Cortes Bank

Cortes Bank is a chain of underwater mountains found about 170 km West of the coast of San Diego California. This chain of underwater mountains stretches for about 30 km while rising from depths of 1 km. At certain places along the chain the mountains are covered be only 6 meters of water. It is thanks to this geographic feature that one of the worlds best big wave surf spots is located along this stretch of underwater mountains. The spot is called "Cortes Bank" and the waves get so big that you can no longer paddle into them, but you have to get towed into them with jet skis.

Another Earthquake in Indonesia

Being situated on a very active plate boundary, Indonesians are no stranger to earthquakes. This was no more evident then with the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Dec. 2004 causing so many causalities. On Sunday an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 hit northeastern Indonesia. The earthquake shook buildings and houses for several minutes and the population also experienced several smaller aftershocks. Much to everyone’s relief no casualties or tsunami were reported.

Mako Shark

This mature female Mako shark what caught of the shores of Yarmouth Nova Scotia, in August of 2004, during a Shark durby. This shark was only 139 lbs away from being a world record. She weighed in at 1,082 lbs and 10 feet 10 inches.

Just something to think about next time you dangle you toe in the friendly Atlantic Ocean.

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/mako/largemako2004.html

Polynesians knew how to have fun

Along with being adapt at open ocean travel and harnessing wind power, the Polynesians are also credited with being the first "Surfers". It started with fishermen who would ride the waves to shore in their boats after returning with their catch. (it was fasted to catch a wave to shore then it was to paddle in.) There is no official record of when stand up surfing became a sport. What is known is that during the 15th century surfing was enjoyed by the people of the Sandwich Isles. The "Surfers" ranged from Kings and Queens to the average population.
There is accounts from Captain James Cook who witnessed Polynesians riding waves.


for more: http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Spring04/Britton/history.htm