via Vice
California based pro-surfer Alek Parker travels the globe in search of the kind of monster waves caused by hurricanes. This time he visits Japan to catch the big waves that happen only once a year during the typhoon season. So what did Alek make of Japan and the people he met on his journey?
Check out some crazy nuts surfing, yes we blogged this a week ago, but it is worth a reminder…then check out the second video:
The man who tasted the biggest wave in the history of surfing might have improved the Guinness World Record. McNamara returned to Nazaré and on the 28th January a giant swell headed into his life.
The image captured by Tó Mané, one of the best surf photographers in Europe, is simply breathtaking. Garrett McNamara is seen riding what seems to be a 100-foot wave.
Although is far from clear, as the shot is taken from an upper angle, the ride is unbelievable. Tó Mané freezes the moment when McNamara descends the face of the wave.
Meet Garrett McNamara, the New world record holder of the biggest wave surfed. He set if a few days ago (28th) at Nazaré – Portugal
Looks pretty insane to me. Here is a trailer for the video (movie?) they’re making of it: Read more »
OUT OF BOUNDS from Shane Fletcher on Vimeo.
via the WJS:
Surfers attempted to break a Guinness record for the largest amount of surfers on a wave at one time in Muizenberg, on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa
Good to see David Shearer doesn’t wear budgie smugglers like Tony Abbot:
I’d love to see a video of this just to check out the total style. I’d like to see his expertise with cutbacks and his ability to deal with choppy conditions, or is he just a long board cruiser being taken for a smooth ride?
Mischa Davis enjoys swapping her longboard for a custom-made tail when she’s not competing in top level surfing contests.
The 23-year-old is in the women’s longboard and open divisions at the 50th annual Hyundai National Surfing Championships at Piha next week.
”I feel happiest when I’m out there amongst the waves.”
The Piha resident has long been fascinated with mermaids and handcrafts her own tails from wetsuit material. They incorporate free diving fins to help her swim faster.
Billabong’s Christmas video.
Guest Post: A. Nonymous (Psychologist)
According to the American Psychological Association, people with narcissistic personality disorder display a chronic and pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. The Narcissist displays an operating style that involves extreme self-involvement, and a grandiose sense of self- importance and self purpose. They exaggerate their achievements and talents, expecting others to recognize them as superior and often appearing arrogant and extremely self absorbed.
Preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, or beauty, they require the constant attention and admiration of those around them, although they are very choosy about the people and institutions they will associate closely with. They often admit to being snobs and are actually proud of it. They also believe that their problems are unique and can be appreciated only by other “special” high – status people. Despite their charm, the favorable first impression they make, and their wide circle of notable acquaintances, people with this disorder are rarely able to maintain a stable, long-term relationship. With their boastful and pretentious manner, narcissistic persons are seldom receptive to the feelings of others. They show a general lack of empathy, an inability or unwillingness to recognize and identify with your thoughts and needs. Many are often successful, impressively knowledgeable, and articulate, yet bored and doubt ridden as well.
If you encounter this personality type, a grasp of the underlying psychology can help you cope more effectively. Lets explore the genesis of the narcissistic personality. As stated above, people with this personality disorder must constantly seek outside support and approval. If they get that support and approval, they feel complete and powerful. Without that support and approval, they feel deprived, exposed, vulnerable, angry, lonely and they lash out.
KEY: Early childhood conditioning also plays a part. The child’s real or authentic self has generally been ignored, or the child’s self may have been attacked and assaulted while the parents placed demands on the child to be “perfect.” When that occurs, the type of behavior we associate with a narcissistic disorder is overindulged. Fiercely driven to achieve, children never develop the capacity to consider others’ needs. Enter adulthood, and the same traits naturally carry over.
What To Watch Out For:
Most people with this disorder advertise themselves… They seek to be the center of attention. In search of constant approval and praise to reinforce their false grandiose sense of self, they’re “on- stage,” dominating the conversation, often exaggerating their importance.
They lack empathy for others and have an inflated sense of entitlement, requiring others to respond to their demands and grant favors. They need everything for themselves and are envious of others’ accomplishments and possessions.
Criticism or disapproval takes them back to their difficult childhoods, sending them into a defensive fury, since any flaw or mistake means they’re not perfect. Also, when things go wrong, they cannot acknowledge the imperfections implicit in accepting responsibility.
Appearance matters more than substance. Power, wealth and beauty bolster their fragmented self-image.
Warning: this personality disorder may not be immediately obvious. The subtle ones won’t show their true colors until “deprived.” Caution: Others may actually pursue and cater to you, if you have something they want, such as looks, money, or status.
Can you change them? Reality check: No. Even constructive criticism is experienced by them as an affront and is met with anger and a sense of betrayal. Placating only results in more demands, not a return of thoughtfulness and consideration. In fact, if you always excuse or rationalize self-absorption and give in to constant demands, you are actually supporting and reinforcing their narcissistic needs and wants.
Coping Tips
Here are some tips on how to cope with the person in your life who processes the narcissistic style. Sometimes the best way to deal with extreme narcissistic behavior is to end or avoid the relationship. But since these solution are not always possible, I can only offer you some survival techniques…
It is important to set boundaries. Decide which demands you can meet or how much approval you’re willing to give to this person, and then stick to your decision. Also, terminate a self-centered conversation if you can, or at least set a time limit on how long you’ll listen.
Support yourself. If your resistance to them draws their anger or blame, refuse to be emotionally blackmailed. Remember that your time and feelings are not important in this person’s eyes. This can help remove your guilt.
Use bargaining chips. If you have something they want, such as a special expertise or solutions to problems-share it sparingly to keep their worst behavior under control. Be aware that when you no longer satisfy them, their old ways will resurface.
Avoid anger. Any confrontation should be conducted quietly and with control. But even a tactful approach may be greeted with anger or sometimes-frightening rage. Very likely, you’ll hear that the difficult situation is your problem and there’s something wrong with you. Arguing will only make you feel like you will want to blow your brains out. Be careful not to expect accommodation from the other person, but do give yourself points for standing up for your rights.
Bottom line: If you find yourself answering yes too frequently, you must examine the pay-off or importance of your relationship with this person.
According to the American Psychological Association, people with narcissistic personality disorder display a chronic and pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. These characteristics ironically deliver “cancerous” and “corrosive” collateral damage to anyone or anything (our country) associated to them.
Helen Clark displays the classic characteristics of a narcissist however, has proven to be a dangerous constituent in control of our fine country.
Pop Quiz: How many acts, bills, as a result of Helen Clark’s dictatorship ruling can you relate and associate to any or all of these narcissistic characteristics?
Bottom line: Narcissists, with power at their finger tips, are dangerous people. It’s time for the nation to examine the pay-off or importance of it’s relationship with this person.
