In case your new to the North County Surf blog, you may have not seen the images on today's story 'Stoke! Art Gallery 1'. I've been doing THE Surf Report for almost 20 years now (first it was a fax to friends, then an email blast, and now the web- I'm shooting for TV next) and for almost 15 of those years I've included a 'Pic of the Week' on the report. So if you've only been following THE Surf Report the past few years, you may have missed some the oldies but goodies here. Considering how bad the surf has been the past year, I thought you'd like to see what real waves look like- just in case they ever show up again. Like the shot above. Can't tell you where- but it is in north county. During the crazy swell/offshore wind combo we had back in January of 2003. Haven't seen it that good since. And probably never will.
This definitely isn't California. Lack of condos on the bluffs and not a Walmart in sight is the dead giveaway. Kind of cool the double point effect- the fast walls out the back then the slow lines in the cove. Something for everyone.
Another shot that isn't California. Actually think it's in the same part of the world as the right point picture above (Middle East/North Africa). Wonder why no one is out? Other than the fact it's a little unstable over there.
Such a great shot. Not the biggest waves but just round and rippable. And the lack of kooks helps too. Shot in New Zealand. Air is cleaner down there, crime is lower, and apparently the surf is better too.
Another shot from the underside of the world. Or are we the ones who are upside down? Still can't figure out why water in the toilet bowl down there spins in the opposite direction. Anyway, just a fun empty point break. Kind of like Swami's back in the 1700's.
Don't know exactly where this is. Wish I was there though. Think it's in Indo. No chartered yachts in the background so just the photographer looks like he scored here. Imagine backdooring this thing? You'd be soooooo pitted! Sorry, getting a little excited here.
Which way would you go here? The quick easy round left barrel? Or do you like to drive and weave? So maybe the right's the call. Either way, looks like a pretty good set up. Maybe try both and decide first hand. Maybe do it blindfolded like the 'Pepsi/Coke' challenge? Ok, maybe not blindfolded.
One of my all time favorite shots. Easily top 10. And that's a big statement considering my Pic of the Week has featured close to 1,000 lineups. So why is this so special? A few reasons. First- it looks like a pretty rippable left. Second, there's a lot going on in the shot; the trees, a couple points are in play, the color. And third and most importantly- it's in the Mediterranean- Italy to be exact. Pretty awesome.
Another shot from the underworld. Not exactly Australia though. And not exactly New Zealand either. And definitely not Antarctica (no penguins is the dead giveaway). But rather Tasmania. If you can handle the brutal cold and stormy conditions 51 weeks out of the year, then this is the place for you.
Speaking of cold and stormy, here's a pic of the exact opposite of Tasmania: Ireland. One of my favorite all time destinations. Heaps of points, lots of surf, lack of crowds, and the friendliest people on earth. Must be all the free Guinness. Well not free, but it flows from the fountains in the parks. True story. Ok, more like wishful thinking.
Enjoy the pics and keep praying we get some surf soon! And look for another Stoke! Art Gallery before the end of the year.
