yellowbird memories... RT 192...

Soooo it's once again getting to that time of the year... The islands in the Atlantic start lighting up with swells and the bodyboarders of the world venture en masse to soak up the simple, slab filled lifestyle that this Spanish territory offers... Alas, 2013 will be the first time in five years that  I won't be part of the festivities... My only consolation at the moment lies with 2012 being the best year I'd had for waves by a long shot... Riptide featured a bunch of my words and images in their 192nd issue a while back covering what was surely one of the greatest bodyboarding contests of all time...

Jase Finlay uses his motorboat limbs to scoop into one of the bombs of the contest...

 If BP continues his Fronton form this year, he'll be tough to beat for the 2013 title... 10/10 picture perfect air forward...

 Hubb was flying high all contest long, but came unstuck at the hands of a hard charging Boetie, with a little help from mother nature...

 It was tough to see Wing lose the world title in the semis... Probably the only time a 19.25 out of 20 just isn't going to be enough...

After snatching the title from Hubb last year, PLC technically handed it back to him knocking Wing out in the semis... And came back to take the contest win in an absolutely epic final with an on fire Jared Houston...

 Three main players (Jeff, Wing and PLC) and a lot of big blue barrels...

 Change could definitely be on the way if BP takes another world title this year... Movement RIP...

Below, two of my favourite candid moments from the trip... Good times!

Jeff's pre title preparation secret? Upside down honey rum shots!

All smiles Hack...

dave winchester - bodyboarder of 2012

Wing was also named Riptide's Bodyboarder of the Year for 2012 in the same issue and RT ran this classically smiley, top-knotted portrait of the man from the same trip. 

Good memories of good times. Congratulations Wing!

Wing recently released a clip from his stint in Europe and, needless to say, it's next level. Incredible shredding from France, Basque and Spain as well as the best bits of our Irish adventure and some commentary from the man himself... Check it out below...

ireland for riptide 191

Well, it's been a pretty damn busy six months or so!

There's a lot to blog about so I'm going to get stuck right into it...

In the northern autumn last year I chased a swell in Ireland with good pal and part time Euro resident, Dave Winchester. It was a quick trip, all of about 5 days, but included 48 hours of incredible surf and many more quality times spent with friends old and new enjoying the majesty that is The Emerald Isle... 

Massive thanks to all the local Irish legends for making our trip what it was, and especially to Stef and Mel (and now little Molly Mae!) for their next level hospitality...

Below is the story and pictures which featured from the trip in Riptide Issue 191.

Hope y'all enjoy!

 A click of the heels, and we're away!

 The Cliffs were looking big and green...

 The legendary Tom Frawley beside Jack Johns in my favourite photo I've taken at The Cliffs...

 Wing's next level Posties air reverse...

Wing blurring at Rileys and the fellas chilling beneath The Cliffs...