Mitch Rawlins says he sometimes wakes up not knowing where he is, a reference to his hectic travel schedule and not an undisclosed drinking problem. It’s hard for us to fathom a life of unlimited options and having the resources to execute any of them. When we followed Mitch, Jeff Hubbard and Ben Player for a month earlier in the year the most startling aspect of their schedule was the spontaneity with which they moved. Most trips were booked a day in advance with no prior planning and no accommodation, just jump a plane and sort it when you land. As long as the fins and board were loaded and the passport was safely tucked inside the pocket of that sport’s jacket you prefer for flying then everything will be just fine.

Spontaneity is also the word for the creators of Bodyboard Expedition, a test pilot for future competitions. Created by American pro Jacob Reeve and James Prola it is a concept based on picking a country, travelling where the waves are good, filming everything that moves and then posting the clips online and letting the world decide who surfed best. It’s a contest continually being refined, year by year, but one that promises a glimpse of the future for its understanding of the internet and where bodyboarding looks best. This year they took their road show to Mexico where we spoke to Jacob.

Paul Roach recently travelled back to Australia as guest of the DKS events. The mythical father, as one young rider called him, arrived to throw lightning bolts from the tail and the young aspirants didn’t go home disappointed. He’s a father himself these days, living the real life in California, while still being the greatest dropknee rider alive.

Finally, and against all of our better instincts, we’ve got a pictorial feature on how to tow. It’s spring now and shortly the summer blues will have us all wishing we could feel the burning sting of petrol exhaust in our eyes as we hurtle towards an approaching pulse at 50 clicks. It’s an expensive game but on hot, flat days it’s the only alternative for those of us who can’t book an international ticket on the sponsor’s card. 

- Yes, that's Thom Rob on the cover, shot by Brandon Waluew. First time on top for both gents.