“I didn’t even know surf journalism was still a thing. But if it is, Mondy is still one of the best at it. And he probably needs the money.” Mick Fanning, shark survivor, soft top maker, 3X World Champion.
“It’s a difficult decision; 10 bucks a month for a load of Mondy’s unique breed of surf journalism, or a flat white at my local. Can I have time to think about it?” Ryan Callinan, Newcastle professional surfer and amateur photographer.
“Even though Rod Cunthorpe was a filthy, dirty, parasite, he was the only surf journalist I trusted. Which isn’t saying much.” Joel Parkinson, beer baron, barrel dodger, 2013 World Champion
“Mondy? Is he still around?” Kelly Slater, pensioner, 12X World Champion
What is the Surf Bugle?
Surf journalism with a humourist twist, exclusive athlete interviews, some nostalgia for those that need it, travel writing… and Rod Cunthorpe. I’ll provide a weekly newsletter, aka the Surf Bugle, providing bite-sized chunks of everything you need to know from the gut lining of the surf world. There will be two Cunthorpe columns, and down the line guest writers, subscriber input, the odd podcast, and tales from professional surfing’s coal face.
What Will It Do?
The aim is to inject surf humour directly into your eyeballs on a regular basis. Ideally, readers will get addicted to the mix of all-access, surf stories that keep surf fans wanting more. Then once hooked, I’ll keep up the dosage. It won’t be cut with ads, advertorials, censorship or conflict of interest.
Who Is Rod Cunthorpe?
Rod Cunthorpe was a satirical surf journalist and cult hero who had a column in Tracks magazine for over a decade. Rod however flew too close to the sun, and a mix of WSL propaganda, a Mick Fanning restraining order and rumours of inappropriate sexual behaviour on a press trip to Sea World, meant he was forced underground for ten years. Now he's back to fearlessly and carelessly cast his bung eye over the modern surf world once again. The Bugle is his platform. The surf world is his oyster. Strap in, or on.
Why Subscribe?
Cause I need the money. Because the surf media and the surf industry is eating itself. And having written for every major print and digital surf publication for the last two decades, it was time to bring my experience, opinion and access to the table, without fear or favour. You get your kicks, I get some coin, and surf writing remains a… thing.
Who Is Ben Mondy?
In 2000 I left the finance industry to score my dream job of becoming the Deputy Editor of Australia’s biggest surfing magazine, Tracks. Since then I’ve combined my passions for surfing, travelling, and writing into a business that creates content for editorial platforms and brands in the action sports space.
On the editorial front, I have been a senior contributor to all the significant surf print and digital publications around the world, and the sport’s governing body the World Surf League. My travel writing, primarily based on skiing and snowboarding, has been published in the UK’s major mainstream titles including the Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, and the Times.
I am a regular contributor, and provide video production consultancy, for Mr Porter, when the fashion world wants to collaborate, rather than collide, with the surfing one. I also provide copywriting for brands including Billabong, luggage brand Db, Ocean & Earth, Wavegarden, and luxury watch brand Breitling. I have also written scripts for several Red Bull video surfing series and a recently filmed ad campaign for GoStudent.
As a broadcaster, I anchor the WSL’s live TV coverage of all the major European surfing events including the Nazare Tow Challenge and Challenger Series tournaments. I am the BBC’s Olympic Surfing commentator having covered its debut at the Tokyo 2020. I also compère live corporate events, film premieres, summits, and panel discussions. In essence, I enjoy the sound of my own voice.
Born in Newcastle, Australia, I have been living in Europe with my English wife and two children since 2006, which has not been long enough to lose my Aussie accent and love of a laugh. My passion for surfing hasn’t diminished, even if my ability to do it has. Ronnie Blakey once compared my surfing style to Pam Burridge. I took that as a compliment.
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