Fani and I arrived on Koh Lanta today, and I'm pretty sure we just fell in love with it.
Not far off the SW coast of Thailand, this pretty island is as relaxing a place as you may find on this planet. Imagine falling asleep whilst sleeping, and you'll get a rough idea of how stressful this place isn't.
The beach bars are beyond anything I've seen elsewhere. I thought Indonesia had some pretty good beach bars in Bali and The Gilis, but Thailand (Koh Lanta specifically, so far) puts them to shame! It would appear the Thais have had a lot of practice coz they are really good at this.
The forecast here-on-in is for productivity to be at an all time low :) Sleeping in tomorrow, followed by snorkelling and thinking about kayaking. Apologies if you are not here :(
Love Murlfrog :)
Thursday, November 28, 2013
S U R F - Earth's 20 Best Waves
Don't worry, no secret spots mentioned here. So this is basically the back 20 :) Enjoy!!
1. Angola (Afr) - That new wave. Better than the old one (Skeleton Bay) coz it's longer and allows for turns as well as barrels.
2. Barra (Mex) - Epic when it's on. Was number 1 til Angola intervened.
3. Desert Point (Ind) - A glorified closeout. You gotta endure a 20-40 second barrel before she slaps you in the face like you deserved it. Thanks Deserts, you wily temptress..;)
4. Maccaronis (Ind) - There is no greater machine.
5. Restaurants (Fij) - Not bad.
6. Rifles (Ind) - Pretty good.
7. Gnaraloo (Aus) - Good luck!
8. Skeleton Bay (Afr) - Amazing. Google Earth uncovers a gem.
9. Supersuck (Ind) - Some cult followers claim it over Deserts. But if you've had it on the wrong tide you wouldn't! (And you wouldn't claim Deserts either!)
10. Flameballs (Mdg) - Holy flipping heck balls, one of the most beautiful things you'd ever see.
11. J-Bay (Afr) - Not bad.
12. North Point (Aus) - Gets good 4 times a year. But when she's on, she's on!
13. One Palm Point (Ind) - Amazing, until you need skin grafts..
14. Cloudbreak (Fij) - That big day last year during the Volcom Pro was one of the most epic days ever witnessed. Wow. Requires big kahunas.
15. Jaws (Haw) - Like Cloudbreak in that it can maintain amazing shape at a macking size.
16. P-Pass (Mic) - Gel blue gem of The Caroline Islands. If it was longer, it would be further up the list.
17. HT's (Ind) - So beautiful. That magic golden light photo from Indo Surf n Lingo (2008 edition) is the most perfect wave I've ever seen, and it's probably the greatest surf photo of all time. Wouldn't mind building a house there :)
18. G-land (Ind) - Formerly the best, the reef has apparently changed a bit over time, so she's not quite what she used to be, but the old girl still has her day! The Quiksilver G-land Pro '97 flick showcased some of the best waves, EASILY, ever seen in a contest. Occy's 10-pointer would make you sell up!
19. Padang-Padang (Ind) - Fickle like North Point, but oh she's a beauty when she's on!
20. Lagundri Bay (Ind) - The 2004 earthquake raised the reef, so now she kegs harder for longer. Backdrop is nice too :)
And that's it for now! I know this is a fun and highly debatable issue, so please feel free to comment in the comments box (you'll need a Google account to do this). Cheers!!
NB - It would appear there has been a notable ommission in the form of a little sand bottom left popularly known as MUNDAKA!! Someone dropped the ball in the lab. Sorry. It was probably Graham. Thus, Europe's favourite left gets a special mention, and you could probably squeeze it in there somewhere between Cloudbreak and One Palm. Thanks.
1. Angola (Afr) - That new wave. Better than the old one (Skeleton Bay) coz it's longer and allows for turns as well as barrels.
2. Barra (Mex) - Epic when it's on. Was number 1 til Angola intervened.
3. Desert Point (Ind) - A glorified closeout. You gotta endure a 20-40 second barrel before she slaps you in the face like you deserved it. Thanks Deserts, you wily temptress..;)
4. Maccaronis (Ind) - There is no greater machine.
5. Restaurants (Fij) - Not bad.
6. Rifles (Ind) - Pretty good.
7. Gnaraloo (Aus) - Good luck!
8. Skeleton Bay (Afr) - Amazing. Google Earth uncovers a gem.
9. Supersuck (Ind) - Some cult followers claim it over Deserts. But if you've had it on the wrong tide you wouldn't! (And you wouldn't claim Deserts either!)
10. Flameballs (Mdg) - Holy flipping heck balls, one of the most beautiful things you'd ever see.
11. J-Bay (Afr) - Not bad.
12. North Point (Aus) - Gets good 4 times a year. But when she's on, she's on!
13. One Palm Point (Ind) - Amazing, until you need skin grafts..
14. Cloudbreak (Fij) - That big day last year during the Volcom Pro was one of the most epic days ever witnessed. Wow. Requires big kahunas.
15. Jaws (Haw) - Like Cloudbreak in that it can maintain amazing shape at a macking size.
16. P-Pass (Mic) - Gel blue gem of The Caroline Islands. If it was longer, it would be further up the list.
17. HT's (Ind) - So beautiful. That magic golden light photo from Indo Surf n Lingo (2008 edition) is the most perfect wave I've ever seen, and it's probably the greatest surf photo of all time. Wouldn't mind building a house there :)
18. G-land (Ind) - Formerly the best, the reef has apparently changed a bit over time, so she's not quite what she used to be, but the old girl still has her day! The Quiksilver G-land Pro '97 flick showcased some of the best waves, EASILY, ever seen in a contest. Occy's 10-pointer would make you sell up!
19. Padang-Padang (Ind) - Fickle like North Point, but oh she's a beauty when she's on!
20. Lagundri Bay (Ind) - The 2004 earthquake raised the reef, so now she kegs harder for longer. Backdrop is nice too :)
And that's it for now! I know this is a fun and highly debatable issue, so please feel free to comment in the comments box (you'll need a Google account to do this). Cheers!!
NB - It would appear there has been a notable ommission in the form of a little sand bottom left popularly known as MUNDAKA!! Someone dropped the ball in the lab. Sorry. It was probably Graham. Thus, Europe's favourite left gets a special mention, and you could probably squeeze it in there somewhere between Cloudbreak and One Palm. Thanks.
S U R F - Kelly Slater vs Dane Reynolds - Sunset Rd 64
It's happening again. One of our favourite match-ups is looming in Rd 64, heat 9. The world's greatest freesurfer vs the greatest competition surfer (of all time, yadda yadda).
Most of us get very excited every time these two match up, but it's usually an anti-climax, and there's a very good reason for that: Dane Reynolds is the greatest freesurfer. You don't have to dance like a trained monkey to a judge's every beckoned call when you're freesurfing.
That sounds harsh, and don't get me wrong, I love watching the comps, but don't expect Dane to take it to Kelly. He could. And he very well may do something that will redefine concepts of amazingness. But if you bet your house, you may well end up living in a tent :) Enjoy!!
Most of us get very excited every time these two match up, but it's usually an anti-climax, and there's a very good reason for that: Dane Reynolds is the greatest freesurfer. You don't have to dance like a trained monkey to a judge's every beckoned call when you're freesurfing.
That sounds harsh, and don't get me wrong, I love watching the comps, but don't expect Dane to take it to Kelly. He could. And he very well may do something that will redefine concepts of amazingness. But if you bet your house, you may well end up living in a tent :) Enjoy!!
S C I E N C E - Spot The Leopard Shark - Thailand
Leopard sharks are classified as "vulnerable to extinction" outside of Australia, and there is little information about them in the wild beyond Australian waters. In Thailand, however, a collaboration between Thai and Australian researchers is aiming to change that.
The research team has developed a "Citizen Science Project", and will be using photos of the markings on these sharks to identify individuals. The date and location of the photos provide essential data to increase the collective knowledge and improve conservation strategies regarding these wonderful spotty creatures.
As a Citizen Science Project, the general diving and snorkelling community in Thailand play a massive role in the success of the program, as their contributions will form a very large chunk of the data base.
Being a relatively new project (started this August) not too many people are aware of it yet, so if you know any divers or snorkellers in, or bound for, Thailand, please let them know!
For more information check out:
"Spot The Leopard Shark: Thailand" on Facebook, or,
www.uq.edu.au/whale/spot-the-leopard-shark.
Special thanks to my mate Rosco for sending me this information, onya Roscatubo! And a special mention to Dave :D
The research team has developed a "Citizen Science Project", and will be using photos of the markings on these sharks to identify individuals. The date and location of the photos provide essential data to increase the collective knowledge and improve conservation strategies regarding these wonderful spotty creatures.
As a Citizen Science Project, the general diving and snorkelling community in Thailand play a massive role in the success of the program, as their contributions will form a very large chunk of the data base.
Being a relatively new project (started this August) not too many people are aware of it yet, so if you know any divers or snorkellers in, or bound for, Thailand, please let them know!
For more information check out:
"Spot The Leopard Shark: Thailand" on Facebook, or,
www.uq.edu.au/whale/spot-the-leopard-shark.
Special thanks to my mate Rosco for sending me this information, onya Roscatubo! And a special mention to Dave :D
T R A V E L - Thailand's Current Political Unrest
Interesting times here in Thailand at present.
The Thai Democratic Party is protesting hard in an attempt to topple Yingluck Shinawatra's government. And Yingluck's supporters ("The Red Shirts") are protesting to support her. The Democratic Party's protests were in full swing, pretty much on our doorstep, on Sunday/Monday (24th/25th), near Khao San Rd, Bangkok. We actually shared breakfast with quite a few protesters at our hotel on Monday morning!
We departed Bangkok Monday afternoon on a bus headed south for Krabi. Extra buses have been employed over the last few days to accommodate the rising number of tourists eager to distance themselves from the epicentre of the protests.
The last time Thailand saw political protests of this magnitude, just 3 years ago in 2010, the military intervened, resulting in over 80 fatalities. The protests have now spread beyond Bangkok, as far south as Phuket. Both The Democrats and "Red Shirts" have stated peaceful intentions, though it would be highly recommended for all tourists to keep their finger on the pulse.
The Thai Democratic Party is protesting hard in an attempt to topple Yingluck Shinawatra's government. And Yingluck's supporters ("The Red Shirts") are protesting to support her. The Democratic Party's protests were in full swing, pretty much on our doorstep, on Sunday/Monday (24th/25th), near Khao San Rd, Bangkok. We actually shared breakfast with quite a few protesters at our hotel on Monday morning!
We departed Bangkok Monday afternoon on a bus headed south for Krabi. Extra buses have been employed over the last few days to accommodate the rising number of tourists eager to distance themselves from the epicentre of the protests.
The last time Thailand saw political protests of this magnitude, just 3 years ago in 2010, the military intervened, resulting in over 80 fatalities. The protests have now spread beyond Bangkok, as far south as Phuket. Both The Democrats and "Red Shirts" have stated peaceful intentions, though it would be highly recommended for all tourists to keep their finger on the pulse.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
S U R F - Michel Bourez Takes Haleiwa
The mighty Spartan has just taken out the first event of the Hawaiian Triple Crown.
Congrats to Michel, he's a very deserving winner. Why so deserving? Coz he's a damn fine gentleman. How do I know this? Well, because 2.5yrs ago he refrained from removing my friend's liver with his bare hands after said friend accidentally faded him on a bomb at Greenbush (Mentawais).
No-one wants to get faded at The Bush. To my good friend's credit, once he realised the error of his ways he attempted to pull through the back of the wave, though to no avail, and Bush had it's way with him..as did the next 4 waves in the set!
Upon returning to the line-up after his walloping, my friend approached Michel to offer his apologies. And Michel, being the champ that he is, didn't scowl or splash the water or curse, he simply smiled and gave my buddy a genuine "no worries" (probably mildly amused at his apparent Hare Kare attempt over the falls!).
So here's a genuine "tip of the hat" to you good sir. Thanks for not killing my friend :) Congratulations on your big win, and good luck for the remainder of the Triple Crown. Enjoy the champagne!! :D
Congrats to Michel, he's a very deserving winner. Why so deserving? Coz he's a damn fine gentleman. How do I know this? Well, because 2.5yrs ago he refrained from removing my friend's liver with his bare hands after said friend accidentally faded him on a bomb at Greenbush (Mentawais).
No-one wants to get faded at The Bush. To my good friend's credit, once he realised the error of his ways he attempted to pull through the back of the wave, though to no avail, and Bush had it's way with him..as did the next 4 waves in the set!
Upon returning to the line-up after his walloping, my friend approached Michel to offer his apologies. And Michel, being the champ that he is, didn't scowl or splash the water or curse, he simply smiled and gave my buddy a genuine "no worries" (probably mildly amused at his apparent Hare Kare attempt over the falls!).
So here's a genuine "tip of the hat" to you good sir. Thanks for not killing my friend :) Congratulations on your big win, and good luck for the remainder of the Triple Crown. Enjoy the champagne!! :D
M U S I C - Coming Soon..
Hi all, we've got a mystery music reporter joining Teflon soon. Stay tuned!
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Gracetown Shark Attack
Just heard news of this weekend's fatal shark attack at "Umbies", near Gracetown. Gracetown is a magical spot and a favourite surfing destination for many of us.
Authorities have closed the beaches in the area and are urging water-goers to heed the warnings, especially over the next couple of days.
Sincerest condolences to Chris Boyd's family and friends.
Take care all.
T R A V E L - Thai Food
Is Thai food the best in the world? Probably!!
Fani and I have been in Thailand for 4 days now, aimlessly wandering the streets of Bangkok in a constant haze of gastronomical enwonderment. The variety, creativity, freshness, cooking methods..it's just amazing. Never seen anything like it. Lonely Planet says that no matter what initially drew you to Thailand, you will stay for the food. Couldn't put it better myself. We've just been floating from one meal to the next. And now we're off to the floating markets at Taling Chan, where we literally WILL be floating from one meal to the next! Can't wait! More on that little adventure soon..:D
Photos coming soon once I figure out how to attach them!
Thanks everyone, have good dayze..:)
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Daily Surf Report - Padma Beach (Legian, Bali)
Fun waves at Padma this morning. Glassy, mellow conditions, 4-5ft faces, lotsa good banks to choose from, especially rights. Perfect day for fun boards!
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Welcome!!
Hi, welcome to Teflon's second year of misadventures and unpredictability.
If you thought 2014 was fun, weh-heh-hell are you in for a treat, coz 2015 is gonna be an absolute rip snorter!
It'll be stuffed full of goodies concerning surf, science, travel, "other", and all sorts of random stories (fiction and non-fiction, finished and unfinished). You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll probably wish you'd spent your spare time more wisely, but check it out anyway!!
The name for the blog came about coz Teflon reminds me of surfing in the way that sliding your fingers across Teflon gives that rewarding sensation, just like sliding across a wave does. AND the surface of a new surfboard with "speed finish" (kinda like a matt finish intended to create micro-bubbles for friction-free amazingness) actually feels just like Teflon. AND it gives the site a bit of a sciencey feel on account of the old wives tale about Teflon being borne of NASA origins. Unfortunately it also reminds people of kitchens, carcinogens and Dupont.
The reason the URL name is "Teflonetix" instead of "Teflon" is because the computer machine denied me the use of the word "Teflon", so I came up with a new word that takes Teflon out of the kitchen and into the Starship Enterprise (Leonard Nimoy would've used the word "Teflonetix" if he'd thought of it first) where it belongs :)
The main goal of this blog is entertainment. There is occasional MA15+ literature (mostly within the stories), so viewer discretion is advised. Please feel free to hurl comments, abuse, or general life advice at the comments box below each post if you have a Google Plus account.
Enjoy!!
Murlo
Me and my girl, Maya Bay, Thailand
If you thought 2014 was fun, weh-heh-hell are you in for a treat, coz 2015 is gonna be an absolute rip snorter!
It'll be stuffed full of goodies concerning surf, science, travel, "other", and all sorts of random stories (fiction and non-fiction, finished and unfinished). You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll probably wish you'd spent your spare time more wisely, but check it out anyway!!
The name for the blog came about coz Teflon reminds me of surfing in the way that sliding your fingers across Teflon gives that rewarding sensation, just like sliding across a wave does. AND the surface of a new surfboard with "speed finish" (kinda like a matt finish intended to create micro-bubbles for friction-free amazingness) actually feels just like Teflon. AND it gives the site a bit of a sciencey feel on account of the old wives tale about Teflon being borne of NASA origins. Unfortunately it also reminds people of kitchens, carcinogens and Dupont.
The reason the URL name is "Teflonetix" instead of "Teflon" is because the computer machine denied me the use of the word "Teflon", so I came up with a new word that takes Teflon out of the kitchen and into the Starship Enterprise (Leonard Nimoy would've used the word "Teflonetix" if he'd thought of it first) where it belongs :)
The main goal of this blog is entertainment. There is occasional MA15+ literature (mostly within the stories), so viewer discretion is advised. Please feel free to hurl comments, abuse, or general life advice at the comments box below each post if you have a Google Plus account.
Enjoy!!
Murlo
Me and my girl, Maya Bay, Thailand
Monday, November 18, 2013
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