Quik Pro Rd 4&5 as well as Womens

With the contest on hold after being held the first three days, Quiksilver can wait to hold both the rest of the mens and women's contests on the best days.  Rounds 4 and 5 in the mens were filled with insane surfing in not so good conditions.  I only have Kelly and Kerrzy left on my roster after a disappointing loss by Julian Wilson.  Parko, Taj, Ace Buchan and Jordy are looking in-tune.  I don't see Adriano beating Owen Wright in the first heat of the Quarterfinal's; the rest of the match-ups look insane and can go either way.  

With only 8 surfers left, it is going to be an exciting finish that everyone can see.  He is the bracket and my guesses for the wins for the rest of the contest.  

Quarter Finals                                           Semi's                                         Final's

Heat 1:                          Winner:                  Heat 1:           Winner:            Kelly Slater      Winner:

Owen Wright                 Owen                      Owen              Kelly                     vs                    Taj

Adriano de Souza                                        Kelly                                        Taj Burrow

Heat 2:                           Kelly                     Heat 2:             Taj

Kelly Slater                                                  Jordy 

Josh Kerr                                                      Taj

Heat 3:                           Jordy 

Joel Parkinson

Jordy Smith

Heat 4:                           Taj

Taj Burrow

Ace Buchan

We could see a rematch of last years final which would be insane.  I am excited for the Jordy and Joel heat; two surfers who have very similar styles.  I am skeptical about QF H2 because if the conditions are right, Kerr could best Kelly with his high-flying antics, could be like New York last year but with Kerr winning that heat. I strongly believe that Kelly and Owen will meet in H1 of the Semi's and it will be just like every other heat of theirs - high scoring and the best surfing.  Jordy and Taj will be another exciting heat; I just don't see anyone beating Taj here, I think that it may be his year to win the World Title for the first time.  He has a different attitude this year and I like it, be on the lookout for him this year.  A Kelly and Taj final will be just like last year at Snapper, their girlfriends are sisters, they are great friends...its going to be insane.  I very well could be wrong here, I think that any of these guys are capable of winning this contest.  

Here is the video for Rounds 4&5 of the Quik Pro, leave comments about who you think will win!

As for the women's contest, the Roxy Pro, there are a few new faces on tour that will bring a new mix of surfing this year.  Malia Manuel has proven that she can hang with the girls, she has put on a clinic and made it to the Quarter Finals before being ousted by veteran Sally Fitzgibbons.  The contest will end with the Semi's and Final; the semi's are stacked - Heat 1 consists of Tyler Wright (Owen's little sister who made a name for herself last year) and Laura Enever (who is coming off a not-so-good year and is starting off strong).  In Heat 2, one that everyone should watch, 4-Time World Champ Steph Gilmore vs 2011 World Title Runner-Up, Sally Fitzgibbons.  A Full Aussie showdown in Heat's 1 and 2.  I see Tyler Wright beating Laura Enever.  I do not know who to chose to be the Heat 2 winner but I will say that the winner of the 2012 Roxy Pro WILL come from that heat.  I think that it may be Sally's year, she is looking strong and focused.  Keep an eye out for the rookies, like Malia to have a strong showing this year causing some upsets and maybe getting a few wins.  

Here are the highlights from the first few days of the Roxy Pro:

Day 1

Day 2 

Day 3

Again enjoy the videos and leave comments about the contest so far, who you think will win and any other thoughts!

Breaking News on the 2012 Season: Rumors on Possible Cancellations of Events

I was on Twitter and saw a tweet from Surfline that read, "Rumors are circulating today that another event is set to be culled - either the Volcom Pro Fiji or the Billabong Pro Teahupoo." (Neither of which has denied these rumors)  I immediately responded asking for clarification and a source.  They responded with a link to their page which briefly touched on the subject as well as a quote from Kelly Slater on the Matter.  It is shocking to me that just days after Billabong downgraded the J-Bay contest to a 6-Star Prime, that they are in the spotlight again but with arguably fans favorite contest next to Pipe (also a Billabong sponsored event).  Volcom was quick to add the Volcom Pro Fiji this past year with excitement from the Tour surfers and fans alike.  It obviously comes down to money, something that Billabong has stated they are struggling with.  It is the reason why J-Bay was downgraded and it would make sense if this was the reason for Teahupoo as well.  Volcom has some credibility as well.  It is difficult to run contests at sites like Fiji or Teahupoo where there is no room for mass crowds to build and watch the event.  One of the only ways, if not the only way to make money off contests like this is advertisements through the Webcasts.  It is a win-lose situation for these companies; win because they are sponsoring an event at a world class wave like those in Fiji or Teahupoo, something that fans want to see and surfers want to surf.  It is a loss because they simply will not make enough money off of the event.  A small profit may be made, but it will most likely not be substantial.  Personally, if either of these companies plan to make the money they want off of risky investments like these, they will need to find another source of income other than advertisements.  In situations like these, we may see Billabong or Volcom implement a fee to watch the webcasts online.  This could potentially backfire; I know that I, an avid surf fan and someone who watches every event, would not pay to watch a webcast.  I love surfing, but I do not have the funds to pay to watch an event that I am not at.  Other than myself and my beliefs, I have reason to believe that most surf fans will side with me and not pay to watch.  


These two companies need to think hard about their commitments to this sport if they are experiencing financial troubles.  Billabong, last year, was the sponsor of four ASP World Tour event, not to mention all of their Prime and Jr events.  Volcom, who is using the Fiji event as their first WCT sponsored event, was very quick to act when world came out about a new event to be added to the schedule.  I think that locations like these are necessary if the ASP uses the term "Dream Tour" to describe the Mens ASP Tour.  They are dream locations that every surfer dreams of traveling too.  It has been quite some time since we have seen a schedule of "dream" locations; in my opinion, the last year could be 2008, possibly.  These surfers are the reason these companies can even afford to host these events; there has been continued frustration with the best surfers in the world on location choices by the major sponsors and how they are completely contradictory to the theme of the Tour.  But in the end, it comes down to money and which locations will bring in the most profit.  With the exception of a few locations on tour, I think that many surfers and fans will begin to become bored of the usual sloppy, beach-break, non-dream tour-esque locations.  We want excitement, we want to see Kelly airdrop into a backside barrel at Teahupoo or perfect waves in Fiji and Indo.  


So in my final words to the big corporations - Bring those events back, give the fans what they want, but most importantly, give the surfers (who pay your bills) what they want!

Day 3 of the Quik Pro Gold Coast

Well... I spoke way too soon yesterday.  I said that my fantasy team was looking solid.  I had Kelly, Julian, Kolohe, Dane, Bede, Kerr, Mick and Yadin.  I did research going into this event, I really wanted to do well.  At the start of the day, my whole team (execpt Dane) was in Round 3.  By the end of the day, I was left with Kelly, Kerr and Julian.  What a downer.. hopefully one of these guys can pull off a win, I could see Julian pulling it off, Kelly is always a safe bet and Kerrzy could make it to the semi's if he keeps up his antics.

Here are the highlights for Round 3.. how are your fantasy teams doing so far?

Thanks and stay tuned for the upcoming rounds!

Watch live at http://quiksilverlive.com/progoldcoast/2012/ , there are some crazy heats coming up

Some new videos and thoughts and Surf talk for the 2012 season

Came across some new videos for you all to check out.  I dont know about you guys but I haven't been able to turn away from the Quiky Pro at Snapper - some insane surfing to open up the season.  I encourage you all to join the Fantasy Surfer league - it's loads of fun; so far, my team is looking solid for this contest.

I am liking the new rookie on tour, Kolohe Andino, and his surfing so far.  It's tough to draw Kelly in your first heat as a rookie, if it were me I would have probably just sat in the water and hoped for the best in round two, but Kolohe put together a solid first two scores to open up his WCT career.  I called it last year, this kid has a very bright future.  I am not sure who I will pick to win the World Title but there are plenty of names going through my mind.  While Kolohe has proven himself over the past few years in primes and pro-jr's, I don't know if this is his year, although I won't count him out to pull off some serious upsets and possibly get a win or two under his belt this year.  As always, Kelly is a top nominee; I don't see him leaving the tour this year like some were saying last year.  Mick and Taj are looking to be in fine form in the off-season and so far this contest, Taj especially.  Julian Wilson is another contender in my mind.  He really showed himself towards the end of last season making it to a final in France, a few semi's and quarter finishes and showed his progressive surfing in each heat.  I have a feeling that there might be a Kolohe and Julian rivalry brewing this season - two young guns who rip and have a similar style of surfing.  Needless to say, the 2012 season is going to be insane with new locations on Tour and new surfers; I can't wait to watch it unfold.  I will be posting Recap videos from each day at the competitions for those of you who aren't able to catch the webcasts.

Here are Day's 1 and 2 of the Quiksilver Pro at Snapper as well as some other clips to check out!

One last thought, I posted this a while back but I am serious; I would like more feedback from my viewers. Feedback both positive and negative is useful in so many ways.  I like reading your comments whether you are angry and feel differently or agree with me...even if its a simple "awesome" it's great.  If you all could also "like" the Worn Trails Facebook page that would be hugely helpful as well.  Simply go to the main page of Worn Trails and look in the upper left hand corner and you can click the "Like" box and you're done.

That is all for now and be on the look out for breakthroughs in my page, a possible update and new exciting details that I am beyond stoked for.

Day 1 at Snapper

Day 2 at Snapper

Some Laughs

Nike's Kolohe Spot

Enjoy!

ASP World Surfing Awards

Hows it going everyone - just a little post to inform you all that the ASP World Surfing Awards will be held LIVE THIS THURSDAY ON YOUTUBE!  The famous band Wolfmother (who has some awesome music) will be headlining the show.  You all should check it out, its going to be a great show with some laughs and a chance to see the best surfers in the world.  I know I will be watching and I hope you all do too.

For more information on the event, check out www.ASPWorldTour.com for official times for the US and other locations around the world.

Again that is THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2012 ON YOUTUBE to view the ASP World Surfing Awards LIVE ON YOUTUBE

Some thoughts heading into the Weekend!

It's finally Friday, couldn't have come soon enough.  I'm looking forward to a good weekend.  Lots is going on here in Maryland; Surfrider DC is currently pushing for a bag fee to be initiated here in Prince George's County, MD (where the University of Maryland - College Park is located).  It was put into effect last year in Washington DC and has seen staggering results.  In just 2 years, there was about an 85% decrease in plastic bags being used and a total of 3.5 million dollars were raised that will turn around and be used to clean the environment.  That money came from the 5 cent charge for each bag used.  It will be a huge accomplishment if it is brought to Prince George's county; hopefully it will be adopted throughout the entire state of Maryland.  So I will be doing my part and helping out Surfrider here with that project.

On Sunday, I will be playing in the University of Maryland Men's Ice Hockey charity game vs the USA Wounded Warriors, a team of US veterans who have both mental and physical injuries.  They travel the country to help raise money for a number of charities.  The charity we are specifically raising money for is an organization called Vet Dog's.  This group helps Soldier Dog's recover from injuries and they eventually find a home with a wounded veteran returning from war.  I am looking forward to this and doing whatever I can to help those who fight for our country.  If you would like to help out and donate money for this cause, contact me through this blog and I will get your information and we can work out the arrangements.

Aside from all of this great stuff, I figured I'd start the weekend off right with some videos I have rounded up for all of us to watch.  I hope you enjoy!

Also, I am going to start something new, I want to hear what YOU all have to say about this blog and if there are any specific topics related to surfing, the environment, traveling or culture, that you would like me to talk about more.  This blog is still young but I want to have material on here that interests all of you as well!  To suggest topics or whatever you would like, click the box on the top left corner to connect you to the facebook page, click "Like" and then write on the Facebook Wall whatever is on your mind!  I want to get YOU ALL (the readers) more involved with this blog, the facebook page and the upcoming breakthroughs that I am very excited about.

Thanks for the continued support!  Go on and adventure this weekend, go to a new surf break, take a hike - whatever it may be, have fun!  Send in some pics or videos if you want and we can put them up on the blog!

Have a great weekend everybody,

Vince



Now for the Videos!

Although this was a few weeks ago, here is the Final Heat of the Volcom Pipe Pro.  In my opinion one of the most exciting heats I've ever seen

Andy Irons Day #AIForever

Andy Iron's was an icon for all surfers, hated and loved, ridiculed and idolized.  Whether or not you liked who he was as a person, he will forever be one of the best surfers of all time.  No one, but Kelly (to an extent), could do what he could.  I remember exactly where I was when I heard that he passed away.  I was at school in Hawaii at the time, but on this specific day I went to the North Shore, it was the first well of the season.  The whole stretch of beach was firing.  My friends and I were at Waimea Bay watching the boys drop in on some bombs, it was the first time that I had ever experienced the "North Shore".  What seemed like all at once, everyone suddenly checked their phones and the whole beach became a somber, grey place.  Clouds rolled in, people started to cry and hug each other, the surfers one-by-one came out of the water.  I ran up to the lifeguard to see what was wrong and he said that the radio just announced Andy Irons death.  I felt nauseas; one of my role models, someone who had inspired me to surf, someone who I wanted to be had died.  I went from standing up to sitting down and in disbelief.

It all hit me at once; looking around, I noticed that he had touched so many people, inspired most of the surfers on that little chain of islands in the Pacific and across the globe.  I didn't know him, but I felt as if I had lost someone that I knew.  I knew him through all of the videos, I knew his surfing, I knew the rising sun painting on his board; but at the same time I didn't know him at all.

Looking back on that day at Waimea, it is ironic that on that day, North Shore received its first swell, as if Andy himself was giving us the joy that he felt whenever he stood up on his board - he didn't want us to weep and grieve, he wanted us to surf and carry his legacy through our surfing.  I still feel the same disbelief and somberness that I did on that day when I heard the words "Andy Irons has died" every time I watch his sections in Still Filthy, Fly in the Champagne and every other clip of him surfing.  I sometimes forget that he is gone.

Andy will always be an inspiration to me and my surfing as he will continue to be for everyone.  He will always be missed.  The good thing about always being missed, Andy, is that you will never be forgotten.

RIP A.I.

Politics and the Environment: Some are Just Too STUPID to Understand

Hello everyone, I told you I would be back soon, I am sorry again and thank you for being patient.  I've got a good topic here and one that I feel is very fitting with an election coming up.  It will be controversial and it may seem obvious where I stand with my political views, but I feel that it is necessary to address.

I hope you all enjoy and consider some of the facts that are told here.  I look forward to your comments (good or bad) at the end of this post.

--------------------------------------

I've been looking for a GOOD topic to write about that might stir some things up and get people a little heated.  I am an Environmental Science and Policy major with a concentration in Environmental Politics and Policy, after reading this article, I was fuming; so mad that I hope neither of these morons are elected as our next President (by the looks of the recent caucuses, primaries and debates, they won't).  But if they are, well than I, including millions of others need to look for a new major and career.

Republican Presidential hopefuls Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum have both expressed how they feel about the environment and our Federal Governments environmental agencies (like the EPA) and environmental policies.  It seems like the only Republican nominee who somewhat cares about the environment is Romney, although he still favors drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  Back to Santorum and Gingrich; they both plan to shut down the Environmental Protection Agency as soon as they get into office, they feel that it is taking too much unnecessary money from our budget.  Newt believes that climate change has nothing to do with humans and our actions over the past few hundred years; Santorum on the other hand, believes that the whole concept of climate change is a hoax.  A hoax, really?  Coming from someone who could run our country, that is a ludicrous statement.  Romney is the only nominee who believes that climate change is impacted by humans and that it is occurring and threatening life on Earth.

If you look at the Republican political views, they are very much for fossil fuel use and the destroying of the environment and misuse of its resources.  The nominees of this election believe that fossil fuels are the future of the US, when science clearly shows that it is not.  Increased use of fossil fuels have continued to prove otherwise and that it is a major contributor to climate change.  They have also shown their support for the Keystone XL Pipeline proposal that has recently been shutdown (temporarily).  Romney opposes the protection of endangered species like Polar Bears, and the protection of our national and state parks from development/industrialism (forest clearing for timber, etc.)  I wonder how much the big oil companies are paying these guys to say some of the idiotic, false statements that have been said in the past few months.  More or less than what Bush was paid?  Who knows.

This party, for years, has refused to take action to support our environment.  It seems that the nominees and past Presidents have more of a "well sea levels wont rise 10 inches right now, the climate wont radically change right now...________(fill in the blank) won't happen right now, so who cares" attitude. It can be seen with Bush, Bush Sr., Santorum, Romney, Gingrich, the list goes on and on.

While I have been bashing the hell out of the Republicans for their lack of support to the environment, Democrats aren't out of the clear either.  While Obama has shown his support and taken action to protect our environment, he has done a few things that I don't necessarily support either.  But hey, it happens.  Overall, President Obama has done a phenomenal job taking care of the environment.  I am not here to argue about other political and economic views of the President or the Republican nominees, just how they view the environment.  I feel that if any of the Republican nominees are elected than you can kiss many environmental laws, regulations and acts good-bye.  Believing that the environment will always be here and we can do no harm (Santorum), that climate change is a hoax (Santorum), that oil is the future (Gingrich), and environmental protection is not very important (Romney, Santorum, Gingrich) proves that their priorities and what they care about is not fitting to be a President and lead our country.

It amazes me that some people, including these men, regardless of political view, do not care for the environment.  Earth was here billions of years before Humans, and will be here long after we are gone.  We are simply tenants living here temporarily.  We use and abuse Its resources.  We have had such a negative impact on the Earth that we have been able to change the environment and climate so drastically since the beginning of the industrial revolution (a few hundred years).  We have done something that took the natural world tens and even hundreds of thousands of years to do, again in only a few hundred years.  If we keep on this path, exhaust all of our fossil fuels (which we are close to doing and will get even closer with a Republican president since that is what they believe is the fuel of the future) and don't protect our environment, we will kill ourselves off.  It may not happen in 2012, but it will be our kids and their kids and their kids who will have to suffer the consequences of our idiocy and unwillingness to change our ways.  Whatever your political views are, think about what is the right thing to do, who the right man for the job is and what kind of world you want to live in.  Remember, we are living off of the environment, we need it to survive.  So even if some of us don't care about the NOW, think about the future, our legacy and the world we want our future generations to live in.





Sources:
http://coloradoindependent.com/111924/santorum-and-gingrich-dismiss-climate-change-vow-to-dismantle-the-epa
http://glassbooth.org/explore/index/mitt-romney/14/environment-and-energy/7/