World Title Stress Delivers Coveted Oldfartsurfer Status to Mick Fanning

Can you imagine the stress involved in winning a world title when it comes down to the wire, the final event of the season at Pipeline needing a score of 9.5 to win in the dying seconds of the heat or its another wasted year?  This film clip from Mysurf tv beautifully captures the poignant moments surrounding Mick Fanning, his family and team as he waits and chooses the crucial wave of an approaching set.
The Old Farts Surf Co. has already anointed 11 time world champion, Kelly Slater, with oldfartsurfer status after his 11th title win (although he's old enough to qualify on age alone). However, according to Old Farts Surf Co. Head Honcho, The Mexican, "Mick's last gasp effort for the 2013 world title and, in the process, turning his whole team grey on the beach is clear justification for honouring him with the internationally coveted oldfartsurfer status."  Congratulations Mick!
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A little birdie told me

(The uninspiring Entrance)

Intrepid oldfartsurfer no. 45, Rouge, is winning the Old Farts Surf co. 2013 awards for the most surfs in 2013 by an oldfartsurfer.  "Not only is he our most prolific surfer but he is also our major contributor with a never ending account of his heroic oldfartsurfcapades" said Old Farts Surf Co. Head Honcho, The Mexican.  The Dude, Macho and the Mex have had trouble finding any sort of wave to surf over the past two months and have taken to mountain bike riding in a desperate attempted to get a surf stoke.

(Out of the way Birdie Beach)

These photos came with the following comments from Rouge:
"The girls left town for their annual weekend away.  My mate Buzzy and I decided to head up the coast (1hr 20min) for some greener pastures.  We surfed The Entrance rivermouth at 7 am.  Very small and uninspiring.  then drove north another half an hour to Birdie Beach (never been there) off the national park just near Budgewoi.  One of those out of the way beaches that we should visit more often.  Beaut little 2-3' lefthanders that got faster and faster as the tide went out.  I'll take you there next time you're in Sydney"

(Oldfartsurfer Rouge at Birdie Beach)

The Mexican said "I was impressed with the Rouge and Buzzy getting to The Entrance by 7 am, the girls were away so they could have slept off the hangover, perhaps they just didn't go to bed after partying all night".  The Oldfartsurfer is Gladdened that Bob continues to excel.

(Frazer Park pumping)

Is the Mexican back in form?

Commenting on a recent post on the stance of oldfartsurfer No. 5, Moose, the ever observant Rouge (OFSC No. 45), asked "I'd also like you to investigate rumours that Mex has rediscovered the spring in a recent North Clifton session, absolutely nailing several late takeoffs.  Witnessed by old fart surf buddy and sled brother Rouge.  no fotos other than zen like static stretch used prior to entering the surf zone. R".

 (Mex springs over the sand dune on a beautiful spring morning with a new zest for the ocean)

Fortunately the Oldfartsurfer managed to procure some photos taken of the Mex (OFSC No. 4 and Head Honcho of the Old Farts Surf Co.) on the day.  The spring spring in the Mex's legs is obvious as he runs across the dune for an early morning barrel.

 (Mex prays to Huey for a spring in his legs to make the late drop)

Whilst no photo of the Mex "nailing several late take offs" as described by Rouge, he did capture the Zen like surf stretch prayer to the surf god Huey.  We can only deduce from the spring in the legs, the prayer to Huey along with Rouge's unquestionable integrity that the Mex did actually nail several late take offs.

In a closing note, can anyone confirm or deny the rumour that The Dude (OFSC No. 12) has ditched the Delaminator and secured a 6'4" Bobsled called Baby Bob but has been frustrated in his attempts an initial sea trials?

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Agent 66 Makes a Comeback

Its been about 40 years since Oldfartsurfer No. 66 (aka Agent 66 or A66 for short) was an active oldfartsurfer.  In those days he was the main dude, hosting Rouge (OFSC No. 45) and the Mex (OFSC No. 4) at the family beach shack, he was an expert guitar player and a man of means from an early age.

(Retired, Agent 66 gets his inspiration over a beer)

For reasons not given to the Oldfartsurfer, Agent 66 drifted away from surfing at an early age.  There was the reunion session at Roaring Beach about 10 years ago when Rouge came back to town, however, there have been no other reported sightings of ol 'A66 at the beach since the mid 70's.

(Agent 66 and his tentative first step)

Being a man of means, A66 has retired to a life of luxury at an early age.  One of the first things he he did was call his ol' buddy Rouge.  "Hey Rouge, I've retired and want to get stoked like a true oldfartsurfer again" Rouge said he said.  "Get up here straight away and I'll get you back on a board" A66 said Rouge said.

(Agent 66 up and going)

"To ease A66 back into being stoked I thought I would introduce him to these new fangled SUP boards." said Rouge.  "He took to it like a duck on a lake".  According to mastersurffitnessguru, OFSC No. 6, Spot, "the theory is to get his fitness and balance re-trained and restore his natural athleticism, then introduce him back into the surf."

(A babe asks Agent 66 for a ride)

A66 was thrilled with his new found skill.  He paddled up and down the lake striking a handsome and athletic figure.  As you might expect, our man soon attracted a hot babe who waded out from the shore to greet him as he paddled past.  "Hey there big boy" she said with a wink and cheeky grin.  Not to be distracted, A66 said "Sorry babe, lovely to meet you but I'm on a mission from Rouge, and if you don't mind I'll be on my way" dipped his cap and he just kept on paddling.

(Not distracted Agent 66 paddles out across the lake)

A66 reported to the Oldfartsurfer that he now understood the essence of staying stoked.  Not that he hadn't been stoked for the past 40 years, he just hadn't smelt its essence.  "I'm hitting it big time from now on" he told the Oldfartsurfer. 

(Agent 66 returns after his big comeback)

After the SUP paddling stoke renewal session the boys headed off to the nearest oldfartsurfcafe' for a skinny soy latte surf capacino and obligatory ginger nut snaps.  "There is no better way to finish a day on the water" said A66.  "Yeah" Rouge nodded knowingly.

(Agent 66 returns after establishing his comeback with the media) 

(Agent 66 doing what he has done best for the past 30 years)

(Agent 66 & Rouge head back out for another session)

(Post comeback SUP session, Agent 66 & Rouge, oldfartsurfbuddies)

 

(Agent 66 in coffee Connoisseur mode, celebrating his big comeback)

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Stylish Dan

For those fortunate enough to have a copy of the highly sought after Old Farts Surf Co. 2012 Calender you may want to remember to turn the page to April for the feature photo of Stylish Dan.

Son of Oldfartsurfer No. 23, Macho, as a young teenager, Dan is already showing attributes of his old man's style.  Taken last April at the Old Farts Surf Co. 2011 Easter Classic, the photo shows Dan in the perfect crouch position developed by Macho gliding his old man's Mal a glassy point wave.  Notice the board placement in the speed slot of the wave, the leading forearm, and the alignment of the trailing elbow and knee.  In addition to being an evolving soul surfer, Dan is also a budding musician pumping some original music out of the "pickers hut" with his young mates.  This will not be the last time you have heard of Stylish Dan as according to Old Farts Surf co. Head Honcho, The Mexican, "age is no barrier to being an oldfartsurfer, its a deeply spiritual thing, and Dan's style is ageless"
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Rouge Rocks Baulkan Hills

The Oldfartsurfer has received further contributions from roving reporter, Rouge (OFSC No. 45).  After the superb photojournalism in his previous article on the Bobby Brown Memorial Paddle Out and Single Fin Contest at Sandon Point, he has submitted some unique photos and a You Tube recording of his recent performance at the Bull & Bush jam night at Baulkan Hills in Sydney's west. 

(Rock god Rouge, aka Open Mike)

Going by name Open Mike, Rouge snuck into the pub and put his name on the list.  He sent the attached photos and a link to the You Tube posting of the event with the following message:

"Bull n Bush jam night. Vocals/guitar - Nick. Bass - Tim. Drums - Anthony. Not bad considering (a) we've never played together, and (b) they'd never heard of the song. Taken from the dance production Catherine Wheel (Twyla Tharp, 1981)." 

The Oldfartsurfer's sources say that it is the best performance seen at the Bull & Bush since last year and certainly one of Rouge's greatest recorded solo live performances.

(Open Mike & Tim)

Followers of the Old Farts Surf Co. may remember that Open (Mike) was a former member of the infamous band Crosseyed & Painless who were regular performers at the Mt. Tom Price pub in the early 80's.  The special 30th Anniversary release of the  Crosseyed's seminal album "Live at Tom Price 1981" was reviewed by the Oldfartsurfer last year. 

Stay Stoked - Oldfartsurfer

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Spot Rides Again

In transit from the tropical north to join Moose (OFSC No. 5) and his fan base in Canada, Spot (OFSC No. 6), has dropped in on The Mexican (OFSC No. 4) for some lessons on how to ride Sammy the 9'6" McTavish SUP.  "Its part of my goal of being an all round waterman" said the enthusiastic student, "plus my Canuck fan base really want to see me pushing boundaries".

(Spot makes his first tentative foray into wave SUP riding in small surf)

"Most riders try flat water to get a feel for Sammy before taking him in the surf" said Mex.  "However, Spot was pretty keen to get started so we put him in the surf from the start and he handled the small stuff pretty well for a beginner"

(Mex demonstrates timing his run for the wave)

 The  next day the swell picked up and Spot was hungry to try some big surf on Sammy.  "The Mex gave me a demonstration of how it was done first" said Spot.  "He showed how it was all about timing and positioning your run for the wave and then using your footwork on the Board so it wouldn't catch an edge or nose dive"

(Mex's footwork on the board, note the considerable weight on the back foot)

After the brief demonstration by the Mex, Spot got out there for a crack at some of the bigger waves.  "Initially Spot had a bit of trouble with his timing" said Mex, "He had a tendency to paddle too early and the waves broke on the back of his board, knocking him off"

(One of Spots early attempts, getting the timing wrong)

Regarding the student's progress, Mex commented "Once Spot started timing his run for the wave he got the opportunity to understand how footwork was needed to find the sweet spot in the face of the wave to get speed, and once you have speed the wave is your oyster"

(Spot gets his timing right and takes off on a big wave)

 "After a few nose dives and then catching the outside edge of the board I think I started to understand the finer art of SUP riding" said Spot, "I've got a couple more weeks to practice before I head to Tofino to show my Canuck fan base my extended repertoire."

(Spot using good footwork to pull off this massive bottom turn)

News from Canada is that that Spot will get a warm welcome and that officials are concerned that the associated  rise in temperature could ruin the rest of the ski season.
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Sasquatch - Experienced Surf Expeditioner Joins the Oldfartsurfers

Swiss watch, Swatch, no - Sasquatch.  That's the name given by the students of the latest member of the Old Farts Surf Co. (OFSC) while he was teaching in Vancouver.  His lessons involved the study of optics and detailed assessment of snow condition as the class checked out the ski fields through binoculars from the classroom and decided which field to hit after school.

Sasquatch might have big feet for the mountains yeti was also known to tear the water mountains off Vancouver Island (no apologies for that, it was hanging there and the Oldfartsurfer just can't resist).  "We heard that the big hairy monster is now known to inhabit coastal regions of NSW and ride a 5'10" fish in cyclone swells." said OFSC Head Honcho, Mexican.  "We mounted an expedition and were so tickled pink to find Sasquatch and get him to sign up as OFSC No. 60." chirped Mex .  "Whilst we tried, we still couldn't get photographic proof that he existed, however, he did send us a few photos of his local break."
"We also nicked a hair out of his beard for DNA testing" said Mex.  "You wouldn't believe it but the tests showed that he is some kind of distant cousin of mine" said Mex.  "Probably where I get the hairy nostrils."  The tests also showed Sasquatch to be related to oldfartsurfers, 6, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 36.

An experienced surf expeditioner,  Sasquatch gave the Mexican some great pointers for his research trip to Margaret River.  "He basically told me to ride a small board so that the crew wouldn't call me into the big bombs"  said Mex.  "It was sound advice so I downsized to a bright yellow 6'10" gun so I could stay under the radar".
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Stoked on Gingernut Snaps

Between the ages of three and eight my family lived in Mona Vale and my fondest memories are of spending the day at the beach body surfing, riding my Zippy board, and, in those pre-legrope days, waiting for a surfboard to bounce in on the whitewater so I could grab it and  ride a couple of little waves before the owner could swim in and collect it.  Sometimes the owner would thank me when I gave it to him, other times I would cop a mouthful of abuse for touching it.  It tells a lot about a person's character the way they treat kids, or anyone else for that matter.  These were the first five years of the 60's when the board's were about 10' long and kids towed them to the beach on trailers behind their bicycles.  In Stoked, the legendary Bob McTavish tells a series of wonderful stories beginning way before my recollections.  He also spent a lot of time around Sydney's northern beaches and, from my perspective, it was great to read about what was happening while I was growing up in the neighborhood.  All I remember is the beach, the house, walking to school, playing u/7 soccer and fearfully having to race in the North Narabeen ocean baths with a huge jelly fish.

Now the oldfartsurfers love a gingernut snap biscuit with their coffee in the Old Farts Surf Cafe' after a morning surf.  Gingernuts are great for dunking because they are hard and don't drop off in your coffee when soggy.  In fact they are so hard you pretty well have to dunk them to make them edible.  Now this is where there is a great connection between Bob and the oldfartsurfers.  One of Bob's earlier stories is of surfing with Ma and Pa Bendall on the sunshine coast and eating gingernut snaps on the rocks afterwards.  You might think it is a pretty loose connection, however, when you consider Bob's pretty much an oldfartsurfer himself, we'll claim it.

Whilst the book is introduced by award winning author, Tim Winton (of Breath fame), the book pretty much seems to be written by the man himself.  Bob tells a series of amazing stories with a lot of warmth and humour.  He must have an incredible memory as they cover his life from childhood hitching to the sunshine coast, sleeping on the beach, through his famous stowaway trip to Hawaii and the development of the short board.   If half these stories are true he has hand an amazing and envious life.  This is a real nostalgia trip and gives insight to some of the memories of your surfing life that you only read about in newspapers and magazines. 

An interesting aspect of Stoked is Bob's development as a surfboard designer.  His ideas and how he came about them are of real interest to anyone remotely interested in board design and surf history.  His collaboration with George Greenough and some of the greats at the time of the shortboard revolution gives a wonderful insight into what was happening at the time I was buying my first surfboards.  In fact the oldfartsurfer Mexican was so impressed he has decided he is going to order himself a McTavish to see what all the fuss is about.  More about that later.

Rating 5/5 for surf stoke.

The Dude Tour of SE Asia

At home the current air temperature is 7degC and the expected maximum is 12degC.  The water temperature is 13degC.  The surf report says clean 1'-2' but closing out along the entire length of the beach due to the low tide.  The high tide offers later in the day offers little primise with the wind is forcast to turn onshore.  AND, its raining.  With surf off the agenda for the first day of the weekend the Oldfartsurfer texted The Dude to see if he was fairing any better somewhere in SE Asia.

(1'-2' clean and closing out, 7degC)

The Dude, the Mastersurfcraftsman of the Old Farts Surf Co., had packed his hand made 6' fat fish, The Craic, and, along with The Good Woman, headed to Jakarta in search of culture, waves and beer.  The first report came through saying he had only had two beers in three days, an exceptionally low beer count for an oldfartsurfer on tour.  He had a much higher beer count on his mission to Spain last year looking for Splinter Group contest sites, however, he promised to improve his performance. The second report was of no waves in Jogjackarta but waves at a new location on the south coast of Java.  The Dude is remaining tight lipped on the location of these waves.

(6' fat fish, The Craic, being tested at home)

The Dude's texted reply is as follows "3 foot and closing out at Legian.  Hoping high tide at 4 pm will be the go.  Water is warm at least".  So the Dude has reached Bali, lets hope he gets some good waves.

(The Mexican, The Young Dude and The Dude, Legian 2007)

Bonus Bit
From the English to Spanish dictionary (Granada University, Spain)

old fart
(n.) = carroza, viejo chocho, vejestorio, viejo pesado, viejo pelmazo

Ex: Old farts are everywhere, and they bring with them the ghosts of the past -- ghosts that are long dead and need to remain so.

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Rouge Discovers Lost Wave and Gets Barrelled Over Rock Ledge

(OFS#12, The Dude, chews a post surf, stem ginger biscuit, thinking he's done for the day)

("Hey, lets go find the Lost Wave" suggests OFS#45, Rouge, dunking his stem ginger biscuit in his latte')

How many of you have heard a mate yabba on about a wave they discovered a few decades ago and how good it was but you can never find it again.  After a while you say yeah yeah right and move on.  Well Oldfartsurfer Rouge (OFS#45) has been telling the Mex about this wave he discovered back in about 1975 on remote coastline at the base of 300' cliffs. 

(Exotic rockscape looking for the Lost Wave)

(Exotic sea flora looking for the Lost Wave)

According to the legend, Rouge and OFS#66, the Banjo Player (aka Agent 66), pulled up on the side of the road on a freezing wet winters day and decided to grab their boards, long johns and vests and bash through thick temperate rainforest, in steep terrain and down a cliff and by some magic found this fantastic barrelling left hand reef break and got shacked off their kaftans. 

(Rouge charges a rock ledge)

(Exotic rockpools enroute to the Lost Wave)

Those of you with a skeric of logic might ask "why did they do that?" or "which deity or primal force led them to this break?".  Well, roumour has it that it was Hughey.

(The Dude waits for Rouge's return)

(Rouge pigdogs as he traverses a step with the lip looming over him)

About five years ago Rouge and the Banjo Player tried to lure the Mex, The Dude and the Young Dude  into the bush to search for the lost wave.  Confronted by thick bush, knowing there were good waves a few minutes drive away and perhaps sensing an Ivan Milat moment or just lacking a sense of adventure the boys declined the journey.

(Rouge and The Dude looking for the Lost Wave)

(The Lost Wave is found)

Well a few weeks ago Rouge made a sojourn back to the State for an Oldfartsurfers weekend.  After a good morning surf in warm sparkling water, Rouge, The Mexican and The Dude were drinking latte's at the local cafe' and eating their own packet of traditional gingernut snaps and stem ginger biscuits which they had smuggled in.  Rouge suggested we go look for the lost wave.  It was a hot day so Rouge suggested an alternative route around the coast in the shade of the cliffs.  He promised that we would "walk for half an hour and if we didn't find it we could turn back."  With some trepidation, the boys agreed.

(The Lost Wave showing its potential in a small swell)

After 20 minutes the boys were confronted with a rock ledge that looked a bit slippery and treacherous.  Not that the boys were scared but they were carrying cameras and mobile phones, and if they slipped and ended up in the drink it would be costly.  Undeterred, Rouge took off alone, leaving the Mex and the Dude behind to send for the rescue services.  Halfway along the ledge Rouge had to stop take his shoes off and crawl carefully along the slippery ledge.  Eventually Rouge got through the ledge and he disappeared leaving Mex and the Dude to chew the fat while they waited.  After a while Rouge appeard on the cliff top above yelling for the boys to join him.   A path was found and they joined Rouge on a track along the top of the cliff though dense bush.  A sign on the track said "Private Property Keep Out" but the boys pushed on regardless even after spying a secluded house, which they crept past hoping not to disturb Ivan.

(Horizontal flora near the Lost Wave)

Eventually they came to a clearing in the bush from which they could see the ocean and the coast further to the north.  It was difficult to tell but Rouge was sure that the Lost Wave was in a further up the coast.  Back on the track for a few more minutes they came to a lookout point.  "There is is" cried Rouge bearly containing his excitement.  Mex and Dude looked, it was hard to make out but at the base of a high cliff was a rock shelf showing potential in the small swell running on the day.

(Rouge and The Dude explore access routes)

Finally the boys believed Rouge, it was a pity the Banjo Player wasn't there to share Rouge's joy and validation.  The boys backtracked, snuck past Ivan's house and found a way down to the base of the cliff to look for a way of reaching the Lost Wave.  The break should remain fairly uncroweded as it isn't accessable without a solid bush bash or long paddle around the shore.  We'll leave that for another day.

(The Rouge and OFS#4, The Mexican, looking for the Lost Wave)

After two hours, the boys got back to the car and Rouge had another bright idea, "lets go for a surf" said Rouge, he promptly pulled on boardies and vest and hit the water closely followed by The Dude in full Steamer.  What went down in the next half hour was amazing.  "The boys must have been inspired by thougthts of riding the lost wave" said the Mex, "they just tore the lips off these innocent little beachies."  More of that later so stay tuned.

(The New Wave, The Mexican reckons this spot has potential, if you were 6" tall)

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Expression Session 1 - Macho

If ever there was wise old man of the sea its oldfartsurfer Macho.  Not only is he wise but he is a mastersurfcraftdesigner and what he doesn't know about making boards go could easily be remebered if we could figure out what it is.  In this, the second featured olfartsurfer from Expressions Session 1, Macho shows us how to look wise by sitting calmly on his board staring intently at the horizon.  He looks so wise no one argues with him, but of course he rarely utters a sound because he knows everthing and wouldn't waste his breath on fools.

(Wise old man of the sea, Macho, stares intently at the horizon, summoning a set)

(Macho and the perfect crouch)

Another way Macho expresses his personality is by his measured and precise stylised surfing.  He uses perfect technicque from wave selection, position on the peak, paddling, take off and off course his signature crouch.

(Macho with perfect technique)

We asked Macho for some comments on the Expression Session, but of course he didn't answer, just stared at the horizon.

(Macho expressing himself by staring wisely at the horizon, The Dude in the background)

Surf buddy, the Dude, said "Macho controls the pack and we even think he might be controlling the waves because he always gets the best ones."  Old Farts Surf Co. Head Honcho, The Mexican said "there is a rumour that Macho is actually a physcial manifestation of the surf god Hughey".  Macho neither confirmed or denied this, further entrenching the legend while staring mystically at the horizon.

(Macho paddling out towards the horizon while another dude surfs by)

(Macho with perfect take-off and crouch)

(Macho with his perfect crouch coming out of the sun or is that Hughey)

Click here for the previous article on The Dude at Expression Session 1.

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