In the run up to the Billabong Pro Tahiti here’s Websiode #3 celebrating some of the 10 point rides that have happened over the years, including Kelly Slater’s sick ride from 2005 against Bruce Irons.

Billabong Pro Tahiti – Webisode 3 from Billabong on Vimeo.

Keen surfers anywhere can reel off any number of surf spots on Queensland’s Gold Coast. We’ll cover most of them in future postings, but for now we’re going to focus on North Stradbroke Island. Commonly known as Straddie, there’s a number of quality spots around. Here’s a breakdown of a few of them for you, along with a fun clip from a couple of years ago.

Surfer's Eye map for North Straddie / Cylinders

North Stradbroke & Cylinders
Catch the ferry from the harbour at Cleveland to Dunwich. Call 07 3488 5300 for Stradbroke Ferries. It costs about $17 return for the water taxi.
Cylinders: on northern tip. Long, barrelling R breaks over reef and sand bottom. Can be all-time. Holds up to 6-8ft of big SE swells, but cops the NE cyclone swells head-on. Intense takeoff. Long paddle-out (get a boat). Very isolated & sharky. Experienced surfers only. If wind is north, head to Main Beach for consistent beach-break peaks.

Surfer's Eye map for Straddie Main Beach

Straddie Main Beach
Take the same directions as for Cylinders, but it runs south from Point Lookout. In the centre of the E coast, very long sandy beach with numerous L & R beachies, quality is dependent on the banks. Most are best in up to 6ft SE swells but it works in NE’s too. Very isolated & sharky. Experienced surfers only. Uncrowded and best in early mornings or winter.

Surfer's Eye map for South Straddie

The Spit & South Straddie
Heading N on Gold Coast Hwy, turn R on Waterways begore the Gold Coast Br, L on Seaworld Dr to the end. Just off S break wall, a nice L breaks on the structured sand banks. Mellow, if short rides. Best in up to 6ft NE-SE swells. You can paddle across to South Straddie if wind more S. Both spots pull swell when it’s small, and generally have more power than Surfer’s breaks.

Here’s even more info for you on surf spots around the Gold Coast and the rest of Australia.

North Straddie >>

Start of the Billabong Pro out in Tahiti is less than two weeks away and we’re already getting pumped at the prospect of seeing the world’s top surfers tackle Teahupoo. Here’s Webisode 2, featuring a preview of the trials for you:

Billabong Pro Tahiti – Webisode 2, The Trials from Billabong on Vimeo.

“Teahupo’o” (pron: chee-yow-po) has been considered among the world’s most intimidating surf spots since its ‘outing’ a little over a decade ago. Male professional surfers have withdrawn from the competition in fear for their lives. In 2006 a decision was made that the women’s ASP event would be scrapped from the schedule all together and just a handful of surfing’s chargers are considered true Teahupo’o specialists.

Two British surf companies have teamed up to produce a guide to the best surf breaks in the UK and Ireland.

Northcore Europe, who make surfboards and accessories, partnered with action sports publisher Wavefinder to publish a brand new surf guide – Top 25 UK & Ireland Surf Spots – which is available now.

Above: Cover image of Northcore Top 25 UK & Ireland Surf Spots.

Matt Strathern of Northcore said: “The chances are that somewhere along the stunning and often wild UK and Irish coastlines there’s a perfect glassy wave peeling right now. If you want to start your surfing adventure you won’t go wrong chasing the waves detailed in this book.

“We’re really proud of this new title. Working with such a respected publisher as Wavefinder is fantastic and they’ve helped bring together a great little book.”

The 25 spots were selected by members of Northcore’s surf team, including advice from big wave rider Richie Fitzgerald on his favourite waves in Ireland, and two-time European champion Grishka Roberts on his choice of English waves.

Wavefinder produced the book, providing detailed information on the list of must-ride waves, including their unique Surfer’s Eye maps showing the location and optimum conditions for each surf spot.

The 56 page pocket-sized guide also features profiles of Northcore team riders including Lewis Clinton, Kathleen Spears and longboarder Ryan Hammond.

Nick Rink from Wavefinder said: “We had been looking for a quality UK surf company to work with on this project and Northcore fitted the bill perfectly.

“The company epitomises cold water surfing with their products and their philosophy and so this Top 25 guide around the chilly waters of the UK & Ireland works very well. Getting input from some of Northcore’s pro riders also adds an extra dimension.”

Northcore Top 25 UK & Ireland Surf Spots is available now from www.wave-finder.com priced £3.99.

For European trade enquiries contact Extreme Horizon Surf Distribution
[email protected]

ENDS

Review copies
Review copies are available from Jim Michell.

Images
High resolution images for print use can be downloaded here. More images are available, please email to request.

Cover image of Northcore Top 25 UK & Ireland Surf Spots

Product Description
Title: Northcore Top 25 UK & Ireland Surf Spots
Publication Date: 30 July 2010
Size: 8.5cm x 12cm
Number of Pages: 56
Format: Paperback, Perfect Bound
Category: Sports Surfing
Retail Price: £3.99

Notes to Editors
Wavefinder is a leading publisher of surf, snowboard and action sports guide books. The company publish a series of pocket-sized Wavefinder surfing guidebooks covering Australia, Indonesia, USA & Hawaii, UK & Ireland, Central America and Mexico. Their Snowfinder ski and snowboard guides include titles on the USA, France and Austria. They also produce a range of technique manuals covering surfing and mountain biking.
wave-finder.com

Media Contact – PR on behalf of Wavefinder.
Jim Michell at Barefoot Media.
Telephone: +44 (0)1208 895089 Email: [email protected]

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Sunday, August 8, 2010) – Local favorite Brett Simpson (Huntington Beach, CA), 25, defeated current Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World No. 1 Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, to clinch his second consecutive title in front of his home crowd at the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) PRIME US Open of Surfing presented by Hurley and Nike 6.0 to clinch the highly sought after $100,000 check at South Huntington Beach Pier in two-to-four foot (1 metre) surf.

Simpson, who marched to a dream victory in front of his home crowd last year, surfed consistently throughout the event’s entirety to charge to a nearly unimaginable repeat performance to take his second consecutive US Open of Surfing title and mass of ratings points on offer towards his ASP World Ranking.

“Last year barely sank in and now I won this year,” Simpson said. “It’s so hard to mentally imagine it all over again because you have to stay consistent and surf so many heats. Luckily I zoned everything out and tried not to worry about the points or the money and that’s when I have competed the best. To be at home with so many friends and family, I’ve enjoyed it so much. To win out here two years in a row is unimaginable. ”

Simpson, who is currently competing on his rookie year on the ASP Dream Tour, jumped out to a quick start in his matchup against the South African juggernaut in the Final and built momentum throughout the heat, leaving Smith looking for a near-perfect score in the final moments of the ASP Dream Tour campaigner’s bout.

“Jordy (Smith) has been getting quick starts, so I tried to go out there and get a decent start,” Simpson said. “I got a five, and it was a low scoring heat, but all the waves I caught I maximized. Jordy had that one wave, where if he pulled that air it could have been a different ballgame. That’s the risk you take to be rewarded and with the level these days, that’s where it’s at. I kind of stayed conservative and built my scores, but either way, a win is a win.”

Simpson, who defeated reigning two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, to win his 2009 US Open of Surfing title, rose to the challenge once again this year, topping a marquee list of surfers including nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (Cocoa Beach ,FL), 38, former ASP World Tour surfer Nathaniel Curran (Oxnard, CA), 26, ASP Dream Tour rookie Adam Melling (AUS), 25, and Australian standout Julian Wilson (AUS), 22, before defeating Smith in the Final.

“It’s amazing to beat those guys,” Simpson said. “I guess this is my best chance to compete against those guys and I know the wave really well and I just go out there and stay confident. I know which waves score the best and that’s all you can do against those guys.”

Smith, who posted the highest scores of the day in the Quarterfinals, ousted dangerous ASP Pro Junior surfer Miguel Pupo (BRA), 18, in the Quarterfinals and reigning two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, in the Semifinals, but was unable to find a rhythm against Simpson and placed second overall.

“It wasn’t exactly J-Bay, it’s Huntington, it’s never going to be perfect,” Smith said. “You’ve got to kind of adapt to everything and Brett (Simpson) did that the best. It’s a big event and Brett has done it again, congratulations to him.”

Smith has been on an absolute tear throughout the 2010 ASP season and has been a consistent finalist in several events. Although Smith was hungry to clinch the US Open of Surfing title, he was pleased with the result and the ASP PRIME points.

“It’s still a good result,” Smith said. “We’ll see how the year goes from here. I don’t want to count my chickens before they hatch. I am having a pretty good year. I’m just relaxing and feeling confident.”

US Open of Surfing Men’s Final Results:
1 – Brett Simpson (USA) 13.97
2 – Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8.33

US Open of Surfing Men’s Semifinals Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.00 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.80
Heat 2: Brett Simpson (USA) 13.37 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 13.33

US Open of Surfing Men’s Quarterfinals Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.66 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 16.10
Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.26 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 16.07
Heat 3: Kelly Slater (USA) 13.94 def. Granger Larsen (HAW) 7.43
Heat 4: Brett Simpson (USA) 10.14 def. Nathaniel Curran (USA) 9.74

Puerto Escondido is one of Mexcio’s most famous waves. You’ll find the main spot at Playa Zicatela, which runs from the port. A bend in the beach hosts the best peak(s).

Puerto Escondido

A hollow, perfect, powerful beach-break that holds waves from 2-20 feet. Waves come out of nowhere thanks to a deepwater trench, and they jack up for some of the most hair raising take-offs anywhere. When it’s offshore (every morning of the year, till 11am), virtually every wave is a barrell opportunity. Some sets line up for several bottom turns, others are sharp shocks, all can drill a surfer hard into the sandbank.

The peaks further down the beach are rarely much good. A few kilometres down the beach is La Punta – a lefthand pointbreak that is much more approachable, even though it holds anything from 3-15 feet. Take off is close to the rocks, and the wave peels fast down the line over a sand bottom, forming beautifully without truly barrelling.

Biggest waves are from May to August, but Puerto takes swell from any direction, and can be surfed all year round.

There are many places to stay, catering for all levels. Great food is available both on Zicatela itself, and in the port (where lobster lovers will feel they’ve died and gone to heaven). There are a few surf shops in the port, as well as Zicatela.

This is mainland Mexico’s most crowded surf spot, with up to 100 surfers in the water in season. Hassle is not uncommon. Don’t wander drunk on to the beach at night with a wallet full of dollars. Despite all this, Escondido has a great vibe and is a great place to spend a week. It’s a shame there aren’t a lot of great surfspots nearby to absorb the numbers.

Surfer's Eye map for Puerto Escondido

Here’s more info on surf spots in Mexico.

The Mentawai Islands, stretching from latitudes 2 to 3 degrees south off the west coast of Sumatra are without doubt the destination most aspired to by surfers worldwide and are home to a large number of the best waves on earth.

Burgerworld

The Setup
Four main islands and dozens of islets are fringed by palm cultivations, 28 degree  water and coral reef, backed by dense jungle miles away from any western style  ”civilisation”. Like much of Indonesia, volcanic eruptions shaped the topography  and sea bottom of these islands, making for extremely deep trenches in the ocean  floor and fast rising land mass close to the shoreline. The result is minimal dilution  of swell energy and funnelling and refraction of waves to the enormous benefit of  surfers. In conjunction with the above, the Mentawais present almost the widest  swell window and fetch in the Indian Ocean.

The Waves
The convoluted shorelines, deeply recessed bays and many islets also add variety of angle to swell and wind, so whatever the breeze or swell direction, somewhere will be offshore and lined up. It’s a slam dunk for surfers! Waves here tend to have considerable power without necessarily being heavy in the Hawaiian sense. Generally speaking, peaks are relatively predictable, enabling you to tackle larger waves than you might be able to at home. Intermediate surfers can get good waves, although some of the celebradated waves are more challenging than they look in still photos. Prepare for anything from 2-10 ft, but rarely more.

The Reef
The quality waves are over lava based coral reef lying at varying depths. Some are flat tables with a safe covering of water, others are pocketed, pointy, shallow and hard to avoid in the event of a fall. Very few surfers come back from a trip here without some kind of a cut, so make sure you take the necessary medical supplies with you.

Season
Swell is in best supply from April to October, with July and August often representing the peak of consistency and size. This middle of season is also the driest and most crowded. Boat operations run from April to October/November for these reasons, and because, after November, the weather can get pretty unsettled. Trade-winds do not operate this close to the equator, and winds are shifting and unpredictable. Many days are wind-free, or with the breeze veering 360 degrees in 24 hours. Thanks to this, goofy footers and natural can both get their fix on the same day, with rights and lefts often next door to each other.

Extract taken from Wavefinder Indonesia, by Larry Blair & Jeremy Goring.

One of the most famous surf areas in the continental US, and possibly the world, the town of Huntington Beach has long been associated with the Southern California surf scene. Originally an oil town, it was in 1925 that Duke Kahanamoku brought the sport of surfing to Huntington Beach and the Southern California shores. The city’s first surf shop, Gordie’s Surf Boards, opened in 1953 and six years later, the first US Surfing Championships were held in Huntington Beach. It’s now the home of possibly the largest surf and music festival in the world, with the US Open of Surfing set to start on 2nd August.

Huntington Pier (c) J. Goring

Huntington State Beach, to the east of town, is a good stretch of summer beach-break. Very exposed to the south swells, it gets blown out every afternoon, but on early morning glass at 3-6 feet, it’s fantastic!

Huntington Pier is an icon in the surfing world. One of the most photographed spots there is, it epitomises Southern California’s surf scene. Peaky beach-breaks, sunsets, weird people on the beach when you come in. It takes swell from the south through nor west, and changes personality accordingly. South of the pier has A-frame peaks, and if the swell is south, some lined up lefts to 8ft plus. North side has lefts and rights, but some solid right outside peaks on a winter swell, running under the pier itself. All in all a consistent, quality spot, but no secret – you’ll share it with many. All tides, although high no good if small. All levels, 1-12ft.

A stroll or quick drive west of the pier can reward with a bunch of beach breaks that spreads the crowds out, although they hold a bit less swell due to the absence of jetties.

A couple of miles up the PCH is Huntington Cliffs. Another quality beach-break that gets fast and hollow at lower tide. Southwest swell hits with most power, and the spot holds considerable size compared to some. South swells make it a mellow experience. Needs early morning glass or is a serious mess. Crowds, 2-8ft+. All levels.

Here’s more info for surf spots in Southern California and throughout the USA & Hawaii.

The WQS 4-Star O’Neill Coldwater Classic waiting period begins on Monday featuring a host of top South African surfers – Sean Holmes, Travis Logie, Royden Bryson and of course current world #1 Jordy Smith. Forecast looks like it could be pretty wild from Tuesday onwards, so we’re looking forward to watching some quality action on the webcast.

Here’s a preview (after the ad):

About 100 miles south of Brisbane you’ll find Byron Bay with beaches, plenty of waves and, at times, insane crowds. There are a handful of quality waves to be had in the area, but we’re going to focus on The Wreck and The Pass.

Surfer's Eye map of The Wreck at Byron Bay

Byron Bay, The Wreck – a beautiful R breaking over an old shipwreck on sandy rock bottom. Sand builds up round the wreck, creating a hollow 50-150m wave. The beach itself can produce the odd beach-break peak, getting in massive SE swells. Very crowded spot for all standards of surfer.

Surfer's Eye map of The Pass at Byron Bay

Byron Bay, The Pass – quality R off the rocks on S point. Breaks over sand and rock, giving a 3-400m ride into the beach. Holds up to 10ft swell. Heavy paddle-out, heavier crowds. Look for Bullies – a mean, rocky beachie round the corner in a cove. Check Wategos for novice beachies.

Here’s more info on surf spots for the north coast of New South Wales and for the whole of Australia.

Quadrocopter Video Piloting – Surfing – Byron Bay Australia from rc-video.org on Vimeo.