The tower to rise again.
The five ringed circus of Olympic surfing’s reprise in Teahupo’o is really… something. From glee in all corners, save Filipe Toledo’s, about the show being put on at “The Place of Broken Skulls,” to talk about replacing the old wooden judging tower with a new fangled aluminum one to “testing” how ecologically friendly it would be by driving a barge over the reef, it has all been nothing if not… comical.
Oh certainly not for the blessed few who actually call Teahupo’o home. For them, and by extension surfers everywhere, this is a matter of right and wrong. Of fighting the almost un-fightable battle against greed. Well, the French organizers, yesterday, declared that work on the tower will begin, again, this week after agreements were reached with the protesting locals.
According to the Associated Press, Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris Olympics organizing committee, is pressing ahead after sorting out a smaller barge that will run between the reef instead of over it. He also agreed that the first test “went very badly.”
There was no note regarding which protesting groups agreed and what they agreed to. Hopefully everyone is satisfied but, man, I’ve got to hand it to the French Olympic committee. The folk who live down at the end of the road are about as kind as they come. Infuriating them all a very heavy lift.
Also, importantly, what does Kanoa Igarashi think?
Faire un paiement est simple comme bonjour.
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Fk the corrupt French, once they’ve done their damage they’ll just fk off like they usually do …. move surfing to JBay
35K feet in the air above The County. (french?) toast. reading ’bout Chas Wolfe. can’t get any better than dat! did they let you land da plane? goo rrrilllla!
It’s too late… Correct me if I’m wrong but a reef doesn’t grow back overnight
kemper, florence, florence…1, 2, & 3 some other guy 4th Imau Devault just scored the first ten at backdoor!
<iframe width=”1280″ height=”720″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/emb…” title=”LIVE: 2023 Vans Pipe Masters Day 3 | Surf | VANS” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” allowfullscreen=””></iframe>
10 minutes to drop the score. 25.6.
ARE THEY RELATED ?
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General (and Governor) Ambrose Burnside
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Ivan ‘the bully’ Florence
John Senior?
It doesn’t matter how much facial hair he’s trying to hide behind, we all know Ivan is Kelly son.
touche
BEACHGRIT STILL EMBROILED IN FLORENCE HATEGATE IMBROGLIO
Days after ignoring (and then declaring hate for) the famous surfing Florence’s, mainstream tabloid site BeachGrit is continuing to ignore (and pour hate upon) the worlds most loved surfing family.
BeachGrits motivation is unknown at this stage, as in the past they’ve generally been supporters of the whole Florence family, even (the annoying one) Nathan.
Many bystanders have suggested that it may have something to do with facial hair envy, especially of the impressive, Civil War General and Governor of Rhode Island, Ambrose Burnside (the originator of sideburns) style worn by youngest brother Ivan (aka The Bully).
Does BeachGrit need the Florence’s more, or less, than the Florence’s need BeachGrit ?
How much broiling is too much ?
that brown acid is very good, ya?
The year 2050..Aliens have taken over the earth and restored the pipe masters deciding the title
no one – Jeez I miss the final at trestles
The optics of boats almost going over the falls, jetskis tearing around and the water world parking that is the channel in any decent swell isn’t exactly a great example of how to look after a reef. That said fuck the Olympics flexing.
Beach Grit – Ultra-Flex Optics Surf Candy
Mini trip to Montana?
Or meetings for planning November 6, 2024?
US joke?
May they all inspire you Barrelled
https://x.com/tomselliott/s…
A fascist dictatorship will look good on you. Just not my thing to follow the leader no matter what.
We all pitched in to send you one of these.
https://www.amazon.com/Anyo…
You should have spent that money on a nice dinner for a homeless veteran.
Now don’t you go all MP Hasan Bismet’n on us all now Negs
https://x.com/visegrad24/st…
Obviously got the chip in the Covid vaccine.
Speaking of the French, I recently watched Napoleon. Absolute shit! One of the most boring movies I have ever seen!
God fucking dammit. Was looking forward to that shit. On a scale of 1 to Sal Maskela, how bad is it?
The movie is primarily about his relationship with Josephine. It’s very disjointed and has nothing about his military genius, and the battle scenes are few and far apart.. It’s as if ELO’s beloved WSL studios made it!
My buddy went and saw it and said the same thing. Thanks for taking one for the team. I am hoping Openheimer and Killers of the flower moon are better.
I enjoyed Oppenheimer!
I found a cheaper and more eco frindly option for just $1,000
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At this very moment Dustin Barca is packing his coffin board bag with megaphones.
Heat #1: IT’S ON
Reef there’s a reef?
that da hui tattoo though.. can these coconut mokes just not tattoo themselves ever?….
This couldn’t be more on script with the way the IOC operates and the French manage their territories. Please show me an area of the world either has touched that is actually better off.
Sarajevo. Ok never mind.
Obviously Vietnam
I think Tony learned the age old notion that everybody has a price
I gotta know how long it took to write that up (unless it was an AI thingy)?
Good point. just now Google’s new AI gave me this answer in less than 2 seconds when I asked it to explain the controversy (freaky, albeit apparently as not up to date as Chas’s reporting):
“The proposed construction of an aluminum judging tower on the reef at Teahupoo, Tahiti, to judge Olympic surfing in 2024 has ignited significant controversy. Here’s a breakdown of the key issues:
**Environmental Concerns:**
* **Damage to the Reef:** Local residents and environmental groups are concerned that the construction will damage the fragile coral reef ecosystem. This includes potential harm from anchoring the tower, sedimentation, and accidental collisions with boats.
* **Impact on Marine Life:** The reef supports a diverse range of marine life, and disruption could have detrimental effects on the entire ecosystem.
* **Long-Term Consequences:** Critics argue that the tower will be a permanent fixture, even after the Olympics, and its presence could continue to negatively impact the environment.
**Community Concerns:**
* **Lack of Consultation:** Many locals feel that the project has been imposed upon them without proper consultation or consideration of their concerns.
* **Violation of Cultural Values:** Some argue that the tower disrespects the cultural and spiritual significance of the reef for the Tahitian people.
* **Economic Impact:** While some see economic benefits from the Olympics, others fear it will lead to increased tourism and development, jeopardizing the local way of life.
**Alternatives:**
* **Traditional Tower:** The existing wooden tower has been used for previous surf competitions and is seen as a more sustainable option.
* **Remote Judging:** Technology allows for judges to watch and score competitions from a distance, eliminating the need for a tower altogether.
* **Relocation:** Holding the competition at another location less environmentally sensitive has also been proposed.
**Current Status:**
* **Construction Paused:** Following protests and a petition with over 100,000 signatures, construction of the tower has been temporarily paused.
* **Discussions Ongoing:** Negotiations are underway between local authorities, Olympic organizers, and environmental groups to find a solution.
* **Uncertain Future:** It remains unclear whether the tower will be built, and if so, what modifications will be made to address the concerns raised.
The controversy surrounding the Teahupoo judging tower highlights the delicate balance between economic development and environmental protection. Finding a solution that satisfies all stakeholders will be crucial to ensuring a positive legacy for the Olympic Games and the future of Teahupoo.”
They forgot to mention that Kanoa Itchy Scratchy is a Tear-ho-poo local.
Harvard student also.
George Santos’ brother too!
Army v Navy fb? i think Navy won. both teams have a gnarly ground game, but selfish about passing the rock around…