A New Dawn, A New Day, A New Life

"It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me – and I’m feeling good," Nina Simone

OK, technically it’s evening and the day is almost over but it is a new year.  And after a brief hiatus, I’m back.  And what better timing.  We leave behind 2011, a year in which we lost Sion Milosky, Leroy Grannis, and Sean Collins among others but also a year in which we witnessed Kelly Slater winning his 11^th world title, an ASP contest in San Francisco, and phenomenal contest conditions matched only by phenomenal contest surfing at Teahupoo, Sunset, and Pipeline.  We saw a revival of paddle-in surfing with an amazing display at Peahi.  We also saw Liam McNamara surf a giant wave off Portugal and Gerard Butler get held down for two waves at Maverick’s.  In all, a good year.

And now, 2012.  The year started off with a bang as California enjoyed a nice strong swell last week.  In addition, the contest window is open for both the Jay at Half Moon Bay and the Eddie at Waimea.  While I didn’t make the alternate list for either event, I’m at peace with it because I’d imagine it’s pretty hard to concentrate in giant surf when you’ve crapped your wetsuit or board shorts.

Now, I’m not one to make predictions or, at least well educated ones, so I’ll leave it at this: it’s going to be a good year.  Good surf and good times.  More slabs, more sharks, and more creativity in the shaping bay and on the wave face.  New wave discoveries and a new wave music revival.  Higher airs, deeper barrels and later takeoffs.  In all, a pushing of the envelope.  Get excited.  Until next time, may your waves be head high and glassy.