Scuba divers on a holiday expedition at Shaw's Cove off Laguna Beach, Calif., enjoyed a unique perspective of a juvenile Pacific gray whale that approached the divers as they explored the ocean floor. The cetacean appears to have been curious about the bubble-blowing divers, who captured rare amateur video footage of a gray whale swimming freely beneath the surface (posted below).


About 20,000 Pacific gray whales, also referred to as California gray whales, migrate each fall and winter from Arctic feeding grounds to lagoons along Baja California, where calving and nursing occurs.

The migration supports a robust commercial whale-watching industry off Southern California and the day after Christmas traditionally marks the official beginning of the season. If you look closely at the footage you can see barnacles and lice--the telltale markings of a gray whale--on the young whale's head.

Some reports referred to the whale in the video as a baby or calf, but Southern California researcher Alisa Schulman-Janiger said it was more likely a juvenile, because of its size and extensive barnacle coverage, that is capable of caring for itself.

This may just be my terrible memory talking, but does this year's flow of North Shore video clips seem a lot stronger than years past? I feel like they just keep coming and coming and coming.

Mason Ho at home. Mason has got to be one of the most entertaining surfers to watch right now.


Northern Tip (mho) from rory pringle @ conceptblue on Vimeo.

Ehukai sandbar is possibly the funnest sandbar in existence. Just ask these guys.



Kelly Slater & John John Florence // Ehukai // December 14, 2011 from SURFING Magazine on Vimeo.

...Meanwhile over on Maui...


"Jaws" Paddle Sesh. 12/8/11 from Peahi Surf Media on Vimeo.

And in case all this John John talk has led you to forget about JOB this season...

By Chris Casula

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. -- After four days of fierce competition, the 2011 Winter Dew Tour/Nike Open here wrapped up Sunday afternoon with the highly anticipated Freeski Slopestyle Finals. Beginning with Wednesday's qualifiers and continuing through Friday's semifinal, 80-plus podium seeking competitors were mercilessly reduced to a mere dozen by the start of Sunday's final proceedings.

Bobby Brown, Russ Henshaw and Alex Schlopy--last year's overall Cup point leaders--finally took to the pristine slopestyle course after several days of anxious waiting and watching. As Sunday's events played out, I couldn't help but wonder if the free trip to the finale ultimately proved to be as advantageous as it appeared at first glance.

Granted, not having to worry about having a fluke-ish off day in either the qualifier or the semifinal is a luxury--particularly when considering that those who make it to finals are guaranteed at least some points towards the overall Dew Tour Cup championship. However, what effect did not having the extra scored runs ultimately have on the riders?

Admittedly, this is speculation and a point only made with the benefit of hindsight, but consider what Russ Henshaw might have done differently had he known how is chosen run would sit with the judges. Would Russ, possibly disappointed with how he was scored, opt to switch up his run? Would another day and another two or four scored runs have allowed Alex Schlopy or Bobby Brown to work through any nerves they might have been battling on Sunday?

Read full post...

What a day of drama. Pipeline wasn't pretty, but she definitely made things damn interesting today.

First John John gets Slater-ed by Slater, then Slater gets Slater-ed by Parko in the semis, then Parko runs out of magic in the final, submitting victory to last year's runner-up Kieren Perrow. Last second comebacks. Heartbreaking close calls. Michel Bourez came within one heat of stealing the Triple Crown from John John.

Florence would hold on to take his first of many Triple Crown Titles.

The waves and wind played a big part in the unfolding drama today. A fading swell and a wicked North wind putting giant ribs in the faces meant a lot of potential scores pinching shut.

The dropping swell meant curtains for the 3 remaining Hawaiians in the draw. As has happened in the past, including the last 2 years, the Hawaiian contingent came out guns-blazing when the swell was peaking, then dropped like flies once the juice was turned down.

Kieren Perrow went into this event needing a quarterfinal finish to qualify for next season, and with wife and some youngsters running around, you can bet the pressure was squarely on his shoulders, especially this late in his career as a touring pro. Kieren was a standout all event, posting huge scores and horrific wipeouts. A truly deserving Pipeline Master. Talk about a sweet first victory.

FINAL
1 - Kieren Perrow 13.17
2 - Joel Parkinson 7.00

Some of the feats athletes are able to accomplish in the sporting realm, whether using their hands, feet, boards, chutes, bikes or other devices or vehicles, are indeed awe-inspiring. But also amazing is the use of modern technology to capture and present these remarkable activities. Below is a "People Are Awesome" video uploaded recently by YouTube user derDon1234 (Don's Version.) It starts out slowly, with lots of slow-motion photography, and builds with more action and intensity toward the end. Though it's a bit long, there's a reason it has garnered more than 1 million views. See for yourself: