The Green Wave - A 'Global Village' of Soul Surfers

Blog has moved

2010-03-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

The blog did move, and it even started looking good using Word Press...

However there were a few issues with the backend, so it's now deleted.

Not sure if I will go straight to a Joomla platform, or start another new WordPress site..

But rest assured,, this blog will carry on, and with bright horizons looming, we will meet again soon/...

Healing and Cleaning - The vision is manifesting

Blog is Moving

2010-01-31T01:54:00.000-08:00

There is going to be a short delay in material for this blog..

I'm currently setting up a new blog directly on the SolSurfer site.. Hopefully have it up in a couple daze.. I'm using the Wordpress platform which is going to allow this blog to be much more interactive, creative and easy on the eye.

Stay Tuned!

Is it better than sex

2010-01-29T04:59:00.000-08:00

Source: visualizeus.com

Time to get back inside the womb, thank god for Brian!

For those that don't surf, or have never been inside the barrel then try really hard to imagine being Brian..... Firstly you will smile! You will see magic surround you, a beautiful playground of ocean, colour, sun, bubbles, energy and joy --- all happing in the NOW moment.. And thats what the purity of surfing is, its the essence of living in the now, flowing with the change and bliss that is the now.. The dream manifested and your the pilot... You feel the charge of life within the ocean run through your veins and envelope your consciousness, and energy that is so free and so exhilarating. No wander so many surfers say that "it's better than sex!"

Source: FILTER FORGE

Surfing the web anywhere!

2010-01-27T19:31:00.000-08:00

When we consider technology in 2010 in relation to exploration, adventure and freedom, what comes to mind? How can we best integrate green technology into our lives of joy and creativity, while sharing it?

Considering Apple Macs environmental cares and innovations, will you be jumping in to grab the latest in Apple's innovation and technologies, the Ipad? Are we heading further towards mobile internet freedom that is accessible anywhere, anytime, for extended periods? I'd like to see a weather proof model, one that is capable of linking USB devices too!

Are you ready for the revolution

2010-01-25T15:44:00.000-08:00

"The next stage towards ecological enlightenment and serving Gaia is passive refusal to participate in the system

What the Earth System needs badly right now is a million acts of resistance to obstruct and eventually destroy the ecologically unsustainable economic growth machine

You can sit back and enjoy creature comforts for awhile more, participating in the slaying of Gaia, and then witness and feel personally the disintegration of being, or you can start crafting the land stewardship, resource renewal and political systems that will allow humanity to minimize the disruption and persist well post collapse

Cumulative ecosystem destruction – not only in climate, but also water, forests, oceans, farmland, soils and toxics -- in the name of “progress” and “development” -- threatens each of us, our families and communities, as well as the Earth System in total and all her creatures

Revolutionary action such as ending coal use, reforming industrial agriculture and protecting and restoring old forests and other natural ecosystems, is a requirement for the continuation of shared human being."
Quotes taken from EARTH MEANDERS: Resisting Global Ecological Change

Humanity can wake up!
We all need to stop burying our heads in the sand and start integrating the information and statistics now available. There are many beautiful ways to live, yet most people choose pathways built from industrial practices and corporate consumerism which are basically barbaric, toxic and destructive, albeit comfortable.. Choose conscious pathways that are ecological, spread the ripples of truth and green responsibility that will hopefully save our planet from the imminent disasters predicted by prophets, scientists, ecologists, traditional cultures and awakened beings. There are so many pathways available, start choosing one a day, and integrate them into your life.

Save The Planet And Yourself With Vegetarianism

Message from the Albatros

2010-01-24T16:53:00.000-08:00

Have you ever stopped to think how all those plastic items of convenience are manufactured, how toxic they are, and where they end up? The midway atoll is far far away from any human life in the middle of the North Pacific, yet too much of our waste ends up there, fish eat it, birds eat the fish, and the result is harrowing, innocent life left to die in pain and torture.. Generations dying, life-cycles verging on extinction...

Message from the Gyre

If its not sustainable and ecological then don't make it, and don't buy it!

All toxic industries and manufacturing processes need to be outlawed, deemed crimes against life. Imagine catering for a dinner of world leaders and serving them each one of these birds.. Imagine a greener world, support life and be conscious of what you buy, make sure its recyclable and biological.

"Perhaps this tragedy can serve as a multi-layered metaphor for the state of our world, our culture, and our own inner landscapes" Chris Jordan

Youngest person to sail around the world

2010-01-20T21:17:00.000-08:00

Ever dreamt of setting off around the world in a yacht, joining the water gypsies on the high seas of adventure and exploration of new lands, cultures, and great expanses? Imagine all those unridden waves lying out there, imagine a paradise with fringing abundant coral reef rimmed isles, dripping with coconuts, bananas and waterfalls.. Your never too young, or too old to do it!

Image taken By Russ Dodd in the Solomon Islands 2009

"Jessica Watson is setting out to become the youngest person to sail solo non-stop and unassisted around the World." And she's turning just 17 this year!

Image sourced from Jessica's Blog

Great to see the spirit of adventure still thriving amongst the youth, what a challenge and a dream to manifest, we could all learn a lot from Jessica!

Attention in 2010 and beyond

2010-01-19T16:00:00.001-08:00

Are you aware of the major trends happening in 2010?

"A blue dot, with a dominant species that prefers destruction to discussion"

Change, Innovation, and Participation are critical elements that do require your attention. Why?

It's extraordinary where we as a global internet community have come since the .dotcom bubble bust days of the early 90's. Online Social Media is challenging the very design, operation and structure of our global societies, it's worth Billions too, so I think that we all really need to pay attention to the trends that are happing in 2010 and beyond.

Innovation and the integration of humans with online mobile technologies (the cyborg), are going to change the size and shape of societies, they will change the way we work, live, play and develop culturally. I see so many opportunities for skilled Internet Professionals to either have a brilliant idea that changes humanities landscape, or to drop in under the umbrella of a monumental and creative viral product/application/need/website that alters the way our global community lives and breathes.

Green living in a modern world

Some inspiration to motivate you:

Open Source freedom ~ http://www.novell.com/company/strategy.html
Is mobile touch screen cyberspace the next evolution? ~ Approaching January, Apple Tablet Rumors Run Wild

Cyborg gone bush ~ Wilderness Survival, iPhone-Style

Think you know what's going on? ~10 crucial consumer trends for 2010

Although written in 2006, some great insights into media and money, the longtail, and the next generation that are already here. ~ The ultimate marketing machine

A Swiss DNA bank... Store your memories..? ~ Store your life forever

It goes on and on! Are you paying attention now? The greenies of our time need to jump on the bandwagon, we can make not only the virtual realm more green by understanding cyberspace and technologies, but we can green the Earth much more effectively by co-operating and implementing sustainable technologies with sustainable communities. The net result is a habitat of life, an eco-system of diversity that grows and nurtures living beings, creatures great and small.

Have you seen "The Green Beautiful"? We can make a stand and say no to the injustices against life on the planet and live in balance with nature, rather than trying to dominate and steal from nature.

Green Power

2010-01-18T21:03:00.000-08:00

Help your laptop's battery life and the planet by investing in some solar charging options.. Most laptops have a limited life purely because of battery life. If you can use the power of the sun instead of electricity to charge your computer then you not only increase it's life but you also use a more renewable energy resource! Some products are listed here on Tree Hugger

Also see Unplug Your Laptop Forever in 7 Steps from Planet Green..

Activativation of a Green Planet

2010-01-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

ILL-us-ions on the edge of a precipice

What can we do about the current environmental crisis? Leslie Fieger reminds us that

The single most important thing you can do is change the way you think. You must be the solution.

According to David Spratt from the article Illusions on the edge of a precipice, the climate crisis is not a negotiable issue and politicians must start paying attention to science.

Each one of us has a hand to play, all our moments and choices can be geared to peace and harmony, to environmental consciousness and sustainablity, we can choose to act responsibly, put down the guns, plant trees and walk our talk, instead of driving towards our greed and fears. Throw out the TV's and get out into nature, if there is no nature left then make it your priority to get it back, unite with others and begin co-creation of a natural wonderland, paradise on Earth.. Its our time, its our Home...

Image taken from Averting Human Extinction

Living green in the modern world

2010-01-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

Green computing and living in a grey world can be difficult at times, below is some research that I did regarding green computing

I like Finland's green initiatives towards green tech and cloud computing. "Excess heat from hundreds of computer servers to be located in the bedrock beneath Uspenski Cathedral, one of Helsinki's most popular tourist sites, will be captured and channeled into the district heating network, a system of water-heated pipes used to warm homes in the Finnish capital."
Cloud Computing's Green Mantra And How Finland Is Doing It Right

Many people and corporations are seeing not only green, but also profit from green. Can it happen overnight?

"Green IT 2.0", and "Green IP 2.0"
Eco-Patent Commons
"Dell aspires to be the greenest technology company on the planet" - Dell Earth
Gimmick maybe but visually yummy! - ASUS Bamboo Series
Green MacBook - "Greenest notebook Apple ever produced, built using materials that are highly recyclable and free of many harmful substances."
Living Green - Some great and simple solutions and reminders to living green in our modern world

Feelin Greener :))

Japanese Whalers Ram Sea Shepherd Ship Ady Gil

2010-01-07T00:53:00.000-08:00

At "0300 Hours on Wednesday, January 6th, in the area of Commonwealth Bay off the Adelie Coast" Bob Barker, a Norwegian ex whaling ship, the newest anti whaling ship arrived.

"The Japanese could be forgiven for thinking that the pro-whaling Norwegians had sent a ship to support their illegal whaling activities in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. But any excitement turned to disappointment quickly as the Norwegian flag was hauled down and the black and white skull with crossed Trident and Shepherd’s crook was raised to announce the arrival of the Bob Barker, the latest ship acquired for the Sea Shepherd ocean defense fleet." http://www.seashepherd.org/news-and-media/news-100105-1.html

The recent ramming of Sea Shepherd ship Ady Gil is cause for outrage, not only are the Japanese intent on still killing more whales in the Southern Ocean, they will kill humans in their quest. Our planet is in dire straights, an extinction crisis is under way, yet the Japanese are still killing one of the planets most beautiful and peaceful creatures.. When will this end? When will the Australian government intervene instead of relying on sponsorship from private and corporate concerned individuals and groups investing money, time and lives.

Time for peace and a humane humanity Japan@!

Surfing's ancient past

2010-01-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

Connect back to the roots of surfing and surf culture, where our ancestors made their own boards and shared with joy the art and freedom of connecting with the ocean.

FROM POLYNESIA, WITH LOVE

The History of Surfing From Captain Cook to the Present By Ben Marcus

Why do we need to save and protect seed?

2010-01-03T21:03:00.000-08:00

Seed diversity has been rapidly declining for a while now, but the rate is accelerating. We are in dire straights, species extinction is not only occurring to animals, but also to food variety. We are losing valuable seed forever, Cary Fowler gives us the low down on the situation, providing solutions, and emphasis to the urgency of seed saving.

Get Out there! ~ Plant organic seed, and most importantly, save and share the most healthy of them, for future

generations to enjoy..

Cary Fowler: One seed at a time, protecting the future of food

Sustainable surf travel

2010-01-02T15:18:00.000-08:00

The growing need to balance surf travel with a sustainable ecological footprint, is an ever growing concern for many surfers. Drift Surfing has a great article on the matter, along with beautiful and quintessential images which reminds us that our quest for Nirvana needs some serious thought.

"By devouring what is around us in a bid to offer the quintessential surfing experience, we only serve to represent what is wrong with surfing, and not what is so good and honest about it. Sustainability has to be about creating destinations that are in balance with nature and with the indigenous people who live in them." Heaven on Earth

"The Black Star Surfers" Documentary

2010-01-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

Surfing changes many lives for the better, "The Black Star Surfers" Documentary reminds us all how precious the joy of ridding waves is, how valuable our connection to the ocean is. Not many westerners can fathom the life of many poor Africans, the poverty and the limits of freedom and the pains of health. But we can fathom their joy and freedom when they enter the ocean world on a board for the first time, seeing life with fresh eyes and a vision for a brighter future...

Behind the Mentawai islands

2009-12-31T15:30:00.000-08:00

In the article below, titled Blind Zeal, we learn about the imminent rise of surfing in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia. Once isolated and unknown amongst mainstream surfers and tourists, this string of islands off the coast of Sumatra has been consumed by surfers and surfing, "the best thing that ever happened to the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia" according to isasurf.org.

Shir Raitses
Working Title: Blind Zeal
Katherine Moriwaki & Louisa Campbell
September 28, 2009

BLIND ZEAL
(working title)

CONCEPT:
Blind Zeal is a 2D linear narrative animation that uses satire to express the effects of tourism on the traditions of an indigenous community in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia.

DOMAINS:
Blind Zeal currently explores 5 different domains; Surf Culture, Mentawai Tradition, Surf Tourism, Animation, and Satire.

Surf Culture includes the people, language, fashion and life surrounding the sport of surfing. Surfing imagery within the media has greatly increased the spread of surf culture around the globe and thereby influencing the popularity of the sport.

The Mentawai Islands are considered to be the worlds richest surf zone and have been the stage for the most rapid growth to date of surfing tourism to a previously unvisited area. Between 1994 and 2000 the islands went from having no surfing tourism industry and barely any independent visitation, to supporting the world’s largest surf charter fleet of over 30 live aboard yachts, one foreign/local joint venture surf camp and several surfer-targeted village home-stays. The Mentawais have generated the most media coverage of any surfing destination in recent times, have witnessed three failed attempts by government to introduce controlling legislation inspired the creation of the world’s first surfer initiated humanitarian aid organization (Surf Aid International) and have hosted the world’s riches surfing competition (The Op Pro). The region is currently experiencing and acceleration of land-based surf resort construction. Traditionally, Mentawaians lived in small settlements (uma) along the fringes of forest watercourses. Based around a staple diet of sago, Mentawaians made a living hunting and gathering, domesticating chickens and pigs and through the shifting cultivation of perennial crops. Minangkabau traders have also been exchanging ironware, cloth, tobacco, and glass beads for natural Mentawaian resources including turtle shells, cipra, rattan and resins, for thousands of years. The traditional spirituality of Siberut Mentawai was based on pantheistic beliefs, allowing all things a soul including plants, rivers and natural forces. Daily life involved a balance between the world of the living and the supernatural realm inhabited by the ancestors. Village medicine men or shaman are responsible for maintaining the balance between these worlds and may be called upon to perform extensive rituals in times of death and sickness. Whilst good relations were kept between uma in the same catchment area, head-hunting was common up until the early 20^th century when the Dutch colonial administration established a military outpost.

Surf Tourism is the travel and temporary stay undertaken by a surfer, involving at least 1 night stay away from home, which is undertaken with the primary expectation of surfing waves. With the increase in crowded spots in a surfer’s local break, surfers continue to adventure to new locations in search of their perfect paradise location with unbelievable surf, tropical weather and cheap living.

The form of technology I wish to use in executing this story is through a short 2D Animation using linear narrative. I plan to illustrate my characters and scenes using Photoshop and illustrator and then use after effects as my primary animation program.

Satire is the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule in exposing, denouncing or deriding vice, folley, etc. Satire is a good way of expressing a serious issue without coming across as a preacher. In a light hearted manner I hope to accomplish what South Park and The Simpsons do with political and informational episodes.

PRECEDENTS:
The precedents I have chosen are works created by artists and academics that have all covered the topic of surf tourism and sustainable tourism within the Mentawai islands.

The Golden Pig is a documentary about the island of Nias, created by Australian film director Joel Peterson. The film showcases the dangers of modern surf colonialism, focusing on the impacts it can have on native populations. The Golden Pig highlights incredible early footage from surf explorer Kevin Peterson along with "first contact" interviews with locals of Nias. There is no question that surfing had a profound influence on this community. I plan to interpret some of the stories from this film into my own work.

The Gods Must Be Crazy, a film by Jaime Uys, that shows how a small tribe of bushmen who rely solely on their natural environment, “what the gods have given them” to live. One day a new object they believe has been given to them by the “gods” appears and the whole community becomes enamored by it and all of a sudden “needs” it. The group begins experiencing jealousy and greed, emotions they never felt before. They surmise that this object is evil and they must travel to the end of the earth to get rid of it. I have chosen this film as precedence because of its ability to show how such a small addition into an indigenous community has been to create such negative effects and although having the object was helpful, its overall impact was not worth the benefits of having it. Similarly with Surf Tourism, although the benefits are apparent, they have not proven to be worth the destruction of tradition it has created. However, this small community of Bushmen were able to stop the corruption of their family by disposing of this object, the Mentawai people have not been able to stop the influx of tourists arriving to their islands.

In his thesis “Managing the Mentawai, And Examination of Sustainable Tourism and the Surfing Tourism Industry in the Mentawai Archipelago, Indonesia” for his PHD, Jess Ponting explores the social construction of contemporary surfing tourist space involving an analysis of the development of surfing tourism. “Nirvanic imagery has been found to be extremely effective marketing tool for an astonishing range of consumer goods and services (including tourism products) based upon its association with freedom from the constraints of contemporary society and the implied access to a perfect life through consumption. The surfing industry has unapologetically become a component of the hegemony of global capitalism (Buckley, 2003; Hammerscmidt, 2004). As a result of the growing success of the global surfing industry and the popularization of surfing as a recreational activity, growing numbers of remote communities in less developed regions find themselves as unwilling hosts to a surfing tourism industry from which they are, sometimes pro-actively, marginalized. Given the massive changes that surfing tourism is bringing to remote destination communities in less developed regions of the world (c.f. T. Baker, 2006, 2007; Barilotti, 2002; Lovett, 1998, 2005) the nature of the surfing tourist space created through the marketing discourse of the surf industry and its interactions with local spaces.

South Park and The Simpsons are American animated sitcoms that have become infamous for their crude, surreal, satirical, and dark humor that lampoons American culture, society, television and many aspects of the human condition. Their interpretations of real events are both educational and comedic and are the tone I wish to use to express my animation.
http://a.parsons.edu/~raits848/thesis/wp-content/uploads/Precedents_Domains.doc

What do you think? Are the Mentawai Islands and people blessed to have surfers, corporate run boats and resorts, competitions, the global surf media, aid organisations etc..? There are many stories of injustice and corruption that have fuelled the stakes to own and occupy this new surf destination, I will attempt, in time, to explore this further, and hopefully some of you reading will have insight or contributions that are useful.

Ecological Thinking

2009-12-30T19:15:00.000-08:00

The commercialism of surfing has been quite a drain on the environment. However the corporate side of surfing is evolving, incorporating green technology, ideas, and brands that stand up for the environment. Volcom's Ecological Thinking highlights some of their progress..

Better World ~ Reggae style

2009-12-27T20:56:00.000-08:00

A groovy tune for a "Better world" by Soul Majestic

Surf Exploration

2009-12-21T17:38:00.000-08:00

So how does the average surfer explorer/adventurer

see Martin Daly?

"The man who arguably opened the Mentawais to surf tourism and began the surf boat charter industry, sometimes seems undecided about the result of what he’s done. Has he turned the beautiful virgin into a ravaged whore, or brought thousands of adoring disciples to worship at her feet? Yeah, both. A decade down the track, his boats still take surfers on the rides of their lives through the Mentawais, with diversions to some of her lesser known erogenous zones, but he now also takes the more intrepid travellers on voyages of discovery to remote breaks aboard the Indies Trader IV." http://www.longbreak.com.au/destinationreviews/papuanewguinea/indiestrader/

Would you go on one of his surf trips? For me no, lavish comfort aboard a fuel guzzling monstrosity is not my type of surf trip, nor do I agree with luxury boats rocking up to usually dirt poor villages with good waves nearby. Surely there are more fulfilling pathways to surf remote gateways that empower these remote villages, that give the gift of autonomy, global sustainability and friendship. For me that pathway is village stays.

Head-Hunters and UFO's ~ The truth is waiting for you....

2009-12-18T16:37:00.000-08:00

Lets get back to SolSurfing and the exploration of a very unique and mystical string of islands and cultures.

Lets go Soul Surfing through the pacific....

One of the main reasons why The Solomon's are still virtually unexplored is because it is still shrouded in mystery. Take for example The Solomon Island Mysteries where the author Marius Boirayon recounts some of the unexplainable yet common paranormal activity in the Solomon's.

These dimensional portals exist (think 11:11), and are part of life/culture in the Solomon Islands. But do Head-hunters still exist? Are you intrepid and adventurous enough to find out? Are you prepared to leave your home and family, your loves and comforts to an edge that you may not return from, are you ready to LEAP into another paradigm?

A call from the headhunters

January 4, 2009 Source: The Sun-Herald

Fish-eye view ... the Solomon Islands has sublime snorkelling and diving sites. Photo: Jessica Hromas

Graham Simmons discovers a dark history among these beautiful islands in the Pacific.

"It was bad karma to have picked up a skull on Kundu Hite Island and be photographed holding it. Even worse was the fact that I got my companions to do the same. It was only later that the consequences were apparent - and in a manner quite unexpected.

The skull belonged to a Roviana tribesman, one of a band of former cannibals who used to row their big tomoko (war canoes) as far as Ghizo, Choiseul and Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands on headhunting raids. The skulls of the tribe's chiefs and warriors now adorn a ceremonial mound on Kundu Hite ("Skull Island"), just offshore from Parara Island, which fringes the super-scenic Vona Vona Lagoon.

Our boat driver and guide, Jeff Hilaha, explains a little about the origins of the skull mound. "The chief and the priest used to gather on this island to bless the fishermen and warriors before their fishing trips and headhunting raids," he says, pointing to a natural altar. "After the raids, they buried the skulls so as to 'capture' some of the 'mana' of their victims."

From Kundu Hite we call in at Mandou village on Parara Island.

Here I am privileged to meet Chief Eddie. In his hand-woven pandanus-leaf toropai (sun-shade) and wearing a big bandana over a shell-ring necklace, he is a striking figure.

For many years Chief Eddie was the caretaker on Skull Island. When an earthquake and tsunami struck the Solomon Islands with devastating force in April 2007, it also hit Skull Island and he was forced to flee for his life to Parara Island. There he remains, scared another big tsunami might strike.

The gods do not appear to have been kind to the Solomon Islands. Before the tsunami, an ethnic conflict between villagers from neighbouring islands escalated into a disastrous civil war from 1999 to 2003. Peace was restored only with the intervention of Australian troops.

But with the return of peace and post-tsunami reconstruction, visitors have never had it so good. Tourist numbers are low and accommodation facilities are low-key but of excellent standard. Most travellers make a beeline for Western Province, in particular Ghizo Island and the Vona Vona and Marovo lagoons, where the marine life is at its best.

In Vona Vona Lagoon, dolphins cavort alongside our boat as though we are long-lost cousins. Further east, some of the best snorkelling and diving in the whole of the Solomons can be had just off Kundukundu Nomana Island. Here, where a wall drops more than a kilometre to the ocean floor, I don a snorkel and mask to check out the marine life, and the colours of the kaleidoscopic swarms of fish are astonishing in their variety.

Later, it's time to unwind at Zipolo Habu Resort on Vona Vona Lagoon's Lola Island, where Joe and Lisa Entrikin welcome divers, snorkellers and fishers from across the planet. The bill of fare, including sumptuous buffets of fresh crayfish and mudcrabs, cannot be faulted. The bill of booze (the excellent Sol Brew lager) is pretty good, too.

But later that night, I have a disturbing dream. A tribal elder appears and reprimands me for my disrespect in picking up one of the skulls. First thing the next morning, I erase all the skull-holding photos, hoping this will appease those guarding the spirits of the dead.

Later I learn that the Roviana word for photograph, maqomaqo, is the same as the word for soul. Anthropologist Chris Wright says that to the Roviana people "a photo is a post-mortem memorial, a monument and an object that, in its immanence, achieves or conjures up an 'impossible' presence." My guilt at having inadvertently tried to "capture the soul" of a dead warrior soon turns into remorse.

A 20-minute high-speed boat ride takes us kicking and screaming from Zipolo Habu Resort to Munda jetty - surely the world's only ferry wharf within easy walking distance of an airport - for the trip back to Honiara and Brisbane"

Getting there: Virgin Pacific, and Solomon Airlines
Staying there: SolSurf Guest House www.surfingsolomonislands.com
More information: See www.visit solomons.com.sb.

Surfing's Holy men

2009-12-17T20:56:00.000-08:00

Are you one of Suring's Holy Men? Are Soul Surfers not the Holy Men of the Ocean? In the article

A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE SURFING SUBCULTURE IN THE SANTA CRUZ AREA Stephen Wayne Hull suggests that there are 3 types of elite surfers, 1 the professionals and

"A second group of surfers who are members of the surfing elite are the Gypsies. These men are often interchangeable with the professionals. If the professionals are the most envied men in surfing, the gypsies are the most admired. They are the men who through choice, or slightly inferior skill, live only to travel and surf. They are the "holy men," the moral examples of surfing. They often live in their cars or on the beach, take on jobs when they need the money to eat, and move on. Their quest for the best waves, solitude, autonomy, and tropical luxury are at the very heart of the surfer's dream. The cost to the gypsy is high: a low standard of living, an insecure future, and relatively few intimate traveling companions.

The third group are generalised as the 'Hardcore' "completely committed to the sport of surfing and its culture. Surfing is more in the realm of a religious experience"

I'm in the catalogue of the wandering Gypsy, exploring far off islands alone, equipped with survival gear like an old timber canoe, fishing line and hooks, hammock, bush knife and books, water containers, boards and coconuts.. Life on the edge of existence is more real than you can ever comprehend living inside the circle of conformity and comfort, of routine and normality.

GET OUT THERE AND EXPLORE!

Say No to Pollution! Be Green ~ Totally green...

2009-12-16T17:04:00.000-08:00

Consider the quality of the ocean water you swim in.. Remember that government allows and supports industry that as a by-product of industrial commerce, can legally (not ethically) dump toxic waste into creeks, streams, rivers and oceans. Of course they believe that toxic waste by-products are just part of developing economies, where industry and political decisions have precedence over environmental sustainability.

http://www.surfrider.org.au/archive/drain/index.html

But hey enough is enough! We as a connected global community of internet users have the power to change, we have the power to re-green the Earth, we are the only ones who can and the only ones who will.

2009-12-16T15:34:00.001-08:00

Time to awaken the divine! As surfers that are connected to our Mother Ocean we need to remind ourselves that we are infinite and divine. Let our imagination create a magical world, lets leave the tyranny of terror and control and mover towards freedom and sovereignty. Our creativity is at stake, our biodiversity, our oceans, our waves.....

Soul Surfing ~ Balance

2009-12-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

Most surfers feel and know the experience of 'infinite freedom' when surfing perfect waves. The article below highlights the 'Spirit in Surfing', man's connection through 'Mind-Ski' towards innate understanding and connection to the universe and the Sol of Surfing..

"the wave is both real and an illusion."

Surfing into Spirituality and a New, Aquatic Nature Religion

2009-12-10T15:25:00.000-08:00

Now lets get back to the roots of all things 'Soul Surfing', the PDF below is a great tale about 'Soul Surfing' and spirituality, a reminder why we ride waves and who we are as SolSurfers.

"Soul surfing is a powerful, elemental activity that surfers indulge in for the pure act of riding on a pulse of nature’s energy, and the contentment this instils (sic) in the heart. The key is how the experience connects the surfer to nature, its energies, and its wild creatures (Moriarity and Gallagher 2001: 77)”

Surfing into Spirituality and a New, Aquatic Nature Religion by Bron Taylor
http://www.religionandnature.com/bron/arts/Taylor--SurfingSpirituality.pdf

Back in the saddle again

2009-12-03T18:06:00.000-08:00

A reminder to your freedom from captivity. If daily life aint adventure and discovery then get up off your ass and go find it! Create it!

Drifter Trailer from Poor Specimen on Vimeo.

2008-11-06T03:55:00.000-08:00

Ever had Malaria? Here's an idea about anti-malaria heaven...

Eradication of Malaria

Imagine no Malaria in the Solomon Islands...

Ahh the wild west

2008-09-12T02:50:00.000-07:00

Honesty and some home truths

"For the next four hours it was like being in that scene from The Endless Summer where surfing is introduced to far-flung communities around the world. Everyone from the village lined the shore to watch. Every wave prompted wild cheers from the beach. Children swam out to see it first-hand."

Stuff

What a smashing holiday!

2008-09-12T02:39:00.000-07:00

Sounds like some pros liked their journey through the Solomon Islands according to an article in Radio New Zealand

An Indo Journey

2008-08-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

First Class Feral ---- Another 'Feral' Indo mission... Always a treat to read the magic and peril of surf exploration....

10 million surfers worldwide

2008-08-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

A good run down of the "Surf Travel" industry.....

Cashing in on surfers?

2008-08-20T02:27:00.000-07:00

Hmm is this a good thing? These Solomon Island waves mentioned are reef breaks off the beach in front of local villages in Gizo.. If you prefer a more entertaining, culturally sensitive and aware surf trip then don't go there.. Stay with the local villages, the local surfers, and allow them to share the gift of surfing and life with you..... Besides a paddle out is much easier than a 10 min boat trip that would just about pay for a weeks stay with the locals...

Stuff like this has been creeping into surf terrorism since day dot... Cash in on the surfer, exclude the locals, overcrowd breaks and quite simply fiddle with the soul of surfing and exploration. The feral surfer will always get the best waves, but he/she is having to search and survive in ever more hostile conditions.

Power to da Lokalz

Lost or Preserved?

2008-08-20T02:12:00.000-07:00

The gardens on Anuta

Stranded or living in paradise? This island tribe needs protection! What an amazing story~!

Who were they, and what was their mission?

2008-08-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

"Three world's best surfers to tour surfing spots in Solomon Islands including North Malaita" http://toabaita-authority.blogspot.com/2008/02/three-worlds-best-surfers-to-tour.html

Needs further investigation... Were they invited? Who, where, what, and why i'm wandering.. I shall find out more!

Feral Surfer: Tube Vision

2008-08-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

Get that barrel fix without getting wet
Feral Surfer: Tube Vision

Tube Vision

2008-08-11T22:23:00.000-07:00

Forgotten that barrel feeling? Check out Brian
http://www.surfline.com/video/video_player/video_player.cfm?id=16404

Trekking Costa Rica

2008-08-08T22:26:00.001-07:00

The Trek of My Life
Ten years ago, Mark Anders hiked a 60-mile stretch of Costa Rica's coastline in search of the perfect wave. This summer he returned to discover how the beaches, and he, had changed. 2005
http://mensjournal.com/adventure/0510/surf_costaRica.html

Selling your soul?

2008-08-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

Remember those days? Still living them? Never been there? Whatever the case surfing and searching for the elusive santosha is surfings holy grail, so check the film out and get out there...
Check-out http://surfeconomics.blogspot.com/2008/05/life-cycle-of-santosha.html for some economics of searching for, finding, sharing and the future of our surf paradise...

~~Follow the link below to read an interesting article ~~

Riding the wave to riches

From feral surfers to tourism operators; Michael Fordham charts surfing's success stories

"The feral surfer is a completely committed coastal survivalist who will remain camped in a parasite-infested jungle, and will brave political turmoil and natural disaster for months on end in order to ride pristine, empty waves. He is surfing’s Holy Fool, and, whether or not the ethics are intact, every traveller to the exotic coastlines and islands of the planet is deeply indebted to the trail he has blazed."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/jun/16/surfing.adventure?page=all

SolSurfing

2008-08-08T02:33:00.000-07:00

Been a while but I am back...

Life on the farm and deep into uni again means busybusy...

Almost got my website up and running now www.surfingsolomonislands.com.... From there I will add this blog, video, surfcamp details and general surfing in the Solomon's low dow.. So check it out and dive in..

Delay!

2008-02-17T16:00:00.003-08:00

Been a while since a new post......

The reason............. Life in the BIG city. Work, slavery, captivity, crowded, polluted oceans and beaches.... Trying to find a way out of this mess. Looking for Internet options and an escape so I can live in my Feral Paradise and help save the environment from those destructive people that love to rape and pillage these tropical pristine environments...

I have heaps of creative work to do at the moment too.. Need to make a few boards, finish my website Surfing Solomon Islands, make my GF a Yoga retreat website , study, yoga, detox, reading, sun and gardening...

I am on a misson here an have alot of loose ends that need tying in together b4 it can all come together as one, in unison, full of energy and powerful cosmic consciousness

Delay!

2008-02-17T16:00:00.001-08:00

2008-01-27T17:28:00.000-08:00

Check out

The Great Unrest: Reconstructing the Life of a Feral Surfer

Who is visiting??

2008-01-21T02:29:00.001-08:00

I just added Site Counter

A great program recommended by some net fellow to track how many people are checking the blog out...

Feelin Feral

2008-01-19T20:52:00.001-08:00

Sunday bloody sunday.....

I'm not really into Sundays.. Why live life under the make believe Gregorian calender?

"Please note: the Gregorian calendar is not a standard of measure, a criterion which is satisfied by the regular 28-day cycle of the Thirteen Moon Calendar. This is the moral mandate.

To change from the Gregorian to the Thirteen Moon 28-Day calendar is to redeem the destruction of the Mayan knowledge system decreed by the doctrine of Discovery, AD 1452, and completed by the Gregorian Calendar Reform of AD 1582. The New World Calendar Reform will allow the Church another opportunity before the advent of the Millennium to clear itself of the genocidal destruction of the New World Civilizations. This is the historic mandate."

I prefer to live in the now yet with a thorough understanding of the past and the future. I like to live with the seasons and nature, so I can remain healthy, happy and energetic in being.. That I guess is the crux of the Feral Surfer, to operate in the now is paramount to survival and joy, the weak of mind and life will quickly get chewed up and spat out from natures moments... I've seen many ancient tribes turned to ruin and fear through religion. The latest I heard was when I was in the Solomon Islands in Jan 08 and a group of american missionaries arrived with the intent on "teaching the locals to fear god with thought".When asked by a volunteer environmentalist if they could educate the locals about sustainability and the devestating effects of logging in the Solomon islands, they replied " "We do not believe in teaching them about that!" Now is it just me or are these people an alien breed??

What about $? We all inevitably use it and most work like little slaves to get it, and usually squander it on useless forms of self indulgent activities that either destroy the planet through a gross miss-use of resources, or the persons health and balance is destroyed because the activity is based on escapism and the person has blinkers on, unable to see the future consequences of the self indulgent activity... Besides this most often we need money, and it can be put to good use, so I am beginning to arm myself with $ generating ideas, creative $ making, sustainable $ making, $ to use/not abuse or get used by, and I will mingle deep within the Internet community to develop ways and means to live in abundance with and without $... My life is too precious to leave it under the control of "The wage Slave"! I am a creative and diverse being with unimaginable wisdom and power, I am free and healthy, a cosmic citizen on a mission to co-create with the universe.......... So really why do I need $?

The Soul of the World is crying out for genuine change.

Anyway stay tuned for the coming links regarding $ like ProBlogger this fella is onto it, full of info on life and $...

What is a "Feral Surfer"?

2008-01-14T19:53:00.000-08:00

A Feral, as quoted from Wikipedia... " A feral organism is one that has escaped from domestication and returned, partly or wholly, to its wild state. Rarely will a local environment perfectly integrate the feral organism into its established ecology. Therefore, feral animals and plants can cause disruption or extinction to some indigenous species, affecting wilderness and other fragile ecosystems."

So a Feral Surfer is generally refering to the surfer who for many reasons has left the luxury of society to venture out into the wilds. He may not have wanted to become Feral/wild but the circumstances may have forced it upon the person. The person usually morphs and adapts to the environment and either thrives or dies... If he starts to die he usually leaves (if he can) back to a safer more domesticated way of life. If he thrives he stays, his consciousness expands and he experiences some of the most profound joys of living. Moments come and go, flashing between pain and pleasure, peace and hostility, but as the Feral Surfer adapts he comes closer to the source of life and begins to encounter oneness.. He sees no separateness as he realizes he is coming home to his true being, his essential nature. He reflects on the way most people live their lives and how he once lived, and realises the futility in modern man lifestyle, the disconnection from reality and the chaos that "civilized man" forces on himself and on the rest of the planet... The Feral Surfer becomes strong, he grows with the natural environment and is taken on many life changing journeys that may become his new way of life/being.

Check out The great unrest in surfer magazine for a little article on the feral surfer...

The Feral Surfer is an endangered species unfortunatly.. This I will discuss in more detail tomorrow... But untill then I will wander off and burn some insence...

Peace

Hippy

Getting back to basics

2008-01-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

The feral surfer Lives! But the clock is ticking...... Or is it?

Thought I should begin a blog about the iconic and mystical character labelled "The Feral Surfer".
Who/What is a Feral Surfer? Where did he originate and where is he now? Why are Feral Surfers so timid to come into the spot light to illuminate the minds of other modern day surfers with insights into surfings true blessings? What gifts and insights does the Feral Surfer hold that he so diligently and secretively keeps to himself?

These and many other questions will be answered as I piece together from first hand experiences and global media articles, the world and lifestyle of this niche group of individuals, who for the most part do not have direct links with their fellow kind....

I want to provide a platform to develop detailed information on Feral Surfers. I dream that as Feral Surfers we can unite and rise up to meet the challenges we are facing in this modern era of surf commercialisation and bring back a little soul to the art of grassroots surfing. Together we can unite to protect the environment, rehabilitate the destroyed lands and seas, help impoverished people and defend the last outposts of surfings santosha's from the Modern Surfer and the greedy pigs that provide the means and comfort for these new breed of beings to infest. Once pristine places of surfing solitude and connection with the ancient art of Soul surfing and life itself are threatend, and on the point of extinction ( like much of the Earth and her inhabitants ), so now more than ever fellow Feral Surfers need to band together as a force to be reckoned with..

The other idea I have is to search the possibilites that will empower the Feral Surfer to be healthy, wealthy and of course wise. We need to operate in two worlds ( Santosha and Society ), to hold our lifestyle and dreams afloat, or we can bury our heads in the sand and let nature take its course.. The internet can be an ally and used well the future looks bright...

So stay tuned as I get things happening, and look forward to meeting some of my brothers and sisters, come share your thoughts and art, rage and wisdom, pictures of paradise or pictures of "paved paradise"..

Enjoy the ride

Hippy