Captain Kais World

Ultimate X 2012 - Event Wrap Up & Video

2012-02-24T11:19:00.000+02:00

Girls & FMX Bikes are always a great combo! (Photo: Ultimate X/Pierre Marqua)

Now that the dust has settled and we have all recovered from the heat wave that was last Saturday, I can finally put to paper my thoughts on the 2012 Ultimate X. I dont need to get that verbose or even write a whole soliloquy - bottom line is, Ultimate X 2012 was bloody marvelous!

The event has grown every year, but this year saw a massive jump. A large part of this had to do with the new Skate and Bmx park. The levels of riding in the park were simply mind blowing. The best skating and Bmx I have seen in a very long time. (Dont believe me, just take a gander at the video below!) Many of the local riders were a little intimidated by the course, due to the fact that we dont have a park this size in the Cape. This needs to change in order to up the level of riding. Guys like, Greg Illingworth (Bmx Winner), showed that they have been riding overseas in massive parks, with their flow through the course and utilizing different lines on every run.

Big Park meant big tricks! (Photo: Ultimate X/Pierre Marqua)

Instead of having a huge bunch of riders in the FMX, the organizers chose to keep the field tight and had the two best guys in Southern Africa. This was a great decision. Nick de Wit and Alistair Sayers put on an amazing Fmx display that had the crowd eating out of the palm of their hands. Multiple backflips, huge extensions and the showmanship only guys who have performed on the World Stage could bring to the event. Ultimate X brought the best and we were all stoked to see it!

The Huge crowd loved the Fmx. (Photo: Ultimate X/Pierre Marqua)

The Wake boys put on a show, but the Jetski is a problem. The wake slows things down and not having a high extended rope certainly limited the size of airs off of the kicker. Rumor has it that their is going to be a cable system for next year. We can but hope, it would be epic.There were no huge problems on the day. We witnessed amazing riding and all in all the event was an incredible success. I am really looking forward to seeing what they come up with for next year. Ultimate X in Jozi? (Who knows what could happen...)

Talk about close to the action! (Photo: Ultimate X/Pierre Marqua)

Ken Block launches 2012 Rally Car & Schedule

2012-02-23T10:33:00.000+02:00

In a word, I am super "Amped", for 2012 and more of Ken Block's antics in his Ford Fiesta Rally Car. The man responsible for the now infamous "Gymkhana" videos and of course DC Shoes, will be taking on the World Rally Cross championship, Rally America, X Games and another Gymkhana World Tour. I am looking good for X Games and hope to meet the man while I am there. Never one to take himself to seriously, Ken launched the new cars with the help of comedian, Nic Swarsdon. Good to know Ken can laugh at himself...

Jeb Corliss meets Table Mountain while Flying

2012-02-22T15:17:00.000+02:00

A while ago the net was abuzz with Wingsuit master, Jeb Corliss, crashing on Table Mountain. The video was kept off of the net till now and here it is. What amazes me the most is not the actual crash, but that he managed to control it and actually survive. He ended up with two smashed legs, but it could have easily been his life.

LenTen Megaloop Challenge - The Video

2012-02-22T12:23:00.000+02:00

Lewis Crathern wowed the judges to win the firstever LEN10 Megaloop Challenge (Photo: Red Bull/Kolesky)

The first ever Len10 Megaloop Challenge went down last Friday at Big Bay. I was there and the kite guys were busting big Megaloops. Red Bull always put on a good show and definitely know how to host the guys watching. Check the video and press release below. NB - Ruben went out for a demo just before the final and on his first jump had one of the biggest wipes I have ever seen!! Check the video!

Brit pulls out all the stops to win ‘Mega’ kiteboarding event in Big Bay, Cape Town

The wind was pumping and kites were flying high as Lewis Crathern wowed the judges to win the first ever LEN10 Megaloop Challenge in Cape Town.Crathern, from Worthing in the UK, went up against Sam Light (UK) and Gianni Aragno (ESP) in the final. “I was just stoked to have been in the final with two of my best friends. A megaloop isn’t the easiest trick because you have to try and get height while trying to get your kite as horizontal as possible. I’ve been coming to Cape Town to kiteboard for the last six years and I love it here. The people are friendly and the weather and wind conditions are perfect here,” he commented. Brainchild of Red Bull Athlete and ‘King of the Megaloop’ Ruben Lenten (NED), the LEN10 Megaloop Challenge saw 24 participants compete in a format new to kiteboarding competitions. Ruben remarked: “All the riders and spectators were excited about the format which gives the guys time to pull their best moves and score high. I’m happy that such a big crowd came down to see the guys pull some gnarly tricks and see some pretty epic wipeouts too – which is just as much part of kiteboarding as landing the trick.”Participants were scored on the height, technique and the style in which they executed the megaloop with.LEN10 Megaloop Challenge winner, Crathern and the other finalists had decided before they went out for the final to split the prize money – it wasn’t about the prize but rather spending a good day out doing what they love. He does, however, walk away with a one-of-a-kind trophy and a photo shoot with renowned South African action sports photographer, Craig Kolesky.Ruben Lenten is keen to bring the competition back even bigger in 2013 and throw himself into the mix. “We’re going to push the limits of kiteboarding even more.”

Captain Kai's World on 2OV Fm - Show 25 Podcast

2012-02-21T15:51:00.000+02:00

It was an action packed weekend in cape Town, starting with the Red Bull Len10 Megaloop Challenge on Friday. Ruben Lenten joined us in studio to talk about the successful first time event. Saturday saw the best X festival in the history of our dear South Africa, with the Ultimate X 2012. The best of our nation's FMX, Skate, Wake and BMX stars entertained the crowd for a massive prize purse and I had Red Bull Athletes Buddy Chellan and Jean Marc in studio to chat about the event. Dustin from Skull Candy joined me in grilling the boys!

Download the Podcast here - Captain Kai's World Show 25
(Right click and Save As)

The Africa Project Roadshow

2012-02-21T11:59:00.000+02:00

Jason Hearn's 'The Africa Project' documents the beauty and potential of the African coastline.

For those that missed out on the premiere of The Africa Project, held in Cape Town at the end of last year, you'll be stoked to hear that Jason will be bringing the stoke to a town near you soon.

The Africa Project roadshow kicks off in Mossel Bay on the 28th of February, before drifting up the coast and stopping by most major towns along the way. (See schedule below for dates that they'll be in your hood)

The Africa Project is supported by Oakley and O'Neill and at each of the stops they will be giving away one pair of Oakley Frogskins Sunnies, as well as a pair of O'Neill Jordy Freak boardies - so make sure you're there.

DVD copies of the movie will also be available at each of the venues, and you can grab yourself a copy of this epic flick for R300.

Look out for the Africa Project Roadshow coming to a town near you:

Mossel Bay – Tuesday 28 February 2012
Venue: Big Blu Tapas Bar - 7:00pm for 7:30pm start
Complimentary snack platters will be available
Contact Jake Nel on 084 308 1404 for more info

Plettenberg Bay – Wednesday 29 February 2012
Venue: Surf Cafe - (2 screenings) 16:30 to 6:00pm and 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Contact Blue on 082 807 0895 for more info

Jeffreys Bay - Thursday 1 March 2012
Venue: The Mexican Restaurant - 7:00pm for 7:30pm start
Contact Warren Dean on 082 574 7642 for more info

Port Elizabeth - Friday 2 March 2012
Venue: Chingadas Mexican Cantina - R40 entrance includes a plate of Nachos - 6:30pm for 7:00pm start
Contact Josh on 083 459 2260 for more info

Port Alfred - Saturday 3 March 2012
Venue: Round Table Clubhouse - Time: 7:00pm
Contact Warwick Heny on 082 491 2020 for more info

East London - Sunday 4 March 2012
Venue: Buccaneers Bar and Restaurant - 7:00pm for 7:30pm start
contact Harold on 043 743 5171 for more info

Durban - Wednesday 7 March 2012
Venue: To be confirmed

Spex takes Pipeline DK Title for the Saffers

2012-02-20T13:43:00.001+02:00

Sacha "Spex" Specker pretty stoked with his first win on the IBA tour. (Photo: IBA/Trouville)

If anyone was ever bothered to ask me about Spex, I would have told you he is one of the greatest waterman I know. Whether dominating on his bodyboard, surfing equally well, diving or swimming for shots, the guy is dam good! (He also dates one of the world's best female surfers.) He is a patriotic Saffer and the nicest guy you will ever meet. So I am very stoked that he took the DK podium at the Pipeline Challenge. The contest had insane waves with huge performances by the world's best. Check the other day's highlights as well!

As the only non-Hawaiian in today’s dropknee final, South African, Sacha Specker, was a clear underdog. He had been in a final twice before but never tasted victory, until today. He sat slightly wide of the Hawaiians and went about picking off waves that were running along the inside reef at Pipe. “It’s an incredible feeling winning this event. It’s a bit of a dream still. I think it’ll kick in tomorrow, when we play the Aussies in cricket”, said Specker.The Hawaiians, Miles Kauhaahaa, Bud Miyamoto and Kainoa Mcgee, put on great performances in the rounds leading up to the final, weaving their ways through the tricky barrels at Backdoor and Pipe. Kauhaahaa rode the highest scoring wave of the event- a long barrel at Backdoor. Miyamoto had the highest scoring wave of the final-a long deep barrel at Pipe- punctuated with a cutback that threw buckets of spray over the back of the wave. He was unable to find a back up wave and came second to Specker by 3.91 points.

Rockstar 69 Calendar Shoot 2011/2012

2012-02-20T10:34:00.000+02:00

Seems you cant run an American Energy Drink brand these days without doing a sexy Calendar shoot. I brought you the other American brand's shoot earlier this year and it was so popular, I thought I must bring you this one too. Sure to brighten up your Monday morning...

Len10 MegaLoop Challenge - Waiting Period starts today!

2012-02-16T10:51:00.000+02:00

Ruben Lenten showing the plebs how to MegaLoop (Photo: Kolesky/Nikon/Lexar)

Every summer Ruben Lenten (NED), professional Kiteboarder and King of theMegaLoop, descends on Cape Town for the prime summer and wind conditions. This year sees Ruben, together with hisfriend and fellow Kiteboarder Aaron Hadlow, challenge 24 amateur kiteboardersto compete in the LEN10 MegaLoop Challenge in Big Bay, Blouberg .

Big air equals a big score.

“A megaloop is when you go full circlewith the kite – right through the power zone. As judges, Aaron and I willbe looking at the style, height, length, enthusiasm and speed each kiteboarderexecutes their MegaLoop with”, says Ruben.

In true kiteboardingtradition the best wipeout will be also rewarded. As the competition requires wind speedsupwards of 30 knots a window period from the 16^th to the 26thFebruary 2012 has been secured to ensure optimal wind conditions. (

The Captain's Tip - conditions look amazing for Friday 17th!)

The winner on the day will take homeR10,000 and a photo shoot with renowned action sports photographer CraigKolesky.

Eager challengers are encouraged to headto www.redbull.co.zafor more information.

Ruben Lenten (NED) was just twelve years old when he took up the sport of Kiteboarding. With no kiting schools around in the early days of the sport, Ruben had to learn the hard way – taking four long months of crashing and swimming back to shore to get up (and stay up on the board). Once he got the hang of it he knew that this would be a way to express himself and started riding as much as he could.Soon, at the age of 14, a coach (Former Dutch National champion, Steph de Jong) and a sponsor recognised Ruben’s talent. This gave him the opportunity to start travelling and developing skills faster. Within three years he competed on the highest level and was the Number 2 Kiteboarder in the world – second only to one of his now best friends, Aaron Hadlow.In 2005, Ruben took top honours in Red Bull King of the Air in Maui, Hawaii where he competed in the big air format against his legendary watersports athlete Robbie Naish, and defeating Robbie right on his home turf.Right before the start of the 2006 World Tour, Ruben had a serious crash leaving him injured and unable to compete in the first few events of the tour. With him unable to score points to keep his ranking, he decided not to compete but rather focus on freeriding and finding new challenges.Since then his focus has remained on, as he puts it, “doing some pretty gnarly tricks with my kite”. He’s all about big air and loves riding in the strongest winds. “I’m pretty stoked to have kiteboarding as my job. The ocean is my playground, what more could I ask for?”Ruben is dedicated to pushing the sport and developing kiteboarding gear as much as possible, all while doing some pretty extreme stuff on his kiteboard.

Follow Ruben Lenten on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RubenLEN10 and on

Twitter: www.twitter.com/RubenLEN10.

His new website www.rubenlenten.com will be live soon with more crazy action, stay tuned!

Captain Kai's World on www.2ov.fm - Show 24 Podcast

2012-02-14T14:46:00.000+02:00

With the Ultimate X event coming this Saturday, thats pretty much what we spoke about on the show, with a lot of good tunes for your listening pleasure. I had Dylan - or MR Cape Town - as he is more commonly known, Rupert von T, the commentator on Saturday, Markus from Ultimate X and a short visit by hopeful weather girl, Amy, or Good Guerrilla. Red Bull's Buddy Chellan was supposed to join us, but went missing in action - he probably found a new dirt track line and got distracted.

Really looking forward to the Ultimate X this Saturday and I will have FMX star, "Sick" Nick de Wit in studio next week, for the event wrap up.

Download Show 24 PODCAST HERE

Check out the Ultimate X Teaser from last year...

Wilko Whiplash in Sumbawa

2012-02-14T13:05:00.000+02:00

Wilko has been hot and cold on the WCT, but when he has fired it has been a pleasure to watch. He thought he would prepare for the start of the tour later this month, with a short trip to Sumbawa in Indonesia. There, he proceeded to annihilate every wave, whether left or right, that came across his path. Trust me on this - Wilko is going to surprise some folks on the WCT this year!

For more from Wilko follow his blog - Out 2 Brunch

Bruce Irons surfs Teahupoo Blind

2012-02-10T13:18:00.000+02:00

Bruce Irons is a tube riding freak. We all know this, yet he feels the need to rub our faces in it by paddling into thick and juicy tubes, backhand, with a blindfold on. Just watch how he drags his hand to feel where he is on the face of the wave, so he can adjust his line. Beautiful to watch.

Bruce Irons is so comfortable at Teahupoo he can ride the tube BLINDFOLDED! How about you? Wanna know the secrets to the somewhat mystical art of BACKHAND TUBERIDING?
(Wanna know where to place that shoulder, that hand, how to apply the brakes with a leg or a butt? How to grab your edges on the takeoff and square up inside the hole?) It's all in the latest issue, out now!

Stab Magazine

Film by Chris Bryan
Stills by Morgan Maassen and Domenic Mosqueira
Surf forecasting by Magic Seaweed
Blindfolds by Sam Elsom
Underwear by Tweeds
Clip by Shinya Dalby

Ultimate X 2012 Preview - Win Ticket Hampers

2012-02-08T11:06:00.000+02:00

Get ready to be happy people, because Ultimate X is back and it is going to be bigger than ever. Every year the event has improved and every year it is blessed with the hottest day of the year. So get your best X gear on, pack the sunblock, take your liver pills and start amping on the 18th February 2012!

This year the event has an R80'000 prize pool for the BMX, Skate, Wake and FMX crew. That is by far the most cash at any action sports event in SA ever and it will ensure that only the best riders are competing for your enjoyment. Last year the highlight was definitely the FMX show and with both "Sick" Nick de Wit and Alistair Sayers confirmed for this year, you can expect backflip mayhem at the V&A Waterfront.

COMPETITION
I have a marvelous prize pack from the lovely guys at Ultimate X to give away:

2x Tickets To ULTIMATE X 2012 (Incl the After Party at Zula)
The Good Life DVD (Their Xtreme Sports Show On Supersport)
Truth Soul Armor Tee (http://truthsoularmor.com/)
A Pair Of Lundun Sunnies (http://lundunworld.com/)
A Pair Of Zipz Shoes (http://zipzshoes.com/)
Red Bull Bulletin Magazine
Red Bull Energy Pack
DC Key Chain
Sticker Pack (DC & FOX)

To win, you simply have to Tweet myself (@KapteinKai) and Ultimate X (@Ultimate_X) that you are now following us on Twitter (Obviously we will check if you are.) and tell us which event (Skate/Wake/BMX/FMX) you are most amped to see. (Hot photos always help, though they have no bearing, haha)

Winner will be announced my my radio show, Monday 13 February, 8-10pm on www.2ov.fm

Find out more by following Ultimate X:
Ultimate X Website www.ultimatex.co.za
OSP Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/Old.School.Productions.South.Africa
Ultimate X Twitter @Ultimate_X_
Computicket Link http://online.computicket.com/web/event/ultimate_x_2012/517430574

Check out the Highlites video form last year!

Red Bull Supernatural 2012 - Travis Rice wins! Check the video

2012-02-07T14:33:00.000+02:00

Travis Rice wins his own contest... (Photo: Red Bull)

Travis Rice, not content with changing how we all film Action Sports and specifically Snowboarding, created the Red Bull Supernatural event. To say it will revolutionize competitive snowboarding would be a grave understatement! Of course, inviting 18 of the top boarders in the world did not count for much, because Travis decided to win his own contest. He is the best, there is no denying it. The bulk of the video footage will only be available after the network special in the States, but here is a taster or 2...

Waiting for Lighting - the Danny Way Documentary

2012-02-02T12:28:00.000+02:00

I have been waiting a long time for the Danny Way documentary! The man has led from the forefront of skating for over 2 decades and introduced the world to the Mega Ramp concept. Many of his peers have been documented and had their stories told over the years, but finally we get to see the whole Danny Way Story in - Waiting for Lightning.

I will definately be hoping for South African premiers of this film and will keep you guys in the loop!

Mutant Pipeline on Day 3 of the Volcom Pipe Pro 2012

2012-02-02T11:45:00.002+02:00

Monster Pipe Tubes were the call for the day! Balram Stack from NY charging... (Photo: ASP)

Day 3 of the Pipe Pro and it was one third carnage to two thirds mutant tubes! The Saffers woke up to monster Pipeline and the chirps were flying thick and fast on twitter and FB between the North Shore and South Africa. We had three guys in Round 3, Shaun Joubert, Brandon Jackson and Rudy Palmboom. None made it through the round, but watching their heats it was easy to see they tried their best. The waves were huge, scary and all over the show and none of the boys let team SA down.Personally, I would have been terrified just sitting on the beach, where a number of spectators got washed into the shore break! The final day will be posted as soon as the web video goes live.

The Best of Winter X Games 2012

2012-02-01T14:41:00.000+02:00

WOW - that's my first response at this year's Winter X Games. There were so many firsts from Shaun White's perfect 100 score in the Men's Superpipe leading to his 5 Peat, also a first. Then there was the first ever Snowmobile Frontflip for Gold and let's not forget that horrible double backflip attempt that ended in tragedy. Here is the "Best of' video for 2012...

All of these amazing rides, runs and wins were not enough to take my number 1 highlight, which in 2012 went to one man, Mark McMorris. He became the first person to win double Gold at Winter X, by taking out both the Slopestyle and Big Air events. First up was the Big Air where he pulled the first ever Triple Cork in competition...

After the highs of this win, Mark decided it was not enough and he had to ride one of the biggest and cleanest Slopestyle runs of all time. Check out the incredible scale of the giant rail transfer, followed by huge airs over the kickers. All of this added up to the Gold for Mark...

An amazing event and I cannot wait for the Summer Games of 2012!

Winter X Games 2012 - Worst Wipe, Justin Hoyer Snowmobile Crash

2012-02-01T12:53:00.000+02:00

Ok, so there were many major wipes during the course of this year's Winter X Games, but this one had to hurt the most. Justin Hoyer, attempting the double backflip on his Snowmobile, gets the rotation all wrong and nose dives it to getting rolled over. He tries to get up and walk away, but clearly more damage than he thought. Good news is, he has been discharged from the hospital.

Captain Kais World on www.2ov.fm - Show 22 Podcast

2012-01-31T14:15:00.000+02:00

I finally got Lord Bryson (Royden) into studio, thanks to his new shoe sponsor, Vans. Warbot from Vans also joined us and of course the lovely guys and gal from the very talented, Bilderberg Motel. With Lord Bryson on the show (He won an event in Scotland and was given the Title), we were always going to talk surfing. Also listened to 3 of the new Bilderberg Motel tracks and looked ahead to this weekend's, Up the Creek Festival. Some lucky chaps won a pair of new sneaks each from Vans.

Download the Show Podcast here - Captain Kai's World Show 22
(Right Click, Save AS)

Download the new EP here - Bilderberg Motel

Check out VANS here - VANS

Shaun White rides a perfect 100 point ride gets the X Games Five Peats

2012-01-31T10:50:00.000+02:00

The flying tomato, Shaun White, proves that he is the best Pipe rider in the world at X Games 2012, with a perfect 100 point ride. This took the gold for Shaun which also meant he took the first ever X Games Winter Five Peats. (Meaning he has won the Superpipe Gold 5 times now.) Those not clued up on Snowboarding may wonder why he got a perfect score for this run. Its simple, huge elevation (Take a look how far out the Pipe he is on his first setup air.), two perfect double corks (Meaning he is rotating off axis) and an absolutely flawless run, with no wobbles or sketches. The man is the king! For more X Games madness check out their YouTube.

Volcom Pipe Pro Day 2 - swell dropped, but still cooking!

2012-01-31T00:58:00.000+02:00

Costa Rican, Carlos Munoz on his way to a 10 Point Ride. (Photo: ASP)

Another day and another tube fest from the North Shore. Costa Rican youngster, Carlos Munoz, came out of nowhere to get a 10 point ride and impress the Pipe community. Chris Ward was back from injury and charging both Backdoor and Pipeline. For the South Africans, Rudy Palmboom Jnr secured a well deserved 2nd place to proceed to Round 3, where he joins Brandon Jackson and Shaun Joubert. The 2 Saffers find them selves in the same Round 3 heat, so we can only hope they lock out the other 2 guys and proceed to round 4. For more on the contest go to the Volcom Pipe Pro or the ASP Website.

These guys need to add some tunes and editing to their video, but some great behind the scenes footage and interviews...

First ever Snowmobile Front Flip at the Winter X Games 2012

2012-01-30T15:43:00.001+02:00

Winter X Games 2012 has been full of huge results and momentous occasions, but this must be one of the biggest! The first ever Front Flip on a Snowmobile in competition, by Heath Frisby, won him a Gold Medal. I will have all the highlights from the Games during the week for you!

Wok gets stumped...

2012-01-30T14:13:00.000+02:00

Well known surfer and blogger, Wok, recently lost his lady to a well known cricket player in SA. He wanted to show the rest of us just how sneaky and devious those cricketers can be, so he made a re-enactment of how it all went down - in his own head. This is bloody marvelous and funny. (Please note no cricket players were harmed in the making of this spoof.)

Viscious Pipeline for Round 1 of the Volcom 2012

2012-01-29T17:55:00.000+02:00

The Trials and Round 1 of competition went down at macking Pipeline, with warped, monster tubes and massive wipeouts going down. The carnage went on until the organizers realized it was getting to big and wild and they called it off for the day. Check out long time Pipe Master, Derek Ho getting absolutely guillotined! Pipeline took no prisoners!

Moto 3 Unleashes!

2012-01-26T11:00:00.000+02:00

Ok dirt fans, get ready for this. The teaser starts a little slow, but trust me, just hang on, it will be worth it!

The awesome new Motocross movie "Moto 3" by The Assignment Moving Picture Co! Featured Riders: Ryan Villopoto, Ken Roczen, Justin Barcia, Taylor Robert, Shane Watts, Jeffrey Herlings, Adam Cianciarulo, Kyle Redmond, Cody Webb, Destry Abbott, Colton Haaker, Ryan Sipes, Kevin Rookstool and so many more...

Rolling Retro 2012 - Best Day of the Year

2012-01-25T12:59:00.001+02:00


Rolling Retro Smiles - 2012 was amazing! (Photo: Kolesky/Nikon/Lexar)

I am sitting at my desk, 4 days after the event and I can't help but smile. The photos, the video, the messages from people who came, the write ups on all the other blogs and websites and of course my pure and joyous memories of the day (Those not addled by all the beer consumed.), all lead up to one simple conclusion - Rolling Retro is the most fun and awesome day on the SA Surf calendar and boy I am proud to be a part of it.A large part of the success must go down to my home and beach of Llandudno. There are very few places where you have such beautiful surroundings, the amazing Lifesaving Club and waves that do not suck! The people, the rad peeps, who came out in their droves, dressed to the hilt and ready to have a good time - they helped to. Then there was the weather, baking hot, hardly a breath of wind and of course the freaky warm water that saw many people surfing in boardshorts and costumes. All of these lead me to one inexplicable conclusion - the Rolling Retro is blessed!

I don't think I have ever seen so many people enjoying the stoke of surfing together for one day in one place. It was hard not to though. With over 40 classic retro surfboards from Vudu Surf to choose from, a heat with just you and your mates being allowed to dominate the line up and gorgeous people everywhere, this was a day made for enjoyment!

Huge thanks must go to the team who assisted with making this event a reality again. Namely Robby McDonald and the Vudu Surf team, Cheo and Arno from RVCA, Roosta, Debi, Amy, Caylin, Sally, Gavin, the Llandusno Lifesavers and community, Dene Botha, Seth and the Red Bull Team, Warbot for the beats, all the photographers and journalists, Paul and troy with theGoodLife and of course you guys, the people who came and made the day what it was. (If I have forgotten anyone, please forgive me!)
Sponsors: Vudu Surf, RVCA, Red Bull, theGoodLife, Hurricane, Backsberg, Indo Sole, Wet Sac, Reef Wetsuits, Mrs Palmers

We are seriously looking forward to more great events in the future and of course the return of the Rolling Retro in 2013.Enjoy the photos:

Jordy Smith doing what he does best - Ripping! (Photo: Kolesky/Nikon/Lexar)

The viewing Gallery at LDD Lifesaving Club (Photo: Kolesky/Nikon/Lexar)

Vudu Surf's awesome Retro Collection. (Photo: Kolesky/Nikon/Lexar)

Pottamus the Bull Dog gets in on the action. (Photo: Kolesky/Nikon/Lexar)


Llandudno delivering once again for Rolling Retro. (Photo: Ant Fox)

Roosta ripping an old Quad Fin (Photo: Ant Fox)

The beach was packed & covered by RVCA Brollies. (Photo: Johnson)

I was one happy Captain! (Photo: Johnson)

For more photos go check theGoodLife's page for the big Rolling Retro Album - HERE

Captain Kai's World Show 21 on www.2ov.fm - Download the Podcast

2012-01-24T16:28:00.001+02:00

With the launch of the Cape Town Tattoo Expo this week, I had Allan and Manuela Grey on the show to give us the lowdown on the Expo and all the associated entertainment. We also announced the winners of the Tattoo Expo Competition live on air.After the Tattoo Expo we moved onto surfing and the Rolling Retro surf day. My guests were Craig and Ryan Butcher from Hurricane Surf. We covered the contest scene, the surf industry in general and how lucky Craig is to live in France...Dustin from Skull candy was with me the whole show and helped me keep it in order... haha.

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE - Captain Kai's World Show 21
(Right click and save as.)

Check out the Tattoo Expo - HERE

Check out Hurricane - HERE

Check out Skull Candy - HERE

In the time of Beaver Tails and Single Fins - Rolling Retro Returns

2012-01-19T12:06:00.000+02:00

The Fool showing everyone how it is done in 2011. (Photo: Winston)

There was a time in the evolution of surfing culture that stands out above all others. It was a time that spanned 3 decades, from "Free Love", oceanic Longboards and family waves , to rock & roll and Single Fin charging and finally synthesizer music, Luminescent everything and Twin Fins. Yes these were the Retro days of surfing through the 60's, 70's and 80's. Most of us cannot remember those years, though we fondly know of them through the media and tales from our salty and much older surf brethren. But the good news is that for one day every year those years return to us. For one day we can be what our parents were in their hedonistic youth, for one day we can all Roll Retro!

The boards are more important than Roosta, Royden and myself... (Photo: Winston)

Last year saw over 500 people come join in the fun of the Rolling Retro surf day at LLandudno and over 5000 beers consumed. Families, groms, girls, woman, boys, men and even those rare creatures, the Pro Surfer. No one was judged, there were no first or even last places. Everyone got to surf their dream Retro surfboard and everyone walked away with a prize. This year is no different and this Saturday we will once again experience the past, while having an absolute party and good times.Robby McDonald of Vudu Surf brings around 40 retro boards from his collection to the beach, so fear not if you dont own a retro board. We do however hope that you will bring your own boards if you have them, as we love to see old boards.

Roosta doing weird and wonderful things on a very old board. (Photo: Winston)

Prizes for the Day:
- Best Wave (Male, Female & Grom)
- Best Dressed (Male & Female)
- Best Retro Bikini
- Best Retro Board
- Best Retro Wetsuitand a couple more throughout the day!

The event is at the Llandudno Lifesaving Club, while the prize giving and after party will be held at the Suikerbossie above Hout Bay and Llandudno. The Lifeguards will have food, cold drinks and sweets for sale and the Club Bar will be open.

NB: Llandudno is now a "Blue Flag" beach so be aware of the following:
No dogs
No drinking on the beach
If you park illegally it is likely that you will be fined
Increased law enforcement (keep it tidy please)
Parking will be at a premium, so get there early, or you will be walking from up the hill.

Details of the Event and Common Questions:
Date: Saturday 21 January 2012
Entry: R100 (You will get a limited edition Rolling Retro TShirt & go into the draw for a Twin Fin replica, but only 100 places available.)
Registration: 9am at Llandudno Lifesaving ClubHeats start at 11am and continue to around 6pm.Lifesaving Club will close at 7:30pm!

Prize Giving & After Party at Suikerbossie:
Prize Giving: 8pm
Entry: R50, includes a deluxe Boerie Roll or Veg Roll (If you entered the Retro, you will just pay R20 for the Boerie.)
Live Music and DJ Warbot till Midnight.We HOPE you remain in your retro gear!

Any media enquiries can be directed to me at - kaisurf@yahoo.com

A kid called Talent - Skate Prodigy from the streets of Durban

2012-01-18T15:03:00.001+02:00

I first met Thalente a few years ago when we headed up to Dallas Oberholzer's Indigo Skate Camp for a crazy downhill comp in the Valley of a Thousand Hills. We went down to his shop at the North Beach skate park on Durban's beachfront and I was confronted by a very cheeky and extremely "talented" young black skater, who wanted to know who I was there to film. I introduced him to the crazy Austrians I was with and he ended up spending the next few days with us skating around Durban.
When we heard his story of running away from home and how he was living on the streets, we were very moved. But more than this tale of tragedy, was the huge amount of stoke this kid put out there, as well as gallons of confidence. I said then that this kid from the streets could have a massive future and Thalente did not disappoint. He skates really well and is super technical. He enjoys his life and spreads the stoke of skating wherever he goes. So enjoy this video and support local skaters and great initiatives like Indigo Skate Camp! http://www.indigoskatecamp.co.za/

Captain Kai's World on www.2ov.fm - Show 20 Podcast

2012-01-17T14:59:00.000+02:00

With the build up to the Rolling Retro event this coming Saturday, I had Cheo Kraak, RVCA SA, Robby McDonald, Vudu Surf, Chad Du Toit and Jordy Smith on the show. We covered the Retro Surf comp, the North Shore season just passed, the upcoming 2012 ASP Surf Tour and the state of South African surfing. Had a good time, much red wine and beer was consumed and there were a couple of good laughs! Spike from Wavescape came along and gave us the green light with a good forecast for small waves and good weather.

Download Captain Kai's World Show 20 here: Download Podcast

Check out the Rolling Retro event Page on Facebook HERE

Jeb Corliss crashes into Table Mountain while flying with a Wingsuit

2012-01-17T14:16:00.000+02:00

Jeb Corliss is one of the best known base jumpers in the world. Some of his previous web videos have garnered thousands of views on Youtube. But, in a sport that pushes the boundaries of safety like this, you are never guaranteed of a safe landing. Yesterday, while filming on Table Mountain, he clipped the edge of a ledge while proximity flying over the mountain. Miraculously he survived, how is a question he will be asking himself for a very long time. When you watch the slow motion replay, try count how many times he flips and then realize how fast he was going when he impacted. I wish Jeff a speedy recovery and hope he will return to what he does best - namely freaking us mere mortals out!

4th Cape town International Tattoo Convention - win with the Captain

2012-01-16T13:24:00.001+02:00

So, it's officially 1 week to go till the 4th Cape Town International Tattoo Convention. The team behind the Convention have been putting in many hours to ensure a fantastic event and some of the best tattoo artists in SA will be there, as well as some international stars. I have not crossed the bridge of ink as yet, but it has been something I wanted to do for ages, so this year's Convention will act as my sounding board and I am pretty sure I will have decided on my first ink by the time it is finished.

If you have any interest in the art of Tattoo, art in general or just like hanging out with interesting and non-sheepish people, this will be an event you don't want to miss!
The good news is that I have a bunch of prizes to give away and its really easy to win!

Twitter Competition: R1000 Tattoo voucher to be redeemed at the tattoo convention.
All you have to is send me a picture of the Tattoo you want to get, or tell us about what you want. Tweet myself @KapteinKai and @CapeTattExpo12 with the Hashtag #Tattoo
(I will announce the winner next week, Monday 23rd January, on my radio show - 8-10pm on www.2ov.fm)

Facebook Competition: VIP ticket to the tattoo convention, a Deluxe shave at Barnet Fair, a Bottle of Sailor Jerry Rum and 2 x after party tickets to Assembly.
All you have to do is post a picture of your favorite Tattoo on our Facebook Page - theGoodLife
(I will announce the winner next week, Monday 23 January, on my radio show - 8-10pm on www.2ov.fm)

Southern Ink Xposure - the biggest tattoo event in the southern hemisphere, is only one week away from opening its doors and organisers are promising another world class event celebrating global tattoo culture. Continuing to raise the bar of a world class, week-long event that celebrates all that is good about global tattoo culture in a uniquely South African setting, the fourth Southern Ink Xposure tattoo convention will open its doors to Cape Town on January 24th, 2012.

Kicking off the week-long celebration of the ancient art of tattooing, the Loft Studios in Bree Street will launch the fourth Cape Town International Tattoo Convention event with the opening of three art exhibitions.
Body Of Work – a mixed-media exhibition that explores and reinterprets the tattoo (and in particular, traditional tattoo motifs) as a contemporary art form.
Helmets – some of the country’s best tattoo artists have added their art to some custom-designed motorcycle helmets. These one-of-a-kind artworks will be auctioned after the convention with all proceeds going to a chosen charity.
Tattoo-themed Putt-Putt course – an art installation that has taken the concept of the traditional miniature golf course and turned it on its head. Each uniquely conceived and constructed hole on this functional Putt-Putt course carries its own “old school” tattoo theme. Themes such as “True Love”, “Mexican Skull”, “Man’s Ruin”, sailor tattoos and others will feature.

For the remainder of the weekend, the Cape Town International Tattoo Convention will again give thousands of South Africans and travellers from abroad the opportunity to get inked by some of the world’s most in-demand tattoo artists, at a hygienic, safe, friendly and entertainment-filled event. 70 booths, 20 vendors, floor shows featuring Burlesque dancing, acrobatic displays, sword-swallowing, live music and more, the Putt-Putt course, and a few more special surprises besides, will keep the curious and the tattoo-hungry completely entertained while the artists get down to work.

Making this event the biggest international tattoo convention on the continent, tattoo artists from some fifteen different countries this year, among them the USA, Spain, , the UK, France, Belgium, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Argentina, Kenya, Canada, with a strong showing of our own South African talent, will be in attendance amounting to almost 100 artists in total! Attendees can look forward to thrilling in the artworks of big-name tattoo legends such as Robert Hernandez (Sp), La Astrid (Nor), Benjamin Moss (US), , Manuela Gray (SA), Jay Jay (SWE), Rev. Simon White (SA), Joe Johns (USA), Tyler Murphy (SA), Milo Marcer (SA), Derek Baker (SA), Gordon Claus (Ger), (SA), Laura Juan (SP), , Thomas Alvarado (US) and Tom Yak (US).

Being more than “just a tattoo convention”, S.I.X 2012 aims to again paint the town in multi-chromatic hues with art exhibitions and live music events storming different and diverse venues across the city. Johannesburg rock kings the Shadowclub will be holding stage at The Assembly (Saturday 28th) in a bid for “Death Or Glory”, playing alongside aKING, Dead Lucky and The Pits. One lucky party goer will take home a Fender guitar courtesy of Paul Bothner Music.On Friday night, bands The Great Apes, Wolftown, and rockabilly rousers Them Tornados will further add to the soundtrack of what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of good music, and awesome tattoos at the Hold Fast party staged at the Harley-Davidson clubhouse in Zonnebloem.

Tickets are available for either the full weekend (R250 p/p) or on a single day pass (R100 P/P), available from Computicket outlets and at the following tattoo parlours in Cape Town: Wildfire Tattoos (Long Street & Canal Walk); Metal Machine (city); Sins of Style (city); Mob Inc Tattoo Bistro (Sea Point); Body Architects (Claremont)! The events’ Twitter and Facebook groups and pages will be keeping fans up to date with the latest developments and additions in the lead up to, and during, the convention opening. The convention’s website www.capetattooconvention.co.za also contains a wealth of information for those looking to book their next tattoo, or merely find out who, where, what and why.

The convention opening hours will be:
Friday 27 January: 5pm –11pm.
Saturday 28 January: 11am – 10pm.
Sunday 29 January: 12pm – 8pm.

Giant Jaws Paddle Session - with Grant "Twiggy" Baker

2012-01-14T11:32:00.000+02:00

The recent paddle session at Jaws, Maui, has the whole world fascinated. The videos have been doing the rounds and the youtube views multiplying. Our very own Twig and Kate were there for the action and while Kate filmed from the safety of the cliffs - no doubt holding her breath anyway, every time Twig got hammered - Twig was out there with the boys charging.

I caught up with him online and got his feedback on this historic session...

Cpt Kai: How big was it out there?
Twig: Pretty dam big to be paddling, but what made it worse was how strong the offshore was and this is the most difficult wind to deal with in big waves.

Cpt Kai: It looked pretty crowded - is this common in surf this size?
Twig: It's becoming more and more common and that's why it's been a mission of mine to move out from the more popular big wave spots trying to find something new and less crowded. Saying that only, 10 real waves where ridden that day and only 3-5 of them where completed so the crowd wasn't the issue, the wave was!!

Cpt Kai: How bad were the beatings?
Very bad, I saw so many guys tombstoning for what seemed like an eternity, but because it was my first time out there paddling I was pretty conservative and didn't get beaten to badly.

Cpt Kai: How were your waves?
Twig: I had three waves in 6 hours, one I shared with another surfer, one I wiped out on the takeoff and one I took off behind the bowl and made it so all in all it was a good day.

Cpt Kai: Is this a sign of things to come, less tow on the really big days, as more guys start paddling?
Twig: Yes, tow surfing is a dying sport and from here on out there will be guys paddling every big swell at the known spots. We had a day at Dungeons this year that we should have paddled but ended up towing and I can't see that happening again.

Cpt Kai: What was the biggest wave made that day?
Twig: Dave Wassel had the biggest wave and will probably be the new world record holder, but he just went straight and Dorian had a huge one that he made around the corner.

Cpt Kai: Where to next Twig?
Twig: Just traveling the world surfing and trying to find new uncrowded areas to hang out and get some waves with a few close friends...

We hope you find those waves my man and good luck on your travels (Lucky Bastard, hehe).

Giant Teahupoo on a Phantom Cam - Happy Friday 13th

2012-01-13T15:27:00.000+02:00

This is simply terrifying to be absolutely honest. Yes, the 1000 Frames per second footage is beautiful and the music is trippy and amazing, but the bottom line is that the waves these guys were catching this day, are scary, horrible, mutant monster waves that would rather kill you than let you make them. So happy Friday 13th, get your freak on...

This day at Teahupoo- Aug 27th 2011 during the Billabong Pro waiting period is what many are calling the biggest and gnarliest Teahupoo ever ridden. Chris Bryan was fortunate enough to be there working for Billabong on a day that will go down in the history of big wave surfing. The French Navy labeled this day a double code red prohibiting and threatening to arrest anyone that entered the water.Kelly Slater described the day by saying "witnessing this was a draining feeling being terrified for other people's lives all day long, it's life or death. Letting go of that rope one time can change your life and not many people will ever experience that in their life."All images where shot by Chris Bryan using the Phantom HD Gold camera. To see more of Chris' work check out his website. WWW.CHRISBRYANFILMS.COMMusic: Lower Your Eyelids to Die with the Sun' by M83.by Chris Bryan

Red Bull Supernatural - Travis Rice changes Snowboarding forever...

2012-01-13T12:45:00.000+02:00

Travis Rice has made a career out of pushing the limits of Snowboarding. (Photo: Red Bull)

No snowboarding event has made me this excited ever! My only dissapointment is that we will not be getting the live broadcast here in South Africa. (You Seppos are a lucky bunch!) Travis Rice, tired of the politics and slow progression of modern competitive snowboarding, has created a giant backcountry snow park, which Red Bull have invited the World's best to come compete on. It is going to be outrageous...

Snowboarding legend Travis Rice spent most of his past winters traveling around the globe in the search of the best natural features to perform his breathtaking snowboarding stunts, as one can witness in his latest movie The Art of Flight. For Red Bull Supernatural it was time to switch the strategy and all the preparation and work for this unique snowboarding competition was done during the summer time. The outcome is an ultimate backcountry snowboarding course with more than 100 man-made features located at the Baldface Lodge, Nelson, BC. From February 3-8, 18 of the world’s best snowboarders will be able to ride this dream come true during Red Bull Supernatural…

Find out more at www.redbull.com

2012 Da Hui Backdoor Shootout - Day 2

2012-01-12T08:40:00.000+02:00

Day 2 of the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout and it was crazy out there! Pipeline seemed the more popular option, but one or two guys, like John John Florence, charged some monster Backdoor Pits. Check out Dust Payne eating crap on a Pipe monster and feel your nads crawl up into your scrotum! It is hard to believe that an event could have better waves than the Pipe Masters, but best believe it! This is PROPER Pipe and Backdoor...

Surfing Rivers - China's Silver Dragon

2012-01-11T16:08:00.000+02:00

The Silver Dragon seems quite an apt name for this river bore - except that the water is literally poo brown... Still, it looks pretty fun to ride and gets pretty meaty size wise. I really like the urban sky scape in the backgrounds. Check out how many giant cranes building skyscrapers you can check in the background during the video.

Captain Kai's World Show 19 - www.2ov.fm

2012-01-10T11:18:00.000+02:00

This was how I wanted to start the new year on air. I played some old school rock favorites and had a great bunch of guys in as guests. Craig Kolesky, fresh from the North Shore shooting with Jordy, Tyrone Rawlins, who brought his and a few other's predictions for the ASP Tour in 2012 and Kitesurfing legends and top riders, Aaron Hadlow and Ruben Lenten, who also brought some tunes. Pizza, beers, laughs and good discussions, like the secrets to flying international with 80kg of luggage.

Download Show 19 here - Podcast Show 19

Check out my guests on Twitter:
Craig Kolesky - http://twitter.com/CraigKolesky
Tyrone Rawlins - http://twitter.com/tyronerawlins
Aaron Hadlow - http://twitter.com/aaronhadlow
Ruben Lenten - http://twitter.com/rubenlenten (He promises to actually start Tweeting.)

Don't forget to support my sponsor - RVCA SA

Wingsuit flying through "Crack" Gorge

2012-01-10T09:42:00.000+02:00

At the start of this video, I was thinking, normal proximity video, pretty epic, but you know...Then the guy enters the "Gorge" and misses a wire fence by inches, about 2m off of the ground. Its just ridiculous!

Soaring at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, Belgium BASE jumper Cedric Dumont has embarked on his latest conquest -- taming the 'Crack' gorge in Switzerland's beautiful Churfirsten mountains.During his two minute descent Dumont is seen only meters from the rock face.Glide over to http://redbull.co.za

2012 Da Hui Backdoor Shootout - Day1 Highlights

2012-01-09T13:35:00.000+02:00

Da Hui Presents the 7th Annual Da Hui Backdoor Shootout. This contest boasts the most participation of Hawai’i born surfers and with it’s unique ‘no- elimination’ judging format which involves three rounds of non- elimination, four man heats and only your best three waves scored – it’s any surfer’s game. So expect to see the best waveriders in the world competing for a shot at the Shootout title!
Day 1 delivered some amazing Pipe and Backdoor pits with John John Florence the standout. Also make sure to look for Bruce Iron's incredible Pipe bomb! The swell reports look good for the next few days, so keep your eyes pealed for more action from the North Shore...

You can find out more at Da Hui

Captain Kai's World Podcast 17 - Best of 2011

2012-01-09T10:33:00.000+02:00

Start your year off proper, with my "Best of 2011" Radio Show. Was the first time I did the show on my own, which I wont lie was a little harder than expected. But, having said that, I think it was really good and had my favorite tunes from 2011, along with the action sports highlights covered by Captain Kai's World. Enjoy!

Download the Podcast here - Podcast 17 (Right click and save as to download.)

Remember to listen to the show every week, btw 8-10pm, only on www.2ov.fm

Wakeboarding in a Swamp with Red Bull

2012-01-07T10:27:00.000+02:00

Drop some of the best Wakeboarders in the business in the middle of the swamp with an Airboat, water cannon and lots of toys. This is what happens...

Drop four world-class wakeboarders and a reliable airboat into the misty swamps of Louisiana and let them rip.JD Webb, Adam Errington, Brian Grubb and Parks Bonifay met up on the Tickfaw River in the the eerie swamps of Louisiana for the ultimate wakeboard playground that is, until, the gators wake up.
http://RedBull.com

Jeff Rowley ‘paddles-in’ to historic 50-foot plus waves at “Jaws”

2012-01-06T14:30:00.000+02:00

Big wave surfer Jeff Rowley ‘paddles-in’ to historic 50-foot plus (15m+) waves at Peahi “Jaws” and becomes the first Australian to ride the waves without Jet Ski tow-in. Our very own Grant "Twig" Baker was there too and you can check some great photos at Surfline - HERE

Dean Wilson - the new face of MX - Heli Shoot

2012-01-06T11:03:00.000+02:00

Meet the new face of MX racing, Dean Wilson. This kid is on a rampage in the States, winning races all over the show. He recently spent a day at the track with Helicopter to shoot, this is the video. Check out the section at about 1:40min - totally nuts! He is flying...

Red Bull No Limits - Massive double jump!

2012-01-02T15:32:00.001+02:00

No limits - bloody madness! (Photo: Red Bull)

Red Bull continue their No Limits, New Years eve stunts with both jumping their machines well over 350ft and at least 50ft in the air. Pretty amazing way to start the new year...

They did it! Levi LaVallee and Robbie Maddison make history as Levi jumps 412 feet on his snowmobile and Robbie jumps 378 feet on his motorcycle live on ESPN in San Diego.

Metal Mulisha - Black Friday FMX

2011-12-30T10:22:00.000+02:00

The crazy crew at the original bad ass FMX club are back, with their new film, Black Friday. The Metal Mulisha, led by Brian Deegan, continue the mayhem started with the Crusty Demons films with bikes, babes, huge stunts, drunken mayhem, rally cars, Fmx Bikes and general chaos. Check out the trailer...

Monster Girls 2012 - with Calendar shoot

2011-12-27T11:45:00.000+02:00

After much searching, voting and posing on the part of the ladies, the Monster Energy search finally concluded and the ladies were selected from around Europe and SA. Spain seems to be the most voted country with a couple of winners, while South Africa did have one blonde beauty. Check out the behind the scenes video...

The winners of the Monster Girls Search 2012, chosen by the public and an expert panel including Monster Energy athletes, are ready to smoke Europe in 2012 and set to star in their own calendar.

Base Jumping Progression with GoPro

2011-12-26T11:07:00.000+02:00

What amazes me more than the actual madness of what these guys do, is that every year it seems to get more and more popular. At one point in this video there are literally a pack of jumpers going off the same cliff. It seems Norway has decided to make Base Jumping part of their tourism drive and they are making it super accessible for all jumpers. Pretty crazy I have to say. Great video for the guys at GoPro...

Shot 100% on the new HD HERO2® camera from ‪http://GoPro.com.

Neil Amonson shares insight into the BASE jumping experience while the GoPro Bombsquad enjoys a visit to the heartland of BASE jumping.

Music

Loch Lomond "Water Bells"
www.myspace.com/lochlomondmusic
Buy in iTunes: http://goo.gl/FKde2

Battlehooch "Please Damo"
http://www.battlehooch.com/
Buy in iTunes: http://goo.gl/uzj1v

Captain Kai's World - Podcast 17

2011-12-20T13:52:00.000+02:00

Show 17 and I had surfing and FMX, with my mate Trent and Robby from Vudu Surf, talking Fantasy Surfer and the ASP World Tour for next year - also had a surprise visit from Markus, the guy responsible for Ultimate X, and he brought Jason Moriarty, our very own man behind the scenes on worldwide FMX. Was a great show and I hope you enjoy it...

Download the Podcast here - Podcast 17 (To download, Right Click, Save as)

Check the guys out at:

Vudu Surf
Website - www.vudusurf.com
Twitter - @VuduSurf

Ultimate X
Website - www.ultimatex.co.za
Twitter - @ULTIMATE_X_

Saffa charges Mullaghmore Tow Session

2011-12-20T09:30:00.000+02:00

One of the Irish crew charging.

South African expat in Ireland, Barry Mottershead, joined the rest of the Irish heavy water brigade and got an incredible 20ft tube and an entry into the Billabong XXL Awards.

Mullaghmore went for broke during a gap between two storm systems on Monday, December 12th."Well what a day, it had it all, we all agree it was some of the hollowest nastiest 20ft plus barrels we have ever had out there" Said Richie Fitzgerald.

First ever, Snowboard Triple Rhodeo

2011-12-19T11:52:00.000+02:00


This was a definite "OMG" moment for Billy Morgan!

UK Snowboarder, Billy Morgan, lands the first ever triple Rhodeo. This is a crazy air! What I found even more amazing was the guy wiping out before him and nearly getting his head chopped off when Billy landed.

Mental BMX edit with Drew Bezanson

2011-12-15T13:07:00.000+02:00


Drew Bezanson, is back! (photo: Red Bull)

After an extended break due to injury, this kid is back. Looks like he just got crazier while he was resting up. This dude is the combo king! My scrotum was puckered the entire video, as he just goes bigger and bigger. Check out the last monster transfer and how mental the guys at the park go, absolutely, bloody, classic. (Shot to my man Seth for the forward :)

The Captain Reccomends... at the Wavescape Film Festival 2011

2011-12-14T14:22:00.000+02:00

The Wavescape Film Festival kicked off last Friday with their annual films on the beach. It was a tad windy, but nothing to bad and those that sat it out enjoyed 2 great films. Since then, I have managed to go see the "Africa Project" at the Brass Bell, which was amazing and I have the premier of "Surfers and Sharks" tomorrow evening at the Labia. This is a film I am especially keen to see as it stars my good mate, Roosta, and was co-produced by Chris Mason from Wavescape. Here is the trailer...

Films I have watched so far and highly recommend are:

The Africa Project - The Labia, 20h30, Mon 19th Dec
Jason Hearn has worked on this film for 4 long years, but the wait was worth it. The film takes you on a gorgeous and riveting trip around Africa, showing off the various cultures, beaches and of course waves. The profiles on Franky Oberholzer and Twig are epic and the surfing from Royden Bryson, Jordy and Roosta are of world class quality! If nothing else, this film will inspire you to travel on your own continent for waves!

Splinters - The Labia, 18h15, Sat 17 Dec
I saw the trailer for this a couple of months ago online. It was a heavy thing to watch such a culture in action. The people of these remote villages in Papa New Guinea live on a totally different plane of existence to the one we live on. Woman are treated like possessions and you see some pretty brutal treatment of them through the film. These people live in a totally 3rd world existence, with no money, no infrastructure and no respect for human life! They do have waves though and a culture that has been riding waves for hundreds of years. When an Ozzy pilot leaves his surfboard behind, he begins a story that led to this film being made. It is harsh, it is beautiful and it shows how surfing can change the lives of anyone who gets to try their hand at it. Well worth a watch!

Art of Flight - The Labia, 18h15, Thurs 15th Dec
The movie that will change how Action Sports films are made from now on. Travis Rice and his mad bunch of mates travel the world with all their gear, snowmobiles, helicopters and the best slow-motion cams in the world to create a truly mind blowing cinematic experience. I cannot recommend this one enough! It also shows before the Premier of "Surfing and Sharks".

Year Zero - The Labia, 20h30, Sat 17 Dec
The first of the "Traditional" style surf movies, its actually quite different from the norm. Globe have taken their rather impressive surf team and created a "Mad Max" style world for them to travel around in and surf. The level uf surfing is amazing, especially from the likes of CJ Hobgood and Taj Burrows. Look out for the mutant right tube they surf, it is simply mental! The best part of the film though, was the music! Black Mountain, who I had never heard of before, did the entire soundtrack and its a winner!

Come Hell or High Water - The Labia, 20h30, Sun 18 Dec
As a surfer it is important to know your roots. We all started in the water, without a board, just catching waves and body surfing. This film takes you into the world of those who kept body surfing, instead of moving on like the rest of us. It is beautifully shot and some of the wave riding is truly inspiring. Look out for the monster Wedge section for a little pain and laughter. I felt really good after watching this movie and pretty amped to don my fins again and go charge some shore break!

Life Cycles - The Labia, 18h15, Fri 16th Dec
So no, this is not a surf film, but I still highly recommend you go and see it. This is truly one of the most amazing cinematic films shot in the Action Sport genre and to be able to watch it on the big screen will be amazing! It has become a cult movie in mountain biking for a reason. using new cable tracking systems, super slow-motion and great on board footage, this movie a surreal look into the world of the MTB rider.

For more information on the Wavescape Film festival, go HERE

Carnage and Mayhem at Day 1 of the Pipe Masters

2011-12-09T11:27:00.000+02:00

John John Florence on the first 10 Point ride of the contest. (Photo: ASP)

It has been a long time since Pipeline delivered like this on the first day of competition. Many professional egos were damaged by the 10-12ft death pits on offer. The local Pipe chargers took most of the wins, but our very own Travis Logie managed to sneak past Bruce Irons in round 1 and Tiago Pires in Round 2 to find himself in Round 3 and with a shot of making sure he re-qualifies for the tour next year. The locals were the standouts though, with amazing performances by John John, Evan Valier and Jamie O'Brian. The top ASP surfers still have to enter the line up as they only start in Round 3. Some of them must have been pretty relieved to sit out Day 1.

Almost more impressive than the surfing and waves was the carnage in the lineup. Wide rogue sets, massive free falls and plenty of broken men and boards. This was "Real" Hawaii!

John John Florence was the man to lock down the only 10 of the day. The current Triple Crown leader making the old guard very nervous with his seemingly relaxed approach to these massive tubes.

I am looking forward to Day 2!

The ASP Press release:
BANZAI PIPELINE, Oahu/Hawaii (Thursday, December 8, 2011) – The opening day of the Billabong Pipe Masters witnessed historic 10-to-15 foot (4-5 metre) surf at the iconic Hawaiian barrel of the Banzai Pipeline to complete Rounds 1 and 2 of competition in arguably the biggest surf in the event’s history.

The Billabong Pipe Masters, the final stop on the 2011 ASP World Title Series, not only represents a crucial event for ASP Top 34 surfers looking to requalify for the 2012 season, but also marks the third jewel of the prestigious Vans Triple Crown.

John John Florence (HAW), 19, navigated the massive Pipeline lineup with ease to eliminate Maui native Kai Barger (HAW), 22, in a commanding Round 2 performance while securing the first perfect 10-point ride of Billabong Pipe Masters competition.

“I got that barrel right off of the takeoff and it pinched and I couldn’t see anything,” Florence said. “It was really sketchy and then I pulled in to that other barrel. It was fun. The waves were firing. It’s the best Pipe has been in so long. There are so many waves that people don’t really see. There are ones going underneath and wide ones, they’re just everywhere.”

Florence, current leader on the Vans Triple Crown ratings, furthered his lead over the field by advancing out of Round 2 and was admittedly relieved to get off to a strong start at the Billabong Pipe Masters.

“There is definitely a lot of pressure to do well with all of my friends and family here,” Florence said. “I want to do well. I was pretty nervous before that first heat and I’m glad I got it out of the way.”

Evan Valiere (HAW), 28, who is competing in the Billabong Pipe Masters as a Hawaiian Wildcard, drove through several Pipe barrels on his forehand to deliver the day’s highest heat-total, a remarkable 18.16, out of 20, in his opening heat and eventually went on to solidify a Round 2 victory as well.

“There were only a couple of waves ridden, but the ones I got felt good for sure,” Valiere said. “It’s just so big. There are a lot of waves coming in on the inside, but it’s not like you’re going on those. When you’re out there, it takes a lot longer to get the ones you want. That 9.33 just felt really good. The takeoff always takes longer than you think and once you get to the bottom, you just set your line. Pipeline is the best feeling in the world.”

Valiere was another native to contribute to the Hawaiian giant-killing spree of the opening rounds, eliminating ASP Top 34 members Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), 30, and Brazilian rookie Miguel Pupo (BRA), 19, to secure his position in Round 3.

“It’s unfortunate, I really think Fred’s an incredible surfer,” Valiere said after his Round 1 win. “I definitely did not want him in my heat out here this morning because I knew he was going to be a major threat. I was just fortunate to get my waves. If Freddy wants to get back on tour he’ll get back and do it.”

Ian Walsh (HAW), 28, was impressive in his 2011 Billabong Pipe Masters debut, eliminating ASP World Tour surfers Kai Otton (AUS), 31, and Bede Durbidge (AUS), 28, while threading the needle on a massive barrel of his own for one of the day’s highest scores, 9.70 out of 10, to advance through to Round 3.

“I got pounded and that wave came and it had such a steep tee pee wave on the point that when I took off I was really late,” Walsh said. “I had a similar feeling to the wave I didn’t make before and I got pounded. I let go of my rail and it sucked back before it spit and I almost didn’t make it. When I came out I just had that ecstatic feeling.”

Walsh, who is renowned for his big-wave capabilities, was elated to have big Pipeline conditions on offer for this year’s event.

“You forget you’re even in a heat, you’re just psyched that you’re getting barreled,” Walsh said. “This is the real Pipe Masters. It’s so fun to watch and it’s entertaining for us to surf.”

Adam Melling (AUS), 26, current No. 2 on the Vans Triple Crown ratings, was one international competitor to escape the wrath of the event locals by defeating Mason Ho (HAW), 23, in Round 2 of competition.

“It’s pretty exciting to be in second and have John John just in front of me,” Melling said. “Seeing the way he surfed out there today I’d say it’s not going to be easy to beat him. I’m just excited to be out there and making heats.”

Kieren Perrow (AUS), 34, current No. 25 on the ASP World Ranking and runner-up in last year’s Billabong Pipe Masters, is in need of a result at Pipeline to requalify for the 2012 ASP World Tour and is hungry to finish on the podium again this year.

“I was really nervous before that heat because I need to do well here to stay on tour,” Perrow said. “As the comp goes on it’s going to get harder for sure and the guys out there at the moment are pushing the level. I’m just going to go out there and try and get my waves and see if that puts me in first. Hopefully I can go one better than last year.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am local time for a possible Round 3 start at 8am.

For all of the LIVE Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons action log on to www.vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com/billabongpipemasters2011

For additional information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

Billabong Pipe Masters Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Marcus Hickman (HAW) 16.50 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 9.30
Heat 2: Evan Valiere (HAW) 16.50 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 3.70
Heat 3: Ian Walsh (HAW) 16.06 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 10.17
Heat 4: John John Florence (HAW) 18.07 def. Kai Barger (HAW) 14.67
Heat 5: Aamion Goodwin (HAW) 2.20 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 2.13
Heat 6: Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 5.33 def. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 2.83
Heat 7: Shane Dorian (HAW) 10.50 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 1.90
Heat 8: Adam Melling (AUS) 9.64 def. Mason Ho (HAW) 8.84
Heat 9: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 14.50 def. Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 5.90
Heat 10: Dusty Payne (HAW) 9.20 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 6.57
Heat 11: Travis Logie (ZAF) 5.80 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 5.67
Heat 12: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 9.70 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 9.27

Billabong Pipe Masters Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Marcus Hickman (HAW) 13.67 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 9.46
Heat 2: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 6.50 def. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 0.60
Heat 3: Evan Valiere (HAW) 18.16 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 6.00
Heat 4: Travis Logie (ZAF) 3.57 def. Bruce Irons (HAW) 2.70
Heat 5: Ian Walsh (HAW) 13.00 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.63
Heat 6: Kai Barger (HAW) 9.93 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 6.33
Heat 7: Aamion Goodwin (HAW) 10.34 def. Daniel Ross (AUS) 2.84
Heat 8: Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 14.77 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 3.24
Heat 9: Kolohe Andino (USA) 5.27 def. Laurie Towner (AUS) 1.17
Heat 10: Shane Dorian (HAW) 6.40 def. Willian Cardoso (BRA) 1.94
Heat 11: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 4.76 def. Jack Freestone (AUS) 2.63
Heat 12: Mason Ho (HAW) 9.00 def. Hank Gaskell (AUS) 3.93

Upcoming Billabong Pipe Masters Round 3 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Aamion Goodwin (HAW)
Heat 2: Kalani Chapman (HAW) vs. Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 3: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Jamie O’Brien (HAW)
Heat 4: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 5: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. John John Florence (HAW)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Marcus Hickman (HAW)
Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (USA) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 9: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Evan Valiere (HAW)
Heat 10: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Shane Dorian (HAW)
Heat 11: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 12: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Ian Walsh (HAW)

The Pipe Masters should start with a Bang!

2011-12-08T12:11:00.000+02:00

The Emperor of all Surf contest starts today and it looks like it could be the best start in a decade. The Pipeline Masters on the North Shore of Oahu is the most prestigious trophy in surfing, the past winners a group of surfing's legends. When Pipeline is 15ft and out of the West, its scary, awe inspiring and the proving ground of real men. For the last few years, the swell has been smaller and the focus more on backdoor, where Kelly Slater and Andy Irons held a yoke on the competition for a number of years. Last year in average to good Backdoor, the Frenchman Jeremy Flores won the competition and joined the Pipe Club. Today the swell is looking a solid 12-15ft and out of the West meaning the contest should start in massive Pipeline breaking from at least 2nd Reef. (Some of the World Tour campaigners must be shitting themselves!)

Pipeline runs a little different to the other contests on the Tour as a huge field of Pipe Specialists are included in the draw. Thus the multiple wild cards are put into Round 1 with the bottom ranked Tour surfers, the winners getting to move into Round 2 to surf against the medium ranked Tour surfers and then eventually the top surfers on tour in round 3. The pick of the Round 1 Heats for me is going to be Jamie O"Brian versus Dane Reynolds. Both of these guys can charge big tubes and thats what they going to get in Round 1. This will be a pigdog backhand tube fest at Pipeline.

Here is the ASP Press release:
BANZAI PIPELINE, Oahu/Hawaii (Tuesday, December 6, 2011) – The Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons is set to unfold from December 8 through 20, 2011 and with a big swell looming on the horizon, the world’s best surfers could be battling massive Pipeline on the opening day of the waiting period.

The final stop on the 2011 ASP World Title Series and the third jewel of the Vans Triple Crown, the Billabong Pipe Masters utilizes a unique overlapping format which hosts an expanded field to accommodate the talented list of Hawaiian Pipeline specialists.

Kelly Slater (USA), 39, freshly crowned 11-time ASP World Champion, was admittedly more relaxed entering the upcoming Billabong Pipe Masters after securing the 2011 ASP World Title in San Francisco, but is still anxious to tackle the dangerous barrel after nearly a year out of the North Shore lineup.

“In theory, having won the title in San Francisco takes the pressure off a lot, but there’s a big swell coming,” Slater said. “There’s been nothing to prepare on and I haven’t been there even if there was. It’s going to go from zero to 10 here pretty quick in the next few days and there’s not going to be a whole lot of waves to free-surf beforehand. The pressure is off, so I don’t have to worry about that, but the anxiety building up to surfing the Pipe contest is a lot. I haven’t felt it until sitting here today thinking about it, but it’s exciting and I can’t wait to get in the water. The pressure’s not there (for the ASP World Title), but there is the excitement, the anxiety and getting rid of the nerves after a year of not surfing Pipe.”

Slater, who has won several elite ASP event victories at Pipeline, also explained that the massive swell expected to ignite the infamous reef instantly changes a competitors’ heat strategy in comparison to smaller first-reef Pipeline typically seen in previous years at the Billabong Pipe Masters.

“It’s a whole different deal, you kind of have to make a decision,” Slater said. “Everyone would love to get one of those second-reef bombs in their heat. The truth is, they are heats and you get scored so the chance of getting out there and getting a second reef wave and maximizing your scoring potential at Pipeline probably isn’t going to happen. It’s been a long time since someone’s had a second-reef Pipe wave in a contest, but it’d be nice to see.”

Is this going to be the site at the Contest later today?

Taj Burrow (AUS), 33, 2009 Billabong Pipe Masters Champion, has been putting his time in at Pipeline in preparation for this year’s contest, but feels the smaller swells on offer earlier this year have done little to prepare him for the serious swell expected to deliver on the opening day of the waiting period.

“It looks like the surf is only going to get better, so I’m getting excited,” Burrow said. “I’ve been surfing out there a lot, but it’s mainly only been rippable little turns, so I’m looking forward to getting some barrels. It’ll be fun. Big Pipe is pretty intimidating, it’s scary for sure, but it’s awesome at the same time. I’m excited to surf such an incredible wave with just a few guys out.”

Burrow, who won the first event of the Vans Triple Crown, the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa, stumbled at Sunset Beach, but is hoping for Redemption at the Billabong Pipe Masters to keep his hopes alive for the prestigious Hawaiian title.

“I was definitely thinking about the Triple Crown on route to Hawaii,” Burrow said. “In the past Joel Parkinson won it a lot, and it seemed like he won it with ease and I noticed a few of the guys weren’t doing it this year. Triple Crown was something I really wanted to do and I want to win it. It’s looking like a good race with John John (Florence) and Adam (Melling) getting some good results, so it should prove to be an exciting finish.”

Throaty left pits with high risk factor... Got to love watching big Pipeline.

John John Florence (HAW), 19, winner of the Vans World Cup at Sunset Beach, is currently leading the Vans Triple Crown ratings entering the final stop at his home break and is chomping at the bit to battle the world’s best surfers despite the pressure that comes along with competing in front of the local crowd.

“It should be fun, we haven’t really had a Pipe swell this year and it’s looking like this will be the first real swell, so no one has had the chance to surf it yet,” Florence said. “There’s definitely pressure. I live there and surf there everyday and I don’t want to lose first heat. I want to have fun out there surfing with only three other guys in the water, it’s amazing.”

Gabriel Medina (BRA), 17, who joined the ASP Top 34 after the midyear rotation, has been in stunning form while scalping two event victories and the young Brazilian is looking at this year’s solid swell as an opportunity to build crucial experience in bigger surf.

“I’ve been to Hawaii five times, but I haven’t surfed Pipe much because it’s always so crowded,” Medina said. “Hopefully I can get some good waves this year with two or three guys in the water. I don’t have a lot of big wave experience, but I’m excited and I’m going to do my best.”

Due to the expanded competition at Pipeline, the ASP has awarded two wildcard spots to surfers next in line on the ASP World Rankings, Kolohe Andino (USA), 17, and Willian Cardoso (BRA), 25. Both surfers will receive ASP World Rankings points for their campaigns at the Billabong Pipeline Masters.

The Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons will run from December 8 – 20, 2011 and will be webcast LIVE via http://vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com/billabongpipemasters2011

For additional information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

Upcoming Billabong Pipe Masters Round 1 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Marcus Hickman (HAW)
Heat 2: CJ Hobgood (USA) vs. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW)
Heat 3: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. Evan Valiere (HAW)
Heat 4: Travis Logie (ZAF) vs. Bruce Irons (HAW)
Heat 5: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Ian Walsh (HAW)
Heat 6: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Kai Barger (HAW)
Heat 7: Daniel Ross (AUS) vs. Aamion Goodwin (HAW)
Heat 8: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Jamie O’Brien (HAW)
Heat 9: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 10: Willian Cardoso (BRA) vs. Shane Dorian (HAW)
Heat 11: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) vs. Jack Freestone (AUS)
Heat 12: Mason Ho (HAW) vs. Hank Gaskell (HAW)

Upcoming Billabong Pipe Masters Round 2 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. TBD
Heat 2: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. TBD
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. TBD
Heat 4: John Florence (HAW) vs. TBD
Heat 5: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. TBD
Heat 6: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) vs. TBD
Heat 7: Brett Simpson (USA) vs. TBD
Heat 8: Adam Melling (AUS) vs. TBD
Heat 9: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. TBD
Heat 10: Dusty Payne (HAW) vs. TBD
Heat 11: Tiago Pires (PRT) vs. TBD
Heat 12: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. TBD

Upcoming Billabong Pipe Masters Round 3 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. TBD
Heat 2: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. TBD
Heat 3: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. TBD
Heat 4: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. TBD
Heat 5: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. TBD
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. TBD
Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. TBD
Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. TBD
Heat 9: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. TBD
Heat 10: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. TBD
Heat 11: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. TBD
Heat 12: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. TBD

VANS TRIPLE CROWN TOP 3 (Heading into Billabong Pipe Masters):
1. John John Florence (HAW) 9,780 pts
2. Adam Melling (AUS) 9,650 pts
3. Michel Bourez (PYF) 8,480 pts

ASP WORLD TITLE TOP 5 (Heading into Billabong Pipe Masters):
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 63,350 pts
2. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 48,600 pts
3. Owen Wright (AUS) 47,900 pts
4. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 43,700 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 42,200 pts

Captain Kai's World on www.2OV.fm - Podcasts for Show 16

2011-12-06T10:47:00.000+02:00

Another week and another amazing show. Even set a record last night with 6 guests over the 2 hours. The first segment of the show I had Chris Mason and Spike from Wavescape to talk about their Film Festival that begins this week. They were joined by Roosta, who is the star of one of the movies premiering at the Festival, Surfing and Sharks.

The second segment I had the Downhill Skate crew in to talk about this weekend's World Cup event at Rooi Els, Hot Heels Africa. Justin Boast, of SAGRA, Mischo the 2x Defending champion and Gabby, one of SA's new lady chargers, were on the show.

Download PODCAST 16

To find out more about the Wavescape Film Festival, go HERE

To find out more about this weekend's Hot Heels event - go HERE

Worst Wipeout - Surfer Poll Awards 2011

2011-12-06T09:50:00.000+02:00

It's that time of year again when the Surfer Poll Awards roll into our inbox's. I will be giving you the previews before the awards and we start with the worst wipe outs of 2011. My vote definitely goes to the dude at Cloudbreak, but you might have a different opinion...

Experience Zero Gravity - Mind Blowing Base Jumping

2011-12-02T10:11:00.000+02:00

This amazing piece on Base Jumping and Wing Suit flying really takes you into the zone with these mental jumpers. Thanks to the GoPro Cameras they have strapped onto themselves in various positions, giving the viewer multiple angles of the experience of flying off Cliffs. Amazing to see what can come of a tiny little camera strapped to your helmet.

A New Video From InfinityList.com
The Cinematic Sports Experience

Chapter 1: Experience Human Flight (vimeo.com/22428395)
Chapter 2: Experience Zero Gravity

There are thousands of people that are exploring some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. This chapter we will take you to Norway Switzerland and France where people are jumping cliffs as high as 6,000 feet.

Experience Zero Gravity will hopefully provide you with the feeling and the emotion that we feel when we think about the experience of Base Jumping in the most scenic locations of the world.

We hope you can see this world from our eyes.

InfinityList.com is a central platform to find the best and most cinematic sports video.

If you have any questions or further comment please contact us through our website infinitylist.com

Starring:
Ossie Khan, Stephen (Sparky) Baich, Fred Fugen, Vince Refett, Jade Edaj, Pepe Cam, Simon Wandeler, Adrian Acquado, Jeremy Bourne, and Woody.

Produced by:
Betty Wants In
BettyWantsIn.com
facebook.com/BettyWantsIn

In Association with:
Melbourne Skydive Centre
MelbourneSkydiveCentre.com.au
facebook.com/MelbourneSkydiveCentre

Shot on a GoPro

Music: Alex Khaskin - "Life is Beautiful"
itunes.apple.com/us/album/life-is-beautiful-single/id459746023

Wavescape Film Festival - Win Tickets

2011-11-30T15:05:00.002+02:00

It is that time of the year again, when the Wavescape Film festival hits Cape Town, starting with their awesome cinema night on Clifton Beach. Every year the Festival shows the best and latest in surfing cinema, with both traditional surf films for amping you up, as well as hard hitting documentaries and short films. I will be previewing some of the movies over the next few weeks and you can win tickets (See below) to the Festival to come watch the movies you want to see.

WIN TICKETS:
In order to win tickets to the Wavescape Film Festival, to watch movies at either the Labia Cinema or the Brass Bell in Kalk Bay, simply leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite surf film of all time and why it is your favorite. You can also get active on Twitter, just tweet the above to myself @KapteinKai and @WavescapeSA and you can also win. I have 5 sets of tickets to give away, so tell your friends about it, or just post this blog on your FB or Twitter. I will announce the winners on my radio show on Monday 12th December, 8-10pm, on www.2ov.fm

Film Festival on the Radio:
Tune in to Captain Kai's World on 2 Oceans Vibe Radio on Monday to listen to the guys from Wavescape talk about the Festival, as well as Roosta and Chris Mason talk about their new documentary, Sharks and Surfing, which is featuring at the Festival.

Date: Monday 5th December
Time: 8pm
On: www.2ov.fm

SURFING AND SHARKS TRAILER from SURFINGANDSHARKS on Vimeo.

The Line up:

To find out more and keep in touch with Wavescape follow them here:
www.wavescape.co.za
Twitter: @WavescapeSA

Dreamy Fiji with Taj Burrows and Friends - You may hate your life after watching these...

2011-11-30T14:00:00.000+02:00

You probably don't need to see this, as you sit at your desk working hard. But, hey it might just amp you up for that next wallet busting trip to paradise. This is Taj and his mates spend their down time from the ASP World Tour. Kelly makes an appearance in video 1, shralping perfect sunset Restaurants and Taj and the boys continue in Video 2. My favorite is the third video, where Taj and Jay tow a perfect and very shallow, right, reef pass, while being filmed from the air.

Like I said, you may just hate your life...

Taj Burrows takes the Reef Hawaiin Pro and the Triple Crown lead.

2011-11-24T14:11:00.000+02:00

Taj finds the tubes and takes the win. (Photo: ASP)

You might have wondered why I have not blogged on the Triple Crown yet and the simple answer is that not much has really happened yet - well till the last day of the event at Haleiwa. The surf for the first few days looked like School Champs in Port Elizabeth - in other words really small and not what we expect from the North Shore. You got to know that is the case when the guys are surfing Haleiwa left! The young guns were reveling in the small stuff, throwing airs all over the show - see video further down. But they finally got some swell on the last day and Taj looking hungry as ever took the win. Next up is Sunset and hopefully they get swell...

HALEIWA, Hawaii (November 23, 2011) - West Australia’s Taj Burrow, a virtual veteran of pro surfing at 33 years of age, has claimed his first Reef Hawaiian Pro title in Hawaii to pocket $25,000 and take an early lead on the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing ratings. Burrow, who has been competing in Hawaii for 15 years, left the field in his wake today, finding a form all his own in the pumping overhead surf. Coming into the final, he claimed that this was his year to shoot for the Vans Triple Crown. He kept his word. Runner-up was East Coast Australian Adam Melling; third was Adriano De Souza (Brazil); and fourth was Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA.). The Reef Hawaiian Pro is the first jewel in the prestigious $830,000 Vans Triple Crown presented by Rock Star Energy Drink.

Burrow surfed through four rounds today, gaining momentum in each. While aerials were at the front of most surfer’s minds, Burrow got creative with every heat, strategically building scores with a mixed plate of form-bending tube rides and lip-belting close-out snaps. He eclipsed his challengers in the final, posting a two-wave total of 16.90 out of 20 (9.37 and 7.53). Melling (12.6 – 6.43, 6.17) and De Souza (12.5 – 7.5, 5) battled it out for second. Nat Young, who had tapped into the best rhythm of the day up until the final, was left high and dry with a two-wave total of only 6.10 (3.73, 2.37).
“I had a good run, it feels good scoring in the 9-point range and it’s hard to do,” said Taj, world #3. “I just really wanted to win an event here. I am really happy.
“It’s funny I have never really gotten a good shot (at the Vans Triple Crown). I was thinking, maybe I should really have a go at one of these things so I actually have it right in the front of my mind.
“I love being in Hawaii. I was saying to a few of my friends it is so good to come to Hawaii and sit and make a base for six weeks. We are getting on a plane every other weekend normally, it’s draining. Coming to Hawaii you just get in a good routine, you unpack your bags and you can kind of relax. We train and eat good food and just the whole routine of it all I feel much better then having to skip town every two weeks.”
Melling, 26, was the quiet achiever through the rounds, chipping away with rock-solid performances and error-free, text-book surfing. A podium finish was a new high for him in Hawaii, and $12,500 wasn’t bad either.
“I am feeling pretty good you know, always wanted to do well and get on the podium here in Hawaii because the waves are so testing,” said Melling. “You can get any kind of conditions. You can get one foot or 12-foot closeouts. I needed to podium this year, I need the points so bad. I have been on the borderline for a while now, so hopefully this can push me up and I can get a couple more results.
“I have some good big boards that have been sitting in the garage for a while. I’m definitely looking forward to Sunset. I hope we get some swell because anything can happen out there. I have lost heats needing a 0.2 and counting a one. So it gets pretty hectic at times but I am looking forward to it.”
De Souza, world #5, has had a stellar season on the elite ASP World Tour and, like Taj, is hoping for a strong Hawaiian season. At 24 years of age, De Souza is undisputedly a member of the youth movement that is driving a fast road to the top of the pro surfing world.
“I am so happy right now with the third, it has always been my dream to get to the finals here in Hawaii,” said De Souza. “I have been watching the last 10 years, all of the finalists, and I have seen them with all their trophies and leis. So I always been dreaming to be one day here. I am really proud of myself. It was an amazing week. Actually the flat waves at the start helped me a lot. I needed the rest. I am really pumped for Sunset. It is going to be big waves so it is going to be a big motivation.”
Young, the youngest of the finalists at age 20, had been on fire in the earlier rounds. He posted the highest heat score of the entire event in the quarters – 17.77, popping two huge reverse 360 aerials on one wave for a 9.77 – the highest single wave of the event. He surfed through more rounds to reach the final than the others and looked to be peaking at the same time. But his cat and mouse game with the waves in the final was fruitless and frustrating.
“Yeah I was super frustrated in the final,” said Young. “Everything that could go wrong went wrong for me. I mean, it’s great to make the final and I’m so stoked about that. It’s all good and I will go into the next event with a little more confidence.
“I feel confident out at Sunset. The waves where I live are like big rights and that is kind of the same. I have done good there the past few years and I am excited.”
On his double air 9.77 that has earned him a shot at the 250,000 Hawaiian Miles Air award: “If you get a long enough wave you can do two airs, it’s just hard to do one right at the beginning and follow it up with another. I was happy to get that. The (second air) was kind of a sketchy landing because I landed it so far out on the flats. I didn’t really think I was going to land it, so that was nice.”
Prior to the final, local favorite John John Florence, 19, floated on air and threaded through barrels to reach the semi finals, but hit a wall at Burrow and Young. Regardless, he was ecstatic to compete in front of a strong home crowd and hopes to build momentum through the remaining two events.
“I’m happy,” said Florence. “I would have loved to make the final but I’m stoked to make the semi’s. All the young guys, Nat (Young), Kolohe (Andino), Evan (Geiselman), Granger (Larsen), everyone’s just kind of killing it, doing airs, getting everything together. It’s great, everyone’s down here, I’m stoked. I feel so at home. Sunset’s next, it’s gonna be big, it should be fun!”
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing now moves north to Sunset Beach for the Vans World Cup of Surfing (Nov. 25-Dec. 6). The Surfline.com forecast for the coming week promises exactly the kind of hefty, challenging surf that the venue is famous for. Sunset has a reputation for separating the men from the boys and is where a bid for the Vans Triple Crown is usually cemented or crushed.
Happy Thanksgiving!
FINALS
Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.90pts ; Adam Melling (AUS) 12.12.60pts ; Adriano De Souza (BRA) 12.50 pts ; Nat Young (USA) 6.10 pts
SEMIFINALS
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.84pts ; Nat Young (USA) 12.70pts ; John John Florence (HAW) 11.50pts ; Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 10.67pts
Heat 2: Adriano De Souza (BRA) 13.54pts ; Adam Melling (AUS) 13.16pts ; Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.30pts ; Roy Powers (HAW) 4.57pts
QUATERFINALS
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.10pts ; Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 15.60pts ; Evan Geiselman (USA) 15.00pts ; Kolohe Andino (HAW) 6.90pts
Heat 2: Nat Young (USA) 17.77pts ; John John Florence (HAW) 14.27pts ; Kieren Perrow (AUS) 5.50pts ; Glen Hall (IRL) 5.20pts
Heat 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.50pts ; Adriano De Souza (BRA) 12.30pts ; Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 12.20 pts ; Jesse Mendes (BRA) 9.17pts
Heat 4: Roy Powers (HAW) 15.00pts ; Adam Melling (AUS) 9.90pts ; Brett Simpson (USA) 7.33pts ; Granger Larsen (HAW) 6.83pts
Round of 32
Heat 1: Evan Geiselman (USA)11.33pts ; Kieren Perrow (AUS)10.73pts ; Hodei Collazo (EUK) 6.84pts ; Maxime Huscenot (FRA) 2.90pts
Heat 2: Kolohe Andino (HAW) 11.84pts ; Nat Young (USA) 9.70pts ; Adrien Toyon (REU)9.27pts ; Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 9.13pts
Heat 3: Glenn Hall (IRL) 15.43pts ; Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 14.37pts ; Sebastien Zietz (HAW) 10.34pts ; Leonardo Neves (BRA)10.00pts
Heat 4: John John Florence (HAW) 16.27pts ; Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.26pts ; Thiago Camarao 7.77pts (BRA) ; Daniel Ross (AUS) 7.70pts
Heat 5: Adriano De Souza (BRA) 12.67pts ; Brett Simpson (USA) 12.34pts ; Dusty Payne (HAW) 9.60pts ; Adrian Buchan (AUS) 9.30pts
Heat 6: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 11.19pts ; Adam Melling (AUS) 10.73pts ; Dion Atkinson (AUS) 8.83pts ; Adam Robertson (AUS) 8.50pts
Heat 7: Roy Powers (HAW) 9.94pts ; Michel Bourez (PYF) 9.50pts ; Jadson Andre (BRA) 8.57pts ; Marc Lacomare (FRA) 5.83pts
Heat 8: Granger Larsen (HAW) 14.60pts ; Jesse Mendes (BRA) 12.60pts ; Nathaniel Curran (USA) 10.84pts ; Aritz Aramburu (EUK) 7.93pts
CLASH of the LEGENDS
Heat 2 : Ross Williams (HAW) 14.50pts ; Shane Dorian (HAW) 14.44 pts ; Rob Machado (USA) 10.83pts ; Kalani Robb (HAW) 8.27pts

Nitro Circus 3D - The Movie, this should be good...

2011-11-24T11:27:00.000+02:00

I have been sitting around waiting for Season 3 of Nitro circus to arrive. It's probably my all time favorite TV Show. So first I was totally disappointed to hear that due to Travis Pastrana's ridiculous schedule, they would not be making Season 3. But happy days, now we get a full length feature film instead and in 3D at cinemas (Lets hope our SA cinemas wake up and show it.) The guys are apparently lifting the bar on the stunts in this one - they almost killed Jim DuChamp already. So to tantalize your cringe and funny taste buds, check these out...

theGoodLife Show 4 - Best Action Sports Show in SA - Supersport

2011-11-23T11:32:00.001+02:00

Make sure you don't miss theGoodLife show 4 tonight on Supersport. The show has got a great mix of sports with the best BMX event in SA, Halloween Jam, as the main piece. Also on the show are the Backyard Burnout, skate event in Durban, we profile SA's top trial biker, Andrew Guest and take a look at the Surfer's Ball and surf contest in Plett, which was in memory of shark attack fatality, Tim.

All the Show Times:

Thegoodlife	2011	Eps. 4	23-Nov-11	18:30	19:00	SS7, SS7N	Premier
Thegoodlife	2011	Eps. 4	24-Nov-11	16:30	17:00	SS6, SS6A	Repeat
Thegoodlife	2011	Eps. 4	25-Nov-11	5:00	5:30	SS6, SS6A	Repeat
Thegoodlife	2011	Eps. 4	28-Nov-11	23:00	23:30	SS5, SS5A, SS5N	Repeat
Thegoodlife	2011	Eps. 4	02-Dec-11	3:50	4:20	SS7, SS7N	Repeat
Thegoodlife	2011	Eps. 4	06-Dec-11	6:30	7:00	SS5, SS5A, SS5N	Repeat
Thegoodlife	2011	Eps. 4	07-Dec-11	9:30	10:00	SS6, SS6A	Repeat

Captain Kai's World on www.2OV.fm - Podcasts for Show 15

2011-11-22T16:33:00.001+02:00

Brighten up your day/eve with Podcast 15 of Captain Kai's World on 2 Oceans Vibe Radio. I had Jason Hearn on the show promoting his new surf film, the Africa Project, Dom from Goldfish talking music, surf and travels and Wok pulled by to talk shit and make us laugh - he is good at that!

Download - Show 14 Podcast

Want the best in SA music, you definitely want to follow Goldfish!
Twitter - @GoldfishLive

Goldfish feat. Sakhile Moleshe - Crunchy Joe (ClassyMenace Remix) by ClassyMenace

And be very sure to check out the teaser for the Africa Project, which premiers in Cape Town this Friday at Trinity, night club, 6:30pm.

Red Bull New Year No Limits is back in 2011

2011-11-21T12:21:00.000+02:00

Red Bull continue their annual celebration of New Years eve, with mind blowing stunts performed by their top athletes. This year in San Diego sees the return of Robbie and Levi...

Song: "Sail" by AWOLNATION (Red Bull Records)
A motorcycle and a snowmobile walk into a bar...Well, not quite, but not too different, as a motorcycle and a snowmobile will simultaneously fly over water in the latest installment of Red Bull: New Year. No Limits.

This year will bring together two incredible athletes who have found their way back to the annual New Year's Eve celebration via different paths. The event will air live from San Diego, Calif., on Saturday, December 31.

The Dallan Goldman FMX Film - Release 2011

2011-11-18T11:40:00.000+02:00

Dallan has one of the best Whips in the business! (Photo: CTBF)

Dallan Goldman is the rising star of SA FMX. He won the Jungle Rush trials earlier this year to win a place at the Masters of Dirt show in Cape Town this December. The kid is going places! Check out the teaser for his film project.

Masters of Dirt at Cape Town Stadium - 16-18 December 2011 - Find out MORE

This is a teaser video of the soon to be released Dallan Goldman 2011 feature video. Dallan is one of the leading riders in South Africa and is a force to recognized!

CHECK OUT:
www.freestylefilms.co.za for more videos

The Africa Project - Africa's greatest surf film Premiers

2011-11-16T14:06:00.001+02:00

Sweet Lord of the surf, I am amped for this movie! Jason Hearn has been working on the project for about 3 years now and I have got to see sporadic pieces of the footage, which have kept me frothing! South Africa's best surfers exploring Africa and SA for waves, to an insane soundtrack and with really good interviews. There is even a short piece on our history as South African surfers with legends like "Oom" John Whitmore.

I even got some shots in the film - look out for the extreme west coast and a certain tube fest on the East Coast with a big rock in the foreground!

Surfers include Jordy Smith, Travis Logie, Royden Bryson, Franky O, Shaun Holmes, Grant "Twig" Baker and many more...

The Premier is on Friday 25th November, in Cape Town and if you love surfing, the lifestyle or even just adventure, you want to be there!

Venue: Trinity, Green Point
Time: Pre-Drinks 6:30pm - Screening 8:00pm
Event Page on Facebook - HERE
The Africa Project on YOUTUBE

Captain Kai's World on www.2OV.fm - Podcasts for Show 14

2011-11-15T14:05:00.000+02:00

Show 14 was a petrol head vibe with a touch of dirty surfer! Guests were Lance Isaacs, SA Superbike Champion, Anthony Raynard, SA MX Star and Wok, SA's most controversial surf blogger. We chatted about the Cape Town Bike Festival, with Supercross and Masters of Dirt in the Cape Town Stadium. Also headline artists Seether and Haddaway - Wok seemed pretty amped on the "What is Love" Icon! I talked about the crazy Volcom Party with Goldfish over the weekend in Durban - see my previous blog.

Download the Show 14 PODCAST

Check out Wok's Blog - I am Wok

Connect with the Guy's on Twitter:
Wok - @Wok84
Lance - @Lancelot38
Anthony - @AnthonyRaynard

And if you aint following me - @KapteinKai

The guys spoke about traveling, their sports and of course girls! Good times!

Durban serves up a weekend of mayhem and Mansions with Volcom

2011-11-14T13:04:00.000+02:00

Mansion parties are cool! Goldfish rocking the crowd! (Photo: Volcom)

You have to love being treated like a Pimp Rock Star. I have my fair share of great events and parties I attend through the year, but it is still rare to be treated like this. How was I treated?
Action Sports brand, Volcom, made me feel like the boss! I flew up for the weekend in Durban and was picked up by Jono Channing, the man running Volcom in SA, taken to an amazing dinner of Argentinean steak and beer (Where I immediately became aware of the incredibly large number of single, gorgeous women around and they were all eating steak!). Slept in an awesome B&B, taken for a morning surf in warm water (Was surrounded by calendar quality Bikini clad women), went shopping with the Volcom competition winners at the Volcom store at Gateway, where the winners had the incredibly hard task of buying R12’000 worth of quality Volcom gear and then we arrived at the Mansion…

It could be in Hawaii - really!

My room was bigger than my house - never mind the bed!

First impressions were that I had somehow been teleported to the Playboy Mansion in Hawaii. Gorgeous Promo girls running around, an old house straight out of Donald Trump’s holiday home short list, with lawn and pool area kitted out for the party and finally I was taken to my room for the night. The Room basically looked like it had been taken out of an episode of the Kardasians – Huge four-poster bed, massive bathroom, outdoor shower and of course, the jet bath under the grape vines (My only unhappy memory of this entire weekend was that none of the many gorgeous ladies at the party did ended up in the tub with me and copious amounts of Champagne – bad form Durban girls!) This Captain was thinking things could not get much better and then the party started…

Promo girls were dangerous... (Photo: Volcom)

First off, the weather in Durban decided to go haywire. I am talking high winds, the possibility of rain (Though it never did) and gloomy overcast skies. Having said this it was Durban and it was still warm. Humidity has some advantages it seems, besides causing uncontrollable sweating and rashes in the wrong places.

The skies were gloomy, the view was not. (Photo: Volcom)

The Mansion lawn was the perfect dance floor. (Photo: Volcom)

I was not sure what to expect from the Durban crowds. Would they come out in their droves, would the woman be as hot and scantily clad as their Cape Town counterparts, would I have to deal with an army of self loving cocaine addled agency types? (A regular occurrence in both CT and Jozi.) Happily the Durban crew proved to be incredibly friendly, amped on the party, had zero attitude or dripping noses, there were Mo’s all over the show and the women, shew, the women were gorgeous and very approachable.

Goldfish were having fun... (Photo: Volcom)

A few hours later and Goldfish hit the decks, the crowd went mental, the dance moves rained down like a “Flashdance” remake and the booze flowed from the many bars on offer. Dom from Goldfish told me over dinner that he had not had that much fun at a party for a long time – I told him to down his drink as the night was yet young.

The kind of ratio Jean-Marc and I both like. (Photo: Volcom)

Choices, choices its good to have choices! (Photo: Volcom)

The girls were having a great time! (Photo: Volcom)

This was followed by a serious clubbing session in the dark back streets of Durban – though the Club, Origin, was incredible!(Jono Channing is very dangerous man late at night at the club - that was my public safety announcement!)

It's good to enjoy your own party! Jono in the swing... (Photo: Volcom)

I woke up in my massive bed with a pounding head and a mouth like a 200 year old Persian carpet. Thankfully the Mansion staff had my greasy, yet top notch breakfast ready to go and I was shortly feeling line a young Magnum PI once again. My clear head would be short lived though as I was whisked off to the Durban Botanical Gardens to watch Goldfish rock out almost a 1000 people in the rain – they really did not seem to notice it – while I Watched from under the Volcom tent and quaffed cold beers and lovely snacks. Pimp rolling really is the way to go when away for a weekend.

Found myself stuck at the airport with Goldfish waiting for our delayed flight back to Cape Town. We were all in agreement that it had been a bloody marvelous weekend in Durban.

I was incredibly impressed with Durban, the people of Durban and of course Volcom, who gave me one of the greatest weekends of the year! Well done, next time I want the Ferrari to go with the mansion. (Higgins is optional.)

Captain Kai

Jono (Volcom), Swanky (the Party Manager) and Dom from Goldfish. (Photo: Volcom)

Wanna get onto the Volcom Vibes? Follow them on FACEBOOK

Nathan Fletcher and the heaviest wave ever surfed - Teahupoo

2011-11-10T12:49:00.000+02:00

Yesterday it was possibly the biggest wave ever surfed. Today we take a look at possibly the heaviest wave ever surfed. This was Nathan Fletcher on the biggest day at Teahupoo this year. It has made the covers of multiple magazines. He did not make it though and that wipeout must have been so hectic. In my mind a way heavier wave than anything else I have yet seen. Watch the video and let me know what you think?

Garrett McNamara rides a 90ft Wave in Portugal.

2011-11-09T10:50:00.001+02:00

This week in a remote fishing village off the coast of Portugal, Garrett McNamara, of Hawaii, towed into what many are calling the biggest wave ever surfed. Experts are averaging the wave at 90ft, just 10ft shy of the momentous 100ft goal that many thought would never be achieved. Check the video, make your own call. I call it bloody massive!

Captain Kai's World on www.2OV.fm - Podcasts for Show 13

2011-11-08T11:26:00.000+02:00

Show 13 rolled onto the airwaves and I was joined on air by Sean, Brett and Adrian from local band, Bilderberg Motel (Inge from Lark sneaked in for a short chat.) We talked about the local music scene, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club coming to Synergy, the fiasco around Kelly Slater's 11th World title, the Rebel Sessions big wave awards and the Quiksilver Backyard Burnout in Durban. Of course this was all broken up by great music, some of which was chosen buy the guys in the band.

Download the Podcast for - Captain Kai's Show 13

Follow Bilderberg Motel on their Facebook FanPage

Rebel Sessions 2011

2011-11-07T17:55:00.000+02:00

There were some good sessions! (Photo: Rebel Sessions)

Rebel TV came to the party in 2011 for the Cape Town big wave scene, after the departure of the Red Bull left a large gap in the calendar. Though it was not the best big wave winter Cape Town has ever seen, there was one huge tow day and a couple of pretty hefty paddle days. More importantly some of the Cape's big wave chargers have got some well deserved travel budget for the Northern Hemisphere season. Well done to all involved, we look forward to next year's edition.

The inaugural Rebel Sessions 2011 awards winners were announced at a packed invite only ceremony held at La Cabane restaurant in Hout Bay on Friday night. The four award wining big wave surfers each pocketed a share of R110 000 in prize money for waves ridden at the Capes premier big wave venues this winter.
The Rebel Sessions is a unique big wave surfing awards event that ran for the first time this year from 15th July to the 22nd October. Over 100 days of winter the Rebel Session cameras filmed six sessions surfed with waves over 15 foot, the photographs and footage taken were used to judge the waves surfed and award prizes in four different categories.
The main award for the best-surfed paddle wave went to popular Kommetjie local Michael Schlebach who pocketed R50 000 for a long walling wailer he skillfully surfed at Dungeons. Michael has been charging big waves off the Cape peninsular for many years and was a standout surfer in every session he surfed through the winter. Accepting the check, trophy and framed photograph from the head of Rebel Media, Christian Herles, the broadly grinning surfer said that he was planning on spending the money on new surfboards.
Kommetjie surfer Andy Marr received R30 000 for the biggest tow wave of the season while Jeremy Johnson from Hout Bay got R20 000 for the biggest wave paddled into, and James Taylor received R10000 for the worst wipe out. The winning waves were all surfed at world-renowned Dungeons reef off Hout bay when the biggest swell of the winter hit the Cape of storms on the 21st and 22nd August.
Christian Herles also awarded a surprise "Surfer of the Sessions" award with R5000 going to young Durbanite Josh Redman for the commitment and skill he displayed in the water. Josh based himself in Cape Town for much of the winter and his fearless assault on the Capes big waves showed that he's a big wave talent to look out for in the future.
Awarding the prizes Christian said that Rebel Media would be back with the event next year because Cape Town is "one of the few places in the world that has a real big wave community and thats why (Cape Town) deserves the event and thats why Rebel Media bought the event here.".
The footage filmed will be edited into a documentary that will be distributed and aired worldwide by Rebel Media through their Rebel TV sports channel.

Rebel Sessions 2011 Big Wave awards winners (L-R) Best surfed paddle in wave Mike Schlebach (R50000), Sessions Surfers award, Josh Redman (R5000), Biggest Tow Surfed wave (R30000), Andy Marr (R30000) and Biggest paddle in wave, Jeremy Johnson (R20000) receive their awards at the prize giving in Hout Bay, South Africa 04 November 2011.

Shipsterns is not a friendly wave!

2011-11-07T16:06:00.000+02:00

This is a very cool video shot from above the cliffs at Shipsterns Bluff, an angle not seen to often. One thing that is glaringly obvious, is that this wave takes no prisoners. Couple of mental waves made, including some crazy tubes, but way more horrible wipes!

King Ke11y takes World Title Number 11

2011-11-04T08:17:00.000+02:00

Kelly Slater has officially become the greatest surfer of all time. Hell possibly the greatest athlete of all time. Yesterday at the Rip Curl Pro in San Francisco, he causally took down his Round 3 heat to win the 2011 title. The scary thing is that he still looks like he easily has a few more years in him. Could he go for number 12? It would surely ensure his place as the greatest sport star of all time!

The rest of the tour are left wondering what the hell they are going to have to do to stop him. It will be very interesting to see what goes down for the rest of the year and whether Kelly is still amped to compete.

Congrats Kelly! You are a legend.

ASP Press Release:
OCEAN BEACH, San Francisco/California (Wednesday, November 2, 2011) – Kelly Slater (USA), 39, has claimed a historic 11th ASP World Title today, clinching the year-long pursuit with his advancement out of Round 3 at the Rip Curl Pro Search San Francisco.

In pristine three-to-five foot (1 – 1.5 metre) peaks at Ocean Beach, Slater fought back to an inspired start from opponent Dan Ross (AUS), 28, to claim victory in the dying moments in front of a capacity crowd at Ocean Beach.

“It was a scrappy heat, I didn’t win it in the most effortless style,” Slater said. “I’ve had a lot of heats with Rossy (Dan Ross) this year, and he’s real dangerous with a little power so I knew he’d be dangerous and I was nowhere to be found in the beginning of that heat. I was hunting those lefts and they were fading off I was thinking ‘why am I taking off on these things.’ I knew I had to get in on some of those rights. That wave had a nice open face and I thought it’d probably be just enough.”

After a banner year that witnessed the iconic Floridian make five of nine Finals (thus far) and post three wins, Slater seems to be surfing at the top of his game.

“This is pretty fabulous,” Slater said. “Two days ago in the afternoon it was chunky and small and didn’t look inviting at all. Yesterday was nice and today looks like a nice day in France. I don’t know, this hasn’t sunk in. I’ve been pretty stressed about it and I’m glad it’s over. It’s very fulfilling and there’s personal satisfaction. It feels real nice. I’ve dedicated my life to surfing and competing and to go a whole year and win a world title and have it pay off, it’s really fulfilling. To win on American soil is nice. Everyone’s been so cool and the locals have been so stoked. It’s been a special time. It’s been warm and offshore and a nice little swell. Someone’s looking over us and probably Andy (Irons).”

Today’s clinching of the 2011 ASP World Title comes on the one-year anniversary of the passing of Andy Irons. Irons, who is credited with being a defining force in Slater’s career, was once a bitter rival of the champ (claiming three consecutive ASP World Titles himself) but became a close friend and confidant in recent years. The symbolism of today was not lost on Slater.

“It’s sort of weird and I’ve been thinking about a lot of things coming together,” Slater said. “What are the chances of me winning on the anniversary of Andy passing away? It makes it a lot more special for me. It’s a way to celebrate my memories with him and be thinking about him. It’s been on my mind and I wrote a story about him the other day. It’s a time to think back.”

2011 ASP World Title Series Results:
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast: WINNER
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach: Equal 5th
Billabong Rio Pro: Equal 13th
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay: No Show
Billabong Pro Tahiti: WINNER
Quiksilver Pro New York: Runner-Up
Hurley Pro at Trestles: WINNER
Quiksilver Pro France: Equal 5th
Rip Curl Pro Portugal: Runner-UP
Rip Curl Pro Search San Francisco: TBD
Billabong Pipeline Masters: TBD

With the 2011 ASP World Title sealed, Slater is now focused on performing in the event at hand, the Rip Curl Pro Search San Francisco.

“I’m refocusing on another win here,” Slater said. “I’ve accomplished the year goal. I definitely feel like I can go out and surf a lot more relaxed now. It’s really nice to win here in these conditions with so many people on the beach, I thought it’d be freezing cold and onshore and it’s been amazing.”

Having claimed his first ASP World Title in 1992 at the age of 20, Slater still boasts the record for the youngest-ever ASP World Title holder. Now at 39 years of age, Slater holds the record of being the oldest ASP World Champion ever, but was characteristically coy regarding any talk of retirement.

“I think 39 is actually pretty young to most people,” Slater said. “I guess in the past, you would top out once you hit 30, but that’s definitely not the case now. I feel like I’m surfing at the highest level of my career and I feel like I can keep going. I haven’t thought about it too much, but I plan on relaxing for the rest of the year and enjoying my time in Hawaii. We’ll see what 2012 brings to the table.”

Kelly Slater’s ASP World Title Clinch Locations:
2011: Rip Curl Pro Search San Francisco – USA
2010: Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico – USA Territory
2008: Billabong Pro Mundaka – Basque/Spain
2006: Billabong Pro Mundaka – Basque/Spain
2005: Nova Schin Festival – Brazil
1998: Mountain Dew Pipeline Masters – Hawaii
1997: Expo 98 Figueira 97 – Portugal
1996: Coca Cola Figueira 96 – Portugal
1995: Chiemsee Pipe Masters – Hawaii
1994: Chiemsee Gerry Lopez Pipe Masters – Hawaii
1992: Alternativa Surf Rio – Brazil

The Rip Curl Pro Search San Francisco is Stop No. 10 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title Series with a waiting period from November 1-12. The 2011 Pro Search will be broadcast live on Fuel TV, Livestream.com and live.ripcurl.com

Surfline, official forecasters for the Rip Curl Pro Search San Francisco, are calling for he first two days of the waiting period, Tuesday and Wednesday, to see solid northwest ground and windswell mix along with generally favorable wind conditions (although still lumpy and bumpy surf on Tuesday). The end of the week and into the following weekend (3rd-6th) will see more swell, but also variable and, at times, strong onshore wind.

Captain Kai's World on www.2OV.fm - Podcasts for Show 12 - The Movember Show

2011-11-04T07:32:00.000+02:00

Show 12 and for the first time we broadcasted from outside of the 2 Oceans Vibe studio. In honor of Movember, we were live from Barnet Fair in Bree St, the new, old school Barbers. I was joined by Chris Cab (Who lost his Mo to grow a new one), Paul Snodgrass (Who due to having a role in a TV show could not shave his face, so he got a Tit MO instead.), Stuart Bradburn (World Champion Downhill Skateboarder), Ivo (Uber Tech from Digital Agency, Hello Computer), Louis from Taxi Violence and of course the awesome Movember team! It has to be said that I really enjoyed having a Cut Throat shave for the first time, though it was very traumatic losing my beard after all this time together! The show was dam funny with plenty of laughter and Richard Hardiman running the music and mix. Enjoy!

Download - Captain Kai's World Show 12


Before the Cut Throat

During the Cut Throat

Let the Mo growing begin!

Want the best shave in Cape Town, head down to - Barnet Fair

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