"But if you try sometimes, you just might get what you need."
It’s Triple Crown season on Oahu’s North Shore, though only the most ardent surf fan would know it. What was once the most important stretch of the year, Haleiwa, Sunset and mighty Pipeline back to back to back, the best ranked surfer over the series winning the fabled three pronged diadem, name etched in history books, has been reduced to… nothing.
Sunset, for example, ran last week in allegedly epic surf. Finn McGill bested Barron Mamiya, Josh Moniz and Kingston Panebianco in an all-Hawaiian men’s final. Tahiti’s Kiara Goold trounced countrywoman Aelana Vaast and Hawaiians Malia Lima and Moana Jones-Wong on the woman’s side.
The World Surf League described the conclusion as “iconic” though the only surf fans who would know were standing right there on the beach, watching the action with their very own eyeballs.
Triple Crown Goes Dark
For the entire contest, this first Triple Crown jewel, went un-streamed.
The second Triple Crown jewel, Haleiwa, will open its waiting period in three days time. Surfline, the World Surf League’s official forecasting partner, is calling for epic surf out of the gate. Kevin Wallis, director of forecasting and never wrong, poetically declaring, “Long period NW swell will arrive before dawn and build through the day, peaking late afternoon. As the swell peaks, widespread surf in the 2-2.5x overhead range is expected, while top breaks will be in the 3x+ overhead range (15-20’ faces).
It will almost certainly be an “iconic” start though, again, the only surf fans who will know will be standing right there on the beach, watching the action with their very own eyeballs.
For the entire contest, I think, will go un-streamed.
Surf fans on the mainland and in Australia, throughout Europe and all over Brazil desperate and sad, a gaping Triple Crown hole in hearts, though a hero on the way to save?
Way back in the 1997, you see, Sir Michael Philip really wanted to watch a the Akai-Singer Champions Trophy, a one-day cricket tournament held in Sharjah England, Pakistan, India and West Indies. Now, these were early internet days and the idea of “streaming” was but a fantasy. That did not stop Jagger, though. He created Jagged Internetworks to “produce and promote sports and entertainment events on the internet.”
Ted Mico, who had worked with the Rolling Stones since 1994 and helped form it all up, telling The Athletic, “He got it, and he got all the possibilities really quickly. So spin forwards, and when you’re on the road, and you don’t have access to Sky Sports or Channel 4, you’re a huge cricket fan, then what can the internet do? There’s a problem that could be solved here.”
Jagger and Mico went out and found Cricinfo, a sort of message board for cricket stats, and shared the idea with founder Simon King.
“It was just a cold phone call saying Mick Jagger wants to do this,” King declared. “They asked: ‘What do we need to do to make it happen?’. It wasn’t unusual at the time. We were one of the hottest properties on the internet.”
And off the whole business went.
Now, the “streaming,” it must be said, was not how we think of it today. The broadcast was audio commentary of the game with a new still image every five seconds. But still, the idea then execution unlocked what we all enjoy today.
Or rather could enjoy today, if the World Surf League got its act together and gave surf fans their Jagged Internetworks.
Triple Crown for the masses.
Triple Crown for you and me and our parents if they, too, are surf fans who don’t live on Oahu’s North Shore.
![The rolling stones - you can’t always get what you want (official video) [4k]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ef9QnZVpVd8/0.jpg "Triple Crown-Starved Surf Fans Turn Desperate Eyes Toward Mick Jagger 2")
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Sorry to say this not a WSL HQ issue this is a regional fuck up. Ever since Randy Rarick handed the reins to Marty Thomas the HI region has lost prize money and sponsors. It’s been a total disaster. Example – this past summer Marty’s lack of clout and connections, which is everything in Hawaii. He was unable to secure a permit for the QS regional at Bowls. He has also run contests w/o major sponsors for years. Randy was loved by many and never has a problem getting major sponsorships for events. Marty and his team has failed miserably. We need a better regional director that knows how to sell these events to advertisers. I have seen it firsthand – Sunset prize $$ $2000 for the winner – while the director is banking a nice salary all year (if you don’t know I’ll keep that discrete). This really started after Covid here in HI. With the lack of $$ for contests. However we see other regions doing much better. Now going into 2026 there are no excuses. BL has offered his help along with many others over the years to be turned away. Why – because the people currently involved – including the judges know they would not have a job. These people would have cleaned house and rebuilt the regional team with a more qualified staff from top to bottom. The WSL should be curious why the most prized tour events cannot obtain local or corporate sponsorships. Fire the whole staff. It literally cannot get any worse.
https://media0.giphy.com/me…
It’s just a shart away…
Vans owns the trademark for the Triple Crown of Surfing – any comment from anyone at Vans as to why there is no streaming and minimal prize money and media coverage?
What’s up with the AI podcasts?!? I got to about the 5 min mark on and had to turn it off. Terrible!
I think they are very good – we don’t have the budget for two voice talents, recording equipment, studio rental, weeks for the talent to read and learn the material and then; weeks of editing clips to make a single coherent 15 minute surfEXPLORE podcast.
The AI generated version is 100% sourced from the book text and presented very well, in my opinion.
Most people like it, some don’t –
On Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Youtube!
Content fine, but delivery sounds so much like sitcom canned laughter.
People did not like canned laughter when it was first used in television, either – now, no one says anything, it is completely normal.
So it will be with AI generated podcasts, like surfEXPLORE – conventionally recorded podcasts are not going anywhere, but using technology makes it possible to generate high-quality content at minimal production expense –
Haven’t watched a sitcom with fake laughter in 30 years, probably for an obvious reason. AI Podcasts are so far removed from being high quality product. Just because it’s clever, cheap and easy does not make it good. I’m a fan of AI, but the podcast realm is a miss. Just sounds flat, fake and soulless.
Why the actual fuck do you engage with this parasite. He’s always just peddling mainstream drivel. And then you go after the wrong people. “Just sayin”
Hahahahaha. I don’t give a fuck but in the last month or so Negs has called me a chest beating, flag waving, Okka wannabe tough cunt who sounds like hes from Dubbo RSL who is singularly bringing down the commentary levels on here to 1990 Tracks levels and who makes him embarrassed to be a white, straight man and for some reason should go read Inertia articles about rock climbing and how to stand up on a surfboard?
Now I know Kiwis have a huge chip on their shoulder about why all their Sheilas move over to get away from the cold and men who only want to root sheep but faaaaark me just get over it cunt and be grateful we take in all of yous
I never even had a go at him and just mentioned Stab readers are mainly complete kooks and KK is a bitter, carpet muncher who should be thankful for all she was gifted. Now we hear Negs spends his time listening to JSC “poddies” hahahaha
At least Kiwis are not descended from convicts – New Zealand was a colony of free settlement, not of prisoners transported to the antipodes for the “term of their natural life”, never to see Olde Englande, that green and pleasant land, again.
They stole their land from the Maori, the Kanaka Ma’oli, fair and square.
Haha yeh but we all know deep down most of them want to live in the lucky country and specifically the Goldie. John I have to say all though I dont agree with everything you say I admire the fact the fact you are willing to stand by your opinions. You took a lot of shit on Swellnet and stood your ground so respect to you sir. Life has become very sterile with everyone told they must think the same and I am a very speak as I think kinda guy so good onya cunt, although you’re the full Seppo wanker hahaha. Sorry Negs if you read this cuz I know it sounds very chest beating, Okker, wannabe tough cunt but I am convinced Mr Callahan is well travelled enough to see it was meant in humour
“I am a very speak as I think kinda guy so good onya cunt, although you’re the full Seppo wanker hahaha”
I’ll take that as a compliment, thanks.
Nothing wrong with having an opinion and standing behind it, good onya cunt for doing the same –
It was intended as a compliment so cheers for seeing it as such haha
The podcasts are on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube!
Have a go, mate –
Who are the wrong people? As for John, he’s an original character of the surf world, with a unique perspective and still hustling.
He’s a whore and you know it.
At least he’s whoring rather than boring.
I knew you’d come back with something purile. You didn’t answer the question. Why engage with a money whore?
I engage with everyone here. Don’t like someone. Block them. Win win
So you’ve just turned power crazy and only want hear from cunts whose opinions you agree with? No dramas just sounds like the “woke” modern world but at least you have the spuds to admit it
Just want opinions and conversations. The more varied the better. What we don’t want is the straight out the gate insults. It’s not talking , just lazy venting and it gets boring real quick and in turn puts people off from engaging.
Interesting you answer this comment of mine rather than the one below where I list your list of insults aimed at me over simple observations I have made over the articles on here. Can I make some observations about you or will it just be block, block win win? hahaha
Don’t play that “what poor me” game.
Anyway I gotta better shit to do than talking in circles about nothing.
Speaking of which, any time frame for the next installment of the Thurso story? I’m kind of on the edge of my seat over here🤣
Main characters just want to focus on the re-surf. But something will happen.
Haha mate it’s so ironic when you say that after insulting me after KK does a “poddy” with Mr Carrol doing that very thing. I really like ya mate but just can’t get my head around if I am supposed to be honest or pretend to be someone I am not and just “go with the flow”? I give it out and I am more than willing to take it but am I allowed to fight my corner and say what I actually feel?
Ok. Here’s an example. Cant remember exactly the words but I’ll wing it.
Option one. Zeke Lau is an utter fuckwit.
Option two. Zeke Lau is a utter fuckwit because… I know guy that were on tour and they said (insert amusing reasons} etc etc.
What option would you prefer want to read?
Well to me option one led on to me giving option two and allowed others to have their say. Not being a cunt but I “know” heaps of shit about surfers and the current tour that I wouldn’t breathe a word about cuz I would be throwing mates under the bus. That still doesn’t answer the question of why you have have chosen to insult me for my way of talking or if I am actually allowed to freely express my way of thinking even if its the opposite of yours? So again can I talk freely in the way of a bogan, chest thumping Okka wannabe hard cunt or will it trigger you like before?
Basically stick to option two first and a lot less of option one and you’ll be fine. Both ways you got to say Zeke is a fuckwit, but with one option others are interested and will engage. The other option is to be honest, basic bitch hairdresser chat with zero substance. This isn’t about you or me. It’s all for the benefit of the chat below the line.
It’s Friday night. Later.
Hahahahaha that makes zero sense but have a good night mate I am sure theres heaps going on down in your frozen area of surf. Are ya all going to cuddle up and listen to Mr Carrols and KKs “poddy”? haha
Fair enough I’ll wear that. But blocking breaks the narrative so I won’t.
Not at all – I have received many compliments on the Podcasts, from people who want to know how to do it themselves and people who are amazed at how good it is!
It’s not the generative AI that is the problem – it is people who are unable to digest the content because of the packaging.
Glad to see I’m balancing the scales then! because the packaging is leeching cancerous Mirco fibres into the food.
When the Eiffel Tower was built in Paris for the 1889 World’s Fair, Parisians hated it – an “eyesore” on the skyline, an iron abomination, etc.
When IM Pei built the glass Pyramid in the centre of the Louvre, Parisians hated it – a glass monstrosity, “too Chinese-y”, etc.
Now, the average Parisian can’t live without Eiffel’s tower OR Pei’s glass pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre.
People get used to it.
So they will with AI generated podcasts, especially when they are as good as the surfEXPLORE podcast.
You can listen to all six posted episodes on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or YouTube!
Materials 100% sourced from surfEXPORE: Discovering New Surfing Locations Worldwide –
For one that compliments you there are 50,000 silent ones tuning out.
People hate generative AI for the same reason they hate broken english in professional settings. Blaming people who can’t get past the packaging is arrogant and generally not business savvy.
Just saying…
Have you actually LISTENED to any of the six episodes of The surfEXPLORE Podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or YouTube?
To badmouth the AI generated conversational presentation and the 100% authentic content BEFORE you have listened to any of the episodes of the podcast is just stupid and serves no purpose whatsoever.
Just saying . . .
I’ve listened to enough generative AI to know that I don’t want to hear any more of it no matter what the content.
I get it if you are on a budget but defending AI generated speech is kind of sad.
I would think as a man of culture and civility you would understand the importance of the delivery of the spoken word and what it brings to the table. Generative AI just isn’t there yet.
As far as SurfExplore goes I don’t have the need for your product as I am more than capable of doing the research and figuring out logistics, but I am sure you have a niche market, so good for you.
Anyway dismiss it or dismiss me as you like, I am sure that attitude is going to win you very many loyal followers.
If you want to provide the budget for a conventional podcast, where we hire two voice talents, pay them for weeks to learn the material, pay for the time in a recording studio to record 28 chapters of material and pay a professional editor their hourly rate to sort out all the recordings into 28 comprehensible 15 minute podcasts, then please do –
If not, you can listen to the AI generated podcasts and by all means, WITHHOLD your opinion on both the quality of the presentation and the content of The surfEXPLORE Podcast series UNTIL you have listened to all six episodes posted thus far.
That would demonstrate both consideration and common sense.
Thank You.
You know what?
I will listen to one and post my review of it below the line.
I might even submit it above the line.
I’m thinking you aren’t going to be happy about it, but who knows?
Just listened to one, opinion still stands. But as promised I am going to write up a detailed review of it, SurfExplore and AI in general. After all any publicity is good publicity right?
Send it in!
If you already plan a negative review, don’t bother – we already know your opinion.
Just wasting everyone’s time
Seems like you are getting edgy over this one, which means this is going to be worth everyone’s time. You are right though, simply bashing you over the rocks would be juvenile.
I am simply going to articulate the finer points I take away from it, and leave it for the reader to decide.
Go ahead – make my day
Don’t worry guys. Koa Rothman is vlogging it.
yeah the triple crown was decimated by the WSL…….this year a regional event, one can only hope with the return of Pipe next year…sponsors will be found to upgrade Sunset and Haleiwa…bring it back so surfers can enjoy watching young and old compete in real waves, where your qualifying/world title actually is our highlight to finish the year off……
Punishment, you think?
nah just lack of cultural/commercial understanding….I mean we are going back to what really worked for our surfing culture!
Another fatal shark attack this morning on the east coast. Man dead woman fighting for her life
actually the woman died and the man fighting for his life….
Heavy.
I’ve surfed at Saltwater down the coast from there and it felt sharky AF.
Why is there an article about surfing on BG?
😂
If they can do live feeds from places like Nias, and there’s the Rothmans with their ‘bag of cash’ comp, heck even Middle Florence going live on the beach at that same time, let alone the feed done from Martin Daly’s boat for the pacific slob comp, and they’re tellin’ us that they can’t even show the Crown contests ?
What the actual fuuuuuck ?
Surely some of the hoards of Hawaii-based YouTubers etc could do something if it’s being ignored officially…
Some deep diving going on there Chas. Boundaries galore and sixes over the stand. Hawaii don’t cricket though. Betty Lou and Jags tandem riding at her home break would be worth a stream.
I want what keiths on
Black Bear Surf Club, we are waiting for a hero…
https://uploads.disquscdn.c…
And they are waiting to get in the black.
Black in the streets, red in the balance sheets
And here I thought lawyers didn’t understand numbers beyond their billables! BRAVO!
the ones who have to depose/cross-examine damages experts when business valuation is at issue tend to understand numbers though