The Surfing Flea

EDIT: Learn from my mistakes, people, and don't assume that your favorite band's bassist is a big wave surfer.  Rohan Little, an Australian friend of mine pointed out to me that Flea in the Chili Peppers (Michael Peter Balzary), though he does surf, is not the same Flea who surfs Mavericks.  In fact, they're quite different.  Here is a photo of the Flea (Darryl Virostko) who actually surfs Mavericks (I am leaving this post intact as a show of humility):

Darryl "Flea" Virostko

More to come on Darryl Flea Virostko later...
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Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers is a notorious big wave surfer.  Most famously, he surfs Mavericks when it's huge, but he also spends a lot of time surfing breaks in Santa Cruz and Big Sur.  When Flea isn't surfing, he plays bass for my favorite band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers.  After seeing the Chili Peppers live, my admiration for Flea only increased.

Enjoy these photos of the multi-talented Flea...

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Maverick the Dog

Mavericks is a legendary big wave surf spot, but few know the origin of the name.  Mavericks, located in Half Moon Bay in Northern California, was discovered in the early 60s by Alex Matienzo, Jim Thompson, and Dick Knottmeyer.  After months of watching the massive waves break more than 1/4 of a mile off shore, they decided to go out.

On the day they finally decided to paddle out, the three guys brought out their roommate's dog, Maverick.  He was a white German Shepherd. Maverick was used to coming out and surfing with the guys, and he would doggy paddle around the water until he got too tired or the guys finished their session.  When the trio started to paddle out, Maverick followed them and ended up a few hundred yards from the shore.  They had to turn back, and tie Maverick up on the shore because the waves were too dangerous for the dog.  They went on to surf the biggest waves ever ridden in California.  When they convened on shore, they unanimously decided to name the spot Mavericks, after the dog who had the best time of the group.

Enjoy these photos of the biggest wave in California, all named after Maverick...

Please note, I do not own the rights to any of these photos.

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Surfing Dogs

Surfing dogs.  Believe it or not, there are people that train dogs to surf for a living, and many dogs actually enjoy surfing.  I just started teaching surf lessons (to humans) which is hard enough, so I checked on how dog surf trainers teach their pooches.

Surfing dogs must like the water and the beach, otherwise they're impossible to train.  Dog surf trainers start on the beach and get the dog used to the surfboard.  The dog will sniff the board warily and eventually jump on.  When the dog gets on the surfboard, they're rewarded with praise and treats.  When they step off, the dogs are ignored.  The dogs learn to love the attention they get on the surfboard.

That's when the surfing dogs take to the water.  They'll sit on the front of the board (usually with a life jacket) and catch waves with their surf buddy (or on their own).  Check out some of these photos...

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Understanding the Whole Picture

Understanding the whole picture.  That means the background, too.  In photography, the background of an image is as important to the art as the subject.  In surf photography, this principle is rarely taken into account, as the background of an image is usually a wave. I took a look at stunning surf photography whose backgrounds are as important as their foregrounds.– see what a world of difference this makes.
Please note, I do not own the rights to nor did I take  any of these photos.  

Sailboats in the Background of the Wedge at Newport

The Nord in Southern France from The Inertia

Davey Gonsalves Surfing in Oahu from Transworld Surf

A Stunning Shot from Surfer Magazine

Mitch Coleborn Surfing Australia from Transworld Surf

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Waves in Surf Brand Logos

I stumbled across an article by Surfer Today that got me thinking about surf brand logos.  I work in advertising, so I see a lot of logos.  Surf industry logos do a particularly outstanding job of capturing the essence of their products.  In the logos of most major surf brands, you can find a wave hidden in the mix.  Besides making clear what the brand offers, the wave represents an emotion.  Surfers are intrinsically tied to the wave, and their livelihood depends on it.  It's no wonder that so many brands use the powerful iconic symbol.

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Mark Richards & The Surfing Hall of Fame

Mark Richards

This week, one of surfing's greatest was inducted into Australia's Surfing Hall of Fame and named Australia's most influential surfer.  Being... well– under 30– I knew little about Mark Richards except by name.  So, I did a deep dive and found out just what this man did to deserve his new title.

Mark Richards' Surfboards

In the 70s and early 80s, Richards was the king.  He was a pioneer, and an innovator.  He had a signature turn, diving deep into an arcing path across the wave with his left hand completely flat, guiding him in his direction.  He often rode a bright yellow and red board, with a prominent lightning bolt that zigzagged down the nose.  The board was half gun, half fish and on the bottom, his logo (the iconic ‘MR’) was printed for everyone to see on a big turn.  Oftentimes, he would be the only surfer with balls enough to brave the rugged Australian storm swells.  Perhaps his courage is what led him to winning 4 consecutive world titles.  Here are some photos to commemorate MR, Australia’s most influential surfer.

Please note, I do not own the rights to nor did I take  any of these photos.  

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