Pipe Masters could get green light Tuesday, WSL reminds people to watch from home

Pipe Masters could get green light Tuesday, WSL reminds people to watch from home: A high surf warning is in effect for most of the state’s north and west facing shores through Monday evening. Surf heights are expected to reach 30 feet on north-facing shores and 20-feet on west-f…

Sailing: America's Cup holders capsize in practice - report

 WELLINGTON (Reuters) - America's Cup holders Team New Zealand have flipped their first generation AC75 foiling monohull while training in heavy conditions, domestic media said.

Saturday's incident was the second time the team have flipped 'Te Aihe', as their yacht is named, during training.

The crew had been testing the boat's capabilities in weather and sea conditions beyond the upper limits set by America's Cup organisers for actual racing, Stuff Media, the country's largest newspaper chain, reported on Sunday.

The yacht suffered damage to part of the steering system and was righted by the team's support boats and then towed back to their base.

Last December, Team New Zealand had a slow-motion tip over in their initial trials with Te Aihe.

Challengers American Magic also tipped over their first generation boat while training on the Hauraki Gulf last month.

Teams are allowed to build two yachts for their campaign, with the first generation used for testing and fine tuning their second generation boats.

The challenger series runs from Jan. 15 to Feb. 22 next year before the America's Cup match against Team New Zealand begins on March 6.

Good start for Rolex Middle Sea Race >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News

Good start for Rolex Middle Sea Race >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News: Ta' Xbiex, Malta (October 17, 2020) - The 2020 Rolex Middle Sea Race got underway for the 50 boats registered to take on the 606 nm clockwise

Shaped: The Waterman, Dan Mann

In the almost 30 years since I first met Dan Mann, he has been a professional surfer, a lifeguard, a champion paddle boarder, and more and more these days, a world renown shaper…thanks to his recent collaboration with Kelly Slater.

John Weisbarth April 22, 2020

Watches, Wannabes and Waterman

Read with us, as Steve West explores and helps determine what a waterman really is and what some of his prerequisites might be. Do you think your a "Waterman"?

 

It’s a little known fact, the fast track way to achieve some vague semblance of waterman status, is to invest in a Rolex or Omega dive-timepiece. Indeed the number of waterman you might see on any given day in any metropolis far, far away from ocean shores, simply defies probability as to how these gentleman buyers find the time to work the hours required for the buy-in price and the time to hone their water skills and the number is growing daily.

Frankly, many look unsuited to their timepiece or certainly not what you may think represents the demographic of its namesake, but looks I guess can be deceiving. On the other hand, a Rolex goes hand in hand with luxury yacht ownership (indeed boating of any type) and monetary milestones, which can certainly preclude you from having to be able to swim. But in all seriousness, what’s it all about; men who can barely tread-water wearing beautiful time pieces that shout out, “I am Ocean-Man” or sentiments to that effect, or are they simply, James Bond wannabes.

One thing’s for sure, even the great Duke Kahanamoku would I am sure embraced the idea that swimming must first and foremost be a requirement for entry to waterman status, melded with a love of the ocean and for the creatures in it and that surfing per-se, is something you can choose or not choose to do on account of there being such an abundance of other water pursuits, skills and interests which by default would earn you waterman status in the same way as that of a horseman, mountain man or spaceman, of which the Polynesian voyagers where indeed of that same ilk. Read More;

So You Call Yourself A "Waterman"? Thrill Seekers & Risk Takers - The Movie Salty Crew

THRILL SEEKERS AND RISK TAKERS May 1, 2020
The unknown is shrinking, but it still exists. Introducing the latest Salty Crew movie.

Follow the crew in a search for their own frontier. As they surf, fish, and adventure along the way. Inspired by the thrill seekers and risk takers who have gone before them. The Salty Crew team passes through Alaska, British Columbia, Mainland Mexico, Western Australia, New Zealand, and back home to Southern California. Starring Matt Meola, Lucas Dirkse, Levi Slawson, Damien Hobgood, Duane Diego, Jerome Forrest, Nate Yeomans, and David Ochoa.

Watermen Heritage Tours - Chesapeake Bay

Going to the Chesapeake Bay sometime soon, check out some great tours through Watermen Heritage Tours 

Commercial Watermen come in many varieties, and so do the tours they offer. There are three basic types: On the Water experiences; On the Land experiences; and Speakers and Presenters.

The first decade of the twenty-first century saw several years with the lowest blue crab populations and harvest levels ever recorded. By 2008 fishery managers worried they might witness the crash of the blue crab stock, the most valuable and most fished of all the East Coast’s fisheries. In response to the numbers, new, tight restrictions were placed on the fishery in hopes the population would grow. In addition, Congress declared a fishery disaster, making $15 million available for restoration measures, and to support the fishermen.

A portion of that money went to an innovative training program, The Waterman’s Heritage Tourism Training Program, developed by a group of Chesapeake non-profit organizations. The partnership was initiated and organized by the Chesapeake Conservancy, included the Coastal Heritage Alliance, the Maryland Watermen’s Association, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Since its inception, the training program has graduated more than 100 watermen and provided them insights and skills in how to conduct heritage tours. The training isn’t meant to take the watermen off the water, but to give them skills they can use to supplement their incomes with a related new business.

This website supports the graduates of that program with a marketing outlet. Here you can find on the water and on land tours that will inform you about the life of the waterman, their communities, and the Chesapeake’s history. You can even locate speakers for events.

And here’s some more good news. The tighter regulations seem to have worked. Blue crab populations have responded, and the catches are up!

Meet the Waterman of Tahiti

Red Bull December 31,2019
Surfer Matt Poole takes part in The Waterman: an all-round ocean based competition in Tahiti, French Polynesia.
At Teahupo'o, one of the craziest waves in the surfing community, there is yet another competition that takes place: an all-round ocean based race, Waterman Tahiti.
The Waterman Tahiti Tour is THE standard against which all other “waterman” competitions are measured. Stand up paddle (SUP), open water swimming, prone paddleboard, body surf and lifesaving highlight the versatility and endurance of the athletes. Each year, they train to be able to meet the different challenges and exceed their personal limits. The Waterman Tahiti Tour is a championship measured in points amassed over 5 stages.

The Ways of the Waterman

FromKukui`ula with Aloha May 25, 2017

On Kaua’i, it is a sign of great respect to call someone a waterman, because it means much more than just being good, or even an expert, at activities like surfing or diving, fishing or paddling. To be a waterman (or a waterwoman) means to have knowledge and to understand the ways of the water—ways that are often passed down through ‘ohana.

Hawaiian Waterman

In this sense of the word, the Huaka’i Guides of Kukui’ula are all true watermen. According to Robert Miguel, the head of the Huaka’i Outfitters program, that’s what makes the Guides so special. They understand Kaua’i. And they can all, “Connect guests to the island.”

“This isn’t San Diego or Maui,” Robert says. “Those places have their own ways. It’s different here. So we fold people into the culture of Kaua’i.”

“Like, in the course of going surfing,” Robert explains, “ there are all these other things that are part of the culture here. We’re definitely going to pick some mangoes. We’re going to get a bite to eat somewhere in town. And we’re going to meet up with friends and talk story in the water.”

By the same token, learn to throw net at Kukui’ula and you won’t just learn technique, you’ll learn history, lore and story. Like about oloana, the natural fiber that, like taro, is a revered plant on Kaua’i, once grown and harvested specifically for net making. Or about time-honored techniques fishermen practice to help ensure a good catch. Or the different types of fish you can catch along the shore, the rocks or the reef. Want to know how best to enjoy the flavors of each one? Ask your Guide.

And then take your catch to Chef Ben who’ll prepare it for you—just a nice little extra perk to help you savor Kaua’i.

Five Surfers Drown Off the Coast of the Netherlands

THE TRAGEDY WAS APPARENTLY CAUSED BY STRONG WINDS AND ROUGH SEAS

Surfer May 12, 2020

After an unfortunate turn of events, the Dutch surf community mourns a tragic loss. The bodies of five surfers, several of whom were believed to be seasoned watermen with professional experience in open-water swimming, were found in the water near Scheveningen, a popular surf hub in the Netherlands about 30 miles southwest of Amsterdam.

According to various news reports, a group went missing yesterday evening after venturing out into the ocean during a particular heavy storm. After receiving their first call, the Dutch Coast Guard was able to rescue several people from the water last night, but two were later pronounced dead. When the search recommenced this morning, two more bodies were pulled from the North Sea and, according to the NYT, “one more was seen floating out to sea.” The Coast Guard ended its search in the early afternoon.  Read More

Surfer Photographer Ha'a Eats with Compassion, the Aloha Way

The Beet May 8, 2020

If she’s not in running 20 feet underwater, 50-pound rock in tow, Ha’a Keaulana is either at work, photographing other surfers at Mākaha Beach, or making Tofu Musubi in an air fryer.  Born 27 years ago into Hawaii’s unofficial “First Family of Surfing”, riding waves is in this West Side of Oahu native’s DNA. Her nickname is Ha’a, but her full name, Kaiha’ale’a, translates to “Joyful Dancing Sea” – apropos, given her family dynasty.

Ha’a’s grandfather is legendary waterman “Buffalo” Keaulana, icon and four-decade host of Buffalo’s Big Board Classic surf contest. Her father, Brian, is a big-wave surfer and the film industry’s go-to water stunt expert while Brian’s brother, Rusty, is a three-time World Longboard Champ. On top of all that: Ha’a cousin is actor Jason Mamoa, a.k.a. “Aquaman.”

Read More: Surfer Photographer Ha'a Eats with Compassion, the Aloha Way

Fishpeople | Lives Transformed by the Sea

 Fishpeople tells the stories of a unique cast of characters who have dedicated their lives to the sea. Featuring Kimi Werner, Eddie Donnellan, Dave Rastovich, Matahi Drollet, Ray Collins and Lynne Cox. Directed by Keith Malloy

Epic Big Wave Surf Foiling in Nazare w/ Laird Hamiton, Terry Chung, Luca...

Moving at a speed where your mind slows things down to gain control... In early 2020 Laird Hamilton, Terry Chung, Luca Padua and Benny Ferris were out with top surfers across the globe in Nazare Portugal to surf waves that come about rarely, if ever. After extensive experimentation with setups and technique, this group was going to go after the breaks in Nazare in a different way, on surf foils that allow for an unreal speed on the water and an entirely new experience. Documented by Patrick Wieland, on custom classic foils engineered by the team at Lift Foils.

Read the Full Story

Friend and Waterman Wyatt Werneth and his Wife Pam Need Your Support!

Wyatt Werneth….. you know him as many things - Waterman, Veteran, Firefighter, Lifeguard, Stuntman, Volunteer, Dad, Husband, Friend and one of the most “joyful” souls you’ll ever meet. In mid-January, Wyatt was diagnosed with neck cancer. While Pam & Wyatt would have preferred to tell their friends what’s happening personally, they are busy seeing doctors and prepping Wyatt for this journey.

His treatment will be intensive and brutal - 5 days a week of radiation and chemo for 7 weeks in Orlando at the VA Lake Nona Medical Center. The daily 2 hour commute along with the intensive treatments and ongoing Dr visits will be exhausting and difficult. Thankfully, the VA will cover his medical expenses but Pam’s jewelry business, Jewelry by Pam, cannot sustain them financially during the treatments and healing time.

Even though Wyatt will be unable to work during this intense treatment, he has served his country and community passionately. He served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. He is and has been an exceptional volunteer in his community including firefighting and currently as a rescue swimmer for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Aviation unit. He is an Officer with the US Navy Sea Cadet Corp. Close to his heart is his most recent volunteer project, Drown Zero Rescue Stations. He designed and implemented these stations to prevent drownings in unguarded beaches. In 2007, he was awarded the Guinness World Record for paddling the coast of Florida in 10 days to raise awareness of ocean drownings in Brevard County. He is also a member of the Cocoa Beach Rotary Club and Cocoa Beach Kiwanis Club. Wyatt has spent his life helping people. He is a very giving human being, always ready to help and encourage anyone.

Which is why, as people find out about his diagnosis, the first question is - What can I do to help? This GoFundMe page is the best way to help alleviate the financial stress of paying travel and living expenses during this difficult time. It’s our turn to help him and his family! Thank you in advance from the bottom of their hearts! To contribute:  GoFundMe

GoFundMe Organized by Kim Walker and Robert Long of Pam Werneth. Feb 20, 2020

Read; Wyatt Werneth has committed entire life to ocean safety and will be honored with Space Coast Public Service Lifetime Achievement Award

Kai Lenny: Interesting Facts About The Hawaiian Waterman

Kai Lenny is widely regarded as one of the world's most accomplished and complete watermen.

Surfing Today FEBRUARY 3, 2020

The Maui-born athlete often credits windsurfing for helping him excel in big wave surfing, bodysurfing, hydrofoil surfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), prone paddling, wing surfing, and canoeing.

In other words, when Lenny is in the water, we can inevitably expect him to deliver stunning performances in extreme ocean conditions, rivers, bays, lakes, and surf pools.

The all-round watersports fanatic enjoys stepping outside of his comfort zone - he takes high risks and expects high rewards.

Kai Lenny is a natural-born competitor, but also a methodical, disciplined, and highly organized professional.

The Hawaiian carefully maintains and selects his equipment, loves testing new shapes, and always watches a lot of videos before paddling out at new surf spots.

Kai is has a busy agenda, but when he is not chasing swells, the waterman dedicates his time to raising awareness about plastic pollution in the ocean and the dangers of microplastics.

Lenny also supports and sponsors children's events and several charitable projects.

The regular-footer is known for being a charismatic, friendly, polite, gentle, positive, and warm person, and his signature smile lights up everyone's mood.

Let's take a look at Kai Lenny's most important bio and career details.  Read More

How Diving Can Improve Your Surfing, with Mark Healey

Hawaiian waterman explains the benefits of descending beneath the surface

Surfline January 29, 2020

These days, the virtual world is nearly as tangible as the good ol’ fashioned terra firma. There it is, constantly in our pockets, awaiting our scrolls and likes and hashtags. But Oahu’s own Mark Healey lives in the real world, unplugged à la The Matrix. He’s in the sea – surfing, diving, and fishing. He’s on land – hunting wild boar. He’s in the air – or, rather, he’s breathing it in ways to help him in his pastimes above. He’s a man of the physical world in all its material forms; although his Instagram account is still a solid follow. Just sayin’.

And one of Healey’s favorite side hustles – outside of his main muse, surfing – is diving. He’s become a well-respected free diver and award-winning spear fisherman, which, in an era when simply packing a bomb at Pipeline or hucking air reverses on repeat has become blasé, is important. You need to be more than just a good surfer to be recognized. You need to be an eco-warrior or a musician or a mixed martial artist or (in Healey’s case) an all-around “waterman.” And, more importantly, it also helps to have something else to do when the waves go flat.

But the best part is, Healey’s hobbies help him when big swells do arrive. And diving in particular. So, for another edition of our ongoing series on cross-training, we picked Healey’s brain about what it’s like to go beneath the surface, and how it helps when he comes back to the lineup.

MARICHALAR CONTINUES HIS GLOBAL JOURNEY ABOARD HIS PWC

 

We recently informed you about Alvaro De Marichalar’s journey across the globe where he began his voyage around Spain and to the Canary Islands.

We have just received word that he successfully made the long trip across the Atlantic Ocean and is in the Caribbean.  Alvaro has been trekking through Saint Barth’s island, Puerto Rico, and Cuba.

He plans to then journey through the Gulf of Mexico region across Florida, Texas, and down Mexico to the Panama Canal.  The next stage of his U.S. visit will take him up the west coast from California to Washington and then up to Alaska.

We imagine his riding gear will be dramatically changing as he nears the polar regions and eventually makes his way along the Alaska coast and across to Russia.

Marichalar then plans to continue back south along Japan and finally westward again on his journey back to Spain.  We wish him luck and be sure to stay tuned for more information on his historic 1519 world tour.

From The Watercraft Journal by; BRICE LECKRONE