Watch: Dylan Graves // The Absurdity Of Scoring Good Waves

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Stu Nettle (stunet)
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More tubes please's picture
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More tubes please Friday, 20 Jun 2025 at 8:27pm

Great stuff, thoroughly enjoyable too. Gotta say though, it looks more like a pumping beachy than a point break.

Bnkref's picture
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Bnkref Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 7:09am

I saw him at Broken Head last weekend. Just passing through or does he live in Oz these days?

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geek Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 1:09pm

Lives on GC I believe, has an Australian wife. Was mentioned in the Newcastle ep I think

Bnkref's picture
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Bnkref Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 3:10pm

Thanks Geek.

I did see that Newey one. Good clip.

Lanky Dean's picture
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Lanky Dean Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 7:45am

Hosing out the spots
Here come check me out over here and here and here and here and here and here and here
Thanks Ando
Nice work saffa

WaffleStomp's picture
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WaffleStomp Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 8:58am

Love the absurdity.

zenagain's picture
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zenagain Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 9:15am

He gets around.

Him and Mr. Wave of the Winter 2019 Keito Matsuoka turned up at one of my local spots on the day of the year. Got a selfie with him. He's a really cool cat, in and out of the water.

Bnkref's picture
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Bnkref Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 3:08pm

He released a Japan clip a few months back. Surfed both coasts and got a snow sesh in. Did it feature in that?

zenagain's picture
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zenagain Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 3:41pm

Yep, you can see my back in the vid @ 6:28 ha ha!

And you know what? I'm ashamed to say I didn't surf that day.

Island Bay's picture
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Island Bay Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 6:02pm

Too busy walking the dog and warming your hands?

zenagain's picture
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zenagain Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 6:51pm

I'm too embarrassed to say.

Bnkref's picture
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Bnkref Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 8:48pm

Ha classic!

Looks like a great spot. What’s the water temp that time of year?

zenagain's picture
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zenagain Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 11:15pm

Freezing. 5mil everything, hoods.

Great spot, gets a little busy summer on weekends. Winter is empty but damn cold.

zenagain's picture
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zenagain Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 9:20am

Ps, you reckon this is Mick's red-bellied black snake spot?

Moonah's picture
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Moonah Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 10:04am

Yep

Denyer's picture
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Denyer Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 4:49pm

The quantity of world class setups in this locale is incredible.

Caity Simmers and Soli Bailey got a few head dips nearby.

Island Bay's picture
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Island Bay Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 6:00pm

Exactly.
Rare birds, but exceptional when on.

Yendor's picture
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Yendor Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 7:55am

Go to beachgrit if you want the skinny. Land of the spills

Gowsa's picture
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Gowsa Monday, 23 Jun 2025 at 1:24pm

100%
Can anyone confirm?

Island Bay's picture
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Island Bay Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 9:25am

Nope, definitely not.

Mick's wave in tropical.

mike oxhard's picture
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mike oxhard Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 10:29am

the magic is real the absurdity for me is trying to match the experience but its impossible when timing your adventures comes down to a lot of luck, will never forget scoring desert point august 2000 with 4 mates, 1 extra on the charter and 3 shoulder grubbing brazilian grass hut men, she turned on with the incoming tide the arvo we pulled up 6ft light trades was just surreal I'll take those images in my brain to the grave

Mata's picture
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Mata Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 1:01pm

Really enjoy Dylan's content, wish him more success

Island Bay's picture
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Island Bay Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 1:23pm

Me too. Nice bloke, good storyteller. Surprised to find that Vans had dropped him.

Mata's picture
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Mata Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 1:29pm

I wondered if Vans dropped him, or if he jumped to Huckberry? Either way.
His video on Shinko Japan was fun, as was the recent Newcastle one

arcadia's picture
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arcadia Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 2:44pm

Same wave perhaps

&t=4s

john.callahan's picture
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john.callahan Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 7:01pm

Not new at all - same wave and location as featured on SURFER Magazine some six years ago -

?si=OYStcwwvFFa_qck2

Needs a big (very big) North Atlantic swell , the consistent northeast tradewinds are ultra-reliable from December to March.

If Dylan would like to do something more original, rather than repeating what has already been done, over and over again, he should get in touch - we have many unsurfed destinations in various stages of research in our surfEXPLORE files.

WaffleStomp's picture
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WaffleStomp Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 7:12pm

I think you missed the point of this video. It wasn't about some secret undiscovered spot rather the process and devotion we all put in for the rare times it all comes together.

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john.callahan Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 7:25pm

1) If you are going to take the time, make the effort and spend the money - for "the process and devotion we all put in for the rare times it all comes together" - shouldn't you at least try to do something original, rather than make yet another a video of a known wave and location and try to pass it off as something original, when it is not?

2) If you are going to take the time, make the effort and spend the money - to travel to this specific location as a video trip, shouldn't you at least know enough about forecasting to go when there is an appropriate swell, as it is obviously not big enough in these clips?

3) Weak presentation, a waste of money and unprofessional, in my opinion - that is the point. This kind of thing can be done better, much better.

Dylan can get in touch if he is interested in a surfEXPLORE consultation on better locations.

WaffleStomp's picture
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WaffleStomp Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 7:45pm

Yep you've missed the point alright! You did make google your business though, so hats off there.

Alana_a's picture
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Alana_a Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 8:01pm

You were the original kook to put a surf explore book out were you John?

Looks like they scored to me. A 7/10 day for that spot maybe but still a score.

Jog on mate.

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john.callahan Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 11:19pm

Yes, my book surfEXPLORE: Discovering New Surfing Locations Worldwide is scheduled for release on 29 September, 2025, thanks for asking.

Already have a swellnet review lined up, you have plenty of time to get your verbal basket of spoilt vegetables, sheep dags and offal ready, so you are prepared to hurl them en masse at the author JSC once the book is available in physical copies and has been reviewed.

7/10 may be acceptable for a private venture - but when you market yourself as a professional surfer and more importantly; when you are spending other people's money to do this sort of thing - that is not good enough, at all.

If Dylan would like to consult on where he could spend sponsor cash (if he doesn't get sacked) and score a 10/10 video clip and so he doesn't have to try to pass off known spots as a "discovery", he can be in touch at his convenience as The surfEXPLORE Group does do consultations.

basesix's picture
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basesix Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 12:07am

why the fuck would anyone want to consult with you..? hahahahaha

this has to be a publicity ruse.. fair play if it is.

DYLAN GRAVES would consult with 'john middle initial callisomething'..? fwooof.. you gonna light up the online surfing world, huh?

"spoilt vegetables, sheep dags and offal".. love the aussie 19thC wordy allusions.. best words I've seen you write. In a world where we all want to explore.. like we ALL want to. Many of us have. We're all first world here, and we all understand that, and carry a degree of appropriate gravitas when we talk up our exploits... you've crossed words here with a couple of published peeps and some guides. We get it. You're creaming about the fact you have done what you've done. Can't you pretend a little humility and understanding for this audience? You're coming across as a right fucking unit.. like 3/10 (if you'd like to contact SN, I would be willing to help with that in a consultative capacity, reach out, bruz) ..MAYBE you'd get on as a champ outside the surf community..?

(Some get to do their exploring quietly, some regularly, some intermittently.. the internet has changed everything.. it is almost posturing now to keep things a secret.. but, mate.. you're just coming across as someone who should be fronting as a champ in the non-surf world.. you have nothing to offer us.. and you seem a bit of a donkey).

Yendor's picture
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Yendor Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 8:08am

+1 Narcissist much. Jeebers the spruiking and dick measuring is shameless. When we see JSC pulling in and clocking tube time with a fraction of the humility of Dylan Graves maybe we'll pay attention. However we all know that ain't gonna happen.

Also when we next see the "when
you've written a book...." line, let's also remember the lovely gentleman named Adolf who also wrote a book.

Alana_a's picture
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Alana_a Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 7:57am

John,

There’s a guy in Dylan’s vid from Europe who also features in the surfer vid above of the same spot who I’ve seen in countless more remote, point break set ups. So there’s your due diligence right there.
Every person bar yourself understands that forecasts don’t always play out as predicted.

It better be 3/4 foot and offshore this morning as stated on SN otherwise John be coming for you -

“and more importantly; when you are spending other people's money to do this sort of thing - that is not good enough, at all.”

I’m doubling down, that is a score by them everyday of the week.

Come on Shearer, review this book already!

john.callahan's picture
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john.callahan Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 2:00pm

Gosh, so much interest in The Book - really touching that all my good mates want to see a copy as soon as possible!

Here is the link, available for preorder on Amazon Australia https://amzn.asia/d/fqI6Z6O

By the way, every person bar yourself understands that weather people FORECAST - fortune tellers predict.

Swell forecasting is science, not speculation -

I am doubling down - if you are spending OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY you should do better than an average swell at a well-known wave for a video production.

Kind of difficult to pass that product off as a new "discovery" - or even a decent surf video.

Dylan can get in touch if he would like a consultation on where he can go to make a better product with his sponsors money, if he still has a sponsor -

Nick Bone's picture
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Nick Bone Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 6:28pm

How do you poo with your head stuck so far up your arse.

basesix's picture
basesix's picture
basesix Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 7:05pm

I buy surf books like nuggets.. nick green, steve arklay, marti paridisis..
I know, @JC, they're not original, people knew about the surf spots within them : /

jeez, have I ever lost interest in sEXplay's latest exploitative lil' tome.

he doesn't even live anywhere, @Nick.. poised near an airport 'like a tigerair' plane to feel important.. mate overheard him bragging while eating kampong rice with his hands (in a loud glam voice) on arab st.. this guy is classic... example of what gym-bag travel, too many lenses, and extreme minimalist turnkey lifestyle can do to the soul over time to a garden variety bighead.

Love buying surf books. Might let this one slip through to the keeper.. cover looks like no-swell saddies taking a long walk off a short spit.

john.callahan's picture
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john.callahan Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 7:10pm

Here ya go, mate - a comprehensive description.

Wasn't me eating kampung rice with my hands on Arab Street - Arab Street is populated these days mainly by bloody Turks and Turkish restaurants, not heritage families of Singapore Arabs,

I never eat with my fingers anyway, it is unsanitary. Great way to ingest even more germs and pathogens.

"Tall poppy syndrome is a social phenomenon, particularly noted in Australia, where high-achievers are criticized, resented, or ostracized for their success. It stems from a cultural tendency to value egalitarianism and modesty, and the idea that no one should stand out too much or appear to be better than others. This can manifest as attempts to "cut down" or undermine those who are perceived as "tall poppies".

Here's a more detailed explanation:
Definition:
Tall poppy syndrome describes the tendency to criticize or resent individuals who achieve notable public success, particularly if they are perceived as excessively promoting their achievements or opinions.

Cultural Roots:
It's believed to be rooted in Australian and New Zealand values of egalitarianism, where excessive success can be seen as a threat to the principle of equality. The idea is that everyone should be equal, and those who rise above the rest are seen as potentially arrogant or deserving of criticism.

Manifestations:
The syndrome can manifest in various ways, including:
Criticism and negative judgment of the individual's achievements.
Spreading rumors or gossip.
Excluding the individual from social groups.
Undermining their work or career.
Accusing them of being arrogant or self-important.

How's that?

Just a clue - "Tall Poppy Syndrome" does not exist in America,

Are you getting it?

seeds's picture
seeds's picture
seeds Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 7:16pm

As a great man once said…”on ya bike, cunt”

basesix's picture
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basesix Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 7:27pm

haha, he thinks he's a tall poppy..?
maybe he could define 'bloody turks..?'

seeds's picture
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seeds Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 7:30pm

Haha yes. Bloody narcissist not understanding we love our tall poppies unless they’re complete self absorbed wankers.

basesix's picture
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basesix Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 7:45pm

well put, @seeds.
This shit is astonishing.. dude's on a different spectrum to the one I live on. Good on ya, @JNBC.. sorry to have given you grief.. well done with your hard work, pics look clutch as bruz, sorry you don't have the gift of getting along with real boys. promise I'll keep shtum in any review thread.. I've made it clear what I think, banging on about it would be boorish.

basesix's picture
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basesix Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 7:23pm

sure am. I currently have no books telling bozos about a previously well-known secret break an easy drive from Annaba via optioning and licensing deals on France Ô.

Shame, this little display, mate. I rate Bleakley.

basesix's picture
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basesix Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 7:53pm

Last one, soz, I do think Doc Bleakley would find the 'bloody Turks' comment interesting in the context of the surfEXPLO conversation..

seeds's picture
seeds's picture
seeds Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 7:57pm

Me too.
Clown pulling up AI description of tall poppy syndrome. Whaahaaa

garyg1412's picture
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garyg1412 Thursday, 26 Jun 2025 at 11:44am

Ha I thought our Cultural Roots was "Pulling 20 cones before going for a surf or putting 20 schooners of piss down our necks"!!

Trentslatterphoto's picture
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Trentslatterphoto Monday, 23 Jun 2025 at 10:45am

your book isn't worth wiping my ass on brother, how's dem APPELS

Ray Shirlaw's picture
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Ray Shirlaw Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 8:56pm

Better than The Snake yeh ok mate,count me in!! Footage or it didnt and most likely wouldnt happen

john.callahan's picture
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john.callahan Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 11:22pm

Dylan wave has better swell exposure than the Mick Fanning wave, but both need a big swell to work - perhaps 2 or 3 times in an average season.

You could do both, as the swell source is completely opposite - one is December to March and the other is April to October.

Good luck!

basesix's picture
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basesix Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 7:27pm

..it's original in this shallow-grab world @JC, incorporating the existential into his offerings.
(great white hunter ain't original.. hasn't Bleakley reined-in your obfuscations yet?)

Great to hear Dylan Graves is a good bloke. Makes all the difference in today's world.

seeds's picture
seeds's picture
seeds Saturday, 21 Jun 2025 at 7:32pm

Geez, JC territorial pissing now.

I liked the Sardinia episode.

Nick Bone's picture
Nick Bone's picture
Nick Bone Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 6:39am

Fuck me. Is JC legit or is it some troll account?

Lanky Dean's picture
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Lanky Dean Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 7:55am

Balls in vice type stuff
Next up in the surf exploited
Dan hamon your life away
Mitchell Ross your self right outa here
Vegetable guy goes feral
Like and subscribe to blow out more spots
And then and then and then and then and then and then and then .......
The problem is these youtubers rarely go back to the same spot twice .
Yet bring the crowds to the last spot , did we not learn anything from the 2006 "$34R(/=/ event ?
The damage is done people ....

Roadkill's picture
Roadkill's picture
Roadkill Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 8:31am

That was epic. He really comes across as a good guy. Love his story telling. would love to see him do some more snowboarding….his take would be interesting and a bit different than the usual snowboarding stuff.

theolderIgetthebetterIwas's picture
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theolderIgetthe... Sunday, 22 Jun 2025 at 8:37am

That wave on that day looks to be beyond 98% of surfers anyway

Maybe 99

andy-mac's picture
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andy-mac Tuesday, 24 Jun 2025 at 4:15pm

Enjoyed that!

maddog77's picture
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maddog77 Tuesday, 24 Jun 2025 at 5:07pm

I really hope you're just trying to wind people up with your comments @ john.callahan otherwise you're coming across as a complete flog...surely you're taking the piss?

Sprout's picture
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Sprout Tuesday, 24 Jun 2025 at 6:44pm

What an odd way to sell a book.

tip-top1's picture
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tip-top1 Tuesday, 24 Jun 2025 at 6:51pm

got to be AI replies surely , no one can have their head that far buried

Sprout's picture
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Sprout Thursday, 26 Jun 2025 at 2:13pm

Mishad's picture
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Mishad Thursday, 26 Jun 2025 at 8:49pm

I'm with J Callahan on this. People exploiting remote surf spots to keep relevant without doing their own due diligence. How many here can claim to invest time in studying potential swell sources, overview ocean bathymetry (deep canyons/trenches), and interesting remote coastlines on the planet, invest money purchasing in detailed bathymetric charts in certain regions from obscure survey/charting companies, pinpoint potential locations on these charts then throw money down and back up their research and actually pull the trigger to go to these regions (together with the challenge of backpacking in remote regions and being the only whitey some of them have ever seen), set up camp/or befriend local families and hunker down, wait and see what manifests. I've done it in certain regions in SE asia and have in my back pocket waves that I could go to tomorrow, stay with local families (now friends) and get barrelled off my dial...alone. I know of nobody else that does that. I didn't have access to a yacht, just local transport and fisherman. JC I suspect has, as his name was one of the few I had heard of when conducting my own research and travel in the early 2000s, and would have an interesting database in his back pocket. I'd be interested in checking out his book.

JD Croobyard's picture
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JD Croobyard Friday, 27 Jun 2025 at 10:46am

Okay, but what if your spots are in his book? Someone’s will be, and isn’t that the whole point here?

Mishad's picture
Mishad's picture
Mishad Friday, 27 Jun 2025 at 3:58pm

Yeah true, but a book is limited in its reach compared to social media these days. Come to think of it I would hate to think of someone selling consultations to a pro who then plasts it all over the internet dropping sloppy clues all over the place. Which just invites the next lot of exposure hungry surfers who rely on follows to fund their existence. Makes me think of surf travel as a gold rush....make your discovery, stake your claim, built a resort and make it exclusive. I'm sure this parallel has been drawn before somewhere in the forums.

JD Croobyard's picture
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JD Croobyard Friday, 27 Jun 2025 at 8:58pm

I wasn’t defending Graves and the like, and I agree with your take on the pros selling out spots for likes. Just hate the idea of a bloke making money off selling the harder to find spots to Euro’s and pretenders or whoever buys the book.