Famed surf filmmaker castigated by mommies for sharing harrowing clip of child getting flogged at Nazare
By Chas Smith
"I’m sorry but a 12 year old out there in these conditions, why? To prove what?"
Tim Bonython is the universally known, and respected, surf filmmakerwho does not miss a big swell almost anywhere in the world. His moving pictures stake awe, and fear, into hearts around the globe. Men and women skiding down great watery mountains, Davey Jones, ever frustrated with the invention of inflatable vests, waiting impatiently below.
Well, a day out at Nazare turned quite harrowing and especially for a young boy, the Belgian Kamiel Deraeve. But let’s allow Bonython to pick the story up here…
What a crazy situation it was as 12 year old @kamielderaeve fell on a wave right in front of us. Then got dragged in towards the rocks. @tocardosoo went to pick him up after getting the biggest flogging. Kamiel missed the pick up (not quite gabbing the sled) and then went on to get 5 bombs on the head and tells us he’s glad he went through it. But as Garrett @mcnamara_s says if you don’t enjoy it, then maybe you need to pack it in and do something else. I don’t think Kamiel enjoyed it but he definitely learned a lot from the experience. This kid has it. It just goes to show you how quick things change when your out there. PS you can see us flying over the back of the wave.. me @ivo_cacao @theseamountains
Impressive, no? Not according online mommies who raged at the abject recklessness of it all.
The actor Francisco Froes leading the charge with…”Until the day he doesn’t make it. What happens if the kid doesn’t make the next pick up? I’m sorry but a 12 year old out there in these conditions, why? To prove what? What happens to the parents if this kid dies out there?”
Followed by…
“Who are the parents who allow a 12 year old to go out with such waves? I am no surfer, but I take it that to deal with such waves it’s not only a matter of skill, but also of experience. And at that age you can’t have too much of it…”
“Gee, somebody thought that was a good idea? Who towed him in? I’m sure he’ll be back. Love the jet ski guys!! Great skills and bravery.”
“Totally not agree with this!!!!!”
“Seems like an unnecessary risk of multiple lives.”
“To me that looks insane sorry.”
“12 years ??? Fuck it… He doesn’t have the strength and lungs for this… Experience has nothing to do with age but muscle capacity.”
Etc.
But where do you find yourself in the debate? Team Vaya Con Dios or Team Mommy?
Please weigh in with personal stories and examples.
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Kelly Slater's wild online slam of woman who forgot to hit the park brake on her Porsche convertible.
Kelly Slater hailed for “best” and “most savage” online takedown ever!
By Derek Rielly
"When Kelly Slater jumps in you know you are doing something wrong."
The world’s greatest ever surfer – Kelly Slater – has been garlanded with universal praise by online commenters after his “best” and “most savage” Instagram takedown ever.
Kelly Slater, who has redefined the sport of surfing, has not only been a champion on the waves but also a formidable presence online. His ability to engage with fans and critics alike demonstrates a unique blend of charisma and sharp wit that keeps audiences captivated. In this article, we will explore the context of Slater’s online presence, the impact of his comments, and the reactions they evoke.
Slater, who turns fifty-three in just eight days, has long been quick to spike dullards and trolls with his his razor-sharp sword.
As we delve deeper into the dynamics of Slater’s online interactions, it’s essential to highlight how these encounters reflect broader trends in social media behavior. Many celebrities choose to overlook trolls, yet Slater’s approach consistently involves a direct rebuttal, turning each confrontation into a spectacle.
Kelly Slater’s Unmatched Online Presence
Regular readers of BeachGrit have thrilled to classics like,
These exchanges not only entertain but also showcase Slater’s personality, giving fans a glimpse into the mind of a legend. For example, his recent engagement on YouTube during a live-streamed Q&A revealed his thoughts on various topics, from surfing techniques to environmental advocacy, which further endears him to supporters.
Such feuds often attract the attention of fellow surfers and celebrities, amplifying the discourse surrounding Slater. His knack for turning mundane comments into viral moments positions him as a pivotal figure in the surfing community, as evidenced by the numerous articles and discussions that follow his posts.
In an age where social media can amplify any statement to a global audience, Slater’s comments resonate far beyond the surfing world. The dialogues he sparks often touch on larger social issues, prompting discussions that lead to increased awareness and sometimes even action from his followers.
In this latest instance, we witness not just a humorous take on a viral moment but also an opportunity for Slater to leverage his platform to communicate with a diverse audience. By sharing his perspective, he reinforces his role not only as an athlete but also as a cultural commentator.
A screaming woman is filmed chasing her Porsche convertible after presumably slipping it into neutral and taking the park brake off.
This moment highlights not only the importance of car safety but also the chaos that ensues in everyday life, serving as a reminder that even high-profile individuals can find humor in unexpected situations.
Moreover, the incident provides a lens through which we can examine societal norms around driving and personal safety. Slater’s comment, though humorous, invites us to reflect on the serious implications of negligence in everyday scenarios.
“Don’t read the comments girls,” Tom Iconic warns his almost half-a-million fans, correctly presuming it’ll turn into a gals are stupid free for all.
And, it’s here we find Slater who delivers the unforgettable coup de grâce,
“Forget driving. She can’t even run.”
Kelly Slater, King Of The Online Slam.
A short while ago, the comment had been liked almost three thousand times with fellow commenters heaping praise on Slater’s spontaneous brilliance.
“Savage!! Do it again!”
The blend of comedy and reflection is what makes Slater’s online persona so engaging. Fans appreciate the balance he strikes between lighthearted banter and meaningful commentary, making his social media presence more than just a showcase of his surfing prowess.
“When Slater jumps in you know you are doing something wrong.”
“hahaha this is one of the best!”
I’m yet to decide where it stands in the pantheon of Slater greats.
Do you think one of Slater’s best, an unforgettable utterance, or did you only smirk, not laugh?
Ultimately, the question posed about Slater’s commentary is reflective of a larger discourse on social media engagement. As users, we often ponder the impact of humor in serious conversations and whether the line between entertainment and commentary can ever be clearly drawn.
In conclusion, Kelly Slater continues to be a force both in and out of the water. His ability to captivate audiences through social media not only cements his status in surfing history but also demonstrates the evolving nature of celebrity interactions in the digital age.
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Erik Logan (insert) bringing his touch to Backdoor.
The curse of Erik Logan lurks as World Surf League forced to green light unfavorable Lexus Pipe Pro (at some point)
By Chas Smith
The Wall of Positive Noise officially cracks.
The Wall of Positive Noise has long been a World Surf League staple since its very first days as an organization in 2015 circa 1976. The fledgling “Global Home of Surfing” and its first brave leader, Paul Speaker, was entirely sunny about each and every aspect of its future. Surfing would soon be bigger than the National Football League.
Bigger than The Beatles.
Each subsequent Chief Executive carried the ultra-happy torch. Not a negative word was allowed to pass from the mouths, or fingers, of any WSL employees. Nothing in any shade of grey.
One decade circa five decades on, the League seems to be staggering under the haunting of its penultimate CEO Erik Logan. The Oklahoman with a magical wetsuit of armor burst onto the scene as President of the WSL Studios by way of Oprah Winfrey and quickly did such a poor job that the whole enterprise was shuttered and he was kicked upstairs to the big desk. There Logan sat, making Instagrams of himself, printing t-shirts of torsos and sucking the breath from professional surfers faces until he was viciously fired with the curtest statement ever.
“Erik Logan is no longer with the company.”
Except he is. That oleaginous ghost haunting, turning the Lexus Pipe Pro forecast to such garbage that the Wall of Positive Noise, itself, is seeing damage.
In an overnight message, the World Surf League shared, “With Wednesday, Feb 5 looking like a potential Finals Day, the plan is to run for three straight days starting Monday Feb. 3. But its the ocean so check back for tomorrow’s call at 7:45.”
Never, not once, in the past decade or five has the WSL delivered such a grumpy, grouchy, hopeless memo. A true bummer certain to dump cold water on even the hottest of surf fans.
“But it’s the ocean.”
So bleak.
But what sort of exorcism would the World Surf League need to do in order to chase the smarmy specter away?
I would imagine any thoughts welcome.
Update: Off for today putting dreamed about Wednesday Finals Day in jeopardy.
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Filipe Toledo, an Olympic star at Teahupoo, and celebrated like Eddie Aikau on t-shirt.
Surf brand honours world champ Filipe Toledo with set-to-be-iconic “Toledo Would Go” t-shirt!
By Derek Rielly
Toledo has won two world titles in small waves but has publicly struggled in waves breaking over reef and exceeding six feet.
Country Club Surf Brand is a small, made-from-home brand by a gun designer from Volcom who split the company after fourteen years. Joey Frizelle was there all through the good times, the great float and before the joint got bought out by the French luxe group Kering, owners of Gucci, Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta and finally, Authentic Group, makers of Juicy Couture’s outstanding velvet tracksuits (a personal fav.)
“It changed a lot for over that time,” says Joe, who was Volcom’s surf trunk designer of note.
His little light bulb moment for a brand centred around pools came when he was watching the Future Classic at Surf Ranch in 2017, the world’s second-ever major wave pool event, a contest where spectators were excluded.
“No one could see what was going on, it was so exclusive, so elitist and all of a sudden everyone had a comment about it, the death of surfing and so on. Everyone had an opinion on it.”
Joe said to a pal, “You know what’s so funny, somebody is going to have a wavepool brand and it’s going to be called Country Club Surf Club or something.”
Bing.
Joe went out and got the Instagram handle, bought the domain, and yelled from his Volcom cubicle, “Can somebody make a logo?”
By the time the afternoon had spilled into evening, he had a logo, a website, had posted photos on Instagram and had mocked up a full range of hats and tees.
The brand started as parody but Joe is anything but anti-tub. He hits the Waco pool when he can and even blew his money on the old Austin tank before it got bought out by KSWaveCo, demolished, and abandoned.
Tulsi Gabbard DNI confirmation hits major snag after revelation that husband is “as devoted to surfboard as he is to wife”
By Chas Smith
Wild times in Washington D.C.
Wild times in Washington D.C. as Donald J. Trump’s second week as President of the United States nears its end. Many executive orders signed. Much confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill with cabinet hopefuls facing off against dubious senators. Last week saw Pete Hegseth, Kash Patel, Bobby Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard facing a barrage of questions. Gabbard, wishing to become the Director of National Intelligence, is considered a 50-50 bet to make it through though her odds received a cruel blow after a stunning revelation.
Asked during her hearing if she considered the whistleblower Edward Snowden a traitor, the 43-year-old answered, “My heart is with my commitment to our Constitution and our nation’s security. I have shown throughout my almost 22 years of service in the military, as well as my time in Congress, how seriously I take the privilege of having access to classified information and our nation’s secrets, and that’s why I’m committed, if confirmed as director of national intelligence, to joining you in making sure that there is no future Snowden-type leak.”
Asked again, she responded, “Senator, I’m focused on the future and how we can prevent something like this from happening again.”
Many officials inside the White House were “rattled” by Gabbard’s response to the Snowden question, a person familiar with the White House’s thinking said, adding that she seemed unprepared.
The Snowden moment caught President Donald Trump’s attention, according to another person familiar with the White House’s thinking. As he watched a clip of it, Trump wondered aloud how her lack of a direct answer would play out, this person said.
“He was curious about how it would affect her chances at nomination or if it wouldn’t matter at all,” this person said.
That rattle grew much fiercer after the stunning bombshell dropped that Gabbard’s husband, Abraham Williams, loves his surfboard as much as he does her.
The Irish Star, examining the relationship, learned that the two met after Williams offered to take photos of Gabbard’s campaign, reporting:
The two quickly hit it off, bonding over their shared love for water sports. Surfing has always been a passion of Gabbard’s, something she makes time for amidst her busy political career. Williams, also hailing from Gabbard’s home state of Hawaii, was as devoted to his surfboard as he was to his wife. “Pretty soon, we were going on hikes, going surfing and spending as much time together as we could. Oftentimes that meant an early-morning surf before work,” Gabbard shared. During a surf session, Williams proposed to Gabbard and the two had a casual island wedding in 2015.
Boy oh boy.
We, here, all enjoy the surfing life but have you ever gone on the record to say that you are as devoted to your surfboard as you are to your spouse?
Would you trust someone whose spouse was as devoted to them as they were to their surfboard?
Like I stated, wild times.
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Jon Pyzel and Matt Biolos by @theneedforshutterspeed/Step Bros
