WSSM Winter/Spring 2012

$9.99 U.S. & CANADA

Mahina Maeda photo by: GaryMsCreations.com

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Yukiko Whiteside photo by: GaryMsCreations.com

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Letter from the Publishers

As I write this, we’re hours away from submitting the last of the files to the printer for final production. Whew! It’s been super busy around here these past few weeks, Thanksgiving crept up and was time well spent with family, and now Christmas is right around the corner… the season of giving.

I’m stoked to see these past 5 months of work, finally turning into the project that we here at the WSSM office, had hoped for, and spent countless hours on.

This issue is once again jam-packed with stories and experiPhoto: Wayne ences from women of all walks of life. We love how they’ve come forward from around the world, contributing to the magazine with their time, and sharing their enjoyment of surfing, and how it has changed their lives. They’ve contributed to us because they felt they had a story worth sharing and remembering for generations, and they are what’s making WSSM a real community connection, and bringing us all together. We thank them, and encourage YOU to also share your stories with us for future issues.

You’ll also enjoy a peppering of advertisements (thank you to our advertisers-- it’s how we stay alive as a publication) that you won’t see anywhere else... companies that are giving every thing they have, to create something new and make a difference in the surfing world around them-- the real American dream at work. We hope you enjoy their creativity, and encourage you to support them in return.

It feels good to have worked so hard, and see it to fruition, which brings me to the New Year, 2012.

We often make unrealistic goals for ourselves around the turn of a new year and into the first few months. Goals like working out harder, eating right- not just “better” or taking dance or yoga classes. It’s usually all or nothing when it comes to making changes, which is why most of them are simply unrealistic to incorporate, because our daily lives are already so busy being spent just trying to survive and hang on to our “stuff”.

As we move into the New Year we once again have a clean slate to work on, offering a chance to do something different in the coming months, and not just the things that benefit our careers. Small changes in how we view and treat the world around us should be high on our list, and worked on all year, not just in January.

In the tough economic times ahead, reaching out to those in need in your community, or making more time for the important things in life- like spending quality time with family (that doesn’t involve spending money), or slowing down the hectic pace of never-ending work/school/activities/ to-do lists, to simply enjoy a free sunset or day at the beach with a friend, spouse, or family member will be more important and rewarding than ever before.

By making a few small changes and eliminating just a couple of the things you know are not benefiting you, or are dragging you down, then you’ll have more energy and resources, to give to others around you.

When it’s all said and done, it’s not going to matter what car we drove, or how many designer jeans were hanging in our closet, or how well we did in a surf competition. We will however, remember what we did or didn’t do as individual people, to leave this world a better place for the next generation. And I’m not talking about a greener planet—though that’s all well and good, also. I’m talking about leaving the world a kinder, more loving place: a place where courage, strength and morals are respected and achievable standards, a place where you receive a helping hand from someone besides a government official, and a place where you can practice religious freedom… in freedom.

The world is changing… are you helping change it for the better? Wouldn’t that be a goal worth striving for in 2012? This is a year of choices, and the future starts with each one of us, one day at a time. So as another year speeds by once again, I encourage you to do some soul searching, and discover what you believe and why you believe it, and why you are-- who you are.

Today is the day to take a stand, and while you’re at it, look at those that are standing with you. Is that really who you are? Or are there some drastic changes that need to be made in your life?

Stand by your standards, and work hard for your dreams- without envying the success or “pure luck” of others, while striving to make a difference in the lives of those around you, by being the person God created you to be.

PUBLISHERS:

Sandra & Dan Olson

EDITOR: Debbie L. Olson

CFO: John Dotson

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Renee Williams, Sandra Olson, Amanda Fernandez

A big thanks to John for all his hard work & attention to detail!

WRITERS: Sandra Olson, Dan Olson, Tia Calvo, Amanda Fernandez, Rachel Kathleen Stallings, Carolyn Palma, Renee Williams, Amanda Rigney, Shelsea Brown, Teresa Hodge, Deborah Irvin, Zofia Karubin, Bethany P., Christina DiMari, Claire Miyamoto, Holly Beck, Gina Abou-Sayf, Karissa Correa, Tracy Rubert, Roxy Saffaie, John Olson, Christina Frankel, Nichole Wagner, Jordan Klinger, Jenny Yoon, Morgon Hoesterey, Mary Osborne, Leanne Darling, Kristy Wright, Jenni Sell, Lindsay Schwarz, Joachim Hill-Grannec WSSM STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Daniel KawasakiDaniel K. Fine Arts, John Olson, Dave Gregerson- 20foot. com, Dan Olson- WSSM, Dale Basye - HologramVision. com, Gabriel Fernandez, Matt Olson, Jordan Klinger, Karissa Correa, Rachel Kathleen Stallings CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: WahineSurfer.net, PaulTopp.com, Teresa Hodge, Corlyce. com, Rip-Pics.com, GaryMsCreations.com, Shelsea Brown, SpikeRaymond.com, Jim Whitney, Aaron Nakamura, Gabriel Fernandez, Daniel Russo, Christina Frankel, Jay Haysey, Wilber Bergado, Charles Lanceplaine, Glenn Brumage, Wingnut Weaver, Nancy Hussey, Matt Schweitzer, Tyler Fox, Michael Friedman - Big Surf Daddy Photography, Goyo Martin, Kelly Latimer, Jennifer Ouye, Meghan Whitney, Jimmie Hepp, Lolita James, Ozzie Jack Clarke, Holly Amodio, Harry Weiwel, Kevin Seid, Cat Slatinsky, Richard Bradley, Alex Irvin, Darrell Wong FASHION COORDINATORS: Trish Edwards, Deborah Irvin SPECIAL EVENT COORDINATORS: Brandy & Rob Chang I.T. DIRECTOR: Stan Olson EDITORIAL & PHOTO SUBMISSION: WOMENS SURF STYLE MAGAZINE P.O. Box 22853 Honolulu, HI 96823 ONLINE: www.womenssurfstyle.com Publisher reserves the right to edit all submissions for content/space purposes at their sole discretion. Upon receiving, all submitted materials become the property of WSSM with full reprint rights, and will not be returned. Please send copies of your originals.

WSSM is published twice yearly. Distributor and advertising information can be obtained by visiting womenssurfstyle.com.

No portion of WSSM may be copied or reproduced in any way without written permission/consent of WSSM editor/publisher.

Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. All surf photos submitted to, and seen in WSSM, are for content purposes only and remain the sole property of the individual photographers. Reproduction in any way is strictly forbidden. Contact info for photographers may be obtained by visiting their websites.

Copyright 2003, WSSM Women’s Surf Style Magazine All rights reserved. Printed in Hong Kong.

God bless each and every one of you… and we’ll see an even more awesome you-- next issue!

Sandra

&

Dan Olson

WSSM Publishers/Editors

Cover Photo: Quiksilver / ROXY Surfer: Sally Fitzgibbons

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She Surfs GETTING

FIT for surfing

70

“Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit.

You are what you repeatedly do.” -- Shaquille ONeal “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” -- Proverbs 31:10 (KJV) “Character is the sum and total of a person’s choices.” -- P. B. Fitzwater

In This Issue LIFESTYLE 60

BEAUTY BOX | ASK ROXY Makeup tips & product reviews for surfers, from celebrity makeup artist, Roxy

62 62 64

Recipe Corner

64 66

Beginner Tips and Tricks

68 70

YOGA

Sunscreen

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

New Label Regulations

Book Nook & Movie Night

Shimmer, The Surf Girl Handbook, My Mommy Taught Me To Surf

Publisher Tips

Bikini Stash, Faux Wallet, Hot-Water Beach Shower, Long-Strong-Beautiful Nails Dancing on the Lake

Getting Fit For Surfing

SURF STOKED... live, breathe, surf 26 34 38 46 54 72 80 82 83 84

RAILS & TALES

Nicaragua... An epic surf destination

RAILS & TALES

Panama: Wahines with Wanderlust

RAILS & TALES

Costa Rica: A Surfing Melting Pot

RAILS & TALES

The Girls of Brazil

RAILS & TALES

2 Girls’ Adventure Through South Africa

Sunset Sessions

Those Last Golden Moments of Sunset

Surfing

My Serendipity

Winter Surfing in Maine 10 Quirky Reasons

Why Surfing Is Awesome

The Long & Short of It

Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid

to Go Short

86 88

Spotlight On

Barneys

Surf & Snowboard

MY COMMUNITY 92

Meet the Designers:

Calavera, Bridget Turner Jewelry,

Dawn Taylor of Sik Chix & Lovechild Surfboards

94 104

SHE SURFS !

Chloe Child (94), Sandra Goodwin (96), Melody Pence (97), Shyla Nuxol (97), Christie Lawnick (98), Sasha Leitner (100), Angela Yurtin Meadows (102)

SHE SUPS !

Jennifer Lee (104), Gillian Gibree (106), Halie

Harrison (108)

SURF ART & MUSIC GALLERY 110

MEET ARTISTS: Caylin Spear: Surf Into A Positive Life (110), MT Bourque (112), Ashley Loydd (112), Heather Brown (113), Amy Hammond (114)

116

POETIC MUSINGS 115

Writings by: Lorenzo Lago wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 15

SALLY

PRO - FILES

Fitzgibbons

136 144 148 150 152 156 158

136

Sally Fitzgibbons Macaulay Sisters:

Get’n Real with Sally Ellie, Laura & Bronte

How to get a Sponsor Stress-Less

by Mirabai James

by Stan Popovich

Giving Back KK in Nicaragua An Interview with Rachel Tominaga Trick Tips Throwing Buckets of Spray, by Courtney Conlogue

160 162

Meet the Champ Rossi Klein The ALL STARS Take on Nicaragua

other goodies 24 90 116

Inside the Industry

At the Surf Expo Tradeshow

CENTERFOLD Hottie

Jace Lansing

BEACH FASHION 2012 Beach & Lifestyle Fashion

wssm essentials 18 20 22 168 170 171

This Issue... ONLINE Voice of the Surfers Industry News

WSSM website giveaways

Your voice- being heard!

Get the surf industry scoop

Surf Shop Directory Surfer Resources Global Surf Camp Directory

Photo: ROXY

26

NICARAGUA

Advertisers

67 Belly Dancers in Paradise 58 Body Coral 4 Calavera 172 Central Pacific Computer Services 65 Charming Shark Surf Jewelry 151 CHICABRAVA 159 Chick Sticks by Lola 105 Coffee Talk 172 Darrell Wong Photography 99 Exceed Wetsuits 173 Fernandez Photo Art 2, 180 Frisky Shoes 65 GaryMsCreations 67 Guria Beachwear 81,83,85,87 HONU 103 Kahuna Creations 8 Keoki Surfboards 173 Indoboard 105 Island Lace 67, 173 Lorenzo Lago 147 Meeks Surfboards 172 Nukumoi Surf Co. 172 Ocean Star Gifts 89 Odina 159 OnIt Pro 147 Pivothead

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161 115 109 19 69 21 173 61 63 178 107 37 107 172 57 172 17 25 155 173 6 23 109 174

Popoyo Surf Lodge Pualani Hawaii Puka Patch Raw Elements Riggs and Pulley ROXY RV’s Ocean Sports Salon Cookie Couture Salty Sweet SeaSucker Second Wind Sik Chix Siren Surf Stephen Slowey Computer Repair Sunbum Surf-N-Sea Surf Expo Sweet Waterwear Taca Airlines Tasty Crust Violet Love Wave Riding Vehicles Wax Buddy WSSM Surf Camps, Lessons & Resorts

SURF

Skate

SUP

DIVe

BOUtIQUe

Surf Expo offers the best brands, best buyers, and best business-friendly venue for the surf, skate & other action sports industries—all in one place, all at one time. Held January 12-14, 2012 in Orlando, Florida, Surf Expo offers seminars, demos, contests and 1,700 booths filled with the latest innovations and can’t-miss gear from the action sports, resort and fashion industries.

Come together… Register today at surfexpo.com.

Register Now

January 12-14, 2012 Orlando, Florida surfexpo.com

SOUVeNIR / GIFt

ReSORt

SWIM

T O nline womenssurfstyle his Issue...

We’re Digital Subscriptions Greener Soy based inks, recycled materials, and digital subscriptions!

Every little bit helps, so we’re happy to do our part by printing with soy based inks, recycling all materials used during the production process, and now, offering you a greener alternative to our print magazine... digital subscriptions!

Logon to womenssurfstyle.com to subscribe digitally

A lot of us are finding ourselves more and more on the go these days, but that doesn’t mean we have to disconnect with our favorite sport. With technology more accessible than ever before, and apps being written for everything under the sun, we knew it was time to offer a digital alternative to our printed version, and help those not near the big bookstores, to be able to enjoy women surfing at their fingertips, anywhere, anytime.

While saving resources, it also helps you save some hard earned cash too, at only $1.99, digital subscriptions make great gifts for landlocked friends.

CLICK & WIN

Industry News

Press releases, upcoming industry events and parties, new team riders, bikini collections and products on the market… the WSSM blog and Industry News column is where you’ll find up-to-theminute surf industry related news, to keep you in the scoop. So check back often!

(Want to see YOUR company press release or news on our site? Log on to womenssurfstyle.com and click on CONTACT. We’d love to hear from you!)

.com

Extra Content

Printed pages pose limitations when it comes to selecting from among the hundreds of photos we’ve gathered on our WSSM surf trips to exotic surf destinations like Panama, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

Available exclusively online, enjoy previously un-published photos from our “Rails & Tails” surf travel stories, as well as random and behindthe-scenes images and video from the current beach and lifestyle fashion guide.

Printable Postcards & Posters

Love the spirit of WSSM, and the beauty of the surf images on our pages? Any woman, any age, any size or shape, out enjoying her God given right to surf? Then you’re going to LOVE the new digital downloads section on our site.

A collection of some of our most popular surf related photos that you can print out, share with friends, and create poster art and collages… for free!

FREE

RIGGS AND PULLEY

a collection of art objects created from recycled goods, wearable or utilitarian.

Made with passion from unusual and spectacular things like remnant forms, fabrics, textures, patterns, and colors that inspire. Wonderful, one-of-a-kind bikinis!

goodies every month!

Logon to womenssurfstyle.com or

SIK CHIX

facebook.com/womenssurfstyle

“Bad hair day? No problem! Grab this super chic beach cap from Sik Chix, a cute, hip, new line of womens action sports apparel with a positive message...

“More than just a shell”.

every month from Jan. ‘12 - June 2012 for your chance to win!

HONU T-shirts, visors and slippers... from chic to practical, Honu delivers on their promise of comfortability, no matter the occasion.

15 lucky winners every month !! FREE Goodies !!

Visit womenssurfstyle.com for all your details & information

“WSSM” WAX COMBS

BY WAX BUDDY

PETER GRIMM HEADWEAR Keep the sun at bay, with a “Lifeguard” hat from Peter Grimm! Perfect for a surf safari or long day at the beach.

18 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

The WAX BUDDY incorporates a scraper, a comb, and cupped rail edge, and it’s trademark is the handle-- that provides incredible leverage.

“WSSM” SIGNATURE T-SHIRT

Celebrate surfing and your support of it, in a WSSM t-shirt, with our new block-logo lettering, in ice blue ink over crisp white.

V

oice of the Surfers

Keala passed on your magazine to me recently with her photo from Jaws in it.

I had never seen WSSM before and I was really stoked on the content, quality, and size of it.

WSSM has such a wide range of topics, info and photos that really appeal to surf girls across the board.

You’ve got great travel features with beautiful photos, I really like all the fitness tips especially when it’s coming from surfers I respect and admire, like Courtney Conologue, but then to have some more basic and easy to do yoga beach techniques is really cool.

It’s cool in your Community pages you profile females of all ages and levels.

For me, I may look up to surfers like Keala, Claire, and Carissa, but realistically I can learn more and relate to the average girl or female that’s just totally passionate about surfing no matter where they’re at. I could go on and on, but keep up the good work!”

Roberta R. BC, Canada

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I’M A WINNER... THANKS! “So stoked to win your monthly giveaway… a Blu-ray copy of Soul Surfer!

What a great surprise! Just got done watching it and even though I’ve seen Bethany surf during the US Open in Huntington Beach, I have no idea how she can do it. That girl is amazing! And what an inspiration! Thanks again for the Blu-ray! Keep the issues coming, love every bit of it!”

Teri R. | Huntington Beach, CA

WSSM: Thanks, Teri, for the kind words, and we’re stoked for you! Want to win more great gear? See page 20, for a list of awesome giveaways in the coming year!

Wintertime Blues “I love this mag so much, it helps to keep up with the surf world while I’m away from the water till summer starts again, love it!”

spreading the word to your friends/family, that WSSM can be purchased/supported, from your local Hollister store (most malls have one) or Barnes & Noble. Of course, digital & print subscriptions are available at womenssurfstyle.com… and every singe copy purchased is one small way to keep us alive and publishing— for YOU! Thanks, and God bless you.

Deployed in the Desert “It’s hard being here in Afghanistan, but its even harder because I miss surfing and the ocean. However, I got your magazine for my birthday on the 4th of July while deployed over here, and it has given me new motivation.

It keeps my head up and I read it over and over. Thanks so much. It was great seeing all the local businesses from Hawaii, as well... reminds me of home on the North Shore.”

Alexandra A. | Afghanistan

Alex R. | Athens, Ohio

SHAME on the ASP How can I help WSSM? “WSSM/Sandra, I don’t know if you are aware, but I was a winner of one of the Guria bikini’s a few months ago by entering the giveaway in your magazine! I love my bikini and I love reading every issue that you guys put out. It is honestly my bible; it’s all I look forward to at the book store. If there is anything I can do to help WSSM along, please let me know. I will do anything to help this get into other girls’ hands because I feel it is so valuable to the every day female surfer :) Take care and thank you again…”

Elise W. (online)

WSSM: Thanks for the offer to help and for all your support, Elise. WSSM is published for girls just like you, and we’d be eternally grateful if you could help, by

(Below: WSSM Facebook status update, upon the cancellation of the 2011 womens Triple Crown events in Hawaii) WSSM: “ASP - YOU SUCK!!! You (guys!)

cancelled the women’s tour in Hawaii and now selected only 1 woman to compete as a wildcard?? Scared of how good the girls are getting?

Gonna cut in on your precious, molly-coddled, men’s tour ratings?

YOU SUCK, ASP! We don’t support you & you’ll soon see it in print... “ WSSM FANS RESPONSES… Daisy B: “I don’t understand why they would cancel the woman’s tour. I want to know why!!! They can suck it!”

Oldham R.L.: “There is no doubt ladies are coming up and should be recognized for their skills. It is only the foolish now, that continue to put them in a less prominent place.”

Katy L: “I guess the sponsors are a bit

to blame, too. Just take a look at Billabong’s statement when Surfline asked them why they withdrew from the Maui Pro last year: “we’ve had a good run, but we’re constantly looking for opportunities to better leverage the girls’ brand, such as our Design for Humanity event” - a FASHION SHOW featuring skinny models shaking their bums in front of a camera, replacing the best event on the girls tour?!!

Come on...”

Nikki B: “Nikki B. I can feel a boycott coming on.........”

Oldham R.L.: “Large companies that are in a position to make a difference stand on the sidelines because their only true goal is to make a dollar. Their poor appreciation of the true female athlete will be recognized and will lead to their eventual demise.”

Verna W-E: “SUCK INDEED!!!!! Afraid of the competition!!!! Are we???”

Shelsea B: ”That’s why I support WSSM-- Where real female athletes are recognized as so. Screw the ASP. I’m jones’n to surf even more now.”

THANK YOU! “Thank you for inspiring and supporting Surfer Girls... You’re Amazing!!”

Lola B. | Chick Sticks by Lola

7 Hours from the Beach “Thanks for putting out a great womens surfing magazine. I love reading about all the adventures. It makes being seven hours from the beach a lil more bearable. You guys are awesome. The only thing I wish for is more than two issues a year. My three year old lil surfer girl loves looking at the pictures and I’ve caught my husband reading it also, even though he has several surf magazine subscriptions himself. Keep up the good work!”

Misty W. | Somerville, Alabama

SPEAK YOUR VOICE: Want to see your letter in WSSM? Log on to WomensSurfStyle.com, and click on CONTACT! Become a FAN at facebook.com/womenssurfstyle Share your surf stories, favorite surf spots & brands, what surfing is like in your area, or perhaps recommend a friend for a WSSM feature. We’d love to hear from you!

S A L LY F I T Z G I B B O N S

ROX Y.CO M

IN ews

ndustry

INIS THE ENERGY OF THE SEA

SunBum PRO Sunscreen specifically formulated for athletes that demand more rigorous protection!

SunBum, a new sun care company based out of Cocoa Beach, Fl., and trusted by surfers and boarders, introduced its highly-anticipated PRO line of premium endurance sunscreens this past Sept.

2011 at Surf Expo in Orlando, Fl. Their new PRO line is a mineral-based, UVA/UVB, Broad Spectrum sunscreen that is specifically formulated for athletes that demand a more rigorous protection (surfers!).

Hypoallergenic, tested, approved and recommended by the FDA and The Skin Cancer Foundation, the SunBum PRO line is Paraben, PABA & Oil-free, making it an excellent addition to your daily surf regime. Don’t get in the water without it!

Made in the USA. www.trustthebum.com

ZOKSURF It’s about time! Finally, a ZIPPERED surfboard sock, that protects your board while eliminating the hassle of trying to wiggle it into a traditional sock. Showcasing a heavy duty nose protector, quick release toggle drawstring, and three inside mesh pockets- two for storage, and one to secure the tail of your board. Available in 9 sizes and 4 colors. Love it! www.zoksurf.com

From the foamy surf of Ireland comes a fresh new fragrance we discovered at the Surf Expo (Sept. ’11 show). Inis (meaning “island” in Irish) the Energy of the Sea, is a fresh, clean, unisex scent that is reminiscent of refreshing island breezes sweeping across a cool ocean and sun-kissed beach.

Boasting crisp marine and citrus notes, with a soft wave of geranium and lily of the valley, balanced with base notes of sandalwood, oak moss and clove.

Available in four sizes- from a $20 travel size to 3.3 oz. at $50. www.fragrancesofireland.com

JOHNNY RUSSIA

PIVOTHEAD

Introducing high definition, hands-free video recording eyewear, so you don’t miss capturing a second of the action! Perfect for hiking, bike-riding, action sports, surf contests… anything you want to record and save for a lifetime!

Featuring high definition 1080p video, 8MP stills and crisp audio, as well as auto-focus video, gyro sensor image stabilization, face tracking and more. The Swiss material frames come with 100% UV production, anti-scratch, hydrophobic lenses. Polarized models are available.

Easy-to-share micro USB connects to your Mac or PC, so that sharing the fun with family and friends is only seconds away!

We’re stoked to see this fantastic product now on the market. With 16 styles, there’s one for you! www.pivothead.com

PUKA PATCH

At last! An easy ding repair patch that adheres securely to both wet & dry surfaces, is paper thin while maintaining a tight seal, and best of all, they’re small enough to carry in your boardshorts, so immediate repair is available… no matter where you’re paddling out at! Also offering SUP Rail Saver, a strip you place on the rails of your board to protect them from paddle & travel dings. www.pukapatch.com

If you’re a lover of action sports, and being a part of the growing industry, Johnny Russia offers a unique approach that involves YOU! Johnny Russia, a new action sports brand that offers unusual and unique styles, intricately detailing, and head-turning, fabulous fabrics, has developed a system in which consumers of the brand have the opportunity to own stocks in the company, with every purchase.

They’ve set aside 40% of Johnny Russia - for you!

2,047,000 shares will be distributed when products are purchased, so every $25 you spend on buying Johnny Russia products, will get you one share.

And when someone else after you buys Johnny Russia products, you get awarded double the amount of shares for your original purchase, on top of what you were already awarded when you bought it.

It’s all connected so your shares grow exponentially, turning into hundreds and thousands of shares! They double shares in groups up to eleven times until the whole 40% chunk of Johnny Russia is given away to you – the people who believed in them and their products. Pretty cool idea, we think, and the icing on the cake? Their products are all proudly made in America!

Let’s support America together! www.johnnyrussia.com

RAIL GRABBER

by Linda Benson

A lightweight and inconspicuous tool designed to solve the challenge of transporting wide and heavy surfboards to the beach, which solves the problem of many men, women and children who struggle with them. Easy to hide in the sand while you’re in the water, it works as an extension of the hand, giving surfers a secure grip on the rail.

Nominated for Connect’s 2011 Most Innovative Product Award in the action sports category, and made of strong and durable UV resistant plastic, attached to an easy-grip handle by a nylon cord. It also features a pad to grip and cushion your surfboard. www.railgrabber.com

GNARLY CHARLIE SURF SERIES

6x East Coast Champion, Charlie Hajek, is pioneering a new approach to community involvement, encouraging east coast groms/grommettes to stay off the streets, and get into the water and having fun!

Charley’s approach is to teach them at a very young age, the dos and don’ts of competitive surfing, while also teaching them valuable life lessons, focusing on helping them to understand that it is

important to be surfing for the fun of it, as well as developing good sportsmanship, and cementing the slogan… “A good loser is a great winner!” The surf series gives groms & grommettes a chance to build their self esteem, increase confidence, gain respect, improve athletic ability, and most importantly- make new friends.

“I feel that it is important for them to associate with good role models and participate in as many positive outlets as possible” Charlie says. “This will help keep them off the streets and out of trouble.

You can’t get into any trouble in the ocean!” www.gnarlycharleysurfseries.com

GOT NEWS? Want to see your company featured in our Industry News? Logon to www.WomensSurfStyle.com, and click on CONTACT. Send us your press releases, new product launches, team rider profiles... Whatever it is, we’d love to hear from you!

22 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

SURF EXPO Orlando, FL

| Sept. 8-10, 2011 | surfexpo.com | Photos: Gabriel Fernandez, fernandezphotoart.com

Build your brand, network with industry leaders and up-and-comers, gain valuable feedback on your most popular items, write orders, and grow your business... all at the Surf Expo!

Teeki

Cushe

Johnny Russia

CordoBags

LYF

Pivothead

Beautiful Feet

Puka Patch

Cushe

Charming Shark Surf Jewelry

CordoBags

Crystal Photos

Iron Fist

HONU

Aryca

Gibbons Slacklines

Ola Feroz

Ola Feroz

Island Shade Shacks

WSSM Publishers

Dunkelvolk

JIMMY’Z

Fighter Girls

Calypso Studios Inc.

Violet Love

Guria

Toes on the Nose

Honu

Dan / WSSM & Kailani

Sunbum

Smart Girls Who Surf

Kandy Wrappers

WSSM Fans

24 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm Wallaroo Hat Co.

Pura Vida Bracelets

Love is Grand! (WSSM)

Howler Bros.

OOFOS

Sandra / WSSM

Inis - Energy of the Sea

Johnny Russia

Skull Candy Girls

WSSM & Jamie O’Brien

WSSM Fan

Moxi Rollerskates

Treats anyone?

MadLove

Chica Rica

Beautiful Feet

RAILS & TALES . . . Nicaragua

nicaragua

By Dan Olson

Sunset at the Cloud Farm

chicabrava.com

26 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

The CHICABRAVA Surf House, only steps from the ocean and surf

Popoyo Surf Lodge Surf Guide/Photographer, Renato CG. Thanks for the photos!

Every surf trip leaves it’s mark.

My new battle wound/tattoo, after getting wrapped up in my board at Romanzo

Sunset at Popoyo Beach

W

CHICABRAVA owner, Ashley Blaylock, clearly in her element at her home break in Nicaragua.

Photo courtesy of CHICABRAVA

hen we left Hawaii, we knew that if we wanted the biggest and craziest waves, we should just drive up north here on Oahu, Hawaii, to our own backyard. But if we were looking for an adventure, a memory creating surf trip that we would dream of for years to come, then we should head to Nicaragua as planned. Regardless of the size of waves we would get, we were looking for a vacation away from the crowds and aggression.

Blast off from Hawaii… touchdown in Florida I grabbed my Fluid surfboard from a friend in New Smyrna (thanks Gabriel & Amanda), who had been storing it and Sandra’s brand new “Chicks Stick by Lola- Little Screamer” that she was dying to try out for the very first time. Rental car jammed with boards and bags, we made our way to the Taca Airlines counter at the Orlando Intl. airport.

Flying TACA is always a pleasure. The staff is friendly, and they don’t act as though you are wasting their time, trying to check in surfboards. They’re eager to help you explore their country, and it shows, and with surf travel and tourism just beginning to boom in their country, they’re always curious and excited for you to experience “some of the best waves in the world”.

There are several ways to get to Central America on Taca, such as non-stop flights, that are a little pricier, but get you there super fast- and are great for those with schedule restraints, or the option of multiple stops, which gets you a better rate, AND the opportunity to see other countries like Guatemala, and El Salvador, en-route. Though you’re only visiting the airports, it’s a great way to stretch your legs, cruise the gift shops for souvenirs and coffee, and then hop back on board a Taca flight, where you’re served ANOTHER free meal, and complimentary juices, sodas, coffee, and yes- even adult beverages, too. International travel on Taca is like no other these days—they still believe in customer service.

Touchdown: Managaua, Nicaragua We made it! CHICABRAVA’s driver was waiting for us to take us back to camp, so after loading our boards, we piled in the A/C’d van, and eagerly took off. The main roads and highways were extremely busy, and packed with cars, horses, mopedtaxi services and yoke-laden oxen pulling heavy wooden carts. What a trip!

Sweet sleeping accomodations at the CHICABRAVA Surf House

The Nica’s are a very friendly people, much like the Salvadorians we met on our previous surf trip to El Salvador (Read about it in our Wtr/Spr ’11 issue).

taca.com

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Rails & Salvador RAILS &Tales TALES. ....El. Nicaragua

JJ & Kims girls (also below), owners of the Popoyo Surf Lodge. How killer would it be to grow up surfing at Popoyo?!

I once caught a fish...

Photo by: Renato CG Not an uncommon sight to be trading uncrowded waves at Manzanillo

Ashley Blaylock, owner/operator of CHICABRAVA Photo courtesy of CHICABRAVA

nicaragua Unlike our less-welcoming closer neighbor, Mexico, who in recent years hasn’t been the biggest fan of their neighbor to the north, the Nica’s greet you with a shine in their eye and big, welcoming smiles, un-begrudging you of your American heritage, while eager to have you there and enjoying yourself.

About 2 hours later, and after a quick stop for lunch, we arrived at our first stop, CHICABRAVA, where we were met by its lovely owner, Ashley Blaylock. A transplant from the USA, Ashley set out on her own down here, dancing to the sound of a different beat, and making her dream of running her own surf camp a reality.

She offers two different styles of lodging, from the eco-conscious, boutique style Cloud Farm (yes, you’re practically in Heaven when you’re up there), located on hundreds of acres of indigenous forest, fruit orchards and organic gardens. It’s quiet and peaceful- perfect for the surf/yoga enthusiast, to the Surf House, which is located on the main street, beachfront road in the town of San Juan Del Sur. Here the surf breaks are within a rock-throwing distance, as well as nighttime entertainment and local restaurants galore.

We chose the Surf House, since we would only be there for one night and we wanted to experience the Nica culture. After a quick nap that day, we loaded up the van with our boards and headed out for our first surf of the trip, to a spot called Romanzo. We were told that Nicaragua boasts off-shore winds over 300 days per year, so the CHICABRAVA staff assured us that the conditions we would see were NOT normal (messy), but should clean up the following morning. Regardless of conditions, we were stoked to be in the water and were charged up.

Romanzo is a great left-hander that offers a peak for almost all levels of surfing, but that night it was heavy and heaving, as the remnants of one of the biggest swells of the year continued to pound Nica’s shores further north. We scored, enjoying solid 8’ – 12’ sets, with a couple super long lefts that made it all worthwhile. This place rocks for the goofy-footers!

Back in San Juan, the CHICABRAVA Surf House was a bed & breakfast style lodging, with a full Nicaraguan breakfast included, so that left us free to choose from many of the local restaurants for lunch and dinner, which was a nice cultural experience. After a great dinner with Ashley and taca.com

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Photo by: Renato CG Plenty of left-handers for the goofy footers in Nicaragua.

Dan dropping in at Playgrounds

JoJo, the only girl we saw surfing in the Popoyo area while we were there, turned out to be a dive specialist, that trains astronauts for weightless moonwalks in a gigantic tank, at the NASA training facility in Texas... AND she surfs the tanker waves as well.

What a rad chick!

Photo by: Renato CG

Photo by: Renato CG One eye on the lip, one eye on the sandbar, at Playgrounds

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RAILS & TALES . . . Nicaragua

Photo by: Renato CG Beautiful rock walls and massive cliffs surround the line-up at Manzanillo

Dan’s new friend, Erik, a local Nicaraguan surfer, sports a matching mohawk, courtesy of Sandra

Popoyo Surf Lodge

nicaragua her boyfriend at a restaurant built so close to the beach, the high tide lapped at its base, we chatted about her adventures in both business and life in Nicaragua. We then wrapped up the night with a walk through the town after dark, complete with ice cream and floats. Now thoroughly exhausted, we slept soundly, in eager anticipation of an early morning surf session.

Sure enough, bright and early, Sarah Powers, our surf guide, gathered us for our second session back at Romanzo, where the conditions did indeed clean up! Glassy, fun, and not nearly as many close-outs as the night before, we returned to the CHICABRAVA Surf House for a filling breakfast with Ashley.

TIME TO SWITCH IT UP 12noon rolled around and so did the driver from the Popoyo Surf Lodge, our next and final destination for the remainder of the trip. Coming from the busy shores of Hawaii, we were looking for an intense getaway, to get lost in the countryside and forget civilization for awhile. Popoyo promised even bigger, glassier waves and utter seclusion from the world.

Two hours later, we pulled into Popoyo Surf Lodge, and were greeted by our surf guide, who would be coordinating our surf times (“Anytime you wanna surf, guys!”) and meals. The lodge, where all meals were served and internet access was widely available, was HUGE! Their large and friendly staff included boat captains, surf guides, cooks, maids, and security. They even had a beautiful pool and hammock area to lounge in, and some friendly monkeys right outside our “Casita” door, for entertainment. We often snuck them down bits of fresh fruit from the 3 full meals we received each day, and marveled at the difference between the male and female species when it came to eating. Yep, even in monkey form… females are much more ladylike than their counterparts.

Popoyo Surf Lodge is within minutes of several world class breaks, and also enjoys access to breaks only accessible by boat—which was all provided for us by the Lodge. If you’ve never been on a surf trip that utilizes boats for those harder-to-reach breaks, then you’re missing a true blessing.

The cool morning air and sun on your face, and a full breakfast digesting in your belly as you zip across the ocean face is an experience you’ll never forget. So much energy is conserved by not wrestling through sets and monster close-outs just trying to reach the lineup. The motor stops, anchor drops, and there’s the wave!

Our first Popoyo session was spent at a glassy

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taca.com

Popoyo Beach

Massive and glassy, Sandra at Playgrounds (the PERFECT name for this break) on her new Chick Sticks by Lola “Little Screamer” a board custom made for this surf trip. Thanks Lola! (chicksticksbylola.com) Photo by: Renato CG

No need for words... see above caption.

Above and below photo sequences by Playgrounds Surf Camp

A “Casita” at Popoyo Surf Lodge

Real Nicaraguan Monkeys!

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RAILS & TALES . . . Nicaragua

Looking for a possible doggie-door at Playgrounds Photo by: Renato CG

A magical beach ride at Popoyo. Photo by Mike Harvison, who then took a self-portrait (right) as we rode away on the beach. A great surfer, who loves his country and is always down for a good laugh!

surfnicaragua.com

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At the beach launch, headed for surf only accessible by boat

Local chicas on the beach, who lit up with delight as Dan surprised them with a silver wrapped, strawberry and sprinkles frosted pop tart. They were ecstatic!

nicaragua perfection of a split-peak wave, called Playgrounds. With its smooth, cobblestone reef bottom, it spits perfect lefts and rights, with sets rolling in as far as the eye can see. We enjoyed it for HOURS as Popoyo’s staff photographer, Renato CG, caught the action from shore. Thanks Renato!

Back at the Lodge, we became friends with the staff, and after receiving a trim myself, Sandra was happy to carve up the scalp of Erik, with a matching mohawk. Nice!

These Nicaraguans are really great people.

This photo sums Nicaragua up perfectly...

The next few days were filled with surfing, boat trips, and afternoon surf checks, though most days we were so exhausted from the day’s sessions that we simply looked at the closeout beach breaks, and decided to lay by the pool and tell surf stories, or walk the nearby beach.

On our last night there, we were walking the beach under a gorgeous setting sun holding hands when we spotted two teens riding towards us on horses. These were personal, not rental horses, and they were out for their nightly run on the beach… and amped!

I flagged the guys down and asked them if we could rent them for a half hour. They agreed, and we hopped on. Sandra had grown up with horses, but it had always been a dream of hers to cruise, ok, RUN, one on the beach. That night, as dusk set in, we raced down the beach, smiling from ear to ear, laughing, and wondering just how in the world we find ourselves in these exotic locations. This experience was truly a gift from God, and completely unexpected.

Take-off, touchdown, plane changes, and we were Hawaii bound once more, reliving the magical moments and epic surf, in the beautiful country of Nicaragua. This is definitely a surf destination NOT to be passed on, a real goofy-footers paradise. However, don’t wait too long before booking your surf trip here and expect to forever enjoy un-crowded and secluded breaks all to yourself, because the word is out and spreading fast... that Nicaragua IS an epic SURF destination! F

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND: TACA AIRLINES | taca .com CHICABRAVA | chicabrava.com

taca.com

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RAILS & TALES . . . Panama

Wahines with

Wanderlust Story & photos by Sonia Jaafar

I live in landlocked Toronto, Canada.

I am also a surfer. Which brings you to this story, a story of travelling surfer girls in search of waves.

Welcome to the Chica Trip 2011!

The evolution of the Chica Trip started a few years ago when I ventured into Costa Rica on a girls only surf camp. The trip was obviously a huge success and I haven’t looked back; surfing is my life now! But being landlocked, I needed to travel to satisfy this desire for waves.

I recruited some fellow campers and some friends from home and the following year we met up in Nicaragua to experience the same. The same is this: waves, sun, surf, camaraderie, empty line-ups, and the list goes on... you could throw in good food, good times, and the odd injury (usually me). All are standard ingredients for a surf trip.

I’ve discovered that the women you meet surfing are cut from the same cloth. We become friends instantly and share a love for the ocean, a love for surf, and a love for adventure.

Our planning took months. We agonized over potential destinations, time of year, camps vs. independent travel, and all was done via our favorite social networking site. Our group was now comprised of Linda (Los Angeles), Danielle (Portsmouth), Kristen (NYC), Cory, Eryn and me (Toronto, Canada). Unfortunately, we were short a few

Eryn Stewart, Cory Stewart, Sonia Jafaar, Linda Ly, Kristen Fortier

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of the other girls due to work and other life commitments. No doubt though, we will re-unite in 2012 (currently in its planning stages!).

The decision was finally made that in 2011 we would adventure to Isla Bastimentos, in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, Panama, to seek waves in the Caribbean. I was anxious to surf Caribbean waves again, having recently returned from Barbados where I met and surfed with Melanie Pitcher, the owner of Barbados Surf Trips, who was featured in the spring, 2011 edition of WSSM. Getting to Isla Bastimentos involves arriving in Panama City, then jumping a prop plane to Bocas, then water taxi to Bastimentos. The water taxi or panga would turn out to be our transportation for the week as all the breaks are boat access only.

Bocas has been referred to as the Venice of the Caribbean, as most people get around by boat and not by car. The prop plane flight via Air Panama offered us postcard views of the archipelago: aqua blue water, reef fringed islands, moored sail boats - we knew we were in for a treat.

But treat didn’t describe what our first water taxi ride had in store for us.

Paradise. We had arrived in paradise!

None of us spoke as we bounced across the ocean towards our home for the week. We smiled out

Kristen Fortier, Sonia Jafaar, Eryn Stewart, Cory Stewart

Sonia at the helm, Matt - the “boat guy”

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RAILS & TALES . . . Panama at the ocean, we turned and smiled at each other and when we saw a reef break crash in the distance, our smiles grew! We settled in quickly and rushed to Wizard Beach to meet with our surf guide, Scott. He suggested we meet early the next morning to surf Black Rock as the swell was perfect for this A-frame beauty. Sounded good to us!

Linda and Sonia

In the right conditions, Wizard Beach offers a wave, but it wasn’t to be during our week. As the sun started to rise, we fueled up on oatmeal, rum flambé bananas (thanks to Linda who is without a doubt the chef in the group!) and Panamanian coffee. It’s so easy to get up at daybreak when you know you’re going surfing! Even amongst the rain showers we had been experiencing, the sun was proving to be relentless. We slathered on sunscreen and packed rash guards in the hope that this would provide us with the protection we needed. We would later discover that it wouldn’t be enough.

Down at the marina where the stylish catamarans anchored and the more utilitarian sailboats docked, Matt was waiting with his boat, the classic and familiar panga. It was like the ones you see in Mexico and the ones you see in Costa Rica.

The only differentiating marking appears to be the name clumsily painted on the side. She was typically traditional with her white exterior and that classic blue interior. She was to be ours for the week.

A panga with 7 people and a variety of boards has her work cut out for her. So we didn’t get to enjoy the skipping across the ocean as we had done on our arrival; nonetheless, the ride was exciting and fun as we headed to Black Rock.

The views were exquisite: palm trees, mangroves, white sand, the crystal clear azure water, and around every point another view of paradise. We anchored and marveled at the seeming perfection of this A-frame. How was it we were lucky enough to surf this beauty for hours? ...just us!

Clean and empty, we were stoked. My first wave however, ended in the harsh reminder that this lovely wave existed because of the reef below. It wasn’t a fall, it was just bad luck as I kicked my legs and my foot grazed the reef.

At the time it stung, but now the scars are happy memories of the Chica Trip.

After a long morning of surf, sometimes up to 5 hours (Black Rock wasn’t tide dependent), we would land at one of the local restaurants to devour a well earned lunch. Our favorite was Roots, a colorful and rustic place over the water. There was a choice of four tables and a choice of two meals: either the chicken or the fish, prepared in the open kitchen. We’ve all had these meals: simple, fresh food made extra exquisite due to the post-surf stoke, exhaustion and surroundings.

And while we re-fueled, Alvin, the reason why Roots was our favorite, would strum his guitar and sing us laid-back reggae.

You couldn’t ask for a better day.

Our week continued with a similar ritual. The swell did change and we ventured away from Black Rock and surfed First Beach. First Beach is a beach break, so it worked a bit harder.

The wave was steeper and faster and was a perfect opportunity for me to try a shorter board.

At first it was wobbly just to paddle away from the boat; I wondered how I would even think about catching a wave.

After stalling on the shoulder a few times, I realized in order to get this little thing moving I had to get in closer to the peak. Not a place I’m very comfortable being in. However, the steepness that I avoided was exactly the steepness that the shorter board needed and I was proud of myself for the two that I caught.

It was to be a short week once you take into account the travel time from Panama City. Six days comes and goes in a hurry and we wanted to spend a day in Panama Viejo, the old city. Our flight back to Panama City departed early, so our final panga ride across to Bocas town was in the stillness of dawn.

Few words were spoken as we departed from our home in paradise. Partly from the sadness and also fatigue from a late final night of celebration! Here’s to next year and the next installment, The Chica Trip 2012.....! F

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A “war wound” on the 1st wave of my 1st session in Panama

Wahines with

Sonia Jafaar

Wanderlust

RAILS & TALES . . . Costa Rica Evie Johnstone @ Secret Spot

Evie Johnstone

Place of Birth: England | Hometown: Costa Rica Websites: www.eviejohnstone.com | www.ricasurf.com Sponsorships: Calavera Swimwear, Manual Surfboards “I moved from the UK to Costa Rica when I was 18 years old to follow my dream of being able to surf everyday. I had intentions to go and travel around South America, but the surf in Costa Rica never stopped and I ended up staying and staying, and that was over four years ago now! I have always loved surfing more than anything. It makes me so happy and I love the lifestyle that accompanies it. For this reason, I set up a surf camp and surf tour business out here in Costa Rica, named Rica Surf. With my British business partner, Nancy, we both strive to share our passion and love for surfing (and Costa Rica!) with everyone that we can, and we are continuing to build and grow our company everyday.

As well as Rica Surf and teaching surfing to our clients, I am really focused on pursuing my dream to become a professional surfer. I train hard every single day and I am trying to do as many competitions as I can. With the help from my sponsors, I hope to start doing some of the WQS competitions around the world next year to start off my mission to get on the world tour, which is my goal!

My favorite surf breaks are Backwash-Matapalo, KaramusIndo, and Playa Hermosa-Costa Rica.”

My hobbies include surfing, eating, and road trips…with pizza, sushi, and cookies being my absolute favorites!”

Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica: A Surfing Melting Pot Story & photos by Gabriel Fernandez

I had a feeling something was missing.

I needed to go one more time to Playa Hermosa. I felt the need to meditate, relax and shoot some surf.

I said goodbye to my photography colleagues after 8 days of climbing the mountains of the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde.

I had come to Costa Rica for the fifth time, but It was the first time I would be exploring a different part of this paradisiacal country. This time the idea was to explore and photograph nature with the company of a group of students of the Daytona State College, guided by Professor Steven Benson who lives in Orlando, Fl, but considers Costa Rica his second home.

Wednesday morning, August the 10th, 2011, I decided to prolong my stay for 4 more days. I had a feeling something was missing. I needed to go one more time to Playa Hermosa. I had the need to meditate, relax and shoot some surf. I rented a car and started driving, heading to the Jaco Beach direction. Big surprise! They had finished the Interamericana freeway, a new road that saved me an hour of driving through the mountains.

I was there in less than 2 hours.

My first stop after Jaco was La Pizzeria Bocha to get some Argentinean empanadas. They are the best empanadas I have eaten in my whole life. Afterwards, I went to the Hermosa Beach House. It is a nice small hotel with hot water, ac, cable, and a refrigerator. It is very clean, the staff is super friendly and the rates are great. It is located just steps from the ocean and you can see the waves just by going out of your room.

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fernandezphotoart.com

That afternoon, the waves were not doing that great, so I decided to go get some cold refreshments and chill out in the pool area. There is a hot tub and a couple of hammocks to just sit and do nothing, but enjoy life.

Thursday morning I was energized again and the waves were growing. I walked down the beach heading to Las Olas, where a lot of the locals surf. I was in search of the surfer chicas and they were surfing right there. I started shooting and waited until they came out. I introduced myself as a freelance travel photographer for Women Surf Style Magazine and the reaction was great. I felt welcomed.

The first chica I met was Danielle Ciminero and her husband Gary Lynn, surfer and videographer. They are super nice people from California. They offered to take me around to different spots during the next few days.

Later I met Evie Johnstone from England, together with Monica Fagella from Italy and local, Roger Chun at Cabinas Las Olas.

Through Evie and Danielle, I met the other surfer chicas: Jordan Hundley from the US, Michelle Rodriguez, local Tica, Pia Lopez from the Philippines, Mariel Villaroel from Venezuela and Susi Blumberg from the U.S. All of them know each other; they came from different places, but have something in common: their love for surfing!

They moved to Costa Rica to follow their dreams, to be able to surf one of the best surf spots in the world, best of all, located in a super friendly country, with perfect weather and Pura Vida spirit!!

Playa Hermosa is a melting pot for surfers and here are their stories of how they ended up living in paradise. F

Jordan & Evie head to Secret Spot Evie, Pia, Michelle, Jordan, Monica, Susi and Mariel

RAILS & TALES . . . Costa Rica

Michelle Rodriguez

“I grew up in Zarcero, a town in the Costa Rica Mountains where I went to high school. I have been in love with the ocean my whole life, since I was a little kid. My mom used to take me to stay for a couple of months at the beach for our vacations.

I’ve always been creative and that is the reason why I studied fashion design. Six years ago I moved to the beach to learn how to surf. I thought surfing was something a person could learn for a couple of months, but it changed my life. The city fashions were not that interesting to me anymore and so I found myself designing bikinis for surfing and beachwear. This is how in 2009, I began with a friend of mine to start our own brand called “Dkoko” (dkoko.com), with the idea of creating swimwear that have the “Costa Rica fit” we like; it is not too big or too small and are good for surfing.

Michelle @ Secret Spot

I wouldn’t change my life at the beach for any other life. I love to travel and every time I go somewhere else I realize how great it is to live in Costa Rica and how much I love my country with its perfect waves, warm water, its places and people.

My favorite waves are La Curva in Hermosa, Matapalo, in the south and Uvita Island in the Caribbean. Pura vida!”

Jordan Hundley

Hometown: Hudsonville, Michigan, and Costa Rica Sponsors: Calavera, looking for more “An adrenaline junkie from birth, I grew up like most kids in Michigan riding dirt bikes, quads and even tractors. Riding waves wasn’t even a thought until at the age of ten, my parents decided to move me and my family to a small beach town in Costa Rica. It was here that I, as a little girl from Michigan, found my second home amongst the waves.

Good bye tractor, hello surfboard!

The initial transition to Costa Rica was difficult. I left behind friends, family, and a competitive gymnastics career. It wasn’t until I watched my older brother take out a surfboard that something clicked. Not being one to sit on the sideline, I asked my brother to take me out surfing. It was with that first wave that everything changed.

I entered my first contest seven months later, and although I finished dead last, it was the fuel this die-hard competitor needed to motivate me to be the best. I continued to train both in and out of the water and eventually took first place in my next three contests. Since then, I’ve been making a name for myself amongst the top Costa Rican surfers, since becoming the Costa Rican Junior Champ for the last two years.”

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Evie, Gabe & Jordan

Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica:

Hermosa Beach House HBHCR.com

A Surfing Melting Pot

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RAILS & TALES . . . Costa Rica

Monica, Jordan, Evie and Susi, heading out Evie @ Caldera

Danielle Ciminero heading to Secret Spot

Evie & Monica @ Playa Hermosa

Caldera leaves it’s mark on Evie

Daniele Ciminero

Hometown: Charlestown, Rhode Island “I started surfing late in life, about halfway through my 18th year. I stood on a wave once at age 14, but was unable to continue surfing without a set of wheels or a license.

When a friend mentioned the beautiful warm water waves in Costa Rica, I jumped on a plane to check it out. For the past few years, I’ve been cruising between Rhode Island and Central America- pursuing my lifelong surfing dream one wave at a time… often trading wall murals or paintings for a place to stay.

Costa Rica is such an amazing place, I’m grateful to have been able to spend time here over the past couple of years!

My favorite places to surf?

Uh, that’s classified information. It generally involves really fun, uncrowded, warm water beach breaks.”

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Danielle @ Caldera

Evie Johnstone @ Hermosa

Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica: A Surfing Melting Pot

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RAILS & TALES . . . Costa Rica

SURF BREAKS EXPLAINED

by Gary Lynn (Danielle’s husband)

Playa Hermosa The nice thing about Playa Hermosa is that it always has waves. Even when everywhere else is flat, you can go down the beach and find a decent wave. There are also miles of beachbreak to choose from. At any given tide there is a part of the beach that is working. The vastness of the beach also lets you get away from the crowds. It’s also nice that it is conveniently located between Esterillos and Jaco, meaning you are never far from wind protected waves from any wind direction. You can also count on it tubing at the low-mid tides on a daily basis.

Caldera This is one of those rare breaking gems that if you actually get it good, you are one lucky person. It needs a pretty specific swell direction to get in here and the right tide, but when it all comes together, it is magical. The nice thing is that there are an abundance of other waves in the nearby area that have more lenient tide and swell directions that will be working if Caldera is not.

Secret Left Point Most people think that you have to make the trek all the way to Pavones or MataPalo during the big southwest swells to score good

waves. The truth is that there are some incredible waves that take these same swells only about an hour drive north of Jaco. This wave is just one of the gems that dot this stretch of coastline. There are a variety of waves in the region that will take different tide windows, so you can surf all day up here.

Now it’s your job to come down here and go explore for yourself!

Pia Lopez

Hometown: Quezon City, Philippines, and Savannah, Georgia- USA “I am in Costa Rica, and have been surfing for a year and a half. Everything I need in life... all my passions and things I want to learn, like surfing, natural living, just being a real human being, they are all here in Costa Rica.

When I was living in Nicaragua, I met 2 friends from Playa Hermosa that invited me to come to visit and surf. One was a love interest, and although things did not really work out, I fell in love with the waves and the jungle here.

I packed my bags for 1 week, two weeks maximum, and I never ended up going back to Nicaragua.

My favorite surf spots would be Playa Hermosa, and Pavones, here in Costa Rica. And my non-surfing hobbies include snowboarding, mountain biking, and learning about holistic healing and medicinal plants.”

Susan Blumberg

“I am from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I started coming to Costa Rica with my boyfriend and friends before I knew how to surf and even then just fell in love with the country, the ocean and the beauty of watching all the surfers.

I decided to get married in Costa Rica about 2 years ago and shortly after we decided to move here. I was lucky enough to get hired at Costa Rica Luxury Vacation Rentals & Tours in the Los Sueños Resort, and I still work there now. Since then, I bought my own board, and decided I was going to finally learn to surf. I would go out every morning before work and just go for it the best I could. I finally started to stand up and get the hang of it, learning the feeling of getting up in time and riding down the line.

A few months ago, Evie helped me find the board I am

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currently riding, and thanks to friends like her and the other awesome CR surf girls, I am continuing to work on my surfing and just enjoying my time in the water!

I went to school for both creative writing and then graphic design. My hobbies, besides surfing, include photography, design, the fine arts, writing poetry and playing with my dog on the beach. I also love music. I’m a Deadhead, and I am now trying to learn to play the drums.

My goals and dreams are to become a better surfer and to be the best person I can possibly be, to somehow contribute and better society, and to be happy.

I have several surf heroes. Not to embarrass her, but definitely Evie is one of them! Watching her surf, she’s so natural and graceful, and she is also so supportive in helping my own confidence in surfing. I really like watching Carissa Moore and Coco Ho. Steph Gilmore was the first woman surfer I ever watched surf. I always loved to watch Andy Irons surf, and fell in love with the Endless Summer movies, especially the first one.

I do think, for me, that women surfers are more inspirational. I think… “Okay, I can do this.” And surfing with girls, I definitely get better pointers and advice.”

Monica Faggella From Basilicata, Italy

“I am a painter and designer artist that found Costa Rica to be very inspiring for my art. Though I’m living here now, tomorrow… Who knows?

Previously I was a wakeboarder and wakeskater, and was the Italian champ several times. I’m now retired from wakeboarding and have started surfing. My favorite surf spot is Pavones, Costa Rica, and my surf idols are Rita Levi Montalcini and Bethany Hamilton. PURA VIDA!!!!!” F

Jordan placing her Calavera sponsor sticker Danielle Ciminero @ Caldera

Jordan Hundley @ Corralillo

Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica: A Surfing Melting Pot

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RAILS & TALES . . . Brazil Maresias Beach

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Renata Porcaro

The Girls of

BRAZIL Photos and story by Rafael Fazano | rafaelfazano.com

Opportunities do not fall from heaven.

However, some months ago, I believe that a particular opportunity did appear to change my life when I had a chance to shoot Brazilian surfers for WSSM.

A wonderful mission, but it made me a little worried and anxious.

I had reason: we were in a period of few waves in the S達o Paulo coast.

Surfers and many others end up traveling to Hawaii, California or Australia when this happens. Even knowing this, I began to search other places outside my hometown.

On the southern coast, in the island of Florianopolis, is a place with possibilities for good waves all year round. There I met four wonderful champions: Chantalla Furlanetto, L鱈via Guimar達es, Marina Rezende, and Carla Balsimelli. During this time on the magical island, I was surprised by the willingness and energy of the girls. They were the first to enter the sea and the last to leave every day. They vied each wave on the outside and took many of them against the guys, always getting the best of the series.

Chantalla Furlanetto

Meanwhile, the wave situation had not improved in S達o Paulo.

It ended up as a frustrating session with the friendly bodyboarder, Carla Balsimelli, who needed more tubular waves. next page... wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 47

RAILS & TALES . . . Brazil

Livia Guimaraes, Chantalla Furlanetto, Marina The winter brought a few strong swells. Only a few waves that came from the sea storms that arose in South Africa ended up arriving by Thurs. Still, I know that the most passionate surfer, Fernanda Infanti, showed that through her love of the sea, even in unfavorable conditions, it is possible to surf and find good waves; not only the main peaks, but some of the surf beaches that are only practiced in specific waves. Great for us, thanks to our persistence and willingness!

Claudia Ferraz is a true waterwoman, and has a great history here. She was responsible for introducing me to many of the girls photographed. She spares nothing for surfing, skateboarding ... and enjoying life! She works with filming and editing, especially surfing and traveling the world to capture the energy that is reflected in her life. “I love to catch the biggest wave ever, because I love to feel all the energy of the sea,� she says.

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The Girls of

BRAZIL

Fernanda Infanti & Andrea Schmidt

Chantalla Furlanetto Fernanda Infanti

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RAILS & TALES . . . Brazil

Christie Aleixo Carla Balsimelli

Andrea Schmidt Livia Guimaraes

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Fernanda Infanti

The Girls of

BRAZIL

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RAILS & TALES . . . Brazil

Renata Porcaro

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Fernanda Infanti

Claudia Ferraz

The Girls of

BRAZIL

The beautiful Andrea Schmidt is an Australian who lives in the famous city of Santos. She has not only looks, but cutbacks worthy of a true “Aussie”.

Time passed and with it the winter. The ripples have improved and many sessions were made and remade. One of the most interesting was surfer Renata Porcaro.

Style is the right word for this longboarder. All maneuvers she did during the waves fit perfectly. I even dare say it was easy to photograph her with all her subtlety and beauty as she surfed on her transom 10 ‘.

But life is not always on the planks of a surfing longboard. Proof of this is a professional skateboarder, Christie Aleixo. She skates as if on a flat sea and drops into concrete waves with her skateboard (longboard), just like she is taming dangerous waves.

There were many months of work and more than 2,500 miles traveled. There were a number of beaches on the south coast and southeastern Brazil where I photographed girls whose routine is the sea, surfing, art, and love for everything they do.

I witnessed all this love become as radiant as the sunrise in a heavenly place! F

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RAILS & TALES . . . South Africa

Two Girls' Adventure through

South Africa Your guide to surviving South Africa: There are more waves than sharks.

Story & photos by Leane Darling

Surf trips are nothing new. Traveling 5 weeks through Cape Town, Jeffrey’s Bay and Durban changed the way I plan to take a trip in the future. During the summer of 2010, my good friend and local South African, Marizanne Grundlingh, and I surfed, learned to play vuvuzelas, surfed some more and played fútbol with the locals during the World Cup of Soccer. It doesn’t necessarily take a lot of money or genius to do a trip like this, just a sense of adventure.

Despite its dangerous reputation, South Africa is home to beautiful mountains and pristine coastlines. It is a country that is worth traveling to and will change the way you think about the world. Here are some tips that I learned on this trip and can be useful to you, no matter where you decide to travel.

T

ip #1: Travel light

Marizanne was looking for a new surfboard on Nelson Mandela’s birthday, while the entire nation was giving one hour of their time in community service in honor of the former president. Jordy Smith had just broken two boards in one heat at the Jeffrey’s Bay stop in the World tour of surfing, all while Marizanne sifted through dusty glass pots and used barbecues, also known as braai kits, at the local thrift store. She found an old green, funky looking fish for a mere 1500 Rand, which calculates to just under $150. Marizanne was stoked on her new board. This was definitely the best way to go due to the rising prices of traveling with oversized luggage.

We were ready to surf the great spots in Cape Town, Jeffrey’s Bay and Durban that we had been hearing about. Driving is a beautiful way to travel within South Africa, and much easier if you don’t have a lot to cart around. We stopped halfway between Cape Town and J-Bay for an overnight stay in Vleesbaai. I learned a lot about how to stay warm in this sleepy village. It can get very cold at night during the winter in a house with little insulation. Instead of packing my entire wardrobe’s worth of winter coats, Marizanne taught me the effectiveness of a hot water bottle in bed at night. Boiled wine is another way to keep warm. Just add one spoonful of sugar and a slice of lemon to boiling red wine and sit back as this tasty drink warms you up. By traveling light, you free up your burden of luggage and have the opportunity to explore the resources that the country may have to offer.

T

ip #2: Travel with a local or know before you go

Marizanne knew exactly where to go and how good the waves were at her beach house in Vleesbaai, just about 3 hours drive from Jeffrey’s Bay. Locals in South Africa know what a special place it is. They know that in almost every single bay along the southern coast Garden Route, you can find a private beach with a peeling wave. They also know that all along the Wild Coast a good wave is just as easy to find as those men in grey suits, aka sharks. Marizanne is a recreational surfer. She’s the kind of person you want to travel with. She can tell you where the sharks like to go and how much to pay the legless car guard who is “protecting” your car, for example.

After getting past those dangers, your trip will be a breeze. There are more waves than sharks. Just remember that.

Our Vleesbai session was pretty epic. We were hoping that Toads, a spot out at the point of the bay, would be breaking. But the swell was not the right direction. Instead, we surfed the beach break and practiced dropping in to massive close-outs. We laughed a lot and Marizanne loved her new surfboard. Even the local body boarders couldn’t get past the colossal white water at this beach-break, so we got to surf alone. Later on, Marizanne and I went down to the local store for more wine. There is only one store in the small village of Vleesbai, and it opens and closes whenever it pleases depending on the owners’ nap and eating schedule. Marizanne also acted as translator. I stood by watching her converse in Afrikaans with the store owner’s son who she has known for years. After leaving, she told me that they were just catching up. He did say that he saw two crazy out-of-towners paddle out in the huge beach break that morning. When you are traveling, the surf and close-outs you find are the card dealt to you that day, so that’s what you surf.

T

ip #3: Make it cultural

In the beginning of the trip, our minds were more focused on fútbol than waves. It was 8:00 a.m. July 3rd when I arrived in Cape Town. Excitement surrounding the World Cup was already in the air at that early hour. The sound of Vuvuzelas and Shakira’s “Waka waka” filled the streets along with smiling faces from all over the world. With enough time only for a small nap and some coffee with Amarula cream, a locally made cream liqueur, we were out on the streets to see the Argentina vs. Germany game at Greenpoint Stadium. I didn’t have tickets to the game, so I sat outside in a bar with an elderly local woman who was drinking a Savannah dry beer and watching the game on a big screen that had been set up for spectators. Belinda was her name.

She represented what the World Cup meant for South Africa: pride. She was a little bit tipsy as she

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At last... J-Bay!

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RAILS & TALES . . . South Africa expressed how proud she was of Bafana Bafana for doing so well and how beautiful the entire world looked as the international spectators paraded safely down the streets to the stadium. The only interruption was when she screamed at Germany as they scored 1 of their 4 goals against Argentina.

What a game.

After the game, visions of barrels and open faces popped back into our heads.

T

ip #4: Pack smart

For a girl like myself, raised in the Gulf Stream of Florida and living in Hawaii, a wetsuit and booties were the only means of survival in the frigid 16 degree Celsius water.

Lladudno Beach in Cape Town is a great spot to catch solid waves. Cape Town is a beautiful city with a dramatic coastline.

Once you get past the frigid waters of the Atlantic and your fingers go numb, the enjoyment begins. Lladudno is a wedgy right hander that barrels fairly often on the right side of the bay. Sometimes there is a nice left that works in the opposite direction to the wedge, which is normally steep and fast. In fact, Cape Town is home to many a barreling wave, but the water is about 10 degrees colder than the waters to the east.

My trip to Cape Town would not have been so nice without the proper cold water equipment.

T

ip #5: Be flexible

Our next stop was Jeffrey’s Bay. Marizanne and I stayed in a hostel called Island Vibe. It was a very comfortable site overlooking one of the more forgiving surf breaks that J-Bay has to offer, Kitchen Windows. We ended up staying there because all other accommodations were full.

It is a 30 minute walk to the epic break, Supertubes, where the pros were warming up for the Billabong Pro competition set to begin on July 15. Despite the fact that J-Bay has grown tremendously in the last couple of decades, it is still a quiet farming village. I recommend Island Vibe for any traveler on a budget. It has a great atmosphere. I felt like I was back in Hawaii. Marizanne and I decided to venture to the other side of the village to surf “The Point”, just a few hundred meters down from Supertubes. What a session!! Picture your favorite right-hand clean point break, and then imagine it being even better than anticipated. Once the J-Bay competition started, though, line-ups got crowded and things got crazy.

We changed our schedule in order to get to Durban’s warm waters a little sooner than expected.

A big swell hit while we were in Durban. The shark nets that are usually there to keep the men in gray suits at work outside the beaches were lifted, due to sardine migration. That didn’t stop us, nor the other

brave surfers, as we all paddled out to one of the many breaks off of Durban’s downtown busy street culture. The winds usually pick up in the afternoon which cuts any good surf session short. Durban’s night life is also great. The quality of the food and the price of the drinks make any morning-after pretty difficult. I remember one night we went exploring downtown Durban and failed to stick to our plan to wake up early the next day in order to get on the surf before the wind did. When we woke up the next day, the conditions were less than favorable. The craving to surf was still very strong, so we were desperate and surfed the flow rider in the local mall. We did catch some sun and surf later on that day. Just a short drive 25 km to the south is the Bluff and to the north is Ballito. The way the coastline is in Durban will guarantee offshore conditions at least at one of the beaches in the area.

This fact, combined with the warmer year round climate that Durban has to offer, make Durban a must see while traveling South Africa.

The most important tip: Have fun!

South Africa has so much to offer. The beauty of the country and the friendly local people make it an irresistible place to visit. The World Cup has definitely attracted more tourists than ever and the country’s tourism will continue to grow.

Its political controversies, strangely conflicting peoples and dramatically beautiful countryside entice any adventurer looking for a thrill. Marizanne and I will not soon forget our exploration and will most likely see all future trips fall in the shadow of our 5 week surf adventure. F

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FIFA 2010

x o B

LIFESTYLE . . . Living Beautiful

BEAUTY Fashion and Celebrity Makeup Artist Roxy

hand selects some of her favorite makeup and skin products perfect on land or in the water. Email her your questions at: roxy@roxylook.com

Photo: Ashley Barrett | ashley-barrett.com

INTRACEUTICALS Opulence Moisture Binding Cream YSL Mascara Singulier Waterproof “A unique formula and brush combo makes this an all-in-one mascara.

A few swipes from the root of your lashes to the tips will give off intense drama by lengthening, curling and volumizing them with zero clumping.

The Pro-Vitamin B in this waterproof formula means your lashes will be conditioned with every use, and you can surf wearing it too!” www.yslbeautyus.com

“This nutrient rich cream goes on light like a lotion, locking in moisture with its multi-weight Hyaluronic Complex. It’s suitable for all skin types and is especially great for those with sun damage or uneven tone, thanks to the potent antioxidant ingredients Vitamin A, C, and E in it which brighten and tighten skin. I love mixing it into foundation to give the skin a natural and radiant glow!”

TARTE Maracuja Creaseless Concealer “This incredible concealer combines high-performance natural ingredients Amazonian clay and pure Maracuja oil to balance and nourish your skin so your makeup wears better. It blends gorgeously, stays put for hours while brightening up your face.

It’s healthy makeup that really works.” www.tartecosmetics.com

www.intraceuticals.com

PACIFICA PERFUMES Island Glow Kona Coffee + Sugar Detox Body Scrub NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil “A sexy two-in-one lip pencil that gives your lips the shine of lip-gloss and pigment rich color like lipstick. This lightweight pencil goes on smooth like butter and keeps your lips hydrated with Vitamin E. The Hyaluronic spheres in it help your lips to appear fuller. This will quickly become a staple in your makeup bag while saving you room in it.”

“This natural body scrub is packed with powerful tropical ingredients in it like coconut oil, sugar and sea salt, so your skin is left exfoliated, re-vitalized and ultra smooth. Kona coffee provides caffeine to help promote good circulation that helps to fight cellulite, un-even skin tone and brightens your skin. the scent is so delicious you will feel like your in the tropics with every use; the healthy glow coming off your body will make it look like your on a vacation there all year round.” www.pacificaperfume.com

www.narscosmetics.com

JOUER Sheer Bronzing Tint SPF 15 “This sophisticated bronzing tint gives you the perfect amount of sheer color and is universally flattering on all skin tones.

It’s both oil-free, fragrance free and filled with antioxidants Vitamins A, C & E. The Chamomile Extract helps to soothe and hydrate your skin while the SPF 15 helps to give you some protection from the sun. It’s a safe way to get a beautiful and natural sun-kissed glow.” www.jouercosmetics.com

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Ask ROXY

Q: I am having a hard time choosing the right kind of foundation and color for my skin tone.

I always seem to end up getting a color that looks good when I’m trying it on, but once I take it home and use it on my own the color seems off. Can you advise on the best approach to choosing the right color foundation? Thanks!

JESSICA ULLOA | Redondo Beach, CA

A:

“Hi Jessica!

Choosing the perfect foundation for your skin has become so much easier, thanks to so many amazing brands offering great options these days, but making sure your color is perfect can get tricky if you don’t go about it correctly.

The first thing to determine is what kind of skin you have: Oily, Dry, Dehydrated, or Normal. The reason why this is so important is because your skin type can actually affect the color due to the formula you choose. If your skin is oily, it can increase the pigment in your foundation once the oils set in if you don’t choose the proper formula for your skin.

For my clients with oily or dehydrated skin (dry in some spots, oily in others), I like to use a liquid oil-free formula such as CHANEL VITALUMIÈRE AQUA or LOREAL TRUE MATCH. These are great oil-free, water-like foundations that offer buildable coverage with awesome skin tone options for color matching perfectly.

On my clients that have dry or normal skin,

I love using cream foundation such as BOBBI BROWN’S FOUNDATION STICK or a tinted moisturizer like JOUER LUMINIZING MOISTURE TINT. Both formulas will keep dry skin hydrated and a fresh faced look while also giving them fantastic coverage.

Once you’ve determined your skin type and formula, make sure you go to the counter with clean and lightly moisturized skin so your natural oils are set in and your skin is prepped for makeup.

Swipe some foundation on your décolleté and let it settle for a minute (this is the area between your neck and your chest). By doing this your face will match your body’s skin tone and avoid that “two-toned” look that screams, “I’m wearing makeup!”

If the color looks like a good match, try some on your skin and if possible take a mirror outside under natural light to be sure that it looks as natural as possible.

Avoid swiping the back of your hand or jaw line; these are “old school” methods that professional makeup artists because they lead to false color matching.

Hope this helps!

x o B

Roxy

XXX

Y T U BEA

ecipe R

LIFESTYLE . . . An Organized Home

Corner

A Used Kitchen...

is a Happy Kitchen

CHEESY SCALLOP POTATOES

by Michelle Olson

Ingredients:

Directions:

3-4 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 1 can of celery or broccoli soup 1 equal amount of milk or cream (use the empty soup can to measure) *using cream makes it richer 1 medium sized onion, cut up (optional) Grated cheese, your choice Flour for thickening

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the can of soup with the equal amount of milk or cream.

Mix a small amount of flour and water together, to be added between each layer.

Put a small amount of the soup mixture into a loaf pan (a glass one seems to work better).

Add your first layer of potatoes.

Add a layer of onion, soup mixture, flour mixture, and then grated cheese.

Continue layering the soup mixture, potatoes, onion, flour mixture, and cheese. *(Adding cheese between every layer is not necessary. It is really great, however, on the top!)

Bake at 350 for about 45 min. Prick the potatoes with a fork for doneness.

D

ID YOU HEAR?

New Label Regulations by Summer 2012 that All Sunscreens Must Display

by Raw Elements

2012 may be the year to bring some clarity to the sunscreen category. Just weeks ago, the FDA finally released their long awaited, updated sunscreen regulations. Though the new regs are a bit less comprehensive with regards to UVA protection than many had expected, they should begin to bring many sunscreen label claims back down to earth, and companies will be required to comply by summer 2012. This will help consumers ensure they are getting better UVA and UVB, ‘Broad Spectrum’ protection.

(For more on what to look for in 2012, see: www.rawelementsusa.com/blog/cutting-through-the-spf-label/)

SPF 50 & 50+… Is it really more protection?

The FDA made final a number of standards, while proposing a cap of the SPF number at “50+” and reviewing the efficacy of sunscreen sprays, since the large body of data does not demonstrate that SPF numbers higher than 50 provide any more benefit than an actual SPF 50. Furthermore, an SPF 50 only provides 1% more protection than an SPF 30 and many experts question whether or not that extra 1% can truly be demonstrated outside of the testing environment.

Sunscreen Sprays: As far as the sprays are concerned; the current data indicates considerable discrepancies with regards to dosages and efficacy in comparison to that of lotions, creams, sticks, etc. The FDA accepted public comments on these proposals until Sept. 15, 2011, after which they’ve been determining the time of review and the fate of the SPF number and spray sunscreens.

New label regulations and sunscreen standards for 2012 (As published by the FDA) Broad Spectrum Protection:

Sunscreens that pass FDA’s broad spectrum test procedure, which measures a product’s UVA protection relative to its UVB protection by way of the Critical Wave Length Test, may be labeled as “Broad Spectrum SPF [value]” on the front label. For Broad Spectrum sunscreens, SPF values also indicate the amount or magnitude of overall protection. Broad Spectrum SPF products with SPF values higher than 15 provide greater protection and may claim additional uses, as described in the next bullet.

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sunscreens with an SPF value of 15 or higher can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, if used as directed with other sun protection measures.

Non-Broad Spectrum sunscreens and Broad Spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value between 2 and 14 can only claim to help prevent sunburn.

tiveness. Sunscreens also cannot claim to provide sun protection for more than 2 hours without reapplication, or to provide protection immediately after application (for example-- “instant protection”) without submitting data to support these claims and obtaining FDA approval.

“Waterproof”, “Sweatproof” or “Sunblock” Claims:

Water resistance claims on the front label must indicate whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing.

Sunscreens that are not water

Manufacturers cannot label sunscreens as “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” or identify their products as “sunblocks,” because these claims overstate their effec-

Water Resistance Claims:

resistant must include a direction instructing consumers to use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.

Drug Facts: All sunscreens must

include standard “Drug Facts” information on the back and/or side of the container.

For more information on the FDA regulations, visit: www.fda.gov/ Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/ UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm239463.htm.

SaltySweetClothing.com

LIFESTYLE . . . Enjoying My Life

Book N ook &

MOVIE NIGHT

Life, these days, is flying by quickly. So taking the time to enjoy the simple, little things that help you to pause and just live in the moment, is very important, especially if you want to look back on your life one day, and know that you enjoyed it to the fullest.

Here are some of our favorite ways to spend some chill time—while still stoking your surfer spirit.

THE SURF GIRL HANDBOOK The Essential Guide for Surf Chicks Everywhere Packed with an insane amount of great info, this is an awesome guide to all things surfing. From how to eat for optimum health, to understanding how waves form and break, to what gear to buy, the basics of surfing and surfing etiquette, and how to progress and practice tricks… it’s a treasure chest of excellent information.

You’ll find fitness routines that will help you take your surfing to the next level, and lessen your chances of injury, info on how to keep our oceans clean for the next generation, and 12 epic surf destinations recommended for surfer girls.

Did we mention? The photography in this book will blow your mind! Beautiful imagery that stimulates and satisfies your surfer spirit, this book will inspire you to get off the couch, and out in the water having fun. www.orcasurf.co.uk

Beginner

MY MOMMY TAUGHT ME TO SURF When we first saw this book, our immediate reaction was… “Now exactly HOW do you teach a little girl to surf—from a book?” But after reading through it, we were pleasantly surprised to see how simple and fun-loving this book really is. It clearly teaches the basics of how to paddle and sit in a lineup, the fundamentals of the surfboard, and even the importance of keeping the beaches clean. A GREAT first book and introduction to surfing for the tiniest of surfer girls. “My Daddy Taught Me To Surf” also available. www.taughtme2books.com

SHIMMER Still by far a #1 office favorite here at WSSM, Shimmer is a beautifully directed surf film, capturing the lifestyle, beauty, and freedom of the Roxy surfer girls.

There’s no cheesy plot to follow, so you easily can drift with each scene and relaxing soundtrack, as you drink in the exotic surf locales, and visual “shimmer”. A truly classic and exquisite film. A little hard to find, so when you do—get it!

Check your local surf shops, or online.

TIPS & TRICKS

As always, we like to include some great tips to help you get comfortable in your new sport.

So for this issue, we’re going to focus on a couple things that you SHOULD do, that will stoke you out all the more.

1

When you see another girl in the lineup, SMILE, then go on your merry way.

No need to chat it up, as she’s probably out there to surf, and not hang out, but if you really want to break the ice, a simple “Great to see another girl out here!” is usually greeted with a bright smile and enthusiastic agreement. Not only do you show yourself friendly, and not just another competitor in the water, but you’re also helping change the stereotype that all surfer girls have a chip on their shoulder, and if they’re really good surfers—are stuck-up. There’s no need for that, we’re all out there for the same reason... to have fun. So next time you’re out and spot another girl—be the first to say a quick hello and acknowledgement that you’re both out there, and you’re more likely to find yourselves splitting peaks, than giving dirty looks.

2

Put a tiny fresh coat of wax on your board, every time you paddle out.

No need to use a ¼ or ½ bar of wax. A simple once-over will ensure that your toes stick to the board on your bottom turns, giving you the grip you need to progress down the line. There’s not anything much worse than taking off on a set wave (all the eyes of the lineup on you, of course) and your heel or hands slip off on the takeoff. No matter how much YOU know why you slipped, it’s still going to look like a wasted wave to everyone else.

3

Never ditch your board. If at all possible, never, ever ditch your board. It’s a bad habit to get into, and is a real hazard to those around you. Not only does it spell “beginner’ all over it, you’re never going to learn how to hold onto it, if you continuously let go! A good mental note, right before the wave hits you, is to tell yourself, that just this once, you’re not going to let go AT ALL… and really concentrate on the pull of the water. 9 times out of 10, you’ll be able to hold onto it, and will become more comfortable and confident, doing so. AND you’ll feel really proud of yourself, too.

4

Training for Massive Sets (shortboarders) The more you duck-dive, the better you’ll get at it, and for the most part, the more effortless it will become. So just keep trying! One great way to train for those long paddle-outs where you get hit with seemingly endless sets is to practice duck-diving, on your way back to shore, or between sets.

Paddle for 10 strokes (5 per arm), then duck-dive. Paddle for another 10 strokes, and then duck-dive. Repeat this for as long as you can until you’re winded—but try to do at least duck-dive sequences as a starting point, and work your way up from there. Not only will this help you develop your duck-diving muscles, but you’ll also have a way to measure your improvement, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised just how long you can keep going, as you practice over several months. Next time the big swell hits? You’re ready!

Tip: If you get really good at this and aren’t getting winded after 20-30 dives, try diving deeper, and deeper, and deeper as you go along. It will better prepare you for those massive duck-dives where your skill will be imperative to your success and safety. F

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Photo: Gabriel Fernandez - fernandezphotoart.com | Surfer: Maia Fernandez

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LIFESTYLE . . . Tips for Daily Living

P Tips

ublisher

FAUX WALLET

Over the years, I’ve found a few tips and tricks that have made a difference in my life, and I’m stoked to be sharing them with you. Enjoy!

-- Sandra Olson

BIKINI STASH

Crime is on the rise, and if you’re in the Hawaiian Islands, a running joke is “If it’s not tattooed on your body, it walks away!”, so creative ways to stash your valuables while out surfing becomes a necessity.

Here’s our favorite way to hide your jewelry. Take an old, nasty, worn out bikini top... the older the better.

Choose one with removable pads, and depending on the number of rings/necklaces, you can leave them in or take them out.

Drop one piece of jewelry into each cup’s pocket (if you have multiple pieces, you’ll want to leave the pads in, and drop one piece of jewelry on each side of the pad, so they don’t “jingle” if the thief was to bump the bikini top while rummaging), wrap the bikini strings around it, loosely, so as to not draw attention to it, and then stash it in plain site, somewhere in your vehicle, as though it was just thrown there. Chances are, if you have other items in your car, the thief is going to go straight for them first, and leave the raddy-taddy bikini top for someone else.

Guys: Your alternative to this is an old (clean) pair of tighty-whities.

Again, the idea is to stash your valuables, in plain sight, in something that most people won’t want to touch.

Now that you have your most important jewelry stashed away in an old bikini top, the next thing to do is create a fake wallet, that fools the thief into thinking they actually got some loot.

Take an old wallet (or buy one from Goodwill), and stash any old debit or credit cards in it (make sure they’re expired).

Add in a few dollars, no more than $5 or $6, but have them in singles, so it looks like there is a lot of them, and you can even toss in some old local business cards, or anything else you would normally put in your wallet.

Then place it in the door, or in the glove box. Not in plain enough sight as to tempt someone to break in—but easy enough to find when the thief starts rummaging.

The goal is for them to find it, take a quick look inside, see the credit cards and money, and thinking they’re making off with a BUNCH of cash, they then grab-n-go! (Leaving your old, stained, bikini top filled with the REAL loot, safe and sound)

HOT WATER - BEACH SHOWER

Nothing makes you feel less like surfing, than the thought of shivering into your cold clothes after a session. With your body temperature already lower than normal just from being in the water for hours, warming it up is easier than you think and you’ll find yourself actually looking forward to the hot water, as soon as your feet hit the shore.

Use (recycle) an old bottle, preferably one of the giant juice bottles you get from Costco or Sams (ask a friend if they have one), and fill it with HOT water. Then use a cooler, and place the bottle(s) in there, to stay hot while you surf. Don’t have a cooler? You can also cut off the sleeves to an old jacket, sew up one end of them. Then turn the other end over and sew it, leaving a ½ inch “pocket” at the top, through which you can string a shoelace or rope, so that after slipping the water bottle in, you then tighten the string. Now you may not FEEL like filling up the hot water before you surf, but make the effort, because even on a warm day, the hot water slipping over your body gives you just enough warmth to get rid of the ocean’s chill, and will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world!

LONG, STRONG, BEAUTIFUL NAILS

While sitting in the lineup, you often have a lot of time on your hands, waiting for the sets. Here’s a great way to get your nails to grow, AND give you something to do while you wait.

Massage each nail bed, gently, so as to not “burn” the nail bed, making it sensitive, for 15-20 seconds per nail. This activates the nail bed, while increasing blood flow, which will cause your nails to grow dramatically!

Do this every other day for two to three weeks, and watch in wonder as your nails grow strong, long, and beautiful.

It really works!

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LIFESTYLE . . . Daily Fitness

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OGA Dancing on the Lake

Dancing Shiva Pose (Natarajasana)

On the beautiful and magnificent Lake Tahoe in California

By Zofia Karubin -- Certified Yoga Instructor

Life is a dance, and when we are focused and peaceful within, then it’s much easier to glide through all of the challenges we face each day. Yoga is all about improving our lives on all levels; and the Dancing Shiva pose helps us to keep the inner peace and balance, so that we may dance through life, and enjoy each day, and keep our body, mind, and soul ready for the next wave of adventure.

When we practice Yoga before going out for a surfing session, it prepares our body to take on the waves; and when we practice Yoga after surfing, we help our body to restore and regenerate. The Dancing Shiva pose is really great to do anytime.

It allows us to get grounded and become very aware of our body, and it gives us such a great stretch.

The Dancing Shiva pose is fun, but may not be so easy at first. Balance a little on one side, then do a little on the other side.

Keep repeating the pose on each side, little by little, and you will see your body naturally go deeper into the pose by allowing you to stay balanced for longer periods of time, without forcing your body in any way.

(If you have any health concerns, check with your health care provider before doing this or any exercise program)

REMEMBER:

BENEFITS:

F Warm up by rolling the neck around gently, rolling the shoulders up

F Helps to improve balance, focus, and concentration. Also

and back, twist your body to the left and right gently. Be very gentle with your body and don’t force anything.

F Allow your body to relax and stay focused as you do each step of the pose.

F It’s very important to be connected to your breath at all times and keep breathing deeply.

STEP 1

Ground yourself, feel the Earth beneath your feet, focus on one point in front of you. Lift one arm up to the sky, close to the ear. Keep breathing deeply.

strengthens arms, shoulders, and legs (thighs, calves, knees and ankles). This pose nourishes your nervous system, your hips and spine through gentle movement, and helps to enhance your mood.

By opening and stretching the chest, it expands the lung capacity as you breathe deeply.

STEP 2

Balance on one foot, then bend your other leg behind you and grab your foot, ankle, or calf comfortably. You can grab either the inside or the outside of the foot, whichever is more comfortable. Keep breathing deeply. Stay here in this pose with ease, and repeat on the other side.

Keep repeating on each side till you’re ready for the next step.

Zofia Karubin is a certified yoga instructor who resides in Los Angeles, California, where she loves to surf and do yoga on the beach. She has been teaching yoga classes for adults, teens, and children for over a decade. Zofia’s life-long passion for yoga has been passed down from her mother who is also a yoga teacher. Learn at your own pace, how to incorporate yoga into your busy lifestyle, through the online collage of yoga routines by Zofia from previous issues of WSSM. Go to http://www.womenssurfstyle.com/zofia.html Photos by On It Pro, We give you the edge, the rest is up to you!

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STEP 3

Kick back with your foot and stay balanced, gently pivoting at the hips. The hips should be evenly balanced. Keep breathing deeply, focused on one point in front of you. Feel the stretch, the balance, the focus, and strength you’re experiencing in this moment.

Stay here in this pose with ease, and repeat on the other side. Keep repeating on each side till you’re ready for the next step.

STEP 4

Do this step only when your body allows it, don’t force anything.

Keep kicking back gently with your foot. As your body naturally pivots forward, your upper body will eventually be parallel to the ground. Stay here and enjoy the beauty of the moment as long as comfortable, and repeat on the other side.

Finally, when you’re ready, go into a simple forward bend pose (sitting or standing) for counter-balancing your body – bring your head down toward the knees, relax the head and neck, shoulders and arms, and place your hands down on the ground or your ankles. Breathe deeply as you feel your back gently stretching.

After a few breaths, come back up slowly as you inhale; carefully rounding the back, rolling up slowly, until your back is upright and exhale. Stay here and enjoy the beauty of the moment for as long as comfortable, then inhale and come up to a standing position, and repeat on the other side. F

Namaste: My inner light bows to your inner light.

Yoga outfit provided by TahoeMadeAttire. The V-neck tee, sweatpants, & sweatshirt are made of a lightweight comfortable and breathable cotton/poly fabric. All their clothing is perfect for any workout, yoga practice, or just taking it easy.

Visit them at www.TahoeMadeAttire.com

LIFESTYLE . . . Daily Fitness

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You’re Now Warmed Up...

etting

By Carolyn Mandelino,

FIT for surfing

Certified Personal Trainer Photos by: Daniel K. Fine Arts | Model: Chloe Child Hair & Makeup by: Beth Fitz and Steven Ngov

Don’t forget the technicals!

 All exercises can be done starting with 3-5lb dumbbells/or a 32 ounce (2lb) water bottle like a Gatorade or PowerAde bottle.

 Start with 1-2 sets of each exercise, performing 8-12 repetitions. per set.

Work up within a few weeks to a higher weight and 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps.  Remember to keep ALL movements slow and controlled and hold and squeeze muscle being worked for 2 seconds at the top portion of each movement. Try not to “cheat” by swinging the weights around or loosely dropping the weights on the downward motion. Push the power on the first lift--and resist the Earth’s gravity by slowing the motion in the downward phase.

It’s the muscles “time under tension” that maximizes results.

Ready, Set... GO! Under the Curl

| Chest/Lat pullover for extra paddling and push-up power

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t’s that time of year again; time to dust off the old surfboards hanging in the garage-and the popcorn out from the crevices of the couch after watching and pining over all those surf DVDs this past winter. Surf’s Up, girls--it’s time to get up and go!

Now you’re all mentally psyched to get out there, but are you physically ready to go? Probably not.

So why not be in the best shape BEFORE you hit the water this season?

The best thing to do is start getting in shape 6-8 weeks before your toes even touch the whitewater.

You can have those long, kicking surf sessions right from the beginning--and not in 4 weeks when you are finally conditioned--what a waste of those first few weeks!! It also helps prevent injuries that can keep you out of the lineup the whole season---Ahhhh---Perish the thought!!! So here are some great training tips that will have all the other surfers-even those tiny “Eveready battery” groms wondering what you put in your Cheerios that morning.

First, let’s start with some basics from the American College of Sports Medicine--for general fitness, do a minimum of 3-5 days a week, 20-30 minutes of Cardio work-outs (swimming, biking, running etc.), and 2-3 days of muscle training 1-3 sets of 8-12 reps,--training all the major muscle groups, which is one exercise for each of these body parts: chest, back, biceps, triceps, shoulders, abs, and legs, (i.e. with dumbbells, bands, exercise machine, etc.).

Incorporate stretching before and after those routines. It’s a good idea to get in a yoga or Pilates class once a week for keeping extra limber and preventing pulled muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Start: Lie on a flat surface with knees bent up-holding a 3-5lb dumbbell, or 32 ounce water bottle in each hand, with arms held straight up to sky above chest.

Finish: Drop arms back to

behind the head--don’t go deeper than that--(2sec. pause), then come back up to chest level again.

The Seaweed Picker | Bent Over Rows for building your back strength and stroke--getting you quicker into the wave Start: Stay in this bent-over position, with head slightly elevated during entire exercise, holding weights or water bottles in each hand, w/arms hanging straight down.

Finish: Pull arms up hard, as if you were picking seaweed-(remember to squeeze at top for 2 sec. in all exercises) and slowly drop arms down again.

Try to do these workouts on the days you aren’t surfing. Surfing itself is enough of a workout, but you should stretch a little before and after you hit the high seas. So aside from the basics, here are some “Sport Specific” exercises that will help you specifically with surfing and keep you prepared and strong for whenever mother nature is having a particularly bad hair day!

You can add these exercises or substitute them into your regular routine for that specific body part.

Being fit is the key to being stronger, better surfing and less injuries--which basically translates into more STOKE!!! Good Luck--and always have FUN!!!

START WITH SOME WARM UP (before) and COOL DOWN (after) STRETCHES: 1) Do 15 large arm circles in one direction, then do 15 in the reverse direction--repeat again on both sides.

2) Reach down and touch your toes--keep head

slightly raised to avoid looking down and getting a dizzy head-rush when lifting your head back up-hold stretch 15 seconds, come up and repeat.

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3) With hands clasped in front of you at chest

level, with elbows raised on the same level, do slow and controlled side-twists. Don’t go past the side of your body, and rotate your head along with your torso--keep movements slow, controlled, and don’t bounce--hold for 15 seconds and repeat.

4) Taking a wide foot stance, do side bends,

reaching overhead--hold 15 seconds for each side, repeat. Keep a good posture while stretching, keep all movements slow, controlled, and without bouncing--try to really “feel” each stretch. These stretches are great to do before and after your exercises or surfing.

Where Are All The Waves | Shoulder Shrugs for strengthening the neck when a huge wave crashes on top of your head

Model: Chloe, Photos by: Daniel K. Fine Arts Tank: “Rebecca’s Racer” in Innocence, by Violet Love (violetlovebrands.com) | Pants:”Class” in Northern Lights, Sports Bra: “Meghan” in black, both by TEEKI, made in the USA of 79% recycled plastic, 21% spandex, and silky soft to the touch (teeki.com)

Hang Ten | Side Shoulder Lifts for powerful shoulders to push that board up through the whitewater

Start: Stand with legs shoulder width apart, holding weights or dumbbells in each hand with arms held comfortably at your sides.

Finish: Simply shrug your shoulders up as high as you can towards your ears--and then go slowly back down again.

Crouching Cutback Squat for getting those legs quickly on top of your board-- and keeping you on it

Start: Standing with legs shoulder width apart, arms comfortably at sides with hands holding weights or water bottles.

Finish: Raise your arms up to your sides, with force, to shoulder level--no higher--and slowly bring them back down again.

Clam Crunch

| Abs for tightening the upper and lower abs-to help build torso strength as you’re whipping through your turns

Start: Lie flat with knees bent, arms folded behind head for support (don’t pull on your neck while rising). Use ab muscles only to lift your torso.

Finish: Curl up both the torso and the knees, meeting both ends up in the center like a clam closing--focus on squeezing the ab muscles at the top and slowly go back down. F

Start: Stand with legs a little wider than shoulder width, toes slightly turned outward, posture straight with hands resting on top of thighs.

Finish: Start squatting by slowly bending your knees and pushing your gluts (buttocks) far behind you as if you were sitting back into a chair, bending forward slightly while squatting, hands sliding down thighs to the kneecaps; don’t bend deeper than your knee level.

Keep your knees behind your feet in downward stage--and slowly rise up again. You can hold on to a secure surface (couch, countertop) if you need help with balance in the beginning. Work up to squatting without support.

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SURF STOKED . . . live, breathe, surf

Sarah Dean

Dan & Sandra Olson

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Sunset Sessions

Shelsea Brown

Photos: WSSM

those last

GOLDEN moments of sunset

As the day fades into evening, magic unfolds all around you.

The sky cloaks itself in luxurious rays of oranges, pink, reds, and purples.

The wind softens to a whisper; a stillness comforts it’s depths.

The city lights line the shore, like a million twinkling stars.

It’s hustle and bustle, light years away from the sound of bubbles, ripples, water drops dancing around you.

Turqouise and gold encrusted sets engulf and obscure wave-stoked surfers, as they glide into shore, their journeys complete.

As unique as each passing wave, so is it’s sunset.

It’s a gift. A gift only a surfer will see or experience.

A gift given to all that take the time to enjoy... those last golden moments of sunset.

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SURF STOKED . . . live, breathe, surf

Brisa Hennessy, Vanina Walsh, Mimi Horiuchi

Leah Johnson Sarah Kohrogi Dan Olson

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Vanina Walsh

Sunset Sessions those last

GOLDEN moments of sunset

Vanina Walsh

Brisa Hennessey

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SURF STOKED . . . live, breathe, surf

Sara Kohrogi Brisa Hennessey

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Mimi Horiuc

chi

Sunset Sessions

Photos: WSSM

those last

GOLDEN moments of sunset

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SURF STOKED . . . live, breathe, surf

Sunset Sessions those last

GOLDEN moments of sunset

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Dan & Sandra Olson

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SURF STOKED . . . live, breathe, surf

Surfing...My Serendipity

by Michelle Noble Gutierrez

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1) Two year surf anniversary photo, 2) Getting brave on a stormy day, 3) Grandma and her Angels, 4) Me and my son, Sgt. Branden Ford-- his first time surfing, 5) My favorite wipe out at Doheny, 6) First time surfing, 7) My 5 kids, together for Brandens homecoming and Nathanials 21st Bday and Christophers 23rd Birthday, 8) After 1 year I can ride!, 9) Kathleen, Tracy, Me, Artie, Lisa DOHO

I came to surfing in my ripe old age of 42. I really thought I was too old to learn. You know, “Can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” After all, I am over 40, I have five kids and I am a grandma. Grandmas don’t surf! But a friend of mine (a much younger friend) and all her surfing buddies talked about surfing all the time when we would get together. One day I mentioned that I always wanted to learn. I said I wish I had tried it when I was younger.

The “wish I had” was not the right thing to say, as I was ganged up on, and told I was never too old.

Before I knew it, a date was set: Friday, July 17, 2009.

have a bit more knowledge, I understand the day I learned is what is considered a “flat” day. My first time out on a board, even the ½’ to 1’ waves that randomly appear are a lot bigger when up close and personal.

As I was walking out, I learned those little waves packed a big punch. Just walking my board out, I was getting knocked down. I know I screamed KOOK, all clumsy with my big yellow rental foam board, which I can’t even get into the water in the little baby waves. But hey, I was a kook. (Who am I kidding? I still am.) During all this chaos, I think I almost knocked my friend over a few times, too.

Even in that small Now comes the part where I try to lay on the window of time, not even board and paddle. Well, that was a sight from the beach, I am sure. I tried to get on, but I two seconds, it was the kept falling off. I could not balance to save my most liberating, freeing, life. This looks much easier in the movies, not to mention from shore. How am I ever going to stand on this if I can’t even lie down and paddle? So I finally figure out my balance. It took feeling in the world. a while, but I got it. Time to catch a wave.

I was hooked...

I could not sleep the night before. It was a restless sleep I describe as the “Disneyland Syndrome.” It is the same feeling I had when I was a child and knew I was going to Disneyland; just couldn’t really sleep because of the excitement the next day would bring.

So the day arrives, and there are no real waves.

I laughed and thought, “How am I going learn in this?” My first impression is you have to learn on waves like you see in magazines. Boy was I in for an awakening! We rented a wetsuit and a 9’ foam board.

indescribable

My friend set me up on the sand and gave me the run down.

She named all the parts of the board, described how the front of the board is like the gas pedal and the back is a brake. She demonstrated a pop-up and then had me lay on the board. Then she said “Paddle, paddle, paddle!” I attempt a pop up, to which she responds “Okay, you just fell off the board.” Ha! I tried a few more times ‘til she felt I was ready.

I now get to put my wetsuit on, which I have never in my life done. My conclusion: even a contortionist would have problems doing this, geesh.

We headed to the water and I was a bit intimidated. The water was cold.

Those small waves seemed a lot bigger to me at this point. Now that I

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My friend had me lay on the board as she pushed me into my first wave and told me to ride it like a boogie board. I was very excited and going fast. Then I go forward: me, my face, nose of board, all straight down… crash! I ended up with a mouthful of sand and saltwater. It was in my eyes, down my throat, and the board was on top of me. That, my friend, is what is called pearling. No fun! I could not imagine that on a big wave. Yikes! I have also discovered that saltwater cocktails are not my drink of choice.

I got on my board and tried again and again and again. I was very persistent. At this point, I still had not technically caught my own wave. I was pushed into them. I finally popped up and was up for just a second. I actu-

ally did that more than once. I was told usually people don’t stand their first lesson, so I was doing good, feeling good, and proud of myself.

I loved it! I was hooked as soon as I felt that rush of water under me and I was up. Even in that small window of time, not even two seconds, it was the most liberating, freeing, indescribable feeling in the world.

I had the determination to get this down.

I started to catch my own waves, but I was only able to knee it in after that. There was so much to process: balance, catch my own wave, don’t pearl, and try to stand up on my own.

We were out for two hours, and it went by fast. I was so excited and could not believe I did this. Even though before I did, a lot of my non-surfing friends were talking about sharks, my age, drowning, and other things to try to prevent me from going. I was so overwhelmed out there; none of that even had time to pop in my head.

Funny thing is… I just wanted to try it, really, only one time, to say I did. However, the surfing bug has bitten me. Or as my sister says, it didn’t just bite me, it consumed me! Now it is two years later and I own two surfboards (looking for a used 8’ as I type), four wetsuits and tons of surf novelties, and I am out in the ocean every chance I get.

I can’t believe I did not try this earlier. I am so glad I found this sport, or did it find me?

I have come to the conclusion surfing is so much more than a sport. It has been very spiritual for me.

I was not expecting this. This thing called surfing has changed everything about me: what I eat, my fitness, how I dress, think, play, and even deal with daily life. Not to mention, I have started a blog about my surfing experience (surfinggrandma.blogspot.com.), and it is being followed internationally.

I have encountered the most amazing people, joined a surf club, and met life-long friends. Surfing has made me find me.

This is definitely something I will be doing for the rest of my life. I will always be a surfing grandma.

I am not out to shred it up or do anything crazy.

I’m perfectly happy cruising on little 1-3’waves, with an occasional 4’.

I know I am not the best surfer out there. I’m not the most experienced or the youngest, but I can guarantee you I am one of the ones having the most fun! F

SURF STOKED . . . live, breathe, surf

Winter Surfing in

MAINE story & photos

by Aimee Vlachos

AUTHOR ’S NOTE: Ashley M cKenney and Hannah F lagg can found tea be ching su rfing during the su mmer m on Kennebu nk Beach ths at , Maine for Wahin e Ka School (M i Surf aine’s All-Girl S urf School).

The sky is clear with a northwest wind blowing onshore at this south facing beach. The air temperature is a balmy 20 degrees and the water is a warm 38 degrees.

There are only a handful of people in the lineup as Maine natives Ashley McKenney and Hannah Flagg slip into their 6mm full suits equipped with hoods, lobster mitts, and booties. Ashley and Hannah might not know it, but they are part of an elite group of surfers. They are 2 of the 10 or so women in the entire state of Maine who brave the frigid temperatures to do what they love: ride the waves.

Ashley may look like your typical California girl with her blond hair, blue eyes, and tan skin, but she is a Maine native through and through.

Ashley’s mom began surfing in Maine in the 60’s, and held onto her 60’s Greg Noll longboard long after she hung up her wetsuit. When Ashley was a teenager, her mom took her out on the same board and taught her how to surf. After she caught her first wave, she was hooked! She has always been drawn to the water and boogie boarded as a child, but surfing has become a way of life for her.

Ashley loves being a Maine surfer, “It is less intimidating because of the smaller crowds. It’s also not as glamorous, and it weeds out those who just want to look the part, and leaves the waves for those dedicated to the sport.”

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Hannah learned to surf at Wahine Kai Surf School in Kennebunk, Maine.

I can tell you from personal experience that she is a natural surfer. She caught her first wave and looked so fluid and relaxed on the board. When I asked Hannah about this experience she said, “Learning to surf is the most adrenaline rushing experience anyone can be a part of. It allows you to connect to the ocean and have a relationship with Mother Nature.”

Ashley finds winter surfing more peaceful than other seasons, but it does have its challenges. “The beach is way less crowded, but in winter the water becomes more dense with colder temperatures. Sometimes you just need that extra push to get out there when it’s freezing. You can sit on your board waiting for a wave, shivering, and wonder what you’re doing out there, but as soon as you ride that next wave you remember what it’s all about.” When I asked Hannah why she surfed in the winter she shrugged her shoulders and said, “It’s simple, it’s uncrowded, that’s it.”

Both Ashley and Hannah have their post-surf session routines which include driving with the heat on full blast, hitting up a coffee drive-thru, and not removing their wetsuit until they are standing in a very hot shower. At the end of the day, they would not have it any other way.

Hannah explains it like this, “I wanted a challenge, I wanted to be a part of something, and I wanted a rush like no other. Surfing has given me all 3 of these things, plus more.” F

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Quirky Reasons Why Surfing is Awesome: Photo & story by Chelsea Pavone

It’s a co-ed playing field. No handicaps, shorter nets, or softer baseballs.

Sex wax smells like root beer. It is called sex wax and it was invented by a guy whose last name is Zog, and it was banned in schools.

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Forget polite conversation. You can be in the middle of an epic story, see a wave, turn around and paddle for it and never feel like you have to apologize for leaving your friend right at the cliffhanger.

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Forget math. One amazing wave in two hours can be better than 10 crummy waves in 30 minutes.

Forget manners. You can spit and blow snot rockets: even when you get out of the water, when salt water gushes out of your nose at inappropriate times, it’s no big deal.

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Forget fashion. If you are going to a spot with a really, really long paddle out, and it’s really, really good and you know that you are going to stay out beyond the point of exhaustion, you can bring supplies. Just share your power bars with a few hungry surfers and all of a sudden that dayglow pink fanny pack you’ve had since 1987 is not so nerdy anymore.

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Things that are not all that difficult on land, such as spinning in a circle, picking someone up, or doing a headstand are so much cooler when you can do them on a board.

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You can surf with someone for years and never know their name, but you always recognize when they get a new board.

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In baseball, when you are sitting in outfield waiting for a big play to come your way, you get bored and stare at the clouds, where you might see a plane. When you’re sitting around in the water waiting for a wave, you get bored and stare at the water, where you might see a fish… or a dolphin… or a 150 year old turtle...or a seal… or a sea lion… or a spotted eel…or a manta ray… or a whale… or a mermaid!

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Unlike basketball, skiing, or running a race, you can actually pee while riding a wave. There’s no need to call a time-out, take off all that gear, or risk losing time to stop and find a bush. Hey, and if you have to wear a wetsuit, peeing in it feels good. Don’t deny it, you know you’ve done it…and loved it! F

SURF STOKED . . . live, breathe, surf

The Long and the Short of It

by Amanda Rigney

: SHORT Why You Shouldn't be Afraid to Go

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ven the most die-hard, retro-loving longboard child of the 60’s can’t deny the sense of freedom and limitlessness one gets when seeing a good surfer fly across a wave on a seemingly too-tiny-to-be-true shortboard.

As impressive as it may be, moving from a longboard to a shortboard can be a bit intimidating. Don’t be held back by the popular perception that shortboards are potato-chip-thin rocket ships reserved for surfing’s elite! Making the move to a shortboard is really very easy as long as you make the transition on the right equipment and keep an open mind. Consider these important points, when making your selection.

1 Anyone can shortboard.

If you’ve said to yourself, “I don’t think I paddle/pop up/ whatever well enough to ride a small board,” you’re just thinking of the wrong type of shortboard. Sure, some are so thin they barely float you, but there’s a greater variety of user-friendly equipment available now than ever. Which brings us to…

2 Select the right shortboard.

Keep in mind that fin set-ups count, too. If you mostly surf crazy beach break, then you need a tri-fin for drive and traction.

Mushier spots call for quad and twin-fin set ups. Some boards are specially designed to be twin-fins or quad-fins, but you can also find boards that are set up to accommodate all three fin arrangements-- if you travel a lot, go for one of those, so you know you’re covered.

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Photo by Siren Surf

Going short means you’re looking for a board between 5’6” and 6’6” long and at least 2.5” thick and 20” wide. You know those wafer-thin boards you see the pros riding in perfect surf?

We’re not talking about starting with one of those -- in fact, the pros don’t even ride those boards in day-to-day conditions. You want a shortboard that paddles fast and gets into waves easily.

This means you are looking for something with low rocker that is fairly lightweight. Rocker refers to how much the board curves from nose to tail when looking at its profile. Too much rocker and you’ll be pushing water and paddling slow.

Too little rocker and your board will feel temperamental and be prone to pearling once you are up. Luckily, most of the retrostyle shortboards being built today have all of these features built in.

3 Demo, try to borrow.

There are so many choices out there that it can be hard to make a decision. And, since everybody’s style and abilities are different, the perfect board varies from person to person.

Visit your local surf shop and see what you can demo or rent, and keep your eyes open for any demo events that the board manufacturers will host with local surf shops. If a board grabs your attention out in the lineup, ask to give it a spin!

4 You still have to own one.

Remember that epic monster swell that had you benched on the shore because there was no way you could paddle your 9’6” long, 20 pound noserider through the whitewash? Those days were meant for your smaller equipment. What the shortboard lacks in paddle speed, it makes up for with duckdiveability. If you’ve been a longboarder your whole surfing life, you probably know the turtle dive, but that move will still leave you tossed around and upsidedown.

The duck-dive, on the other hand, allows you to shoot unscathed under the breakers without losing too much ground. Simply sink your board with your knee and back foot, then when the wave is about to hit you, duck under the whitewash.

If you already shortboard, don’t be afraid to go smaller and try out some of the great retro shapes out there. Try riding a board that’s shorter than you are -- it’s really a trip, and you’ll be blown away by how much more connected you feel with the wave when there is less equipment standing between you and the water. Not ready to go all the way? Mid-length boards, popularly referred to as eggs and hybrids, are a great way to compromise between the longboard’s super easy wave catching ability and the shortboard’s remarkable maneuverability. Going from 9’ to 8’ will open new doors of fun; going from 9’ to 7’ will make you feel like you’ve been given new powers. Keep in mind though, that shortboarding will capture your imagination, preoccupy your thoughts, and make your other boards jealous! F

SURF STOKED . . . live, breathe, surf

SPOTLIGHT ON

Barneys

by Amanda Rigney

One of the most popular breaks in Cardiff, California, is Barney’s, a sleepy peak in the middle of the San Elijo Campgrounds.

Offering soft rights and slightly speedier lefts, Barney’s is a favorite among surfers with abilities as varied as their equipment choices. Longboarders of all ages noseride by as beginners push their soft-top boards through the whitewash and retro-enthusiasts carve across open faces on the outside.

Surf-stoked campers and easy parking add up to crowds, especially on weekends, holidays and during the summer. However, Barney’s has a laid back vibe and the locals are used to seeing new faces in the lineup, thanks to the campgrounds. If you’re looking for more solitude, a quick paddle north or south will take you to another fun peak.

Normally offering soft rights and slightly speedier lefts, Barney’s gentle waves break over a mix of sand and flat rock reef covered in eel grass. Most entries and exits will be on sand, except during extreme low tides and in the

springtime when much of the sand has been swept away by winter storms. Offshore kelp beds are responsible for keeping breaks along the campgrounds glassy longer than most spots in the area, so on days with a slight breeze, Barney’s is usually well worth a look.

Accessing Barney’s couldn’t be easier. Parking is free along the Coast Highway and there is a Day Use pay parking lot with its own entrance at the north end of the campgrounds. From the parking lot, a long set of stairs lead down the cliff to the break. Bathrooms and showers are located at the top of the stairs and scattered throughout the campgrounds. If you decide to camp overnight, spaces start at about $25, and restaurants and a grocery store are all within walking distance. F

BEST TIDE: Low to Medium.

BEST SWELL DIRECTION: W, NW BEST SIZE: 3-6 ft.

BEST SEASON: Fall & Winter ABILITY: Beginner to Advanced HAZARDS: Slippery Reef, Wayward Beginners FUN: 9

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SURF STOKED . . . live, breathe, surf

Snowboard

Surf &

by Meghan Sarna

S

o, I gave up two weeks of riding fresh powder in the heart of the Rockies in Summit County, Colorado, to give surfing a shot in Hawaii.

An opportunity came about for me to live with my brother in Honolulu, Hawaii for a couple of weeks, so I packed ONE carry on suitcase (I was rather proud of myself) and headed off to explore what the ocean had to offer and to try to “better” my surfing technique.

Now, I’m not sure if Waikiki was the best place to rent a surfboard because tourists come and go everyday, but I was really looking to get some helpful information about a decent surfboard for myself. The owner of the surf shop asked if I had surfed before, which I have, but, I wanted him to understand that I wanted to get some “good” surfing in. I had no idea what to look for and ended up renting a ten foot, water logged piece of wood that ended up not only gashing my hip open, but also gave a local the opportunity to call me a “houli” and ordered me to get out of the water with my piece of **** board. Harsh tones to start off my trip.

So, after collecting what was left of my dignity and my board, I brought it back to the renter saying I’d need a couple of days off. Which was fine, because during those couple of days, I took a trip up to the North Shore to watch the Eddie Aikau surf competition. Although the waves weren’t consistent enough to host the competition, I still got to witness the biggest waves I’ve ever seen in my life. I mean, thirty to fifty foot swells! It was a very humbling experience.

From one extreme sport to another, this is my experiment with surfing and some helpful tips for surfers if they feel the need to give snowboarding a shot.

What I found interesting about the surf competition was the initial format of the event.

Although I didn’t go right up to the announcing booth to ask questions, I calmly observed from a spectacular angle and was able to hear and see everything, which is something that is not too common at a snowboard competition.

I noticed that only a few surfers were allowed to paddle out at a time, and had to wait for the perfect moment so that the waves didn’t crash them back onto shore. I also took note on how many surfers dropped in onto each wave for practice. I think I counted seven surfers on one wave! When a big swell was coming into sight on the horizon, the crowd would cheer and shout with “oh’s and ah’s” and it was exciting to see a surfer catch the whole wave and ride it back to shore.

As the whole competition was going on, I saw a ton of female spectators in bikinis and dresses, but I wondered if there were any females out there “charging” the famous pipe. I mean, to be honest, the

closest understanding of a female surfing lifestyle that I have to compare anything to is from the examples given in the movie “Blue Crush”, so I was searching for that ONE female to catch a perfect wave. However, there were no real announcements since the competition wasn’t being held, so I was surprised to hear the crowd go nuts when a little blonde surfer girl ran up onto shore. It was nice to hear that she had support and that people were paying attention to her. The waves were HUGE, and there was no way I would ever think about

paddling out into anything half that size, so I was pumped to see her alive and stoked on shore!

In fact, that one female (I’m not sure who it was) gave me the motivation to get back onto my surfboard and forget about the angry surfer man who called me out on my inexperience in the water. Sure, I’m just a beginner, that’s why I’m trying to learn on the three foot waves!

I was told to surf there as a beginner, so where else was I supposed to go? I’ve taken surf lessons before, but in reality, I felt I only surfed well when I used my natural instincts while being out in the ocean.

The purpose of this article is to explain that “beginner” surfers like myself aren’t trying to get their one wave and tell all their friends that they hung ten in Hawaii. I wanted to surf, and surf well for my own fulfillment and to inspire other snowboarders like myself to try multiextreme sports. I wanted to become a better surfer so I could have a more enjoyable experience and gain the confidence to surf other places in the world. I want to believe I got a little better, and I understand that it’s not like riding a bike! You have to be committed, but that’s just the same with snowboarding. I guess, all I really wanted were some flat out instructions and tips for beginner surfer girls like myself.

In fact, I thought it would be fun to provide you surfer girls with a guide to “legit snowboarding etiquette” for when you travel to the mainland or anywhere else, so you’ll have extra tips for an excellent shred session on a mountain.

Equipment:

Although snowboarding is a total functional sport in terms of attire and equipment, you also don’t want to look like a total gaper (which is equivalent to that of a houli). A couple of main pointers include:

BOARD: Well, I’m 5”7 and 125 pounds and I like to ride a 146cm women’s board. I can fluctuate sizes depending on what I’m riding. If it’s park, a shorter board is more fun (146cm), but if I’m shredding some powder a 152cm board is perfect. Try to rent a board that is NOT from the mountain itself. Go to a local store outside of the resort, because you have better chances on renting a decent board. The board should be light, but the bindings do add some weight.

u

u BINDINGS: I like to use a low-back binding only because it’s more comfortable. You might have the option to try high-back bindings, but I personally find them uncomfortable. There are different types of straps, but honestly, as long as they strap close to your boots, there is no difference.

Don’t let a shop rent you clip in bindings, those are from the 80’s and outdated! u BOOTS: Now, I’m picky about boots only because I have serious flat feet and have to put my orthotics in them (blasted arches). You want to make sure your boots are snug, and make sure you are wearing proper snowboard socks (or long socks) that will stick to your leg and not slip down into your boots. You’d be surprised at how uncomfortable it is when your socks get bunched in your boots, not to mention painful! If you’re going to rent boots…. best of luck. Sometimes it’s actually cheaper to buy your own boots! So, look into that before renting a stinky pair.

GOGGLES: Don’t wear clear goggles on a sunny day, they are pointless and will really hurt your eyes. If it’s sunny and you don’t want to shell out the $100.00 for a decent pair of goggles, sunglasses will work. I’m not trying to persuade you to buy any certain brand, but Anon makes a great goggle to fit a women’s small face. I like to use a mirrored lens (secret identity is cool) with a pink or blue tinted lens, which is best for any light condition. NOTE** Be careful when the sun is starting to go behind the mountain. This is known as “flat light” and a small bump can turn your world upside down if you can’t see it.

u

HELMET: IF you decide to use a helmet (which you should wear religiously) you can wear your goggles over or inside your helmet and rent/buy a helmet that looks similar to the helmets worn in the X-games (or in a snowboarding magazine). Using your old bike helmet will give you two thumbs down.

u

u JACKET: Depending on what time of the year you want to go snowboarding, jackets can make your day a good one or make you miserable. I personally like to wear a coat that hangs just above my knees to avoid getting ANY snow in my pants and to give my butt a little extra padding on those cold chair lifts. Make sure your coat has pockets to store your cash, phone and a sandwich, but MAKE SURE they are sealed and zippered up

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when you’re riding (loosing anything is just plain annoying).

PANTS: Believe it or not, your bottoms are the most important because you will ALWAYS want to wear pants regardless of the weather conditions. There are a ton of pant styles to chose from, but choose one, and make sure they are waterproof! Jeans may be cool if you can whip out a sweet nose press on a rail, but if you’re just trying out snowboarding and complaining about the pain from tucking your jeans into your boots, well, that’s self explanatory.

u

LIFESTYLE: If you decide to go to a ski village and you’re single, be prepared to be hit on. A single lady out on the town is the equivalent to blood in shark water. My recommendation is that you hold your ground and lay off the beer because the elevation will make two beers feel like six!

u

u EXPENSES: Make sure you are well prepared financially for any snowboarding excursion because unlike the ocean (which is free), most resorts cost between $80-$100 a day! If you’re investing in a season, a season pass can go for up to $900.00 US Dollars.

It’s insane, but someone “owns” those mountains and we have to pay to use their lifts, bathrooms, etc. u DIET: A solid healthy breakfast with carbohydrates and gallons of water will make elevation sickness almost non-existent.

Keeping yourself hydrated is a must with the thin, dry air you will be breathing non-stop. Also, a strong chap stick should be used religiously because your lips will be crying if you don’t nurture them constantly.

WARM-UP: Prior to your first attempt at snowboarding, be sure to fully stretch your limbs. If you have been travelling and driving, your muscles will be stiff! So take the time to stretch every muscle, including your back and neck because you will most likely be catching your edge when first learning how to carve and you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you’ve ever been in a car accident and have experienced whiplash, the feeling the next morning after a hard fall due to snowboarding is eerily similar.

u

I’m sure there are other curiosities you may have about snowboarding and it’s rather coincidental that with a simple click of a mouse, you can get all the information you want from a magazine similar to WSSM... www.shredbetties.com. Surfs up friends! F

I don’t pray for a better wave, I pray to be a better surfer.”

Age: 23 Years Surfing: 6 Occupation: Martial Arts/Dance Instructor, Programmer Home Break: Diamond Head, Oahu Hawaii Motto I Live By: “This life is the only wave I’ll get.

Jace Lansing

Photo: Daniel K. Fine Arts

COMMUNITY . . . Entrepreneurial Spirit

Designers

meet the

Calavera

Designer: Anna Jerstrom Shop: www.calavera.com u

How It Began...

My path was different than most in that I have no formal training or background in design. Instead, surfing was the driving force behind starting Calavera. I felt strongly that it was time to provide the women out in the water with their own performance brand, focusing on the athlete that is the female surfer! When I go out in the water, it is about getting through the break, catching that wave, getting the tail to snap – and I wanted gear that allowed me to focus on that, but also a brand that reflected me as a surfer, not just as a girl on the beach. So, I set out to learn how to make swimwear...the hard way. I had some great help from seasoned people and in some ways, my inexperience allowed me to think outside the box, and to explore new ways and new materials like Velcro, that hasn’t been used for women’s swimwear before. u

Visit Calavera online to click/swap bikinis on the virtual model, creating your perfect combination suit.

2

The Name...

Calavera means “skull” in Spanish and comes from my “stage name”. When I moved to Costa Rica to pursue surfing, the locals nicknamed me Anna Calavera because all my boards have skulls around the rails. So when I got around to picking a name for the brand, Calavera was a given!

u MY SURF ROOTS... I moved with my family from Alberta to Nova Scotia when I was eight years old and fell in love with the ocean. Living close to the ocean, I would bike there almost every day in the summer for a swim or just to explore. It wasn’t until I finished high school that I tried surfing. Surfing is an emerging sport in Nova Scotia and is still steadily growing here. I went out with a couple of friends, who ditched me for waves, and I then struggled on my own. I must have had fun because I was hooked and I bought my first board and wetsuit the next week.

As a beginner, the winter surf in Nova Scotia is a little daunting. It was probably a good idea that I waited until I was a little better at surfing before I braved the big waves. I surfed on and off for a few summers and made some great friends. I surfed throughout the fall on hurricane swells and after the winter storms.

After moving to the beach, I started surfing a lot more! My friends and I are like family now, surfing together whenever we can, pretty much almost everyday if the waves allow.

I currently work at Kannon Beach surf shop in Lawrencetown and teach surf lessons for One Life Surf School, which is an all-girl surf school. u

Artist in the Making... I have always loved drawing and painting; painting

the Alberta sunsets is one of my earliest memories of how nature inspires me.

While visiting my grandparents in the summertime when I was about 10 or 11, my Great Aunt Jean would come to visit from New York and bring so many bright and colorful beads. It was then I remember learning to make jewelry.

From then on, I’ve been hooked and have made lots of pieces for friends and family. I’ve always had a sense of being an entrepreneur and I started selling my jewelry and crafts in elementary school and I really haven’t stopped since.

BRIDGET TURNER JEWELRY

Shop: www.bridgetturner.ca | www.etsy.com/shop/bridgetturner

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3

After high school I was reluctant to start art school because I never thought I could make a living off the art I made. It had been a hobby for quite some time, but a music career seemed more stable. After a couple of universities, my love for art making kept coming back. I was always dragging my beads and tools around with me where ever I went; it made sense to me that I should finally pursue what I love.

After enrolling in summer classes at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, I knew that I was where I was meant to be. I soon was accepted to the Jewelry Design and Metal Smithing program. My jewelry was constantly inspired by the ocean and I was always encouraged to try new subject matter in my designs.

I did for a while, but my work soon came back to the ocean and surfing; I just couldn’t stay away!

My Top 3 Creations... My wave ring is one of my favorite pieces because it was the first ring I ever made. It’s a little bit of surfing that I get to wear where ever I go.

The second is a necklace inspired by shell fossils. I love discovering new things on the beach and this piece plays into that exploration. The pearls add a nice touch to the pendant and the chain can be adjusted to any length. I found that it was better for my customers to be able to adjust the jewelry to their length.

Thirdly, these little earrings are a favorite of mine. I have wanted to make something like these for quite sometime. I don’t know if I was more inspired by the little mermaid when she puts starfish on her ears or if it was my creative juices kicking in! But I love them.

I first started with dark periwinkle shells and then noticed that white shells are so beautiful and are more noticeable.

u

u Future Hopes? I would love to continue growing my jewelry business and become a full time entrepreneur. I will continue to work at the surf shop and teach lessons until I can do that. I do want to travel the west coast and make some great contacts for my jewelry! F

u

The Most Important Things...

For us, performance is front, left and center. It has to work in the water.

It has to fit really well and it has to be comfortable. Now when you hear those words, you are probably thinking, “Boring, not so sexy swimwear.” However, that’s where we changed things up a bit...we like to think we figured out how to take the performance requirements and make it look HOT. u

SIK CHIX & LOVECHILD SURF BOARDS Designer: Dawn Taylor | Shop: www.LOVECHILDsurfboards.com | Rusik.net

before such as metal medallions, pearls, Swarovski crystals, rhinestones, fabric, leather, glitter, etc… Hence my LOVECHILD motto was born: “BRAINS + BEAUTY in a BOARD= BADASS!”

Best Sellers..

u Favorite design to date...

I honestly planned to obsessive lengths about each design! Each one is beautiful and unique. Some are quirkier than others; yet I love each one and for different reasons!

Calavera designs are all about mixing and matching, so there are 24 possible combinations, with more to come!

Combining a printed top with our solid bottoms has been very popular (picture 1 and 2). Our halter top has also done well because it has a little key pocket inside. Seems like a small thing, but solves the car key problem! A lot of times our customers will get 2 tops and 2 bottoms, and instead of having 2 bikinis, they have 3 or 4 because you can combine them in different ways. u

The 8’6 mini loaders, thus far, are The Blonde Bombshell and The Coastal Cougar. The Blonde Bombshell was inspired by a memory of mine as a child watching Marilyn Monroe in Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend. It is painted the same shocking pink as Marilyn’s gown and is incrusted with princess and tiffany cut rhinestones as well as pink heart rhinestones.

Black rails and custom black glass fins are her finishing touches along with her name and lips and the signature mole of the goddess herself. Coastal Cougar has fabric under the glass on the deck in a shocking pink cheetah print with small neon accents and a metal paw print medallion near the tail. The back is shocking pink with a custom Coastal Cougar laminate in which the tail forms the “C”.

Find Your Calavera Bikini...

We sell on-line at www.calaveraswimwear.com and ship for free to mainland U.S. We also have a free return and exchange policy.

You can also follow us on Facebook, facebook.com/calaveraswimwear F

u How It Began...

I began surfing when I was about nine. I have three older brothers whom I dearly love, and they had no mercy on me just because I was a girl! [smile] My brother, Greg, was an all-around, excellent athlete. Surfing was just one of the sports he mastered. He would get me out on his red, custom Hank Warner designed fish and make me go for it.

My mother discouraged surfing due to the ‘lack of motivation for success’ that she thought was prevalent for the group. She loved what I called “DIRT SPORTS” (baseball & football for my brothers) and pushed the PRINCESS activities of dancing, gymnastics, and cheerleading on me, due to her excitement of having a girl…finally! I was, and remain, HD-ADHD.

girls need more floatation and width in a board, due to our anatomy. We obsessed over every detail to create PERFECT templates and we collaborated on design artwork with tons of pizzazz!

From that, my loved and adored MERMAID miniloader and perfect Starfish were born! Hank and I joked that it was like giving birth because of the planning, nurturing and excitement of the final product being realized! Unconsciously, at that time, the seed for LOVECHILD was planted!

Upon becoming THE SIK CHIK for RuSik.net in March, 2011, the owner, Lee and I began discussing boards. I expressed my passion for high-quality, custom, hand-shaped boards with BLING, and brains, behind the designs. Of course, Hank and I are ALWAYS talking boards, so when he and Lee said to GO FOR IT, …I said OK!

However, I was a little mermaid and longed for the days at the beach! I felt more at home in the water than anywhere else and I never feared the water or what lies beneath. The gulf and the oceans are my PROZAC and I am a junkie.

After high school and college, I married and lived land-locked. Anytime we could vacation on a beach or visit my family back in Pensacola, Florida, I was thrilled! I divorced a few years ago and I moved back ‘home’ to my beloved beach with my beloved sons, Riggs and Riley.

u

I was in a local surf shop picking up some clothes and bathing suits and found myself perusing the surfboards. The owner came over and spoke with me, and upon remembering me as a 12 year old getting her first custom board, stated that I needed to get back into the water…pronto!

I bought a 6’2” fish that I still have. About a year and a half ago, Hank Warner and I started discussing doing some boards for me such as an 8’6” mini-loader and a 6’6” Starfish.

Hank and I discussed at length the frustration I had of not being able to find a ready-made board perfect for my needs. We also discussed how I didn’t like a lot of rocker and how I feel

My art designs are all one-of-a-kind and will never be duplicated! I’ve incorporated things under the glass that have NEVER been done

They’re no ordinary boards... My boards definitely are not ORDINARY, and although they are beautiful, and off-the-hook, they are TOTALLY BADASS! I have several college degrees, and all of the math and physics I NEVER thought I would use, nor did I want to, has come into play in my LOVECHILDREN. All of my boards are custom hand-shaped by Hank Warner, and are specifically designed to the conditions in which the board will be used.

ALL boards include a foam embedded SBT Microchip so they may be tracked on the internet if stolen or lost while seeking the perfect wave!

My four Starfish designs are equally exciting!

The 6’ Jailhouse Rock My World features black and white jailhouse print stripes on deck and a candy-apple red bottom with 3 laminates of the RCA labeled, gold record Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley.

The 6’2” Union of the SeaSnake features realistic python print fabric with a bit of gold metallic thread woven in on deck. The back is a desert tan with a black leather, snakeskin-embossed strip of fabric 2/3 of the way down the stringer. I did a neutral/warm color scheme of my LOVECHILD logo laminate to match.

The 6’4” Freak on a Velcro Leash is a total rock star and I don’t know if I can bear to part with it! Freak rocks fuchsia fabric on deck, under the glass, with skull and crossbones and stars all in black. I joked with my dear friend, Lola Blake of Chick Sticks, that this board reminds me of her in all of her fabulousness! The back of Freak is in hot pink with various sized rhinestone stars all pressed in the foam under the glass. The black rails and custom black fins only add to the impact!

And then there is the ‘dirty girl’, Darlin’ Nikki’s Grind! The 6’6” Supermodel beauty knows how to work it! A lovely lavender paint job with black rails and fins. On deck you will find a custom, handpainted peacock feather as a shout-out to the Prince fans of the world!

This being Darlin’ Nikki and all that is her grind, you will find a pearl necklace cascading from the medallion and pressed into the foam...under the glass.

On the bottom, Nikki had from the lightest lavender to the darkest eggplant-purple, ‘pearls’ pushed into the foam all over. Also you will find, as with all of my Starfish boards, a silver metal starfish medallion pressed into the foam so you’ll never forget the shapes name! F

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COMMUNITY . . . I am a surfer

She Surfs CHLOE CHILD At a Glance F Favorite food:

Sushi or burgers!

F Slippers or high heels: Slippers

F Lipstick, gloss or bare: Chapstick

F Favorite artist:

Ahh, that’s way too hard…

I like it all!

F Last movie you watched: Soul Surfer

F Favorite guy surfer:

Shane Dorian, Andy Irons

F Favorite magazines:

Trans World Surfing, Cosmo

F Favorite surf brands: Rip Curl, Billabong and Volcom

F Dream surf destination I haven’t been to yet: Indo, of course

F Favorite color: Blue F Favorite quote:

You never know if you don’t go

Photos by Sandi Child Photography

AGE: 17 | YEARS SURFING: 3 | HOME BREAK: Pohoiki SURFING ACHIEVEMENTS: I received 3rd in Open Womens in the Quiksilver Pro Am on the Big Island at Honoli’i. I placed 2nd in the

Shane Dorian Keiki Classic on the Big Island at Banyans. And my very first contest I was ever in, I got 3rd. I was soooo stoked!

Tell us what growing up surfing was like for you, and where you learned?

Well, I’m still growing up surfing, but so far it has been a blast! I got my first surf board when I was 14 years old and it just went on from there. I learned how to surf on the Big Island (that’s my home) at this break called Pohoiki! I started out teaching myself, but as I kept going down there I met people who gave me tons of pointers. I like shortboard more. I feel like it has a bit more action while longboarding is more graceful. Although, I never really have longboarded, so I can’t say I don’t like it.

Three people who inspire you the most?

I would have to say is... Well, of course my

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mom, because she taught me to be a gogetter and always be myself. I’d have to say my boyfriend, Sean. He’s my best friend and he is an amazing surfer, one of the best I know. So, I guess you could say I look up to him when it comes to surfing. I don’t really have a specific someone who inspires me; I just get inspired by all the people around me who have good vibes.

What are some of your “high hopes” for your future? High hopes, hmmm... let’s see. I would really love to pursue any kind of career with modeling. That’s something I really enjoy doing and I feel good doing it. I would LOVE to do something, anything with surfing. I just feel like it’s something that I love to do, plain and

simple. I was competing on the Big Island and I was doing really well. Then I just stopped.

So as of right now I’m going with the flow and whatever happens will happen, and I hope for the best.

Besides surfing, what hobbies do you find the MOST pleasure in? Let’s see...anything that has

to do with the beach, snorkeling, fishing, swimming all kinds of stuff.

If there is one thing you want the world to know about you… what is it? That’s a tough

one... the world is just gonna have to find out, I guess! F

A short story, written for English class; Elements of Fiction Writing, on the first contest I competed in. The Quicksilver Pro Am, on Dec. 6, 2010

B

eep, beep, beep! It’s five in the morning, the day of the 26th annual Quicksilver Pro Am at Honolii. The contest had been in waiting for over two months, and finally the waves were big enough for the contest to be held. I rolled out of bed before the sun was even up; with a blanket still wrapped around me, I stumbled into the kitchen. With the smell of coffee running through the air, I grabbed a cup and threw some bagels in the toaster, and then I was out the door and off to the contest.

When I arrived, the cars were packed, lined up from top to bottom, covering both sides of the road. I got out and ran down with my board to check the heats. Hmmm, I only knew one person in my heat… so the rest of the girls must be pretty good. Right then I knew… it’s on!

Everyone was there, even the waves. Yes, the waves were huge with six-foot faces at least. I think I could definitely say… I was a little nervous.

Then I began watching the waves and all the heats before mine. Let me tell you, it wasn’t your typical sunny beach day. It was cloudy, raining, and windy, but the wind was blowing offshore, so it didn’t matter too much to the surfers. With the waves still pumping, and the contestants still getting sacked, it was finally my turn. My first heat of the day was up! Boy, was I nervous.

As I grabbed my jersey, it was tunnel vision walking to the beach.

The waves were my fish eye. My tummy was turning as I paddled out to the lineup. I was out of breath by the time I got out there, but I was happy.

Now, I just had to wait for the horn to blow. Manu, the only chick I knew in my heat, paddled out right behind me. When she got to the lineup we shared smiles. I said, “So, what Manu, wave for wave?” “SHOOOTS!” she replied. And then the horn blew. Each girl raced off the shoulder to get the first wave. The first BIG wave, I should say. Luckily, the heats were 20 minuets long so we each had time to get our scores in. Throughout the whole heat, I caught about 3 or 4 waves in …then BAAAAHHHH! The horn blew, ending the heat.

To be honest, I was actually pretty stoked about the way I surfed. But, there were still 5 other girls that were probably pretty stoked on the way they surfed too. So, I just had to wait and see who turned out in the finals.

My fingers were crossed. It wasn’t until after ALL the other finals were pau that I would find out if I made it. I waited patiently and continued to watch the heats as the waves got stormier and choppier.

No, it was not a pretty sight.

The time had come…I went to check the results... YES! There it was in black ink, Chloe Child on the finals sheet! Yeah, I was stoked. Now all I had to do was surf my very best and take my rides as long as I could.

This was it. I grabbed my jersey and headed back to the beach. The conditions were not at their best, for the wind had picked up and the waves had gotten choppier. I was the first one out. I had time to collect myself. Sitting there and waiting, my nerves were solid again until that horn blew which started the heat, and then they melted way. Just as we did in our previous heats, everyone raced off the shoulder and deeper into the lineup. Everything was going great, until all the girls began to paddle further out. You could hear the commentators, “HO big set, there’s some bombs out back!”

There was a good size wave right before the set, so I decided to catch it and get to the inside. Unfortunately, right in the pocket, the worst spot I could have been in...I fell! I came up, took a breath, and right in front of me the bomb set was rolling in, breaking right on top of me. I took the deepest breath my lungs could inhale and dove to the bottom. There was no way I could dive deep enough to get under this monster. It took me and thrashed me through the water… holding me under.

I started to panic, I was losing my breath. I began to count, and got to 10 before the force let up. I rose to the surface and gasped for air. I was harshly greeted by the second wave of the set. Barely getting a second breath, I tried to make it back under, but the wave grabbed me, flipped me around, and sent me straight to the bottom. I could safely say this one was worse than the first. The violence and strength of the wave kept me under and pulled me further down. With what little breath I had, I was sent into a frenzy as I was trying to climb my way to the surface. The more I struggled, the harder it got. I told myself, “Relax, you’re fine, just wait for the wave to die down and you will be up.” It felt like hours later, but I eventually gained control and shot to the top. Reaching the surface, I had to watch out and not inhale the foam bubbles. I avoided that pretty well, and swam to my board and grasped it as if it were my lifesaver. I climbed on and paddled away from the impact zone. I could hear the commentators cheering me on as I scurried back out to the lineup. I couldn’t give up. I caught two more waves before the horn blew, ending my heat.

Reaching the shore had never been such a rejuvenating feeling. I took a beating out there, for sure, and it was acknowledged when I returned my jersey. I received high-fives and, “Yeah, you’re an animal!” Even though I got worked out there, I had a smile on my face.

Unfortunately, I had to leave early and couldn’t find out what I placed.

The whole ride home I was bumming hard. It wasn’t until after I got home that I received a call from a friend saying, “Chloe where are you, you got third.” “THIRD!” I said surprisingly. I was so stoked. I got third in open women’s. It was such an accomplishment for me. I know I didn’t get first or second, but getting third in open women’s was great. The wave conditions gave me a rush of adrenaline, and surfing against girls I had never competed with before was a thrill. I was proud of myself. Now all I have to say is, “Watch out, because third is only two easy steps away from being number one!” F

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COMMUNITY COMMUNITY .. .. .. II am am a a surfer surfer Photos by CFLsurf.com

She Surfs SANDRA GOODWIN Hi WSSM!

My friend, Debbie Walker, was telling me about your magazine and how cool it is, so I thought I would check it out. I googled you guys and came across your website and saw that we can contribute by sending in pictures of ourselves and surf pictures. COOL! So I thought I would love to tell you all about my surfing and a bit about myself…

At a Glance F Favorite hobbies (outside of surfing): I enjoy skateboarding, reading, baking, p90x workouts, and messing around on the guitar.

F Favorite verse: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14: 6 F My family: I have been married for 12 wonderful years to my husband, Rob. I have one son, Michael.

My son learned to surf last summer and this summer he got his own board. He loves surfing with his momma. Now that he is older I don’t have to juggle time as much with family and surf because he comes out with me (when he isn’t at school).

F Favorite female surfer: Lisa Anderson. My favorite up and coming surfergirl is Nikki Viesins.

F Future goals: I would love to be on the TV show SURVIVOR someday. I would also love to travel and be able to surf as many places as possible.

F Advice for other surfer girls: DREAM BIG and never give up on those dreams!

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My name is Sandra Goodwin. I am 32 years old and I LOVE to surf!

Surfing is such a beautiful thing for me. Nothing quite compares to being out in the water on my longboard with the sun on my back and the sound of waves crashing around me. It’s a rush and at the same time, a way to relax and workout all at once. I started surfing when I was 16. I had always wanted to try it, but no one in my family surfed.

When I turned 16, I bought a board and a car and hit the beach. First time I stood up and took my first wave…I was hooked! I fell in love with surfing.

I surf here locally in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Actually, I have a lot of favorite places I like to surf up and down the coast, but you can usually find me in Cocoa Beach. When I began surfing, I started out on a 6ft 2in Doug Wright Rainbow surfboard.

But the older I get the longer my boards get. Now I ride a 9ft AST Stu Sharpe board which I lovingly call, MAGIC board, because it rides like a dream.

I love surfing with friends! I have some great surf friends and we are always stoked to see each other catch fun little waves.

One of my good surf buddies is Ross from Cflsurf. He’s the one that took all my surf photos. CFLSURF.com also made me surfergirl of the month, and I am currently district champion in my division in our local ESA (Central Florida district). F

She Surfs MELODY PENCE

My name is Melody Pence, I’m 25 and this is why I surf. I surf for my soul and I surf for the thrill.

Like when you catch a huge wave and you either go, or get worked. Like when you ride the line with the Photo by Nicole LaTorre wave chasing behind you, and it’s just like magic, like skating on glass. It’s a mix of absolute thrill while at the same time having a spiritual experience. I love when a huge group of my girlfriends go surf together and there’s seven chicks side by side watching the sets come rolling in. It’s just cool and..if anything it’s empowering. I surf for the connectedness it brings to life, nature, and myself. It makes me a better person. I surf because you can’t get the same feeling doing anything else. In Hawai’i the water is so beautiful that just paddling out on my board puts me in instant meditation.

I’ve only been surfing eight months and I learned by going day in and day out, no matter the conditions or what the weather was. My inspiration was sitting at what is now my favorite break, Cliffs on Oahus south shore. I’d sit at the lookout point, peer down and watch the surfers hit the water with their boards. They would paddle out in the crystal clear water fading from one shade of blue into the next and I was mesmerized. I knew I had to learn.

My first board, which is the board I’m surfing now, is a 9.0 Keoki and not until after I bought it did I realize my name was already on the board! I felt like this board found me. At the time I was trying to find myself again after loosing my brother two years prior and the fact that I got this board with my name on it was such a healing feeling. Now I’m a surf mentor with Surfrider Spirit Sessions for at risk youth and I get to help pass on the healing and joy surfing brings to teenagers that have had a hard time. We take them out and teach them how to surf every Saturday and just have fun! Watching someone catch their first wave is an amazing thing. I surf because it makes me happy and when I’m happy it puts out good energy and positive vibes to the rest of the world. F

SHYLA NUXOL AGE: 12 YEARS SURFING: One FAVORITE BOARD SHAPE:

I only have 1 board, a used 7’6 NSP funshape... it’s a great board!

But I really want a new 6’2 board.

FAVORITE SURF BREAK:

I surf at New Smyrna Beach, Florida... but I would love to surf in Hawaii!

DARYL DAWSON AGE: 26 | YEARS SURFING: 4

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and keep it lit.”

-- Mary Lou Retton

I love the ocean!

It fascinates me... the way it moves and the creatures in it.

I

started surfing at the beginning of 2011, and I have improved a lot! I went to surfcamp at the beginning of summer with my best friend, Keiley.

We love surfing together.

I have also had some surf lessons with my surf coach, Anna. She is awesome!!

I surf about every weekend and I work really hard.

Right now I am working on going down the line and turning a lot.

I think surfing is amazing because you are enjoying nature and riding waves. I think a lot of things inspire me to surf: my love for the ocean, being around some of my friends who surfed before I did, living pretty close to the beach, and more! I think Bethany Hamilton is very inspiring, too.

I would like to thank my supporting family and friends, and thank you for including me in your magazine! WSSM is awesome! F

Photo by Ebesu Photography Inc.

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COMMUNITY . . . I am a surfer

She Surfs CHRISTIE LAWNICK Dear Womens Surf Style Magazine, My name is Christie Lawnick, and I am 25 years old from Olney, Maryland.

I have been an avid surfer for 7 years and have had the opportunity to surf in California, Hawaii, and up and down the East Coast! One of my favorite surf breaks is Assateague Island in Maryland. I realized my love for surfing when my mom took my sister and me on a family vacation to San Diego, California, when I was 17 years old. It was there that I rode my first wave. I have been hooked ever since!

I had always loved the water, but it was then that I realized my true love and passion for surfing and the ocean. I love surfing because every wave and ride is different. Every wave is an opportunity to try something new and push myself to my max. To me, surfing is like life…you

have to keep paddling to get out there and you have to take chances to get better! You may wipe out, but it’s whether you flip

your board back over, get back on, and paddle back out that matters! I love surfing so much that when I was applying to colleges that summer, after learning how to surf, I only applied to colleges near the beach and that way I would be able to surf. I attended college at Coastal Carolina

University near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and bought my first surf board the first week I was there. It was a BIC 8’2” longboard, and I made it my own by stripping off the BIC logo and spray painting an epic hibiscus flower on it! His name was Big Blue, and I loved my BIC board!

I no longer have Big Blue unfortunately, because I traded him in to get myself a custom short board. She is 6’4” and her name is Pinkie (because she is hot pink). I have also added Azul to the family, and he is a blue acid wash 7’4” swallow tail surfboard.

I just graduated on May 19, 2011, with my Masters of Social Work and have decided to move to San Diego, California, in August. I am following my passion for surfing and my dreams of moving to an area where there is less than a 10% chance of it ever snowing and to be able to live where I can surf every day!

I will be returning to the waters where I first fell in love with surfing 7 years ago. I have to thank my mother, Mimi Lawnick, for helping me discover my passion and love of surfing. I am so fortunate to have found my passion in life, and hope everyone finds that thing that makes them stoked! F

Me, surfing in my cap and gown on graduation day in Ocean City, Maryland. I thought, “What better way to celebrate my graduation than to do what I love, and go surfing in my cap and gown.”

Photos by Katy Lawnick

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COMMUNITY . . . I am a surfer

She Surfs SASHA LEITNER With surfing all over the media, and tons more surfers in the lineup, the die hard surfers tend to get the travel itch to avoid crowded home breaks.

Once you have a destination selected, where to surf when you get there becomes the issue...

backed Mary over the years. Mary has contests fit in around her busy work life. “I accumulated points on tour, sometimes I don’t even know how, but I did it by entering a contest that fit around my work schedule.” Mentawai, Maldives, Australia’s gold coast, Brisbane, Mexico, Nicaragua, the list goes on of places that Mary has surfed.

As the day progressed on, I was lucky enough to score waves with Mary, and surfed for a few hours. When the winds picked up too much and the sun dipped behind the mountains we got out, and cruzed on the beach. It is funny how the universe gives you what you need, and I was lucky enough to receive the insight about going on a surf trip from one of the most talented and well traveled surfers I know.

Booking a surf trip for me has always been intimidating. I have done everything in my power to surf as much as I can throughout my life, but I am no expert! Mother Ocean still smacks me down and teaches me lessons…a lot!

So for me, when thinking I started probing Mary of booking a surf trip, a about places she would few things race through Mary tells me about recommend for me to my mind. Do your guides her friend Paula Edgar check out for a surf trip. really know what they are “Bali,” she said without doing? Will they know the and her mission in Bali, even skipping a beat. location well enough to and I am truly awed.

As all surfers know, Bali is get you to spots that are a Mecca for wave hounds. firing while you’re there?

Originally a San ClemPerfect waves, less crowdWill they know where ente, California native, ed breaks, boats, tropical the channels are? Where island living… it is a perthe reef is shallow? You Paula has created a fect location for an escape know, basic surf stuff place for your averfrom an increase of groms that surfers know like the in the lineup at home. Bali back of their hand about age surf traveler to go has always intimidated their home breaks, but to in Bali that is close me a bit, I have to admit. they don’t know about Gnarly reef, steep drops, random spots in foreign to epic waves, and is crazy tide changes, tons of countries. I have been integrated into the breaks, and lack of knowllucky enough, every time edge of the local language community.

I have left Hawaii on a make it a bit difficult to surf trip, to have been navigate if you are only in able to surf with friends town for a short trip. Anyone who knows what abroad. There are some places I have always it means to connect and have a perfect wave wanted to check out, but would like to go with will see shots of people surfing Bali and are a someone who knows the area, so I don’t waste little on the green side. I have always wanted my precious vacation looking for the spots that to go, but I want to go with someone who are going off when I get there. knows if I can handle a spot or not.

I was out checking the waves one day when I was fortunate enough to run into my friend Mary Grace Bagalso. The swell was catching that day,

and there was one surfer out in the line-up who was killing it. Mary was making it look fun, even though the wind was on it and the current was ripping. Mary’s effortless style and powerful presence in the water could be easily seen from the beach. She makes surfing look easy, and that is what makes her a real waterwoman. Her positive energy, and ear-toear trademark smile has made her an icon of women’s surfing. Mary is now an established professional nurse anesthetist, but she still shreds with the best of them. On the snow or in the ocean, Mary has proven herself time and time again.

Body glove, Destination surf, Dragon, and Patagonia are some of the sponsors that have

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As our conversation carried on, Mary told me that not only is surf on her mind when she goes on a trip nowadays, but she donates a bit of her time each year to giving back. Hearing this hit home for me. Mary is now in the medical field, and she will always be a surfer.

This has made Mary into a surfing philanthropist. When she goes abroad to less fortunate countries to surf, she will volunteer part of her time to help the less fortunate who can benefit from her skills. While she is there, she does some pro bono work to give back to the people of the country she is visiting.

Again, I am awe struck by this former pro surfer. As a daily surf hound myself, and someone who has done everything in her power to have a life that fits surf into her daily existence in Hawaii, I have my opinions about pro surfers. Sometimes it has been not

so good. Usually jealousy has a lot to do with it. To all of us average surfers, resentment of pros that travel the world and score the best waves on earth sometimes happens. They get to go on boat trips with their besties and have killer pads on the best breaks on earth while ripping for work. This sometimes jades the opinions a little. Their amazing lifestyle is the dream of every true surfer girl. (Come on admit it! I am not the only one!)

Mary has morphed my jealousy into admiration. Not only is she a true water woman, but she is out there and making a difference while searching for killer waves.

“You should check out my friend Paula in Bali. She has a killer surf house.

She can even set you up in the community for volunteer projects! Her vision is amazing, and she is sooo helpful with getting you set up while you are in the country. The Surf House takes you to Pecatu, Bukit, south Bali, ya know the infamous land of the barreling lefts.”

Mary tells me about her friend Paula Edgar and her mission in Bali, and I am truly awed. A San Clemente, California native, Paula has created a place for your average surf traveler to go to in Bali that is close to epic waves, and is integrated into the community. You can go to Bali and be involved with any aspect of the community that you wish, or be as uninvolved and disconnected from your daily life as you want. Paula can help arrange a large spectrum of volunteer work, or get you into the lineup in conditions you can handle.

“You can go and visit the children’s home, or she can arrange for you to take a boat trip from the house and go to a nearby island and help teach English for a few hours after hitting a morning session. They have a soccer camp nearby that can always use coaches and team members to tip the scales in a game, or even medical missions if you have the training.”

Mary‘s carefree and smiling personality makes me feel like I already know Paula. To put the last icing on the cake, Mary tells me that it would cost me about 100,000 RP a night to stay at the Bali Surf House! Just so you know, that is about 12 American dollars a night! I am ready to pack my board bag and hit the plane, cause if Mary surfs with her, it costs $12 a night, and I am sure she knows all the spots, I will have an epic trip with Paula and the gang at The Bali Surf house.

“Surf is always the main focus, but there are only so many hours in the day, and you feel amazing after you do some good. Paula just sent me an email telling me about the day of silence they observed for the passing of the new year (Nyepi).

It must have been interesting with a house full of surfers.” Mary says, as she goes on about her amazing friend, and the killer surf spot that is Bali. For the first time, Bali seemed a bit more reachable to me… hmmmm.

“I did just come home from a trip to Mexico with Kristy Murphy’s Siren Surf Adventures. We stayed at a killer pad right on the beach, and the waves were amazing.” Mary hits me with a change of pace and tells me about her most recent trip south of the border to a break called Saladita. “Kristy Murphy and Cat Slatinsky are amazing ladies to surf with. Not only do they know where to go in Mexico, but they do trips to the Bahamas, Hawaii, New York, Florida, they have a surf school in San Diego and they even did a SUP trip to Colorado last year.”

Kristy Murphy on the other hand is from Jupiter, Florida, originally. She was raised on the water, going to the Bahamas every summer, and perfecting her water knowledge as an avid boater, diver and fisherwoman. She started surfing later than most at 21, but she won the Women’s Longboard Championship at the age of 27. Kristy apprenticed under Wingnut and Larry Rios and honed her skills as a teacher and mentor to all levels of surfing. These two powerhouse surfers joined up and created Siren Surf Adventures. If I travel anywhere with these ladies, I know that I will be in great hands, and even get schooled on my style!

Mary told me about her latest trip with these two surf gurus. “It was great.

They had boards in Mexico for you if you did not want to travel with your own. Longboards, SUP, shortboards, so whatever the conditions, there was a board for the day. They try to keep the groups they travel with small, about 5 a trip, so that they can give the best attention to whoever is with them.” Mary tells me about the authentic Mexican food, margaritas, and amazing sunsets from the hammock by the pool, and I can feel myselfrelaxing into the thought of a weeklong adventure with Kristy and Cat. “Kristy and Cat cater to your skill level and will do lessons if you need or pointers to improve. “ If I get instruction coming from these two water women, I am sure my surfing will kick up to the next level. As for price, Siren Surf Adventure changes with its location, so hit up the website and check it out!

I have so much to think about. Mary has given me some killer direction and insight into where to go on a surf trip. Bali or Mexico? Both sound amazing.

I know I’ll be in good hands with Paula Edgar at the Bali Surf House, or anywhere that Siren Surf Adventures with Kristy Murphy and Cat Slatinsky go in the world! The essence of a true water woman is not merely what you do when you get into the lineup, but what you did to get there. This is what truly defines you as an athlete.

With this in mind, I take the guidance of my friend Mary, and I think of the journeys that these inspiring surfer women have taken to get to this point in their lives. The surf, (ahh) the fun, (hee hee) and inspirational sense of ocean community. What lives surfers truly live! Mary has changed my image of “professional” surfer women, and has given me inside tips about where the soul surfers like to go when they go on vacation, and just how reachable they are to us average surfers! Surf to Live is a motto I have personally and officially found that transcends all levels of surfing! So don’t fool yourselves… these ladies RIP, they are truly icons in their sport! To be able to have a true surf icon as a mentor and coach is for the first time for me attainable. This is really important since I am looking to broaden my surf knowledge to new places...and what better guides than the ones that truly shred. So I hope you get out there and check these ladies out! F

As Mary goes on about Kristy and Cat, I get the feeling that I know these ladies already.

The hilarious part of this story is that I do know these ladies already! Cat Slatinsky was originally from Imperial Beach, California.

She moved to Hawaii and lived on Oahu for 17yrs. Kaisers was her break of choice, and that is where I met her. Cat’s surf story is a full one. Not only was she a surf instructor in Waikiki, but she also got into surf video and photography in 2001 and eventually Shot for Fuel TV, and surf movies. Cat rides for Natural Selection Surfboards and has competed in professional contests since 2000.

Above: Kristy Murphy Photos by Cat Slatinsky

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COMMUNITY . . . I am a surfer

Angela Yurtin Meadows Hello, My name is Angela Yurtin Meadows, and I LOVE your magazine.

I was browsing your website and saw the “Contribute” section and I wanted to submit my story.

I’ve had quite the winding journey in the past few years, and learning to surf has honestly been the catalyst to really turn things around. So, I’ve been wanting to give surfing and the surf community a huge THANKS, and thought maybe this might be a good way to do that and hopefully help/inspire some others in the process.

She Surfs

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, nowhere near an ocean (although every year we vacationed in the Outer Banks and I would refuse to go home). I was a dancer all through high school, as I both trained and taught at my aunt’s dance studio, Christine’s School of Dance. I then attended college in Dayton, Ohio (still no beach in sight! what was I thinking???), and got my BFA in dance from Wright State University.

After graduation I was offered three pending positions as a professional dancer with cruise ship companies and theme parks.

While I was waiting to get my formal contracts and make my final decisions, I moved to Las Vegas, Nevada (I know, still no beach), and after living there for all of 24 hours, my family was hit in a pretty brutal car crash. We were rear-ended at full speed (by a lady on a cell phone... that’s why it’s illegal!) and sent into on-coming traffic where we were hit by 5 more cars.

I ended the ordeal with 2 fractured vertebrae, a compressed spine, 5 broken ribs, a separated shoulder and two broken fingers that required surgical repair.

So this basically ended my professional dancing career as I lost pretty much ALL of my flexibility in my back and was left in almost constant pain. I was told flat out that I’d never get my flexibilty back and I was not going to be dancing at a high level.

After recovering to the point of being able to move around without too much pain, I started teaching dance again, but my heart wasn’t in it. I was bitter and depressed because my future as a performer had been quickly deleted. I traveled to San Diego, California, with the dance studio’s competition teams and FELL IN LOVE. I convinced my newlywed husband that we needed to skip outta Las Vegas, ASAP, (I was enrolled in massage therapy school at the time and had to finish that first), and he agreed! So in the Fall of 2008 we made a leap of faith and moved to Carlsbad, CA (FINALLY! Living at the beach.)

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3

2

4

1) Me being goofy and feeding a Giraffe at the Wild Animal Park in Escondido, CA. 2) In Kauai. The surf was 0-1 ft on ALL coasts the entire time we were there. 3) Me (right), at the Chick Sticks Surf Photo Shoot that I was a part of with my friend and company owner, Lola Blake (middle). 4) Me with my 6’4 biscuit board with a custom paint job I did MYSELF with paint pens! I LOVE that board!!! 5) Me, visiting San Francisco.

As soon as we moved, I knew that I wanted to try my hand at surfing. I was just drawn to it. I would just drive

to the beach from my apartment and stare at the surfers for an hour at a time. I got some gear and started learning. It was tough because the position before the pop-up where you are lying on your stomach with your shoulders pushed up like a seal was really hard on my back. It wasn’t painful, but it was pushing the limits of stretching that I was supposed to stress my back with. I was so stoked I didn’t care!

I was pretty awful at first, as anyone who starts at age 26 probably is, but I stuck it out. I took a few lessons, I met a few girls that were learning and tried to catch on as fast as I could.

2 years later and I am as hooked as ever!!!

I surf 3- 5 times a week, check surf websites, forecasts, blogs daily, and generallly bore my husband with my endless desire to surf and talk about surfing! I ride a 7’6 fun board, and generally surf reef breaks with long rollers, but I’m thinking about working towards a shorter board. I’ve improved to the point where I am now fine-tuning my technique and working on more solid turns.

The most amazing improvement has been with my back! When I first started I could barely hold that arched back posture, and I still had back pain at times. After stretching for the sole purpose of surfing technique, I can now push my shoulders all the way up with my arms straight and my hips on the ground with ZERO PAIN. Surfing has returned me to my athletic self of the past and helped me get back in shape... so much so that I am

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now BACK in the studio teaching dance! And I LOVE it again. Which really is the best gift of all, to not only find one new passion in surfing, but by getting me back to the point where I can be reunited with my former passion, Dance! I recently performed again, this past December in The Nutcracker Ballet, performed by the West Coast Ballet Theatre.

I just have to give a big THANK YOU to surfing for reigniting my passion for LIFE. I was in a bad place before I moved to California, but surfing reminded me that I could do anything! It got my body and my mind back into the game, and it CHANGED MY LIFE! F

MY COMMUNITY . . . I love SUP

SHE SUPS

Jennifer Lee

Age: 30 | Occupation: Professional Ocean Athlete, Surf/SUP instructor/coach, Personal trainer | Home base: South Shore of Oahu Sponsors: Bark Paddleboards, Free Motion Fitness/Altra Running, GU Energy Labs, H2O Audio, Hook-Up-Surfing, Indo Board, Jeff Kellom Fitness Training, Kaenon Performance Eyewear, On It Pro, Pualani Hawaii, Quickblade Paddles, SurfCo Hawaii, Surftech, and Xcel Wetsuits

My favorite SUP equipment:

I am so blessed to have my 14’ Bark Custom. It is the fastest board out there right now and I absolutely love it. For paddles, Quickblade are by far the best and I am very lucky to have a few for training and racing. For SUP surfing, I ride for Surftech. Sometimes I use old rental Surftech softops to practice certain things when I think what I am working on might break or severely damage my nice boards.

In the beginning: I grew up spending years on frozen water skiing. For

the past 10 years I have been really into surfing. I tried SUP last year. I had a really strong gut feeling that I would love it and I do. I haven’t looked back since. I still surf on all types of equipment.

My Favorite SUP spot is: Way out in the ocean or Waikiki.

Why SUP: Being on your feet way out in the ocean catching waves is incredible! There is nothing like it.

SUPS in the lineup: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

2 years from now: I try to take it one day at a time. Doing God’s will for my life is really important to me, which is always priority #1. I hope and pray that I will still be in Hawaii, and making a living doing what I love. I am looking toward Battle of the Paddle and Hennessy World Championships, in addition to some of my favorite local races like the Haleiwa Joe’s Race and Oceanfest.

I am also in the process of planning a multi-day paddle in the islands to raise awareness for the protection of Hawaii’s ocean life; God willing that should become a reality next year.

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Greatest SUP accomplishments: Completing the 40 mile solo chan-

nel crossing from Catalina Island to Dana Point. Completing the Molokai 2 Oahu crossing and placing 3rd in the stock division. Finishing 3rd in the Tahoe-Nalu Elite Race. Paddling for the Japanese tsunami victims with Jodie Nelson in the Catalina Challenge.

My SUP heroes are: So many. First, my grandpa who caught waves as a

soldier in WW2 on his army issue mattress. Other than that, many of the beachboys like Uncle Blue, Blackout, and Mad Dog: just to name a few, there are so many more. As far as professional paddlers and surfers, Joey Carrol and Gerry Lopez. I love how every time I see those guys surfing they are always working on something new. When it comes to the younger SUP crowd, I am really inspired by crossover athletes like Jim Terrell, Chuck Patterson, and Dave Kalama. Also, all the women who have pioneered the sport of SUP, they are a really inspiring group of women. F

Words of advice:

Never give up on your dreams; God put them in your heart for a reason.

Finally back on shore after completing the 40 mile solo channel crossing from Catalina Island to Dana Point. That’s my race boat in the background, and though it’s too dark to see, the waves were breaking over the wall behind me.

After all those miles, and it being after 9pm at night... I was SO glad to be back on land!

Photo by Clarence Yoshikane.

Top photo: Completing the 40 mile solo channel crossing from Catalina Island to Dana Point, photo by Clarence Yoshikane.

Bottom photo: “Battle of the Paddle” finish, photo by Richard Keith, richardkeithphotography.com

Middle photo by: Clarence Yoshikane.

Left page: Training on the Ala Wai, Oahu/Hawaii. Photo by: Ivan Duque

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MY COMMUNITY . . . I love SUP

SHE SUPS

Gillian Gibree

Interview and photos by Morgan Hoesteroy

Age: 26 | Occupation: Owner/instructor of Paddle Into Fitness | Home base: Massachusetts/San Diego | Years SUP: Since 2007 Favorite Boards: Starboard 8’5 pocket rocket for SUP surfing, 10’6 sprint prone BARK paddleboard for prone paddling, 12’6 Starboard for SUP surf racing, 6’2 retro fish for surfing | Sponsors: Roxy, Starboard, Ocean Minded, Vertra, Kialoa, Acai Roots In the beginning:

I grew up as a competitive swimmer and softball player, and I got into all ocean sports full time while I was lifeguarding on Cape Cod. Every day before or after work, we would surf, prone paddle, SUP, beach run, go on ocean swims, or BBQ on the outer beach.... really, we would just do anything involving the ocean lifestyle.

During that time, I got involved with lifeguard competitions as well.

It seems like you are a pretty versatile ocean athlete, what are the sports that you are still into and which is your favorite? The sports

I am the most involved with are: outrigger paddling, swimming, prone paddling, SUP racing, SUP surfing, beach running, and stand up paddle yoga. Although they are all fun in their own way, what I really love to do is SUP surfing.

What made you get into Standup Paddling?

Before I started standup paddling in 2007, I was mostly body surfing and shortboarding. When I finally decided to try standup surfing, I instantly loved it because I could enjoy it in both big and small conditions, paddle hard through mushy sections and get super long rides, while getting a total body workout at the same time. I still bodysurf and just surf, but these days I find myself SUP surfing more than anything else.

SUP makes you feel as though you are walking on water and I love that it works all of your muscles at the same time. No matter what the conditions are, you can SUP in some way whether it is flat-water touring, racing, or surfing. If I absolutely had to choose though, I would have to go with surfing.... it’s the best feeling in the world.

You seem to travel a lot. What is it about SUP/surf travel that you like? Traveling

exposes you to new experiences and allows me to teach SUP in new locations. It’s really cool to

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see the enormous amounts of growth and love for the sport in other locations, and I feel really lucky to be able to share the sport that I love with people from all over the world.

Do you have any tips or advice for people who want to get into Standup for the first time? I think that it is really important to take a

lesson when you are first starting to SUP. While it is really easy to just jump on a board and go for the first time, there is so much more to standup paddling that isn’t immediately obvious. Things like water safety, advanced stroke technique, turning, and etiquette are all really important to learn, and it is beneficial to have someone to help out with that. Once you learn the correct way to paddle, you will prevent injuries, have a faster more effective stroke and will be able to work those core muscles! I love teaching lessons and providing beginner lessons in both San Diego and Huntington Beach, California.

Besides being an awesome SUP Athlete, you own Paddle Into Fitness, a company that teaches SUP Yoga. What exactly is SUP Yoga? Standup Paddle Yoga basically combines

standup paddling with regular yoga. We do flows and poses on standup paddleboards while we are on the water! We also do a balancing series, but that part is saved for the sand.

How does SUP Yoga add to Standup Paddling in general? Standup paddle yoga is a great way

to supplement regular standup paddling in general. When you are training a lot in the water, you need to stretch in order to gain back some flexibility. Sup Yoga helps prevent injury and relaxes the mind through controlled breath work.

We offer a SUP fitness class that involves power yoga combined with paddle sprints and beach running that can really help take your paddling to the next level. SUP yoga and fitness really is the perfect water woman’s cross training!

The main difference I see between this and regular yoga is the environment. Instead of being inside surrounded by artificial light, you are floating on your mat in savasana, surrounded by water, listening to the breeze and seagulls and feeling the sunshine. Being in this environment is so much better than being in a sweaty studio!

What is a good beginner SUP yoga position and why? I love doing eagle arms on my board.

Starting from a kneeling position, make sure you are warmed up, sweep the right arm under the left crossing at the elbows, the wrists, touching your hands together. I like this particular pose because it is a great shoulder opener for all water women and a great way to warm up before a session.

Do you offer retreats or other opportunities for people to travel and SUP with you? SUP

Yoga is absolutely accessible to everyone; however, I highly recommend taking a class from an instructor. You want to make sure you are doing the poses correctly and you aren’t floating into danger during relaxation!

I love to train and teach new people, and there are several opportunities to do SUP Yoga with me. You can train with me weekly at paddle into fitness in California. I also run different SUP yoga retreats worldwide. I have retreats in Bora Bora, Tahiti, in February, the Cook Islands in November, and I do clinics in Cape Cod, Massachusetts in August. F To contact Gillian and to learn more about SUP Yoga, visit: www.gilliangibree.com Gillian@paddleintofitness.com Or you can follow her on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/paddleintofitness www.twitter.com/paddlefitness

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MY COMMUNITY . . . I love SUP

SHE SUPS

Halie Harrison

Age: 17 | Home base: Seconds (Hawaii Kai), Oahu, HI | Years Surf/SUP: 6 years Sponsors: Ron House Boards, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Pualani Swimsuits, Scott Hawaii Slippers, Sweet Waterwear, Puka Patch Instant Ding Repair Contact: e-mail-halieharrison@yahoo.com | Facebook: Halie Harrison | Twitter@HalieHarrison

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rowing up in an all-around water family, I was introduced to every water sport at a very young age. Since I was a baby until I was about 10, my Dad would always take me tandem surfing or push me into waves on a longboard in Waikiki. However, I didn’t always like surfing. For a few years, I became very fearful of surfing and I would only want to body board.

It wasn’t until I was about 12 that I really started falling in love with surfing. I started longboarding again and slowly started to shortboard. I was introduced to SUP by my uncle, Robin Johnston.

He is a North Shore board shaper and he was slowly getting into shaping SUPs. In Hawaii Kai, I live on a marina which is my backyard, so my family, friends, and I would play around on these huge SUPs. However, I never really got into SUPing until I did my first SUP race on the North Shore which changed my life forever.

It’s amazing to me how far SUP has come. It’s everywhere now… ocean, rivers, and lakes. SUP surfing has really drawn my attention the most.

I think it is amazing seeing someone paddle out on a 6’5’’ and rip.

I think there are definitely rules people should follow when SUP surfing to show respect to the other surfers. Some surfers do try to cause trouble when there are SUPers around. To prevent this, SUPers should make sure to share the waves.

A great beginner spot to practice SUPing is Maunalua Bay in Hawaii Kai, Oahu Hawaii. It is a vey nice, flat, and calm place to practice your stroke, balance and other paddling techniques.

When a beginner thinks they are ready to start catching waves, I think a great place to SUP surf is Waikiki.

Although it is always very crowded, the small mellow waves are perfect to start SUP surfing.

For beginners, there is now no need to worry about dings or scratches, because Puka Patch

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is to the rescue. An instant ding repair that patches anything in minutes.

I race too. When I did my first SUP race in September, 2010, I really got into SUPing. After that first race, I fell in love and I knew that SUPing was now my passion. After doing more races, I had a goal in my head, but I never thought it would come true. That goal was to do Molokai to Oahu solo. After talking to my dad( who has crossed the channel many times on different crafts) about my idea, he explained to me that it is a major journey and takes a lot of training.

I agreed with him. So my next question was, “Will you do it with me?” He then agreed with my goal.

Because I would have to start training, my dad contacted Kainoa Beaupre who is a family friend and told him about the goal we had. After he kindly asked Kainoa if he would like to help me train, it was the start to my mission. When Kainoa saw my stroke and paddling skills, he instantly knew that I would be able to do the Molokai solo if I really set my mind to it. From that day on, that was my goal. I trained every day for six months, and on July 31st I accomplished my goal when I finished the 32 mile Molokai Channel Solo in 6 hours and 24 minutes, getting first in my division.

Are the racing SUP vs. surfing SUP crowd different? I don’t think so. I do know some people who only SUP race and some that only SUP surf, but a lot of the people I race with also surf.

More and more people are starting to do both.

Candice Appleby is one of the main girls that really stands out to me. She is who I look up to in the SUP world. Not only does she rip on an SUP, but when it comes to racing, she is so fast and an all around great waterwoman. I hope to be like her someday. Another girl that stands out to me is Vanina Walsh.

She is such an excellent longboarder, short-

boarder, and SUPer (SUP surfer & distance racer). She is also a very talented artist. Check her out at VaninaWalsh.com.

When racing, my ideal conditions are winds to 15-20+ with a good direction and nice swells.

When SUP surfing, I like very light winds and perfect swell 2-4 ft.

In the future I see SUP possibly becoming an Olympic sport. I think it is very exciting how this sport is becoming very popular not only for males, but becoming more and more popular for females, too. I love when I see new girls trying out SUP racing for their first time, or when I’m out SUP surfing and I see other girls SUP surfing too. We have to represent more females in SUPing as more and more females are starting to make a move in this sport.

I stay pretty busy. I recently went to Orlando, Florida, for a Surf Expo and then from there I went to California for four weeks to compete in races and attend the Battle of the Paddle. While I was away, I was attending an online school, but when I’m on Oahu I go to La Pietra. I do some kind of training everyday after school. I will either train on my racing boards by doing sprints, or a downwind after school. If the waves are good, I’ll go surf/ SUP surf or just paddle out from my house and surf somewhere in the bay.

Sometimes I will do my on-land training which is at CrossFit East Oahu. I usually do one of these activities after school for training and then I do my homework.

As far as my icons in this sport, I admire Candice Appleby, Jamie Mitchell, Danny Ching, Jenny Klambach, Connor Baxter, Talia Gangini, and a lot more. I admire these SUP stars because they work so hard to accomplish and succeed in everything they do, and I hope to be at their levels someday. F

Halie with her sponsor, Sean Sweet, of Sweet Waterwear

Sticks to wet and waxed surfaces!

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SURF ART & MUSIC . . . I am an Artist

Caylin Spear

Surf into a Positive Life It is not always possible to choose the path our lives take. For unknown scientific reasons, I was born missing the femur in my right leg. This gave me a vision of life that often transcends the obvious, and it allows me to connect on a deeper level with others.

After going through a traumatic amputation of what was left of my right foot when I was nine years old, my mother desperately put me into art classes to get my mind off of the pain. Shortly after my body healed, my father, who was crippled at birth by polio in his right leg (no genetic connection to my own condition), taught me to surf on the west side of Kauai.

Painting and drawing became a release from reality for me, much like the ocean and surfing. I escape into my vision and fall into a sacred world of my own. I have married these two passions in my everyday life by the ocean.

Art is a visual form that encourages people to think for themselves, dream, and praise the beauty and spirit of life. I express the feeling of a place through color and form to make the viewer feel they are truly present.

see the world.

I learned to surf on one leg, squatting on a long board. One day I pulled off a barrel roll, and my brother suggested I try body boarding, which hooked me immediately. On a body board, I am able to get into the barrel of the wave easier and surf more challenging waves with more control than on a long board.

I have found strength, beauty, and confidence in the ocean. I am a physical example of overcoming adversity. I have been taught to live life to the fullest, despite my disability, through my faith in God who is all around me and in the ocean especially.

I have found strength, beauty, and confidence in the ocean.

It is my father, born with polio in his right leg, who taught me that I am capable, not disabled, especially in the water. Both of my parents have taught me to take care of my body by eating healthy and exercising regularly. When I was born, my mother was quite young and with her faith in me and God she made sure that I would try everything that a normal little girl wants to do--from dance classes to painting and sailing.

My family has always encouraged me to overcome my disability and be the person that I am in society today.

This way of painting communicates what I see in the world, a unique and breathtaking perspective of the ocean when I surf. It is my hope that my work affects others by giving a positive visual experience, yet also a glimpse of the challenges I have overcome in my life.

I believe that it is my independence and passion for life that sets me apart from others since I have always had to work harder physically to survive on a daily basis.

As I mentioned before, my connection to the ocean and the encouragement to excel physically, mentally, and spiritually have shaped the way I

As I have become more physically independent from my family, I believe I have become an excellent example of how a person can rise well above

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Left photo by Robbie Warden, right photo by RpmSurfer

the challenges that seem unchangeable. Though I will always have only one leg, I have been able to change other attributes of myself. I am very determined and often see my goal before it is accomplished, knowing that anything is possible gives me this drive.

Surfing has been a metaphor in my life of the growth that is possible when one is presented with challenges. In the last seven years I have pushed my surfing to an advanced level.

The waves get big and I aim for the most crucial yet most beautiful position on the wave, the inside. Being able to ride

such a force of nature has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams.

I have traveled all over the world on my own, teaching, painting, and surfing in places including Australia, Nicaragua, Mexico, Cyprus, California, East Coast US, and of course all over Hawaii.

I encourage others through my example to go for their own dreams to make our world a more harmonious place.

Currently I am working on my master degree in fine arts so that I may one day have the credentials to open my own art center/school. I love sharing my vision with others through my artwork.

I especially want to teach people how to be happy and process their own grief or pain. I would like to have a place that offers art classes on many different levels. I want to include things like surfing and yoga that can be an integral part in making positive change for a person. I think that it is important for

everyone to recognize the tools one has in making life better and reaching one’s goals and dreams.

I would also like to continue traveling around the world, meeting other likeminded people and surfing new places to further communicate my positive message.

I know that I have the ability to change the world in a positive way, and I am working on accomplishing this by the steps I am currently taking in my surfing and artwork. F

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SURF ART & MUSIC . . . I am an Artist

Mt Bourque How old were you when you discovered you had a passion and talent for song writing? When I was three

or so. There are home VHS tapes of me singing a song I made up called “Polar Bear Song”. Those were the only three words. Ha Ha! But I actually started writing in middle school and now I am a senior in high school.

Where is your favorite place to sing?

I definitely love singing on a stage with a full band, but singing in the shower or waiting on the next wave is where all the good ideas come.

Who have you drawn the most inspiration from as a song writer? As an

artist I love Jack Johnson, Matt Kearney, Ricky Lee Jones, and Adele. But the people closest to me inspire many songs. I often write to them what I want to say but would always feel like it would come out wrong in regular words. Songs make it so much better.

How do you choose your album art?

I love to mess around with Photoshop.

We went through a bunch of different prototypes until the perfect one stuck out.

Does surfing effect your career as a singer at all? Surfing is definitely

an image that I project. It always seems that surfing and music compete for my time. Whenever I play somewhere there are always waves!

Any other hobbies you want to share with us? Besides writing songs, sing-

ing, and surfing. I love to kite board and travel.

Where can readers go to sample/ buy your music? Readers can go to

my youtube band page at http://www. youtube.com/user/thesaltwatersound and check out music videos, gigs, and cover songs. Our first full album will be released Summer 2012. F

Ashley Loydd

I’ve always had a passion for singing, ever since I could remember. I was in my junior high chorus, and the highlight for me was performing a solo to the song “Shout” at a performance we had at Disney Land.

So, you could say it all started at the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’.

I love singing at the beach, but it’s actually hard to hear myself. There is something special about singing in the house, each cranny is different.

On stage is a great place to sing, as long as there are good acoustics. My favorite place to sing is usually wherever good company is to play with, or near ears that are happy to listen. It depends

Photos by: Jeremiah Kille

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on the moment.

I have drawn the most inspiration from artists such as Norah Jones and Denny Aaberg. Denny introduced a lot of music performance to me, back-up singing and playing with his blues bands.

I write most of my own music, mostly on guitar and sometimes piano. I have also been writing duets with my boyfriend, Alex Thompson. We are working on a new album together right now.

I have designed my own album art. The Serenata Road Recordings started out as a book cover I found at Julie Cox’s house. I then turned the image into my story with a picture of my feet

(taken during recording) on the cover along with the lyrics on the inside.

Surfing affects everything I do, being it is such a main part of my life. It’s sweet to have music when I don’t have surfing and vise-versa.

For a living, I am a surfboard shaper and surf instructor. I love painting, creating, and sewing, along with my music.

My music and surfboards can be found at: www.ashleylloydmusic.com, as well as ITunes, and CD Baby F

Heather Brown MY SURFING ROOTS… I started surfing for the most part when I was living in Waikiki. I had always loved surfing and the surfing culture as I was growing up near the beach and spending much of my free time around water. I had always had many friends that were surfers and I was, I guess, a bit more into diving.

When I was living in Waikiki, the waves, water, and weather were just too inviting, so I borrowed a board and paddled out to see what it was all about! Ever since then, I have been hooked! While attending UH, some friends and I would ride mopeds down to Waikiki between classes and surf as much as possible. Since then, I have always made sure I make time in my schedule to surf when conditions are right.

ARTIST IN THE MAKING… When I was younger and would spend afternoons with my grandmother (who was an artist), we would always do something involving art and usually different mediums.

I have a few other artists in my family as well, so I guess I was around it a lot and just loved to draw and spend my free time creating. It wasn’t until I was much older that I really decided that I should make a run at making art a career as well. I enrolled at University of Hawai’i at Manoa and received my Bachelors degree in Fine Art there.

At the time, I was working as a captain and dive master out of Haleiwa and decided to take the leap of faith. I quit my job and focused 100% of my attention and time into making, marketing and selling my art. That was about 6 years ago.

I was inspired in my art when I was going to UH and pursuing my degree in Fine Arts and focusing almost completely on print making: intaglio, screenprint, linocuts and more. When I graduated, I realized how hard it was to work in some of these mediums from a home based studio because of size, equipment, etc.

I started to focus on how I could bring my love of printmaking to a more user friendly (for someone living in a 400 square foot house) medium, so my style was really born from there. As far as other inspirations, Andy Davis, Thomas Campbell, Paul Klee, Hudertwasser, and Shepard Fairey, are a few. Also, just the beautiful islands that we live in are such an inspiration at all times of the day.

As a child, I was able to let all my creativeness loose within my family. They have always been very supportive of the decisions that I have made in my life.

My mom still makes it to almost every show I do and has been cataloging my career since the beginning.

OTHER ARTISTIC PASSIONS…

recent years, I have created some poster and event art for The Triple Crown of Surfing, The Women’s Pipeline Pro, The Honolulu Surf Film Festival, and The Kokua Festival, to name a few.

I have also been active with Rip Curl Worldwide as their female Artist of the Search, for the past 4 years now. We just finished designing for the 2012 Spring Rip Curl juniors line. My husband and I have also created a small clothing line called High Tide which has been really fun. We also have our company, Green With Aloha, that focuses on making art-covered items that can help the environment such as re-usable water bottles, re-usable grocery bags and picture frames made out of 100% reclaimed materials that are all from old homes here on the North Shore. I recently released some I Phone cases with a company called Tru Protection that are made out of 100%postconsumer recycled plastics and made here in the USA as well. A percentage of each sale goes to charities like Surfrider Foundation, Kokua Foundation and Living Beyond Breast cancer.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & SPONSORSHIPS…

I have been deeply involved with the Kokua Foundation for the past 4 years or so and have done many projects with them including Plastic Free Haleiwa, Plastic Free Hawai’i and Plastic Free Schools. My life has become so busy in the past few years that I have a lot less time to physically be present for many programs, but we have been donating art on a weekly+ basis to different charities worldwide for the past few years. I think we have helped a lot of programs and charities out.

FUTURE PLANS… I don’t think too much

about the future because I am usually busy trying to squeeze every minute out of the present day! I hope to keep creating art that makes people happy and puts a smile on their faces for years to come. Most likely, I will be travelling to some new areas for my art and to surf. I am just so content in the now currently, that I know the future will be just as great!

FIND MY ART, OR CONTACT ME TO CREATE ART FOR YOU…

Please check out my website heatherbrownart.com as well as my blog, HeatherBrownSurfArtBlog.com On my website their is a page devoted to the places worldwide where you can see my art in person as well as view upcoming show schedules, etc. I am constantly updating that as well as my Facebook page, Heather Brown Surf Art F

Photos by Chris Viverito

SURF ART & MUSIC . . . I am an Artist

Amy Hammond MY SURFING ROOTS… I first attempted surfing at age 13 when a friend and I rented a couple of those thick, foam longboards in Cocoa Beach. We went out alone and just tried to copy what we saw other surfers doing in the water. I’m sure we looked absolutely ridiculous, but it was a total blast. For a solid 7 or 8 hours we just kept paddling into whitewater and tried to stand up over and over again. The whole experience made me feel free, alive, and excited. I was hooked. The sore body, sunburn, and board rash was worth it!

Since then, all I want to do is surf. I’ve been living in Michigan for the past couple of years and taking college classes.

I spend my time drawing waves instead of riding them. It’s been really hard to be away from the beach, but I’ve been learning a lot about myself in the process. I want to surf the great lakes! I just keep watching and waiting for the waves to come. Ha Ha. Until then, I have taken up waterskiing.

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ARTIST IN THE MAKING… I can remember drawing and doodling as early as age 4, or whenever I could first hold a pencil. My parents loved it when I would make refrigerator art and draw them birthday cards. My parents kept me in art classes throughout elementary and middle school. I think my teachers were probably the ones I drove crazy- instead of paying attention in class, I’d be scribbling all over my notebooks. I was extremely shy in school, so art was my way of standing out.

My father began his entire career with a pencil. He grew up very poor, but God had blessed him with artistic talent.

He worked as a draftsman, creating 2D perspective drawings for a manufacturing company (back when there was no AutoCAD!). He started inventing his own conveyor systems by drawing them on paper, and then started his own company at age 22.

Growing up, I remember him teaching me how to draw ‘princess kittens’ on the back of paper restaurant place-mats. It would literally be a baby kitten wearing a crown. I would beg him to draw them for me. He would teach me how to draw other stuff like block lettering and cartoon characters. As far as my style goes, I just love rich and interesting color combinations. I love the color choices painter Bracha Lavee uses and her style is unlike any other. As far as surf artists, I really like Shawn Griggs. His night scenes are really unique. Artists who can find a niche and create outside of the box inspire me.

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OTHER ARTISTIC PASSIONS…

Ceramics. One of the best jobs I’ve ever

had was working at a pottery studio in New Smyrna Beach. I used to paint waves and flowers on all sorts of stuff, like sushi plates, bowls, coffee mugs, and flower pots. Another cool project I did in New Smyrna was paint a 60 foot sea wall mural for a home owner there. I painted fish and coral to look batik (a fabric dye technique) using white outlines and shading with dots. Last time I checked, the sea wall was half covered by sand after a busy hurricane season, such a bummer!

I’ve also silk-screened some of my surf photography on t-shirts and sold them to a few surf shops.

MY 3 FAVORITE PEICES… 1) My top

favorite is a soft pastel drawing I created to experiment with different color schemes for waves. It’s my favorite because it has a unique style about it. I like how there are highlights of deviant/ odd colors in the waves, like purple and orange, that don’t match up to real life.

2) I like this one because the bright contrasty colors and black outlines make it look graphic and kind of cartoony. 3) This is one of my favorites because I like the composition. It makes me feel like I’m hiding out behind some larger-than-life hibiscus flowers and checking the surf. It just makes me feel good.

MY ART STYLE IS… Hmm, I think I’d describe my style as scenes to make people feel happy...whether they’re surfers or beach-goers, I use lots of bright ‘n beautiful waves, sunsets, flowers, and palm trees. As a surfer, the ocean and tropical landscapes are my favorite part of creation, so naturally I’m motivated to recreate those scenes. I like my art to be vibrant, simple, and just something pretty to stare at. Surfing is an optimistic lifestyle, so I think that’s why most surf art is blatantly cheerful and fun.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & SPONSORSHIPS… I’m really involved

in my church, and I have gone on a couple of overseas mission trips to Rwanda and Brazil. I enjoy supporting my friends who go on mission trips; it takes a lot of courage and resources for them to go.

FUTURE PLANS… Right now, earning a Bachelor’s degree is on the top of my list. I keep debating between majoring in graphic design and marketing. I have other goals rolling around in my head, like going a long term mission trip. My dream would be to serve in Costa Rica or El Salvador for Christian surfers. I’d also like to exhibit at a few art shows along the east coast next fall, just for fun. And of course, I would love to move back to the beach!

FIND MY ART, OR CONTACT ME TO CREATE ART FOR YOU…

blog: hammondphoto.wordpress.com email: amyleihammond@gmail.com F

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“I started writing poetry when I was fifteen years old. My poem about my connection to the ocean, “The Sea” was published in the high school newspaper. I started surfing at eleven years, so the ocean already had its grasp in my life.

Surfing has been my passion for decades.

I have been influenced and enjoyed the writings of many authors. Writers like Pablo Neruda, Nikos Kazantzakis, and Richard Brautigan have been inspiring, but I don’t want to limit the strength of so many other inspirations. It would be sad if we only hung one artist’s paintings on our walls when there are an unlimited number of amazing artists out there, and working in so many limitless mediums. The Universe presents many wonderful people and places for our adventures to unfold, and I believe those adventures should be lived with gusto, grace and confidence. This is what I write about, the passion and sojourns of romance and of surfing. And I feel that this is the spice of life, so fill your plate!”

Lorenzo Lago Contact information and book sales are at my website: www.lorenzolago.com”

Poetic Musings

Old Friend

by Lorenzo Lago | from “Romance on the High Seas”

old friend it is good to see you again it is good to share some waves you have always worn your heart on your sleeve I honor that in you the surf keeps us sliding and gliding we laugh about how good it is out here on our playground

Homecoming

sharing a session of good waves with a close friend can make any day a great day our ocean passion and its healing is just plain fun!

haven’t I dreamt my arrival in our home coming through the door hugs and laughter from the living room to the kitchen

each wave applauds our understanding surf friendship has a natural order of things I’ve had this honest bond with friends from Hawaii to Oaxaca, from cold water to the tropics these times always ring true in my memory and heart we find reverence in these heroic adventures we share my amigo I have a grand mental photo of your face as you style across the set wave and my luck, here comes another thriller I take this next wave you are paddling back out you are shouting who knows what but ours eyes and smiling faces tell the story

by Lorenzo Lago from “Romance on the High Seas”

it has been so long and too long not sharing in your warmth your love has never stopped pulling me back I can feel everything it rests comfortably here in my chest I miss all your smiles and understanding keep the light on I am only hours away I am ready to gather all of you in my arms nurture me again my family the evening stars guide my path to your door I am only moments till my past and present are connected

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Chloe

Top: “Boyfriend Tee in Confetti” by Juli and Fred (juliandfred.com)

Jeans: by Body Coral (bodycoral.com) Shoes: Cushe Slipper in Black by Cushe (cushe.com) Backpack: Riley Backpack by LYF (loveyourlyf.com) Necklace & Earrings: 21” Black Braided Suede Necklace “Feather Collection”, Antique Tin Single Feather Earrings by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com) Bracelets: Stud and Thread Leather Wrap in Black/Purple, Black Glass Bead Wrap Bracelet, by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com)

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Skateboard: Haka Pua 45” by Kahuna Creations (kahunacreations.com)

PHOTOS BY: Daniel K. Fine Arts MODELS: Chloe Child, Marta H, Jace Lansing, James, Shelsea Brown HAIR & MAKEUP BY: Robin Standish, Jimmy Cendoma, Chelsea Savage, Melvin Mariano Jr, Britney Gardner, Beth Fitz, and Steven Ngov, from the Paul Mitchell School- Honolulu (http://ulupono.paulmitchell.edu) MAKEUP PROVIDED BY: Addiction NV Cosmetics (addictionnv.com)

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City Steps

ROBBIE | Hoodie: Shiny, intricately detailed, with oversized orange zipper, this hoodie is a real showstopper- by Johnny Russia (johnnyrussia.com)

CHLOE | Dress: Cotton Sleeveless Wrap-front Bubble Hem Dress in Black by ELAN (clothingobsession.com)

Shirt: IN2IT Surf Company (in2itsurf.com)

Scarf: by Violet Love (violetlovebrands.com) Boots: Love Bites Bootie by Iron Fist (ironfistclothing.com)

Shoes: Everest Boot in Sandstone by Airwalk (airwalk.com)

Bracelets: Gold Nugget Wrap Bracelets in Brown, Blue, and Green by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com)

Jeans: Hollister (hollisterco.com)

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Spring Morning

Dress: Cotton Sleeveless Wrap-front Bubble Hem dress in white by ELAN (clothingobsession.com) Jacket: Lacey Days Velvet Blazer by Iron Fist (ironfistclothing.com) Heels: High & Dry Platforms by Iron Fist (ironfistclothing.com) Sunglasses: by Sun Rayz Premium Eyewear (sun-rayz.com)

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Chloe

TOP LEFT: Shirt: Made partially from recycled plastic bottles, and soft organic cotton, by Organik (theorganik.com) Necklace/Dog Tag: Made from sterling silver, this necklace has recyled wetsuit neoprene, riveted between two layers of silver, and hung on a sterling silver chain, by Bridget Turner (bridgetturner.ca or etsy.com/shop/bridgetturner) Earrings: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com) Sunglasses: “The Respectacles” in blue by Modasten (modasten.com) MIDDLE LEFT: Shirt: Maiden logo block print on a vintage inspired tee, shown in concrete, by Siren Surf (sirensurf.com) Necklace: Sterling silver, intricately carved wave by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) Bracelets: 36” “Stone Wrap” bracelet in red/black, 21” Glass Bead Wrap Bracelet in orange, by Calypso Studios. (calypsostudiosinc.com) Headband: by Violet Love Headbands (violetloveheadbands.com) Sunglasses: “Mizz Thang” in black by Modasten (modasten.com)

Jace

BOTTOM LEFT & THIS PAGE: Skateboard: Anela- The Guardian Angel 38” by Kahuna Creations (kahunacreations.com) Shirt: Jimmyz (ezinezout.com) Shoes: “OOriginal” in black by Oofos.

Even more comfortable than walking on marshmallows! (oofos.com) Ring: “A Frames” sterling silver wave ring

by The Wave Collection. The “peak” forms both a left and right. (thewavecollection.com) Watch: “Vandam in Giraffe” by Rumba Time (rumbatime.com)

Chloe

(RIGHT) Shirt: “2-Color Logo” by Liberated China (liberatedchina.com) Bracelet: 36” “Stone Wrap” bracelet in multi, by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com) Shoes: “Primos” by Honu. Soft elastic & neoprene uppers, complete with a bejeweled little “Honu” (turtle). Delightful! (teamhonu.com) Beachcruiser & Basket: BIKEFACTORY (bikefactoryhawaii.com)

James

(FAR RIGHT) Shirt: Ultra soft & comfortable“Texas Surf” by Howler Bros. (howlerbros.com) Boardshorts: “Hainan Slammer Shorts” by Liberated China (liberatedchina.com) Shoes: “Cushe Slipper in Military” by Cushe. Premium canvas textile upper, with a breathable canvas lining. Super comfy! (cushe.com) Necklace: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com) Bracelets: “Solid Sky Blue & Pina Colada” by Pura Vida Bracelets (puravidabracelets.com). Glass bead bracelet by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com) Hat: IN2IT Surf Company (in2itsurf.com) Surfboard: Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com) PIVOTHEAD - HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO RECORDING SUNGLASSES (above) Never miss another important moment! Capture it with the first ever, HD video sunglasses... Featuring HD 1080p video, 8MP stills and crisp audio, as well as auto-focus video, gyro sensor image stabilization, face tracking and more. The Swiss material frames come with 100% UV production, anti-scratch, hydrophobic lenses. Polarized models are available. Easy-to-share micro USB connects to your Mac or PC, so that sharing the fun with family and friends is only seconds away!High def video is now hands free! (pivothead.com) JACE: “Aurora BR15” shown with bronze frames and deep brown lenses.

CHLOE: “Aurora WR12” by Pivothead, shown in translucent pearl white, with reflective pink and silver flecked lenses.

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James & Jace

JAMES (LEFT) Rashguard: “Edge”short sleeve, UV60 protection. extremely light, form-fitting design for powerful movement, and works great under a wetsuit. By Exceed Wetsuits (exceedwetsuits.com) Surfboard: Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com) JACE (RIGHT) Rashguard: “Exude” long sleeve, UV60 protection. Tattoos and designs made with patented superstretch ink, by Exceed Wetsuits (exceedwetsuits.com) Surfboard: Keoki Surfboards (keokisurfboards.com) Traction pad: Xtrak (xtrak.com)

Beach Day with my buddy Top: “Polly Lycra Dolman Dress / Tunic” by Elan (clothingobsession.com) Leggings: Violet Love (violetlovebrands.com) Hat: “Scrunchie” in White with Black Dots, by Wallaroo Hat Co.. A unique wire-brimmed hat that can be molded and shaped to your hearts desire. Say goodbye the the fabulous-but-floppy brimmed hats that keep your neck straining to see out from under them... Viva the Scrunchie! Complete with an internal sweatband and adjustable drawstring- securing the perfect fit. (wallaroohats.com) Necklace: Take the surf with you wherever you go with this “Oval” sterling silver wave engraved necklace on a green suede leather cord, by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) Shoes: “Primos” by Honu. Soft elastic & neoprene uppers, complete with a bejeweled little “Honu” (turtle). The perfect compliment to your already beautiful, beach day. (teamhonu.com) BABY LIMO (Mini Dachshund) Harness: “Tourist Destination” printed harness by Island Doggie, featuring velcro closures at chest and under girth for the perfect fit, and a reinforced D-ring for easy attachment of leash. (facebook: Island Doggie)

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Going Surfing

CHLOE (LEFT) Shirt: IN2IT Surf Company (in2itsurf.com)

Land Cruising

Sunglasses: “Gibson” in Havana polarized brown, by Smith (smithoptics.com) Bag: “Riley Messenger Bag” by LYF, perhaps the most-fun bag we’ve ever seen- and tough! We love LYF! (loveyourlyf.com) Necklace: Sterling silver “Diamond” wave necklace on blue leather cord, by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) Surfboard: (Seen below also) Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com) MARTA (RIGHT) Shirt: Be proud to surf Texas with this “Texas Surf” tee by Howler Bros. (howlerbros.com) Shorts: “Bootie Short” by Sweet Waterwear, offering superior comfort for a day at the beach or SUP (sweetwaterwear.com) Sunglasses: “Adriana” in purple tortoise, polarized. From the Bombshell Collection by Peppers (peppeersusa.com) Headband: by Violet Love Headbands (violetloveheadbands.com) Bracelets: “Nautilus Shell” wrap bracelet (20”) in multi, 21” Glass Bead Wrap Bracelet in purple, by Calypso Studios. (calypsostudiosinc.com) Surfboard: Keoki Surfboards (keokisurfboards.com)

MARTA Racerback Tank: Shown in Egg/Bronze. Flattering for all body types and perfect for that afternoon SUP session. (sweetwaterwear.com) Shorts: “Bootie Short”, also

by Sweet Waterwear, offering superior comfort for a day at the beach or while SUP’n.

CHLOE (LEFT) Shorts: “The Edge” boardshort mini, designed by female fighters specifically for women. Great for MMA, grappling, wrestling, boxing, or lounging, by Fighter Girls (fightergirls.com)

SHELSEA (RIGHT) Shorts: “The Edge” boardshort mini, made of 2-way stretch microfiber material, includes an encased draw cord, double stitched inner waistband, and double stitching on crotch area for extra protection, by Fighter Girls (fightergirls.com)

Hat: “Long Haul” Truckin’ hat in pink, with the Siren block logo hand printed on muslin, and sewn on a one-size-fits-all trucker hat by Siren Surf (sirensurf.com)

Skateboard: Anela- The Guardian Angel 38” by Kahuna Creations (kahunacreations.com)

Skateboard: Haka Pua 45”, “Pohaku” fully-adjustable, aluminum land paddle, Big Stick, with soft-grip handle and the new Kahuna Blade (kahunacreations.com)

ROBBIE Sunglasses: “9th Ave” in Woodgrain by Modasten (modasten.com)

Shoes: “Frenz” in silver metallic wash, an exquisite slip-on by Mad Love Hat: “Candice Appleby” trucker hat by Sweet Waterwear (sweetwaterwear.com) MARTA Sunglasses: “The Respectacles” polarized in black by Modasten (modasten.com)

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Dawn Taylor "The Sik Chik"

(ABOVE)

Top: “Peace & Love Pink V-Neck Top” by Sik Shix, showcases peace hearts bubbling up out of the Sik Chix logo and their signature “more than just a shell” slogan (rusik.net)

Me, My Bikini & Board

(BELOW)

Exquisite, custom, surfer approved bikinis by Ola Feroz (olaferoz.com) Top: “Ivory Textured Double Slide Triangle” top Bottom: “Rosita Print Ruched Side Ruffle” bottoms Bracelets: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com) Surfboard: Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com) Leash: 6’ Day Glo leash in pink by Sticky Bumps (stickybumps.com) Eyeliner: “Line Up” stay-put gel eyeliner in Trouble Maker (bright purple) by Addiction Cosmetics (addictionnv.com)

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Sunny Beach Days

(ABOVE)

SHELSEA (left): Sunglasses: “Cypress” in black & pink, by Smith (smithoptics.com) Bracelet: 20” Orange Glass Bead wrap bracelet by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com) Bikini: “Coral Connection” braided halter top in Berry/Sunset, offering security and superb style for surfer girls. By Odina (odinasurf.com) CHLOE: Sunglasses: by Sun Rayz Premium Eyewear (sun-rayz.com) Watch: Wild, sexy, pretty, “Vandam” in Pink Cheetah by Rumba Time (rumbatime.com) Headband: Violet Love (violetlovebrands.com) Bikini: Hand-made, braided, custom bikini in Lime, by Ola Feroz (olaferoz.com) MARTA: Sunglasses: “Sasha” in Shiny Dark Amber Demi, with polarized brown lenses, from the Bombshell collection by Peppers (peppersusa.com) Bracelets: 20” Nautilus Shell wrap bracelet in lavender by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com), string bracelets by Pura Vida Bracelets (puravidabracelets.com) Bikini: by Johnny Russia (johnnyrussia.com)

Surf-Bound

Top & Bag: “Mahalo” tee in super soft 70% bamboo, and 30% organic cotton. “Beach Bum” Kona coffee burlap bag, with dock line rope handles, and recycled liner-- no two are alike! Handmade in the USA by Organik (theorganik.com) Boardshorts: “Bad Girl Boyfriend Board Shorts” that look like your boyfriends, but are cut to fit your body, NOT your boyfriends!

By Fighter Girls (fightergirls.com) Shoes: “Frenz” in silver metallic wash, slip-on by Mad Love Sunglasses: by Xray Eyewear Surfboard: WSSM publisher, Sandra Olson’s, personal board-- that she refuses to part with, so you gotta get your own! 5’10 Little Screamer in “Checker Me Out” paint, by Chick Sticks by Lola. (chicksticksbylola.com) Leash: 6’ leash in Pink Giraffe by On A Mission (oamsurf.com)

PIVOTHEAD - HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO RECORDING SUNGLASSES Capture your most important moments with the first ever, HD video sunglasses! Featuring HD 1080p video, 8MP stills and crisp audio, as well as auto-focus video, gyro sensor image stabilization, face tracking and more. The Swiss material frames come with 100% UV production, anti-scratch, hydrophobic lenses. Polarized models are available. Easy-to-share micro USB connects to your Mac or PC, so that sharing the fun with family and friends is only seconds away! High def video is now hands free! (pivothead.com) JAMES: “Aurora BR15” shown with bronze frames and deep brown lenses.

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CHLOE: “Aurora WR12” by Pivothead, shown in translucent pearl white, with reflective pink and silver flecked lenses.

Living Life on Wheels CHLOE (below & left): Shirt: Super soft and flowy, one of our favorite tops for a fresh spring day, by Body Coral (bodycoral.com) Shorts: ROXY (roxy.com) Bikini top: “Coral Connection” braided halter top in Berry/Sunset by Odina (odinasurf.com) Rollerskates: “City” in Pink Leopard.

These high quality vinyl skates are vegan friendly and ready to roll.

They come with Moxi Gummy Pink outdoor wheels and can be used for indoor or outdoor skating. These are the skates you used to dream of as a kid! FANTASTIC! (moxirollerskates.com) Headband: Violet Love (violetlovebrands.com) Necklace: Sterling silver, intricately carved wave by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) Watch: “Vandam” in Gold Rush Glitter by Rumba Time (rumbatime.com) Cuff: Fighter Girls (fightergirls.com) JAMES (left): Shirt: Island Daze (islanddaze.com) Jeans: Hollister (hollisterco.com) Shoes: “Jim Canvas” in black. A classic Airwalk shoe, durable, easy to clean, and perfect for day to evening wear. (airwalk.com) Skateboard: Anela- The Guardian Angel 38” by Kahuna Creations (kahunacreations.com)

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(BELOW) Watch: “Broadway Hex” in Cotton Candy Pink by Rumba Time (rumbatime.com) Ring: “Carnival” in multi by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com)

A

C B

Lazy Beach Days A) Shirt: “Doleman” in Unicorn, soft, flowy... you’re not gonna want to take it off! By Violet Love (violetlovebrands.com)

“A” - up close

Lounge Pants: “Hip to Be Tied” in VLove.

Scrunch side, and SOFT, by Violet Love (violetlovebrands.com)

(RIGHT) Watch: “Slap Watch Explorer” in Sunset. One watch face with multiple bands to mix and match, helping you find a look that’s just right! (slapwatch.com)

Tank & Scarf: Racerback tank & scarf in “Two to Tango” print by Violet Love (violetlovebrands.com)

Bracelets: “Stud & Thread Leather Wrap” in brown/dark brown, 36” Stone Wrap in orange

by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com)

B) Dress: “LND25” in Ivory. Lace, ruffles “E” - up close

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and intricate detailing make this beach dress ultra feminine & light. By JMP Fashions/Bohio.

(jmpfashions.com) Necklace: “Comforting Clay Heart Necklace” in black/white floral by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com) Earrings: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com)

C) Top: “Thaina” in Polka Dots. Soft, and

perfect for the beach or an evening out, by Juli and Fred (juliandfred.com) Pants: “MG214 Rollover Waist” double lined gauze pants in white, by Elan (clothingobsession.com)

D

E

F Earrings: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com)

D) Top: “VNR92” short sleeve crop top with lace neck detail-

Clutch: “Daily” mini organizer (8 piece set) by Mini Kittour.

Elegant, double zippered clutch that hides 2 leak-proof mini bottles, 2 mini jars, and a 3pc. set of brushes for quick, daily touchups, and additional room for your most important cosmetics.

Small enough to fit in your purse, gym or travel bag, also doubles exquisitely as an evening out- clutch. (minikittour.com)

Skirt: “VL in Paradise” patchwork skirt by Violet Love. (violetlovebrands.com)

E) Top: “Hoodie Tank” in Jamaica print. Loose and comfy, by

Wristlet: “Shag Bag Wristlet” in natural, and made from recycled scarves by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com)

ing, made of 100% cotton, by Elan (clothingobsession.com)

Jewelry: (ring) “Carnival” in blue, (necklace) “Stone Wrap” 36” in brown/teal, (bracelet) 20” Nautilus Shell wrap in lavender by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com), brown/pink wooden bracelets, and pearlized earrings by Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com)

Violet Love (violetlovebrands.com)

Leggings: “Iris” soft to the touch and superb for layering, or matched with heels, by Violet Love. (violetlovebrands.com) Wristlet: “Shag Bag Wristlet” in purple, made from recycled scarves. Neckalce & earrings from the “Crochet” collection in

Earth. All by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com

F) “LND26” in Beige. Flirty, fun and feminine, with chocolate drawstring detailing on bodice allowing for less-to-moderate coverage. By JMP Fashions/Bohio. (jmpfashions.com) Bracelet: 36” Stone Wrap in brown by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com) Necklace: “Pierced Shell Necklace” hand sawed and shaped in sterling silver. Edges are then darkened and highlighted for an antiqued look. Several fresh water pearls hang from the pendant, and sterling silver chain, completing this fresh ensemble. A beautiful piece for any surfer girl collection, by Bridget Turner. (bridgetturner.ca or etsy.com/shop/bridgetturner)

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At last... the Beach!

(THIS PAGE) Bikini Top: “Ivory Textured Double Slide Triangle” top by Ola Feroz, custom, surfer approved bikinis (olaferoz.com)

Lounge Pants: “Hip to Be Tied” in Iris with adjustable scrunch side, and SOFT, by Violet Love (violetlovebrands.com) Jacket: “Cocoon Jacket” in Polka Dots. Light and perfect as a cover-up, by Juli and Fred (juliandfred.com) Watch: “Slap Watch Explorer” in Purple Berry. Mix & match the watch face with different colored bands to suit your every mood! (slapwatch.com) Bracelet & Necklace: 20” Nautilus Shell wrap bracelet in bronze, “Comforting Clay Heart Necklace” in Purple Geo by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com) Bag: “Riley Messenger Bag” by LYF. Military tough, beach chic bags! We love LYF! (loveyourlyf.com) Surfboard: Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com) (RIGHT PAGE) Dress: “A1825/E” in Peach. Feminine lace babydoll dress. Lace appliqué with ruffle details. Adjustable straps and fully lined. By Pura Vida (puravidastyle.com) Long Necklace: “Pierced Shell Necklace” hand sawed and shaped in sterling silver. Edges are then darkened and highlighted for an antiqued look. Several fresh water pearls hang from the pendant, and sterling silver chain, completing this fresh ensemble. A beautiful piece for any surfer girl collection, by Bridget Turner. (bridgetturner.ca or etsy.com/shop/bridgetturner) Wave Necklace: “Cutout Wave” sterling silver pendant on a pink suede leather cord.

Pendant is hammered to a elegant and rugged finish. By The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) Bracelet: 36” Stone Wrap in brown by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com) Shoes: “Frenz” in gold metallic wash, slip-on

by Mad Love. Available at DSW, Journeys, and other fine shoe stores.

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A

B

C

D A, B, F, I) Riggs and Pulley Bikinis... a collection of art objects created from recycled goods, wearable or utilitarian. Made with passion from unusual and spectacular things like remnant forms, fabrics, textures, patterns, and colors that inspire. Check their online store for new additions and for your one-of-a-kind, Riggs and Pulley bikini! (riggsandpulley.com)

G

E C) “Narangja” braided top and bi-

kini bottoms, offering more strength than your standard halter top or string bikini, and surfer friendly, by Ola Feroz (olaferoz.com)

D) “Coral Connection” braided

halter top & bottoms, shown in Berry/Sunset, offering security and superb style for surfer girls. By Odina (odinasurf.com) Surfboard: Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com)

F E) “Twist” in red-- a classicly styled

top with lace-up back, ensuring a perfect and secure fit, “Fierce” bottoms in black, by Calavera, a surf brand inspired & tested in the surf of Costa Rica. (calaveraswimwear.com) Surfboard: Keoki Surfboards (keokisurfboards.com)

I G & H) Tahitian inspired prints

and vivid colors make the Honey Girl Waterwear collection truly unique in their femininity and cut.

Swimwear designed specifically for surfing. Hidden drawstrings in the waistband ensures your bottoms stay on, no matter how deep you duck-dive or get tossed. Honey Girl offers a variety of tops for all activity levels annd body types. (honeygirlwaterwear.com)

H

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A) O’Bikini: Based out of Ocean Beach (San Diego), CA. Designed with watersports in mind- O’Bikini has engineered its bikinis in a way so you can be comfortable, active and still be in a cute suit that will actually LAST and not fall off, OR apart! (facebook: Obikini)

B) Riggs and Pulley Bikinis... a collection of art objects created from recycled goods, wearable or utilitarian. Made with passion from unusual and spectacular things like remnant forms, fabrics, textures, patterns, and colors that inspire. Check their online store for new additions and for your one-of-a-kind, Riggs and Pulley bikini! (riggsandpulley.com)

C) Purples, swirls & checks make this suit

one of our favorites... and we LOVE that Johnny Russia swimwear is made right here in the USA! It’s different, colorful, and high quality. Johnny Russia- a social collaboration project reflecting the gusto “High on Life” culture.

Specializing in clothing for snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing sports, they focus on American products and incorporate the importance of community relationships into their business. (johnnyrussia.com)

D & E) “Bronze Suede” a soft brown

suede/polyester/spandex bikini with rivet detailing and scrunched side with ruched backed bottoms... this suit by Body Coral is just too much fun! It’s sister bikini “Empress Suede” offers brass detailing, with minimal coverage for the ultimate in tanning, and scrunched side with ruched back bottoms, and classic black “pocket” detailing. The perfect poolside or beach bikinis. By Body Coral (bodycoral.com)

B C

A

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D & E

Sunset Sessions

(Marta: right) Springsuit: “Evolution Remix” in pink/grey/black by Exceed Wetsuits, the WSSM #1 recommended wetsuit company, due to their incredibly effective yet NON-restricting styles! This 3/2mm shorty wetsuit is made with superelastic E-stretch neoprene, designed for maximum fit and performance. You have to feel this suit to believe it- so soft!

Constructed with flatlock stitched seams, a non-corrosive back zipper with protective inner flap and nylon pull cord. (exceedwetsuits.com) Camera: SeaLife Cameras presents the most durable, waterproof camera we’ve found to date. The “Mini II Dive & Sport digital camera” is waterproof to 130 feet, rubber armored for a sure grip, and shock impact tested to a 6ft/2m drop on hard concrete surfaces, making the Mini II the perfect companion for any outdoor activity. It features video mode at 30fps with sound, with 9 megapixel resolution, and large, wide-spread controls for easy operation. It’s onscreen viewing allows for immediate access to your images & video. (sealife-cameras.com) Surfboard: Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com) Sunscreen: “Sunbum PRO” a mineral-based, UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum sunscreen that is specifically formulated for athletes that demand more rigorous protection. It won’t wash off, even after hours in the surf, which makes it a solid choice for those serious about sun protection. Approved and recomended byThe Skin Cancer Foundation. (trustthebum.com)

(Chloe: left) Top: “Zuma Sunshirt” in Graphite by Carve Designs. 24” long, semi-fitted, with crew neck & four snap closure.

Empire waist with shirring at side seams. Perfect for that summer evening on the water. (carvedesigns.com) Pants: “Sweet Elite Capris” compression tights (perfect for long distance SUP) in black, by Sweet Waterwear (sweetwaterwear.com) Camera & Headstrap: “HD Hero 2” featuring 1080p WVGA, 30-120 FPS, and 11MP/10 photos/sec.! Capture your entire ride- hands free, when using the handy headstrap! (gopro.com) Surf Sock: “ZOKSurf” the original zippered surf sock, that includes a heavy duty nose protector, quick release toggle draw string, and three inside mesh pockets-- two for storage and one to secure the surfboard tail. So stop wrestling with your old & difficult to use surf sock. Try the ZOKsurf, with it’s handy zipper allowing for quick and painless protection for your stick (zoksurf.com)

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PRO-FILES

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featuring...

Sally

Fitzgibbons and...

Macaulay Sisters Mirabai James Keala Kennelly Rachel Tominaga Rossi Klein

pro trick-tips with...

Courtney Conlogue

surf travel...

The All Stars take on Nicaragua

Photos by ROXY

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Get’n Real with

Sally

Fitzgibbons Photos by ROXY

|

Story by Tia Calvo

S

ally Fitzgibbons takes the definition of a natural born athlete to a whole new level. She gave up a potential Olympic track career for the call of the ocean and no surprise, it paid off.

Sal rounded up 2011 on the World Championship Tour with a ranking of second, coming excruciatingly close to taking home the title.

We quizzed her on a range of subjects, from her nickname “The Bridesmaid” to relationships, placing second and her feelings about rival and team-mate, Carissa Moore.

Who are you riding for at the moment? At the moment my spon-

sor team consists of; Roxy, Red Bull, Etnies, DHD Surfboards, FCS, Gorilla and Sexwax.

Let’s talk about your year on tour. You achieved three huge wins and an overall ranking of number 2. Your first big win of 2011 was in Australia at Bells. On the podium you had a hard time lifting the famous bell trophy and it gave you a little knock on the head. You looked so happy and gave the cutest speech. Run me through the moment: 2011 has been a very exciting season for

me. I started the year out with the goal of wanting to improve in every event and to win a World Tour event. I’d had so many second places and had come so close that I knew it would feel amazing to take one out. My first big win came at the Bells event and it was unbelievable. All the planets aligned with it being the 50th anniversary of the event, and to have my family and friends there to cheer me on made it so special.

I’ve never cried when I was happy and I was absolutely over the moon and cried when I saw everyone. I did have a hard time lifting the famous Bells beach trophy. It was way heavier than I thought and I must have paddled ten kilometres in my heats, haha. I’ll be doing some more bench presses in preparation for next year. After the win, I was on a big

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high and took that over to New Zealand to win back to back events.

You recently took out the U.S. Open at Huntington Pier, considered the biggest contest of the year, in front of a huge crowd.

How do you deal with the pressure? Do you ever have moments when it gets too much? Everything seemed to be flowing nicely and

I felt I was in a very effortless, powerful and relaxed groove. When the tour came to a close and I narrowly missed out on the big prize of being World Champion, it was very devastating. I put everything into working towards that ultimate goal and it takes time to regroup after a near miss. I wanted to finish the year on a good note so I threw everything at the last event, the US Open at Huntington. You are thrown very challenging conditions at Huntington and have to hold your nerve in front of the massive crowds. I’ve never competed in front of that many people and when I won the event, I felt like a rock star crowd-surfing back to the stage. Such a memorable win.

A competitive surfer inevitably faces losses, however you always seem to maintain a really cheerful and positive nature.

How do you keep focused after a loss? The hardest part of being

an athlete is losing. It never gets any easier and for me it’s the most painful thing. You pour all this energy, emotion and hard work into

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racing toward that win and when you don’t get there it does feel like a big setback. I think the realization when you walk out from your heat and there are all these people there to watch you have a crack and they’re having a great time, that helps you put everything in perspective. Especially when a young grom comes up and asks for an autograph or picture, you know then that you’ve already won by inspiring other people.

The womens’ surf industry is developing. We are seeing more women in the water, an increased popularity in the World Championship Tour and amazing progressive surfing coming from our female competitors. What do you feel has contributed to this growth particularly in the past few years? The popularity of women’s surfing is increasing at a rapid

rate. I thinks it’s a lifestyle that appeals to girls and the beaches that have always been packed with women. I think now they’ve seen they can make their beach experience way more fun by taking up surfing. Surfing will continue to grow and the line-ups will become more and more packed by the girls.

In the world of competitive female surfing, do you think sex sells? Are the girls in bikinis who fit the classic surf babe image getting better sponsor support? Or is the focus more on surfing ability? I think any female sport will have the

PRO-FILES

influence of fashion, modelling the clothing of your sport and the image that sex sells. Of course that is going to be a part of surfing as we are all wearing our sponsors bikinis and ultimately they want to sell as much product as they can. It is all about a balance and now that we have such strong surfing talent on the World Tour in our events, the focus is definitely on the surfing and not so much about what we are wearing.

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Being a young woman there is often pressure to be a certain size, shape, weight etc, especially when in the media spotlight.

What helps you to stay positive about body image? I’ve always had a healthy active lifestyle

Get’n Real with

Sally

Fitzgibbons

and this is key to having a positive mindset and outlook on life. Body image is a big issue in our day to day lives and I believe in order to be proud of your body shape you must love yourself and be comfortable in your own skin. On the flip side, if you aren’t happy with your shape, it’s all about being up front with yourself and changing it. Start to get fit and healthy with a friend, it helps if you have someone on your journey with you. Be patient and don’t expect it to happen over night.

Tell me about life on the road and the “Dream Tour”. Is it pretty dreamy? Life on tour is pretty surreal. You find yourself travelling the world at such a young age, experiencing so many different cultures and meeting many interesting people. I’ve seen a lot of the world already and the exciting thing is it’s just the beginning of my career.

The more I travel back to each location, the more I find the time to explore a little more. There are only a few downers when travelling on the Dream Tour and that is constantly packing and unpacking, spending time in airports, arguing with check-in staff over how much they will charge you for your boards, and then the airlines losing your boards. It can get a little stressful. The positives far outweigh the negatives, though.

Who travels with you? How do you cope with spending so much time away from home and the family? I’m

very fortunate to have my dad travel with me to most events. It’s way less stressful to have that bit of home with you when you’re so far away and gone for so long. My dad is also my manager and organizes my entire schedule which is a massive help. When I do trips with my sponsors, Roxy or Red Bull, we travel as a team and so I’ll go solo and meet all my friends there.

Any room for a relationship, or just living the single life for now? Do you get a lot of fan mail? Just living

the single life for now, keeping my options open, haha. It’s hard to have a relationship at this stage of my life where I’m travelling so much. I receive a lot of awesome fan mail, I love all the crew that are supporting me all the way and I interact on Twitter with fans quite a bit (@Sally_Fitz). That’s also the best way for fans to check out what I am up to.

For our American and international readers, will you share with us what it’s like growing up surfing in Australia? I’m very lucky to have grown up surfing in Australia. We have some of the best coastlines in the world

and it’s pristine, clean and beautiful. It is definitely a sport that is a part of our culture here. Our population is situated around the coastal fringes, so everyone has some sort of contact with the ocean. We have great surfing talent that has come out of Australia and it shows with past and present World Champions. I’m very proud to have grown up surfing in Australia.

How do you feel about meat pies? Meat pies are Australian cuisine. You’ve got to love a traditional meat pie. You have to know the secret spots though, where to get the best gourmet ones. You must get one whenever you come to Australia!

I heard you used to be a serious track athlete too, with Olympic potential. Are you some superhuman athletic goddess?? Seriously? Haha, wish I was a superhuman. I competed in a lot of sports growing up and athletics definitely bubbled to the top as a potential one that I wanted to go all the way to the Olympics with. I loved competing in 800m and 1500m, but it got to the point where I had to decide on which sport I wanted to focus on. Surfing was going really well for me at the time and I feel in a way it picked me. After a track season of running the best I’ve

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ever run, being undefeated in all the big Australian meets and taking gold in both 800m and 1500m at the Youth Olympics, I decided I’d follow the surfing path and left the track on a high note.

What is the most important aspect of your training? The most important

aspect is spending time in the water, surfing as many different conditions I possibly can. That’s the amazing thing about surfing; you can never catch a wave that is the same. It’s an ever changing playing field and you have to be ready to adapt.

That’s what makes it so much fun.

What are you doing when you’re not surfing? I’m a sports

nut, so when I’m not surfing I’m watching all sorts of other sports. Going to games with friends, checking on updates and tipping all my teams to win in the local papers.

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Your 21st birthday is coming up. Any big plans?

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It’s crazy I’m already turning 21. It feels like only yesterday I was having my 10th birthday. I think I’ll be celebrating for sure with all my friends and family. Might have to do 21 days of activities to celebrate, haha.

What level of competitive drive does it take to make it on the WCT? Do you have to be a fighter?

You definitely have to have that competitive spirit built into you to be a professional surfer on tour. You have to want to win with every part of your being. Every athlete goes about it their own individual way, but it’s inside of all of us.

Your Red Bull team-mate Carissa Moore... competitor, friend, arch nemesis? What are your thoughts? Where do you two stand? Carissa is a great friend of mine. We’ve grown up competing and surfing together. It was a great battle for the title this year and with both of us only at the beginning of our careers, there will be plenty more exciting heats to come. She shares that same love and passion as I do for our sport and is a very deserving winner of the world title this year. We will always have the best battles in the surf when competing and have a great friendship when we are out of the water and travelling around. We will definitely push each other to raise the performance level every time we hit the water.

Now, in all honesty, are you sick of hearing the term bridesmaid? I see nothing but winning results from you, but it’s funny how a nickname sticks! You know that runner-up position is always

tough to swallow because on one hand you are stoked with all the great results you’ve notched up, but on the other hand you were so close to the number one spot.

The term bridesmaid is always one of those nicknames that gets slapped on you when you’ve had a lot of close calls like I have had. I think you just have to own the nicknames you get given. I use it to spur me on and that’s how I ended up with three wins this year, I was ecstatic!

Red Bull set up some kind of crazy training camp for its surfers called “Project Air”. It looks pretty insane, tell me what it involves. Does it run every year? Red Bull is always thinking of ways they can fast

track our training to take us to the next level. ‘Project Air’ was a great camp that had the intent of creating a skate ramp similar to a section on a wave. It’s hard to find lots of sections in one session in the surf to practice

a maneuver over and over. So they built us a ramp which you take off from and land in a foam pit so you don’t get hurt. It was all about trying to provide that constant platform to keep practicing over and over. It was really fun and definitely worked. Red Bull never does the same thing every year and this year I am headed to Hawaii for some deep diving/breathing technique training.

What interview question are you the most tired of being asked? Where do you see yourself in ten years?

This is the hardest question to answer, I have no idea what’s going to happen tomorrow let alone ten years away, haha.

What’s your quiver look like right now? Who’s shaping for you? Darren Handley is my shaper at DHD

surfboards. We have a great relationship and have been working together on boards for five years now. Surfboard design is always changing and so we are adapting and putting things into my boards that hope to take my performance to that next level. It’s so important to have great boards under your feet and Darren’s doing that for me.

These photographs are from your recent trip to Mexico. How was the surf, people, food etc? Was it a work or play trip? Mexico was a an epic trip. I’d

never surfed that part of Mexico before and to be on a trip with the surfing icon Kelly Slater just made it that extra bit special. We were on a Roxy/Quiksilver trip to get photos and footage for web campaigns. The waves were really fun the whole time, and quite a few sessions we had there was no one out, which is super rare these days. The food and culture in Mexico is always great to experience, it is so different from growing up in Australia. It’s always an eye opener and you have to watch what you eat because you can get sick quite easily.

Where has been your least favorite or most challenging wave, is there anywhere you would never surf again? I always love to push myself out of that

comfort zone and try to attack any and all conditions at the bigger more challenging breaks. I’ve definitely taken some beatings but there’s nowhere that I wouldn’t go back to have another crack at.

Next year on tour yourself, Carissa and Steph are obvious title contenders, but who else do you predict as being a serious threat? Next year’s tour

will be so exciting to be a part of and watch. There are definitely some fresh new faces that look hungry and want to do some damage. I think with this charge of new young talent on tour now it will be these names that stick around for a long time to come and really grow with our sport. It’s an awesome time for women’s surfing right now and I can’t wait to see where it will go from here.

Any advice for our female readers who are just getting into surfing, young and old? It can be a challenging process getting started. If you’re just

starting out, make sure you start on a nice big board and then trade it for shorter and shorter boards as your ability increases. A lot of people make the mistake of trying to surf on a short board right away; they struggle on it and then get frustrated and give it up. So a nice big board is essential. Try and find a surf buddy to go out with regularly to spur each other on. Make sure you give it time, and patience is key so don’t give up. Most importantly have a blast and enjoy the beautiful surf.

And finally, how would you describe Sally Fitzgibbons in three words?

Smiley, Spontaneous, Energetic. F

Get’n Real with

Sally

Fitzgibbons

Is there anyt hing you are focu sing on with your surfing at the moment? A irs, competit ive strategy, ba rrel riding ec With the tim t…?

e we have be tween now an new season starting, I’ll try d the and go on tri some great w ps to find aves to work on parts of m that I want to y surfing get stronger I always have . a focus on im proving my pr sive maneuve ogresrs and barrel riding techni At this stage ques.

I just need m ore and mor practice, so I’m e looking for w aves that will give me the sectio ns.

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Sisters...

Ellie, Laura & Bronte Macaulay Photos by ORD, russellord.com

|

Story by Tia Calvo

Life in Australia is all about stinking hot summers, meat pies (it’s an Aussie thing) and a ridiculous amount of deadly venomous critters. It’s also home to some seriously wicked surf. If you’re one of the lucky ones who’s surfed the Aussie South West coast, chances are you’ve seen the Macaulay sisters dominating in the line-ups.

The offspring of local ripper and ex pro surfer Dave Macaulay, these three siblings are fast becoming surf prodigies in their own right.

Ages: 19, 19 (twins), 17 Sponsors: Roxy, DMac Surf Designs, Creatures of Leisure, Electric Sunglasses Hometown: Gracetown, Western Australia Years Surfing: 21 combined (7 each)

We surf because…

Ellie: We love the feeling of being in the ocean.

Laura: It makes us happy and it’s heaps of fun.

Bronte: I actually don’t know. It is really fun, but I guess you don’t really ask yourself. You just get in a routine and do it, and when you don’t surf you feel pretty lost.

Life in West Oz is…

Ellie: Always an adventure.

Laura: Fantastic. I love living here. There’s lots of space and waves.

Bronte: Awesome. It feels isolated from the rest of Australia and it just seems like home.

The waves at home are…

Ellie: Always fun.

Laura: Everywhere. There is so much variety and you can always get a wave.

Bronte: Pretty amazing. Especially in autumn and there’s always somewhere to surf.

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Above: Ellie, Bronte and Laura Macaulay.

Top right: Laura - surf bound.

Bottom right: Bronte, executing a top turn.

Bottom circle (right): Dad watching Laura race down the line.

Bottom (this page: Laura enjoying the green glow.

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Top: Laura Macaulay, on a left hander at the Bluff Right: Laura (Sitting) Ellie (PInk Board) & Bronte (White Board)

Growing up surfing together has been…

Ellie: Absolutely awesome. We are lucky to always have a surfing buddy.

Laura: The best thing. I realize sometimes how lucky I

am to have two sisters and when we surf together it is the best feeling.

Bronte: Pretty fun. We’re all so different. Ellie loves to talk and Laura is pretty focused.

Our favorite boards to ride are…

Ellie: Short boards and also our tandem board.

Laura: Anything. Normal boards are good and our tandem board is fun too.

Bronte: Dad’s. We also have this 12 foot tandem board

he made which we learned to surf on and we still use it when our friends come over.

We want to travel to…

Ellie: All over the world and we are going to Europe together.

Laura: Europe together, up north in this state and to any good surf and national parks.

Bronte: Europe. We have planned to go on a trip in

2013 together. So much culture and history. Can’t wait…

The best thing about Australia is…

Ellie: The rugged coastline and the laid back lifestyle.Laura: The nice beach-

es and nice people. There is a pretty laid back lifestyle, too, which is good!

Bronte: It’s isolated, laid back and just really diverse.

Meat pies are…

Ellie: The perfect breakfast.

Laura: Really bad for you.

Bronte: Sickening, but worth it.

We like competing in surf contests because…

Ellie: It is fun to catch up with everyone.

Laura: It’s fun to surf uncrowded waves with only a few girls out in the water.

Bronte: Doing well makes you feel good. They are also a good challenge. F

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Introducing...

PIVOTHEAD VIDEO RECORDING EYEWEAR

1080p HD 8MP CAMERA

Aurora BR15

16

ABOVE: the Aurora satin pearl frame with metallic rose transition mask lens. Weather resistant, not waterproof.

STYLES

NEW Smartphone App Controls SHARE FROM ANYWHERE

CAPTURE YOUR LIFE IN BRILLANT HD VIDEO GYROSCOPE IMAGE STABILIZATION CONTINUOUS AUTO FOCUS WIND-RESISTANT AUDIO RECORDING FACIAL TRACKING

SMARTPHONE APP CONTROL SETTINGS ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT SWISS FRAMES 100% UV LENS COATINGS EASY SHARING TO SOCIAL SITES

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Far left: Mirabai chats with photographers at Ho’okipa Beach, Maui.

Middle & right circles: MIrabai goes the extra mile... setting up a magazine release promotional event on Maui, showcasing the WSSM spread she was featured in, complete with extra large printed vinyl banner, posters for signing, and additional magazine copies for fans! Just another way to generate buzz and content, showing sponsors she’s willing to go the extra mile to promote them.

This page: Mirabai charging at Ho’okipa Beach, Maui. Photo by Darrell Wong

Mirabai James ... How to get a Sponsor

When I started surfing at the age of 10, I knew I wanted to be sponsored… so, I am so happy to share this article with all the girls who have the same dreams I did. I got all my sponsors and kept them by hard work, persistence and dedication. I ride for Sector 9, Black Flys, Da Kine, ZICO Coconut water, Maui Girl Swim wear, BYB Surfboards, and The Pickle.

Having sponsors is like having a job.

You will need a portfolio to promote yourself.

After you have a sponsor, you don’t want to lose them, so keep them updated every few months.

This should consist of surfing and modeling photos, video footage, magazine articles or ads that you have been in for surf modeling or school, and a typed resume. The resume should have all of your contest results, school grades or honors, special awards and your future plans in the world of surfing.

Let them know what you have been up to, what your future plans are, what gear you will need, and most of all, always letting them know how stoked you are to be representing them. Enter contests and get as much magazine coverage as possible to keep them stoked on you.

You should include a cover letter stating who you are (a quick bio), what kind of sponsorship you are looking for, why they should sponsor you, what you can do for them, how you will be able to represent them in a positive way, and what makes you different from everyone else. Make your portfolio short and sweet. Team managers are busy people and don’t have a lot of time, so it is important to catch their eye with as little as possible. You want them to remember who you are, so anything special that stands out about you, include it!

Before you even begin all of the above, here are some basics that you need to cover and get busy on so that you will have something to put in that portfolio you will be working so hard on. The first thing to do is get surfing/modeling photos and video footage. Surfing photos and video are a very important part of this process. They will showcase your skills and best moves. Enter as many contests as you can and get involved in your local surfing association. Get a surfing coach to help you with contest strategies so you can win. The more impressive your surfing is at contests, the greater your chances will be that a sponsor scout will see you rippin and will want to pick you up as a team rider. Follow this advice, and if you are a ripper, you will be sure to have a sponsor in no time.

Once you have your portfolio together, call the companies by Google searching their phone numbers. Find out who the team manager is, and call until you get in touch with them. Tell them who you are, that you are interested in riding for the team and have a resume to send. Now you are ready to send your portfolios out to the team managers of the companies you want to be sponsored by. After you have sent them your portfolio, follow up by calling the team manager to make sure they received it.

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Good Luck!!!!!

Live your dreams......... Aloha, Mirabai

James

Photo: Darrell Wong

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Stress-Less By: Stanley Popovich

Managing Your Anxieties in Surfing

At times, our worries and anxieties can overwhelm us. In addition, our worries can distort our perception of what is reality and what is not. As a result, this may interfere with our surfing. Here is a brief list of techniques that a surfer can use to help gain a better perspective on things during their anxious moments.

Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once.

When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could read the newspaper, listen to some music or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. This is a great technique to use right before your next event.

Remember that our fearful thoughts are exaggerated and can make the problem worse. A good way to manage your worry is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you fearful or anxious, chalRememlenge those thoughts by asking yourself quesber that our tions that will maintain objectivity and comfearful thoughts mon sense.

are exaggerated and can make the problem worse.

Remember that all the worrying in the world will not change anything. Most of what we worry about never comes true. Instead of worrying about something that probably won’t happen, concentrate on what you are able to do.

Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that you can carry around with you.

Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you.

Whenever you feel stressed before your event, open up your small notebook and read those statements. This will help to manage your negative thinking.

In every anxiety-related situation you experience, begin to learn what works, what doesn’t work, and what you need to improve on to manage your fears and anxieties. For instance, if you have a lot of anxiety before your event and you decide to take a walk to help you feel better, and it works for you, then the next time you feel anxious you can remind yourself that you got through it the last time by taking a walk. This will give you the confidence to manage your anxiety the next time around.

Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties.

They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help.

It is not easy to deal with all of our fears and worries. When your fears and anxieties have the best of you, try to calm down and then get the facts of the situation. The key is to take it slow. All you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and when something does happen, take it in stride. Take it one step at a time and things will work out.

Do Not Stress Over Your Competition

Many surfers sometimes get anxious when they go against a tough opponent. They get nervous about whom they are competing with and they get so worked up that they lose focus. In the end, they make mistakes and end up beating themselves up if they do not win. As a result, here is a list of techniques that a surfer can use to help manage the stress of going against the competition.

The first step is to learn as much as you can about your opponent. Although this may seem obvious, some surfers may think they already know what they need to know. Remember there is always something to learn about your competition. Read the reports about your opponent and watch his or her performance. Try to figure out an angle on how you can beat them, because the more you know about your them, the better your chances are you will win. This will also help to reduce your worries in the future.

Do not assume anything about your competition whether they are stronger or weaker than you. Every athlete has his good and bad times and just because you may be facing a stronger opponent does not mean that you will lose. Remember that you and your opponent both have an equal chance of winning. You are both starting from scratch. This should help to give you confidence going into your next event.

Focus on how you can best strive for perfection in your own event instead of worrying about your opponent. For instance, you are going against the number one athlete in the tournament and you are nervous. Instead of focusing on how Focus on good your competition is, focus on your performance. Concentrate on how you can best how you can perform your event and strive for perfection how you can best improve on your in your own event problem areas.

instead of worrying

Realize that you can’t win all of the about your time and that also includes your comopponent. petition. You may be the best athlete in the world, however you will still sometimes lose. No one can win all of the time.

When facing a tough competitor, use this fact to your advantage. Even the best athletes will make some mistakes.

It is not uncommon to get nervous when you go against a better opponent. All you can do is to focus on your skill sets and do the best you can.

This will help you in the long run.

Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods” - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties.

For additional information go to: www.managingfear.com

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Giving Back...

KK in Nicaragua Keala teams up with SYRV to “Make Good Happen” Story and photos by Roberta Rodger

We imagine the life of a pro surfer is filled with endless days surfing perfect waves, traveling to exotic locations and staying in 5 star accommodations...

We picture them living a celebrity-like life with parties, TV appearances and hop-knobbing with A-list stars. For Keala Kennelly, life may not be all red carpets, but she’s definitely lived a more luxurious life than many. She competed on the WCT, appeared in the movie Blue Crush, had a role on the HBO show John from Cincinnati and has chased waves in places like Teahupoo and Mexico.

Keala has also had an amazing career and has impacted and inspired women all around the world. Some would just sit back and bask in the glory, but not Keala; she decided she wanted to make a difference. Keala partnered up with SYRV to “Make Good Happen ” in Nicaragua by co-hosting a volunteer yoga and surf trip.

An eclectic group of individuals joined Keala on her trip, from a New York City corporate lawyer to a yoga instructor and even a federal agent. All of the travelers signed up to give of their time, explore the Nicaraguan culture and of course surf and have a good time. After introductions at the airport in Managua, the crew of 13 packed into the van

for the journey to Jiquillio, a remote fishing village. The crew quickly learned that time was irrelevant on this trip; if a journey was meant to take three hours, it usually took five, but with such a great group of people, it never mattered.

We arrived in the early evening to Monty’s Beach Lodge and met our hosts, Monty and a native Nicaraguan, Gerry, whose humanitarian efforts, along with the help of their guests, benefit the local community. Although it’s a rural area with dirt roads and no cell or internet service, we had accommodations right on the beach and were served amazing food by Chef Alvin. The lodge also has a raised patio where we did yoga, and a bar.

We had three main objectives while in Jiquillio. First we tested water at various sites, two of which were elementary schools. When we arrived, the students surrounded us. Although they have nothing, they were the happiest, most vibrant children we had ever met. “I appreciated the children’s openness to our group of many non-Spanish-speakers. I

loved communicating through laughter, gestures, humor and humility,” said SYRV traveler, Jessica. We also gave a clean water presentation to teach the children about the impact of pollution on our oceans and earth. Afterwards, we led the kids in a beach clean-up, and they enjoyed it. They took the garbage bags out of our hands, led us along the beach yelling “ basura” (garbage) and ran to collect as much trash as possible.

Before coming to Nicaragua, each of the travelers had collected donations from family, friends, and co-workers at a cost of only $30 each to buy water purifiers.

For the town of Jiquillio, we had 65 water purifiers. Gerry arranged for us to donate them to families at the local community center. Most of the people in Jiquillio have to spend a third of their income to get clean water, and the majority of them cannot afford it. Drinking the polluted water has led to illness and disease within the community. We realized how small and meaningful an act it was for us to provide these purifiers to poor communities.

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1) Keala charging 2) Heading back to the bay: Roberta, Jovie, Alexis & Cameron 3) Keala dishing up some stew 4) SYRV in front of John & Pili’s El Camino 5) Water purifiers for everyone!

6) Playa Gigante sunset 7) Yellow means it’s clean, purple is no bueno!

8) Antonio never stopped smilling 9) Leaving the Chinandanga projects, trying to protect from the smell and dust on the road out 10) At the Chinandanga projects; food and a cap!

11) After only an hour, we’d collected all this trash- AKA, Basura! 12) At the orphanage - Jesse getting one of many hugs 13) Helpful little guy!

14) Jiquilillo Elementery School; Cameron shows them how to play his ukelele 15) Jovie at Panga Drops

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Giving Back...

KK in Nicaragua Keala teams up with SYRV to “Make Good Happen” ... continued

PRO-FILES

We also visited the local orphanage where most of the children had lost their parents or entire families in Hurricane Mitch. Once again these children had so much joy, laughter, and love to share, and we got individual hugs from each of them. Cameron taught them to play ukuleles which he brought to donate. The kids were overjoyed at the colorful instruments that would be theirs as they joined in singing and strumming.

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After all the hard work, the crew was ready to let loose, so we celebrated with the rest of the guests at Monty’s. DJ KK mixed up the beats and everyone danced until the wee hours of the night.

Our next stop, Chinandega, was one of the most difficult parts of our trip. The government puts the poor and displaced in small shacks lined up next to the city dump in their version of “The Projects.” As we were driving into the area, the smell and dust was all consuming. These people have nothing and very little prospect of getting out of their current situation. All of the travelers brought extra suitcases of donation clothing, and we also sponsored a lunch with the help of the local pastor. We set up our donation centre as the families lined up eager to get clothing and a good meal. It was an eye-opening experience for everyone involved, as our hearts ached for these people. It really changes your perspective on things. “When I think I’m having a bad day, [I’ll] just remember someone’s best day was getting a bowl of chicken foot soup” Keala said.

Exhausted, but motivated, we next made our way to Playa Gigante, a charming town with friendly locals and some of the best surf breaks in Nicaragua. With only two days, we packed in as much as we could. At the town hall, we donated more purifiers and then the group split up to take the older kids on a beach cleanup while the rest stayed and taught the younger kids English.

Encinitas local Mateo was our host for both our volunteer initiatives and our surf adventures. From our accommodations at Giant’s Foot Surf Camp and Camino De San Gigante, those that were up for it paddled out to Mateo’s boat to surf at Colorado’s, Panga Drops and Popoyo. Keala and Mateo braved the fast barreling peaks at Colorado’s while the rest of the crew surfed the big fat waves at Panga Drops and the peaky A frame waves at Popoyo, getting to experience the best waves the coast had to offer.

Back at Camino De San Gigante we gathered to feast on amazing food prepared by Basque country native Pilie, who along with her San Clemente raised husband, John, owns the accomodations. Of course it wouldn’t be a night out with the SYRV crew without DJ KK getting in the mix and entertaining the guests with her beats.

We spent our last day in San Juan Del Sur. It was a shock to our systems to be in a civilized city with paved roads, restaurants, and other tourists. We were free to do what we wanted for our final day; some chose to take surf lessons, some headed out to Playa Hermosa where they filmed Survivor and others took a boat to surf the secluded wedge at Playa Yankees. A couple of people lay by the pool with cocktails and others took in a sunset yoga session with top Yoga instructor, Tiffany Russo. It was only 7 days, but it felt like a lifetime. Actually, we called it “Nicatime,” because one hour in Nicaragua with all that we accomplished equaled one day back in North America. F

1) Piles of donation clothing for the people of Chinandaga 2) Los Zorros Elementery School, Keala and Victor water testing 3) Antonio is stoked!

4) Chinandanga projects; food and a teddy bear... yeah!

5) John and Pili’s DJ- KK raises the roof 6) Monty’s Billabong donated surf wear for the kids

5 6

An interview with up & comer...

Rachel Tominaga

by Albino Unicorn Heather Ivy is the Make Up Artist Rachel Tominaga is the talent Albino Unicorn is the interviewer

Photos by: Brian Morris Photography Digital Soup Designz portfolio: digitalsoupdesignz.viewbook.com

W

ow, what a glorious day it is to wake up and smell the coffee. Today I get to rehash some time spent with a little known 14 year old gem coming up out of the Southbay. Manhattan Beach, to be precise. Alright… so I fibbed… I’m a unicorn.

The truth is, she’s not little known, but actually pretty well known where she’s from and she is quickly climbing the ranks of competitive surfing in southern California.

I stumbled, 4 legged like, across the beach at a surf contest early this year and out of the corner of my eye I witnessed a shadow tossing buckets of water around in the ocean like it was feeding time for the dolphins.

Yet the silhouette was not of a typical ripper grom of the male species.

I continued to watch and tried to focus on what was to later reveal itself, outside of the water, to be a 14 year old young lady.

What caught my eye was the style and finesse of every move she made while redirecting the ocean through every calculated turn.

She tamed the waves and calmly set them to rest onto the shore and went back out for more… no waiting or meandering. She turned and saddled up the next one with ease… one wave after the other, with a ferocious appetite. Suddenly, there were dolphins out playing around. They are the sign that all things are good in the world for that moment and they hone in on the talent.

The same thing happens to Slater!

I had the pleasure of watching her compete all day as she came up through the ranks of a contest to win her division. Weeks later it occurred to me that she may actually be a prodigy. So I called her up and said in my unicorn voice, “Let’s shoot!”

I would like to introduce to you Rachel Tominaga.

Hello, Rachel, let’s have a little chat in a question-style format.

Tell us where were you born and how long have you been telling the waves how to behave? I was born in the desert in

Arizona. We moved to California when I was in first grade. I’ve always loved the water, so living by the ocean is awesome. Telling the waves how to behave? No, if you do that then you’ll definitely get pounded. I learned that the hard way!!! When I was 10, I surfed a little in the summer, but didn’t really start surfing year round until I was 12.

At your age, you’ve already got a good solid sense of the power and magic of the ocean.

She does hand out beatings……

Bravo! I know this interview stuff is weird for a 14 year old, so what would you rather be doing right now? Surfing, hanging with friends or family, SLEEPING… school started again, lots of early mornings and busy days, so I’m a little tired.

er than me... so, I agree with you. Please tell us what went through your mind while painting Mr. Cow, then tossing him to the floor, and running him over with your chair. That was fun! That was a blast, I love making

a mess with paint! I figured since you were there, my mom wouldn’t get mad at me for getting paint all over the carpet, so I went with it!! I think most of the paint came out…so, it’s all good.

You only live once, right? Yeah, and I definitely felt guilty by association for that one…

(Snickers) Who is gonna win the Hurley Pro next week down at Lowers?

So stoked for you to be getting the tools of the trade.

Go, Julian! I will have the dolphins send him some waves to put on a show!

When will you unleash your arial assault on them corduroys? Wow, first you call me a

After a couple hours of smacking the lip and doing round houses, what is your favorite grindage to recharge the batteries for round 2? Hahaha! You

This next question should be easy! Unicorns or Dolphins?

You can say both or just pick one. Dolphins.

I know, dolphins are much cut-

I love some Acai bowl good

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lucky. I have been able to work with some local shapers since I started surfing… Wayne Okamoto (Oakfoils), Dan Cobley (DanC) and Don Kadowaki. They all make great boards, but the boards I’m riding right now are Oakfoils, and I love them!! I have a couple of boards on order from Spyder and Roberts.

I can’t wait to try those out, too!!!

Julian Wilson

have a funny way of saying things!

There’s a little cafe by my house called Oceana Bistro Cafe. The owner’s are from Brazil and they make the best Acai bowls around. I love having one of those and a big plate of their homemade gnocchi!!

Nice lineup… siestas make the world go round, ya know!

ness, and when I can find it… some Ahi Poke!

I noticed you have a wonderful little quiver of boards. Could you tell us a little about them and who the tech is behind the glass you use to make the ocean a better place? I’ve been

prodigy and now you’re talking about airs? That’s nice of you to say, but there’s a lot of other girls out there really ripping. I’m just trying to push myself so that my surfing keeps progressing as quickly as possible.

You are so humble. Those stylish cutbacks and backhand lippers are the sign of things to come, and it wasn’t me doing them!

Besides the Ocean, what other

training do you do that makes you such a strong and determined athlete? I started working out with the high school surf team at a local gym called Level 10.

Meredith Miller is the coach and her workouts will kill you!!! Lots of strength, cardio and balance training. She’s tough, but her workouts are great…hopefully, there’s some gain from the pain!!!

Awesome. That followed by some good Yoga and stretching makes me sleepy.

Two More Questions. Where are you gonna be in 5 years… imagination is the world, ya know! I’d love to be doing it all…

college, surfing, competing, and traveling.

Well I wish you much aloha and success in your journey.

Dennis Jarvis and the Spyder Crew are very cool... what would you like to say about them? The Spyder crew is awe-

some and I’m super stoked to be a part of their team. It’s great to have their support and I love their stores!! Thanks Spyder :)

Thank you. I hear the swell is a comin... Thanks, this was fun.

Now let’s go surf! F

Dear Brian (Albino Unicorn), ... As Rachels parents, what we’re most proud of is the fact that she really began surfing around age 12 and has only started focusing on surfing since last year. Prior to that, she was a competitive swimmer. Most of the girls she’s competing against have been surfing since a much younger age. They have parents who were able to teach them how to surf, they have been competing longer and they have long lists of sponsors. We feel Rachel has accomplished a lot to be surfing at the level she is at now, given her background, compared to many of the other surfers.

We moved to California from Arizona when Rachel was in first grade. She’s always been a water baby and was immediately drawn to the ocean. When she wanted to learn to surf, we had to hire an instructor because neither my husband nor I had ever surfed and we knew nothing about it. The instructor taught my husband how to push Rachel into the waves. However, it wasn’t long before Rachel decided to try surfing on her own, because it seemed every time my husband pushed her into a wave she would pearl.

Luckily, we have an amazing lifeguard, Ivan, at the surf spot in front of our home. Ivan would keep an eye on Rachel when she was learning to surf. I remember standing on the beach trying to frantically wave her in when I thought she was out too far and of course she would ignore me. Then when she finally did come in, we would argue because she wanted to continue surfing out past the break and I didn’t want her to because it made me nervous that she was out that far by herself. Ivan would see me, standing there all nervous, and would come by to reassure me she was fine and he was keeping an eye on her. That’s how she learned to surf.

It was a slow, and for me, a nerve racking process, but it worked for her.

One day she announced she would like to enter surf contests.

Since I didn’t know anything about surf contests I asked around, did some research on the internet and found WSA and NSSA. We showed up at the contests and Rachel just surfed. We had to ask the organizers and other parents about rules, etc… I’m sure we annoyed more than our fair share of people with all our questions and lack of “contest” knowledge. It was fairly intimidating for me, and I can only imagine how Rachel must have felt those first few contests. Contest surfing is very different from free surfing and she definitely didn’t do very well when she first began participating in the competitions. However, she hung in there and was determined to improve her surfing so she could be at the same level as the top girls in her age group. We now recognize that her surfing would not be at the level it is now if she hadn’t been competing. The top girls in her age group really helped to push and inspire her to work hard and keep going. All the girls and their parents have been very supportive of Rachel and her progress. It’s been really great.

She loves to surf, she may not always win at the moment, but her goal is to continue to improve and see how far she can take her surfing. She’s now at an age in our community that she’s able to help younger girls learn to surf. Currently she is volunteering at an after school surf camp and works with the young girls who attend.

It’s important to us that she works with the girls because when Rachel was learning to surf, we always wished she had a female mentor she could surf with. Unfortunately, in our area, female surfers are few and far between, but if Rachel has her way she’s going to help change that!!!

I guess what I want you to take from all this information is that Rachel’s love of surfing and the ocean comes from within.

Hopefully, she can be an inspiration to girls who may be hesitant to jump into a sport, or anything for that matter, because they feel they aren’t good enough to be on top or win. I think Rachel is a great example of a girl who found a passion, entered a world where she would be considered an underdog, and has worked hard. She continues to have the desire and determination to improve, no matter what the outcome. She is proof that if you are passionate about something, you don’t need to be in the “top” to enjoy what you do. It is more about self improvement than winning. She’s enjoying the journey. Most importantly of all, surfing has brought many, many great people into our lives who we wouldn’t have had the pleasure of meeting had it not been for her surfing. Of course, Albino Unicorn is at the top of that list! :) Thanks for everything... now you have more insight into our world.

Karen

(Rachels Mom) wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 157

trick tips

Throwing Buckets of Spray

PRO-FILES

ď ° Back

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outside ra il- drive it DEEP!

By Courtney Conlogue

Every person has their own great style, however if you want to throw a lot of spray there are some basic techniques that you must follow.

GETTING STARTED...

1) Putting your surfboard on rail is key, if you want to throw buckets of spray.

2) Throwing water with the tail of your board has to do with the following: gaining a lot of speed, hitting the lip at the right spot, and good timing.

NOW FOR THE FUN PART...

1) During the transition phase of doing a bottom turn to the top, you want to hit under the lip of the wave laterally.

2) Once you are aiming laterally under the lip, you want to transition your weight to the back outside rail and drive it into the water as hard as you can.

LASTLY...

The main things to work on are speed, timing and staying on rail the whole time.

It is pretty simple with practice and patience!

Photos by: Gregerson Surfing Photography | 20foot.com

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Meet The Champ...

ROSSI KLEIN

ESA 2011 SOUTHEAST REGIONAL CHAMP Story by Darlan Lopes | Photos by Yeny Lamanna

I began surfing when my mom tore her ACL while wakeboarding. She then wanted to find a new sport to get into, and one of our friends taught her how to surf. My mom started going to the beach so much that I finally decided to try it…and I’ve been surfing ever since.

For me, parental support is VEERRYYY IMPORTANT! Without it, such things as

driving to the beach, contest fees, and such wouldn’t be possible, and I wouldn’t be able to surf at all.

My best competition placements so far are: first place girls 2011 ESA Southeast

Regional Championship, 2nd place girls 12 under, and US Surfing Championship (2009) Huntington Beach, California.

My sponsors right now are: Xtrak, Magma, Viking Surfboards, Few New Zealand, and Surf Nano. Hopefully the next level, the World Qualifying Series and the World Championship Tour, is not too far away.

Right now I am not training too hard, just maybe jogging a few miles here and there and surfing as much as possible!

Though I’ve surfed many places, my dream surfing trip would be Indonesia!!!

What keeps me going and inspired?

One of my favorite verses… “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13

The people who are helping me on the road to success are my family, friends, sponsors, and the LORD!!

PRO-FILES

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The All Stars!

Savannah Bradley

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THE

All-Stars

TAKE ON NICARAGUA It all started with a phone call.

All Star Coach Pat Emery called my husband, Chuck, in early May to chat about going to Nicaragua with the team this summer for some training.

I was homeschooling the children and I could hear the excitement in Chuck’s voice even from two rooms away. When the conversation was over, Chuck interrupted the teaching with a grin that made my heart skip. He said, “Sweetie, we are going to Nica this summer!”

Time passed. Children’s recitals, finals, standardized tests, surf camp, surf shop, orders, invoices and a flat summer filled each passing day, while Coach Pat put his tremendous organizing skills necessary

Story by Ana Barend | Photos by: Josh Jacoby “Moondoggie”, moondoggiesurfer.com

Nikki Viessins, Savannah Bradley, Kayla Durden, Chelsea Gresham

Nikki Viessins & Kayla Durden

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 163

THE

All-Stars

TAKE ON NICARAGUA for a trip of this magnitude to work. Thinking about the waves of Nicaragua, the training and the closeness the team would experience, gave us all a sense that something awesome was about to happen, which was comparable to the feeling children experience by the approaching Christmas season.

August 2nd was like Christmas Eve! We were hours away from seeing, touching, smelling and surfing Nicaragua’s ocean.

The check-in and plane ride was uneventful and we arrived in Managua in the wee hours of August 3rd. The bus first dropped the girls and photographers at NicaWaves, a quaint compound of accommodations owned by Mike (Miguel as the locals call him) and his wife, Isamar. The bus later proceeded to the boy’s beautiful (and I mean gorgeous) beach front house. We had only a few hours of sleep and went surfing Popoyo early.

Kayla Durden

We got there first! So we had an hour of surf without the boys ravaging the place with their amazing surf level. When they arrived, we all enjoyed our first surf together in spite of our exhaustion! The girls’ surf level was staggering as well, and I knew this trip was going to be etched in my mind for a very long time.

The rest of the trip went in a blur! We surfed, surfed, surfed and surfed some more. The last time I surfed that much was when I was single and training for the tour. The waves were clean all the time and ranged from chest high to overhead.

We woke up at five in the morning almost every day and Coach Pat gave pointers to the team all day long. We surfed reefs, barreling beach breaks and even took an amazing boat trip!

Nikki Viessins Chelsea Gresham

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Savannah Bradley

Kali Emmery

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 165

THE

All-Stars

TAKE ON NICARAGUA In between sessions we rested, read, massaged our sore muscles and ate tons of rice, beans and fruit (especially watermelon that grew wild in the hill side of our compound). At night we were too tired to do anything apart from eating! Some nights we fabricated, somehow, enough energy to scan Moondoggie’s photos in search of that perfect shot.

Aside from the amazing waves, scenery and people, Nicaragua taught us all many lessons. We learned how simple life can be.

The Nicaraguans do not have all the stuff we have here in the States. For example, the locals rip on beat-up, sunburned boards, and people eat what they have growing around them while waiting for their pigs to fatten up. However, they always have smiles on their faces... So smile gals and boys! We are blessed! F

Kayla Durden

PRO-FILES

Savannah Bradley & Nikki Viessins

Ana Barend

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Savannah Bradley

Nikki Viessins

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SURF SHOP DIRECTORY | WSSM OAHU

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Hawaii (area code 808) . . . . . . . . . . . .

A D Surfboard Productions..........................................668-4553 B K Ocean Sports..........................................................696-0330 Ballistic Board Co.........................................................261-2510 Barnfields Raging Isle Surf & Cycle ..........................637-7797 Ben Aipa Surfboards.....................................................842-0822 Blue Hawaii Surf ............................................................677-9696 Blue Planet Surf Shop (Kapahulu)......................................922-5444 Blue Planet Surf Shop (Ward Ave)...................................596-7755 Boardriders Club Hawaii ..............................................924-8100 Chans Surf Inc. .............................................................922-5664 Classic Surfboards........................................................735-3594 Da Board Shop ..............................................................627-0717 Downing Hawaii .............................................................737-9696 Drift Surf LLC .................................................................941-6699 Edge Board Works.........................................................847-3154 GoNUTS .........................................................................926-3367 Function Surf .................................................................922-5717 Groundswell Hawaii. ....................................................247-9184 Hale Nalu Surf Company.............................................696-5897 Hans Hedemann Surf Schools ................................... 924-7778 Hawaiian Island Creations: Ala Moana ....................................................... 973-6780 Kailua .............................................................. 266-6730 Pearlridge ........................................................ 483-6700 Haleiwa ............................................................ 637-0991 Kaplei................................................................... 674-4001 Mililani ................................................................... 627-7100 Waikiki Beachwalk ................................................. 923-0442 Hawaiian Southshore Outlet .......................................597-9055 Hawaiian Watersports ..................................................262-5483 Honolua Surf Co. .......................................................946-0794 Island Glass Surfboards ................................................. 457-9919 Inter-Island Surf Shop................................................945-2982 Jammin Hawaiian Kine Surfboards ...........................637-7663 Jon B. Mar Surfboards ...................................................277-0800 Kimo’s Surf Hut ............................................................262-1644 Koa Board Sports .........................................................923-0189 Koa Surf Classics.........................................................593-0747 Local Motion: Ala Moana ........................................................ 979-7873 Hawaii Kai.............................................................. 396-7873 Waikiki ............................................................ 924-4406 Windward Mall ............................................... 263-7873 Waikele Outlet Center.................................... 668-7873 Pearlridge ...................................................... 234-7873 Hawaii Kai ...................................................... 396-7873 Minami Surf....................................................................637-9994 North Shore Ohana Surf ...........................................638-5934 North Shore Boardriders Club .................................. 637-5026 OffDaLip.com Inc. ..........................................................396-8676 Pang Dennis Hawaiian Surf Designs & Hawaiian Paddle Boards ..................................... 638-7339 Pipe Dreams Surf Co. ............................................... 550-0275 Planet Surf .................................................................... 637-5002 Rush Jay ....................................................................... 596-0580 Russ K Makaha Quiksilver Boardriders Club ........... 951-7876 Quiksilver (Waikiki) ..................................................... 926-5800 RIPCURL (Ala Moana Center) .................................... 943-2490 RIPCURL (Kalakaua Ave) ............................................ 926-4100 RV’s Ocean Used Surfboard ....................................... 348-0441 Seawind Challenge Inc. ............................................... 922-0036 Sera’s Surf & Shore Ala Moana Center.................... 949-7828 Shack Daddy Surf & Kite ............................................. 637-2383 Sick Surf Hawaii .......................................................... 864-6742 Strong Current Surf Design ...................................... 637-3410 Surfboard Factory Outlet Hawaii.................................. 637-9190 Surf Garage ................................................................. 951-1173 Surf ’N’ Sea ................................................................... 637-9887 Surf News Network Hawaii ....................................... 593-2170 Town & Country Surf Shop: ......................................... 733-5699 Ala Moana Ctr................................................. 973-5199 Pacific Beach Hotel........................................ 971-5419 Uptown Pearlridge ........................................ 484-5499 Tropical Rush Surf Co. ............................................... 637-8886 Wave Riding Vehicles................................................... 637-2020 Wet Feet ....................................................................... 255-6255 XCEL Wetsuits Hawaii: Honolulu ......................................................... 596-7441 Haleiwa ........................................................... 637-3248

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MAUI

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Hawaii (area code 808) . . . . . . . . . . . .

Action Sports Maui ..................................................... 871-5857 Boardriders Club ........................................................ 667-7978 Billabong (Lahaina) ..................................................... 667-1840 Da Beach House Maui: Harbor Shops at Ma’alaea ........................... 986-8279 Kihei Kalama Village ..................................... 891-1234 Enzo Custom Gear......................................................... 575-9020 Extreme Sports Maui.................................................... 871-7954 Hawaiian Energy Surf Designs..................................... 572-5145 Hawaiian Island Surf & Sport ......................................871-4981 Hawaiian Surfworks.......................................................242-1431 Hi-Tech Surf Sports ....................................................... 877-2111 Honolua Surf Co. (toll-free).......................................... 466-6582 1000 Limahana Pl., Lahaina ....................... 667-9781 845 Front St. ................................................. 661-8848 Whalers Village............................................... 661-5455 Honolua Underground ................................................ 661-5722 Island Groms ................................................................ 874-5788 Kalama Surf Sports ..................................................... 875-0655 Kazuma Surfboards Hawaii......................................... 573-5555 Lightning Bolt Maui....................................................... 877-3484 Local Motion: 1295 Front St., Lahaina.................................. 661-7873 1819 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei ................................ 879-7873 M. Miura Store ............................................................ 822-4401 Maui Boogie Man ........................................................ 249-7873 Maui Surf & Skates ......................................................... 874-5788 Maui Island Surf Co..................................................... 667-1813 Maui Surfboards .......................................................... 264-2648 Maui Tropix, Paia ............................................................ 579-9816 Maui Tropix, Kahului ..................................................... 871-8726 Maui Tropix, Lahaina .................................................... 661-9296 Maui Windsurf Co. ........................................................ 877-4816 Neil Pryde Maui.............................................................. 877-7443 Ole Surfboards ............................................................ 661-3459 Pakaloha Bikinis ........................................................... 280-6888 Outrageous Surf ............................................................ 669-1400 Roxy Quiksilver ........................................................... 873-6311 Sailboards Maui .......................................................... 579-8432 Second Wind Sail Surf & Kite.................................... 877-7467 Shapers ......................................................................... 877-7873 Surfboards by Vedder ................................................. 575-9960 Surf Dog Maui ............................................................. 667-5560 Timpone Hawaii ............................................................. 545-2649 Valley Isle Surfboards................................................... 244-5230 West Maui Cycles.......................................................... 661-9005 West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply .......................... 661-6252

KAUAI

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Hawaii (area code 808) . . . . . . . . . . . .

Aloha Surf Lessons ..................................................... 639-8614 Deja Vu Surfwear............................................................ 822-4401 Dr. Dings West Side Surf Shop ................................... 335-3805 Hanalei Surf Co. ........................................................... 826-9000 Kai Kane......................................................................... 826-5594 Kauai Water Ski & Surf Co. ......................................... 822-3574 Nukumoi Surf Co. ....................................................... 742-8019 M. Miura Store ............................................................... 245-2174 Progressive Expressions.............................................. 742-6041 Rex Kauai....................................................................... 821-1588 Tamba Surf Co. ........................................................... 823-6942 Underwater Surf Shop.................................................. 822-2111 Wellman Surfboards...................................................... 338-0888

BIG ISLAND

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Hawaii (area code 808) . . . . . . . . . . . .

A’ama Surf & Sport..................................................... 326-7890 Big Island Surf Co.......................................................... 959-2472 Big Rock Color Works................................................. 775-9714 Honolulu Surf Co: Waikoloa................................................................. 886-1019 Kona........................................................................ 329-1001 Jeff Hunt Surfboards LLC............................................. 965-2322 Kona Boy’s Inc.............................................................. 322-3600 Local Style..................................................................... 959-6121 Meaulu Inc...................................................................... 935-4485 Miller’s Surf and Sport................................................. 326-1771 Orchid Land Surfshop................................................... 935-1533 Pacific Vibrations........................................................... 329-4140 Rite Of Passage........................................................... 965-2345 World Core Surf Shop................................................... 329-8825

CALIFORNIA

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

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Aqua Surf Shop: Sloat Blvd.......................................................... 415-242-9283 Haight St. .......................................................... 415-876-2782 Shoreline Surf Shop ............................................. 831-471-SURF Cowells Beach N Bikini Surf Shop....................... 831-427-2355 O’Neill’s: 41st Ave. ........................................................... 831-475-4151 Cooper St. .......................................................... 831-469-4377 400 Beach St. ..................................................... 831-459-9230 Pacific Wave ........................................................... 831-458-9283 Paradise Surf Shop (womens surf shop) .................. 831-462-3880

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

Clout Women & Surf Shop ................................. 310-457-1511 E.T. Surf / Just Longboards ... 310-379-7660 | 310-376-8847 Hanger 94 Industrial Sports ................................. 619-660-9393 Horizons West Surf Shop ..................................... 310-392-1122 Kanoa Surf Schools............................................... 310-374-1994 Malibu Surf Shack................................................ 310-456-8508 Ocean Echo Sportswear....................................... 310-823-5850 Players SurfBoards................................................ 310-545-9626 Spyder ..................................................................... 310-374-8276 SpyderII .................................................................. 310-374-2494 Surf Concepts........................................................ 310-545-7397 Ventura Surf Shop ................................................. 310-643-1062 WaveFront Surf Shop ............................................ 805-652-2201 ZJ Boarding House................................................ 310-392-5646 Zuma Jay Surfboards ............................................ 310-456-8044

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Action Beach Surf Shop ...................................... 760-722-7101 Active Ride Shop ................................................. 909-592-0661 Alternative Surf ..................................................... 562-431-1010 Aquahine................................................................. 858-488-8181 BeachCombers....................................................... 714-960-0031 Becker Surfboards (Pier Ave) ............................. 310-374-7626 Becker Surf (Malibu) ............................................. 310-456-7155 Becker Surf Shop (Yorktown Ave) ...................... 714-374-8900 Bluelink Surf Boutique ........................................ 310-450-7221 Bobs Mission Surf.................................................. 858-483-8837 Bruce Jones Surfboards........................................ 562-592-2314 Bunker Surf Shop ................................................... 858-488-7412 Capistrano Surf & Sport ...................................... 949-234-0320 CBS Board Shop .................................................. 949-455-0237 Cheap Rentals........................................................ 858-488-9070 Cheap Rentals No.2 .............................................. 800-481-7761 CHP Surf ................................................................. 310-540-1214 Chuck Dent Surfboards ...................................... 714-960-2882 Clairemont Surf Shop ............................................ 858-292-1153 Custom Surf & Sail ................................................ 858-270-1147 Dan Taylor Surfboards ........................................... 949-642-1316 Dive N Surf ............................................................. 310-372-8423 Elyzium Surf & Skate............................................ 619-460-0797 Emerald City Surf n Sport ..................................... 619-435-6677 Endless Summer Surf Shop ................................. 858-488-8983 Dan Taylor Surfboards ........................................... 949-642-1316 Dive N Surf ............................................................ 310-372-8423 Greenroom Surf Shop ............................................ 619-226-1311 Girl In The Curl (womens surf shop) ........................... 949-661-4475 Hansen Surfboards................................................ 760-753-6595 Harbour Surfboards ............................................... 562-430-5614 Hawaii Freestyle ..................................................... 858-755-6629 Herbie Fletcher Surf Shop.................................... 949-492-5721 HB Wahine (womens surf shop) ............................... 714-969-9399 HSS GIRLS (womens surf shop) ............................... 714-374-6266 Hobie Sports........................................................... 949-497-3304 Huntington Surf & Sport ......................................... 714-846-0181 Icons of Surf ........................................................... 949-429-7133 Inflight Surf and Sail ........................................... 562-493-3661 Island Surf ............................................................... 619-435-1527 Islands Surf............................................................. 310-315-7244 Jacks Surfboards (Hunt. Beach) .......................... 714-536-4516 Jacks Surfboards (Newport) ................................. 949-673-2300 K-5 Boardrider Shop............................................ 858-679-6822 K-5 Surf & Sport .................................................. 760-436-6613 Kane Garden .......................................................... 858-549-2073 Katin Surf Shop ..................................................... 562-592-2052 Killer Dana Surf Shop........................................... 949-489-8380 La Jolla Surf Co..................................................... 858-454-4547 La Jolla Surf Shop ................................................ 858-361-4957 La Jolla Surf Systems........................................... 858-456-2777

WSSM | SURF SHOP DIRECTORY LG Boarding Shop ................................................ 818-707-1944 Line Up Surfboards .............................................. 714-842-1648 Liquid Foundation Surfboards ............................ 858-488-3260 Longboard Grotto Surf Shop ................................ 760-634-1920 Malibu Surf Shop .................................................... 310-456-8508 Mitchs Surf Shop ........................ 858-459-5933 / 858-481-1354 OB Surf Shop ....................................................... 619-225-0674 Ocean Beach Surf Shop........................................ 619-225-0674 Ocean Girl (womens surf shop) ................................ 858-456-9283 Ocean View Board Sports ..................................... 818-541-9127 Offshore Surf Shop................................................ 760-729-4934 Old Town Surf Co................................................ 619-574-7873 Pacific Beach Surf Shop....................................... 858-373-1138 Pacific Drive Surf Shop....................................... 858-490-2563 Palapa Surf Shop................................................... 619-224-2715 Pesce Surfboards ................................................... 714-739-2882 Pier Surf.................................................................. 310-372-2012 Plumeria Surfboards.............................................. 760-479-0080 Pride Surf Skate & Snow...................................... 619-222-1575 PTA Surf Topanga................................................. 310-455-9283 Rip Curl (3rd St.) .................................................. 310-656-2875 Rip Curl (San Clemente) ......................................... 949-498-4920 Raw Skin Surf n’ Sport .......................................... 760-434-1122 Robert August Surfboards .................................. 714-960-2266 Rockin Figs Surfboards ....................................... 714-536-1058 Rockys Surf Shop.................................................. 619-223-4460 Rusty Surfboards ................................................. 858-551-0262 Safari Surf & Sport ................................................. 818-349-9283 Safari Surf School.................................................. 858-488-2334 Salty Sports .......................................................... 310-532-1781 San Diego Surfing Academy .............................. 858-565-6892 SoftCore Surfboards............................................... 949-650-2015 Soul Performance .................................................. 310-370-1428 South Coast Longboard......................................... 619-223-8808 South Coast Surf Shop.......................................... 619-223-7017 South Coast Wahines (womens surf shop)................ 858-273-7600 South Coast Windansea Surf .............................. 858-483-7660 Star Surfing Company ......................................... 858-273-7827 Sun Diego Surf & Sport........................................... 619-299-3244 619-299-3244 | 760-743-4133 | 858-452-2963 Surf Club................................................................. 858-483-4854 Surf Hut .................................................................. 619-575-7873 Surf Ride Board Shop .............. 760-433-4020 | 858-755-0858 Surf Savvy School ................................................. 858-454-8273 Surfboards by Kennedy ........................................ 818-225-1999 Surfboards by Small Faces................................. 949-642-5690 Surfside.................................................................. 949-675-2855 SurfNStuff.com ..................................................... 727-643-9395 Thalia Street Surf Shop ........................................ 949-497-3292 The Rusty Boardhouse........................................ 858-551-0262 Toes on the Nose (womens surf shop) ........................ 949-494-4988 Val Surf (Ventura Blvd.) ......................................... 818-225-8177 Val Surf (Whitsett Ave.)............................................ 818-769-6977 Val Surf (Pasadena)................................................ 626-796-0668 Valley Surf & Skate................................................ 818-892-5566 Vanguard ................................................................ 310-373-2501 Waterlines Unlimited............................................. 858-635-9480 Wavelines ................................................................858-675-9696 WindanSea Surf Shop .......................................... 858-488-9374 Witts Carlsbad Pipelines...................................... 760-729-4423 World Core.............................................................. 858-456-6699

The Break Surf Shop............................................. 904-276-7878 The Surf Station..................................................... 904-471-9463 Waves Surf Shop................................................... 904-247-6830

CENTRAL FLORIDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balsa Bill Surf Shop.............................................. 321-779-8580 Catalyst .................................................................. 321-728-2960 Cocoa Beach Surf Company 321-799-9930 | 321-799-9921 INLET WATERS, INC. ............................................ 321-725-6828 Island Fever Surf & Sport .................................... 352 536 9283 Longboard House ................................................. 321-951-8001 Mad Dog Surf Shop................................................ 386-761-5999 Maui Nix Surf Shop: (635 N. Atlantic Ave) .................................... 386.253.1234 (250 N. Atlantic Ave) ................................ 386.253.9099 (1700 W. Intl. Speedway) ......................... 386.254.5099 (Coconut Grove) ........................................ 305.444.6919 MTB Surf Emporium ........................................... 321-777-3685 MTB2 Surf and Skate ......................................... 321-779-2141 Nekton Surf Shop ................................................ 727-593-8292 Playalinda Surf Shop ........................................... 321-383-1633 Red Dog Surf Shop.............................................. 386-423-8532 SALTY DOG SURF SHOP: (S. Atlantic Ave.) .................................... 386-253-2755 International Speedway Blvd ............... 386-258-0457 N. Atlantic Ave ....................................... 386-673-5277 Spectrum Surf Shop ............................................. 321-768-7873 Suncoast Surf Shop .............................................. 727-367-2483 The Goods Surf Shop ............................................ 321-723-5267 University Surf and Skate .................................... 407-380-7427 USW Surf Shop .................... 321-725-1333 | 321-953-4879 ZWAVE SURF SHOP .................................. 386-439-WAVE(9283)

SOUTHERN FLORIDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B.C. Surf and Sport...................... 305-715-9912 | 954-564-0202 Boca Surf and Sail................................................ 561-394-8818 Catch-a-Wave Surf and Skate................................... 305-569-0339 Epic Surf Shop....................................................... 561-272-2052 Impact Zone.......................................................... 305-374-6528 Fox Surf Shop....................................................... 561-582-3807 Groundswell Surf Shop ...................................... 561-622-7878 Island Water Sports ............................................ 954-427-4929 Island Water Sports ............................................ 561-588-1728 Juno Surf Shop.............................. 561-626-3569 | 561-575-6649 Maui Nix Surf Shop (Biscayne Blvd.) ........................................ 305-692-9191 (Ft. Lauderdale) ......................................... 954-522-5255 (Destin) ........................................................ 850.269.1234 Nomad Surf Shop ................................................ 561-272-2882 Ocean Magic Surf Shop .................................... 561-744-8925 SALTY DOG SURF SHOP: Panama City Beach ......................................... 850-230-3430 Surf Central ...................................................... 772-283-9002 Shirley Can’t Surf................................................... 305-292-1009 Surf World- Pompano ........................................... 954-545-7873 Surf World- Dania Beach....................................... 954-922-9056 Surf Syndicate ...................................................... 954-489-1335 Tommys Surf Slalom.............................................. 561-586-0073 Underground Surf Company Surf Shop ............ 954-428-5678 X isle Surf and Skate- ............................................ 305-673-5900

MARYLAND

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FLORIDA

Malibu’s Surf Shop (Ocean City)................................ 410-289-3000

Aqua East Surf Shop............................................. 904-246-2550 Blue Sky Surf Shop ............................................ 904-824-2734 Clean Ocean Surf Company................................... 904-247-3810 Driftwood Sun and Surf ...................................... 904-321-2188 Fluid Surf Shop..................................................... 850-244-3554 Girl Next Door Surf Shop (womens surf shop) ........... 904-461-1441 Innerlight Surf and Skate: Destin ........................................................ 850-244-2469 Gulf Breeze................................................ 850-932-5134 Pensacola ................................................. 850-434-6743 Mr. Surfs Surf Shop .............................................. 850-235-2702 Outer Limitz Surf and Skate ................................ 904-260-2320 Perfect Sets Surf Shop ...................................... 904-246-3007 Pipeline Surf Shop ................................................. 904-277-3717 Pit Surf Shop ...................................................... 904-471-4700 Ponte Vedra Surf Company ................................... 904-285-1676 Quiksilver Retail..................................................... 904-363-8898 Sunrise Surf Shop .................................................. 904-241-0822

NEW JERSEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NORTHERN FLORIDA

3rd Ave Surf Shop (Peddlers Village) ................ 732-223-7433 7th Street Surf Shop.............................................. 609-398-7070 Aloha Grove Surf Shop ....................................... 732-869-1001 Anderson Sports LLC ........................................... 732-530-3353 Brave New World: Ocean Port Ave .............................................732-842-6767 Point Pleasant ............... 732-899-8220 | 732-892-8220 Toms River ................................................... 732-505-3600 Eastern Lines Surf Shop (Belmar) ...................... 732-681-6405 Freedom Surf ........................................................ 609-494-6554 GoingOFFSurf.com Heritage Surf and Sport: Sea Isle City ............................................... 609-263-3033 OceanCity ...................................................... 609-398-6390 Vetnnor Ave. ................................................ 609-823-3331 Inlet Outlet ............................................................. 732-223-5842 Island Style Surf Shop ........................................... 732-842-0909

Ocean Hut Surf Shop ............................................ 732-793-3400 Primal Surf Shop .................................................. 609-264-1999 Right Coast Surf Shop ......................................... 732-854-9300 Ron Jon Surf Shop ............................................... 609-494-8844 Spellbinders (Main St) .......................................... 732-531-SURF Spellbinders (Ocean Blvd. N.) .............................. 732-870-2223 SheBeSurfin (womens surf shop) ............................... 609-967-3110 Summer Sun Surf Shop ...................................... 609-884-3422 Surf Unlimited “The Complete Surf Shop” 609-494-3555 Surf Shack ............................................................. 609-494-4017 Wave Jammer Surf Shop ..................................... 732-929-8656 Wicked Quiver Surf Shop ..................................... 212-924-3279

NORTH CAROLINA

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WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH / CHARLOTTE - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Surf City Surf Shop ............................................... 910-256-2265 Sweetwater Surf Shop ......................................... 910-256-3821 Wallerbears Surf Shop ................... 704-341-3414 | 704-369-7873 Wrightsville Beach Supply Co............................. 910-256-8821

WILMINGTON / CAROLINA BEACH - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Allison Surfboards ................................................ 910-686-0043 Aussie Island Surf Shop ..................................... 910-256-5454 Bert’s Surf Shop ........................... 910-392-4501 | 910-458-9047 Blowing In the Wind .............................................. 910-763-1730 Cove Surf Shop .................................................... 910-458-4671 ESA .......................................................................... 910-452-3033 Good Sessions Surf Shop Inc. .......................... 910-392-7041 Hot Wax Surf Shop .............................................. 910-791-9283 Island Kite And Surf ............................................. 910-458-7005 Pride Surf Shop ..................................................... 910-799-7811 Surf Camp Inc. ....................................................... 910-256-7873

SURF CITY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Shore Surf Shop .............................................

Bert’s Surf Shop ....................................................

Spinnaker Surf & Sport ......................................

Local Call Surf Station (Southport) .....................

910-328-2232 910-328-1010 910-328-2311 910-454-8808

KITTY HAWK / KILL DEVIL HILLS / NAGS HEAD - - - - - - 17th Street Surf Shop ............................................ 252-441-1797 Cavalier Surf Shop ............................................... 252-441-7349 Coastal Edge .......................................................... 252-449-5560 Gale Force Glassing ............................................. 252-441-9095 Kitty Hawk Sports Inc. ........................................... 252-441-6800 Nolte Surfboards .................................................... 252-491-2590 Outer Banks Boarding Co. ..................................... 252-441-1939 Pit Surf Hang Out .................................................. 252-480-3128 Secret Spot Surf Shop ............................................ 252-441-4030 Watermans Classic Longboard ........................... 252-449-0459 Wave Riding Vehicles .......................................... 252-261-7952 Whalebone Surf Shop ......................................... 252-441-6747

SOUTH CAROLINA

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Berts Surf Shop...................................................

Eternal Waves Surf Shop.....................................

Head Shots Surf Shop...........................................

Inner Island Surf & Sport.......................................

North Shore Surf Shop..........................................

Pipeline Surf Shop.................................................

Surf City Surf Shop..................... 843-626-5412 | Sydney Surf Company...........................................

Village Surf Shop..................................................

Wallerbears Surf Shop..........................................

Wave Surf & Sport..................................................

X-Treme Surf & Skateboard...................................

843-272-7458 843-839-1239 843-281-2324 843-961-9937 843-280-5071 843-626-8945 843-272-1090 843-839-4845 843-651-6396 843-238-4079 843-235-8902 843-626-2262

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SURFER RESOURCES DIRECTORY | WSSM SURF LESSONS OAHU, Hawaii - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - April Grover’s Surf School ................................... 808.561.7142 www.surflessonhawaii.com

Girls Who Surf ....................................................... 808.371.8917 www.girlswhosurf.com Loco Boyz Surf School ......................................... 808.739.5588 www.locoboyzsurf.com Hawaiian Surf Adventures………………............... 808.396.2324 www.hawaiiansurfadventure.com SURFCLINICS.com by Nancy Emerson .............. 808-294-5544 Sunset Suzy Surf School ..................................... 808-781-2692 www.sunsetsuzy.com Hawaii Surf Retreat ............................................... 808.636.7873 www.hawaiisurfretreat.com

MAUI, Hawaii - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Maui Waveriders .................................................... 808.875.4761 www.maiwaveriders.com Girls Gone Surfing ................................................ 808.280.0103 www.girlsgonesurfing.net Big Kahuna Surf Adventures ............................... 808-875-6395 Maui Surfergirls .................................................... 808-280-8165 www.mauisurfergirls.com

KAUAI, Hawaii - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Garden Island Surf School ................................... 808.652.4841 www.gardenislandsurfschool.com

Kauai Surf School ................................................. 808.651.6032 www.kauaisurfschool.com Learn to Surf........................................................... 808.826.7612

BIG ISLAND, Hawaii - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors........................ 808.324-0442 Kona Beach Boys.................................................. 808.326-7686 Ocean Eco Tours................................................... 808.324-7873

CALIFORNIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - THE NEXT WAVE - Progressive Surf Coaching Southern California ......................... Toll Free - 877 NXT WAVE www.nextwaveusa.com R&R THERAPY AND SURF INSTRUCTION Specializing in Children with Special Needs ..... 818-787-6889 Costa Azul Surf Lessons (Laguna Beach, CA) www.costaazul.net ................................................ 949-497-1423 Surf Lessons With Katie ....................................... 310.962.7873 www.surflessonswithkatie.com

FLORIDA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Florida Surf Lesson............................................... 561.625.5375 www.floridasurflessons.com Central Florida Surf School ............................... 1.877.366.7873 www.surfschoolcamp.com EZride Surf School................................................ 954.803.7988 www.ezridesurfschool.com Surf Guy Surf School .....................1-866-SURFGUY(787-3489) www.surfguyssurf.com

TEXAS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Surf & Adventure Surf Lessons & Camp Virginia Beach ...................................................... 757-721-6210 Norfolk .................................................................. 757-321-9551 www.surfadventure.com

Paul Topp | PaulTopp.com (Hawaii - Intl)

NORTH CAROLINA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SURF REPORTS

Wrightsville Beach Surf Camp & Lessons ......... 910-256-7873 www.wbsurfcamp.com

SOUTH CAROLINA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Folly Surfing Lessons (Folly Beach) .................. 842-588-9145 www.follybeach.com

Soul Surfers Surf Camp (Mt. Pleasant) ............... 843-881-6700 www.soulsurfers.net Surf The Earth (Pawleys Island, SC) ................ 1-800-864-6752 www.surf-the-earth.com

MASSACHUSETTS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Surfari Sup & Surf ............................................ 1-978-704-9051 www.supsurfari.com Little Overhead Surf Lessons (Eastham) .......... 508-240-1455 www.littleoverhead.com

EL SALVADOR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Explore El Salvador explorelsalvador.com

SunZal Surf Tours ............................................... 407.745.1524 www.sunzal.com

CANADA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Surf Sister Surf School ..................................... 1.877.724.7873 www.surfsister.com

AUSTRALIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Surf Easy Surf Lessons ....................................... 07 5525 6818 www.surfeasy.com.au

SURFBOARD REPAIR OAHU, HAWAII:

The Ding Kings Hawaii ............. 808-391-7483 | 808-923-0067 Edge Board Works ............................................... 808-847-3154 RV’s Ocean Sports ............................................... 808-732-7137 Surf Garage ........................................................... 808-951-1173

MAUI, HAWAII:

Ron’s Board Repair ..................... 808-283-6462 / 808-575-7447 Maui Ding Repair................................................... 808-572-6636

KAUAI, HAWAII:

Dr Ding’s Westside Surf Shop ............................. 808-335-3805 Akamai Surf-Lihue................................................. 808-632-0797

CALIFORNIA:

Hourglass Manufacturing Inc............................... 714-894-0050 Ding King Surfboard Repair ................................. 760.753.0316

FLORIDA:

Blue Room.............................................................. 850-235-0401 Surf Station............................................................ 904-471-9463

SURF/PHOTOGRAPHER

Island Native Surf House Surf Lessons ............. 956-772-7100 www.islandnativesurf.com

Aaron Nakamura | HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com

South Padre Island Kiteboarding Surf Lessons 956-772-1098 www.southpadreislandkiteboarding.com

Dave Gregerson | 20Foot.com (California, Intl)

Galveston Beach Bums Surf Lessons .............. 409-515-0587 www.galvestonsurflessons.com

Elliott Wong | WahineSurfer.net (Hawaii)

NEW JERSEY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7th Street Surf Shop Surf Lessons ..................... 609-391-1700 www.7thstreetsurfshop.com

VIRGINIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Titus Surf School ................................................ 870-370-SURF www.titus-international.com Hotline Surf Camp - Virginia Beach .................... 757-428-6703 www.hotlinesurfboardz.com

170 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

C.M. Olivieri | WavesGoneWild.com (California) Dale Basye HologramVision.com (California) Gabriel Fernandez | SecretSurf007.com (Florida, Intl) Gary Miyata | GaryMsCreations.com (Hawaii, Intl) Jim Whitney | SessionsSurfPhotography.com Joem Costez | SurferPix.com (Hawaii, Intl) Joanne Barrett | IslandStyleImages.com (Hawaii) Kaz Sano | KazSano.com (Hawaii - Intl) Mary Radcliffe | Rip-Pics.com (Florida) Nicole Sanchez | BehindTheLensMaui.com (Hawaii)

Spike | SpikeRaymond.com (Hawaii - Intl)

CALIFORNIA: Santa Cruz: 831-475-2275 Huntington Beach: 714-536-9303 DELAWARE: Fenwick: 302-539-5800 FLORIDA: North East Coast www.911surfreport.com (2 x daily PHOTO surf report) Jacksonville Beach (904) 828-4848 Jacksonville Beach (904) 241-1019 Jacksonville (904) 241-0933 Jacksonville (904) 249-4452 St. Augustine (904) 824-9855 St. Augustine (904) 471-1122 Central East Coast FL East Coast 976-7873 976-SURF Titusville (321) 383-0165 Cocoa Beach (321) 728-8118 ext. 2030, (321) 799-8888 ext. 3 Cocoa Beach (321) 868-8967 Cocoa Beach (321) 783-6440 Cocoa Beach (321) 784-2400 Satellite Beach (321) 773-0428 Indialantic (321) ALL-SURF (255-7873) Melbourne Beach (321) 768-7601 South East Coast Stewart (561) 287-7806 West Palm Beach (561) 744-8805 Palm Beach (561) 832-9299 Northern Gulf Coast Pensacola Beach (904) 432-3566 Ft Walton Beach (904) 244-2223 Central Gulf Coast Clearwater (813) 442-3227 Madeira Beach (813) 383-SURF (383-7873) Indian Rocks Beach (727) 596-WAXX (596-9299) Treasure Island (813) 363-SURF (363-7873) St. George Island (850) 553-6236 St. Teresa Beach (850) 697-8330 Southern Gulf Coast Gulf Coast FL (941) 778-WAVE (778-9283) Sarasota 1(800) 953-SURF (953-7873), (941) 346-SURF Ft. Walton Beach (941) 778-1001 Holmes Beach (941) 779-0000 Lido Key (941) 472-0004 HAWAII O’AHU: 808-596-SURF OAHU : 808-637-RUSH MAUI: 808-572-7873 KAUAI: 808-241-7873 BIG ISLAND: 808- 324-7874 NEW JERSEY Sea Bright: 732-842-4024 Belmar: 732-681-6405 Ocean City: 732-531-1028 Ocean City: 609-398-7070 Ocean City: 609-298-6390 Ocean City: 609-823-3331 Ocean City: 609-399-8399 NORTH CAROLINA Clearwater/Wrightsville Beach: (910) 256-8184 SOUTH CAROLINA Folly beach: (843) 588-2261 VIRGINIA Virginia beach: (757) 428-1877

WSSM | SURF CAMP DIRECTORY SURF CAMPS AUSTRALIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Nancy Emerson School of Surfing Phone: (61) 413-380-933 | www.SurfClinics.com

MEXICO - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pescadero Surf Camp - Baja Phone: (52) 612-130-3032 | www.pescaderosurf.com

BARBADOS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Barbados Surf Trips Phone: 1.246.262.1099 | www.barbadssurftrips.com

MOROCCO - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Taghazout Surf Camp Phone: (34) 971 306 992 | www.nomadsurfers.com

BRAZIL - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Easy Drop Surf Camp Phone: (55) 73 - 3251 3065 | www.easydrop.com Calima Surf School & Camp Phone: (34) 626 91 33 69 | www.calimasurf.com CANARY ISLANDS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lanzarote Surf Camp Phone: (34) 971 306 992 | www.nomadsurfers.com CANADA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Inner Rhythm Surf Camp Toll Free: 1-877-393-SURF | www.innerrhythm.net Surf Sister Surf School Toll Free: 1-877-724-SURF | www.surfsister.com COSTA RICA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Blue Surf Sactuary PH: 011 805-443-5495 | www.bluesurfsactuary.com Costa Rica Surfing Chicas PH: 011 (506) 2643-3197 | www.costaricasurfingchicas.com Endless Summer Surf Camp Phone: (949) 498-7862 | www.endlesssummersurfcamp.com Green Iguana Surf Camp Phone: (506) 825-1381 | www.greeniguanasurfcamp.com Pura Vida Adventures Phone: (415) 465-2162 | www.puravidaadventures.com Rainforest Outward Bound Surf School Phone: 1-800-676-2018 | www.crrobs.org Third World Productions Phone: (506) 643-1497 | www.thirdworldproductions.org Voec Retreats www.voecretreavvts.com Witches Rock Surf Camp Phone: 888-318-SURF | (011) 506-2653-1262 www.witchsrock.com ECUADOR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Marejada Surf School Phone: 593 5 2622971 | www.marejadasurfschool.com EL SALVADOR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Azul Surf Club www.azulsurfclub.com Paradizo Azul Surf Resort www.paradizoazul.com

NICARAGUA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Suave Dulce Women’s Surf & Yoga Retreat www.surfwithhollybeck.com ChicaBrava US: 713.893.5260 | Nica: +505.8.894.2842 www.chicabrava.com Popoyo Surf Lodge | www.surfnicaragua.com PANAMA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Panama Surf Camp | www.morronegrito.travel PORTUGAL - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lagos Surf Camp, Algarve Phone: (34) 639 39 39 94 | www.nomadsurfers.com SAMOA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Salani Surf Resort Toll Free: 888 669 SURF (7873) | www.surfsamoa.com/ SPAIN - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Golfino Surf School Phone: 679 932 586 | www.golfinosurfschool.com Sopelana Surf Camp, Bilbao www.nomadsurfers.com | Phone: (34) 639 39 39 94 SUMATRA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Baneng Island Resort Phone: (61) 2 6286 9033 | www.simeulue.com/ USA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Bolinas Surf Lessons & Camp (CA) Phone: 415-868-0264 | www.surfbolinas.com C-SickSurfin Surf Lessons (Galveston Island, TX) PH: 409-770-9455 www.c-sicksurfin.com

SunZal Surf Tours www.sunzal.com

WB Surf Camps (Cape Hatteras, NC) Phone: 1.866.844.7873 www.wbsurfcamp.com Richard Schmidt Surf Camp (Santa Cruz, CA) Phone: (831) 423-0928 www.richardschmidt.com Nantucket Surfari Phone: (508) 228-1235 www.nantucketsurfari.com Walking on Water Surf Camp (San Diego CA) Phone: (858) 509-7977 www.walkingonwater.org HAWAII | USA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - North Shore Surf Camps - Oahu (808) 638-5914 www.northshoresurfcamps.com Nancy Emerson School of Surfing - Oahu (808) 294-5544 www.SurfClinics.com Nancy Emerson School of Surfing - Maui (808) 244-7873 www.MauiSurfClinics.com LocoBoyz Surf Camp (808) 739-5588 www.locoboyzsurf.com Lightning Bolt Surf Expeditions (808) 877-3484 www.lightningboltmaui.com Girls Gone Surfing PH: 808-280-0103 www.girlsgonesurfing.net Maui Surfer Girls PH: 808 280-8165 www.mauisurfergirls.com

Cannon Beach Surf (Cannon Beach, OR) Phone: 503-436-0475 | www.cannonbeachsurf.com CLUB ED Surf Camps (Santa Cruz, CA) Phone: (831) 464-0177 | www.club-ed.com Eli Howard Surf School Encinitas & San Elijo State Beach, CA Phone: 760-809-3069 | www.elihoward.com Endless Summer Surf Camp Phone: 949-498-7862 www.endlesssummersurfcamp.com

Punta Roca Surf Lodge www.puntaroca.com

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Islands Surf Camp Phone: 310-866-1941 | www.isurfcamp.com

FIJI - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Matanivusi Surf Fiji www.surfingfiji.com Nagigia Surf Resort Phone: (679) 333 7774 |

Villa Argane Surf Camp Phone: (34) 971 306 992 | www.nomadsurfers.com

Surfing Rabbi (Venice Beach, CA) Phone: (310) 877-1482 www.Surfingrabbi.com

www.fijisurf.com

INDONESIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - G-LAND Jungle Surf Camp - Bali Phone: (62) 361-777649 | www.g-land.com Bobby`s G-Land Surf Camp Phone: (62) 361.755588,762364 | www.grajagan.com Padang Padang Surf Camp Phone: 62 81 337 737210 | www.balisurfingcamp.com

Oregon Surf Adventures (Cannon Beach) Phone: 503.436.1481 www.oregonsurfadventures.com Ossies Surf Camp & Lessons (Newport, OR) Phone: 541-574-4634 www.ossiessurfshop.com South Coast Kiteboarding & Surf Lessons (Corpus Christi, TX) Phone: 361-949-3278 www.southcoastkiteboarding.com South Padre Surf Company (Texas) Phone: 956-772-7272 www.southpadresurfcompany.com Surf Diva Surf School (La Jolla, CA) Phone: (858) 454-8273 www.surfdiva.com wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 171

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Surfer: Vanina Walsh

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