Donkey Patrol | Surfing | Kandui Resort Mentawai Indonesia | San Diego

Kelly Slater & Andy Irons at Kandui in the Mentawai

2009-01-29T11:13:00.000-08:00

This is Serious

2009-01-24T07:53:00.000-08:00

http://surfermag.com/photos/flash/ross_clarke-jones_tom_carroll_shipsterns/

OMG

Firewire Surfboards - Blem Brains or Blem Boards

2008-12-12T11:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Shea,

We’ve honestly been completely overwhelmed by your response to our current Blem promotion.If we tried to respond to the hundreds of emails one by one, it would take a long time to get through the list. (we aren't that smart, and we are lazy)

For those of you interested (even if you’ve already contacted us) please be as specific and direct as possible. Please to go to our website and pick out up to three possible boards you may be interested in.

As I’m sure you can appreciate, if we have this information in advance of contacting you, it will greatly ease our ability to possibly fulfill your needs. In this way, we can prioritize our response based on our blem stock, which will change constantly as we fill orders.

Thanks again.
Firewire Crew
This message was sent by: brion lange, 4937 Market St, San Diego, CA 92102

CONTEST POSTPONED!

2008-12-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

RED ALERT!

The 4th Annual Donkey Patrol Competetion has been postponed!

After reviewing all of the bogus sites: Surfline, Magic Seaweed, Wavewatch, Wetsand, etc., WE have decided to push the competition until Decembr 20th!

The aforementioned sites are clueless in their predictions, but are consistently calling for crappy waves. Also, the high on Saturday will be a chilly 52 degrees with winds from 10-20mph. Sunday, the high will only be 47! That, along with unfavorable tides and the lack of any crowds on the beach, we are forced to postpone.

If for some odd reason there is no swell next Saturday the 20th, then we will be forced to hold over the event until sometime in January with the caveat being that we will have two competitions in 2009.

Please voice any and all concerns on the date, but we probably wont listen anyway!

Update coming in the next few days. Please update me with entries so I can put the heats together.

Buy Shegas' Old Boards - Firewire Blem Sale

2008-12-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Shea,

As with any production process, some boards are built with minor flaws. We have a few cosmetic blems in stock, surfboards with minor inconsistencies but nothing structural that would affect performance. The flaws could be anything from tiny specs of dirt in the cloth here or there, finger prints under the glass (yes, we're very particular), or logos slightly off center.

As a courtesy for your loyal support and in light of the economic conditions, we are offering these blemished boards for direct sale to our friends and family. (Offer limited to continental US only)

We are giving them up for $375 without fins + Frt and Tax (if applicable).If you are interested, please contact us at info.usa@firewiresurfboards.com.Our supply and selection of boards is limited, so act fast to take advantage of this one time deal. (even though we send these emails all the time)

We’ve come a long way so far, and we owe a lot of that to you, so whether you take us up on this one or not - THANKS.

Firewire Crew
This message was sent by: brion lange, 4937 Market St, San Diego, CA 92102

Victory at Sea for the Contest!!??

2008-12-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

Well fellas, things are not looking so bright for the contest to go off this weekend. I know, I know; you were all looking forward to the Smythe becoming the first repeat champion and hoping to view the backside hacks that will result in blinding Gaykley during our heat. However, the forecasts are calling it waist high and poor conditions. I am going to make the call tomorrow night so please check this site for an update.

I will need some feedback on rescheduling. How does December 20th look for everyone? If that weekend does not work, then we will have to move it back until after the New Year as I will be in Hawaii surfing in trunks while you guys freeze your carcasses off

Stay Tuned!

Contest Roster List!

2008-12-01T22:14:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is who I have so far who claim they are competing!

Smythe

Sheagas

Kozy

Eduardo

Rori

Umberto

Gaykley

Jesse

Tardy Marty

John back from kicking ass in Afghan

Viperelli

Tibbers

BLO

The Dude (he will abide)

If I am missing somebody, let me know. There will be a $5.00 entry fee this year. No exceptions. Bring cash or you wont get the plaque and the super cool gold leaf lettering. Things have been active in the Pacific, so I am hopeful that we will have good conditions. Remember, the Viper will drop in on you during your heat, so you may not even have to catch a wave against him.

Plan on the contest being on the 13th unless its flat. More info to follow.

4th Annual Donkey Contest is on! December 13th or 14th!

2008-11-24T23:30:00.000-08:00

Yo fools! Sharpen up your game 'cause it on to the breaka, breaka dawn! Who will take the coveted Donkey Trophy away from the Viper!? Will the Dude abide? Will Sheagas' luck finally pay off? Will Gaykley, well. not surf like Gaykley? Will Umberto represent VA Beach in The Erwinator's absence? Or, will B Lo and T Bo hash it out in the finals? Bring it!

We will try to have the contest on the 13th, wavos permitting, but keep the 14th open just in case. We will probably hold the contest somewhere in South County (possible between Del Mar and Blacks) pending swell, conditions, etc. Please email me who will be competing so that we can get the heats set up.

Photo Wars

2008-11-10T16:20:00.000-08:00

Since the donkeypatrol returned from Indo, most of us have barely seen a photo collection of barrel photos, strong turns and/or solid lip maneuvers (with the exception of Shea's insane video - great work). Based on the below pictures, I'm prepared to award Brantley with the best photos of the trip title. If you think you got better photos, lets see them. We wanna see identifiable people getting barreled, huge sprays or solid lip maneuvers (all provided compliments of Brantley).

2009 ASP Format Change

2008-11-10T07:03:00.000-08:00

COOLANGATTA, Australia (Monday, October 27, 2008) – Following one of the most historic board meetings to date, the ASP has introduced the option for a new competition format to be implemented in ASP World Tour events in 2009.

While the traditional 48-man format will still be available, events can elect to implement an altered 48-man format consisting of the following: two opening elimination man-on-man rounds. Round 1 will consist of 32 surfers, those rated 17 – 27 on the ASP World Tour, three Tour/Injury wildcards, the Top 15–rated surfers on the ASP WQS and three event wildcards.

The seeding formula will remain the same as the traditional format, with the No. 17 seed up against the No. 32 seed in Heat 8, the No. 18 seed against the No. 31 seed in Heat 9, etc. After Round 1, all remaining competitors will be reseeded for Round 2.

The Top 16 on the ASP World Tour are seeded directly in Round 2 where they will meet the 16 victors from Round 1 in the re-seeded draw. The Top 10 from the previous year’s Dream Tour will be guaranteed a Round 2 seed all year long, while the next 6 seeds have to maintain their seeded position and can be replaced by better performing back 32 surfers after the third ASP World Tour event of the year. This means that the Top 16 seeds in 2009 will remain unchanged until after the Billabong Pro Teahupoo.

After Tahiti, only the Top 10 from the previous year will hold their spots (which is probably a good incentive to do Brazil and Pipeline this season), while the next 6 could be replaced if guys from the back 32 secure more seeding points. Seeding points going into Snapper will remain in effect.

The new format has already been adopted by the Billabong Pro Teahupoo, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, the Billabong Pro Mundaka and the Billabong Pipeline Masters.

The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, the opening event of the 2009 ASP World Tour, has opted to run with the traditional format, and Rip Curl are undecided which format they will implement at their Bells Beach and Search events.

We recently sat down with Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew (AUS), 53, former ASP World Champion and current President of ASP International, Mick Fanning (AUS), 27, 2007 ASP World Champion, and C.J. Hobgood (USA), 29, 2001 ASP World Champion, to discuss the new format:

1 - First off, what is (are) the reason(s) for the option to run an altered format next year?
Wayne Bartholomew: As part of the monitoring process it was clear that we needed to develop a menu of formats to fit the needs of the tour. The current format requires four running days. This doesn’t sound overbearing in a 12-day window, but we still require two swell cycles to complete the event in quality waves and this proved a bridge too far. To fit into a three-day swell cycle we had to either reduce the field from 48 to 36 or peel it from a different angle.
Mick Fanning: I think some people just think that we waste a day or so when we run the first round with three-man heats and sometimes we can’t finish the event with good waves. I think it will make it all a lot more exciting because it is straight cut throat from the first heat of competition.
C.J. Hobgood: I think getting the best waves in the allotted waiting period is the primary reason for offering the alternative format.

2 - Who came up with the format? When and who voted on its implementation?
Wayne Bartholomew: The ASP Technical Committee waded through a bunch of variations and opted to recommend to the Board a three-day format that still maintains a field of 48. As Chairman of the Technical Committee, I presented these findings and recommendations to the Mid-Year Board meeting in Huntington Beach this past July and we further tweaked it in the ensuing months.

3 - We can see that not all events will be running the new altered format - what is the reason that it was not mandatory for all events to implement?
Wayne Bartholomew: Events in 2009 will have the choice of the current format or implementing the new one. Quiksilver have already confirmed they will run with the current format, based on the fact that Snapper is a reasonably consistent wave and it can accommodate a combined Men’s and Women’s event in the window. Rip Curl is undecided, but are leaning towards the new format. The Tech Comm is now working on how far out from the start of a waiting period an event has to notify ASP of their preferred option. Billabong have already given notice that Teahupoo, J-Bay, Mundaka and Pipe will run with the new format and events like Boost and Brazil are getting their heads around it. In 2009, it is optional with the view to either making it mandatory from 2010 or running with a format menu.

4 - What are the positives for the surfers, the events and the viewers to run the new format?
Wayne Bartholomew: The surfers get man-on-man, no more three-man heats. There are built in seeding incentives based on performance over the season and there is a much better opportunity to pick the eyes out of the surf on offer. The events get to maximize swell cycles and build the event to a climactic conclusion in excellent surf. The chances of getting skunked are dramatically diminished and the opportunity to have Finals in great surf increases. The viewers get knockout competition. There are no meaningless rounds, it is on the line in every heat and they’ll see a lot less action in low quality waves.
Mick Fanning: The positives are definitely the shorter period for the event. Most swells around the world only last three days, but our events take four to complete. Cutting out a round cuts that day out, keeps the performance level at high level because every heat counts, makes the Top 16 and Top 10 get an actual incentive for ranking that high instead of just the red singlet.
C.J. Hobgood: I think the positives are better waves for surfers, less days needed to run for the events, better waves and surfing for viewers.

5 - What are the negatives (if any) for surfers, the events and the viewers to run the new format?
Wayne Bartholomew: The only negative for the surfer is if one loses in the first round. You are out and it’s a long way to go to be bundled out. I surfed my entire career without a safety net but guys get used to the second chance. If the swell absolutely pumps then the event might want the extra day for the beach crowd, the media and the webcast. So loss of content could be seen as a negative, but the trade-off will be an excellent event held in epic waves. Also, that may be why we eventually perpetuate the optional format menu. For the viewer they can’t get enough, so the shorter event might be a negative, but again, the action will be an awesome spectacle.
Mick Fanning: I think the Back 32 will be extremely close when it comes to being on the cusp of qualifying, but everyone has to start at the bottom. The audience won’t get to see your favorite surfers hit the water as many times, but it will be crucial each time they do.

6 - We see the Top 16 are seeded directly into Round 2. What happens to the rest?
Wayne Bartholomew: The back 32, made up of the back 11 of the Top 27, the Top 15 from the WQS, the 3 tour/injury wildcards and 3 Event wilds, go man-on-man in Round 1. So nobody misses out, but the re-introduction of the Top 16 provides incentive to be at every event.

7 - Part of the reason for the new format is to work towards a one-world ranking. This is something that was mandated in the past, but changed to the two-tiered system. Why are we moving back towards it? What are the advantages? When will is possibly be implemented?
Wayne Bartholomew: We hope to implement a one-world ranking system in 2010. The dynamic is totally different to pre-1992. There will still be 1-6 Stars, still be 6-Star Primes, and they will count towards the Top 45, who will still contest the ASP World Tour. There will most likely be a fluid transition whereby the bottom performing Top 45 will be replaced by high performing ASP WQS surfers in the same season. This will be much more marketable, better for media and more defining for the industry when it comes to sponsorships.
Mick Fanning: I think in this day and age, we need a one-world ranking system. The way the format works at the moment, the general public can’t get their heads around it. I think it will help with how the ASP WQS is run also and make it easier for everyone to understand where they are. Also, if people get injured or have a bad year their ranking won’t dramatically and they won’t fall off tour. We have had a few of these cases over the years and hopefully that will cut that out.
C.J. Hobgood: I’ve always been a huge fan of the one-world ranking system. I never understood why guys like Danny Fuller, Bruno Santos, Manoa Drollet and Jamie O’Brien would make Finals and Semis against the best surfers in the world and not have a world ranking. Like in Chile when the local wildcard made a heat, the people in Chile should be able to look at their guy and see how he ranks on the one-world ranking system. Even if he is 400th, it’s still a ranking. Also, the one-world rating system is easier to understand – I’m so sick of trying to explain to someone that knows very little about surfing our two-tier system.

Renato Hickel (BRA), ASP World Tour Manager, noted also that, “some adjustments may take place in the next Technical Committee meeting. It’s possible that we will reduce the number from Top 10 to Top 8, or even reseed everyone after Tahiti, but we will have to wait until Hawaii to ultimately determine.”

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

Indo Video

2008-11-08T02:16:00.000-08:00

Yo Donkey's I spent my Fri. night throwing together a small Indo video, it's not much, didn't have alot of surf footage to work with.. But it will at least bring us back for a moment and make you feel good... Enjoy...

Someone Help The Smythe

2008-11-07T00:45:00.000-08:00

Fellow Donkeys, Im writing you today as a last ditch effort, asking for your assistance to reach out and help one of our donkey's who has wondered into uncharted territory..

Christopher"The Smyth" Smith has been secretly drinking a tower of power every day ever since we got back from Indo!!
I have posted three photos that will help you visualize whats going on..

The first photo is the beginning, Smythe's first taste of the Power Tower's sweet nectar..

The Second photo, notice Smythe's face, much like the face he gives most of his women, clearly shows it love at first sight..

Finally the third photo, I took just day's ago, is the end result of the Power Tower, as you can clearly see a physical and mental change has occurred, someone needs to help the Smythe!!!

Halloween Donkey's

2008-11-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

Summers Brothers Mansion Bash 08'
Sick Place, Awesome party and Great people in Kick ars costumes..

Guto Amorim Barreled - Shout Out To D.P.

2008-10-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

Guto under the donkey patrol monument at Kandui

Guto Amorim of Brazil, one of our surf guides from Kandui Resort is the webcast announcer for the Hangloose Santa Catarina Pro, ASP stop #10 of the WCT. He gave a shout out to the donkey patrol during the webcast this morning, and as a return gesture... Here is a tribute to Guto.

Our trip to the mentawais would not have been the same without Guto and our ventures to Nokandui, Rifles, and Pistols aka "the last resort".

Here is sick sequence of Guto at Nokandui.

I will upload the heat video with his shout out to DP later if it is available on the hangloose website.

Freediving Clearwater Beach Florida is my new life

2008-10-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

Well,

Yeah I know that the surf has been going off in SoCal and the DP crew has been representing, I also know that Stefan rolled into SD just in time to connect with a small leftover swell and a new Arakawa. I still am adjusting to Florida, but I do have something new to be excited about.

FREEDIVING

It is the shit. It is my new deal. Scuba is cool, and spearfishing while scuba diving is cool, but free diving is unreal. It's gangster, it's raw, and it is physically demanding.

Me (Indian Rocks Beach) and the crew: Travis Ward (Belleair), Hassan (Clearwater) and Mike Cantonis (Tampa) rolled out to a reef off of sand key fl for what was originally planned as a kingfishing trip. When we got the boat all geared up we also threw some spearfishing gear on board just in case, god I am lucky we did. We set out on our journey with a visit to the mile marker off of clearwater beach to get bait with the castnet. After two big hauls of whitefish bait and one shredded net after a greedy toss, we headed out to one of the many offshore reefs of pinellas county. This particular reef is about 9 miles off the beach and it sits in about 42 feet of water. When we arrived, there were about 6 boats on the reef so I did not really expect to do much freediving. To me 42 feet seemed like an impossible depth to dive on my first freediving trip, and we were loaded down with bait and fishing gear.

We looked around for a few minutes and dropped a few lines in the water with little success, and decided to wander further over on the reef to get away from the crowd. Hassan (aka) Hoss jumped in with speargun in tow and was scouting from the surface and quickly landed a massive amberjack while just snorkeling. When we pulled it into the boat the rest of us were so amped to get into the water, but the thing about AJ's is, they just don't want to die, that fish roared back to life and gave cantonis and ward-o a good smackin before going in the ice box.

We anchored up: hoss, wardo and I got into the water and cantonis line fished off the boat.

I was nervous and excited as I swam around looking into the blue sapphire sparkling abyss.

Hoss and ward were disappearing into the depths for what seemed like an eternity and returning with all sorts of gilled prey at the end of their spears (more aj's, grouper, hogfish, some type of snapper). I could not get my ears to clear at first, and honestly my heart was beating so fast I could not hold my breath that long. I was hitting around the 18ft mark looking around and heading back to the top. I knew it was going to take allot more for me to make it down. I started to think about the hypnosis tracks that I listen to before bed, and tried to visualize what I would do at the bottom and how comfortable I would feel down there. I settled down emotionally. Now it was time to do some work.

Attempt after attempt I came closer and closer to the bottom meanwhile the boys were pillaging. After some effort I finally found my way to the bottom. I can't accurately describe how far the surface seems from that depth, but for me it looked like 400ft not 40. After a few more successful touch and go's I started to cruise down there and actually hunt for fish. The trick is to not look up while you are hunting on the bottom, because for me, as soon as I looked up I saw how far it was to the top, and then I dart for the surface. So I think you have to chill out, hunt, and then head for the surface when you body tells you to get air, not your brain.

At the end of the day I learned so much and was so tired I fell asleep at 6:30. I can't wait to get out there again. I'll update you all on my next expedition.

Anna Misses the Donkey Patrol

2008-10-09T02:37:00.000-07:00

SL9ER

2008-10-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

Today is looking good for 8 time asp world champion Kelly Slater, today he will be going to 9 world championships and will be officially renamed sl9er. Donkey Patrol had a chance to speak with Kelly this morning prior to his round 3 title winning heat against wildcard Eneko Acero. This is what he had to say.

DP: So Kelly, how have you prepared for this moment here in Spain?

KS: Well, I have been training with the smythe on my paddling and this new condor move, so I feel pretty confident.

DP: And what about your strategy going up against a wild card in round 3? Wild cards seem to have your number don't they?

KS: Surfing against wild cards is always a new challenge b/c in many cases I have never seen them surf before and they have nothing to loose going into a heat. I love being an underdog, so i envy their position.

KS: I have also been doing some paddle battle drills with the viper which could be good or bad, lets just say I hope I don't get an interference call for paddle jockeying.

DP: Are the rumors true about the 10 million dollar bonus from quiksilver if you win 10 world titles?

KS: I cannot confirm or deny that, I can tell you that surfing has never been about money for me. I love this game.

DP: What about Florida? what do you think of it now that you have traveled the world and can live anywhere you want?

KS: Florida and New Jersey are the two armpits of our great nation. I hate Florida, its hot, humid, buggy, there's no surf, the gene pool is missing chromosomes.. It would be great if I were a nascar driver or a professional hunter or wanted to advocate inbreeding but I am a surfer, so Florida blows.

DUDE, I totally miss Indo!

2008-09-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

What can I say?! I miss drinking 89 Bintangs, spraying Shea, jockeying the Brazilians, Anthony's long talks with the Viper and his "justifications" for dropping in on everyone, Ear Muff's (then again....na), Guto's pure stoke for barrels and lack of time in the kitchen, Wedo - the most stoked dog on the planet, sketchy boat rides with spilling fuel, lit cigarettes and a handle of Jack D's finest, Ryan Seacrest's amp for going big, Carlsberg "the local beer", 1 for 1 happy hours, nightclubs where the next tallest person is 4 feet shorter, the "speedboat" and its effervescent fumes, jellyfish larvae, no shoes for 11 days, and last, but certainly not least, especially to you goofy footers, BENG-BENG!

Fuel up the jet, I am ready to go back..........................Stay tuned for announcement on the 2008 Donkey Competition. I could be a "changing of the guard" moment!

West Florida Surf Goes Off - NOT

2008-09-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys,

I did have a chance to surf last week during the hurricane. But overall it was still pretty lame.

Chest high, barrels but mostly very gutless and weak. The juicy waves were very short. It really makes me appreciate our trip to indo. I can't wait to go back there now.

I do really miss California and the donkey crew, but I also know that that chapter of my life is now closed. If and when I do move again, it will be somewhere exciting, and with a slower pace and less population than so-cal. I would like to do something like what Stefan has done.

I am doing better with the heat now, have been going out on The Boat allot and learning a ton about spearfishing. Thankfully, I have been very busy with work since I arrived and that has helped keep my mind off of things. I think I am almost out of my mini Florida depression and I feel like I am ready to be a little more healthy and get back in the gym and have a little less captain in me.

As for the house, Dianne and Van have been sleeping at my mother-in-laws for the last two weeks since the level of mold in the house is unhealthy. We did come to an agreement with the landlord (after a brief legal battle) and we will be moving out of this house and into a different home later in the month. Moving again will suck, but it is the best option. At this rate I will probably feel settled here by thanksgiving.

Erwin out.

Dancing with the Stars - Boost Mobile Pro

2008-09-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

These are pics of somberg at the BMP.

I will be domination the hurricane swell at Sunset Beach tomorrow!!

2008-09-10T00:35:00.000-07:00

Down but not out

2008-08-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

Alright fools,

Just to dispel any rumors, the Erwinator is alive.. maybe just not alive and well.

Yes: I moved to Florida
Yes: I moved to the gulf that has no waves
Yes: As a matter of fact, it is 97 degrees with 90% humidity
Yes: I am in a legal battle with my landlord
Yes: I have tried to go spearfishing twice and the weather has not cooperated.
Yes: I am buying fishing tackle and a boat
Yes: Surfing will rarely make an appearance in my life.

I am sorry for my lack of posting, quickly returned calls, or responses to email. I am just trying to get settled and catch up.

The good thing is... now that I live here, I understand the why gaykley surfs the way that he does.

I promise the next time I post, it will be worth reading.

and Yes: Florida Sucks

Beware of the Donkey Patrol

2008-08-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

Smythe picking up Girls on Beach with new boat!!

2008-08-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_VqGwX8epw

13.6 feet of fury! Name the new Donkey Yacht!

2008-08-24T20:03:00.000-07:00

We haven't voted on anything since Cheech was named and I thought that there was no time like the present to get some feedback from fellow Donkey's on naming my new Yacht! Whoever comes up with the name gets to christen her with a 40 of Mad Dog 20/20! Very gently though, we dont want her to sink quite yet. Here are some of the suggestions receved so far:

Smythe's Sloop

Smythey's Sloop

Barrel Hunter

Beng-Beng

Nipussi

Jackie Classy (This was Eddie's idea while he was wasted)

Burro Baracho (aka the drunk donkey. May attract unwanted attention)

Tha Tuna Poona (B-Lo's)

Just paint a Firewire logo on side (Maybe "Don't Drink the Kool Aid" would be better)

Reemer 1 (Tardy's suggestion)

Zipper's Down (you guessed it, Tardy again)

Rainbow Warrior (Im guessing that this will be Flakely's suggestion)