Cooper Chapman, with legendary Australian surfer/shaper Simon Anderson making his equipment for the winter, has an inside line on how to harness the Hawaiian power and turn it into results. Chapman reached the round of 32 at the Reef Hawaiian Pro last week and is now in the running for the Vans Triple Crown Rookie of the Year award.

This Friday the North Shore will see a large groundswell out of the NW which should produce solid 10 foot sets at exposed reefs. Not only this, the swell is likely to move accumulated sand off the reef at Pipe in readiness for the Pipeline Masters.

In recent times, China has witnessed a series of campaigns aimed at persuading people to stop eating shark fin soup. So it is encouraging that, over the past year, shark fin consumption appears to have declined. But can the drop be attributed to marketing pressure or something else?

"I can't remember who first mentioned the Bronzed Aussie concept to me. It may have been PT or Mark Warren. I just remember being appalled at the name and mystified at the concept." Swellnet contributor, blindboy, glances back at one of the most bizarre, yet prescient episodes in the history of professional surfing - the creation of the Bronzed Aussies.

This is Bourez’s second victory at the REEF Hawaiian Pro, having first won here in 2008. His combination of stylish power surfing and impeccable wave selection made him the man to beat through the final rounds of competition today.

In  3 - 4 foot waves at South Curl Curl, the Retail Foot Soldiers trumped the Clubbies at the Jim Beam Surftag Industry Challenge.