The Eddie went. Two Freeride World Tour athletes died. Surfing and skating in the Olympics. Here are 15 stories that define 2016.
“The definitive voice of surf, mountain, and outdoor culture.” That’s the mantra we ascribe to here at The Inertia. We’re a community made up of thousands of contributors from around the globe, each with unique experiences, perspectives, and worldviews with one common goal: to collectively be the most accurate representation of surf and the outdoors right now. In this moment.
The culture evolves, of course. It ebbs and flows like the ocean, but as with riding waves, culture is a collection of moments. And while some are forgetful, others define. We capture those moments and document them so they may live on. Here, in our humble opinion, are 15 such moments that we believe define 2016:
In 2016 the Eddie Aikau Invitational at Waimea Bay ran. The last time it ran was in 2009. Photo: Zak Noyle
One of the most prestigious, and least-frequent big wave contests in the world, the Eddie Aikau Invitational ran in 2016 to punctuate an incredible El Niño winter. John John Florence took the win. And by all accounts, he used the momentum from that win to carry him through to his first world title.
Estelle Balet, mid-competition line. Photo: Freerideworldtour.com
2. World champion snowboarder Estelle Balet was tragically killed in an avalanche
It was an unexpected blow when news of the 21-year-old Swiss snowboarder’s death came across the wire. Balet had just captured her second world title on the Freeride World Tour and had her entire career in front of her (which looked extremely promising). She was also a gifted skier with a bright personality.
Matilda Rapaport was caught in a slide while filming in Chile earlier this year. She later died in the hospital. Photo: Red Bull
3. Freeskier Matilda Rapaport died after getting caught in a slide in Chile
Rapaport was the second Freeride World Tour athlete to die this calendar year. While both Valet and Rapaport perished away from the competitive arena, these deaths rocked the global freeride family. The FWT handled a tough situation with aplomb as an organization.
Surfers will represent their countries at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
4. Surfing and skateboarding became Olympic sports
For better or worse, surfing and skateboarding will officially be events in the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo. Polarizing, yes, but a defining moment for both pursuits all the same.
The class action lawsuit against the so-called “Bay Boys” represents the first time localism has ever been challenged in a court of law. Photo: Levin
5. Lunada Bay Boys issued a federal class action lawsuit
In March the Lunada Bay Boys, one of the most infamous surf gangs in Southern California, were slapped with a class action lawsuit. Their illegal, yet iconic fort, has since been razed. We spoke to both sides of the lawsuit.
Dylan Rieder, 28, died due to complications related to leukemia. Photo: HUF Worldwide
6. Iconic professional skateboarder Dylan Rieder passed away after a long battle with leukemia
It was a shocking blow to skate fans everywhere. Dylan had an incredibly stylish approach that was second to none. He was 28 years old.
The “bay wave” at NLand Surf Park, where some Texans are getting their first taste of surf stoke. Photo: NLand
7. North America got its first Wave Garden
Wave pools continue to proliferate across the globe and after countless delays and a lawsuit that was ultimately settled, NLand became America’s first surf park. The fun was short-lived (the park is now closed indefinitely for repairs). But it’s clear wave pools are here to stay.
Amy Schumer shared a candid message to body shamers on her Instagram.
8. Amy Schumer shut down trolls and body shamers on Instagram
This quickly became one of the most shared stories on The Inertia Health. For good reason. The celebrity took to Instagram in an effort to shut down trolls that were commenting on her appearance. “This is how I look,” she said in the post. “I feel happy.”
The Red Bull Cape Fear contest was one of the greatest big wave events ever held. Photo: Red Bull
9. The Red Bull Cape Fear event might have been the heaviest surf contest ever
This was really gnarly. And the scuttle this one-off contest created online was unparalleled in the surfing world.
The Whitecloud Wilderness, where cycling is no longer allowed. Photo: Boise State Public Radio
10. We made a strong case for why the ban on mountain bikes in wilderness areas is dangerous
Namely, because it cuts out the biking community as protectors of these wild places. Mountain biking makes up one of the largest segments of the outdoor industry. Losing these engaged enthusiasts who would fight for wilderness areas might prove much more harmful than simply allowing cyclists to pervade the backcountry.
John John clinches his fourth world title in Portugal. Photo: WSL / Kelly Cestari
11. John John is the 2016 world champ
The first world champ from Hawaii since Andy Irons and the fourth Hawaiian ever, John John’s world title was a long time coming, but that didn’t damper its significance for Hawaiian surfing.
Tim Zimmerman has been documenting Travis Rice for 15 years.
12. Tim Zimmerman opened up about his life documenting Travis Rice
Here’s one gem from the interview: “[Travis and I] ended up driving to Mammoth, where he was living that season, and absolutely destroying our rental van on the way. The kid was pretty persuasive when it came to mischief and it was the first time I got to enjoy all the perks of car rental insurance.”
More than 100,000 people did not want a wall will to be built along Donald Trump’s Irish golf course.
Donald Trump officially became the 45th president of the United States of America in 2016 due, at least in part, to his call to build a wall along our country’s southern border. He also, apparently, wanted to build a wall in Ireland to protect a golf course he owns – destroying a beach beloved by local surfers in the process. But a petition 100,000-signatures strong defeated the proposal.
14. Professional snowboarders, skaters, and surfers went to war against energy drinks
Energy drink companies have had their hands in the action sports industry for quite some time now. But some athletes are realigning themselves away from chemical, synthetic concoctions in favor of healthier alternatives, like coconut water.
15. We got a first glimpse into the Andy Irons biopic
And everybody cries…
