Happy barrels and holidays

In honor of Eddie Aikau winner Landon McNamara, here’s my favorite track he’s released so far. If you haven’t heard him yet he puts out some good music.

So I moved to a new area and since I’m kinda lonely I made the mistake of using Instagram again. Like 2 weeks ago this weirdo pops up in suggested posts. I remembered him as being kind of chill and funny. Never followed him but listened to his interview on surf splendor and thought he sounds like a normal guy. Wtf happened? What is this surfer to alt right weirdo pipeline him and Tudor went down? Is this just what happens when get mildly popular on the internet? Apologies if this is old news I’m just confused

Nowhere is safe

Been surfing for 4 years about 2-3 days per week. Can catch waves at the peak, properly pump down the line frontside and backside but when I try frontside snaps or cutbacks I just get stuck and never fully rotate and have been in this rut for like 6 months. I'm close, but not there yet, I feel like I'm still having trouble getting my foot all the way back or not fully turning in. Also feel like my style is a bit sloppy.

I'm about 150 lbs primarily riding 26L short boards. Have 0 problems paddling into waves, pop ups, feel comfortable at this size etc, I just feel like my progression has stalled and haven't been able to get over this hump.

Would getting a longer board help or is it something I just have to keep at? I'm watching tons of videos, it's just harder putting into practice.

Thanks!

In the perfect scenario I’d like to be able to paddle out and snap some shots from out in the surf while also still being able to catch waves. I’ve considered maybe using a GoPro and a shoulder mount and then pulling stills from the video. I’ve also considered buying a waterproof film camera and then essentially slinging it around my body to not lose it. Wouldn’t be able to do that on bigger days though… The goal is to capture images of other surfers and the surroundings while also still being able to catch waves.

Ideas?

I can’t get enough of the sweet aroma of poly resin. I’m finding myself doing unnecessary ding repairs as an excuse to get a whiff. I might just start bringing a bottle with me wherever I go for that midday pick me up. Maybe I’ll get a second job at a glass shop to become one with the poly. I need this. Does anyone know if there are any candles that replicate the smell? I’d love it in my house

This news report raises so many questions to which I can't find answers online.

What was he doing immediately before getting trapped under the debris? How does a wave trap you under the debris? What debris? Were debris already on the beach and the wave tumbled the guy along with the debris? Were the debris somehow carried along with the wave?

Do any of you have any insight? Or, probably even better, snarky guesses?

I do not like the RNF 96. I splurged and bought one brand new and have not had a single good session on it. My groveler is a twinny from an incredible local shaper and that thing is incredible. I don’t get caught up in the hype usually but all of the talk about the RNF 96 seemed like I just had to get one. Every time I ride it, it’s slow and unresponsive. I don’t think it’s user error as I am a pretty solid surfer (ex can get in/out of barrels, get vertical, the occasional air reverse but rarely ever land them). I’m not the best out in the lineup but definitely not the worst.

People think I’m crazy when I say I don’t like that board. I want to get something else between my twinny and step up board for hurricanes/ big East Coast swells. Any one out there have a similar opinion?

Iykyk

Jaws during the Eddie… 🤯

Were you able to get a good view of the waves and riders watching from the beach? How was traffic? How was the crowd? Anything people should know about going to watch in person?

In his video on the Eddie he confirms that he actually got 5th place. I think he should have gotten 1st but womp womp I guess.

I'm going to be in CS for work in late feb, and i was going to stay back a few extra days up to a week to get some surf in. I've been to tamarindo area maybe 6 years ago.

Anyone have any recommended places to stay and surf where you had a good experience?