Competitive surfing events don’t get the same level of media coverage as things like NASCAR and Pro Wrestling because they don’t have the same mass appeal. The scoring system is subjective and all those land-locked people in the world just don’t appreciate the art of riding waves. Well, I think these guys have figured out how to make competitive surfing more accessible to the average media consumer. Their twist on the standard surfing competition might not be as simple as watching a bunch of guys make 1000 left-hand turns around an oval race track (ala NASCAR), but damn if it isn’t entertaining.
2 man teams
2 teams in 1 heat
2 waves per surfer scored
points for snaking
points for takedowns
points for surfing
1 double claim doubles wave score per heat
This video is pretty funny, but the slide show on the original post is even better. The sequence of slides 11-15 really cracks me up.
A “Paddle Out” is a public rally where citizens concerned about the state of our coasts and ocean gather on a specific beach to make public presentations and take action. Some of those attending will paddle surfboards, kayaks, etc, into the nearby water to form a “circle of solidarity” in a showing of commitment to turn around the trend of degradation. The event is not only for those willing and able to paddle – it is open to everyone who shares our concerns for the coast and ocean.
It’s basically a media event, to garner attention and support for a worthy cause. The focus of this year’s paddle out is to highlight the findings of Surfrider’s annual State of the Beach Report. Presumably, even if you can’t make it to the official rally, you can do your part by spreading the word where ever you decide to paddle out.
