Tracks May Issue 524
A tasty soup of sharks, jalapeno-barrels, blonde locks and summer tales.
Are sharks biological terrorists or magnificent creatures of the deep? Our West Australian correspondent, Peter Rigby, examines an issue that has divided an ocean-loving community in Western Australia. Peter talks to former shark catchers who are opposed to culling and surfers who are convinced that it is an essential measure.
Whatever your stance on the debate, the problem isn’t going away and hopefully this article helps bring attention to an issue that desperately requires a major investment of scientific resources. In Reunion Island, a former site for WCT events, the shark problem has become so pronounced that authorities have placed a ban on surfing and swimming. In a distinctly sharky issue, Andy Davies reflects on a Russian Roulette mission to Reunion that involved dodging officials and the men in grey suits to score a few perfect days at one of the world’s finest lefts.
John John Florence is in a hunt of his own. Tossed into the Pipe shorey by his Mum as a toddler, a prodigy by the time he hit double digits and now a 21-year-old high flyer on the world tour. Pipe stunts and stellar video parts just don’t cut it anymore for single-barrel John. We want him to be vying for a world title and slicing through older pros with chopper-blade alley-oops. Jayita A. Belcourt takes a look at the expectations JJF places on himself and finds out why he is determined to protect Hawaiian soils from the scourge of genetically modified food products.
While John John adapts his infinite talent to WT specifications, Noa Deane has emerged as free surfing’s latest angst-ridden pin-up. Jed Smith supplies the details on Noah’s recent mission to Salina Cruz in Mexico where surfers have to pay to play. However, when you see the pics you’ll understand why Noah and his buddies were happy to drop $800 skins for an outing at a ridiculously hollow, sand-bottom-point fun park.
– Ed
Also in this Issue:
Dave Sparkes goes walkabout in Aus’
What did you do last summer?
A bunch of hot tales, including Rory Russell’s hilarious account of his time hanging out with actor, Bill Murray.
Gold Dust
We sift out the best moments from the pro tour’s time on the Gold Coast.
