S/F 13
$9.99 U.S. & CANADA
32
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Germaine
Queens, in Waikiki, Oahu Hawaii Photo by: Kazuto “Kazu” Toguchi | www.ameblo.jp/okinawan-aloha
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Kaitlyn McGuire
Pipes, San Diego, California | Photos by: Paula Bickford
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Letter from the Publishers It’s a Saturday morning in late June, as I sit in bed thumbing through all my sales books from the past 10 years. I’m looking for last-minute advertising prospects, hoping to find one or two, maybe even three that I might have overlooked and let slip through the cracks. You see, since day one, ad sales have been the driving force behind WSSM, keeping it alive and growing.
PUBLISHERS: Sandra & Dan Olson EDITOR: Debbie L. Olson
CFO: John Dotson
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Renee Williams, Sandra Olson, MT Bourque
Thanks for being the greatest “Bean Counter“& CFO!
Never having received a penny from an inheritance, our parents, or a loan, has made building our magazine an on-going challenge- especially this close to print, and in this economy, when every penny counts!
WRITERS: Sandra Olson, Dan Olson, Tia Calvo, Amanda Crostic, Rachel Kathleen Stallings, Carolyn Palma, Renee Williams, Amanda Rigney, Shelsea Brown, Teresa Hodge, Deborah Irvin, Zofia Karubin, Bethany P., Christina DiMari, M.T. Bourque, Holly Beck, Karissa Correa, Tracy Rubert, Roxy Saffaie, John Olson, Christina Frankel, Jenny Yoon, Morgan Hoesterey, Mary Osborne, Lindsay Schwarz, Gina Bradley
As I thumb through, it’s like a trip down memory lane. Waves of emotion go through me as I see names of brands and their decision makers, flip before my eyes. SO MANY people have come and gone. Managers have switched companies- but are still deeply involved in the surf industry. SO many others have simply closed their doors and disappeared completely.
WSSM STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Dan Olson, Tia Calvo, Daniel Kawasaki- Daniel K. Fine Arts, John Olson, Dave Gregerson- 20foot.com, Dale Basye - HologramVision. com, Gabriel Fernandez, M.T. Bourque, Karissa Correa, Rachel Kathleen Stallings, Chrissy Swain, James Vybiral
I feel incredibly blessed to still be in business after 10 years of trying so hard to support and grow the women’s surfing industry. But I also can’t help but feel annoyed as I flip through the pages, revealing those you would have expected to support- never having done so. Notes, comments, complete with times to call them back for final decisions stretch on endlessly before me. And yet, so many of the entrys next to the “Big Guys” of the industry remain completely blank. Take your top 10 biggest surf companies (with the exclusion of a one-time ad run in 10 years by Roxy- supporting their team rider, Sally Fitzgibbons, on the front cover) and there’s still nothing written. Barely a contact name or email address for most of them, because of their “gatekeepers” due diligence in refusing to pass our information along to the right person in marketing and advertising. NOTHING! No response, no call backs, voicemail after voicemail being left... silence! No response, no support.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: WahineSurfer.net, PaulTopp.com, Teresa Hodge, GaryMsCreations.com, Shelsea Brown, leadingedgephotos.com, Jim Whitney, Aaron Nakamura, Daniel Russo, Christina Frankel, Wilber Bergado, Meghan Whitney, Cat Slatinsky, Alex Irvin, Darrell Wong, Justin Bastien, James Vybiral, Casey Rossi, Greg Chapman, N. Adams, Michael Rovnyak, Sean Davey, Buffy Archer, Ella Garth, Jessica Swenson, Ken Pagliaro, Meg Haywood-Sullivan, Chris Grant, Nick Sopczak
Photo: Wayne
As I see the blank pages next to their names, I’m once again reminded of how far we still have to go in this industry, and how much the girls truly need our magazine as a voice in this “good ‘ol boys club” we call the surf industry. It’s also a stark reminder of WHY I started WSSM to begin with. Because I loved to surf, and wanted to make a living at it, without ever having to put on a contest jersey, or start a bikini company. WSSM was supposed to be a breath of fresh air in the all-to-commercialized industry, and I believe it still is today!
Publishing a women’s surf mag is very much like surfing. So hard in the beginning. Waves will beat and beat on you, threatening you with the fear of failure, testing how badly you really want it...
As I close the last notepad of prospects, I’m once again face to face with the reality that the “big guys” may never come on board, return my calls, or even acknowledge that we exist in their world... but, oh well. I’m (almost) used to it by now! Though I may be forced to give up on them, I must never give up on our vision and our goal... ever! I must find new ways to generate revenue in order to keep the last remaining American surf mag for women on US soil, thus providing a platform for positivity, love and respect for female surfers. With or without the big guys (and God willing, of course), we will continue to do so, one day at a time, one new brand and advertiser at a time, one new issue at a time. You see, publishing a women’s surf mag is very much like surfing. SO hard in the beginning. Waves will beat and beat on you, threatening you with the fear of failure, testing how badly you really want it. But it’s the waves you catch along the way that keep you going back for more, inspiring you, making you want it all the more. The happy faces of featured girls, beaming parents, and proud surf coaches as they see their well-deserving girls in an international publication, is the wave that keeps me going. The adventure of the unknown future, and all the people that we’ve yet to meet and tell their stories. THAT keeps me going!
INTERNS: M.T. Bourque, Lauren Fraser FASHION COORDINATORS: Rebecca Palma, Trisha Edwards, Sandra Olson HAIR & MAKEUP: Malia Aloy MODELS: Lorena Miller, Carley Sizemore, Michael Manning, Lodyn Manning, Izzy Poulin I.T. DIRECTOR: Stan Olson I.T. MKG DIRECTOR: Joachim Hill-Grannec SEO DIRECTOR: John Palma EDITORIAL & PHOTO SUBMISSION: (regular mail) WOMENS SURF STYLE MAGAZINE P.O. Box 22853 Honolulu, HI 96823 or ONLINE: www.womenssurfstyle.com Publisher reserves the right to edit all submissions for content/space purposes at their sole discretion. Upon receiving, all submitted materials become the property of WSSM with full reprint rights, and will not be returned. Please send copies of your originals. WSSM is published twice yearly. Distributor and advertising information can be obtained by visiting womenssurfstyle.com. No portion of WSSM may be copied or reproduced in any way without written permission/consent of WSSM editor/publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. All surf photos submitted to, and seen in WSSM, are for content purposes only and remain the sole property of the individual photographers. Reproduction in any way is strictly forbidden. Contact info for photographers may be obtained by visiting their websites. Copyright 2003, WSSM Women’s Surf Style Magazine All rights reserved. Printed in Hong Kong.
This issue may be bringing the first ten years to a close... but I’m not giving up. In fact, we’re just getting started! So bring on the next ten years!! We’re ready for the challenge, and excited about it, because the girls- and WSSM, are here to stay! See you in our next decade- and we’re so glad YOU are a part of our journey. Let’s continue making history together!
Sandra & Dan Olson
WSSM Publishers/Editors Cover photo by: Aaron Nakamura Surfer: Brittany Penaroza, Oahu Hawaii
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In This Issue
She Surfs
LIFESTYLE
46 BEAUTY BOX | ASK ROXY Makeup tips & product reviews for surfers, from celebrity makeup artist, Roxy
48 Sexy Surfer Hair and How You Can Have it Too 50 How To Pick the Right Heels, Master the A-Frame 52 Get Fit For Surf Trips! 55 Sun Kissed Skin Eat Your Way to Beautiful Skin 55 Our 3 Favorite Sunscreens 56 Yoga On The Dunes 58 Movie Night Zero to 100, DONE, The Heart & the Sea 60 Poetic Expressions My Malibu Wave, The Lone Surfer
She SUPS
Jessica Bellofatto108
Poetic Expressions 60 “Finally, (sisters), whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” -- Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
beach
fashion2013
130
SURF STOKED... live, breathe, surf
24 RAILS & TALES WSSM Surf Retreat: El Salvador 38 RAILS & TALES Canada’s Emily Ballard 42 RAILS & TALES Hanging 10 in Taghazout 62 Surfer Girls Of Summer A Lifestyle Pictorial 68 The First Wave 69 KOOK! by Ana Monsanto 70 The Kwiecinski Twins 71 Shaping Change Build Your Own Board to Shape a Better World
72 Get Stoked Caribbean Style 74 Life Lessons from the Ocean: OPPORTUNITY 76 Reader Submitted Surf PIcs
MY COMMUNITY
88 Meet the Brands URT, Akela Surf, Chiclid Hats 90 SHE SURFS ! Hannah Blevins (90), Kelly Laide (91),
Brittany Marie Keifer (92), Breanne Deam (92), Brittany Penaroza (93), Ava McGowan (94), Caralynn Orbell (95), The Viesins (96), Zoe Benedetto (98), Lily Richards (99), Bailey Rosen (100), Kiyomi Sheppard (101), Chelsea Roett (102), Maddie Ryan (104), Helina Beck (106)
SUP COMMUNITY 108
SHE SUPS ! Jessica Bellofatto (108), Katie McAnena (109), Judi Harrison (110)
112 Stepping on Liquid Blue A Rincon SUP Retreat 116 Surf SUP Tips Making it to the Outside 117 How To Do Pidgeon Pose wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 15
SURF ART & MUSIC GALLERY
118 MEET ARTISTS: Joan (118), Kristin Marie Wetzel (119), Sandy Fraser (120), Chris Ambrose (121)
122 Q & A with Siren Williams 123 On Stage with Steph Haenn 123 Music Reviews: Ben Howard, Safety Orange, Powder for Pidgeons, Martin Harley
CONTEST SCENE
124 Malta India Junior Pro Puerto Rico 126 Pipeline Women’s Pro Oahu, Hawaii 128 Billabong XXL Awards California 129 Margaret River Pro Australia
PRO - FILES
152
Australia’s Nikki Van Dijk
Bikini Guide
Summer
78
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152 Nikki Van Dijk 156 Coco Ho The Legendary 158 Tanika Hoffman South Africa’s Sweetheart 160 Meet Up & Comer Makani Adric 162 Italy’s Valentina Vitale 163 Hawaii’s Very Own Malia Ward 164 Amy Murphree from Puerto Rico 166 Growing Up On Oahu’s North Shore Honolua Blomfield, Isabella “Izzy” Walker, Zoe McDougall
other goodies
78 SUMMER BIKINI GUIDE 2013 86 CENTERFOLD Hottie Lee Dahlberg 130 FASHION GUIDE 2013 Beach & City Fashion
wssm essentials
18 This Issue... ONLINE WSSM Website Giveaways 20 Voice of the Surfers Your Voice Being Heard! 22 Industry News Surf Industry News and Culture 170 Surf Shop Directory 172 Surfer Resources 173 Global Surf Camp Directory
Advertisers
6 Azul Surf Club 4 Avianca 107 Beatnik Trading Co. 31 Charming Shark Jewelry 105 ChicLid Hats 178 Chick Sticks Surfboards 105 Coffee Talk 17 El Salvador 23 Exceed Wetsuits 175 Fernandez Photo Art 47, 175 Flokoko Surf Company 174 Gary M’s Creations 61 Gone Surfing Hawaii 155 Gregerson Photography 8 Honey Girl
21 Honu 174 Indo Board 2, 57 LUV Footwear 47 Malia Aloy 59 Mizata Point Resort 105 Nukumoi Surf Co. 174 Ocean Star Gifts 31 OnIt Pro 75 Paddle Diva 107 Raw Elements 174 RV’s Ocean Sports 105 Second Wind 51 Sensi Bikinis 57 Sprout Watches 175 Surf-N-Sea
19 174 37 49 180
Sweet Waterwear Tasty Crust Vista Las Olas Wave Riding Vehicles WSSM Women’s Surf Retreat
T O nline womenssurfstyle his Issue...
PREVIOUS issues... After 10 years on newsstands, feel like you’ve missed an issue or two? NOT ANYMORE! Log on to womenssurfstyle.com to read previous issues... for FREE!
.com
Central American Surf Retreat Tour! In April of 2012, WSSM made womens surf media history. We invited women and girls, from all walks of life to join us on a surf adventure, and hosted our very first women’s surf retreat at Azul Surf Club, In El Salvador! (See page 26 for a detailed look at this amazing retreat) Business professionals, entrepreneurs, yogi’s, college students, highschoolers and mothers joined us for a time of relaxation, amazing surf, GREAT food, and culture. We spent our days surfing double sessions, relaxing in hammocks (while dreaming of our next session), eating to our hearts content, enjoying yoga and even an incredible massage to work out our sore muscles. What made it truly special, is that even though most of us had never met before, there was a camaraderie that developed so
quickly between the women, and just rippled through the lineup. Cheers would ring off the surrounding cliffs from our photographer, videographer, and noodle-armed surfer girls taking a break on shore, as one of the ladies in our group dropped in on some of the best waves of her life. Quick to root her on, then jump in excitment as she exited... such an encouraging enviroment was created that several of the guys in the lineup actually confessed they wished we would all cheer for them like that! Haha ! It was a trip we’ll never forget because James Vybiral, and Gabriel Fernandez were there every step of the way, documenting and capturing our crazy antics, tender moments and triumphant rides. And everyone got a copy of their surf pics and video, too! How cool is that! Look for our upcoming short film to be released in late
CLICK & WIN
In the meantime, you’ll get to see little tidbits from the trip via social media blasts and youtube updates... so be sure you stay tuned in online, and dont’ miss the action! The trip was so memorable, we’ve decided to do it again... and again.. and again! In fact, WSSM is hosting an awesome CENTRAL AMERICAN RETREAT TOUR in 2014... and YOU’RE INVITED! First stop- PERU, at the world famous, Chicama. The longest left on earth! WOW! Next stop, NICARAGUA... known for it’s beautiful empty waves and mint green water. Up next? PUERTO RICO... just a hop and a skip from the USA, and a quick trip for those always wanting to go, but never having made time for
FREE
ZERO TO 100 The Lakey Peterson Story
Autographed edition of this amazing film of one girl’s rise to surf stardom, and the joys and abstacles encountered along the way. Excellent film!
2014, where you’ll get to meet each and every one of these amazing women, and enjoy the trip right along with us.
facebook.com/womenssurfstyle every month from Oct. ‘13 - Mar. ’14 for your chance to win!
OCEAN STAR
A dramatic story of hope, and amazing journey of healing. We each have a destiny to be discovered, a light that is meant to shine and a journey before us yet to be explored. By Christina DiMari.
“WSSM” WAX COMBS .. BY WAX BUDDY
The WAX BUDDY incorporates a scraper/comb/cupped rail edge, and it’s trademark is the handle-- that provides incredible leverage.
Winners every month !! FREE Goodies !! Visit womenssurfstyle.com for all the details & information
CHICLID HATS
Birthed in Santa Cruz, CA, this unique and playful hat brand designed specifically for girls offers fun and useful sun protection whether it’s on the beach or in the water.
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Learn more about the tour, and how you can be a part of it, online at womenssurfstyle.com You’ll want to sign up fast though... because once it’s full, you’ll have to wait till 2015 to go with us again! We can’t wait to surf with you... and capture it all on film for you to remember, forever!
FLOKOKO
goodies every month! Log on to womenssurfstyle.com or
it. Go with WSSM, and you’re in for the time of your LIFE! Up next will be PANAMA, a favorite of WSSM. Tucked away, hours from civilization, this rugged landscape boasts breathtakingly empty waves and warm water. There’s truly a wave here for all skill levels. Rounding it out... COSTA RICA! Known as a destination for beginner surfer girls due to it’s mellow and inviting waves, we’re excited to welcome all newbies and always-wanted-to-be-a-surfer girls to join us on this last stop on the WSSM tour!
Original, exciting graphic tees and tanks... designs & styles for ladies that prefer salty over sweet. Flokoko- A hot new name in women’s surf fashions, with a hippie grunge edge!
STORM SURFERS 3D
Risking it all to surf the most dangerous waves in Australia, best friends Ross Clarke-Jones, and Tom Carroll, chase down storms during the Winter season of 2011 with the help of surf forecaster Ben Matson.
SURF ART by JAY ALDERS
SAND GONE GOODIE BAG
An amazing, dry body powder that, when applied to sandy skin, removes the sand and salt completely, leaving it soft and clean. Excellent for cleaning up after the sand box, playground or wherever one encounters sand. Complete with a bar of Almond Coconut soap.
Vivid, beautiful surf art by world reknowned surf artist, Jay Alders. Prints, I-phone cases, apparel, slippers and more, adorned with some of the world’s most beautiful surf inspired artwork.
V
oice of the Surfers
Life Lessons from the Ocean I am writing to you with the hope that you might be interested in some articles I have written titled... ‘Life Lessons from the Ocean’? Each time I go surfing I always learn something different about the ocean, but I also believe that each time we surf the ocean teaches us something about ourselves too. A friend told me about you in a recent conversation we had about there being more to surfing than surfing. So I checked out your website and then spent several hours reading through it all and the blogs, which I love. I would love to contribute!” Angharad R. Newbury, U.K.
WSSM: As always, we welcome stories from our readers. WSSM is a platform for ALL women’s voices to be heard! Check out one of the “Life Lessons from the Ocean” by Angharad, on page 74 20 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
WARM FUZZIES “I can’t thank you enough for your magazine! It truly drives me in my own surfing reading about other women’s experiences. I also love learning about all the great surf spots to visit and the article about the shark bites was amazing!!!! I am a surfer/sup yoga instructor in Panama City Beach FL and your magazine always keeps me up to date with it. Surfing tends to be very male dominated and it only drives me to get more girls in the lineup when I read this mag and see these amazing ripping women. It gives me warm fuzzies!!!” Heather S. | Panama City Beach, FL
I WON THE GIVEAWAY! “I recieved my ChicLid hat in the mail today and I love it! Thank you so much, I’m going to wear it all summer! It’s so cute and I’m going to tell all my friends about ChicLid Hats!” Lexi W. | Suffolk, VA
SUBMITTED ARTICLES “I am a huge fan of your publication and the many aspects of female surfing your magazine covers. I think this is a very exciting time in female professional surfing. Everyday seems to bring an interesting development in it that deserves documentation. The current state of female surfing, as far as developing exposure, is comparable to the men’s side of the sport in the 1980’s. Everything is new and exciting on all levels of the sport. That being said, WSSM in particular, seems to be providing more exposure and insight to female surfing than the other publications out today. I would love the opportunity to be a part of future endeavors your magazine is involved with.” Scott C. | Belmar, NJ
WSSM: Thank you for the support and
very nice email! We’re stoked to have your articles in WSSM, and look forward to many more in the future. READERS: check out Scott’s written work in this issue on pages 58 (Zero to 100- movie review) and 129 (The Margaret River Pro).
THE WSSM SERIES “I got the entire series of WSSM issues in the mail today and am loving them all! So much fun to be able to read them from the beginning of the magazine’s evolution! I just wanted to say how much I love your work and am so glad you started this magazine for real surfer girls! Like me! I’m about to do the “bum” exercises from the very first issue. Thanks again for all you’ve done!” Holly H. | Wilmington, NC
I WISH I COULD SURF... “I recently ordered your current issue of WSSM to be sent to my granddaughter, Colette. She was so excited when it arrived that she took her own pic with it. Doesn’t she look happy? She wants to learn to surf this summer before she leaves to work at a youth camp in the East. Maybe I can hold the magazine while she tries her luck at the beach. I’ll read out the instructions, lol. I wish I could still get in on the act of surfing. However, I had a hip replacement 2 years ago and am not supposed to even jog. Tomorrow morning, I’ll be WALKING my first 5k in 24 years! At 71, I am probably going to get 1st in my age group! Thank you for your magazine!”
WSSM = REAL GIRLS! “I heard all about WSSM from Larissa M., my teacher. She recently published an article in your magazine. I think that this magazine shows true girls. It shows how they have the power, and are not just show-offs. I want to try surfing, and learn this summer. I LOVE your magazine because it is real. Real girls, real people, real activities. Thankyou for your time, Surf’s up!” Anna L. | Sunny Isles Beach, FL
I READ THE MAG “I recently read my first issue of WSSM and was instantly captivated by every article. I read the magazine cover to cover, in awe of the inspirational stories, like the Cuban Surfers that defy the norm simply by doing what they love: surfing. As an aspiring journalist/ photographer, I was eager to turn the page and find out what else was to come from your 2013 winter issue. I have been surfing since I was five, placed in local competitions, and am never able to get enough of the ocean. Your magazine directly relates to me as a surfer, singer songwriter, guitarist, artist and sailor. My dream is to write for a magazine as inspiring as yours, and was wondering if you ever offered internships or would ever consider having a high school student write an article for you. I know it’s a risk, but I also know that if you weren’t one to take a risk, you wouldn’t be able to call yourself a surfer. Thank you for inspiring me and taking my request into consideration.” Steph H. | Lansdale, PA
WSSM: Your wish is our command. Read Steph’s stories on page 68 & 123!
Renate M-D. | Atlanta, GA
SPEAK YOUR VOICE: Want to see your letter in WSSM? Log on to WomensSurfStyle.com, and click on CONTACT! Become a FAN at facebook.com/womenssurfstyle Share your surf stories, favorite surf spots & brands, what surfing is like in your area, or perhaps recommend a friend for a WSSM feature. We’d love to hear from you!
IN ews
ndustry
ONIT PRO SUP WAX
($3.99) SUP’s.... Check this out! OnIt Pro has developed a SUP deck and paddle wax that is all natural based and has a high melting point designed to provide extra grip and traction. Specifically designed for SUP’s and paddles with a UV inhibitor to ensure that the wax won’t slough off, or flatten out. Tested and proven by professionals. Wrapped in recycled paper, printed with recycled ink, and made with organic ingredients. www.onitpro.com
LUV FOOTWEAR
Simple BEN Fashion meets surf-function with a new style of jewelry from Simple Ben. A fully functioning surfboard fin-key for FCS and future fin systems, made of marine grade stainless steel and strung on a colored adjustable 18” cord. Handmade in America, and available in several colors and metal finishes... we think this could be one of the best stocking stuffers any surfer would be happy to receive this Christmas season! Learn more at www.sbsk.com
publication giant that owns practically every other major action sports magazine? AND they almost immediately shut it down (amid rumors that it was simply purchased to shut down Surfer & Surfing’s biggest advertising competition). Hmmm... So much for diversity in the media in the coming years! So what’s next for women’s surfing, and the industry in general? We’ll just have to wait and see... and keep you all posted.
($40) A super comfortable new shoe for home, work or yoga is now available! Ballet inspired slip-ons that are lightweight and form fitting, featuring lycra uppers and EVA bottoms. Available in so many colors and prints, from stylish to trendy... Choosing which ones to wear will be your biggest decision! www.luvfootwear.com
INDUSTRY CUTS
Major changes have taken place this year for the big brands of the industry. DC no longer has a USA BMX or surf team, Quiksilver and Roxy will no longer be involved in skate. DC womens and Quiksilver women & girls have been discontinued completely, cutting their team riders, and high level marketing staff as well. Whew, should we keep going? There’s more! Billabong reported losses of $500,000,000 (that’s 500 million!) over a six month period (whaaaat!), and Quik, though it completely cut it’s womens team, will not be making any cuts to their European teams. Why support the US girls when you’ve got the rest of the world to support, huh? Though Stephanie Gilmore DID get picked up by Roxy, it all makes you wonder what the heck is really going on in surfing! Maybe, now that Steph is officially on the Roxy team, they could create a video showcasing her skills as a surfer, and not just her beautiful body. But we’re not holding our breath on it. Selling out, and yes, that’s what we believe the big companies have done over the past few years, is not going to help them get back on track, and increase support amongst the true surfers their brands were built on. The backlash surrounding the Roxy Pro Biarritz sneak peak video has proven just that. These big companies need to get back to their roots, depict women in the way they SHOULD be- and not solely as sex symbols, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll gain back the audience they’ve slowly lost over the years. Nike and Analog both pulled out of surfing last year (what was Nike doing in it anyway, we have often wondered?), and ALL of the women’s triple crown contests were also cancelled. Did we mention that the last sole remaining voice for mens surf mags was also gobbled up by Grind Media... the
BEACHTUFF
($299) Getting to the beach just got a lot more convenient! beachTuff™ has introduced a top-of-the-line beach chair (The Lazee™) which features a weather and salt resistant aluminum frame, dual cup holders, storage in both arm rests, a contour padded pillow, and hooks for towels and bags. The foam padded seat edge is super comfortable, and comes complete with a padded footrest. But that’s not the best part... combine it with The Move™, a handy cart/ table/cooler, that serves as a side table wiith an additional storage compartment. The non-slip surface comes with cup recesses, and there’s even a slot for your
umbrella! An extra large bungee net with clips and a pull-out platform allows for additional hualing capacity. You can even put a SUP on this, along with all your other beach gear, for one simple trip to the beach. Made in the USA. Folds compactly for easy storage. www.beachtuff.com
DIVACUP
($31.99) Menstruation for the eco-conscious female athlete can be easy to manage with the DivaCup. For those not comfortable with tampons or pads, especially while out surfing, the DivaCup is a safe, clean, and easy alternative. Shaped like a bell and made from a natural un-pigmented silicone, it sits low in the vagina, thus not interfering with any internal birth control device. Suitable for women of all shapes, sizes, and lifestyles, it can be worn for 10-12 hours before emptying, cleaning and re-inserting. Available in two models: Model 1- recommended for women under 30 years old who have never delivered vaginally or by caesarean section, and model 2- for those over 30, that have. Check it out for yourself, and see if this “green” solution is right for you! www.divacup.com
TROPICAL MAGIC BRUSH
($20) Tired of tangled, matted hair after a surf session? Try the Tropical Magic brush! It detangles both wet and dry hair easily without damaging wet hair due to it’s super fine, flexible- yet strong bristles. It doesn’t snag, stretch, or frizz your hair, and is especially good for wigs, and thick, ethnic hair that normally can’t be brushed. Assorted colors available. www.tropicalmagicbrushes.com
Her’™ Chamois Butt’r®
($31.99) Introducing Her’™ Chamois Butt’r®, developed by a female sports medicine physician. Her’™ eliminates chaffing and rubbing of the skin caused by cycling, yoga, walking and running. Utilizing premium ingredients including green tea leaf extract, aloe vera, tea tree oil, shea butter & lavender oil for their naturally occurring beneficial properties, the line of Chamois Butt’r® products are safe for women & men, but Her’™ is specifically pH balanced for women. A non-greasy skin lubricant that immediately improves comfort & soothes already chafed or irritated skin. www.chamoisbuttr.com
GOT NEWS? Want to see your company featured in our Industry News? Log on 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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www.exceedwetsuits.com
r o d a v l a S l E wWomen’s SSm 1st Annual Surf Retreat 2013
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On the beach at Las Flores, with the entire WSSM women’s surf retreat crew... except Tio Patricio? Where’s Tio? (He was still doing the “Harlem Shake”... log on to womenssurfstyle.com to see the video!) Photo by Buffy Archer... thanks mama! We love you! Back row- left to right: Kaydi Archer, Daryl Dawson, Savannah Freels, Kristin Wetzel, Kerry McDonald, Katie Radcliffe, Tara Walker, Sandra Olson, Ami Berg, Carolyn Palma, James Vybiral. Front row- left to right: Gabriel Fernandez, Dr. Sandy Doman, Dan Olson
wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 25
RAILS & TALES . . . El Salvador
Tio Patricio (Uncle Pat) at Las Flores point proving he’s still got it at 56yrs old! Taking the boat to check out Punta Mango, El Salvador’s most popular barrelling wave
r o d a v l El Sa wWomen’s SSm 1st Annual Surf Retreat 2013
Photos by Gabriel Fernandez www.fernandezphotoart.com
It all started with an idea. Let’s gather some girls together, and host a women’s surf retreat in El Salvador, getting to know some of our readers and documenting it all in the magazine! We wanted to share all that we’ve come to love about this magnificent country, and 4 months later, with 16 of us in tow, our adventure began. But let’s back up... As we made our plans, booked the retreat at the alluring Azul Surf Club, contacted Avianca Airlines (best airline for Central American surf travel) and coordinated everyone’s flights to arrive at the same time, we hoped for great surf and good weather, and began watching the surf report in Las Flores, our surf destination. One week before we left, I got the hoped for- yet also dreaded email from Lissette. “Sandra, you may want to plan some additional activities for the girls... have you heard? The surf is going to be HUUUUUGE! All of Central Amer -ica
is talking about it, guys are coming up from Panama and Peru to surf this swell. It’s beyond huge... it’s gigantic!” Lissette, Azul Surf Club’s owner said. “Oh dear!” I thought. “Here we go. Not sure if they’ll be able to handle, but there’s always a wave at Las Flores for all levels, depending on where you sit, so let’s do this!” I immediately emailed the girls and let them know to expect the surf of their lives, and not to worry, we’d make sure we found them waves. After all, there’s no way the swell could last all week, right? (Wrong!) Some were thrilled beyond belief and ready to charge. Others, a bit more hesitant, but ready to try. That’s my girls!! On the red-eye flight from Hawaii, we landed in LAX where we met up with Carolyn Palma, my sister and our in-house yogi. After a quick plane change, we boarded the always obliging Avianca Airlines, where we enjoyed free meals and an open bar the entire ride. Touch-down... El Salvador!! We had made it! Tio Patricio (Uncle Pat from Texas) joined us at the airport, and our lovely Azul Surf Club driver transported us to the resort. Upon arrival, we were greeted with fresh coconuts and a friendly staff, and eagerly awaited the next couple of vanloads of girls to arrive! First
to arrive was Tara Walker and Gabriel Fernandez. Tara is from Daytona Beach and LOVES big waves, so we knew she’d be in her element with this swell. Gabriel, our wonderful photographer, and also from Florida, was ready to snap, snap, snap away, capturing every moment of the retreat. Next to arrive was Dr. Sandy Doman, owner of Miami Sports Chiropractic & Yoga Center (in Aventura, Florida), her good friend, Kerry McDonald, a COLD water surfer from Boston, and Kristin Wetzel from New York (learn
Sandra Olson, enjoying another beautiful Las Flores wave
Azul Surf Club
Lissette, Buffy and Rose (Lissette’s mother)
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(right) Kerry & Kristin buying hand made jewelry from the locals
Sandra watches Katie Radcliffe get one of the best waves of her life!
The view from the upper balcony at Azul Surf Club Learn more about Azul Surf Club, and how you can help with their “Soul Project” at www.azulsurfclub.com
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RAILS & TALES . . . El Salvador
Daryl... floating on top
Carolyn (left) and Kristin (right) headed back to shore
Kaydi, catching waves a LOT bigger than Cocoa Beach, Florida, while the crew up on the hill (right) cheer her on
James, Kristin, Tara, Tio Patricio, Carolyn, Ami, Sandra On the beach at Las Flores... did anyone bring wax?
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Dan Olson at Las Flores... enough said!
(above) Ami Berg finds one of the rare, glassy lefts she craved at Las Flores. (below 1, 2) Carolyn passes out school supplies to the local kids before they enjoy a free magic show. (3) James enjoying the experience with the kids (4) Irma Estrada-Silva, owner of The Sweet Spot gives Tara a stressrelieving massage that was included in the retreat package (5) Winners of the daily Sun Bum monkey trophy (our retreat sunscreen sponsor), given out nightly to the most inspiring performance of the day.
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more about her as an artist on page 119). Kerry and Kristin were cold-water surfers, so they were ready for warm water and sessions with the girls. Next arriving was the Florida crew- Katie Radcliffe, Kaydi Archer, Buffy (Kaydi’s mom), Ami Berg (Kaydi’s surf coach), and Savannah Freels- all from the east coast and accustomed to small, snappy waves. Daryl from Hawaii/California was our lone wolf, coming by herself- yet leaving with life-long friends, and our videographer- James Vybiral, from the UK, made our group complete! Initial greetings were made and hearts pounded as we heard the surf beating on the shore in front of Azul Surf Club. Was it as big as it sounded? After renting a couple boards for those that didn’t bring their own, we loaded up the trucks, stuffing boards and people everywhere we could fit, and were off for our very first session! The sun was slowly setting, and Lissette was
right. The waves were HUGE! Double overhead with occasional bigger sets, we instructed the girls where to paddle out at, and where to sit, and then jumped in! Some weren’t comfortable going all the way out to the outside just yet, so those that could, paddled out for some of
the biggest waves of their life (see one of Dr. Sandy Doman’s epic ride on page 52), while others played in and surfed the inside sets. The
best part of this retreat, was that there were girls there with all levels of experience, and everyone surfed wherever they felt the most comfortable at. No pressure for them to perform, or made to feel bad when the inside waves were really where they wanted to be. And over the next few days, they ALL ended up venturing out into the bigger surf, with the guidance of the other girls, ending the week surfing overhead waves! It was truly life changing, and soul cleansing for all. The week went by in an all-to-quick blur. EARLY mornings of getting up before the sun, so we could race to the break for dawn patrol, where we quickly learned a lot of the other resorts in the area had the same idea. The lineup, due to this AMAZING swell, was usually packed within an hour, then emptied out again after two. It was nice because you could take breaks from surfing, go get a sandwich or drink on the beach, hang out with the other tired surfer girls, and root and cheer each other on in the surf from the beach and cliffs! No schedule to keep... just great waves and good fun on the agenda! Double (3-4 hour) sessions every day meant that most afternoons were spent lounging in hammocks, doing yoga in the 2-story ocean side cabana, playing chicken fights in the pool (Dan & Sandra remain undefeated!), and napping in the A/C rooms (so refreshing). Four meals a day kept us well-fed and happy, and one afternoon, when we just couldn’t paddle back out for an evening session, we visited one of the local schools, where we donated school supplies to the kiddos and Frank put on a free magic show! Another
Katie Radcliffe
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Dr. Sandy Doman 5
Kerry McDonald Kristin Wetzel
RAILS & TALES . . . afternoon was spent doing a WSSM lifestyle photoshoot, filming filler images for the short film we’re producing from the trip.
We also visited a volcanic lake, perched HIGH on a mountain top, that was serene and peaceful, full of mineral soaked mud, that was supposed to cleanse the skin and refresh. Peaceful that is, until we got there! How can you have that much mud and NOT have a mud fight?!
Covered in volcanic mud and laughing till our sides hurt, we cleaned up and made our way back to Azul Surf Club, where we ate a great dinner, gave out the nightly “Sun Bum Monkey” award to that day’s most inspiring performer, and ended the night, dancing on the bar to local salsa music. So fun! Another bright and early morning arrived, and again, we loaded up the vans and headed out for more epic surf. Glassy, perfectly pealing waves greeted us day after day, and the swell simply didn’t want to go away. James and Gabriel took turns shooting from the mountainside overlooking Las Flores, perched high on the cliff in front of the break, and also from the beach... so many great angles to view the surf! Those that were tired often joined them, bringing them food and drinks to refresh them in the hot sun, and cheering when one of our girls caught a wave. I think we made the guys
Surf stoked, headed back to Azul Surf Club for breakfast. Tio Patricio, Kaydi Archer & Kerry McDonald Morning yoga warm-ups before paddling into 10-14’ bombs
Dr Sandy Doman getting “wave of the day”
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jealous with all our hooting and hollering. Word spread quickly who we were, and remarks from the guys in the lineup, ...”I wish they’d cheer like that for my wave” were often heard. LOL!
All too soon it ended. Sandy was the only one that endured any sort of injury, taking a nasty slash to the ankle from her fin. $35 and 6 stitches later, she was good to go again, but the surf was over for her for the remaining two days. Look closely at the “Harlem Shake” video we made, and you’ll see her with her taped ankle, “paddling”. Dan broke his board on his 2nd wave of the trip (bummer!), then proceeded to break his leash on his rental board, sending it sailing wildly into the rocks along the shoreline, and gashing it beyond immediate repair, thus needing a 2nd rental board for the trip. Sandy also enjoyed a long swim to shore after her leash broke on day 2, and several of the locals were also seen exiting the break with only half of their boards. Big, powerful, glassy WILD waves were enjoyed by some, whitewater bliss for others, and memories of a lifetime for all were made. The bond between us was something we could never have expected, and we were all genuinely sad to say goodbye to eachother. Thank you, El Salvador, for your beauty, solitude, and perfect waves. Thank you, James and Gabriel, for 30 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
Kerry, Carolyn & Sandra... Done, alive & back on shore!
Another perfect set rolls through Las Flores Tara Walker shows her confidence in big waves
Dinnertime at Azul Surf Club
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RAILS & TALES . . .
Everyone asking for a coke at the same time (in english)
(left) James & Gabriel being hit by an oncoming house before it mowed the rest of us over (above) Kerry McDonald outrunning the impact zone at Las Flores “Ya, we’re alll single... and surf...” Tara Walker, James Vybiral, Savannah Freels, Katie Radcliffe, poolside at Azul Surf Club
Ruby leading us to town for snacks and drinks Savannah’s 1st time out of the USA- and loving it
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Gabriel shoots the ladies at the point (Las Flores)... yea buddy!
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Tara Walker proved to be the big wave rider of the group
TOO TIRED TO SURF?
Here are some other great activities to check out while in El Salvador. Learn more about these activites and so much more that El Salvador offers by visiting our friends at www.greenbluered.com
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WSSM recommended! Cleanse your body of the stress that long surf sessions place on you. Feel energized and ready for your next session, with an incredible massage by Irma Estrada-Silva, owner of The Relax Spot. Contact her at
facebook.com/TheRelaxSpot E: therelaxspot@gmail.com
twitter@therelaxspot
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Kayak through the mangroves and learn about the fragile ecosystem
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Visit the town of Alegria, where you can buy local souvenirs, eat locally hand-
made chocolates mixed with espresso, enjoy pupusas and other local foods from street vendors
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Take a tour of the historic town of Joya de Cerenthe “Pompey of the Americas”, a town that was completely covered in volcanic ash over 1400 years ago
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Visit a local coffee plantation and sample the delicious flavors of El Salvador coffees
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Zipline (called a “canopy tour”) over a coffee plantation and take in the
amazing view from above the treetops
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Visit the town of La Libertad, where you’ll enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the world
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Visit a local school and give back to the communities with your labor or school supplies
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Take a horseback ride along the beach at sunset
Take a mud bath in a volcanic lake, or hike one of the 22 volcanoes in El Salvador
spending all those hot hours in the sun capturing footage. We love all your photos and videos! Thank you, Azul Surf Club, for taking such good care of us all and feeding us like champs! Thank you Avianca, for getting our boards back home without a scratch on them. And thank you, GOD, for watching over us all, and bringing us home safe, once again. So when will we be doing it all again? April - Sept. 2014... in Peru, then Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Panama, El Salvador and Costa Rica! And YOU can join us! Learn
more online at womenssurfstyle.com, and be sure to check out Sandy Doman’s “Get Fit for Surf Trips” article on page 52 of this issue, so you can be ready to charge! Aloha, and see you in central America in 2014!
-- Sandra & Dan Olson P.S. Logon to womenssurfstyle.com for short video clips and hundreds of photos from this amazing retreat!
What happens in El Salvador, stays in El Salvador...
Kava!
Kristin... charging! Late night bonfire on the beach
Explaining what a s’more is to the Brit, James
Getting loaded
“Watch me make the fish come to life” - Buffy Archer
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Through My Eyes... “I have only been surfing for a couple of years, but in that time I have managed to take some pretty exciting surf trips before heading to El Salvador, including Peru and the Canary Islands. Although these trips were great, they could not begin to compare with the absolutely perfect WSSM surf retreat in El Salvador at the beautiful hidden gem of the Azul Surf Club. I am still a beginner when it comes to surfing, and I didn’t have nearly as many years of experience as most of my travel companions. Regardless, everyone was encouraging and more than willing to help me learn, improve, and catch some of my best waves. Despite the size of the
swell, we all had fun, whether we were dropping down an eight foot face or catching party whitewater waves. We share a common love for the powerful gift that the ocean provides every time we show up to surf, and that’s what matters. In addition to having
a great group of fellow surfers to cheer you on, it was also great having them there to look out for my well being. When a big sneaker set wiped everyone out of the lineup, it was indescribably comforting to have someone at the surface when I came up for after being “washing machined” in the impact zone. That same impact made me nearly lose my bikini, and another one of my travel companions was a great help on that end as well.
Daryl Dawson, dancing on the waves
day we woke up before the dawn to surf with the rising sun, and we surfed in the evenings until the sun went down again. However this trip was unique in that there were so many special activities to complement our time on the waves. While at the lovely Azul Surf Club, we had some great yoga sessions, and we each received a bamboo massage, both of which worked wonders for our surfing muscles. We were also blessed with delicious meals every day, all of which introduced us to the cuisine of El Salvador using the freshest of ingredients. We had a bonfire on the beach in front of the surf club, roasted marshmallows, and watched shooting stars. In addition, we took an afternoon trip to an old volcanic crater to experience from head to toe the healing minerals in the mud there, as well as have a good old fashioned mud fight.
Having been part of the retreat for the Women’s Surf Style Magazine, we were also lucky enough to be part of a photo shoot for the magazine, as well as have phenomenal professional photo and video coverage from Fernandez Photography and James Vybiral Photography. But most of all, it was great to meet and spend time with so many other strong and beautiful women who share a common love of surfing. I had been wishing for a network of travel companions, as I love to explore waves on distant shores, but finding someone to go with can be very difficult. After this trip, I instantly gained at least a dozen surfer buddies for life, and I cannot thank WSSM enough for that.”
Needless to say we had the opportunity to do plenty of surfing. Every
Surfer girls RULE! Ami Berg (FL), Kristin Wetzel (NY), Katie Radcliffe (FL), Savannah Freels (FL), Kaydi Archer (FL), Tara Walker (FL), Carolyn Palma (WA), Kerry McDonald (MA), Sandy Doman (FL)
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Kristin Marie Wetzel Buffy’s favorite picture she took of James Vybiral, our videographer
Katie, Kristin, Ami, Kerry
El Salvador sunsets are breathtaking!
Sandra heaves a chunk of mud at the girls!
Now... get the videographer!
Katie laughs off a face-full of mud from Sandra (she’s very sorry!)
The “Surfette’s” at the soothing volcanic lake... before the mud fight
Ami and Kristin, mud-hugging
AND... 30 minutes later!
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RAILS & TALES . . .
Life led me to you, my ocean “There’s something to be said about being submerged into a new culture of complete strangers that have the same love I have: a dire need to have the ocean at my feet and a board at hand. I’ve traveled to several exotic locations with lush landscapes and tropical vibes; though nothing I have ever done, no where I have ever gone, and no love compares to that of El Salvador. The opportunity to be a part of the first all-women’s retreat with WSSM Magazine presented itself when I had lost sight of the beautiful lifestyle every surfer knows. After not being in the water for roughly four months, I couldn’t have needed this trip at a better time. I experienced by far the best week of my life.
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Behind the scenes of the WSSM lifestyle photoshoot (left to right) Kristin, Savannah, Katie, Ami, Kaydi, James & Dan James gets his marriage proposal to Kerry on film (Kerry... “James is so dreamy...”)
Carolyn, Sandy, Tara & Kerry at the WSSM photoshoot
Ten enriched women joined me in El Salvador and after making such quick relationships with each and every one, I finally remembered what it was like having a community out in the ocean to cheer you on as you exert the most positive energy.
With perfect timing, we arrived at Las Flores point just as the first ground swell of the season did. Honestly, I was very intimidated with what the locals might think of a van of not only tourists, but women surfers. After the first day I knew most of the guys in the line up by name and enjoyed their company for every day to come. The swell pushed through with exceptionally great force and brought 10-15 ft sets. I, being the local beachbreak rider that I am, was surprisingly ecstatic to surf the biggest waves I ever had the chance of seeing. There were several waves that I can remember perfectly; every turn, every cross step... those being the waves that I was riding before I even knew so, paddling as hard as I can to stand up just seconds faster than the man charging beside me. My feet were always under me before I could realize that I just took off on a wave five feet above my head.
Day in and day out, we used our limited time there to the fullest- Whether it be taking mud baths in a volcano, dancing through the night on the pool bar, or each and every meal I shared with great smiles and stories. All of those things, however, showed me the big picture of the essence of life and how lifted my spirit became after my inspiring trip to El Salvador.” F
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Dan & Sandra holding leashes after a perfect long session with double overhead rides on the peak
More photoshoot fun
The sand can be very hot in the afternoon, must float whenever possible! (left to right) Ami, Sandy, Kristin, Kaydi, Kerry, Carolyn, Savannah, Katie, Tara
RAILS & TALES . . . Canada
I
’d paint you a picture, but Nick has already done that for me here. It’s now my job to explain to you the feeling of waking up in a temperate rainforest, pulling on a 6 millimeter wetsuit, and jumping into the frigid North Pacific Ocean in the middle of the winter. There truly is nothing like it. This hasn’t always been my life; in fact, I was afraid of the ocean until I turned 18 and decided to learn how to surf. A bad experience at summer camp as a child tore me away from swimming in the sea. I originally come from the East Coast of Vancouver Island, the sheltered, surf-less side of the island. I spent my whole life on an island being thrashed by waves all year round on the West Coast, never realizing the potential to live in a surfer’s paradise.
It wasn’t until I heard the song “Surfin’ in Tofino” by the Planet Smashers, that I wanted the life of a surfer. I moved out to Tofino a week after hearing that song. Two days later I got the courage, a friend’s gear, and walked into the ocean. I’ve barely been on land since. That was 8 years ago now. From starting on an 8’6, I moved up to a 10’ within my first 2 years surfing. Something about the big boards intrigued me. To be knee paddling over rolling waves, wind at my back, watching the sets coming closer was, and still is, a favorite feeling of being on the water. I also come from a background of serious dancing. I started ballet, along with a few other styles, when I was 3 years old and was a performer for many years. Being on stage in front of a huge crowd is such a rush, and the way I get that feeling now is gliding down the face of a wave. Being a natural performer, I wanted to compete in surfing as soon as I felt comfortable riding a clean wave. The first contest I took part in was the Ripcurl Stew (now the Ripcurl Pro) here in Tofino. The category was mixed longboard and I was up against some incredibly talented males and a couple other brave girls. There was no hope for me, but I didn’t care. It’s not often you get to surf in many places with only a few other people. Contest surfing is a great chance to do that! 38 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
My competitive nature has made me surf in many contests, ranking in the top 3 at quite a few now and recently winning at the 2012 Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic down in Pacific City, Oregon. Back in 2009, I got the crazy notion to head down to California and be the first Canadian to compete in an ASP sanctioned Longboard Qualifying Series event. I got last in my heat, but the experience was something I’ll never forget. I paddled for a total of 11 waves, while the girl that won the heat, only 4. I learned a very valuable lesson out there that day. Relax. The ocean provides when you calm down and wait. This is a lesson I apply to my contests, free surfing, and life in general. Patience really is a virtue. I feel so blessed to wake up and have the health, strength, and determination to get myself out in the elements every day. It’s not easy, and it’s definitely not the life for everyone. But if you’re willing to give up the conveniences of being in a big city, life out here on the west coast of Canada, with a population of about 3000, you learn the true ways of living in harmony with the planet.
Canada’s
Emily Ballard Photos: Nick Sopczak www.nicksopczakphotography.com
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RAILS & TALES . . . Canada
Canada’s
Emily Ballard
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Most of Vancouver Island is logged now, but there are a few intact old-growth forests left. Some of them lie right next to some perfect rock points on the south west coast of the island. . .
I lived down there for a short while, but total lack of jobs forced me back to Tofino. I sometimes wish the island was just like California, with boardwalks on all of the beaches, and easy access to all the spots. And then I think, no. The island is perfect just the way it is. Not too many people can live with the 10 feet+ rain we get yearly either. I love it! F wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 41
EL SALVADOR RAILS & TALES . . . Taghazout
Taghazout
Hanging 10 in
By Kirsten Amor
Shrubs poked through the cracks in the rocky outcrop alongside the beach, stretching for a sip of water from the ocean. The Moroccan sun’s rays reflected against the ripples of the waves reaching the shore, illuminating the sea against the sunset. I watched absently while camels and horses cantered across the beach as their owner, a stooped, wizened man in a matching cobalt tunic and headscarf, led them home after a day’s work . . .
Kirsten... Enjoying the surf!
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A gentle tugging on my legs shook me out of my reverie. The waves of the water, which had only moments before been lapping gently against my board, abruptly scurried backwards as if answering the call of a higher master. Knowing what was approaching, I slapped my body against the board with a mixture of foreboding and thrill and began paddling to the pulse of the water.
“Taghazout is home to 10 surf spots that cater to all levels of experience,” Rowena, part owner of the Surf n’ Stay apartments I am renting and my guide to Taghazout, explains to me. “Anchor Point is the most famous, and crowded in the winter due to the swell. The rocks and current also make it the most dangerous, so only surf that spot, if you are experienced.”
Faster! The water urged me as my shoulders screamed in exertion from racing with the mounting speed of the incoming wave. I snatched a brief glance over my shoulder just as a wall of water loomed above my head. With a roar, the ocean spat all its vitriol towards me as the frothy crest of the wave rammed onto my body and board.
“Still,” she says with a shrug, “it is worth visiting to watch the professional surfers perform tricks.”
A brief pause, eyes closed, sharp gasp of breath, and with a snap! I popped my body into a side stance on the surfboard as the wind and waves propelled me to the shores of Taghazout. My momentary euphoria was quickly dashed as I realized the board was actually heading straight towards what looked like a cluster of rather jagged, paininflicting rocks. Waving my arms slapdash, the surfboard rocked dangerously to and fro’ as I belly flopped back into the ocean. Surfer: 0, Ocean: 1. Morocco is synonymous with souks, desert landscapes, and tagines, but for decades, surfers have closely guarded the secret that its Agadir province is home to some of the world’s finest beaches for surfing. Located only 12 miles away from the tacky tourist mega-resorts of Agadir, lays the unexpected Mecca for surfers, Taghazout. Originally a Berber fishing village hiding in the shadow of the Lower Atlas mountains, Taghazout was put on the world map when Jimi Hendrix visited in the 60s. Droves of hippies followed, searching for the hedonistic lifestyle, but eventually left for the beaches of Bali and Goa. Today Taghazout may consist of a mixture of Berbers, professional Europeans searching for a slower lifestyle, and surfers, but it has not lost the laid-back, friendly vibe that made it famous.
Rowena continues to explain that she originally hails from Ireland, where her family worked as dairy farmers. Her father, Chris, eventually retired from the business and decided to open his own holiday apartment business in Taghazout. The village’s location as the surf capital of North Africa and its relaxed atmosphere suited Rowena’s lifestyle, causing her to join the ranks of several other Europeans in Taghazout and move there to help Chris manage the business. Three years later and it is apparent she is still just as passionate about life in Taghazout, introducing me to several of the locals, offering advice on the best beaches, restaurants, and nearby attractions. Taking her advice, I woke up early one morning and scrambled up the hill to the rocky outcrop that juts out over Anchor Point. I stood mesmerised with conflicting feelings of astonishment and horror as several surfers executed backbreaking twists and turns, whilst waves barraged the rest against the rocks dismissively. Not liking my chances against those conditions, I took Rowena’s advice and headed to the shores of Panoramas, where long, mellow waves finished on sandy shores, an ideal setting for beginner and intermediate surfers. Rising early one morning, I squeezed myself into my damp wetsuit and headed out on the short walk to the Panoramas. The surf forecast predicted a three-to-four foot swell, meaning all the surf schools were out in the water that day. As I sat perched on my board waiting for the next swell, I watched the surf instructors coach mixed
Local fishing boats Local restaurant, situated near the mooring place for fishing boats
Locals enjoying a horse ride on Panoramas beach Cafe du Paradis, in Paradise Valley
View of Paradise Valley, located in the surrounding countryside of Tagazhout
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Tamazirt cafe, located just off the main street of Tagazhout and a great place to grab some lunch! Panoramas Beach
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Locals enjoying the ocean
Taghazout
Hanging 10 in
groups of students as they paddled apprehensively in the water. As someone who had spent the last four years surfing, I could hardly call myself a beginner, but as the ocean had mercilessly pummelled my out-of-shape body into a downward spiral of disheartenment, I couldn’t help but feel I should be swimming alongside the others by the instructor. Determined to push myself, I gritted my teeth and stared down the approaching wave. My arms and legs, as stiff as my surfboard, following three days of gruelling exercise, revolted against my orders as I fought to maintain the speed of the incoming wave. Panicking as I felt myself lose momentum, I dug deep inside myself to find my last reserves of willpower and energy and with a sporadic heave gave a final paddle as the wave approached. Knuckles strained against the skin of my hands as I gripped tightly to the board, the wave hurtling me with full speed towards the shore. Brushing aside my momentary surprise of catching the wave, I quickly sprang into my stance and grinned broadly, wolfing down deep breaths of the salty air that flew past my face, turning it upwards to bask in the sun’s fierce rays. I stole a quick glance to my right and saw one of the women from the surf school tentatively catch her first wave. Offering a supporting smile and thumbs up, I twisted my head to the left just as one of the local kids, no more than eight years old, effortlessly leapt upon his board. I blinked in astonishment and he sped to the top of the wave, twisted on the crest and glided downwards, spraying me with his seawater dust in the process. Dumbfounded and slack jawed, I leaned forward to catch sight of him riding ahead, causing me to tumble headfirst over my board and, as surfers would say, kiss sand. With adrenaline sprinting through my veins and enthusiasm renewed, I scraped my jumble of limbs from the spongy shore that embraced me.
Unfazed by what I was convinced was obviously a child prodigy, I leaped back into the sea, eager to conquest the next swell. Once exclusive to men following the hedonist lifestyle, surfing has rocketed so much in popularity that today you will find all groups of people from different existences in the water, whether it be for the demanding workout, the uncompetitive atmosphere, or simply for the adrenaline rush. Many of the surf schools in Taghazout, such as SurfMaroc, even provide women-only surf tutorial holidays as the demand for women wanting to surf outstrips men. This rise in popularity has seen Taghazout’s tourism grow, with global surf industry names like Roxy sponsoring events in this Berber village. Despite this surge in tourism however, Taghazout maintains a unique balance between the surfing lifestyle and its traditional, Berber roots. Exhausted after spending the morning battling the waves, I dropped my surfboard off with Omar at the surf shack and stiffly wandered down Taghazout’s main street, its shops in varying hues of pink teeming with surf paraphernalia. Diverting down the steps of a side street, I wandered aimlessly down a maze of dirt paths, gazing at the tile patterns adorning the front of houses as a group of children scurried by kicking a ball. At the end of the narrow street next to the fishermen’s shore, sat the Tamazirt cafe with a wide window frame adorned with lashings of blue and purple paint, with four stools bearing tasselled cushions underneath a propped table. I heaved my sore body onto a stool and gazed at the shoreline swathed in yellow and blue boats where fishermen huddled together, investigating the day’s catch. Watching them, I thought to myself with amusement about how the sea’s role in the origins and development of Taghazoutits fishing and surfing- symbolised the village’s unique balance of maintaining tradition and surviving in today’s world. F
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x o B
LIFESTYLE . . . Living Beautiful
BEAUTY Fashion and Celebrity Makeup Artist Roxy
hand selects some of her favorite makeup and skin products perfect on land or in the water. Email her your questions at: roxy@roxylook.com or on facebook at www.facebook.com/roxylook.net | twitter.com/roxannesaffaie Photo: Ashley Barrett | ashley-barrett.com
HEARTS AND STARS Shampoo & Conditioner
“This Hawaiian developed duo will leave your hair feeling like it enjoyed its own private vacation in paradise. It is infused with loads of natural goodness like Hemp Seed Oil, Protein, Shea Butter, Vitamin B5 and B-complex. It will not only clean your hair without stripping its much needed moisture, but it will increase the health of your scalp as well as your strands to promote hair growth, free of breakage. Both are made without unwanted Sulfites and Parabens. Your hair will be addicted!” www.hearts-and-stars.com
TARTE Maracuja Oil
“If you do not have a hydrated, youthful, luminous, acne free complexion, then you must add this oil to your skin care regimen. This nutrient rich oil is packed with skin loving essential fatty acids to help reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen. The Vitamin C in it helps to strengthen and brighten the overall appearance of your skin. The hydration from this oil is luxurious and helps to balance your skin’s natural oil production. Worry not, as it will not clog your pores, making it perfect for all skin types including sensitive and acne prone skin. The results are undeniable and my skin is truly obsessed.”
GORGIO ARMANI Maestro Eraser Concealer
“Dark circles and shadows will become a thing of the past after using this therapeutic concealer. This new favorite of mine will not only help to brighten up your eye-area by concealing through color, but it will also help to reduce dark circles and shadows over time with continued use. The silky, skin-like finish settles flawlessly into your skin to help to illuminate your eye area for hours while keeping it hydrated. This is a definite new staple when creating a “no-makeup” makeup look.”
www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com
STILA Color Lip Balm “The title says it all perfectly. This new lipstick gives you a creamy finish with a healthy amount of pigment staying true to lipstick. It hydrates and revives your lips like a balm with the phyto-derived emollient properties and peppermint oil in it. I love the clever packaging which provides a mirror on the top cap, allowing application on the go. Your lips will be left not only looking beautiful, but will be looking extremely kissable too. Ooh la la!” www.stilacosmetics.com
www.tartecosmetics.com
SMASHBOX Heat Wave Palette
“This wet-dry, 10 color, limited edition palette offers the perfect shades for a daytime or nighttime look. Each shadow blends with ease to create a velvety veil of color on any skin tone that lasts for hours. I love that you can intensify the colors by wetting them too. This sexy palette will help to lighten your makeup bag by providing all the eye color you will need for summer.” www.smashbox.com
JOSIE MARAN Coconut Water Cheek Gelee “Not only am I huge fan of natural products, but I am just as big of a fan when it comes to Hybrid products. This new Cheek Gelee hits both those categories with perfection. It’s made with yummy ingredients like Coconut water and Argan Oil that your skin will love. It deposits the perfect amount of hydrating pigment to give your skin a healthy, gorgeous flush of color that lasts for hours.” www.josiemarancosmetics.com
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Ask Roxy
Q: I love the dewy look of skin, but am not sure how to create the look without looking greasy. Any tips to help me achieve the fresh skin look? ISABELLE HEBERT | Los Angeles, CA
A: “First things first. Knowing your skin type (oily, dry, combo) is important as this will help to determine which kind of products to use. If you have oily skin, you want to stay away from creamy formulas that will increase the look of your oil. Foundations that go on light in application, but leave a satin finish are your best bet like Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, which provides a water-light finish with buildable coverage. If your skin is more on the combination to dry side, then foundations like Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup would be perfect in giving your skin great coverage with a hydrated finish. Before applying your foundation, you might want to use a primer such as Laura Mercier Radiance Primer. This will help to smooth your pores, balance the hydration of your skin and help to keep your makeup on for hours while giving it a natural radiant glow. Next comes powder. If your skin is dry you can skip this step, but for those who lean to the other side of skin types, I recommend using a finely milled powder such as MAC Mineralize Skin Finish lightly under your eyes and through your T-Zone area. Finally, no dewy face would be complete without a great highlighter; I love Giorgio Armani’s Fluid Sheer formula for all skin types. You want to be sure to apply your highlighter just above your eyebrows, above your cheekbones, down the center of your nose and your chin. You can use your finger or a brush for this. Follow these steps and your challenges of gaining a dewy, fresh skin look with your makeup will be gone forever!”
Roxy XoXo
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sexy Surfer Hair
LIFESTYLE . . . Living Beautiful
By Sandra Olson
Some of you may remember our “Surfer Hair” articles in previous issues (‘05) about the need to use GOOD, high quality shampoos and conditioners, if you want to get the most beautiful, manageable hair possible, and avoid hair loss in your later years. You may think healthy shiny hair is impossible since you’re a surfer and endure the beatings that saltwater and sun inflict on your hair. But you will be pleasantly surprised to find out it’s not what’s been done to your hair out in the elements that matters, it’s what you put on your hair daily.
and fragrances, or detergents.
Let’s start at the beginning though, with the most important part, and that is to remember WHY it’s so important to use “good” salon quality (as natural as possible) products on your hair, as opposed to what is in the mainstream products on the market today.
They instead use essential oils which nourish the scalp and cleanse, without stripping away your natural oils or clogging pores. They cost more initially, but because the products are concentrated and of such high quality, you’ll only need a fraction of them to accomplish cleansing and nourishment. They last MUCH longer and end up costing about the same amount over time that you spend on the “cheap stuff”. If you have long hair, using 2 quarter sizes of conditioner after a good surf session is not uncommon. With a high quality conditioner, that same head of hair requires only a dime size... and the resulting shine will amaze you! You’ll immediately notice a difference in your hair, especially when combined with a good clarifying shampoo and daily conditioner.
MAINSTREAM SHAMPOOS and CONDITIONERS
So what brand do we recommend? Previously, Pureology was one
The majority of mainstream product lines manufacture shampoos that have harsh surfactants or detergents in them. Yes, the very same chemicals you’ll find in household cleaners. They contain petrochemicals that are full of carcinogens and free radicals which damage the hair and scalp, amongst other health concerns. Warning signs of these chemicals result in hair that is dry and damaged, and those with sensitive skin experience scalp irritation that lead to oily scalp and/or flaking. The conditioners are just as bad! They’re marketed to us as “smooth and shine” products, but actually contain petrochemical waxes, including lanolins, paraffins, paraben, etc. Most will recommend that you apply them only on the mid-shaft and ends- not the scalp. The reason for this is that the waxes used in these conditioners clog the pores (follicle) and cause build-up on the scalp, and dryness in the hair. Underneath the scalp, your sebaceous glands emit sebum (natural oil) which pushes the wax back onto the scalp, instead of nourishing the hair and scalp. Seeing hair on counter tops, going down the drain, on floors or pillows, and brushes full of hair are typical when using these harmful products. THIS IS NOT NORMAL and continued use leads to more breakage, scalp irritation, health concerns and hair loss. Yikes! You would never wash or condition your hair with household cleaners, so why do you accept them in your shampoos and conditioners?
Salon quality products, such as Neuma or Kitoko, are different. They do not contain parabens, waxes, lanolins, chemical surfactants 48 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
of our favorites! But, unfortunately, they recently were purchased by a new company, that immediately added in the above mentioned chemicals. The GOOD news, is that one of the co-founders of that (previously) awesome brand, recently started a NEW company, Neuma, whose natural, organic properties we had come to love in Pureology, are a mainstay in his new product line. After only a week of using Neuma, our staff noticed considerable softness, shine and manageability! We’re now their #1 fan, and want to share this incredible new line with you! We do not have any affiliation with them, they’re
not advertisers, we simply LOVE what they’re doing, and knew that surfer girls needed to know about them. NEUMA... Beautiful, Sustainable
Neuma heals and protects the hair, helping sustain your vibrant color. It will leave it SOFT, silky smooth and ohso-shiny! Essential oils are manifested throughout this product line, along with their signature Phyto Colour Complex™a plant-derived surfactant that removes environmental pollutants from the hair shaft, to prevent color oxidation. They’re 100% free of synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, 1,4-dioxane, phthalates, glutens, neurotoxins, aluminum compounds, formaldehyde donors or carcinogens... making them not only good for your hair and body, but good for the environment as well! Learn more about this incredible line at www.salonconceptsintl.com Next, explore our favorite Neuma products that we recommend specifically for surfers. Your initial investment will be higher than normal, but remember, they should last you at least 6-9 months! F
DAILY REGIME
a vegan or natural shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner.
1
Moisture Shampoo (hydrate/replenish) Gentle, sulfate-free cleansing without stripping. Luxurious lather, with a light (Andes mint) fragrance. How To Use: MASSAGE a dime-sized amount into your SCALP, then work through to ends. Wait 30 seconds, rinse, and repeat if necessary. Squeeze the excess water from your hair with a hand towel, then follow with conditioner. TIP: Use a tiny amount for your first washing, removing buildup from the environment/styling products. You won’t get much lather as it cleans, but when followed by an even smaller amount for a 2nd washing, you’ll enjoy lather in abundance! Your scalp will also feel refreshed and clean.
2
Moisture Condition (nourish/restore) This moisture infused conditioner will leave your hair exceptionally shiny and soft, by smoothing and reducing the damage resulting from combing and heat styling. Moisture gets locked in, thus resisting humidity, and the Phyto Colour Complex™ maximizes color retention and vibrancy. How To Use: MASSAGE a dime-sized amount into your SCALP and roots, then work through to ends. Wait 3 minutes, rinse with cool water.
3
Argan Treatment (strengthen/revitalize)
This restorative treatment is excellent for strengthening the hair shaft, while instantly reviving it and increasing shine. Weightlessly non-greasy, it also aids in reducing blowdrying time! Cocktail this (2-3 drops) with your daily leave-in conditioner, or apply to damp hair, for amazing shine and softness!
WEEKLY REGIME (1-2x) a vegan or natural purifying/clarifying shampoo, a moisturizing conditioner and intensive masque.
1
ReNeu Shampoo (cleanse/refresh) Removes product build-up, minerals and environmental pollutants and chemicals that collect in the hair shaft, dulling it’s color and vibrancy. Strengthens hair while it detangles and smoothes. How To Use: MASSAGE a dime-sized amount into your SCALP, then work through to ends. Wait 30 seconds, rinse, and repeat if necessary. Squeeze the excess water from your hair with a hand towel, then follow with Neuma Moisture Condition, or ReNeu Condition, cocktailed with Moisture Intensive Masque. Wait 3 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
2
Moisture Intensive Masque (enrich/fortify) Ultra rich and luxurious, this intensive deep conditioning treatment transforms your hair by hydrating it, restoring moisture to improve texture. Leaves hair smoother, stronger and silkier.
LIFESTYLE . . . Living Beautiful
how to ... Beauty Secrets PICK THE RIGHT HEELS
Your shoe choice can make or break an outfit. They can also ruin your special night out, especially if you don’t wear heels very often, and are wearing the wrong ones! Here are some tips to remember when selecting the perfect heels.
F DON’T GO TOO HIGH While high heels (4”+) are sexy, tripping in them, twisting your ankle, or covering your feet in blisters, is not. Choose a 3” maximum, and opt for a small platform. This will give the appearance of a higher heal, but offers more stability, and usually, a little more padding under the balls of your feet. Too high of a platform can make you look like a ho, and also disconnects you from the ground, increasing your risk of falling. F PEEP TOES
MASTER THE A-FRAME Most surfer girls are so focused on finding perfect a-frames out in the surf, they often neglect the a-frames around their face. A simple blunt cut may be easy to manage in and out of the water, but it doesn’t do much for your personal style. Here is an easy way to step-up your hairstyle, without spending more than 5-10 minutes on it.
Closed- toe shoes, I believe, were invented as torture devices! They are murder to untrained feet since the majority of your body weight will be thrust forward, squeezing your toes even further into the tiny points (they also cause bunions for those that wear them too often). Uncomfortable! “Peep-toe” or “open-toe” shoes offer for more breathability by allowing the toes to spread out a little more. So much better! (TIP: Forgot to paint your toes? Just paint your BIG toe and the little one next to it, as these are the only ones that will show in this style of shoe.)
F LAYER IT UP Long layers (meaning the layers start approximately 1/3 from the bottom of your hair) add interest to the traditional blunt cut, adding just a hint of curls and softness around your face. They’re also super easy to style!
F SLING-BACKS
1) Air-dry your hair. After all, who wants to heat up your head using a
Sling-back heels are my #1 heel of choice, and a LOT easier to keep on! The adjustable or elastic heel strap allows you to get a tighter fit around the back of your heel, thus less slippage, meaning you won’t feel like you’re about to walk out of them with every step. Make sure it’s not too tight though, as it can cause blisters.
F THE PERFECT WIDTH
Going too skinny on the heel will make your ankles wobble and increase your risk of twisting or breaking an ankle (equaling less surfing time). Too thick of a heel, and you’ll appear to be stomping around... a clunky mess! Try to find a happy medium by selecting a narrow heel that doesn’t come to an extreme point at the base, so you have more surface area to balance on and support your body weight, without sacrificing femininity. Usually, a heel no wider than your thumb, or two smallest fingers, is a good choice.
TIP: Avoid blisters, slippage and pain with shoe accessories from Lady’s Secret. From the NO PAIN (heel protector- perfect for sling-backs), to NO CRASH (anti-skid insoles), to NO SKID (non-slip soles), they offer a complete line of pads and guards to protect your feet, and COME in a fun variety of colors and prints! www.lady-secret.fr 50 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
blow-dryer!
2) Once it’s completely dry (using a curling iron while your hair is slightly damp essentially “boils” the water inside the cuticle, thus damaging it and causing split ends), use a 1/2 inch curling iron, and curl just the top layers, especially those around the front, AWAY from your face. Then select a few of the top layers in the back (no need to curl them all), for a finished look. Whalaa! You’re done and ready for your day! TIP: Curling your hair away from your face gives you a more of a carefree, wind-blown look. Curling your hair towards your face is more formal, and requires more of your hair to be curled to look nicethus increasing your styling time. Exactly what we’re trying to avoid.
Photo: Daniel K. Fine Arts
LIFESTYLE . . . Healthy Living
get fit for
Surf Trips
By Sandra Doman, DC, RYT Miami Sports Chiropractic & Yoga Center, Aventura, Florida
T
here seems to be a rule in South Florida that beautiful glassy waves are pumping only when I have a packed schedule of patients. In the spirit of full disclosure, I will admit that on more than one occasion I have had my loyal and discreet office manager reschedule a morning full of patients because, ‘Dr. Doman had to be at a ‘board’ meeting!’ Now that I’m working in a suburb of flat-ocean Miami, Florida, my time in the water has gone down! I’ve gone from surfing every day through chiropractic school in Daytona Beach, Florida to every few weeks in Delray Beach or Jupiter, Florida. It’s when the swell is up, the winds are decent, I have an open schedule, no personal commitments, the moons align… you get the picture. Not as often as I’d like! Imagine my stoke when I booked the first annual Women’s Surf Style Magazine surf trip to El Salvador! Since emerging from the poverty of being a student to becoming a real-live, working adult, I have had the distinct luck of traveling in search of the world’s finest waves which include Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii to name a few. With a commitment to growing my chiropractic office recently, I spend far more hours writing, teaching, networking, and treating patients than paddling out in the water. Booking the El Salvador trip was the first time I ever thought to myself, ‘Wow, I’d better train for this trip; otherwise I could get into a sticky situation.’ If you’ve ever been held under water for a little too long in Hawaii, you know what I mean! The El Salvador trip started with a bang! You cannot be as lucky as we were to get serious swell during an already planned trip. Big, epic swell! Largeness! For the first few days we’re talking a consistent 10-12’ up to 14’ at right point break, Las Flores, in San Miguel, El Salvador. As a long-eschewed Florida long boarder, I pride myself on being able to make the paddle out in literally any conditions. This trip was no exception and I caught some big nasty waves on an 8’ Walden Magic (I’m 5’2’’). The girls I surfed with from all over the country were shredders and charged like champs for the entire trip as well! In true surf trip form, we hit up a 5:00 am dawn patrol as well as a sunset session almost every day. We logged far more hours in the water than most of us can pull off in any given day at home! By the third day of the trip however, I heard musings of very sore arms, sleepiness, and tight, tired bodies. I’ve been there! I remember a surf trip to Tamarindo, Costa Rica that left me so sore that it hurt to lift a fork to my mouth half-way through the trip. My own pre-trip conditioning plan was a huge success! I didn’t have a single ounce of pain or discomfort. Unfortunately, at the very end of the El Salvador trip, I got wrapped up in 4 feet of white water with my board and was on the receiving end of a puncture wound and 6 stitches behind my ankle from my fin. Ouch! You will be pleased to know that limp and all, I was in the WSSM Harlem Shake video the next day and exercising pretty hard in a modified boot camp in Miami, Florida three days later (wearing a walking boot!). My little ‘fin-jury’ aside, I would love to share with you my Get Fit for a Surf Trip! This is a conditioning plan that allowed me to enjoy every second of wave charging, hammock swinging and memorable moments of the El Salvador surf trip. It helped me cruise through the week without pain and with loads of paddle juice (read: the physical ability to hyper charge all waves for long sessions and on a long trip!). The plan was written out over 6 weeks before the El Salvador trip. Please keep in mind that your own conditioning plan might need a longer lead time depending on your general overall fitness level. If you’ve never surfed before and rarely engage in hard exercise, leave 10-12 weeks to pull it together for strength and endurance even for smaller wave destinations. The science and philosophy behind my recommendations are based on the EXACT same prescriptions I give to patients who start as spine pain patients at Miami Sports Chiropractic & Yoga Center: eat clean, train hard, and develop the ‘mind muscle’. Without exception, this approach is the no-fail answer to helping the body heal itself. These recommendations are not based on gimmicks and trends, but on cultivating the innate healing and performance capabilities of the human body. People experience a state of optimized function without the interference of physical, chemical, and emotional stress. It’s that simple. The health prescriptions I give to patients are based on not just reducing pain, but also optimizing overall function. I made a similar plan for myself. Here’s a snapshot of how I trained for what I consider to be one of my most physically successful trips, even though I didn’t get all of the water time I would have liked leading up to it.
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MY HEALTH GOALS FOR SURF TRIPS: 1) Have the upper body and core strength to paddle hard and often. 2) Reduce overall muscle soreness level to enjoy the whole 1-week trip. 3) Be mentally ready for tough paddle outs, charge big waves, potentially getting held under water. 4) Feel amazing, have a great time. PHYSICAL CONDITIONING
F Swim or jog (30 minutes, 4-5 days a week). I swam and jogged every other day to fill exercise time and develop a little cardiovascular endurance. I think these two activities are pretty par for the course if you’re a surfer who cross-trains out of the ocean.
F Sled Workout and Ab Roller: Don’t laugh! When I busted through thigh-high waves and paddled hard like a crazy person, I thought, ‘I’m so glad I used the sled and the ab roller. I feel strong!’ The ab roller is an obvious infomercial throwback, but if you’re wondering
Dr. Sandra Doman
what a sled is, see the picture above. Strength and conditioning facilities for professional athletes that use sleds are popping up all over the country. These programs are geared towards getting veterans ready for the preseason, rehabilitating injuries in the off-season, and NFL combine preparation (getting college football players ready for the draft). These gyms are ripe for full-body surfer training! The arms, core and leg development that come from pushing a sled was originally developed to condition football linemen. What does this have to do with your paddle out? According to an article published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, ‘Faster top running speeds are achieved with greater ground forces, not more rapid leg movements.’ (1) If you’re a long boarder like me and need the ‘oomph!’ to run through white water before getting the chance to paddle, this is the exercise for you. The timing of your paddle out is what will determine if you get out in-between sets! This exercise will give you the ability to run and push through resistance without being cashed by the time you start paddling.
F Ab roller/ab wheel: When I walked into the Legacy Fit gym in Miami, Florida and bumped into NFL players whom I’d treated before as a chiropractor, I knew I was in the right place to get fit! That confidence came crashing down when I was assigned to the first of thirty boot camp stations: an ab wheel. Like the 1990s infomercial?? Really?? I used that geeky ab wheel like a boss for the full 2 minutes assigned, but really brushed it off as a stupid exercise. Its importance to surfers wasn’t apparent until I was digging in and pulling serious water
Dr. Sandra Doman, Las Flores, El Salvador | Photo: FernandezPhotoArt.com
semester studying abroad in Italy, I know you can live to eat, not just eat to live. This is the anti-diet! There are certain foods that are cheap and well-marketed as part of the American diet that just aren’t good for you. They are grains, flours from grains, white bread, whole wheat bread, pasta, cookies, crackers, wraps, pretzels and anything made from these products. As most overweight and sick Americans have experienced, these sneaky, low-calorie, high-fiber foods actually break down into the same pain-inducing chemicals that are blocked by commonly used and abused pain medications. Daily consumption of grain and flour products also sets the stage for the development of chronic degenerative diseases. Although neurologically, pain is an emotional experience interpreted in the brain, you are perfectly able to reduce the stimulators and pain generators in the body by following a mostly Mediterranean, anti-inflammatory, or Paleo diet. Geishel Valverde
in El Salvador! This infomercial device gave me the ability to pull hard repeatedly and against resistance from overhead down to my waist on top of the challenge of core stability. You can improve your ability to maintain muscular tension and transfer of force from your upper body through your midsection using an ab wheel. The ab wheel gives you ‘dig’ in the water when it’s go-time to make a wave!
F Ashtanga yoga: I call this style of yoga, yoga for surfers! Ashtanga yoga puts emphasis on repetitive sun salutations that integrate movements that are surf pop ups. If you want to work on upper body strength and improve your pop up to be super fast and light, this is the style of yoga for you! The other huge benefits for those of us who don’t take time to stretch are built-in shoulder and hip openers. Long hours in the water using the same muscle groups over and over can take a toll on your body. Improve your pop ups and release tight joints with a regular Ashtanga yoga practice. CHEMICAL CONDITIONING
F The Anti inflammatory diet. I can’t say enough positive things about this style of eating. As a foodie, and someone who spent a
If you want to hit up the last days of a big surf trip without pain and charge waves with paddle juice to spare, stick to fruits, vegetables, and lean grass-fed proteins. Other clean fuel foods are sweet potatoes, raw nuts, dark chocolate, olive or coconut oil, red wine and stout beer. Yes, I said beer! This diet reduces inflammation or pain-generators in the body, in addition to reducing funky little symptoms like soreness, stomach bloating, headaches, allergies, skins irritation, and the list goes on! Very important: THIS IS NOT THE NO-CARB DIET. You need carbohydrates to function as a human and perform as an athlete. The good news? Fruits and vegetables are low-calorie, high-fiber, healthy carbohydrates. I’ve put myriads of patients, as well as professional athletes, on this style of eating to reduce head to toe muscle soreness and improve overall function. Try eating in this style for one month along with any grass-fed proteins and email me about how amazing you feel, the excess weight you shed, and about the new level of energy that you probably haven’t experienced in years. Guaranteed.
F Supplements: To reduce overall muscle soreness, I supplemented the anti-inflammatory style of eating with specific supplementation that I use for patients every day in my chiropractic office. Short-term inflammation is a natural by-product of health and healing. Curb a prolonged inflammatory fire and the muscle pain of a surf trip with natural supplements that break down pain chemicals without the wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 53
LIFESTYLE . . . Healthy Living negative side effects of NSAIDs, Tylenol®, or aspirin. For short term inflammation like muscle soreness on a surf trip, use a proteolytic enzyme combination like bromelain, trypsin and chymotrypsin for 1,000-2,000mg daily on an empty stomach. For long-term use after a surf trip, take a mixture of ginger, turmeric, boswellia and other botanicals for 1,000-2,000mg per day. I use Anabolic Laboratories because they utilize a pharmaceutical-made process which maintains the highest standards of production. Contrary to popular belief, any ‘natural’ supplement or vitamin can have interactions with medications or pre-existing conditions. These enzymes are perfectly safe for most people, but do not use proteolytic enzymes if you are prone to stomach ulcers. On the El Salvador trip, I also used white willow bark as a natural pain-killer. White willow bark is in the Salicin family, or a cousin of aspirin. There are few if any documented negative side-effects of using white willow bark in the medical literature. Use this baby-aspirin equivalent if you want pain relief without the worry of trashing your liver or developing aspirin-induced stomach ulcers. In fact, the combination of proteolytic enzymes with white willow bark has been studied as being more effective than a placebo for musculoskeletal pain syndromes during short-term use for acute injuries! (2,3)
F Probiotics: This gut-friendly bacteria is very en vogue! Believe it or not, there are literally millions of types of stomach-friendly bacteria that make up the kingdom of healthy digestion and immunity in your stomach. Scientists are currently deciphering if there are certain bacteria strands that are better suited to treat specific conditions. Because I was concerned specifically about ‘traveler’s diarrhea’ in El Salvador, I consulted with my father, David B. Doman, MD, gastroenterologist and clinical professor of medicine at The George Washington University School of Medicine. He recommended two things: take an over-the-counter probiotic brand,
Dr. Sandra L. Doman is a chiropractic physician and registered yoga teacher. She earned her doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic, Florida Campus, and holds a B.S. in Marketing and Management from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. Dr. Doman has worked with a variety of athletes including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and horse racing jockeys in addition to surfers. She is the President of the Dade County Chiropractic Society and author of, ‘A Yoga Doc’s Guide to Working with Injuries©,’ a 20-hour continuing education certification for yoga teachers. Have any other recommendations for preparing for a big surf trip? This is only a sprinkle on the cupcake of great tips to help you enjoy every minute of your surf travels. Please
Florastor®, daily for a week leading up to the trip as well as every day during the trip. There are many excellent probiotics available on the market today however Florastor® is noted as the best one to take to prevent and cure traveler’s diarrhea. Catching a stomach bug on your trip would be a total buzz kill! If you do happen to catch a particularly nasty stomach bug, he also recommends bringing a back up antibiotic prescription of Xifaxan® instead of Cipro®. Cipro® was issued the FDA’s sternest ‘black box warning’ for causing Achilles tendon rupture and tendinitis as well as a nasty, aggressive infection of the colon. Very bad! No antibiotics are good antibiotics, but they will get you out of a horrible emergency in a pinch! Please consult your own medical doctor about using pharmaceuticals specific to your own health history.
F Pedialyte® & bananas: Take a lesson from my mistake! On a lovely surf trip to Nicaragua in 2011, I became dizzy, pukey, and developed a rocking headache in the evening about half-way through the trip. The cause? Heat exhaustion and dehydration! If you’re paddling all day in crispy cool water with a light ocean breeze, you may not consume as much water as you are shedding in sweat. I drink as much water as I can handle on these surf trips, but when I’ve made a big paddle out, it’s very unlikely that I will come in for water breaks during a session. In El Salvador, I chowed on bananas like a Sun Bum® monkey and brought Pedialyte® to sip bed-side both first thing in the morning as well as right before bed. Dehydration causes our bodies to become imbalanced, as water is moving out more quickly than we can replace it through drinking. When the body loses too much water, it can no longer function efficiently. Pedialyte® travels well and will replenish you with potassium, sodium, and chloride. Bananas are the perfect super food for surfers by giving us carbohydrates, simple sugars and dietary fiber. This cheap and convenient food also packs a potassium punch, a mineral that helps your body avoid cramps while maintaining optimal nerve and muscular function.
EMOTIONAL CONDITIONING I have the funniest conversations about emotional stress relief with my patients. Not surprisingly, because ‘like attracts like’, my chiropractic office is chock-full of A-type driven athletic patients. My inner surfer and yogini seeks to guide these patients into a greater health balance by bringing awareness to the effects of mental stress on the physical body. No joke. Prolonged mental stress does a few deleterious things to your health, the least of which produces hormones that break down your body, decreases your immune system and can create a lasting feeling of anxiety or ‘disease’. Getting your ‘mind right’ in addition to getting your body ready for physical performance is the great secret of high level athletes. Because my A-type patients don’t want to hear about meditation and ‘om-ing’ around for stress relief, Bikram yoga is a great avenue to get your head in the right place for heavy surf. Forget the physical godliness that is procured in the 105 degree heated room, the 90 minutes of sustained yoga postures, and the lack of water breaks. In the face of extremely stressful conditions, this style of yoga teaches you how to take a calming breath and dig deep! The psychological training you develop with a regular Bikram yoga practice develops your ability to keep calm while maintaining mental strength under pressure. When you get pounded in the impact zone or held under water during a heavy set, your stress hormones kick in and the natural reaction is to panic! Bikram yoga is a dress rehearsal for successfully navigating the stress response. It will teach you how to remain calm, clear-headed and relaxed under extremely stressful conditions outside of the yoga studio. So was my pre-trip conditioning plan totally worth it? Absolutely! Pumping waves, stunning sunsets, impromptu yoga sessions, delicious El Salvadorean chow… I enjoyed every minute of the trip and in good health! F
feel free to email me questions or new tips at DrSandra@DrDoman.com or by visiting www.DrDoman.com. SOURCES: 1) Weyand PG, Sternlight DB, Bellizzi MJ, Wright S. Faster top running speeds are achieved with greater ground forces not more rapid leg movements. J Appl Physiol. 2000 Nov; 89(5):1991-9. 2) Bucci LR. Nutrition applied to injury rehabilitation and sports medicine. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 1995. 3) Bogduk N. Pharmacological alternatives for the alleviation of back pain. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2004;5(10):2091-98. Dr. Sandra Doman, Las Flores, El Salvador Photo: FernandezPhotoArt.com
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Sunscreens
3
our
favorite
CoTZ FACE (for face)
Sun Kissed Skin By Nicole Young | Photo: FernandezPhotoArt.com
As you prepare to show more skin, get ready to face the sun’s rays with Pure Surf’s favorite foods for that sun kissed glow. These foods will make you look like you get plenty of sun no matter what the season!
F COCONUT OIL Coconut oil works wonders as a moisturizer for all skin types! The fat in the oil helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles without any irritation. Try switching out your usual body lotion for coconut oil. After a shower, mix coconut oil with a drop of lavender oil for a refreshed, wide-awake look. F AVOCADOS
Beauty, they say, is only skin deep. Luckily, avocado has moisturizing power to help make your skin more beautiful. Avocados are full of vitamin A, C, E and K which help the skin stay nourished and youthful. Avocados also have potassium, iron, copper, and an amino acid called glutamine that helps your skin protect itself from environmental damage and aging.
F SPINACH
The bounty of vitamins and minerals in spinach can bring you quick relief from dry, itchy skin and lavish you with a radiant complexion. Regular consumption of fresh, organic spinach juice has been shown to improve skin health dramatically. Spinach is full of beta-carotene which converts to vitamin A and that helps keep your skin moisturized, wrinkle free, and exfoliated.
F TURMERIC
When applied to the skin, the natural spice heals acne, evens out wrinkles, and limits stretch marks. It also relieves chapped lips and gives the skin a healthy glow. Not only does it have an antibiotic and antiseptic action on the skin, but it also will help bruises and swelling and other wounds to heal faster and is beneficial to prevent scarring.
F ACAI BERRY
Acai berry has 500% more antioxidants than blueberries. It is powerful when it
comes to brightening dull lackluster skin and also protects against aging and free radicals. The antioxidants also smooth face lines and wrinkles formed when your skin loses elasticity.
F FLAX SEED
The antioxidants found in flax seeds have a reputation for fighting free radicals. These free radicals can prevent or slow “oxidative damage”. This can lead to a variety of cancers, such as skin cancer. By including flax seeds in your diet, the National Institute of Health states that you can protect yourself from and repair sun damage caused by ultra-violet rays.
F APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Being rich in natural minerals, vitamins and enzymes makes apple cider vinegar a great addition to any detox. The unique acids in apple cider vinegar can bind to toxins and help the body eliminate them more effectively. ACV can help to stimulate circulation and aid detoxification in the liver. ACV also helps balance the body’s pH levels.
F ROSE HIP OIL
Rose Hips are the fruity pod left on the flowers of a wild rose bush once the petals have fallen. The oil is retrieved from the rose hips and contains high levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron and Fatty Acids. It promotes skin regeneration and has provided wonderful results in soothing and healing sun burns and skin burns. The healing properties repair dry and sun damaged skin. It can be used to reduce or eliminate the appearance of scars old and new. You can purchase a bottle of organic Rose Hip Oil at your local market. For more health & beauty tips, along with free workout routines, visit PURE SURF at www.facebook.com/PureSurf and follow us on Instagram: @Pure_Surf
An SPF 40, natural skin tones sunscreen, that we’re absolutely in LOVE with! So silky smooth, it practically kisses your skin. A non-shiny, non-greasy, weightless formula that layers invisably under makeup.
This natural mineral complex contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and is formulated for fair, medium, and dark skin tones, offering superior protection against sun-accelerted fine-lines, wrinkles and dark spots. 100% free of oils, chemical sunscreens, preservatives, fragrances, parabens, PABA, gluten, or phythalates. www.cotzskincare.com
RAW ELEMENTS (face/body) This all natural sunscreen contains over 70 organic ingredients, is bio-degradable and free of all the bad stuff. Water resistant beyond 80 minutes, yet gentle and moisturing, it’s packed with biologically active antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and extracts. Won’t run, sting or burn, and reef-safe, making it a great choice for the eco-conscious athlete. www.rawelementsusa.com
SUN BUM PRO (body) A mineral based sunscreen specifically formulated to offer the very best protection for serious outdoor athletes.Trusted by the Hawaiian Water Patrol, and the North Shore Lifeguard Association. We love it because it never bleeds, runs, stings, or makes your hands slippery. Paraben-free, and with a secure and handy push-top, that makes it perfect for traveling. www.trustthebum.com
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LIFESTYLE . . . Daily Fitness Warrior Pose
Variation (Virabhadrasana) By Zofia Karubin Certified Yoga Instructor
Sand dunes are so mystical and the scenery of these magical places is calming and reviving. There was a natural stream flowing nearby into the ocean. A seal pup taking a breather before embarking on its next journey, and we watched it successfully break thru the surf between the rocks and reef. A whale was spotted in the distance, and some days the dolphins and otters come out to play. This beautiful ocean life is always there waiting for us to visit, to surf it, and to enjoy it. By enjoying nature and our life, we honor it and appreciate it, and it responds to us by giving us such joy and bliss.
YOnOGA The Dunes
left and right, and keep breathing.
2) Roll the shoulders up and back, and keep breathing. 3) Slowly twist your torso and arms to the left, and twist your torso and arms to the right, as the breath flows in and out.
REMEMBER: F Breathe deeply and stay relaxed.
F Be very gentle and loving with your body.
F Don’t force or strain in any way.
(Check with your health care provider before doing this or any exercise program)
Stretches your legs, hips, groins, abs, shoulders, neck and spine. Opens your chest and lungs, and increases breath capacity. Stimulates and massages your abdominal organs. Improves circulation, balance, stamina, and concentration.
Ground yourself in mountain pose by standing straight and feel your center, then inhale and gently reach up, stretch up. Next, go into the forward bend, exhale and reach forward and down, relaxing your head and neck down. Keep your knees slightly bent, and keep breathing. Slowly roll up when you’re ready.
A
Grab your surf board, step back with your right leg and reach out to the right side with your right arm. The right foot is slightly pointing in and lined up with the left foot which is pointing to the left. Keep breathing while lifting your spine up and look to the right, reaching right. Hold on to the surfboard with the left hand while stretching the arms in opposite directions and gently releasing your hips down. Keep the bent knee of the left leg just above the foot as you continue breathing.Feel the strength of your legs and the power of your breath. Repeat on the other side and continue to the next step.
These yoga poses are great for warming up before going out surfing, because they help increase strength and flexibility in your body, mind and spirit. You can use the surfboard as a prop for stability and grounding. You can also use a chair or a wall, or nothing at all, it’s up to you and what your body needs at the time. Yoga helps us to stay in tune with our bodies and our spirit as we change and grow on so many levels and in so many aspects throughout our lives. By doing yoga and having fun surfing, you are honoring your spirit which is pure joy itself.
F GENTLE STRETCHES Begin and end each yoga session with these stretches. 1) Roll the head around gently, look
BENEFITS:
B
When you’re ready, grab the surfboard with the right hand and reach to the left with your left arm. Keep lifting the spine up and back as you exhale and twist left. Enjoy the spinal twist and the energy flowing through your body. Repeat on the other side and repeat the sequence 3 – 6 times. At the end do the gentle stretches as noted here to the left. Namaste: My inner light bows to your inner light. F
Glass off at a secluded cove in Southern California
Zofia Karubin is a certified yoga instructor who resides in Los Angeles, CA where she’s been teaching yoga for over a decade, and practicing yoga since she was a child with her mother who is also a yoga teacher. Learn at your own pace how to incorporate yoga into your busy lifestyle through the online collage of yoga routines by Zofia from previous issues of the WSSM. (www.womenssurfstyle.com/zofia.html) Outfit by Sweet Waterwear (sweetwaterwear.com) | Surfboard by Roberts (robertssurf.com) | Photos by: OnIt Pro - High Performance Surf Products (OnItPro.com)
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natural cork biodegradable corn resin www.sproutwatches.com
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LIFESTYLE . . . Curl up on the Couch
Movie NIGHT MOVIE: “Zero to 100 - The Lakey Peterson Story” (2013)
Producer/Director: Nathan Oldfield Freefilms Productions Review by Scott Cuttre “If you want to abort, this would be the time.” This was the message Sue Peterson received from her doctor 5 months into her pregnancy. Sue Peterson was informed that the baby she was carrying had a good chance of being born with Downs Syndrome. After being given this news, Sue emphatically informed the doctor, “No more tests! I’ll love this baby the way it is.” At the end of her pregnancy, Sue Peterson would give birth to a healthy baby by the name of Lakey. The surfing community owes Sue a bit of gratitude. Zero to 100 is female surfing’s first Bio Pic starring Lakey Peterson, and this honor could not be given to a more inspiring and deserving female surfer. Zero to 100 starts off presenting Lakey as an incorrigible child with tomboyish ways, participating in every sport possible before zeroing in on surfing. Lakey’s personality comes across as being a scrappy, hardworking, and determined up-and-coming young surfer. What seems to have stemmed from Lakey’s late start in competitive surfing was the overall projection of her “underdog” like persona. This was captured throughout Zero to 100 by showing how she received minimal exposure that was not nearly on pace with her contemporaries. This is never more evident than with Lakey’s self-surprising qualification onto the World Tour.
Modern Alternative selections blending footage transitions. An example of a perfect surf/music combination is shown in the Bells segment with The Silversun Pickups providing the exact sound needed to accompany the power and finesse surfing being displayed. The soundtrack creates a unique ambience that does not overpower the film, unlike most of the surf films cluttering the industry at the moment. It’s a sad fact that quality surf film features may be on their way to extinction, with footage being so readily available on the Internet through webisodes and homemade footage being posted daily on various sites. Hopefully after viewing Zero to 100, the surf industry will take notice of the need for comprehensive surf films that are not just thrown together homemade versions of “surf porn.” Zero to 100 culminates with Lakey’s emotional US Open victory. You can’t help but root for her struggles that absolutely pay off at the most watched and attended surfing contest held in the United States. Without a doubt, Lakey has that undeniable quality that may be hard to find in other professional surfers coming down the pike. What is shown throughout Zero to 100 is how Lakey’s story is relatable to all surfers, male or female, young and old. As a surfer, it is gratifying viewing a film that captures the difficulties Lakey has encountered, from her possible health problems starting in the womb, to her victories in and out of the water. Surfer or not, Zero to 100 shows that the way we respond to these difficulties makes all the difference.
www.lakeypeterson.com/zeroto100 MOVIE: “The Heart and the Sea” (2012) Producer/Director: Nathan
Oldfield, Freefilms Productions Review by Stella Sykes Charting the evolution of a home-created and hand-crafted wooden board and the repeated interest in Ryan Burch’s alias’ shown in line-ups around New Zealand, Nathan Oldfield’s third movie documents the growing finless revolution.
Zero to 100 closely follows Lakey’s rookie season on tour. While following her contest ups and downs, we see firsthand how humbling the WCT can be to a first year professional. Throughout the film, we get a view of Lakey’s strong belief in hard work, which is a breath of fresh air in a profession consumed by appearance. Unfortunately, at this juncture in professional surfing, the sport seems to be filled with athletes engrossed with the notion of vanity. Zero to 100 shows that Lakey does not fall into this category, using her newfound fame as a chance to speak out, helping physically disadvantaged and terminally ill youth. For this reason, Lakey’s attitude and character should be studied by all up-and-coming surfers as an example of how to handle the pressures of professional competition.
It also takes viewers back full circle to Dave Rastovich’s riding a replica of an historical artifact: a museum’s original wooden board from hundreds of years ago. Viewers witness the movie opening with Rastovich’s personal narrative of his experiences of riding one of the most traditional boards ever made...
The pace at which the story is told is where Zero to 100 really excels. The film segues in and out of Lakey’s life, spending just the right amount of time on each aspect of Lakey’s journey. The flow of the movie is reminiscent of the Drive Thru series, in the sense that the film is constantly moving forward and not allowing itself to get bogged down along the way.
Although filming on a budget is not easy, Nathan Oldfield’s cinematographical style and skillfully rendering, something that could have potentially neared the territory of an historical artifact’s factual documentary, into a movie that is both personal and accessible to audiences old and young - almost without anyone noticing, is impressively understated.
The music chosen throughout the film, complements Lakey’s style as well, with the Emo/
The Heart & the Sea also focuses on time spent with family and friends, many of whom the
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producer filmed as part of this documentary. With the inclusion of new and old members of the producer’s immediate and extended family and friends riding some single fins - as well as the gamut of finless boards from olos to alais to bodyboards to blow-up mats in New Zealand, France and Spain - often set to a no-holds barred narrative of the rider’s own experiences - the film forms an intimate study of the growing global retro movement - from a big number of interesting personal perspectives. (There’s also a mention of the wide-ranging influence of the World Bellyboarding Championships in Cornwall)! Filmed in Australia, New Zealand, France and the Basque Country over three years, this movie features a huge host of both famous and every day skilled surfers, such as Dave Rastovich, Lauren Lindsey Hill, Alex Knost, Tom Wegener, Sage Joske, Brett Caller, Johnny Abegg, Kassia Meador, Clovis Donizetti, Belinda Baggs, Paul Joske, Ryan Burch, Chris Del Moro, Matt Chojnacki, Jared Mell, Dane Peterson, Joel Tudor, Harrison Roach & many others. www.nathanoldfield.com MOVIE: “DONE” (2012)
Dir: Blake Kueny | Pro: John John Florence Review by Stella Sykes John John’s first independent movie - which showcases charging through deep barrels and high-performance aerial surfing from possibly the world’s best surfer, exceeds expectations. After getting to know the director, who was working with Kai Neville’s team and had a shared interest in photography and skating, John John invited the director to film for his first fully self-funded movie. They were joined by family and friends: Nathan and Ivan Florence, Albee Layer, Matt Meola and Kiron Jabour. They filmed in Tahiti, Hawaii, South Africa and Western Australia on a Red camera, before tightly editing for 3 months. Although there were a few setbacks in the course of the eight months of filming, the guys nearly thought they weren’t going to make it when they almost ran out of gas at 2:30 am in Africa. They were in the middle of nowhere, lost for the fourth time - the highlight of the movie (both from a surfing and personal director perspective), and it was the pumping 2011 Tahiti CT contest. The contrast of the soundtrack to the J-Bay section was an unexpected surprise: it rollercoasters from old school rap to indie influences to an even older sound. There’ll be more to look forward to: John John is going back on the road to film with the director for the next couple of years and, according to the director, Blake, “I can’t say too much about it right now, but I’m super happy about it!” www.donejjf.com
LIFESTYLE . . . Poetic Expressions
My Malibu Wave By Alexia Beecher
I walk down the beach with my toes in the sand While the foam rental surfboard is rubbing my hand. I smell the ocean breeze and hear seagulls up above, But I don’t even know this is something I will love. As the waves crash rhythmically on the shore, My heart thuds with the sound and I want to hear more. My feet, creeping closer, finally get wet, But I know I haven’t experienced anything yet. While I paddle out the bright sun warms my back, And the cool water rushes around me without any slack. The ocean surrounds me and splashes my face, The saltwater Is a new and startling taste. Then I see it, the ultimate wave; It looks like it could swallow me like the mouth of a cave. In this moment most sane people would hide, But all a surfer wants to do is ride. So I work hard to catch this liquid mountain, And from the top, white foam sprays like a fountain.
The Lone Surfer By Claudia Aragon
Crested upon the shore The warmth of the day lingers within the moonlit sand Watching as the lone surfer waits Ready to ride the night Lifted to the heavens Caressed by the sky A multitude of stars surround him Guiding the way The roaring thunder of the waves Music to his ears Building to a crescendo Elevating him upon an altar of water He glides safely to shore
I stand up, balancing against the motion,
Upon a carpet of foam
And I look around at the crystal blue, shimmering ocean.
The gulls lonely lament
I’ve seen this before on a Malibu poster,
Beckons him back
And I realize I’m riding the sea’s roller coaster
To ride the night once more
Kaitlyn McGuire in Puerto Rico Photo by Paula Bickford 60 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
Surf Stoked . . .
Florida
Photos: Dana Sculthorpe Bryan FB: Dana Sky Photography Handmade Swimwear by JypseaSwim.com 62 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
Surfer Girls of Summer
a lifestyle pictorial from around the globe
Liz Hauser in Puerto Rico Photo: Chrissy Swain (Instagram) @chrissyswainphotography
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Surf Stoked . . .
Surfer Girls of Summer
a lifestyle pictorial from around the globe
Canada
Photos: Nick Sopczak www.nicksopczakphotography.com
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Surf Stoked . . .
Erin Swain in North Carolina Photo: Chrissy Swain (Instagram) @chrissyswainphotography
Tia Calvo North Shore- Oahu, Hawaii Photo: Gregerson
Florida
Photos: Dana Sculthorpe Bryan FB: Dana Sky Photography Acrylic painting on guitar and handmade swimwear by JypseaSwim.com
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Surfer Girls of Summer
a lifestyle pictorial from around the globe
Mary Schmader in Puerto Rico Photo: Chrissy Swain (Instagram) @chrissyswainphotography
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Surf Stoked . . . In the Beginning
The First Wave
by Stephanie Haenn
The thick June air hovered over our shoulders while the cool blue waves washed over my toes. The ocean sparkled as the sun glittered overhead. I dipped my pinky toe in the shallows and chills instantly crept up my spine. I was five years old at the time, and fear was carved into my face. I was hesitant to trust the waves, the interminable pool of dark blue sea that washes over the shore. I was even hesitant to trust my Uncle Geoffrey, whose natural instinct was to jump right in with the creatures that may inhabit the ocean. Then again, it was also instinctive for him to try and teach the most fearful kindergartener to surf, a task all of the other surfers in my family had already deemed to be impossible.
I smiled as I paddled out with my favorite uncle. Sighing before transitioning into a fearless state, I started paddling through the white water to a set of tiny waves.
I shivered as I struggled to grasp a tiny short board. I gulped as I saw a head high wave tower over a fellow surfer. I giggled as I saw dolphins jump alongside a sailboat. Finally,
He spun my tiny Liquid Shredder surfboard into the wave, and just as I began paddling, Uncle Geoffrey pushed my board to ensure I caught the wave. I promptly readied my
Stephanie at 9 years old
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I gave my uncle a nod of approval signaling that I was finally ready to embark on a new and adventurous chapter of my book, entitled life. “Are you sure this is the wave?” My uncle asked with a sense of preparedness twinkling in his tone. Again, I simply nodded.
body in a plank position before jumping to my feet. With a slight wobble and a rush of adrenaline, I rode the wave. This maturing event in my young life changed my average childish mentality into a mindset that made me feel unstoppable. In that moment, I transitioned from being just a beach dweller, to a surfer. On this first day of catching fun-sized swells, the perfect height for a five year old, I accomplished a lifetime worth of goals. In finally being able to refer to myself as a surfer, I overcame some of my greatest fears and my confidence surged... all thanks to my uncle. F
M
y first time boogie boarding experience was completely unplanned. All it took was one ride on a small kid size board and I got hooked for life. It was a misty and not so warm spring break in Dirtona, Florida. Yeah, it’s a dirty faded beach town where cars are allowed to drool their oil on the gray sand. Where gusts of drunken laughs keep you alert at night, and crazy overdosed teens crowd the streets and clubs. My first getaway to this town. Can’t recall whose idea it was, but we were lucky to have made it in that small silver Honda rocketing at no less than 90 miles per hour. What can I say; I was attracted to a hot-blooded racer wannabe for four years! Racer boy, three of his buddies, and moi ended up sharing the only mildew-rotten room available for a low rate. After a four-hour ride, it really didn’t matter as long as we had a breathtaking view of the ocean and a bed to sleep in. Luckily there were two beds in which we somehow managed to stuff three boys on one and me and racer boy on the other for the night. The entire place was falling apart and reminded me of all the motel murder cases I saw in movies. Since there were no blinds in our “luxury” oceanfront room, the pouring sunrays woke us up early morning. We had breakfast and on the way to the beach we stopped at a touristy local surf shop across the street. I walked in to purchase an overpriced thin colored towel. As I approached the clerk, I spotted on the window display a bunch of boogie boards. Those were definitely made for kids, with shark prints and cheesy wrist leashes attached. For only 20 bucks each we were proud owners of our new foamers! I felt like a real surfer. I walked out to that beach as if I owned the entire place. A tough look on my face and a small boogie board under my right arm, we were on a long journey to surf some awesome waves. And we walked and walked, darn what a long walk to the water that was. No wonder they allowed cars on the beach! At that point, I wanted to surf in a car! Finally the cold morning water hit me like a thousand needles. Ouchy! But hey, I’m a surfer now so I’m going in! And in I went...till the first rolling foam knocked me off and torpedoed me back to the sand. I was standing in knee high water, how did I end up eating sand so quickly and pulling my bathing suit and sand out of my behind? Attempt number two... This time I walked cautiously, diving under each rumble and pulling my foamer behind me. When I reached neck deep water, I saw the incoming set of madness. It must have been nothing bigger than a head high set of giants for a kook. I felt the wave lift me and with a kick off the ground and quick paddle, I was off to
KOOK
By Ana Monsanto | Miami, FL
my addiction. I screamed with joy and rode waves all day till I couldn’t move a muscle. I was so hooked! The rewarding feeling cannot be replaced with any other event. I stood and stared at the ocean for awhile and thought this is what I was missing, a blue giant of danger and fun. In the evening, we decided to check out some nearby spots, such as the rusty mini fair with a slingshot station for suicidal individuals and a nightclub. I saw a couple setting down their massive drinks on the ground and give each other the let’s do this nod. They were immediately charged and strapped into the small seats. Off they launched into the sky. I wondered if it was going to rain puke or if guts were about to decorate the pavement. To my amazement, they landed smoothly. Lucky Dirtonians! I didn’t dare experiment with the sling shot. 1- I’m extremely scared of heights, 2- I would most likely puke. We continued past the rusty fair to a local night club. This place was filled with underage young people. I felt out of place standing in a corner and waiting for the boys to finish their aimless attempt to pick up girls. Meanwhile, an annoying skank offered a colorful concoction in tall glass tubies. She passed by five times or more and each buggery time she would offer a shot. I was getting ready to knock her colorful tray out of her crow fingers. An hour passed and no sight of the guys. I wanted to desperately ditch this nonsense and fill my lungs with fresh air. Finally, I managed to drag them out of that stinker. Back at the motel, a gruesome night awaited us, thanks to our lovely neighbors. A loud thud woke us up. We went out of the room to find that the college kids next door had yanked the sink out of their bathroom and launched it off the second floor where it landed on some old man’s car. In less than 10 minutes, the cops came to question the kids and the owner of the car. I went back to bed and longed to be rocked by the swell again. After all the commotion, I was up early and ripping through the cold small waves. Later, I bought a decent foamer with fins and continued my addiction... F wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 69
Surf Stoked . . .
Follow them on Instagram @caseykwiecinski | @jessicakwiecinski
The Kwiecinski Twins I
by Christopher Curts
t’s the beginning of the season and I’m driving down 413 in Rincon, Puerto Rico when I’m struck with two very similar faces trekking their way up the hill. After my morning coffee, I’m heading down for my first session, but it’s evident that these girls were on it early. It was never uncommon to see these two twins killing it in the line-up at any time of the day. Casey and Jessica Kwiecinski, the surf community’s up-and-comers, New Jersey’s hopefuls, and the nicest girls you will ever meet, are clearly here for one thing only: surfing. Balancing moving away from home, paying for rent, bills, and groceries, as well as fitting in time for school, it’s hard to believe that these girls are only eighteen. Living in
Photos: Laurie Glasser Photography www.laurieglasserphotography.com 70 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
a small town with a big party scene, these girls managed to keep their heads on straight and remain focused. Never have I seen two girls last a whole season without a car. With all of the walking to the beach and town you would assume that’d be enough for anyone, but that didn’t stop them from constantly running the dreadful hills between surf sessions. The whistles and honking cars never fazed them and the stares from the boys in the water never distracted them. Ask anyone in town and they’d agree that these two girls are absolutely stunning, even you’d be intimidated to talk to them. With their beach blonde hair, tan skin, and incredible surfing ability, it would be easy to hate them if they weren’t the sweetest girls around. F
Shaping Change
‘Build Your Own Board to Shape a Better World’
Written by Anne de Zeeuw | Photos by Pommeline van Vliet (Saltyrootz)
N
owadays surfboards are made of PU and EPS foam. This core, after shaped and tuned to a wave riding tool, is layered with fibers and resin to strengthen and make it resistant against the ongoing beating of the waves whilst surfing. It is the knowledge and craft of the shaper and glasser, which brings those two parts to life. It is a logical and natural process of building, which can also be applied to a person: where something is born out of nothing. The core of a person is his DNA, and experiences form the outer layers that come together to make a unique composition. So a good shaper of surfboards works close to nature to form good compositions, using his experience and knowledge to build something out of nothing. Dutch shaper Julian van Vliet, is one of those unique shapers that has built his knowledge this way, becoming the person he is today. What did it take for this Dutchie to convert passion into work, and experience into actions?
Julian started surfing in Holland when he was ten years old, and was instantly hooked. Before studying, he took off to shape his worldly knowledge some more by traveling the globe, taking in a variety of perspectives on sustainability and nature. When he came back to Holland, he studied water management, a perfect fit alongside his hobby of repairing boards. He ended up in the Dutch surf town, Scheveningen, which is probably impossible for most readers to pronounce. Also hard to believe, Holland has actual waves (we do!) let alone a surftown. This was the perfect place to start his ‘Ding Doctor’ at the F.A.S.T. ‘surf village’. In this surfer based community, he was free to explore his abilities on repairing and experimenting with shaping surfboards.
Julian van Vliet (Ding Doctor Scheveningen)
Johan de Niet
The Ding Doctor’s knowledge on the area of shaping surfboards had grown over the years, but he realized that it would take years to become a master shaper, especially in a country like Holland, where there is a lack of quality and quantity of waves and surfers. With the growing popularity of D.I.Y. and low quality surfboards in the world, he thought
of a plan that would enable him to gain experience and at the same time share his passion for surfboards with the crowd: a ‘shape your own surfboard’ clinic. This was a very innovative concept that gave the Dutch surf community a boost to form its own identity. Another part of that identity is a new shape he’s evolving specifically for the North Sea: the carver. From all this, the idea originated of Julian’s very own surfboard line, JY Surfboards that will be partially shaped with a self-build shaping machine. The best aspect about his endeavors is that he tries to work with as sustainable materials as possible by applying his current field of study, industrial ecology, to his work by translating natural processes into technological developments. He experiments shaping with innovative foam derived from nature and uses a ‘green epoxy’ to finish the boards with. Julian’s ideas about durability, shaping and the surfing lifestyle form its own ideology. His personality seems to be little affected by influences from outside. He takes in experiences and only extracts the valuable lessons he learns from them, staying close to his beliefs and core. This all translates strongly into his beliefs that he can make a change for the better in the world by making quality products that stand the test of time, but have little effect on the environment. With materials that are derived from nature and recyclable, he chooses quality over quantity.
Going back to the roots of surf culture and putting a whole lot of heart into it is what this Dutchie is all about. Julian’s Ding Doctor is where passion and work collide and they become a synergy that gives out energy, which is already a sustainable result in itself. When all the dots are connected, from his future plans to his current developments, he will for sure leave a good legacy for a next generation to build on. F
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Surf Stoked . . .
. .. D E K O T S t e G
Caribbean Style by Melissa Diamond
H
er glowing smile alone shared the stoke. After a five and a half hour session, saltwater dripped from her sun-bleached hair, and red filled her eyes as one result of her love: surfing her heart full on her final night in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Catching waves made Kelly Kingston’s life rich, and as the epitome of a soul surfer and President of the Share the Stoke Foundation, she refused to let the joy stop with her.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines stoked as ‘being in an enthusiastic or exhilarated state.’ The word encompasses the essence of surfing, the addicting feeling that overwhelms the mind, body, and soul after riding a wave. It is what draws surfers out of bed before the dawn stretches its rays to light the earth and tempts them to spend all their money and time in pursuit of surf. Surfing is a very individual sport which makes it all about you, your board, and your ability to catch waves. While it feeds the feelings of accomplishment when a good session occurs, you are always left wanting more. Surfing is like any other addiction; you always crave more. Eventually, many surfers wonder, “could there be more?” Could there be some truth to Tolstoy’s words, “He was right in saying that the only certain happiness in life is to live for others.” What if the focus from riding as many waves as possible was balanced with using surfing to help others? Could the pure stoke of surfing somehow make the world a better place? Kelly Kingston visited coastal towns filled with local kids who sat on the beach transfixed with surfers as they raced across open, green faces of waves. They yearned for the possibility to stand on a board in the water, but simply did not have the resources.
Kingston donated her first board in 2009, and that humble act eventually developed into the Share the Stoke Foundation. The non-profit organization is based in South Florida and donates surfboards to disadvantaged kids and teens. Kingston believes a surfboard will help keep them off the street and in the water. Kingston remains committed to creating new possibilities for kids and teens globally and to support them in having their 72 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
dreams of surfing come true. Her multiple sponsors include Firewire surfboards, Sticky Bumps, 305 green, Go Pro, Moana Surf Co., Badger BodyCare, Ocean & Earth, FCS, Gorilla, and Bellasol who are all crucial fuel to her mission. Share the Stoke has stoked out 116 groms to date. Sprinkled with a distinct Caribbean flavor, this adventure took place in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Kingston journeyed to paradise. She was surrounded by lush, verdant jungle foliage, translucent saltwater exposing each crevice of colorful reef, and birds that danced through the sky in all shapes and hues. In the sea, the swell cooperated and offered fun waves to surf. One the land, Kingston’s team consisted of essential characters united by a passion for surfing and helping others. Kelly Kingston and Neily Buff of Share the Stoke Foundation joined forces with a film crew of two brothers, Aaron and Chris Moreno of FrontRunner Creative Productions, as well as with the Mono Loco Surf School. Mono Loco played an imperative role in organizing the project. Juan David Isaac Fadul, one of the owners of the surf school, selected seven kids to receive the Firewires. With the help of others, Share the Stoke was able to make traction their first day in Bocas starting with a beach cleanup. They selected City Beach, because it is centrally located on the island and its picturesque yellow sand, towering green palms, and beautiful turquoise waters are adorned with discarded bottles and beer cans, plastic wrappers and bags, and flip-flops hosting families of barnacles. The Mono Loco Surf School, volunteers from town, and Marlin, accompanied by a pack of local kids, all met on the beach. Marlin, a resident of Bocas, molded a group of local kids into a surf club. He repaired old boards and took the group of enthusiastic kids surfing as often as possible. Together they worked under a melting, humid sun for over an hour collecting trash and putting it in bags donated by local businesses in the community. “Kids are interested in whatever you are interested in,” Marlin explained as he taught the younger generation through action and led by example in the matter of throwing away trash versus littering. The kids were eager to get in the water, so trash bags were traded for boards. Marlin, surf instructors from Mono Loco, and the Share the Stoke Foundation team splashed through the sea with the kids and pushed them into waves and encouraged them. Some of the kids stood up and rode waves for the first time. They laughed and wore giant, contagious smiles, making their excitement palpable.
Photos: FrontRunner Creative Productions
The next event of the day was the board ceremony when the five local kids gathered in the garden of the surf school and received their brand new Firewires. The groms were frothing to surf on their new boards, as anticipation built all day. They volunteered at the beach cleanup and organized the trash bags while the kids surfed at City Beach. They helped stack the surfboards on the Mono Loco truck, ate lunch, and waited. They waited in half disbelief and hopeful expectation until it was finally time. “I selected the kids based on their attitude and consistency in the water. These guys go to school and some of them actually found the means to compete in the national circuit, so I know they are really pursuing surfing. I chose deserving kids who would truly benefit from a new Firewire,” Juan David of Mono Loco explained. Juan David took charge of the ceremony. He shared the gravity of what was happening as he explained why he chose each kid and talked about them before presenting the sleek board. One grom couldn’t stop petting his new board, as if he wasn’t sure if it was real or a dream, while another giggled, his mouth curled into a smile so wide and repeated “gracias, gracias, gracias.” Tears welled up in Kingston’s eyes as she hugged the kids and gave them high-fives. This is stoke: a solitary moment packed with love. “When a local kid receives a new board like this, it builds their confidence and encourages them to stay motivated in school and surfing. They would never conceive of something like this happening, so it shows them that dreams can come true. The new board is like giving them a new chance to be a better surfer and a better person as well as giving them something to be very proud of,” said Joan Bergmans, another owner of Mono Loco. The final event of the day was what every surfer is eager to do, especially after getting a new board: surf! The crew headed to a reef break known as Paunch. Shocked with the high surfing level from the kids
sporting their Firewires, the Mono Loco Surf School and the Share the Stoke team hooted and hollered approval in true, soul surfer tradition. Waves were abundant and shared among the group. They stayed out until they were alone in the water and the golden sun threatened to vanish from the sky. The group reunited as the sun rose the following morning surfing La Punta off the island of Careneros with Roberto, a boy who got a Firewire. Then, Share the Stoke and Juan David ventured to Bastimentos, another island in the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. There they gave boards to two more deserving kids and surfed Wizard Beach together. As an instructor for Mono Loco, I worked with the crew and surfed with Kelly at Paunch, Black Rock, and Tiger Tail. I was stunned during our first session together because the peak seemed to stalk her, while I paddled around anxious for waves, chasing after the peak. Kelly emitted a calm cool energy that the waves were attracted to. When we surfed at Black Rock, Neily told me that Donovan Frankenreiter dubbed her “The Magnet,” and it was clear why. We celebrated surfing with a longboard expression session full of party waves, love birds, and shark stories as the sunlight began to fade and seeped through a blanket of clouds. Surfing won’t bring world peace and it won’t solve peoples’ problems, but it can bring moments of bliss and freedom. It is in these moments when surfers feel the most alive, at home sailing across rejuvenating waters. For the Share the Stoke Foundation and the Mono Loco Surf School, surfing is love. Real love is an action, and Kelly Kingston and her team prove this, loving others- one surfboard at a time. Stoked was the contagious white smile spread across Anthony’s small face when he received his pristine board, and it was the action of giving his old board to his brother. Stoked was the scrunched-up forehead and utter disbelief of Roberto as he touched his smooth board, and launched shards of spray off a wave with his new Firewire. F wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 73
Surf Stoked . . . Always Learning
Life Lessons from the Ocean:
Opportunity by Angharad Rees
T
he Ocean has many ways of sharing her life lessons, sometimes loudly and aggressively as her waves crash with their reverent message. But sometimes she whispers softly, yet the message does not become less clear. The Ocean just seems to always know how to deal with her students. Today’s lesson was opportunity. I live over a 2 hour drive from the coast and in this hectic lifestyle of working my fingers to the bone during the week, the opportunity to visit the coast on my flaked out, burnt out, and exhausted weekend state, is pretty slim. Or is it? I woke up early on a rare Sunday-with-no-plans-morning. The sun was peeking through the gap in the curtains and I could even detect a hint of blue sky, which is quite amazing really, as it is England, in the winter, where I haven’t seen what’s above the clouds for approximately 3 months, 2 weeks and 5 days (not that I’m counting)! I lay there and thought that I would love more than anything to be in the sea on a day like this. And even from my ‘landlocked county’ I could hear the Ocean’s whisper:
Take the oppor tunity or make the oppor tunity… Of course, she was right. So in record time I scraped the ice from my car, packed up my surfboard, and I was off! There is something incredibly exciting about spontaneity; I drove with the radio up, the windows down, the heaters on and sang the whole way while enjoying the rare winter sun. I crossed the bridge into Wales, my country, all the while knowing that my mermaid friends were waiting for me, their surfboards at the ready. They are three willing students in the International Academy of Life with the best tutor, the Ocean, waiting for us. Arriving in my hometown, Porthcawl, and with my home beach, Rest Bay, a delightful little treasure of a cove always makes me feel grounded. I breathed in the salty air that danced around my skin, but before I get all sentimental and poetic, we piled into the local surf shack, Malc’s Café, for a chip butty! Ah, now that, my friends, is the life!! The temperature was zero degrees outside, but from inside the glass walled
Photo: Neil Thompson 74 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
shack with panoramic sea views and a log fire burning warmly, it could almost have been confused for a summer’s day. Almost. But back to the lesson – The waves were clean and glassy with wonderful gaps between the sets that allowed us girls to sit on our boards as the sun shone on the golden sea and enjoy the stunning experience of stillness, of simply being. I did not regret my choice to make the opportunity to get to the ocean. The 5 hour round trip for just a couple of hours of real life was a good trade. In the water, you don’t think about work, the house chores, the job that you are so desperate to quit or the life you are so desperate to lead. In the water you are yourself, no ties, no commitments, nobody else or thing to worry about except that next wave. The ocean whispered again as I looked into the horizon: “When an opportunity presents itself – take it. When there seems to be no opportunity – make it. Life keeps moving just as the waves keep rolling, but each wave can only come once. Once it has gone, it has gone forever, so it is with opportunities –they are all unique, never the same. Never miss your chance, for you will never know where that chance will take you.” And as she said it, I saw my chance; I saw my opportunity rear towards me. Would I take it, or would I be too slow and miss it? I turned my board and paddled hard and I knew, I absolutely knew that this was the wave that had called me from my slumber, the wave that I would have driven a 5 hour round trip for; everything rested on this wave. “If you don’t stand up for what you want, you will never get it.” The Ocean urged me. And so I did, I caught my wave, the best wave of my life. I dropped down her and felt my stomach flip over as I glided down the steep wall with a speed I had never felt, before making a cool, sharp bottom turn back onto the wave. And then I glided, glided with all the effortless grace I had always wanted, but until then, had never achieved. That feeling was freedom. The sky had become pink and red as the sun began to set and us girls, giggling and laughing, left the Ocean behind us. Although I did look back, I knew she had another lesson, but just not yet. I smiled and thanked her as always. The next morning it snowed and has continued to snow, so that it has been impossible for me to drive from my countryside home to the coast for weeks.
NEVER MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY. F
one sport. many stories.
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Photo: Michael Williams
what’s yours?
Surf Stoked . . . Share Your Stoke
Germaine
Katie Bowcutt
(Photos: Lauren Bow Photography)
Hey guys! This year I decided to celebrate my sweet sixteen on the water, where I spend most of my time. Like most girls on their 16th birthday, I wore the brightest, poofiest dress I could find, although it didn’t stay very poofy after a couple wipeouts, it was a sick session and I had such a fun time kiting in this! --- Katie Bowcutt Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Keaolani Kealohiopuahinano Lee Yogi-Rittenhouse Keaolani is 8 Years old, surf’s shortboard and long, and recently joined Eastern Surfing Association (ESA). Her favorite place to surf is in Hawaii. --- LT Mark Rittenhouse
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Paige Chiharu Jenny Yoon
WSSM, I’ve really enjoyed reading the Summer/Fall issue of WSSM, thank you so much. I especially enjoy the Reader Submitted Photo Section and PROfiles. I love that you feature real local surfer girls! Here are some photos I’d love to see in a future issue of me and my girlfriends, taken at Canoes in Waikiki, Oahu. Photos by: Kazuto “Kazu” Toguchi | www.ameblo.jp/okinawan-aloha --- Jenny Yoon
Reader Submitted Photos Keaolani
Kea
Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 77
Lorena
Bikini: “Kara” fringe triangle bikini top, pretty enough for lounging by the pool, but sturdy enough to be active in with it’s fixed triangles that stay in place. Customize this top by choosing the background color and fringe color- Lots of fun colors and patterns to choose from! Available in traditional halter style (pictured) or cross back style. “Seashell” ruffled edge Brazilian bikini bottoms have a ruffled, scalloped edge like many seashells do. Brazilian-cut to offer cheeky, minimal coverage. Available in many bright colors and prints, and fully lined. By FayEtte Bikini Company. (www.fayettebikinis.com) Bracelets: “Leather flower” with snap closure, by Charming Shark Surf Jewelry. (www.charmingshark.com). “Fall Whisper Bracelet” and “Blue/Silver Fish” a double banded beaded bracelet with a message, by Calypso Studios. (www.calypsostudiosinc.com)
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Carley Bikini: “Sport Tank” in Pacific, featuring super-secure, t-back styling for zero strap slippage. Supercomfortable, keeping your arms and shoulders completely free to move. The built-in shelf bra gives light support and an extra modesty layer. “Athletic Bottom” in Pacific- a low rise, hip-hugger boasting cuteness AND incredible staying power. Sits at the hip with a drawstring inside the elasticized waistband, with fitted leg openings. By Girls4Sport. (www.girls4sport.com) Bracelet: “Sailor Reef Knot” in sand, by Trendy Jewels (www.trendyjewels.com 1-800-722-2309)
PHOTOS BY: Daniel K. Fine Arts MODELS: Lorena Miller, Carley Sizemore SET DRESSERS / FASHION COORDINATORS: Rebecca Palma, Trish Edwards HAIR & MAKEUP BY: Malia Aloy
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Carley
Bikini: “Boho Short” in black with Kauai braids. This triple braid side bottom with ruching offers moderate coverage. “Boho Surf Top“ brings together the banadeau style top with the support of a halter top. The braided strings cross in the back for improved fit and style. Made in the USA- surfed throughout the world, by eco-conscious California brand, Odina. (www.odinasurf.com) Bracelets: “#T0213193” Multi-strand leather, rope and metallic cord braided bracelets by Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com 1-800-722-2309)
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Carley
Bikini: “Diamond Push-Up” in Party Parrot, featuring a zebra striped, crisscross tie front and matching cross-back straps. “Cheeky Cupcake” bottoms showcase an adjustable (zebra striped) ruching, for desired coverage and look. By B Swim (www.bswim.com) Bracelets: “Slink-Lets” in lime. A new stretchy trend in bracelets,“Clay Bead Adjustable Friendship Bracelets” from the Clay Impulse Collection in teal, by Calypso Studios. (www.calypsostudiosinc.com) Sandals: “Rider R1 Pop WM Sandal” a vibrant, flexible, attention-grabbing flip flops shown in pink/blue, featuring a flexible footbed and dual-hinged adjustable upper that gives you more freedom to move. By Rider. (www.ridersandals.com)
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Lorena Bikini: “Sierra” top, a fun and flirty fringe busted bikini top features a racer back design. Made of Nylon/Spandex, and fully lined with removable cups. “Dominique Bottom” with Sensi’s signature (fully lined) blue lining, and hand braided sides. Paddle out to the point in confidence in these bottoms! Made in the USA by Sensi (www.sensibikinis.com) Cuff: “Rhone” cuff from Dennis Kaping Fine Jewelry. Shown in 316L stainless steel and heavy gold plate. Hand polished to a mirror finish and then plated in 18kt gold. Hand made in the USA by Dennis Kaping. (www.denniskaping.com) Boots: “Denver” in purple, a modern twist on the classic cowgirl boot, which is all the rage this season. Tiny silvery stud accents and neat topstitched seaming adds subtle bling, while stacked-look heels are tapered for femininity. From the Very Volatile collection. (www.volatileusa.com)
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Bikini Top: “Siren Top” in Lilac. Fusible fabric inserted to stabilize, this unique tie-up solution provides comfort and improves grip. Double-point string attachments for additional security. Designed for surfer girls by surfer girl brand- Calavera! (www.calaveraswimwear.com) Necklace: “#0323011” Crystal & faux pearl beaded Starfish necklace by Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com 1-800-722-2309)
Bikini: “Kai” Printed plaid polka dot, bandeau bikini top with zig zag stitch details, contrasting adjustable straps and fully lined. Bottoms offer medium coverage with zig zag stitch details and contrast color waist strap detail at the sides, and is front lined. By Mukau Swimwear (www.mukauswimwear.com) Necklace: By Charming Shark Surf Jewelry. (www.charmingshark.com) Bracelets: “Blue/Silver Glitz & Glass” wrap bracelet, and “Fall Whisper Bracelets” by Calypso Studios. (www.calypsostudiosinc.com) Surfboard: By Wave Riding Vehicles (www.waveridingvehicles.com)
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Lorena
Bikini: “Tamarindo Top” in Indigo Chevron, featuring cross-back straps for a secure fit, and removable chest pads. Boardshorts: “Breakers Short” in Orient Blue with contrasting side detail. Made of 4oz brushed microfiber, with a 7” inseam, low-rise front, and lace-up drawstring closure. By Carve Designs... a surf company for women! (www.carvedesigns.com)
Necklace: By Charming Shark Surf Jewelry. (www.charmingshark.com) Bracelet: “Sailor Reef Knot” in white, by Trendy Jewels (www.trendyjewels.com | 1-800-722-2309)
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Carley
Bikini: “The Inlet” The ultimate surf bikini top! Stays in place and keeps you covered, no matter the conditions. From yoga, to surfing, to beach runs, this top is perfect for the active beach girl. “Malibu” tie-side Brazilian cut bottoms. Named after the famous right point break, these bottoms offer an adjustable fit so you can tighten them in the water, and loosen them when on the beach. The scrunch butt offers minimum cheeky coverage. Mix and match with fun prints and bright colors! By FayEtte Bikini Company. (www.fayettebikinis.com) Necklace: “Huybers” Surf-Key necklace by SimpleBen. Handmade, fully functioning surfboard fin-key for FCS and future fin systems, made of marine grade stainless steel and strung on an adjustable 18” cord. (www.sbsk.com)
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Lee
Dahlberg
Age: 39 Years Surfing: 32 Home Break: Amelia Island, FL Motto I Live By: “Live live to the fullest, otherwise it’s empty.”
Favorite quote: ”Speak softly, but
carry a big stick”
Dream Girl: Quick witted, fit and beautiful inside and out.
Occupation: Actor/Model/
Artist/Designer of the jewelry company “ROCK BANDS - by Lee Dahlberg” at www.leatherrockbands.com
Photo: Dana Sculthorpe Bryan
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WSS m womens surf style magazine
CENTERFOLD Hottie
Community . . . Industry
Meet the Brands URT
Akela Surf
By Lindsay Schwarz | Photos by URT
Photos by Akela Surf
Bridging the Gap between Life and Ocean
with owners Annie Gagné & Servio Anez
The first time I tried surfing was 15 years ago in Del Mar, California. It was on an old board from the 80’s, a mini malibu. 10 years later I tried surfing again. I was in Tofino on a short vacation that turn into spending the summer there... I didn’t want to come back home! When Fall came, I decided to go on a surf trip to Asia, and that was it! Since then I’ve been to many places and met many people that gave me good tips that helped me to progress in my surfing. Servio, he’s from Margarita Island, has been surfing for more than 30 years. His older brother taught him, and he calls South Point, Barbados, home! For us, surfing is everything!
Akela, the name of our business, is a Hawaii name. It means happiness. We picked that name
because we started the company pretty much at the same time I got pregnant. We were just so happy to be parents and to share our passion, surfing, with our son, Kaiko. After working 15 years as a fashion designer and travelling to many places, it was the time to do something for me and my family. To create something that we believe in. Something that gives us the flexibility to go on a surf trip and to test our products, and to have the last word on our creation. A fresh new brand is in town, catching the eye of water lovers everywhere, bridging the gap between life and ocean. Surfer girls and mermaid hopefuls, this is the brand for you. A sea lion embodies the logo of their infamous trademark, exclaiming “URT” to all who hear. The name came from a portion of the founder’s last name, Ian Urtnowski, one of two in the URT brand partnership, the other being Doug Mann. Both young men grew up by the water and in the water in sunny Southern California as two ocean lifeguards “just following the sea lion’s throaty call,” as they proudly proclaim. “URT URT,” it sounds just like a sea lion’s bark, doesn’t it? As a brand for ocean lovers, there is a tide chart conveniently located on the inside of most clothing pieces. Organic and lightweight, their apparel is made right in Los Angeles and perfect to throw on for those summer days in the sand, though the brand boasts a year round line perfect for any age while comprising of mainly an 18-30-year-old market. Off the shoulder turquoise tee, ladies? Beach dress to go over that new bikini? A hat for your morning Stand up Paddle? Boasting all original designs and artwork, they’ve got you covered, literally. Originally launched in 2009, URT is now in over 26 stores in California, as well as 1 in Oregon. The brand is expanding... and fast. URT holds a variety of events for their local fans throughout Southern 88 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
California, whether it is a Christmas Eve surf or a lobster diving competition. The guys are involved and making sure their users are, too. This year’s line was inspired by the concept of “fish out of water”, in other words, “the beach doesn’t stop at the boardwalk,” as founder Urtnowski explains. “This brand is for the adventurer, those looking for water and waves. That doesn’t have to stop at the beach, though. Don’t forget about our lakes in the mountains, our oasis in the deserts. Also for those that don’t always have the chance to jump in the water, we’ve got something for you.” “Those that wear and represent our brand personify this unmatched stoke for all things ocean. They go to the beach not just to tan, but to get wet”, Urtnowski mentions. But, a day in the sun purely for a little color is not discouraged by any means. These guys want to get you to the beach, whether you live by it or not. Wearing the brand will embody that spirit. And that’s the goal. “We want that adventure spirit personified through our clothing.” “This is a brand that is by the ocean user, for the ocean user,” Urtnowski happily states. If the URT brand hasn’t popped up into your local surf shop just yet, jump onboard and log on to www.urturt.com to order your first piece of summer, today. F
We’ve created a line of hardwood skateboard decks, surfboards, made by Servio, and I do all the swimwear line, t-shirts and hats designs. We do pretty much everything, the design, graphics, website, taking the pictures and testing the products. It’s fun working together! Sometimes we have too many ideas going on!! We get inspired from surf movies from the 60’S, the latest fashion shows, the ocean, surf punk garage, then we add spices from the Caribbean and we mix everything together!! Some of our favorite pieces to date would be our handcrafted fishpunk skateboard, our monster tee and Tokyoour one-piece swimsuit. All artistic, handmade products. Special things we do that make our brand unique would be our logo- it’s a fin and we stamp it on the garments and boards. It’s really become our identity. And we also use a lot of black and white images.
As far as a community outreach, we help other underground brands, like Slynk wetsuits. We promote them on our facebook page, which we do for a lot of underground artists. We also recently sponsored a longboard rider, Emily Ballard, who is based in Tofino. So what does the future hold for us? We are currently looking for a home base ourselves, lol. We just started a family and we want to live by the water, and go surfing every day! Also, to continue developing and offering new products for the underground surf culture. You can learn more about us at online at www.akelasurf.com or if you just want to say hello, you can email us at info@akelasurf.com F
Chiclid Hats
Meet 8yr Entrepreneur, Lindsay Foden I started surfing in 2005, after meeting my boyfriend who taught me on our 2nd date. He took me to Cowells and I got my first wave, something I will always remember. I learned on a beat up Doyle he had in his yard. At first I didn’t have a wetsuit and had to wear a men’s wetsuit top. But it soon became a priority to get one, and a decent board.
ancient Egypt signifying transformation and the importance of balance between opposites.
3
Egyptian Star- This design is one of
my favorites because it so colorful. The inspiration for the design is from everything and anything because it is abstract.
Materials I use The name Chiclid to help identify is sort of a play on my brand? I am words inspired by always exploring Cichlid fish, one of new ways to put my favorite types designs on hats. I of fish. The original make metallic hats idea was to create for good visibility some sort of surfand beauty. I try ing cap to protect to order the most the hair and to interesting colored protect against the hats I can find, and sun. I ended up goI am always looking ing with traditional for new sources hats as it allowed to keep the hats Photos by Jason Ward for more artistic fresh. freedom. I am A community ourtreach I’d like to be inspired to create designs by all kinds of involved in would be to sponsor some things. Chiclid Hats offer different colors select girls who surf to wear the hat. and designs that are durable and can Our Facebook page is available for such handle beach or ocean wear. requests. And of course, my friends and My 3 favorite designs? family all get free hats.
1
Chiclid Logo- The logo hat is special
to me because it was the first design I made on hats. My inspiration to create the brand was from the behavior of cichlid fish, cichlid fish are aggressive fish, but also beautiful. For surfing or any sport, those are great traits to have.
2
Scarab Sun- This design is special to me because it was inspired by my fascination with ancient mystical Egyptian art. The scarab is a sacred image in
In the near future I am going to create some hats with pro-environmental messages, and floatation attachments. I hope the future holds sunny days, fun waves and good company. To purchase or learn more about my brand, visit www.chiclidhats.com (please visit our non-mobile site for a full selection of hats). Also on Facebook: Chiclid Hats, on Instagram: chiclidhats Email: chiclidhats@gmail.com F wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 89
Community . . . I am a surfer
She Surfs Hannah Blevins Growing Up
In some ways, Hannah Blevins is a typical eleven-year old girl. She loves Taylor Swift, cinnamon rolls and the movie Twilight. But in many other ways, she is far from typical. Hannah has always been an active young girl. She’s involved in ballet, gymnastics, pageants, you name it! Growing up on Flagler Beach, FL, Hannah began surfing two years ago at North Beach surf camp. She immediately fell in love with the sport and excelled quickly. Within the past two years, Hannah has won too many contests to count and is now sponsored by Cobian, Squirtini Bikini, Chick Sticks, Barrellicious, and Horizon Sunglasses. Squirtini Bikini even named a bikini after her! Hannah’s biggest advice to any surfer is to observe the breaks you go to.
The Contest Scene
In contests, Hannah always tries to stay focused and calm to help her succeed. With seventy wins in one year, it is obvious that Hannah is focused and has her eyes on the prize. “She is definitely an over-achiever and perfectionist. Hannah’s determination and hard work ethics set her apart. Whatever it’s been: ballet,
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Photos by Sherry Blevins
gymnastics, pageants or surfing. She puts 100% into it,” her mother, Sherry, said. Hannah has done a lot of traveling for surfing. She remembers her most epic session being in Puerto Rico where she was riding clean and glassy 6-8 ft waves with perfect sets. Even though she has traveled and won many competitions from different places, she loves to win home-based contests the most. Like every surfer, Hannah still pays her dues while surfing. The last time she remembers getting hurt while surfing the board popped her in the eye and she had a black eye for weeks. She doesn’t let this get her down though. She is always able to stay calm. She is focused, but carefree, so she doesn’t get stressed easily.
Having Good Character
Hannah never forgets to be kind to others. She emphases that kind-heartedness and compassion are two of the most important character traits a person can have. She is always the first person to say hello to someone in the water and to wish people luck before a heat in a competition. Hannah hopes to one day make a junior or women’s tour. Beyond this though, she hopes to inspire young girls to surf. She lives by the words, “always let your light shine towards others!”
She Surfs Kelly Laide
Surfing takes Kelly Laid to a Higher Level Words by Ray Pina | Photos by Chrissy Swain (instagram) @chrissyswainphotography
I used to think it was difficult for women to obtain a high level of spiritual development because of the enormous pressure society imposes on them to be physically attractive, to keep up with the Kardashians and embrace the all-toomaterial visions depicted in fashion catalogs. That worldview was recently shattered, though, when I witnessed a dozen young ladies, mostly just out of high school, charge 15 ‘+ surf with Zen-like focus and determination during the Corona Pro, held here at Marias, March 8-10. “The thing I love to do the most right now is push myself to surf challenging waves,” said Kelly Laide, a 20-year-old local girl that took third in the contest. “I’m surfing bigger and more barreling waves now. My focus is on progressing. I want to keep getting better. That’s what I put my time into.” The swell during the contest was so large, with neighboring Tres Palmas showing 20’ faces, that organizers were considering cancelling the event until settling on the safety of Jet Ski assistance put out into the lineup – even for participating professional men. So how could these young girls be so comfortable in potentially lethal waves? Well, it turns out Kelly did have the advantage of starting early; her dad introduced her to surfing at the age of eight. She made Puerto Rico’s junior national team at age 12. There is something about Kelly’s character, forged by years of surfing that prompted her to graduate high school a year early, move away from her family in the city of San Juan, and pursue surfing with almost religious fanaticism while attending university on the wave-rich northwest shores of the island. “I’m super thankful to God for the life I have,” she said. “I’m in college so I’m poor, but I babysit, give surf lessons, and do things here and there to make some money. My parents are supportive and help me out. I don’t need a lot of money to train, go skateboarding or hang out with my dog. It doesn’t cost anything to go to the waterfall. It doesn’t cost anything to surf and be happy.” It’s easy to write off that wisdom as words from a naïve pretty young girl who doesn’t fully comprehend the weight of earning a living – but Kelly is not a fool. Growing up on the island of Puerto Rico has instilled realities about poverty, violence and politics in her that most young American surfers never encounter…. as a result, she’s not just pushing herself in the lineup. She is pushing herself in the classroom as well while she works towards her degree in marketing. “Having an education is important to me,” she said. “What I learn from marketing can apply to the surf industry, but also help me accomplish other things that will allow me to continue living the lifestyle I love on the island that I love.” Turns out this maturity, the drive for more than a trip to Forever 21, is contagious with Kelly and her friends who are devoted to more than boy bands and celebrity gossip. “The level of surfing amongst girls is improving, we’re all pushing each other,” said Laide. “We film each other so we can study our surfing. This is what we want to do. We’re all passionate about it.” It’s paying off. Kelly recently picked up a local sponsorship, The Room, as well as one from an acai health drink supplier in Brazil, Amazoo Acai. “My sponsor, Amazoo Acai, just got me a trainer. As long as I’m young and have the ability to be competitive and athletic, I want to keep surfing at a higher and higher level,” she said. “I would like to keep competing and hopefully get to represent a surf line. Whatever happens, I always see myself being as happy as I am right now.”
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Community . . . I am a surfer
Photos by Brittany Keifer
She Surfs Brittany Marie Keifer
Most people know me by my first and middle name, Brittany Maria. I grew up in the small town of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, and for most of my life I have been physically and mentally abused by my mother. It was a real challenge to grow up living a normal life. As a child, I would always dream of a different life. Although I have a wonderful father, I’ve always felt a void in my heart from never having the loving mother I always wanted. Since my parents were divorced, and the court ordered split custody, I had no choice but to stay with my mother for half the time. I’ve always gone to the beach and played there as a kid, but it wasn't until I was about 7 years old that I grew an attachment to the ocean. I would spend all my summer days up at the beach watching all the "big kids" surf and swim in the water. They seemed so happy and carefree, just gliding on the waves. Watching everyone in the water gave me a sense of relief and made me feel carefree as well. Once I was a
little older, I started going to the beach and painting everything I saw. I painted everything from seashells to the seagulls, and from the waves to the surfers riding them. It was all such an escape from reality. It was a way for me to forget all the horrible things my own mother was putting me through, and it made me realize to never put my head down and to always look forward. I’m 20 years old now, and still to this day, whenever I face hardships or even if I just want a little bit of comfort, I go up to the beach. Whether it’s warm or cold, sunshine or snow, the void in my heart is filled by the ocean, by painting, and by never forgetting there is always hope. Life has its ups and downs. The seemingly endless ocean made me realize life is full of possibilities, and to always keep a positive outlook. No matter how bad things are, they can always get better. Life is what you make it, so always keep your head up, never let things get you down, stay confident and remember hope. I know firsthand, if you keep your heart open and stay positive, you will find happiness!
Breanne Deam How I got started surfing: Well, I wasn’t able to go to the beach a lot so when I did go my time was precious. I learned on my shortboard by myself and just recently learned on a longboard by surflessons with Katie. My scariest surfing experience: Surfing on my shortboard for the first time, I got caught in the undertow and I thought I was gonna drown. Three people who inspire me most: Well they’re not all people, but God first and foremost, Bethany Hamilton, Jay Moriarity, and my dog Muffin, haha. If I could have a superpower, it would be: The power to teleport. I would go travel to all the most epic, amazing islands and surf whenever and wherever. I would go to different countries and experience different cultures to learn new amazing things, all for free because I could teleport! The most admirable character quality to me is: Kindness. When people are kind, it makes my day. No matter what, always be kind. You’re making a difference in the world. Life lessons I have learned: I had a rough childhood and becoming and becoming an adult was difficult. No friends, no family. I had to learn life and how to live it the hard way. I’ve been alone emotionally, physically and mentally. If there are any girls out there like me, all I can say is don’t give up!! If you have a dream or passion, go for it! Follow your heart always. Last surf trip I took: I went to California for one day to go surf. I drove all the way back to Las Vegas the next day. All I paid for was food and gas. Best surf tip I have personally applied: If you wipe out, ALWAYS cover your head! You never know if your board is 92 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
Photo by: Surf Lessons with Katie www.surflessonswithkatie.com
gonna whack you. You’re keeping yourself from getting hurt badly. My sponsor: Right now I am sponsored by Chick Sticks by Lola. I just love what she represents, so I asked how I can get on the team. She likes what I’m about. Now all I gotta do is go pick up my board, haha. A foundation I love is: Nø1. It’s an Anti-Bullying foundation by Pierce Romanow. When I’m stressed I: Drink a hot cup of tea and then meditate. Someone once told me this and it really made an impact on me. It was: You are who you choose to be. I’ve learned that balance and loving yourself is one of the most important elements to maintaining contentment in life.
She Surfs Brittany Penaroza
It was a great finish for Brittany Penaroza, ending the year off with a win in the statewide 37th Rell Sunn Menehune Championship at Makaha Beach on Oahu Hawaii, in December, 2012. She competed in the 10-12 yr. old girl’s shortboard division. At the same time, she is rated 1st in girl’s shortboard divisions, ages 12-13 and 14-15, with the Hawaii Surfing Association (HSA). She is also highly ranked in the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA), as 6th Place in Explorer girls shortboard, and 7th in Open girls shortboard, at twelve years old.
In addition to the Rell Sunn, Brittany placed 1st in the 2011 annual China Uemura Wahine Classic at Queen’s Beach in Waikiki. She also placed 3rd in the 2012 Menehune Championship at Alii Beach in Haleiwa, successfully completing the girl’s trifecta for menehune contests in Hawaii. A couple more successes achieved by Brittany as a novice surfer, was making it to the finals in both the 2011 Roxy Wahine Classic in Waikiki and the 2012 Local Motion Surf into Summer contest at Ala Moana Bowls, placing 5th and 3rd respectively, as the youngest girl. The Local Motion contest is the longest running and largest amateur surfing event in Hawaii, and the girls 16 and under division is the most contentious for many years. Brittany began surfing at age 9, on Father’s Day 2009, as a way of bonding with her father. He took her to a surf shop and asked her what boogie board she wanted. She responded by pointing to the surfboards and said, “I want one of those”. “She took to the ocean and surfing right away,” said her father, Bill. Brittany soon became a regular weekend surfer at Queen’s, Waikiki, her with him. Her brother, Billy, would also take her tandem surfing at this surf break. She loved surfing so much, that after she made it to the finals in her 1st surfing contest, the China Uemura 2009 Wahine Classic in the summer, she was hooked on the fun contests. Each year, China’s event showcases girl’s and women’s surfing, as well as benefits women’s charitable causes in Hawaii. “China’s contest was such a positive influence for Brittany, and it set her in a new direction, because she then progressed and joined HSA and NSSA,” said her mother, Susan.
Photo (as seen on our front cover) by Aaron Nakamura
Winner of the 37th Rell Sunn Menehune Championship in Hawaii After the China Uemura contest, Brittany and her father were seen regularly in the lineup at Queens Waikiki, Ala Moana Bowls (the Pipeline of the South Shore), and Kewalo Point, Honolulu. Her father would swim next to her with fins, so she could catch more waves in the crowded adult lineup of the South Shore of Oahu. Brittany since then has been a member of HSA for three years, and NSSA for two years. Brit’s time in the water with her dad at Ala Moana Bowls, has also afforded her the privilege and opportunity of meeting and being sponsored by Makani Mcdonald, who is a talented surfboard shaper with Monstah Glass Hawaii. He has shaped many grom surfboards for Brittany. They have helped her progress rapidly in the competitive ranks. Coach Kahea Hart of the North Shore Surf Clinic (NSSC) has also been a very influential trainer for Brittany. Kahea (Verizon Wireless HawaiiJunior World Team Coach) focuses on fitness, technique, and contest strategy as part of his program. He incorporates video into his individual, as well as group classes. The NSSC isn’t just about winning, but how to be the best surfer you can be, given your own individual strengths. “Kahea is super tuned in to analyzing each individual, and keenly sharp at pointing out their strengths and things they have to work on,” says Susan. You can still find Brit and her father, Bill, at Ala Moana Bowls, and Haleiwa, Velzyland, and Rocky Point (on the North Shore), when it’s pumping. Her favorite new spot to surf is Pipeline, and “for a goofy footer, it is just natural,” says her father. Brit keeps in touch with her good surf buddies around the island and abroad through Instagram and Facebook. When you see Brittany at the beach, don’t be shy to say “hello,” as she just wants to be your friend. Sponsors and awards from- Makani Monstah! Surfboards, GoPro, Pakaloha, BoardStix, Charming Shark Jewelry, Hawaii Jr. Surf Team wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 93
Community . . . I am a surfer
She S Sh he h e Surfs Ava McGowan
Photo by Heather McGowan
AGE: 7 | YEARS SURFING: 2 half yrs | HOMEBREAK: DFP - Deerfield Beach | SPONSORS: Island Water Sports, Bird Surfboards, Squirtini Bikini | FAVORITE BOARD: 4’8 Chimara
How did you get into surfing at such a young age? I started surfing
with my dad pushing me into waves on a longboard, and then I went to a fish. When I was ready, my dad let me get a board made for me. Now I am on a little board, and I surf right here in my backyard in Deerfield Beach. I surf a lot up in Jensen Beach and New Smyrna, too. My mom and dad would take little surf trips up the coast so we could surf. Tell us a about your scariest surf experience? It was in the wilderness in Puerto Rico. It was a big day, way overhead, and my dad and I were trying to surf on the inside a little. When the big sets would come in, we would have to duck under a lot and the reef scared me. Who are the three people who inspire you the most? Clay Marzo inspires me the most; and my mom and dad also inspire me. What are some of your “high hopes” for the future? To have fun and become a pro surfer. If you could have any special power, what would it be? I wish I could fly. What character quality do you admire the most and why? Humor, because I like to laugh and have fun with my friends. Do you have any pets? Yes, I have a mini pinscher, her name is Kolohes. I love her more than Peeps
AT A GLANCE
- Favorite food: Teriyaki Chicken - Favorite dessert: Brownies - Favorite artist: Taylor Swift - Last movie you watched: I was a Penguin Zombie - Top 2 fav magazines: WSSM Maga zine and Surfing Magazine - Top 2 fav surf brands: Billabong, Roxy - Dream surf destination you haven’t been to yet: Hawaii - Favorite color: Aqua Blue - Siblings: Hannah, Mayah and Grant - Bicycle or skateboard: Skateboard all the way - White wax or colored: it is Pink - Favorite quote: Our Greatest Glory is Not in Never Failing, but in Getting Up Every Time We Do.
What are three things that always make you laugh? Friends, Brother and my Dad. What’s the best surf-travel tip you’ve got for us? Have Duck Tape in your bag so you can fix any ding quickly and keep on surfing. Besides surfing, what hobbies do you find the MOST pleasure in? Skateboarding 94 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
If there is one thing you want the world to know about you… what is it? That I am going to be around for a long time surfing. When competing, what do you feel is most important, prior to paddling out? Just to have fun when you are surfing and to not be all stressed out! Stay positive and focus. Do you have any sponsors? Island Water Sports in Deerfield Beach, Bird Surfboards and Squirtini Bikini. I ride for IWS because they are dedicated to the sport, and Bird Surfboards because Mike shapes great boards, which my brother has been riding for years. Squirtini Bikini, because they are everything a little girl like me loves in a bikini. My mom and dad wanted me to surf a bit before I got any sponsors. When I felt it was time, I just went out and had some wins that filled up my resume, which helped me make the teams!!!
Have you won any contests that you’re really proud of? Yes, I am most proud of my wins two years in a row at the NKF annual Surf Contest in Cocoa Beach, Florida where I finished 3rd in 2012, girls 9 & under and 4th in 2011, girls 9 & under. It’s one contest I look forward to every year! My biggest accomplishment was the Gnarly Charlie Grom Surf Series where I was the Champion of the Whitewater Girls Division. I was really committed to surfing in every contest during that season and made sure that I followed through, and my mom and dad supported me all the way. I also have been a member of ESA where I surfed in a division created for little mini-groms for the last two years. I was the leader this past year. I will be competing in NSSA this upcoming season in the Super Groms Division. So excited!
She Surfs Caralynn Orbell
AGE: 12 | YEARS SURFING: 3 | FAVORITE BOARD SHAPE: 9’0 Siren Hot Tamale Surfboard | FAVORITE SURF SPOT: Populars, Waikiki
I have been surfing since I was nine, inspired by my parents. At first, I was terrified of the water as a toddler. My mom would have to put gym shoes on me for me to even go on the sand. Then when I turned around five, something clicked. I live in Illinois, where surfing is illegal on almost any beach in the Chicago area, if there are any waves, so surfing was out of the question. That is, until I went to Hawaii for the first time when Soul Surfer was coming out. As a kid, I was always influenced by the childish surfing movies, like Lilo and Stitch, but I never actually had the chance to surf, until we went to Waikiki. My first ride, I rode all the way to the beach, but the 11 ft. board was too heavy to pick up, so I sat there until my dad helped pick it up. My family was always supportive of me! Not only that, but we were also competitive, too. I would always compete with everyone, and surfing was the best medicine.
Photos by Patti Orbell
When I think back on it, my family inspired me to surf. Because my family is so athletic, we do many sports, supporting each other through everything. My cousin, Joey, is a cheerleader, and we always hangout before and after the competitions; we support each other in everything we do. She is always working hard with her sport, so that inspires me to do everything I can to do better with my surfing. While every family member was doing sports on land, I was the “Water Baby” of the family. My love of water helps my surfing: from my first ride, to the most recent ride I had in Hawaii during this winter break! I am also a swimmer for the swim team at the local high school, but swimming doesn’t have the same stoke of surfing. If I could have one super power, it would be to be able to breathe underwater! I love to swim and surf. Right now in surfing, I am working on cutbacks with a longboard, but I am attempting to move to a shorter board. I travel to Hawaii a ton, and every second I am there I am begging my parents to go surfing. I surf the days away there, and it goes by so fast, but I wouldn’t want to be doing ANYTHING else, to be honest. I am just so thankful for my parents and my family for giving me an amazing opportunity to surf every chance I can get. I cannot explain in words how much I love this sport. People at school probably think I am crazy, but I don’t care. It’s who I am and I am never going to change it!
When I think back on it, my family inspired me to surf...
I admire people with strength, courage and a sense of humor. I love people who are kind and can make me laugh. I also love people who push past boundaries. In my future, I would like to see people pay more respect to the reefs and treat them better. I want to be a marine biologist and help preserve the reefs and help the sea life. The inspirational quote that I love best is from Bethany Hamilton, “Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That’s what little girls are made of; the heck with sugar and spice.” I am stoked about surfing and it is AMAZING to be a featured surfer! The wonderful idea of being in a surfing magazine just makes me want to get up and try, try, try new things with this amazing, unique sport.
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Community . . . I am a surfer
She S Sh he h e Surfs The Viesins Our surfing family...
We are surrounded by an ocean of opportunities: to explore, experience. We live on a beautiful barrier Island located on one of the white sandy shores of the largest states within the continental US. With over 8420 miles of tidal shoreline and over 1200 miles of beaches, life just wouldn’t be the same without surfing! I have always had an attraction to extreme water sports, the ocean, and surfing. I can remember when I caught my first wave and the exhilarating feeling I experienced. It was only a matter of time before I relished the opportunity to share that same blessing and joy with my own daughters. What seemed to begin as a desire to spend quality time with the girls, quickly turned into one of the most adventurous lifestyles we could ever have imagined. Today almost 10 years after the initial first wave caught by the girls in Cocoa Beach, who would have surmised we would be traveling the world visiting exotic beaches in foreign lands across the globe. What a great way to learn some of life’s most important and valuable lessons while living what most would call a dream. As a mother of two daughters, I thought that surfing would be a great way for us to bond while doing something different than most of our friends. Living around so much water, I had already introduced them to swimming as infants. The girls love any kind of water and are excellent competitive swimmers. My husband and son enjoyed surfing together, so it was very natural when I encouraged the girls to join in the fun! The girl’s personalities are very different and so their surfing is very different, as well as how they individually relate to it. My goal was to simply have a great time together. We quickly learned that their definition of fun was also very different. Both girls were natural surfers and began riding waves immediately. Nikki, being older, naturally had physical advantages that allowed her to do things her sister couldn’t. This served to be an advantage and enabled her to quickly advance and develop into a competitive surfer. Chloe on the other hand has maintained it’s all about the fun. Big waves, choppy days and competing is work! I viewed this as 96 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
AGE: Mom 46, Nikki 17, Chloe 14 | YEARS SURFING: Mom 28, Nikki 9, Chloe 8 | HOMEBREAK: Boardwalk, Indialantic Florida SPONSORS: Roxy, Grills, Cobian, XM, Oakley | FAVORITE BOARD: Mom 5’10’’ VonSol Quad, Nikki 5’8’’ Channel Island Rubbie, Chloe 5’8’’ RPD Hybrid
healthy balance to keep everything in perspective. What I feel is most important is they understand how individually unique and special they both are and recognize and develop their individual gifts. Through the years, was it hard to get up and go, day after day, when they wanted to go surf? Was everyone on the same page and schedule with surfing? Or was it more chaotic? I am not a morning person, neither are the girls. However, some of the best surf is in the early morning hours due to winds and tides, especially here in Florida. We have learned to adapt and the rewards far out way the struggles associated with getting up and going early. Going is also challenging. All three of us are running at different speeds. In the end, it all works out. I guess you could call it perfect chaos. Where have you traveled for surfing, and why did you choose those locations? As a family (together and individually), we have traveled across the USA, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, central and south Americas, and China. Some of the best times and waves have been in Southern California, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Every place we have traveled has been an awesome adventure, but certain places carry lifetime memories. What are some of the benefits of surfing that they otherwise would not get in other sports? Surfing seams to act as a catalyst in drawing people together from different nations with one common goal, “waves.” It opens doors to relationships, languages, religion and culture. The awesome workouts are unlike any other sport! What have been some challenges of being a mom with two very active girls? Busy! Very busy! There is very little, if any, down time. We are always on the move, juggling schedules, planning, working out, training, practicing, and of course studying.
Photos courtesy of Kim Viesin
What other areas in life do you feel is important for you to cultivate and teach to your daughters? The girls need to grasp the absolute value of a good education and true wisdom. We have been given so much opportunity to listen and learn. They are the next generation and need to be great stewards and be proactive in helping to protect and shape it. What are some of your “high hopes” for both your future and theirs? Our hope is based on always looking upwards. Obstacles are opportunities to exercise perseverance in competing in the race of life. That unwavering perseverance builds character, which in turn builds a renewed hope. Our hope will not disappoint us. What’s the best surf-travel tip you’ve got for us? Have Fun! Enjoy every day where you are, no two days are ever the same, each one is a precious gift. Do they have any sponsors? If so, tell us how they scored them, and why they ride for them specifically? We are beyond blessed to have wonderful sponsors. The support we receive is amazing! There are so many people behind the scenes. Almost every place we travel, lifetime relationships have evolved. We are honored and proud of everyone who has poured into our lives: coaches, shapers, judges, organizations, reps, companies, family and friends. Roxy approached Nikki while competing in Peru. The girls are all about the fashion and Roxy has it. Chloe was asked to be on their style squad. Cobian has been super good to us. They have some of the most comfortable footwear on the planet. They use the girls for modeling. They are an inspiration to ride for. Grills is our local supporter. They make it all happen and make sure we get to where we are going in style.
XM makes sure our boards stay with us and under our feet. Oakley eyewear rocks! Have they won any contests that you’re really proud of? Nikki is our contest surfer. She was born to compete. From the very beginning, she displayed the natural ability and desire to be a contest surfer. She has been part of the US Surf Team since the age of 12 and achieved multiple east and west coast titles as well as several national titles. She has represented the United States in the ISA World Games both as a junior and open divisions. One of the most exciting contests was the inaugural China Cup in 2012. It was history in the making, being a first in China and one of the largest televised-broadcasts in surfing. This year, she was honored at Riyue Bay by a 4 story tall banner-image of her and her board from last year. Do you have any pets? We have 2 dogs, a German Sheppard and a Jack Russell. The Jack is king! What are 3 things that always make you all laugh? Kim: “Paddle Boarders in Speedos” Nikki: “When my mom cuts me off on a wave.” Chloe: “When my mom tries to sing our songs.” Besides surfing, what hobbies do you all find the MOST pleasure in? We all have fun doing different things: Kim-tennis-running-snow boarding Nikki- music (acoustic guitar & singing) Chloe- dance-music (piano & drums- singing)volleyball
girls that you’re most proud of? Their unwavering faith and love for God and others. If there is one thing you want the world to know about you as a family… what is it? Love is our greatest gift and foundation of this family. Love is kind to others, Love always protects, Love always trusts, Love always hopes, Love never fails. As a parent of competitive and ambitious girls, what advice do you have for other “surf moms” out there? Make sure you build up your surfing athlete. Help to equip them inside and out. Remind them how proud you are of them right where they are now. Encourage them to be the best and bring their “A” game always. Always keep it real and in perspective. Our words are extremely powerful! Do the girls have any fan websites or facebook pages you wanna promote? Nikki currently has a website for family, friends and the media following her: www.nikkiviesins.com Last words? We are honored to have this opportunity to share a snapshot of our lives with WSSM. It is our hopes that we might encourage other families to experience the enjoyment we have found through surfing as afamily. We hope to see you soon in the surf!
Both girls are heavily involved with the worship bands at church. We all support each other in every hobby. Total fans! What character qualities do you see in your wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 97
Community . . . I am a surfer
AMV photography by Rachel Serangeli
She Surfs Zoe Benedetto
AGE: 7 | YEARS SURFING: 1 | HOMEBREAK: Publics Beach | SPONSORS: Roxy, Janga Wetsuits, Sun Bum, Surf Central Surf Shop, Sonic Surf Boards, and Fisheye Graphics | FAVORITE BOARD: 4’8’’ Sonic Grom Rocket
How I Got Started My mom has run a surf camp every summer since before I was born. I pretty much grew up on the beach, my mom said I used to take naps on the tip of her long board during camp. As I got older mom would put me on the paddleboard with her and at 5 I started to surf. I started catching my own waves and really surfing last summer at age 6, well I was almost 7. I learned at Stuart Public Beach. I’ve always surfed with my mom, Avery Ayedelotte, Aurda Williams and Maddison Malizia. They are all older and push me to be better. And they are really funny and fun to surf with. Being Well-Rounded I play competitive club travel soccer for FC Florida and it is so much fun and good training for surfing and I like to skate on my penny and draw! My biggest wave: New Smyrna Beach with Kara Brown… it went from being big like 6ft to being solid 8ft. We had just made it out to the lineup when a clean up set rolled through and nailed me. I got hit by 3 waves before I could get back on my board and ride in! It was scary, but I made it and now know I can handle bigger waves, just not like that for now!!! Last time I got hurt surfing: At my mom’s surf camp, it was the very first day, the first five minutes of camp and I was playing around with a few of the counselors and I split my chin open on a soft top board! I don’t know how, but I did and we were back at camp within 2 hours! Most important advice for competing: I always tell myself to just have fun! Sponsors: Roxy, Janga wetsuits, Sun Bum, Surf Central Surf Shop Sonic Surfboards and Fish eye Graphics Contests I’m proud of: This spring I won the 49th annual Ron Jon’s Easter Surf Fest girls 12-under. I was also the ESA treasure Coast Menehune Champion and the Gnarly Charley Winter series 10-under Girls champion with a first ever undefeated season! All-girls surf camps or co-ed? Co-ed because the boys push you to be better and I like beating them too! Current Quiver: 4’8” Sonic GromRocket is my favorite go-to-board! I also have a 4’8 Sonic wide nose GromRocket and a 5’0 Dumpster Diver by Channel Islands. People who inspire me: My mom, Tyler Wright, Lisa Andersen and Bethany Hamilton. Made Out of the Right Stuff You have to want to achieve your dream and that takes determination. Or being stubborn, sometimes that helps too! I want to go pro and be the World Champion…I want to be the women’s Kelly Slater! I’m 7, I’m a girl and I’m serious about turning pro at surfing, but I’m serious about having fun while I’m surfing.
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Photos by: Jason Pang
She Surfs Lily Richards
The Delightful Lily Richards....
There is a feeling every wave hunter feels after connecting with a perfect wave… Stoked is what ya call it. It is the feeling that keeps you paddling back out after getting worked. It keeps you going out when the conditions are not perfect, and makes moving things around in your day a common occurrence so you can sneak in a session. It was one of those perfect days on the south shore of Oahu. Light wind, blue sky, and a cracking south swell. I paddled out to Queens for a quick session, and I heard the infectious giggling of a little girl before I even saw her. The kid was stoked! She was on her board squealing and laughing so loudly I could not help but laugh along with her! Her dad came in on the next wave, and they paddled back out together. I could hear her telling her dad about her last wave, and how she totally did what they had been practicing all week!! It was one of the coolest moments I have been privy to witness! How cool is this little girl? She chatted her dad up the whole way back out to the line up! Expertly dodging long boarders, (and with the help of her dad) punched through some sizable white water to get herself into position for another wave!
ing (which is her favorite past time if you ask her). An accomplished musician who writes and plays her own music, Lily has a love for the performing arts and performing. Lily even played Greta in the BYU production of The Sound of Music. “I love playing the piano and singing! I can sing a song I wrote myself!” I was fortunate enough to receive a personal performance of one of Lily’s original pieces that she wrote the lyrics and piano music for by herself! To say the least, I was amazed at her talent! Right there at Queens beach she got up in front of me, a total stranger, and sang her heart out beautifully! I asked Lily if I could write about her, and she asked me to make sure I remembered to put down that her inspirations in her surf life are Rell Sun and Uncle Rabbit. “They are surfers who I want to be like when I grow up!” Lily’s infectious enthusiasm for No GMO in Hawaii blew me away! She went down to the Capitol and helped rally behind the community trying to evict Monsanto from Hawaiian soils. She told me all about Monsanto, and why it’s so bad for us to eat the foods that they produce. I was astonished at how well informed and eloquently Lily spoke of such adult topics. Roxy is lucky to have such a broadminded, loving little surfer on their team! Lily Richards is a North Shore, and South Shore up and coming grom! You can’t miss this little blonde munchkin at any grom event. She has a flare for performing on stage at most contests that she is entered in! I look forward to watching this broadminded jewel of a keiki grow and spread her seeds of aloha and love throughout her surfing career.
A big thanks to Lily’s Sponsors: Roxy, Sanuk Waikiki, North Shore Surf I could not help myself as I paddled over and introduced myself to this little shop, Santa Cruz surf boards ray of sunshine and her father! That was the first time I met Lily Richards! Turns out she is a Teeny Wahine on the Roxy team. Lilly lives, and goes to school on the North Shore with her family. This talented little waterwoman has many interests besides surfwSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 99
Community . . . I am a surfer
She Surfs Bailey Rosen Tell us what growing up surfing was like for you, who taught you, short vs. long, surf break you learned at, etc? Back in middle school, a few years after my family moved to Florida, my mom took my siblings and me on a surf trip to Cocoa Beach. I had awesome surf instructors and I loved spending all day on the beach with my friends and playing in the waves. A few years later, I picked up stand up paddleboarding from the surf shop where I work. I really fell in love with it!! Living on the Gulf Coast, where we rarely get waves, is such a great way to keep in shape and stay connected in the water. I seriously started racing, and surfing, and never looked back! What was your scariest surf experience? It was actually while I was out paddling right by my house, where I go every day. The sun was setting, I had just seen some dolphins, and I was standing on my board in waist deep, flat water. All of the sudden there was a huge movement on my right, and I saw a jet of water barreling towards me that I immediately knew was a huge shark! He came right at me and under my board, knocking me off and into the water. At this point, I was panicking, wondering where he was going to bite me and thinking that I had to hit him on the gills, as soon as I could find the gills, which would mean he had bitten me!! I was terrified, but I watched the shark barrel right past me, not even 2 feet away!! I must have scared him more than he scared me. The next day I went out surfing with no problem, but I paddled away from that with huge gratefulness for my life and an even more overwhelming respect for the power of the ocean. What character quality do you admire the most and why? I think that courage is one of the greatest qualities a person can have. Courage means you have the ability to go after what you want and face impossible circumstances, even if it seems really difficult. Besides surfing, what hobbies do you find the MOST pleasure in? I really love to read and write! I also like to run. What is the biggest wave you've ridden and where? How big do you 100 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
Photos by: Jorge Alvarez Photography
plan on going in the future? I’ve never surfed anything truly huge, but I have gone out into some big washing machine hurricane waves this past year that have really challenged me! I’ll paddle out into anything as long as I’m not alone and know it’s within my abilities. When you're out in the water, are you the first to say hello to another girl in the lineup? It’s always great to talk to other girls in the lineup, especially when it’s mostly guys out! I’m all about talking to other girls that surf and it’s always more fun with friends. When competing, what do you feel is most important, prior to paddling out? The most important thing is definitely calm and confidence. The better you feel when you paddle out, the better you will do. Your mental state is definitely as important as your physical readiness. Do you have any sponsors? I am so lucky to have great sponsors whom I consider family!! I started by just buying products and getting to know their team riders. They watched me and kept track of my results and then offered to make me part of their team! I always try to surround myself with the best products made by the best people Have you won any contests that you’re really proud of? Tell us about them, and what made them so special to you? Back in September, right after Surf Expo, there was a race in Cocoa Beach as part of the Stand Up World Series. It was sunny out, but super windy, and the waves were cranking because of a big hurricane out in the Atlantic. I had never seen it that big and locals said it was the biggest surf to hit Cocoa in decades! Even the best paddlers in the world who were following the series seemed nervous. I was terrified of getting out through those waves on a 12’6” race board! At first I got knocked down a lot in the washing machine waves, but I finally saw a break ahead of me in between sets and I paddled as fast as I possibly could!! I made it out right before the next huge set, with only a handful of other girls making it out through the break to race. That day I raced with some of the best paddlers in the world and ended up taking second myself. I was super stoked and felt so much more confident at the end of the race knowing I had held my own with such great waterwomen in challenging conditions.
She Surfs Kiyomi Sheppard Living in a Man’s World
Kiyomi Iwamoto Sheppard is what I would call a pillar of strength. She rushes huge Sunset and Waimea with the boys in the thumping winter months. But that is not all that this multidimensional trailblazer of a woman is. Kiyomi is a small, unassuming Japanese woman, but by trade she is a heavy machine operator. She operates backhoes, pours concrete, and can even do all kinds of finishing work. “These are trades in Japan usually held by men,” Kiyomi laughs and tells me. In a society where the lines between men and women’s places are strongly defined, Kiyomi, (to travel and surf) did the unthinkable, and made herself a place in a man’s world. A true inspiration to any woman fighting for a place in a man’s world in the water and in the work place, Kiyomi is a trailblazer in life and in the water. Considering Kiyomi is now a woman in her 40’s, only validates her fierce strength in defying the social barriers in her country.
Journey to Surf
It was not commonplace to see women surfing in Japan when Kiyomi first learned. “I was from the city, but I always dreamed about being a surfer. Thirty years ago when I taught myself to surf, there were not many women who surfed, or many Japanese men for that fact. You would see guys walking around on the beach with surfboards, but very few of them actually surfed. It was all for the look.” Kiyomi was a teenager when she taught herself to surf the cold waters of Japan. The travel bug got ahold of Kiyomi and took her to Australia. She spent the next year and a half of her surfing journey in the famed Aussie area of surfer’s paradise. “In Australia, old and young people surf. It is a way of life there, and I wanted to be just like them. I really got a taste for the surfer lifestyle in Australia.”
Kiyomi’s time in Australia was short lived. A huge earthquake in Japan took her back to her home country. Her skills in the construction field offered her an opportunity to return home and make money to save for more surf trips. “No women were in my field in Japan. I had to work so hard to earn the respect of my coworkers. At first, they were not kind to me. They would tell me to go get a woman’s job, and leave this to the men. It was so hard, but I love dirty, hard jobs. It made me strong. There were no high heels or fancy clothes like all the rest of the Japanese women in the work place.” The tough work environment prepared Kiyomi mentally and physically to become the fierce big wave surfer she is today. “After being in Australia, I had the surf bug bad. When I was back home working construction in Japan, all I would think about would be surfing and where I would travel next to surf.” Peru, Indo, and California were the surf spots she used as training. Kiyomi’s goal was to surf the famed North Shore of Oahu. “Everywhere I surfed was, in my mind, a stepping stone to getting ready to go to Hawaii.”
Words by Sasha Leitner Photos by: Buddy Sheppard | pamalusurf.com
When Kiyomi first came to the North Shore, she had enough money saved up for a food budget, and that was it. Hawaii is expensive, and she could not afford a place to stay, so she slept in her truck, and chased waves. “I lived the surfer’s life; I was checking spots and surfing all day! It was amazing. I felt so fortunate to be in the ocean in Hawaii, living the life I used to dream about.” Kiyomi met her husband 12 years ago on the North Shore and they married in 2003. Before she met him and with nowhere to stay on the North Shore, Kiyomi had all her bags and boards with her as she wandered around looking for accommodations in the country. “I only had saved $800 American dollars for a 3 month trip, so I was on a tight budget. I walked by a group of North Shore guys, and he (my soon to be husband) asked me, ‘Where are you going with all those bags, Japanese girl?’ I told him my situation, and he was shocked I had so little money. He offered me a studio space for $400 less than he should have. I helped him with construction projects to make money and make up for the little rent he was charging me. We wound up dating for 3 years before we finally got married.” Kiyomi and her husband now have a beautiful home at Sunset Beach that they built together. Kiyomi did the foundation and the finish work, and her husband did the rest. They live on the top floors of this beautiful home with their son. “I used to struggle to find a place to stay in the North Shore to surf when I did not live here, so I wanted to create an affordable place for surfers to stay. We rent our rooms out for $44 a night, so surfers can afford it. We have a communal kitchen, outdoor showers, an organic garden, bikes for the bike path, and we are walking distance to Sunset Beach.” The rooms are beautiful, and the walls are covered in Kiyomi’s original paintings. The images of the huge waves that Kiyomi paints can be found all over the house to bring an intimate feeling to the surf house. They are always busy, so put your reservations in early! (sunsetnaluhousehawaii.com)
Love of Surf
Surfing North Shore has its challenges for any surfer. Broken boards, stitches, 14 staples, and tons of bruises have all been a part of Kiyomi’s learning experience. The country waves are heavier than most places in the world, so training your mind and body is very important. You can find Kiyomi out with her husband, who is her coach and surf buddy. “The nose of my board stuck in my head one time, and the fin of my board sliced my thigh another year. I took up paddling outriggers during the summers when the North Shore is flat to keep my body and mind strong for the big waves of the winter.” Kiyomi has paddled the one man Molokai Challenge and finished 2nd in 2007, and 3rd in 2010. “Paddling is no fun, but it keeps my arms in shape and my mind focused for when the waves come back.” To truly be a waterwoman takes endurance, strength, determination, and the love of surf. Kiyomi is one of these elite waterwomen who displays and lives the life. In her personal life, she has been an inspiration to all young women by fighting for equality in the workplace in her home country. As a surfer, who rushes the big North Shore, she has embedded herself amongst a hui of elite female athletes. She has this waterwoman’s humbled admiration. wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 101
Community . . . I am a surfer
She Surfs Chelsea Roett
AGE: 18 | YEARS SURFING: 8 years | HOMEBREAK: Brandens, South Point & Soup Bowl | SPONSORS: Oakley, Lime, Move 2 More, GTI Surfboards, Lazy Days Surf Shop, Uneasy Riders | FAVORITE BOARD: 5’10’’ GTI
I first started surfing when I was 10 years old. I grabbed one of my dad’s surfboards, a fluorescent pink thruster and asked him to teach me. It was a 5’9”, which was actually a bit small for me to learn on, but I still had to try that one first… the pink was what caught my eye. I did stand up on it in my first session, and from then I knew surfing is what I wanted to do. Growing up surfing was so much fun. I had a bunch of friends who decided they wanted to start surfing as well, boys and girls included. When we arrived in the lineup, it became crowded… and then with all our parents on the beach it was always a beach party. Along the way, I have been very fortunate to have been trained by some great coaches: Nick Donawa, Zed Layson, Jim Hogan, Alan Burke and Marcos Conde. I have surfed short boards all my life, and love them. Recently I have been dedicating some of my time to helping out younger girls and boys to learn to surf and to better their surfing and competition skills. While doing this, I sometimes go out with them on a longboard and have found longboarding is fun also. There are very few girls that surf in Barbados. Very often I am the only one in the lineup, but that’s ok. The guys help to encourage me to push harder and go bigger, and that has helped to accelerate my surfing ability. Where I learned to surf was quite a small break in Dover, Christ Church in Barbados, so my break preference definitely changed as I got better. Barbados is a reasonably small island 21 miles long x 14 miles wide, but we have so many 102 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
amazing breaks all around the island, perfect for all levels of surfing. As I progressed, I moved on to Brandens (Drill Hall), a really nice left point reef break on our south coast. Soon after, I advanced to some right point breaks, Soup Bowl on our east coast, and Maycocks and Duppies on our north west coast, these are some of our more powerful breaks when they are pumping. Our surf culture here in Barbados is very friendly. If you don’t drop in or paddle around and take anyone’s waves, there is no problem. Basically, use good surfing etiquette and it’s all good. Our breaks are not usually too crowded, but you still can get 30 or 40 people at a break on a good day. During the tourist season, certain lineups become very crowded with tourists on longboards, but that’s ok we like to welcome everyone here to Barbados to enjoy our great waves, nice sandy beaches, warm water and very friendly Barbadian people. I like to think you can not find it any better than what we have in Barbados. The people that inspire me the most would be: Kelly Slater- soon after I started surfing, I met Kelly on one of his many visits to Barbados and I thought of him as a pretty amazing athlete. He was a great inspiration to me. Since then, his continued surfing accomplishments are definitely an ongoing inspiration to me. My Dad- a real waterman. There is not much he can’t do. Anything he puts his mind to, he accomplishes and always encourages me to do just the same. He is always there for me with his surf and equipment knowledge and he always makes sure I have what I need for every surf condition. He repairs all my boards when they get damaged; he even repairs my car when needed. My Mum- who inspires me with her positive thinking. She always looks on the bright side of life and is always there for me through thick and thin, win or lose; she is my pillar of strength. One of my high hopes for the future would be to win the ASP Women’s World Tour, and my current quiver has all GTI Surfboards and range from 5’ 6” to 5’ 8”. I have a 5’ 3” groveler now being made. I first met my board shaper, Gaston Fernandez, owner of GTI Surfboards, California, six years ago when he was in Barbados on holiday. Since then, he has been working closely with me and shapes all my boards. He watches my progress and knows just how to tweak my boards to keep
Photos by: Wayne & Rachel Roett
my surfing at the highest possible level. If I had a special power, I'd snap my fingers and have perfect glassy waves for every session. The character quality I admire the most is Honesty. To me it is the most important character quality; I do not like dishonesty in any form or fashion. Besides surfing, playing the drums is a hobby I enjoy, and if there is one thing I'd want the world to know about me, it's that I love life. My pets are part of our family! I have 4 dogs, ranging in size from small to extra large (Cuddles, Kisses, Pepper and Xena). I have 2 ginger-colored cats that strayed into our home as kittens (Tigger and Friskie). I also have about 10 land turtles that roam wild in our garden. Best surf tip? Pack your surfboards in a sturdy, well protected travel bag, with extra padding inside when possible, so that when you unpack your boards there should be no damage to them. Trying to repair a damaged board in a foreign country sometimes can be a bit tricky.
MY SURF LIFE...
The biggest wave I have ridden was 10- 12 foot at a break in Barbados called Duppies on the northwest coast. It was pretty big. This particular break has only a very small sandy beach to launch and come in at. There are fifty-foot tall cliffs all around, so I made sure I did not have any wipeouts. I have not really thought about how big a wave I would ride, but I guess once it is not too gnarly and the conditions are right I will go for it. Do I hoot people off? Quite often guys will drop in on me. If I shout and they don’t cut out, I will rush them. When they look back, I am right there with them. Boy, that surprises them and they get off the wave in a hurry.
especially if I see a new girl in the lineup. Even if I go to surf somewhere else in the world, I am always happy to make new friends. My sponsors are really special to me. Oakley, LIME, Move 2 More Fitness, GTI Surfboards, Lazy Days Surf Shop and Uneasy Riders. I have been with Oakley for 4 years and they are fantastic. I love their products, especially their shades and swimwear. LIME is Barbados’ leading telecommunications company and keeps me in touch with the world. Chiara and Rolf of Move 2 More, mind, body and fitness, are two very special people and have given timeless hours to keep me in top physical fitness for my surfing. GTI Surfboards, Gaston Fernandez is exceptional, he has been shaping for me for the past 6 years, and has been known to push a board out for me in as quick as 5 days to rush to a contest. Lazy Days Surf Shop is my very first sponsor from when I was 12. Bill, Anne, Shona, and Simon own two fantastic surf shops in Barbados. Bernard Boyce, an up and coming entrepreneur with Uneasy Riders. I love all my sponsors, and would not be where I am today if not for their invaluable support. Thank you all very much. Contests I've won that I'm most proud of? I won the Viridian Women’s Pro, East Coast Surfing Championships in Virginia Beach on August 26th, 2011, literally a couple of hours before Hurricane Irene passed over Virginia. The waves were perfect, but I was definitely unnerved watching the really black clouds moving in from the south, and watching all the tents and judging stands pulled down before and during my finals, not to mention having my dad on the phone from Barbados giving us a blow by blow commentary of the wind speeds and how fast the hurricane was moving towards us. Watching the tractors push up the sand in dunes to save the hotels from tidal surges. I knew I had to remain focused in spite of all the excitement around, and I did, and WON IT!! What made my win even more special was that it was on my birthday.
When I'm out in the water, I am usually the first to say hi to another girl, wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 103
Community . . . I am a surfer
She Surfs Maddie Ryan The Ryan’s Living the Dream….
Photos by: Ryan Martin, www.of-rion.com | Words by Gina Bradley
Meet Maddie. She is 10, has a big smile, a kind heart and she’s not afraid to push her limits in challenging surf! She’s a bi-coastal kid who is lucky enough to have two homes in two places where there is great surfing in coastal Maine and Rincon, Puerto Rico. When she’s at home in Maine from April through December, she attends public school and whenever she can she is in a wetsuit hitting the surf. The surfing fun for Maddie continues in Rincon from December through April, where she is frequently spotted doing dawn patrol before her home schooling begins, with her sleepy, yet eager, parents in tow! She’s a great student who places school work as a priority since she understands that living an enviable life like this requires commitment, maturity and flexibility when it comes to her schooling. Maddie comes from two parents who are not only experienced and excellent surfers, they are passionate about this lifestyle they have created through their hard work and their dedication to the family. Bill is a residential builder who specializes in log homes, but does all his building in the summer months, leaving him the winter to get to the Caribbean. Rachael is an education consultant, who specializes in online study courses, so she can do this from home in Rincon. That is how they have managed to make it all work! They met in Maine over 15 years ago when Rachael was learning to surf and they started out as friends. Years later, after Rachael traveled the globe in search of a ride on a board, be it a snow board or surf board, she finally settled in Maine and she and Bill got married. Their surfing travel adventures kept on rolling and of course took them to Rincon, the surfing capital of the Caribbean! When Maddie came along a few years later, like many reasonable new parents, they wanted to pick a vacation spot to call home, that was close to the USA, that had a decent infrastructure (like hospitals and electricity!), and had great surf! After a winter working in Rincon when Maddie was very young, they were fortunate enough to find an affordable home there. The Ryan’s don’t pressure Maddie into surfing; she just genuinely loves to surf and has already been in two competitions in the past year: The Volcom VQS and the Roxy Puerto Rico Classic. In both of these competitions she surfed well, but did not place. Really she was just getting her ‘feet wet’. Now that she’s gotten a taste for what it is like to compete, Maddie is planning on the upcoming Volcom VQS and has her eyes peeled for more opportunities to test out her talents on the board! Attracting friends near her at the breaks, Maddie rarely is alone and she’s so dedicated to getting better that she’s been known to spend full days on the water with a few quick food breaks for empandillas and pinchos and of course, a sunscreen reapply. Her parents encourage and support her activities both in the water and on land. Maddie also has a passion for archery and is showing promise in that sport as well. What is a day in the life of Maddie? While school work is the main priority Monday through Friday, her folks can afford some flexibility on days when her homeschooling tutor is not set to come and waves are going off! She is 104 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
also lucky enough to be able to have sunrise sessions at Domes Beach or the Sandy Beach, when the water is not crowded. She then follows up with an after school session at The Marina to meet friends, or if it’s not too crowded, they go to the infamous Maria’s beach and can surf till sunset! Maddie is just like any other girl who is ten. She has chores, homework, has to care for her dog, loves family time (and she gets lots of it when she is in Rincon) and time with friends. Maddie is lucky to have the bi-cultural experience and it allows for great growth and the maturity that we all would like to see in our girls. She’s an avid Minecraft player and loves emailing her friends back at home who she does miss from time to time. One of the best things about a family who surfs together is not only the bond that it creates when you are all out there on the water, but Bill summed it up beautifully for us, “While it is really great to have a kid in team sports, like soccer or hockey, you aren’t out on the playing field with your kid. When you are surfing with them, you are right out there in the lineup with them, playing the same game.
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Community . . . I am a surfer
Meet the other Beck... Holly isn’t the only surf sister making waves
She Surfs Helina Beck
By: Hilary Billings Photos: Helina Beck Beck\
Meet Helina— little sister to pro-surfer Holly Beck. She’s determined to step out of her sister’s shadow and ride her own wave. She’s started a Southern California surf school with more in mind than just lessons.
What was it like growing up as Holly Beck’s little sister? Holly is the eldest, so she’s furthest apart in age from me, but she’s definitely the one I had most in common with. She was a tomboy. She taught me how to skateboard, taught me how to ride a bike, and eventually taught me how to surf. I always looked up to her and was inspired by her. She motivated me a ton. Did Holly teach all of your sisters to surf? Holly talks all the time about how she had this dream that all five of us would paddle out together and have an awesome time. So when we were younger, she taught all of us. hen I was nine or so, she went off to college. It was up to us to continue and that’s when my other sisters dropped off. But I was already in love with it and I kept it up. It’s my life. Were there any challenges to having a pro-surf sibling? The only hard part was that she had the spotlight. She was smart and graduated college in three years. She immediately went off on the pro tour and was on the reality show, North Shore. That made it harder because when I’d meet older people, especially older boys, they would put a label on me. People wanted to know whether or not I was as good at surfing. I’d never been quite as competitive as she was. There was a lot of pressure. Why did you enjoy giving surf lessons? I love surfing. It calms me. It soothes me. It’s where I can get closest to nature and that makes me super happy. I’m not trying to compete against other people or be the best, but I love it and I want to show other people how great it is. I think teaching is a strength of mine. What made you decide to start your surf school? I’ve been a surf instructor for a couple of years now. I was working for another company that offered private lessons. I didn’t agree with how that company was running, which was unfortunate because I loved giving lessons. Of course, I shared my concerns with my family. Holly had always pushed me to start my own business, but I’ve always been in school and worried about whether I had the time to put in to make it successful. So I’d never followed through. But then I spoke with my sister, Hannah, and her fiancé and they have been helping me bring my dream to reality. I am so lucky to have such an involved and helpful family. We know your mom had a lot of resistance to Holly surfing. How has she reacted to the news of you starting your own surf venture? Once Holly became successful, my mom became okay with it. She wasn’t super ‘in’ to me surfing, but she put up with it because I brought home the cute surfer boyfriends and teaching surf lessons kept me out of trouble. She knew it was a good summertime job because I wasn’t sitting around or out partying with my friends. I was up early, so I could surf before I gave lessons and then I’d teach. I’d be at the beach all day long, coming home exhausted. She knew I loved it and was working hard. But she also knew all about my frustrations with the company I was working with, so 106 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
she’s extremely excited about Wave Huggers. Both my parents are thrilled to see me do this on my own and get my own dream going, versus working for someone else. What makes Wave Huggers different from other Southern California surf schools? I came up with the name Wave Huggers as a spin-off from ‘tree huggers.’ I not only wanted to provide excellent surf instruction, but also have an environmentally friendly aspect. I want to share my passion, spread ocean awareness, and support organizations that keep our beaches clean. In the future, I’d like to make donations to Save the Waves and Surfrider. It’s only through beach conservation that we can keep surfing enjoyable for all. I also wanted to give back to the surf community by actually educating people. I’ve noticed many surf schools don’t teach surf etiquette. That’s why a lot of surfers are against schools, because they’re just filling the water with kooks. I don’t want to do that. I don’t want to teach people to surf and crowd the water. I want to breed surfers who have knowledge and who will be more than floundering kooks in the water. Holly has invited you to work as a surf instructor for some of her previous retreats in Nicaragua. How did that experience impact your decision to make Wave Huggers about more than just surf instruction? That trip was definitely influential on my commitment to the surf community. I spent two months in Nicaragua. Not only was it fun teaching surf lessons in warm water and uncrowded waves, but I got a chance to connect with the culture and the locals. My Spanish improved considerably and I volunteered for Waves of Hope, a non-profit that teaches surf lessons to local children as a reward for them attending school. Education is such a major issue down there, so they need all the motivation they can get. It felt great to give back and be a part of that positive initiative. It emphasized my desire to include a charitable aspect in my own company. You’ve said before that you love teaching girls to surf. Why? It’s so often that when I paddle out I’m the only girl in the water. I love sharing my love and showing other chicks that there’s room for us in the line-up. Do you feel a stigma being a female surfer? Absolutely. When I paddle out, guys are looking at me and checking me out. The first wave I go for, I can’t blow it. All eyes are on me and if I do, they’ll think, “Okay, she can’t surf. She’s not getting any more waves.” So there definitely is that pressure. I encourage girls to watch out for that, but don’t worry too much if you fall. And don’t be too passive. What advice do you have for girls learning to surf? I say keep at it! There’s way more room for girl surfers now than there ever was, so don’t ever think it’s a man’s sport. Together, we can make those boys share the waves! I say, if you want to learn to surf, you totally can. And use your girl power out in the water. Show them not only do you look cute in your bikini, but you can totally shred as well!
In Southern California? Go Surf With Helina!
Check out Wave Huggers: www.wavehuggers.com
Like them on Facebook: Facebook.com/wavehuggers Follow her on Twitter: @WaveHuggers
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SUP COMMUNITY . . . New York & Ireland
Jessica Bellofatto SHE SUPS By Gina Bradley | PaddleDiva.com
How it Started
I started SUP about six years ago. I spent a very short amount of time learning how to SUP on flat water, as it came naturally to me. A friend encouraged me to take the board out into the ocean, and that was when the true love affair began. That first summer of SUP for me was an unbelievable gift and lifesaver. I spent hours SUP’ing in the ocean, not riding waves, just paddling distance. It cleared and calmed my mind in a way that my Yoga practice was not managing to do at that time. I have been a yoga teacher for close to twenty years now, and as much as I love meditation and yoga, I needed the added element of being outside and being on the water. SUP was my refuge and my sanctuary.
Surf’s Up! Lastly, I LOVE to surf. SUP was actually my ‘entry’ into surfing. A friend taught
me how to start catching small waves on the SUP board, but it wasn’t long after that I wanted to learn how to surf on a surfboard. Both are awesome, and I hope to get better and better as the years go on!
My Intention
My intention is to inspire women of all ages to embrace their bodies, push themselves physically, and empower them to believe that they are capable of so much more than they think. When a woman does a handstand for the first time, or stands up on a green wave for the first time, it gets her thinking, “What else is possible?” That “what else is possible?” can change the world. Learn more about Jessica Bellofatto or take a class at KamaDeva Yoga in East Hampton, NY by visiting www.kamadevayoga.com or www.jessicabellofattoyoga.com F
Yoga on the Board
It was not long after that first summer of SUP that I began practicing Yoga postures on the board, and started teaching paddle board Yoga shortly thereafter. As I was paddling distance in the ocean, I would get tired, so I would sit down to rest for a bit. I naturally started moving from that seated position into some yoga postures, and then into downward dog and other standing postures. I thought that I had stumbled onto something that no one else was doing, but I think right around that time around the country, a lot of women were starting to play around with SUP YOGA! It is so great to be able to take women off of their yoga mat in the studio and out on the water. I find that after one class, they are hooked!
Racing
Even though I am a yoga teacher, I can be quite competitive! I have been a triathlete for the past eight years or so, and shortly after I started SUP, there were opportunities to race locally in my area. I won many of those races, mostly untrained, so it motivated me to start training and perhaps get a bit more serious about racing. My schedule is already jam packed from teaching Yoga full time, running a Yoga studio, and two kids, but I train and race (mostly locally) when I can!
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Photo by Paula Di Donato | www.givingroom.net
Katie McAnena SHE SUPS By Sasha Leitner | Photos by Katie McAnena
H
awaii is a gathering place, and In my line of work, I have the privilege to come across some of the most talented female water athletes from all over the globe. Over the years, I have been inspired, humbled, humored, and graced with the time of many elite water women. These women always surprise me; they are multitalented and focused in their life’s pursuits as much as they are in their athletic pursuits in the ocean. My most recent encounter was with Katie McAnena, a doctor, and water woman from the west coast of Ireland from a city called Galway. “Ireland’s west coast is battered by Atlantic low pressure systems. My mates and I sail and surf all along the west and northern coast of Ireland. You can find us in Co. Clare, Belmullet, Carrowimsky in Co. Mayo, Maheroarty in Co. Donegal, and Co. Sligo. There are some complete gems in Ireland.” Um, Brrr... is all I can think as Katie tells me about the spots she windsurfs, surfs and SUP’s. Considering we are in Hawaii during our chance encounter, I was shocked to meet a charger from Ireland on the islands. Never having the opportunity to travel to Ireland myself, it would not have been on my surf trip radar, for the love of Guiness and Jameson definitely, but for surf? Katie quickly opened my eyes to the splendors of her homeland, and the prospects of a surf walkabout on the Emerald Isle. Katie told me that her first ocean love is windsurfing. She started windsurfing 11years ago at the windsurfing school called Rusheen Bay in Galaway. Being 14 at the time, Katie went to a few summer camps to learn how to harness and ride the wind. “After a couple of years dipping in and out of Windsurfing (ya know how kids are), I finally started taking it seriously in 2006. That summer, I was on holiday from university, and I wound up in Maui where I saw the windsurfers at Ho’okipa wave sailing. I have been focusing on wave sailing and competing ever since. I am constantly trying to hone in and improve my skills in the waves.”
So how did a windsurfer wind up in the ISA SUP and paddle boarding world championships in Peru? This was a valid question on my part, which Katie easily explained to me. About four years ago, she picked up her first SUP and surf board while on holiday on Maui. That is a fast progression in the sport to be representing her country in the SUP world championships. Her abilities to use the wind to propel herself into the waves to surf gave her the keen knowledge she needed of ocean waves to make the switch into a SUP surfer. “When the wind died on Maui while I was there on holiday, I wanted to be able to still get in the ocean and have fun! I was there all the way from Ireland and wanted to make the best of all my time. SUP was perfect, since you are upright on the board like in windsurfing. I can catch waves on a windsurfing board, so the SUP was an easy enough transition for me. I just had to get my arms in shape for paddling, and that is just training, getting out there when the wind is dead. Surfing has been a bit more of a challenge for me, I still suck, but I love it. It took me this long to get good at windsurfing, by the looks of things I’m gonna need twice as long for surfing. SUP has been a bit easier.” Being an ocean woman in the frigid waters of Ireland, Katie had a lot of male mates to help her along on her road to being a professional water athlete. She was predominantly one of the only females in the lineup windsurfing and SUPing, so her mentors were men. Getting out there whenever there was swell, she made friends with all the local chargers. They helped her along, learning the wind and the waves, but she credits big wave charger Finn Mullen as her biggest supporter and coach. “What Finn Mullen doesn’t know about windsurfing, SUPing, or surfing in Ireland or indeed the world, is not worth knowing. He has been my Yoda for years now.” Katie’s skill and love for SUP has blossomed over the years. With her developing skill as a fierce SUP surfing competitor, she landed herself a spot in the ISA Standup Paddle and Paddleboard
World Championships 2013, representing Ireland in Peru. This is a huge honor for any athlete to travel and represent their country in competition. “I have been fortunate to have gone to so many amazing countries to windsurf and SUP. I have been to Ho’okipa in Maui, Pascasmayo, Peru, Punta San Carlos, Mexico, and quite a few European countries. My career path and sponsors have made it easier for me to travel to warm water for water holidays.” Did I mention that Katie is a MD? Attending the medical school in the National University in Ireland, Galway, Katie studied for 6 years. She was awarded both academic and sports scholarships and has been a qualified medical doctor since July 2011. This July 2013, she will begin training in orthopedic surgery in Galway. Admirable accomplishments professionally to attain, and still maintain a professional athletic career. Her sponsors, Hot Sails Maui, Moo Custom Boards, K4 Fins, and Huku Balance Boards, must be proud to have such a driven and focused team rider. “The ocean is my playground. It’s always so lovely to know that wherever I am in the world there are always strong water women around. Whether it’s windsurfing, SUP or surf, all the stresses of my day melt away in the surf. It keeps you going through all the chaos of your daily life.” The icy waters of Ireland have produced one of the most talented and driven water women I have had the pleasure to have met. Katie is a role model and inspiration to all young up and coming water women. Not only has she accomplished professional standards in windsurfing, and SUP in the cold European waters, but she has managed to be diligent enough in her studies to receive the title of M.D., and is still not done with her studies. This Irish lass has shown me that not only can a water woman be a bada*# in the water, but one in life as well. A balance in your existence between fun, and education is possible, and Katie embodies this practice to the highest degree. I look forward to meeting her again, and seeing how far she goes in life. Hopefully it will be in Ireland with a Guiness in hand. F wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 109
SUP COMMUNITY . . . Hawaii
SHE SUPS
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Photos courtesy of Judi Harrison
Q A Judi Harrison with
From beauty queen to SUP mom, tell us how you came to live in Hawaii, and into surfing or SUP?
I was born and raised in Hawaii, and my mom was raised here, too. Our life centered around beach and water sports my entire youth. Although I only surfed once in a while, I was always body boarding with all the guys at Makapuu and Sandys as a high schooler, as all my friends bathed in the sun on the beach. I guess you could say I was a tom-boy. My oldest daughter Hana was in all of the HSSA and NSSA surf meets as a teen. Every week-end there was a surf meet or the family would surf and do every type of sport or outdoor adventure. My youngest daughter, Halie, was the first 16 year old girl to SUP from Molokai to Oahu and win her division. I watched her train and I caught the bug for SUP, and now it’s a way of life for me. I compete in the races on the North Shore because they tend to be a bit shorter. I really enjoy them.
Through the years, was it hard to get up and go, day after day, when they wanted to go surf? Was everyone on the same page/schedule with surfing/SUP? Or was it more chaotic? No it was never hard, but
sometimes there was a lot of planning for three active kids: where to go, what to do, and do we have all the proper stuff for a full day in the water and sun, etc. It just always worked out and fun was had by all. Some of the time my husband took all three of the kids, but most the time we were out at Toes, 2nds, Old Mans, or Laniakea in the water together. It never felt hard, it was a way of life.
How did the love of SUP come about for you all? And were both
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your daughters equally enthused about it? I caught the bug from my daughter, Halie, who was the first 16 year old girl to stand up paddle across the Molokai channel a year and a half ago. She won the 14ft. stock division. I watched her train every day and started following her out from our house on the marina to port lock and up into the marina as she trained for hours each and every day; I was her chauffeur. I just caught the bug and now I love it more than biking. I used to be big into mountain biking and road biking. I still love it all, but feel like standup paddling is a lot better on my body. Where have you traveled for surfing or SUP, and why did you choose those locations? I have traveled with Halie on her California trips for Battle
of the Paddle, all over Oahu, and the other islands.
What are some of the benefits of SUP’n that you do not get in other sports? The biggest benefit of stand-up paddling is the core workout;
there is also added benefit to the arms and legs. Being out on the water is something that makes us appreciate where we live and how blessed we are.
What have been some challenges of being a mom with two very active girls? I have an older son that is 23. He is also a surfer, but now in CA,
working as an engineer. I never feel that it is that challenging, although trying to be on top of all of the upcoming events are difficult because I have to be aware of all the contests and travels, and most times my daughter left it up to me.
What other areas in life do you feel is important for you to cultivate and teach to your daughters? Life lessons of wanting to achieve their
goals and to be on top of it all. Also, to give back to the children of Hawaii in the sports area. Giving back and working hard and always being the best you can be.
What are some of your “high hopes” for both yours, and their futures? At the moment, I have been helping guide Halie on the travel, tours,
and races that are coming up. My hopes for her in the races for sup, is that she enjoys it and succeeds. The sport is growing so rapidly and I know that in a few years the women will get the recognition they deserve. She is also going to college and will take the necessary classes she needs. She wants to possibly be a counselor one day, and she definitely wants to pursue her dream of being the top woman in standup paddling and sup surfing.
What’s the best surf-travel tip you’ve got for us? Always plan ahead for the races, schedules, and times. Make sure you plan for the right car with a rack, map out the races, and sup anywhere you possibly can.
Do you have any sponsors? If so, tell us how you scored them, and why you ride for them specifically? I really like the board
company Halie rides. They have great sup race and surf boards. I was doing my yoga on them and tagging all of Halie’s sup related stuff on social media, so they decided to sponsor me with a race board. Can’t wait to race. I love it. Being on the ocean at any time makes me feel empowered and makes me remember why we’re so lucky to live in Hawaii.
Have you or your daughters won any contests that you’re really proud of? Hana won multiple
surf meets when she was competing and she is now winning most of her SUP races. She is 3rd on the world tour. She is an amazing athlete. There are too many to write.
Do you have any pets, and do they travel with you? We have a blind Maltese Shiatsu that used to surf at 2nds with us. She was great out there. The sun probably made her blind, but she’s had a great active life. She’s even on you tube. Pua the surfing dog. What are 3 things that always make you all laugh? I’m a little on the random side. So, most of the things I laugh about can’t be described here. I do laugh in the ocean, usually for silly things like falling and watching someone flip and fly thru the air. When I’m on a trampoline and flipping around I get kind of silly and laugh. Besides SUP’n, what hobbies do you all find the MOST pleasure in? I love to hike, hike or sup under the full moon, yoga once or twice a
week, mountain and road biking have always thrilled me, but now mostly mountain biking up the hills or on trails. I try to lift weights a few times a week.
What character qualities do you see in your girls, that you’re most proud of? Their
unique selves. They are strong, independent girls who know who they are and don’t follow what others do; they are just themselves. They are role models in sports and their individual lives. I am proud of their natural beauty in every way.
If there is one thing you want the world to know about you as a family… what is it? It is
that we are very close and love each other unconditionally. We are also very active. A family that does healthy activities together, stays together.
As a parent of competitive and ambitious girls, what advice do you have for other “surf moms” out there? Always encourage and be supportive without being too pushy or aggressive because sometimes this makes your loved one not want to compete or they get burnt out.
Do the girls have any fan websites or facebook pages you wanna promote? Yes, Halie is under Halie Harrison on Facebook. She is going to
get an instagram fan sight soon. She’s very laid back. I have one that’s under jahhawaii or Judi Andersen Harrison. I post a lot of Halie’s race and pro tour and Battle of the Paddle stuff. Hana is no longer competing, but has a board sponsor called Meeks Surfboards. Halie is on the Focus SUP fb site. She has Focus SUP, Surf Diva, Body Glove, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Scott Slippers, Carbonerro Paddles, Sweet Waterwear, Pualani Swimsuits and Von Bone Street Paddle as her sponsors.
Last words? To keep a fit mind, keep a fit body. All you need is 3 days a week to be strong and healthy. No excuses. F
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SUP COMMUNITY . . . Rincon, Puerto Rico
The clear blue Caribbean ocean is below you, a warm breeze blows and bright skies are above as you cruise along on a SUP board… Your vantage point is above sea level: you are standing, you are floating, you are gliding along taking it all in. Peek down and you can see the Elkhorn coral maze of reef deep below you and your eyes may catch glimpses of the bright colored schools of fish.
Stepping on liquid blue... Rincon SUP
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Yoga Retreat By Gina Bradley | PaddleDiva.com Photos by: Evelyn O’Doherty, Angelo Corderro, Gina Bradley, Jessica Bellofatto
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and the green rolling hills dotting with wild horses and cattle grazing happily in the valleys. Your meals are healthy, delicious, and fresh. You are laughing with friends and you feel stronger than you can ever remember. You are on a Rincon Retreat with Gina Bradley of Paddle Diva and Jessica Bellofatto of KamaDeva Yoga…
SHE SUPS
Look up and gaze at the palm trees gently blowing in the breeze...
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Dreamy nights being lulled by the tweets of the frogs come easy after the long days filled with sun, ocean and fitness…the pace is fast but can slow down whenever you want. Simply pull up a lounge chair and relax as you gaze out to the reef and watch the surfers charging waves... Or find a tree and just meditate to the sound of the lapping seas… Try something new: SUP Yoga is for all especially when the water is warm and inviting when you fall in! Take a hike to the waterfalls or join the nightly yoga classes on the deck. You can lose yourself in perfecting your stand up paddle race stroke or just enjoy paddling along with a friend while you catch up. 114 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
SHE SUPS
SUP COMMUNITY . . . Rincon, Puerto Rico
This is your time... this is your retreat... Don’t just “picture” it, be IN the pictures!
Stepping on liquid blue... Rincon SUP
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Yoga Retreat
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SUP COMMUNITY . . . SUP Tips
surf sup tips
Making it to the outside
Do you Stand-Up paddle, but you want to start surf SUP’ng?
your board until you are knee deep in the water, making sure to point the nose of your board directly at the waves coming towards you.
Even one inch off center matters when punching the nose of your board through the surf. Your board will get ripped out of your hands and get tossed towards the shore.
Kristy Murphy is here to break it down for you step-by-step... so listen in!
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Next, slide your knees onto your board and do what I call the Pocahontas paddle, while still main-
By Kristy Murphy | Photos: Cat Slatinsky
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taining a direct course with the oncoming surf, and paddle to get your momentum up. You can either paddle to the outside on your knees, which is easier than standing up through the surf, or you can wait until the first wave passes through you and then stand up immediately before the next wave hits you. Once up, keep your momentum strong and the nose of your board on a direct 90 degree angle to the oncoming surf.
First things first, you need the proper board.
A stand up paddle surfboard is incredibly different from a flatwater SUP board. Its shape, its size drastically affect a board’s glide in the water, so make sure you have an SUP that was shaped by an actual surfboard shaper. You will also want to make sure the length of your SUP is shorter than a flatwater SUP in order to “make the drop” onto a wave and to also ensure that you will be able to turn your SUP once you’re up and riding.
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Just as the next wave is about to crash onto your board, slide one of your
feet back towards the tail of your board, bend your knees slightly, while at the same time pivoting both of your feet so that your toes are pointing at a perpendicular angle to the rails of your sup board,
Now that you have the right board,
you’ll need to resize your paddle, or better yet, have a paddle
that you use for surfing and one that you use for flatwater SUP’ng. Paddling in the ocean is different from paddling on a lake, so I like my surf SUP paddle to be a few inches shorter than my flatwater paddle. You will be utilizing shorter, quicker strokes in order to catch a wave, then once on the wave, you don’t want a long paddle that may get caught up in the whitewater which could jam your shoulder as you stroke throughout your ride.
putting you into a surfer stance. Try not to lift your feet off the sup while doing this maneuver as every time your feet leave the board you will have less control, so slide and pivot instead of jumping. Brace for the oncoming wave and paddle through it as it passes you by. Your paddle will help keep your balance and you need that momentum to make it through the surf to the outside. Quickly slide your feet back to your regular SUP stance and paddle towards the next wave and repeat.
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Okay, your equipment is set and you are ready to hit the surf and you ask yourself... how do I make it beyond the breakers to what surfers call the outside? This is tricky, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience on the ocean. If you can, and there is a channel where the waves
are not breaking, paddle around the waves to the outside, where you can easily catch waves. If you are not that lucky and you’re faced with white water wave after white water wave, then walk 116 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
Once you are on the outside, beyond where the surf breaks, wait for a good wave, pivot back into a surfer stance while at the
same time paddling to do a quick turn, then pivot back to a SUP stance as you paddle to catch the wave. Paddle hard
and fast. As you feel the wave lift the back of your board, slide your foot back into a surfer stance one more time, stroke hard and you will catch the wave! Learn more at www.sirensurfsupyoga.com
How To Do The... By Gillian Gibree | Photos: Shadow Van Houten
Pidgeon Pose
BENEFITS:
Opens the hip joints in adduction and flexion, and provides a powerful opening for the glutes. We carry a lot of tension in our hips, so breathe into this deep stretch!
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On the exhale, sweep the foot through,the board, bend the knee and bring the right heel behind the left hand. Make sure to keep the ankle flexed to protect the knee, and keep the left leg straight behind you with all five toes touching the board. Take a moment to settle in here. For a deeper hip opener, begin to inch the right foot closer to the left hand until it becomes perpendicular to the rails of the board. Only go as far as your body feels comfortable.
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From downward facing dog, inhale the right leg towards the sky for three legged dog.
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Inhale the heart towards the sky while pressing the hands into the rails for a mini backbend.
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On the exhale, slowly fold forward, using the rails to deepen your stretch. This pose can cause discomfort since we carry a large amount of tension in our hips. Take at least five breaths here and focus on releasing what no longer serves you. When you are ready, slowly walk the hand back up and press back into your downward facing dog. Shake the right leg out, and repeat on the other side. F
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SURF ART & MUSIC . . . I am an Artist
Age: 30 | Years surfing: 7 Years as an artist: 10 Homebreak: Inside Carenero, Bocas del Toro, Panama
picnic table
Learning to Surf I remember it like it was yesterday. Here I was, on my way from Holland to Basque Country for a job opportunity on a surf camp for the summer. At that time I had no idea what surfing was all about, but I was super stoked and excited to learn something new. They handed me a 7.3 BIC and coach Danny showed me how it was done. Full of confidence I entered the water thinking, “I’m a snowboarder, I can do this....” After that first time in the water, it has been a rollercoaster. From days you want to give up thinking, “this is not for me” to feeling on top of the world because you had the best session ever. I got addicted to that feeling of being in the ocean, just you and the waves, nothing else seems to matter, it clears your mind and is exciting and relaxing at the same time. That contrast in the sport of surfing is what attracts me the most. I love it. No matter what your level is, it’s all about having FUN, learning more and spending time in the water with good friends. Nowadays, I live on a tropical island in Bocas del Toro, Panama. We opened our own surf school last year, Mono Loco Surf School, to share our love for the sport with others. We need more surf girls in the water here, it’s a man’s world so you’re all invited!
Joan
My Passion for Art When I was young I tried and loved every creative project I put my mind too. Sketching and jewelry making were my favorites. When I got into surfing my life changed so much, all I wanted to do was travel and be close to the waves. When I lived in the Basque Country I started to sketch again; the surf, nature and lifestyle inspired me. I knew I needed a solid home to become a true artist. Three and a half years ago I decided to do one last trip with a destination: Panama. After that the plan was to move back to Holland to create a real “home.” Panama felt amazing. I fell in love with the tropical waves and stunning nature! I decided I wanted to move there and enjoy the outside life... I have no regrets so far :). Here I have my own space to make art. I’m passionate about the surf lifestyle and get inspired by the waves, photography and all the strong women in my life. 118 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
As a Child I’ve always been called “creative” as a kid. My parents have been very supportive in everything I set my mind too. I remember the endless creative sessions with my mom, grandma and the sister of my grandma. Their well-arranged, rainbowcolored collection of beads, fabrics and craft materials were like a candy store to me. My sister and I wanted to check it all out and touch everything. I spent hours and hours making jewelry, painting and doing art projects. My dad made me love construction type of art -- wood was his specialty. I loved watching him make wooden furniture and stuff for the house in the garage. I would ask him a million questions and he would always have the right answer. My family is golden! Other Forms of Art I used to have a jewelry business using mainly natural materials as hennep rope, wooden beads and shells. I did it for years and sold countless necklaces and bracelets. When I lived in Norway I sold to stores and my production went up as they ordered more and more. The more I “had” to make to complete the order the less fun it was for me. I stopped making jewelry and started drawing again. At the moment, I do a lot of different things. I make wall art in local restaurants, paint boards, pimp furniture, design t-shirts and hats for Mono Loco Surf and I’m actually working on a new project. I can’t say anything about it yet...but in a month you can check out the result on my Facebook page Totally Joan. 3 Favorite Pieces I made a BIG painting about 6 months ago. It stands for my time in Basque Country with the Good People Surf Company I used to work for. I love how it came out. I did a picnic table for my good friends here in Bocas del Toro, Panama, the colors on the wood worked out very well. They love it and use it daily which makes me so happy. I made a painting for my good friend Melissa. She’s my surf sister and I wanted to surprise her by making something special. I love making things for people I know. It drives me to get the best out of me, and it has to be perfect.
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The Future I want to inspire people with my art, surf, work and life choices. I’ve followed my heart and dreams and it hasn’t been easy, but it’s so worth it. I once read “Don’t get stuck in your own routine and become lazy in life. Be the change! Do what Facebook Pages: you always wanted to do. And if you do whatJoan you (Art) love, you become a master at Totally it! And as a master you can make yourSurf money with (Surf doing whatfor you loveand and pass Fashion Fashion women your knowledge and passion on to others.” I hope to continue to make art and to awesome DIY tips/tricks) surf for as long as I live. My dream is to do more Mono Locointernational Surf School projects, for brands or good people who need my creativewww.monolocosurf.com eye. (for surfing Panama) Contact Me www.goodpeoplesurf.com (for surfing I wish I could send my art all over the Europe) world. Sadly there’s no mail system in Panama that makes it easy for me to send paintings or art pieces in a safe way, www.sharethestokefoundation.com we don’t have street names or house (becuase numbers here. It’s still like in the old days. they are AWESOME) My art is exposed at the Mono Loco Surf HQ. It’s located in the second street www.girlsurfsworld.com (for the best surf next to Bocas Dive Centre across from the municipality at the main park. I know within stories) time that will change, but for now you have to come to Bocas del Toro, Panama to buy a real “Totally Joan” art piece, and don’t forget to bring your surfboard! F Follow At Facebook page: Totally Joan (Art) Surf Fashion (Surf fashion for women and awesome DIY tips/tricks) Mono Loco Surf School | www.monolocosurf.com (for surfing Panama) www.goodpeoplesurf.com (for surfing Europe) www.sharethestokefoundation.com (becuase they are AWESOME) www.girlsurfsworld.com (for the best surf stories)
meet the artist
Age: 25 Years surfing: 2 Years as an artist: 7 Homebreak: Cocoa Beach Pier, FL
Kristin
Marie Wetzel
Hooked on Surfing I love surfing! I started a few years ago with a few surf lessons from Ami Berg in Cocoa Beach, Florida. I always wanted to try surfing, and after one lesson I was hooked! I’ve been traveling as much as possible to surf within the United States, and have managed to travel to the Canary Islands of Spain, Peru and El Salvador thus far, and am planning on Hawaii for the WSSM surf retreat, Costa Rica, and Barbados sometime in the not so distant future. Starting to Paint I have always enjoyed painting and being creative in general. I think the affinity for art comes from being left-handed and therefore right brained. In my senior year of high school, I enrolled in a painting class in which I learned to paint with acrylics. My first painting was of a great white shark coming to the surface of the water. Luckily, I haven’t seen any great whites while surfing, and hopefully I can keep it that way. I still have that first painting hanging in my house, and every time I look at that hungry shark, I recall how it marked the beginning of my adventure into the world of painting. Four years later, in my senior year of college, I took another painting class. This time, we worked strictly with oil paints. My main works in that class includes a snazzy pair of high heel shoes and a glass of sweet wine. I have always been inclined to realism in my paintings. I like the challenge of taking a photograph and turning it into a painting. Somewhere along the way I manage to transform it into something with just a hint of mystery and softness. It always makes me smile whenever my critics tell me “it looks just like a photograph!!” A Family Affair My whole family has been very encouraging, and are always thrilled to see what will appear next on my canvases. My dad has gotten quite used to receiving paintings from me on his birthday or during the holidays. My grandparents also keep their home thoroughly decorated with my work. In addition, my aunt proudly hangs my work in her home. She once told me that I “have a way with light” in my paintings, and I’ve gone with that mind set ever since. I like to think I have a colorful mind, and I tend to see the beauty of the world and my subjects through all the different shades that come together in my finished work. It’s like solving a really pretty puzzle. 3 Favorite Paintings My paintings of a surfer getting double barreled off of Australia. I love this painting because I was able to paint myself on a surfboard within the barrel. I am nowhere near that experienced, however that painting makes me look like a pro on a surfboard, and it gives me something to aspire to every time I go out to catch a wave. I also love my painting of myself duck diving under a wave. Once again, my surfing skills aren’t quite so photogenic, but it’s fun to put myself into the action through my painting. The board is also personalized in that painting, with my zodiac symbol for Capricorn, as well as a Celtic symbol that I am very fond of. Then, there’s my painting of a beach on the Oregon coast at sunset. I was in Bandon Dunes, Oregon the summer after my senior year of college. This was one of the stops on a three-week road trip with my dad and, after playing golf
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that afternoon, we went to a nearby beach. The rock formations and the setting sun over the water were absolutely breathtaking. Something tells me that someday heaven will look like that beach when I make my way through the pearly gates. One of a Kind Style My work is mainly realistic, and based on photographs. If you give me a clear, high-resolution photograph, I’ll turn it into a painting. I also do combination paintings based on different photographs or images that my patrons would like to see. For instance, I was commissioned by a surfer for a painting which included the following: Herself on a surfboard, surrounded by her spirit animals: a wolf, a lion, a dolphin, an owl and butterflies, all in cool blue and purple colors. It was a joyous adventure putting all of these subjects into a realistic-style painting, yet with a splash of enchantment. Although I mainly do realistic paintings based on photographs, I’ll occasionally blend colors and just start painting a sunset, an ocean, or a glass of wine, just depending on my mood. The Future Hopefully there will be a lot more opportunities to create paintings for people that really mean something to them. There’s nothing better than the “big reveal” with my patrons, when their eyes light up and they are 100% thrilled with the painting I have completed for them. My business has mainly been grass roots up until now, with business spreading by word of mouth. I am hoping to increase my reach going forward, in both the surf community and in general. I am trying to make an effort to get my work into different galleries in the near future. F Contact / Follow At Facebook page: Kristin Marie Paintings My painting blog: www.kristinmariepaintings.blogspot.com For all questions, potential painting requests and purchase orders, please email me at kristinmariepaintings@gmail.com wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 119
SURF ART & MUSIC . . . I am an Artist always been the #1 supporter of my career and passion. She advised me to pursue degrees in art education and art therapy, so that I would have gainful employment. I’m glad she did, because art in some form or the other has put a roof over my head and food on my table for all this time and in all the places I’ve lived.
in love with him and with surfing. Since then I’ve had a lot of fun and adventures riding on various sizes and shapes of boards at different breaks in Florida and Costa Rica, sometimes to his shouts of “paddle, paddle hard!” I’m happy to change it up, but I love my 8’6” that I named Lloyd. My other favorite is a 7’2” east coast fish, whose name is Raymond.
Sandy Fraser
Inspiration for Art When I was 4 or 5 I vividly remember making a painting of a red barn and thinking, “This is it. This is all I ever want to do.” My mom tells me she thanked my kindergarten teacher for helping me with my artwork. She was really surprised when the teacher told her I had done it all myself, that I was an artist and to take care to nurture that. I am so happy that my Mom took her advice to heart. We moved not long after and I did not have an art teacher at my elementary school, Age: 51 | Years surfing: 5 total, 3 with passion so my mom enrolled me in art lessons Years as an artist: 26 years as a professional artist, when I was eight. At the time, Titusville, forever learning | Homebreak: Harvard, Ormond Florida was at the epicenter of the Apollo Beach, Florida space program. The only field trips I ever went on were to the Space Center. I don’t remember a great deal of early exposure to museums and galleries. If it hadn’t been In the Beginning for my mother and my Saturday teacher, I have spent the majority of my life in, on or near I wouldn’t be here today. Thank you Mom water. One of my earliest memories is learning to and Mrs. Funfrock! swim, and since childhood I have been swimming, sailing and body surfing. I goofed around on friends’ More than anything, it is my deep and enduring love for the ocean, the shore and surfboards in high school, but did not get intent my beloved Florida that inspires my art. I upon really learning to surf until 2008. I was going through some big transitions in my life at the time. am enchanted by the tropical settings and vivid colors of Paul Gauguin. I admire the I was launching a new endeavor. I had a serious use of light and shadow in Edward Hopper’s health scare and the loss of a long-time friend had paintings. I have fun incorporating vintage me feeling a little unsettled. Thankfully, Ormond surf styles and themes, and the art made Beach -- the place that has served as my source of inspiration for so long -- is the home break for some by the children I work with never fails to fill me with joy while keeping me grounded in wonderful women surfers. I decided to gather up the basics. my confidence and enroll in one of Mimi Munro’s weekend surf camps for women. Mimi is in the East Parental Support Coast Surfing Hall of Fame and is a wonderful perI don’t think I made my mom too crazy son in and out of the water. After that weekend, I was hooked! I got my first board shortly thereafter. with my art, but she made sure to keep me busy. I always received art kits and art It’s an 8’6” mini-long board, made by a local shaper supplies for Christmas, so I had an opportuin St. Augustine. I decided it needed decorating, so nity to try out a variety of crafts and skills. I drew a version of Hokusai’s “Great Wave” on the My grandmothers were very creative at nose of the board. sewing and crochet, and they had a hand in I was exhibiting art at a Surf Expo in Cocoa Beach teaching and encouraging me. My mom has in 2010, where I met Greg. That’s when I really fell
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Painting on Anything If it’s not moving too quickly I am happy to paint it. I have painted and drawn on slate tiles, chairs, furniture, fabrics, t-shirts, shower curtains, glass, ceramics, wood, concrete block and probably a few things I’ve forgotten about. I am proud to participate in the Recycled Surfboard Art Project, and I enjoy painting on broken boards and foam blanks. 3 Favorite Pieces My all-time favorite is “Kate Comes Ashore.” The image is of my friend’s daughter. I took the photograph, and I think the expression on her face is just precious and priceless. It makes me smile. I don’t think I’ll ever make another one quite like it. “Beach Brollie Bingo” is another one that I enjoyed both while I was painting it and afterwards as a completed piece. I like the bright colors, but what really has my attention are the shadows made by the umbrellas on a hazy summer day. “Surf Break” is special because it is of one of my friend’s boards, and it reminds me of how fortunate I am to have so many girlfriends who surf. I love the image because it is so clean, clear and tranquil.
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Community Outreach Programs I am the founder and teaching artist for VanGo Mobile Museum. VanGo is partnered with a non-profit to bring a free museum “field trip” to children who attend lowincome schools throughout central Florida. VanGo partners original, regional art with world art and culture to bring a multi-cultural learning opportunity to children who would (otherwise) not have an opportunity to participate in community arts events or venues. VanGo promotes creative thinking and embraces mathematics, science, social studies and language arts. Since 2008, over 24,000 children have participated in VanGo’s interactive exhibits. Plans for the Future I’d like to keep doing all the fun things I am doing now. I want to keep my body healthy and strong, and my friends and family close. I would like to keep being of service, and I have some new ideas I’m eager to try. Most of all, I want to keep smiling, surfing and making art. F Follow At www.beachartbysandy.com www.sandyfraserfineart.com www.vangoartmobile.com www.facebook.com/beachartbysandy
meet the artist
Age: 54 Years as an artist: 25 Homebreak: Garnet Valley, PA/Sea Isle City, NJ
Chris Ambrose
The Inspiration I discovered my passion for art with a pencil and sketchbook as early as 10 yrs. old. Chalk pastel was my next medium, but watercolor and acrylic are what I use now. I’ve painted various themes, such as Christmas and patriotic, but my all-time favorite is anything beach and surf related, vibrant and tropical. Art to me is all about color! I’ve always admired the surf culture’s laidback attitude, which is why I decided to create my beach and surf scenes. I want my work to appeal to the younger generation, as well as the young at heart. As a Child My parents always supported my passion for art. I can remember it like it was yesterday, unwrapping my first official art desk I received for Christmas! Also, an art instructor years ago was a great influence with my style of art. He taught me not to take art so seriously, and just have fun with it. Other Art Forms I’ve painted wall murals, greeting cards, wood and slate craft items and even lampshades. My paintings are displayed on mugs, playing cards, greeting cards, posters, canvas and much more at my online store at www.zazzle.com/lovecolor. 3 Favorite Pieces Beach Fun
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Work Hard, Play Hard
Summertime Fun
The Future Keep on painting and just enjoy each day-hopefully at the beach! In closing, I’d like to thank Women’s Surf Style Magazine for this opportunity! F
Contact Info My personal website is www.chrisambroseart.com. There are links to my online stores there. Various products with my surf art can be found at www.zazzle.com/lovecolor. Greeting cards with my Christmas, patriotic and tropical images can be found at www.greetingcarduniverse/cardsbychris
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& Siren Williams Q
SURF ART & MUSIC . . . I am a musician
A
with
Age: 25 Years surfing: 13 Years as a singersongwriter: 13 Homebreak: Currently 2nd St. N., Downtown Cocoa Beach, FL, USA
Photo: Reid Windle
How old were you when you discovered you had a talent for writing music? I
Photo: Brandon Russell
I’m beginning to write allows me to sing a little differently, covering a broader range. I guess I don’t really have a favorite song to sing right now. I do a little rendition of an old sea shanty called “Drunken Sailor” that I really like to sing. It’s the only ‘cover’ song I play at my performances.
Do you write your own music? I do.
I’ve always been began writing music creative in so many when I was about ways, so when I thirteen years old. started playing the That was the same guitar, I started year I got my first composing. I should surfboard, skateboard have suspected that and guitar. I immediwould happen, but I ately began writing never gave it much Photo: Bob Turnbull Photo: Mohammed Tahchi music before I could thought. really even play the I’d always ‘played guitar. I just knew that I could play some basic chords and use that to around’ with guitars, but once I had my own, I couldn’t stop writing get going, but my first instinct was to create, not reproduce someone music. else’s music. When I was really young, less than two years old, my How do you choose your album art? Honestly, I don’t put too much grandparents made me sing and they’d record it. So I was singing early thought into it. I just look through a few random photos of myself, on, but I don’t really call myself a singer, that’s just what I do. They pick some things to edit, and throw on some words. If it works, great. also introduced me to the guitar when I was just a few years old, but I If it doesn’t, I start over. I released an album under my real name, Jesdidn’t learn to play until later. sica Lynn Williams, last year, and I used a photo of myself in Jamaica Where is your favorite place to sing? I think I get a little bit of a thrill taken by Courtney Dutson. For the back, I used a photo of myself out of performing for big crowds. When I first started performing I surfing in Morocco taken by Mohammed Tahchi. Both photos were found that larger crowds were a lot easier to handle than playing for taken with my camera and edited by me. I’ve since unreleased that just a few people. Intimate performances really intimidated me. I don’t album, changed my stage name to “Siren Williams” and I now have an have that problem anymore, and I’ve performed all over the place, unreleased album that I’m using to search for a record company to including the beach, but I think being on stage is a great place to be. sign with. The cover of that album was shot by my husband, Brandon I do enjoy playing alone on the beach sometimes, but I often avoid it Russell, with my camera, and was edited by me. because people walking down the beach will stop and try to make me Has surfing affected your career as a musician at all? Sometimes play for them. I’m rushing to a gig with wet hair, but that’s about it. Most of my fans Where have you drawn the most inspiration from as a singerare surfers, so it’s nice to see friends and fans around town and in the songwriter? Most of my inspiration comes from my travels, surfing, line-up. One of the most important things to me is that my music stays and those ‘high vibration’ moments in life when I’m full of emotion. I tied to the surfing industry, and that people recognize me for who I have done a good bit of traveling and I’ve also lived in the Caribbean, really am instead of just a musician. My passion is traveling, surfing England and Morocco. Just being alone, so far from anything you really and being adventurous... Music is the outcome of that. I play at a lot of know, creating a new chapter in life, creating a new name for yourself, surf related events like competitions, competitor parties, at surf shops, new friends, new habits, new lifestyles, adopting new customs, learnsurf cafe’s and places like that. I’ve been featured in other surf magaing new languages, exploring, taking huge risks, being spontaneous, zines, on audio surf reports and on surf related websites, and that’s getting stranded overseas with no money, not knowing what the next exactly where I want to be. Before I really took off and started living in hour will bring, learning first-hand what freedom really is... it’s so other countries, I was a competitive surfer here in Florida and I had a inspiring! Traveling really takes me to another level that I haven’t felt lot of sponsors at that time, but BEARPAW was the only one who really with anything else. Surfing in those amazing places is the icing on the stuck with me and supported me as a traveler and a musician when I cake. I didn’t really play a lot of music while I was traveling, but I alstopped competing. I’m currently working on picking up a few more ways wrote and took inspiration from those times and applied them to sponsors who are willing to sponsor me as a surfer, musician and artist. my music. I feel like writing music is just an expression of emotion, and Where can readers go to sample your music? There is an online if I’m feeling in love, I’m writing a love song. If I’m reminiscing about a demo at www.soundcloud.com/the-siren-project. I sell my unreleased far off land, I’m writing about it. If I’m day-dreaming about sailing and album at most of the gigs that I play, and I can be contacted through being totally surrounded by ocean, or surfing, I’m expressing that. my website (www.SirenWilliams.com) if someone wants a copy of the What is your favorite song to sing of all-time? I’m actually working new or old albumI use Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and I constantly on some new music that is really fun singing material. I think that the post updates through Facebook, and that’s the best way to stay in more I write, the better I get at constructing melodies and making tune with what’s going on in my little world. If you’re interested in my them a little more varied and contrasted, which actually makes me artwork, it can be seen on Facebook, and one of my sponsors, BEARsound better. It’s not that I’m a better singer, it’s just that the material PAW, has also been featuring my work on their boots. F 122 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
BEN HOWARD CDs: Burgh Island (2012) / Every Kingdom (2011)
On Stage...
You may have heard of the double-Brit-award-winning English singersongwriter, Ben Howard, from his surfing with Kelly Slater and some of the Quiksilver team, or from his platinum-selling debut striped-back album “Every Kingdom”, initially recommended by word of mouth by surfers at surf-spots worldwide for the last 18 months. He has just re-released the Mayer-esque tap-along “Keep Your Head Up” as a single from the album and a raw new EP, “Burgh Island” which exposes Ben’s versatility on the electric guitar. Laden with a catchy sound and a lot of heart, his earlier fast-paced single “Only Love” builds to a huge, loud, drum-fuelled crescendo with a chorus that catapulted him from the surfing world’s best secret to a star. www.benhowardmusic.co.uk
By Stephanie Haenn
“My heart was racing, my palms, sweaty. I looked out past the stage where people were excitedly filing into the venue. My eyes wandered around the room attempting to gage an estimate of how many people were going to watch me perform three of my original songs. I had performed four times before, in venues in Philadelphia and Florida, but even the sound of “California” was daunting. The cliché that people’s dreams come true in California was glued to my subconscious, and I knew that if I messed up during this performance, my confidence would be shot and I would never want to pick up my guitar again, let alone sing anywhere other than the shower. My confidence was also completely dependant on the audience; if they were responsive, I would want to strum away on my Ibanez acoustic-electric hybrid guitar until the sun peered over the East Coast beaches, and possibly until it set again over the Pacific Ocean. I glanced at my watch, not really registering the time in my mind, assuming I had only about five minutes to mentally prepare myself for the crowd. I wanted to make eye contact with someone in the front row, to plead him to just clap and cheer, despite his true opinion. I figured if I could just get one of the thousand people to secretly be on my side, the rest would fall into place. I darted my eyes like lasers into the crowd from where I stood at side stage, but the audience was too entertained with the people setting up the microphones. “You ready,” my brother-in-law, Anthony Green, asked me as he strolled nonchalantly onto the stage, signaling for me to follow. He was the headlining act of this show, the reason that over a thousand people would fill the seats of the venue. He introduced me as the crowd roared for his attention. I smiled as I sat on a metal stool and watched Anthony leave the stage. I closed my eyes as I strummed the first note of my song, a G chord. I listened to the advice from my own song, “Just breathe,” and simply steadied my breath and enjoyed the moment. The crowd was silent while I performed, but after I strummed the last line, they cheered, asking for another song. The audience held me on top of the world as they clapped along to one of my songs. It was as if they were injecting helium into a balloon that I sat upon, making me float past the stars. After my set, I remained perched above the sky, high on adrenaline. After the show, as I walked to the tour bus with the confidence of a runway model, people shouted to me by name. I turned around expecting to see people I knew, but there were just two people who I couldn’t find in my memory. I waved and was about to whip my hair back around when they hesitantly asked, “Can we take a picture with you?” I smiled and for lack of a better word, I simply said “yes”. The camera flashed at just the right moment, when my smile was genuine and there was no need for one of those forced, awkward, picture smiles. As you could guess, having an LA native, where you assume they’re accustomed to celebrities strolling on sidewalks that they share, ask to take a picture with me injected even more helium into my balloon and shot me right through the night where I dreamed till morning where I would awake to reality. The typical cliché of California didn’t overlook me, but rather stared me in the eyes that night, when my dream came true, thanks to the encouragement from my family, the response from the audience, and the opportunity Anthony gave me.” F
SAFETY ORANGE
Do you ever need that simple-yet satisfying rock/reggae jam after a good surf session? Reggae inspired, yet with a modern twist on vocals, Safety Orange will keep your toes tapping. From the SoCal San Diego area, Safety Orange represents the freedom loving lifestyle of surfers, with “State Of Where I Am” being one of our favorite melodic tunes, as well as “Where Can We Go” and “World We Live In” which confronts the world we live in, and everyone’s struggle to know that they’re on the right path. So what’s with the name? Surfers themselves, “Safety Orange” was the name of a friend’s fluorescent surfboard that they joked was so bright, lifeguards could see it from a mile away! They’ve opened for Blink 182, Slightly Stupid, and enjoyed over 40 song placements in film, TV, and web for brands such as IMAX, ESPN, Nickelodeon, MTV, Fox Sports, and Quiksilver. www.safetyorange.com www.reverbnation.com/safetyorange
POWDER FOR PIDGEONS A 2-piece rock band from Perth, Western Australia, and currently on tour in Europe, PFP offers a refreshing and energetic rythym that will get you amped to surf massive barrels and pull into unbelievable (and un-makeable) closeouts. Founded in 2012, Powder for Pidgeons features Rhys (vocals/guitar) and Meike (drums) who were left to their own devices and took a year out in the dusty outback of Western Australia to write material for their debut album “Hell outta here”. Meike (female) is often touted on YouTube as “the beautiful bikini drummer girl” and can throw down a rockin’ beat that will get you pumped for the gnarliest of surf sessions! www.facebook.com/PowderForPigeons www. powderforpigeons.bandcamp.com
MARTIN HARLEY
Bluesy, sexy, playful, soulful... these would be just some of the words you would associate with Martin Harleys musical sound. Topping the iTunes U.K. Blues Charts last year with his CD Drumrolls For Somersaults, this celebrated guitarist and vocalist musician is taking over the music scene with his own unique take on traditional blues and folk music. Both as a solo artist and the frontman for The Martin Harley Band, he has captivated audiences worldwide, and following the album’s success, Martin decided to embrace a completely new musical approach and create a solo album, titled Mojo Fix. The album, shows Martin maintaining his blues roots while mixing it up with acoustic guitar for some more dominant electric rock chord progressions. “The Rum Shack” a playful tune that is a WSSM favorite, along with the more mellow and soulful “Treading Water” and ultra-bluesy “Mojo Fix” are perfect for an afternoon with friends at the beach. Learn more at: www.martinharley.com wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 123
CONTEST SCENE . . . Puerto Rico
Malta India Junior Pro Words/Photos by Chrissy Swain (Instagram) @chrissyswainphotography
Maria Kuzmovich
PUERTO RICO
On the weekend of February 16 & 17, 2013, the Malta India Junior Pro Series sponsored a Open Womens at Playa Jobos in Isabela, Puerto Rico. The women competed in a two day event in small, but fun conditions at this beautiful beach cove. This was the same spot that boasted the Rip Curl Pro just a week before. Thousands of spectators gathered to enjoy this contest, which gave away $10,000 in prize money total for the entire contest. Headphones, Go-Pro cameras, and beach goodies from local surf shop “The Room” were also added to the pot for winners, as a bonus to the prize money. The event had a big beach barbeque and a DJ spinning great tunes all day for the large audience to enjoy. Girls from up and down the east coast, stretching all the way from New York to Florida, and locals from Puerto Rico, all competed in the Open Women’s event. Congratulations to the winners! 1st place: Alexis Enstrom | 2nd place: Maria Kuzmovich 3rd place: Lilac Alvarado & Amy Murphee
“
This is a great event that will add to the island’s prestige as we continue to establish our reputation as a top surfing destination in the world.
The Winners!
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”
- Puerto Rico Surfing Federation President Ernie Alvarez
Amy Murphee
Alexis Engstrom
Paddling out... Maria Kuzmovich Lilac Alvarado
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CONTEST SCENE . . . Hawaii
Women’s Pipeline Pro
North Shore, Oahu Hawaii
Written by Pam Whitman | Photos by Banzai Betty Media / Pam Whitman www.pipelinewomenspro.com
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his year’s Surf-N-Sea Pipeline Women’s Pro by San Lorenzo Bikinis was a perfect arena for the Jr. women to claim the fame. Surf conditions dictated a start on the very first day of the waiting period as a swell was coming, then storms were due in after, but contest directors did not want to wait out the storm for fear of bad surf. The first day heights were in the 3 to 5 foot range and it was forecasted to pick up by the afternoon. It never happened, Pipeline did not show its tubes until the next day and it was just too heavy to send the women out. “It is always a tough call,” said contest organizer Betty Depolito. “I made the call to go right away and the swell did not show. Still though, the challenge of riding Pipeline is always there and we went with it. It was better than a lot of events we see around the world at times, but I really wanted to let the girls ride some tubes. I am taking the slap for it, but that is the way it goes.”
Depolito stays up at night worrying about the event. So much is involved trying to just get a permit from the powers that be, as well as get good waves, waves that prove women can ride Pipe. “We have had surf in the 3-8 foot range since we started the shortboard division and yes, I have avoided a couple 10 and 12 foot days. You gotta remember, the event started with only bodyboarders in 1989. Even back then we were told women cannot ride Pipe. The shortboarders have come a long way,” explained Depolito. “Of course you just cannot deny women the chance to ride Pipeline, they do it on their own level, not to be compared with anything else and some people really have to understand the true concept of equal access.” Depolito is referring to the process of securing a permit and had expressed that there may not be another one given to the women. “The rules are changing and they do not favor the smaller less-budgeted events. It takes quite a bit of money to do events here in Hawaii and it’s been tough all around. There has been pressure put on me to not have women’s events. Some day I will write a book about it,” she says laughing. I do believe that things will come around again like in the old Hawaiian days where women really ruled the waves. I think it
is one of the parts of the market that can still grow and make more money for businesses. We are catching up sport-wise to the market.” It does seem to still be controversial in a sports market dominated by large corporations that some think do not give enough back to the hard core part of women’s surfing. We have read about it before, but for sure this year’s sponsor, Surf-N- Sea, gets it. “There’s no denying that the competitive side of women’s surfing is in a tough place”, says owner Joe Green. “But at Surf-N-Sea, we’re 100 percent committed to the future of the sport and firmly believe that women are raising the bar every time they hit the water. That’s why we’re proud to support the 2013 Pipeline Women’s Pro event and the future of women’s surfing in Hawaii. It’s who we are as a company and we hope that other local surf shops in Hawaii will follow our lead. It’s the right thing to do.” With that kind of support, the women took to the challenge. The Jr. women were ready for it and took most of the top awards in the open women’s division. It was Dax McGill (HAW), beating out former Pipeline champion Anastasia Ashley (CA), to take the title, as McGill had the better wave selection in the final to win it. In third was another Jr surfer, Tatiana Weston Webb (HAW), with young Francie Harrier (CA) in 4th. WCT pro surfer Melanie Bartels (HAW) just could not find a good wave in the final, and was overtaken by Brianna Cope (HAW)... another teenager! Junior surfing in Hawaii has grown a bit. Hot young stars are emerging and the talk is that the young crew is the strongest Hawaii has ever seen, and that is true all over the world! It was the Junior girls who lucked out, most surfed in two divisions and caught some decent Pipe on the third day of the swell. Contest directors allowed the Jr. men to have an event this season and they took the 2nd day of big surf for themselves. “I would have liked to see the Jr. girls have at least the third morning, but it just did not happen”, said Depolito. “The Jr. men also need events in Hawaii for ratings and they handled the big surf pretty well. Only a few had to bail out due to big 10-12 footers coming in. We had some 10 year olds sign up and our youngest girl was 12, so we have to average the conditions out
Surfer: Tatiana Weston-Webb 126 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
Dax McGill
Bailey Nage, Tatiana Weston-Webb, Dax McGill, Briana Cope Zoe McDougall
Help keep the contest going by supporting via donations and by purchasing event t-shirts! Learn more at pipelinewomenspro.com Tatiana Weston-Webb, setting up for her 10 point scoring tube!
“
There’s no denying that the competitive side of women’s surfing is in a tough place. But at Surf-N-Sea, we’re 100% committed to the future of the sport and firmly believe that women are raising the bar every time they hit the water. That’s why we’re proud to support the 2013 Pipeline Women’s Pro event and the future of women’s surfing in Hawaii. It’s who we are as a company and we hope that other local surf shops in Hawaii will follow our lead. It’s the right thing to do. - Surf-N-Sea owner, Joe Green
”
for everyone to surf. Of course that does not sit well with some older girls, so it was a tough year. I do not want to combine things again unless there is more budget to handle half days so everyone can surf in perfect conditions. The goal is to have all women, 4 or 6 star, and 6-8 foot surf. All the girls can handle that”, said Depolito. In the Junior women’s division things started out well when conditions glassed off a bit at noon and surf stayed at 3-5 feet. Tatiana Weston-Webb was solid and caught one of the best tubes of the day. Webb was born in Brazil and is a goofy foot from Kauai since she was a baby and has surfed at Pipeline several years. Her mom, Tanira, was one of the original women bodyboarders that charged Pipeline. “Like mother like daughter” as they say! In 2nd, Brianna Cope, another Kauai surfer, took charge of the lineup with daring positioning and some big snaps. Dax McGill, who won the Women’s division, took third. She selected to go left and the Pipe side just did not pay off that heat. Bailey Nage took 4th and the North Shore’s Moana Jones cannot be forgotten in 5th. Nage has always surfed the event and looked pretty comfortable in the lineup even after saying she does not like it. Pipeline is a lot of that, yin and yang! Also big congrats to Zoe McDougal. At just 12 she placed 9th. She is a State Champion and we will see giant things from her in the future, as we will with Jones. Tatiana Weston-Webb was the biggest winner. She won a first and a third, and scored a ten point ride on her left hand tube. She was the recipient of the Windward Jewelers Ring, a gold wave ring inlaid with a diamond. Sweet! F Zoe McDougall
Anastasia Ashley
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CONTEST SCENE . . .
Photo by Billabong
Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards Keala Kennelly Wins Billabong Girls “Best Female Performance” Award
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n Friday, May 3, the world’s best big wave surfers and all their admirers gathered at the Billabong XXL Big Wave Award show at the Grove Theatre in Anaheim, CA. Seven varying awards were up for grabs, from “Ride of the Year,” to a personal favorite, the “Billabong Girls Best Female Performance Award.” After a 12-month competition window, March 20 marked the final day of the season. It was an exciting night to share with the faces of fearless wave finding phenomenon’s as they were deservingly recognized. With over $120,000 in cash and prizes, there were plenty of titles to be claimed. After sorting through hundreds of images and video clips from the past years archives, the Judges had made their call. After yet another year of pushing boundaries and going beyond the unimaginable, everyone shuffled to their seats as they eagerly glued their eyes to the mega grand flat screens in front, showcasing a collage of the past year’s best moments in surfing. Erica Hosseini was among many to witness the show. “Traveling around the world to surf and being able to call that your job, is my favorite part about all of this. I’m so lucky!” Though Hosseini was not up for an award that night, she was there to cheer in full support of her fellow surfer girls. Also there to support was Billabong rider Laura Enever. “The women up for awards tonight epitomize what it means to be a big wave surfer. I’m so excited for them,” Enever said.
While Keala Kennelly has always been known to push boundaries for females charging big waves, this year Paige Alms and Anastasia Ashley were at her side, all three women up for the Billabong Girls Best Performance. “It’s really an interesting time for surfing, as sponsors are harder to find. We should really support the big wave chargers,” Kennelly noted. 128 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
By Lindsay Schwarz
Alms made a claim for herself in the big wave world after a beautiful drop at the infamous Jaws, Maui, on October 9, 2012. “I’m feeling so awesome about tonight, lots of hard work has gotten me here,” Alms said in enthusiasm. Also up for the award, Ashley found herself amongst the big wave girls this year after a big wave drop in at Oahu’s outer reef. “I have a lot of respect for the women that surf big waves. It’s more of a community feeling than I have ever gotten from surf competitions, so it’s great to be nominated this year. I only want to get better as the year moves forward, I definitely want to surf Jaws,” Ashley says. The results were in. A well known name, Shane Dorian from Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i had the night of his life as he walked to the stage to accept a $50,000 prize for the Ride of the Year after successfully surfing Jaws on Maui last October. Guests cheered in respect of his confidence and manner. The best Girls Performance this year went to Keala Kennelly. Kauai raised, Kennelly continues to be the best female big wave surfer in the world. Always known as the big wave chaser, particularly after setting a record in 2005 at Teahupo’o, Tahiti where she rode the biggest tow-in wave by a woman, Kennelly got on stage and was proud to dedicate her performance to her son saying, “He’s too young to know what this means, but someday he’ll get it,” as everyone cheered. It was an inspiring night as everyone gathered to honor a sport loved by many. Shane Dorian commented in closing, “What’s most important is that everybody made it home safe this year. It was a great year.” Though it’s clear Kennelly is still #1 in the women’s world of surfing, even she couldn’t deny who to watch out for in 2013, saying when she was on stage, “Paige [Alms], I know you’re going to be up here someday.” F
Margaret River Pro Female Surfing Receives a Wake Up Call at the Margaret River Pro By Scott Cuttre | Photos by Gregerson
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f anyone had any doubts to how serious and competitive women’s professional surfing is, you need not look any further than the Margaret River Pro held March 1624th in Western Australia. In one wave, Sally Fitzgibbons and Laura Enever showed that female surfers are not just cute, bikini wearing sideshows, inferior to their male counterparts. When Fitzgibbons and Enever took off on the same wave (Fitzgibbons going right, Enever going left) during their round three heat, Fitzgibbons grabbed Enever by the chest and back, throwing Enever from her board in a fashion typically seen in The WWE, not an ASP event. Fitzgibbons then rode out the remainder of the wave in classic Fitz style, only to be penalized with an interference call. After viewing this exchange, Fitzgibbons’ reaction to seeing Enever on the wave seemed, to state it mildly, a little over the top. Fitzgibbons could have easily made an adjustment and turned, avoiding Enever, still receiving the interference penalty, but conducting herself in a more professional way. Was this exchange just a result of the heat of competition or was there an underlying issue to this behavior? Over the last few years, female surfing has made giant leaps toward receiving the respect these athletes deserve. From major motion pictures like Blue Crush and Soul Surfer, female surfing is now getting attention from the main stream media. At the same time, there seems to be two camps within the professional female surfing industry: female surfers getting notoriety through their abilities to ride waves and female surfers getting attention due to how physically attractive the public perceives them to be. Unfortunately for the latter, their abilities are often overshadowed by their statuesque physique. This comes down to one word: Marketing. When major surfing companies decide to sponsor a female surfer, these professional female surfers must be able to sell products because of their prowess on a wave and/ or their ability to take a sexy photo. In an industry of high definition photo spreads and tiny bikinis, the women, more so than the men, are perceived as a product rather than dedicated, finely tuned professional athletes. Unfortunately for these professional female surfers, there does not seem to be an end in sight for the way they are marketed. The three surfers competing in the Round Three Heat in question were Sally Fitzgibbons, former number 2 surfer in the world, Laura Enever and Alana Blanchard. Both, Enever and Blanchard, are probably the most photographed female surfers in the world. Blanchard and Enever are consistently seen in sexy photo ads every month in surfing publications around the world. Fitzgibbons (no slouch in the looks department) is a Roxy girl, frequently seen in photo ads and lifestyle videos. At the same time, she is not marketed in the same sexual manner or receiving the same attention from her body that Enever and Blanchard receive. Fitzgibbons is a constant World Title threat and she is presented that way by her sponsors. Enever and Blanchard are both extremely talented surfers, but are displayed by their sponsors as sex symbols. Due to the surf industries need to sell products, it is an inevitability that will be, if not already, a disharmony among female surfers. One, looking for proof of unequal exposure by the surfing industry, would only have to view the 2012 Surfer Poll. Stephanie Gilmore received top honors this year on the women’s side of the Surfer Poll. Gilmore’s victory was not without controversy. There were many grumblings within the surf industry that Gilmore’s Surfer Poll victory was manipulated by Surfer Magazine. Many professional surfers and voters believe it was actually Alana Blanchard that received the most
votes for most popular female surfer. This rumor would have been quickly discarded if it was not for none other than Gilmore herself making a fashion statement showing her distaste for the system. Gilmore showed up at The Surfer Poll awards in a nude body suit blouse with a black bikini top sewn on. This clothing choice by Gilmore seemed to be a well deserved middle finger to the industry. The Surfer Poll may be the most overrated honor a surfer can receive, it is an industry popularity contest, but one that holds financial ramifications. Is Alana Blanchard the best female surfer in the world? At the moment, no. Gilmore proved she is at the top of her game by quietly winning her 5th World Title last year. Is Blanchard the most photographed female surfer in the world? Without a doubt. Look no further than this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, with Blanchard being chosen for a bikini spread in the most viewed issue of the year. Regrettably, the current crop of professional female surfers are the pawns that suffer from the manipulation of surfing companies. Professional female surfers have always taken a backseat to the men. In Word Tour competition, the women seem to be more of an afterthought. For years, the women have been forced to ride subpar waves, to insure that the men have the best chance at competing in the best quality waves. The real blame for this is, well, men. Men run the industry, from surfwear companies to magazine editors to ASP presidents. With full creative control, men hold the power in deciding which images are to be displayed in magazines and how their female team riders will be marketed. The exchange between Enever and Fitzgibbons speaks volumes for the intensity and the direction competitive female surfing is heading. Sadly, an end for female surfers suffering from archaic treatment by the surfing industry probably will not come any time soon. The only thing female surfers can do is to continue to push the limits of their surfing. Fortunately, female surfing continues to grow. The exposure these women are receiving (albeit, not always the exposure they want) from their high level of surfing is well deserved. Eventually, female surfers will be judged and respected for their talents, and not just how well they fill out a bikini. F
(Alana- top/left, Stephanie- bottom/right) wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 129
Lorena Dress: “S13-069” Zig-zag tie-dye dress in navy, by Anama. Individually layered with each zig and zag, and soft as butter. (www.anamausa.com) Cuff: Swarovski crystals and elements overlaid on hand painted leather. Each cuff entirely unique, Caroline Rocha cuffs sparkle and glisten, making them real showstoppers at any time of the day! (www.carolinerocha.com) Scarf: “SC0036: Chombrey Pashmina Scarf” by Tangerine Temple in black. (www.tangerinetemple.com)
PHOTOS BY: Daniel K. Fine Arts MODELS: Lorena Miller, Izzy Poulin, Michael Manning, Londyn Manning
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SET DRESSERS / FASHION COORDINATORS: Rebecca Palma, Trish Edwards HAIR & MAKEUP BY: Malia Aloy
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Young Love MICHAEL
Shirt: “Collegiate Tee” in Natural, by Cuipo. Help Cuipo save the rainforest, one meter at a time! Learn more about what they’re doing... see page 87. (www.cuipo.org) Watch: ”#ST-5511CKBN“ Eco friendly bio-degradable watch by SPROUT. Featuring an ivory corn resin case, brown organic cotton strap with stitching, IP plated real gold ribbed crown, cork dial, and gold arabic numerals, indexes and logo plate. (www.sproutwatches.com) Jeans: Relaxed, stylish jeans with a 2-color double-dye! Contrasting distressing also on legs, shown in green. (www.facebook.com/ onegreenelephant) Necklace: Hawaiian weaponry pendant strung on a leather necklace, by Charming Shark Surf Jewelry. (www.charmingshark.com) Shoes: Premium waxy suede with full grain leather uppers. Breathable canvas lining, and molded rubber outsole, in off-white by CUSHE. (www.cushe.com) LONDYN
Scarf: “HYPNO Scarf”in cotton with a hypnotic swirl pattern, by Tangerine Temple. (www.tangerinetemple.com) Shirt: “Upscale Racer Tank” in black, by Rebecca Michaels. Relaxed and comfortable! (www.rebeccamichaels.com)
Cuffs: “Cotton Candy Blue” from the Bling collection by Oofkas. “The original fuzzy wrist warmers™” with such pizazz... Be a trendsetter, not a follower! (www.oofkas.com)
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Earrings: “#0415027” Shell Disc & Brass Chandelier earrings by Trendy Jewels. (1-800-722-2309 / www.trendyjewels.com)
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Jeans: “M2F-4000, Indie Skinny” fusion washed, shown in Cactus, by M2F. So comfy-yet chic, they’ll quickly become your favorite jeans! (www.M2F.com)
Shoes: “Cleo” in pewter from the Sbicca Vintage collection. Style and comfort combines beautifully, making California brand, Sbicca, the wedges you’ll want to- and can wear- all night! (www.sbiccafootwear.com)
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Ehukai Beach LONDYN
Dress: “Over Our Heads” hooded tank dress in white, by Lagaci. A simple, comfortable beach coverup with flared hem. (www.lagaci.com) Watch: ”#ST-5514MPST“ Eco friendly bio-degradable, nautical inspired timepiece by SPROUT. Featuring an ivory corn resin case, white tyvek strap with stitching and printed horizontal stripes, white color mop dial with printed red stripes and blue anchor. (www.sproutwatches.com) Sunglasses: “Bombay” by Nectar. Lightweight and built to take a beating, these retro-styled, affordable sunglasses can be mixed and matched from the front, side arms, and lenses, to create your very own, unique combo! (www.nectarsunglassespr.com) Beanie: ”The Beeskie Su” lightweight and made of 100% cotton. Perfect for tossing on at the beach after a surf session. Shown in Marine/Navy and Lt. Grey. (www.bmcheadwear.com) MICHAEL
Hat: “Gus”in silver, made of 100% straw, wire, hand woven and wire rimmed for a perfect shape, by Peter Grimm (www.petergrimm.com) Necklace: Hawaiian weaponry pendant strung on a leather necklace, by Charming Shark Surf Jewelry. (www.charmingshark.com) Watch: ”#ST-5511CKBN“ Eco friendly bio-degradable watch by SPROUT. Featuring an ivory corn resin case, brown organic cotton strap with stitching, IP plated real gold ribbed crown, cork dial, and gold arabic numerals, indexes and logo plate. (www.sproutwatches.com)
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Surf Check IZZY
Bikini: “T060-Sport Cross Back Top” in Peacock Feather by Makena Surf Wear. Perfect for bigger waves when you need it to stay put, the cross-back straps keep everything exactly where it should be. (www.makenasurfwear.com) Necklace: ”Clay Plumeria“ strung on a beaded necklace, by Charming Shark Surf Jewelry. (www.charmingshark.com) Bracelets: “#T0213193” Multistrand leather, rope and metallic cord braided bracelets by Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com 1-800-722-2309) Sunglasses: “Teegan Purple Patchwork” with TAC-tical Polarized Lens, and TUFF-CORE Grilamid frame. From the Bombshell Collection by Peppers. (www.peppersusa.com)
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North Shore Country Living IZZY
Dress: “Robyn Dress” in Ivory. Soft-to-the-touch with lace-up, adjustable front, by Juli And Fred. (www.juliandfred.com) Bikini Top: “Coral Connection Top” in yellow/citrus. A braid accent halter string top, by eco-friendly, surfer girl-friendly California brand, Odina. (www.odinasurf.com) Hat: “Experience“ in multi. The ultimate floppy, surfer girl sun hat, hand made from 100% genuine raffia straw, by Peter Grimm. (www.petergrimm.com) Necklace, Cuff, Ring: (Necklace) ”#0323016“ Filigree faceted bead butterfly necklace. (Cuff) “#0214129” Seed bead braided cuff bracelet in cream. (Ring) “#0602010” Infinity Knot- Smooth ring. All by Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com / 1-800-722-2309) Boots: “Hustle” in tan, from the Very Volatile collection. Buckled with a low-rise heel and diamond-studded strap. Comfortable and stylish! (www.volatileusa.com)
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Summer Fun Skateboards Skateboard (right): “ASTROBOARD™” yellow 27” barefoot skateboard cruiser that is oh-so-soft on your feet, making it the ultimate in barefoot skateboarding! Assembled in America by Team Phun. (www.teamphun.com) Skateboard (far right): “Bombora 59” in Coral by Kahuna Creations. This massive 4’ 11” long and 14” wide board is perfect for cruising long distances, and absolutely the most stable ride you’ll find! (www.kahunacreations.com)
Summer Fun LORENA (below left)
Bikini Top: “Siren Top” in Lilac. Fusible fabric inserted to stabilize, this unique tie-up solution provides comfort and improves grip. Double-point string attachments for additional security. Designed for surfer girls by surfer girl brand- Calavera! (www.calaveraswimwear.com) Pants: “Fold Over Lounge / Yoga Pant” in Hollywood by Rebecca Michaels. Rebecca’s best-selling fold over lounge pant is created with her signature unfinished edge which allows them to be easily cut to length. (www.rebeccamichaels.com) Beanie: ”The Beeskie Su” light-weight and made of 100% cotton is a WSSM favorite for that casual-to-nighttime accessory, every surfer should have in their collection. Shown in Yellow/Cream and Lt. Grey. (www.bmcheadwear.com) Sunglasses: “Bombay” by Nectar. UV400 protection for your eyes with impact resistant lenses. Customize the lens color online for your own unique combination! (www.nectarsunglassespr.com) Necklace: “Fish” in gold, threaded on a lightweight double-ribbon necklace by Calypso Studios. (www.calypsostudiosinc.com) Purse: “#2507048” multi-colored fabric Owl bag by Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com / 1-800-722-2309) Slippers: “Kailua” in blue/yellow with the signature Honu logo. The ulti-
mate beach slipper to throw on and go! (www.teamhonu.com) Waterbottle: “.6L BYOB Bottle” will keep you hydrated and save the rainforest at the same time! Easy to use screw cap. The EcoCare liner by SIGG is a high-quality internal coating that insures a fresh, clean taste with no metallic aftertaste. Made from 100% recyclable aluminum by Cuipo. (www.cuipo.org) IZZY (below right)
Tank: “LOVE” sheer jersey racerback tank top. Perfect for relaxing or working out. Lightweight,100% cotton, by Team Phun. (www.teamphun.com) Hat: “Live Laugh Aloha” trucker hat for girls, with silver lettering by Live Laugh Aloha. (www.livelaughaloha.bigcartel.com) Shorts: “Newport Beach/Venice Beach” lo-rise, frayed hem with white painted edges in Tangerine, by Simply Short USA. (www.simplyshortusa.com) Shoes: “Tabloid Kiss” in purple denim features a bold plaid patch, raw unfinished lines and rugged edges, with intricate stitch work and gun metal accents. By Piro Shoes. (www.piroshoes.com) Bracelets: “#T0213193” Multi-strand leather, rope and metallic cord braided bracelets. “#020750” Heart crochet multi-colored bracelets. All by Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com / 1-800-722-2309)
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Mind, Body, Spirit IZZY
LORENA
Shirt: “Contentment Before Bliss” Gillian St. Clair essential tee by YogaGlyphs in vintage black. (www.yogaglyphs.com)
Coobie Bra: “Polka Dot” in black/white. Ultra comfortable, supportive, and inexpensive, the Coobie Bra provides shape and support and can be worn in place of a camisole or tank top. A WSSM essential! (www.shopcoobie.com)
Necklace: Shell flower pendant with beaded necklace, by Charming Shark Surf Jewelry. (www.charmingshark.com) Cuff: “#0214134” Cowry flower shell & seed bead bracelet by Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com / 1-800-722-2309)
Pants: “Cinchy Party Pant” in Vogue print, featuring adjustable “cinching” in the back with contrasting string detail, by B Swim (www.bswim.com)
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Headband: By Bani Bands, with adjustable elastic and soft-grip backing, ensuring a perfect fit every time, and reducing slippage. (www.banibands.com)
Headband: By Violet Love Headbands, a non-slip headband you’ll never want to take off! (www.violetloveheadbands.com) Necklace: Neon shell pendant with diamond detail and beaded necklace, by Charming Shark Surf Jewelry. (www.charmingshark.com)
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Pants: “Quest Capri” made of 9.4oz matte jersey, with a wide, comfortable waistband in Orient Blue by Carve Designs. (www.carvedesigns.com)
Cuff: “#0214129” Seed bead braided cuff bracelet by Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com / 1-800-722-2309)
LUV FOOTWEAR
These ballet inspired slip-ons are lightweight and form fitting, featuring lycra uppers and EVA bottoms. Available in a myriad of colors and prints, from stylish to trendy... Choosing which ones to wear will be your biggest decision! LEFT: “Pin Dot” in black, RIGHT: “Peace Stripe” in black, a stylish and comfortable shoe for home, work, yoga... (www.luvfootwear.com)
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The Captian MICHAEL
Shirt: “Denim Railroad Stripe” V-neck tee by PACT. Made from 55% organic cotton / 45% polyester with no pesticides, no fertilizers, no bleaches & no sweatshops. Yea! (www.wearpact.com) Oakley: “Plaintiff Squared” polished chrome frames and positive red iridium lenses, by Oakley. (www.oakley.com) Necklace: “Hook” pendant on a leather cord by Charming Shark Surf Jewelry. (www.charmingshark.com)
Yachting IZZY
Dress: “Free Spirit” triple braided racerback cover up with braided drawstring waist, in navy, by Lagaci. (www.lagaci.com) Bag: “Scotty - Karen Tote” water resistant 100% nylon polyurethane coated canvas bag with sealed seams, and a neon green ripstop drawstring lining. Measures 12.5” T x 23” W x 6” D. Made in the USA! (www.scottyfashion.com) Headband: “Cat in the Hat” fringeedged scarf in charcoal by Tangerine Temple. (www.tangerinetemple.com) Oakley: “News Flash” in tortoise dusk with dark brown gradient plutonite lenses, featuring a flattering cat-eye inspired shape, by Oakley. (www.oakley.com) Necklace: “Joni-Ton” Surf-Key necklace by SimpleBen. Handmade, fully functioning surfboard fin-key for FCS and future fin systems, made of marine grade stainless steel and strung on an adjustable 18” cord. (www.sbsk.com) Watch: “#ST-1051WTWT” Eco-friendly bio degradable watch by Sprout. Featuring a white organic cotton strap with blue contrast stitching, and red striped dial with blue anchor. (www.sproutwatches.com) Bracelet: “Blues/Silver Anchor” beaded bracelet by Calypso Studios. (www.calypsostudiosinc.com) Shoes: “Starlett” in black by Flojos. 3 inch contoured wedge with thick woven strap with glitter fabric accent. (www.flojos.com)
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Cuff: Stunning, eye-catching Swarovski crystals and elements on a hand painted, wide leather band and snap closure, by Caroline Rocha. (www.carolinerocha.com) Cuff: “Pyramid GX” in white leather with matte gold tone, pyramid shape rivets. Rectangle metal links (1.5” x 1”), in a gold-plated finish and snap closure, by Marissa Del Rosario. (www.marissadelrosario.com)
Bracelet/Ring: “Florence” in Sunset. Multi-hand strung strands of polished shells and metal accents. By Calypso Studios. (www.calypsostudiosinc.com) Ring: “#0602008” Antiqued Owl Stretch Crystal Ring by Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com 1-800-722-2309)
Best Friends IZZY (left)
Vest Scarf: “#S13-114” lightweight, fringed vest scarf in pool, by Anama. (www.anamausa.com) Shirt: “Sweet Pea” racerback tank top, with beaded accents at neck, by Nina Sensoy. (www.ninasensoy.com) Shorts: Sexy denim shorts with raw edges and distressing, by Simply Short USA. (www.simplyshortusa.com)
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Headband: By Violet Love Headbands, in lime. (www.violetloveheadbands.com) Tights: “Spiral Stripes” An eye-catching twist of stripes that creates an intriging look for your legs, and are especially slimming for the ankles! By Leg Luxury. (www.legluxury.com) Boots: “Allpine Trail” by Cushe, in soft suede with a breathable canvas lining, and molded rubber outsole featuring a unique pine cone design. (www.cushe.com)
LORENA (right)
Jacket: A new twist on the traditional jean jacket, the “Roadie” in redwood, in vintage finish wash, by M2F. (www.m2f.com) Shirt: “Kanoa” by Mukau Swimwear. This U neck soft draped tee features a relaxed fit with chest pocket. (www.mukauswimwear.com) Jeans: VIntage skinny stretch jeans with zippered ankles by Angry Rabbit Premium Denim. (www.angryr.com)
Shoes: “Aphrodite in red. Sexy snake PU upper is uniquely situated to give it a stylish look and is adorned with a delicate rhinestone flower which acts like a toe ring. By Nomad Footwear. (www.nomadfootwear.com)
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Flirty & Feminine IZZY
Dress: “#LP550NATURAL” by Elan. Ultra feminine and flirty, this fully lined, offthe-shoulder, bell sleeve dress is perfect for daytime or evening wear. (www.clothingobsession.com) Necklace/Bracelet: “Fish” in gold, threaded on a lightweight doubleribbon necklace. “Owl” in copper, a charming double-strand beaded bracelet by Calypso Studios. (www.calypsostudiosinc.com) Hat: “Savannah” in black with camel, the ultimate travel hat with a touch of diva! The 5” soft wire-rimmed brim allows for reshaping after traveling, as this hat can be rolled and tucked away, without crushing, when not in use. Inner drawstring allows for a custom fit. By Wallaroo Hat Company (www.wallaroohats.com) Shoes: “Vine” in brown. This 3 3/4” wedge with 1” platform features a natural raffia upper and delicate sprinkling of raffia and beaded flower accents across the toes. Padded insole for additional comfort, from the Sbicca Handmade collection. (www.sbiccashoes.com)
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Pineapple Fields Forever IZZY (Left)
for more great styles and finishes. (www.denniskaping.com)
distressing throughout. Ultra chic! (www.graceinla.com)
Shirt: “Lovers & Friends” in black (shown in neon orange on Lorena). Laser cut back with silver foil “LOVE” on front, by Lagaci. (www.lagaci.com)
Necklace: “Huybers” Surf-Key necklace by SimpleBen. Handmade, fully functioning surfboard fin-key for FCS and future fin systems, made of marine grade stainless steel and strung on an adjustable 18” cord. (www.sbsk.com)
Hat: “Brooks” in tea stain dark brown, from Peter Grimm. Lightweight, with an inner elastic band for a snug fit, and wire-rimmed brim. A WSSM favorite! (www.petergrimm.com)
Shorts: “#JH-8460” from the SUNSET collection by Grace in LA. Rolled cuff short featuring peak-a-boo- sequin on front & back pocket, rhinestone chains, and distressing. (www.graceinla.com) Headband: “Braided Black, Silver, Purple” double-sided metallic sparkly braided headband from Bani Bands. Fully adjustable for a perfect fit. (www.banibands.com) Cuff: “Flow” cuff from Dennis Kaping Fine Jewelry. Shown in stainless steel and hand polished to a mirror finish, this intricately designed cuff is off-the-hook stylish! Visit their website
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Boots: “Denver” in purple, a modern twist on the classic cowgirl boot, which is all the rage this season. Tiny silvery stud accents and neat topstitched seaming adds subtle bling, while stacked-look heels are tapered for femininity. From the Very Volatile collection. (www.volatileusa.com) LORENA (Right)
Skirt: “#JK-6616” from the 405 collection by Grace in LA. Super mini and super fabulous, this classic 90’s silhouette features a vintage wash, waterfall diamonds, silver sequins and
Cuffs: “Toasted Marshmallow” soft and fuzzy cuffs from the basics collection by Oofkas... “The original fuzzy wrist warmers™” keep you warm and stylish in any weather. Who needs a jacket when you have Oofkas? (www.oofkas.com) Boots: “Hustle” in tan by the oh-so-stylish, Volatile. Fauxleather upper in a pull-on western ankle boot style with pointed toe, featuring a strap overlay with rhinestone studs and buckle accent, a cushioned footbed, and comfortable 2” stacked heel. From the Very Volatile collection. (www.volatileusa.com)
Romper: “Summer Vintage” in Olive, by Lagaci. Featuring a button-up front with back and pocket details and drawstring waist. (www.lagaci.com) Beanie: “Magenta Pura Vida Beanie” in a super soft knit that fits all head sizes. Includes a free Pura Vida bracelet when ordering! (www.puravidabracelets.com) Bracelets / Hair Flair: “Clay Bead Adjustable Friendship Bracelets” from the Clay Impulse Collection. Hair Flair: “Floral Clay Hair Flair” featuring an adorable clay flower and beads, with clip-in comb fastener. By Calypso Studios. (www.calypsostudiosinc.com)
Cuff / Necklaces: Cuff: “#0214129” Seed bead braided cuff bracelet. Long necklace: “Multi-Color Enamel Hinged Owl” from the Owl Fancy collection by Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com / 1-800-722-2309) Short necklace: “Tesla” Surf-Key necklace by SimpleBen. A fully functioning surfboard fin-key for FCS and future fin systems, made of marine grade stainless steel and strung on an adjustable 18” cord. (www.sbsk.com)
beach
IZZY
2013
Sunset in Hawaii
Boots: “Heist” in off white from the Very Volatile Collection. Embroidered flowers adorn this charming and feminine, stacked heel boot. Featuring a 2 3/4” heel, slightly padded footbed, and 8” shaft. Awesome! (www.volatileusa.com)
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Fuschia Infusion LORENA
Shirt: “Gloria” in deep black by Juli And Fred. Double-strapped and super flowy. Perfect with skinny jeans! (www.juliandfred.com) Necklace/Bracelet: “Fish” in gold, threaded on a lightweight double-ribbon necklace, by Calypso Studios. (www.calypsostudiosinc.com) Cuffs: “Panda” fuzzy cuffs from the Black Tie collection by Oofkas... “The original fuzzy wrist warmers™”. Available in a variety of colors, textures and bling... the newest trend in 2013. (www.oofkas.com) Jeans: “Kosai” in blue and pink. Fun, double-dyed jeans from One Green Elephant, featuring contrasting distressing in hot pink. Available in a multitude of double-dye choices. FUN! (www.facebook.com/onegreenelephant) Shoes: “Character Heels - #A8178L” in cream and black by the fabulous T.U.K. Featuring heart shaped cut-outs in the heels and soft black bows over the toes, reminiscent of a grown-up Minnie Mouse! (www.tukshoes.com)
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Sisters LORENA (left): Shirt: “Kanoa” by Mukau Swimwear. This U neck soft draped tee features a relaxed fit with chest pocket. (www.mukauswimwear.com)
Sunglasses: “Julie” in matte black with blue mirrored lenses, from the womens Bombshell Collection by Peppers. (www.peppersusa.com) Necklaces / Rings: “#0323014” Patterned Bird long necklace. “#0309139” Mood Starfish necklace. Rings: “#0613001” Leather Flower adjustable rings. All by Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com 1-800-722-2309) Choker: “Studded Starfish” double-strung necklace by Charming Shark Surf Jewelry. (www.charmingshark.com) Cuffs: (left) Stunning, eye-catching Swarovski crystals and elements on a hand painted, wide leather band and snap closure, by Caroline Rocha. (www.carolinerocha.com) (right) “Flow” cuff from Dennis Kaping Fine Jewelry. Shown in stainless steel and hand-polished to a mirror finish, this intricately laser-cut cuff is rockstar worthy! (www.denniskaping.com) Skirt: “Peacock” in white with peacock feather patterns, gold threading and large sequins throughout, by Nina Sensoy. (www.ninasensoy.com) Shoes: “Bermuda” in brown faux leather bottom and a beautiful rhinestone chain that adds a sparkle to any outfit! By Nomad Footwear. (www.nomadfootwear.com) IZZY (right): Vest: “Scarf Vest” simple-yetstunning, in black stripes, by Juli And Fred. (www.juliandfred.com)
Tank: “Upscale Racer Tank” by Rebecca Michaels. (www.rebeccamichaels.com) Necklaces: Ocean inspired necklaces by Charming Shark Surf Jewelry. (www.charmingshark.com) Headband: ”Violet” cotton by Violet Love Headbands (www.violetloveheadbands.com) Bracelets / Cuffs / Ring: “Multi-strand leather, rope and metallic cord braided bracelet” in purple. “Beach Proof” Cowry flower shell & seed cuff in purple. “Seed bead braided cuff” bracelet in blue/ green. “Antiqued Owl” Stretch Crystal Ring. By Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com 1-800-722-2309) Purse: “The Aragon - Sunburst” with alternating panels of brightly colored suede, this cross-body, knock-out purse measueres 11” x 5.5” x 2”. By Souldier. (www.souldier.us) Skirt: “Snapdragon” in purple. Soft cotton skirt with animal dyeprint and hankerchief bottom. Puckered waist with bow detail, by Nina Sensoy. (www.ninasensoy.com) Shoes: “Gemma” in black with gorgeous rhinestone straps, on a nearly 4” wedge with padded suede footbed. (www.flojos.com)
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City Park Place LORENA
Shirt: “#CS58NAVY” bubble top blouse, with an adjustable neckline that can be worn on or off the shoulder. The rich color and silhouette of this piece is stunning in it’s simplicity. By Elan. (www.clothingobsession.com) Necklaces /Earrings: “#0315480” Shell circle with silver rings, by Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com / 1-800-722-2309) Cuff: “Lahaina” cuff from Dennis Kaping Fine Jewelry. Shown in stainless steel and hand-polished to a mirror finish, the swirls in this laser-cut piece will remind you of Hawaii’s beautiful rolling waves. (www.denniskaping.com) Jeans: “Indie Skinny M2F - 4000” in wild berry, with graffiti wash and destruction. These stylish jeans work well with both heels or cowgirl boots. By M2F. (www.m2f.com) Shoes: “Electric Shock - #A8319L” by T.U.K. This glam-rock, 5” stiletto heel with white leopard and purple rose print over a mini platform features beveled, heart shaped rivets securing sexy black bows over the peep toe. Make a bold statement with every step! (www.tukshoes.com)
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City City by the Sea IZZY
Dress: “#S13-074” in pool, by Anama. Lightweight knit dress that drapes beautifully with an asymetrical fringed edge. The ribbed knit bodice features a simple tank-style neckline, perfect for accessories. (www.anamausa.com) Necklaces: “Bauble” necklace in purple by Calypso Studios. Super trendy for the 2013 season. (www.calypostudiosinc.com) Purse: “Mr. Lover” in bronze / black, by d’andrea handbags. Luxurious, hand selected Lamb skin with bengaline lining. Gold fixtures from Italy and the signature “d’” finish this stunning accessory. (www.dandreahandbags.com) Cuff: “Rhone” cuff from Dennis Kaping Fine Jewelry, shown in 316L stainless steel and heavy gold plate. Hand polished to a mirror finish and plated in 18kt gold. Hand made in the USA. (www.denniskaping.com) Tights: “Ravishing Roses” fishnet & roses tights by the always captivatingLeg Luxury! (www.legluxury.com) Shoes: “Abigails Party” in burgandy and pink, by Irregular Choice. Purple satin bows decorate this fabulous ankle bootie. Intricate eyelet detail combined with the low cut front, make it uniquely flattering. (www.irregularchoice.com)
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Hollywood LORENA
Dress: “Lace Tunic” with ruffles, lace, sheer panels and graffiti bring a New York edge to this Hollywood inspired dress. By Tango Mango. (www.facebook.com/tangomangoclothing Purse: “Mr. Precarious” in bronze, black, and red. d’andrea handbags, known for luxury and quality, feature hand selected Lamb skin with bengaline lining. Quilted, magnetized closure ensure an easy grip and security of contents. Complete with gold fixtures from Italy and signature “d’”. (www.dandreahandbags.com) Cuffs: “Red Velvet” cuffs from the Bling collection, by Oofkas... “The original fuzzy wrist warmers™”. Elegant and trend-setting, add a splash of color to the most sophisticted outfits. (www.oofkas.com) Necklace: “Paper, Rock, Scissors” multi-charm necklace by Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com 1-800-722-2309) Shoes: “Fly” in black, from the Very Volatile collection. Butterfly inspired, these elegant wedges complete any outfit. By Volatile. (www.volatileusa.com)
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Fountain Dancer IZZY
Shirt: “Rio Tank” in aqua, by Juli And Fred- known for luxurious fabrics that breathe while hugging your body. (www.juliandfred.com) Scarf: “Cascade Scarf” a soft and silky crocheted scarf with silver embellishments in chocolate, by Tangerine Temple. (www.tangerinetemple.com) Earrings: “Call of the Wild” animal printed tear drop earrings. By Trendy Jewels. (www.trendyjewels.com 1-800-722-2309) Cuff: “Flow” cuff from Dennis Kaping Fine Jewelry. The cuff that started it all for Dennis! Shown in stainless steel and hand-polished to a mirror finish. (www.denniskaping.com) Skirt: “Tiger Lily” Fun and flirty in a turquoise animal print. By Nina Sensoy. (www.ninasensoy.com)
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fashion2013
Shoes: “Ivy” in coffee, by Flojos. This 4” wedge is simple and comfortable, with padded strap and footbed. (www.flojos.com)
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PRO-FILES
Featuring...
Nikki
Van Dijk
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Story by Tia Calvo Photos by Gregerson
I’m at the Rip Curl house with Australian surfer Nikki Van Dijk
where she’s enjoying a few weeks of prime Hawaiian Pipeline living. The big brown two-story house is crawling with pro surfers. People are talking on phones, photographers are coming and going and a small stone path leads straight down to the surf. I ask Nikki what it’s like staying here and she tells me it’s pretty amazing. After being crowned Junior World Champ late last year in Bali, Nikki’s been living the tour life while she racks up points to qualify for next year’s WCT. For an Aussie teen hailing from the very secluded Phillip Island, it’s all seeming a bit surreal. We sat down to talk tour, titles and Hawaiian life.
Tell me about being here in Hawaii: We got here two weeks ago and we’ve just been cruising, eating acai bowls, riding the bike path and surfing all day everyday. I guess just living the Hawaii lifestyle, enjoying my time here. Is this your first time to Hawaii? No, actually I came here in 2009, so this is my second time. I love it. How have the waves been? The first week it was ok, there were a few waves. It got bigger last week so we went out to Pipe and got so smashed. It was fun and exciting just to be out there. Just to learn from all the pros, you get so inspired. Everyone’s always surfing all day and it’s just cool to be a part of it and learn. wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 153
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PRO-Files
Nikki How is it staying at the Rip Curl house? It’s pretty amazing. We’ve got Off the Wall and Backdoor, and Pipe. It’s amazing and I’m so happy. Tell me about winning the Junior World Title, which you just claimed in Bali: It was such an amazing time. To be World Champion is like my dream and it has been for so long. I guess it didn’t sink in for a few weeks until I got home and I was doing my exams and was like “wait, I should be…” It’s just hard to come home and go to my school exams. It was amazing and I had really good boards and was on a roll, so everything was perfect. The waves were amazing. Definitely a week to remember for me. You’re from Phillip Island (Australia), is it strange after all the travel and competing to return to life in such a small place? It’s definitely small and secluded from everywhere else. Like if movies come out in the city, a few months later we’ll get them. It’s a country town. I just love coming home though. The community is amazing and my family and friends… I dunno, home for everyone is just the most amazing place. I love going home, even though it’s zero degrees in winter. In winter it’s like booties, 4’3, hood, gloves. Then in summer it’s still a short arm wetsuit all the time, so it never really gets like bikini weather here. What do you miss from home when you’re away from Australia? Vegemite, um no, I miss my bed. I miss my family, my dog and my friends. I dunno, I guess I miss the food. The thing is I’m so comfortable, I know what I eat and I know where it is in the supermarket. But I mean traveling is amazing and I can’t complain so yeah, it’s all good. Where do you want to visit that you haven’t been to yet? I’d love to go 154 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
Van Dijk
to Japan and I’d love to go the Mentawais. I’ve been to a lot of places, but I’d love to go to the Mentawais. Plans for next year now you have the Junior World Title in the bag? What’s your next goal? My next goal is to qualify for the World Tour. This year I did all the QS (Qualifying Series) and I missed out by three spots. I learnt so much and that’s what my goal was at the start of the year. Just to have one more year of experience, learn the waves and what happens on the QS. So 2013 I’m definitely going to try and qualify and put every effort into doing that! Was it a hard hit missing out by three spots? Yeah. At the start of the year I got a really good result and I put too much pressure on myself. I just did that so I could keep going. It was senior (12th) year for me and I had so many things going on. But I’m young and I’m just loving what I’m doing right now. I just turned 18 last week, woohoo!!! But I’m in America/ Hawaii so you can’t do anything until you turn 21. When I go home everyone’s going to take me out celebrate! Being here on the north shore, is it like something out of a movie? You’re staying at the house and you have Pipeline right there? It’s actually just so surreal. Everywhere you go is picturesque and just amazing and beautiful. The colors and the palm trees and everything is so pretty. Any other hopes for the future? Try and qualify and then I guess we’ll see how I go next year. Obviously I’d love to be on the World Tour and try and be World Champion, but I know that’s everyone’s dream. Just enjoy my surfing and get better and I dunno, travel. Just be the best athlete and person I can be. Have fun and enjoy life. F
PRO-Files
PRO-FILES
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the legendary
Coco HO Photo: Gregerson
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PRO-Files
Cape Town is a truly beautiful place. I am sure many surfers know the amazing feeling of being surrounded by the ocean, but surfing in Cape Town waters gives you more than just that… everywhere you look you see beautiful mountains. The scenery is amazing! Cape Town’s jagged coastline also provides so many different surf spots, so no matter what the swell or wind direction is doing, you’re guaranteed to find a good wave somewhere.
Growing up and surfing in Cape Town sure has its challenges...
For instance, ice-cold Kelp (seaweed) infested water... and hungry great white sharks and food stealing baboons are not uncommon! Winters down here are often extreme, while summers can bring with it endless strong winds and flat seas.
However, being a surfer in Cape Town comes with some positives… There is clear, warm water in the summer, if you know where too look. There are spectacular beaches with loads of world-class waves, some of which are tucked away in scenic nature reserves, just minutes from the city center. Seeing as this is a peninsula and has 2 coastlines, it is always offshore and one can generally find a fun wave somewhere. The surfing community is fairly small and generally friendly. Sure the common spots may get a little crowded, but if one is prepared to look a little further, uncrowned great waves are not hard to find. Many surf spots around the peninsula are in view of 1 of the world’s 7 natural wonders, Table Mountain, this in itself makes surfing in Cape Town a special experience.
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20-year-old Tanika Hoffman is a beautiful, happy, vibrant, confident and fun loving surfer girl from Cape Town South Africa. She is fiercely competitive in the water, while on land, she is down–to-earth, friendly and always up for a chat.
Tanika
Hoffman Photos & words by Greg Chapman
E
arly on, Tanika spent most of her time surfing the consistent waves of Longbeach, Kommetjie in the deep south of the Cape Peninsula. It was here she developed a deadly front side hack on the running lefts and a polished backhand on the short, sharp rights. Tanika is a well traveled surfer and has represented South Africa on four occasions at the world Junior games with a 9th place finish in Panama (2010) her best result in national colors to date. Tanika also represented the South African national surfing team at the world surfing games in Panama in May 2013. In 2010, Tanika was part of the filming of the movie “Blue Crush 2” where she surfed as a stunt double for the leading actresses. Tanika started surfing when she was 9 years old. She had always enjoyed spending time in the ocean and one day, while in a surf shop with her mom, she picked up a pamphlet advertising surfing lessons and she could not resist. After her first surfing lesson, she was standing up and all she wanted to do from that point on was to surf all day, every day. Shortly after she had started surfing, Tanika entered her first surfing competition, the Billabong “Girls get out there” at the age of 10 and placed 3rd in the u/12 division. Tanika then went on to represent her region (Western Province) at the South African Grommet games in Port Elizabeth where she placed 1st in the u/12 division. Since her first place finish at the grommet games, Tanika has added a number of national titles to her name. These include SA champs u/12, u/14 and u/20. 2012 was Tanika’s last year as a junior, and she chose to spend most of the year in Europe where she trained and traveled to compete in all the
European Pro Juniors. The decision to spend time in Europe was a good one for her and she placed 6th overall in the European Pro Junior series and gained invaluable experience that she hopes to take to the WQS in the near future. So how does Tanika see her future? “I always try focusing on the present and taking things step by step to help me achieve my goals in the near future. At the moment, I am training and pushing my surfing so that I can perform to the best of my abilities at the ISA World Surfing Games in Panama in May where I will be representing South Africa, as well as three WQS events later this year. My dream is to surf for as long as possible. I love traveling and exploring the world, so I would love to be able to spend all my spare time surfing the best waves I can find…and preferably in warm water”. Tanika’s current and future success would not be possible without the support of her Family. “I have been privileged enough to have my family always supporting me and my dreams. My family supporting me throughout my surfing career has really helped me; having the support at contests makes a big difference. Thinking back to when I just started surfing, my mom and dad (and little brother) were always on the beach, whether I was competing or just practicing. Having the positive support really helps me to continuously follow my dreams. I spend almost all of my time surfing, training, looking for waves or planning a surf trip, so when I do get some spare time I enjoy just relaxing with family and friends…whether it be going out for lunch/dinner, or just watching a movie at home. In summer, I love spending as much time as possible under the sun…so if I’m not surfing you’ll probably still find me somewhere out doors”. F wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 159
PRO-Files
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It ain’t about how hard you hit: It’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. It’s how much you can take, and keep moving forward That’s how winning is done.
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Up and coming...
Makani
Photos by GaryMsCreations.com
M
Adric
akani Adric gets hit hard. Between surfing the North Shore, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and crossfit, this seventeen year old is fierce!
She has been surfing for ten years now, but she did not start off on the big waves. “For me, surfing just began as a hobby. I started surfing because my family did it, my friends surfed; it seemed like everyone surfed just because we live on the North Shore. I remember my Dad took me out a few times tandem surfing. I never really liked it until I started catching white wash in the inside of Haleiwa with my friends and family that were always at the beach.” But it didn’t take Makani long to start going after bigger waves. “I grew up surfing Haleiwa. For a few years, that was the only break I would surf. As I learned how to surf bigger waves and maneuver my surfboard around, I started to surf different breaks. Some of the biggest waves I have ever ridden were out at Waimea Bay. I don’t really measure my wave heights; I just focus on making the drops and staying alive.” Even now, she still occasionally pays her dues with the ocean, which is just a reminder that no matter how good you are the ocean can always throw a curveball at you! “I think the last time I paid my dues was out at Waimea. I bought this new float vest for surfing big waves and I had to test it out. I paddled out to the bay and the first five waves I stood up on, I basically air dropped and cartwheeled down the face of every wave. I guess it gave me bad luck when they told me to test my vest out in smaller waves before I take it out in bigger ones. Now I know it works...” In her time as a surfer, Makani has experienced numerous board breaks from wipeouts – especially at Pipe – and also many injuries from the deadly surf. “I think my scariest surf experience was this past winter out at Pipeline. The swell was increasing throughout the day. I was just sitting in the lineup cruising. I was talking to a friend and kept looking up to make sure no sets were coming. Out of nowhere a huge second reefer came in and I had no idea it was even a wave. I was directly in the impact zone and had a mini heart attack when I saw this set. I started stroking to get under the wave. I duck dived the wave and made it over the top. Then, all of a sudden the backwash just sucked me back and I paddled as hard as I could to make it. Finally, I made it over while the other half of the crowd got swept in. I thought I was going to die.” Living on the North Shore, Makani is definitely part of a man’s world of surfing. But that does not faze her at all! “Without boys, nothing would be competitive or fun. Sometimes boys are the best people to be around. There are not too many women that surf the places I like to go, but as long as you’re nice and respectful, people will do the same for you.”
Makani is usually good-natured and respectful towards other surfers in and out of the water. But when someone messes with her she is not afraid to face them, and she won’t back down from that. “Last time I surfed Rockies, some guy kept dropping in on me on every good wave I got. Then this perfect left came in and I was paddling and so was the guy, I was deeper so finally I yelled ‘aye’ and he backed off. Usually I don’t have to hoot people off waves, but I definitely will if they keep dropping in on me.” Even though Makani attacks waves intensely, she never forgets how to have fun in the water and to be friendly. “Usually the whole paddle out, I’m saying hello to everyone because it’s mostly people I know. If I see a girl in the lineup, usually I’ll smile until she says hello. If not, I’ll just say hi to be friendly. I like people that smile a lot because then it makes you want to smile and have a great day. I like surfing with locals or people you know because it’s more of a friendlier environment.” She has a very down-to-earth approach to surfing. For her, it is not about the looks or how many competitions you win. Makani focuses on the spirit of surfing and is constantly aiming to get better. “I have won many contests throughout my surfing career, but I don’t really compete as much now because I would rather be surfing big waves and impressing people, than surf small waves, and maybe win a contest. All it leads to is nationals and a trophy? There is more to surfing than spending all of your money on traveling, food, and hotels, just for a trophy? Haha c’mon.” With such a successful surfing career, Makani has gained multiple sponsors. Her sponsors include San Lorenzo Bikinis, Bret Boards, Northshore Surf Shop RCG Brand, and Futures Fins, – “they help you perform a lot better.” She loves her sponsors and is only sponsored by companies she believes in. “I work hard to keep my sponsors. In order to keep your sponsors, you have to show them what they want to see and if you’re actually progressing and making them happy. The more effort you put in to promoting their product, the happier everyone is!” Makani is sponsored, but she keeps her head level rather than getting caught up in the glamor of it all. She prefers slippers and no makeup to high heels and lip gloss any day -- She just wants to surf! “I would rather have a reputation for surfing and not being a beach bunny in my bikini. Although I am sponsored by a really great bikini company, Surfer and Surfing Magazine are two magazines for SURFING, that’s why it’s called SURF magazine not bikini magazine.” She is always looking for the next challenge, whether it’s catching the next big wave or earning her black belt. Makani just wants to keep moving forward! F
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PRO-Files
Valentina Photos by Valentina Vitale
Vitale
AGE: 27 | YEARS SURFING: Almost 10 | YEARS AS A PRO SURFER: 7 | FAVORITE BREAK: Banzai Beach (Rome) FAVORITE BOARD SHAPER: RT Surfboards HOMEBREAK: Ostia Beach (Rome) | SPONSORS: Roxy, RT Surfboards, Nilox Foolish, Citybeach Board Shop
AT A GLANCE: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Favorite food: Pasta & Pizza Slippers or high heels? Barefoot Lipstick, gloss or bare? Gloss Favorite dessert? Tiramisu Favorite guy surfer: Kelly Slater Dream surf destination you haven’t been to yet? Hawaii Favorite color: Blue Siblings: One younger sister (Valeria) Traction pad or bareback: Pad MAC or PC: Mac Favorite fast food: In & Out Bottled water or tap: Tap Bicycle or skateboard: Bicycle White wax or colored: White Jam or jelly: Jam Favorite quote: “Anyway the wind blows”
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hen I first heard about surfing I immediately loved it, but I couldn’t buy a surfboard because my parents were afraid of surfing. Ten years ago, surfing in my hometown was an unknown sport. The beaches were unpatrolled during the winter and people who practiced it were really few. I discovered surfing late when I was almost fourteen. Surfing here in Italy is a “new thing”, so there’s a really different background in comparison to the USA and Australia. I learned on a 6’2 shortboard. The first trick I learned was a cut back. I got my first sponsor Roxy after a bit more than 2 years of surfing and they still support me. I joined a surf contest in Tuscany (Italy) and the team manager noticed me, so I got involved in the Roxy Team - first Italian, then European. I think the best brand for women has always been Roxy. Roxy has believed in the growth of women’s surfing from its birth, and did a lot to make it possible with events, campaigns, etc. I modeled for Roxy in some photo shoots for both winter and summer collections, and also for other sponsors and brands that support me. It was a fun experience and sometimes I still model for some Italian magazines and websites. My life is very, very busy because I’m not only a surfer. I own the Ostia Surf School here in my hometown, working and teaching surfing to kids and adults. In the warm season (from April to December), I work there so I cannot travel a lot, but in winter I always go abroad for surfing and discovering new places. This winter I’ll go to Australia for the second time. Last year I went to Costa Rica and I hope to go to Hawaii next season! I have won many contests in Italy. I’m four times Italian Champion (2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011) and I’ve also won some contests abroad (Canary Islands and WSA in California). I’m proud to be riding for the Italian National Team, along with coaching the Italian Junior Surf Team. Do I have pre-contest rituals? No, I just try to relax and hang with friends. For me, contests are not really stressful. I just try to enjoy the day and the opportunity to see
my old friends again who live far from my hometown. Do I ever get scared surfing? When the waves are pretty big I’m usually a bit nervous. When the surf is pumping I always try to catch one of the biggest waves coming so I can relax more after my first ride. When I have a wipeout I try to relax as much as I can and keep air in my lungs. Unfortunately, here in Italy we don’t have many waves, in particular we don’t have big waves, so I don’t have the possibility to train a lot. I try to travel as much as I can to improve my surfing on good size waves. I think the women’s surf industry is growing up more and more. From my point of view in regards to Italy, surfing is now known to everybody and is no longer a mystery. I gave my own contribution to make it possible. I have been organizing for six years a women’s surf event with free surf lessons, where they can try surfing and introduce themselves to this sport. Abroad I think women’s surfing is growing enormously, thanks to the high level being reached with amazing surfers like Carissa Moore, Sally Fitzgibbons, Tyler Wright, Lakey Peterson, etc. One of my favorite women surfers is Lisa Anderson: I think she made the step up to truly change female world surfing. I also admire Carissa Moore. I think she is the best female surfer in the planet and she really shocked the world with her new style of aggressive and powerful surfing. In the future, I see myself with my family living in my hometown and working at my surf school. I really love it and in the future I hope it will grow more and more, as with surfing in my country. I think there’s nothing better than turning our passions into our lifestyle. F
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hinking about taking her first wave at the San Clemente Pier in her home town of San Clemente, California, 15 year old Malia Ward tells of her dream in becoming a pro surfer. Her favorite spot close to home is Lower, Trestles because it has a great right and left, and has more shape and power out of all the other beach breaks. Using a favorite 5’6”, surfing happens every day, whether it’s good or bad conditions; good surf conditions being big waves with perfect medium sized barrels and waves with good open faces. Malia’s mom and her dad were the most influential to her when she started surfing. Although her dad, Chris Ward, is a pro surfer, according to Malia, he has “no clue how to coach me when it comes to surfing.” His best coaching consists of fun surf sessions, and him helping Malia get any wave she can in the lineup. There have been many times when her dad and she see a good section coming that could boost good air, where he will push her off to catch the wave. Surfing for five years now, she finds that her favorite maneuver is the layback snap, and she wants to eventually learn to do aerials like her dad. If Malia could live anywhere in the world, she would live 3 months in Bali, 3 months in Hawaii, 3 months in Australia, and 3 months in California. If she cannot have this perfect year, she would prefer Hawaii year round. When it comes to confronting those problem people in a lineup, it’s easy. It should be done right away, always
in a nice and graceful approach, at first. It is shocking how aggressive some older guys in the lineup can be with the groms. One wave Malia wished she had never paddled into was a wave at Pipeline on Oahu, North Shore. The outcome wasn’t quite a wipeout, but rather an embarrassing moment in front of a large crowd. The wave took off her bathing suit bottom! Not quite the impression she wanted to make. With her passion and interest in surfing, Malia feels having more contests around the world will help promote female surfers. In preparing for surfing contests, girls can improve their performances by doing more land training like cardio, squats, pushups, planks, and just staying healthy. As far as improving contests, hey judges!, how about the girls get some earlier heats, instead of the blown out leftovers from the guys! This change can help up the judging scale, while pushing the girls to do better. Some contests Malia has surfed in are the Surfing America Prime, Volcom, and the ASP Pro Junior. She is currently in the process of reaching her long term goal of being a pro surfer, always challenging herself to eventually surf the CT with all the leading ladies of surf around the world. To reach this goal, steps are being made, just putting her feet on the wax of training and competing, where new things are being learned, and improvement is happening quickly.
Malia
Ward Story by Megan West Photos by Gregerson
Malia’s sponsors are Mayhem Surfboards, Future Fins, Crowd Control Boardracks, Filtrate Eyeware, and Cyber Wetsuits. Some shout-outs from Malia go to her amazing mother for helping her big time in following her dreams, “I would never have gotten this far without her. I also want to give my dad a shout-out for being such a huge influence on me. Last shout-out goes to Dave Gregerson, you were the best photographer on the North Shore this winter. Thank you for all the great photos. Mahalo.” F wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 163
PRO-Files
Amy
Murphree By: Rachel Tanner
Amy and her mother
Every once in a while, a true free spirit comes along. Someone who projects such a deep essence of sheer joy at any and every moment life has to offer. When Amy and I met years ago, I saw that certain something in her immediately. She had an awareness of everything around her and I truly felt it in her attitude about life and surfing. We scored that first photo in Puerto Rico together of her hanging ten on one of her favorite Buehn longboards. That was the day I saw a fierce elegance that would continually transform and evolve over the years. It didn’t surprise me at all when she ventured to California to compete in the Roxy Jam Cardiff at age 20 and won, Roxy had just picked her up as a team rider and model. “Amy is a true Roxy girl, embodying beauty, confidence and an undeniable love for surfing. You not only see this in her surfing or on the beach, her spirit just shines whenever she travels. She carries that energy with her and shares it with others,” says Chelsea Rauhut, Roxy Marketing Coordinator/Team Manager. “Whether Amy is in New York modeling, in California dawn patrolling Trestles, or soaking up the sun in PR, she shares the Roxy spirit of fun anywhere around the globe.” When you think of such an unconventional upbringing as Amy’s homeschooling and freedom of expression, it’s a rarity that such a substantial human being was realized.
When Amy shared the fact that all her education was privately tutored, K thru 12 and the environment around her was her classroom and every and all opportunities of self expression were given a free reign, I immediately thought this should be more of an implemented procedure for all kids. She owes most of all her accomplishments in surfing to her parents who always utilized the power of positive thinking. Her parents owned ‘Wind & Surf’, a shop on the boardwalk of Indialantic, Florida; this was her launching pad. She started surfing at 6 years old. By the time she was 16, she was noseriding and cross-stepping her way into winning local contests. Her mom, Linda, lets it be known that Amy’s true surfing life began when she was 5 months pregnant bodyboarding in PR. “Her father taught her to swim at 8 months and at 16 months, he would take her surfing with him, paddle into a wave and lift her on his shoulders.” Their opportunity to cultivate her in an atmosphere of love, without fear or shyness, where courtesy, patience, lack of pressures would foster a balanced and rhythmic growth. “Honesty and understanding cultivates honesty in the nature of our children. Amy was encouraged to express, be listened to and develop self motivated activity. Barriers or obstacles are only challenges for greater growth and opportunities for herself, community and the world she lives in. Amy grew up naturally and kept her sweetness. Her spirit was a guideline. We learned from Amy. Her personal growth, creativity, spirituality, wellness and balance are a delightful experience to share. A joyful journey in love.” 164 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
AT A GLANCE: Sponsors: Roxy, Sanuk, Smith, Ocean & Earth, Raw Elements Sunscreen, Buehn Surfboards Everyday boards: 5’6’ Al Merrick, 9’0” pintail nose rider by Richie Buehn Likes to: get barreled, frontside carve, wants to pull off any type of air Travels: England, Spain, Portugal, France, Canary Islands, Brazil, Panama, Nicaragua, Mexico, Hawaii, Puerto Rico Fav surfer: Joel Parkinson, Kelly Slater Fav food: momma’s clam spaghetti After surf food: acai bowl or veggie burger Also good at: horseback riding Dreams of: world title ?? Most recently: Corona Pro Event, Maria’s Bch, Rincon, Puerto Rico, 3rd Place Womens (in 10ft plus)
Photos: www.racheltannerphotography.com
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My dream is to educate the world about the dangers of urbanization to our precious ecosystems, and to be part of changing the way the world uses and disposes of plastic and other harmful objects swept into our oceans and consumed by sea life.
I can’t think of any times when Amy isn’t trying new boards, new moves, new innovations to expand her own personal awareness. She always watches and watches some more, then goes out in the water to perfect that move. Catching her biggest wave of her life at Sunset Beach, Oahu, snapping her board and having to make the swim all the way back in is enough to humble and toughen up any surfer. I’ve watched her do some huge frontside carves, get barreled all the while looking like a smiling super model. Just keeps getting better and better. Whether she is in that competitive mode, or just a soulful session, it’s all about her feeling as she refers to as, “salted and spent after an amazing day of surfing.” This year saw the launching of her new, eco friendly venture, ‘The Mermaid and The Squid’, a decorative pillow company, that uses recycled green plastic bottles and organic cotton. The pillows have ocean related imagery on them and are already available online. When asked how she sees herself in the next ten years, Amy replies, “Surfing, being in love, happy and successful.” Her creativity spills over to her jewelry making, painting, yoga and photography. We could probably add on pillow empress as well. “Amy is a great Roxy rider. She is really diverse and always continues to surprise. She is one of the faces of the, ‘DVF loves Roxy’, collaboration that launched on March 7, 2013. It is a great moment for her and the brand. Super proud of her. It’s been a great ride working together.” Danielle Beck, VP Marketing Roxy. “Amy is a great ambassador of the sport. Great attitude in and out of the water, always happy and smiling. I remember first meeting her in Rincon and her desire to get involved with Roxy. She was a perfect fit in my eyes. I saw the first image of Amy in a Roxy ad, seemed she had always been there, a natural fit. I am super happy to see she has continued to follow her dream surfing…which is what every surfer dreams of: surf, travel and enjoying different people and cultures.” Ricardo Villanueva, sales rep. Quiksilver/Roxy PR. With all the good and positive energies that come from Amy, I do not doubt for a second that her future will be fast forward and brightly lit. Her passionate love of the earth and the oceans only add to her inner happiness. F
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PRO-Files
Growing UP
on Oahu’s North Shore Words by Tia Calvo | Photos by Gregerson
North Shore Hawaii – a mecca for surf enthusiasts the world over. With pristine white beaches and miles of perfect waves, it’s everyone’s dream surfing holiday location. But what about living there? Even more, what about those lucky few beach babies growing up in this paradise? Meet Zoe (top), Izzy (middle), and Honolua (bottom), three North Shore teens who have been raised surfing the islands.
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Zoe
McDougall Age: 13
Sponsors: Dragonfly Blue Swimwear, Sanuk, Cliff Bar Competition…
Moving to Hawaii…. I moved to Hawaii at the age of two or three I think. I have no Hawaiian blood, but I myself consider that I live in Hawaii and I’m from Hawaii. My dad was always a surfer and my mum was surfing, so they wanted me to be a surfer. The first time I ever caught a wave on a surfboard I was with my dad on the same board, but I was probably three or four.
Growing up North Shore… It’s amazing; the ocean is your playground. You can ride bikes to all your friend’s houses, the beach, anywhere you want to go you can reach by bike. It’s super safe for kids. I can just be with my friends. We can just cruise. The North Shore is the surfing capital of the world, everybody knows if you’re from the North Shore you know what surfing is. Nobody grows up without having surfing in their life, you pretty much have to surf around here. The whole world comes here to surf. I have friends on every side of the island and you see them every other day. It’s easy to get around. It’s such a tight pack of people, everybody is friends.
Sunset Living… I pretty much live on the point at Sunset Beach. I surf up and down the coast everywhere, but my favorite surf spot? I have no clue. I like it all! I used to do a grade school and elementary school called Sunset Beach Elementary, but it only went up to sixth grade. So this year I’ve been homeschooling with HGA, which is off a computer. I get the best conditions in the morning, then I do some school work during the afternoon or nighttime and I get pretty much the whole day.
I started competing at fun contests at the age of four or five, but I started seriously competing at eight. I want to be a competitive surfer and make it my career, and I want to be world champion. I look up to Coco (Ho). She was my first neighbor here and she’s a great role model. I see her out in the water a lot Photo by: Tia Calvo and she’s always super friendly to all the girls, so she’s definitely my inspiration. I do both shortboarding and longboarding, but I love shortboarding. It’s my main focus.
Surfing to me… Pretty much it keeps me out of trouble and all my friends do it. It’s a great way to bond with people. It’s my competition. I’m a very competitive person so I push myself to get better. Can I imagine a life without surfing? No. You’d just be stuck on an island. If you don’t love the ocean, why live here?
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PRO-Files
Growing UP
on Oahu’s North Shore continued from previous page...
Isabella “Izzy” Age: 14
Walker
Sponsors: Two Crows Surfboards, Kahuku Grill Growing up Surfing… I was born in Wahiawa, I live at Sunset beach and my Dad, Charlie Walker, was one of the big wave surfers. My dad was the guy from the 80’s surf film North Shore. It was based on him and a couple of his friends. He used to take me out to the shore break at Sunset and push me in (to waves) and I really loved it. I’ve grown up in the water my whole life and it’s just a place where I love to be.
Living North Shore… It’s very family oriented. You know a lot of the people and see them even going to Foodland, the supermarket - it’s like “Oh there’s aunty or there’s uncle!” You really only live on a seven mile stretch, from the mountains to the ocean. Everyone knows everyone, that’s basically it.
My surfing… I have grown up surfing Sunset. There are all the spots on the north shore – Vland, Sunset, Pupukea…. We’re really spoilt here because when the waves aren’t that good you say “oh it’s not that good, I don’t think I’m going to surf today” and then your friends come over from California and they’re like “this is amazing!” and we’re like “I don’t know what you’re talking about!” It’s such a great place. But what makes Sunset my favorite wave? I just love how the wall picks up and you can do big turns and big hacks and such good nose rides. I’ve had one of my best nose rides there. I love how you can feel free and not have a care in the world. I’ve started taking surfing more seriously in the past two years and I really enjoy doing contests now. I like surfing on anything, whatever board it is it’s just really fun. But longboarding you tend to smile a lot more. You feel so happy dancing with the waves and you really feel that you’re so free out there. You can catch anything you want and just have fun. I hope one day that I will get sponsored and get to compete in the contests that you have to travel for. I’ve come far from when I first started to where I am now because of the environment I’ve grown up in and everything. It’s something that’s just such an amazing thing. Surfing is my life. Surfing, family and appreciation for everything - that’s the meaning of life. 168 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
Honolua
Blomfield
Age: 14
Sponsors: O’Neill, North Shore Surf Shop, Island Fin Design, Crush Sunglasses, Nixon Growing up Hawaiian… I was born in Hawaii at Wahiawa General Hospital on Oahu. My mum used to put me on the front of her board when I was two. After I caught a wave, she’d be like “ok it’s my turn” so I used to sit on the beach and wait for her to catch one wave. Then it’d be my turn and I couldn’t wait. Every single second I wanted to be in the water. She still surfs, but it’s rare that she has a chance because she has four kids. My mum is 50 percent Hawaiian and my grandma was 100 percent, so I’m 25 percent. I feel deeply rooted to the island, especially as my ancestors founded surfing.
My Surfing… I love that all my friends do it and we can just have fun. We don’t have
to compete, it’s just something I really enjoy and love doing. I shortboard and longboard. Do I have a favorite? No, I can’t decide. I compete in both and I do the junior pros for shortboard and pros for longboard too sometimes. My goals are to be world champ in longboard and shortboard. I think it’s possible! There’s a few of us that actually compete in both.
Living North Shore… I like it because you can ride your bike places without having to worry about anything, and then everyone you see are pretty much people that you know. Only in the winter season it’s kind of a little different because there’s a lot more tourists and stuff, but it’s still fun. I live close to Haleiwa by the Foodland. My favorite waves are Haleiwa and Ehukai. I can see myself (living) somewhere else, but I’d probably hate it. I mean I’d love to travel the world and go to different places, but I don’t think I can be away from the water for the rest of my life. F
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SURF SHOP DIRECTORY | WSSM OAHU | Hawaii (area code 808) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ballistic Board Co............................................................ 258-8393 Barnfields Raging Isle Surf & Cycle ..........................637-7797 Blue Hawaii Surf (Ala Moana)........................................... 947-9988 Blue Hawaii Surf ............................................................ 845-9300 Blue Hawaii Surf (Pearlridge) ........................................... 488-8811 Blue Planet Surf Shop (WSSM sold here) 596-7755 Boardriders Club Hawaii (International Marketplace) ........... 921-2794 Boardriders Club Hawaii (Waikiki) .................................... 926-5800 Classic Surfboards ...........................................................735-3594 Diamond Head Surfboards (WSSM sold here) ....... ..................................................................... 691-9599 Downing Hawaii .............................................................737-9696 Drift Surf LLC .................................................................941-6699 Edge Board Works.........................................................847-3154 GoNUTS .........................................................................926-3367 Hale Nalu Surf Company..................................................696-5897 Hans Hedemann Surf Schools ...................................... 447-6755 Hawaiian Southshore Outlet ...........................................597-9055 Hawaiian Watersports (Kailua) .......................................262-5483 Hawaiian Watersports (Diamond Head) .......................739-5483 Island Glass Surfboards .................................................. 457-9919 Inter-Island Surf Shop.....................................................945-2982 Jon B. Mar Surfboards ...................................................277-0800 Kimo’s Surf Hut ............................................................262-1644 Koa Board Sports .........................................................923-0189 Local Motion: Ala Moana ........................................................ 979-7873 Hawaii Kai.............................................................. 396-7873 Windward Mall .................................................... 263-7873 Waikele Outlet Center...................................... 668-7873 Hawaii Kai .......................................................... 396-7873 Minami Surf......................................................................637-9994 Modex Surfboards Hawaii ..............................................421-7517 North Shore Boardriders Club ....................................... 637-5026 OffDaLip.com Inc. ..........................................................396-8676 Pang Dennis Hawaiian Surf Designs & Hawaiian Paddle Boards ..................................... 638-7339 Planet Surf .................................................................... 637-5002 Rush Jay ....................................................................... 596-0580 Russ K Makaha Quiksilver Boardriders Club ................. 951-7876 Quiksilver (Waikiki) ....................................................... 921-2794 RIPCURL (Ala Moana Center) .................................... 943-2490 RIPCURL (Kalakaua Ave) ............................................ 922-2330 RV’s Ocean Used Surfboard ....................................... 348-0441 Sera’s Surf & Shore Ala Moana Center.................... 949-7828 Strong Current Surf Design ...................................... 637-3410 Surfboard Factory Outlet Hawaii.................................. 543-2145 Surf Garage (WSSM Sold Here).............. 951-1173 Surf ’N’ Sea (WSSM Sold Here) ................ 637-9887 Surf News Network Hawaii ....................................... 593-2170 Town & Country Surf Shop: ......................................... 733-5699 Uptown Pearlridge ........................................ 484-5499 Tropical Rush Surf Co. ............................................... 637-8886 Wave Riding Vehicles................................................... 637-2020 Wet Feet ....................................................................... 373-7873 XCEL Wetsuits Hawaii: Honolulu / Ward Center ......................................... 596-7441 Haleiwa................................................................... 637-3248
MAUI | Hawaii (area code 808) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Action Sports Maui ..................................................... 871-5857 Boardriders Club (Kihei) ................................................. 667-7978 Boardriders Club (Wailaha) ................................................ 891-1503 Boardriders Club (Whalers Village) ................................... 661-3505 Billabong (Lahaina) ..................................................... 667-1840 Da Beach House Maui: Harbor Shops at Ma’alaea ........................... 986-8279 Kihei Kalama Village ..................................... 891-1234 Hawaiian Island Surf & Sport ..........................................871-4981 Hawaiian Surfworks.........................................................242-1431 Hi-Tech Surf Sports ....................................................... 877-2111 Honolua Surf Co. (toll-free).......................................... 466-6582 1000 Limahana Pl., Lahaina ......................... 667-9781 845 Front St. ................................................. 667-1863 Whalers Village............................................... 661-5455 Honolua Underground ................................................ 661-5722 Kazuma Surfboards Hawaii......................................... 575-7510 Local Motion: Lahaina Gateway ........................................ 871-7873 170 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
1819 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei ................................ 879-7873 Ka`ahumanu Shopping Center/Kahului......... 661-7873 M. Miura Store ............................................................ 822-4401 Maui Surfboards .......................................................... 264-2648 Maui Tropix, Kihei ............................................................ 879-6868 Maui Tropix, Kahului ..................................................... 871-8726 Maui Tropix, Lahaina .................................................... 661-9296 Maui Windsurf Co. ........................................................ 877-4816 Neil Pryde Maui.............................................................. 877-7443 Ole Surfboards ............................................................ 661-3459 Outrageous Surf ............................................................ 669-1400 Pakaloha Bikinis (Lahaina) .............................................. 661-6088 Pakaloha Bikinis (Paia) .................................................... 579-8882 Sailboards Maui .......................................................... 579-8432 Second Wind (WSSM sold here)................ 877-7467 Shapers ......................................................................... 877-7873 Surf Dog Maui ............................................................. 250-7873 Timpone Hawaii ............................................................. 575-2649 Valley Isle Surfboards................................................... 244-5230 West Maui Cycles.......................................................... 661-9005 West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply .......................... 661-6252
KAUAI | Hawaii (area code 808) . . . . . . . . . . . . Aloha Surf Lessons ..................................................... 639-8614 Deja Vu Surfwear ............................................................ 822-4401 Hanalei Surf Co. Backdoor ............................................... 826-1900 Hanalei Surf Co. Paddler ............................................... 826-8797 Quiksilver Kai Kane Surf Shop .................................... 826-5594 Quiksilver (Poipu) ........................................................... 742-8088 Kauai Water Ski & Surf Co. ......................................... 822-3574 Nukumoi Surf Co. ....................................................... 742-8019 M. Miura Store ............................................................... 245-2174 Poipu Surf ..................................................................... 742-8797 Progressive Expressions.............................................. 742-6041 Rex Kauai....................................................................... 828-1141 Tamba Surf Co. ........................................................... 823-6942 Wellman Surfboards...................................................... 338-0888
BIG ISLAND | Hawaii (area code 808) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Big Island Surf Co.......................................................... 959-2472 Honolulu Surf Co: Waikoloa................................................................. 886-1019 Kona....................................................................... 329-1001 Jeff Hunt Surfboards LLC............................................. 965-2322 Kona Boy’s Inc.............................................................. 328-7234 Kona Boy’s (Captian Cook) ........................................... 329-3245 Local Style..................................................................... 959-6121 Miller’s Surf and Sport................................................. 326-1771 Orchid Land Surfshop................................................... 935-1533 Pacific Vibrations........................................................... 329-4140 World Core Surf Shop................................................... 329-8825
CALIFORNIA
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Aqua Surf Shop: Sloat Blvd.......................................................... 415-242-9283 Haight St. .......................................................... 415-876-2782 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
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Clout Women & Surf Shop ................................. 310-457-1511 E.T. Surf / Just Longboards ... 310-379-7660 | 310-376-8847 Horizons West Surf Shop ..................................... 310-392-1122 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 ................................................. 805-643-1062 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 ..................................................... 562-277-4719 Becker Surfboards (Pier Ave) ............................. 310-374-7626 Becker Surf (Malibu) ............................................. 310-456-7155 Bruce Jones Surfboards........................................ 562-592-2314 Bunker Surf Shop ................................................... 858-488-7412 Catalyst Surf Shop................................................... 949-492-5721 CBS Board Shop .................................................. 949-455-0237 Cheap Rentals No.2 .............................................. 800-941-7761 Chuck Dent Surfboards ...................................... 714-960-2882 Clairemont Surf Shop ............................................ 858-292-1153 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 HB Wahine (womens surf shop) .................................. 714-330-3350 Herbie Fletcher Surf Shop ...................................... 949-492-5721 Hobie (Dana Point) ..................................................... 949-496-2366 Hobie (Laguna Beach) ............................................... 949-497-3304 Hobie (Corona Del Mar) ................................................ 949-706-8090 Hobie (San Clemente/El Camino) .................................... 949-542-3355 Hobie (San Clemente/Avenida Del Mar) .......................... 949-542-3400 HSS Billabong (womens surf shop) .......................... 714-374-6266 Huntington Surf & Sport (Pierside)........................... 714-841-4000 Huntington Surf & Sport (Warner)............................... 714-846-0181 Huntington Surf & Sport (Bella Terra)........................... 714-890-0800 Icons of Surf ........................................................... 949-429-7133 Inflight Surf and Sail ........................................... 562-493-3661 Island Surf ............................................................... 619-435-1527 Jacks Surfboards (Hunt. Beach) ............................... 714-536-4516 Jacks Surfboards (Newport) ..................................... 949-673-2300 Jacks Surfboards (Dana Point) ................................. 949-276-8080 Jacks Surfboards (Hermosa Beach) ............................ 310-374-7873 Jacks Surfboards (Corona Del Mar) .......................... 949-718-0001 Jacks Surfboards (Irvine) ........................................... 949-242-7020 Jack’s GIRLS (Hunt. Beach) ..................................... 714-536-2563 Jack’s KIDS (Hunt. Beach) ........................................... 714-536-4516 K5 Oceanside ......................................................... 760-754-1982 K5 Encinitas ............................................................. 760-436-6613 K5 Poway ................................................................ 858-679-6822 Kane Garden .......................................................... 619-405-3189 Katin Surf Shop ..................................................... 562-592-2052 Killer Dana Surf Shop........................................... 949-489-8380 La Jolla Surf Shop ................................................ 858-361-4957 La Jolla Surf Systems.............................................. 858-456-2777 Line Up Surfboards .............................................. 714-842-1648 Liquid Foundation Surfboards ............................ 858-488-3260 Longboard Grotto Surf Shop ................................ 760-634-1920 Mission Surf............................................................. 858-483-8837 Mitchs Surf Shop ........................ 858-459-5933 / 858-481-1354 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................................................ 619-299-9207 O’Neill (flagship store)................................................ 714.635.0424 Pacific Beach Surf Shop (Promenade)...................... 858-373-1138 Pacific Beach Surf Shop (Grand).............................. 858-270-2466 Pacific Beach Surf Shop (Boardwalk).......................... 858-270-1695 Pacific Drive Surf Shop....................................... 858-270-3361 Palapa Surf Shop................................................... 619-224-2715 Pesce Surfboards ................................................... 310-999-5379 Pier Surf.................................................................. 310-372-2012 Plumeria Surfboards.............................................. 714-878-0900 Pride Surf Skate & Snow...................................... 619-222-1575 Rip Curl (3rd St.) .................................................. 310-656-2875 Rip Curl (San Clemente) ......................................... 949-498-4920 Raw Skin Surf n’ Sport .......................................... 760-434-1122 Rockin Figs Surfboards ....................................... 714-536-1058 Rockys Surf Shop.................................................. 619-223-4460 Rusty Surfboards ................................................. 858-551-0262
WSSM | SURF SHOP DIRECTORY Safari Surf & Sport ................................................. 818-349-9283 Safari Surf School.................................................. 858-488-2334 Salty Sports .......................................................... 310-532-1781 San Diego Surfing Academy .............................. 760-230-1474 SoftCore Surfboards............................................... 916-663-0611 Soul Performance .................................................. 310-370-1428 South Coast Wahines (womens surf shop).................. 858-273-7600 South Coast Ocean Beach...................................... 619-223-7017 South Coast Longboards ........................................... 619-223-8808 South Coast Pacific Beach ................................... 858-483-7660 Sun Diego Surf & Sport (Carlsbad) ........................... 760-607-1220 Sun Diego Surf & Sport (Wavehouse Mission) .......... 858-866-0108 Sun Diego Surf & Sport (Fashion Valley) ................... 619-268-2295 Sun Diego Surf & Sport (Westfield Plaza Bonita) ....... 619-399-7959 Sun Diego Surf & Sport (Solana Beach) ................... 858-523-1733 Sun Diego Surf & Sport (Westfield UTC) ................... 858-452-2963 Sun Diego Surf & Sport (Westfiled Pkwy) ................... 619-441-5213 Sun Diego Surf & Sport (Westfield North County) ........ 760-743-4133 Surf Club................................................................. 858-483-4854 Surf Hut .................................................................. 619-575-7873 Surf Ride Board Shop .............. 760-433-4020 | 858-755-0858 Surf Savvy School ................................................. 858-459-4790 Surfboards by Kennedy ........................................ 818-225-1999 Surfside Sports (WSSM Sold Here) ... 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 (Laguna Beach) ............................. 949-494-4988 Toes on the Nose (Adventure Hyatt@Hyatt Regency) .... 714-845-4638 Val Surf (Woodland Hills) ............................................ 818-225-8177 Val Surf (Valley Village)............................................... 818-769-6977 Val Surf (Pasadena)................................................... 626-796-0668 Val Surf (Valencia) ..................................................... 661-222-7288 Val Surf (Thousand Oaks) ........................................... 805-497-1166 Valley Surf & Skate................................................ 818-892-5566 Vanguard Surf And Skate ..................................... 310-373-2501 Waterlines Unlimited................................................ 858-449-0402 Wavelines ................................................................858-675-9696 WindanSea Surf Shop .......................................... 858-488-9374 Witts Carlsbad Pipelines...................................... 760-729-4423
FLORIDA
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NORTHERN FLORIDA
Aqua East Surf Shop (Neptune Beach/St. Augustine) 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: Pensacola Beach ...................................... 850-934-9004 Pensacola ................................................. 850-434-6743 Gulf Breeze................................................ 850-932-5134 Gulf Shores ............................................... 251-948-4222 Mr. Surfs Surf Shop .............................................. 850-235-2702 Outer Limitz Surf and Skate ................................ 904-260-2320 Pipeline Surf Shop ................................................. 904-277-3717 Pit Surf Shop ...................................................... 904-471-4700 Quiksilver Retail..................................................... 904-363-8898 Sunrise Surf Shop .................................................. 904-241-0822 Surf Station (St. Augustine)..................................... 904-471-9463 Surf Station II (Crescent Beach)................................ 904-461-5395
CENTRAL FLORIDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balsa Bill Surf Shop.............................................. 321-779-8580 Catalyst (Melbourne) ............................................... 321-728-2960 Catalyst (Orlando) .................................................... 407-380-7427 Catalyst (San Clemente) .......................................... 949-492-5721 Catalyst (Deerfield) .................................................. 954-725-1499 Cocoa Beach Surf Company ....... 321-799-9930 | 321-799-9921 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 Nekton Surf Shop ................................................ 727-593-8292 Red Dog Surf Shop.............................................. 386-423-8532 Safari Surf School.................................................. 386-299-3609
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 South Beach Dive & Surf Center ........................... 305-673-5900 Suncoast Surf Shop .............................................. 727-367-2483 USW Surf Shop .................... 321-725-1333 | 321-953-4879 ZWAVE SURF SHOP .................................. 386-439-WAVE(9283)
SOUTHERN FLORIDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B.C. Surf and Sport...................... 305-715-9912 | 954-564-0202 Boca Surf and Sail................................................ 561-394-8818 Catch-a-Wave Surf and Skate.............................. 305-569-0339 Epic Surf Shop....................................................... 561-272-2052 Impact Zone.......................................................... 305-374-6528 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 Surf World- Pompano ........................................... 954-545-7873 Viking Surf Sup (Ft. Lauderdale).............................. 954-321-9277
MARYLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malibu’s Surf Shop (Ocean City)................................ 410-289-3000
NEW JERSEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 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 Wave Riding Vehicles .............................................. 252-261-7952 Whalebone Surf Shop ............................................ 252-441-6747
SOUTH CAROLINA
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Berts Surf Shop................................................... 843-272-7458 Eternal Waves Surf Shop..................................... 843-839-1239 North Shore Surf Shop.......................................... 843-280-5071 Pipeline Surf Shop................................................. 843-626-8945 Sydney Surf Company........................................... 843-839-4845 Village Surf Shop...................................................... 843-651-6396 Wallerbears Surf Shop.......................................... 843-238-4079 Wave Surf & Sport.................................................. 843-235-8902
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7th Street Surf Shop.............................................. 609-398-7070 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 OG Surf & Skate ..................................................... 732-869-1001 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 SheBeSurfin (womens surf shop) ............................... 609-967-3110 Summer Sun Surf Shop ......................................... 609-884-3422 Surf Unlimited “The Complete Surf Shop”.............. 609-494-3555
NORTH CAROLINA
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 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
WILMINGTON / CAROLINA BEACH
Aussie Island Surf Shop ..................................... 910-256-5454 Bert’s Surf Shop ........................... 910-392-4501 | 910-458-9047 Hot Wax Surf Shop .............................................. 910-791-9283 Island Kite And Surf ............................................. 910-458-7005 Pride Surf Shop ..................................................... 910-799-7811
SURF CITY
On Shore Surf Shop ............................................... 910-328-2232 Bert’s Surf Shop .................................................... 910-328-1010 Spinnaker Surf & Sport ...................................... 910-328-2311
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SURFER RESOURCES DIRECTORY | WSSM SURF LESSONS OAHU, Hawaii - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - April Grover’s Surf School ................................... 808.561.7142 www.surflessonhawaii.com
Girls Who Surf ....................................................... 808.371.8917 www.girlswhosurf.com Loco Boyz Surf School ......................................... 808.739.5588 www.locoboyzsurf.com Hawaiian Surf Adventures………………............... 808.396.2324 www.hawaiiansurfadventure.com SURFCLINICS.com by Nancy Emerson .............. 808-294-5544 Sunset Suzy Surf School ..................................... 808-781-2692 www.sunsetsuzy.com Hawaii Surf Retreat ............................................... 808.636.7873 www.hawaiisurfretreat.com
MAUI, Hawaii - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Maui Waveriders .................................................... 808.875.4761 www.maiwaveriders.com Girls Gone Surfing ................................................ 808.280.0103 www.girlsgonesurfing.net Big Kahuna Surf Adventures ............................... 808-875-6395 Maui Surfergirls .................................................... 808-280-8165 www.mauisurfergirls.com
KAUAI, Hawaii - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Garden Island Surf School ................................... 808.652.4841 www.gardenislandsurfschool.com
Kauai Surf School ................................................. 808.651.6032 www.kauaisurfschool.com Learn to Surf........................................................... 808.826.7612
BIG ISLAND, Hawaii - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors........................ 808.324-0442 Kona Beach Boys.................................................. 808.326-7686 Ocean Eco Tours................................................... 808.324-7873
CALIFORNIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - THE NEXT WAVE - Progressive Surf Coaching Southern California ......................... Toll Free - 877 NXT WAVE www.nextwaveusa.com R&R THERAPY AND SURF INSTRUCTION Specializing in Children with Special Needs ..... 818-787-6889 Costa Azul Surf Lessons (Laguna Beach, CA) www.costaazul.net ................................................ 949-497-1423 Surf Lessons With Katie ....................................... 310.962.7873 www.surflessonswithkatie.com
FLORIDA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Florida Surf Lesson............................................... 561.625.5375 www.floridasurflessons.com Central Florida Surf School ............................... 1.877.366.7873 www.surfschoolcamp.com EZride Surf School................................................ 954.803.7988 www.ezridesurfschool.com Surf Guy Surf School .....................1-866-SURFGUY(787-3489) www.surfguyssurf.com
TEXAS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Surf & Adventure Surf Lessons & Camp Virginia Beach ...................................................... 757-721-6210 Norfolk .................................................................. 757-321-9551 www.surfadventure.com
Kaz Sano | KazSano.com (Hawaii - Intl)
NORTH CAROLINA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Paul Topp | PaulTopp.com (Hawaii - Intl)
Wrightsville Beach Surf Camp & Lessons ......... 910-256-7873 www.wbsurfcamp.com
SOUTH CAROLINA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Folly Surfing Lessons (Folly Beach) .................. 842-588-9145 www.follybeach.com
Soul Surfers Surf Camp (Mt. Pleasant) ............... 843-881-6700 www.soulsurfers.net Surf The Earth (Pawleys Island, SC) ................ 1-800-864-6752 www.surf-the-earth.com
MASSACHUSETTS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Surfari Sup & Surf ............................................ 1-978-704-9051 www.supsurfari.com Little Overhead Surf Lessons (Eastham) .......... 508-240-1455 www.littleoverhead.com
EL SALVADOR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Explore El Salvador explorelsalvador.com
SunZal Surf Tours ............................................... 407.745.1524 www.sunzal.com
CANADA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Surf Sister Surf School ..................................... 1.877.724.7873 www.surfsister.com
AUSTRALIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Surf Easy Surf Lessons ....................................... 07 5525 6818 www.surfeasy.com.au
SURFBOARD REPAIR OAHU, HAWAII:
The Ding Kings Hawaii ............. 808-391-7483 | 808-923-0067 Edge Board Works ............................................... 808-847-3154 RV’s Ocean Sports ............................................... 808-732-7137 Surf Garage ........................................................... 808-951-1173
MAUI, HAWAII:
Ron’s Board Repair ..................... 808-283-6462 / 808-575-7447 Maui Ding Repair................................................... 808-572-6636
KAUAI, HAWAII:
Dr Ding’s Westside Surf Shop ............................. 808-335-3805 Akamai Surf-Lihue................................................. 808-632-0797
CALIFORNIA:
Hourglass Manufacturing Inc............................... 714-894-0050 Ding King Surfboard Repair ................................. 760.753.0316
FLORIDA:
Blue Room.............................................................. 850-235-0401 Surf Station............................................................ 904-471-9463
SURF/PHOTOGRAPHER
Island Native Surf House Surf Lessons ............. 956-772-7100 www.islandnativesurf.com
Aaron Nakamura | HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com
South Padre Island Kiteboarding Surf Lessons 956-772-1098 www.southpadreislandkiteboarding.com
Chrissy Swain | allseaingeye.com (Puerto Rico) On instagram: @chrissyswainphotography
Galveston Beach Bums Surf Lessons .............. 409-515-0587 www.galvestonsurflessons.com
Dave Gregerson | 20Foot.com (California, Intl)
NEW JERSEY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
C.M. Olivieri | WavesGoneWild.com (California)
Dale Basye HologramVision.com (California)
7th Street Surf Shop Surf Lessons ..................... 609-391-1700 www.7thstreetsurfshop.com
Elliott Wong | WahineSurfer.net (Hawaii)
VIRGINIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Gary Miyata | GaryMsCreations.com (Hawaii, Intl)
Titus Surf School ................................................ 870-370-SURF www.titus-international.com Hotline Surf Camp - Virginia Beach .................... 757-428-6703 www.hotlinesurfboardz.com 172 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
Gabriel Fernandez | SecretSurf007.com (Florida, Intl) Jim Whitney | SessionsSurfPhotography.com Joem Costez | SurferPix.com (Hawaii, Intl) Joanne Barrett | IslandStyleImages.com (Hawaii)
Mary Radcliffe | Rip-Pics.com (Florida) Nicole Sanchez | BehindTheLensMaui.com (Hawaii) 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 & RESORTS 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
INDONESIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - G-LAND Jungle Surf Camp - Bali Phone: (62) 361-777649 | www.g-land.com Bobby`s G-Land Surf Camp Phone: (62) 361.755588,762364 | www.grajagan.com Padang Padang Surf Camp Phone: 62 81 337 737210 | www.balisurfingcamp.com 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 ChicaBrava US: 713.893.5260 | Nica: +505.8.894.2842 www.chicabrava.com Popoyo Surf Lodge | www.surfnicaragua.com
Oregon Surf Adventures (Cannon Beach) Phone: 503.436.1481 www.oregonsurfadventures.com Ossies Surf Camp & Lessons (Newport, OR) Phone: 541-574-4634 www.ossiessurfshop.com South Coast Kiteboarding & Surf Lessons (Corpus Christi, TX) Phone: 361-949-3278 www.southcoastkiteboarding.com South Padre Surf Company (Texas) Phone: 956-772-7272 www.southpadresurfcompany.com Surf Diva Surf School (La Jolla, CA) Phone: (858) 454-8273 www.surfdiva.com 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
Costa Rica Surfing Chicas PH: 011 (506) 2643-3197 | www.costaricasurfingchicas.com
PANAMA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Panama Surf Camp | www.morronegrito.travel
Endless Summer Surf Camp Phone: (949) 498-7862 | www.endlesssummersurfcamp.com
Nantucket Surfari Phone: (508) 228-1235 www.nantucketsurfari.com
PERU - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Walking on Water Surf Camp (San Diego CA) Phone: (858) 509-7977 www.walkingonwater.org
Green Iguana Surf Camp Phone: (506) 825-1381 | www.greeniguanasurfcamp.com
Chicama Surf Resort | www.chicamasurf.com
Pura Vida Adventures Phone: (415) 465-2162 | www.puravidaadventures.com
Las Olas Mancora | www.lasolasmancora.com
Rainforest Outward Bound Surf School Phone: 1-800-676-2018 | www.crrobs.org Third World Productions Phone: (506) 643-1497 | www.thirdworldproductions.org Voec Retreats www.voecretreavvts.com Witches Rock Surf Camp Phone: 888-318-SURF | (011) 506-2653-1262 www.witchsrock.com ECUADOR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Marejada Surf School Phone: 593 5 2622971 | www.marejadasurfschool.com EL SALVADOR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Azul Surf Club www.azulsurfclub.com Mizata Poimt Resort www.mizatapointresort.com
Samana Chakra | www.samanachakra.com
Punta Roca Surf Lodge www.puntaroca.com
Nancy Emerson School of Surfing - Oahu (808) 294-5544 www.SurfClinics.com
SAMOA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Salani Surf Resort Toll Free: 888 669 SURF (7873) | www.surfsamoa.com/
Nancy Emerson School of Surfing - Maui (808) 244-7873 www.MauiSurfClinics.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/
C-SickSurfin Surf Lessons (Galveston Island, TX) PH: 409-770-9455 www.c-sicksurfin.com
SunZal Surf Tours www.sunzal.com
Cannon Beach Surf (Cannon Beach, OR) Phone: 503-436-0475 | www.cannonbeachsurf.com
Tekauni Kal www.tekuanikal.com
CLUB ED Surf Camps (Santa Cruz, CA) Phone: (831) 464-0177 | www.club-ed.com
Vista Las Olas www.vistalasolas.com FIJI - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Matanivusi Surf Fiji www.surfingfiji.com www.fijisurf.com
HAWAII | USA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - North Shore Surf Camps - Oahu (808) 638-5914 www.northshoresurfcamps.com
PORTUGAL - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lagos Surf Camp, Algarve Phone: (34) 639 39 39 94 | www.nomadsurfers.com
USA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Bolinas Surf Lessons & Camp (CA) Phone: 415-868-0264 | www.surfbolinas.com
Paradizo Azul Surf Resort www.paradizoazul.com
Nagigia Surf Resort Phone: (679) 333 7774 |
Kimbas Bungalows | www.kimbasbungalows.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
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
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