The Groundswell Society presents The 7th Annual Surfing Arts, Science and Issues Conference

"Surfers and the Southern Ocean:  History, Science and Legendary Surfing"

February 23rd and 24th, 2008
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, California
Sumner Auditorium 8 am to 5 pm on Saturday
Scripps Pier 8 am to noon on Sunday

Registration Fee: $45.00/person Online registration is no longer available. We will be taking walk-up registrations before the conference so bring $45 in cash or a check and stop by to check out what promises to be a great conference!

Did you know there's a place where ocean swells roll for over seven thousand miles? Where there are standing waves big enough to swallow container ships? Where yesterday's mariners could be "caught inside" for months and today's surfers get the longest rides in the world?

Those facts, and much more, will be the subject of the 7th Annual Surfing Arts, Science and Issues Conference at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography on February 23 and 24.

"Surfers and the Southern Ocean" will focus on the most powerful wave-generating zone on earth, from the meteorology of Antarctic storms to the endless lines of world-class point breaks. Highlighting the conference will be presentations from two living legends in their respective fields, oceanographer Dr. Walter Munk and surfer Shaun Tomson.

Dr. Munk, assisted by Cher Pendarvis, will present the story of the connection between modern surf culture and Dr. Munk's pioneering studies that tracked down the source of the most powerful wave trains on the planet. Dr. Munk has been called "the father of surf reports" and a large turnout is expected to hear from one of oceanography's most esteemed scientists.

Shaun Tomson's presentation will be all about South Africa's Jeffrey's Bay, arguably one of the best point breaks in the world. Shaun's fantastic surfing at J-Bay has exemplified how surfers have utilized the wave energy of the Southern Ocean, and he will be showing footage from a ten-day swell last year that really was "epic".

Additional presentations will include Glenn Hening's history of man's connection to the waves of the Southern Hemisphere, from the ancient Peruvians veneration of "corduroy to the horizon" to the mariners of the tall ships sailing the "Roaring Forties". Chuck Menzel of Wetsand.com will present an overview of the technology behind today's surf reports that translate real time data coming out of the Southern Ocean into quality surf sessions for modern surfers. Richard Safady will tell the story of Baja's Scorpion Bay, a place that depends entirely on the Southern Ocean for its remarkably long and perfect waves. Richard's presentation will feature footage shot over 30 years ago when the place was first discovered by surfers.

"Surfers and the Southern Ocean" promises to be an extraordinary opportunity to hear Dr. Walter Munk, Shaun Tomson, and colleagues cover the science and the surf stoke of a phenomenal source of natural energy. For more information and how to register for SASIC VII, go to Groundswellsociety.org.

Presentation Schedule
9:00 am	Welcome
9:30 am	History of the Southern Ocean by Glenn Hening Glenn Hening, history teacher and lecturer, has done extensive research into the weather and history of the Southern Ocean. From the meteorology of Antarctica to the ancient Peruvians veneration of 'corduroy to the horizon' to the great tall ship races through the Roaring 40s 100 years ago, Glenn will present the fascinating story of what makes the Southern Ocean such a remarkable place.
10:30 am	Where the Swell Begins by Dr. Walter Munk with Cher Pendarvis Dr. Munk's presentation includes a history of swell forecasting, the origin of a south swell, movement of the swell energy across the Pacific toward San Diego, and the joy of riding the waves. A few San Diego surf spots that work best with south swells will also be described and illustrated using drawings, paintings and photographs.
11:30 am	Waves Across the Pacific A special reprise showing of the 1963 documentary about Dr. Munk's pioneering study tracing a swell from New Zealand to Alaska. Shown at last year's conference, this 30 min. black and white film is a must see if you haven't done so already.
12:00 pm	Lunch
1:00 pm	BioFoam Update with Ned McMahon A presenter at SASIC 6, Ned will be giving us an update on the latest on earth friendly surfboard building materials
1:30 pm	Modern Surf Forecasting - Chuck Menzel, Wetsand.com Along with Wetsand.com Forecaster Nathan Todd Cool, Chuck will present an overview of the technology behind today's surf reports that translate real time data coming out of the Southern Ocean into quality surf sessions for modern surfers.
2:30 pm	Epic Jeffrey's Bay, July 2007 with Shaun Tomson Last July Shaun surfed J-Bay for 10 days straight under maximum conditions. His presentation will cover the storm conditions that created the waves, and show his amazing surfing at J- Bay, the planet's legendary right point break
3:30 pm	Baja Point Breaks, Then and Now, 1972 - 2007 by Richard Safady Richard will tell the story of Baja's Scorpion Bay, a place that depends entirely on the Southern Ocean for its remarkably long and perfect waves. Richard's presentation will feature footage shot over 30 years ago when the place was first discovered by surfers..
4:30 pm	Wrap-up, closing and surf film related to the Southern Ocean
Sunday 8am	On Sunday, the energy will shift to the beach with a morning of wave-testing a variety of surfboard and fin designs from the past, present and future, including boards built from a variety of timeless materials as well as innovative new technologies, along with a broad selection of fin systems.
Registration	Registration is $45 - includes a parking permit, event t-shirt, and a box lunch for the first 100 paid registrants. Students and seniors get in for free, but no shirt, no free parking, and lunch on your own. Seating is limited. Send a check made out to the Groundswell Society to the address below - or click Register Now to use Paypal. Note: Online registration is no longer available. We will be taking walk-up registrations before the conference so bring $45 in cash or a check and stop by to check out what promises to be a great conference! Directions: I-5 North bound - Exit La Jolla Village Dr. and take a left off the exit. Then follow the directions provided by clicking on View Larger Map link below. I-5 South bound - Exit La Jolla Village Dr. and take a right off the exit. Then follow the directions provided by clicking on View Larger Map link below View Larger Map Groundswell Society 5212 Moonstone Way Oxnard Shores, California 93035 Event Committee Chair: Cher Pendarvis Email Cher >>