The wave drought on the South Coast has continued to plague us surfers with three weeks straight of an ocean devoid of swell in one of the longest flat spells I can ever recall in my surfing life.  

Even sadder is the end doesn't look like it will draw near this week either as another very calm sea is predicted to flop on our coastline. This extended waveless time has begun to do strange things to surfers.

Many have decided to live a “normal” life and just go about their business as any non surfer would. Others have taken their girlfriends/boyfriends out on extended lunch dates, taken up other sports to keep fit like tennis, lawn bowls or eagle hunting.

But mostly surfers this week just became a tad more bitter and were easily irritable, so if you do live with one of our surfing folk just reassure them that the waves will someday return, and yes you will catch a good wave soon. In the meantime just pat them gently and offer them loads of herbal tea.

Tiny waves means it's the perfect opportunity to play with some different surf craft that will float not only you but will allow you to catch a 1ft wave. The best tool for that job is a Mal. Mark Howcroft could not stay out of the ocean any longer and thought to himself the only toy that would let him play was a long board.

So it was with with a spirited dance in his step that he got ready to paddle out in the minuscule surf. Mark was not alone though. As he walked down the seemingly never-ending stairs at Rennies he noticed quite a few surfers with the same idea, anything to get you in the water is a plus.

Due to the flat ocean Ulladulla Boardriders postponed their event last Sunday and will look at holding the comp this coming Sunday, so UBC members be ready to compete and lets pray for a wave over 2ft. We will be meeting at Rennies beach at 7:30am, all new and old members welcome.  

Courtney Conlogue has claimed the women's title, while Kanoa Igarashi became the first surfer to win back-to-back Men's Opens since fellow Huntington surfer Brett Simpson did it in 2009 and 2010.

“It's so great performing in front of my hometown,” said Conlogue after besting World No.1 Stephanie Gilmore. “We spend so much time travelling during the season, and when you get your hometown vibe, there's nothing like it. You just absorb all that energy and use it as fuel for your fire.” 

For Conlogue, who won her first U.S. Open back in 2009, it was a statement-making performance that proved she's most definitely back at the top of her game and going to be a threat for the last three stops of the Women's Championship Tour.

Stay classy Milton Ulladulla! If anyone would like to add anything to this column either call into AKWA surf, buzz us on 4454 5222 or email me kurt@akwasurf.com.au. Till next week, stay wet.