We’re babies. In fact, we’re just a few months old, but that doesn’t change the fact that we’ve been running stories every day since September 13, 2010 (many submitted by YOU). Since you might have just joined the party, we figured we’d catch you up on what you missed. These are The Inertia’s most popular stories and photo galleries from 2010.
There, now you’re all caught up.
Top Stories
1. Obituary Pierces Silence on Andy Irons’ Life by Fred Pawle
“Every single person I talked to, said there was more to it (than a mere obituary),” Melekian said. “I couldn’t ignore that.”
2. Women in Surf: No Girls Allowed? by Tetsuhiko Endo
Surfing and sex are inseparable, but female pro surfers aren’t glamor models; they are elite athletes who deserve to compete in great waves.
3. Open Letter to Surf Magazine Editors of the World by Tim Baker
Surf mags seem to have become merely an extension of the marketing campaigns of their major advertisers. Let’s fix that.
4. Surf Media: Living the Dream? by Zach Weisberg
Surf journalism is not a logical destination for writers craving nuance, but occasions arise when communication is invaluable – even in surfing.
5. In Defense of Weezer by Corey Jones
While Weezer has its flaws, they’re possibly the least-appreciated band in alternative music today; Here are nine reasons why they still matter.
6. EPS Alaia: Oxymoronic Blasphemy or Just Really Fun? by Zach Weisberg
Tom Wegener told me that Dave Rastovich couldn’t surf the alaia on his first try. I didn’t really believe him, but I appreciated the gesture.
7. Banned in Austin: NOFX’S Fat Mike Shocks SXSW by Johnny Blades
Fat Mike of NOFX delivered a solo set for the ages, but you won’t see him invited back to Emo’s any time soon. They’re pissed.
8. The Surf Biz is Growing Up (And that’s Not Such a Bad Thing) by Zach Weisberg
Despite surf culture’s doubts about entrants like Target and Nike, growth might not be such a bad thing. Just ask Kolohe Andino and Carissa Moore.
9. Kelly Slater’s Tenth World Title: Alone: At the Top, In the Crowd by Tetsuhiko Endo
We had all walked through the valley of a week that saw two champions made, one lost, and three legends solidified.
10. Coming Out: To Be a Gay Surfer by Thomas C.
For all of the eye-opening experiences associated with surfing, there seems to be little mention or acknowledgment of surfing’s gay community.
Top Galleries
1. Portfolio: New Jersey’s Freezing Surf by Ryan Struck
I’ve traveled to beautiful places, but only included frigid, New Jersey surf photos in this portfolio. I guess home is where the heart is.
“For me, a successful surf image is one that makes the viewer wish they had witnessed that moment in person.”
3. Portfolio: Kevin “Voegs” Voegtlin
Orange County’s Kevin Voegtlin shares some gorgeous imagery from his travels to Australia, Indonesia, and, good ol’ Southern California.
4. Surf Artist Portfolio: Matt Allen
Multi-faceted surf artist Matt Allen shares some of his recent photography, art, and design work – all thoughtfully sourced from the ocean. Enjoy.
5. Artist Portfolio: Phil Roberts
Phil Roberts, the artist behind the bronze Pipeline Masters trophy for the last 15 years, might just create the most valuable surfboard we’ve ever seen.
