Enter a world of magic and mystery, in my own head, where surfing and snowboarding are considered real jobs! Amazing feats of daring and skill are performed every day - and that's just getting the footage onto film!
Media anarchist, film guru, surf addict and web video blogger!
The Easter Show was great with EFC Africa fighters James "Jambo" Le Roux and Jaydson Costa in studio to discuss their upcoming title fights at EFC Africa 13 at Grand West Casino on Friday 13th April. I will be attending the event and we will have feedback on next week's show. Was great to find out both fighters surf! Robby MacDonald was with me to talk about the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, the Quiksilver Pro Junior in Durban and the Billabong Grom Games in PE over the Easter Weekend. We also had a surprise skype call from Roland Schoeman from his flight back to SA from the States, to come compete in the SA Olympic swimming trials.
Download the Podcast here - Podcast Show 29
(Right click and Save as.)
Gaming was added to the mix this week on Captain Kai's World with Glenn, from 4 Elements Gaming. He brought his resident online gaming guru and we talked online gaming, platforms and of course the latest games, promoting the new "SSX" snowboarding game. The first Monday of every month will now play host to a Gaming review.
Rawlins was back to discuss the new AMA Supercross Champion, ABSA Cape Epic and the start of the 2nd World Tour surf event, the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.
Download the Show 28 Podcast here - Show 28 Podcast (Right Click, Save as)
Welcome to Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia. Made famous through the years by one of the most famous surf contests in history, the Bells Rip Curl Pro, and not by that stupid movie claiming a 50 year storm and that Keanu could surf. This year is Bell's 50th as it officially becomes the greatest surf contest in history. Heavy call? Just take a look at the roster of past champions - Bells through the Ages
So tomorrow the battle between the world of pro surfers and Mr Kelly Slater continues. Kelly, with a couple of rings of the famous Bell should be pretty confident, especially considering there is some serious looking swell on the way and we hopefully wont have to watch this historical contest go down in shitty beach break at Johanna Beach.
In line with the great past, I decided to interview the man with possibly one of the greatest victories ever at Bells (He also started a surfing revolution in the process, thanks to his then "Radical" board design, with 3 fins, yes the Thruster was born!) I chatted to Simon Anderson...
Simon on his way to a historic win for himself and the thruster
Kai - Bells turns 50 this year. What are your thoughts on this momentous occasion for a surf contest?
Simon - Bells has always been the longest running professional surfing event globally and if surfing needs traditions then this is a good thing.
I believe surfers like the idea of Icon events with a great history particularly in good wave locations.
Kai - When did you first surf Bells?
Simon - In 1971 at the Australian Titles.
Kai - How has it changed since then?
Simon - The surf not a bit, the town quite a lot, the contest has evolved a lot but still primarily setting the standard for presentation of pro surfing at the highest level.
Kai - What was the best board you ever had for Bells?
Simon - That's a hard question, generally my boards suit Bells and Winki. I had good boards in 77 and 81 but I guess my favourite has been a 7'8 19 3/4 2 7/8 Rounded Pin vee bottom that I've surfed a lot at Winki Pop on 6 to 8' plus days through the 90's
Kai - What went through your head standing on the rocks with a new board design, about to paddle out at huge Bells for the finals, the day you won?
Simon - I won at Rincon the surf was 1 to 2 feet and I thought Cheyne Horan was going to kill me. On the big day initally I was concerned about getting out, being able to sneak through between the Winki button and Bells bowl inbetween the massive sets and then once out the back whether or not I could catch a 12 footer on a 6'6. fortunately at that size Bells seemingly breaks in the one spot so it wasn't too hard to track one down.
Kai - Besides your victory, what was the best win at Bells for you?
Simon - The best win is when you get a clean offshore heat at 6 to 8 feet.
Kai - Who is your favorite Bells surfer?
Simon - I have many Sunny Garcia, Andy Irons, Adam Robertson, Occy, Tom Curren, Wayne Lynch, Mark Richards to name a few.
Kai - Who you calling for 2011?
Simon - It's wide open the wave really suits Parko, there are a few dark horse new guys, Dane has a good chance if fit and maybe Jordy if it's sizeable.
Thanks Simon! What a legend. Here is hoping it is sizeable and Jordy can ring the Bell for the first time!
Ok, so today's video of the day is actually 4 videos. Why you ask? Well first off, I like you guys and felt you could be spoilt. Secondly, The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, turns 50 next week and I thought you should get ready by watching the highlights from years past! Enjoy!
