Portugal explodes onto the global big wave circuit with a handful of household names and a freakish wave canyon. Photos: Jorge Leal and Wilson Ribeiro.

Jeff Divine remembers the time when surfers were akin to outlaws, and his photographs capture the days of uncrowded line-ups, good vibes and barefoot living. Words: Michael Fordham Photos: Jeff Divine

Al Knost is one of the best sliders around and has a close connection with a scene far removed from the modern marketplace hustle. Ryan Tatar tracked him down with his project partner Tyler Manson and gave us an insight into their freshest work. Words: Ryan Tatar Photos: Jamie Bott & Tyler Manson

The annual Fish Fry on Australia's Gold Coast gives shapers a non-commercial, non-competitive opportunity to come together and share ideas in a shameless celebration of the fabulous fish. Words: Tommy Leitch Photos: Jamie Bott

Surfboards come in all shapes and sizes, but none quite so unusual as the Meyerhoffer Peanut. Is this revolutionary design born of genius or madness? Chris Stevens finds out. [Photos 1, 3 & 8 by Chris Stevens; 4 & 7 by Nick Allen]

Co-founder of the original Aussie counter-culture surf bible, Tracks, and director of 'Morning of the Earth', Alby Falzon lives up to his reputation as the spiritual father of the alternative surf lifestyle. Words: Jair Bortoleto Photos: Courtesy of Alby Falzon

The La La Society

July 17, 2009 | Words By: Tom W

tom-shaping-alaia-by-christiaan-baileyLa La is the ancient Hawaiian word for alaia surfing. It is about sliding across the wave and then breaking trim into a sideslip or a cut back.

Jacob Stuth and I pondered the meaning of the word when we began our journey with rediscovering the alaia. As we progressed with the boards, the meaning of the word became clear. It is the freeflow of surfing where the drift is as important as engaged trim.

The La La Society started out as the small group of surfers that passionately rode the alaias and had found the secret. It was super funny at the time, in 2006-07, but then more and more people got turned on to alaia. The society grew. Now there are little tribes all around the world. If you haven’t tried an alaia and found the La La, don’t hesitate any longer. Give it a go.

   

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