Groundswell Society's Conference

Yesterday, The Groundswell Society had its 7th annual symposium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography, in La Jolla. Speakers were; the father of surf forecasting, Dr. Walter Munk, spoke about how and why surf forecasting got started, Nathan Todd Cool of Wetsand spoke on swell predicting tools, Shaun Tomson spoke about riding J-Bay, in paticular, a 10 day swell last year that he surfed with Kelly Slater. What equipment works best at J Bay. He shared info on how to paddle out, bottom conditions, best swells and winds, and how to approach wave riding there. Ned McMahon, of Biofoam, discussed eco-friendly surfboard construction, including bamboo cloth,and linseed oil resins, that clean up with soap and water!, Richard “Saf” Safady spoke about Baja’s Punta Pequena, and Glenn Hening spoke on The Southern Oceans, which was the theme for the day. Peruvian reed boats, wings, fish, hulls, and other out of the mainstream wave riding vehicles were on hand for inspection and discussion. It was an amazing day.

If you attended, please comment. I’d like to read your “spin” on the day’s events. If you missed it, plan to attend next year. Glen puts on a well diverse and organized event.

They sent me an invite via E-mail but seeing as I am in Aus and it was in San diego I couldn’t attend…sounds fascinating…anymore more info available?..are they gunna put out a booklet or something ?

Steve

There were a couple of guys filming the entire conference. You should check their website, Google search for Groundswell Society. Check it every so often for updates.

Saf’s presentation on Baja’s Punta Pequena was awesome. His vast knowledge of that classic right hander is invaluable, and he was willing to share it all. That sharing of the “stoke” or aloha spirit is what all of us surfers need to do. I have heard from many friends that you Aussies share that spirit, when visitors come “down under”.

That’s the Groundswell Society’s main philosophy.

If you are ever in the LA area and would like to go for a surf, e-mail me, it would be my pleasure to show you around.