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I’m liking this a lot. Discovered via: lookandsea.blogspot.com

We just spent a week driving around Tasmania, amazing place, endless natural beauty and surf potential. This was the best I found sadly, that’s what you get when you only have a week unless you are really lucky and score a big swell on the east coast.

Somewhere north of Scamander, east coast Tasmania.

A very cruisey old girl; Amick is now around the 15 year mark and has been a constant companion to my wife and I. When they say “a pet is for life” they’re talking plenty of truth when it comes to rugged little dogs like Mick. Still full of life but in much shorter bursts, she still often cuts laps around the house on cold mornings at break neck speed, until she realises she’s a senior citizen and makes her way back to bed, or straight for a patch on sunshine on the floor to recharge the batteries.

Saddened and shocked by the news Andy Irons has passed away. An amazing talent and seemed like a lovely guy – best wishes to his family and friends at this tragic time.

Image credit: http://www.tomservais.com

Former three-times ASP Men’s World Surfing Champion, Andy Irons, Hawaii, pictured surfing Teahupo’o, Tahiti – a break Irons was considered a true master by peers and fans and the site of what would be his last professional tournament win last September. Photo Billabong/Jones

Surfing Champion Andy Irons celebrating his recent Billabong Pro, Tahiti tournament victory (Sept 3, 2010). Photo ASP/Robertson

Billabong Official Statement:

It is with deep sadness that Billabong has learned of the news of Andy Irons’ passing. Andy was one of the greatest surfers of our time. More than that, he was a much loved son, a devoted husband and a soon-to-be father. The thoughts of all Billabong employees worldwide are with wife Lyndie and Andy’s family at this most devastating time.

Graham Stapelberg, Billabong VP Marketing

Official Irons Family Statement:

The world of surfing mourns an incredibly sad loss today with the news that Hawaii’s Andy Irons has died. Andy was a beloved husband, and a true champion.

Irons, 32, withdrew from a professional surfing event in Puerto Rico last weekend due to illness, and passed away during a layover en-route to his home in Kauai, Hawaii. He had reportedly been battling with Dengue Fever, a viral disease.

At this time the family thanks his friends and fans for their support, and asks that the community respect its privacy. The family also asks to not be contacted so their focus can remain on one another during this time of profound loss.

Inspiring to see real progress in high performance surfboard design from Tomo mph-modern-plaining-hull

I found this old 6×9 the other day and it’s now sitting on my desk, it takes me back 15+ years. Love this line-up, jumping off the pier for the long paddle out to the point, infamous big wave spot in the distance. Much simpler times, lines stacked to the horizon and no one out…

This little area of the world is very near and dear to the hearts of many surfers, a special place that needs the surf communities help in this time of need.

“SurfAid International is launching an emergency appeal in response to the devastating tsunami that hit the Mentawai Islands, off West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Reports of extensive damage and loss of life continue to filter in and SurfAid is conducting search, assessment and response operation.”

Super fun inside left at the grassy knoll a few weeks back, mid week and basically empty. Unexpected waves are often the best. This little sand bank showed up after some serious storm activity and faded away over the following week. Waves may not break in the same spot again for a long period of time, that’s one of the most enjoyable aspects of surfing, the unexpected reward that’s hard to repeat.

The Tomo is going great, I did have a bit of a hole in my backhand surfing on it. I think that was mainly related to being spoiled for choice of recent, and surfing a heap of lefts, starting to get more dialled on the backhand every surf now. More soon when I get a chance… The board is certainly peaking some interest amongst other surfers, mainly once they have seen me riding it, so I guess that means it goes ok? If it went like crap I don’t think they’d be so inquisitive.

In a world of mass production, and mass consumption, it is nice to put the focus back on something positive and soul-full. Andrew Wells hand crafts wooden surfboards from his workshop “Grown surfboards” grownsurfboards.com.au in Ballina, on the North Coast of NSW.

Through his love of surfing, he came across an article on timber boards as an alternative to standard foam surfboards, and his interest was instantly kindled. He decided to combine his skill for woodwork and his passion for surfing, and hit the shed to give shaping timber boards a go.

He insists on using recycled timber because he loves the individual character and personality it adds to each board, each piece of wood has its own unique story and history, and its beauty is unsurpassed.

GUINNESS® scoured the country and hand picked three men who represent the fine balance between style and substance. The men they chose are both artisans and innovators; their work is modern, but will never go out of style; they are forward thinkers, yet employ timeless methods and manners. They were chosen because they effortlessly meld tradition with modernity “ just like GUINNESS®.

Check out Andrew’s profile on the GUINNESS® Black List website for more info.