I am a complete magazine junky, i love magazines, have them scattered everywhere throughout my house. Transworld Surf, and Skate, Thrasher, Surfer, Surfing and The Skateboard Mag to name a few. Recently while devouring some of these publications i stumbled across a couple articles focused on style. Arguments being made that style has become overlooked a little in this day and age of tail whip recoveries and flyaway non-flyaways (you know the ones where they fly out, land on their back, pet the kitty, roll up the windows, etc. etc.. then stand up a hundred yards in riding a dooky little dribbly piece of whitewater) Skating isn't as bad yet, style is still considered important, hell some pro skaters make careers off being steezy characters who just chill and crush it, with style, when their sponsors need them to. Rob Machado would be the surfing version of that, but hes paid his dues making it as a top level competitor, so its different.
I don't know, its a tough subject for me, i feel like i surf pretty decent, can squiggle through a heat, can boost a little air and maybe get a shot, but being a stylish surfer? Not my thing. I think my style is likened to a drunken gorilla? Kinda flaily and wild, but i get the job done, clear the woods so to speak? Anyways, coming in July the ASP is going to J-bay, a wave that really prefers a stylish surfer who can go fast and draw smooth lines. I'm going to pay close attention to how the judges award the stylish surfers who are making things look good, compared to the ones who are just completing manuevers getting the job done. Maybe if i study this enough i can start surfing as stylish as a sober chimpanzee.

heres a couple examples of style in action, let me know what u guys think about it? important? not so much?

Mark Appleyard- one of most stylish skaters ever!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlgsYpFStSA, heres a link to video of him killing it, watch his style, arm placement, smoothness

Joel Parkinson- stylie master conneisuer/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIhwbT3zrQQ link to Parko video, it has the sickest 50 cent remix to it! The song is great, its horrible really, but in a great way!