The Quiksilver Crossing

The Quiksilver Crossing seaplane

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 23 September 2004: - - It’s been said on the Captain’s Log before, and it’ll be said again: Surf exploration is a disease that’s not easy to cure. Once surf exploration gets under your skin, it’s pretty hard to shake. Today is a great example of that.

Two people who were bitten many years ago and are chronic sufferers of this condition are Tom Carroll and Peter Mel. They both arrived on the Crossing today with the usual energy and good vibe that seems to follow these two wherever they go. They are here in St Louis specifically to meet up with the latest addition to the Quiksilver Crossing’s arsenal – the Quiksilver Crossing seaplane.

The use of seaplanes is nothing new for the Quiksilver Crossing, which has utilised seaplanes for both transport and scouting missions throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans during its five years at sea. However, this latest addition of a Grumman HU-16B "Albatross" has been made for the Quiksilver Crossing’s current mission in North American waters and the necessary safety aspects involved with the area’s recent history of violent weather.

While the Crossing takes safe harbour on the banks of the Mississippi and awaits some relief from the deadly storms that have devastated the East Coast of the USA, the Quiksilver Crossing seaplane will be continuing the surf exploration duties in one of the most un-surfer-friendly coasts you could think of. Tom, Peter and the seaplane will be leaving tomorrow and heading north – straight into the cold, and chasing some of the massive swells that have been generated by the recent Atlantic storms.

This trip will be a milestone for the Crossing and for surf exploration at large. It will be the first time a Grumman HU-16B "Albatross" has ever been used for serious surf exploration. It will also mark the furthest that the Quiksilver Crossing has conducted surf exploration from the equator since its March 1999 launch.

During its time at sea, the Crossing has traveled more than 80,000 nautical miles – which is nearly four laps around the equator; it has discovered nearly 100 previously un-surfed breaks; and has conducted thousands of surveys for United Nations sanctioned Reef Check program.

The Quiksilver Crossing has four main objectives:
1.To explore the world's oceans for surf.
2.To contribute to the environment
3.To have empathy for the local culture and customs.
4.To provide education

The Crossing is currently in St Lois Missouri, USA with Captains Jason Soderquist (Turks and Caicos) and Martin Daly (Australia) in command. On board is Scientist Dovi Kacev (USA/South Africa), along with surfers Tom Carroll (Aus) and Peter Mel (USA). Crew consist of Guy Seymour (Canada/Australia), Tyler Emmett (USA), Luke Adler (USA). and Simone Kelly(Australia), whilst photographers on watch are Tony Roberts (USA/Costa Rica), Jeff Hornbaker (USA), Rick Rifici

www.quiksilver.com

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The Crossing

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