Statement From Jeff Clark Mavericks Founder

I am not sure how many of you guys are familiar with the social networking site, LinkedIn. For those of you not in the “know” it is basically a facebook for business professionals.   I got a very interesting update today via linked in from Jeff Clark as he is in my freinds list via Mavericks Surf.  Enjoy.

 Statement from
Jeff Clark, Mavericks Founder
June 25, 2009

“Over the past several years, it has been obvious that my vision and priorities are not in line with those of Mavericks Surf Ventures. I have had in the past, and continue to have, strong differences of opinion with the present CEO and Board about the direction, image and priorities of the company and the contest.

“The press release issued by Mavericks Surf Ventures this week stating that I ‘stepped down’ and I am ‘passing the torch to the next generation’ is wrong. The reality is that I was ousted as Contest Director by the current CEO.

“I must also note that, while the company’s news release states that this year’s contest will be held to celebrate ‘the 35th anniversary of Jeff Clark’s first session at the now world-famous break,’ the 35th anniversary is actually next season, in 2010-11. I will not allow the company to use my accomplishment as a marketing tactic.

“Effective today, I have resigned from the Board of Directors of Mavericks Surf Ventures.

“My vision for the Mavericks Surf Contest has been unwavering: it is about the family of big wave surfers, the spirit of the ocean, and this amazing wave. I never wanted that to be compromised for the sake of money or marketing opportunities. I think that focus is obvious to anyone who knows me or who has seen my priorities over the years.

“Mavericks has been an integral part of my personal and professional life for more than 30 years, and I hope that it continues to be a part of both in the future.

“I wake up looking at Mavericks, and I have watched and surfed those waves most of my life. I started the contest 10 years ago, and I can say one thing for sure: Mavericks is Mavericks. The waves will come – or not – when they will.

“The one thing I would truly regret would be to see a committee deciding, based on sponsorship money and media opportunities, when the best day to run the contest would be, and have it turn into just another 10 foot swell with a lot of hype and not a lot of substance. Any true Mavericks surfer wants and deserves a real test of ability.

“I wish everyone well, knowing that Mavericks will always take care of itself.

“I wish I could say more at this time, but I have had limited time to absorb these changes and will have more to say about this situation as things become clearer.”

 Here is the link to Jeff Clark’s BLOG…it will be updated as this story progresses: http://jeffclarksurf.blogspot.com/

Something called “Swag Surfin” has hit the Rap World. I think its a dance but if you ever wondered what surfing and rapping would like when they came together….

Words just can’t do it justice….watch the videos!  Its  kind of like Beach Boys for the new generation…

More Swag Surfin … watch for the white kid at the end….his swag surfin’ skills are SICK

With some research it looks like FLY: Fast Life Youngstaz started the craze….
Here is thier offical video…
AND my favorite Lyrics:
flat screen shawty man i surfin like the channels
papertowel money man im all about my ???
and im screamin cowabunga while yall boys wipe it out

 In the Southbay we are stricken during the summer months by the dreaded lulls and flat-spells.  Now there is the occasional wind swell or combo swell that we will get so its not all bad but the point is we are generally wave-less.  Lucky for us the consistent south swells are in reach at the world class stretch of beach, Trestles.  Every summer I do my best to do a few treks to get my fill of quality surf…during my recent trip I took note of some of the reasons I love Trestles…

The walk is great…its a mandatory pr surf warm up.  I always walk but its nice to see the variety of wheeled contraptions people use to avoid the 1/4 mile journey to the water.  I saw my fair share of the bike’s with the trailers and skateboarders BUT I did see something new… a dude on a motorized scooter.  It was like a big razor scooter with a motor.  The dude looked kinda funny but I could not ignore its speed and efficiency…

I don’t enjoy looking for a parking spot but the walk down to the path is always quite interesting…

First you get a glimpse of all the stickers brands you know, companies you never heard of, and things you wonder , “what the heck is this a sticker for?” For example I saw a plethora of stickers that said “DON’T DO IT“  with some quick googling I found that Don’t Do It is a campaign to keep the surf skate industry alive in the smaller companies and to prevent larger corporations like Nike to leach the profits…

Here are what the stickers looked like :

Another interesting sticker I saw that made me think twice is a rooster or a chicken with a laser scope target on it ….I Googled a variety of words and found nothing to bring me to what it stood for.  I assume a small OC based surf company or maybe a shaper….Maybe it was some PETA slogan…who knows.

I did catch a random half of sticker of my buddy and Phase One Rider, Kevin Nerison’s band, Los Syndicate….I thought that was pretty rad.

The people you pass on the path is always great…it keeps my mind occupied.  There is a great mix of Trestles visitors from surf crazed Groms to living legends that have walked the path a gazillion times.  I always scope all the boards…ignore the rippers, groms ,and industry folk as for general purposes they all have the defacto performance surfboards.  The old dudes, the big guys, the dread head, the weird looking guys…they all gave some sick equipment.  From 2 thousand type of quad fins, bonzers, vintage longboards, you name it….its there on the path passing you by…literally a surf museum almost every session.  An interesting sight for me on this last trip was a Mike Parson’s spotting…a funny thing when you see Mike Parson’s; you always double check in your brain on how big the waves are supposed to be…I mean who knew the guy even surfed when its under Double Over Head!

Another great distraction on the slow walk down is what I refer to as the, “Wax Wisdom”  This is all the great things you learn about the world by the wax graffiti on the path.  This last trip I learned Pat B likes to kiss dudes and Old Fat Longboarders Suck.  Please note that these writings are only opinions of the Trestles path and not the author of this BLOG!

There is a ton more to Trestles…like amazing surf!  I just wanted to share some of my recent observations…hope you enjoyed!

 Grabbed this from the Daily Donkey Forum…great source of hilarious wipeouts and bizarre surfing.  It’s always nice to see how north american media looks at Surfing.  Check out the pic of this guy in Maxim…

He has definitely jumped on the Quad Band Wagon which goes with his trendy clothes….Also the dude dropped more on his shirt, shorts, and necklace then his board! HA!

I am not even going to talk about hs $3,200 watch….

This is the Guide to help you Choose the right Surfboard Bag for your surfing needs.

Its been on our Phase One Surf Forum for sometime BUT thought an update here on the BLOG would be ideal…Check out all the options for surfboard bags listed below here: http://www.phaseonesurf.com/index.php?cPath=62_28

There are a bunch of bags available to you the challenge is finding the bag that is best for your needs. Whether you are looking for a bag to take on a boat trip to Indonesia or down the street to your local break this guide will help you out!The two key factors to look at when choosing a bag is:
1) The bag that matches your board shortboard, longboard, malibu, fish, and single fin. (They all have different bags)
2) The bag that works best for your needs (light travel or air travel)

Board Socks http://www.phaseonesurf.com/index.php?cPath=62_115 

Quick Description: The Bare minimum protection for your board. Use for light travel only. A board sock is the bare minimum in board protection. This are made to fit a single board. This is the most inexpensive form of board protection that is available. It does help keep your board free from scratches but if you drop your board a board sock will not prevent a ding. The downside of a sock is that it does not reflect the sun and a board with wax inside a sock can lead to a very difficult to remove board sock. A sock can serve a few purposes It can be used as an extra layer of protection when traveling. For example, on my most recent trip to Hawaii I put my board in a board sock then in a day bag and finally it went into my Balin Triple Pirate Slimline Bag with 2 other boards.Sticky Bumps Surfboard Socks / FCS Surfboard Socks / Destination Surf Surfboard Socks / Balin Surfboard SocksThey are all pretty much the same so if you need a sock go with the best priced option, Balin.

http://www.phaseonesurf.com/index.php?cPath=62_116

Quick Description: Fits one board. Use for Local Travel. Do not use for Air. Most companies make a standard day bag. They are designed to fit one board. Destination has the RTS or Road Travel Series, and both FCS and Sticky Bumps make a comparative model as well. These bags are not made for air travel. They are made for short travel and to keep your board protected. If you are throwing your board on your roof rack you should be using a day bag. In addition they are great to use in combination with your larger travel bag such as the Balin or FCS triple. Most dings occur taking the board to and from your house and in an out of your car. I keep a quiver of four boards in my truck at all times and use a day bag with all of them to prevent dings, scratches, and melting wax.
Note: Although I do not recommend if you have to go cheap and want to avoid buying a nicer travel bag for your air travel. You can utilize your day bag and add cardboard, foam, and bubble wrap to protect your board. You should literally create a cocoon around the board. I do not recommend but I have seen it done.

***Editor’s Note: Looking for Day Bags custom tailored to your your unique boards like retro twin fins, single fin eggs, Big guy tri’s, and wide boards?  No problem…The Surf Manufacturers have answered your call. Below are some examples of the bag’s available.            

Double and Triple Coffin Bags with and without Wheels

http://www.phaseonesurf.com/index.php?cPath=62_117

If you are going on a serious surf trip or any trip that involves a plane my best suggestion is to use a double or triple travel bag. The bags are great not only because they have room for multiple boards but they also create room for you to add more padding and also put some of your other travel gear in the bag. Most surfers come back from their exotic surf trips with souvenirs, dirty clothes, and anything else they do not have room for.
Most of the larger travel board bags 8′0″ and up come up with a wheel option. I would suggest a wheeled bag for anything over 8 feet as lugging a bag full of boards through the airport can get exhausting.Both Sticky Bumps and Destination Surf make double bags and Destination Surf makes a great 6′6″ triple bag for travelers with small boards.
Balin and FCS both make great high quality travel bags and the Balin travel bags come equipped with board pads and hard walls which are great for added protection.

Quad Bag http://www.phaseonesurf.com/product_info.php?cPath=62_117&products_id=720 

I came across the most amazing invention via TV informercial yesterday….the wearable towel.  Yes…I said it…a wearable towel!!! Can you imagine after your long surf you dry off and then just wear your towel home.  On the weekends you can just wear the towel all day!  Check out this loving towel wearing couple below!!!!  This is clearly the must have item for Summer 2009!

Not convinced this is the coolest thing since the Netipot?! Then please watch the video below…