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Woman cops hefty fine after "checking out surf"

<p>A woman has lashed out at her local council after she copped a fine for $136 for a five-minute stop at a popular beach to assess the surf conditions. </p> <p>Amy Sloane stopped her car at The Esplanade at NSW's Caves Beach to get a sense of the surf conditions on July 6th, and was unknowingly being watched by a parking inspector. </p> <p>Ms Sloane was shocked to receive the fine in the post a few weeks later, arguing that her actions didn't justify the fine.</p> <p>"How do I feel? P***ed off," she told <em>Yahoo News</em>. "Rangers can't fine people who don't pick up after their dogs on our beaches, but can secretly fine you without you knowing for just checking out the surf for five minutes."</p> <p>She also called the council workers "cowards", saying the area she stopped in is often used by locals and tourists to get a look at the surf, and even whale watch occasionally during migration season.</p> <p>As she continued to defend her actions, Lake Macquarie City Council clarified that the infringement stated the driver parallel parked in the opposite direction of travel, which is a  known "safety offence under Australia Road Rules".</p> <p>It is illegal in all Australian states and territories to park your car in the opposite direction of traffic on any road.</p> <p>"The fine at hand was issued for not parallel parking in the direction of travel, which is a safety offence under Australian Road Rules. The driver's vehicle crossed double white lines and was parked near a bend, facing oncoming traffic, which further heightened safety concerns," a council spokesperson said.</p> <p>After expressing her annoyance on social media, many agreed the fine was warranted, saying she had done the wrong thing, regardless of how long she was there for.</p> <p>Other locals chimed in and said "it happens all the time" despite it being a fineable offence.</p> <p>"If you think the fine is wrong, fight it. If you were parked incorrectly, wear the fine," another said.</p> <p>Sloane confirmed to <em><a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/woman-fined-136-after-checking-out-surf-at-popular-beach-084002221.html?guccounter=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a> </em>she will begrudgingly pay the fine.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / Shutterstock </em></p>

Money & Banking

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Aussie surf icon Mick Fanning struck by family tragedy

<p>Australian surfing legend Mick Fanning has been struck by yet another devastating loss in his family. Reports have emerged confirming the passing of Fanning’s brother, Edward, who was in his 40s at the time of his death. This tragic event adds to the already heavy burden of grief that Fanning has endured over the years.</p> <p>The Fanning family has faced multiple heartbreaking losses in the past. In 2015, Mick lost his older brother Peter at the age of 43. Prior to that, in 1998, another of Mick’s brothers, Sean, tragically passed away in a car accident at the young age of 20.</p> <p>News of Edward’s passing came through a heartfelt message from Stevie Maher, a close friend of Edward and a prominent bodyboarder from Coolangatta.</p> <p>Maher took to Facebook to express his condolences and share his grief with the Fanning family. In his poignant post, Maher fondly reminisced about the cherished moments he shared with Edward:</p> <p>"Firstly I want to send my condolences to the Fanning family … mum Liz, dad John, sister Rachel and brother Mick,” Maher wrote. “My heart is broken to hear the passing of my best mate. I enjoyed and had so many amazing times with you Eddie. You were in my wedding party, had so many epic times together in Indo and we were just best mates. I’m goin’ to miss you Eddie and now you rest in peace.”</p> <p>Edward, who had been working at a surf camp in Madagascar, leaves behind a legacy of friendship, adventure and camaraderie. His presence will be deeply missed by all those who knew him, especially by his grieving family and closest friends.</p> <p>As the world mourns alongside Mick Fanning, we extend our deepest condolences to him and his family, hoping they find solace and strength in each other's love and the cherished memories they hold dear.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook / Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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“I’m in trouble here”: Hughesy recalls disastrous surfing accident

<p dir="ltr">Dave Hughes has recalled the details of a horrific surfing accident on New Year’s Eve, that resulted in him being rushed to hospital in excruciating pain. </p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking candidly on his <em>Hughesy, Ed &amp; Erin</em> radio show, the 53-year-old shared what happened on the Surfers Paradise beach as he was ringing in the New Year. </p> <p dir="ltr">He told his co-hosts Erin Molan and Ed Kavalee that he was having surfing lessons when the disaster unfolded. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s New Year’s Eve, I decide to go surfing and I crash on a huge wave,” Hughesy began.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ve all got out big boards, and the problem is, the boards are too big.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“So, and, I didn’t listen properly when the instructor said, ‘If you’re going to fall off your board, fall off backwards, don’t fall off forwards’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“And I didn’t really realise why, but I found out why.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2HC0_ILybf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2HC0_ILybf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Hughesy, Ed &amp; Erin (@hughesyedanderin)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">While still sporting a sling on his arm from the accident, Hughesy explained that he fell forwards off a wave, and the surfboard took the next wave, which was directly behind him.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The board got a really good wave and the board smashed into my back and dislocated my shoulder,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was immediately like, ‘I am in trouble here’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“The instructor saw me and said, ‘are you okay?’ and I said, ‘I don’t think so.’”</p> <p dir="ltr">“He started laughing! And I’m like, ‘no, I’m really, I’m really in pain’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Still trying to keep his sense of humour through the ordeal, Hughesy described the pain as “worse than childbirth”, with the situation only getting worse when he “sat on the beach crying for an hour” waiting for the ambulance to arrive. </p> <p dir="ltr">Hughesy <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hughesy-gives-health-update-after-being-rushed-to-hospital">first shared</a> the news of his accident in the days after he was released from hospital, sharing a series of photos to his Instagram from the fateful day. </p> <p dir="ltr">He shared that he had "morphine and the rest of them" after enduring "two hours of the worst pain of my life", thanking the hospital staff who treated him, as well as the Surfers Paradise Surf Club before admitting he will "be in a sling for a while". </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram / 2DayFM</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Beloved Bondi Surf Club lifesaver dies at just 54

<p>A close-knit Bondi Beach community is coming to terms with the unexpected death of Louise Santos, who was a devoted mother, a surf lifesaver, and an acclaimed athlete.</p> <p>Santos tragically passed away during a family vacation in France at just 54 years old, leaving behind her husband, Stuart, and her young son, Josh, to grapple with the sudden loss.</p> <p>The impact of this loss is also felt by the Bondi Surf Club, where she devoted over twenty years of her life as a longstanding employee and volunteer.</p> <p>“The entire club stands in profound shock, grappling with the void left by Louise’s passing," Brent Jackson, President of the Bondi Surf Club said in a statement. </p> <p>“She recently became our newest Life member," he added. </p> <p>“Our deepest sympathies and support are extended to her beloved husband, Stuart, and her son, Josh, who is also an active Nipper.</p> <p>“Our thoughts are with them as they navigate this unfathomable loss.”</p> <p>Jackson also paid tribute to Santos' unwavering dedication to their club. </p> <p>“For those who had the privilege of attending our last Annual General Meeting, you understand the pivotal role Louise quietly played within our club for decades," he shared. </p> <p>“Her commitment knew no bounds, and she continued to champion our cause diligently, currently serving as the Registrar and meticulously planning the upcoming season for our surf sports team.</p> <p>“Personally, I will deeply miss Louise’s straightforward, pragmatic approach and her resolute ‘can-do’ attitude that inspired us all.</p> <p>“Louise’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication and the profound impact she had on our club’s journey,” he concluded. </p> <p>Santos was a a gifted athlete winning over 40 medals in Australian Masters and World Masters Surf Life Saving competitions.</p> <p>She also became the first female individual Australian gold medallist in the Ironwoman category for ages 35 to 39 in 2005. </p> <p>In 2018 she secured a second-place finish in her age group at the Coolangatta Gold Long Course endurance event. </p> <p>Santos had only just celebrated her 54th birthday ten days prior to the tragedy, although her cause of death remains undisclosed. </p> <p>Former Director of Lifesaving at Bondi Surf Club Damon Somerfield, also paid tribute to Santos in a post shared on Facebook. </p> <p>“As you go through life, there are people around you who inspire you the most, to make a difference, to become a better person. She was a friend, an incredible support to us as new parents, and one of the best clubmates you could ask for," he wrote. </p> <p>“To become the first female life member of the oldest Surf Lifesaving Club was one of hers and our proudest moments as club mates.</p> <p>“As we move forward and come to terms with this terrible news, we will celebrate all that you stood for, Louise, and for all you have done for those who loved you.”</p> <p>In a heartwarming display on Wednesday morning, the Bondi Surf Club members held a gathering to lower the flag together and light a candle in her memory.</p> <p>The board section also held a minute's silence on the beach to mark her passing before catching some waves together. </p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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“Overbearing idiots” fined for surfing through Venice’s Grand Canal

<p dir="ltr">Two “overbearing idiots” who were caught surfing through Venice's Grand Canal have been identified and had their boards confiscated.</p> <p dir="ltr">A furious Mayor Luigi Brugnaro shared footage of the pair calling for them to be found and punished for “making a mockery of the city”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Here are two overbearing idiots who make a mockery of the City,” his translated tweet read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I ask everyone to help us identify them to punish them even if our weapons are really blunt... we urgently need more powers for the Mayors in terms of public safety!</p> <p dir="ltr">“To those who spot them, I offer a dinner!”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="it">Ecco due imbecilli prepotenti che si fanno beffa della Città… chiedo a tutti di aiutarci a individuarli per punirli anche se le nostre armi sono davvero spuntate… servono urgentemente più poteri ai Sindaci in tema di sicurezza pubblica!<br />A chi li individua offro una cena! <a href="https://t.co/DV2ONO3hUs">pic.twitter.com/DV2ONO3hUs</a></p> <p>— Luigi Brugnaro (@LuigiBrugnaro) <a href="https://twitter.com/LuigiBrugnaro/status/1559808148843765760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">In a later post, the Mayor Brugnaro announced that the pair were caught and fined. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Speaking of the two “heroes” of this morning, we have identified them!” he updated his followers.</p> <p dir="ltr">He did not disclose how much their fine was but thanked everyone for their cooperation on catching the two. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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"Hold my beer": Tradie captured surfing huge croc

<p>A photo dubbed “the most Australian photo ever” has gone viral after a tradie decided to ride a monster crocodile.</p> <p>The tradie tied a rope around the reptile’s mouth and made a lead to get the crocodile into the shallow waters, where the photo seemed to be taken.</p> <p>The photo went viral on Reddit, with many surprised at the photo.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841243/crocs-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/49f2c7cca044439095cbcaa831aad306" /></p> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>'You know for sure that the last thing he said was "Hold my beer,"' one user said.</p> <p>'Glad he was wearing hi-vis... you know for safety,' another wrote.</p> <p>'This guy takes the Australian surfer cliche to a whole 'nother level,' another commented.</p> <p><em>Photo credits: Reddit</em></p> </div>

Family & Pets

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An ode to surf music

<p>The first tune I ever wrote – a proper tune, with an intro, verses, choruses and a middle bit – was a surfing instrumental.</p> <p>I have always been a pretty crappy singer, and I figured that the guitar could sing for me (I know, I know). But like anyone who grew up in the 60s this genre made sense to me. It was both fun and familiar, and there was room for storytelling in the sound of the guitar.</p> <p>Surf music was born with the release of Dick Dale’s first single Let’s Go Trippin’. Dale was born in Boston, but arrived in California as a teenager and started surfing. He played a left-handed guitar, but with the strings upside down, that is with the low strings at the bottom and the high strings at the top. This quite odd arrangement made for an idiosyncratic sound, all the physical movements up-ended; the dynamics reversed, the emphasis offset.</p> <p>Dale first played <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOlmBC1DlsY">Let’s Go Trippin’</a> in 1960, and it was a wild and crazy sound, the birth of a genre.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WOlmBC1DlsY"></iframe></div> <p>The fact that he has a Lebanese background informed his style. The frenetic oud and tarabaki playing that drives Lebanese pop music of the 50s seeped in, along with his love of drummer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Krupa">Gene Krupa</a>’s snappy snare.</p> <p>It didn’t take long for Dale’s influence to spread. Not really very surfy, but in 1962 Monty Norman’s James Bond theme for Dr. No was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqcevBO9fi8">played by the tremendous John Barry Seven</a> and is a great example of the foregrounding of the edgy guitar sound that Dale perfected.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GqcevBO9fi8"></iframe></div> <p>The first of the teen surf movies, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056860/">Beach Party</a>, was released a year later: tales of teen idiocy, with Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon at the helm, centred around summer, surf, music and endless partying.</p> <p>At least a dozen of these films were made, formulaic and sanitised, with established comedians like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Lynde">Paul Lynde</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Rickles">Don Rickles</a>, promoting a romanticised image of surf culture.</p> <p>Although the movies were built on beach party guitar bands, the music charts and radio waves of the time were also home to beautiful, evocative guitar instrumentals. The Ventures from Washington state had their first hit with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owq7hgzna3E">Walk, Don’t Run</a> in 1960.</p> <p>They played mostly covers, but developed a new sound - pounding toms and unison picking guitars - releasing many twangy gems including covers of Joe Meek’s Telstar, The Champs’ Tequila, as well as two of the touchstone tracks of the surf music genre in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqC3BjIyq_0">Pipeline</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjiOtouyBOg">Wipeout</a>.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tqC3BjIyq_0"></iframe></div> <p>In the UK, The Shadows were exploring similar terrain, with hits like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoN6AKPGkBo">Apache</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rR0trsOUaY">Wonderful Land</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VycZVyApqew">Atlantis</a>. They took a more lyrical approach, stepping away from the blues-based patterns of the US guitar artists, and sliding in minor chords and more complex structures.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VycZVyApqew"></iframe></div> <p>But the thing that really sets The Shadows apart is the sound: the guitar amp producing washes of spacious reverb, as well as the watery bubbling of the vibrato; the guitar tremolo stretching the strings into tonal waves, and the orchestral layering on some of the grander tracks.</p> <p>Santo and Johnny’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rwfqsjimRM">Sleepwalk</a> is a lesson in subtle mood-making with its lap steel guitar evoking the distant Hawaiian islands.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2rwfqsjimRM"></iframe></div> <p>It appears in the repertoire of both The Ventures and The Shadows, inspires another deeply influential beauty, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QooCN5JbOkU">Albatross</a>, by Fleetwood Mac, with Peter Green on guitar, and echoes through the decades to the wonderful <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueMaYzvXX8w">work</a> of Richard Hawley.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QooCN5JbOkU"></iframe></div> <p><strong>Australia in the 70s and beyond - great beaches, great surfers, great music</strong></p> <p>The beaches south of Sydney produced Australia’s most notable surf band in 1961. The Atlantics had their genetic roots in Greece and Eastern Europe, an immigration success story years before Vanda and Young.</p> <p>Their biggest hit, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3agVtY4Z6M">Bombora</a>, is a surf rock classic and was an international sensation in the earliest days of the genre.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3agVtY4Z6M"></iframe></div> <p>They had another big hit, The Crusher, and then in 1964 released War of The Worlds, awash with echoes and distortion and moodiness. It was innovative and brave, but ultimately spelled their demise as a surf band.</p> <p>As the 60s hit their twilight, and the wave of political enlightenment from Prague and Paris reached our shores, the blonde, post-war beach party was dragged out by the undertow. The Summer of Love, then Woodstock came and went, leaving the surfing subculture chilling with a joint in the back of the panel van rather than wildly dancing around the bonfire with a bottle of Mateus Rosé.</p> <p>The twangy instrumentals, with their snappy drums and lightning guitar lines stretched and grew, as synthesizers and production techniques replaced the earlier simple arrangements. The sound changed and became spacious, echoing the endless drift of the waves, and the slow drama of the incoming storm.</p> <p>In 1970, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0248194/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Morning of the Earth</a> was released, becoming the first film soundtrack to earn a gold record in Australia. It not only has tracks by singer-songwriters and pop stars but also by the acid-surf instrumentalists <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamam_Shud">Tamam Shud</a>. It became an enormously influential film, capturing the idyllic nature of the surfing culture.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K3uLj-YYaBs"></iframe></div> <p>But the twang hadn’t gone. The sound of the surf guitar is core to the music of The Cramps and The Pixies. It surfaced in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricky_Wilson_(American_musician)">Ricky Wilson</a>’s great guitar lines for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szhJzX0UgDM">The B52s</a>.</p> <p>It rang clear as a bell in 80s Australian bands like The Sunnyboys, Surfside Six, Radio Birdman, The Riptides, and Mental As Anything.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b2D84Ma-CxI"></iframe></div> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CINvgez73g">The Cruel Sea</a> rose in Sydney in 1987 from the ashes of Sekret Sekret, settling around the ebb and flow of guitarist Danny Rumour and guitarist/organist James Cruickshank and the rhythmic undertow of Ken Gormley and Jim Elliot.</p> <p>Instrumental rock became groovy again. Eventually, Tex Perkins joined and they became award-winning mainstays in the rise of 90s festival culture.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H_wam2QImAY"></iframe></div> <p>More recently <a href="https://headland.bandcamp.com/music">Headland</a>, who began in 2014 playing live original instrumentals to gloriously evocative Super 8 footage of big surf at Lennox Head in the 70s, have restored faith in the power of the instrumental for the post millennium. Surf music lives!</p> <p>I only ever played my little surf instrumental a few times and then that version of our band exploded – Lindy Morrison left to join the Go-Betweens and we entered a more angular and fierce phase. But last year, in a performance at the State Library about Brisbane posters and how they help to tell stories about our past, our culture and our place in the world, I played it again.</p> <p>It felt odd to be doing it on my own, but it also felt both funny and appropriate. The tune had the twang of a simpler time. As does <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJWuQV2u9ns">this little gem</a> from Brian Wilson, who believes that smiles can fix the problems of the world. <!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/128914/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: http://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sJWuQV2u9ns"></iframe></div> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-willsteed-107411">John Willsteed</a>, Senior lecturer, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/surf-music-in-praise-of-strings-sand-and-the-endless-swell-128914">original article</a>.</em></p>

Music

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Surf club rowers have close call with whale

<p>A team of surf club rowers have got the surprise of their lives in the surf off Coolangatta from an overly friendly whale that appeared out of nowhere.</p> <p>As you can see in the video above, it was a beautiful morning on the Gold Coast when this team headed out on their morning row. But we bet when they were heading out they didn’t think they were going to get a surprise from the world’s largest mammal. </p> <p>The whale emerges from the surf, mere inches from the boat, leaving the rowers absolutely stunned. They watch as it swims leisurely around the rowers, before they notice some more movement in the water on the other side of your boat.</p> <p>An animal emerges, and it’s actually the whale’s cub following its parent around.</p> <p>What a memorable experience, and they’re so lucky to have got it on film. Have you ever had a close encounter with a whale? Let us know in the comments section below.</p> <p><em>Video credit: Facebook / 7 News</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2016/08/sea-narrowly-escapes-pod-of-killer-whales/"><strong>Seal narrowly escapes pod of killer whales</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/domestic-travel/2016/09/baby-humpback-whale-provides-the-perfect-photo/"><strong>Baby humpback whale provides the perfect photo</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/domestic-travel/2016/09/quintessential-big-australian-animal-experiences/"><strong>5 quintessential big Australian animal experiences</strong></a></em></span></p>

News

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Australian surfing legend Bernard Farrelly dies, aged 71

<p>Australia’s first surfing world champion and one of the true pioneers of Australian sport, Bernard 'Midget' Farrelly, has sadly passed away at age 71.</p> <p>Earning his nickname for his slight size, Farrelly dominated surfing in the 60s, winning the first official world championship at Sydney’s Manly Beach in 1964.</p> <p>Farrelly has since been described by the Encyclopaedia of Surfing, “From 1962 to 1970 he was arguably the best competitive surfer in the world.”</p> <p>Farrelly was officially inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985.</p> <p>Farrelly also has a successful career outside of the competition, making his own boards, appearing in several movies and producing two books - <em>A Surfing Life</em> and <em>How to Surf</em>.</p> <p>Our thoughts are with Farrelly’s family at what must be a difficult time. </p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter / Sydney Morning Herald</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/health/caring/2016/08/wheelchair-allows-terminally-ill-patients-to-go-to-beach/"><strong>Smart wheelchair enables terminally ill patients to visit beach</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/07/dogs-on-surfboards-steal-spotlight-at-festival-of-surfing/"><strong>Dogs on surfboards steal spotlight at Festival of Surfing</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/05/sydney-builds-26-million-dollar-surf-break/"><strong>Sydney to build new $26.5 million surf break</strong></a></em></span></p>

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Dogs on surfboards steal spotlight at Festival of Surfing

<p>For most dogs, the only physical activity they’ll be getting up to today will probably involve fetching a plush toy from the lounge room, figuring out which end of the couch to lie on, or perhaps digging up some gardenias from their backyard.</p> <p>But the playful pooches in this video aren’t like most dogs.</p> <p>These dogs are part of the Dog Spectacular at the Noosa Festival of Surfing, the only surfing event in the world where a master and dog compete as a team.</p> <p>Dogs of all breeds and ages padded out with their owners for some pure, surf-loving fun as the catch the perfect waves on pristine Noosa Beach.</p> <p> “It’s a wonderful experience for dog and human,” said Festival Co-Founder Paul Jarratt. “It’s not really about winning or losing; it’s a celebration of all the good things we love about surfing, the ocean and environment that we are privileged to have in Noosa. I think that’s why we attract surfers and their families from all over the world, we’ve got 20 countries represented this year.”</p> <p>To see some of the highlights from this year’s competition watch the video above. Don’t you think the dogs look like they’re having fun?</p> <p>Or do you think it’s wrong for dogs to be surfing?</p> <p>Share your thoughts in the comments.</p> <p><em>Video: YouTube / NoosaSurfFestival</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/06/this-hilariously-awkward-dog-is-stealing-hearts/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">This hilariously awkward dog is stealing hearts</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/06/puppy-born-without-back-paws-gets-second-chance-at-life/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Puppy born without back paws gets second chance at life</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/06/how-to-cope-with-a-jealous-pet-when-grandkids-come-along/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>How to cope with a jealous pet when grandkids come along</strong></em></span></a></p>

International Travel

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The power and beauty of crashing waves in Australia

<p>As anyone who’s been dumped by a huge wave in the surf would agree, there are times where ocean can overwhelm you with its incredible, raw power.</p> <p>But there’s a beauty in this power.</p> <p>Australian photographer Warren Keelan has sought to illustrate the power and beauty of waves in Australia in a photo essay that examines the power of waves.</p> <p>Keelan’s photography certainly captures the intensity and energy exhibited by these swelling tides, but the images also reveal how each wave is unique. When you scroll through Keelan’s compelling photo essay you almost imbue each wave with a personality.</p> <p>Growing up in Wollongong Mr Keelan’s fascination with the water began early, and has continued into adulthood where he’s documented waves for the last four years.</p> <p>“I’ve always had a fascination with nature, especially the ocean and its ever changing forms, and I am compelled to capture and share what I feel are special and unique moments in the sea,” Keelan told Lost at E Minor.</p> <p>“I love the raw, unpredictable nature of water in motion and the way sunlight brings it all to life, from both above and below the surface. For me, the challenge is creating an image that hopefully tells a story or leaves an impression on the viewer.”</p> <p>To see all the images, scroll through the gallery above.</p> <p>It’s a difficult decision, but which photograph is your favourite?</p> <p>Please let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/02/tripadvisor-top-10-beaches-2016/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>TripAdvisor names top 10 beaches for 2016</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/02/guide-to-nudist-beach-etiquette/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>7 things you need to know about nudist beaches</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/01/rouge-wave-at-sydney-figure-eight-pools/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Massive wave highlights just how dangerous Sydney’s Figure Eight Pools can be</strong></em></span></a></p>

International Travel

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Sydney to build new $26.5 million surf break

<p>Already home to some of the best beaches in the world, Sydney is about to see another beach join the illustrious likes of Bondi, Manly and Maroubra.</p> <p>The only difference? This one’s entirely artificial.</p> <p>Urbnsurf Sydney have submitted a proposal for a 3.2 hectare, artificial surf break at Sydney Olympic Park, which will comprise of a lagoon and a wave machine.</p> <p>The idea intends to make the beach more accessible to Western Sydney residents who currently face quite a hike when headed to Sydney’s natural beaches.</p> <p>Wave Park Group founder and executive chairman Andrew Ross said this was an effective means of deal with overcrowding at Sydney’s popular surf spots.</p> <p>Mr Ross said there will be a range of conditions, stating, “Waves will range from up to 1.7 metre high, pitching waves, that are designed for the highest levels of performance surfing, down to 0.6 metre high, rolling white water waves, which are ideal for beginner surfers.”</p> <p>But it’s not going to come cheap.</p> <p>The new surf part is expected to cost $26.5 million. That being said the project is expected to inject more than $250 million to the Sydney region in tourism revenue.</p> <p>Stuart Ayres, the Minister for Sport for New South Wales, hailed the new proposals as big win for the 200,000 surfers of Sydney, as well as being a vote of confidence for tourism in the west side of the Sydney which is undergoing significant levels of growth.</p> <p>And this is by no means an idea that’s exclusive to Sydney.</p> <p>These artificial surf breaks have been heralded as the future of the sport, and a range of similar waves parks are being planned around the world including one in Melbourne, Victoria; Austin, Texas; Munich, Germany and another in Bristol, England.</p> <p>So, what do you think about the proposal? Do you think an artificial surf break is a good idea, or would the money be better invested elsewhere?</p> <p>Let us know in the comments below!</p> <p><em><strong>Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Tailor your cover to your needs and save money by not paying for things you don’t need. <a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=link1&amp;utm_campaign=travel-insurance" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">To arrange a quote, click here.</span></a> For more information about Over60 Travel Insurance, call 1800 622 966.</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/04/pictures-from-best-drives-in-australia/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 jaw-dropping pictures from Australia’s best drives</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/sydney-harbour-yacht-airbnb/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Stay on a luxury yacht on Sydney harbour with Airbnb</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/04/10-aussie-wildlife-parks-you-have-to-visit/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>10 Aussie wildlife parks you have to visit</em></span></strong></a></p>

Domestic Travel

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One-eyed cat loves to surf

<p>Since he was 6 months old, Kuli the one-eyed cat was lapping up the ocean and riding waves on a surfboard in Hawaii.</p> <p>His owners say the cat was introduced to water at a young age because he was bathed in it regularly when he was recovering from eye surgery.</p> <p>These images capture the gorgeous cat riding some waves in Hawaii.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/man-gives-shivering-stranger-the-shirt-off-his-back/">Man gives shivering stranger the shirt off his back</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/eat-like-an-okinawan-and-live-until-100/">Eat like an Okinawan and live until you’re 100</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2015/11/best-outdoor-exercise-options/">The best ways to exercise outdoors</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong> </strong></span></p>

News

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Aussie stunt rider surfs waves ON a motorbike

<p>Australian motorbike stunt rider and daredevil, Robbie Maddison, has done the unbelievable: he surfed some waves on an actual motorbike, and survived.</p> <p>In an incredible project that has been two years in the making, the 34-year-old rode his custom motorbike in huge surf off Teahupoo in Tahiti.</p> <p>Maddison’s bike was modified with small skis on the front wheel and a propeller on the back.</p> <p>“People said 'it's a pipe dream', 'it's never going to happen' and that's how a lot of people looked at this thing and that's the vibe I've got from a lot of people,” Maddison told Fairfax Media.</p> <p>And despite a few failed starts, the Kiama man showed the world what he was made of.</p> <p>"I don't think the photos or video show how physical it was," he told Surfer magazine. “You can't see that when the wave broke right behind me, I honestly thought that might be the end of my life.”</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/08/5-flights-up-trailer/">You will love Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman’s new movie 5 Flights Up</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/07/princess-madeleine-family-pics/">Sweden’s Princess Madeleine reveals pics of her gorgeous little ones</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/07/baby-owl-sheriff/">Sheriff catches too-cute baby owl on video </a></strong></em></span></p>

News

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Surfing in your 60s – it can be life-changing

<p>Here at Over60, we firmly believe that you’re never too old to realise your dreams, and if surfing is one of them, we say go for it!</p><p>World Champion Surf Coach, Jason Chapman (who has coached two-time world champion Tom Carroll), agrees.</p><p>“Surfing is something that is possible for anyone, no matter what their age,” says Chapman. “Once you get the bug, you will get a new lease on life. Getting out in the water is so amazing!”</p><p>Here are Chapman’s tips for senior surfers:</p><p><strong>Be sure you are an adequate swimmer</strong><br> “You should be able to confidently swim at least 500 metres, as you will be spending a lot of time in the water,” advises Chapman. “If you are dumped and need to swim to shore, you’ll need to be prepared.”</p><p><strong>Enjoy a good level of fitness before you begin</strong><br> You will be using your entire body and moving a great deal. Ensure you have the cardio fitness and a good base of strength to begin.</p><p><strong>Check your flexibility</strong><br> “A lot of surfing involves going from a laying down position to standing up on your board in a hurry. You want your muscles to be strong and supple in order to do this with ease.” Chapman suggests yoga, in particular postures such as Downward Dog, which work to stretch and strengthen the hamstrings.</p><p><strong>Work on your shoulder, chest and arm strength</strong><br> “You’ll be paddling a lot to meet the waves,” says Chapman. Begin by swimming laps, in various strokes, which will help you get used to being in water and build up arm and upper body strength.</p><p><strong>Get the right equipment</strong><br> “A long board will serve you better, as it offers better stability and is easier to stand up on,” says Chapman.</p><p><strong>Dress appropriately</strong><br> “A wetsuit offers better buoyancy for sure,” says Chapman. “At the very least, wear a rashie, as bare skin against a surfboard can quickly become irritated and leave a painful rash.” And of course, don’t forget high SPF, broad-spectrum sunblock.</p><p><strong>Choose your beach</strong><br> Location is important for a novice surfer. “Find a break that is a gentle spilling wave,” advises Chapman. “A dumping wave will overwhelm you as a beginner. A bay is great choice, as it is protected from the swell, the waves are small and gentle and they peel along for a long time, giving plenty of room for error.”</p><p>Also, be sure it is a patrolled beach. “While you will be surfing outside of the flags, you will still be in sight of the surf life savers, if you need to be rescued.”</p><p><strong>Book a lesson</strong><br> It’s important to learn proper technique from professionals, who can also give you the skills to know what to do if you get into peril.</p><p>“Most beaches have surf schools operating from them now,” says Chapman. “A quick Google search will help you find one close to you.”</p><p><strong>Be aware of the surf ethic</strong><br> There is a code between surfers, and on some beaches, it is even sign posted. “This consists of simple things, such as not dropping in on another surfer’s wave, and other such safety precautions.” If in doubt, ask the surf lifesavers, or a local.</p><p><strong>Consider a surfing safari</strong><br> “You can pick up skills in one week that would take you a year to learn on crowded Australian beaches,” says Chapman. “Surfing safaris in places like the Maldives, take you into ocean breaks, which means you have more wave time and less people to compete with in the surf. Typically, the waves and conditions are easier and better, too.”</p><p><strong>Have a plan B</strong><br>If the whole surfing thing isn’t working out for you, Chapman suggests trying Stand Up Paddling. “It takes the ‘standing-from-laying-down-position’ thing out of the equation, as you are already standing up! It’s a great way to enjoy the water, too, especially if you lack flexibility.”</p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/insurance/2015/03/skydiving-in-your-sixties/" target="_blank">Why you should (and how to) attempt a skydive when you’re 60-plus</a></span></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/insurance/2015/01/physical-activity-in-decline/" target="_blank">Physical activity in decline. Are you guilty?</a></span></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/insurance/2015/02/adventurous-seniors/" target="_blank">These over-60s prove you’re never too old to take on extreme adventures</a></span></strong></em></p>

Insurance

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10 keyboard shortcuts when surfing the web

<p>If you enjoy surfing the web (you’re reading this so we assume you do!) then these nifty shortcuts will speed up your process. Remember to hold down the first key (such as CTRL, ALT, Command) and then the following key simultaneously.</p><p><strong>Open a new tab on your web page</strong></p><p>Tabbed pages are a great feature in letting you open multiple web pages in one window. To launch a new tab press:</p><p>PC: CTRL + T</p><p>Mac: Command + T</p><p><strong>Open a new window</strong></p><p>To open a completely new window just press:</p><p>PC: CTRL + N</p><p>Mac: Command + N</p><p><strong>Quick access to the address bar</strong></p><p>The URL bar is where your type in the website address. Don’t bother reaching for the mouse with these shortcuts.</p><p>PC: ALT + D <br> Mac: Command + L</p><p><strong>Favourite/bookmark a page</strong></p><p>An amazing feature so you can quickly return to an interesting article or page.</p><p>PC: CTRL + D</p><p>Mac: Command + D</p><p><strong>Close a tab page</strong></p><p>Stop searching for the little X to close your page. This shortcut will only close your current tab page and not the whole browser.</p><p>PC: CTRL + F4 or CTRL + W</p><p>Mac: Command + W</p><p><strong>Refresh your web page</strong></p><p>If your page hasn’t loaded correctly or you just want to see the latest updates on our Facebook page, refreshing your page will bring the most up to date version.</p><p>PC: F5 or CTRL + R</p><p>Mac: Command + R</p><p><strong>Reopen previous tab in browser</strong></p><p>Have you ever accidentally closed the tab you were browsing and for the life you can’t remember where you found it? This shortcut will solve the problem opening up the last tab you closed.</p><p>PC: Ctrl + Shift + T</p><p>Mac: Command + Shift + T</p><p><strong>Find a keyword</strong></p><p>You are searching for something specific and don’t want to read through all the unnecessary text. This feature will bring up a box to type the word or phrase you want.</p><p>PC: Ctrl + F</p><p>Mac: Command + F</p><p><strong>Go back to previous page</strong></p><p>You could click the back button or you could just press the keyboard <strong>Backspace key</strong> instead.</p><p><strong>Cancel loading your web page</strong></p><p>Web pages that are slow to load are frustrating. If you can do away with all the graphics and videos that often take a while to load, press the <strong>ESC (escape) key</strong> and it will stop loading.</p>

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