and airs and stick to my strengths. I’m stoked to have pulled a couple in the heat and looking forward to tomorrow’s Quarterfinals.”

Kerr will face former two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, when competition recommences. When competition resumes, up first will be Damien Hobgood (USA), 32, against Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, in Quarterfinal 1. Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow at 6:45am to assess conditions for a possible 7:15am start.

Julian was on FIRE!!!

Surfline, official forecasters for the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, are calling for today’s solid SSW to drop slightly over the next two days with the potential for onshore winds.

BILLABONG PRO JEFFREYS BAY QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:
QF 1: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
QF 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)
QF 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
QF 4: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)

New Hampshire Runs on PIONEERS

New Pioneers decks are in. 7.75 & 8 inch boards available. $40 with grip tape!

Zap Skimboards available at Pioneers in New Hampshire

Zap Skimboards does things right. They've been making skimboards, by hand, in Florida since 1983. Their product both stands the test of time and pushes the progression of the sport. Zap produces a wide variety of boards for every ability level and I wanted to take a few minutes and highlight some of the boards that we have in-stock here at Pioneers. Everyone is hand painted and the colors and designs are endless. You have to swing by and take a look at how awesome these boards look!

Both the Lazer and the Wedge series is designed specifically for the youngest skimboarders looking for the strength and smooth ride of our fiberglass boards coupled with the colorful good looks of Zap's one-of-a-kind Gel Coat art. The Lazer comes in two size, the mini lazer is great for riders up to 70lbs and the lazer is for riders up to 90lbs. The Wedge also comes in two sizes, the medium wedge is for riders up to 120lbs and the large wedge is for riders up to 140lbs and up.

The Fish is fast and maneuverable with a skateboard style feel. This is the perfect board for riding lines and small waves with long rides. The wide outline gives it tons of glide on the flats which is perfect for our NH beaches. The fish will accommodate riders 140lbs and up.

The Chizel is shaped with 5/8" core in a streamlined curvy outline with super Hi strength E-Glass wrap. Light, fast, and ready to rip! The Pro is 3/4" thick midsection foiled down to 5/8" nose and tail. Super Hi strength E-Glass wrap. Also light, fast and ready to rip. These are some of the high end board we carry and they will accommodate riders in the 160lbs plus pound range.

Combine one of these boards with some awesome traction from Gorilla and a Banshee Bungee and your are STYLIN'......

O'neill Superfreak FZ 3/2 and 4/3 available at Pioneers in NH

New for the summer/fall of 2011 O'neill has released the brand new SUPERFREAK.

After the success of the F.U.Z.E. (front upper zip closure) entry in the Psycho RG8 series in 2010, O'neill's area 52 team developed the same entry for the new SuperFreak series of wetsuits. With glued and blindstitched seam construction an a super-flexible combination of UltraFlex DS and FluidFlex materials, the SuperFreak keeps the water out and keeps you warm like no other wetsuit ever offered at this price level. One more freak of nature for your enjoyment from your friends at Pioneers and O'neill.

Features:

100% Superstretch Neoprene

F.U.Z.E. Closure System

Minimal Seam Design

Glued and Blindstitched Seam Construction

Critically taped seam junctions

Double Super Seal Neck

Krypto Kneepads

Black-Out Zipper

Intergrated External Key Pocket

Strategic Seamless Paddle Zones

Available in 3/2 and 4/3 this suit has a price tag that will stoke you out! $190 for the 3/2 and $210 for the 4/3. Come by and try one on! You're not going to be able to get a nicer chest zip suit anywhere for this price.

BLOW UP!!!

FULL LENGTH SURF VIDEO FOR FREE. REALLY GOOD TOO.

FULL SCREEN IT, KICK BACK AND ENJOY

J-Bay Update

JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Monday, July 18, 2011) – The Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay recommenced today with the first six heats of Round 2 taking advantage of an unexpected clean pulse through the iconic pointbreak.

Event No. 4 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title season, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay plays a crucial role in both the hunt for the 2011 ASP World Title as well as the requalification campaigns of the world’s best surfers before the mid-season rotation. Despite the at-times inconsistent conditions, the ASP Top 34 battled it out in sterling fashion.

Adrian Buchan (AUS), 28, punctuated the day’s affairs with the highest heat total of the Round (a 15.80 out of a possible 20), lighting up the offshore-kissed righthanders with aggressive backhand surfing.

“It’s challenging out there with the inconsistency,” Buchan said. “We’re always in a tough spot when faced with less-than-stellar forecasts, and I think the guys understood that we had to get out there and battle one another. It might not be equal for all heats in a round or all rounds in a contest, but at least it’s equal between each guy in the heat.”

Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, current leader in the hunt for the 2011 ASP World Title, scored his first heat win since an emotional hometown victory in Brazil in May and looks to be recovering well from knee injury sustained during a training trip to the Maldives.

“I think with every surf I’m building momentum,” De Souza said. “I’m really happy to make this heat. I’ve been a little low during my last few surfs, but this win really builds my confidence. I’m just focusing on each heat and each event and not thinking about the title right now.”

Bede Durbidge (AUS), 28, Equal 3rd finisher at Jeffreys Bay in 2010, racked up a 15.10 out of a possible 20 in a convincing win over Shaun Joubert (ZAF), 20. Joubert, who was in as a replacement for Bobby Martinez (USA), 29, exhibited some electric surfing, even putting Durbidge on the back foot at one point, but it was the powerful Australian who would eventually grab the win.

“I changed my strategy a little bit actually,” Durbidge said. “Bobby (Martinez) is a really good pointbreak surfer, he’s really strong and powerful. Shaun (Joubert) is a really good air surfer, but he hasn’t surfed at this level a whole lot so I tried to put some scores up early and put the pressure on him.”

After a slow start to the year, Durbidge has been on a roll lately and will look to maintain the form through the course of the event.

“It feels really good to get through that heat,” Durbidge said. “I haven’t had the best year so far and I was getting kind of down on myself. It was an important heat for me in terms of keeping the momentum going from Brazil.”

Taj Burrow (AUS), 33, current No. 4 on the ASP World Title rankings, was in blistering form this morning, taking down lethal wildcard Sean Holmes is a closely-fought Round 2 battle.

“It’s tricky out there today,” Burrow said. “It’s really clean, but a bit inconsistent. Sean (Holmes) is so dangerous out there. He knows the wave better than anyone and I wasn’t taking him lightly. Stoked to get through and hopefully we are able to take advantage of some swell later in the week.”

Travis Logie (ZAF), 32, who replaced Kelly Slater (USA), 39, under the new ASP ruling in today’s Round 2, surfed an intelligent heat against wildcard Shaun Payne (ZAF), 26, advancing through to Round 3 and collecting valuable ASP World Rankings points along the way.

“It’s been the weirdest week of my life,” Logie said. “I’ve been hanging around and wondering if I’m getting into the event and dealing with the rumor mill. I guess it was all worth it though. That was a huge heat for me and my campaign to get back on tour full time.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start.

When competition resumes, up first will be Damien Hobgood (USA), 32, against compatriot Taylor Knox (USA), 40, in Heat 7 of Round 2.

BILLABONG PRO JEFFREYS BAY ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Travis Logie (ZAF) 12.33 def. Shaun Payne (ZAF) 7.30
Heat 2: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.33 def. Sean Holmes (ZAF) 6.04
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.10 def. Shaun Joubert (ZAF) 11.06
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.03 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 12.50
Heat 5: Owen Wright (AUS) 11.86 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 10.77
Heat 6: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.80 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 6.50

REMAINING BILLABONG PRO JEFFREYS BAY ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 7: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 9: Brett Simpson (USA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 10: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 11: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 12: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Chris Davidson (AUS)

Carissa Moore, The Women's World Champion of Surfing

LA GRANDE PLAGE, Biarritz/France (Friday, July 15, 2011) – Carissa Moore (HAW), 18, has just made ASP history as the youngest ever ASP Women’s World Champion, clinching her maiden title today at the Roxy Pro Biarritz.

“I dreamed of surfing at this level my whole life since I was a little kid and I don’t think you can ever expect or anticipate the feeling,” Moore said. “It is amazing. There is no place I would rather be right now.”

The clinching came when then-reigning four-time ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 23, dispatched of the remaining title contender Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 20, in the Semifinals of competition.

“I’m not really feeling anything right now I am just so happy,” Moore said. “It was really stressful watching that last heat and I was trying to just listen to my songs and zone out. It is kind of weird to win on the beach. I have always visualized and imagined winning the Final or a heat and coming in and winning but I’m so happy and excited. I have been thinking about this for a long time since I was a little girl and just to be here right now and being world champ is pretty crazy.”

In only her second year competing amongst the world’s best, Moore has had a stellar run, making the Finals in every event thus far and scalping three wins along the way.

“I have had this goal written on my door and it has been waiting there for a long time to be ticked off so I can’t wait to go home and cross it out,” Moore said.

2011 ASP Women’s World Tour Results:
Roxy Pro Gold Coast: WIN
Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bells Beach: Runner-Up
Subaru Pro TSB Bank Women’s Surf Festival New Zealand: Runner-Up
Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic: WIN
Billabong Rio Pro: WIN
Roxy Pro Biarritz: Runner-Up
Nike US Open of Surfing: TBD

This year’s stellar run set another record for the youngster as the only ASP World Champion in history to make the Finals in every event this season, and sees Moore as the first Hawaiian ASP Women’s World Champion since Margo Oberg (HAW) in 1981.

“I definitely first and foremost want to thank my little sister Cayla, thank you so much,” Moore said. “I wouldn’t be here without you. There are way too many people to thank but my Dad, he has been here every step of the way and I could not have done this without him. It is so much sweeter having him part of my team. I want to thank my sponsors Nike, Target and Red Bull I couldn’t do it without them. My family, my uncles and aunts and my grandparents.”

The next and final stop on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title season will be the Nike US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach from August 1 – 6, 2011.

ES' and Emerica Product Drop @ Pioneers in NH!!!

New HSU 2 just in. Rad color, good looking shoes. Jerry knows what's up!!!

The Leo
Reynolds 3
Reynolds 3

Reynolds Cruiser

The Keano
The Edwards
The Edgar

The Edgar

Battle Ready: Joel Parkinson on the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay

JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Wednesday, July 13, 2011)

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, is one of the best surfers on the planet. No one disputes that. After a decade amongst the world’s best, the Gold Coast style master has racked up 10 elite tour victories, 11 additions victories and inspired an army of youth to surf their brains out. The man has been one of the favorites in the hunt for the ASP World Title the past several seasons (definitely mine for this year), yet injury has stalled any ascensions to the throne the last two years. However, Parkinson is healthy, he’s back in form and he’s back in Jeffreys Bay. JoelParko.com recently caught up with the man, the myth and the legend to see where he’s at and what he’s going to do. This…is their story…

Talk to me about the contrast between how you feel today, getting on a plane to J-Bay, and how you were feeling 12 months ago sitting on your lounge with a few dozen stitches in your foot?
My mind is pretty much the same. I think I dealt with the disappointment of the injury pretty well – but at least I’ve got a foot that’s not in two pieces. I’m so excited to go to J-Bay. I’ve wrapped myself in cotton wool this week and made sure I didn’t do a repeat of last year and got on that plane healthy.

Does it seem like 12 months ago since the injury?
Not really. I mean everything still feels kind of fresh for me, but so much has happened since then. It doesn’t feel like that long ago, but when you look back and realize what’s gone down since, there’s a bit in there.

How has your seven-week holiday from pro surfing treated you?
Awesome. I went to Bali for a Billabong boardshort shoot and got some amazing waves at Deserts, and I’ve just had an amazing week in Fiji. I had really nice Cloudbreak two days of epic waves, then the rest of the time just cruising and relaxing and enjoying island life with the family before I got stuck into 10 days of training at home getting ready for J-Bay and the rest of the year.

So your backhand tuberiding is probably going okay after Fiji, how are you going on your forehand?
I’ve gone right enough in my life for that to always be there. My backhand tuberiding is the one I love working on.

What’s the one thing you’re most looking forward to at J-Bay?
Everything. After two years, everything about J-Bay excites me, but the one that’s in the forefront of my mind is that wave. I’m so excited about getting there and surfing that wave again after two years away. So excited, just the sensation of going so fast. My first wave when I get there I’ll probably just fly along it without doing a turn and just soak it all up. I’m really excited about going back to J-Bay, but feeling really relaxed about going there at the same time, if that makes sense. Once you get there the whole vibe of J-Bay will take the edge off it and relax me.

Is surfing J-Bay instinct for you now after doing it for so long?
I guess so. The more you can rely on instinct out there and let the natural stuff take over, the better it is for your surfing. Better for me anyway. Trying to force something for me doesn’t work out there. It takes a little bit more time at J-Bay to assess the day – the direction of swell, the break between sets, which waves are hitting the reef just right – all those little things. But once you know in your head, which waves are the better ones, when you find the wave you want you can just go with it. Where you do your turns is the most crucial thing with J-Bay. Too early and the wave will take off without you. You just really need to be in a rhythm with that wave to surf it well.

What kind of surfing will win J-Bay?
That depends on the conditions, but in pumping J-Bay full rail surfing and monster turns with a couple of barrels will usually do the trick.

Given you’ve won here twice, how important is a result here at J-Bay for you?
I guess it is. We’ve had a break, we’ve had a bit of time off, and so it feels like we’ve just come out for the second half. No one can say they’ve got momentum. You haven’t surfed a heat in months and your mind drifts away from competitiveness when you have seven weeks off, so you have to get back in that zone and in that routine of getting ready for your heat and building that confidence again.

And there are a few unknowns at the back end of year?
I guess so, definitely. New York, I suppose you can prepare yourself for some pretty small beachbreak stuff. You never know, it might get some waves but from what I’ve heard it’s going to be pretty hard to run a good contest up there. You might have some moments, but all up it mightn’t be so good. San Francisco I have no real idea. I’ve heard it can get okay. I’m not sure what we’re going to get at either, but the one thing I know is that we’re all in it together. If it’s ordinary we’re all surfing the same thing. It will be one of those things that whoever adapts to what we get the quickest will win.

Looking at the ratings at the moment, do they mean anything to you? Guys like Taj and Mick have surfed as good as they can at certain stages but sit fourth and eighth. Do you give any weight to the ratings going into J-Bay?
Not so much. I think Adriano has been surfing out of his skin this year, but I think Taj has probably been the best surfer in the world with Mick not far behind, but their results haven’t been there and so they’re not up there. But there’s no point in looking at the ratings right now. Once the routine kicks in and these back-to-back events start to go down, that’s when you’ll see some shuffling and you’ll see who’s going to make a challenge. They’ll be worth a look then.

For more insights from the Gold Coast stylemaster, check out JoelParko.com

Catch Joel and the rest of the ASP Top 34 doing battle LIVE at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay

For more on JOEL PARKINSON, check out his ASP WORLD TOUR PROFILE

Fully Stocked w/ NSP Stand-Up-Paddleboards at Pioneers in NH

Desperate times require desperate measures. When you can't find a wave to make your board move the next best thing is a paddle. So to ease your flatspell woes and get you in your summer groove may I suggest an NSP Stand Up Paddle board. These boards are perfect for everyone and we've got a great selection of them. Best of all with paddle prices starting at $130 you can get quite a bit of board and paddle for not a lot of $$. Here is a little about each board.

The 10’0 is the perfect SUP for new smaller Stand Up Paddlers or experienced wave riders that are looking for a traditional longboard shape in an SUP.

The 10’6 features all of the performance characteristics of the 10’ board in the surf, and was originally designed for 150lb intermediate SUP’ers as an all-rounder.

The 11’0 model is the perfect do it all SUP for anyone up to 200lbs. This board does it all and well.

11’6” Bigger first timers, schools and flat water adventure paddlers will love this board. This board is super stable; noserides, surf’s well, and can double as the family tandem too.

All boards come with integrated full-length traction. We've also got other stand up boards starting at $725. Call or swing in for more info.

Original Skateboards Apex 37 Back In Stock @ Pioneers in NH

Combining the most advanced composite technology in longboarding, advanced mold shaping, forward thinking graphics and design concepts, the 2011 Apex 37 is a reality, born years ahead of it’s time. The Apex 37 is already proving the possibility of last years impossible, grab one yourself and see why we believe the Apex 37 is the world’s best all-around longboard.

The Original APEX 37 is back in stock at Pioneers, we've got different flex options as well a a bunch of wheel upgrade options too! The video says everything I would normally write here. I think it's really important to note how durable these boards are and how WELL they are built! We have them available with Randal, Gullwing, Bear, and Paris Trucks and Abec 11 or Orangatang Wheels! Pretty impressed by this board and I hope if you check this board out you will be too.

Largest Selection of Landyachtz Longboards in New England at Pioneers in NH

Just got a large shipment of Landyachtz Longbaords! We're super stoked on these boards and working with Landyachtz. As our selection of longboards continues to grow so does are selection of wheels, trucks, bearings, and slide gloves. Pioneers is fully stocked with everything you need to surf the sidewalk or bombing the biggest of hills!

The Evo
The Evo was designed by a world champion to be the ultimate race board, it has won more races in the past 5 years than any other board in the world. Even though the Evo has been the board of choice for 3 World Cup Champions it has become extremely popular for both freeriding and everyday riding.
-Dropped platform, providing a more stable ride and making it easier to push and foot-break.
-The wedged nose and de-wedged tail allow the board to steer from the front, making it much more predictable and easy to ride.
-11 plies of Canadian Maple making the board stiff and durable

Bamboo Totem
This board is a classic top mount pintail made out of bamboo to give it added flex. A simple, functional board that is ideal for cruising around town and pushing along the beachside boardwalk.
-Top mount pintail shape with slight camber to mildly stiffen up the bamboo flex
-Wheel wells allowing riders to use larger wheels if desired
-Perfect board for any rider who is looking for a wider top mounted board with forgiving bamboo flex and feel

Battle Axe
If you're going to have a quiver of one, this is the board for you. A traditional pintail cruising and carving board, with improvements to make it more practical. Slay everything in your path leaving no survivors. Just try not riding this board for everything.
-Vertically laminated bamboo provides a nice springy flex, great for comfort while riding and carving hard.
-Drop thru mounting makes it stable at speed, predictable when drifting, and lower to the ground for ease of push.
-Huge wheel cutouts allow for greater turning and bigger wheels without wheelbite
-Great for riders of any skill level, your first board for learning on, or your 10th for carving hard.

Check out LANDYACHTZ.COM for more info on these and all the other boards!!!

$20 July Surfboard Rental Deals at Pioneers in NH

For the month of July all surfboard and wetsuit rentals are just $20!!! WHY???? Because we want you to be as stoked on surfing as we are!!!! Just swing buy and mention you saw this add on the BLOG, the SHOP WEBSITE, or FACEBOOK!!!! SURFING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One Week From Today

Is your team in order???

New Wood Just In!!!!

Decks from Girl, Chocolate, Vermont, and Anti-Hero Skateboards.

Longboards from Sector 9 and Globe, check it!!!

Single Fin Satisfaction...

I love single fins. I love em long, I love em short. My 10'0 Stewart is a single and I've got a Green 6'6 single fin that is an absolute missile! I'm even mid build on a wooden 7 ft single fin right now. As much as I love them I know a bunch of people who love them even more then I do, my buddy Aaron especially. He has a borderline obsession/addiction to anything single fin. Last year while we were in Hatteras surfing head high beach break he was getting after it on an 8 ft somthing single fin hull. Well anyways.... Single fins are rad and after watching this video they're a whole lot radder in my mind. In my mind I surf my 6'6 single fin just like this, in reality I surf it like it's a longboard, fast and flowy...

So without further adieu here's a few guys getting AFTER it on some rad single fin surfboards.

THE SINGLE LIFE from rustyintl on Vimeo.