Welcome, dear loyal readers, to what has become our traditional, annual look back at the year that was. In fact, as this is our third such article – you may as well check out 2020’s and 2021’s. We’ve barely started and we’re already getting nostalgic.
Anyhow.
The Festive Season has almost begun, that magical time of year when we celebrate with family and friends by arguing, partying and indulging in crass consumerism. Bring it on, we say – but first let’s have a look back at some of 2022’s most prestigious and popular articles.
An absolute highlight of 2022 was the return of the WSL circus – ahem, tour – to J Bay. As far as Trident is concerned, the event was gifted with some of the best waves of the entire circus. We mean, um, tour. Forget New World Champ Toledo’s hesitance at Chopes, the waves at J Bay had enough consequence to make us pee a little. Read about it in all its glory again here.
Trident is nothing if not generous and helpful. So we offered a few forms to answer, all aimed at self improvement. Who knows, we probably set someone on the path to being the next Al Merrick or Spike. Check out how to be a surf report guru and check out how to be an expert shaper. You’re welcome.
Speaking of being generous and helpful, Trident offered tips on how to enjoy poor surf conditions, as well as how to spot certain types of ballie surfers. Also, you may consider yourself an expert on spotting fresh-in-the-water newcomers, but here’s an actual definitive list.
We also offered a few more esoteric articles, such as odd facial expressions surfers make and a list of guaranteed red flags when it comes to surfboard shapers.
Of course, we share the ocean with not just fellow surfers, but also marine nonhuman creatures like SUPers. Also, there are other creatures in the seas with us, organisms like those shelled buggers on the reef, and those hyper intelligent, multi-armed alien molluscs.
Trident discussed the trends and perils of modern surfing; surf schools, online shopping and of course, just the general annoyance of surfing in the 2020’s.
In conclusion, Trident hopes you have a banger of a Festive Season. Enjoy your holidays, be safe and remain in one piece as much as possible with the ravaging hordes descending on our coastal towns. Remember, Vaalies are people too, so let them have fun, ahem – “surfing”. But not SUPers. They ain’t human, man. Be that as it may, we’ll see you all in 2023. God bless. ’tis the Season to be jolly, and to give to others. Don’t snake. Don’t drop in. And no – I can’t spare any surf wax or sun block for you.
