The new generation of groms rip, don't get me wrong. It just seems as though they are pushed out there onto a board and told to bust airs like a 10 year old basketball player being told to learn to dunk before he can dribble.
Gerry Lopez, Ronnie Burns, Rob Machado, Joel Tudor, Shane Dorian, Donavon, Mike Stewart, Spencer Skipper, Aka Lyman... Mick Fanning is another current top player with top notch style. There is hope for the new generation in the style department, Jon Florence is a good example of learning the art before the glitz. I know this topic has been discussed over and over again, but watching a couple recent contests I noticed some people doing 360's like it was an 80's bodyboarding event. What happen to carving turns and good old fashioned ripping? I love the new school approach like the next person, but just because there is a camera and a chop, doesn't mean you have to try your hardest to launch for the cover.
Oh well, that's the beauty of surfing... It is what you make it. I guess it just shows my distance from the new generation when I would rather watch Rob Machado soul arching at some indo left than Kolohe Andino do 2 360 slob airs on the same wave and beat a guy who did 3 solid carves and a legitimate floater. This is an equal opportunity point of view too, I cannot even watch bodyboarding contests anymore... Haven't we got past the El-Floppo by now? Really? Maybe it is just the photographer in me grumbling... Because otherwise, I have no room to speak on the matter and I understand that. Style makes for nice images. With Machado and Tudor, you could shoot any part of their waves and get a good shot. With some of the new guys, you have to wait until a section pops up and hope they reach for the stars, because you know a soul arching carve is out of the question.
The reports are calling for waves on Friday. Along with... Wait for it... South winds. Ah, Summertime in Southern California. Just a couple more months until Fall is here. Cheee-Huuu.
Have a great day everyone. Aloha!!!
- JP
One of my constant thoughts! yeah you are right. But check out Jordy Smith, happy to see a 22 year old with classic attributes. I love his cutback and classic carving performances. Aloha!
ReplyDeleteVery true about Smith... He is a good mixture of both for sure. His ego has improved too recently, making him a force without a doubt!
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