The Surf Montreal Chronicles

The Price of a Barrel: Surfers are Feeling the Effect of Oil Shock

2008-08-01T15:18:00.005-04:00

*article from September 2008 isse of surfer mag*

by Matt Rott

One hundred forty dollars per barrel. Two months ago this may have been a pretty good description of your last trip to the Mentawais. Today, it's the reason why your next one might just get cancelled. With oil prices rising faster than an Alaskan spring tide, it's now clear that the golden age of consumerism is coming to an end. At the very least, lifestyle changes are being made: Consumer confidence is at a 15-year low, and the average American is starting to prioritize spending, no longer purchasing fuel-inefficient vehicles or diving unnecessary miles. In a time when belt-tightening and the discarding of the superfluous are the norm, surfers my face a unique dilemma. The difference lies in the fact that our luxuries - waves - are also a necessity, a paradox that may be understandable only within our community. We don't actually need surf to live...except that we do. Like various types of addicts, we have shaped an alternative lifestyle that requires us to surf, no matter what. For this reason, the present energy crisis will hit the American surfer harder than his non-surfing peer, because while the average Joe can give up the occasional excess, our vice is one we cannot so easily go without.

Forget for a moment the fact that virtually every product associated with surfing is made from petrochemical derivatives - the rising costs of surf gear is soon becoming the least of our worries. Instead, consider the costs of direct petroleum consumption. Gone are the days when we each had our local spot, one within walking distance of our home. In a world of sprawling metropolises and a rapidly growing population of white-collar, forecast-savvy surfers, we have become a community extremely dependent upon our cars. Surfers, as a whole, are a very mobile group, willing to drive for waves, chase swells, and check multiple spots before finally paddling out. In other words, we burn a lot of gas while chasing our liquid dragon. And suddenly gas has gotten very expensive.

Our dependence on petroleum isn't limited to the roads, either. No longer the dirt-bag vagabond of yesteryear, the modern surfer has become accustomed to liquid-tripping in farflung destinations. What was once the privilege of jet-set pros is now the right of the average surfer, and boat trips to the Ments have become as common as SUPs in the Malibu lineup. But with rising fuel costs wreaking havoc within the airline industry - pundits are predicting billion-dollar losses this year, and major airlines are already canceling many flights - it's obvious that things are aobut to change, and probably not for the better. Ticket prices will continue to rise to accomodate soaring jet-fuel costs, and baggage fees will likely become more stringent as well. In May, a large number of carriers changed their baggage allowances, reducing weight and limiting customers to a single check-in bag. And board-handling fees continue to set arbitrarily ludicrous records, with one major airline now charging a staggering $660 for four boards in a single bag.

So what does this all mean for the average surfer? Obviously we are't going to just hang up our wetsuits and learn how to lawn bowl. Rather than giving up what is quickly becoming an expensive habit, we must take steps to make it less so. Buy fuel-efficient vehicles. Carpool to the beach, or better yet, ride your bike. Consider creative alternatives for your next surf trip: Take a road trip rather than flying, or, if you can't go without your Indo fix, price-shop your ass off, and then try to patronize eco-friendly camps and boats. Conserve fuel by turning off lights and AC units and driving the speed limit, thereby saving money that can be put towards surf. And whenever possible, utilize mass transit. Not only are these practices easy on the pocketbook, they are environmentally responsible as well. The truth is, we should have started behaving in this manner a long time ago. If we had, the specter of $200/barrel oil might not now be looming over us like a cleanup set at Mavs.

Ultimately, our society's consumer habits are in need of change, and as surfers, we should be at the vanguard of this "green" revolution - it's just too bad that it has taken the threat of an economic crisis to get us moving. With a little creativity, however, we should still be able to find our way to the ocean. And once there, the energy in the water is free of charge.

www.surfermag.com

Quick Post

2008-05-05T11:24:00.001-04:00

Just a quick to let everyone (anyone?) that the forum as back up at Surf Montreal. The old one had to be deleted because of too much porn from Russia.

Enjoy.
Mike D.

Out There Teaser

2008-05-03T10:43:00.002-04:00

Teton Gravity Research, producers of great ski flicks, is making a surf movie due out this spring. From the teaser, it will go beyond the typical surf music video most action sports movies have become; they're focusing on the threats to surfing, and all other outdoor sports: development and pollution.

Enjoy.
Mikey D.

Oh yeah, the water level for Habitat is high right now, best to let it drop a little.

Random Post

2008-04-28T20:03:00.001-04:00

A completely random, and not related to Montreal, or surfing at Habitat, at all...but this has to be one of the coolest pictures out there.

For 49 other truly amzing pictures (but not necessarily surfing related), go here.

Enjoy.

Ocean Gybe Trailer

2008-04-21T11:01:00.002-04:00

The sail to surf expedition has a little video about their goals, which is both surfing, and research; it's sad what they are finding. Here it is.

Enjoy, if possible.

Carbon Neutral Vacation

2008-04-10T16:18:00.003-04:00

Summer is coming and we're hoping to get some nice waves this year! If you're aiming to travel this summer to catch gnarly waves, you should think about Costa Rica! Not only is it an amazing place to surf, but you can also have a carbon free vacation!

Nature Vacations offers a 7 day package to Costa Rica completely carbon neutral! the plane, the bus, the accomodation! everything is safe for the environment! Read the article posted by TreeHugger!

Some River Surfing from Germany

2008-02-16T11:03:00.001-05:00

From Munich, some cool tricks, including multiple attempts at a railslide that is guaranteed to ruin a $500+ board.

Enjoy.

Banana Sundae Video

2008-02-13T20:57:00.003-05:00

Up on You Tube; highlights from the competition last summer. Some surfing, and hey, it's a video about our very own wave. Things to note, I counted 2 people diving off their board (not recommended), and other glorious bails...but no barrel rolls.

Enjoy.

Quick Post

2008-01-31T14:25:00.001-05:00

ART and WATER: Cold Water Surfing

Inspired by surfing in the winter here in Montreal.

Later.

Finally...

2008-01-30T20:44:00.001-05:00

Sébastien Rodrigue : Montréal va désinfecter les eaux usées | Actualités | Cyberpresse

According to the Montreal City Weblog, Montreal will begin disinfecting its waste water. Great news, if you live in Sorel. But what about the Habitat wave? Are west island cities disinfecting their waste water? Or does it flow freely onto the Habitat wave where we tend to spend a lot of time standing around waste deep (but hopefully not in shit).

Anyone have an answer, leave a comment.

Later.

Update: The city of Montreal WANTS to start disinfecting its waste water, and is trying to figure out the best way to implement it.

Habitat in Winter

2008-01-26T12:21:00.001-05:00

» The Habitat 67 experience • Spacing Montreal

Chris Dewolf (for those that know me, no, he is NOT related to me) at Spacing Montreal shares his pics of Habitat 67 in winter. This is mostly about the building itself, but there a couple of shots of the river, just to show more proof that everyone deserves a trip to Costa Rica every winter.

Enjoy.

Mike D.

River Surfing Africa

2008-01-26T11:43:00.001-05:00

I found a nifty little video while poking around on You Tube; surfing rapid # 11 o the Zambezi river. Highlights: soundtrack, a cool flip near the end, and a some talk about safety (ya I know...boring...but you never really hear about it).

The quality is not the greatest, but hey, it's You Tube.

Enjoy.

Surfboard Car

2008-01-25T13:35:00.000-05:00

My boss went to the Salon de l'auto this week and this car was there! SCORE!

The Suzuki Makai concept car, which is an interpretation of the SX4, has beach chairs as seats and surfboards as a roof!

Read more about it here (article in french only).

It's Cool Before it's Cool

2008-01-19T12:06:00.001-05:00

2Imagine has been reported on (again), this time it's not about river surfing lessons, or worldwide sales, but the eco-friendly surfboards. Check out Trendhunter for the blurb.

Regular readers (if any) will remember a post about this way back in October.

Later.

New Year Resolutions

2008-01-02T14:06:00.000-05:00

A new year has begun! Do you have any new year resolutions? Here are 3 that the Surfrider Foundation suggests:

Pick up your pet's wastes. Pet waste that reaches the ocean can make both people and marine life sick.

For the fall, rake and bag your yard clippings. Grass and yard clippings that get blown into the street often end up in storm drains, making a fertile breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

It's best not to smoke. But if you or someone you know does, have them dispose of their used cigarettes in a proper waste container. Cigarette butts are the number one litter component found on the beach.

A Non-surfing Related Holiday Post

2007-12-24T16:57:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

MIkey D.

Social Networking for Surfers

2007-11-30T11:56:00.001-05:00

Don't have much time to write about it, but check it out! http://www.jibspot.com/

You can have your own blog, browse through videos and upload videos!

Flushie's Summer Vacation!

2007-11-30T08:38:00.001-05:00

Here's a neat little video about keeping our waters clean!

Green Marketing

2007-11-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Buy Nothing Day. Did you guys go out and buy something?

On Phoresia.org, "a resource about environmentally and socially responsible surf related products and lifestyle choices", the author talks about overconsumption and how it could affect our lives as surfers.

Do we really need all the gadgets thrown at us to "enhance the surfer experience?" Green marketing makes us believe that we are helping a cause when really they just want to make us buy things (not in all cases of course).

You should definitely read the article to get another perspective on green marketing.

SurfAid International

2007-11-18T09:35:00.000-05:00

"The mission of SurfAid International, a non-profit humanitarian aid organization, is to improve the health of people living in isolated regions connected to us through surfing."

Website: MyWave.tv

2007-11-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for a procrastination activity, mywave.tv is perfect. This site is similar to a youtube of surf videos, except there's no actual search field. The videos are divided into different categories such as comedy and big wave, and from there, you can check out many awesome videos!

check it out!

Lonely Planet | Travel Blog: British Airways bans surfboards

2007-11-14T19:31:00.000-05:00

Lonely Planet | Travel Blog: British Airways bans surfboards

Just a quick post about British Airways banning surfboards...Corran Addison has mentioned it, rope mentioned it a little while ago, and there it is on the Lonely Planet blog.

It sucks because BA is one of the best airlines.

So, I did some searching, and here's what I found for those that are trying to get away this winter.

Air Canada allows surfboards on any AC flight; $50 one way.

American Airlines charges $80, no mention of any strict conditions.

Northwest Airlines takes $80-$150 depending on where you are going.

Know of any others, leave a comment.

Cool Video

2007-11-12T22:54:00.000-05:00

Patagonia put out a short film titled Sea Legs. Just a cool little video about a trip to the Indian Ocean. Here's the teaser, its got a catchy mellow tune:

For the full 8 minute version, go here.

Can't watch these right this instant? Miro is a good video player for downloading videos to watch later...say at work or school. or whenever we all need a breather.

Apologies for nothing Montreal related this week, but work and birthdays got in the way.

Later.

Local Shapers - Part 1: Frenchy's

2007-11-05T19:22:00.000-05:00

SURF MONTREAL

My buddy Chris did an interview with Sylvain Boucher of Frenchy's Surfboards. He's been shaping for 14 years, and has spent some time glassing and shaping boards in Florida and Australia.

All his boards are made from scratch here in Montreal. It is only a seasonal job for him, he shapes in the winter and spends his summer in Maine.

Every board is made to order, with interesting options like hemp fabric, wood or fiberglass fins, and wood bloacks on the nose and tail. He adds an extra layer of glass over the rails, nose, and tail for some extra ding resistance as an added bonus; like a true craftsman, he pays attention to every little detail of his work.

Here, he talks about everything from how he started, the differences between hand made and production line boards, the process of making a board, and the differences between ocean and river surfing.

Local Shapers - Intro

2007-10-27T11:08:00.001-04:00

It's almost Halloween, which means the weather is colder and less people think about surfing. It'll soon be time to start thinking about the Christmas holiday season. Some of us may in be in need of a new board, or have to move on to a higher performing board.

Over the next few months, I'll be profiling some local shapers here in Montreal. Patagonia had an interesting essay in their Surf 2007 catalogue. There not much in the way facts, but an idea that ties with my previous post about sustainable surfing. Patagonia was kind enough to give me permission to reprint it, check it out here.

There are number of local shapers in Montreal, and are more deserving of our dollars than manufacturers that mass produce boards in Asia and sell them cheap around the world. Look for profiles on local shapers in the coming months. There are the ones that most people know about, plus a couple that are not as popular.

Like computers, if you don't need a new one, don't buy a new one. And there is always the used market for the budget minded. The forum at surfmtl would be a good place to post an un-needed board. Take look at what can be found, and if that can't fill your need, one of the Montreal shapers will gladly help you out.