What a strange brew.

There was a time, but a few short months ago, when it was impossible to picture this world without Erin Brooks on the World Surf League Championship Tour. Canada’s finest-ever surf export, the 17-year-old had just stunned all-comers by winning the Fiji Pro as wildcard thus signaling that this world was embarking on a new maple leaf festooned era.

Surf fans greedily licked their lips at the prospect of Brooks joining Caitlin Simmers, Molly Picklum, Sawyer Lindblad and Tyler Wright making the women’s side of the draw much more interesting than the men’s.

A gilded new era.

But alas, things have not gone quite to plan and with one more Challenger Series event to go, the Saquarema Pro, Brooks has yet to qualify. Bella Kensworthy, and Isabella Nichols have already locked their slots along with the evergreen Sally Fitzgibbons, who has become an inspiration to all with her never-say-die attitude.

But not Brooks, who has the Spanish maatadora Nadia Erostarbe, Tahitian darling Vahine Fierro and Brazil’s own Luna Silva nipping at her great white northern heels.

What a strange brew.

With any sort of stumble, especially an early exit in the land of order and progress, Brooks will have to push qualification off until 2026, which certainly feels an eternity away.

A Canadian fanbase very much holding its breath, preparing for an extra-cold winter.

The Saquarema Pro kicks off in but three days, anyhow, and there might be enough justification to Open Thread: Live Chat. Thoughts on that?

More as the story develops.

"Vector Control are working closely to respond quickly to prevent mosquitoes from spreading the illness in this area."

Now, any surfer worth her salt is very familiar with dengue fever. The mosquito-borne virus is extremely common in those exotic tropical locales that feature desirable waves and the aforementioned adventuring wave sliders are tangentially aware of the aches and pains, high fever and rash associated with the nasty little bug. Even the surfer who prefers cold waters and cold weathers is at least aware of dengue as it was first fingered being the cause of Andy Irons’ untimely death.

Well, San Diego surfers are currently in a state of wide-eyed panic as the first-ever locally acquired dengue case has just been reported in an area more known for India Pale Ales and fussy street tacos.

The county is reporting that a resident of Escondido became bitten by a mosquito and developed the dengue while not traveling to an exotic tropical locale.

Dr. Ankita Kadakia, County interim public health officer, attempted to tamp down fear by declaring, “While the risk of widespread transmission of dengue remains low in San Diego County, County Public Health and Vector Control are working closely to respond quickly to prevent mosquitoes from spreading the illness in this area.”

He then began spraying Escondido residents’ houses with toxic chemicals in order to kill the li’l biters for it is those pesky ankle swarmers that are most responsible for spreading the disease.

While there have not been waves in San Diego for months, now, any surfer who wishes to visit is being encouraged to go to Lower Trestles instead.

Over to you, now. What is the most exotic disease you’ve ever acquired? On a trip to Middle East, many years ago, I was graced with amoebic dysentery and forced to spend a week in a Jordanian hospital on heavy IV.

Those were the days.