Some of you may remember the unfortunate story of big wave surfer Clint Kimmins and the events that unfolded at a LifeSaving Event down under. Well, here is his story. I think it is pretty powerful and a good reminder to never take life for granted.

I am bitter because having moved up to SF recently, I missed that swell down south in SC.  We had nothing but onshore crap…big crap up here.  I wrote a post in the Forum, way back when, talking about my fish experience down in SC with my brother.  The video footage shot by Graham Nash brought back all those memories.   The place is phenomenal when things come together.  I’m jonesin hard.  Thanks Surfline!

Puerto Escondido delivered for Santa Cruz local legend Ken ‘Skindog’ Collins as he went big this year winning both the Ride of the Year and the Monster Barrel Award at the Billabong XXL Award ceremonies this past weekend.  Check out the action here.

While we are talking about gnarly waves like Puerto, have a look at this clip from Down Under.  The Bra Boys show how its done at a place they own called ‘Ours‘.  One of the best clips I’ve seen in recent years.

These two clips will keep everything in perspective next time you paddle out.  HOOT!

Well if you think you are safe on a tow board while your boat or ski is scaring away all the wild life, think again.  Atleast, one local had an issue with it…and wasn’t scared.

Somewhere in West Australia….by the way, its always in Australia where the freak accidents with animals tend to take place…but somewhere in West Australia, a thirteen year old girl was attacked by a Sea Lion, of all creatures.  This wasn’t your normal attack either and of course not your normal thirteen year old.

You know recently a swimmer was attacked by a Sea Lion here in San Francisco and I think it bit the swimmers ankle and nibbled on her leg a bit…bite marks and such.  Well this was nothing like that, it was a full on killer attack Sea Lion type of freakish occurence.  The driver of the boat, 40 yr. old Chris Thomas said “It was really sort of movie like.  This thing just exploded in a full-on frontal attack”.

First of all the mangy beast was over 650 lbs. and was described by Chris to have leapt out of the water like those Great Whites in the National Geographic Shows.  You remember the photos showing that they can breach the water and soar to huge heights as they target their prey.  Almost reminiscent of the way killer whales like to play with their food.

Anyway, Ella Murphy was standing on her tow board being towed around when all of a sudden this giant Sea Lion leapt out of the water documentary style and latched onto her throat giving her a huge wound under her chin, breaking her jaw and knocking out a few teeth.  Chris, described as a family friend, saw the Sea Lion then circle back around and attempt a second pass at her as she lay floating in the water…luckily he was able to get between the Sea Lion and Ella to make the rescue just in time.

Chris being a veteran surfer in the area, said that he had recognized the Local as being “one of the big boys”.  “It actually lined her up” and “hit her head on”.

Luckily, young Ella is recovering nicely in a hospital and actually doesn’t look too bad considering how this sounds.  I’m sure you can all picture what this must have looked like, since we’ve all seen this happen in the movies…its usually a furry rabbit with BIG FANGS and SHARP TEETH! or a little mutt or crazy cat….but Sea Lion!!  Only in Australia.

Best wishes of a speedy recovery go out to Ella and her family and I hope Chris doesn’t have too many nightmares playing that one back in his head.  As for the Sea Lion, authorities are seeing what they can do to relocate this animal to a less trafficked area.

The holding period for the 2007 Mavericks Big Wave Contest has officially ended. This winter didn’t deliver the way we had hoped with El Nino slated to amplify swell…instead it fizzled with only a few good days to speak of…mostly in December. Jeff Clark had to make the call but is hoping to close out the waiting period with some festivities that are yet to be announced.  Having a year without the giant waves of Maverick’s will only serve to make one appreciate those days when it all comes together just right.