The Surf Blog Spot

Wow!  The California Coastal Commission, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association), and the MBNMS (Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary)  finally made their decision this past week.  They made a decision that will likely disappoint a lot of surfers and a lot of people involved in the surfing industry.  Personal Water Craft (or PWC) use is now restricted in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.  This means PWC surfing for Ghost Tree and Moss Landing are off limits.  The ban will take place in early 2009 in all areas of the sanctuary, with the exception of 4 pre-existing zones near boat harbors, as well as a seasonal fifth zone designated specifically for tow-in surfing at Mavericks.  Read more…

I think this ban will only keep out the honest weekend warriors, but will not keep out the pro tow-in surfer teams.  I found the current punishment for violating the ban pretty interesting.  The current penalty for PWCs breaking the MBNMS law is only $500 for first-time offenders and a higher amount for repeat offenders.  This is just pocket change for any pro-surfer or any other surfer making the cover of SURFER Mag or Surfing Mag.  Think about it……$500 fine vs. +$50,000 for making the SURFER mag cover, XXL biggest wave competition check, potential sponsorship.  I think the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages of paying a fine for your shot at an epic Ghost Tree swell.

Ghost Tree is located off of Pescadero Point along the famous Pebble Beach 17-mile drive.  Pebble Beach is located on the western side of the Monterey Bay Peninsula.

Ghost Tree Monterey Bay Peninsula

More information:

http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/jointplan/

http://documents.coastal.ca.gov/reports/2007/8/F4c-8-2007.pdf

A Brazilian just broke the world record for surfing on the longest surfboard after riding a 30 ft. (9.16 meter) longboard for more than 10 seconds.

Rico de Souza, who broke his 2006 record, has done it again. He broke his 2006 record on a 26.4 ft. “shorter board.” I wonder what his next world record longboard will measure??

Watch Rico de Souza surf his world record longboard

A second world record surfboard (4:44min) video with more surfing and cooler music

I was searching around the net for surf forecasts and found some interesting swell predictions.  The experts are predicting a strong North Pacific storm for the end of next week.  Northern California, the Central Coast, and Southern California will all see increased wave heights and stronger waves.  NorCal and the Central Coast should look for the swell to peak on Friday.  The swell will continue down the coast and light up all the surf spots from Point Conception to Baja California.  Looks like late Friday and Saturday will be the best bet for Southern California.

Check the California surf forecasts

Have you made your Holiday plans yet?

Want to stay Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning in THE A Christmas Story House?

Yes, stay in THE A Christmas Story House from THE movie, “A Christmas Story”. I found this once in a lifetime auction on Ebay and figured any surfer or anyone else who has seen the classic movie will definitely bid on this auction.

This is my favorite movie of all time! I can’t wait for the TNT 24-hour tv marathon!  Don’t shoot your eye out if you win the auction!

The auction is only good for 10 days and starts today (11/17/08 ). Get your bids in now!!!

Now is your chance to stay in the A Christmas Story house located in Cleveland, OH. Sleep where Ralphie and the Parkers used to sleep!! Get a VIP experience for 4 people, airfare, hotel, and your meals included. You may even get to turn on THE A Christmas Story House’s leg lamp.

100% of the final auction price will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

I just got this new pedometer for my personal exercise use and I love it!  I know you are probably wondering….why talk about a pedometer on a surfing website?  We all know a pedometer is pretty much worthless while surfing, but this little toy is perfect for your own fitness knowledge.  If you like walking, running, getting in shape or exercising, this Omron Pedometer is great!  Use it on your next surf hike, wear it at work, or on your next surfing vacation. 

Originally submitted at REI

Stay in stride with your fitness goals by using the Pocket Pedometer from Omron.

Omron Pocket Pedometer

Awesome pedometer

By Adam from San Diego, CA on 11/11/2008

Rating: 5 out of 5

Gift: Yes

Pros: Accurate, Easy To Use, Simple Controls, Lightweight, Compact Design

Best Uses: All Day Use, Running, Walking

Describe Yourself: Conditioning Exerciser

I use this product to see how far I walk each day. It is amazing to see the miles add up everyday. Easy to use and so compact to fit in your pocket. Easy to use buttons and sleek design. Highly recommend.

(legalese)

Some fellow surfing buddies started a band, Weazul Meat, back in our high school days and decided to get the band back together.  The members of Weazul Meat sent me their best rendition of Cheech and Chong’s – Battle of the Bands song “Earache My Eye.”  I think the lead singer sounds just like Alice Bowie (Cheech Marin’s character in the band). Wow, check out the drummer!  Is that a double kick bass I hear??

Check it out and let me know what you think.  If there are any music producers out there that think they have a shot, then email me!

Here is the Weazul Meat song:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDpzmz5Tsgg

You be the judge!

Congrats to the Aussie, Bede Durbidge, for winning the 2008 Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro in Brazil.  This was Bede’s 3rd career ASP event win and moves into 2nd place in the 2008 ASP World Tour standings.

There is only one more stop on the 2008 ASP World Tour.  The next and last stop this year will conclude at the world famous Banzai Pipeline, Oahu-Hawaii.  The Billabong Pipeline Masters will go down December 8-20, 2008.  Bede Durbidge will be rolling into the North Shore with tons of confidence.  Not only did he just win at the 2008 Hang Loose Pro, but he will be defending his 2007 Billabong Pipeline Masters victory at this years final tour stop.  Look for Bede to lock up his ASP second place finish this year by winning at Pipe.

Top 10 2008 ASP World Tour Surfers After The Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro:
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 8042
2. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 6780
3. Taj Burrow (AUS) 6324
4. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 6180
5. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 5860
6. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 5748
7. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 5370
8. Mick Fanning (AUS) 5310
9. Bobby Martinez (USA) 5282
10. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 5214