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.

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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/

My Apologies!

Sorry Everyone, I've been extremely busy lately with the new semester starting here at Maryland.  Just getting back into the swing of things, but as it all settles down, I will be putting up some new posts and some great ones at that.  A wide range of topics is on the way, everything from the State of the Union Speech from President Obama, to ways to MAKE your own environmentally friendly board and many more environmental and surfing related topics.

Until then, here are some videos for you to enjoy, thanks for being patient and I look forward to putting out some new post soon!

Instant Classic

I want one of these!

Pretty cool edit

Thanks again for bearing with me guys, I truly appreciate it.  I promise the next few months worth of material and breakthroughs with the blog will be insane and I'm stoked for all of you too be able to check it out and get involved with it!

Russians Hiding Oil Spill

I saw this article a few weeks ago and I was astonished.

We all saw the reaction of the United States, environmental groups and the international community during the BP oil rig spill in the Gulf of Mexico a few years ago; uproar, demands for justice, long-term devastation in the Gulf region and continuing developments on the environmental impact.  It was horrible to see the waves wash ashore, black from the oil, dead animals and marine life covering our beaches and the impact on the local and national economy.  Most of the region has still not fully recovered and will not for a long time.

Now, as bad as this was, Russia has its own problem that has somehow not made international headlines.  The Russian oil industry is one of the oldest in the world and its infrastructure shows its age.  In the AP Enterprise article 'Russia Oil Spills Wreak Devestation', writer Nataliya Vasilyeva portrays the environmental and ecological destruction that for decades has gone un-fixed.  In the town of Usinsk in the province of Komi (about 900 miles NE of Moscow) the magnitude of this problem can be seen.  As the worlds leading oil producer, responsible for 13% of the global output, Russia has done a good job of covering up or keeping the media quiet, when it comes to their oil spills.  Environmentalists estimate that close to 35 million barrels of oil are spilled each year; to give you a scale, that is one BP oil spill event EVERY TWO MONTHS.  Engineers have determined that the oil is seeping through the Russian oil pipes due to the rusty and worn out screws that hold it together.  While it may not be a sudden release of oil all at once like we saw in the Gulf, it is more of a slow, oozing leak from the pipes.

Nonetheless, whether on land or in the sea, the environment is everywhere and this needs to be fixed.  Actually, you can include water contamination into this mess because the Natural Resources Ministry in Russia estimates that 500,000 tons (considered a conservative estimate) of oil find their way into Russian Rivers each year that flow into the Arctic.  I believe that the reason these leaks go unnoticed is one, because of the duration of the leaks, meaning they are slow and dont release a lot of oil at once, and two because of a Russian law on oil leaks.  In Russia, leaks less that 8 tons are classified as "incidents" that carry no fines or penalties.  Also, it is safe to say that because of the isolated location of these leaks that people don't think it matters since there is barely any human population in the vicinity.  Most of Russia's oil production is done in the cold, barren Tundra region.

This is the part that gets to me, if there are no people around then who cares, right?  Wrong.  As stated earlier, 500,000 tons are leaked into rivers that makes its way to the Arctic waters.  This is arguably the worst area for an oil spill due to the oceans "conveyor belt" (see picture on right) which is a natural process of currents due to thermohaline circulation.  In layman's terms, the old saying Warm air rises, Cold air sinks, has the same effect in the ocean.  In the end, we get a conveyor belt of different temperature water that flows around the entire earth.  The Arctic ties into this because all of the water in this conveyor belt eventually makes its way to the Arctic.  SO, after all of this scientific talk, oil that is spilled into the Arctic could eventually makes its way to Australia or Antarctica.  As the worlds leading oil producer and the worlds worst oil polluter, Russia needs to do something to stop these mass amounts of leaking.  The same international community that came to criticize the US and BP needs to go to Russia and force them to start a cleanup process before not only the Tundra and Arctic environments and eventually the international environments are destroyed.  You can get involved as well, go to Surfrider, Greenpeace or simply call your local Russian embassy and speak your mind.  It may not be solved right away, but I assume it eventually will be a well known topic.