"The perfect place to escape, exhale, and rejuvenate. A sleek yet soulful sanctuary."

Three years back, Mick Fanning threw what seemed to be an insane sum, three mill, on a joint off the beach and near the Coolangatta flight path in what is usually considered to be pretty down-at-heel Tugun.

The beach house at 5 Farrell Drive, Tugun, click if you want to examine more photos of it, backs onto a bird sanctuary, has an indoor skate ramp and a indoor-outdoor pool, and was a hot target for buyers in an already over-heated market when Mick Fanning bought it.

Three mill for a house a ten-minute walk from the beach and with big silver birds flying over it? Five years ago, you’d be stretched to catch a clueless interstate buyer willing to shovel a million bucks in its direction.

Oh but the times do change in the land of the great property bubble.

From the agent’s sale’s spiel,

This is it – the perfect place to escape, exhale, and rejuvenate. A sleek yet soulful sanctuary, it’s where you can disconnect from the chaos of daily life and reconnect with yourself and your family in privacy.

Tucked away on a 1269m2 block, a wildlife wonderland with turtles, swans, and pelicans awaits, complemented by 51m of creek frontage. Bathed in endless natural light, it invites you to relax in style or cook up a feast in the gourmet kitchen, complete with designer appliances. Enjoy this tranquil outlook everyday from an elevated alfresco deck, which seamlessly connects with an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area indoors. Sit and gaze at the moonlight from your balcony while the kids enjoy the huge backyard. You would be lucky to ever find another flat 1269m2 block this close to the ocean, only made possible by a historical aquastiion from a neighbour of addition land.

North-facing and endlessly captivating, contemporary elegance and functionality seamlessly co-exist over one single level. Custom windows ensure the lush and leafy outlook is only ever a glance away too, while low-maintenance finishes, such as the imported kiln dried panels, equals more time for family and fun. You don’t have to go far either to indulge your playful side,with a fully functional indoor half pipe here. 

Earlier today, PropTrack data revealed the house is currently the most viewed real estate listing in Queensland. And Fanning, who has ten million bucks worth of real estate on the southern GC, is hoping to ride what might be the last wave of the boom and slice off a two-mill profit, less capital gains tax, stamp duty, realtor fees and so on.

The joint goes to auction on November 23.

Hunk of metal flies off truck and spears through surfer's windscreen…

The French surfer, singer and model Justine Mauvin, who swings by the stage name Sibu Manaï when she’s hitting her wild ethno world fusion creole beats, was involved in a freak car accident while driving that pretty coastal road between La Grande Chaloupe and La Possession on Réunion Island. 

 

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The accident happened when a hunk of metal, which had fallen from a van, was thrown into the air after being run over by another vehicle.

The metal piece crashed through the windshield of Mauvin’s car, belting her in the head. 

According to local media, Mauvin, who is thirty-one, remains in intensive care and is in, clearly, a real serious condition.

Mauvin won the French longboard title twice, first in 2014 and then in 2016 and placed third at world’s.

Since her accident, several fans have attempted to pass themselves off as Mauvin’s close relatives to gain access to the hospital ward where she is being treated.

Mauvin’s state name, Sibu Manaï, if you’re wondering, is an Mentawai expression for “Cherish the flower, make it blossom, make it flourish.”

And Ashton Goggans cameos in top five for "creating an emotional connection that transcends the usual sports documentary formula."

In the rarefied air where the sun-kissed waves meet the ink-stained page, the world of surf journalism has its pantheon of literary gods whose words capture not just the thrill of the surf, but the soul of a culture that rides the boundary between sea and land. Among these chroniclers of liquid landscapes and sun-drenched dreams, one name looms with the gravitas of a well-worn, well-loved encyclopedia: Matt Warshaw.

Warshaw, the Historian of Waves

Picture this: A man whose life’s work is as vast and deep as the ocean he writes about. Matt Warshaw, with his Encyclopedia of Surfing, has not only documented the history of surfing but has become its custodian. His tome, a bible for the initiated, weaves together the tapestry of surfing’s past with the precision of a master craftsman. Warshaw’s narratives are not just stories; they are the threads in the fabric of surf culture, each chapter a testament to his dedication to preserving the ephemeral moments of triumph and turmoil that define the sport.

Warshaw’s journey began in the pages of Surfer Magazine, where he ascended to the role of editor, infusing the publication with a depth of history and insight that was both rare and revered. His books, from “The History of Surfing” to profiles of surfing legends, have become the touchstones for anyone seeking to understand the sport’s intricate dance with the sea.

Beyond the Waves: The Chroniclers

Yet, Warshaw is not alone in this aquatic literary world. Sean Doherty, with his lyrical prose and deep dives into the lives of surf icons like Michael Peterson and Mark Occhilupo, brings a narrative richness to the genre. His work, often imbued with the melancholy beauty of the Australian coast, reflects a profound connection to the sport’s roots and its characters.

Then there’s Derek Rielly, the provocateur. His work with Stab Magazine and BeachGrit has injected a dose of the irreverent, the bold, and sometimes the controversial into surf journalism. Rielly’s pen is as sharp as his wit, cutting through the froth to reveal the heart of surfing’s culture, warts and all. His foray into political biography with “Wednesdays with Bob” showcases his versatility, proving that his insight into human nature transcends the beach.

The New Wave: Innovation in Storytelling

Ashton Goggans, with his documentaries like “Andy Irons: Kissed by God”, has brought the visual storytelling aspect of surf journalism to new heights. His narratives blend the adrenaline of the sport with the personal stories of those who live it, creating an emotional connection that transcends the usual sports documentary formula.

Nick Carroll and Steve Pezman round out this illustrious group. Carroll, with his global perspective, and Pezman, with his founding of The Surfer’s Journal, have each contributed to making surf journalism not just about the ride but about the rider, the environment, and the philosophy that surrounds this unique way of life.

The Surfboard of Fame

In the annals of surf journalism, Matt Warshaw might well be considered the most respected, his work a lighthouse guiding enthusiasts through the foggy mists of history to the clear waters of understanding. Yet, like the best surf spots that are often secret, kept close by those who know them best, the title of “most respected” is a communal whisper, passed from one aficionado to another, each name revered in their own right for their contributions to this niche but passionate world.

This cadre of surf journalists doesn’t merely document; they elevate surfing from sport to art, from pastime to culture. In their hands, the surfboard becomes a metaphor for life itself—unpredictable, challenging, and ultimately, a journey worth the ride.