Who is your favorite Aussie Pro? If you’re like me you may have grown up with a blend of Aussy and US surf heroes. Sometimes these days its hard to imagine how fierce the rivalry between these two nations has been in the past. The following article will highlight for you some of Australia’s most competitive surfers. For a country with over 2.5 million surfers and some of the best waves in the world we shouldn’t be surprised that world tour rankings are saturated by these names each year.

Looking back on this years pro tour I think it’s safe to include Owen Wright on this mini list. Born in 1990 in Beach, New South Wales, Wright has definitely proven himself as a charger at Teahupo’o and as a competitor by sparking up showdown’s with Kelly Slater. At only only about 21 years of age Owen Wright also makes the author, only a few years his senior, feel like an old man.

Taj Burrow born of Busselton West Australia was born in 1978. For many Taj defined the progressive surfing that we still see today. With an entire bag of aggressive aerial and carving And many are still dying to see Burrow pull a world title win. Check out this clip above from the surf film Fair Bits, this is a great video to check out, it even has a Ben Stiller cameo.

Joel “Parko” Parkinson was born in 1981 in Nambour. At ten wins in ASP events and two-perfect tens at 2008 Pipe-Masters event Parko is a force to be reckoned with. Check out this clip from Free as a Dog a movie dedicated to Parko and friends. This film was made by legendary surf cinematographer Jack McCoy

Mick Fanning born in 1982, Pennith NSW, is known as one of the fastest surfers on tour. He’s also the proud owner of two world titles. Watch his speedy lines in this clip of his contest surfing. It’s not hard to see why his nickname is “White Lightning.”

With plenty of up-and-comers nipping at their heels Australia is assured a future of crazy talented rippers in professional surfing. Don’t even get me started on all the crazy talented guys and gals who aren’t on the World Tour… maybe next time.

Who else should be on this list?

Do you call your leash a leggie?

Can Koalas swim/surf?

Did you know that Rob Machado was born in Australia?

Let us know on www.facebook.com/thenicerack

Did you know that Nice Rack is now being distributed in Australia? It’s true, check out www.theecosurfer.com.au to see the goods! If each one of those 2.5 million Australian surfers were to buy one modular rack it would be the best Christmas present ever. I’ll start writing thank you cards now.

Shakas~

Jason

If you are reading this I will assume that you’re familiar with the concept of stoke. In the world of action sports, Surfing, SUP, snowboarding, wakeboarding etc. Stoke is term used to refer to the positive satisfying feeling that comes with catching a good wave, carving an epic turn or just enjoying oneself. Stoke also comes from sharing; seeing a friend get barreled or watching your little sister learn to wakeboard! Thus I turn to an equally important brand of sharing stoke, giving-stoke (aka holiday stoke). Nice Rack is proud to have recently contributed to Wake World’s Toys for Tots Auction, and this blog is dedicated to the folks who make it happen every year.

This video shows the Wake World event organizer, and his army of kid shoppers picking up the best toys to donate to Toys for Tots and having fun while doing it!

About the charity

Toys for Tots is Organized by US Marine Corps every year in every state. The charity gets toys to children who otherwise wouldn’t be receiving gifts during the holidays. For the less-privileged kids in our country, Toys for Tots is something to look forward to during this cold time of year. It also provides some hope for a better future. Toys are collected as unwrapped gifts at collection centers in each participating community. They are then distributed to the kids in need within that same area by volunteers and members of the Marine Corps.

About Wake World’s Auction

Who donated in 2011? Big names like Hyperlite, Tige Boats, Rockstar Energy, and smaller operations like yours truly. The prizes were wakeboards, wakeskates, bindings, boat equipment, clothing, amplifiers, wakeboard camp days, and more. The items were placed as up-for auction on Wake Worlds website where fans were allowed to bid for their favorite prize. The winners got to keep their prize, and the money was collected by Wake World to buy toys. The toys were then taken to a collection center and added to donations from others in the community. This year Wake World with the help of its sponsors raised $6,829.95 to buy toys! Those who bid in the auction got some sick deals, and I think its safe to say that some tots will be stoked on the gifts they get this year.

About Wake World

Wake World Covers the full spectrum of wakesports with how-to, training, history, videos, articles, links, reviews and forums. If you want to learn how to set up your boat to make a perfect wake, or if you want to learn to do some epic front-flips it’s the place to go. Stay up to date on the contest circuit and your favorite pros, or chat with buddies from your local lake.

Nice Rack Prize

Nice Rack auctioned off a Nice rack prize. The pack included: the Nice Rack Modular Rack (the best home storage for wakeboards) a Nice Rack T-shirt, and a Nice Rack Trucker Hat. If you have a wakeboarder in your family we recommend hooking them up with the Nicest holiday gift on the market. Or, you’re feeling less charitable hook yourself up, someone will be glad that you got your surfboard off the ground!

You can get involved too! Simply visit http://www.toysfortots.org/ for information and collection centers near you.

Raddest Santa Surfing Stoke

Do you have an awesome charity that you want to share? Hit us up on www.facebook.com/thenicerack and let us know!

There are few things for a surfer that are better than their waves at home… except for foreign beaches and waves.  When you surf, you are always looking for what’s next- for more excitement, longer rides, bigger better waves, new locations, finding new friends, and places to call home.  Traveling is part of what it means to be a surfer, so it’s no wonder that surf road trips and surf holidays get us excited.  So to help you all get prepared for your next trip, here’s our check list for what to prepare:

Playlist: you can’t beat having your favorite songs to listen to on your road trip or on a long flight.  Singing out loud with your mates whilst escaping to the surf is what makes friendships and creates the best memories.  So pick some favorite tracks, and mix in some new ones… you’ll always associate the new songs with the surf holiday.

Food & drink supplies: obvious but very necessary.  If you’re heading out on the road taking food and drink supplies within arms reach is essential… There’s nothing worse than feeling hungry, being stuck in traffic and your food sitting in the trunk.

Medi-kit: you never know when you may need a bandage or some disinfectant, and that can go for you and your board.  Make sure you research where you are going and what the risks are.  Stock your first aid kit with supplies to help with things like rock or reef cuts, and patching up dings to your surfboard.

Roof-rack: something that you may over look, but having a portable roof rack for your boards is essential when going further afield.  If you are road-tripping, then a roof rack gives you a whole lot more space in your vehicle.  However, if you are flying abroad, and then taking a taxi or hiring a car, having your own roof rack means your boards can travel safely with you.

The Optional:

Here’s where the fun items come into play.  You’re ready for your adventure, but you can add some items to your list that will make your trip…

Water-sport equipment: if the waves go flat there is nothing like hitting the water with your snorkel and fins and checking out what’s beneath the surface, it’ll help you feel more confident in bigger waves. Also, take your bodyboard or stand up paddle board for water training and improving your fitness.

Camera: endless hours of fun can be had with a good camera.  Even though most of us have them on our mobiles these days, there is something special about taking photos purposefully.  Printed photos can inspire us when we’re back at home and the weather and waves aren’t co-operating.

Playing cards: if ever there was an easy way of making friends it’s a set of cards.  It doesn’t matter what nationality you are, what language you speak, or where you are in the world, a pack of cards will give you hours of entertainment and will provide the excuse to say ‘hello’ for you and the people around you.

Francesca writes for Surf Holidays, check out links above for more information.