Ground Swell, The Other Side of Fear

Experience the fear and inner turmoil behind surfing the world’s biggest waves. Monster Energy is proud to announce the upcoming theatrical release of the captivating Big Wave Surfing Documentary Ground Swell: The Other Side of Fear. 

Produced and directed by Paul Taublieb of Taublieb Films, a multi-Emmy Award-winning studio, the 75-minute feature film will hit cinemas across North America on January 14, 2023, in over 50 markets, and in international markets (Portugal, Germany, UK, South Africa and Australia) in February. 

Find a theater here: https://www.groundswellfilm.com/

What is a Waterman in Occupational Terms?

 

Great writing on what a waterman is as an occupational term from Shawn Alladio the founder of K38 Rescue Water Craft Services

Terminology is precision in language as the proper use of words. When using Waterman as an occupational term you are speaking our language!

Our (your) maritime heritage is centuries old, and this word begins in the 1100’s of England. If you know someone with the surname ‘Waterman’ you will understand.

A waterman was a boatman livery guide for transportation and lighterage.

In Medieval times, waterman formed gangs, or what we call unions or guilds. Some joined the Navy, others became pirates; merchant marines and stevedores.

They began apprenticeships to learn the water features and hazards because they were being taxed for their navigational skill.

Travel and moving freight were faster on water and their skills broadened with helmsman, pilotage and moorage.

Wherrymen (named for their boat) were subject to paying duties, they were required to have a license and were scrutinized for accidents.

Watermen enforced rules.

They suffered changes in travel.

They sought better pay.

They formed a Company of Watermen and Lightermen.

The filed for Acts on their behalf for support and protection.

They suffered death from occupational risk by drowning, respiratory and skin infections.

They became lifesavers by rescuing people and animals.

Our boating laws began in England and were brought here during the American Colonial period, we use many of these rules and laws in our courtroom today and on the water but sadly few even understand this. Even worse, instructors who teach do not know.

On the US east coast watermen pull up lobsters and in the Gulf they shrimp and tug. These Coxswains are our reminder of who we are today ‘boat servant’.

‘All whirry men, and all maryners vpo the see, shall leape out of their boates, and set them selues vpon the lode. - Book of Ezekiel

Do not be deceived, study and know our history.

Our ancestors died and struggled for the luxury we enjoy this day.

Onward.

Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame

Let's see who are selected for the 2023 Waterman Hall of Fame. Individuals are inducted into the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame for their sustained outstanding contribution to the sport, and their international, national, and local accomplishment and recognition. The Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame honors those remarkable legends within our islands’ water sports community whose lifetime of contributions have inspired and perpetuated the unique connection between our kamaaina and the ocean.  If you would like to nominate an individual who has been an exceptional contributor to our waterman community, please download and fill out the nomination form here and email info@dukefoundation.org.

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation prepares for the 2023 Dagger Dive June 24 – July 2 2023

 

What a worthy cause that all of us can support with the Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation "Dagger Dive"

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation (TFDSOF) aids wounded, ill, or injured US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) members, veterans, and their families. TFDSOF responds to immediate needs, conducts Rehabilitative Adaptive Events (RAE), and provides next-generation health solutions for issues facing our service members.

As a veteran-operated nonprofit, TFDSOF understands the needs and experiences of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. Each program is designed to heal, rebuild, and strengthen the service member and their family by providing mission, purpose, and focus.

Dagger Dive is Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation’s (TFDSOF) longest-running and signature event. NAUI has been a key supporter of Dagger Dive and TFDSOF since the event’s inception over ten years ago!

Dagger Dive takes place each year in beautiful Key West, Florida where SOF service members, veterans, and their families are greeted with the incredible support of the members of the community who do so much to ensure the success of Dagger Dive!

TFDSOF sponsors activities that foster a sense of well-being, offer encouragement, and assist the service member’s rehabilitation and recovery from wounds/injuries sustained while serving our country and re-establishing the family bonds. One of our core beliefs is that if a service member is injured, the whole family is injured and must heal together.

Participating in an activity that requires focus, like diving, unites families and encourages them to work together towards a common goal. Diving is the medium that takes verbal out of the mix and creates a new way to communicate and reconnect.  Families participating in the Dagger Dive event spend multiple days learning how to dive before exploring the waters of Key West together. Training occurs each year at the US Army Special Forces – Special Forces Underwater Operations School in Trumbo Point Annex, Naval Air Station Key West. During the training, fifteen to twenty-five new NAUI Divers are certified, along with experienced divers completing refresher courses each year at Dagger Dive.

In 2023, TFDSOF will continue to support SOF service members, veterans, and their families with this unique RAE. Over 100 program participants and volunteers will be at this year’s event that takes place from June 24 – July 2! The week of learning, diving, and family-centric activities rebuilds the relationships between parents, children, and spouses, healing the whole family.

“Something unique to Dagger Dive and Task Force Dagger is that they address the family needs as well as the soldiers’ needs.”  Kristy Rooney (SOF Family Member)

After participating in Dagger Dive and becoming a certified NAUI Diver, many SOF members, veterans, and family members continue their diving journey with Task Force Dagger’s Joint Recovery Team, which NAUI also supports. The joint recovery missions in the Pacific Ocean, where TFDSOF supports Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in research and aims to recover and repatriate our fallen service members from previous wars.  If you or someone you know is interested in more information about TFDSOF, please contact:  info@taskforcedagger.org

Shared from NAUI

The Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis 2023

 BOLD IN THE FACE OF FEAR.

The Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis is a long-distance endurance paddle challenge and international championship race that takes paddlers 80 miles across the Gulf Stream from Bimini in the Bahamas back to the Florida mainland. The event was inspired because of the incredible health benefits of the Ocean for those living with cystic fibrosis, a terminal lung disease. Travis Suit's daughter Piper was diagnosed with CF when she was four years old.

June 20-25, 2023

Watermen's Retreat - A Waterfront Resort in Cape Hatteras NC

Looks like a relaxing and fun location in the Cape Hatteras area for Watermen News to visit soon. I do hope we can dock our JetSki's there.

Described by Real Watersports as; An Unmatched Experience - Watermen’s Retreat provides a fresh look at the waterfront resort experience. Watermen’s consists of 14 waterfront suites, a secluded cottage plus a range of budget friendly cabanas.

The goal at Watermen’s Retreat is to always exceed expectations and make the most of your time to unwind. The Watermen’s atmosphere is family friendly and inclusive. Watermen’s Retreat is not only for kiteboarders and surfers, it’s for anyone who enjoys being a part of the excitement and fun.

Watermen's Retreat guests enjoy, 5-star, sparkling clean accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, incredible views, and breathtaking sunsets. If you're looking for the “REAL” Cape Hatteras experience, stay at Watermen’s Retreat to maximize your vacation. Enjoy private kiteboarding launch access at REAL Watersports the #1 kiteboarding, surfing, and foiling school in the world, Wi-Fi internet access, washer/dryer, secure gear storage, and quick access to REAL Watersports and Watermen’s Bar & Grill.

To book your Watermen’s Retreat vacation today, call 252-987-6000 . You can also email us or book now.

Extend Your Next Personal Watercraft (PWC) Trip with the Long Hauler Auxiliary Fuel system from Watercraft Journal

 

With today’s watermen and personal watercraft adventurers looking to push the boundaries of long distance traveling and exploration, The Watercraft Journal developed the easiest, most non-invasive auxiliary fuel system possible.

Very cool product! Love the fact that it is hands free. No middle of the ocean fill ups or multiple jerry cans tied down!! Awesome!! Read More

Nazare: Love and pain on the world's biggest wave

 

Since it was first surfed, a little over a decade ago, the Portuguese town of Nazare has become the 

undisputed home of the world's biggest wave

As he looks out from his balcony, over slumped, drying wetsuits, Andrew Cotton can see it all.

The stretch of sand, the salt haze, a spike of cliff and a scarlet lighthouse.

Most of all, Cotton can see Nazare's waves. They are small today, relatively at least, but there is still a backdrop of bubbling white water and churning white noise.

When the swell is right and the surf is up, it is a different story on a different scale.

Nazare, a small town 60 miles north of Lisbon, is where towering waves - some the height of 10-storey buildings - crash to shore.

For generations of local fishermen, those conditions have meant danger and death. For Cotton they are a way of life and a living.

"Weirdly, somehow, I have turned it into a job, so when it is big, you go out there," he says.

"You go out there all day and do what you need to do."

When it is one of those days, Cotton doesn't need to even look. When the biggest, most lucrative wave in the world arrives, he knows as soon as he wakes, before his eyes open.

"Living here, I know how big the waves are by how much the windows are rattling," he adds.

"It can really be something else, you know? The ocean can be scary when there are no waves. When here is big… it can be petrifying."

Read more BBC Sports

Pro Surfer Mark Healey Lands A Huge Wahoo While Spearfishing From A JetSki Off Oahu

Deep-water spearfishing for wahoo from a JetSki in Hawaii is a thrill I have yet to experience firsthand. Thankfully, I’m able to live vicariously through infamous big-wave surfer Mark Healey.

Hawaii is arguably the best place in the world to live if you’re an all-around waterman. Pro surfer Mark Healey was raised on Oahu’s North Shore, one of the best-known surfing destinations on planet Earth.

Growing up on the North Shore helped Mark Healey become one of the most legendary names in Big Wave Surfing but it also led him down a path of deep water spearfishing, free diving, sky diving, filmmaking, a job as a stuntman, and other extreme pursuits.

Mark Healey has a growing YouTube channel where he just uploaded a video of his latest deep-water wahoo spearfishing adventure. Healey left Oahu on a JetSki and returned with a massive Wahoo (fish), or as it’s locally known in Hawaii, an Ono.

The wahoo spearfishing action kicks off around the 3-minute point in the video. You can skip the intro and jump to the wahoo spearfishing by hitting the ‘play’ button below. Read more

Helicopter rescues Jet Ski destroyed by Giant Waves

 

As a big wave surfing legend, Kai Lenny sure must have seen some interesting things. Lenny has made big waves his passion, and this passion is not free of danger. If one wants to ride the big waves, one has to pay the price. This price might be broken bones, broken surfboards, or broken jet skis. The latter most happened with Kai Lenny, as he lost a beloved jet ski to the harsh tow at Jaws.  Fortunately, there are amazing Helicopter Pilots that can retrieve the carnage.

KIRA RACE #10 – SHAW AND PARTNERS MOLOKAI CHALLENGE 2023

 

Kanaka Ikaika Racing Association is proud to announce the

SHAW AND PARTNERS FINANCIAL SERVICES MOLOKAI CHALLENGE 2023.

COURSE: Molokai to Oahu. 32 miles (53 km) across the Ka’iwi channel.

START: Kaluakoi Beach on the west end of Molokai

FINISH:  Maunalua Beach Park, Hawaii Kai, Oahu (At the Keyhole on north side of the bridge).

DATE:  Sunday May 28, 2023

REGISTRATION: www.flpregister.com

By Design: Examining the Jet Ski’s Giant Impact on Big Wave Surfing

 

“Oh, it’s had a humungous affect on the progression of big wave surfing over the past 30 years. No question. ”

This from Frank Quirarte, the renowned surf photographer and heavy water safety expert from Half Moon Bay, California who, having recently returned from an epic strike mission to Cortes Bank, definitely knows what he’s talking about. He isn’t referencing any particular surfboard design, breath-holding training method or inflatable vest. He’s not talking about different GoPro mounts, either. What Quirarte is pointing to as having arguably the single most significant influence on big wave surfing over the past few decades is the Jet Ski.

Peahi, Teahupo’o, Aussie bommies and slabs, Mullaghmore, Cortes Bank and, of course, Nazarè — all tackled at size with a hand on the throttle, and in each case completely redefining the parameters of what is considered to be rideable surf. Then there’s the paradigm shift when it comes to safety, with the introduction of precise teamwork and coordinated rescue protocol. Yet although having become ubiquitous in big wave lineups around the world, and the topic of much discussion and even controversy since gaining popularity in the early 1990s, the wider surfing world has been told virtually nothing about how and why these machines work, or, in fact, anything about their performance and design evolution. So let’s fix that right now. Read More

Eddie Aikau Surf Contest Won By Local Lifeguard

 

Luke Shepardson is more accustomed to saving lives than winning international surf competitions, but on Monday the on-duty lifeguard saw off some of the biggest names in the sport to claim victory at the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational in Hawaii.

 Shepardson had to get permission from his boss to take time out from his day job to compete in the elusive event, which throws professional and local surfers together in huge swells and this week ran for the first time in seven years. The competition, known simply as The Eddie, is held only when waves at Waimea Bay consistently reach 30ft or bigger.

 John John Florence, the two-time WSL champion, won the last edition in 2016 and went close to becoming the first two-time champion, but ultimately lost out to Shepardson, who claimed the title in between dashes to and from his lifeguard tower on the beach.

 “I told myself, ‘I’m in it because I can win it,” Shepardson said. “It was super scary. The waves were huge, and it was a dream come true just to be part of The Eddie, just to be on the alternate list. I can’t believe it – it’s crazy. I’ve got to get back to the tower to make sure everyone’s OK until the end of the day.”

Shepardson, 27, scored 89.1 points out of a possible 90 to claim the title and $10,000 prize money. As he joined Florence and other previous winners including Kelly Slater, Bruce Irons and Ross Clarke Jones, he was hoisted up in celebration on the beach – still clad in distinctive yellow and red life-savers attire.

The winner evoked memories of the man the event is named after; The Eddie is held in honour of the late Eddie Aikau, like Shepardson a Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard – the first one on Oahu’s North Shore.

 Aikau saved more than 500 people during his career but during a journey in 1978 re-enacting an ancient route of Polynesian migration between Hawaii and Tahiti, the voyaging canoe he was aboard capsized. Aikau paddled away on his surfboard to raise the alarm and the rest of the crew were later rescued. But Aikau disappeared and his body was never found.

The event was first run in celebration of his life in 1985 at Sunset Beach and has been held just nine times since. Eddie’s younger brother Clyde Aikau won two years after the inaugural competition when it was held on Oahu’s North Shore for the first time. Clyde now supervises the event, which for the first time this year saw a woman, Brazil’s Andrea Moller, catch a wave, six years after female surfers were first named as alternate competitors.

 Anticipation that The Eddie would run this year had been building for over a week, with the contest briefly given the go-ahead before being put on hold. Big wave surfers from as far afield as Portugal have been consulting forecasters who closely track the huge storms travelling across the north Pacific for signs they will translate into the 30ft clean waves that the contest requires.

 As each day passed, and as more data came in from buoys hundreds of kilometres north of Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu, the 40 surfers invited for The Eddie scrambled to get their equipment, support team and mindset ready.

 “It felt incredible to surf in this event,” Kai Lenny, a top big-wave surfer, who finished in fifth place. “I know we’ve all had the Eddie Aikau posters in our rooms growing up, so to have the opportunity to actually go out there for Eddie and his ohana [family], the Aikaus, was a dream come true for me.”

Post from The Guardian by Mike Hytner

The Adventure of a Lifetime with Dangerous Water Adventures!

These two videos cover Dangerous Water Adventures and their Alaska Tour by Jet Ski, including behind the scenes footage and an overview of everything required to take part on this epic journey. The team behind the Dangerous Waters expedition series now conducts week long guided Jet Ski tours of the beautiful inside passage between Seattle and Juneau, from June to October each year. No Jet Ski experience or Jet Ski license is required. Watermen News is looking at scheduling one of the trips this year to get firsthand knowledge. Learn more about Dangerous Water Adventures and be sure to visit the Watercraft Zone and all their great news and information.

Ocean Cup Sets Five-Event Itinerary for 2023

 

From; SpeedBoat.com Jan 3, 2023

For those wishing to have their boat racing abilities tested on all levels, Ocean Cup has five opportunities to set world records sanctioned by the APBA and UIM in 2023.

Success will be measured by the pilot’s navigational skills and ability to understand wind, waves and swells, as well as their vessel’s maintenance and seaworthiness. Courses are navigationally challenging crossing open ocean, out of the sight of land, and each is more than 100 miles.

Here's the 2023 Ocean Cup events calendar:

May 4–7 (to be confirmed)—Miami around the SS Sapona Shipwreck (Bimini Bahamas). 106 miles.

June 1-4—Palm Beach to West End (Bahamas) and back. 111 miles

Aug. 17–20—San Francisco around Farallon Islands. 138 miles.

Sept. 14–17—San Francisco to Marina del Ray to Long Beach. 435 miles.

Sept. 28–Oct. 1—Pacific Airshow, Huntington Beach around Catalina Island. 112 miles.

The Pacific Airshow is presented in a four-day format:

Day 1: Arrivals and VIP Pilot Dinner Party.

Day 2: Briefings, Inspections, Meet and Greet, and Media Opportunities.

Day 3: World Speed Record Attempts, Awards, and Closing Party.

Day 4: Departures.

Ocean Cup competitions are for the bold and adventurous, having the skills and desire for a man and his machine challenge in the open ocean. Every team must be prepared for any and all eventualities with regard to their own safety and be prepared to be effectively on their own until help, from whatever source, can arrive. Pilots are required to hold sea survival and first-aid certificates.

For more information, please contact:

Ronald Saja (561) 301-7283, email Ronald@OceanCup.com

Simon Trumper (949) 678-0138, email Simon@OceanCup.com

Traveling Around The World On A Jet Ski, Spanish Explorer Alvaro de Marichalar

 

Álvaro de Marichalar Sáenz de Tejada arrived in Belize as part of his world tour to circumnavigate the globe aboard the smallest craft in history. His tour commemorates the 500th anniversary of the World’s first circumnavigation and historic voyage by Ferdinand Magellan from 1519 – 1522. Having campaigned against plastic pollution for the past 40 years, Álvaro’s expedition is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation. With support from the BTB, Alvaro arrived on Friday, December 2, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. (www.FirstWorldTour.com)

World Explorer Alvaro Tejada arrives in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

Having departed from the harbor in Chetumal, Mexico, Alvaro found his way to Belize as he arrived in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Mr. Álvaro de Marichalar Sáenz de Tejada, holder of 14 world records, is recreating this voyage around the world to raise awareness for marine conservation, fighting plastic pollution and illegal fishing.

He states, "Urgent action is needed to protect the ocean. Our future is directly linked to the ocean and we cannot continue to treat it as a rubbish dump whilst fishing species to extinction.”

To celebrate and promote the First Tour of the World, Álvaro de Marichalar set sail three years ago from Seville on the historical date, August 10, 2019-1519. After sailing around Spain, Portugal and France without any support vessel, he then crossed the Atlantic ocean from southern Spain (Gibraltar) to Guadeloupe Island with the support of the French exploration ship YERSIN.

From Guadeloupe he continued navigating alone without a support ship, calling at the Caribbean islands all the way to Miami where he arrived on March 16, 2020. The pandemic stopped his expedition until February 19, 2022, when he was able to restart his Challenge, sailing along the Gulf of Mexico all the way to Bacalar.

Follow Alvaro's Journey: Click Here  https://my.yb.tl/NUMANCIA

God willing, Alvaro will continue to Panama to cross to the Pacific ocean coast and travel up all the way to Alaska where he will then cross over to Russia to continue along Asia and finally into the Mediterranean before arriving in Seville.

He has two years of navigation ahead of him. Alvaro sails alone and always on his feet aboard his boat measuring just three meters long named NUMANCIA. Álvaro's small boat has a maximum range of 200 nautical miles thanks to its supplementary fuel tank, which allows Álvaro to sail without a support boat. Álvaro makes stops at islands and coastal ports to refuel, get food, rest and repair his boat; when he is unable to reach land, Álvaro sleeps at sea. As he has very little space, he can only carry water, nuts and honey on board his small vessel. He also gives motivational lectures at fishermen's guilds, town halls, universities, schools, sailing clubs, prisons, hospitals and Navy stations.

About Alvaro:

* He is an entrepreneur in the real estate and telecommunications sector since he was 21 years old who founded TeleSat in 1983, the first Spanish company of satellite dishes.

* His passion is sailing. He has made forty maritime expeditions achieving 14 world records of navigation.
* Among other achievements, he sailed from Rome to New York in 2002. From Barcelona to Odessa, Ukraine in 2004 or from Hong Kong to Tokyo in 2006.

* For the last 40 years he has campaigned against plastic pollution in the sea and illegal fishing.

* Lecturer, writer and political activist who founded the first pan-European political movement called OmniaEuropa.

* Álvaro is producing a documentary series about his current Solo sailing around the World in the SMALLEST CRAFT in History.

Shared from Amber Gris Today

Influential Hawaiian Watermen

 The people of Hawaii are highly regarded for their knowledge and prowess of the ocean, a skill grounded in necessity that began when ancient Polynesians paddled into the unknown and discovered the Hawaiian Islands. The ocean served as a major food source, form of entertainment, power and general way of life for thousands of years, and it’s a skill that continues to be valued today. Whether it’s ocean navigation, paddling, big wave surfing or capturing the unique life that lives under the surface, we recognize the importance of furthering the cause for those who made it possible and continue to challenge the next generation of ocean masters in Hawaii today. Read More

Numancia First World Tour - Álvaro de Marichalar

 

1519-1522 FIRST World Tour on a Jetski relived in 2019-2022 by ÁLVARO DE MARICHALAR 

What Is Freediving? The Perfect Way To Explore Underwater On A Single Breath

 

Freediving is breath-hold diving, being in and under the water while holding one’s breath.

Today, most people associate freediving with images of superhumans plunging to the ocean’s darkest depths with only the air in their lungs, the power of their bodies, and the will of their minds to keep them alive and bring them back.

However, every time you slip into the water and hold your breath, you are a freediver, exploring our world of water from the shallows to the depths. Read More

By Emma Farrell

Who’s Driving the Ski? This Is Where Big-Wave Rescue Teams Come From

 

Drake Stanley jets Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker to safety. Photo: Abe Alarcon.

Big waves have a certain mystique to them, at least when viewed from the beach or via the internet. When you get into the thick of things, with tons of water moving around, the mystique can fade pretty quickly. Now add the typical lineup chaos you might experience at a crowded break like Malibu or Pleasure Point, and shit gets downright horrifying.

With more and more people getting into surfing in recent years, surprisingly – or not – there’s also more and more people taking on the waves of Maverick’s, Jaws, and Nazaré. And unlike your local beachbreak, the crowds at big-wave locations can produce some truly life-threatening scenarios. I caught up with several rescue teams to learn about what these storied locations look like from the perspective of the rescuer, and the efforts being made in recent years to manage the crowds of chargers who come to test themselves on some of the biggest and gnarliest waves in the world. I basically wanted to find out where these rescue teams come from and why they do what they do. Read More