Stab Writer Publicly Chastised By Veteran Tour Surfer

The written word apparently still has a pulse, as a few unkind refrains on stabmag.com led to CT veteran and widely adored human Adrian ‘Ace’ Buchan calling out CUSP co-host Michael Ciaramella (me) on Instagram this week.

Ace’s hackles were raised over a paragraph I wrote in a Tweed Coast Pro contest wrap. It was generally about the WSL’s need to slim down the tour, and where that would likely leave the 14-year Tour vet, among other surfers (hint: it’s the opposite of ‘on’ Tour).

In response to my opinion, Ace posted an Instagram story displaying the paragraph in question with supplementary text reading (the post’s 24-hour lifespan has expired so we’re paraphrasing), “You’re relentless @unholypotato…what’s the problem mate?”

So I decided to DM Ace. And we talked about it like adults. It was a wonderful departure from other confrontations I’ve experienced in the surf industry, which have a tendency to be short and uncourteous. Ace, in contrast, was thorough and kind. He explained why he believed I was in the wrong and what I could do to improve. He did a good enough job of it that I conceded on several points

I should be more constructive in my criticism. 

I can’t visit Avoca.

Etc.

We hope to bring Ace on as a guest in a near-future episode. For now, you’ll just have to listen to Stace and myself blabber about Ethan Ewing, Sally Fitz, and of course Surf100 (which airs in less than 24 hours).

Tickets here.