Staying Social

Life on the road can be tough, but Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) offered an endearing piece of praise for those who make it a little bit easier. -- @biancabuitendag: Reclining in a grey chair between the grey tiles of this grey airport, I raise my eyes to meet the faces of so many grey people. I cannot ignore the fact that my smile has indeed also fallen. Investing so much emotion into every day certainly does dry you out; three months in Australia has taken the worst and best parts of me. Every night before I shut my heavy eyes, I try to keep the promise of giving that day a purpose, of being more molded to the hope I so desperately grab ahold of. I want to thank the generosity behind every kind word, hug, shoulder, letter, tear and smile. To the people that put purpose in my life, I thank you - The sun rises with a purpose and sets with the same as fingerprint that further proves how relentlessly His Love beams on us from abov

Joel Parkinson (AUS) went home...and made all of California jealous when he got there. -- @joelparko: Best time of year in Australia and I'm glad to be home.

Big Wave Tour (BWT) commissioner Peter Mel has greenlit the first event of the season, the Quiksilver Ceremonial, and in so doing answered the prayers of BWT surfer Natxo Gonzalez (EUK). Check out who will compete at Punta de Lobos, Chile. -- @natxogonzalez1: Hope to get some of this soon!🙈(Best wave of my life) 📷 @escobarphotocom

Courtney Conlogue (USA) matched power with power in the wilds of Western Australia, and her grit took her all the way to the top of the podium at the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro. But sometimes, even the elite have to wait in line. -- @courtneyconlogue: When you're going through the airport lines and just think.... That was an adventure! #westisbest

Jordy Smith (ZAF) arrived back in California with a little surprise in his suitcase. Could the stowaway be his secret to throwing unbelievably high air-reverses? -- @jordysmith88: Apparently some of the Australian wildlife made it back to California in my board bag... Biggest Spider I've ever seen... What is its name???Thanks for helping me get this board bag back @nicktereen #Australia #spider

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), meanwhile, won't be throwing much for at least another month. After injuring herself during a freesurf in Western Australia, she withdrew from the Oi Rio Pro to recover. -- @stephaniegilmore: Oh man, I miss it already! 😁 #kneemoniasux

Along with a number of other CT surfers, such as Kelly Slater (USA), Italo Ferreira (BRA) made the long trek from Western Australia to California for the Oakley Lowers Pro, a QS10000. -- [@italoferreira10](): Mal posso esperar para o evento de Lowers // I Can't wait for lowers super excited #oakleylowerspro