THE NEW AIR WORLD TOUR

This is the first full year, or season that I am tapping into Stab High, and fuck me, am I impressed. It is briefly covered in the first episode, but the previous years events took place in Waco, Mentawais, and Costa Rica. This is the 4th installment of the franchise. It’s held at Lakey Peak, and it is absolutely must watch material. Here are a few notes from the first two episodes, which you can watch here and here: 

• My VERY first thoughts about this series – Stab, an independent Surf Media outlet, sent 28 male surfers, 8 female ‘ladybird’ surfers, and about 40* members of the Stabmag team. I immediately wonder what the WSL’s production team looks like in comparison.

• *I heard Mikey Ciaramella say on the latest Stab Podcast they sent a total of about 80 people to Lakey Peak. 

• Does nobody notice what is going on? This series is essentially the new World Tour of Airs. A one-stop, yearly tour to find who is the best aerialist. Remember RedBull Airborne? Wasn’t that tied up with the Woz? Stab has completely taken over the space. Well played.

• The artwork in this series is mental.

• The first episode may have been the first time I had ever seen ‘Big Dick Power Surfer’ aka Brendan Buckley. I listen to the Stab podcast a lot. Not what I was imagining (laughs). 

• They do a great job of tapping into the reality show vibe. This is what people love, this is what draws an audience. Even down to the music, the whole thing reminded me a bit of surfing’s version of that show ‘The Challenge’. They even went as far as bringing on a “host”. At the end of each episode is where I originally took note of this. There is a little candle lit ceremony with everyone sitting around, in which the host dramatically announces who is moving on to the next rounds, followed by applause from the surrounding crowd. A little cliche and a little cringey, in my opinion. This is literally my only complaint.

• They tie in individual interviews from each surfer throughout the event, which is a great touch, giving a lot of feel and a little storyline to the series. One of my favorite parts. 

• After the first two episodes, I am quite convinced Stab is well on their way to developing an established tour to determine the best aerial surfer in the world. Great work guys, insanely enjoyable viewing. I do wonder if it could be done live?

I was led to believe that episodes dropped each Wednesday, which would be tonight, but I am not 100% sure. It’ll be tonight or tomorrow, keep an eye on your youtube. Don’t try and start with Ep. 3 either. Do yourself a solid and watch the first two right now.

Cheers,

hwilsin