Toads Turnpike

FROTH

2009-08-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

It’s time to Le Boogie

After years of being the most sought after and respected surf photographer in the business, Phil Gallagher has decided to throw down the gauntlet with the launch of his own all-photography magazine – Le Boogie.

In the wake of the cancellation of Riptides Photo Annual, word of the creation of Le Boogie has aroused excitement among the masses. In the past the bodyboarding population has suffered a long wait for the Photo Annual, a single issue showcasing the year’s most amazing images captured by those who do it best. Le Boogie aims to curb this craving by delivering the best images by photographers from all around the globe in a gallery experience, but without the wait.

Sitting down to talk with Phil Gallagher brings up mixed emotions; you’d love to hate the guy. Containing the jealousy is a hard task as he casually talks about tropical adventures with the likes of Jeff Hubbard and Spencer Skipper, or reminiscing about the day’s session over a beer with Mike Stewart.

But these experiences aren’t taken for granted by the guy whose first shots were taken on a disposable camera in his home town of Urunga on the NSW mid-north coast. Since that time Gallagher has been passionate about photography, and now through Le Boogie he is able to give something back to the industry that has allowed him a life most only dream about.

While Gallagher said the concept of a magazine run and designed by bodyboarders isn’t new, it is something he wants to encourage, and in doing so “give photographers another avenue to shoot bodyboarding and make a career of it”.

Photo: Andrew Smythe

“The most rewarding thing about Le Boogie is the idea of seeing young photographers advance through the magazine, teaching them new skills and then displaying their latest work to the public,” Gallagher said.

Le Boogie also embodies the changing way we receive information.

With technology allowing us to access news instantly from anywhere on Earth, by the time magazines go to print the information is often old or irrelevant. Gallagher believes if people want the latest news they will access it through other means ( internet). But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a future for magazines in a world which is becoming increasingly digital media orientated.

“I don’t think people will ever want to stop buying magazines, there will always be people who appreciate being able to walk over to the shelf and pick up a hard copy of the latest issue.”

And for those who want to see the latest photo galleries printed large on high quality paper, Le Boogie will be there – four times a year.

As Gallagher says, “I want Le Boogie to appeal to everyone, be it a kid who wants to get stoked on photos, or a guy who has bodyboarded for 10 years, they all appreciate good clean images”.

But everyone will be glad to hear Phil Gallagher plans to make the best of both worlds by using the latest pop culture icon, the iPhone. One of the most anticipated things about Gallagher’s new venture is the Le Boogie iPhone/iPod Touch app, which means the magazine can be delivered to anyone, anywhere in the world.

The idea of being able to page through the latest issue of Le Boogie when you’re stuck at work or on a train really is something to get excited about, especially when you consider the calibre of photographers and riders already getting involved, with the mag attracting both veterans and fresh talent.

Portrait: Andrew Smythe

“All the riders from the moment they heard about it have been so stoked on it, they have put a lot of their own time and effort into the first issue of le Boogie, and I will never be able to repay them” Gallagher says.

“Everyone has wanted to help in any way they can. Riders have a lot of pull in these things, without them there would be no Riptide, Movement or Le Boogie.”

Photo: Andrew Smythe

- by Andrew Smythe

Le Boogie will be available to purchase online in early September. You can preview the mag at www.leboogie.com and place your order. The digital format will be available through iTunes. Shipping: 5 days nationally, 7-10 days international. Subscriptions offered in issue two.

theres nothing healthy about a tan

2009-08-24T02:03:00.000-07:00

North Shore based Chris James (not northern beaches) has learnt that the sun isnt a fashion tool After absorbing more sun then david hasslehoff, Chris got himself checked out at the skin cancer clinic. Lucky he did as they discovered a Basal Cell Carcinoma. Although it is not a melanoma it can still be bad and can spread easily if it is not diagnosed early.

So think twice before u aim to end up like that old sea dog/ leather handbag swimming the local pool in the mid winter.

SLIP SLOP SLAP

t.r and c.j on the cajsh coast

2009-08-14T22:48:00.000-07:00

Lifesytylings from past week.

Room with a view

Thom Robinson and Todd - Super 8

T.R and T.B

Bunk beds

New meaning to DOF

Dallas Singer street cred

c.j shooting hoops, t.r facebook mobile and todd storm rider

Chris, Todd, Dallas, Toinz, T.R - slow motion appreciation

Road trips

2009-08-06T01:59:00.000-07:00

If you have a shit one... it will destroy you, you'll be vomiting negativity all over your mates for days to come.

But a good one will make all those semi - suicidal thoughts worth it. You forget how much you spent on petrol, how many near death experiences you had on the way down and how sick of ur mates shit talking you are.

Well overdue for one....

Magnum Ego

2009-08-06T01:23:00.000-07:00

Think it needs more coverage then what its already had

NO LEASH REQUIRED

2009-08-04T19:15:00.001-07:00

Sorry bout crap quality, sun was just setting and it was to dark, but if you look closely chris james is free falling...

le BOOGIE

2009-08-02T04:57:00.001-07:00

le BOOGIE magazine issue 1. from Phil Gallagher on Vimeo.

New video for le BOOGIE. Looks sick!

Winter

2009-07-28T04:21:00.000-07:00

Been a pretty decent winter on the east coast, with regular swells over 6ft since the start of june. Been non stop down the coast havnt really had much chance to really update ye old blog, so thought i would throw few low res photos up here quickly.

Shark Island comp was also held, with Comp Favourite Chris James excelling in his heat. Chris managed to get a combined score of 0.0. Although in his defence he is part of the Nomad Free Surf Division (plug) so it only seems fitting. Despite this effort chris still celebrated the session with a dart. From there we went further south, and chris, obviously in an attempt to salvage what little was left of his bodyboarding career, did by far one of the most amazing moves ive ever witnessed. Photo glory cannot be shared yet due to it being locked in a top secret bomb shelter.

Chris - career salvage

Cool cade sharp has also been around, although no shots here at the moment, i will be able to upload one in a few weeks (latest riptide). Max Arent has also been making regular trips to the south coast, with a few pole cam photo glorys under his belt he has taken a back seat last few weeks, just trying to buy as many drinks in nsw as possible in one month.

Enough random garbage here are a few photos from around the place.

Max Arent - early morning

Chris James

To early , to cold

One of favourite fisheye shots

Laury Grenier - South Beachie

also hope everyone is getting excited for Phil Gallaghers new mag. Got a few runners in there so everyone stay tuned for release dates. Also will be doing a full interview on phil and the new mag within next few days so check back for that.

As Max Arent says "Surfings a source, change your life swear to god"

Dust

2009-07-08T03:58:00.000-07:00

An old advert for nomad last year. Thanks for the dk board....

Nineballs and No toes

2009-07-04T04:32:00.000-07:00

1ft onshore no toes. Thats how this trip started. We sat in our cars for at least 4 hours, overlooking onshore garbage bags that was the south coast. Everyone of us read an entire movement issue, slept, set high scores on the greatest game ever made for iphone ' Blowfish', took photos of a half decomposed lizard, got cotton mouth from peanut butter and bread, discussed how bad this decision was, blamed swellnet, planned revenge attacks, chris texted over 60ppl, will smoked over 60 darts, drink king max drank all of his drinks, saffa jared looked like Nathan Bracken and wilso somehow managed to keep spirits just above suicide with random acts of hilarity.

Night drives

BLOWFISH!

No Toes Gatekeeper

2 bacon and egg rolls later the swell had picked up considerably so we hit up a fun arvo surf. Nothing all time, and especially nothing worth driving large distances for, but chris managed to make it worthwhile with an uncharacteristically stylish invert out into the flats.

Creep

That night was spent hanging with old mate at milton pub. If u have not had the privilege of meeting old mate manager you really havnt lived. Definitely one of the most sarcastic people alive, but none then less manages to make everyone laugh. an early night for most, but not for will. Everytime, without fail will gets incredibly drunk with old mate manager and sits up till 4 oclock drinking Guinness. Will doesn't seem to mind gettin an hour sleep then waking feeling inches from death.

The next morning was alot better. Gettin there before sunrise we were on it first. But as the light increased so did the people. at one stage the rocks looked like the pipe contest with the pro show in town. Here are a few of the photos.

Lifestlye

Pierre

Subway

Jared Houston, 'saffa'

Man Vs Wild Bear Grills

Team Zion

Max Arent is "DRINK KING" (more shots of max soon)

Tom Rigby, No board needed?

Thom Rob

Scene

Maccas - Redbull - Picton road - home.

Georgia Fair

2009-06-20T03:39:00.000-07:00

Some very good music by up and comers georgia fair. saw them the other night. very very nice! Ill do a full post on them when i get time.

Official retirement from photography

2009-06-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry to break the news to all of the dedicated followers of this blog but due to my recent decision to take up bodyboarding full time i will no longer be able to, as Steve Wall said "be the resident hellman, floating in the impact zone of many, previously thought unrideable, waves, capturing all these never before seen angles "

Below is my video resume. Already sent it to QCD, VS and Nomad. Expecting a reply before the day is out ill let you no how i go. Thanks for your ongoing support during this time.

Regards

Andrew Smythe

yeowwwwwww

2009-06-14T06:24:00.000-07:00

http://vimeo.com/5149932

new video by will hodgett its farkin amazing so check it out

Incoming

2009-06-14T01:42:00.000-07:00

International jetsetter and possibly earths most competitive person has arrived in our fine state. Pierre Louis Costes touched down on wednesday night, having already passed through WA and queensland on his annual pilgrimage to land a backflip on every single wave on Australia's coast. After sitting through wat i can safely say was the longest traffic delay of my life on the m2 we arrive at the airport a good half an hour after we planned.

'hey mate, sorry were late worst traffic on way here" to which he replies "fuck man, so cold right now"

Unfortunately for pierre he was treated to the back seat of will hodgetts car. What should be a comforatable ride down the coast never is when will is driving. Refusing to wind the window up the entire way, on easily the coldest day of the year seemed to push the frenchy a little bit far. "fuck man why u do that with your window, i so cold back here!"

The next day was a little dissapointing, with the swell being to small for where we had planend to surf. after a negative breakfast stop at the most expensive corner store in australia with max and corey we headed further south to find some fun 3-4ft waves with practically no one out. Despite the good conditions calls such as "i hate this wave man" from max and even though pierre has never surfed the spot he also said its the shittest wave around. With nowhere else to go we gave it a shot. I negged out within the first 10 mins of floating in the lineup and headed in to sleep on the grass. Will cleaned up with footage though, wich im sure you will be seeing soon on wills blog. http://monksmonastery.blog

spot.com/

After another comfortable night in a warm bed we headed to blackrock without frenchy. After getting there he called asking wat it was like. it looked pretty fun and with only 2 people out we were pretty keen to stay there. After surfing for a few hours pierre wanders across the rocks. When we asked how he got here from ulladulla he replied

"Hitchhiked man, only 3 different cars aswell! Pretty good hey!"

enough said

BLOGLYFE

2009-06-01T02:56:00.001-07:00

Clip made by the monk. farkin good have a watch

BLOGLYFE from Will Hodgett on Vimeo.

Rider Profile - James Nymeyer

2009-06-01T00:42:00.000-07:00

This is a new section of the blog called rider profiles. Every few weeks/months/years i want to do a profile on a boogieboarder. First one is pretty shocking, and i do plan on getting better at interviews. Abusive criticism is welcomed. Enjoy

Facebook or myspace?

Facebook,, get more hits then the amount of zinc on matts face. J

Overseas or Australia?

Overseas: Changu, 10000 for omlette with jam sandwhiches . Peanut bananna shakes, BOOUNTTY, , winston blues, sold.

Apple or PC?

I like my macbook, its nice

Lancer or holden vectra?

FUCKING LANCER BRO OFCROUSE, speed machine

Whats a past time?

Beating you at Mario cart.

Why do u drive a lowered lancer (apart from being from Newcastle)?

HHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH
FUCK ME, ummmm…( its not lowered )
I guess because my southern cross tat got rubbed off a few years back and I thought well now all I need is a lancer bro to fit into society,

Rumours on the street are that you have an uncanny ability to pick what days Blackrock is shit. Can u explain to the minimal amount of people who will actually read this as to why you like driving 5 hours to get to Blackrock at 6am to see it 1ft, onshore and riddled with bluebottles?

HAHAHHAHAHAHA , there are many reasons
1. is to piss you off, dragging you out of bed 2. For the 1am chill session in hairybrook, 3.Driving down Picton road aka death lane, 4.talking about bluebottles and there relevance to life 5.falling asleep on willyman,6. Micro sleeps 7. Ewan good call Donachie 8. ohhhh…and just to count the Blacktown exists for funJ

Most devastating ocean related experience eg. duckdiving into a bluebottle family or spending 30 days in Philippines and only surfing 5 times?

Ummmmm…….you know me to well, other than the highlights of my life you just mentioned id say it would have to be getting stuck on the inside at 6ft raro while you were 50 meters away watching me get absolutely hammered, and now I have a 3D volcano looking scar on my leg, which is fun.

Hardest thing about getting noticed in the industry?

ITS SO FRICKEN HARD, my life has a completely different timetable to my surfing opportunities, every time I get invited on a trip or to do anything worthwhile, something just fucks upJ
and there are 50 other dudes trying to squeeze through that same doggy door.
Sometimes it’s a matter of being at the right place at the right time, which isn’t one of my strongpoint’s as you would know.
AND NEWCASTLE IS A HOLE.

If you could change one thing about your physical appearance what would it be?

Umm….maybe my adams apple because its the size of a bowling ball.

Sherwood?

Future pedophile

Bluebottles or mosquitoes?

suicide?

Future plans of Domination?

pray that willymans (www.monksmonastery.blogspot.com) camera stops having a grudge against me.

Any last words: just thank the sponsors for all there support!

Todd at QCD,
Greg at dunes
Simmo at solid
Sam at beyond.

x

Tropicana

2009-05-28T23:54:00.000-07:00

Just an old favourite shot from last year in the phillipines. We spent 30 days there and got 4 days of waves...

Empty Perfection

Tom arthouse winter

Monk

2009-05-28T18:13:00.000-07:00

A monk (Greek: μοναχός, monachos) is a person who practices religious asceticism, living either alone or with any number of like-minded people, whilst always maintaining some degree of physical separation from those not sharing the same purpose. The concept is ancient and can be seen in many religions and in philosophy.

Our very own monk has joined the blog trend. William Bover Monkness Hodgett will be keeping everyone updated on his filming ventures. Check it out here http://monksmonastery.blog

spot.com/

FROFIN

Not Today

2009-05-24T03:39:00.000-07:00

Few more photos of the last few weeks. Hope everyone enjoyed the east winds. yeow

Grils Last week

Lunas

Finlay

BP blackrock Memory

NEWS

2009-05-17T01:49:00.001-07:00

Sydney waves are exceptionally average, making it difficult for young up and comers to make there mark. Adrian Harper is one who has managed to claw his way out of the pack, making regular late night missions to the south coast of NSW. Anyone who has seen him surf recently would no he has exceptional skills in the water, and im sure you will be hearing alot more about him in the near future.

Adrian Harper, South Coast Wedge.

Vanilla Chiller

2009-05-15T01:42:00.001-07:00

Winter: still dark, being woken up by Bear Grills worst alarm tone ever. Cold steering wheels. Wet Wetsuits.

These are some photos from latest polar adventures with the monk, harpoon, yeah grils and maxi.

More photos soon.......

bowling

2009-05-05T00:17:00.000-07:00

Fun waves this morning. The local unemployment crew was on it with chris james, andrew battttarrrbee and resident Monk will hodgett surfing jsut above average.

The monk celebrated the session with a dart.

2009-05-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

First timers

Central Coast youngen Jordan Dowdle begins his traveling life south of sydney with some impressive drops on the weekend( Pictured below)

Welcome

2009-05-03T05:28:00.000-07:00

This is the new blog. all this buzz about the cyber world has made me realise im lagging by just using facebook chat. this will be where the latest updates are about my photography and random events that deserve blog coverage. yeow

Photo from recent adventures.

Chris james oh la la

James Nymeyer in the Cook Islands

Thomas Robinson Down South

Phillipines local knowledge