"Why a beachside Australian village turned down the World Surf League."
The Guardian is the UK broadsheet for the discerning eco-left virtue signaller who cares deeply about the working class as long as they stay out of their garden and think buying a five quid pack of vegan sausages is radical direct action.
They do occasionally print some actual journalism though, one of the only UK nationals that still do that these days.
They’re also the only example of an internationally known paper, as far as I can ascertain, that’s printed anything about The Lennox Head WSL Fiasco.
Quite a long piece in fact, that isn’t even that embarrassing.
They appear to have gone for the classic “quaint little surf town opposes lure of vulgar capitalist super-spreader” angle, plus the usual references to John John, Gabby, Slater, et al for the clicks.
The whole thing kind of reminds me of that film Local Hero.
There’re some quotes from both the mayor, deputy mayor and the “head local”, and a reference to a possible protest paddle-out, almost certainly the first time that phrase has ever been printed in any international broadsheet.
Weird though that the disgruntlement of locals is referred to under the umbrella grievance of not being “able to use headlands for seventeen days over period the competition held and set up [sic]”.
Aforementioned vulgar capitalist super-spreaders are given their say right at the end.
“Unfortunately, the timing is not right to move forward with the event as planned as the council did not approve our proposed event permit. We appreciate the feedback from all stakeholders who were consulted and look forward to exploring alternative locations for a fourth championship tour event in Australia in 2021.”
So dry and corporate you can barely detect the reek of sour grapes.
The only serious major omission?
Stab gets a mention but no credit at all to BeachGrit’s own tireless investigative efforts.
They’ll be getting a strongly worded letter.
Ah yes agreed on the last point. As a Santa Cruz guy I was sorely disappointed when I saw the lane on the schedule. Not even saying sc isn’t fucked already, it is, I just don’t think more exposure helps from the WSL. Although I hear you about the friends worldwide, travel elsewhere has done that for me.
I guess thanks are in order for giving up your coastline for so long. They’re about the only contests that are still appointment viewing for many of us. Aspirational is waves, I suppose.
Easy on the millennials. Some of us got Grom beatings too… served me right if I’m being honest.
How many visitors come in showing respect vs. how many that don’t? Not the clueless type of no respect but the they should know better type?
I’ve gotten along relatively well in my few times there, but am always cognizant of not overstepping.
Climate: the weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.
Weather: the state of the atmosphere at a place and time as regards heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.
well this explains a lot about where you fit into surfing .
You are a fan of surfing and have gleaned most of your surf history from the surf media…fair enough!
I have never bought a surf mag in my life , do not subscribe to any surf sites……but I have a great network of friends where we chat amongst each other……
Once upon a time before social media , contests were a meeting place where ideas were exchanged and tested….
The town needs to pick it’s battles. Far bigger fish to fry than an international surfing event in Lennox. Few mobilize around those issues.
that’s a compliment coming from you , as everything you say….if you do the opposite you are guaranteed to be successful!
Mate BG locals hate it when you call out the truth , facts are stubborn but most on here choose to ignore the facts arround the selfish pricks that where led by Greenough and Nat Connelly , Cole ,Lynch and the whole Byron Bay Farm gang .
as opposed to someone like you who has done so much for surfing…..so tell us what have you ever done for surfing?
Time for Dirk Ziff to cut off the WSL’s Air Supply!
Nick are you aware that the ATP are about to hold the Australian Open in Melbourne? An event WAY bigger than any surfing event. All they have to do is quarantine for 2 weeks upon entering the country. No big deal and that’s the rules that apply to anyone entering the country. The results kind of speak for themselves and it’s easy to do if your country is an island.
Jeez Nick are you ok?
The ones who are the mugs are the WSL for shitting on Bells from a great height. Torquay and the whole surf coast support Bells 100%.
Why isn’t anyone asking the big question WHY?
You really shouldn’t be surprised that small towns with good surf aren’t welcoming of comps. Yeah I reckon it’s short sighted too, and I personally would have voted to hold the comp because it’s not like Lennox Head is some sort of mysto spot like Mexico, and nor is it some spot with heavy locals like Cactus or the NW of WA.
yep….why not Bells , already having a 1200 person International Tennis tournament i Melbourne…hotels ready , support from local community/Government and already existing License and Govt $’s…..hmmm maybe NSW paid more
oh shut up Nik, once again embarassing yourself as conspiracy theory nutter…..and just so you know I actually created /innovated and worked fucking hard helping the ASP surfers , and working with the best surfers in the world , progressing design….conquering frontiers…
WTF have you ever done?
Thats some CV , why are you not running the WSL.or at least representing the atheletes , or working for Surfing Australia , or coaching at the higj performance center , or running surfing Victoria , or running a surf school etc why ?
I choose to surf design and shape……and help out when needed……you seem like a pretty blunt tool when it comes to surfing……so you would know if you were a bit sharper and new the history of surfing…..that I do not support the current status quo of surfing….mediocrity at best…….so tell me what amazing things have you done for surfing or community?
I think the covid thing is overblown too but the rest of your comment is BS.
nice story but what about the old ninnies from the residents association who didn’t want it?
the local landcare, surf reserve?
no one wanted it.
I’m sure your narrative applied to a few.
.26% of 9 billion is 23400000
On average about 6000 people die from lightning in a year
Sounds like you’re projecting Corey
Thanks EG. I actually prefer non-binary communicator of weather patterns of the queer kind, if possible.
Gabriel got so sick of everyone calling him
Gay on beachgrit he married his beard
I wonder if the other 10,000 residents may of enjoyed the influx of business. But hey, at least a few grumpy see you next tuesdays don’t have to sacrifice a week of literally playing in the ocean.
businesses are overflowing , you can’t fit another cunt in over Easter.
sugar hit when the town is overloaded, nah.
does the joint need more inflated real estate?
business case is the weakest plank in the argument.
Given the developments rolling out over the hill, I reckon there will be enough people crocking up the main street to keep the businesses happy year round rather than the summer holiday peaks.
Interesting to see that WSL has a 5 year contract with Victoria /Bells for Easter…and the WSL has not even told their Victorian partners that a deal has been done with NSW “Visit NSW”….to have a CT event in NSW….
So WSL /Starky have burnt their bridge at Bells for Easter….now there might be a comp in competition with NSW Easter event……..as the Vic Govt could easily do a National event during Easter and put 500K in prize $’s….200 K for first …I wonder if Mick /Joel / etc would come out of retirement …..and ya win a Bell , and couple of 100 K….
Brutus, I mean this with all due respect- fuck those has beens.
Like Micktory or Joel or Taj needs any more money…. fuck them.
Plenty of kids out there that can step up given the opportunity.
yeah but you need a few World Champs…..and surfers with a strong profile….then feed in other surfers…….just doing it so as WSL/NSW have their ambush marketing delivered ove Easter…..
WoSL are fools
Starkey is a conman
I wish you all the best having to deal with all those type of non-surfing people…
Starky is a surfer , and on the verge of being a conman…as there are lotsa stories when he was head of Surfing Australia and the scams…now the WSL…..he is a scammer, has he had a kickback from NSW?
The Guardian is great. You might even catch CMM on a spurs thread.
Not I?
You might catch me on an Aberdeen thread, or a Minnesota Timberwolves thread, or generally dangling by a thread, but nary a Spurs thread.
But I second the vote for The Guardian, despite what this cunt above thinks. Everything’s alt left or alt right or alt fucking sideways. The Guardian still does some bloody good journalism, and it still does it for free.
Fuck anyone who doesn’t see that they’re trying to fight the good fight in a world of shit and misinformation.
The Guardian? They are so conservative they backed union jack Starmer. There are alternatives, thankfully.
I don’t pay much attention to politics. I like stories.
Stories are politics
Fair enough. There must be another rough nut with a similar moniker over there.
Yes it is quality journalism on the whole. Not overly left leaning either, if you ask me.