Instant Coffee, a wrap-up.

[steve shearer]

Interested to hear from the gents who helped make it possible.

Did ya get your money's worth, dya feel ripped off?
Were you happy with the coverage?
What could have been done better?
Differently?
What would you have liked to have seen/been written about that wasn't covered?

Don't hold back.

[huie]

[mical]

I enjoyed your writing Steve, always do.

It was engaging and it gave a good sense of being there and some of the drama.

I have a few issues however:

1. Where are the vids ya slack cnut? Particularly The Messiah interview, you've intrigued me with your comment:

Had a very interesting audience with the messiah yesterday.
Will report on it tonight.

Dane's still the most interesting figure in pro surfing.

2. Where is my photo of you and The Messiah giving Carroll the finger, or my Mai Tai straw?

2. If SN coughed up, when is the barbie?

[Stevenug]

They were damn near masterpieces laced with keen insight and provocative storytelling.

If I had my way your words would have been beamed from a projector (using Mr. Carroll's dome as a reflective device) into the starry Tahitian night. You know, like the opening credits to Star Wars.

But that's just me.

Thanks to everyone who chipped in.

[steve shearer]

[steve shearer]

Nick's actually got a bit more hair than you think.
The back half coverage is holding fairly well.
It's just the total surface area of the forehead skews the overall impression.


My wife actually thought Carroll was pretty hot.
For fcuks sake I said he likes U2.

[crabmeat thompson]

I got my moneys worth. For sure. I didn't contribute, but still ...

All that table setup is missing is a bowl of oats.

[Grooter]

Loved the quality of writing Steve, a very different slant on surfing journalism and quite creative too. I pretty much hate most surf journalism, too much bogan colloquialism for my tastes, so your style was refreshing and good to read. You would fit well into a mag like Surfing World.

But where is the picture of you riding in all the sh.it we said you had to wear and decorate your board with?

[daryl]

That pic of you floating on/in the crystal clear was in itself enough to take the pale off a day behind bars, city window bars, that is.

[Skipper]

I think i've said pretty much all i could think of, without losing balance, both here and via my proxy on SN.

Ah, yes, oats...how do you like them?

And more vids too, that would be good. I am gaining inspiration from them to complete some outstanding home movies of my own.

I now understand the special qualities of The Messiah much better.

A hat would be nice.

Thanks again. Look forward to next time.

And just so Carroll doesn't feel left out, i'm only just wading through his dispatches and enjoying that crusty perspective too!.

[pridmore]

I didnt contribute but would have...and will next time..... where are those vids and interviews please ??? it made great reading SS

[black duck]

Alright SS, a few random questions :
Did you actually feel like an outsider or were you invited into the bosom of the asp circus? Is it a go-it-alone thing or do you get a leg up from NC et al... Does maintaining an "outsider" perspective mean you don't get to hang out with the pro's and do a bit of "insider" trading? How is the access: restrictive and stand-offish or more "family" like and inclusive? Anyone really get up your nose? Lastly, does the writing come easy or do you grapple with it?

Comments, seeing as though you asked:

Your overarching concern for a critique from all and sundry pales at the mere fact that you got to go to fcuking TAHITI, one of the world's most exotic locations with one of the world's most iconic waves. You even got to surf it and get toobed. So, now, to the point: Where's the money shot? Are all those pro photog's so mean fisted that they only shoot the pro's? Surely a good tube is a good tube and worthy of a couple on the motordrive. Dozens of photographers all focused on one lefthander and not a single pic, except the rumour of a fuzzy happy snap from GT. Fcuking lame.

Your strength is in the words, however, the vids were good. A few more in depth vid innerviews would be a bonus.

[steve shearer]

Alright SS, a few random questions :
Did you actually feel like an outsider or were you invited into the bosom of the asp circus?
Fcuk no. Very much an Outsider. The atmosphere is sometimes prickly, always spiced with a small amount of paranoia. They must wonder who the fcuk this weirdo is hanging out in their inner sanctum.
Is it a go-it-alone thing or do you get a leg up from NC et al...
Very much go-it-alone. Thats alright I'm fairly solitary by nature but approaching very strong and established cliques is intimidating. NC is always helpful but he's there to do a job, like I am, not shepherd greenhorns around the place.
Does maintaining an "outsider" perspective mean you don't get to hang out with the pro's and do a bit of "insider" trading?
I don't hang out with them and I don't owe then anything. I know a few from past ancient History (Dingo, Parko, Davo etc etc). When I approach them I do so with a goal in mind : which is to find out answers to specific questions. I don't fuck around with small talk. I think Slater appreciates this.
How is the access: restrictive and stand-offish or more "family" like and inclusive?
Access is difficult. You have to work for it and want it. There are a million better looking, better connected people than me trying to get their pound of flesh. Although GT went out of his way to be nice to me which I really appreciated
Anyone really get up your nose?
Just the whole circus. I'm fairly solitary as mentioned. I find the crowds, noise and hype extremely disorientating, sometimes psychologically uncomfortable to the point of phobia. Sometimes I find the whole deal extremely comical. I have my notebook and Pen and that is my sole trusted companion and confidant.
Lastly, does the writing come easy or do you grapple with it?
Pretty easy, in this case. There's a lot to write about and when your in Tahiti for the first time your senses are heightened to the point of euphoria. It's also a hella lot of fun and a release from the internal and external pressure that builds up during the day , so to speak. I wouldn't do it if I didn't feel like I had something different to offer. Fcuk knows there's enough press releases and just shitt-standard journalism out there.


Your strength is in the words, however, the vids were good. A few more in depth vid innerviews would be a bonus.

[Nick Carroll]

Well I enjoyed it. Now how the fcuk are you gonna get to Hawaii.

[steve shearer]

stowaway in your board bag?

Hey Peely?
Hey Peely>........yoo hoo.....member that week in your resort you promised me?

[steve shearer]

BTW I'm working on the video.

it's gunna be weird.

I'm trying to imagine the Messiah as the audience.

[pridmore]

is that the aim Steve, to ge to the North Shore ??? or trestles ??? whats the plan

[steve shearer]

Trestles is off the radar.

As for the North Shore.....well, stranger things have happened.