This is an article about blame and responsibility. I was provoked into writing it after getting hit by a loose surfboard at Manly Beach on a midsummer Sunday. As all right-thinking surfers know, the chances of getting hit are greatly increased when surfing at such an hour. Therefore, if first principles are to be observed I'm at fault simply for being out there.

Early indications are very promising and there's even a good chance for a solid swell over the Easter break.

It was the defining moment of the Quiksilver Pro final: Joel Parkinson, standing tall in a clean Kirra barrel, sticking his middle finger up at Kelly Slater who was just about to drop in on him.

Of course the photo has a back story...

Recently Surfing Australia held its annual awards night. As it was their 50th anniversary Surfing Australia marked the milestone with a special presentation, 'Australia's Ten Most Influential Surfers.' Bob McTavish was deemed Australia's tenth most influential surfer, and, as they were announced in reverse order, he was the first to accept his award. Bob began his speech by opening up on an old topic: Is surfing a sport or an art? As the speech progressed it felt like we were heading toward an awkward faux pas, a black mark on a black tie night.

"I don't really know what we're doing here, Stuart."

This wasn't the interview I'd intended it to be. Three days before those words were spoken I'd arranged to meet with Richard Grellman, Executive Chairman and acting head of the ASP. It was an easy interview to secure and I quickly found out why; the following day Paul Speaker of ZoSea was announced as new CEO of the ASP and Grellman was relinquished of his top dog duties.

I continued with the the interview anyway...

We're less than a week away from the start of the Quiksilver Pro, and the usual carpark banter revolving around incoming swells has turned to the state of the sand (or lack thereof) at Snapper Rocks. Recent storm swells have created a hole running down the first section of the Superbank, and while it's still surfable, the question of quality is up for debate.

If you're a surfer on the East Coast of Australia you'll know that bluebottles are the scourge of summer. Yet it appears there's a new kid in town - the Blue Dragon. Blue Dragons eat bluebottles then use their toxin to sting people

Two days before Swellnet left for a work trip to South Australia's Yorke Peninsula a 4.5 metre white shark was spotted in local waters. It was a reminder that while Western Australia may be making a run for the title, South Australia is still the heavyweight champion of the shark world. It also served as a sharp reminder to keep your wits when in South Australian waters