Shredding - liquid, solid & all things in between

Patrick Smyth - stories about surfing and snowboarding and everything outdoors.

[patricklwsmyth]

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

[patricklwsmyth]

Some great surfing shots in Tofino

[patricklwsmyth]

Slash and logged debris from the Boralex James Creek Site on Downton Lake (by Patrick Smyth)

[patricklwsmyth]

THE TRUTH ABOUT SHARK NETS

THINK WE NEED NETS AND THAT SHARK NETS ENSURE YOUR SAFETY? THINK AGAIN.

Given the current state of the shark population locally and worldwide, nets exist for psychological reasons far more than safety reasons.

Over the years, many other misconceptions about nets have also developed. Many are surprised to learn nets are not barricades, nor do they ensure sharks do not reach the beaches. They are fishing devices that gradually reduce shark populations over time by killing sharks, thereby reducing human-shark encounters. 

Shark nets are gill nets installed in tiered patterns by KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (KZNSB) – not fully extending to either the top or the bottom, and not fully enclosing the beach areas. The nets do not act as a complete deterrent to the sharks’ ability to reach the beaches, as they are not permanently set in the water, do not cover the whole length of the beach, and do not extend from the water surface to the seabed. In fact, only 8% of the 320 km of the eastern coast is covered with nets or drumlines.  

Further, more than 40% of shark entanglements occur on the beach side of the nets, because sharks are able to swim over and around the nets. This means the sharks have safely swam into the beaches and are caught when they are swimming away. Sharks can move freely in and out of the areas where nets are installed. And when they can see the nets, they can avoid them. 

Bathers are no more protected at a netted beach than at an adjacent non-netted beach since the ‘fishing effect’ of the nets reduce shark numbers on both beaches as tigers, great whites and zambezi sharks have territories that span larger areas. In fact, it could be argued that bathers are even safer at a non-netted beach adjacent to a netted beach over a weekend or holiday when the nets are not serviced since any animal caught in the nets during that period will spend the rest of the weekend serving as bait, luring other sharks in. 

ISN’T KWAZULU-NATAL THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACE IN THE WORLD FOR SHARK ATTACKS?

In the last 100 years, there were over 4 times more shark bites in the United States than in Natal and the Eastern Cape combined.  And, there have never been nets in the U.S., including in Florida, the “shark bite capital” of the world. Even in Volusia County, Florida, the risk of shark bite is so low that many more stitches are administered as the result of shell and glass lacerations on the feet than on shark bites.

In Florida, there are numerous shark attacks each year, as high as 29 in 1995, and 50 in the 19 months Jan. 2000 - August 2001, with much media sensationalism. However, shark meshing nets or shark culling programs have never been instituted, with the swimming public accepting the risk.

Throughout the world, people get into the water without shark nets as the extremely slim chance of even encountering a shark - much less being bitten - does not weigh heavy in their decision-making. Nor does it merit unnecessarily killing a threatened or endangered species.

Shark nets and drumlines kill a lot more than dangerous sharks. 

While the nets and drumlines target the three species deemed dangerous by the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (great white sharks, tiger sharks, zambezi sharks), many other sharks and marine animals are killed in the nets. In fact, far more other species of sharks and innocent marine animals fall victim to the nets. Gill nets are considered one of the most unselective fishing methods known - second only to dynamite in its destruction.

In the last thirty years, the nets have been responsible for the death of a significant amount of bycatch including approximately 2,211 turtles, 8,448 rays, and 2,310 dolphins. This means that the nets and drumlines have caught 100% more turtles and dolphins and 800% more rays than white sharks. Important to note, all species of turtles and many species of dolphins are threatened or endangered. Additionally, the nets average 5 threatened or endangered whale catches per year as well.

The nets have been responsible for the death of over 33,684 sharks in the last thirty years, although less than 12% of those sharks are the targeted species. Thus approximately 29,800 sharks have been killed in the last 30 years that did not pose any threat whatsoever to bathers.  However, their deaths do indeed pose a threat to the health of the ocean ecosystem.

Nets are so disastrous on the ecosystems in which they are installed, they have been declared as “environmentally hazardous” in Australia, the only other country in the world that utilizes nets for bather protection. The New South Whales Government has listed shark nets as a Key Threatening Process under both the NSW Fisheries Management Act and the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act due to the threat posed to the grey nurse shark, marine turtles, humpback whales and other wildlife. The NSW Government is now required to develop a Threat Abatement Plan, which could phase out the nets and investigate humane and less ecologically damaging alternatives. 

DO THE NETS REALLY HAVE A MEASURABLE IMPACT ON SHARK POPULATIONS?

Given the grave situation shark populations are in, anything that threatens a shark population – even locally – can impact worldwide numbers. Additionally, KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board indicated in 2006 that nets, amongst other factors, had an impact on the population of six shark species including zambezi sharks, dusky sharks and scalloped hammerheads.  And while shark nets are unlikely to result in an extinction alone, they are preventing populations from recovering, further threatening already stressed species.

Indeed, in Australia, another country with shark net installations, the grey nurse shark (also known as ragged-tooth sharks locally) in Eastern Australia is in danger of extinction by 2010. Recent studies have found that shark nets and other forms of fishing have significantly increased their rapid population decline. The population of these sharks is now down to less than 500, and meshing is listed as a key threat to their survival. It is more than possible this species could suffer a similar fate in South Africa as well.  Raggedtooth sharks, over the past 30 years, make up over 20% of all shark catches in the nets.

From the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board website: “The life history of sharks is such that they are very vulnerable to overfishing. Typically, sharks grow slowly, mature late and give birth to few young. These characteristics mean that only a small proportion of a given shark stock can be caught on a sustainable basis. Also, if a shark stock has been overfished, it takes a long time to recover.”

DON’T SOUTH AFRICANS, AND THEIR COUNTRY’S TOURISTS, DEMAND THE NETS?

It could be said there was a time and place for nets. Years ago, when the public knew little about sharks and the fear of shark attack was running high – and shark populations were far healthier than they currently are today. 

In 1950, we knew little about sharks and the oceans. And, we had yet to spend the next 50 years ravaging our oceans, doing more damage to them than ever before.  The public wanted and needed “protection” and nets served their purpose.

Since then, while shark fishing has skyrocketed eliminating a large percentage of the world’s shark populations, the public has been exposed to much information about the environment and biodiversity conservation as well as the sharks’ true behaviors towards humans. Shark conservation and the need to protect them is an established fact, as is the fact these animals are significantly misunderstood, with the actual risk of an incident being quite low. 

Throughout the world, South Africa is known for its conservation and green efforts. Tourists flock to see the big five on land – and underwater.  And most South Africans understand the value of live animals – including sharks – to the health of their environment, their country’s economics, and the world’s ecosystems.  Support for the preservation of all species, realizing their critical role as important components in an overall healthy planet, is strong amongst South Africans.  Undoubtedly this translates into the conservation of sharks and many surfers, fisherman, dive operators, environmentalists and concerned citizens are already speaking out against the nets. 

In this day and age, with all we know about sharks – including their dwindling numbers, their critical role in our ecosystem, their behavior, and the infinitesimal risk they pose to us, many South Africans support the removal of the nets, and those who are unaware, it is anticipated, once educated so too will choose live sharks over dead ones.  This is an issue that rests in the hands of the public – and they rightfully should be given a chance to make their own educated decisions.

http://www.removethenets.com/index.php/learn-more/shark-net/truth-about-shark-nets

[patricklwsmyth]

World's 50 best surf spots

World's 50 best surf spots

By Jade Bremner, for CNN

updated 8:44 AM EDT, Mon July 1, 2013

The artificial surf pool (number 41) at Wadi Adventure has converted its share of skeptics, inspiring some to proclaim it the future of surfing.

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Surf pool, United Arab Emirates

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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

"Surfing Magazine" editors helped compile this list of world's best surf spots

Supertubes in Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa, is the best right-hand ride in the world

You don't have to be a surfer to enjoy the sport's culture and laid-back locations

Wadi Adventure's "surf pool" in the UAE is the only artificial surf site on the list

(CNN) -- Maybe you surf, maybe you don't.

It doesn't matter.

Everyone who's been to the beach in the last 50 years is influenced by surf culture.

If you've ever listened to a Beach Boys record (most of the guys in the group didn't surf) or donned a pair of baggy shorts or looked wistfully out at the breakers and dreamed of an endless summer of waves and bonfires with the perfect surfer guy or girl on your arm, you can claim a connection to surf culture.

That's why even if you're the type who sits on the beach with your toes planted firmly in the sand, the world's best surf spots still matter.

To get you to them, we asked the editors of Surfing Magazine to help us compile picks for the world's greatest surf spots (our top 10 is heavily influenced by theirs), adding them to a mix of contributions from pro surfers and our own experiences.

50. Wave to nowhere.

50. Eisbach, Munich

The most unusual wave on the list is found on an artificial river next to Englischer Garten, Munich's main park. It's completely landlocked.

This one meter standing wave (meaning you don't move along the river, but surf in the same spot) is created by water pumped fast against a large rock, forming a crest.

As long as there's enough water the ride never stops ... until you fall.

49. Baja Malibu, Baja Norte, Mexico

Though water cleanliness is an issue (don't swallow any), this exposed break works when offshore winds blow in from the east.

You can ride both right and left and fall onto a sandy base.

48. Fulong Beach, Taiwan

48. Not huge waves, but a mellow scene and good camping.

In northeast Taiwan, Fulong Beach has great camping nearby and produces thrilling right- and left-peeling waves from a sandbar.

Waves range from one to two meters.

47. Surin Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Though Thailand isn't a world-class spot, we like the location, the warm opaque waters, fresh pad Thai at street stalls and raucous nightlife.

46. Great winter surfing.

46. Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Not just a great surf spot with a right-hand peak, surfers here share the beach with wild monkeys and elephants that graze in the forest nearby.

45. Surfer's Point, Barbados

On the southernmost tip of Barbados you'll find hollow and fast beginner-to-intermediate peaks scattered along the bay.

Waves face both left and right.

50 awesome, amazing natural wonders

44. The Bubble, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

On the north shore off the coast of El Jablito, this expert right-hand tube works best when it's head-high to double overhead.

Similar to many of the waves in the Canaries, the only thing that hurts this reef break are aggressive locals who resent giving visiting surfers a turn on "their" wave. Visitors may find themselves in a paddling race to get a shot at riding this classic face.

43. Strong surfing.

43. Black's Beach, San Diego, California

One for seasoned professionals, Black's Beach is one of the most powerful breaks in California.

San Diego's best surfers flock here; it can get crowded on weekends.

42. Cape Hatteras: historic ride.

42. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton, North Carolina

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has been popular since the 1970s and renowned for good surf caused by deadly hurricanes, which have over the years caused numerous shipwrecks and given it the nickname "the Atlantic graveyard."

41. Surf pool, United Arab Emirates

The only artificial surf site to make the list, the wave pool at Wadi Adventure in the United Arab Emirates has converted its share of skeptics, inspiring some to proclaim it the future of surfing.

The surf pool can be adjusted to create rights, lefts and even barrels.

"It may not be the best wave in the world, but it's the best wave pool in the world," says Surfing Magazine editor in chief Taylor Paul.

40. Year-round action.

40. Biarritz, France

Surfers have been hitting this spot since the 1950s.

It pumps all year around thanks to ferocious North Atlantic swells that make their way down the Gulf de Gascogne.

39. Ponta Preta, Maio, Cape Verde

In Portuguese "Ponta Preta" means black point, and if this was a ski slope it would most definitely be a black run.

This break over exposed reef offers thrilling rides in winter for expert surfers.

38. Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada

The surfing capital of Canada offers a picturesque break on the west coast of the island.

Unique feature: it's surrounded by a looming rainforest.

Suitable for all abilities, the only prerequisite is a thick wetsuit -- it gets cold out there.

37. Shark-free Oz surfing.

37. Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia

Popular among European backpackers, this mellow town is home to bars that religiously play reggae and waves along a 70-kilometer stretch of sand.

Shark nets have been implemented, but look out for the sunken ship.

36. Les Cavaliers, Anglet, France

Flanked by two rocky girders, surfers should use the channel at the right-hand side to paddle into this killer wave, which works perfectly in offshore winds with west swells.

Locals can be aggressive when they feel their waves have been stolen.

35. Killer Point, Taghazoute, Morocco

Popularized by hippies in the 1960s, this southern Moroccan village makes for an utterly unique surf trip.

A perfectly peeling wave breaks over a cliff shelf, which was named after the many killer whales in the area.

34. Pedra Branca Ericeira, Portugal

Along this sublime surf beach 48 kilometers north of Lisbon on the Atlantic coast you'll find a sleepy fishing-village-turned-surfer town with six kilometers of stunning beach, including the sandbar Sao Lorenzo and the epic Pedra Branca reef break. It's one of the best waves in Europe.

New Zealand's best beaches

33. Sao Francisco do Sul, Brazil

Surfing competitions are often held at this decent quality sandbar below San Paulo on the east coast of Brazil.

There's a fun-loving atmosphere, plus some nice bars from which to watch the surf until sunset and eat tasty local grub.

32. Coconuts, Samoa

Even professional surfers come close to cracking their boards at this classic wave, which breaks over live coral and on top days offers 150-meter rides.

31. Carrapateira, Portugal

This lovely left-hand Euro break with plenty of shelter from the rocks can reach up to three meters during mid-high tide.

Best of all, it's usually empty.

30. As picturesque as it is surfable.

30. Hanalei Bay, Hawaii

Set in a sandy, horseshoe bay, Hanalei on Kauai is particularly pretty, with waterfalls tumbling down magnificent tropical cliffs in the background.

Pros love it for its overhead tubes and consistently fine waves.

Others just love the super-chill vibe of a perfect beach town.

World's 15 most spectacular swimming pools

29. Famous, but still fabulous.

29. Rincon, Puerto Rico

Not to be confused with Rincon, California (also on this list), this once sleepy Puerto Rican town on the Caribbean Sea has become famous for surfing.

The green hill is a great place from which to scout the best surf.

28. Bundoran Beach, County Donegal, Ireland

These shimmering green waters produce rolling waves, which are shaped by the headlands and flat rock reefs.

The cold water doesn't deter die-hards.

Locals will offer tips and advice to visiting surfers.

27. Do well and the monkeys may cheer you on.

27. Tamarindo Beach, Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Good for beginners and experts, this half-kilometer stretch of beach with warm water generates waves that reach heights of three meters.

Howler monkeys swing through the trees and parakeets screech in the background.

26. Pasta Point, Maldives

One of the most famous waves in the Maldives, this break offers left-hand rides and 100 meters of pure tube riding out to sea.

There's a catch: only Dhonveli Beach Resort & Spa guests can access the spot. A stay on the exclusive island costs upwards of $340 per night.

25. Expert Hawaiian dream.

25. Backdoor, Oahu, Hawaii

An experts-only spot, the reef bottom here creates potent, hollow, fast and intimidating world-class tubes.

Epic, though not quite as epic as its North Shore neighbor, Pipeline.

Non-expert surfers should probably just experience this break from the beach.

24. Watergate Bay, Cornwall, England

Watergate Bay isn't as famous as Fistral Bay, but it has more English charm, is less crowded and is equally as surfable, with waves ranging from 30 centimeters to three meters.

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23. Half a kilometer of thrills.

23. Cloudbreak, Tavarua Island, Fiji

In the easygoing South Pacific, Cloudbreak is strictly for experts.

This brutal, hollow wave forms about 1,600 meters off the coast, and holds for up to 500 meters, reaching 10 meters in size.

22. Superbank, Gold Coast, Australia

Superbank produces tubes and solid walls.

It's crucial to save some energy for the two-kilometer walk along the beach back to where cars can be parked.

21. Surfrider Beach, Malibu, California

These small, perfectly formed crests where Johnny Fain and Miki Dora surfed in the 1950s are a great place to grab a longboard and surf Beach Boys-style. Unfortunately, the place is absolutely rammed for exactly this reason.

20. The slab wave that sparked a resurgence.

20. The Box, Margaret River Valley, Australia

The Box is possibly the world's most venerable slab wave, meaning that it transitions quickly from deep to shallow water.

Named for its square barrel shape, the Box is said to be responsible for a resurgence among thrill seekers to search out dangerous slab waves around the world.

"It's sharky as all hell, but worth it," says Surfing Magazine editor in chief Taylor Paul. "It has an incredibly late takeoff and offers a short, powerful right-hand barrel."

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19. Jaws, Maui, Hawaii

The most iconic big wave reef break on the Hawaiian Islands takes its name from the ferocity of its legendary waves.

"It's a right and a left, and both offer giant barrels -- and potentially deadly consequences -- for anyone who's crazy enough to ride them," says Paul.

Waves can reach an unbelievable 27 meters in winter, when strong winds create the monster swells for which the break is famed.

In 2012, big wave legend Shane Dorian caught the extreme barrel ride that won Billabong's XXL Ride of the Year, the accomplishment that's finally getting him inducted into the Surfer's Hall of Fame this July.

18. China's tropical offering.

18. Riyuewan, Sanya, Hainan Island, China

China isn't known for its beaches, let alone its surfing, but Hainan Island offers untouched tropical beaches with consistent uncrowded waves.

Local outfit Surfing Hainan arranges transportation to beginner spots, such as Riyuewan Bay, and lesser known locations.

17. Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand

Made famous in the 1960s as a location in the surf classic, "The Endless Summer," atmosphere is key at this sleepy town.

Bars and cafes play surf videos and serve healthy smoothies and fresh cakes.

The waves on this wide-open bay range from one meter to about three, with an occasional barrel.

16. One of the best left-handers in the world.

16. Nihiwatu, Sumba, Indonesia

A private beach may grate on the idyllic surf attitude, but there's no denying the appeal of a break reserved just for you and a few others. All day, any day.

Especially when it's frequently rated as one of the top 10 left-handers in the world, and has a stunning location.

15 sexy skinny dips

15. Rincon, Santa Barbara, California

While it doesn't break often, when the surf is up, Rincon is the best point break in California, offering long, steep, right-hand waves on most big northwest swells.

When that happens, this world famous spot gets extremely crowded.

14. Montanita Beach, Montanita, Ecuador

Not many travelers make it to (or even know about) this spot on the west coast of Ecuador.

The majority head straight to the Galapagos Islands and miss this hidden spot, which wasn't even on the map a few years ago.

There are only a thousand or so locals in Montanita and they're among the friendliest bunch of surfers you'll find.

After pounding right-hand breaks, you can get to know them during apres-surf events on the village's bar strip.

13. You can do some whale spotting while you're out there.

13. Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaii

Finding this right-hand point break is tricky.

Locals may respond to requests for directions with "go back home," but this is a world-class ride with the added bonus of whale spotting from your board.

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12. Trestles, Orange County, California

The combination of easy paddle-outs and consistent high-quality breaks make the Trestles one of the most revered destinations in Southern California.

Five spots make up the Trestles and provide a variety of left- and right-handed barrels -- the best surf (and the biggest crowds) are found at Lower Trestles.

"There's no other wave in the world that allows for such high performance surfing, and the fact that the A-frame is located in Orange County -- the heart of the surf industry -- makes it the epicenter for progressive aerials and surfing," says Surfing Magazine editor in chef Taylor Paul.

11. Waves, Maldives. Nothing not to like.

11. Sultans, North Male, Maldives

A consistent reef wave that's absolutely pumping in the spring, the rocks at Sultans can be hazardous, so going with a live-aboard outfit such as Surf Atoll is recommended.

The expert wave spotters can also deliver surfers to other fine points among the Maldives' 1,190 coral islands.

World's 50 best beaches

10. Lance's Right, Sipora, Mentawais Islands, Sumatera Barat, Indonesia

Near a seaside village on the tiny, beautiful Indonesian island of Sipora is a killer right tube that's worth the time, money and effort it takes to find it.

Warm water, mechanically consistent waves, a cove lined with palm trees and dozens more world-class waves nearby -- no wonder the place is called "perfection" by avid surfers.

9. It's called Cloud Nine for a reason.

9. Cloud Nine, Siargao Island, Philippines

This dramatic and powerful reef break, which crashes onto shallow razor-sharp coral, offers right and left death rides.

Fearless surfers will experience a slice of paradise or hallucinations as waves wrap over them like a liquid cocoon.

Skin and sometimes bone are often ripped to shreds by the ocean bed.

8. Puerto Escondido, Southern Oaxaca, Mexico

With a long, blessed surf season from March to December, this Mexican state attracts surfers with its powerful barrels and surrounding sandy point breaks.

"It's the main attraction when surfers head south of the border," says Paul, who recommends basing out of Puerto Escondido and driving to various points along the coast.

7. Like Hawaii (sort of), but without the coral.

7. Hossegor, France

This Atlantic surfing spot has been dubbed the "surfing capital of Europe."

The rich and famous have mansions and holiday homes near the beach -- previous owners include the likes of surfing songwriter Jack Johnson.

People come from miles around to watch the pros ride tubes, which can rival Hawaii for heavy walls breaking on an unnervingly shallow sandbank.

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6. Maverick's, California

The wave of legends is surfed by only the gutsiest of board riders.

The mammoth peak forms as a result of hair-raising storms out at sea and reaches bone-chilling heights of 25 meters.

The only way to reach this wave is by boat or jet-ski; come at it at the wrong angle and you're fish food.

In 1994, skilled Hawaiian big-wave surfer Mark Foo died surfing this point.

Those surfers who do conquer its peak join a small club of overachievers.

5. P-Pass, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

P-Pass (short for Paliker Pass) is known for its incredible right-hander.

"It's just flawless, blue, reef-pass tubes," says Paul.

Due to a remote location and the relatively high cost to reach it, the spot remains largely uncrowded despite its superlative rides.

4. Often crowded, but few places offer Bali's warmth and spectacle.

4. Uluwatu and Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

This paradise island attracts expert surfers from Australia and Hawaii, plus beginners from across the globe -- all can enjoy these perfect glassy faces.

3. Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia

"Teahupo'o is one of the most perfect and feared waves in the world," says Paul about this unique Tahiti reef break.

"It's a short, intense ride and when it gets above 10 feet it's one of the most surreal waves in the world -- almost cartoonish."

The heavy hollow-breaking wave is as dangerous as it is rewarding -- the name means "Wall of Heads."

The world's biggest waves

2. More than 300 meters of ride, each one memorable.

2. Supertubes, Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa

The best right-hand ride in the world, according to our panel of Surfing Magazine editors, Jeffrey's Bay offers long, fast barrels off an intense point break.

The bay is divided into sections, so there are plenty of choices -- Kitchen Windows, Magna Tubes, Boneyards and, gnarliest of all, Supertubes.

Expert surfers flock here for rides up to 300 meters long.

1. Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii

Here it is -- the granddaddy of all waves.

Most surfers will never be good enough to ride here, but everyone dreams of bobbing along its perfect crest.

Located on the island where modern surfing was developed, this is one of the heaviest waves in the world, scaling more than six meters over a shallow base of razor-blade table reef.

Ride this flawless water tube and you've communed with one of nature's finest creations.

[patricklwsmyth]

Is Injectable Oxygen in Surfing's Future? | SURFER Magazine

INJECTABLE AIR?

Scientists develop microparticles that can allow long periods without breathing

BY JUSTIN HOUSMAN

| POSTED ON JUNE 16, 2013

Could injectable oxygen make hold-unders nothing to worry about? Photo: Glaser

The next stage in big-wave surfing’s evolution may come from an unlikely source. Researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital announced last year that they’ve successfully completed tests of an injectable form of oxygen that they hope will be able to keep a human being alive for up to 30 minutes without breathing.

Led by Dr. John Kheir of Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, the team of scientists were able to pack oxygen into microparticles that are suspended in a kind of injectable foam; the microparticles are small enough to mix harmlessly with human blood, thereby allowing them to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream without fear of embolism.

When tested on rabbits with blocked windpipes, the injectable oxygen kept the little guys alive for over 15 minutes.

The oxygenated foam could be used in patients whose lungs have filled with blood or other fluids—including seawater—keeping those patients from lapsing into cardiac arrest, or suffering brain damage, while the cause of lung obstruction is dealt with by medical personnel.

“Eventually, this [injectable oxygen] could be stored in syringes on every code cart in a hospital, ambulance or transport helicopter to help stabilize patients who are having difficulty breathing,” Dr. Kheir explained.

But it’s got to be brutally uncomfortable while the rest of your body tries to convince your lungs that they’re not needed at the moment.

It’s unclear from the initial announcements that came out Boston Children’s Hospital whether or not the injectable oxygen could be used prior to knowingly depriving a person of oxygen, as would be the case if a big-wave surfer dosed himself with a bit of intravenous security before paddling out into a hairball situation at Cortes Bank, for instance.

But it’s worth noting that the research team was at least partially funded by a grant from the Defense Department. It’s easy to imagine the military coming up with all sorts of ways to make use of soldiers who can go without breathing.

It’s just as easy to imagine big-wave surfers equipped with bandoliers of life-preserving oxygenated foam vials to ward off the dangers of two-wave hold downs. Inflatable air vests are widely used by heavywater chargers; portable oxygen canisters are also available. Will track marks from injectable oxygen syringes be a badge of honor? A sign of weakness?

We’re years away from knowing. Tests on human subjects have yet to be reported. And there’s no way that—even if approved—intravenous oxygen would be affordable anytime soon.

But it’s something to think about. Short of perfecting artificial gills (yes, scientists are working on it) or the breathable liquids that only work on rats (perflourocarbons, yep, real, but just for small mammals, not you), injectable oxygen may be the next best thing to keeping surfers from drowning. Besides, you know, holding your breath

[patricklwsmyth]

 You actively live and breathe the lululemon culture – on Friday afternoons you hit up wheatgrass and tequila shots (it’s called work/life balance)

[patricklwsmyth]

Surfing Tofino

[patricklwsmyth]

Best song ever

[kenlelek]

Hang in there

[patricklwsmyth]

Is that you climbing, Ken Lelek?

[patricklwsmyth]

Canada's new medical marijuana laws

After two years of study and discussion, the federal government has finalized new rules for medical marijuana and granted a reprieve to pharmacists who opposed the rules in their draft form.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq rolled out the regulations today for formal publication in the Canada Gazette on Wednesday.

Under the new regime, the government will no longer produce or distribute medical pot and medical marijuana users will no longer be allowed to grow the product at home.

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'Green' entrepreneurs hoping to cash in on legal weed industry

Medical pot users say legal changes will lead to more law-breaking

Pot stays illegal in Canada after Appeal Court upholds medical marijuana laws

Yummy-looking medical marijuana treats may entice kids: Study

PHOTOS

A protester lights a joint during a 4-20 marijuana rally on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, April 20, 2012. (Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

'Care packages' of medical marijuana are displayed at the Harborside Health Center in Oakland, Calif. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010. (AP / Ben Margot)

Health Canada said since the medical marijuana program was introduced in 2001, it has expanded to 30,000 people from the original 500 authorized to use the product.

"This rapid increase has had unintended consequences for public health, safety and security as a result of allowing individuals to produce marijuana in their homes," the department said in a news release.

"Under the new regulations, production will no longer take place in homes and municipal zoning laws will need to be respected, which will further enhance public safety."

Under the new regulations, the government will allow patients to buy prescribed amounts only from licensed growers who will be required to meet strict conditions.

In previous versions of the regulations, pharmacies were to distribute the product just like other medications, provoking concern from pharmacists, who expressed concerns about dispensing a product without sufficient research. They also cited security concerns.

The final version removes the pharmacists from the loop, leaving patients to rely on mail order for their medical marijuana.

"While the courts have said that there must be reasonable access to a legal source of marijuana for medical purposes, we believe that this must be done in a controlled fashion in order to protect public safety," Aglukkaq said in a statement.

"These changes will strengthen the safety of Canadian communities while making sure patients can access what they need to treat serious illnesses."

She used similar reasoning last week when she introduced new hurdles for the creation of supervised drug-injection sites in response to a court ruling.

Physicians and pharmacists alike questioned the regulatory changes, saying there is little evidence that medical marijuana is either effective or safe.

The umbrella group representing the country's colleges of physicians and surgeons said the changes won't protect people.

"We believe that the new federal medical marijuana regulations put patients and the general public at risk," Dr. Rocco Gerace, president of the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada, said in a statement.

"Physicians should not be asked to prescribe or dispense substances or treatments for which there is little or no evidence of clinical efficacy or safety."

In December, the president of the Canadian Medical Association, Dr. Anna Reid, described the proposed marijuana rules as "akin to asking doctors to write prescriptions while blindfolded."

"Not only does prescribing drugs that haven't been clinically tested fly in the face of medical training and ethics, but marijuana's potential benefits and adverse effects have not been rigorously tested."

The Canadian Pharmacists Association responded in February to a set of draft rules.

"There is little information available on safety, effectiveness, dosage, drug interactions or long-term health risks," the association said in its letter to Health Canada.

"Pharmacists, physicians and nurse practitioners need evidence-based information to support safe and effective prescribing and dispensing of (medical marijuana)."

The association said it didn't know how many pharmacies would be willing to participate a revamped system.

"While the distribution process would be regulated, there remains the concern with pharmacists dispensing a product that does not have adequate safety and effectiveness evidence. In addition, the potential security risks to pharmacies due to robberies would need to be considered."

Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/canada-s-new-medical-marijuana-rules-cut-homegrowers-pharmacists-out-1.1318929#ixzz2W8SPtQ1f

[kenlelek]

Gotta to love N G extreme sport photos

[patricklwsmyth]

Very cool photos from my friend Ken Lelek - thanks for looking at them - Patrick Smyth

[patricklwsmyth]

Great article in MacLeans describing why legalization in Canada is a good thing

[patricklwsmyth]

Interview with Patrick Smyth from Ross' Gold on medical marijuana

Ross's Gold fired up for possible summer start 

Company has refined medical marijuana coffee shop concept

by Cathryn Atkinson

click to enlarge

Ross's Gold is taking shape. The medical marijuana-coffee shop franchise planned by Olympic gold medal-winning snowboarder Ross Rebagliati, is developing slowly and carefully, said Rebagliati's business partner.

"We came out of the gates in January really quite unplanned and were crushed by media requests," Patrick Smyth of Ocean Eclipse Venture Capital said.

"Since then, we've developed the business model and branding per se. It has changed significantly. Originally, we thought we'd be able to be a dispensary. We cannot be a dispensary."

Smyth said they would create coffee shops in Whistler, Vancouver and beyond; if all goes well, the resort's first location will open this summer.

Ross's Gold has raised start-up capital and planned a storefront with a design concept incorporating a retail area, coffee bar, vapour lounge and a medical clinic. In terms of the latter, Smyth said the goal is to eventually serve people who meet prescription qualifications for medical marijuana.

"We cannot sell or distribute it. Our goal is to have people come in who are healthy enough to make the choice and meet the prescription qualifications, we'll get their prescription and then we'll recommend where they can buy some and then buy it directly from licensed producers and it will get shipped by Canada Post in the next day or two days," he explained.

This, he said, was "perfectly legal."

One innovation is for the company to look at creating a branded strain of medical marijuana called Ross's Gold.

"(It could be different strengths,) Ross's gold, silver or bronze — like Tylenol Extra Strength," Smyth said, but added it would depend on legal constraints. To this end, they had been speaking to growers with both farming and hot-house scientific experience.

They also have a letter of intent from a hedge fund in Britain and once this arrangement is finalized they "will be able to sit down and negotiate leases."

"We've developed relationships with product suppliers, we've actually have products sitting in Whistler ready to sell, sitting on a shelf. So we've done a lot of that," Smyth said.

"We want to have our design ready because we've had a lot of expressions of interest from people who want to license and brand our stores."

He said that some doctors have expressed an interest in becoming involved.

"That's the ultimate vision. Then we hope that one day down the line the medical clinic would one day become a dispensary, but only when we're allowed to do that. I'm sure the laws will change one day," Smyth said.

The Harper government is wedded to current policy of privatizing the supply of medical marijuana, due to take place in 2014. Health Canada forecasts medical marijuana users to grow from 26,000 currently to 300,000 in the next decade, creating an industry worth $5 billion.

Smyth said they hadn't approached the Resort Municipality of Whistler or the RCMP.

"We haven't approached anyone there, we did speak to one councillor and he said it sounds like (concerns would be) a bylaw thing," Smyth said. "Looking at a Vancouver location, we did approach the Vancouver Police Department and they said it was a bylaw issue. We're putting our feelers out there, getting responses. The big thing is that we want to make sure there is understanding, that everything has to be compliant."

Ross's Gold's plans come as former Microsoft executive Jamen Shively announced his intention to create a U.S.-based and eventually international marijuana brand, using cannabis imported legally from Mexico.

His company, Diego Pellicer Inc., would be based in Seattle and targeted at social and medical marijuana users in the Washington State and Colorado, states which recently decriminalized cannabis use, in hope of expansion to other markets as they legalize, according to the BBC. Shively also plans to bring in former Mexican president Vincente Fox as a partner.

[patricklwsmyth]

Patrick Smyth - Surfing to Snowboarding to Surgery

868 days ago when I moved from Costa Rica to Whistler, I weighed in at about 215 lbs and was fighting fit.  To put my weight in scale, I am 6' 0". Surfing a couple of two hour sessions a day, five times a week minimum had put me into the best shape of my life.  On top of it, a diet of fish, fresh fruit and casado ( rice, black beans, plantains, salad, a tortilla) meant that I was heart healthy too.  

(casado)

(my house in Tamarindo)

  The first few months in Whistler saw some changes to my diet in that I wanted heavier foods such as pasta and bread, but my fitness regime was kept in check with snowboarding, and hitting the gym at Meadow Park four days a week.  In that period, I also started to box and lift some serious weights.  You see, I had dislocated my left shoulder three times in the past playing rugby and surfing, and wanted to keep it strong.

On March 26 2011, I had the worst wipeout of my snow boarding career coming down the flats on Harmony Bowl at light speed.  Someone came out of nowhere and I was forced to stop at a breakneck speed only to catch an edge and become airborne.  Not good.

(Shredding "Stoker" on Blackcomb) When I regained my senses, the pain in my left shoulder was excruciating.  All I thoughts was, ‘oh no.  another dislocation’.  I went straight to Seppos, and even though it was only 1030 am and the bar wasn’t open, the kind Australian bartender on duty had pity on me and plied me with Crown to kill the pain.

The next couple of days I took it easy, and resumed shredding later in the week, with the gym routine the following week.  A month later, the shoulder wasn't reacting like it should have and I considered going to the Doctor.  But for any of you who remember Spring 2011 in Whistler, that would have meant missing some serious May powder if I was sidelined. 

So, the day after Blackcomb closed I saw the doctor.  Two days later an MRI and news that I had done major damage to my rotator cuff and needed surgery.  While, I didn't have any power in my shoulder, it was good enough for day-to-day and surgery would have to wait because of some work/personal commitments/issues.  The biggest pain for me was not being able to go to hit the boxing bag, but I survived and ended up snowboarding most of the 2012 season.

In the early Fall of 2012, it was decided that I needed surgery.  I went to my GP on a Tuesday, additional xrays on the Wednesday and saw the surgeon specialist on the Thursday.  Three weeks later I had my operation.  Who said Canadian health care was bad needs their head examined.

After the surgery, the weight started to pile on as I was in a sling for two months and wasn't allowed any exercise that might put me at risk.  Even going for walks was painful for the first four months.  Who would have thought that?  The problem was that I was still eating like I was working out every day, and somehow I managed to put on about 30 lbs.  Seriously.

 By February I was allowed to sit on a stationary bike and start physio.  But no riding a bike on the street as any wipeout would be disastrous.  And it was the that I made some major changes in my diet by stopping consumption of the following:  sodas, cheese and fast food.  Damn near killed me.  Especially my love for soft French cheeses. 

It is now early June and I am lifting weights again, walking about 50 km a week and swimming.  While I haven't regained full strength (I am at about 40%), it sure feels good to be active and I am down to about 130 lbs.  Give me another two months and I will be back to 115!

(hauling wood near Gold Bridge, BC)

Thanks for reading!  Patrick Smyth

[patricklwsmyth]

"Whatever you do and wherever you go and however you get there, just remember one thing: Snow Boarders and Surfers travel"

Patrick Smyth