Much worry.
Surfing’s international governing bodies including, but not limited to, the World Surf League and the International Surfing Association are still recoiling from yesterday’s news that the Russian Dwarf Athletic Association has weighed in on an upcoming fight, calling it “unethical” and “a laughing show.”
The bout would pit 3’4 eighteen-year-old Hasbulla Magomedov against 3’5 seventeen-year-old Abdu Rozik.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CO7-1U6KID3/
Russian Dwarf Athletic Association chief Uliana Podpalnaya, breaking with traditional silence, released a damning statement declaring, “There’s nothing serious about this, this isn’t sport. This is unethical, wrong, from my point of view. It seems to be that only on the one hand it can be correct and beautiful – if martial arts among small people are made a Paralympic sport. It could be Judo, Karate, and people will understand that this is a serious sport, serious performances, and not some kind of laughing show. Events like this don’t draw attention to the sport of little people. If interest in this appears, it’s only business a lot of money is being invested in it. And from the point of view of the sports career growth of these guys, there are no prospects.”
Surfing’s bosses, well aware of both the general small to medium stature of professional surfers and the fact that many consider surfing, as a sport, to be unethical and wrong, are said to be extremely worried that the sentiment will cross from the fight game to the surf one and professional surfing, itself, will become a target of protest ahead of its Olympic debut.
Hasbulla Magomedov, in the meantime, has become a hero to surf journalists everywhere.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPeIWJGHFz7/
The World Surfing Games, in sensational El Salvador will enter its fourth day of competition with all eyes on Russia to see how the drama will unfold.
The World Surf League’s Jeep Surf Ranch Pro presented by Barefoot Wine is just over two weeks away.
Much hand ringing especially as Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch does no favors with regard to the optics of height.
And is also considered unethical and wrong.
More as the story develops.
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https://youtu.be/EQlgrw31St0
“The World Surf League’s Jeep Surf Ranch Pro presented by Barefoot Wine is just over two weeks away”
Oh gee.
I can’t.
Wait.
If BG does the usual live commenting, it might be amusing if NOONE says anything.
Nada.
Zip.
If a single comment should soil the page, it would give a micro-crumb of validation to the event.
10,000.00 volunteer Olympic workers in Japan just quit yesterday.
You’re going to get cancelled shortly, Charlie.
that does in fact happen, when one’s reach exceeds their grasp
The R.D.A.A making mountains out of molehills here, this shouldn’t be a big deal. Huge news tho.
My interest in the Surf Ranch pro is dwarfed by the urge to watch paint dry
Paint Watch Pro.
Follow that urge.
jeez, for sure – definitely on my surf travel wish list now!
Anybody else see Sterling Spencer’s instagram stories just now? Might want to send him some love. Dude needs help ASAP.
If anyone knows sterling reach out. I saw this as well and he’s asking for help.
Found this off google:
https://www.reddit.com/r/su…
I hope he’s OK.
Never really thought about the ex pro surfers who have killed themselves like ex pro football players, possibly due to CTE. Interesting idea. Hope his treatment helps.
One of your longest bows yet. Must be a slow news day. How about an interview / opinion piece with some of those surfers who just showed up for one heat and then left poor old Fernando standing there.
You might bail too if Chris Cotes had transformed into Yog Soggoth and was stomping around screeching and gibbering, tearing heads off and eating souls due to the #poisonvaxuumkleaner #tajwasright.
they’re saying they’re making way for those still in the running for qualifying. I guess surfing is an idividual sport first and foremost and some of the best in the world are going to maximise their chances on the money wsl tour and the olympics and not fuck around at a free community contest. It is what it is but much respect to Italo for staying and giving back to the global surfing community – looks better that the pro’s that left.
Also, while many surfers said they were so proud to be X nationality before, they did jump at the chance to surf for Y nation as soon as the opportunity presented itself. Even Hawaiian like Mahina Maeda and Tatiana WW. Nothing wrong with being a global citizen but it does put some of the patriotic bullshit spouted before in its place when put to the acid test.
Kelly Slater also never surfed ISA WSG before the olympic qualifiers if I remember correctly – I’d love to know if that was more coincedental and he’d have liked to or whether he saw it as below his competitive level and interest as soon as he got on the ASP top 44? Anyway, I’m loving the ISA WSG broadcast, no-names, old legends with dual citizenship, QS warriors and CT guys all battling it out in good waves with knowledgable commentary and equal opportunity for guys and girls, rich and poor that made it there. Perfect surf contest entertainment – cheers!
The Caucasus’ are fucking wild.
edit: I wonder how a crowded lineup like Snapper would work in a place like Chechnya or Dagestan.
You’ve come up short on this article, Chas.
I was kinda questiiououning the relevevencee to the beach as welllll.
but Anti-depressive all the same.
remember when “click bait” used to be known as a “tall story”.
Reaching National Inquirer status these days Charles.
In all fairness, the guy at the top of National Enquirer for many years up until the merger in 2019 was named D. Pecker. So, yeah, there’s that.
Are you calling Chas a pecker?
I thought they were toddlers 4 or 5 tops.
When did Micro Hall take up boxing…? And isn’t he Irish?
“Is Pip going to slide into Gabriel’s spot?”
Aren’t they both married to Women!?
Since when that a factor?
Could surfing recover if ransomware Russians attack the WSL? Tread lightly?
“Russia if you’re listening… “
The Jeep Dwarf Ranch Pro.
…you pretty much need to be a Dwarf to properly get tubed in Smelly’s tub.
The first thing came to my mind was,….stand up barrels at the ranch for these guys.