Would You Be Paddling Or Towing This Swell? - Stab Mag

Watch: Stab High China Presented By Monster Energy, Finals Day

892 Views

Would You Be Paddling Or Towing This Swell?

Benji Brand and friends making the difficult decisions.

elsewhere // Jul 22, 2023
Words by Holden Trnka
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Many gripes are often heard from shoulder-burning purists when people on jet-skis arrive to tow perfectly paddleable waves.

And, rightfully so. It’s impossible — often dangerous — to compete with machines, either for waves or for hierarchy.

But, when you’ve got a set of marginally paddleable peaks to choose from, and a lineup mostly to yourself, theres no harm in doing a bit of both.

Above, on another of their endlessly enjoyable surf/fishing trips, Benji Brand and the Salty Crew fellas make full use of their arms and tow-ropes at a familiar Mexican beachbreak.

“Lots and lots of barrels,” the Salty Crew boys tell us. “The surf was pumping the whole trip. The guys snuck one day of fishing in before the swell showed up and Quentin Turko shot a 180 pound yellowfin. Loaded up the fridge with fresh tuna for the rest of the trip.”

Enjoy.

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

Rasta Robb, Zoey Kaina, Yosuke Iha, And Zoee Bradshaw Win Stab High China x Monster Energy

And the sun shines brightly in Hainan. 

Nov 14, 2026

Watch: Finals Day at Stab High China Presented By Monster Energy

Time to declare some winners, and give away a surfboard to the best comment.

Nov 13, 2026

Watch: Our First Day Of Chinese Airspace Exploration, In 14 Minutes And 20 Something Images

A recap of sorts.

Nov 13, 2026

Watch The Full Replay: Stab High China Presented By Monster Energy, Day One

That was immense.

Nov 12, 2026

Watch: A Full Day Of Stab High China X Monster Energy Warm-Ups

Or, proof that the ramp is as big as we've been claiming.

Nov 12, 2026

The Other Kelly Slater Documentary

Our latest How Surfers Get Paid episode collided with a multimillion-dollar Hollywood production, and we…

Nov 12, 2026

Albee Layer’s Biggest Career Regrets, Getting Sober, And The Heaviest Wave On Earth | StabMic Ep. 38

+ why he wants to see more double grabs at Stab High.

Nov 10, 2026

Everything You Need To Know About Stab High China, Presented By Monster Energy

We're two days away from our biggest chlorinated ramp yet.

Nov 10, 2026

Can We (Scientifically) Predict Barelling Waves?

Kanoa Pick and Cliff Kapono are giving it a damn good shot.

Nov 9, 2026

Why Does China Send People To The Moon?

We asked the designers of the world's best air section.

Nov 6, 2026

Meet Axel Dominguez Before He Does Something Stupid At Stab High

The 19-year-old French surfer just dropped an SEOTY entry called 'Glint.'

Nov 6, 2026

World Title Race: Who Needs What At Pipeline?

Don't let the yellow jerseys fool you.

Nov 5, 2026

I Know You’ve Got A Good Kelly Story, Too…

Coming soon: Our first feature length 'How Surfers Get Paid' documentary.

Nov 4, 2026

Ocean & Earth Release First Full-Length Surf Film In 27 Years | ‘DUALITY’ Starring Dakoda and Harley Walters

A gene pool counting the latest Surf100 winner + a 2x Stab High finalist.

Nov 3, 2026

Medina Wins First CT In Three Years, Claims Cloud 9 For The Goofs

While a bruised and bloodied Simmers rock and rolls into World Title contention.

Nov 3, 2026

Exclusive: Stab & Quiksilver’s New 11-Piece Collection

With 2x Stab High winner Hughie Vaughan at the centre of the mood board.

Nov 3, 2026

A Truly Obscene Day Of Competitive Surfing At Cloud 9

Day 3 leaves behind a wake of broken boards, battered bodies, and sickeningly good highlights.

Nov 2, 2026

Is The Surf Industry Having A Crisis Of Imagination? | StabMic Ep. 37 | Pat Towersey

"Marketing is total bullshit."

Nov 2, 2026
Advertisement