Your New Favourite Commentator Wins An Award!

Enthusiasm comes in many forms. It’s a middle finger and prolonged horn in a traffic jam. It’s that one more, or 21 one mores, and the sun you watch rise on Saturday. It’s a hoot in the channel or claiming a three-point ride in the last minute of a CT event. It’s not always positive, but whatever side of the spectrum it lies on, it’s elevated. It’s passionate.

Our inboxes, on a daily basis, are filled with enthusiasm. In brand emails, in WSL press releases, Vimeo links and the uneasy feeling of somebody trying to ignite a sale. But without it, there’d be no sale. There’d be no success or conviction.

Today, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, we were greeted with cap locks and the announcement of the 2017 SURFING WALK OF FAME INDUCTEES. Across from the pier, in Huntington Beach, lies surfing’s own Hollywood Walk, complete with names, dates and placards all overseen by a statue of Duke, and Huntington Beach Surf and Sport. 

“The votes have been tallied and a fresh crop of legendary wave riders will once again be forever enshrined in surfing’s history books on August 3, 2017,” stated the press release. “1988 World Champion Barton Lynch headlines the group following his recent move to color commentator for World Surf League events. The articulate Aussie amassed 17 Championship Tour wins during his 15 years on the circuit, including victories at the OP Pro in Huntington Beach in 1987 and 1991.”

Barton Lynch! Barton’s the best thing happening on the WSL commentary team in 2017. He’s the perfect balance of experience, critical optimism and knowledge. Barton’s considered but energetic and calls Mick and John out on their mistakes. He’s elevated the webcast experience. We adore him. He’s the World Surf Leagues’ deacon of enthusiasm, to whom this article owes its pleasure.

They say awards were made in Hollywood, but this is Surf City, USA, hon! 

The rest of the Walk of Fame Inductees include Jeff Hakman, Jim Jenks, Timmy Reyes, and Pam Burridge.