strong>You’ve probably noticed we cast a pretty wide net here at The Inertia. Yes, we’re rooted in surf and outdoors, but on a given day you’re going to see that the news, feature stories and films we share with the world range from the best surf photos coming across our desks, to news about the ocean we’d all love to take better care of, to synthetically grown meat and everything in between.
“Surfing doesn’t exist in a vacuum” is a phrase that’s used often in our bright little office in Venice. That’s reflected in the headlines you’ll read on this site. You all have a wide range of interests outside of riding waves, but we love that much of those interests are still somehow shaped by a love for the ocean. So all these thoughts determine how and what we share with you each day.
Funny enough, our readers reinforced these beliefs in 2016. These are the ten news headlines that were shared, liked, and forwarded the most by our readers in the Year of the Monkey, ultimately making them the most read stories amongst our 1.5 million monthly readers.
Spoiler alert: it’s a pretty random mix.
1. The Company That Grows Synthetic Meat From Stem Cells
Yes, that’s a real headline. Science is flippin’ wild, and honestly, it wasn’t a surprise to see this one go viral.
2. When Plastic Trash Killed All Those Sperm Whales
It’s probably impossible for any human to really understand how much plastic waste we create in our day-to-day lives. And by that I mean we all know that single-use bag we bring home from the grocery store is bad news, but we rarely see its impact in our own lives. This was definitely a moment to sit back and look at the impacts of plastic waste on other living creatures.
3. The Underwater Death Pool That Just Kills Stuff
Somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico there is a sketchy little collection of water that belongs in a James Bond movie. This probably would have been a bigger story globally if real life Bond villains were lowering people into it, but the “Jacuzzi of Despair,” as it’s called, was a pretty fascinating discovery nonetheless.
4. When Courtney Conlogue Got Naked Barrels
ESPN the Magazine’s Body Issue is a pretty awesome celebration of athletes. Kelly’s been featured, Coco Ho’s been a part of it, as well as Steph Gilmore, Laird and Gabby Reece. All in the buff, showcasing the bodies that allow them to do such incredible things. But Courtney Conlogue’s addition to ESPN’s annual issue was definitely unique. This wasn’t just a random paddle through a private cove. She strutted straight into the lineup in her birthday suit, surrounded by plenty of surfers, and proceeded to get barreled with nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a pretty rad story. Props to Courtney.
5. That Moment Sabre Norris Became the Coolest Person in Surfing
Don’t mess with Sabre Norris’ donuts.
Just watch it. Seriously. Watch it and laugh.
6. When Amy Schumer Dropped the Mic on Body Shamers
Former Editor of The Inertia Health, Taylor Pitz reminded us of the impact social media has on surf culture and pop culture alike with this one.
7. The Dude Who Keeps Jumping Off of Gnarly Stuff in Orange County
This 8Booth guy is pretty wild. Maybe you prefer to say he’s stupid. Either way, you can’t help but be scared for him, dumbfounded and fascinated all at once when watching his viral GoPro videos. It’s exactly like not being able to turn away from a car wreck. Whatever you do, just go out and find a different hobby for yourself, please.
8. That Time a Dolphin Top Roped Some Kid
I have a simple rule to go with all my awesome dolphin sightings in the water: never surf a wave when you know they’re cruising the lineup. They’re the coolest creatures ever, I love them to pieces and find them completely fascinating and beautiful in every way possible. But geez they’re wave hogs. The odds of this happening are slim to none when you find yourself partywaving with a dolphin, but ask this kid if he wants to do it again.
9. Hawaiian Airlines vs. Kelly Slater
Paying exorbitant sums of money to bring your surfboards along with you on a trip just feels wrong. It should leave airline execs across the world feeling a bit dirty when they rack up millions upon millions in unnecessary fees, but it doesn’t. Proof of that came after Kelly Slater and Bob Hurley called out Hawaiian Airlines for what they felt was some unfair treatment in transporting a few surfboards. Actually, I think Kelly’s description was way better than mine: “It’s a default profit racket.” The news wasn’t so much about Kelly’s and Hurley’s gripes though. It was the airline’s response: “We totally get that you guys are mad at us. So let us tell you in this Instagram post that we’re actually going to do nothing different. Mahalo.”
10. You People Will Seriously Believe Anything…
I’m not sure if we should have felt guilty when this one started to make a buzz, but solid creativity bonus points to The Inertia’s Senior Editor, Alex Haro, for his April Fools’ headline. Maybe it just goes to show that Kelly Slater can (and might do anything) and it wouldn’t surprise anybody. So, in hindsight, is really that crazy to think of the 11-time Champ buying the WSL and adding his wavepool to the World Tour schedule?
No, it really isn’t.
