WSSM WINTER/SPRING 2011 ISSUE

$9.99 U.S. & CANADA

Vanina Walsh photo: WSSM

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Surf check in Taiwan | photo: Moonwalkerphotos.com

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Letter from the Publishers

PUBLISHERS:

Sandra & Dan Olson

EDITOR: Debbie L. Olson

CFO: John Dotson

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Danielle Marvin, Renee Williams, Sandra Olson, Deborah Anne- Designs by Deb, Amanda Fernandez

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

Aloha, and welcome to 2011!

Photo: Wayne

First, we want to say a heartfelt thank you for picking up this issue of WSSM. We are in our 7th year now, and have enjoyed meeting hundreds of women over the years, reading their stories and sharing in their visions and experiences.

It’s been a lot of fun! It has also had its ups and downs, dark days of refusing to give up in a difficult economy, and generally going through the usual growing pains and challenges that all entrepreneurs face. WSSM is what the American Dream is all about… finding a new path and creating a voice for likeminded people-- and the hard times are also what makes it all the more fun and rewarding, knowing that there are so many of you out there enjoying what we do.

We appreciate your communication with us, your willingness to participate, and are deeply grateful for your support. Your purchase of this magazine (or your friend who was kind enough to loan it to you), is what keeps us alive as a publication, enabling us to fulfill our original vision when we first began this journey back in 2003, to be a voice for and to document women’s surfing history, while making our own.

If you’re new to the WSSM, you’ll probably wonder why you don’t see the top 16 Pro’s gracing every page. It’s because we feel there is SO MUCH MORE to women’s surfing than a couple dozen elite contests, showcasing extremely talented women, who rip harder than 95% of the female surfing population ever will. Are they awe-inspiring? Absolutely! They’re what DRIVES the mainstream growth of our sport. However, dominant coverage of JUST them can also be overwhelming to those new to surfing. After all, we have to grow some fans first, in order for them to really appreciate what these women are doing, right?

We’ve instead found our vision as a magazine, by looking at the industry from a different direction— through the eyes of everyday surfing women. Something mainstream media does not.

We DO cover select pro women that are proving to be ambassadors of our sport- in their own ways.

These pro surfers are easy going, eager to be involved and share their story, and are impressing all of us by taking women’s surfing to levels we’ve never known before. They exude contagious confidence, while still respecting the history they are making. Examples of such women that we’re honored to include in this issue are Anastasia Ashley (144), Mackenzie Kessler (152), Julie Cox (156), Joy Monahan (158), and Holly Beck (160). These women each have their own story and path, and they are determined individuals. We hope you enjoy getting to know them better, as we did.

However, WSSM was originally designed for, and our main focus still is, to be a platform for women’s surfing- of all ages and abilities. To be a voice for the unknown surfer, artist, musician, fitness guru, chef, mother, etc., that have found something they’re passionate about, and are excited to share it with the world—YOU! (So keep submitting your photos and stories... we love publishing you!)

In addition to surfing, we feel it’s all the little things that make up our daily lives as women that we as a publication, have incorporated into WSSM. Things like cooking (Noel’s Cozy Christmas Cookies pg 62), beauty advise on how to take care of our skin and age gracefully (Beauty Box/Ask ROXY pg 58), fitness that targets areas that surfing does not (4 Fabulous Ways to Stay Fit this Winter pg 50), as well as inspiring stories of women from around the world that share a common bond of surfing or SUP’n (She SURFS- pg 92, She SUPs- pg 100).

We could keep going, but you get the idea… And that was the idea behind WSSM. Bringing everything that we love about being women, mixing in our outdoor passion, SURFING!, and there you have it… the longest running women’s surf magazine in US history!

We want to thank YOU, our readers and advertisers, for believing in WSSM through your submissions & support, and we hope you better understand who we are as a company, and therefore can appreciate a more “realistic” look at the women’s side of surfing, and all the joy it offers.

WRITERS: Sandra Olson, Dan Olson, Amanda Fernandez, Carolyn Palma, Renee Williams, Amanda Rigney, Shelsea Brown, Savannah Bradley, Teresa Hodge, Dr. Linda Fickes, Deborah Ann, Zofia Karubin, Bethany P., John Philbin, Christina DiMari, Claire Miyamoto, Omil B., Holly Beck, Christina Dimari, Gina Abou-Sayf, Mike Rutherford, Karissa Correa, Tracy Rubert, Jennifer Lovelace, Roxy Saffaie, John Olson, Christina Frankel, Nichole Wagner, Jordan Klinger, Jenny Yoon, Tia Calvo, Heather McGaffin, Sunny Steurer, Malia Delapenia, Noel McCarthy, Morgon Hoesterey, Sarah Holter, Avra Kouffman 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, Amy Wong, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: WahineSurfer.net, PaulTopp.com, Teresa Hodge, Corlyce. com, IslandStyleImages.com, Joem Costes- SurferPix. com, EboSurfPhoto.com, Rip-Pics.com, GaryMsCreations. com, Ben Kottke, Shelsea Brown, KazSano.com, SpikeRaymond.com, Dave Miyamoto, AJ Neste, John Olson, Mike Rutherford, Spencer Suitt, Jim Whitney, Aaron Nakamura, Gabriel Fernandez, Jim Russi, Paul Teruya, Ryan Engle, Daniel Russo, Christina Frankel, Moonwalkerphotos.com, Mana Photo, Kevin Voegtlin, Robert Callanan, Grommet, Lucas Yoshida FASHION COORDINATORS: Stephanie Bednarek, Leah Johnson, Trish Edwards 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 emailus@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 sole property of WSSM 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.

Speaking of joy... Check out Rails & Tales for your exotic, surf-stoke fix! In Destined to Travel (36), Tia covers the 7 lessons of female travel, as she shares her globe-trotting experiences with you. And in PANAMAniac; 4 surfers, 2 photographers, countless waves (40), the WSSM team hit the secluded coastline of PANAMA, at Morro Negrito Surf Camp, for a week of pure heaven! A world away from your daily surf session, Panama truly fulfilled that burning desire to do absolutely nothing but eat, sleep, absorb the culture and beauty, and surf, surf, surf (did we mention, surf?), while letting the rest of the world just disappear. Ahhhh….

You’re in for another fantastic issue here, so enjoy it in your spare time over the next few months, and please tell your friends about us & encourage them to support WSSM also.

We’ll see you in the lineup!

Sandra & Dan Olson

This issue is dedicated in loving memory to Jimmy Davis. Great friend and a stand-up guy who believed in and loved the beauty of Hawaii, and the simpler life it offered him. You are missed, Jimmy. Very, very missed. RIP... we’ll see you in Heaven!

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Cover Photo: Daniel Russo photorusso.com Surfer: Anastasia Ashley

She Surfs 9 women... from 3 very different continents, sharing their stories, surf culture and surf stoke with you...

Meet Francesca, Nico, Marie, Tiki, Jessica, Lulu, Beccy, Amanda and Candice

92

Surfer: Lulu Erkeneff Photo: Kevin Voegtlin | www.KevinPhotos.com

Fashion

BEACH. SURF. STYLE.

122

In This Issue LIFESTYLE 50 52

Making DAILY Fitness

54 56

Buckle-Up

as easy as 1, 2, 3

SUP Fitness with SUNNY

Grab your SUP and let’s workout!

Yoga on the GO!

Shimmy Fitness

with Malia; a new way to stay slim

and trim

58

BEAUTY BOX | ASK ROXY Makeup tips & product

60 62

B-Kay’s Closet

Organize your life with B-Kay

Recipe Corner

Cozy Christmas Cookies

reviews for surfers, from celebrity makeup artist, Roxy

SURF STOKED... live, breathe, surf 36

RAILS & TALES

40

RAILS & TALES

64 72

Surf Photo Gallery

74 76 78

Surf Lit 101

80

BREATHE...

Destined to travel; 7 lessons

on female travel

PANAMAniac; 4 surfers, 2 photographers, countless waves!

A word on WETSUITS Your guide to understanding wetsuit technology

Surf themed books for women

SPOTLIGHT ON

Terramar, California

Beginner Tips & Tricks

We asked-- WSSM readers responded with their BEST advice for beginners Preparing for long hold-downs underwater

MY COMMUNITY 84 88 90 92

WSSM SURF DAY Bikini Stop!

Honey Girl & Manini Gangina

Meet the Company Ultrasol Sunscreens SHE SURFS !

Francesca Bingley (92), Nico Arihood (94), Marie Troja (96), Tiki Willis (97), Jessica Kwiecinski (98), Lulu Erkeneff (99)

100

SHE SUPS !

102

Fitness in the Aloha State

104 106 108 110

Shaping Class... in High School?

Beccy Cravens (100), Candice Appleby (101), Amanda Rigney (101) Grade school P.E. has a

new face!

Learn to Surf-- Join a Surf Club!

MESA ENTERPRISES

artistic passion expressed

You’re Designed to SHINE!

Pearl girls, Melanie

Pitcher and Jessica McLean

THE SURF GALLERY 116

MEET ARTISTS:

Danielle Marvin (116), Claire Miyamoto (119), Elise Nicole K (120) wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 19

Shimmy Fitness

with Malia

4

PRO - FILES 144 152 156 158 160

Fabulous Ways

Anastasia Ashley

Airwalks’s team rider and

WSSM cover girl

Mackenzie Kessler Julie Cox

My life as a pro surfer

America’s longboarding Queen

Joy Monahan

Toes on the Nose Team rider

Life with HOLLY BECK

in Nicaragua

other goodies 28 30 32 82 122

to stay FIT this Winter

(pg 50)

Money Sense

Pipedreams Hawaii

Inside the Industry

At the Surf Expo Tradeshow

WSSM Summer Surf Party Recap CENTERFOLD Hottie BEACH. SURF. STYLE.

Zane Schweitzer 2011 Beach Fashion

wssm essentials

SUP Fitness

with Sunny

22 24 26 63 168 170 172 173

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

WSSM website giveaways

Your voice- being heard!

Get the surf industry scoop

Brain teaser with a message

Tide Charts; Hawaii Surf Shop Directory Surfer Resources Global Surf Camp Directory

Strengthen & Tone

with Heather

advertisers

Buckle-Up Yoga on the go!

with Zofia

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155 20Foot.com 25 Airwalk 103 Beatnik Trading 89 Bikini Thief 175 Blue Surf Sanctuary 175 Computer Repair by Stephen Slowey 175 Central Pacific Computer Services 31 Charming Shark Surf Jewelry 61 Coffee Talk 4, 167 Dunkelvolk 73 Exceed Wetsuits 35 Fab Beauty Hawaii 6 Fluid Surfboards v2 Frisky Shoes 167 GaryMsCreations.com 10 Gidget 105 GoGirlzzz.com 59 Guria Beachwear 115 H2oh! Colours 159 HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com 79 Honey Girl 103 Hula Hitch 175 Indo Board 75 JettyGirl.com 150 Keoki Surfboards 61 Makeup by Nikki 169 MailOrderHawaii.com 175 Matanivusi Surf Resort 55 Maui Jim 91 Nani Hair Care 103 Nukumoi Surf Shop 113 Ocean Star Gifts 159 OnIt Pro

31 Orka Clothing 61 Paul Mitchell 29 PipeBoard 81 Pipedreams Hawaii 57 Pualani Hawaii 175 RV’S Ocean Sports 91 Second Wind 87 SecretSurf007.com 109, 178 Shaka Laka 175 She’s Crafty 91 Siren Surf 105 Smart Girls Who Surf 87 SpikeRaymond.com 49 SolRx 89 Surf Art by Daina 21 Surf Expo 89, 159 Surf News Network 103 Surf-N-Sea 77 Surf Taiwan 27 Sweet Waterwear 8 TACA Airlines 175 Tasty Crust Restaurant 12 The Drops 23 The Wave Collection 107 Toes on the Nose 180 Ultrasol Sunscreens 105 WahineSurfer.net 175 WavesGoneWild.com 109 Wet Okole 87 Wooloot

T Online womenssurfstyle his Issue...

GET Involved

and be a part of history!

We’re proudly entering our 8th year on stands and we want to hear from you...

RIGHT NOW!

.com

WSSM’s focus has always been to be a voice for the surfing women of today...

Those of you that have been reading WSSM for the past 7 years know that we’re not all that focused on the professional side of women’s surfing (though we DO cover it also) and that’s EXACTLY where YOU come in!

WSSM loves to feature the “everyday” surfer girl or woman, whose family, career & responsibilities pull her in all directions- just like everyone else. She re-energizes herself in the soul cleansing watery landscape of the rolling ocean waves, and though she may not be the boardshort wearing, macho females that preceeded her, she is just as passionate about her more “relaxed” approach to surfing. Whether pro or amateur, surfing is often what connects us to those around us- regardless of our skill level. For most- its about the lifestyle... and WSSM wants to continue in it’s tradition of sharing the LIFESTYLE of surfing, and its many faces- but we need your help!

We’re asking you to share YOUR stories, hopes, dreams, skills, talents, photography, writings... whatever it is YOU are passionate about, we’d love for you to share it with other women around the world. It’s up to great women like you to inspire the next generation of female surfers, to be all that they can be- both in and out of the water.

Together- pros, amateurs, beginners, and lovers of the ocean lifestyle... let’s give them a positive image of healthy and happy women to look up to!

Not sure if you qualify? Do you surf? Have you surfed before? Do you love all that it represents? Then you deserve to have your story told! If you’re the opposite of what Hollywood portrays surfers as, and you’d be stoked beyond belief to have your photo/story/artwork/music/etc. published in the longest-running surf magazine for WOMEN in the history of the USA… then we ask you to contribute!

Logon to womenssurfstyle.com and click on CONTRIBUTE, to learn how easily YOU can participate in WSSM, a historic publication, and be a visual part of women’s surfing history.

CLICK & WIN

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every month from December ‘10 - May 2011 for your chance to win!

SIREN SKIN CREME & PALM BALM

Soothe & moisturize your skin with a dab of this all natural burst of moisture. It’s infused with a hint of orange and peppermint essential oils, with a base of sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, beeswax, vitamin E & aloe. Great for hands, lips and anywhere else that needs a little shelter from the elements!

15 lucky winners every month !! FREE Goodies !!

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OnIt PRO (combo pack)

Xtreme Crèmea crème that reduces friction on your board’s surface by as much as 15%, therefore increasing your speed.

Blue Goo, the cleaner that removes the toughest dirt, grime, stains, scuff marks, minor scratches, oxidation and salt build-up.

The DROPS

In need of a fresher bathroom experience?

Try the bathroom drops that REALLY work. All you gotta do is “Add The Drops™ and the smell stops!”

Available in Fresh Lavendar, Citrus Bubble, and Mocha Java.

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THE WAVE COLLECTION

Surf jewelry in gold or sterling silver, designed for REAL surfers-- carved with epic barrels and un-crowded peaks.

Reasonably priced AND available in several sizes, shapes and breaks.

STORIES OF RELL SUNN: QUEEN OF MAKAHA & DUKE- A GREAT HAWAIIAN - Learn more about

these two Hawaiian legends, and what they contributed to their communities. Awe inspiring photos, and never-before-published stories about them, from those that knew them best.

ULTRASOL SUNSCREEN

Durable, quick-drying and non-greasy, very water and sweat resistant, Ultrasol sunscreens contain antioxidant protection, are superbly skin-friendly and hypoallergenic, having been tested worldwide by leading dermatologists and approved for use on sensitive skin,

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V

oice of the Surfers Winter/Spring 2011

I saw your magazine while on my base, in the book section at the store one day... and it grasped my attention.

Being an avid reader and surfer I couldn’t help but notice not only do y’all focus on women’s surfing in general, but you have taken it to a whole new level.

Not only do y’all capture the purity of womens surfing, you also include lifestyle, clothing, health, and also promote a very great message.

I may be just another guy saying this, but I’m proud to see women are becoming more and more noticed in the surf community.

Thank you again and I look forward to your next mag.”

Dane Howard Okinawa, Japan

STOKED! “Got my new issue of WSSM (Spring/ Summer 2010) and am sooo stoked to SCOUR it inch by inch since it looks super juicy! First of all, CONGRATS on being the longest running women’s surf mag in history! I feel super lucky to be able to read such a well put together and worthwhile magazine. This issue is totally LOADED with the wide variety of women + surf + lifestyle that I have always been looking for in a surf mag-- it’s not just all fluff on twig models, pages of unattainable swag, and yawning exposes-- but portrays women of all ages, shapes, abilities, styles, and needs realistically.

Unlike other surf mags who tend to portray women as only “random bikini butt shots hanging out on the beach” or in ads that portray women as “lesser” than their surfing counterparts, your mag empowers women and surfing to the max, in a tasteful and stylie way! MAHALO to your team and I can’t wait for the next issue to grace my sandy, wet hands!”

Nico | Maui, Hawaii

Your magazine is TOPS! “WOW... I just downloaded the PDF version of your Spring/Summer 2010 issue. WOW... seriously, your magazine is so much better than the big 3 (Surfer/TWsurf/Surfing).

(I did some digging and found all 3 to be owned by the same parent company.)

Your magazine is TOPS! The colors are brighter, the doodles and picture captions enhance the pictures instead of ruining the shot like the other mags.

The photography in your magazine is outstanding!!! Even the advertisements are nicer... O.K., I’m not a big fan of the girly stuff, but hey... it’s better than the stupid sunglass/ flip flop/boardshort ads in the other mags.

I get the impression, from reading surfing magazines, that most surfing guys are hostile toward girl surfers. WHY? I am in awe at how well women surf... I really respect them. They are able to do something that I cannot. I don’t understand the hostility... must be the egos...”

Mark | New York

I’ve been reading your mag for years! Came across it in Borders one sunny afternoon...

“Aloha WSSM team! I am a 21 year old college student majoring in English (particularly writing) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (although California is my home base). My love for the ocean surf is GREAT and I express that not only through water activities, but also through my writing. I would love the opportunity to submit an ocean/ surf/women related poem that I feel could truly asset your magazine! Hope to hear from you soon!”

Lindsay Schwarz | California

WSSM: Lindsay! Thanks for being a fan, we appreciate your support and would be stoked to include your poems in our mag. Look for it in our next issue (Smr/Fll 2011). Thanks for being a contributor!

My goal is to surf in a competition by the time I’m 40...

“Hi, my name is Rebecca & I’m very new to surfing... I started in August 2010. It’s been something I wanted to do, but didn’t’t think I could do it...

Guess what? I can! I love it too!

So, I was shopping the other day @ Hollister & picked up your magazine...

I really enjoyed reading it... I learned a lot. I was looking @ the back surf shop directory, and didn’t see anything listed for Ocean City,MD... so I wanted

to send The Best surf shop info into you... Malibu’s Surf Shop.

The owner is “Lee” and he is GREAT...

I’ve been taking lessons with a few guys @ the surf shop now & they are all GREAT... They make me feel welcome & at home.

By the way, I’m turning 37 years old in November... my goal is to surf in a competition by the time I’m 40.

Maybe sooner, Lee says, but working a full time job & managing a full house with a boy 10 years old & 2 dogs,while teaching dance & ice skating on the side, it gives me very little time to get my surfing in... but I’ll reach my goal-I know it! Thanks... and I’ll keep reading!” Rebecca | Maryland WSSM: Thanks for the surf shop info, Rebecca! We listed it in the directory.

Sounds like you’re officially bit by the surf bug... when you surf that competiton, have someone take a photo, and send it to us. We’d love to publish it!!

I have to travel 3 hours for surf...

“I work for Hollister and we sell WSSM... they sell pretty well, as they are the only womens surf magazine we sell and 1 of 3 that you can get in the whole of the UK! I love the magazine, I read it every lunch break :) I wish I lived in Hawaii. I have to travel for 3 hours to find good surf!

Peace out,” Vanessa J. | Hampshire, England

Get it!

“This magazine is the best women’s surf mag on the PLANET!!!! Get it!”

BTR Mike via facebook | California

SPEAK YOUR VOICE: Want to see your letter in WSSM? Log on to www.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!

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I News

ndustry

where ALL girls are welcome to contribute and inspire eachother—so check ‘em out! www.gogirlzzz.com

STICKY BUMPS - Sticky Bumps knows how

to add spice and color to one’s life… and they’ve perfected this with their new DayGlo leashes and surf wax. With colors ranging from hot pink, electric blue, lime green, sun-yellow, and bright orange, matching your leash and wax to your personality and mood has never been so much fun! Complete it with a new traction pad, and you’re set for a color-filled summer of surf!

Photo: : Daniel K. Fine Arts

FLIP FLOP SHOPS - Are

The Wave

Collection

.com

Stoke your surfer friends out with beautiful, gold or sterling silver wave pendants, bracelets & rings from The Wave Collection!

New to the industry, The Wave Collection offers REAL jewelry, for REAL surfers, carved with epic barrels & un-crowded peaks... satisfying a surfer’s longing for waves.

Reasonably priced and available in several sizes, shapes and breaks… May we suggest the layered look? (see page 134) www.thewavecollection.com

your slippers, flip-flops, or whatever you want to call them, worn out- flat as pancakes? Then grab a friend and head to the nearest Flip Flop Shops, where you’ll find thousands of styles, from every major slipper company in the world, and some you’ve never even heard of.

With their vast assortment of styles ranging from all your top surf & skate brands to more unique boutique brands, and the convenience of their ever-expanding list of locations (they’re practically opening a new store every week!), we know you’ll find a style that will fit your lifestyle-- no matter where you live. AND, while you’re there, you might as well benefit from their recent partnership with FILTRATE Eyewear, who offers polarized, stylish glasses, that compliment a beach lifestyle, and is also SUPER easy on your bank account! flipflopshops.com | filtrateeywear.com

DryCASE - Now taking your portable

electronics with you anywhere, anytime, is easier than ever, thanks to the ingenious invention from Dry Corp., the DryCASE! The DryCASE is a flexible, crystal clear waterproof bag that provides complete use of your phone, camera, or portable music player, while keeping it dry and clean. Simply pump out all the air with the easy-to-use hand pump and the bag will vacuum-seal around the contents and become completely waterproof. This air tight seal guarantees that the contents of the bag will stay dry even when dropped in the snow or submerged underwater. WOW! Every DryCASE comes with an “extreme activity” arm band for winter sports, and due to the vacuum seal, the case is so crystal clear you will be able to take pictures through it, and operate a touch screen device. Cool! www.drycase.com

GoGirlzzz - A new action sports network-

ing site that connects women from all walks of life and geographic regions via an online community in which they can express their artistic talents, and exchange information.

GoGirlzzz.com has created an environment

www.stickybumps.com

TAKEYA USA, ECO-FRIENDLY WATER BOTTLES - Save some plastic and get your

fashion on, all by using Takeya USA’s hot new stylish, glass water bottles! With portable and stylish designs, these eco-friendly glass water bottles deliver fresh taste, without plastic or metal flavors, and are made from naturally organic and recyclable materials. They come in several sizes with colorful silicone jackets that feature see-through windows for checking fluid levels, and their patented silicone jackets also provide a soft, non-slip grip and protection from accidental breakage. So help reduce the millions of accumulated plastic water bottles in U.S. landfills, by using a Takeya USA water bottle! www.takeyausa.com

EPIC ACTION CAMERAS - Capture

the best times of your life via the ever impressive, Epic Action Camera. Whether it’s underwater, in the snow, sky-diving or in a canoe… take on any adventureand bringyour Epic Action Camera! Three camera styles are offered; the Epic HD, the Wide Angle, and the Epic Action, so finding the right one for your sport and specific needs will be easy. Talk to the guys at Epic (they’re really nice), so you can start capturing those incredible life savoring moments that are ahead.

Stories of Rell Sunn will leave readers with a greater understanding of Rell Sunn, the people of Hawaii, and what it means to live aloha. (review by Jenny Yoon) www.besspress.com

CHEATER 5 SURFIN’ SALSA - Bring your

love of surfing right into your kitchen, tantalizing your taste buds with Cheater 5’s delicious and inspiring collection of salsas that will liven up any feast! Try the Shreddin’ Serrano Hot Sauce for a blend of fire roasted flavors, or the Totally Tubular Taco Sauce, which is just hot enough to excite, without the commitment of a full-on burn (this is our favorite sauce for breakfast!). Want even more spice? Try the Caribbean Hot Sauce, which is a flavorful blend of fresh tropical fruit and habanero chilis. All the salsas are low on sodium and vinegar free, so no matter which you choose, your taste buds and body are going to thank you! www.cheater5.com

UVX from OnIt Pro - Finally! A product that

help keep your new board, whiter- longer!

Produced by the same company that offers Xtreme Crème (a crème that reduces friction on the board’s surface by as much as 15%, therefore increasing your speed), and Blue Goo (an awesome cleaner that removes the toughest dirt, grime, stains, scuff marks, minor scratches, oxidation and salt buildup), recently introduced UVX- which is a coating that protects the surface of your board by slowing down the oxidation (yellowing/fading) process caused

by UV (ultraviolet) rays. UVX will protect the surface, maintaining the integrity of the material five times longer than an untreated board, and sealing in artwork and colors, keeping them vibrant. Get protected- get UVX!

www.epicactioncam.com

www.onitpro.com

STORIES OF RELL SUNN: QUEEN OF MAKAHA... provides readers with the

TEEKI - With a lot

opportunity to learn about the legendary Hawaiian waterwoman Rell Sunn, and the values and culture of the people that revered her. Each story compiled

by Greg Ambrose is a snap shot from Rell’s personal photo album. Raw and intimate, the stories reveal details about the Queen of Makaha, and the people she loved and served. She lived and embodied the aloha spirit and inspired those around her to do the same.

of “green” focus these days, the swimwear industry is taking notice, and making their contributions known... such as TEEKI! Teeki offers eco-conscious consumers swimwear that is made from recycled plastic bottles.

Seriously! Now you might wonder if you will look like a Gatorade bottle on the beach…

Hardly! Teeki designs SUPER

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!

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Continued next page...

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MONEY SENSE. . .. .An .

COMMUNITY

Artist in Motion

ndustry

News

... continued from previous page

cute and functional swimwear (we love the gold sparkly/blue striped bottoms) that will make you feel sexy and confident, all while helping out the planet. www.teekilove.com

FANTASY SURFER - On October 21st, Nichole Wagner,

Jordan Klingler and Christina Frankel headed to Kissimmee, Florida to check out the brand new ultimate indoor wave at Fantasy Surf.

Upon arrival, representing WSSM, the crew had the opportunity to meet Amanda McCormick who is currently the world champion in Women’s Flowriding. After watching the talented young 22 year old shred on the indoor pool, the crew decided to get their feet wet, literally!

To their surprise, however, it wasn’t as easy as it seemed!

The name alone conjures up a bevy of mental imagery consisting of crystal blue water, white sandy beaches, and world renowned surfers dropping into epic barrels on the famed Hawaiian shores.

Photo: Ultimate Indoor Wave (Christina, Jordan, Nicole)

The riders who practice almost every day really make it look effortless. After a few falls, they started to get the hang of it and didn’t want to stop trying!

The indoor wave pool is extremely addicting and the staff at Fantasy Surf, like Vanessa Arroyo, were super friendly and were willing to help you out on the wave. It is definitely worth checking out, everyone there had a great time!

Yes, Pipedreams Hawaii represents all of those things through their stylish and affordable boardshorts, but they also represent the power of dreams, as in “The Dream Is Alive”, and the ability to evolve and bring the industry value closer to what is affordable.

(left) Angela McCormick, (right) Vanessa Arroyo

Pipe Dreams Hawaii began as a grassroots company, one that supports the active surf lifestyle via apparel that is surfer tried-tested-and approved. They’re driven to compliment YOUR surf lifestyle with boardshorts that are of the highest quality, ones that will last more than just a few months, and won’t break your budget either. From the start, the owners decided to offer budget-conscious consumers the same high quality boardshorts they would normally find at surf shops nationwide, but at a fraction of the cost.

www.ultimateindoorwave.com

ISLAND SHADE SHACKS

Brand new on the market, and oh-so-fun… Island Shade Shacks offer protection from the elements via a canopy large enough for several people to hang out under, while still enjoying a panoramic view. Available in several prints including their popular “Aloha” print, an Island Shade Shack comes with large pockets on both sides that you fill with sand or stones to keep your shade from flying away, and a large, attached sheet to that keeps you off the ground or sand. Fully collapsible and lightweight, these shacks are going to be a HOT item for the lazy summer days ahead!

While there are many “Pipe Dreams” branded companies out there such as surf shops, smoke shops, etc., PD Hawaii is unique in that they have specialized specifically in boardshorts and surfboards since 1988, without all the other gear a lot of huge corporations produce. Thus, they’ve being able to keep their costs low AND pass on tremendous savings to the consumer.

This allows you, the consumer, to purchase several pairs of their shorts-- for the same price as just ONE of the “other guys”.

Nice!

Water photos & review by Christina Frankel

www.islandshadeshacks.com

Essentially, Pipedreams Hawaii is revolutionizing the overpriced, saturated, corporate surf industry version of the boardshort, which needs changing. While most brands markup their goods by anywhere from 50% - 100%+, PD Hawaii doesn’t feel that is the best way to treat the ohana they’re reaching out to.

Their mission to support the Hawaiian “ohana” (family) and the kama`aina (people of the land) in both style & budget is what truly sets them apart from other industry leaders.

Shop & support online at www.pipedreamshawaii.com Above photo: Daniel K. Fine Arts Beccy’s bikini “The Jewel Leopard” Legal Beach (legalbeach.com), necklace: “Peace-Love-Hope” collection by trendyjewels.com

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u Skate u Stay Covered

SURF EXPO

the best trade show EVER!

by Sandra & Dan Olson

u Filtrate & Flip Flop Shops

From all over the globe they come to shop their wares and network. Meeting with the best of the best, at the show where business gets DONE… The Surf Expo!

u C-Spray Glass Blasting

u Joscelyn, Amanda, Micha & Gabriel (wssm photographer)

u Christina, Sandra, Olivia

(Coreban) and Nichole

u OnIt Pro

u Betty Belts

u Jeff Clark |Mavericks Surf Shop

Clearly the best tradeshow for the action sports industry anywhere in the USA, the Surf Expo stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to customer service, industry participation, buyer attendance, and order writing.

With a twice-yearly held show, those looking to break into the industry while on a limited budget are best suited to exhibit at the January show, as it is larger, and has a stronger attendance than the fall show. However, if cash allows, we highly recommend both shows, as you will meet people from all over the world, all walks of life, and business goals and needs. Over a one year period (2 shows) you’re bound to receive valuable insight into what the market requireschallenging you to grow your business effectively. You’ll also meet people with whom you can network and build strong partnerships with in the future, and on top of it all… you’re going to have a LOT of fun, too!

As a buyer, Surf Expo features a bevy of categories including Surf, SUP, Swim, Skate, Boutique, Souvenir and Resort, all clearly marked and defined so you know exactly where you are on the huge floor plan, therefore, making the most of your valuable buying time.

u XSIZE

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u The WSSM crew- Nichole,

Sandra & Christina

Floor attractions include a twice-daily fashion show, a gigantic half pipe and skate area for team riders to show off their tricks, and there’s also a SUP demo & wake pool on showcase that is worth checking out.

Free daily seminars are held on a variety of business related subjects, and Saturday night offers a prayer and worship service with Christian Surfers USA, which is a great way to relax from the show, and mingle with like-minded companies and friends.

u Hot Tuna

u Kevin (Beatnik Trading)

So don’t miss it… after all, the Surf Expo is where business gets done! www.surfexpo.com

u Dan & DUNKELVOLK u Ocean Star Gifts

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 31

u Stephanie

Photo: Daniel K. Fine Arts

u Dan & Sandra present

the FREE RV’s Surfboard to the winner!

u Heather

u Naomye, Pua, Doni, Beccy,

Nichole, Tiffany, Brian, Cory, Trey

u John Olson (above) special event coordinators, Brandy & Rob Chang, & WSSM publishers, Dan &

Sandra Olson, together with the WSSM models as the last fashion show draws to a close.

u Steven, Trey, Phil, Brian in

Pipedreams Hawaii boardshorts

u WSSM hostesses, Stacey, Linda, Heather, u Malia & The Belly Dancers in Paradise

June 20, 2010: WSSM celebrated their annual summer surf party at Senor Frogs, Honolulu, much to the delight of long-time fans! Well known for hundreds of great giveaways, fun, fun, fun, a positive vibe, belly dancing and fashion shows galore, this evenings event did not dissapoint.

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Chauntee, Lani, Shanae, Francesca

Guests enjoyed a night of jamming tunes, WSSM go-go dancers that kept the crowd up and dancing all night, and WSSM hostesses that mingled with the crowd, passing out over 1,000 giveaways such as Sex Wax surf wax, Shaka Laka lip balms, Charming Shark Surf Jewelry, Frisky Shoes

u Johnelle, Jaimee, Deanna,

Nichole & Cory in Honey Girl

u Brandy (WSSM spec. events coord.) Shanae,

u Rob, Steven, Elise

Maura, Rob (WSSM spec. events coord.)

u left page photos: BobMcKeand.com | below photos: Wilber Bergado Photography

u Elise

| above photos: WahineSurfer.net

u Reiko, Shanae, Trieu u WSSM publishers, Sandra & Dan Olson, with

best buds & special events team, Brandy & Rob, preparing for the night.

u Kristiana u Malia, founder of

The Belly Dancers in Paradise u Chelsea in H2oh!

u WSSM security: Allan, Nick, Shane, Dane, Sean

u Stephanie in Pualani

u Sandra & Dan give out goodies to the crowd

slippers, t-shirts GALORE from Pipeline Gear, Ocean Star books, sunscreen samples from Smart Girls Who Surf, Siren Surf hand creme, and so much more. The evening also showcased 2 swimwear bikini fashion shows sponsored by Guria, Dunkelvolk, H2Oh, Legal Beach, Bikini Joe’s, Pualani Hawaii,

u Doni in Pualani

and Honey Girl, as well as a stunning perormance by Malia and the Belly Dancers in Paradise, that had the entire club shimmying and shaking. Wanna see more photos from this event? Log on to www.womenssurfstyle.com, and click on SPECIAL EVENTS... continued next page... wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 33

... continued next page

and we’ll see you in February ‘11 for our next off-the-hook event!

Get in on the VIP list and stay in the loop by visiting womenssurfstyle.com A BIG THANK YOU TO: u Brandy & Rob Chang: WSSM Special Events Coordinators u Maura (Assistant Coordinator) u WSSM security: Allan, Shane, Nick, Dane & Sean u Fab Beauty Hawaii (Hair & Makeup) u Ryan Jacobie Salons (Hair & Makeup) u GaryMsCreations.com (photography) u WahineSurfer.com (photography) u HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com (photography) u Bob McKeand (photography) u Wilber Bergado (photography) u Senor Frogs Staff u Models: Beccy, Johnelle, Tiffany, Deanna, Nichole, Naomye, Pua, Doni, Cory, Lani, Chelsea, Stephanie, Erica, Angela & Jaimee. u Male models: Trey, Brian, Phil & Steven u Go-go dancers: Reiko, Elise, Kristiana, Trieu and Sarah u Hostesses: Stacey, Linda, Heather, Chauntee, Shanae and Francesca.

u Shanae and

u Ryan Jacobie and model Kristiana

u Deanna in H2oh!

u Fab Beauty Hawaii gets model,

Tiffany, ready for the night

u Naomye in

Francesca

Honey Girl u Jaimee in Pualani

u More giveaways, PLEASE!

u Angela in Pualani

u Steven in

Dunkelvolk & Sarah

u Beccy, Nichole, Erica

in Pualani

u above 3 photos: HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com | Below photos: Wilber Bergado Photography

u Pua in Guria

| above photos: GaryMsCreations.com

u Naomye in Guria Beachwear

u Dan, Sandra, Andrea,

Johnny, Sarah

u Dan (WSSM publisher) hooks

the crowd up with giveaways!

u The DROPS owners, Bill & Trish

Edwards with WSSM publisher, Sandra

u Stan Olson, Debbie Olson (WSSM Editor)

u Deanna, Tiffany, Keoki Ching of

Keoki Surfboards, Trieu

u Kevin Cross (Beatnik Trading)

Rails & Tales

. . .

photo: Gregerson Photography | 20foot.com

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I’m writing this article on a plane to Japan.

8 hours to kill, so why not pull out my net book and put my past few years down on paper.

I’m on the way to visit my mum and sister who I haven’t seen in 2 years. Three years ago, I was a college student living in Perth, Western Australia. Back then I couldn’t even imagine a life like this was possible. But before I get carried away, I’ll take it back to the beginning and explain how this all began. Then I can share a few of my favorite stories and impart some crucial advice.

I believe I was destined to travel. My parents met hitchhiking and I grew up on their crazy travel stories. I hold three passports and my friends always joke I should work for the CIA. However, in my late teens independence was not one of my strengths and travel was not really on my mind. The first major turning point in my life was surfing. Although I’m from West OZ, I didn’t grow up surfing.

It became part of my life when I turned 18 and owned my first set of wheels. I drove myself to the beach almost every day and taught myself to surf with all the coordination of a drowning giraffe. It was tough at first, but before I knew it, hitting the water became my sanity and the most important thing in my life. I ran a little wild in my angry teen years and surfing got me back on track.

I was 19 and half-way through college when I got the travel bug.

What set me on my way was unhappiness in school and a miserable break-up. Nothing like putting an ocean between you and an ex to mend a broken heart! Being a surfer, trying to run away from my everyday life, Hawaii seemed like the perfect option. I began busting my butt to save for a surf trip. Contrary to my wants, my mother thought I should go to New Zealand instead. It’s only a quick hop away from Australia and much safer in her opinion. She made a persuasive argument by promising me financial aid. After I booked my ticket, she then pretended to “forget” her promises and I ended heading off on a one-way ticket with only $3000 in the bank. I planned to spend a month in New Zealand and 9 days in Western Samoa, a small Pacific island nation known only to me through the surfer grapevine. Little did I know this was the beginning of a life changing journey of adventure, discovery, and a whole load of epic waves.

The art of travel was not something that came naturally to me. I learned my lessons hard and fast.

Lesson number 1 Pack appropriately for your intended destina-

tion. I had no hat, no sunscreen, no wax, no surfboard repair gear, no first-aid equipment and I hadn’t even looked at a map. This resulted in some serious sunburn and one very slippery surfboard.

I didn’t even research accommodations. I’ll never forget stepping

off the plane and being consumed with the warm, thick, flowerscented blanket of air which was quickly followed by the realization I was all alone and didn’t know where to go.

Lesson number 2

That night an interesting meal lead me to Always carry food poisoning medication; otherwise, you can’t catch the local bus. It was tough. And the waves were even tougher. I had envisioned myself pulling into perfect Polynesian barrels, but in reality I was a newbie and out of my league. I couldn’t even duck dive. I paddled out almost every day for what felt like weeks without catching anything. The waves were sucking up and pitching over beautiful shallow coral reef, racing like clear blue freight-trains down the line. I was getting cleaned up. I was angry and humiliated at my surfing attempts, however my determination overcame my fears and I left a much improved surfer. I stayed a few months longer than planned, was taken in by a village and grew to understand a non-western lifestyle. In Samoa, they still live the traditional village way. In my time there, I never met another tourist traveling by local bus with their surfboard. The Samoan busses are one of the liveliest aspects of the country. Old, wooden, and brightly colored, they bounce along packed to the brim with people, while blasting very loud Samoan rap music. Everything imaginable is brought on the bus, from whole dead pigs in woven baskets to chickens and even petrol drums.

Lesson number 3 Sit or be sat on. I discovered that everyone sits

on each other. One day a larger lady happily seated herself on me for an entire bus trip! No one seemed to understand that a surfboard was not a seat either and I became known island wide for being that angry looking palangi (white person) defending the stick in a bag.

By the time I reached Central America, I was a more experienced traveler (plus the busses were easier).

Lesson number 4

Then came Things will happen out of one’s control. I discovered this lesson while I was surfing a break near Playa Hermosa, just south of Jaco in Costa Rica. It was a fun day with small playful waves. I paddled for a nice left, but couldn’t quite drop in. As I went to turn around and paddle back out, I noticed something floating in the water. It looked like a big log, but it had eyes and a snout and was CRUISING TOWARD ME. I quickly paddled over to the other surfers. I didn’t want to be lunch. Everyone wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 37

Rails & Tales

. . .

Samoan Church

paddled for the next wave and headed for the beach – except for me. I was in such a hurry I nose dived. Face first, toes in the air, board flying, I nose dived. By the time I had surfaced and hopped on my board, everyone else had their feet safely on solid ground, not dangling around in crocodile infested waters. I gingerly paddled in, trying to submerge as few limbs as possible. When I finally reached the shore, we had a good nervous laugh.

Crocodiles can be a common sight in the line-ups in Central America.

During my 4 months living there, I surfed with everything from evil masses of little stinging brown jellyfish to sea snakes.

Hungry sea creatures and dangerous waves are one thing, but a question I am often asked is how do I stay safe? No, I’m not talking about that, I’m talking about travelling through dangerous countries like Panama and the Dominican Republic.

Lesson number 5 is about protection; use common sense and trust your

intuition. No night time arrivals, no night time solo outings. Stick to crowded areas in cities and when on the move tell someone of your plans and expected arrival date. Don’t carry your valuables all in one place. When I’m crossing borders and going on long bus rides I stuff extra money in my bra so if I get everything stolen I’ll still have enough for a hotel and a phone call. When surfing new areas always check with the locals about where to paddle out and for any hazards like submerged rocks and rip currents.

Once, trying to surf Raglan in New Zealand on a big day, I almost got swept onto the rocks from being ignorant. I got lucky, the Canadian guy I was surfing with got washed all the way around to the next bay and it took him half an hour to jog back!

Lesson number 6. Caution is necessary, para-

noia is not. This means keeping yourself safe, but being open for new experiences. I had my 21st birthday on the Caribbean islands of Bocas Del Torro off the coast of Panama. My birthday would have been a lonely one if not for some great-hearted Australian travelers who took me out to dinner. The only other people in the restaurant were the crew of a 130 ft. mega-yacht owned by an eccentric Icelandic businessman. I was invited to visit the yacht and was offered a job as a stewardess. If I had not taken a chance on boarding the boat, I would not have had such an amazing opportunity. Before I knew it (and after 7 horrendous days at sea behind a hurricane), I was in the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. The global financial crisis meant the end of my job, so I jumped ship and spent the next 7 months island-hopping and scoring amazing, perfect, peeling, island breaks.

I could fill up the next 10 pages with stories about waves, hitching rides on private planes and exploring the Dominican Republic with local surfers, but that would take up this whole magazine!

38 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

photo: Gregerson Photography | 20foot.com

Now, more than 3 years after plotting my original travel plans, I have finally made it to Hawaii. I was living in California, but it was becoming uncomfortably cold. One day as I struggled into my wetsuit, I knew it was time to head to warmer waters. I booked a one-way ticket to Kauai, where I am now living. I do regular trips over to Oahu for surfing and work and am putting my time into writing and other projects.

family, it turned out to be a great thing they did for me. The satisfaction I get from doing this myself is priceless. I’m not sure what my next step will be. For the moment, I enjoy exploring the Hawaiian Islands, but I hope to get down to South America and across to Cuba, so watch this space!!

It was on my first trip to Oahu while watching the Pipeline Masters that I stumbled upon WSSM photographer Dave Gregerson. Dave has been encouraging me to share my experiences and help inspire other young women to travel. When he and I catch up on Oahu, we always have a blast longboarding Waikiki together. He is one example of how the people I meet can change the course of my life and my view of the world. The independence and self growth that comes from solo travel is one of the best things a young person can experience. As frustrated as I was in the beginning with the lack of funds from my

Lesson number 7 Expect the unexpected, and have fun!

Tia (xox) Visit www.tiasurfer.blogspot.com to follow Tia in her travels.

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 39

Rails & Tales

I

. . .

t was finally here...

Panama awaited us, and we were SO ready to go!

The day started off at the Waffle House, across from the Daytona 500, as we waited for our photographer, Gabriel, to finish photography class.

After filling our bellies with the last US meal we would enjoy for a week, we headed to FedEx to mail my diamond ring back home. We had been in Florida for business, but didn’t want to be “targets” in South America, so we were taking all the necessary precautions.

After all, no need to tempt anyone there, right?

We picked up an excited Gabriel and headed to the airport, surfboard bags sticking out the side of our small rental car. We were excited... After months of planning and research, we were finally on our way!

Arriving at the airport, we searched several floors of the parking garage before finally finding a cart (we never pay for those things!), and piled it high with backpacks and board bags, then headed for the TACA Airlines counter.

Unlike most airlines these days, TACA Airlines checked us in with glowing smiles and everyone was extremely helpful. We knew the board bags would be a hassle- they usually are, but surprisingly-- not at TACA. It was almost like it was a usual occurrence for surfers to be traveling with them.

Through security, down the ramp, and onto the plane, TAKEOFF!!

That’s when we knew there was definitely something different about flying with TACA. Unbeknownst to us, included in the flight (for FREE) was a nice meal (even on our 45min flights), and right after takeoff they came by with drink carts stocked with complimentary snacks, coffee, soda, juice, and adult beverages.

Free headsets were also offered (with a smile), and with over 30 movies to enjoy on our personal video screens, time flew. Upon landing in El Salvador for a quick plane change, a cruise of the airport- making note of anything we liked and might want to pick up as a souvenir on the way home-IF we didn’t happen to find it in Panama City, we were back onto TACA to our next leg, Costa Rica.

TACA filled us with another round of food and drinks, a bevy of in-flight entertainment, and touchdown—we were in Costa Rica. It was the rainy season for South America this time of year, and clouds filled the evening sky,

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Dan & Gabriel... Happy to be flying TACA Airlines! making it feel even more remote and exotic.

The Costa Rican & El Salvadorian airports were quite interesting to explore, and with a 1 hour layover, we spent it cruising the shops, sipping on coffee samples (the airport shops offer free coffee, chocolate and liquor samples right there in the airport. Strange, but who’s gonna turn down free coffee!) and watching the planes come and go on the water-soaked runway.

Boarded flight #3 and we were now amped. Next stop? PANAMA!!!

Touchdown...

Panama City!

Once through customs, we were greeted by David; Morro Negrito had sent him to meet us, take us to the bus station, purchase tickets, and show us where to wait-- nice!

Our good friend, Christina (surfer/ photographer), who had arrived earlier from Florida on a different airline was with him also. After excited hugs, jumping up and down in excitement, anticipating the fun we were about to have, we followed David to the van, loaded our bags, and made our way through downtown Panama City to the bus station. Now Panama’s bus system is a little different than what you’ll find in the States... To start with, the terminal was more like an airport... 2 levels, and HUNDREDS of double-decker buses that were plush—and air conditioned. We had been told to dress warm for the ride—the night bus was known to be a bit frigid.

After a bite to eat at the bus terminal, we purchased water and boarded our bus (only $15 US per person for a 5 hour ride) bound for the province of David. The midnight bus would be making one stop about 3 1/2 hours into the trip, and we were warned to set our watches and NOT FALL ASLEEP after that point, as we would have to remind the driver to let us off at our remote stop. It was in the middle of nowhere, and if we missed it, it could be hours before getting back. Sure enough, it WAS in the middle of nowhere, but it wasn’t a problem, because as soon as we got off the bus, we were greeted by our Morro Negrito contact, who loaded up the boards and bags again, and we began the slow 1/2 hour drive to the waters edge, through winding roads hedged with thick, lush, jungle foliage.

Arriving at the Morro Negrito Surf Camp “holding area” was a relief. It had now been 15+ hours of travel, and brushing our teeth, taking vitamins, wrapping our bags securely in plastic (they warned us everything may get soaked during the boat ride- they were right!), and catching a quick snooze was at the top of our lists. Though the staff offered us beds to sleep in as we waited, we opted for the outdoor

Sandra adding her bikini sponsor stickers (Honey Girl), to her brand new Fluid Surfboard

www.TacaAirlines.com www.MorroNegrito.travel www.PanamaSurfCamp.com

Photos: SecretSurf0

David, ready and waiting to pick us up in Panama City Christina, Dan, David and Gabriel

REAL cuban cigar anyone?

Making our way through the bus termina with our guide, David

Now THAT’S a view to remember!

At the Morro Negrito Surf Camp holding area, waiting for the tide to rise high enough to allow the boat to come pick us up.

Photos: SecretSurf007.com

007.com

Headed to the boat launch... ready for adventure!

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Rails & Tales

. . .

hammocks instead, and relaxed as Gabriel snapped photos of the local horse that roamed freely about, the chickens, and a picturesque bridge near the boat launch. We were waiting for the tide to rise high enough to allow the boat to come pick us up.

7am brought the sound of the boat’s motor, and we eagerly gathered our bags and started down the cobblestone path to the boat launch. Doug (surf guide) and Irvin (boat captain) greeted us. We piled in and were off for a watery, rain-drenched ½ hour ride down a winding, twisting river, surrounded by thick jungle, leading to the open ocean. Majestic outcroppings of black rocks and small islands dotted the horizon everywhere. After 15 minutes, we could finally see the Morro Negrito Surf Camp up ahead, with its bright orange bungalows dotted against the deep green and uninhabited landscape.

The rain began to let up SLIGHTLY as we arrived on shore where a handful of staff greeted us and proceeded to carry ALL our bags and boards up to the camp- what service! A short 3 minute walk later, and we had arrived at camp, soaked to the bone, but stoked on our adventure as we followed our guides to our individual rooms.

Well groomed trails seem to lead in all directions, each to its own small bungalow, and since Dan and I were the only couple on the trip, we got to stay in the family room, which was farthest from shore, but also had its own private lanai and bathroom, and the best view!

Smooth, round, black rocks tumbled in and out with the shoreline break- a mere 25 yards below, and the bungalow overlooked Emily’s… a nice little left that was dependant on the tide levels, but always a fun way to catch a few more waves before dinner, when you needed just one more!

Emily’s was unique in that you could surf it ANYTIME you wanted since you didn’t need a boat to get to it, and your friends could watch you surf from the nearby openaired dining room or hammocks.

It was like having your own cheering section!

That first day in we took much needed naps, and woke to the sound of the lunch bell (love that sound every morning, afternoon and night!). After a filling meal, Christina, Dan and I loaded up the boat with the boards, accompanied by Doug (surf guide), and Eric (boat captain), and we left in search of surf.

Morro Negrito Surf Camp is awesome in that there are all styles of waves available. The staff made sure we knew which spots we were surfing, and where they were on the large map drawn on the dining room wall... offering a buffet of

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waves and conditions. You have ankle-kissing baby waves near the boat launch (Elijah’s), Emily’s- the smaller break directly in front of the camp, and Snickers—which soon became one of our favorite waves. Snickers is a solid beach break, canvassed by a mile-long black sand beach, and gets REALLY good on a rising tide (lefts and rights). El Toro (the bull) is another great wave, nestled between giant, foliage covered black rocks, and offering a punchy left or right that looks like it’s going to break right on shore—yet you rarely touch the sandy bottom.

There are more advanced waves available- on the right swell- such as Nestles (we didn’t get to surf this spot since it only breaks when it gets over 15ft). Nestles is apparently a death defying drop, into an extremely shallow, boulder-filled, ocean bottom— and just waiting to teach you a lesson. We’re told this is a pop-up fast- while air-dropping into a stand-up barrel that shoots you like a rocket out of the danger zone. No shoulder to speak of on this wave AT ALL. Yikes!

Lastly, you also have the ever popular Point, which was close to camp, and offered heaving barrels galore. Less sketchy than Nestles, this was the spot to hone your barrel riding skills, without the crowd.

At the Point, a steep and dedicated takeoff is mandatory, and there’s no avoiding the closeout by going for a doggy-door here either. On the waves that barreled, you had to ride into a closeout almost every time, or pay your dues on the shallow, rock-infested inside, that sits mercilessly near a steep, un-scalable cliff. Not the friendliest conditions, but a magnificent wave to say the least.

While the Point was FUN we later found out, it also drew most of the other 10 surfers at camp, and after living in Hawaii and dealing with crowds, this spot wasn’t at the top of our list. After all, we were in Panama to surf waves all to ourselves, without hassling with lineups or overly aggressive paddle-battlers.

Instead, our crew usually opted for Snickers, which hosted 6’-10’+ wave, after wave, after beautiful glassy wave, after another.

As with any surf spot in Panama, the tide really affects the breaks, so on our first day in, we chose the Rock, which was just that… a little rock sticking out of the ocean, that peeled a fun right-hander, with a sometimes, make-able section.

Coming from Hawaii, this little wave was a lot of fun to play around on, and I got a serious wake-up call when I caught the rail of my board… squarely on the right jaw.

Hearing an alarming crack and fearing the worse I checked my teeth—they were still all there.

(Praise God!) An immediate froggy appeared though and cuts lined

Christina and Jordan, practicing their own “surf duet”. They met here in Panama, were inseparable, and have been dating ever since. NICE! Photos: SecretSurf007.com Dan and Sarah at Emily’s

Morro Negrito Surf Camp

Dan at El Toro

Surf guide, Doug, at The Rock

Dan & Sandra, headed to Emily’s for an evening session Sandra @ Emily’s, testing out her new Honey Girl swimwear. BEST SWIMWEAR for surfing... EVER! (honeygirlwaterwear.com) Christina hitting the lip at Snickers

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Rails & Tales

. . .

the inside of my mouth where my teeth had almost pierced through my cheeks. Swelling set in and by nightfall—I looked a bit like a chipmunk hoarding food—for a really long winter.

Not all bad came from the accident however. Back at camp that night, after multiple chunks of ice were applied, I was officially awarded the camp’s daily trophy of excellence.

Surf guide, Jordan, explained that every evening, directly after dinner, they give an award to the person who really gave it their all that day, made an impressive snap or maneuver, or also- for the most stupid move of the day. I laughingly accepted the award, admitting I had won for the latter, and promised to try to get the award later in the week, for something “smarter”.

That night, worn out from traveling, we were asleep by 8:30—and dreaming of surf.

Dan and I were excited to greet our longtime friend and surf buddy, Sarah Dean, to camp the next morning. She had endured a laborious flight delay coming out of Hawaii due to engine plane failure, but had now finally arrived!

Now, Sarah is famous for getting hurt. The girl rips/charges/she does it all... but she occasionally beats herself up in the process. So upon her arrival, the rest of us felt better-- knowing she was likely to be the one taking the “injury” cake.

Coffee and a breakfast of fresh fruit, eggs and fried Indian bread with jelly filled us up, after which we grabbed our boards, some snacks for later on the boat, and headed out for our first surf session that day.

El Toro was the call this time… and we enjoyed a day of trading wave after wave with our core group of 6, hooting each other on.

Dan was stoked to be in the water and experimenting with his new HD GoPro Camera that he had mounted on the nose of his board via an FCS plug. He later realized that some his best and favorite video taken was of us duckdiving through the waves when paddling back out. But, he warns to watch out when duck-diving, because he took the skin off his nose a couple of times before he learned his lesson-- to not bring his head so close to the camera.

That session was one of those when all you can do is sit on your board, drinking in the exotic beauty around you, and wondering why you’ve been blessed with such an experience. Life doesn’t get much better.

No injuries to report this second day… tired, sunburned and worn out though, we hit the beds early, in anticipation of the building swell and our 5:30am wake-up call.

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Ding, ding, ding… the

breakfast bell awoke us from a delicious, deep sleep, and it was all we could do to pull ourselves out of our comfy beds, and into a cold shower to wake up.

The sun peeked up soon, revealing a well-formed Emily’s. The swell had come up—a little bit! Excitedly, we ate breakfast, and headed to the boat launch, where we each helped the boat guys by lying wood down in front of the boat, and rolling/ pushing them to the waters edge.

Kind of tribal and a very different surf experience. The other surfers (5 guys) took one boat to go check an outer island spot, and their girlfriends piled into the WSSM boat, for a quick ride over to Snickers.

Leslie (camp chef), was just learning to surf. She was a bit cautious, yet eager to surf with all the girls, but was admittedly in over her head when one big set rolled through (which we couldn’t believe she paddled for- and caught). It took her all the way to the beach! After considerable effort, she simply wasn’t able to make it back to the outside, so she settled for an onshore view of the action. Rayna and Milica had surfed before, but due to where they live (MT and northern CA) they don’t get the chance to do so very often, so Snickers, this day, was a great way to get them back in the water—without having to deal with barrels, or wave hungry dudes.

Sarah snags a nice one at the Point Photos: SecretSurf007.com

After 2 hours of fun waves, we all piled back onto the boat and headed over to EL Toro, where we enjoyed more countless waves and laughter. What a fun day!

Evening came, and it was my turn to pass the trophy torch. I gave it to Rayna, who- though she had just had a baby 18 months before, and RARELY surfed, had gone above and beyond – paddling herself into overhead waves, and riding them!

Rayna had easily overcome the intimidation that comes with surfing with a group of girls she didn’t know, that were better surfers, and she didn’t give up. Way to go Rayna!

The swell continued to rise overnight, and we slept to the sound of rain pounding on the tin roof while waves crashed below.

With not a mosquito in sight, we didn’t utilize the mosquito nets- thankfully, and awoke to the breakfast bell, once again.

This was the day of all days for Dan and me in particular. The group headed to Snickers, but the tide hadn’t quite come up enough yet, causing closeout conditions.

Christina and Sarah became disillusioned and headed back to camp after about an hour to try out Emily’s and later on- the Point.

Dan and I, Doug (surf guide) and

Dan dips deep to avoid taking one on the head at the Point.

His HD GoPro camera got some great underwater video of this wave! (goprocamera.com)

Christina @ the Point Sandra @ the Point

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 45

Rails & Tales

. . .

Eric (boat captain) stayed behind-where we soon enjoyed one of the most memorable, epic and perfect surf sessions of the trip.

Doug had advised us all to stay, saying the rising tide would fill in nice; dissolving the dumpy, shifty, morning conditions. He is a wise man! Sure enough, about 45min after the girls left, the wave turned on, churning out set, after set, after set, of well overhead, perfectly glassy, smooth faces-- both lefts and rights! You would catch a wave, paddle a short distance back out, and there came another one, and another one, and another one.

waves, we reached the shoreline, and began our beach exploration as we made our way back to camp.

Seashells littered the beach as far as the eye could see, and sand dollars the size of small pancakes were easily found. What a magnificent place Panama is!

The swell held and we all enjoyed some barrels at the Point the next day, amid pouring rain and the most crowded session we had surfed to date while in Panama.

After our 5 hour surf session the day before, we were so stoked and worn out, and didn’t want to deal with the “crowd” factor of 10 guys at the Point, so after a couple quick After another 2 hours, we returned ones, we headed back to Snickers, to the boat for a quick snack and picking up a new arrival, Bram from second application of Ultrasol Sunthe Netherlands, on the way. He creen spray (love that stuff!). Doug unfortunately got TRASHED on an asked us if we were tired and wantoutside set that rattled him, but he ed to return to camp for lunch, but stuck with it, and after we returned it was like a dream we never wantto camp about an hour later, he ed to end. With only four of us out, enjoyed a much more successful and Gabriel snapping photo after session with Dan that evening, photo on the shore… how could catching Emily’s until the stars we leave? The waves were perfect, came out.

8-10ft+, and the We had worn water warm. The It was like a dream ourselves out-black sand beach and knew we had that we never stretched out for reached the pinnaa mile- without a wanted to end... cle of our surf trip, single person in it just couldn’t get Wave after wave, sight. This was truly any better! Panama paradise, and we after perfect had become a blur never wanted to of perfect waves, wave, and only leave. good friends, four of us out!

6 hours had finally early mornings and passed since we sunrise sessions, left camp, and our arms finally exquisite yet rustic surroundings, wore out, so we paddled back to and evenings spent playing guitars the boat to drop off the boards. and ping pong.

Our plan was to walk the beach Two days before we left, we got to back to camp, since this would sit down and chat with the camps probably be the only time to do co-owners, Steve and Marilyn. so, since the rest of our time was Turns out, they started the camp spent either surfing or relaxing 12 years prior, importing the bafrom the surf. nana and coconut trees that now The ocean, however, had one more supply all the camp’s fruit needs. nugget in store. As we all paddled They also built the bungalows, and back to the boat, we were about hired boat captains, cooks and halfway there when a sneaker set maids to keep the place running rose up in front of us. It began pullsmoothly. Overall, it had been a real ing up, and up, and up in front of undertaking that was now a beautius- each of us looking longingly at ful and successful surf camp. it. We were beat- our arms hanging by our sides, how could we?

Swapping surf stories and experiDan couldn’t resist… and with a ences made the evening fly by far quick whip of his board, he turned too quickly. Steve told us about around, letting out a “you’ve got to the famous surfers who had stayed be kidding me…I can’t let this one with them. Christina showed her go!” He gave two quick paddles shark bite scar- which led to the and dropped into the biggest set discovery that this particular area of the day… out of sight. had been over fished in the 50’s A faint whoohooo echoed from by the Japanese whaling boats, far away, and Doug and I sat and therefore, sharks no longer up waiting for Dan to reappear, existed in the area. Marilyn joined shaking our heads in disbelief. We us on our last night for the big were almost halfway to the boat group bonfire, chatting about life already-- This wave had come out in Panama, children, and all the of nowhere… AND we couldn’t work that had gone into making believe he caught it! this fabulous place possible. She also answered the question we had Stoked and smiling from ear to about the “star” that shone bright ear, Eric and Doug dropped us above us each night. Turns out it close to shore and raced the boat was actually Neptune. Wow! back to the safety of the open ocean before the next gnarly set Our last day finally arrived, and rolled through. Swimming with the Dan, Gabriel and I packed up and

46 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Sarah’s here! Fresh coffee or coconut, anyone?

Dan-the-Man, in a boat full of ladies. WSSM surf travel rules!

Milica doing a funky-board dance

Photos: SecretSurf007.com

Sarah, tossing water at Snickers

Sarah, Sandra and Dan-- surf buddies for life!

Brave soul, Leslie, catching her wave of the day

Dan setting up for a floater at Snickers Fresh coffee and a full breakfast greeted us each morning...

The camp “enforcers”

Our Fluid Surfboards were an excellent choice for these South American waves. Thank guys!

Fluidsurfboards.com

Gabriel’s self portrait on the beach at Snickers.Thanks for all the great photos, dude!

Rayna drops into her second wave at El Toro

Fresh coconut!

The coconut cutting station

Sandra, Sarah and Christina at El Toro Back at camp, Jordon teaches Christina how to play the guitar, while Dan and Gabriel look at the HD video footage from Dan’s GoPro camera

Dan exiting his tube at the Point

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 47

Rails & Tales

. . .

headed back to Panama City where Christina and Sarah would be joining us later that evening.

We left in the early afternoon, eager for our 5 hour bus ride through the countryside during the day, so that we could get a feel for the “real” Panama.

It looked a lot like Mexico, brightly colored buildings, small towns where simplicity in living is just regular life for most. Pure poverty is the norm, but they don’t seem to mind and for the most part are a happy and welcoming people.

We spent the night at a nice hotel ($42 US total- no tax, for 3 people) called the Vera Cruz, in the heart of Panama City. It was 70’s decor to the core, but extremely clean and we felt safe there. Across the street we checked out the Fiesta Casino.

Initially Dan wasn’t allowed in because he wore a shirt with cutoff sleeves, however (with a sweatshirt on) we did finally go in, only to find guys in slippers, wearing old, dirty stained t-shirts, and women in spaghetti strap tank tops. What a trip!

Panama City itself was quite beautiful and picturesque. Old buildings that were once quite detailed and ornate line the narrow streets. Far away on the horizon, large ships and barges wait in long lines for their turn to pass through the Panama Canal.

That day we explored an older part of Panama City, also known as the French quarter, gathering souvenirs, macking on $.75 gourmet hotdogs and snapping photos.

One thing we noticed while in Panama, is that EVERYONE uses US dollars! No matter where we went, from the fruit stands, to the restaurants, to the airport & bus terminals... EVERYONE uses US dollars, and acted as though we were from Mars, when we asked for Panamanian money for our coin collection.

We managed to find some coins here and there, but we could count them on one hand. Nuts!

Christina and Sarah left early in the day to catch their flights home, but the rest of us weren’t due to fly out until the next day—which meant we would have time to check out the Panama Canal! Yeah!

After our morning of adventure in the city, David picked us up at 4pm and took us to the canal, where we got to see one of the great wonders of the world. Built in 1913,

48 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

everything about the Panama Canal oozed with history, making it a very surreal experience.

David explained to us how the locks work, the schedules on which the ships pass through (different directions at different times), all of which was rather interesting. One ship in particular came through right as we entered the 4th level viewing deck. The seamen were yelling and waving at all of us tourists, laughing and beckoning to us, celebrating what must have been a milestone in their journey. It was as if they had been out to sea for MONTHS and were excited to return to civilization. What a different life that must be than ours.

Looking back, Panama was so much more than we had anticipated and hoped for. Though we endured sea lice and Portuguese Man-o-war that stung us, intense rain and lightening storms at night, a banged up jaw and loosened teeth for two of us girls, we had enjoyed ourselves tremendously.

On the injury list, my swollen jaw was a battle wound that could have been a lot worse. A nasty fin cut turned into a gnarly looking bruise that lasted for weeks, and in addition, I also nearly knocked out my front teeth. Seriously! Having too much fun and not paying attention to an approaching set after exiting a wave was my mistake.

I whipped my board around too quickly, placing it between me and the wave-- a real no-no. I got hit so hard, my teeth actually punctured the fiberglass, and were a bit wobbly for the next day or so. Thank you, God, they’re all good to go now. Sarah, our other casualty, was true to her reputation of injuries, as she also made contact with her board. Upon surfacing after a long hold down at the Point, she caught the tail of her board directly in the mouth! It completely knocked out her lower retainer, but her teeth were saved!

Minor injuries (war wounds?) aside, we had the most fulfilling, wonderful time in Panama and at the Morro Negrito Surf Camp. The food was good, people friendly, landscape inspiring, and the surf will definitely be calling us back for many years to come.

Surf travel to paradise DOES exist… and you too can find it in Panama! u

Photos: SecretSurf007.com The Panama Canal

Sarah Panama City!

The WSSM crew! (L to R) Leslie, Sarah, Christina, Sandra, Dan and Gabriel

“Wear the Beach” anklet- one of the coolest souvenirs I’ve ever had! You fill it with sand from your favorite beach... and wear it!

wearthebeach.com

LIFESTYLE

. . . Core Fitness

In my “dream” world I would get to surf every day and still have time to hit the gym for some cardio and/ or strength training.

With my busy schedule, however, my “dream world” is more like “yeah, right!” and I’m forced to get creative if I want to stay healthy and be active.

making daily

F

ITNESS

3 , 2 , 1 s a y s a e as

Outfit provided by lululemon; athletic wear made of a light luon, which is their signature four-waystretch, moisture-wicking material. Breathable and cool, it lets you sweat hard, but feel great! It also gives great coverage, so no see-through, and everything is pre-shrunk so there’s no surprises when you wash it.

They also offer complimentary hemming on long tanks, sleeves, and pant length-- and you don’t even have to hem it new! Take it home, try it out, and bring it back later to adjust if you wish.

Visit them online at www.lululemon.com

Or on Oahu, Hawaii at Ala Moana Center, Nordstrom Wing- 2nd Floor | tel: 808.946.7220

featured items y Flow Y Bra y Modern Racer Tank y Boogie On Short

Inchworms

(Beginner)

My point is that there is ALWAYS something nearby to incorporate into your workouts! I’ve even been in a hotel room and used 2 of my one liter water bottles to “feel the burn!”

It’s fun to be creative with your workouts as well, because it keeps things from being mentally monotonous and gives your muscles a nice “SURPRISE!” We are all creatures of habit and our muscles are no different. Even if you ONLY have 10 minutes. Can you imagine how many lunges, crunches, and squats that could be?! If you did that 6 days in a row, that’s an EXTRA HOUR of exercise every week!

If you did that for a year, that’s an extra 52 HOURS of exercise!

A few small steps won’t get you far, but persistence will take you as far as your heart desires!”

Heather McGaffin If you have health concerns, be sure to check with your health care provider before doing this or any other exercise program.

50 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Equipment Needed

y Stability Ball y Yoga Mat (optional)

Targets: Core, Arms, Legs, Lower Abdominals

Step One:

Start in a plank (push-up) position. Be sure that your core is engaged.

Try to suck your belly in as if you were trying to pull your belly button to your spine.

A natural curve in the spine is OK, but don’t allow your hips to drop below your knees. This puts unnecessary pressure on the lower back while decreasing the effectiveness of the move.

Step Two:

On your next inhale, focus on pulling in your stomach as you roll the ball up toward your arms. Your hands stay planted firmly.

Pause for a few beats before exhaling and returning to the starting position. That is one rep.

Try to do 3 sets of 8-15 reps

X-Backs (Advanced) Equipment Needed

y Stability Ball y Yoga Mat (optional)

Targets: Core, Arms, Legs, Back, Glutes, and Abdominals

Step One: Start in a plank (push-up) position (same as above).

Be sure that your core is engaged.

Try to suck your belly in as if you were trying to pull your belly button to your spine.

Step Two: Slowly, lift the left leg off the stability ball.

With control, begin to twist at the waist as you bring your left leg across and over your right. Focus on tapping your left toes to the ground, remaining there for one to two beats (count “one, two�).

With the same caution and control, use your muscles to bring the left leg back up on the ball to the starting position.

The challenge here is preventing unnecessary movement with the stabilized leg as the other leg crosses over.

The stable leg is basically rotating 45 degrees so the hips and waist may twist and allow the leg to cross over.

Repeat with the right leg to complete the rep.

Aim for 2 sets of 8-10 reps.

Tri-Warrior Press Equipment Needed

y Hand

Weights

(Less than 10 pounds recommended)

Targets: Legs, Abdominals, Triceps, Back

Step One:

In a forward lunge position, first check that your knee is directly over your ankle and your back heel is off the ground. Extend arms out to either side of your front knee, holding your weights.

(Palms are facing the ground) Step Two:

As you exhale, press arms directly back towards your other leg.

To maximize effort, squeeze your shoulder blades. Arms will naturally move in towards one another.

Inhale as you return to center for completion of one rep.

Aim for 2-3 sets of 8 to 15 reps. photos by: Angela Cordeiro

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 51

LIFESTYLE

. . . SUP Fitness

Stand Up Paddle Boarding isn’t that difficult to learn because, unlike normal surfing, it doesn’t require waves. You will find that standing up on the board and paddling can be achieved after just a few attempts. Exercising on the board will take some practice with some degree of failure to be expected, but learning to climb back on the board is, in itself, a skill that incorporates strength and balance training, not to mention the additional calories burned!

The exercises range from beginner basic SUP techniques to intermediate and advanced skills. They will help you improve your balance, endurance, core strength, and agility. If you have health concerns, be sure to check with your health care provider before doing this or any other exercise program.

www.ShapeSUPwithSunny.com

SUP s s e n t i F

with Sunny

Let’s start with Ab-Crunches Photos by: BodyManagement

(Beginner) start...

y knees bent, feet flat y hands by ears y shoulders slightly off

the board

y chin slightly tucked y elbows wide y tighten core

THEN... y lift

upper back off the board by curling rib cage toward pelvis y lower back down and then repeat Do 2 sets of 8-15 reps

Sunny’s Tip

Tighten your core by gently pulling your navel toward your spine.

(Advanced) start...

y one knee bent, foot flat y opposite leg up, knee

bent

y reach hand toward ankle y shoulders slightly off

the board

y chin slightly y tighten core

tucked

THEN... y lift

upper back off the board by curling rib cage toward pelvis y reach hand toward heel y lower back down and then repeat Do 3 sets of 8-15 reps

Then... some Squats!

(Beginner) start...

y legs shoulder width apart y arms straight in front holding

on board for balance y tighten core THEN...

paddle vertical

y bend knees bringing thighs parallel y slowly stand back up and repeat y do not lock knees at the top

to board

Do 2 sets of 8-15 reps y legs

(Advanced) start...

close together on board y arms straight holding paddle horizontally in front of shoulders y tighten core y bend

THEN...

knees bringing thighs parallel to board y slowly stand back up and repeat y do not lock knees at the top Do 3 sets of 8-15 reps

52 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Tricep Dips...

(Beginner) start...

y sitting on the board y hands and feet shoulder width y arms straight, knees bent y glutes about 12” off the board y tighten core

apart

THEN...

y slowly

bend elbows and lower upper body, keeping chest lifted y gently tap glutes on the board y slowly press yourself back up to the starting position and repeat

Sunny’s Tip

Dips are perfect for working the muscles on the backside of your upper arms and is a great way to prep them for tank tops

THEN...

(Advanced) start...

y sitting on the board y hands and feet shoulder width y arms straight, knees bent y glutes about 12” off the board y straighten one leg

Do 2 sets of 8-15 reps

apart

y slowly bend elbows and lower your body y gently tap glutes on the board as you straighten your leg y slowly press yourself back up into the starting position y change legs and repeat

upward

Do 3 sets of 8-15 reps

and finally, Obliques! start...

y sitting

on the board with your knees bent and your heels about three feet from your glutes y place paddle horizontally across your shoulders y tighten core and lean your upper body slightly back, keeping your chest lifted THEN... y pull

your navel toward your spine and twist slowly to the left... y the movement isn’t large and comes from the rib cage rotating, not from your arms swinging y rotate from side to side.

Do 2 sets of 15 reps on each side

Sunny Steurer

Formerly a gym owner in Germany, Sunny has been in the fitness industry for more than 20 years.

As an amateur competitive bodybuilder, Sunny’s long list of credentials include two-time German Champion, European Champion, and WORLD CHAMPION in 1989. She went on to compete in professional contests including the Ms. Olympia in 1990. Sunny’s vast experience and knowledge makes her one of the most sought-after experts in the fitness field, and she frequently appears as a celebrity fitness instructor and consultant on various TV shows.

Sunny’s latest endeavor is Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP). Once introduced to SUP she quickly recognized the potential for a new and unique workout program.

Within days, Sunny’s “Shape Up Paddle Boarding” exercise program was born. The program incorporates a blend of strength, pilates, yoga and balance moves on the board. Sunny then adds the most important component of all... FUN!

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 53

LIFESTYLE

. . . Yoga Fitness

B

UCKLE Up -

Photos by OnIt Pro - “We’ll give you the edge, the rest is up to you”

Do you know what to do when you’re traveling: near or far, in a car, on a train, or on a plane?

Buckle up and do some yoga on the go!

Whether you’re going to your local surf break, on a long adventure, or to a far away land, you can get there feeling good by doing some fun and easy yoga techniques that will soothe your body, mind, and spirit.

Scan your body and be aware of where you hold tension. Focus on keeping those areas relaxed. You’ll enjoy your trip so much more when you know what your body needs to feel good and relaxed.

Make sure you have taken care of all your external comforts for your journey, such as comfy clothes, good music, and healthy treats. Don’t forget to bring the latest issue of WSSM on your voyage. It’s so much easier to focus on going within when you’re comfy externally.

If you’re driving, you can still do a lot to keep your body and mind at its best, just as long as you can keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. For example, you can tense and relax all your muscles to improve circulation. You can also breathe deeply to keep your mind calm and body relaxed and at ease.

When among other people, be subtle and mindful of those around you, especially on an airplane. For example, it feels great to stretch your arms up, but make sure the movie isn’t running while lifting you’re arms up, as the people behind you might miss a good scene. Instead, you can reach your arms forward with your fingers interlaced and the palms out. This is also good to do when you’re in a car, since there isn’t much room to lift your arms very high.

Zofia Karubin 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. Currently, Zofia is working on a book for surfers “Surfboard Yoga Warm-Up” inspired by waterman Erik Nordskog. Look for more yoga poses with Zofia in the next issue of WSSM.

54 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

yoga on the go!

Here are a few ways to help you feel energized and relaxed when you reach your destination.

1

Breathe: The breath is so important. We hold our

breath when we stress causing more stress due to a lack of oxygen to our brain. Breathe deeply from the bottom of your abdomen, and expand the rib cage out, then fill the chest area and feel the collar bone lift up as you continue to inhale. Then exhale all the way down from the chest, rib cage, and contract the abdomen muscles to let all breath out. Place one hand on the belly, the other on your rib cage or chest, to feel the breath flowing in and out.

2

Laugh and sigh: One way to improve your breath

5

Stretch the wrists and hands: Clench the

fists, then stretch out the palms and fingers while breathing deeply, and repeat several times. Rotate the hands and stretch the wrists. Massage your wrists, hands, and fingers and see how much better you’ll feel – get in between the bones and massage the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s so good to do this before and after you drive a car or work on the computer to release all the tension.

6

Stretch the ankles and feet: The ankles and is to laugh joyfully. You’ll feel the abdomen confeet need a lot of stretching because they do so much tract and relax naturally for us. By rotating your ankles as you laugh and exhale. and flexing the feet, you are Then on the inhalation increasing your blood circuthere is no effort because lation and bringing healing your body will naturally energy to your legs and feet. draw in a full breath.

Stretch your toes out and That’s why laughter is so move them around. It’s also healthy, plus your brain good to massage the feet and Rather than getting will release endorphins ankles before bed for a good tense and stressed out about traffic which will increase your nights rest after your trip – it’s sense of well being. so relaxing. or unexpected delays, just switch Another way is to sigh your mood and perspective-Relaxing the neck deeply. Again, your body and shoulders: Keep you have a choice.

You can waste will naturally draw in a breathing while rolling the breath when you sigh. It’s your energy thinking about what a shoulders up and down. Genso refreshing and cleanswaste of time it is, or you can use tly stretch your head to the ing for your blood, your left, roll your head down and this time as a creative and positive mind, and your mood, so then to right and look up. keep breathing and laughhealing opportunity by visualizing Rotate a few times in both diing deeply. yourself succeeding in your goals, rections. This will help relax Relax the face: your neck and shoulders, and or catching the perfect wave.

We don’t realize how it will free the blood flow to much tension we hold in your brain. our faces. Simply put on a sweet smile and feel the tension Next, look left and right slowly, and then subtly move into melt away from those facial muscles as you continue to a gentle spinal twist on the exhalation, lift up and twistbreathe deeply, feeling good, looking good, and staying ing back. Spinal twists will relieve so much tension along young at heart. The more we smile, the better we feel. This the spine, which is very beneficial for your entire nervous really helps when driving because we’re focusing so much. system, and brings calmness to your mind.

Most importantly when traveling, focus on what you love; on your surf stoke...

7

3 4

Relax the jaw: The jaw muscles need stretching

too. Drop your lower jaw down, lift the eyebrows up and bring the jaw forward. Releasing tension in the jaw will relax the nerves in the face and will bring more energy flow to your eyes. This makes driving or reading so much easier when the eyes are relaxed.

8

Tense and relax all muscles:

When you’re sitting there in the car, on the plane, or the bus for several hours, the best thing to do is to tense and relax the major muscle groups, especially the buttocks.

By tensing and relaxing the buttock muscles, you will be improving your circulation and calm all the nerve endings in the tail bone. After a long trip, you’ll be grateful you did when you stand up for the first time after several hours.

It’s always good to do a yoga session before and after your trip. Many professional athletes do

yoga to prevent jet lag and stay in shape when they travel.

It may not be easy to find time, so just do a few poses that will stretch the entire body and that’ll make a big difference.

Namaste: My inner light bows to your inner light.

NOTE: If you have health concerns, check with your health care provider before doing this or any other exercise program.

A moment of clarity.

Take away the glare, and pure color comes rushing in.

Maui Jim’s unrivaled PolarizedPlusŽ2 technology brings colors alive.

Style shown: Rainbow Falls

www.mauijim.com

LIFESTYLE

. . . Shimmy Fitness

Shimmy

FITNESS

Ready ce to Dan ture” o ct P s “Corre gether

with Malia

to

y legs t es ben y kne ed

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From the roots of Belly Dance comes the Shimmy Evolution.

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This hottest new fitness dance craze is fueled by women just like you looking for a way to leave that mundane gym routine behind... Now imagine a fun, flirty, and easy-to-follow workout that will strengthen and tone your core, slim and sculpt your legs, buns and thighs. All while providing a supportive space where women can let their hair down, have fun and just be themselves. Thats the genius behind Shimmy Fitness... it strikes that perfect balance!

Photos by GaryMsCreations.com

Egyptian Hip Drop with Extension Begin move by getting into Correct Posture y Inhale,

lift RIGHT hip by slightly straightening right knee y Exhale, drop RIGHT hip by extra bending knee y Inhale, lift RIGHT hip, AGAIN by slightly straightening right knee y Exhale, drop RIGHT hip while extending your RIGHT leg and pointing toe Repeat on LEFT leg

Curvy Figure Eights Start by getting into Correct Posture

RIGHT HIP y Inhale, push RIGHT hip away from body y Then, pull hip up and lift RIGHT ankle y Exhale, pull hip into waist and extra bend right knee, and place foot flat on ground

Then, LEFT HIP y Inhale, push LEFT hip away from body y Then, pull hip up and lift left ankle y Exhale, pull hip into waist and extra bend left knee and place foot flat on ground Repeat with right leg and hip, forming a vertical figure 8 with your hips

SNAKE ARMS Start by getting into Correct Posture y Inhale,

roll LEFT shoulder up, pull it back, and exhale as you release your shoulder down y Let elbow and wrist follow while keeping palm of your hand facing down and your fingers straight Repeat on RIGHT arm, while creating a fluid, snake-like motion from one arm to the other 56 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

www.pualanihawaii.com

LIFESTYLE

. . . Living Beautiful

Bbox

EAUTY

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.net

Photo: Ashley Barrett | ashley-barrett.com

Dermalogica Ultra Rich Body Cream

Meet Mark Good Riddance Concealer “When I love a product, I can’t stop talking about it.

This is one of my favorite finds in a LONG time. This little pencil of goodness provides a beautiful, natural, skin perfecting finish and is as easy to apply as signing your name! Just apply where needed and blend with your fingers or a foundation brush. It’s oilfree and fits easily in your bag for touch-ups.

I never leave home without mine.” www.meetmark.com

“It’s in the name. This lotion hydrates richly like a cream, but goes on light like a lotion. It continues to protect the skin with its hydrating properties for hours and leaves behind a beautiful sheen.

It contains no essential oils, fragrances or color. Use it daily and you will be amazed with the turnaround in your skin.” www.dermalogica.com

Burberry ‘Warm Glow’ Natural Bronzer

“Burberrys new beauty collection is simply gorgeous. Their natural bronzer is a perfect way to achieve a sun-kissed glow. The formula reproduces your natural skin color to help keep it natural looking and give off a flawless finish. This is a perfect way to keep a healthy glow in the winter.” www.burberry.com

Philosophy Replenishing Hyaluronic Acid/Peptide Capsules

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

“These are a must-have. The oil-free capsules deliver an amazing blend of hyaluronic acid, which plumps skin by binding up to 1,000 times its weight in water, and unique peptides to boost and stimulate natural collagen production while softening fine lines. Your skin is instantly left nourished, smoother, and glowing.”

“This mask mimics the effects of their famous Triple Oxygen Treatment Facial in just seconds.

With a complexion brightening formula, it delivers oxygen to the skin for complete rejuvenation.

It also releases the most active form of Vitamin C available to lighten and tighten your skin.

I love this after traveling, a long day of surfing, or when my skin needs a quick pickme-up before a night out.” www.blissworld.com

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www.philosophy.com

Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes “As a traveling makeup artist, you must have good strategy when it comes to your packing skills. I am all about simplifying and convenience. Makeup Forever’s Aqua Eyes offer both to me. These pencils come as both liner and eyeshadow that adhere to your lids and stay put without running or smearing. They blend on creamy, are waterproof and come in a range of 25 beautiful colors.” www.makeupforever.com

Ask ROXY

Q: I’m a personal trainer, and the majority of my time is spent in the gym

training myself or working indoors/outdoors with clients. I get tired of looking like a gym rat, especially since this is my profession. I don’t want to look made up, but I want to feel pretty and put together when I am at my job. What make up essentials would you recommend to give me a fresh, “barely there”, but polished appearance to help me feel more confident about my appearance while I am at work?

ALEXIS CEDILLO | REDONDO BEACH, CA

A: “Awesome question Alexis. It’s important to feel and look polished when you are working, regardless of what your profession is and I understand how it can become trickier when your profession is physical. Below are the features of your face and the products you want to focus on to keep you looking fresh and polished.

1. BROWS The first area that is always overlooked, but is so key for a polished appearance are the eyebrows. Most don’t realize this until I fill one brow in and show them the difference between the other. Your eyebrows help to bring a well-rounded structure to your face and of course pop your eyes.

For the most part, my favorite way to fill eyebrows are with a pencil such as SHU UEMURA’S “HARD NINE” brow pencil. Ultimately you want to try to add more definition to the brow vs. just adding color.

Think of it as if you’re trying to draw a soft frame around them, filling in the little blanks. Make sure you have a sharp pencil because a dull one can result in applying too thick of a line.

2. SKIN Next you want a cream concealer such as MARK’S “GOOD RIDDANCE” concealer pencil for under your eyes and around your nose where natural shadows and discolorations tend to be. I like applying it to my skin with my fingers and then using a natural hair makeup brush to blend it out. This helps to keep it looking very natural.

3. CHEEKS/LIPS Another important element for this look is a flushed cheek. Adding some color to the apples of your cheeks is an excellent way to flatter the skin. A hint of color on the lips to match your cheeks will keep everything pulled together in a very “undone” manner. A lip stain that can also be used as a cheek stain such as KORRES “LIP BUTTER” is awesome for this reason. You can continue to re-apply this product to both areas and it never gets cakey or overdone because it deposits such a soft wash of color while adding a dewy finish to the skin. Don’t be afraid of bright colors because they tend to look more natural than you think.

4. EYES Simplicity is key here. A good, volumizing waterproof mascara will pop your eyes open without having to use anything else. I can always rely on “DIORSHOW’ by Christian Dior for this.

Applying all of the above should take no more than around 15 minutes, but will leave you looking effortlessly beautiful. Hope this helped!” Roxy

LIFESTYLE

. . . Organize My Life

BCloset -Kay’s

W

elcome to B-Kay’s Closet! I hope you’ve been enjoying and applying some of my organizing tips from previous WSSM issues.

However, this issue I would like to shift the focus just a little and share a personal experience with you readers out there, especially you mothers.

In the spring of 2006, I very unexpectedly got pregnant and have had a COMPLETE change of life since then.

Before this event happened, I had lived quite an adventurous life, constantly traveling the world, moving from ski town to ski town, anxiously looking for the next exciting thing to do. I’ve always been a respectable and hard working person, but didn’t envision having children for many years, though eventually I thought it might be nice.

To be honest, for the first 6 or so months of my pregnancy, I was incredibly unhappy with the reality of having a baby. I felt like my life was over and Photo: CMK all of a sudden was incredibly tied down....but never did I consider abortion, and didn’t want to give my child up for adoption. I knew in my soul that I needed to be responsible and give this little person my best effort to making their life all that they deserved it to be. I didn’t know how it would all work out, but I knew I wanted my child to be raised by his/her father and me, instead of a daycare employee, friend, or family member.

At the time I got pregnant, I was employed as an in-home caregiver for an elderly lady. Her family was very accommodating and did their very best to keep me during the pregnancy and after the birth of my daughter.

For the first 1.5 yrs. of my child’s life, I worked mostly night shifts for them and brought my daughter with me to work. The money wasn’t great, I had a long commute, and it was hard being on such a different schedule from most of the world, but I was grateful. It was worth keeping my Lucy with me.

Then one day at a playgroup, I met a mom

Tip’s from MY EXPERIENCE:

Manage your home more efficiently... with these useful tips & ideas

who was a nanny AND a mother at the same time! This blew my mind; I hadn’t thought there was any other job out there that would allow me to keep my daughter with me while I worked. In my teens and twenties, I had worked with children a lot, so I felt qualified and decided to make the change to become a full-time nanny. It absolutely has been worth it!

I’ve now been a single mom for almost 2 years, and though it’s not always easy and I don’t have tons of extra money, I’m at peace with life. I’m confident I can make a living and raise my daughter. Who could ask for more?!

Being a nanny has opened up a wonderful opportunity for my daughter as well. Being an only child, she won’t get as much practice learning the basic skills of: sharing, learning not to be the center of attention all the time, how to interact with other children, and all the other wonderful things siblings naturally learn from each other. But Photo: Jason B because she’s with me at work, she has consistent playmates in her life. Actually, they almost become siblings because they experience so much together. It also keeps me in the spin of the world, connecting with other parents who are just as sleep deprived and long to do simple things like watch a movie in one sitting (once in a while) or go Bottom photos: B-Kay to a restaurant and order what THEY want (not what their child will most likely eat)... we can all relate to each other.

Being a nanny and mom keeps my life well balanced because I’m continuing to stay involved with other people which in turn helps me not to seclude myself or my child from the rest of the world. Life is still an incredible adventure, but in a different way than before being blessed with the opportunity to be a parent. Everyday is a good day with my little girl.

So, for all you mothers, single or not, who feel there’s a part of you missing when you have to leave your child while you go off to work, or if you are already a homemaker and would like a little extra income, I warmly encourage you to explore the option of becoming a nanny AND mom!” B-Kay

Things to consider before applying for a nanny position: y y y y y

How many hours/days do you want to work per week?

How many kids are you comfortable watching at once? How many will your car safely hold?

What ages do you prefer working with? What age would work best as a playmate for your own child?

Are you looking for a structured routine while on duty, or do you prefer an easy going family?

Do you want to go through an agency or just be employed by a private family? When employed by an agency, your pay is usually higher and there is a third party looking out for both nanny and family. On the downside, it can take a long time to get a job and often you have to have previous experience as a nanny or teacher before being hired out by the agency.

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Unfortunately, most parents don’t want to have a nanny bring their own child to her work, but this I know for sure, there ARE families that gladly welcome your child to come with you! Just keep looking, and be positive when connecting with potential employers about what you have to offer by bringing your child... handson experience from birth, a mother’s wit, providing a playmate for the nanny child, etc. u Networking

important...

is

I’ve had families I have never met ask me to watch their kids and trust me 100%, solely because their friend, my employer, trusts and recommends me. u Find

a good place to network...

It’s HUGE in the nanny world!

Community centers, local coffee shops (especially ones with a children’s play area), family/mom support or activity groups, playgrounds and parks are some great places. If you have a friend that works for a company that has an employee email newsletter, ask them to write something small about you and post it. Letting people know you’re available is vital, and again, word of mouth is extremely helpful. u Let

them know you are available...

Advertise that you are currently looking for a position by writing up a brief description about yourself, your experience, etc. and hang it on the “news” bulletin boards where moms usually are... like child consignment shops, libraries, or community centers. I’d recommend only putting an email address as a way to contact you.

I once had about 75 families get in touch with me within a short period of time and I got confused as to which conversation on the phone went with which person!

Make a special folder in your email for the replies you receive from potential employers, so you can keep them all grouped together and respond quickly, nanny jobs go FAST!! u Online

research...

Think about what you’re looking for in a family and what families in your area are looking for in a nanny. Set up first time interviews in a public place. Bring a list of questions, as if you’re interviewing them, and trust your gut!

Here are some sites I’ve found helpful. Besides these though, do your own research as well… there’s LOTS of information online! www.nannynetwork.com www.care.com www.4nannytaxes.com

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 61

LIFESTYLE

. . . A Holiday Recipe

RCorner ecipe

Cozy Christmas Cookies

A Used Kitchen...

is a Happy Kitchen

From Noel McCarthy

Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1/4 cup white sugar 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg 1 egg, beaten 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup chopped pecans Confectioner sugar and cinnamon, for sprinkling.

Photos by Gregerson Surfing Photography | 20foot.com

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium microwaveable container, microwave the butter for 30-40 seconds, or until the butter is liquid.

In a separate bowl, mix the two sugars together. Pour the butter liquid into the sugar mixture and stir until creamy. Stir in the beaten egg and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, pecans, and flour.

Pour the sugar mixture into the flour mixture and combine until smooth. Scoop the dough into 1 ½ inch balls and place on a cookie sheet.

Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until cookies are slightly golden on the edges. Once cool, sprinkle the confectioner sugar, then cinnamon to top of the cookies. Enjoy!

Meet

Noel McCarthy

I am a high school senior in Palos Verdes, California. My favorite place to surf is San O. It brings back memories of when my family would camp there each summer for a weekend surfing trip. It is nice and the waves don’t break so close to the shore. I would say that I am definitely a longboard girl.

I love to bake! I have been baking since my parents bought me an Easy Bake Oven when I was about five or six years old. I always enjoyed desserts and the process of creating them.

I didn’t realize my passion for baking exceeded the average person’s desire to bake until my parents began to really take notice that baking was more than a hobby for me.

My favorite thing to bake would have to be cake. There are so many different flavors, designs, and techniques to put in the creation of one cake; it allows a baker to really show his or her creativity.

I feel that cooking, whether it is a meal or a dessert, is a form of art. The most common mistake you can make when baking is to stress about the final product. Stressing makes it hard to enjoy the process. When some good ol’ TLC is incorporated into the process, I promise the product is so much more self-rewarding…and delicious!

I can’t imagine where my life will be in ten years. I hope that I will be happy and proud of what I have accomplished. In the meantime I plan to attend business school and study restaurant management and after that go to culinary school. Someday I plan to open a bakery or café of my own. Maybe both!!

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JESUS CHRIST...

the REAL meaning of Christmas LUKE 2: 1-20

1) And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2) (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) 5) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6) And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were

3 WISEMEN BABY JESUS BETHLEHEM DONKEY ETERNAL SALVATION FAITH FRANKINCENSE GOLD HEAVENLY HOST HOLY BIBLE HOPE | INN ISRAEL JESUS CHRIST JOSEPH | JOY KING HEROD LAMB OF GOD LUKE 2:6 | MANGER MATTHEW 1:1 MYRRH NAZARETH PEACE SAVIOUR IS BORN SHEEP | SHEPHERDS SINGING AND PRAISING STAR

|

KJV

| “The History of Christmas”

accomplished that she should be delivered.

in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

7) And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

12) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11) For unto you is born this day

13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15) And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16) And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17) And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18) And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19) But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

FIND THE WORDS IN THE PUZZLE

When you’re finished, the unused letters will spell out a hidden message. Words can go left & right, up and down.

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 63

SURF STOKED

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. . . live, breathe, surf

SURF STOKED

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. . . live, breathe, surf

SURF STOKED

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. . . live, breathe, surf

SURF STOKED

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. . . live, breathe, surf

SURF STOKED

. . . live, breathe, surf

Covering the Basics of Basic Coverage:

A WORD ON

By Amanda Rigney

It’s no secret that wetsuits play an integral role in our surfing lives...

Most often, suit selection is determined by good ol’ Mother Nature as seasons change.

Wind and spikes and drops in water temperatures all affect our comfort levels in the water. Having a wetsuit that fits your shape, as well as prevailing conditions, is imperative to making the most out of every surf session. With scores of suit choices and cuts available, it’s important to have a good idea of what you’ll encounter when searching for your next wetsuit.

CONSTRUCTION:

Wetsuits are made of foamed rubber. Most use neoprene covered in spandex on both sides for stretch and durability. The tiny bubbles trapped in the neoprene during the manufacturing process create the insulation necessary to keep you warm while the spandex lining on the outside of the neoprene makes the suit durable.

Smooth skin neoprene is made by applying the spandex to just one side of the neoprene and is great for protection from the wind. In an effort to be more ecologically friendly, some manufacturers have begun to offer greener forms of neoprene which are produced using naturally occurring, nonpetroleum based materials. To the eye, these types of neoprene are indistinguishable from the standard form of neoprene, but are more expensive.

In order to create a water-tight seal, wetsuit panels are glued together and then blind-stitched. In more expensive, cold-water suits, you will see that the seams are then “taped” over, thus creating a water-proof barrier. Tape will vary from strips of neoprene in lower priced suits to strips of flexible Photos: Siren Surf glue in pricier models.

COVERAGE STYLES:

Vest -- Excellent for protecting your core from wind and board rash. Provides minimal warmth and UV protection. u Jacket -- A step up from the vest, the jacket covers your torso and arms and also protects from wind and board rash. Provides moderate warmth and UV protection and is an excellent choice for protection from winds. u The Beavertail -- Beavertails have just that: a tail that can be fastened in front for a bodysuit-like effect. This variation of the wetsuit jacket was popular up until the 1980s, especially with divers. No longer an endangered species, this style has enjoyed a recent surge in popularity amongst retrorevivalists and the fashion conscious, increasing the likelihood of spotting one in your local surf shop. u Leotard -- Within the last several years, the leotard has become a popular women’s style with wide availability. Basically a wetsuit version of a gymu

Try on a lot of suits Different brands feature different cuts and therefore different shapes. Because a wetsuit has to be a tight fit to keep you warm, it’s important to get one that’s as close to a glove for your body as possible.

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You get what you pay for That extra $100 dollars you’ll spend on a better suit will translate to better sealed seams, better neoprene and a more ergonomic fit. And that means more flexibility, comfort and warmth.

nast’s outfit, long arms and a swimsuit style bottom provide protection from sun and wind for your arms and torso. Leotards are generally warmer than jackets because water is prevented from flowing up around your core.

Added bonus: you won’t have to worry about your wetsuit shifting during wipe outs with this stay-put style. u Spring Suits -- Spring suits have short legs, but can have various arm lengths. A traditional spring suit has short arms and short legs while a long-arm-spring has full length arms and short legs. The long john has long or short legs paired with a vest-like top: kind of like bib overalls, hence the name. Spring suits provide a good amount of warmth and wind protection and are a popular choice for water temperatures in the mid 60s. u Full Suits -- Sometimes also called steamers, full suits generally have long arms and legs and are designed for maximum warmth. You’ll occasionally see a short-arm-full suit which has short arms and long legs. There are tons of options as far as construction goes and you can generally spot the most state of the art full suits by their price tag.

Many full suits feature an interior piece that slips over your head to prevent water from coming in through the zipper or down around your neck. From sealed seams to attachable hoods to even heaters, full suits do their best to keep you as comfortable as possible in even the coldest water. u Accessories -- Hoods, gloves, booties…mix and match to achieve your desired level of warmth. Keep in mind that booties also provide excellent protection against sharp coral, rocks and reef in any climate.

NEOPRENE THICKNESS:

Neoprene suits can be found in thicknesses up to 8mm, but those are usually dive suits designed for very cold water. Suits

for surfing are offered in different combinations of thicknesses, with the thicker neoprene on your torso for warmth and the thinner stuff on the limbs for flexibility. When

you see a full suit marked “3/2”, that means the core area of the suit is 3 mm thick neoprene and the arms are 2 mm thick. Vests and jackets are usually available in 1 mm or 2 mm, which is more than adequate to keep you warm and shield you from the wind in warm water locales. u

Colors get dirty Those baby-blue accents may look stylish, but if you have to take your suit off on the asphalt, they’re going to get dirty. Don’t forget: nothing is more slimming or soaks up more of the sun’s warmth than all black!

It’s easier to surf when you’re too hot than when you’re too cold When in doubt about what suit to get, like a wetsuit vest vs. a jacket, go for the one with more coverage. It’s easy to flush the suit with water down the neck to cool off if you’re too hot, but once you’re cold there’s no way to warm up fast.

You’ll really appreciate the extra coverage if you have to sit for a long time waiting for waves.

SURF STOKED

. . . live, breathe, surf

101

By Tracy Rubert

Surf-themed books are easy to find... most bookstore shelves are heavy with how-to guides, surfing memoirs, and story collections. More often than not, these books are about men, by men, and for men. And while it’s great to read a biography of Kelly Slater or Mickey Dora, or get lost in a classic surf novel like Tapping the Source by Kem Nunn, it’s also nice to turn down the testosterone once in a while and read about women on the waves. Whether you’re after a quick beach read or something more literary to ponder with your reading group, here’s a roundup of surf titles—either by women, about women, or for women—you won’t want to miss.

Photo by C. H. Images Tracy Rubert holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop. In addition to writing articles for health & fitness publications, she has published fiction in a number of literary journals and is currently working on a novel.

A fourth-generation California native, Tracy is an avid surfer, and can often be found paddling out at Bolsa Chica or Blackie’s.

She lives in Long Beach CA with her husband and their rescue mutt, Mojo.

GIDGET, frederick kohner:

Based on the real life adventures of Kathy Kohner, as told to her father, this novel is an accurate depiction of teen angst and that breathless first infatuation with surfing. It has a few more serious moments than the fluffy movies and TV shows it spawned. Every surfer girl worth her salt will enjoy this endearing classic.

THE GREEN ROOM, deborah turrell atkinson:

When Hawaiian attorney Storm Kayama agrees to represent a successful surf promoter’s wife in a divorce case, she gets more than she bargained for. Soon, Storm is confronting cutthroat surfing competition on Oahu’s north shore, a frightening local legend, and a vicious killer. Mystery and adventure at its best.

Surfer-Girl Reading List Non-Fiction/ Memoir

CHASING WAVES: A Surfer’s Tale of Obsessive Wandering, amy waestchie:

These interconnected stories chronicle Waestchle’s love affair with surfing, from her timid beginnings to her confident adventures on huge waves in Fiji, cold sharky waters in Canada, and many other places in-between. Waestchle’s detail is visceral and thrilling—the next best thing to being there yourself.

MOLOKAI, alan brennert:

When she is diagnosed with leprosy at age 5, little Rachel Kalama is torn from her family and sent to live at the colony on Molokai. This engrossing novel spans several generations and explores the history surrounding the Kalaupapa settlement on the island of Moloka’i. Though not a novel primarily about surfing, a few lovely scenes depict the surf sessions that help alleviate Rachel’s loneliness and grief while exiled on Molokai. Break out the Kleenex.

WATER WINGS, lauren mccrossan:

Surfing in Ireland? Yup. You’ll be laughing out loud as struggling actress Millie Armstrong squeezes her slightly overweight self into a wetsuit and learns to surf in the freezing cold Celtic waters she’s deathly afraid of for an upcoming role. There’s also a wacky loyal best friend and a romance with a hot Irish surfer dude—great beach read.

u That Oceanic Feeling, Fiona Capp u Fierce Heart: The Story of Makaha and the Soul of Hawaiian Surfing, Stuart Holmes Coleman

Romance/ Chick Lit u

u

THE TRIBES OF PALOS VERDES, joy nicholson:

u

SOUL SURFER, bethany hamilton:

WAVES, sharon dogar:

When 14-year-old Hal’s older sister slips into a coma after a late-night surfing accident in Cornwall, he begins to hear her voice in his head, leading him to unravel the mystery of exactly what happened to her and who was involved. This haunting young adult novel of love and loss will linger in your memory a long time.

NINE PARTS WATER, emma hardman:

Former Australian surf champ Cal Brodie has returned to her childhood home in Tungalla Bay to reassess her life and reconcile some uncomfortable truths about her past. This is a bit of a ponderous read, but well worth a look for the insight it provides into Australia, as well as the redemptive qualities of surfing.

FEARLESSNESS: The Story of Lisa Anderson, nick carrol:

Surf Girl School, Cathy Yardley Crash Into Me, Jill Sorenson

u

Fourteen-year-old Medina Mason has just moved from Michigan to Palos Verdes, California, where real estate is worth millions and hardcore locals slash your tires if you paddle out at their break. In order to escape the pain of her parents disintegrating marriage, Medina works her way into the tribe of locals and loses herself in surfing.

A dark coming-of-age novel that will resonate with anyone who has endured a troubled adolescence.

Recounts the now legendary story of how Bethany Hamilton lost her arm to a shark, yet through remarkable faith, courage, and dedication, not only continues surfing and competing at the professional level, but has also turned the tragedy into an opportunity to help others.

Flirting with Forty, Jane Porter

Endless Summer, Karen Anders, Julie Kenner, Jill Monroe Young Adult

u

The Starfish Sisters, J.C. Burke (series) u

Laguna Cove, Alyson Noel

u Surf Ed, Karol Ann Hoeffner

Puberty Blues, Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey

u

Lisa Anderson went from being a teenage runaway—surfing Huntington Beach by day, waitressing and crashing on friends’ couches by night—to earning four straight professional world titles. Filled with Anderson’s insights and details about surfing, motherhood and more, this is a great account of her personal journey.

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SURF STOKED

. . . live, breathe, surf

Terramar In Carlsbad, CA between the Encina power plant and Palomar Airport Road lies Terramar, a semi hidden beach named

Paddle out a few dozen steps north of the base of the stairs. After you’ve surfed up an appetite, food will require a car ride: head north 5 minutes to the village of Carlsbad for sit down restaurants, take-away and ice cream stands.

For the best Mexican food in town, don’t miss Norte on the southwest corner of the highway and Carlsbad Village Drive. For wax, board rentals and gear visit Off Shore Surf Shop, located a 5 min. drive north where the boardwalk ends.

Working best on a low to medium tide, Terramar’s main peak breaks over rocks and a flat, clay reef covered sporadically in sea grass and sand.

On offer are both lefts and rights with fun takeoffs and inside sections that wall up and peel across the reef. Slightly northward, a couple of peaks offer faster rides better suited to shortboarding or escaping the crowd on busier days. There’s also a fickle beach break peak south of the stairs that needs just the right combination of tide and swell direction to shape up into something surfable, though seems to be a summertime favorite of tykes on boogie boards.

Hazards are few at Terramar, though bluff failures are a possibility: take care not to sit at the bluff’s base. The summer months can get crowded with vacationers and warmer water does attract a few stingrays. If you’re looking for a pristine peak all to yourself, then winter is best when northwest swells march down the coast to feather and peel along Terramar’s reef. These are the days when you’ll pull off the highway to find just a couple of cars, even fewer surfers, and as many waves as you can catch.

for its cliff top community, and a favorite surf spot amongst area residents. Gentle waves and a secluded sandy beach draw locals and visitors alike down the sandstone bluff via a cement staircase to a cluster of peaks popular primarily with longboarders, retro enthusiasts and neighborhood residents.

Overall the vibe in the water is friendly and easy going as long as proper etiquette is observed. Terramar is one of the area’s best longboard waves, so if you’re riding a smaller board, expect to feel the consequences of surfing amongst folks with more paddle power. As wave size increases, be aware that board lengths decrease and the talent level rises significantly. Terramar is one of few area breaks that can hold a larger swell, so when the surf gets strong be sure to be extra aware of what is going on around you.

Access is a snap; park along Carlsbad Boulevard (a.k.a. Highway 101) on the dirt shoulder. All parking is free, either along the highway or on the streets in the adjacent neighborhood. Between cliff top fields and a row of ocean view homes is a paved path leading to stairs down to the beach.

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Best tide: Low to Medium Best swell direction: W, NW, SW Best size: 2-8 ft.

Bottom: Flat Reef & Sand, Grass Ability: Beginner to Advanced Hazards: Summer Stingrays, Unstable Cliffs Bonus: Wintertime Seclusion Fun: 8.5

By Amanda Rigney

SURF STOKED

. . . live, breathe, surf

Tips & Tricks

We asked WSSM readers for the wisdom they’ve learned on their surf journey. Let’s listen & learn!

“If you paddle out in any kind of waves, whether they be all mush & white water… or stormy, closing out, brown monsters… the fact that you are getting out there will make you a better surfer for the days that are perfectly glassy.”

- Elise Nicole Kauffman u

“Never go in on a bad wave, and always have fun!” - Christina Frankel u

“Beginners, when first jumping into a wave remember that having too much weight towards the back of your board will make you drop out of the wave, but too much weight toward the front and you’ll pearl. The size of the wave matters too. On bigger waves you’ll want to be a hair further back. Play with it, the more you go out there the better you’ll get!”

- Nichole Paree DeWald u

“Don’t turn your head away from the water or waves behind you, or you’ll get it!”

- Carolyn Stanley u

“When you take off, look in the direction you want to go (right or left). Your head weighs about 8 pounds; if you look down- you’ll throw your balance off and pearl.” - Tracy Rubert u

“When riding, keep your head in line with your front knee.” - Miguel Koropecky u

“I always remind my friends who are starting out that wave count is important -- the more waves you catch, the faster you are going to learn. So get a board that will catch you a lot of waves (higher volume, more glide), and don’t hesitate to go for as many waves as possible in each session (more mistakes made means more lessons learned). Go for broke!”

- Keoki Ching keokisurfboards.com u

“Hold on to your board! Letting your board bounce through the surf un-checked is a sure way not to make friends and can cause injury to yourself or others.” - Leah Johnson u

“Keep your legs together when lying on the board and your fingers together when paddling.”

- Sarah u

“Tip 1. For first time surfers: relax, look where you are going, “keep your head up” and keep those knees bent. If you do those things, then foot placement becomes a little less important.

As you progress and move down to smaller boards you’ll need to have some muscle memory, so for foot placement, go home and get some masking tape. In the beginning, place a tape lengthwise, that will be your imaginary board’s center line, then put a piece of tape perpendicular at about your ribcage and another piece of tape also perpendicular to your first one- about shoulder length back from the first one. Then practice popping up, landing your feet in the same place every time.

HINT: If you have a mirror, it’s even better because you don’t want to look down at all. If you look down and check your feet every time then it goes into your muscle memory and that will be how you surf and we don’t want that, so try to look ahead as much as possible.

Practice this 20-25 times a day for a while. If you mess up correct it immediately. Practice this enough times and you’ll find getting your feet in the right spot out in the surf will be a breeze.

“Tip 1. Beginners should stay inside where the whitewater/smaller waves are, OR paddle beyond where the bigger waves break... Just don’t stay in between. You won’t catch anything, and you’ll also be in the way of other surfers riding the waves.

Tip 2. Always surf in a crowd of one hundred. You reduce the chances of the shark biting you to 1 percent.” - Jaimee DiNovo u

“Carry your board fins first... it helps to cut down on wind friction, and from flapping around. For longboarders, same as above, and in addition, carry the wax side against your body.

It will help you control and grip your board SO MUCH better.” - Dan James u

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“Work on your swimming skills before you even attempt to surf. Leashes do come off in the surf and if you are not a strong swimmer, you’re in trouble! I know from experience!”

- Wilber Bergado u

“Never turn your back on the waves. The ocean is in control no matter what you think, or it thinks. One minute it is going one way and the next another. Talk to and watch the other surfers before going in. See if anyone is friendly enough to give advice or /and help you when you’re out there. Most of all... have fun watching and being out there. Any wave you catch lying down or up on a board is a good wave.”

- Jennifer Owens Roth u

“If you’re SUP’ing and take your skegs off for storage, don’t forget to bring them when you drive 40 miles away from your house to paddle!”

- Brandy Chang u

“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever tried to learn!!... but also the most amazing! Don’t give up and try not to get discouraged. Enjoy each and every little ‘break-through’ moment and have fun :) It helps to increase your fitness and study the ocean/wind/swell relationships too!

ALSO, if you’re wary of what’s lurking below the surface, be sure to watch the documentary Sharkwater. You won’t regard these beautiful misunderstood creatures the same way again.”

- Daina Deblette Scarola u

“Have respect for the ocean and each other - NO DROP IN! Most importantly, just have fun & smile.” - Shelsea Brown u

Tip 2. Whether you are just beginning or have been surfing a while, get an Indo Board and practice on it (www.indoboard.com). It will help tremendously!” - Jennifer Lee “Always check your fins and leash string before paddling out to make sure they’re secure.

Strings can came undone due to a frayed string... and on a big day, could be life threatening.”

- Renee Williams u

“Even out your weight on the board when paddling.” - Aubry DuPree u

“Stay loose and don’t be discouraged.”

- Jason Gomez u

Photo: SpikeRaymond.com

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SURF STOKED

. . . live, breathe, surf

BREATHE...

Story and photo

by Morgan Hoesterey

Winter is here, which means for us here on Oahu, that the North Shore is coming to life. With the big waves comes big

fun, but also the potential for big hold-downs. To prepare for those times when the ocean doesn’t seem to want to let you go, it helps to train yourself to hold your breath and remain calm. Whether you want to go train at a pool, or just stay at home, there are a few different things that you can do to increase your breath-hold ability:

Dry Land: Seated Breath-Hold (Static Apnea) Begin by sitting up straight and tall in a chair. Establish a comfortable and rhythmic breathing pattern, and begin timing yourself when you take your last breath. Remember to remain calm and relaxed while holding your breath, and be sure to allow several minutes of rest time before repeating the exercise. Repeat this drill several times with the goal of extending the length of your breath-hold each round. u

Walking Breath-Hold (Dynamic Apnea) It is a good idea to have a training partner present when doing this exercise. Just as you do in the static apnea drill, sit up straight and tall in a chair and establish a relaxed and steady breathing cycle. Start your breath-hold time when you take your last breath. Remain seated until you feel your first major muscle contraction. At this point, stand up and begin to walk in a straight line. Continue to walk in a straight line until you feel like you absolutely cannot go any further without taking a breath. Measure the distance that you have walked along with your total breath-hold time, and make sure to rest for at least 5 minutes between drills. Each time you do this, try to lengthen the amount of time you are able to hold your breath and also the distance that you are able to walk. u

Jogging Breath-Hold If you would like to take the exercises one step further, jogging breathhold is a good way to get quick results. Again, be sure to have a buddy u

present while doing this exercise. Jogging breath-hold trains you to hold your breath with an increased heart rate, which simulates how your heart rate would be during a hold down.

To begin with, jogging should be done at a slow and steady pace. After a good warm-up of regular jogging, begin to integrate breath-hold into the mix. Start by breathing normally for 5 seconds, then hold your breath for 5 seconds, and finally exhale for 5 seconds.

Keep a regular jogging pace and maintain this breathing pattern throughout the exercise.

The goal is to slowly increase the cycle time to between 10 and 15 seconds. If you feel as though you have mastered the exercise, increase your jogging speed to raise the difficulty level of the drill.

Pool Training: Aerobic and Anaerobic Swimming Just like the land exercises, it is helpful to train your body to cope with both regular heart rate and elevated heart rate. Begin by warming up with some slow and steady laps. A good warm up distance is anywhere between 300 and 500 meters. For your main workout, try 6 to 8 rounds of 100 meter swims on an interval that is challenging for you. Upon completion of your main workout, do a few more slow laps to help your body recover. Finish off the workout with a set of 25 meter sprints. Try to really push yourself with these short swims and let your body get used to working at an elevated heart rate. Make sure to cool down completely after you finish sprinting. u

Underwater Swimming Anytime you plan on holding your breath while underwater, make sure you have a training partner present to keep an eye on you in case something goes wrong. Begin by swimming as far underwater as you feel comfortable. When you come up to take a breath, begin to swim slowly back to your starting point. Fins can be a good tool to use while you are still getting used to underwater laps. The goal is to slowly increase your distance and time spent underwater as you become more comfortable and proficient. u u

THE BEST ADVICE

that I was ever given in regard to being held down by a wave is: “Never panic, and while you are stuck underwater, try to count seconds in your head. More times than not, the time you have spent underwater is not nearly as long as it seems. The more prepared you can be for those long hold-downs, the more confidence you will have riding bigger waves. Be safe out there and have fun!”

*Please keep in mind that these exercises are merely suggestions for drills that have worked well for me.

Consult a physician before engaging in any type of exercise program, and above all else practice safety and common sense.

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Photo: Daniel K Fine Arts wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 83

MY COMMUNITY

. . . Surf Day!

Surf Day

TOP ROW (left to right): Laarni, Nichole, Tiffany, Marsha, Deanna BOTTOM ROW: Jenny, Nichole, Christina, Sandra, Sasha, Jules, Sierra

WSSM Photos: GaryMsCreations.com

Tia (this photo)

Jules (surfing), Christina (left), Laarni (right) Marsha

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“When Nicole Wagner & Christina Frankel told me they would be visiting Hawaii (from Florida) for a surf trip, I knew we needed to get some girls together, and have a WSSM Surf Day! Even with all our hectic schedules,14 surfer girls & 2 photographers converged on Flies (to the dismay of the 3 male surfers that were already there, LOL), for a morning of friendship, waves, and Jenny’s incredible oatmeal cookies! A big mahalo to Gary (GaryMsCreations.com), and Aaron (HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com) for the photos and sharing this beautiful day with us!” - Sandra Olson | WSSM Publisher For behind the scenes footage, visit www.HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com/wssmsurfday

Sierra (left), Sasha (surfing)

Laarni got hit with a foam ball on the way down after this late take-off, but didn’t let that deter her. With a quick swipe of the hand... she continued to charge!

Jenny... all smiles!

Leah’s here... Now it’s a party!

Sierra Nichole

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MY COMMUNITY

. . . Surf Day!

Sandra

Jules

Nichole (left), Tiffany (right)

Leah Tia (surfing), Sasha (left), Deanna (right)

Surfing rocks! Sierra (left), Tia (right)

Surf Day

WSSM Photos: GaryMsCreations.com

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See what happens when you get a little surf in us?

TOP ROW (left to right): Nichole, Sandra, Nichole, Tiffany, Tia BOTTOM ROW: Deanna, Jenny, Christina, Sierra, Sasha, Jules

Want to see more pictures from this surf day?

Logon to: HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com/wssmsurfday.html

spike raymond

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MY COMMUNITY

. . . Shopping

: p o t S i n i k i B Surf

Honey Girl

& Sensibility... MEETS SEXY | Designer: Louisa Ngum | Buy Online: honeygirlwaterwear.com

HOW IT BEGAN... Actually, I was interested in swimsuit design as a teenager. I grew up on the water, literally, in the Ala Wai Boat Harbor for the first 23 years of my life. Swimsuits were a necessity, and as an avid body boarder, it was difficult to find a swimsuit that would stay on in the surf. To not flash the lineup at Kaisers, I had to wear 3 layers of suits, a two-piece and a one-piece over it. I also had to alter them so that I wouldn’t lose them in the surf. This progressed into designing my own swimsuits. My first design was a cross back one-piece, which I designed for myself and my two best surfing buddies. We tested them out at V-land and Kaisers. We had people asking us where we got them and then I would get custom orders. u

I went to college, taking classes in Small Business/Entrepreneurship, and Business Management. I learned pattern making skills by working with pattern makers. I sourced fabric using the California and New York phone book at the public library, as these were the days before internet was widely used. In 1996, I created my first print and sourced for a fabric printer that was able to print on stretch fabric and would print less yardage for a small company like myself. I found a company in Santa Barbara, CA that was able to hand-screen on cotton/spandex, so they printed my first fabric. I began using a computer to draw designs and put them into a “line-sheet” or catalog format to launch my first collection.

THE NAME Honey Girl is a nickname used in Hawaii for a local girl. Just about every local family has a “honey girl”, whether it is an Auntie, cousin, or sister. To me, the name Honey Girl represents the local female surf culture. u

A BIKINI HAS TO HAVE... Function, Comfort, and Construction.

Function: the suit has to serve the purpose that it is being used for. I design suits for active water women participating in different sports, such as surfing, body boarding, body surfing, canoe paddling, stand up paddling, kite surfing, beach volleyball, wake boarding, yoga, and swimming. I make many of the suits adjustable so that they can fit a wider range of body types for the different activities they are doing. u

Comfort: all of our suits are made with four-way stretch fabric which conforms to the body during activities. We strategically place straps so that they minimize chafing during activity. Being conscious of comfort, we make many different designs aimed at multiple body types.

Construction: is important, from fabric, thread, elastic, and sewing. My suits must be durable since most of my target clientele are avid water women. Most of our suits are reversible, so the wearer gets double the use of the suit, and double the strength in the fabric.

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BEST SELLERS

• Kanani Reversible Triangle with Traci Reversible Brazil Bottom; Simple, close fitting triangle top and Brazil cut bottom with drawstring in the waistband, both are reversible. This suit stays on even in Hawaii’s pounding shore break.

• Jaimie Sport Top with Kristen Reversible Boyleg; The Jaimie Sport Top is super adjustable. It crosses and ties in the back so that the straps are not over the neck. The Kristen Reversible Boyleg offers fuller coverage with hidden elastic around the leg opening for comfort. Both pieces are reversible. This combination is perfect for surfing on bigger days.

• Miki Reversible One Piece; It is super adjustable, and looks like a bikini from the back. It crosses/ ties in the back and also has adjustable hips. It is a cutaway one-piece that is not too dramatic, so that it still prevents chafing on the stomach. u

Manini Gangini

Designers: Talia & Tehani Gangini Buy Online: mgbikini.com | www.etsy.com/shop/mgbikini

HOW IT BEGAN... Tehani and I got into the swimwear business through the need of bikinis…because we basically live in bikini’s. We surf, SUP, paddle oc-1 and paddle board. Anything that floats in the water--we are on it! So, we took sewing lessons for about a year from the best! She taught us things that we would learn in our fourth year in design school! We started making them for ourselves. We decided to make a business out of it and it is working out really well. We make all the bikinis ourselves. u

THE NAME... Well, our last name is Gangini, and Manini is a small fish, and bikini’s are pretty small, too! Manini Gangini. u u

A BIKINI HAS TO HAVE... 1st, it’s GOT to look good. 2nd is comfort & 3rd…

will it stay on?

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BEST SELLERS

• Our triangle criss-cross back is really cute and doesn’t go around your neck, which is great for anything, especially for water sports!

• Our basic bikini bottom is scrunched in the back, which stays on great out in the water.

• Everyone loves our tube top. You can get rid of the tan lines and they stay on--which most do not! u

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Photo: Daniel K Fine Arts

Su

a n

by Da t r A i f r

Original oil paintings, art cards & giclée prints ©

by Canadian artist Daina Deblette Scarola

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MY COMMUNITY Photo: GaryMsCreations.com

. . . New to the Industry

Meet the

Company

ULTRASOL SUNSCREENS WHO

(World Health Organization) statistics claim that sea surf (foam) can account for an added 25% of harmful rays; dry beach sand reflects a further 15% and even on a cloudy day as much as 80% of the sun’s UV radiation can penetrate the clouds.

Riding waves is why most of us are ocean enthusiasts...

It’s what keeps our moods cheery, our bodies in tune, and minds sharp. Many of us will end up spending WEEKS if not months out in the direct sunshine during our lifetimes, since our beach and ocean time is something we cherish and look forward to, and is to many of us—essential for mood control and uplifted spirits.

What we’re not all that enthused about however, is that UV sun radiation is known to be the major cause of irreparable damage to the skin. Damage such as premature aging, discoloration, sun spots, deep wrinkles and skin cancer are dangers we KNOW we all face. Even when out surfing on a cloudy day, covered in a wetsuit, those two things alone do not prevent sun radiation from reaching exposed facial areas.

If we want our skin to be healthy and beautiful, we HAVE to take care of it throughout our entire lifetime, not just when we’re young and vibrant. If we fail in this area, our skin will certainly show it.

We can all agree that pre-mature aging is the LAST thing that we want to happen, especially with the hours of water time ahead of us that we’re looking forward to—after all, it’s not like we’re going to stop surfing or enjoying the beach, right? So instead, we need to find a way to combat the sun’s harmful effects, while staying protected and IN the water!

While there are many sunscreen options available on the market, we came across ULTRASOL®, a newer line of sunscreens, at a recent industry tradeshow. Due to

its reputable parent company, Fischer Pharmaceutical Laboratories (FPL), we knew they had something special that we should try, and we weren’t disappointed.

You see, although the particular brand ULTRASOL may be new to the US market, FPL represents some of the most advanced and innovative technology, offering protection against the dangerous and aging effects of the sun. You’ve probably heard of them before, but just never realized it since they’ve been around for such a long time, and have been integral in the sunscreen protection industries development. After all, they have specialized in internationally acclaimed dermatological products and anti-aging skin treatment preparations, for close to half a century!

Over the years, FPL has been in the forefront of many sunscreen innovations such as the introduction of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) system and the incorporation of antioxidants and moisturizers in sunscreens.

Ultrasol® sunscreens were the first to incorporate, worldwide, the broad-spectrum UVA & UVB filters in their preparations.

We liked that ULTRASOL offers several levels of protection, and since

we’re surfers, we were immediately drawn to the Ultrasol® Sport,

because it provides athletes, those exposed to hours outdoors in climate extremes, with the most appropriate sunscreen protection. It’s especially helpful during extreme exercise such as biking, surfing or competitive sports like volleyball, because it allows the athlete’s skin to perspire freely, won’t run in the eyes or sweat off, but instead remains active and highly effective!

Want more info? Check out www.Dr-Fischer.com

ULTRASOL sunscreens are durable, quick-drying and non-greasy, very water and sweat resistant, contain antioxidant protection, are superbly skin-friendly and hypoallergenic, having been tested worldwide by leading dermatologists and approved for use on sensitive skin, and come in easily spreadable lotion or spray form— perfect for those hard-to-reach places.

AND… ULTRASOL also carries the prestigious American Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of approval!

ENTER TO WIN a bottle of this fantastic sunscreen, ULTRASOL, online at womenssurfstyle.com ... See page 26 for more details!

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MY COMMUNITY

. . . I am a surfer

She Surfs

FRANCESCA BINGLEY AGE: 26 HOME: UNITED KINGDOM YEARS SURFING: 4 FAVORITE SURF BREAK: El Cotillo, Fuerteventura FAVORITE BOARD SHAPE: 3 fin thruster

Surfing feels like a breath of fresh air to my soul. Every single time I have paddled out, no matter if it is in tropical waters, or the coldest English winter swells, \surfing has brought me joy. Being outside, part of the immensely beautiful ocean and sharing that experience with those around me is something that is so special.

Surfing pushes me to recreate myself in and out of the water, looking at people in different lights, seeing myself as a waterwoman, and teaching me to think outside of my own comfortable box.

I was a late bloomer…

It wasn’t until my 22nd birthday that I finally started to learn to surf. I wanted to try surfing since I was a teenager, but I always lived away from the main surf spots in the UK. So on a wing and a prayer, I convinced a friend of mine to come with me on a 5 hr. road trip to Newquay, Cornwall to camp and try surfing for the first time.

My first experience of surfing was on my 22nd birthday at Watergate Bay, Cornwall, on a rather cold, dreary, and grey day. My friend chickened out, so in the end, I went into the whitewater mush by myself. I clearly remember standing at the water’s edge with a board and in a borrowed guy’s wetsuit, asking myself, “Do I really want to go out there?” Luckily my answer was “yes!”

Although it was my first time and I was by myself, I joined the other learners and managed to bodyboard a few waves on my borrowed board. I was hooked from then on and determined to stand-up.

To go back to the beginning, it was actually my best friend, Lauren, who inspired me to learn to surf… and continues to inspire me over the years. Before I even got in the water to surf for the first time, we had made a pact that we would start learning to surf that summer- and we did.

We have enjoyed crazy adventures and incredibly funny and beautiful surf trips since we began our journey. She encourages me to go for waves that I wouldn’t dare to by myself, laughs with me when we totally muck-up, and is always up for a trip to find new waves, people and experiences.

Moves I’m working on…

I love the speed that shortboards can achieve, so at the moment, I am working on improving my take-off and bottom turn to create a better line and wave. Weirdly enough, even though I am a regular footer, I really like going left. There is something really exciting about not knowing exactly what the wave is doing behind you, and having to adapt very quickly to make the most of the ride.

Other UK women surfers…

Over the last few years I have seen a great group of surfer girls form on the south coast of England. The women surfers I know are usually influencing each other and are just beginning to explore our shoreline and waves. There are probably about 4 or 5 of us, who surf regularly, and another 3 or 4 who will join in occasionally. For most of the women, surfing is a group activity and quite challenging for how they feel about their bodies. Thick neoprene can be a challenge for even the most athletic of us. Women surfing on the south coast really break with traditions, as waves can be infrequent at best and other water sports are more favored. However, I live not too far from the newly developed artificial reef at Boscombe, Dorset, where on any given day of the week newbie women will be learning to surf in the icy water.

A surf memory…

I love it when a normal paddle out into the surf turns into something unexpected and amazing.

Last summer, I spent a couple of weeks in Hossegor, France with my best friend, Lauren. We were

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super keen to get out into the sunlit waves one morning, after waiting for over a week for the enormous storm swells to die down. The sky was a breath-taking blue, the waves were lining up and we were about to be out of our depth, but with a great reward.

Hossegor Beach is famous for hosting the WCT Quiksilver Pro France every year and is normally the place to be seen and photographed for a lot of the pro surfers in Europe. On that particular morning, there

were a large number of guys out in the water, all vying for attention. As we started our paddle out, we were joined by a guy on his board. He acted pretty tough as he paddled out, but the ocean is a great equalizer.

All of sudden, a large pelican swooped down and plunged into the water right next to us.

It was amazing and so beautiful to see the creature so close and in its natural environment. What made the experience even better was that the surfer guy’s macho mask was totally broken down whilst Lauren and I cheered in delight at the sudden beauty of the bird. He looked over and shared in the moment- smiling away, before recovering himself and paddling on. In that session, we barely caught any waves as they were too big for us. However, after all the paddling and bobbing around on our boards, I still like to think of the pelican and how going for a surf can break down barriers and connect people in unexpected ways.

Mudeford in winter Lajares, Fuerteventura

Surfing in & outside of the UK…

I’m based in the UK at the moment, and am incredibly blessed to have surfed around the world and to have made multiple surf trips to my favorite spots in Europe throughout the year. I have surfed the black and white sand beaches of New Zealand, played in the waves of Tahiti, been tumbled in the waters off the coast of California and visited the motherland of Hawaii. Between studying and working over the years, I have taken every opportunity to explore the world... not to mention my backyard playground of Europe.

Though women’s surf is growing all the time in Europe, there is still a lot more to be achieved.

France and Spain have a big part to play in the developing surf scene in Europe, where the waves are often world class. I particularly love the Canary Island of Fuerteventura for the rugged volcanic landscape and its mink colored sands. The people are friendly and know how to chill or party at any occasion.

But the place that has left a lasting impression on me was Hawaii. Seeing firsthand the incredible raw beauty of the land and the ocean filled me with wonder, and deeply inspired not just my surfing, but the things I work towards in life. Looking after the earth’s resources and its peoples really struck home during my trip. I continue now to search for a balance that supports both life and the environment.

Support for women surfers in the UK…

In the UK, the women’s surf scene is suffering quite a bit with the economic downturn.

There is less sponsorship around now for the girls on the UK Pro Tour, with significantly lesser winnings in contests. However, when it comes to ‘learn to surf days’ and events there is still a good amount going on. The UK plays host to a number of sponsored events for your average wahine, and these days are usually covered by the couple of girls surf and board magazines that are produced in the UK.

A mural in La Graviere

Flag Beach

lot more backing. They are competing alongside men who are more recognized and supported. However, the women are strong and focused, working on their surfing to raise the standard in the UK. I am really encouraged by their attitudes in and out of the water.

All in all, surfing has opened my eyes to how important it is for women to really support and encourage each other. Being out in an all male line up can be pretty intimidating, but when girls get together in the surf, the atmosphere can totally change. I love being a positive influence out in the water, whether that means whooping like a lunatic for a friend on the smallest of waves, or just smiling at those around me. Knowing that surfing is a gift and not a given is really important to me. u

I personally help out with some of the UK Pro Tour events and have seen that the UK female competitors are a great group, but do need a wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 93

MY COMMUNITY

. . . I am a surfer

Lakey Peak, Bali | Photo: Grommet

SheNICO SurfsARIHOOD

How did you come to live on Maui? I was

born and raised on a farm in Indiana, and every year we would spring break down in Florida for two weeks where my Nana retired. I fell in love with the beach culture there, and I used to sit on the beach as a kid and just be mesmerized by the surfers all day-- I wanted to learn to surf so badly! So, I settled for skating for a short time on my cousin’s board in middle school instead, since I was landlocked. I graduated college and moved westward to Arizona for awhile. From there, I started vacationing in the Hawaiian Islands about six years ago and fell in love with them. I ended moving to Maui three years ago and can’t imagine a better place to live in the U.S.!

I am a 4th grade teacher in Lahaina. I taught art for about 8 years at an elementary school, as well as special education. I can’t dawn patrol much, but I get outta work at 2:00, get plenty vacation time, and I get my summers off! I work hard and I play hard, too!

When there is a need, I repair & restore surfboards in Haiku, and sell my art (Miso Tease) at the swap meet and around the island.

Do you compete? No, I don’t compete-- I am

a soul-surfer fo sho. :) Surfing for me is my daily cleansing-- it recharges my batteries, gives me a total workout, challenges my mental limits, and refreshes my soul. Surfing strengthens my relationship with nature, and commands respect of the ocean and others out in the water. It’s pretty sick that you can read nature, ride nature, and respect nature when one surfs!

Kids, family, pets... Dog is my co-pilot-- I have

two old, black, furry, female mutts who are my children, Muddgie and Dojsha. They have kept me company for over 10 years. My mom, dad and brother live in Indiana still, and my sister lives in Utah (she’s a snowboarding cold weather lover!). I have a killa bunch of friends who are my hanai ohana on Maui, and I live with my boyfriend, Marc, who is an amazing surfer and an even more amazing person!

THEN THERE WAS INDONESIA...

Why Indo-- and where did you go? Once I

started surfing and was apprenticing at a board repair shop, I started hearing about Indonesian waves.

A lot of people would tell their trip stories when they stopped by the shop, and I also saw Indo in all the

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surf mags.

I met Marc and he suggested we go (he’d been going for about 12 years), but maybe not on peak season when the huge swells come and even huger crowds are there. We decided on off-peak during my spring break, so we just missed the rainy season and the waves are more user-friendly and sized for me.

We loaded up the boards and away we went on a 25 hour journey to Oahu, Japan, Taiwan, and then Indo.

(PS: China Air treated us like kings, and Taipei airport is so much fun!!) FYI-- on Bali, there are longboards to rent, but flying into and around Indo, 8’ boards are the longest accepted for travel. We stayed and surfed on Bali for 3 days-- staying in Kuta. Our plan was to stay for a little over a day, but Nyepi, the Hindu New Year, fell the day after we landed. Flights don’t go out on that day, so we stayed an extra day.

We rented a scooter with a board rack, drove to Kuta Beach, hired a boat, and went to surf Airport Lefts, Rights, No Mans, and also Tora Tora. The first wave I caught was at Airport Rights, and I was floored from there on out! The crowds were very mellow, mostly Japanese longboarders and local shortboarders. Airport Lefts was my favorite break we surfed.

We took the scooter around Kuta and Denpasar, and we drove to Uluwatu temple at sunset for the Kecak dance and to see the monkeys that live there. I got to see Uluwatu break from above on the cliffside, but we never had a chance to surf it.

We then flew to Sumbawa, and stayed at Lakey Peak for the rest of our 2 weeks. We stayed at Cottage Balumba, right in front of 3 surf breaks-- I didn’t even have to get out of bed to check the surf, just roll over in bed, move the curtain, look and decide! We surfed Lakey Peak, my second favorite, for dawn patrol and Lakey Pipe for afternoons most of the time. We also surfed Periscopes a few times, Nungadoras, and Cobblestones Right. I am goofy and Marc natural, so we always had our own favorite break we wanted to go to-- his was Periscopes (a right), and mine Lakey Pipe (a left)... but we both were super stoked on Lakey Peak (a right and left)! Funny-- a couple of the locals called me “Malibu” because my 7’6” was apparently a huge tanker compared to their 6’1” shortboards, hahaha!

We would ride our scooter into “town” to go and find produce and have a mini adventure. It was rad

to hang out with the locals in the rural areas, even though we didn’t speak more than a couple of words of Indonesian and they didn’t speak English! We had a pretty funny time going on a mission for giant prawns. Marc ended up drawing a shrimp on a piece of ripped beer case cardboard using a used, charcoaled matchstick for a pencil to get our needs across... good times!

I chose to bring “Betty”, my 7’6”, because I love that board. Almost everyone I saw in Indo surfed 5’ somethings to 7’ boards, unless they rented a longboard on Bali. Next time I go I will probably bring a shortboard for the sheer fact that it’s shorter, which means less luggage and weight to haul, and less fees for board weight when paying for inter-island flights.

It was also a bit dodgy at times while riding with it on the scooter in traffic! However, “Betty” surfed the waves in Indo just perfectly!

I opted to not wear reef booties because I didn’t want anything to trip up my surfing seshes at all. Others told me to buy a pair, but I wasn’t into it, and I did just fine walking on the reef at Lakey without them.

However, Marc did need to perform light surgery on the soles of my feet a couple of times!

Were Indo waves challenging? When I first

started surfing, I picked it up pretty quickly. I progressed from longboarding mellow, small, south shore waves to playing around on funboards and shortboards on the north shore during winter swells.

I really like the element of danger involved in being out in the water and pushing myself. Marc still takes me to new breaks and I just charge right in most of the time. Only a couple of times have I stayed on land while he charged without me when I didn’t feel comfortable with that break.

Marc started surfing in Santa Cruz twenty years ago, and has surfed on every continent except Antarctica, so he’s pretty seasoned. He has taught me to read and cross reference certain surf reports, look at swell models, check the tides daily, think about island blocking, and most importantly to check wind forecasts so I can plan my week of surfing accurately and make the most of what is dealt to us on the island. He has also gotten me used to surfing crowded breaks with all types of people in the water (groms, tourists, locals, SUPs, rippers, long and shortboarders, etc.) so I can improve my game. In using all of these vital

components to surfing, I was preparing for my trip to Indo!

Once we arrived on Bali and hired a boat, I knew it was game on! Marc had prepped me on what to expect in the water in Indo, like the peck-

ing orders, local rippahs, etc., but once I was in the water paddling out to the break, I was a little nervous. I have only surfed on Maui (!), so I am used to some Aloha in the water and finding killer surf breaks where no one else goes-- but now I was in the water with a seasoned foreign crowd. Surfers come from all over the world: Japan, France, Russia, Canada, Australia, etc..., which makes for an interesting mix of surfers in the water. Each time I entered the water, I would study the entry so I knew how to get out, the crowd to figure out who the rippers were, where the channel was, and the break to see where it was during that tide. Tides are super important to follow in Indo. Tides in Hawai’i fluctuate only a couple of feet, but in Indo they fluctuate a few feet to 8 feet, which makes a huge difference in the performance of certain breaks. It could be the difference between a gentle, glassy peak and a throwing barrel in a matter of three waves at a changing tide. Also, the reefs in Indo are super gnarly, so you have to know the tides to not injure yourself.

Surfing just a little over two years, yes, I was nervous… because I was at the Mecca of Waves! To compensate, I had to rely on my self-confidence in the water, follow the unwritten surfing rules to a T, concentrate, and always keep my “Spidey Senses” on high.

‘spa night’ where we got massages and pedicures for $7! Of course the most important part of a culture is FOOD! There were a lot of food options on Bali. Our hotel provided a buffet breakfast. We’d eat Indonesian usually for lunch (Nasi Garang became our favorite), then Kuta II sushi for dinner (our FAVORITE sushi restaurant on the planet). We’d go to the Matahari and buy snacks, even though we brought half of our luggage filled with trail bars, trail mix, Gatorade powder, and Snickers. With of us being artists, we bought a carved wood Ganesh, a carved stone Ganesh, a protective door sculpture (can’t remember the god’s name, looks like a dragon head), a hand drawing of a Hindu god, a Buddha painting, and a hand-welded lamp. I wish I had the money to fill a container up and furnish our whole house from the wonderful things we found on Bali!!

Sumbawa is a small and rural Muslim island, so it is very different from Bali. There were no Hindu overtones at all, just the beautiful countryside and jungles. We did have to watch out for roadside goats and water buffalo when riding the scooter!

The locals in Lakey Peak are super-duper friendly. They love to cruise, talk story, and practice their English with you. They waited on us hand and foot, whatever we needed, they were there to help. The locals know when and where every break is gonna go off. Some will either give you a lift on their scooter, or rent it to you for your stay. Otherwise, you take a short walk to the break.

I was in the water when double overhead stand up barrels were coming at me. YES, it freaked me out the first sesh! NO, I wasn’t surfing those waves, but I could paddle hard for the shoulder, wait for those waves to pass, and then paddle back to the peak to catch the smaller ones, which were a blast! It was all about commitment to a wave. There was to be no hesitation about catching a wave-- I either committed or got out of the way. I also found I had to just look and be confident once I hit the water.

There are foreign expats living there, and some regular returners staying for months at a time. The smell of burning fire caught my nose a few times (they burn their rubbish), and they cook with kerosene in the really rural areas, so I smelled that at times. The food selection was not as plentiful as it was in Kuta on Bali, but the cottages did provide breakfast. We would snack heavily for lunch and then for dinner we’d go to Lakey Peak Inn for super cheap grinds like “Kentucky Flour Chicken”, “Squid of Crab”, and “Chicken Gordon Surfing Airports and Tora Tora on Bali was pretty mellow. We Photo: Marc Antosch Blue”, to name a few! The view of Lakey Pipe at sunset, while jumped off the boat and then surfed during a medium or high grinding homemade dinner and watching “Step Into Liquid”, tide. It was open water and plenty of channel area. When we in dubbed-over French, was unique and amazing! surfed No Mans (no name, we named it Squid of Crab actually, haha), it was on a dropping tide. It went from gentle to super suck pounders on a shallow shelf Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Hmmm... 5 years.... holy cow I’m reef, so anticipating and reading the waves was key. When we surfed Sumbawa, gonna be 40 then!!! Aaahhh!!!! Just kidding! Well, I plan on surfing until either there was plenty of reef to maneuver over and many breaks to choose from, demy knees finally give out or Armageddon comes, whichever is first! I plan on pending on the swell reports. I was out at Nungadoras on a big day, in my book, staying in good shape into my older years, and I have a good mentor who keeps and I just hung on the shoulder and caught the leftovers of the super glassy, the stoke going “weather or not” no matter how old you are—MAHALO, Gramps!! overhead barrels that were freight-training in, because it was a little intimidating.

I found myself replaying big days on Maui and asking myself if this was bigger Marc is the most stoked person I have ever met, so he keeps my fire for surfing than that... and why was I afraid... but it all came down to simply surfing at a lit. I am pau with school; I went to college and grad school for 9 years, so I am full brand new break out of my element, and that was throwing a little doubt and of education! I would love to teach until retirement, but with the state of educafear into my head about my surfing. That day, Nungadoras was no bigger or tion in the islands, who knows... as long as I’m in some aspect of education, I’ll heavier than anything I had already surfed on Maui. It was just a different break. be comfortable. I have lived and traveled all over the world, but I have found However, I did catch a sick left there which I won’t forget! my home on Maui, for sure. I have no plans on moving elsewhere, unless it’s to another country (where there is surf, of course) to teach English for awhile, or What was the culture like? The Balinese culture is mostly Hindu, so staymaybe to retire. I have tossed around the idea of having children, but only fate ing there was very pleasurable for the eyes, ears and nose! There were so many knows if that is the plan for me... I am perfectly content with just my doggies!

Hindu gods and Buddha statues everywhere, dressed in black and white plaid By the time I’m 40, I hope to still be surfing at least 5 days a week and staying fit. sarongs, and covered in water and flower offerings. A lot of Hindu men wear I started 6-man canoe paddling, so I’d like to continue to paddle at least once a traditional plaid sarongs, a shirt and a bandana headpiece. The air was filled with week to keep in shape, to learn more about the ocean and have that comradery. burning incense from the multiple daily offerings made by the locals. There were I’ve also wanted to buy a 2-man kayak for flat days to keep my arms in shape. many fronds woven into container and amulet shapes, which were filled with I tribal belly dance with a troupe, I would like to continue to do that. I’ve also money and other offerings. These were left all over the streets, on scooters, on wanted to take Tahitian, so maybe join a halau and be active in that. I want to cars, and on doorsteps. The sounds of scooters and cars beeping, and Hindu mube in a steady job in education and/or art, making/selling art regularly, and also sic with gongs, cymbals, flutes, drums, and xylophones were heard everywhere. volunteering and giving back to my community regularly. I have many things on Everyone I encountered on Bali was very friendly and generous, and we were waited on hand and foot at our small hotel. We got $5 massages a lot, and had my “bucket list”, so I wanna keep working on checking them off. u

Periscopes, Bali | Photo: Grommet

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 95

MY COMMUNITY

. . . I am a surfer

She Surfs

MARIE TROJA

It all started out with her cute email:

“Hi, Mary!!

I don’t speak English very well, sorry. My name is Marie. (lol) I am a little surfeuse of the Reunion Island (I live in Reunion Island) and I practice longboard and shortboard. I am 12. You can surf very well and you are beautiful the best.

My father, my mother, and my half brother practice surf (the family of surfing).

In July, I will go to Australia for surfing and “shopping”. (lol) I send 4 pictures of me for you...

Thank you -- Kisses PS: answer me for your opinion and consultings ...”

I immediately fell in love with her sweet note and great surf pictures. I have always been fascinated about going to Reunion Island and surfing, but don’t know too much about it. After exchanging pictures and emails with Marie, I figured she is the perfect girl for a Q and A with WSSM Magazine.

If you are ever in Reunion Island, go say hello to our future female ripper, Marie!

- Mary Osborne / Pro Surfer How old are you Marie? I am 12 years old and have been surfing since I was 6.

Why did you start surfing? I surf because my whole family surfs. My father is from Reunion and he’s one of the first surfers in Reunion.

He’s 46 and surfed since 1974. My mother is from Tahiti and surfed since 1986.

Who are your favorite surfers or inspirations? The surfers I like are Stephanie Gilmore, Lee Ann Curen, and Silvana Lima. When I’m on the wave, I like to surf how I feel that day. I get inspired watching pro surfers like Kelly Slater and Jeremy Flores. Jeremy’s from Reunion and his father was at school with my father and they are friends.

Do you have siblings? I have a sister (21). She lives on the gold coast in Australia and she studies law at University.

What is the surf like in Reunion Island? Reunion Island looks like Hawaii, as dad told me. It is a very nice tropical island with a very active volcano,

very consistent surf, only reef (no beach break), and a very famous left called ST LEU, where I surf when it’s small and high tide. It can be very dangerous.

Do a lot of girls surf in Reunion Island? There are not many girls in Reunion who surf shortboards, most of them practice longboard.

Do you longboard and shortboard? If so which one do you like better? I like longboarding when it’s small and

shortboard when it gets bigger. I like classic style of longboarding. I love walking the nose with grace, hanging ten and five.

Do you compete? I compete, but for me it’s only a small part of surfing. I really enjoy surfing with family and friends on a

perfect, sunny day. My goal is to progress enough to travel and surf in Indonesia, South Africa, Tahiti, Mexico (the country of my sister’s boyfriend), Hawaii, California, Australia… in brief, everywhere in the world, and meet cool people to share surf sessions.

Are you in school? What grade? Do you play other sports? I am very lucky because I get

to surf everyday when I am on holiday and 4 times a week when I’m at school. I really like skateboarding (longboard) and every winter I go skiing for a couple of weeks with my father in France. I’m in secondary school, year 7. I study hard, because as dad says: No good grades, no surf! (lol)

What is the food like there? Reunion Island is a blend of spices with exotic veggies, most

of the time served with rice. It is very tasty and unique... the most famous dish is “rougail saucisses” with local sausages and an amazing tomato-saffron sauce. (Yummy!!!)

Why should people come visit Reunion Island? Tell me about your home... Reunion Island is amazing for its

breathtaking landscapes, with beautiful cascades and sharp mountains. It is also beautiful for its beaches and its lagoon. What I love about Reunion is the mix of colors, for example, in the markets. It is very hot with no winter, which makes it a holiday place for the whole year. Reunion is always amazing for its Hawaiian-style volcano, most of the time in eruption.

I would be more than happy to welcome you in my home if you would ever want to surf the magic waves of Reunion.

Thank you so much! By the way, my sister helped me with the English (Heeheehee), but I am practicing English every day. u

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She Surfs TIKI WILLIS

“Don’t worry aunty; I have been surfing since I was three.” Tiki tells me as she paddles back out to me.

As told by Sasha Leitner ...

“In Waikiki on a Sunday morning, I had the chance to surf with a very special little girl.

Next to the Star Beach Boys tent, where her father Alika Willis works on the weekends, I found Tiki Willis playing with the other Waikiki groms in the sand. It was a beautiful Sunday, light winds and a lingering south swell. Tiki’s mom, Dina Willis, a surf instructor for Faith Surf School, told me that “Tiki’s birthday was December 16, 2003 and that she was a water baby from the start.” As if to prove her mom right, Tiki came right up to me and insisted that we go surfing together.

She grabbed her 6’2 Koa Board Sport board, and led me to the waters edge. When we were putting our leashes on, Tiki proceeded to tell me that she likes to stand up paddle, longboard and shortboard, all equally, but since the waves were still good she was going to surf her shortboard.

She led me out to baby Queens, her favorite surf break. This 6 yr. old girl paddled directly out to the line up and instructed me to stop. She then proceeded to take off on every wave she went for. So to not be shown up by a 6 yr. old, I started paddling for a few of the waves that came

through. “Aunty you have to wait for the right waves,” the brighteyed 6 yr. old told me. “Then you have to stand up when the wave pushes you, not before then or your board will not get into the wave.”

Wow…that is all I have to say! My surf instructor took off on wave after wave, and I sat on my board in awe of her.

While we were sitting and waiting for the right wave, Tiki started squeaking and squawking… “I am Natiri” she tells me, “from Avatar, my favorite movie.” She likes to play Avatar all the time. I have to say that Tiki had me giggling, and grinning the entire time we were in the water. Her sparkling personality is contagious. She waved and said “Hi” to all of the instructors and kids in the water. She even stopped next to a 7 yr. old girl whose mom was pushing her into waves, and gave the girl some encouraging pointers!

Tiki has 2 older step-brothers. One is 18, and the other is 16, but they are teenagers and not around all that much. She fills her spare time surfing with boogie boarding, skate boarding, and drawing. Her family lives on the outskirts of Waikiki and she’ll be a first grader next fall. This soon to be first grader is already sponsored by Honey Girl Water Wear for bathing suits, Kaimana stand up paddle boards for her SUP, and Koa Boards for her shortboards and longboards. Tiki has been competing in SUP, shortboarding, and longboarding.

After our second surf session, I was spent. Tiki was sitting next to me singing, and she stopped suddenly and whispered into her mother’s ear.

Grinning from ear to ear she asks me to go with her to Yogurt Land, her favorite snack spot in Waikiki. As we filled up on Coconut yogurt covered in Oreo cookie pieces and chocolate sprinkles, Tiki asked if I would surf with her again next week. I had to smile. I felt so special that this wonderful, talented 6 yr. old wanted to spend more time with me in the ocean.

She told me next time she would show me how to SUP. I had to laugh, my little surf instructor wanted to teach me how to SUP. I think it goes without saying that we should expect to see great things in the future from this wonderfully talented, young water girl. I personally look forward to watching her surf career blossom and progress.” u Photo: WSSM

Biola University Girls in partnership with Christian Surfers wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 97

MY COMMUNITY

. . . I am a surfer

She Surfs

JESSICA KWIECINSKI

Photo by: Robert Callanan

I started surfing at Summer Time Surf School in Belmar, NJ. I was only signed up for a week, but the instructor allowed me to attend the rest of the summer because of my potential. I quickly went from a 7ft softboard to a 6’6 funboard and now I ride a 5’8 AJW, which I absolutely love!

I love to surf Belmar, and Spring Lake Pipe, as well as Bradley Beach. Everyone knows me and my sister as the girls who surf more than anyone else, even if the waves aren’t the best.

Unlike most surfers, I don’t get to travel that much. My trips include Florida and North Carolina, as well as all over the Jersey coast. I recent-

ly took a trip out to California for USA Champs and NSSA Nationals. I stayed out there for about a month and I had such an amazing time there! Surfing in California was such a great experience and it was even better than I expected. I fell in love with Trestles and ended up surfing there pretty much every single day. The crowd was surprisingly not as bad as I thought it would be. I made sure that I didn’t drop in on anyone and it ended up working out on my part. Everyone was nice and interested about where I was from, and a lot of people were cheering me on when I caught good waves.

I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into an awesome family’s home who supported me in all my contests and took care of me as if I was their own child. My surfing improved so much from this trip and I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to leave the east coast and surf somewhere new. Surfing on the west coast was everything I expected and more! I got to surf chest-high glassy waves, with not to many people out. They all said it was bad waves for them. It blew my mind away that people actually got to surf amazing waves every single day of their lives. My surfing has improved tremendously and I can’t wait to hopefully go back to California again next year. I don’t get to travel that much, but when I do, I will definitely never take it for granted.

I compete in ESA, NSSA, Prime Series, and other pro/am contests. I am currently ranked 1st place for Explorer Women’s Northeast NSSA. I re-

ceived 3rd place at the Montauk US Prime Event for girls 18 and under and 4th for girls 16 and under. I received 6th place at the Belmar Pro, 5th place at East Coast Surfing Championships, and I am currently ranked 1st in Junior Womens and 7th place in open shortboard for ESA. I am the only girl who competes in open shortboard for my district. I do this to improve my aggressiveness, to get more practice heats, and also because I want to surf more like the guys: they are more aggressive and powerful in their turns. I want to break the gender barrier and show everyone that girls can surf just as good as the guys can.

I have a very supportive family who drives me to the beach whenever there are waves. I have a twin sister, Casey, who also surfs. I have such a blast surfing with her and she’s getting really good!! She is so supportive and I know that she will always be there for me.

For other hobbies, I run varsity track for my town’s school, Jackson Memorial, where I compete in the 4x400, 4x200, 55 as well as pole vault-

ing. I currently attend Ocean County’s Performing Arts Academy where I am a sophomore dance major. It is a school for actors, singers, and dancers where you have to audition to get it. I have been dancing since I was 2 years old and am still at it. Next year, I will be attending Jackson Memorial because I will be attending a half day at Vocational Technical School for Graphic Design, which is something that I am very interested in.

I have a relationship with Jesus Christ and I know that He has amazing plans for my future, and that I just need to be patient and let everything He has planned work out.

My sponsors are Eastern Lines Surf Shop, Body Glove Wetsuits, Future Fins, and Waterman’s Sunblock. I feel I do a lot of advertisement for all of my sponsors

because I am always walking or riding my bike all over looking for waves. They help me out so much and I always recommend them to everyone I know. I truly do have the best sponsors ever, so it’s not a difficult task to promote them! I am now an instructor at Summer Time Surf School which is where I first learned to surf.

It is so much fun to teach other kids to surf and I get just as excited, if not more, as they do when they catch their first wave and ride it all the way to the beach.

My goal for the future is to surf for as long as I possibly can. I really want to do better in bigger contests as well as travel more. I want to stay dedicated to surfing, not get distracted, and I want to improve my surfing as much as I can. I really don’t know if I am going to make it as a professional surfer, but I do know that God has an amazing plan for my future and I’m extremely excited to see what He has in store for me.

A quote that I love is “The only thing that makes your dreams impossible to achieve is the fear of failure.” A lot of times I fear about failure in my life, but in the end I know that everything will work out the way it is supposed to be. I can’t let the fear of failure hold me back from trying to achieve my dreams. u

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COMMUNITY Ocean lover, enthusiast & protector, she cares deeply for those around her, enjoys the life given her to the fullest, and seizes the opportunities that she’s been blessed with along the way.

Riding waves is her passion and future career, but there’s much more to her than meets the eye...

Meet Lulu

Erkeneff!

AGE: 14

HOMEBREAK:

Salt Creek & Lower Trestles

BOARDS IN QUIVER: 7 SPONSORS:

Rusty, Hotline Wetsuits, Ocean Minded, Kicker Audio, Vonzipper, Nalu’s Island Grill, and Soleo Skincare.

. . . I am a surfer

I

T ALL STARTED WHEN... my dad took me out in the

inside at Salt Creek, pushing me into little whitewash rollers when I was about 4 or 5. When I really got into surfing I was about eight and I rode a six foot INT foam board. Soon after that I got a custom board, a 5’6” and found out that surfing was something I wanted to do all the time. Surfing has helped me meet many friends who I love to surf with and I am still meeting more.

Some of my really good friends that I surf with a lot are Leah Pakpour, and Danielle Wyman who are also really talented. There is also a big group of kids that I surf with at Lowers and one of my really good friends is Jasset Umbel and a ton of Hawaiians - Brianna Cope, Bailey Nagy, Tatiana Weston Webb, Dax McGill, Makani & Kui Adric.

SURFING DEVELOPED MY LOVE FOR THE OCEAN, AND I BECAME EXTREMELY PASSIONATE ABOUT...

helping save the ocean and marine life from pollution. I have been involved with the Surfrider Foundation which is a great group of people that organizes beach cleanups and protects marine life from threats like offshore drilling and plastic pollution. I help clean my beaches around where I live, not only in an organized beach cleanup, but every time I surf I pick up at least ten pieces of trash as I leave the beach. I am also a leader at my high school’s Surfrider Club which has helped me teach other kids at my school who live in our coastal area to understand that people need to protect the oceans because their health is essential to our livelihood. Aside from organizing beach cleanups, my friend, who is President of San Clemente High School’s Surfrider club, and I thought up a fundraising idea for our clubs and many other ideas on reducing electricity and plastic usage within our school.

This has changed my way of life and I plan on continuing environmentalism throughout my life and want to use recognition from surfing to get people to understand that we are sending the ocean downhill and need to help reverse much of the damage we have done. Our world needs to improve the way we live and our oceans because they will only be healthy if everyone works together.

COMBINING SCHOOL & SURFING... is not too hard for

me. I go to Dana Hills High School and for P.E. I am on the Surf Team, so I already get a class period where I can surf. But when the waves are good or I have a contest, my parents let me skip school as long as I have good grades and make up my work. For me, it’s hard to sit in class knowing that the waves are good, but school is extremely important to me and I am in all advanced or A.P. classes.

As a sophmore I will be taking: Honors Pre Calculus, A.P. European History, Accelerated English 2, Spanish 2, and Chemistry. These are all really demanding courses and have a heavy workload, so sometimes I am stuck at home doing work instead of surfing, but I have learned to balance school and surfing. I have been in the Center for Talented Youth (CTY) at Johns Hopkins University since the 4th grade. Some tips on getting good grades and still having time to surf are to try to get your homework done in any extra time during class and to plan your time out before you decide to skip school.

Whenever I skip school, I make sure I am not missing a test and I get the notes from a friend. Most teachers are very lenient and as long

as you’re on their good side, they don’t mind if you skip school every once in a while. Another tip is to keep check on your grades and to study or think over concepts while you’re eating or in the car.

My parents are very supportive of my surfing and they always help me when I am in a quandary about school and surfing or even life. They always drive me around to go surfing or stick around at my contests. My dad also helps me with my technique and competitions and he also goes surfing with me in his spare time. They have always taught me to follow my dreams but also have a backup plan for my life by going to college.

MY SURFING HAS PROGRESSED BY... going out in bigger

surf and heavier waves as I get older. Last winter I had my scariest surf experience when I went out to 6-10 foot (Hawaiian scale) Sunset on the north shore of Oahu. This taught me not to panic and that I can overcome fears in surfing. It also pushed me to want to surf big waves as well as smaller progressive type waves. Some places that really shape my style and surfing are Lower Trestles, which refines my maneuvers and lets me practice them on a clean open face wave, and Salt Creek, which has more variety on any given swell and tide.

Photo: Rickoray

Some of my favorite waves besides Lowers are Vland, and Hanalei Bay. They have all helped me develop a strong backhand and have made me love surfing backside as much, or even more than my frontside. I love traveling and I plan on finding new places to surf that will help me grow as a well rounded surfer.

I RIDE FOR... Rusty is my main sponsor and they cover some of my boards, travel, contest fees, and clothing.

Hotline Wetsuits is the company that keeps me warm and looking cute in my custom wetsuits when the water gets chilly. Ocean Minded is a footwear company that uses recycled materials to make cute shoes and is extremely supportive with my environmentalism. Kicker Audio is a new sponsor that gives me audio products to “live loud” and supports some of my contest fees. Nalu’s Island Grill is a restaurant that is my favorite place to eat and they flow me food and shave ice. VonZipper Eyewear is a fun energetic company and I receive the coolest sunglasses you can find. To protect my skin from the sun, I believe that my sponsor Soleo is the best one with organic skin care that keeps me tan instead of lobster red.

All of my sponsors support my dreams of being a professional surfer and I am very thankful for all that they do for me.

I HOPE MY FUTURE HOLDS... that my goals of becoming a

professional surfer come true. I want to be on the World Championship Tour and earn a world title someday. I also look forward to traveling the world and surfing the best waves in exotic locations.

Once I am at my full potential, I want to be doing airs and being innovative like the guys surf. I hope to inspire women through my actions, proving that girls that surf at a high level can do more than what is expected. I want to thank all of my sponsors and my parents for helping me and supporting me with everything I do, and I want to thank my friends for experiencing the journey with me. u

SheLULUSurfs ERKENEFF Photo by: Kevin Voegtlin | www.KevinPhotos.com

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MY COMMUNITY

Beccy Cravens . . . I am a surfer

SHE SUPS

AGE: 24 | OCCUPATION: Professional Water Woman HOME BASE: I am currently living on the North Shore of Oahu. There is always something for me

to do in the water: Surf, SUP, swim, dive...etc..

IN THE BEGINNING… I have been doing SUP for 2 years now. I started on the South Shore. I didn’t

even have a real SUP board at first I would just use NSP longboards and canoe paddles.

MY FAVORITE SUP EQUIPMENT… I have my 8’6” Everpaddle Aggressor SUP. It is really light and turns

like a shortboard. My 9’4” Everpaddle fin elevated swallow tail SUP which I love taking out at sunset. My 12’6” Everpaddle race board. Favorite? My 8’6” Aggressor is so far my favorite, but I think Im ready to move down in size. I have two paddles: one Wooden Everpaddle and my carbon fiber paddle. Favorite? I love how light my carbon fiber paddle is and it is great for racing, but the wooden paddle works just as good and it’s made from recycled wood.

MY FAVORITE SUP SPOT IS… For summer time my favorite surf spot has to be Publics and Bowls. I

know Publics wave like the back of my hand. Winter time it just depends on the waves. I really love to surf Mokuleia and on occasion I’ll go out to Sunset, Freddy’s or Rocky Point. Its really hard to pick a favorite spot when there are so many different breaks. What kind of wave do I like? I like all kinds of waves, It’s fun to mix it up. If I had to pick a perfect wave it would probably be a fast long breaking left with enough size to have some fun on.

WHY SUP? SUP is a new challenge for me and I’m always looking for something new to do. SUP is a full body workout. You are always trying to keep your balance and that works your core constantly. It’s a lot harder than it looks when it comes to catching waves. There is so much more you can do on a SUP, like use it when you go diving, you can go long distances, catch bigger waves and have more speed to do it. I guess in general I just love to be in the ocean.

SUP’S IN THE LINEUP… I feel fine using a SUP in a lineup, but I also feel I need to be more aware of my

surroundings and other surfers. Are people cool with you being there with your SUP? Coming from being a shortboarder I think respect is really important. A lot of surfers do not like SUP because they are known to just catch all the waves and can sometimes be dangerous. I make sure I rotate and wait my turn. :-) Then everyone will be happy in the lineup and have a greater respect for SUP.

Amanda Photo: SirenSurf.com

2 YEARS FROM NOW… HMMMM... For my job, I really hope to see my personal fitness training to go somewhere. I really love to stay active and be healthy. For surfing, I just hope to keep getting better at SUP and pushing my limits. Do some traveling and explore different bigger and better waves.

GREATEST SUP ACCOMPLISHMENTS… Just being able to compete. I recently won 1st place in the

Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle Open Age and winning in top 3 in my past four races. Before SUP I had never done a surf contest and now I have been stepping up and feeling more confident in myself and in my surfing.

MY SUP HEROS ARE… Honestly there are so many people I look up to. Laird Hamilton of course, he the

innovator of SUP/Charges Teahupo’o. Kevin Seid from Everpaddle SUP for helping encourage me to push my limits and enter my races and supplying me with amazing high performance boards. All the SUP women who charge!!!

WORDS OF ADVICE… Work hard, stay positive, never give up in life and most of all have fun and love what you do u Photo: Mana Photo

Age: 24 Occupation: Professional Surfer/ Standup Paddler/Waterwoman

Home Base: Waikiki IN THE BEGINNING… I’ve

been in the ocean since I was a baby, bodysurfing/bodyboarding, and surfing for 16 years, stand up paddling for 3 years.

WHY SUP? I love both regular

surfing and sup surfing. Sup surfing is a new challenge that allows me to use all of my athleticism and wave knowledge. The multiple disciplines of SUP make it really exciting and allows me to continuially challenge myself.

MY FAVORITE SUP SPOT IS… For SUP Summer: Queens. For SUP Winter: Makaha/Pupukea/Ehukai.

For big waves: Makaha, Sunset and Pipeline.

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Candice

SHE

OCCUPATION: Product development and marketing solutions for the beauty industry. | HOME BASE: Southern California IN THE BEGINNING… I started SUPing about 4 years ago, just as it was starting to get popular here in California. Almost all the boards were huge and it

didn’t look easy to maneuver an 11’ board. At the time, Kevin Shaughnessy, surfer/shaper phenom for Channin and Siren Surfboards, was building some really short SUPs--in the sub-8’0 range. Those boards were the first stand up boards to grab my attention because it was obvious that you could really surf on something that small, rather than just cruise around. The first boards I paddled were around 9’0” x 28.5” x 3.75” and they felt great -easy to catch waves, maneuver and control in and out of the water.

MY FAVORITE SUP EQUIPMENT… I have a Siren 9’ SUP EZ single-fin, which looks and rides like a longboard.

I use it as my go-to board when it’s small or even totally flat. It’s really easy to paddle and carry, so it’s great for when you just want to cruise and aren’t taking the wave riding part too seriously. When the surf is fun, but not quite big enough to bring out the shortboard, I ride a Siren 9’ SUP HP four-fin, which is super maneuverable and definitely a high performance SUP. I can imagine riding this board even shorter, like 7’6”--that’s definitely where I’m going with my next board. Can’t really pick a favorite between the two, one is a cruiser and one is for surfing more progressively.

MY FAVORITE SUP SPOT IS… SUPing is so different compared to regular surfing. It’s hard to explain, but the SUP lets you overlook what makes a break “bad.” My favorite SUP spots are definitely not regarded as the best surf spots, which is great because there are hardly ever any people there. I’ll take off from one break and paddle around the corner to a break that would be a bear to walk to (and not good enough by “surfboard” standards to even bother) and have a blast SUPing. It doesn’t really matter what the wave is like; I can ride my single-fin if it’s mushy and my four-fin if it’s fast. The most important thing is to find a break with a channel--that way you won’t struggle paddling out through the surf.

WHY SUP? SUPing is really just another part of the whole water lifestyle. Before, when it

was totally flat, what was there to do? With SUPing as an option, it opens up flat days to tons of fun. And somehow the SUP always seems to find a wave to ride. So it isn’t really a choice of surfing vs. SUPing. When the surf is good, you shortboard. When you want to noseride, you longboard. And the rest of the time, you SUP.

Rigney

SUP’S IN THE LINEUP… How I feel about SUP’s in the lineup definitely depends on the spot.

There are certain places with an unspoken code: NO SWEEPERS! But, other spots are actually pretty SUP friendly, as long as you show respect. If you take advantage of your extra paddle power and catch every set wave in sight, you won’t be making any friends. Luckily, stand up boards have a way of making the most of every wave, so if crowds are an issue, it’s not a big deal to go up the beach and find your own peak.

GREATEST SUP ACCOMPLISHEMENTS… I love SUPing, so I think my greatest achievement has

SHE SUPS

probably been sharing the sport with others. There’s nothing better than trading your SUP with a surfer on a flat day and then seeing the smile on their face after they get to their feet and take a couple of strokes.

WORDS OF ADVICE… To anyone who thinks SUPing looks really hard, don’t be discouraged! Give it a go and you’ll see it’s really quite easy and a whole lot of fun. u

MY FAVORITE SUP EQUIPMENT… Sup Boards and Paddles: I currently have 7 Sups in the working quiver. Two of these boards are Candice Appleby Signature Model prototypes by Randy French, Ceo of Surftech. There is a 8’4’’ Swallow tail and a 8’10 Squash tail. These are extremely High performance SUP’s and are made in the newest Ultralite technology. My other SUP surf board is a 10’’ pin tail for Big Wave prototype, also made by Randy French of Surftech. For racing, I have 5 boards; 16’6’’ Carbon Ruddered, open ocean Molokai Racer by Joe bark, 14 foot Carbon Rudderless, double concave bottom Joe Bark Dominator, 14 foot flat water Joe Bark Dominator, 12’6’’ Carbon Surf Race Bark Competitor, and a 12’6’’ Surftech Bark Competitor. 5 Quickblade Paddles with different lengths for surf, bigwave, race (sprint and downwind) and fitness.

SUPS IN THE LINEUP… I feel comfortable using a my SUP board in most lineups that I am already

comfortable surfing on a regular surfboard. It is important for beginners and advanced SUP surfers to understand that when they paddle out to a surf spot, they represent the sport of stand up paddle. It is very important to respect the prone surfers and safety of others in lineups by knowing your limits and sharing waves.

2 YEARS FROM NOW… HMMMM… Wow, what a question. In two years from now I see myself enjoying life, training hard, traveling around the world, competing on the Stand Up World Tour, and mentoring Hawaii ‘s up and coming ocean athletes.

GREATEST SUP ACCOMPLISHEMENTS…

Winning both the Pro Open Men’s and Women’s divisions of the 2008 Duke’s Ocean Festival. Solo paddling across the Molokai Channel, Graduating College.

MY SUP ICON IS… Laird Hamilton !!!

WORDS OF ADVICE… Just have fun, and strong is beautiful. u

Appleby SUPS

Photo: Moonwalkerphotos.com

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MY COMMUNITY

. . . Daily Life

Aloha!

My name is Sarah Holter and I’m an 8th grader at Kalama Intermediate School in Makawao, Maui, Hawaii. I am honored to be able to write an article for WSSM. I’ve been surfing for years, but a few months ago I took up Stand Up Paddling.

This new sport is super fun, super easy and great exercise.

At my school, I’m a physical education leader and help my instructor in teaching P.E. to the younger classmen. I have been a P.E. leader for two years. Last school year I was honored to be one of two students from my school to attend the Hawaii Teacher P.E. Conference on Oahu. I demonstrated and taught Land Paddling to 60 to 70 teachers and also a high school class in Kahuku.

I’ve noticed that in the three years I’ve been a student at Kalama Intermediate (the school is 25 years old), the PE program has changed and grown. In past years, students had to play team sports. Unfortunately, most people don’t continue to play team sports once they graduate from high school.

To find individual sports activities that people will carry on once they’ve completed school, we started using alternative surf inspired activities within the curriculum. We now use Indo Boards, Surf Ball, Land Paddling, Ham Boards as well as Trikkes, Rock Wall, archery and fitness based electronic games.

FITNESS in the

Aloha State g with

n Paddli Land tick” S ig B a“

m Land Paddling - long board (skateboards) and a Kahuna Big Stick. The Big Stick’s sizes vary for each student - the length of the stick is from the ground to the student’s chin. The sticks have a rubber stopper on the bottom for a better ground grip. There are two types of turns you can make toe-side, which is where you put your weight on your toes to turn. There are also heel-side turns, which is where you lean back on your heels to turn. We create obstacle courses in Land Paddling and time the students. When students complete the course without making mistakes, they receive a proficient. When they complete the course flawlessly and under a certain amount of time, they receive exceeds proficiency. (kahunacreations.com)

In my short time being in the leadership role, I have seen some students that don’t always do great in the usual team sports, such as flag football, basketball, dodge ball, flag tag and soccer. However, they sometimes excel in our school’s alternative P.E. activities. With each one of these activities, we assess skills in creative new ways. For instance, with the Indo Board we do various tricks and one of the major tests is a five trick combo. The tricks might include board flips, toe grabs, tube rides or jump 180s.

Here at Kalama, recess is an event to look forward to-especially in the P.E. room. It’s always open before school, during morning recess and at lunch recess so people can come in and play. At lunch recess, the people who have been trained at land paddling can go out on our court and ride.

Our surf inspired alternative P.E. program has taught me to stay fit for life and that’s what we are trying to do for everyone. It’s easy to stay healthy even after the mandatory P.E. in high school. Activities such as Land Paddling are exciting and rewarding! I can have fun, be outside, and stay fit. Through this leadership role, I have learned so much and I will carry these skills with me forever. I would way rather go Land Paddling or Stand Up Paddle boarding than stay home and watch TV.

The following are descriptions of the alternative surf inspired activities we use:

Surf Ball

m Indo Board - an oval shaped short board on a roller; kind of like an individual stand up see-saw.

Students learn balance and core-stability associated with balance. The Indo Board works lower body through balance of the legs, but it can also work upper All of these body. There are lower body activities tests like Indo squats where you balance on the board build and do a deep squat. To strength, work the upper body we endurance, do Indo pushups. This is where you place your flexibility, hands on either side of balance the board gripping the and stamina. edges and do a pushup. (indoboard.com)

m Surf Ball - for more advanced students or students that are exceeding proficiency with the Indo board skills. A Surf Ball is about the size and density of a basketball. The board is larger than an Indo Board. There are two versions of boards- all purpose and surfboard shaped. The board is placed on top of the ball. For beginners, the ball sits in a “doggie” dish. The doggie dish is like a dog dish that the ball sits in and moves in a contained area. The student balances on the board – kind of like a see-saw. It’s an excellent core and leg exercise because you are balancing on the board and can go in practically any direction without the doggie dish to keep you in place. (surfball.net) m Hamboard - a board for students who have trained in and completed all the tests for Land Paddling. Hamboards are large, deep-carving skateboards. At Kalama, we use Kahuna Big Sticks along with the Hamboards. We’ve found that by using the sticks along with the Hamboards, we get a better work out. The Hamboards are so deep when carving that it can be hard to balance, and with the Big Stick it’s an all over body workout. (hamboards.com) All of these activities build strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and stamina. With an Indo Board, you can feel the “burn” in your core, thighs and quads. Keeping your balance while on a board with a small roller is a real challenge. Surf Ball is much more intense than Indo Board. Take away the doggie dish, and it can be ridiculously hard to keep your balance!

Land Paddling (my personal favorite because it’s most like Stand Up Paddling), you can feel the work out in your legs, core and arms. u Indo Board

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Photos by Logan Yoshida

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MY COMMUNITY

. . . Skill Building

SHAPING CLASS...

I

in High

n the heart of the Palos Verdes Peninsula lies Palos Verdes high school- a high school that I was told offered something very unique for its students… a class on shaping surfboards! Where was this when I was growing up?

As a lifetime surfer, I wanted to learn more about this class, how it got started, and talk to these high school students about the ins-and-outs of surfboard shaping and what their experience was like. Here’s what I found out.

Teacher, Chris Herbst, (bless that man) approached the vice principal asking if he could start the class.

He was told yes, but he would have to find the funding for it. This wasn’t a problem, as he devised

School?

Cassidy, Fillipa, Laina, Chris and Fluer

a way to keep this economical for the students, and self-funding at the same time. He tied the shaping class in with the sculpture class that gets funding from the Palos Verdes High School Booster Club. To get into the shaping class initially, taking a semester of sculpture is required. He also found other creative ways. Last year the class put on “Froth Fest” as a fundraiser, where they had two bands perform and they also made T-shirts, selling them there at the concert, which was held at the Palo Verdes high school.

In addition, the class itself costs $60, and the students pay for their own blanks. An average shortboard blank costs about $45, a longboard

approximately $200-$300, which they get from a local foam shop. The student also pays for the glassing, which ranges from $100-$200, depending on how many fin boxes they want, and if they have any color requests.

They print out their own logos on rice paper using an inkjet printer, so creativity is expressed, however, the school will not let them glass the boards themselves, so the shaped boards are sent out to a glasser.”

- Dave Gregerson | Gregerson Surf Photography

the chest of the surfer is. Getting this right is very important also. In addition, Fluer Poiez says… you have to consider your rails, and depending on the board shape desired, some “When I tell someone I’m in a shaping class at school, everyone thinks that rails are pinched and others are full. it’s super cool! They all want to take the class and think I’m really lucky to be My favorite part of shaping is the rails, because it’s the final step besides sandenrolled in such an unusual program. Was ing. You can finally see what the board will look like after it’s glassed and it shaping harder then I was expecting? Absogives you a feeling of accomplishment and excitement!” lutely! Shaping a surfboard is much more difficult than I thought it would be, because Cassidy Beukema says… you really have to know the dimensions “I had a lot going through my mind as I shaped my board. There’s so much to of the board and be able to see mistakes. remember and take note of, These mistakes range such as when sanding my from your blank being board, I had to pay close too thick to seeing attention to what I was doing the slightest dip in by making sure I had no dips your rails. Without TO MAKING YOUR or bumps ANYWHERE, and the teacher and all the OWN SURFBOARD that everything was even more advanced students in the class, my board would have throughout, all while keepbeen a disaster. create a the board, add ing the dimensions right.

While shaping a board requires a lot more work than I stencil concave into I’m often asked since taking expected, it’s worth it. and trace the the bottom, and the class, if women need Being able to surf on a board that you custom-made yourshape onto your dome the top of specific shapes for them, and self is an amazing feeling and it’s awesome to have your blank. your surfboard.

I always reply, no, not at all. I personally don’t think women own logo on your board, too. cutout your finish the need a different shape than men, since boards are shaped I would say anyone who wants to try it, to find the materials surfboard rails and based on how well you surf, your height, and also your and the guidance and go for it. The struggle is worth it and and rasp the take your board weight. If you want a custom board, then it’s going to be you learn a lot about the design of surfboards and what type foam so to be glassed. specific to those things, and non-dependant on your gender.” of board is right for you. that the shape I think shaping a board is great for women in particular, matches your TIP: Important Laina Rizic says… because they really get to understand the dynamics of their stencil. things to take “I shaped a board for my brother for Christmas, and didn’t board and what characteristics they want in it. You really use an into considwant to design my own template, so I got it off of a custom appreciate the level of perfection shapers have achieved to electric eration when Al Merrick Flyer, which was create the final product. planer to take shaping a the type of board he wanted.

Several friends have since asked me to shape them a board, thickness out board include What I learned though is that which is kind of cool. I just shaped a 6’9 egg for my brother of your board how thick you during the shaping process, and it is in the process of being glassed.” and create a want your the board becomes different perfectly even board, how and totally your own because Filippa Ferrara says… deck and botmuch concave accidents happen and/or “Through this class I’ve learned so much about the technical tom of your you want in the shape changes due to aspects of a surfboard. board. it, and the preference. So there is no While there are many, put nose width of your guarantee that the board will one of the most imporand tail surfboard. turn out the same or even tant ones is the rocker, rocker into comparable to the template. which is completely Not wanting a plain white dependant on the board, I had a green and black target wrapping around the side of the board type/shape of board you desire. Usually airbrushed on by a professional, and then, because we all had our own logos that fishes and other types of retro boards have we designed and printed out on rice paper, I had that also glassed onto the board. a relatively flat rocker, while the higher Overall, the process wasn’t so much hard- as was mastering the technique. A con performance boards generally have a few was that boards were being banged and dropped left and right during the learnmore inches of rocker. ing curve, but the pro that came from that was that we learned a lot about fixing Another technical aspect is the thickness our mistakes in the process.” u of your board. The thickest part of the board is in the center, about right where

5 STEPS

1 2 3

4

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MY COMMUNITY

. . . Surf Club Connection

Learn to Surf...

Surf Club

& join a

by Avra Kouffman

W

hhen I moved to California at 38, my dream was to live the beach lifestyle and learn to surf. Even in my hectic hometown, New York City, surf fever was sneaking up on the natives. Blue Crush came out in 2002; the following year, Quiksilver opened a huge store in Times Square. By 2005, I couldn’t wait any longer.

Luckily for me, I landed in Huntington Beach, the O.C.’s “Surf City”. My friend Frank Davern, owner of Cool Girl Decks, sold his skateboards at a local surf store, Wahine Kai --- Hawaiian for ‘Women of the Sea.’ “I’ll hook you up,” Frank said.

True to his word, Frank introduced me to WK’s fledgling female surf club. I also joined a co-ed group, Southern Cali Surf Club (SCSC). Both groups were relaxed about letting members surf as often or rarely as we liked and I enjoyed knowing I could opt to surf with the girls or also with the guys.

Five years later, both clubs are going strong! One reason for their success is --just like the ocean--they accommodate every level of dedication and skill. If you organize a surf session or RSVP for it, you’re expected to show up, but often you can wait until the same morning to confirm, so there’s a lot of leeway for different schedules. When a large group goes out together, beginners can hover near the white water or join the line up with more experienced surfers and learn from their maneuvers.

Currently, Wahine Kai has 120 California members ranging in age from 20-something through 60-something. SCSC has 50 members. “We had more,” says Grace Rai, SCSC founder, “but our members are super-adventurous and a lot of them have moved around the world! That’s ok, though, because they’ve hosted each other in Europe and Australia!”

Both clubs rely on a small core of active members who surf together consistently. “Although we have 120 members, realistically, 20, maybe 30, are active,” says Wahine Kai’s California President Cathy Young. “A lot of busy members like having the option of knowing we’re there if they want us!” While a core group of dedicated Wahines meet 3-4 times per week for early morning weekday surf sessions, there are also those of us who motivate best on summer weekends, after we’ve managed to roll out of bed.

Thank goodness Wahine Kai lets everyone enjoy surf culture in her own way. The club offers a mixture of activities like parties, camping trips and volunteer events for causes like Surfider and They Will Surf Again. Cathy’s approach to managing such a large group is to set up one surf event each month and email new members a spreadsheet with everyone’s contact info.

“I encourage people to reach out and set up surf sessions on their own,” she says, “but I’ll also have monthly events where they can meet face to face and then they’ll feel a bit more apt to do that.” She organizes ‘meet and greets’ and surf trips with pro surfers like Mary Osborne and Holly Beck. “We have one girl that never even surfed with us locally,” says Cathy, “but she went to Nicaragua with us. So although she wasn’t an active member locally, she was able to enjoy the club!”

Even if world travel doesn’t lure you, there are lots of reasons to join a surf group. First and foremost is safety.

“You never want to go in by yourself,” warns Cathy. “Last year, a guy had a seizure in the water and died since there was nobody there to help him. Just from a safety standpoint, it’s great to surf with a club.”

You’ll also improve much faster with friends to support you. Long-time WK member Kathleen Ossiander credits the Wahines with keeping her motivated. “They got me surfing more often,” she says. “I have more goals to recognize out in the water. If the girls are there, we’re depending on each other and we’ll push each other a little

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Photo: Wah

ine Kai Surf

Club (autho r, Av

more.” Bonding with other women also creates an awesome social network – one with unexpected perks. Clubs can get travel discounts and VIP passes to surfing events, as well as free samples and demos from industry sponsors. As an intro to surf culture, a club can open up new worlds of fun.

Clubs also give you the chance to meet people you might not run into otherwise. “All the members bring different things into my life,” smiles Cathy. “There’s such diversity – 23 year olds just out of college, grandmas, women with young kids, grown kids, gay, straight, everything – such a range of education and careers. Because they’re surfers, for the most part, they’re happy-going, loving, soulful people, since they have that outlet! They’re not bogged down by the grind of humanity and, if they get to that point, they’re able to free themselves.”

By now, you’re probably ready to flag down your nearest surf club and sign up! So onto the next decision: AllFemale or Co-ed?! WK Vice President Jennifer Ouye surfs with both. “When I was just getting into surfing after having my first daughter,” she recalls, “I felt like I’d be more comfortable with a group of gals to motivate and encourage me and get me in the water. You lose your self-consciousness when you’re out with a group of girls.

You don’t feel intimidated, especially from a beginner perspective. Just the other day, I was out with a newer member. Seeing how excited she was to catch her first waves reminded me how fun surfing is! You know guys, they’re not as excitable. Women are just like, “Aaah, it’s so much fun!!!”

“On the other hand”, says Grace Rai, “If it’s all girls, you necessarily cut out half the people who want to learn to surf.” With a coed group, Grace says, “There’s a different vibe. With a lot of men and women, there’s an undercurrent of attraction and that can be positive or negative.

Positive-wise, people in SCSC have met and formed relationships. Negative-wise, it has also caused drama, where one or both people have left the club. But in our group, we’re all friends before anything else and I think most people try to work through that.”

Grace advises caution when making surf buddies. After posting on Craigslist to start her club, she had to screen out a few dodgy responses. “I basically said I was new to surfing and looking for others who wanted to get into it,” she explains. “Some replies were a little sleazy, but when I said it was a group activity, they’d just fall off the face of the earth. Most people I met were awesome and became my life-long friends!”

“Still, you can’t automatically think, “Oh, since this person loves surfing, he’s exactly like me: Harmless!’ If a guy from your club invites you over, don’t assume, “We’ll hang at his house and he’s a surfer, so he’ll be cool.” You need to get to know a person more,” she suggests.

Good advice. At first, it’s probably smart just to meet up for public surf sessions. Besides, as Cathy Young puts it, “We’re here to enjoy waves together.”

Personally, I’ve had great experiences with both clubs.

I caught my first wave ever with the Wahines and went on a surf trip to Mexico with SCSC – something I’d never have attempted alone. One memorable day, Aviso set up a demo event for Wahine Kai on a private beach in Malibu, and we all had access to a stunning beach house, too.

But the best times, for me, have been just sitting on a board in the silvery, glistening ocean, waiting for waves with friendly surfers perched next to me, watching dolphin fins go by. To quote Cathy, when you look back at all the experiences a surf club can give you,“It’s inspiring!” u

ra, in orange

behind Guy

Takayama)

6 TIPS...

FOR A SUCCESSFUL SURF CLUB

If you’d love to start a surf club, but aren’t sure how to keep members stoked, try these tips from Wahine Kai:

1 Convenience is key! These

Make Communication Easy

days, most clubs set up surf sessions via Internet. Pick a website that’s simple to use and familiar, like Facebook, Twitter or Yahoo Groups.

2

Keep Fees Reasonable

As your club grows, expenses may, too. Some websites, like Meetup.com, charge a monthly fee to organizers.

If you decide to offset costs with an annual membership fee, make sure to pour the proceeds back into activities that benefit the club!

3Vary your surf spots and Change It Up

mix in different events like road trips or surf clinics to improve member skills.

4If you need volunteers

Tap Into Strengths

to help with club events or tasks, find out where their talents lie. You may have professional board shapers or marketing specialists in your line up. For best results, match people to roles they enjoy.

5

Help Your Surf Sisters Shred

Everyone wants to surf better. Find ways to help each other improve, either through regular surf sessions or skills clinics. Then you can all rip together!

6You can’t always predict Go With the Flow

what will work for your club.

Experiment with different organizational styles until you hit the sweet spot!

MY COMMUNITY

. . . Artist in Motion

Artistic Passion Expressed An interview with

MESA ENTERPRISES founder & designer, Melissa Matarese

W

hen did I begin? I began surfing when I moved to New Zealand (NZ) in 2004...

I am a true lover of the outdoors and wanted to live somewhere that I could surf and snowboard in the same day. I decided that NZ was the place to be. I learned to surf in Raglan, NZ on a beat up 9’0 Bic.

My favorite pieces that I’ve designed thus far are: New Zealand Tree This piece is a strong example of my pen and ink work /watercolor combination. I believe that my love for nature and my surroundings really shows through in this painting.

4 Seasons | This piece is a great example of my intricate line work and is the original painting used for our most popular print, “Tree of life”.

Mesa | This piece is a self portrait depicting not only my physical attributes, but also a representation of my personality.

I began drawing and sketching at a very young age. As I reached junior high school, I found myself quickly excelling in my art classes, winning awards and being asked to enter regional contests. I was encouraged by my family, especially my Uncle Brian, who is an artist as well. My inspiration is driven by the everyday, natural beauty of this world. It is seen in the trees we walk past daily, the wonders of wildlife untouched by man, and the beauty of the human form. I feel that my style is best known for its intricate pen and ink work.

I had always dreamed of being an artist… creating all day through painting, sculpting and sketching. But it was quickly brought to my attention that this was not a practical way to make a living. I also believed this would be a somewhat selfish lifestyle and that does not reflect who I am as a person. I began to brainstorm a marketable way to use my creativity while passing on a positive message. I wanted to take my art off of the wall and into the everyday lives of people. Thus the process was created… follow my passion …stick to my roots… paint and use nature as my inspiration. I would simplify that painting down to a graphic and print it using earth-friendly inks on earth-friendly garments.

Industry blunders? When I made the shift to solely working with earth-friendly products, I was unaware of the extra heating and processing time required to cure alternative inks. I found the ink was fading after multiple washes in the first batch of shirts. I quickly learned that in order to properly cure the ink, the garments needed to be run through the dryer 3- 4 times instead of once with standard oil based ink. I won’t make that mistake again!

The biggest obstacle I’ve encountered is getting my name “out there” and marketing my product. As a small company with a small budget, this is an extremely difficult industry to break into. It is my hope that the action sport industry is going to begin focusing more on independent artists who stay true to their roots and project a positive message, instead of most shops selling the same 5 brands.

I create 2 collections each year. There is a spring/summer line, which is introduced in January, followed by a fall/winter line, introduced in August. The idea behind my product is to make earth-friendly wears for the everyday person. Although my product is higher in quality, it is still affordable. I am mindful of the fact that cost is an issue in the eco-fashion world. I think it’s wonderful in theory, but reality is that the average American consumer between the ages of 17-35 simply can’t afford it. Therefore, my products range from $18-$50 per piece.

As for community involvement, I believe it is important to stay connected in the community. Therefore, Mesa offers discounted graphic design services to all non-profit and fellow earth-friendly businesses. In addition, 5% of all Mesa Eco Apparel & Accessories profits are donated to Conservational International.

Looking forward, Mesa will continue to grow brand recognition and popularity within the industry while staying true to its roots and being more than a clothing line. It will become a way of life, connecting individuality to Mother Earth and community.

m To learn more about Mesa, please visit: www.mesa-enterprises.com and www.facebook.com/MesaEnterprises

m To purchase Mesa gear, please visit www.missmesames.etsy.com m Questions or comment?

Feel free to contact me directly at melissa@mesa-enterprises.com

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Don’t Settle For A Cheap Imitation !

There Is No Substitution For Quality !

HAWAII: 660 Ala Moana Blvd Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 531-9778 CALIFORNIA: 1670 Sunflower Blvd.

Costa Mesa, CA. 92626 (888) 246-5653 Available in 7 Solid Colors

www.wetokole.com

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MY COMMUNITY

. . . Shine for others!

You'reSHINE Designed

By Christina DiMari

to

As A.W. Tozer once said, “Though my fire is not large, it is real, and there may be those who can light their candle at its flame.”

T

he vision started with one person speaking life into me. It has now spread to thousands and thousands of girls all over the world, speaking life into the girls in their own communities.

After writing a six-session life coaching study called, You’re Designed to Shine, I began to gather girls in beach communities all over the world and encourage them on their journeys. During one of these events, I looked at the girls all spread out along the edge of the ocean as they were using a starfish we gave them to write their dreams in the sand.

I was smiling to myself thinking how much I love seeing girls get excited about their lives, go after their dreams and be all that they can be. There were so many girls that needed to be encouraged. That’s when it hit me. ANYONE can do what I was doing! I then wrote a Leaders Guide that easily walks girls ages 8-88 through the steps to gather their own group of girls in their own communities and lead them through the six chapters. This can be done as a one-day event, a weekend retreat or once a week for six weeks.

A Pearl Girl

“When a simple grain of sand enters into the living membrane of an oyster, it causes the oyster fits of conflict and irritation. The oyster’s reaction is to continually coat it and over time, the grain of sand is eventually transformed into a pearl. The pearl symbolizes deep inner change that now shines with beauty outward to the world. The Latin word for pearl literally means ‘unique’, attesting to the fact that no two pearls are identical.

P

earl Girl...

MELANIE PITCHER

All six lessons are drawn from meaningful life lessons I shared in writing my memoir, Ocean Star. But now it is time for the girls to take a look at their own story. m Explore the Dreams you have for your life m Discover the unique way your Star shines m Travel with a supportive Pod of Friends m Uncover Pearls for your Journey from

mentors along the way

m Creating new life by surrendering the old

things that drag you down m Ride the Wave of God’s dream for your life by using your gifts to shine bright for others!

GIRLS SHINING BRIGHT ALL OVER THE WORLD! The premise is basically simple: Pass it on! If you have been blessed, take some time to be a blessing to others. If someone has spoken life into you, take some time to speak life into other girls. Each girl who goes through You’re Designed to Shine then helps another girl go through it. This is by far the most exciting time of the dream landing. Girls and women of all ages are gathering groups of girls all over the world!

HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED

SHINE! Realize no matter how young or old you are, you can be a pearl for other girls and make a lasting difference in their lives. Purchase a set of You’re Designed to Shine to view and see if this is something that you would like to do on your own, and hopefully, lead other girls through.

Find it on our website at www.oceanstargifts.com Much Amore’

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Age: 36 | Living in: Barbados | Fav. color: Turquoise Fav. food: Indian & Thai Curry Books you find inspiring: Ocean Star, by Christina DiMari & Divine Nobodys, Jim Palmer Fav. quote: “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” - Jesus What do you love most about surfing: That it is always different. Different waves, different conditions, different boards, different people.

What do you like to do for fun: Dance, surf, cook, eat, listen to music.

If you could travel to one place in the world, where would you go and why? Tahiti, to sit in the channel at Teaphoo when it is HUGE. Who is your “pod” (favorite people to hang out with?) My kids, and good friends that inspire and uplift me.

Who has been a pearl to you and how? (a pearl is someone who you have learned something valuable from either in person, through books, or through unexpected circumstances.

It is someone who has impacted your life and you have learned something that you have decided to carry with you on your journey of becoming the shining star God designed you to be.) My Granny, my mom, and my friend Lisa Marshall.

What is something that has been a challenge to you that you have overcome? Being a single mother, I wouldn’t say I have overcome because it is always a challenge, however having God by my side makes the hard times a whole lot easier.

What is your occupation: I own and operate a surf travel business in Barbados. I set up surf trips for people wanting to surf in Barbados. I do accommodations, airport transfers, car rentals, surfboard rentals, surf lessons, surf tours..pretty much a bit of everything.

Melanie's Dream...

A BIGGER DREAM of mine that I’ve had for a long time, and that I am now working on...

Is to create a place where people from all over the world and all walks of life can come and experience not only the beautiful waves that Barbados has to offer, but experience the culture and people that make Barbados a special place.

I would like to provide more than a place to sleep: I want to make it a place that offers guests comfort, relaxation, and rejuvenation, and have them enjoy these things not only because of the physical aspects of the accommodations, but by the Heart, Life, and Light that fills its walls... a home where friends are made, laughter is had, and experiences are never forgotten.

For the last 4 years I have been organizing surf trips for surfers who want to visit Barbados. I work with them through emails and phone calls to set everything up for them.

Airport transfers, car rentals, accommodations, surfboard rentals, surf tours, surf lessons, island tours and activities are all things taken care of by me. Everything to make their Barbados experience a great one.

Over the last 2 years, God has been speaking to me about Bajan Surf Bungalow and now more than ever I am BELIEVING it will happen. I also believe my experience over the last 4 years will greatly add to the success of the New Bajan Surf Bungalow.

My Dream...God’s Dream for my life...OUR Dream for my life. It started 14 years ago and today is a new beginning in pursuing this dream.

I’ve been putting it off saying to myself, “This is way too big a dream”, “It won’t happen, little me can’t do it all... has God really put this in my heart?”, but God had been showing me daily over the last few months to get my butt in gear and GO FOR IT! What is a meaningful symbol to you that you have learned from in nature, and what does it remind you of? A pearl. Do you know that one of the most precious and beautiful gems starts off as a simple grain of sand. The sand entering into the living membrane gives the oyster fits of irritation. The oyster coats the sand with Nacre and over time the layers build up and forms a pearl. WE are like the grain of sand when we come to God. He takes us as we are and through the troubles and challenges of our lives(the irritations), He coats us with His grace and love and we become like a beautiful pearl. Admirable and valuable.

How are you using You’re Designed to Shine to reach out to girls in your local community? Over two summers, I have held 4 weeks of Surf and Shine camp where we do “You’re Designed To Shine” lessons in the mornings at my house and then head to the beach for afternoon surfing fun.

So far, over 80 girls have attended Surf and Shine!

Why did you step out to make a difference? This life isn’t easy, our hearts are tender, we are easily hurt, and we go through hard times, everybody does. I get great joy out of sharing what God has done for me, and how Awesome He is. We don’t have to be alone, God is there to help us through. He gives us dreams for our lives that are so great and I like young girls to realize there is a wonderful plan for their life.

What is the most rewarding gift you get from giving light to other girls? For some of these girls, their dream is to learn to surf, so seeing them get up and ride a wave is a great gift!

If you were standing in front of thousands of girls who were coming up the road behind you, what would you say to them to encourage them along their way?

You are all beautiful, and unique. Each one of you are treasured and loved more than you can comprehend, you were made for so much more than the troubles and hurts of this world. Keep looking up and He will guide you all the days of your life. Live your dreams and don’t settle for a life of mediocrity. Go after the impossible, because with God all things are possible.

Website: http://bajansurfbungalow.webs.com Facebook: Melanie Welch Pitcher

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MY COMMUNITY

. . . Shine for others!

You're Designed to

P

SHINE

earl Girl...

JESSICA MCLEAN

Age: 27 | Fav. color: Coral & lime green

Occupation: Recording artist, musician & film production assistant Fav. song: Way too many to name. My favorite as of now would probably be “Desert Song” by Brook Fraser or anything Sufjan Stevens.

Books that have inspired you: The Bible, Ocean Star, The Cross & The Switchblade, Breaking Free, Battlefield of The Mind, Beautiful Boy Fav. quote: “Look up, open your eyes. Today’s a brand new day.”

What do you love about surfing? I love being able to spend time with friends out in the water. The ocean is a place where I can be carefree and have fun. There is nothing like the feeling of the sunshine, the ocean, and riding clean small waves.

What do you do for fun? Play music, fish, travel, surf, wakeboard, cook, go to beach, write, read poetry, spend time with friends & family, anything creative.

Who is your “Pod”? MMy husband Nic, my mom, my dad, my family, and all of my Outer Banks friends. I also have a global pod that I’ve met from my travels!! Thank goodness for the internet and skype.

Who has been a pearl to you? My husband Nic always encourages and inspires me in my music and in all that I do. My mom has always been my best friend, my role model, and encourager. Also, my mam, and my close girlfriends(Corissa, Buffy, & Whitney). So many people have touched my life in one way or another.

What is something that has been a challenge to you that you’ve overcome? My mom got pregnant with me in high school at 16. My dad battled substance abuse and couldn’t hold it together. At an early age I watched him abuse my mom and was constantly fearful of my environment. This cultivated a pattern of putting up walls and pretending like everything was fine in order to cope. My parents divorced when I turned 6 and my dad moved across the country, leaving my brother and me rejected. This was a huge obstacle that took a long time to overcome. I struggled with much insecurity and am still learning to let my guard down and be who God made me.

My own self-image is another battle I’ve had to overcome. I struggled with excessive dieting and exercising in order to satisfy the extreme expectations I placed on myself. I strived to be beautiful and in the process lost all of my joy. It took me a long time to realize that true beauty can only come from the inside out. If I focus on being a beautiful person on the inside, then I will radiate beauty outwardly. I wrote the song “Beautiful” from this experi-

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ence, and I still consistently get emails about how the song inspires and relates to girls going through the same struggles. Therefore, I’m thankful that I went through this journey in order to help others.

What is a meaningful symbol to you that you have learned from in nature? Birds. They choose to sing a melody that echoes through creation.

And I believe that those who wish to sing will always find a song.

How are you using “You’re Designed to Shine” to reach out to girls in your local community? It has been amazing to travel and shine love for others through my music. However, I also feel it’s important to be involved in my local community, the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This last year, I traveled with a group of teenagers to Guyana, South America. On the trip, I was able to connect with all of the girls. It reignited the desire of my heart, to be an encouraging pearl to the younger generation.

When we returned, I had a good friend approach me about joining her to encourage local girls. The first thought that came through my mind was Christina’s “You’re Designed to Shine” study. The first night twelve girls showed up.

The next week, it doubled. I was blown away at the girl’s willingness and honesty in sharing. Each one seemed to take hold of the life lessons, responding in such a vulnerable and genuine manner. They opened up about abuse, family struggles, identity issues, insecurities, and personal confessions. It was a safe environment that allowed them to let go of the many issues they were facing in their lives. I could see the excitement in their eyes each week as they began to find their dreams, shape their identities, and find purpose amidst their circumstance.

When I think of our weekly time together, a few words come to mind: freedom, encouragement, faith, and direction. The study was such

a hit, that we are going to begin another group study in the fall. The girls seemed so blessed, but I am truly convinced that the six weeks of this study blessed me just as much as them. There is no greater feeling than touching the lives of someone else. This is my purpose, this is my dream. Shining bright for others in this difficult world we live in. Going through struggles, overcoming them, and then encouraging another in return.

What is the most rewarding gift you get for giving light to others? Hearing stories of how my music has related to other girls is the most rewarding thing! To see how my struggles can be expressed and recorded through music and in turn inspire others makes the hardships so worth it!!

If you were standing in front of thousands of girls who were coming behind you, what would you say to them to encourage them along their way? No matter what you are going through, never lose hope. God is with you and longs to walk this journey alongside of you. You are beautiful just the way you are. Don’t try so hard to fit into the world’s mold of beauty. Be unique and shine with the special gifts that only you possess! He has a plan for you that will blow your mind! If you begin to let the Lord inside your heart, He will direct and guide you through this life, bringing joy and purpose!!! So begin SHINING BRIGHT today!

Website: www.jessicamclean.com | Facebook: Jessica McLean

MY COMMUNITY

. . .

Sarah

Photos: WahineSurfer.net

DEAN

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The Surf Gallery

. . . Danielle Marvin

Age: 28 | Years Surfing: 4 Years as an artist: I’ve always drawn, but since I grew into my own style... 7 years.

Homebreak: I’m gonna hold my tongue. I surf a place close to home that’s pretty heavy “locals only”. I was lucky enough to be welcomed into the line up after months of taking off on left overs, reef poundings, stink eye, and giving “choke” respect to the locals. So with that said, I’m gonna respectfully pass on this one! hahahah MY SURFING ROOTS... Surf, YES!!! Surfing is my life. Everything I do, the car I drive, the place I live, the jobs I have, and the lifestyle I lead revolve around the ocean and surfing. Surfing is such a huge source of inspiration in my art work, source of energy, and passion for life.

My interest in surfing began alongside my best friend, when my brother and his friends were doing it every day. I think at first we were more interested in the cute surfer boys and then fell in love with surfing after catching our first few waves. However, I never really would call myself a surfer. I gave up any sort of surf experience I had to play soccer on full athletic scholarship to Florida Southern College. IT WAS AFTER college that I became obsessed, and it wasn’t until a few years back that I actually started to catch waves, read them, and do things other then go straight. I started to test myself, train, and ask for help. I totally credit my husband for coaching me, pushing me, and kicking my butt in the water. Then all the guys I surfed with in St. Augustine, Fl. They were always pushing me, telling me to take off on the nastiest wave they could pick out just so I would get worked, get over it, and charge harder. Let’s just put it this way… If you’re told to go, and don’t, you can just consider yourself a bobber-- floating over the waves. No one will give you waves after that. SO... I would go. AND YES, I have gotten so drilled I thought maybe it wasn’t for me. But my passion and urge to be in the water grew even stronger.

ARTIST IN THE MAKING… My father and brother are amazingly talented. Growing up, my father would do architectural drawing and I would sit up with him on his drawing table and pretend I was as good as he was. Then my brother always has this amazing art side of him that I always wished I could have. But mostly, my best friend’s mom (who was just as good as my mom) was such a huge inspiration to me. My best friend and I would spend days, and nights trying to be as good as her, and encouraging each other. It was always a part of my life. Always. My first year of college, I realized how much of an artist was in me. As a freshman, I was living for others, people pleasing, and by the end of the year I decided to be different and seek out the creative voice inside me... then it all began. IF you were to tell me now that I would even have the chance to be interviewed for a magazine about my art, or have people emailing me from around the world asking to buy some of my work, I would have laughed it off and went about day dreaming about how amazing that notion sounded!

I’m so blessed. I am so thankful. I love my life as an artist and surfer.

No matter what leveI I am at with either of the two, I love it. I do it for the love of it, I do it for me, and hopefully somewhere along the way I’ll bring a glimpse of inspiration to someone. Just as I thought being dyslexic as a child was a misfortune, it turns out dyslexic people are usually artistic and deep people. They use a different function in their brain that other people can’t tap into. See, we’re all given things that we can either learn from or grow on, or we can feel that we’re victims of misfortune....which is never the case for me.

I can remember one time that I did draw on the walls. I was old enough to know better, but artists have that “living on the edge” way about them, I guess. I knew I was going to get in so much trouble, but I thought how cool the walls would be, and how boring white walls were...

I will tell you I was a strange little girl. My best friend and I were crazy!

We had imaginations that kept us busy for days. We made the weirdest noises in public to get a reaction out of people. I know kids do strange things....but looking back, we were way out there. Good kids, not much

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trouble, but artistically crazy. Other than setting the back yard on fire, swimming in a pool of milk, burying ourselves in tick-infested dirt, bringing Barbies to school in a shoe box, and listening to NOFX, the biggest part of us was art and surfing. Totally inspiringdo what you want.

OTHER ARTISTIC PASSIONS… I LOVE MUSIC. The song “Misguided Ghost” by Paramore is actually a song I listen to each and every time I paint. I feel like that song was written for me, and gets me started on each painting. I actually can’t paint without music. It helps me with ideas, or helps the flow of my painting strokes. Sometimes, when I finish a painting, I can see the song I was listening to in my work, if that makes any sense. I have to say I am by no means a collector. I love to admire the talents of people, but I don’t really collect things. Actually, I live very minimally. The things I collect are things I carry with me in my heart. I find amazing inspiration in my friends, people I meet, things I have seen, situations I survive, places I go. Anything… Everything! I gather things I love in the form of inspiration, and I use those things on canvas.

MY 3 FAVORITE PIECES & WHY… 1) “King Kamehameha” This painting is so special to me because it was done in the first months of moving to the Big Island of Hawaii. This land is so magical. The best way to describe how Hawaii makes me feel is...magic. Stomach butterfly feelings come to me each time I hear something new about the history of Hawaiian’s and their land. The Hawaiian culture is just beautiful, full of love, and true respect. The Hawaiian’s keep their culture. They respect the land. They give thanks to the ancient Hawaiian gods; they serve blessings to the animals and just live life magically. It’s indescribable. This painting captures through my eyes how special and colorful this land is, and how much love I have for the Hawaiian people and their love of their culture. There are still things that we all read about in story books, living here in Hawaii. I am thankful to walk among them, and it gives me great honor to respect them, their culture, and their land. King Kamehameha is everything I just described and more. He’s the magic that still blesses Hawaii today.

2) “Kipona Aloha” meaning “Deep Love”.

One beautiful evening, while celebrating a very close friend’s birthday, I witnessed one of the most beautiful, playful, and free moments I have ever seen. It was a father/son moment that left me speechless and in a state of awe. You can read about the entire story on my blog. http://www.daniellemarvin.blogspot.com This painting was entered in the Fine Art of America Contest and won first place with the most votes in FAC history. Something crazy like that, I was in shock!

3)”Internal Instinct” As I mention magic over and over again in the descriptions of my work, I say it again. The sea life here in Hawaii is pure magic and breathtaking. EVERY TIME I am out surfing, no matter where it is, the presence of these beautiful turtles blesses us all. They are so sweet and cute. They come right up to you, pop their sweet little face out of the water just as you go by as if to say “Aloha” and then gracefully fly though the waves off to the deep ocean. It’s a gift I thank God for each time I’m out there. I painted this one because the power of animal instincts is amazing. It’s like they can see these pathways, or something,

”Internal Instinct”

“Kipona Aloha” meaning “Deep Love”

“King Kamehameha”

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The Surf Gallery

. . . Danielle Marvin

that allows them passage to the right place and time for survival. It’s the only way I can visually describe instinct.

WHO INSPIRES YOU… I love the artistic inspiration in people. It is not just the art of creative outlets like painting, design or things like that, but the art of living that people put into their unique life. It can be a hip-hop artist from the Big Island, with a lifestyle of surf, freedom, and absolute inspiration. An example of this is my friend, Chad Campbell. He has a vision, a way of life, he does what makes him happy and it’s beautiful. He spits sick rhythms, travels, and goes by the stage name of Splinta The Rat. Check him out. I keep telling him to write a book for all of us hungry for story and inspiration people.

Another example is one of my best friends, Kevin Hibbard. He is one of the most amazing Captian/ Fisherman in Hawaii. He has the heart and soul of true Hawaiian Aloha. His smile alone makes me want to paint a thousand canvases of the brightest colors I can find. He embodies true friendship and is a real person.

Scott, my husband, is so talented and makes EVERYTHING look easy.

He works harder then anyone I know. He listens to my large ideas, scattered mind, and trails of pain throughout the house. Of course there is my family who supports me, and so many of my friends who encourage me.

Good friends like Stephanie, who assures me that everything is going to be alright when I feel my worst. People like Vanessa, David, and Austin, who took us in as Ohana and continue to love us, and Jason, Noah, and Darcy who were there from the start. Love I have received from people all over the world who have really given me confidence to not feel like my work is only something that I love. The list goes on and on and on!!! This is my art collection. These unique walks of life are my collection. The less material things I have to maintain, the more time I have to spend time with my collection. That’s the key to my life and happiness. AND OF COURSE, let’s not forget my biggest inspirations above all others, God and the Ocean!

MY ART STYLE IS… My style is somewhat abstract, bright and tells a story. Each painting is done from a story, event, person, or something that inspires me. They all come from my collection as I mentioned earlier. I guess the best way to describe my style is by how I live. If I meet someone or experience something that leaves a mark on my heart, I paint it. If I meet someone who I know I want to surround myself around, then I pursue and nourish my relationship. If a concept or inspiration doesn’t go well on canvas, I move on. It’s not something I feel is worth pushing, better ideas will surely come. This proves to be true in relationships and situations in my everyday life. If it’s meant to be, it will be. If not, I will appreciate and bless the situation, be thankful for it, but move on. Life shows us the way, forcing it is of no interest to me. We are attracted to people and situations that reveal a specific path. I trust that, and faithfully follow that style in my life and in my painting. It’s brought me to the most amazing places and people. I am a deep lover of the things I fall for. I deeply love my friends and will do anything for them. I am passionate about my work, my life, and everything good or bad along my path. It takes time, but life teaches you how to create your style. Listening to it was the hardest part personally. Living and painting, regardless of any critics, is the HUGE hurtle, but once you hear it, it becomes yours. That’s why my heroes are people who live positive & creative lifestyles as they see fit for them.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & SPONSORSHIPS… For a few issues now, I have been lucky enough to work on the biggest and best magazine that is dedicated to everything I love, WSSM. This magazine is a huge backbone for me. Sandra has been inspiring in her dedication to women’s surfing and women like me who have dreams to live out. She also allowed me to work on the design of the Pro-Section, and even gave me a three page article about my entrance to the art and surf world. I try to help with anything that I can. Right now, I am blessed enough to be working with Jan Sunn on the Rell Sunn Memorial Contest.

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Rell is the reason that girls like me are able to seek passions of the surf world.

Her story and spirit are very special to me, so when I was asked to do the artwork, I almost passed out. It made me feel like my art was worth something. It made me feel like after so many years of painting to an audience that didn’t seem to care; the art world finally took notice.

I am also in the beginning steps of helping Kelly Stevens design a poster for her amazing Tombomb Contest. It teaches people to clean up and respect the beaches. Before the event there is a mandatory, but fun, beach cleanup. Then the girls all go out to RIP! I encourage all girls to visit the Tombomb website and sign up.

It’s such a cool event!

I am sponsored by Kaenon Polarized.

They have put so much faith in my surfing and painting that it gave me confidence and strength to go for it. They are the best people and company, and they REALLY love their athletes. I can’t begin to thank them enough.

Additionally, I just signed with Carve Designs as their artist and surfer. We are in the process of working on some really amazing projects geared toward girls with a positive and creative surfing lifestyle.

They are amazing people, and I look forward to many events and supporting women in any way I can.

FUTURE PLANS… Life. I hope my future holds surfing and art, and I hope my future brings me to a place where I am even happier. No matter what I am doing. I hope to find more love and continue to be blessed with friends, waves, and inspiration. LOTS OF ART AND SURFING! I’m just getting started.

Now that I know who I am, I am just getting started.

FIND MY ART, OR CONTACT ME TO CREATE IT FOR YOU… If you have a project for me, please contact me. I am here to help. Projects, being creative, and surfing is my life. So by all means, give me a call if you have a project you would like some help with. It would be awesome. u danielle.marvin@yahoo.com www.daniellemarvin.com www.daniellemarvin.blogspot.com

Age: 18 Years Surfing: 11 Years as an artist: 16.5 Homebreak: Toes & Diamond Head!

MY SURFING ROOTS… I started surfing when I was about 7. That year for Christmas, my dad got my brother and me brand new Rhino Chaser boards with our names on them. My board was a 7’0 purple rounded pin thruster with white hibiscus. My dad & brother took me out to Pops in Waikiki and took turns pushing me on waves. A few years later, my dad wrecked that board surfing at North Shore. R.I.P. purple thruster...

Play Free Bird!

ARTIST IN THE MAKING… It started with a Tickle Me Pink Crayola Crayon at age 1 1/2. I come from a very creative family of photographers, cinematographers & metal sculptors; my family fed my creativity, encouraged it to grow & have been great inspirations from all types of media.

I get inspired by the ocean, birds, music and mythical creatures..

My parents have definitely been supportive of my art, hanging up paintings all over the house and going to every art show. I could not ask for better fans.

OTHER ARTISTIC PASSIONS...

My dad is a professional photographer. During the summers, I love to help my dad out on photoshoots as a second shooter or assistant. I love poetry and writing, and have written three articles for WSSM. I have been doing hula since I was about 6 and recently started dancing Tahitian. I am currently attempting to learn to play the harmonica as well.

MY 3 FAVORITE PIECES & WHY… 1) Ante-up Gravity (Acrylic paint, Sharpie) This was inspired by a favorite animated short story by Dony Permedi, about a Kiwi bird’s bittersweet first & final flight. Kiwi birds are my favorite type of bird, so the guy is wearing a Kiwi bird mask while flying a paper airplane.

Shutting Up Like a Telescope Ante-up Gravity

2) Shutting Up Like a Telescope (Pen & ink, ink wash) I loved Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. This was inspired by a scene in Tim Burton’s adaptation of the book. It took me 6 months (on and off) to finish; look closely to see the flowers.

3) Play Free Bird! (Acrylic, photograph, newspaper, tissue paper and fine-tip Sharpie) The photo in the center is one of my all-time favorite photos, taken by pioneer surf photographer A.R. Gurrey Jr., during the 1900’s. His photo makes you envy the man flying. So I put it on some canvas, decorated it, and hung it up so I can always look at Gurrey’s picture.

MY ART STYLE IS… Whimsical & irrational. I don’t take it too seriously, if it wasn’t fun I wouldn’t do it. I love the styles of Salvador Dali, M.C. Escher, Margaret Kilgallen, Polina Soloveichik and Deuce 7.

FUTURE PLANS… I plan on skydiving at Skydive Hawaii in the North Shore on exactly August 30th. Then I’m off to UC Santa Cruz in the fall, to study either journalism, environmental studies or animation. Then, hopefully off to Spain during winter break. Pretty much a lot of study time punctuated with surfing, traveling, painting and biking. u

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The Surf Gallery

. . . Elise Nicole K Age: Twenty Fabulously four!

Years Surfing: I like to dream that I was born on the crest of a wave, but in reality I’ve been surfing since I was about 6 years old.. Once I turned 18, I packed up and moved to Hawai’i… that is really I when fell in love with the pursuit for the perfect wave and how to master the lady slide, which I’m positive I’ll be doing for the rest of my days.

Going Slow

Years as an artist: Almost all of my birthday parties growing up had to do with art somehow... painting on tee-shirts or gluing shells on things. Then in high school, I painted a very different style, and my Mom would hang these radical pieces in the house... how graceful she was to support me (thanks mom). It wasn’t until I found myself humbly stuffed in a tiny Manoa Valley studio on the island of Oahu that I decided to dub myself an artist at 18 years old. It was as if my little abode was exploding with my passion for the surf and painting was my way of expressing it.

Homebreak: Pops. Pops. Pops. ohh how I adore Pops!

I’m a total townie at heart. It’s mesmerizing how still and quiet Waikiki is just before dawn breaks, you watch from the ocean as the tiny people on shore begin to wake up and move about. Just as the break fills with fellow waveriders… that’s when I quietly thank the sea for allowing me the pleasure of the first glassy waves that morning. I have lived in a few places over the past few years, so I’d like to give an honorable mention to Tourmaline, and San Onofre in Southern California, as well as Puamana and The Cove on Maui. My darling husband and I have just moved over to lush Kaua’i, so I’ll have to get back to you when I find a favorite break here... any suggestions?

Sunset Cruisin’ Jawaiian Lady

MY SURFING ROOTS... It’s only right to say that our family has saltwater running through our veins, ever since I can remember I was on the beach chasing waves, or in a boat off shore with a fishing pole in my hands. Mom surfed in her younger days, and Dad grew up in sunny California right smack in the middle of the wave riding boom. My first wave was ridden on a cherry red Robert August longboard at Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi, Texas. These days I have a nice little quiver of boards, mostly longboards and one fish. My favorite board, shaped by my friend, the legendary Randy Rarick, is a Hansen 50/50 shape with super heavy glass, 2 inch balsa stringer and a psychedelic 1966 fabric inlay, which I desperately bid on Ebay for. It was my first custom board that I watched come to life in the shaping room, and it holds a trophy spot in my heart.. it’s the one board I will always come back to.. kinda like your favorite pair of jeans.

Everything I’ve ever been taught leads back to the ocean and how she heals us, so surfing for me is really a way to connect with her (mother ocean), clear my head and get back to the basics of what’s precious in life.

ARTIST IN THE MAKING… My passion for painting started shortly after my passion for surfing, when I was 18. After I graduated, there was eagerness to travel away from Texas where I grew up, so I joined the United States Coast Guard and got stationed on Oahu, lucky me. A huge part of my heart and soul had always belonged to Hawai’i from previous times spent here and so the islands always felt more like home than anywhere else. When I got here to Hawai’I, I immediately got serious about surfing, took up free diving, got scuba certified, and scoped out all the great skating spots to take my Sector 9. I began to find myself sketching

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a lot and eventually went down to the craft store to pick up some paints. Within a week or two, my tiny, Manoa Ohana unit was overflowing with colorful canvases portraying my surf sessions, and photographs I had taken. Once people began to make requests for pieces of art, I decided I should make something of it. Each evening after a good surf session, I’d come home, burn some incense and candles, pop in a surf flick and start painting... most times passing out still sandy and covered in paint.

I have a wild obsession with decorating in a very vintage fashion, my abode is decked out with Stoner and Leroy Grannis coffee table books, old fins, shag hanging lamps and bamboo furniture.. I guess you could say those things, along with the ocean and traveling are sources for inspiration. The biggest thing that makes me break out my paintbrush is the gracefulness and determination of a woman mending with the ocean via surfing. Being a lady surfer is empowering and beautiful; it’s really something when you meet a girl who is dedicated to the surf, who will paddle out in anything and make any kind of wave look easy. The ocean teaches you discipline, respect, patience, poise, and shows you how to believe in yourself. It’s very inspiring.

Thankfully, my rad parents have always been a great support to me. By the time art became a hobby, my parents had learned their lesson with my older brother and his ‘crayon on wall’ murals, so they would supply me with sketchbooks and canvas. But I DID as a kid win the “little miss doodle” award from my teachers at the end of my eighth grade year!

OTHER ARTISTIC PASSIONS… I paint on just about anything... driftwood, furniture, ukuleles, and recycled glass panels, but I am also completely passionate about photography, jewelry, and writing. I just recently got into making jewelry when I decided that my shell collection should go to good use. I am an avid shell hunter, only taking shells that are uninhabited of course, and Kaua’i has opened a whole new world with shells. I get especially giddy when I come across a complete sunrise shell!

I am slowly, but surely, working on publishing a book about my surf excursion to Costa Rica!

I’ve read plenty of books about men and their wild journeys, but none so far about women in hot pursuit of waves in a far away country. It will no doubt be a fun read, since it’s basically a typed version of my journal. You can keep up with all the art, jewelry, photography and journaling on my blog. www.elisenicolek.blogspot.com MY 3 FAVORITE PIECES & WHY… Top 3 favorites that I’ve painted? Just three?! That’s hard because the energy that goes into each piece is always an amazing feeling, each different and wonderful! I would most definitely say ‘Sunset Cruisin’ is near and dear to me, I spent a lot of time riding my beach cruiser around on the north shore of Oahu, and this painting really is something you see on a typical bike path day... everyone always tells me the trashcan really makes it Sunset Beach for them.. That’s fun!

‘Goin’ Slow’ is a favorite for me as well, because I used to cruise a 1971 sea-foam green Plymouth Valiant.. it was the ultimate surf mobile, and of driving around Honolulu with my boards strapped on top was like something straight out of a vintage surf flick. I titled it ‘Goin’ Slow’ because that’s how life should be taken.. slowly, and well, old Oscar, as I called him, didn’t go fast anyhow.

‘Jawaiian Lady’ was fun to paint.. my palate was rastafari based and the girl in this piece has a very alluring sense about her. Kind of as if she’s in a jungle somewhere far away from civilized people and all you can hear is reggae beats and jungle animals. *sigh* this is one painting I’d love to melt into.

MY ART STYLE IS… Playful and bubbly, my hopes are that you can be transported to a surreal world where you can let loose, where everything is just groovy and easy going. I have an obsession with painting long, flowy hair. I love the femininity it portrays. There isn’t one style per say that I would claim.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH OR SPONSORS… I would be a million times thrilled to be sponsored, that is no doubt a dream for me someday, and hopefully soon! Being involved in my community and helping organizations worldwide is very important to me, whether it be with my art, or my own two hands. I usually don’t hesitate to donate a print into local charitable auctions and I do set aside a few originals a year to help out a great cause somewhere on our planet. My art has made its debut at some great events, The Surfrider Foundation Art Gala, Chicks with Sticks over in the UK, and The California Surf Museum to name a few of the most recent. I am always totally stoked to be able to help out in any way possible.

FUTURE PLANS… The most fantastic thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time, I borrowed that quote from good ol’ Abe Lincoln, and I adore it! Don’t get me wrong, I do aspire to continue my career as an artist, but what is important to me is taking life as it comes.. I don’t want to miss out on the beauty that surrounds me by getting ahead of myself in any way. I hope to be an inspiration to others in the way I cherish the planet, the ocean, and life in general.

Women’s Surf Style Magazine has always been one of my favorite magazines, and I’m so stoked to be on your pages! Big Mahalo!! I hope everyone gets a chance to drop in to my website and mention that you read this article at checkout, I’ll throw in a lil’ something, somethin’ in your order!

Keep surfing, keep smiling! u FIND MY ART AND CONTACT ME AT… www.OceanGirlArt.com www.elisenicolek.blogspot.com elise@oceangirlart.com wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 121

DUSTIN

shirt: “Rafaga” by Dunkelvolk (dunkelvolk.com) sterling silver bracelet & rings: “Island Pleasure” bracelet, “Indo Lefts, A Frames, Wind n’ Lefts” rings by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) sunglasses: “Flow” lightweight, polarized sunglasses by Filtrate Eyewear (filtrateeyewear.com)

NICHOLE

tank: “Live Your Passion - Retro Stars” by Empowered Clothing (empoweredclothing.com) sterling silver necklace & bracelet: “Sunset” pendant, “Summer Swells” bracelet by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com)

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WINTER / SPRING 2011 LIFESTYLE AND BEACH FASHION “This issue’s beach & lifestyle photoshoot was shot on location in Ka’kaako Beach Park on Oahu, Hawaii, by Danile K. Fine Arts.

The pieces you see in this guide were selected at several industry tradeshows, where we scouted for new brands- most never-beforeseen in WSSM. They offer new styles of apparel/accessories/footwear/etc., that fit well into a surfer’s relaxed lifestyle.

We strive to bring you the very best surf & lifestyle fashion, while still maintaining fit and function... all without breaking your budget!

Enjoy this issue’s fashion guide, and if you see something you like, please support these companies by making a purchase, sending them an email, “liking” them on Facebook or giving them a quick call to let them know you saw them in WSSM, and appreciate them supporting the women’s side of surfing. They will really enjoy hearing your feedback, and we all are thankful for your support.

Want to see what happened behind the scenes?

Log on to: HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com/ wssmfashion.html A WORD ON THE MODELS...

Because we realize that not every woman is a size 2, and most of our readers are active women that appreciate seeing strong, healthy women showcasing clothing that can be worn in daily life and not just on the runway, we chose models that were athletic and strong water women and men. They come from all walks of life and occupations, and patiently dedicated their energy and time... taking time off from their “regular jobs” to be a model for a day, to make this issue’s fashion come alive for you. We hope you enjoy WSSM’s (unique?) and realistic approach to beach & lifestyle fashion.

Thank you to the wonderful WSSM crew for making this such a fun day; Dan Olson, Stephanie Bednarek, Trisha Edwards, Stan & Debbie Olson, Leah Johnson, Bill Edwards and John Olson”

Sandra Olson Publisher / Editor

All photos by: Daniel K. Fine Arts Makeup by Nikki nikki.obayley@yahoo.com Hair & Makeup by Berenice Fernandez, Cherry Bond, Kristin Kuba and Ursula Mazik, from the Paul Mitchell School- Honolulu (http://ulupono.paulmitchell.edu)

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NICHOLE (left)

voile dress: “V501” Elan International (elan-usa.com) necklace: “Under the Sea” collection by trendyjewels.com shoes: Volatile (volatileusa.com)

DUSTIN (left)

shirt: Orka (orkaclothing.com) necklace: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com) jeans: Rock Revival (rockrevival.com) belt and buckle: “Hip Hop Boombox” Buckle-Down (beltsdirect.com) shoes: “Manuka Drift” in brown by Cushe (cushe.com)

NICHOLE (below)

swimwear: Flojos Swimwear (flojos.com.ve) earrings: “African Tribal” collection by trendyjewels.com sterling silver bracelet: “Summer Swells” by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com)

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HEATHER (top left)

swimwear: “Ipanema” Bikini Thief (bikinithief.com) hat: “Carribean” by Sunday Afternoons (sundayafternoons.com) necklace: “Under the Sea” collection by trendyjewels.com

DEANNA (top right)

swimwear: “Dots & Stripes” Poko Pano (pokopano.com) sunglasses: “Molly” polarized Bombshell collection by Peppers (peppersusa.com)

KYLE (bottom left)

shirt: “DKVK” Dunkelvolk (dunkelvolk.com) sunglasses: “Witness” polarized

by Smith Optics (smithoptics.com)

HEATHER (bottom right)

dress: “MD526” by Elan International (elan-usa.com) sterling silver bracelet & rings: “Summer Swells” bracelet by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) leather cuff and pendant: “Lefts and Rights” cuff, “Vision” pendant by Forever Stoked (foreverstoked.com) necklace: “Peace-Love-Hope” collection by trendyjewels.com

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HEATHER (left)

dress: “MD549” Elan International (elan-usa.com) sterling silver necklace & bracelet: “Sunset” pendant, “Summer Swells” bracelet by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) shoes: “Jasmine” by Flojos (flojos.com)

CRYSTAL (right)

dress: “Mia” with Underwater Print by Mesa Enterprises (mesa-enterprises.com) necklace: “Black Sea Jewels” Calypso Studios Inc. (calypsostudiosinc.com) cuff: “Beaded Shell & Coco Cuff” by trendyjewels.com

KYLE (right)

shirt: “Live On Purpose” Empowered Clothing (empoweredclothing.com) fedora: “Hudson” Peter Grimm (petergrimm.com) jeans: Rock Revival (rockrevival.com)

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CRYSTAL (left)

bikini “Olympia” LoveTrueLove (lovetrueloveswimwear.com) earrings: “Sierra” Betty Belts (bettybelts.com) sterling silver bracelet: wave engraved, by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) surfboard: Keoki Surfboards (keokisurfboards.com)

DUSTIN (above left)

shirt: “Typewriter Center Block” Empowered Clothing (empoweredclothing.com) boardshorts: “Honu” Pipe Dreams Hawaii (pipedreamshawaii.com) sunglasses: “Lockwood” Smith Optics (smithoptics.com) surfboard: Keoki Surfboards (keokisurfboards.com)

KYLE (above right)

shirt: Orka (orkaclothing.com) boardshorts: “Cristal” Dunkelvolk (dunkelvolk.com) sunglasses: “Halogen”Polarized

by Filtrate Eyewear (filtrateeyewear.com)

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surfboard: Viking Surfboards (vikingurfboards.com)

NICHOLE (right)

bikini: “Ipanema” Bikini Thief (bikinithief.com) hat: “Experience” Peter Grimm (petergrimm.com) necklaces & bracelet: “The Earth Tone” collection by trendyjewels.com

CRYSTAL (bottom left)

shirt: “Ancient Dial” in black by Jaco (jacoclothing.com) necklace: “Sundance- 40in.”

Calypso Studios Inc. (calypsostudiosinc.com)

DEANNA (bottom right)

shirt: “Walkout” in teal by Jaco (jacoclothing.com) necklace: “Tropical Fun” collection by trendyjewels.com

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HEATHER

bikini: “Black & White Jungle”

by Amigas da Annika Swimwear (amigasdaannika.com)

JAMES (below)

shirt: “Vanguard Respect”

by Jaco (jacoclothing.com) fedora: “Cardiff” Peter Grimm (petergrimm.com) sunglasses: “Flow” Polarized

by Filtrate Eyewear (filtrateeyewear.com) slippers: Frisky Shoes (friskyshoes.com)

KYLE (right)

boardshorts & shirt: Dunkelvolk (dunkelvolk.com) shoes: “Andy Mac” Airwalk (airwalk.com) pants: “Hybrid Training Pant” stretchy & oh-so-comfy, by Jaco (jacoclothing.com) sunglasses: “Witness” polarized glasses by Smith Optics (smithoptics.com)

BECCY (right)

bikini: “Honeycomb” by Honey Girl (honeygirlwaterwear.com)

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NICHOLE (this page - top left)

shirt “Hearts on Fire- Distressed” Empowered Clothing (empoweredclothing.com) shorts: “Stella” Body Glove (bodyglove.com) bracelets: “The Leather Studded Wrap” bracelets & “African Tribal” collection (red) by trendyjewels.com sunglasses: “Banray” polarized by Filtrate Eyewear (filtrateeyewear.com

DEANNA (this page - top right)

coverup: “Gabrielle” Body Glove (bodyglove.com) scarf: Mesa Enterprises (mesa-enterprises.com) sunglasses: “Onasis” polarized by Filtrate Eyewear (filtrateeyewear.com)

HEATHER (below left)

bikini top: H2Oh Swim (h2ohswim.com) boardshorts: “Red Hot Boyfriend” Fighter Girls (fightergirls.com) surfboard: Viking Surfboards (vikingsurfboards.com) traction pad: “Cube” by Sticky Bumps (stickybumps.com)

DEANNA (below middle)

bikini top: “Ipanema” Bikini Thief (bikinithief.com) boardshorts: “Queen of Hearts” Fighter Girls (fightergirls.com)

NICHOLE (below right)

boardshorts: “Blue Balls” Fighter Girls (fightergirls.com)

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To the beach ! (please?)

DEANNA (above)

shirt “Boy Friend T” is super-soft to the touch, by Juli and Fred (juliandfred.com) necklace: “Tropical Fun” collection by trendyjewels.com sunglasses: “Cameo” black polarized gray, Smith Optics (smithoptics.com)

NICHOLE (far right)

bikini: Guria Beachwear (guriabeachwear.com.br) sunscreen: Sun Bum sprayable sunscreen, offering EXCELLENT coverage for all those hard-to-reach areas. Silky smooth, doesn’t sting or burn, and it lasts! (trustthebum.com)

DUSTIN (right)

boardshorts: “Jaque” Dunkelvolk (dunkelvolk.com) beach totes: “Leila” collection by Franchelle Contreras, “Gypsy” by Doris Castle (orange) S.H.O.P. totes (start helping our planet) calypsostudiosinc.com frisbee: ”Fun Gripper Camo Flyer” by Saturnian (www.sat1sport.com)

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DEANNA (left)

shirt: “MD3” in plum, Elan International (elan-usa.com) bead necklaces & bracelets: “Coco Banana 30in.” necklace & bracelet by trendyjewels.com sterling silver necklaces & bracelet: “small circle, medium diamond, large circle” pendants, exquisitely engraved with waves, “Island Pleasure” wave bracelet by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com)

DEANNA (above)

tank: “Hybrid Racer Tank with Sports Bra” in Blue Iris by Jaco (jacoclothing.com) pants: “Hybid Training Pant” with flare leg by Jaco (jacoclothing.com) headband: “BH Baby” Violet Love (violetloveheadbands.com) shoes: “Stylus II” in Silver by Cushe (cushe.com)

DEANNA (below)

shorts: “Stella” by Body Glove (bodyglove.com) tank: “Ancient Dial” standard tank top in Blue Iris by Jaco (jacoclothing.com) Indo Board Balance Trainer: indoboard.com

KYLE (below middle)

shirt: “DKVK” by Dunkelvolk (dunkelvolk.com) boardshorts: “ULU” by Pipe Dreams Hawaii (pipedreamshawaii.com) sunglasses: “Witness” Smith Optics (smithoptics.com) slippers: Frisky Shoes (friskyshoes.com)

ROBBIE (below right)

fedora: “Lawn” Peter Grimm (petergrimm.com) shorts: FlowLuckyFree (flowluckyfree.com) shoes: “Vinyl Frontier Canvas” in white by Cushe (cushe.com)

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photos: HB

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BECCY (far left)

bikini top: “Zuma” by Bikini Thief (bikinithief.com) boardshorts: “Lotus” by Body Glove (bodyglove.com) pipe board: “Pink PipeBoard & Deck” Get your balance on!

This extreme balance board gives a full range of motion so you can perform skateboarding tricks while defying gravity! (pipeboard.com)

CRYSTAL (opposite page- top right)

dress: “Eco Lana Womens Short Sleeve Tee Dress” by Mesa Enterprises (mesa-enterprises.com) hat: “Captiva” by Wallaroo Hat Company (wallaroohats.com) bangle and necklace: “Sea Glass” purple bangle, “Sundance 40” necklace” by Calypso Studios Inc. (calypsostudiosinc.com)

DEANNA (opposite page- bottom right)

shorts: “In Motion” by Body Glove (bodyglove.com) shirt: Orka Clothing (orkaclothing.com) surfboard: Viking Surfboards (vikingsurfboards.com) surf leash & traction pad: “Day Glo” 6’ leash in green, “Alana Blanchard” signature traction pad by Sticky Bumps (stickybumps.com)

RYAN (above)

boardshorts: “Classic” by Pipe Dreams Hawaii (pipedreamshawaii.com)

BECCY (above)

bikini: “The Jewel Leopard” Legal Beach (legalbeach.com) necklace: “Peace-Love-Hope” collection by trendyjewels.com

KYLE (right)

shirt: Orka Clothing (orkaclothing.com) boardshorts: “Tapa” by Pipe Dreams Hawaii (pipedreamshawaii.com) sunglasses: “Witness” Smith Optics (smithoptics.com) sterling silver bracelet & rings: “Island Pleasure” bracelet, “Indo Lefts, A Frames, Wind n’ Lefts” rings by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) shoes: “Boutique Sneak Leather” by Cushe (cushe.com) beach cruiser: BIKEFACTORY (bikefactoryhawaii.com)

DEANNA (right)

romper: “Beleza Romper” Juli and Fred (juliandfred.com) sterling silver necklace: “Sunset” pendant by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) earrings: “MOP Teardrop Earrings” by trendyjewels.com

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Surf photos: Aaron Nakamura HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com

Interview questions by: Matt Olson, Aaron Nakamura, Jennifer Lovelace, Jennifer Cannon, James Olson, Nicole Dewald

BECCY (far left)

rashguard & bikini: “Surfboard” print, long sleeve rashguard and matching bikini by Makena Surf Wear (makenasurfwear.com) sunglasses: “Molly” Bombshell collection by Peppers (peppersusa.com)

CRYSTAL (middle)

bikini: “Sunset” scoop front bottom and bandeau top in Olive, by Toes on the Nose (toesonthenose.com) surf leash: “Day Glo” 6’ leash in orange by Sticky Bumps (stickybumps.com) surfboard: Viking Surfboards (vikingsurfboards.com)

HEATHER (above)

fedora: “Summit” Peter Grimm (petergrimm.com) shirt: Bless Apparel (blessapparel.com) jeans: Rock Revival (rockrevival.com) shoes: “Boutique Sneak Leather” by Cushe (cushe.com) sunglasses: “Banray” polarized by Filtrate Eyewear (filtrateeyewear.com) bracelets: “The Leather Studded Wrap” bracelets & “African Tribal” collection (red) by trendyjewels.com

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photo: HB

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DEANNA (far left)

fedora: “Lawn” by Peter Grimm (petergrimm.com) sterling silver necklaces & bracelet: “medium oval, medium diamond, large circle” pendants, exquisitely engraved with waves, “Island Pleasure” wave bracelet by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) shirt: Orka Clothing (orkaclothing.com)

DEANNA (below left)

shirt: “Script”Long T Cover-up in Mushroom by Toes on the Nose (toesonthenose.com) necklace: “Gold Sea Jewels” Calypso Studios Inc (calypsostudiosinc.com) sunglasses: “Onasis” Polarized by Filtrate Eyewear (filtrateeyewear.com)

ROBBIE (below right)

shirt: “Rafaga” by Dunkelvolk (dunkelvolk.com) hoodie: “Standard” hoodie by Jaco (jacoclothing.com) boardshorts: “Arabic” by Dunkelvolk (dunkelvolk.com)

HEATHER (right)

hat: “Balconi Hat” This patented, unique style and high function make it a musthave, no matter your sport or activity.

It blocks the sun, rain and snow while allowing breathability, protecting eyes and ears from the howling wind, bitter cold, or splashing waters. Made in the USA. (balconigear.com) sweatshirt: “Logo Boxes” by Airwalk (airwalk.com) leather cuff: “Electricity” cuff by Forever Stoked (foreverstoked.com) sterling silver necklace: “medium oval” pendant exquisitely engraved with waves,

by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com)

photos: Aaron Nakamura HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com

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CRYSTAL (left)

bikini: “Malibu” triangle top and blue shorts by Tose on the Nose (toesonthenose.com) earrings & bangle: “Navy Blue & White Sundance” earrings, “Lime Sea Glass” bangle by Calypso Studios Inc. (calypsostudiosinc.com) sunglasses: “Cameo” Smith Optics (smithoptics.com) surboard: Keoki Surfboards (keokisurfboards.com) leash & traction pad: “Day Glo Blue” leash & surf wax, “Angulo” traction pad by Sticky Bumps (stickybumps.com)

CRYSTAL (above)

shirt: “Graffiti” by Dunkelvolk (dunkelvolk.com) earrings: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com) sunglasses: “Hibiscus” polarized by Maui Jim (mauijim.com) hat: “Military Cap” by Toes on the Nose (toesonthenose.com)

RYAN (right)

boardshorts: Dunkelvolk (dunkelvolk.com) beach cruiser: BIKEFACTORY (bikefactoryhawaii.com) sunglasses: “Flow” polarized by Filtrate Eyewear (filtrateeyewear.com) slippers: Frisky Shoes (friskyshoes.com)

BECCY (right)

fedora: “El Dorado” Peter Grimm (petergrimm.com) bikini top: “Blue Rose” Legal Beach (legalbeach.com) boardshorts: “Bruised Boyfriend” Fighter Girls (fightergirls.com) skateboard & big stick: “Kahuna Hydro™ 44” Pro Shredder” longboard skateboard & bigstick by Kahuna Creations (kahunacreations.com)

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surf photo: Aaron Nakamura HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com

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ANASTASIA ASHLEY AGE: 23 YEARS SURFING: 17 YEARS AS A PRO SURFER: 6 FAVORITE SURF BREAK: Backdoor, Kermas FAVORITE BOARD SHAPE: shortboard, thruster HOMEBREAK: Riviera and Backdoor IN THE BEGINNING...

I taught myself how to surf, actually. All my friends in Hawaii surfed, so I wanted to join in. One of my friends who really got me into surfing was Jamie Obrien, who I still surf with. He is always pushing the limits and is so fun to surf with. In the beginning, I actually learned to surf on a boogie board, and then moved onto a BZ soft top, and then onto a shortboard. It was my dream to be a pro surfer, and I also feel it’s my destiny. There was never a question of what else I was going to do.

The first surf break I really mastered is a little spot called “Shores” on the inside of Sunset Beach. It was a mellow, short wave, and never got too big, so it was never scary or threatening to surf. As far as the first surf trick I’ve mastered… definitely my bottom turn; I still think that is the most important maneuver in surfing, since mastering a bottom turn is key to learning any turns. The hardest surf trick to master and that I’m still learning is definitely airs. I’m still trying to master those, just by trial and error, and also by watching surf videos.

My first sponsor was HIC. I was approached by the team manager at the time, and they asked me if I wanted to be a part of the team… they were so cool! As for modeling, I just kind of fell into it. I never thought I’d be a model or anything. It just happened to work out with my sponsors as they began using me for promotional things. It definitely has helped me in my career. I would say I get seen by more people, and also people can identify me with my sponsors, which is a bonus for all involved.

photo: Daniel Russo | photorusso.com

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photos: Daniel Russo | photorusso.com

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THEN THERE WAS PRO SURFING...

The pros and cons of pro surfing are definitely there. I would say it’s a dream job, because I get to surf for a living, and go on surf trips. Some of the cons to it would be that there is pressure to be the BEST, do really well in contests, look a certain way, and also not have any off-days.

Many sports athletes have rituals such as “no washing the socks”, “use the same jersey!” before a big game, and things like that.

As a surfer, when preparing for a contest, I definitely try not to stay up late before the event, getting a minimum of 9 hours of sleep! Very important, I feel.

As a pro surfer, my sponsors expect me to be a good role model, and an outstanding member in the surfing community. Being positive in life will get you far, I’ve learned.I’m currently sponsored by Airwalk, Old Spice, Rusty Surfboards, and Oam. They’re all awesome guys! Airwalk is one of my newer sponsors; they are a really cool company, and we just fit really well together… it’s an organic fit! My favorite Airwalk shoe is definitely the classic “Rio” casual. Love ‘em! This past spring I won the Women’s Pipeline Pro in Hawaii. I was a bit nervous surfing this spot, but I had been training hard, surfing it day in and day out, all of the good days in the winter, so I felt better prepared on the day of the contest. It is so hard to catch a lot of waves out there when it’s good; it gets so crowded, so it was definitely cool to have it with only 3 other girls out. My heart raced with excitement just thinking about it, and definitely on the last day of the waiting period, too. Every day leading up to it was like Groundhog Day, wake up, check the waves, check the call, and it was never on. The last day of the holding period I knew it was going to be the day, and it was going to be a long one. Being out there all winter helped so much, and I was so happy to win. Jamie Obrien called and congratulated me and said “welcome to the club!” I have accomplished a lot of things in my surfing career, but winning at a spot like Pipeline is really special!Have I ever been scared just paddling out at a break? Not so much in contests, but in free surfing…

I have definitely been scared. I just try not to let myself get overwhelmed, and focus on relaxing.

ON BEING A ROLE MODEL AND INDUSTRY LEADER...

As a pro surfer, lots of young girls look up to you as a role model, and it makes me feel proud to do my part. I wish growing up I had more positive role models to look up to, such as athletes that I thought were really cool. I am glad people are able to see what I do, and that I can be a role model for the next generation as well.I’m no Lindsay Lohan (haha!), so I don’t really feel trapped by the fame so far, and the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me about my surfing career was that I’ve had longevity.

I’ve been around for a while competing, so that was nice to hear.

Sometimes a sponsor can present their rider in ads/content/etc., that doesn’t match their personality. But that has NOT been the case with me. I am not a fake person; I don’t put on a front, and so what you see is what you get. Magazines sometimes like to twist quotes, and make things seem more interesting than they are, but that’s just the magazines.

Staying positive and thankful for everything in my life is one of my future and ongoing goals, and I’d love to be remembered in life as a good role model, and a positive person! wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 147

ON THE WOMENS SURFING INDUSTRY...

I attribute the growth in the women’s surf industry to movies like Blue Crush, and TV shows like Surf Girls. I think they showed surfing in a positive light, and showed that a girl can be cute, yet be an awesome surfer at the same time. Of course, we could always use MORE support in the main surf magazines for girls. A company I feel has stepped it up and supported is definitely Roxy; they were the first girls surf brand to really support women’s surfing and the lifestyle. Thanks Roxy!

As for women surfers that I feel have gone above and beyond in changing women’s surfing, it would probably be Lisa Anderson. She was the first face of women’s surfing in the modern times. She was a great personality, and a great surfer. u

photo: Daniel Russo | photorusso.com

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AT A GLANCE...

- Favorite food: Sushi - Slippers or high heels: Slippers and High Heels - Lipstick or gloss or bare: LipFusion by Fusion Beauty - Favorite dessert: Mmm! Ice cream sundae - Favorite song: Walking on a Dream - Last movie you watched: Inception - Favorite guy surfer: Jamie O’Brien - Favorite magazine: Flaunt - Top 3 favorite surf brands: Airwalk, OAM, Rusty - Dream surf destination you haven’t been to yet: Tahiti - Favorite color: Pink - Pets: None yet

- Favorite quote: “You don’t drown from falling in a river, you drown from staying submerged” - Paulo Coehello

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photo: Geni Larosa photo: Chris Grant | JettyGirl.com

MACKENZIE KESSLER AGE: 19 YEARS SURFING: 15 YEARS PRO SURFING: 2 # OF BOARDS IN QUIVER: 15 boards in total, but I travel with about 5 HOMEBREAK: Pipes, Encinitas, Ca IN THE BEGINNING...

My dad has been surfing most of his life, so naturally he taught me…actually I didn’t really have a choice in the matter considering I was four. He first started pushing me into waves in Scorpion Bay, Baja; my family has a house down there and would go for the entire summer and school vacations. It is basically where I grew up surfing. I remember him bringing me out on his seven foot something, bright yellow surfboard, and just pushing me into baby waves for hours while my mom was waiting on the shore to make sure I didn’t drown.

One thing led to another and by the time I was around seven, I could paddle out and catch waves on my own. I grew up in Marin County, CA, outside of San Francisco, so the conditions are more challenging. I didn’t start surfing regularly up there till I was about 14, when I started to surf Ocean Beach, San Francisco. That is where I really began to develop my surfing skills. Ocean Beach represents big currents, cold water, punishing paddle outs, nightmare hold downs, and the thought of jaws lingering below you are just some of the things that run through your mind. I was told that if I learned how to surf Ocean Beach in overhead conditions that I could pretty much surf any kind of wave. Growing up surfing a heavy wave like that definitely boosted my confidence when I went to Hawaii and Indonesia for the first time.Like most people, I started out learning on a longboard and as my ability progressed; my boards just kept getting shorter, thinner, and narrower. I guess what made me choose shortboarding over longboarding was just the feeling of being on a shortboard. I think I was around 10 when I did the switch. I remember the transition was really hard for me, just because I felt so out of control and unstable on a shortboard at first. But then after a while, I got the feel for it. In my freshman year of high school, I really began surfing regularly, and was hooked.

LIFE IS GOOD...

Surfing had a huge impact on my teens; it basically took over my life- other than school. I would go surfing every day after school and drive down to Central and So-Cal almost every weekend for WSA’s and NSSA contests, so sometimes up to an 8 or 10 hour drive. I think that was the only disadvantage of growing up in Northern California…how far away you are from the surf industry and contests. I give a lot of credit to my dad for driving me 45 minutes across the Golden Gate bridge every day to Ocean Beach and doing the long haul to So Cal almost every weekend. Especially, because my first year competing I don’t think I made one heat! It took about a year and a half to really get a feel for surf contests and develop some sense of strategy. In my sophomore year of high school I decided that I wanted to put all my focus on surfing and put college on hold for now, so I made it a goal for myself to graduate high school a year early. I graduated high school in three years and moved down to San Diego shortly after, and have been there ever since.

A LEARNING EXPERIENCE...

I would say one of my worst surfing experiences was one of my best surfing experiences at the same time. I was about 16 years old and it was one of my first times out to Ocean Beach by myself on a big day. It was a 10-12 foot building swell and it took me about 30 minutes to get though the punishing shore break alone, making it out the back to the outside. The first set that came in was really big, so I started to paddle out and barely made it over the first couple waves. The third wave was when I realized I was in the impact zone. That is where I started to panic, which is the last thing you want to do in that situation. I tried to control my fear and just take the next three waves on the head. After the set was over, so was my surf session and I paddled back in. I am sure that everyone who has surfed in bigger surf has a similar story. It was a learning experience and a confidence builder for me because I learned that I could control my fear and handle the conditions. The next time I went out on a bigger day like that I had so much more confidence and just felt more comfortable in general.

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO SURF...

When I think about my favorite place to surf, the Mentawai Islands instantly pop into my head. I have been there twice now and both times the surf has been absolutely amazing. I remember growing up and being obsessed with Taylor Steele films; there was always footage from the Mentawais, like Rob Machado at Macaronis. That’s where my interest in going there first started. Ten years later, I had the opportunity to go on a father/daughter boat trip with girls I grew up competing with and our dads. It was an amazing trip because not only was the surf perfect, but I really got to spend time and get to know these girls that I competed with. Everyone was different outside of the contest environment and we could all just laugh, joke, and surf for the fun of it. When we got back home I couldn’t wait to return to the Mentawais. As it turned out I had an opportunity to go on a trip there only a couple months later with one of the girls from the original trip. We had a blast! My funniest memory from that trip is when we arrived at this one break and it was really crowded, so my friend and I decided to put on thongs and paddle out to try to get more waves…our plan backfired and more people ended up paddling out! I think what makes the Mentawais so amazing for me is not only the waves, but also the culture. For example, it was really flat one day, so we checked out a local village and everyone was so welcoming and kind. It was really nice to see that side of the Mentawais, also. photo: Chris Grant | JettyGirl.com

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GETTING TO KNOW YOU: Favorite color: Green Favorite late night snack: Cereal 5 things we’d find in your car RIGHT now: Wet bikinis, ipod,sunglasses, piles of sand, and Starbucks coffee cups.

Messy or organized: I try to be pretty organized Shorts or skirts: shorts Heels or slippers: Slippers around the apartment and heels going out Lip gloss, lipstick or bare: Lip gloss Surfer dudes or non-surfers: It doesn’t make a difference if a guy surfs or not Favorite band/singer: T. Pain!

Facebook or myspace: Facebook photos: Chris Grant | JettyGirl.com

HOBBIES & FAVORITE PASTIMES...

I try to balance my life with things other than surfing, just so I don’t get overwhelmed or burned out. I love being outdoors, so I take advantage of any opportunities to do that- whether it is beach soccer or going on a run. Recently, my roommate has gotten me into hiking and beach-bike cruising around San Diego. That has been a blast! I am not one of those people who can sit around all day and watch TV; I have to always be doing something, WHAT OCCUPIES YOUR TIME NOW...

I have been living in San Diego for two years now, so training with my coach, and working to save money to travel more on the WQS! SPONSORS... THE KEY TO PROGRESS IN PROFESSIONAL SURFING I like to ride for companies whose product I actually believe in and I know works well. My very first sponsor was Future Fins and I have been with them ever since. I also ride for Billabong, Bubble Gum Surf Wax, and Anarchy Eyewear. I am very thankful for all the support they have given me. Also, my Mom and Dad have been my most supportive sponsors.

SURF TRICKS...

Women’s surfing has come a long way in the past few years. Girls are doing bigger turns, pulling airs, and towing into Teahupoo, so I am just trying to keep up with my generation by going out and trying airs and more progressive tricks like that. Can’t say how many I have landed, but that is one thing I have been working on a lot lately. I would have to say my favorite thing about surfing is getting barreled. It’s really the best feeling, and nothing can ever top that for me. Tow-in surfing is another thing that I have a lot of interest in; I definitely want to try that down the line.

FUTURE PLANS....

My ultimate goal for surfing is to end up on the World Tour. I think that would be amazing if I could pull it off. I am in no rush to do it though, just taking my time feeling out the WQS and really having fun. After I hang up the jersey for competitive surfing, I still want to do something close to the industry.

CONTACT INFO... If you wanna say hello: kenziek@gmail.com u 154 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

JULIE COX AGE: 30 YEARS SURFING: Consistently surfing for 15 years, before that I wouldn’t really call it surfing ;) YEARS PRO SURFING: 11 BOARDS IN QUIVER: 5 HOMEBREAK: Oceanside IN THE BEGINNING...

I fell in love with surfing when I was an 8 year old Jr. Lifegaurd at Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu. I would try to surf the soft-tops with the other jr. lifeguards. There were two girls who were better than I was who I looked up to. My inland neighbors were always heading to the beach and luckily I’d get invited to join them. We would boogie board and surf at Zuma beach. Leo Carrillo, County Line, and C-St in Ventura were the spots I really learned to surf at.

Once I got onto an 8ft longboard, instead of a 6ft thruster, I finally felt like I had come into my own and was a SURFER. When I turned 16 and was able to drive myself and the groms to the beach, I became friends with three girls in my area who also surfed longboards: Kassia Meador, Ashley Lloyd, and Carla Rowland. We’d all meet up and surf Malibu, then we ventured further south into San Diego, Mexico, up to Nor Cal, then on to Australia and other spots around the world. I was stoked to meet those girls who shared my same passion for longboarding and who pushed me in many ways to grow.

LIFE WAS GOOD...

Surfing absolutely shaped my life at this time. My first job was at the camp store at Leo Carrillo State Beach which is a gorgeous right point break. I’d work all day, surf on my breaks and then camp overnight so I didn’t have to drive the 30 minutes home into the valley heat, and I’d also save on gas money. I went to UC Santa Cruz because I wanted to be able to surf. Santa Cruz is where I got my first sponsor. I felt a lot of support from the girl’s surf community up there. My surfing progressed a ton because of the heavier surf and because I was trying so many new boards from great Santa Cruz shapers at the time (Jed Noll, Dane Perlee, Bob Pearson, Michele Junod).

I was competing in the California Coalition club events (Swamis, Malibu, Santa Cruz, Baja mostly), the Women on Waves in Capitola, some USSF events, then I went to Australia for the Noosa Festival of Surfing, which was my first pro event. I had a couple of companies sponsoring me with product back then. When I was 20 the team manager of Roxy approached me, which was great because their product is super cute. I made money when I got coverage in magazines and I got to be a part of the most influential women’s surfing brand.

I rode for them for 8 years, but decided it was time to spread my wings as I began getting frustrated with them and my expectations weren’t being met. I was in this for the fun of it, and wanted to get back to my roots and why I was surfing to begin with.

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photos: Moonwalkerphots.com

A GAME CHANGER...

My worst surfing experience happened one day in December, 2003. I heard there was a good NW swell, so I drove up to Rincon. It was a south wind, low tide, and the swell wasn’t very good. I was tired from a contest I had just attended in Baja, but since I had driven far- I paddled out anyhow. On my 2nd wave I caught a small inside chop, dug a rail and slammed into a submerged rock, breaking my right leg in three places. Thank goodness there were some great Samaritans on the beach that day that carried me up the trail and drove me to a nearby hospital where I had emergency surgery.

In that healing time, I thought maybe it was a sign that I should pursue other things and that a career as a surfer wasn’t going to work out.

It was winter and I was dating a non-surfer at the time, so I just slowed down. The ocean was out of sight and out of my mind. I finished a massage course while healing and began that career path when I was able to stand again. Some time later, I rode my first wave again at C-St. in Ventura... that first wave only deepened my love for surfing. The simple trim I felt on the 1 foot wave made me want to work harder than ever to, at least try my hardest, to fill my life with surfing once again.

THE JULE COLLECTION...

The inspiration for creating my own line of “jewels” came from the guests at Las Olas, the surf camp I work at in Mexico. I really created this line for them because here were these new surfers who wanted boards and there just weren’t that many boards designed with females in mind. I wanted to create a non-intimidating board buying experience and a community. The boards are unique because they take into consideration different body types, different waves, and different women. They have a subtly feminine look and shine in the sunshine. I’ve been able to express my creative side through the shapes, logo design, website, and just overall feel, and I have a great time connecting with my buyers and helping them choose their board. Of course I ride these boards in contests! I mostly ride EPS versions (epoxy foam- it’s more alive feeling and buoyant). I have been in love with the Diamond for its classic shape, single fin and heavier weight, which I love in smaller surf. My other favorites are the EPS Sapphire and Emerald. The Sapphire is a pin tail which is great for maneuverability, and Emerald a square tail for stability.

WHAT OCCUPIES YOUR TIME NOW...

This past year (2010) I finished shooting for an IMAX movie called “The Physics of Surfing” which will be in science museums throughout the world. I took a surf trip to Australia, competed in the Women’s World Longboard Championships in Biarritz, France, taught surfing at Las Olas Surf Safaris in Mainland Mexico, and co-curated a new exhibit on the history of women’s surfing at the California Surf Museum in Oceanside, CA. I am currently the Operations Manager at the California Surf Museum, which is a non-profit aimed toward preserving our surfing heritage. It is a 40 hour a week job indoors, but I feel really lucky to have a great job surrounded by items, people, and stories of surf. I do art and massage on the side and I feel these pulls stongly on my heart and mind. Lately my free time has been limited, so time with friends, working on my house or garden, or free surfing are priorities to me now. One cause I am involved with is the Keep-A-Breast organization. Their goal is to educate the youth about the early detection of breast cancer and to live a healthy lifestyle to help prevent cancer.

CONTACT JULIE... www.juliecoxsurfing.com • www.julecollection.com • www.surfmuseum.org • www.keep-a-breast.org u

JOY MONAHAN AGE: 24 YEARS SURFING: 16 YEARS AS A PRO SURFER: 6 BOARDS IN QUIVER: 9’x21”x2 5/8”, 5’6”x19”x2 1/4” SPONSORS: Toes on the Nose, Dakine, Xcel, Honey Girl, Guy Takayama Surfboards, Hoven

IN THE BEGINNING...

My dad taught my three sisters and me to surf when we were younger. It became our family activity--going out surfing together. The very first time my dad took us out to Diamond Head, I was six years old.

Soon after, a coworker told him he should take us to Waikiki. Once we started going there I was hooked. I have a lot of fun memories surfing with my sisters during the summer days in Waikiki. I really started to surf a lot when I was about eight or nine. Besides surfing Waikiki, I would surf the Aina Haina area (Secrets, Lefts). About 99% of the time, I would surf with my sisters. When I was 13, the summer before my freshman year of high school, I decided I wanted to start competing and try to improve my surfing skills. I loved the feeling of pushing myself and always trying to improve.

LIFE WAS GOOD...

Though the option was there to shortboard, I started out longboarding and basically stuck with it. Nowadays, I probably shortboard 75% of the time when I’m freesurfing, but still stick with longboarding when I compete. I love both longboarding and shortboarding and feel they can complement each other. Shortboarding helps me learn to create speed with my longboarding, and longboarding helps me smooth out my shortboarding. After graduating Kaiser High School, I moved to Utah to attend BYU. After my freshman year, I really missed being able to surf and compete, so I transferred to BYU Hawaii in Laie for two years. During those years, I traveled and started to compete on the professional level. In 2008, I won the ASP Women’ Longboard World Championship in Biarritz, France. It had been a goal of mine since I started to compete to become a world champion one day. I picked up two new sponsors after winning Worlds (Xcel and Hoven Sunglasses), and continued to have the full support from my previous sponsors.

SURFING’S CHALLENGES...

I don’t think I’ve ever had a horrible surfing experience. The worst thing that ever happened to me was surfing Waikiki. Someone let go

of their board going over a wave just as I caught it, so the board shot back into me and cracked a couple of my ribs.

Competing has taught me a lot of things, like how to be more patient out in the lineup, work on being in the right position, and following through on every wave.

MARRIED AND LOVING IT...

I married my high school sweetheart in Dec of 2006. Drew does know how to surf, but would rather be on the golf course than out in the water. He has been 100% supportive of my goals in surfing since we first started dating and has continued to support me throughout our marriage, which I am extremely grateful for. Some friends were concerned that he doesn’t surf, but it actually is kind of nice to have time to ourselves, me going out surfing and he going golfing. Of course, we love doing other things together--watch movies, hike, play with our nieces and nephews, chores, etc. Hopefully one day, we will be able to take our kids to the beach (or the golf course) and enjoy family time there. :)

PRO SURFING BRINGS SPONSORS... like Toes on the Nose!

I feel very blessed to have the support of my sponsors. All of them have been very supportive, even when I was living in Utah eight months out of the year for school. A really good friend of mine, Belinda Baggs Peterson, used to ride for Toes, but changed sponsors.

When she changed, she recommended me to the Toes family and they decided I would be a great fit. I was so thrilled to be riding for a fun, stylish, family-oriented surf company. Toes really cares not just about their product, but about their riders and workers that make up the Toes family. It’s icing on the cake that Toes continues to produce cute products that fit my lifestyle.

WHAT OCCUPIES YOUR TIME NOW...

I just graduated in April from BYU in accounting, but don’t have a job yet. I barely came back from going to France for the ASP Women’s World Championships in Biarritz. I placed third this year and was pleased with my surfing. My husband surprised me with a few days in Paris after Biarritz, which was an awesome way to end our trip. Since I’ve been in Utah going to school for the past few years, I haven’t done much traveling except to France during the summer. Now that I’m done with school, I hope to be able to travel and surf a lot more.

photos: Paul Teruya

JOY’S WORDS OF ADVISE FOR OTHER SURFING WOMEN...

As a female surfer, I think the best advice I can give is to always have fun. My parents taught me to “work hard, play harder”.

I do enjoy competing, but I really just enjoy being out in the ocean, experiencing Mother Nature, and building friendships through the surfing community. u

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photo: Nikki Brooks

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in her Nicaraguan Surf & Yoga Resort “Pro surfing doesn’t last forever. Sooner or later we all end up getting “real” jobs. Then again, why not keep surfing, traveling, exploring, and inspiring?

Of course, the problem is figuring out a way to make a little money doing those things. A few years ago I fell ridiculously head over heels in love with Nicaragua. The warm water, uncrowded waves, unexplored coastline, beautifully friendly people, and affordable lifestyle hooked me. I had always considered that starting a women’s surf retreat would be my natural next step once I stopped getting checks in the mail from surf companies, and Nicaragua became my target destination. Luckily, I’m still getting a few sponsorship checks, but I founded Suave Dulce (which means Smooth and Sweet in Spanish) to be able to bring adventurous ladies who want to learn to surf or improve their skills with a professional surfer, to this place I call paradise.

I’ve found that yoga has really helped my body, mind, and surfing, so that is a big part of the experience, but it’s also about connecting to the people and the place. After years of travel, I realized that most memorable experiences didn’t occur in the ocean. Of course, I remember great waves and fun sessions, but some crazy adventure we had on the way and the people I met were what really stayed with me. Nicaragua is totally safe and filled with wonderful people that unfortunately live in absolute poverty. It’s a ripe environment for both adventure and giving back.

Recently, I hosted my first group of ladies. They were a women’s surf club from Huntington Beach called Wahine Kai. Here’s what a few of them had to say about their trip.” HOLLY BECK wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 161

Cathy Young – Wahine Kai President

“Holly was the perfect “surf hostess” for the ladies of Wahine Kai Women’s Surf Club (based in Huntington Beach, California, www.wahinekai.org) during our visit in April. She arranged for every detail of our adventure, from the driver who took us from the airport to the house, to the house itself; making sure it was equipped with an awesome chef and yoga instructor, to personally taking us to her secret surf spots that cannot be found on a map. She paddled out with us and gave us surfing tips, stood on the beach capturing video footage, then making great surf videos for us to re-live the experience over again with our family and friends. She led us on afternoon excursions to see the local attractions and arranged for boat rides to our secret spots and remote local establishments!

Holly’s 24 hour-a-day presence made the surf trip very enjoyable for us and it gave us eight days that we will never forget…”

photo: Nikki Brooks

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Rhea Cortado...

“It’s always an adventure in Nicaragua!” Holly Beck says to us ladies all crowded in an open-air pick-up truck bed, as the vehicle moves at a trotting speed on the rocky dirt road. Our impromptu chauffer is Holly’s neighbor who happened to be driving on the main thoroughfare and saw our chick parade marching from a nearby surfer’s bar and restaurant and gave us a lift. Surfing is the only certainty on the itinerary when you are at Holly’s Suave Dulce Surf and Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua.

Through the course of the weeklong trip, we find out that anything can arise between sessions at the peaky beach breaks. Living in Nicaragua is an unpredictable adventure and when stuff happens, the community has your back—like how we stumbled upon a Good Samaritan and got a free ride home. And on another day, we borrowed a kid’s bike to summon help when our car broke down.

As a talented waterwoman, with more than a decade of full-time experience as a professional ripper under her boardshort belt, Holly started Suave Dulce to be a mentor for women that are looking to step up their game. When Holly took up part-time residence in the northwest coast of Nicaragua, she saw it had the trifecta of requirements to host a surf and yoga retreat—a variety of waves for all skill levels in warm bathtub water; safe and friendly atmosphere and scantily inhabited beaches.

“I want to give back to the sport of women’s surfing. Something that I’ve noticed in surf camps, especially in women’s surf camps, is it’s the blind leading the blind,” Holly says. “It’s women who can hardly surf themselves that are doing the surf tours and lessons. My goal was to be the intermediate coach, where I’m not pushing girls out into their first waves ever. Instead, they know how to paddle hard and make it to the outside, they have their own surfboard, they know how to catch waves, but they need that extra help. They want to learn how to duck dive or they don’t know good wave selection and want to learn.”

Unlike on the mainland, where I surf dawn patrol before work outnumbered by bros, the eleven of us girls are the only ones in the water almost every day all week. Here amongst friends, I don’t have to prove that I deserve to be in the best take off spot or worry about pissing off any aggro dudes. Everyone gets a turn. We don’t mind backing off if it means one of our friends gets stoked. In fact, we like to share our shred-ability knowledge wholeheartedly.

One of the girls may look up to me as an example of how not to pearl while riding a bigger board on a steep wave. I may look up to one of the longboarders who has a knack for making quick turns in the fast, sectiony beach breaks. Thus the chain of little surf sister to big surf sister continues, all the way up to the biggest sister, Holly, who watches over the whole family.

“Paddle! Paddle! Paddle!” Holly yells when she sees one of the girls stroking towards the pocket. She’s had some solid attempts, but had yet to catch one that counts. Finally, the stars align. A wave is pitched straight to her and seeing her make it is like reliving the first time you got your First Real Wave! We all cheer, “You were ripping! That was a sick one you caught!”

Holly has made her camp deliberately testosterone-free. She wanted the experience to be a nurturing environment where the women would not be self-conscious, let go and have fun trying anything. A weeklong girl’s night out.

“When I first learned to surf, I really didn’t have any girlfriends to go surfing with,” Holly says. “The thing that I miss most about doing the tour is the camaraderie of all females. I do a lot of trips with boys. It’s fun and all, but being with women is just a different dynamic. We are sillier. We can giggle more. Girls are more supportive of each other, more encouraging, and I think just more fun.”

Towards the end of the week, when our biceps are burning and cease to work from four days straight of paddling, we sand off the extra longboards and hang out on the inside for a change. Riding little curls on a jumbo board is all about shaking our moneymakers for the camera. Holly busts out with an arabesque, headstand and even “the cockroach.” Heat winner!

As with any underdeveloped country, there are hiccups in electricity, mosquitoes nipping at our legs, and reminders to ration clean water.

These conditions may be temporary novelties for us on vacation, but on a visit into the main town located 40 minutes inland from where we are staying by the beach, we’re reminded that this is the norm for most of the native residents and in some cases, they are much worse.

On top of all the aquatic sliding fun, understanding the 360 degree snapshot of Nicaraguan culture—from visiting the other expats that have put down roots in the area, to physically pumping the well at Holly’s home—there remained a crucial piece of the adventure. If we were going to borrow the riches of Nicaragua’s waves, we had to restore the balance by contributing something in return.

So, we hauled suitcases crammed full of clothes and toys brought from the U.S. to the nearby town where approximately 1,000 displaced people live next to the city dump. The government relocated the people there following a natural disaster in their original residence and then forgot about them. There are limited job opportunities, so they scavenge at the dump for things they can use or sell. During our donation distribution, the parents pick up clothing and soap while the kids are stoked on the plush toys and blowing bubbles.

Why was this “giving back” so important to Holly? “The tipping point was being in Australia for 6 weeks, not really surfing, doing way too much partying and just asking, “What am I doing with my life?” I want to do more meaningful activities where I’m interacting and giving back to the local people and also having more interesting adventures,” says Holly of why she quit the pro tour and reevaluated where she wanted to live and what she wanted to do there. Around the same time, a visit to Nicaragua answered all her questions.

“I have four younger sisters” Holly says. “So I like that relationship of kind of being the guide and the one that goes beforehand. It is almost like life coaching. It’s not just about surfing or doing some yoga, but about getting away, reconnecting, seeing something different, putting things in perspective, going out of your comfort zone and realizing that the things that you see in the news aren’t reality. All these pieces together are eye-opening.”

Adriana Estrada...

“Anticipation is addicting. One month before I traveled to Nicaragua to join 9 women from LA (of whom I only knew one) for a surf adventure with Holly Beck, I couldn’t stop looking at maps of Nicaragua. I was reading the history of the country, researching malaria statistics, looking at video and pictures of Holly surfing, packing and unpacking my bag, and emailing with the women on the trip. Every minute that ticked by was one moment closer to a week of paradise. I was living in the future, not the present.

When we arrived at the Managua airport, we were tired, but happy. Luis, our driver, met us as expected and patiently and kindly wrangled us and all of our luggage into a huge van with no seatbelts or air conditioning. That was ok. It was part of the anticipated adventure and we were taking risks that we wouldn’t at home in the name of adventure travel.

Driving through the Nicaraguan landscape was magical. We commented openly about the volcanoes and the bull sharks in Lake Managua - everyone excitedly sharing facts and figures that they had learned on the Internet in the days before the trip. Everyone nodding in agreement about what they were learning. Three hours later we pulled up to the house and were greeted by Holly who radiated friendship, excitement and kindness. We didn’t arrive at some camp or hotel, instead we arrived at the house of Holly’s friends, Zack and Kim. They were our co-hosts who also played the roles of chef and yoga instructor, and they were equally welcoming. Zack was quieter and, understandably, made a quick exit since 10 women bursting forth from a van and running in all directions claiming beds, checking out the pool and running to the beach was a tad overwhelming. Little girls at a birthday

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above photo: Nikki Brooks

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... continued from previous page

party and women surfers at a tropical beach have a lot in common. As soon as I plopped my bags on the bed, a handful of us strapped on bathing suits, grabbed boards and threw ourselves into warm water. The waves were somewhat blown out and big, with no real shape, but it didn’t matter. We were happy to have arrived and anticipated the perfect waves of the next 7 days. It was awesome.

Starting the next morning at 4:30 am, and for the next 6 days, our daily rhythm was breakfast, pack the van, drive to the beach, surf, back to house, breakfast #2, nap, lunch, lounge, yoga/massage, lounge, dinner, bed. During and in-between our activities, friendships were forged, jokes were told, pictures were taken and silliness at every opportunity ensued. There was never a dull moment.

On day 6, I had an eye-opening and life-changing experience. We went to donate clothing and help feed the children of the Chinandega dump. These children are the victims of poor social welfare and planning. In 1995, many communities were destroyed by hurricane Mitch.

They lost their land, animals, crops and their way of life. Instead of moving the communities to an area where they could rebuild their lives on farmland, they were moved to a plot of untillable land next to the Chinandega dump. This community is a suburban subdivision of ramshackle huts with no running water or electricity. The children suffer from malnutrition and the bacterial infections that cause distended bellies. The kids and their mothers scrounge through the dump’s daily offerings to find anything that is recyclable or usable for building, wearing, or playing.

The girls, who can’t afford an education after the age of 13, usually end up having more children. It’s an existence that we, the visitors, condemn as having a bleak and desperate future unless radical action is taken. There is a church organization from Georgia that has put together a feeding program, health clinic and community center for the community. Luis Navarro is the man who is helping, along with many others, to make a difference in these kids’ lives. He not only offers and inspires hope, he is actually doing something about it.

We arrived at the feeding center and distributed the clothes and toys we brought. We spent time talking to the children, taking their pictures and distributing lunch. At that moment, I realized that what I suffer from in my life is nothing to what these kids suffer on a daily basis. On the other hand, I realize I have a responsibility to participate in making their life better - not just through donations, but through the choices I make on a daily basis through advocacy, choices, and participation. The trip to the Chinandega dump was the perfect complement to our surf experience. No longer can surfers show up to a place, tramp all over it and leave. Nicaragua is not there for the taking, it’s there for a global experience where you contribute your ideas or hands to make it a better place.

The trip in the van back to the airport was mostly silent. Everyone was reminiscing about the perfect wave they rode, or making silent commitments to get better at surfing. Some of us said the trip was too short and we needed 3 more days. We all talked about the dings, the cuts, and the bruises as though they were victorious battle scars. While we were all excited to see family and friends again to tell them about the amazing stories and share photos, one topic dominated our ride back - when we would come back and do it again.”

Mary Barbour...

“It seems like everywhere you turn these days, there’s a new surf camp cropping up. I’ve seen people who barely know how to surf themselves start a surf camp. Yes, it’s true. Basically most surf camps are there to teach, well, the basics. It’s hard to find a surf camp that focuses on taking your surfing to the next level. My search was over when an email with the subject line “who wants to surf with Holly Beck in Nicaragua?” popped up in my mailbox. I booked my ticket, jumped on a plane with 9 other women and set off for a surfing adventure with Suave Dulce.

The first thing that struck me about Holly was not that she was just stoked on surfing and living in Nicaragua. It was that she is just super stoked on life. And her “stoked-ness” is infectious. Literally, the second we got there she had us grabbing boards and paddling out right in front of the house. Nothing like some warm Central American ocean water to wash off over 10 hours of travel funk! We surfed until the sun kissed the horizon, and then headed back to the house for some post surf cervezas. We were officially on Nica time.

The next morning, and every morning following, we woke up at the crack of 4 AM. Even the roosters were still asleep. Holly would roust us from our tropical slumbers. The coffee was brewing as we would load the cars with boards.

Holly was the queen of the board stack, piling up to seven boards on a car within minutes. Surfers are slaves to the tides and we were no exception.

The surf was best between 5AM to 10AM and Holly made sure we were on it. I mean, this was a surf trip, right?

Throughout the course of the week, there were three spots that we frequented. Here we had our share of uncrowded, warm water

waves. We were the crowd. There was no fighting for a wave or dropping in. The only yelling was the cheering when one of us caught a good one. We were a bunch of bikini-clad happy campers, soaking up the sun, sea and surf. The local kids were friendly and amused by the gang of gringas who had invaded their beach.

Between sessions, we loaned them our boards. Watching them surf was just as fun as surfing ourselves. Holly would film our sessions from the land and sea. Equipped with her GoPro helmet cam, Holly would follow us on waves and encourage us to get on the bigger sets.

She would coach, motivate and push us through our self-imposed limitations until our arms became lifeless noodles. After each surf session, we would be giddy with exhaustion and hunger. We’d end our mornings with a delicious breakfast made with the local fare, followed by a well deserved nap.

Due to the time of year we were there, the surf would be blown out by the afternoon.

What was initially thought to be a bummer was actually a blessing in disguise. This gave us time to explore our surroundings and immerse ourselves in local culture.

We’d while away our afternoons visiting someone whose dog just had puppies, taking turns riding a horse, checking out the eco retreat being built down the road or going for a boat ride down the coast. We also spent a day volunteering at a local dump site where families, whose homes had been devastated by a hurricane, were living. As much as we were in Nica to surf, this was the most memorable part of the trip, solidifying the fortune that graces our individual lives.”

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Stephanie...

“People ask me “Why would you join a women’s surf club?” My answer, “because I’m tired of getting snaked by my husband and my sons”. Plus, they plan some pretty fun trips. When Wahine Kai sent a message that Holly Beck was planning a surf retreat in Nicaragua and the club wanted to set up a trip for 10 women, I texted my husband...”I wanna goooo!” his reply was “You should just go”. Yippeee!!! That’s all it took for me to book my ticket to Managua.

The fun started before the departure. Holly sent emails about the surf conditions, how to best pack duffle bags bags full of donations to distribute to the local kids, and how to organize board bags to get as many boards down there as possible... Her energy was powerful, even through email... and I was amped to get down there. It was freezing in LA the night my husband dropped me off at the airport... but I kissed him goodbye and looked for other girls with board bags... we were all pretty much strangers to each other... but a couple of drinks at the airport bar later, we knew each other’s names... sort of. We had a little more time to get to know each other during the three hour ride from Managua to Holly’s camp, and the girls seemed cool enough.

Our van, it was loaded with 20 boards and 10 (49.5 pound) duffle bags when we rolled up to the beach house. Holly was waiting in the driveway to help us unload- tan and ripped like no woman surfer I’ve seen before... pretty intimidating, but whatever.

She was stoked and so were we... soooo ready to get out of the hot van and jump into some 80 degree water.

Conditions weren’t ideal that afternoon and Holly was laughing at us, but we had to surf... now. A couple hours and injuries later, we got to know each other a little more over dinner... and learned Holly was not just “our surf instructor and host”, but was staying with us all week and planned to take us to different surf spots, film each session, and be our tour guide.

Awesome!! I was expecting “Hi, I’m Holly Beck; let’s surf for an hour, and then I’ll see you tomorrow!” Not at all like that... at all.

The next thing I know it’s 4:30 in the morning and Holly’s wide awake rousing the beauties... it’s pretty warm, so it’s easy to kick the sheets off and shuffle towards some hot coffee. We loaded up the vehicles and headed to a good “somethin’ for everyone” surf spot, we had the whole spot to ourselves. The group’s surfing abilities ranged from beginner to seasoned. Holly set up the video camera on the beach and charged it with the girls. The beginners got coached into waves, the intermediates were pushing themselves to take it to the next level and not pearl in front of Holly, and the best surfers were probably the most stoked to be sharing waves with a pro... and since it’s a “camp”, she couldn’t be all “get off my wave, woman!”... she was hootin’ and hollerin’,

photo: Nikki Brooks

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dropping in behind the surfer and getting it all on her GoPro helmet cam.

4 or 5 hours later, we headed back to the house for a solid gourmet.

This was the daily routine, and each afternoon and/or evening, Holly was stoked to take us around her little village and show off the local color.

Whether it was making friends with 12 year old Miguel whose bike she “stole” to go find help for the car troubles that seem to follow her around the globe, or dancing with 100 fishermen and their novias during their big “Semana Santa” celebration, or surprising her ex-pat friend Boddi who was stoked to show us his gig and get us riding his new horse.

We visited the eco-lodge for afternoon cocktails, lost track of the way home and got picked up by the local “friends” to make it home for dinner by dark. We found new shortcuts to different surf spots, took a boat ride along the coast to the Marina and were turned away because Daniel Ortega and Hugo Chavez were vacationing there (I repeat, there was NO mooning of Nicaraguan or Venezuelan presidents involved, it was just a figment of your imagination)... Holly took us to visit her house, met her doggies and took turns pumping her well, which worked out pretty good for her boyfriend Ryan who got out of the chore that day.

I can’t write about EVERY adventure, but if it sounds like too much fun and possible exploitation of an untouched world, let’s back up for a minute. From the beginning, Holly asked if anyone wanted to visit the local dump. This is where over 100 kids scavenge for their daily sustenance, and we would be bringing them toys and clothes. We all wanted to go and “be charitable”… I guess I was expecting to feel sorry for them... since they have so little.

Instead, I learned about myself, through my interactions with the most selfless, loving, happy kids I’ve ever met. They don’t “want”, they don’t expect, ask, beg, need... they are happy. Is that hard to believe? I can’t explain it, but when I gave a kid my hat, he tried it on, laughed, smiled, passed it around to his siblings who did the same, then put it back on my head, like we were playing a game. He didn’t want it, and it was a really cool hat. Each of us So-Cal girls was moved to tears and touched by the hearts of these people. We know nothing. Our understanding of happiness is so polluted; this 110 degree day was refreshing.

Holly kept saying, “I still can’t believe you guys don’t know each other!”

Holly has a bunch of sisters, so I think breeding “sisterhood”, was an unintended side-effect of her company. She has a way of finding the best in people, and noticing the flaws in people, but accepting them regardless, without judgment. If you have ever been around girls, you’ll know what I’m talking about. This wasn’t a competition. It wasn’t a popularity contest. It wasn’t a beauty contest. But I surfed alongside a pro, had the time of my life, felt pretty cool, and left glowing with inner peace and beauty, and feeling pretty good about hanging with the Wahine Kai friends... who are all coming to my birthday party next week. Too bad for us Holly’s in Nica! Love ya, Holly, thanks for an awesome time. I hope other girls get to experience what we did. Peace out!” u

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SURF SHOP DIRECTORY | WSSM OAHU

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MAUI

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Hawaii (area code 808) . . . . . . . . . . . .

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KAUAI

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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 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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Malibu’s Surf Shop (Ocean City)................................ 410-289-3000

FLORIDA

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NORTHERN FLORIDA 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NORTH CAROLINA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Girls Who Surf ....................................................... 808.371.8917 www.girlswhosurf.com

SOUTH CAROLINA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

April Grover’s Surf School ................................... 808.561.7142 www.surflessonhawaii.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 .............. 808.205.0335 Sunset Suzy Surf School ..................................... 808-781-2692 www.sunsetsuzy.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

Wrightsville Beach Surf Camp & Lessons ......... 910-256-7873 www.wbsurfcamp.com

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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Little Overhead Surf Lessons (Eastham) .......... 508-240-1455 www.littleoverhead.com

EL SALVADOR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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:

R&R THERAPY AND SURF INSTRUCTION Specializing in Children with Special Needs ..... 818-787-6889

Dr Ding’s Westside Surf Shop ............................. 808-335-3805 Akamai Surf-Lihue................................................. 808-632-0797

Costa Azul Surf Lessons (Laguna Beach, CA) www. costaazul.net ................................................ 949-497-1423

CALIFORNIA:

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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Island Native Surf House Surf Lessons ............. 956-772-7100 www.islandnativesurf.com South Padre Island Kiteboarding Surf Lessons 956-772-1098 www.southpadreislandkiteboarding.com Galveston Beach Bums Surf Lessons .............. 409-515-0587 www.galvestonsurflessons.com

NEW JERSEY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7th Street Surf Shop Surf Lessons ..................... 609-391-1700 www.7thstreetsurfshop.com

VIRGINIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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 Aaron Nakamura | HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com C.M. Olivieri | WavesGoneWild.com (California) Dave Gregerson | 20Foot.com (California, Intl) Dale Basye HologramVision.com (California) Elliott Wong | WahineSurfer.net (Hawaii) 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)

Titus Surf School ................................................ 870-370-SURF www.titus-international.com

Kaz Sano | KazSano.com (Hawaii - Intl)

Hotline Surf Camp - Virginia Beach .................... 757-428-6703 www.hotlinesurfboardz.com

Nicole Sanchez | BehindTheLensMaui.com (Hawaii)v

Surf & Adventure Surf Lessons & Camp Virginia Beach ...................................................... 757-721-6210 Norfolk .................................................................. 757-321-9551 www.surfadventure.com

172 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Mary Radcliffe | Rip-Pics.com (Florida) Paul Topp | PaulTopp.com (Hawaii - Intl) Spike | SpikeRaymond.com (Hawaii - Intl)

SURF REPORTS 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 BARBADOS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Barbados Surf Trips Phone: 1.246.262.1099 www.barbadssurftrips.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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SunZal Surf Tours www.sunzal.com FIJI - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Matanivusi Surf Fiji www.surfingfiji.com Nagigia Surf Resort Phone: (679) 333 7774 www.fijisurf.com

INDONESIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - G-LAND Jungle Surf Camp - Bali Phone: (62) 361-777649 www.g-land.com

Oregon Surf Adventures (Cannon Beach) Phone: 503.436.1481 www.oregonsurfadventures.com

Bobby`s G-Land Surf Camp Phone: (62) 361.755588,762364 www.grajagan.com

Ossies Surf Camp & Lessons (Newport, OR) Phone: 541-574-4634 www.ossiessurfshop.com

Padang Padang Surf Camp Phone: 62 81 337 737210 www.balisurfingcamp.com

South Coast Kiteboarding & Surf Lessons (Corpus Christi, TX) Phone: 361-949-3278 www.southcoastkiteboarding.com

MEXICO - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pescadero Surf Camp - Baja Phone: (52) 612-130-3032 www.pescaderosurf.com MOROCCO - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Taghazout Surf Camp Phone: (34) 971 306 992 www.nomadsurfers.com Villa Argane Surf Camp Phone: (34) 971 306 992 www.nomadsurfers.com NICARAGUA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Suave Dulce Women’s Surf & Yoga Retreat www.surfwithhollybeck.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 Cannon Beach Surf (Cannon Beach, OR) Phone: 503-436-0475 www.cannonbeachsurf.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 Surfing Rabbi (Venice Beach, CA) Phone: (310) 877-1482 www.Surfingrabbi.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) 205-0335 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

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 Islands Surf Camp | Phone: 310-866-1941 www.isurfcamp.com

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Debbie Walker, a Dewey Weber team rider, enjoying WSSM at her local surf break in Florida. Now that’s a fan! | Photo: Jimmy Walker

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Taiwan in evening glory | photo: Moonwalkerphots.com

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