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North American | European

Nelscott Reef, Oregon, is cold, foggy, forbidding and sharky. But it also boasts one of the biggest waves in the Pacific, so when Northern Ireland's Al Mennie was invited to take part in this year's tow-in challenge, he jumped at the chance. Words: Al Mennie Photos: Al Mennie, Gary McCall, Larry Jansky, Richard Hallman

Crime and punishment, it's all relative. A brush with the law is nothing more for most of us than a speeding fine or curt telling off, but we're a very privileged bunch... Words & photos: Carly Lorente

Devastated by more than a decade of civil war, the Republic of Liberia is still in a serious state of flux. Could surfing bring a new hope and more peaceful future to this West African nation? Words & photos: Nicholai Lidow & Kate Thomas. Additional photos: Ted Grambeau & Jamie Bott

Drift caught up with big-wave surfer Carlos Burle on home territory in Brazil to find out why he considers big-wave riding to be a playground for the few who have earned the privilege. Photos: Al McKinnon

In Florianopolis - Brazil's surf capital - during prime swell season, an incomplete line-up gets Clare Howdle thinking... (Photos 2, 3, 4 & 8: André Côrtes)

Drift tracked down Mark Jeremias and Jason Baffa, directors of ‘Singlefin: Yellow’, to talk about their new project, ‘One California Day’, and find out their thoughts on surf culture and tradition from Crescent City to Imperial Beach. Words: Jamie Bott

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Join the revolution [places left...]

August 19, 2009 | Words By: angela

tom wegener w/peaches model alaia by Christiaan BaileyAlaia guru Tom Wegener is coming to Europe for a series of one-day workshops. Here’s your chance to meet the man himself and shape your very own genuine Wegener alaia…

Tom Wegener has long been heralded as the man who sparked a resurgence of interest in that ancient Hawaiian craft, the alaia board. While modern shapers have adapted, enhanced and modified this original surf board almost beyond recognition, Tom has gone back to basics to explore a whole new way of riding waves, revelling in the simple pleasures of surfing pared-back to the bare essentials.

The man’s a genius, and he’s been refining his alaia design for years now. If you’ve seen ‘Musica Surfica’ by Mick Sowry or Thomas Campbell’s ‘The Present’ (and if you haven’t, please do - they’re both uplifting and inspiring) you’ll already be familiar with the grace and beauty of Tom’s boards, and may have been surprised by the moves you can pull when riding one of these beauties.

At home in Noosa Tom’s living the good life, using the sawdust from his alaias to fertilise his pumpkin patch, but this summer he’s dragging himself out of paradise and around Europe, making it to Cornwall in August 2009. He’ll be hosting three alaia day workshops at Revolver in Newquay (01637 875730 [email protected]). Details as follows:

Dates: 21, 22 & 28 August, 10am start.
Cost: £325 per person (£100 deposit on booking). Places are limited to 8 people per workshop.
Includes: partially shaped alaia blank; the tools and guidance (provided by Tom and apprentice Matt) you’ll need to shape your blank; lunch (Tom’s legendary chilli, if you’re lucky); alaia DVD; private screening of Tom’s favourite alaia moments on film, plus Q&A session.

You might even get to catch a wave with Tom if the conditions are looking good.

Come along and share the stoke.

www.tomwegenersurfboards.com
Revolver Surfing Emporium

LIMITED PLACES LEFT, SO PLEASE ACT TODAY TO SECURE YOURS!

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