Clips of the Day: Oz Fest

Sure the US has plenty of good surf and good surfers but there's something about Australia that just keeps it interesting. The style, the boards, the waves, the music- it always makes you look twice. Today's Clips of the Day is all about Australia- freesurf guys, pros, some unknowns, you name it. First up is Kai Neville's little short called 'Beauty Pockets. Starring Creed McTaggart, Dion Agius, and Mitch Coleburn. Heck- even the Australians have cool names- Mitch, Kai, Dion, and Creed. They should start a band. Anyway, a bunch of airs in this clip and Dion's bald head/beard combo. More cool names in this clip as Australia's young guns Jack Freestone, Mitch Crews, and Mikey Wright tear up some beachbreak barrels a few days before the Margaret River contest (congrats to Maui's Dusty Payne by the way). So what's been going on lately with Freestone, Crews, and Mikey? Jack is dating Alana Blanchard of course (as well as holding the current World Pro Junior title), Mitch Crews got a silver at the ISA World Games as well as a 2nd at the 4 Star in China (didn't know there was an ASP contest there this year?), and Mikey Wright is the brother of Owen and Quik Pro women's winner Tyler Wright. Oh- and he's a pretty good surfer too- only 16 and made the semi's of the Quik Pro trials.
 
Here's something to throw you for a loop- 2 time world champ Mick Fanning from Australia, riding an American Mayhem, and surfing in France. Oh- and he's sponsored by Red Bull from Austria. Did I leave anything out? Mick's got fantastic style, hence the judges awarding him 2 world titles. And one of his heroes is north county San Diego's own Taylor Knox. You're my boy Mick!

And last but not least, the return of Aussie flavor- Matt Wilkinson. Cool nickname like 'Wilko'- check. Clasic Aussie goofyfoot flair like Glen 'Mr. X' Winton- check. Solid Oz backing from Rip Curl- check. Matt's Clip of the Day is from a legendary Australian contest- the Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast. Heaps of backhand snaps from Wilko.

So enjoy the Aussie potpourri and start saving your money today for the trip of a lifetime to the land down under. And here's a bonus clip of one of Australia's greatest exports- Men at Work. You didn't think I'd leave them out, did you? Next week I'll post some GANGajang, Inxs, AC/DC, and Silverchair videos.