Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Pro Surfers to Unionize
Not really, but now that I have your attention, do you think that would be a good idea? Professional atheletes in major sports belong to unions. These unions make sure that the star athletes get sweet paychecks and that the journeyman players earn decent wages.
I got to thinking that maybe pro surfers should try to push for this after hearing about Owen Wright busting his eardrum in Portugal recently and another surfer tearing a ligament. Surfing can be dangerous, and for most professional surfers, if you can't get out there and rip and either (a) win contests or (b) film videos, you aren't going to be earning money for very long.
Maybe the pros should get together and create a mutual benefit association, if not a union. Everyone pays a set amount into the fund, and you get some life insurance, some long-term disability insurance, and decent health insurance. Maybe even a pension or retirement plan could be built in.
From my own experience as a lawyer, the California bar association has programs permitting attorneys to get discounts on these various forms of insurance. This is helpful for the small firms and solo practitioners who might not be able to afford this sort of coverage on the open market (or certainly not coverage as good).
Of course, maybe sponsors already provide these sorts of benefits to their superstars. I am sure that Kelly, Mick, and Parko could demand such benefits as part of agreeing to a sponsorship deal. But what about the guys just starting on the WQS? Free clothes, boards, travel, and maybe a small stipend is nice, but they might want to start thinking long-term.
I got to thinking that maybe pro surfers should try to push for this after hearing about Owen Wright busting his eardrum in Portugal recently and another surfer tearing a ligament. Surfing can be dangerous, and for most professional surfers, if you can't get out there and rip and either (a) win contests or (b) film videos, you aren't going to be earning money for very long.
Maybe the pros should get together and create a mutual benefit association, if not a union. Everyone pays a set amount into the fund, and you get some life insurance, some long-term disability insurance, and decent health insurance. Maybe even a pension or retirement plan could be built in.
From my own experience as a lawyer, the California bar association has programs permitting attorneys to get discounts on these various forms of insurance. This is helpful for the small firms and solo practitioners who might not be able to afford this sort of coverage on the open market (or certainly not coverage as good).
Of course, maybe sponsors already provide these sorts of benefits to their superstars. I am sure that Kelly, Mick, and Parko could demand such benefits as part of agreeing to a sponsorship deal. But what about the guys just starting on the WQS? Free clothes, boards, travel, and maybe a small stipend is nice, but they might want to start thinking long-term.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Tsunami Surfing
I stumbled on this interesting article about some people who were surfing during the recent tsunami in the south Pacific.
CLICK HERE.
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CLICK HERE.
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Saturday, October 3, 2009
ACG Surfrack
Pretty crazy surfboard rack. As long as the wind isn't blowing, probably much better than those trailers people have or those balance-challenging side racks. Looks like it provides a wee bit of shade on a hot day as well. On the other hand, if your board weighs more than 10 pounds, I bet this rack turns your bike into a roll-over-prone 1990s Ford Explorer.
Monday, September 21, 2009
License Plate Frame
Recently saw the following statement on a license plate frame on an SUV parked near my office:
"I've been surfing since before you were born."
On the one hand, I appreciate the "I was here first"; "if you don't surf, don't start" sentiment. How could anyone who has seen the ocean get more and more crowded during the last 30 years NOT appreciate it?
On the other hand, the rejoinder to such a self-centered, arrogant, and offensive statement is: "And I'll still be surfing long after you are dead, Old Man."
Surfing is not a zero-sum game of cool.
(For related info, see this blog about vanity plates.)
"I've been surfing since before you were born."
On the one hand, I appreciate the "I was here first"; "if you don't surf, don't start" sentiment. How could anyone who has seen the ocean get more and more crowded during the last 30 years NOT appreciate it?
On the other hand, the rejoinder to such a self-centered, arrogant, and offensive statement is: "And I'll still be surfing long after you are dead, Old Man."
Surfing is not a zero-sum game of cool.
(For related info, see this blog about vanity plates.)
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