WSSM Womens Surf Style Magazine: Spring/Summer 2014 Issue

S/S 14 $9.99 U.S. & CANADA

42

7

25274 27889

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Mirabai James Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaii

Photo by: Dooma Photos

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 9

Carly Wilson

North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii | Photo by: Alex Shea

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www.exceedwetsuits.com

Letter from the Publishers Western Samoa started it all.

The bug to travel for surf. The confirmation that there are other ways to make it in the surfing industry, besides surfing contests or starting a clothing company. That life tomorrow, is dependent on what you build today... and tomorrow can be anything you want if you’re willing to work hard for it!

On the road in Central America Photo: Daniel K. Fine Arts

In 2005, we took our very first surf trip to an exotic destination, Salani Surf Resort, buried deep in the heart of western Samoa, where surfing was pretty much the only thing on the menu.

To be in such a secluded location, surrounded by nature and third world culture, yet with the modern conveniences of hot water and boat service to the breaks, was life changing.

It was eye-opening to see that there were businesses built entirely around surfing. The love of it, the pursuit of it, and the hope of more of it tomorrow. Evenings there were spent chatting around the dinner table, talking about the epic surf we’d scored earlier that day while we eagerly awaited the resort manager to tell us what the swell conditions and tides were going to be like the next morning.

Walking back to our bungalows at night, listening to the insects chirping, a fat full moon tracing a path on the water, soaking in the simplicity and joy of just being alive and so satisfied with waves, waves and more waves... well, there’s nothing like that feeling. We were hooked.

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!

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 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 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, Rachel Tanner

Ever since that week, we have talked about one day, starting our own retreat destination. A place where women can come from around the world to surf the day away, encouraged and uplifted by those around them. To be pampered in simple luxury, receiving the joy and freedom that surfing brings, in a safe environment. A place that is filled with love and joy, and that can be of service to others.

INTERNS: M.T. Bourque, Lauren Fraser

After living in Hawaii for almost 15 years, we realized that American regulations and housing restrictions will never allow us to fully realize our dreams and the potential outreach we seek, affordably. South and Central America have always been at the top of our list for prospective destinations, due to the beauty and simplicity of life that still exists there, along with really good, uncrowded surf. As we closed out 10 years with the magazine, we decided to take one more step toward making our ultimate dream a reality.

MODELS: Lorena Miller, Carley Sizemore, Michael Manning, Ashley Stalcar, Dustin I.T. DIRECTOR: Stan Olson I.T. MKG DIRECTOR: Joachim Hill-Grannec SEO DIRECTOR: John Palma

As I write this, we are exactly 7 days and 3 hours away from leaving for our first “Tour of the Americas”... a 6 month long journey through Central and South America. Instead of traveling back and forth to Hawaii between our women’s surf retreats, we decided to take the extra time between them to learn more about each of the countries, the surf, the culture, EVERYTHING! We want to explore our vision, and find a place that we’re drawn to, that many of you will hopefully join us at in the future. It’s out there, it’s waiting for us, we just have to go find it.

So we’re going.

As we travel this summer, we hope that you’ll join us on our journey, whether online or in person at one of our 6 retreat destinations. Each week we’ll be documenting our experiences online and via social media, as well as capturing the magic of each retreat experience with our guests along the way. And just in case you miss some of it, don’t worry, our next issue will recap it all for you.

But if you’re like us, you’ve just gotta experience it for yourself and check that long-sought-after surf trip off your bucket list... then join us! We’ve got a ton of waves to catch and beautiful countries to explore this summer before we bring you another issue. We hope to see you in the lineup... somewhere, in the middle of nowhere.

FASHION COORDINATORS: Rebecca Palma, Trisha Edwards, Sandra Olson HAIR & MAKEUP: Malia Aloy

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.

Sandra & Dan Olson

WSSM Publishers/Editors

Cover photo by: James Vybiral Location: Chuns, Oahu Hawaii 12 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

She Surfs

132 beach fashion2014 Poetic Expressions 62 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” -- I Corinthians 13:4-6 (NIV)

In This Issue LIFESTYLE 54

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

58 60 62 62

Yoga

Tip Toes

Beach Cravings Healthy Surfer Living Poetic Expressions Smart Living

Lady Bug, Surf Prayer

Tip’s For Making Life Easier

SURF STOKED... live, 30 40 42 48 64 66 68 69 70 72 74

breathe, surf

RAILS & TALES

WSSM Surf Retreat: Hawaii

RAILS & TALES

I Surf The World

RAILS & TALES

The GIrls of JBay

RAILS & TALES

WSSM Puerto Rico Exploration Tour

Surfing Moms

Just Wanna Have Fun

RE-UNITED In Hawaii 4 Reasons You’re Not Feeling The Love In The Lineup Auntie Teresa’s

1st Surfboard

We Only Dance

On Water

Follow Your Dreams Reader Submitted

Surf Pics

MY COMMUNITY 78

Meet the Designer

80

SHE SURFS !

Idalia Suarez (78), Nicole Vermillion (79), Jamie Defay Collins (79)

100

100 THE GIRLS OF Waikiki

Camden Hoover (80), Victoria Covey (82), Mackenzie Broughton (83), Izzy Poulin (84), Eri Nishikami (86), Emory McClary (88), Maddy Malizia (89), Georgia Cook (90), Kalliyan Davis (92), Kristin Wetzel (94), Tanya Davarle (96), Avery Aydelotte (98)

Girls of Waikiki

Roxanne La’akea Young (100), Niki (101), Janice Staab (102), Chiharu (102), Mari Sakishima (103), Jan Hayashi (103), Shelsea Deng (103), Germaine Salim (104), Erica McGee (104), Johnnelle DeJesus (105), Marsha Robinson (105), Jewels Calvin (106), Carolina Polo (106), Etsuko Nakao Kealakai (107), Keiko Uchino (107), Anna (107)

SUP COMMUNITY 108 110 112

SHE SUPS !

Cindy Stokes ... A Real Sweetheart

Vanina Walsh SUP Yoga

#2 in the World for Womens SUP

With Gillian Gibree Fitness wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 13

SURF ART & MUSIC GALLERY 114

MEET ARTISTS: Dana Martino (114), Shannon Wing Belmont (115), Laarni Gedo (116), Lisa Parks (117)

118

Music Reviews:

Nesta!

CONTEST SCENE 128 134 136 138

FORD Supergirl Pro

Oceanside, CA

Still Missing the Mark

North Shore TV

Karma Strikes the ROXY Pro Give Us A Chance

PRO - FILES 162 166 168 170 172

168 Anastasia Photo by Daniel Russo

ASHLEY

Brisa Hennessy

Slashing Her Way Through The Ranks

Courtney Conlogue Anastasia Ashley

A WSSM Favorite

One to Watch

Wendy Guimaraes

Brazil’s Newest Sensation

Carissa Moore Hawaii’s Own & World Champ 2013

Other Goodies 140

FASHION GUIDE 2014 Beach & City Fashion

WSSM Essentials 16 18 20 180 182

58 Tip Toes

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

WSSM Website Giveaways

Your Voice Being Heard!

Surf Industry News and Culture

Surf Shop Directory Surfer Resources

YOGA

Advertisers 21 99 59, 87 63 61 57 81 4 61 87 177 137 11 163 59 162 85 139 14 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Armitron Atlakamani Resort BanxBlock BeachTUFF Bikini Ready Caroline Rocha Casa Maderas y Olas Chick Sticks Surfboards Coffee Talk DAR Discover Real Estate Dkoko Exceed Wetsuits Fernandez Photo Art Fins Unlimited Gary M’s Creations GoRincon.com Gregerson Photography

163 Indo Board 67 Kailua Ocean View 19, 95, 182 LUV Footwear 61 Malia Aloy 119 OnIt Pro 63 Pintos R Us 163 Rachel Tanner Photography 47 Ramey Sports Apartments 155 RV’s Ocean Sports 162 Second Wind 15 Sprout Watches 162 Surf-N-Sea 17 Sweet Waterwear 2, 76, 85,119,184 Sikk Shades by Eddie Bauer Jr. 6 Villa Rincon 93, 113 Victory Koredry

biodegradable corn resin natural bamboo water resistant to 165ft. www.sproutwatches.com

T O nline womenssurfstyle his Issue...

PREVIOUS issues...

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Central American Surf Retreat Tour!

In September of 2013, WSSM again 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 in our hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii. (See page 30 for a detailed look at this amazing retreat) Business professionals, entrepreneurs, yogi’s, college students and mothers joined us for a time of relaxation, amazing surf, GREAT food, and Hawaiian culture.

We spent our days surfing double sessions under Hawaii’s famous rainbows, relaxing by the pool and hot tub at the Kailua Ocean View Estate overlooking Kaneohe Bay. We hiked to waterfalls, went full moon surfing, jumped off the rock at Waimea Bay, were interviewed for FlHi Girls TV, and climbed Diamond Head to view the city skyline. We even enjoyed an

incredible massage to work out our sore muscles.

James Vybiral joined us in Hawaii, and was there every step of the way, documenting and capturing our adventures.

The best part? Everyone got a copy of their surf pics and videos so they could show friends back home. How cool is that!

Go online at womenssurfstyle,com to view videos from this retreat, and watch for more of them throughout the summer as we continue to compile our favorite moments from the retreat.

to welcome all levels of surfer girls to join us at this epic destination.

Join us at one of our seven retreat destinations... on our CENTRAL AMERICAN RETREAT TOUR - 2014!

First stop- PERU, at the world famous, Chicama. The longest left on earth! WOW! 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 it. Go with WSSM, and you’re in for the time of your LIFE! Next stop, NICARAGUA... known for it’s beautiful empty waves and mint green water.

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!

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.

So how can you be a part of the next retreat-- besides just watching online?

Rounding it out... EL SALVADOR! Known for perfect, mostly empty waves, we’re excited

CLICK & WIN

Last stop? Our old stomping grounds of CAPE HATTERAS on the OUTER BANKS of North Carolina. We’ll be wrapping up the summer there, so come, lose yourself in the beauty and solitude of the Outer Banks, enjoying the best surf on the east coast, while being pampered at the WSSM house!

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!

FREE

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.

goodies every month!

Log on to womenssurfstyle.com or

facebook.com/womenssurfstyle every month from April - October ‘14 for your chance to win!

“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

SIKK SHADES BY EDDIE BAUER JR.

100% handmade In Italy, featuring impacto patented Flash Electric™ lenses – which outperforms standard polarized lenses. Backed by the famous Eddie Bauer name, these high quality shades truly are Sikk!

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LUV FOOTWEAR

Protect, adorn and support your feet in style with dream flats from LUV Footwear. Available in a wide assortment of prints and colors, they transition easily from the yoga and pilates studio, to the beach, to an afternoon out shopping, and even a casual dinner out! Protecting your feet with it’s innovative toe cap and technical outsole compound, allowing you to frolic in comfort and confidence.

V

oice of the Surfers

Big Shaka Sistah WSSM, Just wanted to throw a big Shaka Sistah out to your magazine for filling an unfortunate void in surf culture.

I’ve hoped to find a publication beyond my own Surfer and Surfing for my 14 year old daughter that portrays the girls in surfing beyond Alana’s cheeks and Anastasia’s twerk.

Your magazine is exactly what this sport needs. They’ll regularly refer to surfing as a male dominated sport, but the truth of the matter is that it’s really just marketed that way.

Your mag proves there are talented, confident girls and women out there.

Thanks for giving them a voice!”

Sheriff Pinkerton USA

I WON YOUR GIVEAWAY

FROM DOWN UNDER

“I won your giveaway of Storm Surfers 3D... THANKS! I have recently started surfing (I live in Tofino, BC) and on rainy days, mustering up the gusto to get into a wet wetsuit to go for a surf can be challenging. I like to put on a few minutes of a surf video to get pumped before I head out. Surf videos help me get in the “zone” and inspire me to push my limits.”

“Just love your magazine, I am from Australia and this magazine is just the best one around!”

Hannah N | Tofino, BC

LAND LOCKED “WSSM, I love your website! It’s so great to kick back and read this magazine. Being as landlocked as I am, taking a few moments to read an article here and there, it makes the time between my ocean getaways go by quicker.

Thanks for giving me a little piece of paradise!”

there more than ever. I’m a born Cali girl, and love nature. Time to get back to my roots!!”

Lauren O | Puerto Rico

Kerry | Australia

ROOM FOR ME? “Hello Sandra, I hope you can find room in your next issue of WSSM magazine for me. I am so glad that you have a spot in your magazine for girls to tell their stories.

Ever since 2008 we have been stoked on your magazine. Thanks for all the work that you do in putting it together. It ROCKS!!!”

Lexi N | Canada

“I love your magazine!! I think all girls between 10-95 should be made to read this! Maybe we would have less Kim Kardashians!!!”

Liz S | Nova Scotia, Canada

LAKEY PETERSON! “Heyyy!!!

Your giveaway of Zero to 100 was so amazing!! When I watched it on Netflix, I was instantly inspired!! Lakey is an amazing girl. I admire her faith and perseverance. Even when life got her down, she got right back up! A quote that reminds me of her is “The difference between possible and impossible lies in a person’s determination.” Lakey has incredible determination. I will always look up to her!”

Leigha M | Mercer, PA

SUBMITTED ARTICLES “Dear Sandra, I got home from school yesterday, and found a package waiting at my doorstep!! I was so excited to see my stories in the glossy pages of your inspiring magazine. I can’t even communicate to you how proud and grateful I am to be published in a magazine next to so many inspiring and captivating artists and athletes.

I can’t thank you enough for helping me achieve one of my lifelong goals of being published and putting my writing out there. I can’t wait to read the rest of the articles in this issue.

I’m sure they won’t fail to amaze me.

Thank you so much!!”

Steph H

WSSM WAS MY GIFT

Victoria Covey | Sikk Shades by Eddie Bauer Jr., Team Rider

WSSM: “Ask, and it shall be given you...”

Matthew 7:7 KJV Of course we have room for you! Thanks for reaching out. We can see by the magazines you’re holding, you’ve been a fan for awhile now! See Victoria’s feature on page 82.

FOUND WSSM ONLINE “I’m a beginner surfer, just recently moved to Puerto Rico and with the warm clear water, I want to get out

“Awesome magazine, amazing photos and I think it’s great that we have such a cool magazine just for us girls!!

I even saw my twin brother and his surfing buddies going through every page of it! Thanks for everything!”

Mackenzie B | Cocoa Beach, FL

LOVED THE LAST ISSUE “Just recently got my summer/fall issue. It was the best one yet. I also enjoyed it coming straight to my house instead of having to call the bookstores everyday asking when it’s coming in!

You guys do a great job and I can’t wait for the next issue.”

Misty W | Somerville, Alabama

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

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IN ews

ndustry

Sikk Shades

by Eddie Bauer Jr. SIGNS 3 FEMALE SURF TEAM RIDERS Congratulations to Victoria Covey, Vanina Walsh, and Mackenzie Kessler, on their recent addition to the Sikk Shades by Eddie Bauer Jr. surf team!

With the famous family name behind them, look for these fine ladies to represent this growing brand in womens action sports via advertisements, editorial and brand representation.

Thank you to Eddie, for his genuine interest and support in the growth of women’s professional and lifestyle surfing.

You rock, Eddie! www.sikkshades.com

HYDRO FLASK

A revolutionary water bottle that keeps your cold things COLD for 24 hours, and your hot things piping HOT for 12 hours! We didn’t believe it until we tried it... now on those chilly dawn patrol mornings, we don’t leave the house without it! Nothing like sipping a hot cup of coffee while you’re still dripping from the morning session.

This reusable bottle offers safe drinking and high performance in an attractive, and easy to hold design. It incorporates double-wall vacuum insulation, BPA-free materials, and food grade stainless steel in its design, and comes in a range of fun, durable colors.

They offer a wide range of insulated flasks, including a 12oz standard mouth flask, food flasks, an 18 oz coffee flask, a 21oz standard mouth flask (popular with golfers and outdoor recreationalists), and a 40oz wide mouth flask that’s perfect for the yoga studio. In Hawaii, stop by BIKEFACTORY (www.bikefactoryhawaii.com) to pick up one today, or learn more online at www.hydroflask.com

BODY GLOVE INTRODUCES SURGE

An all natural, chemical free energy shot, boasting instant and long lasting energy, with the added power of protein and green tea.

Proven to be far superior than the leading energy drinks/ shots, its all natural ingredient list also includes coffee bean, honey, agave, coconut water, grape, pomegranate, mangosteen, cranberry, chokeberry, apple, bilberry and Stevia. Proven to reduce fatigue, increase alertness, enhancing mental concentration, while extending your endurance and quickening reaction time! Available in grape and tropical berry. www.bodyglovesurge.com

1 BODY 1 SPIRIT

A refreshing brand that offers a full line of

Christian apparel that is affordable, high quality, and tasteful. Present your message gently, while spreading truth and love as you help others, with designs including “Salting of the Earth”, “Founding Mothers”, and “Fruits of the Spirit” among many others. www.1body1spirit.com

BETHANY HAMILTON WINS AT PIPE

Congratulations to Bethany Hamilton, winner of the Surf n Sea Pipeline Womens Pro, at the world famous Banzaii Pipeline! Held on March 20, 2014, in 3-5 foot surf with rights and lefts coming into the break.

It wasn’t the best Pipeline situation, but great waves none the less.

It was Hamilton though that took charge taking lefts and rights and throwing giant turns with conviction. Hamilton won the event hands down and though one armed, she was armed with more determination than the rest. “It was fun, it wasn’t exactly Pipe, but better than most spots around the world that I surf”, said Bethany after her win. “I usually lose, so this was great.

In my first heat I got a little barrel and I wasn’t even expecting it, but I always keep my eye out because you never know out here, and I kind of tucked in and I made it out and that was a pleasant surprise.”

www.banzaibetty.com

CONCH SHELL SHOWER

Spruce up your outdoor shower with a tropical conch shell shower! 100% handmade from recycled wood from their cabinet shop, this husband/wife team works well together, as he cuts and assembles each shower by hand, and she paints and distresses them to a perfect finish. www.theoriginalconchshellshower.com

HIPKNOTIES

Need a new top? Maybe a wrap? Dress?

Skirt? Have it ALL with Hipknoties, a musthave versatile garment that’s perfect for travelling or just hanging out! Styling your Hipknoties is super easy, as you transform it via clear bands, to flatter your own curves and style. The versatility and strength of these bands makes dressing it up or down, a breeze. With over 40 stylish and sexy ways to wear it (and online documentation on HOW to take it from one look to another) this might just be the only “nice” outfit you’ll need on a surf trip, or special weekend getaway!

approved sunscreen, this SPF 30 applies smoothly and moisturizes the skin with its lotion base. It will have your child coming back for “Mom, more sparkle, please!”

www.glittertots.com

WET-RAX SURF RACKS

One of our favorite new companies on the market, Wet-Rax offers an interlocking surf rack system, that turns each rack into your own personal wall art.

Match your rack to represent your style with their wide variety of padded sleeves.

Their patent-pending design allows you to connect each rack to one-another; leaving you able to add an endless amount of boards.

Stack ‘em as high as your ceiling! www.wet-rax.com

LUXURY IN HAWAII

For surfer girls in Hawaii that want to take care of their hair by using chemical free, salon quality products that heal and protect the hair from the sun and oceans harsh conditions, The Beauty Outlet Supply Store, aka BOSS, is their one-stopshop! Located conveniently at the Nimitz Business Center (plenty of parking), they’re open to the public, and you can join their BOSS membership for great deals

www.hipknoties.com

SPARKLE SCREEN Have a hard

time getting your little ones to stick around for a sunscreen applications? Sparkle Screen by Glitter Tots to the rescue! This 100% natural sunscreen smells of strawberries and contains beautiful pink glitter that will make their skin sparkle and glisten in the sun. Made from high quality, FDA

on luxury hair, nail, and skincare products such as Neuma, Affinage, Kitoko, China Glaze, and more.

So go ahead, enjoy their affordable prices, and your hair will thank you for it!

www.salonconceptsintl.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!

20 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

MAKE TIME TO SHINE

A F i f t y Ye a r H e r i t a g e o f Q u a l i t y , D e s i g n , a n d V a l u e Genuine Swarovski Crystals Mother of Pearl Dial Suggested Retail $80

w w w. a r m i t r o n .c o m

RAILS & TALES . . . Hawaii

1st Annual WSSm

Hawaii Surf Reteat

Alex Beck showing her skills on a longboard in Waikiki vs. her usual shortboard

Photos by James Vybiral

Kristin Wetzel | New York

Kimberlee Schmahl from Chicago, surfing Waikiki

With open arms, we welcomed 8 surfer girls to our home island of Oahu, Hawaii, at our very first annual WSSM Hawaii Women’s Surf Retreat!

Guests were greeted at the airport with Hawaiian leis that perfumed the air. We started the week off with an evening surf session at Pops, where Kiersa and Kimberlee enjoyed surf lessons from Gone Surfing Hawaii and caught the first waves of their life. Cheered on by the rest of the girls, and ecstatic from the adrenalin surfing produces, they were ready to take on the rest of the week of fun in the sun!

Cindy Stokes from Virginia, brought happiness and joy everywhere she went.

Happy Birthday, Cindy... we loved celebrating with you!

30 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

The week consisted of dawn patrolling under perfect double rainbows, chowing down between sessions on tasty cuisine that our chef, Brian Laneve, prepared for us, and relaxing in the luxurious hot tub and pool at the exquisite Kailua Ocean View house perched on the hill overlooking Kaneohe Bay. We recounted surf stories, and learned more about each other, enjoying the camaraderie that our sport brings. Carolyn, our in-house yogi, led the girls in yoga whenever their tired muscles permitted. Phil, our masseuse, brought calming energy to everyone as we enjoyed

Surfing under double rainbows in Waikiki: (left to right) Carolyn Palma, Kelsey Strapple-Bru, Sandra Olson, Alex Beck, Amanda Schmitz, Kiersa Brenner, Kimberlee Schmahl, Kristin Wetzel. (Cindy Stokes, not pictured here, was out SUP’n... we missed you in this shot, Cindy!)

Kiersa Brenner from Chicago, at Pops

Kiersa’s first wave !!

Kerry McDonald, in love with Waikiki wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 31

RAILS & TALES . . . Hawaii massages each night after surfing.

We hiked to waterfalls, played in north shore shore-pound (we had fun, even when the surf was flat!) and took turns jumping off the 30foot rock at famous Waimea Bay. This was a real challenge to some of our ladies, whose children back home flashed before their eyes as they contemplated the risk they faced.

Cheered on and supported, they took that leap of faith and pushed through barriers they never thought they would!

Shelsea Brown and Cindy Stokes were interviewed for an episode of FlHi Girls TV by the famous Banzaii Betty. We climbed Diamond Head overlooking Honolulu and Waikki, and went souvenir shopping at the Aloha Stadium swap meet. We night surfed under a full moon in Waikiki, as well as enjoyed a sunset sail and surf with Hawaiian Surf Adventures!

We even got to stop by the Honey Girl Waterwear warehouse, where we each picked out a new bikini. HG is famous in Hawaii for swimwear that is super cute- yet STAYS ON in the surf. It was fun seeing each of the girls personalities come to life through the patterns, prints and styles they chose.

James Vybiral, from the U.K. was there to capture our best (and worst) moments. We thank him for all the swimming and long hours he spent in the sun, capturing our memories and good times forever. We thank Daniel Kawasaki, who tirelessly shot video of us all week, including the 10’+ shark that decided to cruise through the lineup. Thank you, guys!

Amanda Schmitz surfs past Sarah Dean at a “secret spot” The gang showing surf stoke after a great session and safety from the shark that cruised through the lineup just moments before

Thank you, Sticky Bumps, for sponsoring our retreat ladies with Day Glo wax and leashes... The girls loved them! (stickybumps.com)

It was a week of laughter, sunshine, and rainbow drenched surf sessions... and we can’t wait to do it all again this winter... on Oahu’s North Shore!

BOOK Kailua Ocean View Estate for your next event at www.kailuaoceanview.com BOOK a surf & sail excursion with Hawaiian Surf Adventures www.hawaiiansurfadventures.com

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Carolyn Palma from Seattle, surfing Oahu’s south shore

Kerry McDonald gets a once-in-alifetime shot at Diamond Head

1st Annual WSSm

Hawaii Surf Reteat Photos by James Vybiral

Cindy Stokes gets her yoga on with WSSM videographer, Daniel Kawasaki

Kelsey Strapple-Bru, looking for a barrel Kristin Wetzel makes surfing overhead waves look easy!

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RAILS & TALES . . . Hawaii

Cindy Stokes makes her 1st jump with Shelsea Brown, who shows her local knowledge at the Waimea Rock

Shelsea and Cindy being interviewed by Banzaii Betty of FlHi Girls TV

1st Annual WSSm

Hawaii Surf Reteat Photos by James Vybiral

Move over Rockette’s... the WSSM Surfette’s are here!

Godzilla!

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Kerry McDonald at Chinamans hat on Oahu’s east side

Kimberlee celebrates her 1st jump off the 30ft rock at Waimea

The famous Haleiwa sign, featuring a surfer girl in a barrel

The WSSM crew at Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore... AFTER our shopping trip to Honey Girl Waterwear, obviously :) Left to right: Kelsey, Carolyn, Kimberlee, Amanda, Shelsea, Sandra, Kiersa, Alex, Kristin, Cindy. Guys row/left to right: James (videographer), Brian (Sous chef), Dan (WSSM publisher), John (Our awesome driver & brother to Dan) James Bond girls...

Hawaii style

Kiersa Brenner and Kristin Wetzel at Chinamans Hat

Big love for our personal sous chef, Brian Laneve!

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My WSSM Hawaii Surf Retreat

By Kiersa Brenner To feel inspiration, anxiety, and excitement with the idea of trying something new is the sign of bravery. I needed something to push me off the ledge into new and exciting things. I love the water. I need to live by it and be engulfed in it’s beauty. Being a sailor in the Great Lakes there is no wonder why I naturally gravitate to surfing. I had yet to have the opportunity to learn how to surf until the opportunity with WSSM retreat presented itself.

The golden setting sun warmed my skin, the breeze was mild, carrying the smell of plumerias, and the warm water hugged me as I laid on my board. That was the start of my first lesson surfing. It was time to paddle out to the line up where my group was catching waves. My arms burned and I needed frequent breaks to get out to the line up. Okay, I confess...I didn’t paddle the whole time my first time surfing!

My teacher, Trevor, aka, Kevin, pulled my board out to the line up at Pops break. That was so I could conserve my energy for about 2 hours of nonstop wave catching.

My first wave was coming and I was told to paddle my little heart out. The loud sound of the waved whooshed up behind me. I felt the wave lift my board as I popped up to an instant stand up pose on my board. I realize in that moment of joy, and pure excitement, I was finally surfing! I could feel the balancing I needed to adjust as the wave pushed my board and me into shore. I rode my first wave an easy 50 yards in Waikiki Beach. It was the most amazing feeling ever, like flying on water. I knew I was hooked and I wanted more. I can’t imagine not having surfing be a part of my life now.

Kiersa, enjoying ANOTHER double rainbow session in Waikiki Sandra, Cindy and Kiersa at Waimea Bay

In addition to my amazing week of surfing, I had the opportunity to make some friends for life on the retreat. It was amazing to have the support of all the women while I learned to surf. Even though we all came from different experience levels of surfing it didn’t get in the way of the encouragement we gave one another. I will now meet them across bodies of water to surf with them again and again. Aside from surfing, one of my other favorite bonding moments was jumping off the 30ft cliff at Waimea in the company of legend Betty Bonsai. That was me being literal by pushing ‘myself’ off the cliff!

My take away from that was you can’t think too much when you are standing on top of the rock. You have to embrace the fear and just jump like any challenge in life. It was a blast and it rounded out the whole experience.

Overall, this experience has transformed me in so many positive ways. It has given me the courage to break out of my comfort zones and challenge myself when I’m faced with little or massive waves in life. I choose to ride the waves of life. There is no purpose in fighting against a wave, because you will not win! I now have the inspiration I was looking for to renew my passion to write my book for encouragement for women. We are all on this journey together and we all are a beginner at something. I found this reinforcement in the amazing women I met while on this retreat. This is only the first of the WSSM retreats I will be attending, as I’m already planning for 2014!

Mahalo Sandra and Dan-O!! F - Kiersa

Beautiful Kaneohe Bay. The WSSM house (Kailua Ocean View) is right there on the water. AWESOME house, awesome view!

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Alex styling in the shore pound at Waimea Bay

1st Annual WSSm

Hawaii Surf Reteat Photos by James Vybiral

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RAILS & TALES . . . Hawaii

Sunset sail and surf with Hawaiian Surf Adventures in Koko Marina... FUN!!

Yoga with Carolyn, overlooking Kaneohe Bay at the Kailua Ocean View Estate

Kristin Wetzel enjoys the morning view from the WSSM house... the luxurious Kailua Ocean View Estate on Oahu’s east side Kailua Ocean View Estate

This 5-bedroom estate was so nice to come home to after a good surf session

Dan, walking on water

Kelsey’s night with Kevin

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Thank you, Sticky Bumps and Oofos, for giving all the girls Day GLO wax, leashes and slippers!

The crew helps Sandra extract Vana from Kristin’s foot. With Brian’s chef knife, Kelsey’s flashlight, and Alex’s hand to hold...Kristin’s in good hands!

WSSM photoshoot with Carolyn and Kerry. Sandra & Dan discuss the scene while Daniel checks the angles

1st Annual WSSm

World famous Waikiki Beach: Dan, Sandra, Kristin, Kimberlee, Kiersa, Amanda, Kelsey, Carolyn and Alex

Hawaii Surf Reteat

Alex with the Hawaiian foliage

Photos by James Vybiral

Manoa Falls...

We made it!

Hanging loose in the tree from the TV series LOST, while on the hike to Manoa Falls Hawaiian hieroglyphics?

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RAILS & TALES . . . Bali

I love to surf... the

WORLD

My name is Talia, I am 29 years old, and I love the ocean and surfing.

I wouldn’t say I’m the best at it, but I love the feeling of swimming out in the ocean, or taking a boat to a reef break, which I’ve recently done in Indonesia and waiting for the perfect wave. For me, not being very experienced, the “perfect wave” is not too big and not too small; it has to be juuuuust right.

I first started surfing in Ocean City, Maryland. I moved down there in 2003 and was a lifeguard on the beach. Everyone liked to go surfing and paddleboarding after work, so I thought, “what the heck,” and tried it one night and loved it. I love the thrill of waiting and waiting and trying and trying to get up, then finally catching a wave, riding it, then doing it again.

I have surfed in Ocean City, Maryland, San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua, Bali, Indonesia, and Kuta, Lombak. I have mostly surfed shore break, but recently in Kuta, I hired a local boat to take me out about 20 minutes to a popular reef break spot. It was beautiful and an awesome and different experience. I wasn’t used to not resting my legs at all on land.

You just had to paddle, then ride, then paddle, then ride a wave and repeat. Eventually, I decided to rest on my back some of the time I was out there. It was awesome and a great workout, which I loved!

Since I am taller, and still a “beginner,” I like longer, rounded boards.

I definitely am willing and wanting to try shorter boards at some time, just not quite yet.

Can’t wait to keep surfing and keep getting better at it and more confident. Next stop....????!!!! F

Reef breaks are tiring... but I love the ocean

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Surfing Lombak

Taking the boat to Kuta (reef break), me and my board

Bali, Indonesia- chatting with the local surfers

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RAILS & TALES . . . South Africa

The GIRLS

J

of

Bay

“Jeffery’s Bay, home of the iconic right hand point break, that has captured the surfing world’s collective imagination since the mid 1960’s, lies on the southern South African coastline around 45 miles west of Port Elizabeth and about an 8 hour drive east from Cape Town.

J-Bay, with its aloe-lined sand dunes, is world famous for the variety and quality of shells that are deposited on its unspoiled beaches. The town is boarded on both sides by nature reserves that are a haven for birds and small game. While in the bay, dolphin sightings are an almost daily occurrence and the whales and their calves come out to play between July and October.

Jeffery’s Bay also hosts the world’s premiere right hand point break. A grand wave that runs through numerous sections over a shallow, curvy lava reef that begins as a jagged south-facing outcrop and continues for at least a mile!

Gaps in the reef are supplemented by sand flow, occasionally altering the character of some of its sections.This is a wave that shines as a litmus test for performance, style and wave reading abilities! A challenge, no matter what your skill level.

J-Bay is a spectacular place. Magical even, and at the heart of the surfing community are three beautiful, talented and close surfer sisters. Emma, and Gina Smith are champion surfers and legends of this quaint little town, while little sister Zoe is quickly following in her sister’s footsteps.

These three remarkable and levelheaded young ladies are perfectly positioned to describe life and surfing at this fabled surf town.” - Greg Chapman

Photos & Intro by Greg Chapman | Story by Gina Smith

Jeffrey’s Bay is the jewel of the eastern cape.

With pristine beaches and perfect right hand waves lined up in military perfection, it is easy to see why my heart belongs to Jbay.

What makes this town even more special is the colorful characters that live here.

I am surrounded by a fantastic community of creatives, travelers, freethinkers and jokesters. We are vastly different, but our love for the sea, nature and adventure binds us together, regardless of age, shape or size.

Emma, Zoe and Gina Smith

I spend my days with my gorgeous sisters. Emma is my lovely older sister by a year and Zoe is 5 years younger. Emma and I have both won SA titles and have represented South Africa. Little Zoe is quickly following in our footsteps and getting more competitive.

Self motived, hard working and determined, Emma is also sweet, generous and thoughtful.

Upon meeting her you wouldn’t think that she, in fact, isn’t a full box of crayons. To be honest, she is nothing short of crazy. A perfect balance of normal, funny and weird, although the age difference isn’t very big, Emma ensures that Zoe and I are in order, although everybody knows that Zoe is the real boss. My little sister is spirited, smart, caring and a laugh a minute, and a little loopy. I am so grateful for my wonderful and strange 42 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

sisters; normal just doesn’t cut it in our family. We all share that same fire to be the best we can be and we carry that flame into the water and in any other sphere of life.

Between school and errands, we can be found in the sea together, causing trouble in the kitchen, or with friends. Living in a small town means that the imagination is the dominating factor. It’s amazing to see my little sister Zoe and her best surfer friends, Kirsty McGillivray and Kai Woolf, taking the town by storm in a healthy and happy way. They attend school together and then reunite in the water for a few hours of laughing and brilliant surfing, pushing each other and chasing the boys out the water.

The Smith household is just a stone’s throw from the surf spot, Point. Everyday I trot down to the beach with my sisters and choose from a wide variety of surf spots to surf. Jeffrey’s Bay hosts incredible waves. Nothing beats gliding along the endless face. As the wave breaks over patches of sand and reef, the character of the wave changes vastly, as the shape and the speed.

This type of wave is both a challenge, and a total thrill and pleasure.

The local hang out spot is Nina’s Real Food, my parent’s restaurant. Surf decor and photos make up the gorgeous interior. A TV plays surfing, skating and more while indie rock music blasts through the speakers. This is where we flock to socialize, for coffee and chai lattes and delicious food to fill our empty post-surf tummies. Nina’s is also a place where you’ll see Emma and me (even Zoe) and my other surfer friends working shifts.

The waiters at Nina’s all have sun kissed hair; salty eyelashes and shocking

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RAILS & TALES . . . South Africa

The GIRLS

J 44 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

of

Bay

wetsuit tans that make you wonder if they are wearing someone else’s head.

Waitering is hard work, but I learn a lot, get to encounter incredible people, and pocket some money for the next surf trip. People from all over the world walk into Nina’s - old ladies and men with twinkling eyes and a million stories behind their wrinkles. Surfer dudes pull in with stories about epic waves and the huge barrel that no one seemed to see. Business people, hippies, outlaws and saints. Working at Nina’s I can really see the diversity of the people that are drawn to Jeffrey’s Bay and I am overwhelmed with love for them and the awe that God created us all in such a unique way.

The locals of Jbay are friendly and spontaneous. We surf together, train and live life together. Between work, school and surfing, we spend our days performing experimental cooking, having jam nights with our talented muso friends and getting involved with the local community, welcoming new friends and visitors with open arms.

For a change of scenery, we drive 20 minutes to Cape St. Francis, an even smaller town with the most beautiful beaches and super fun waves to surf and breathtaking wild side for walking and cycling. Seals beach break is a train-

Gina Smith

Emma Smith Photos by Greg Chapman

Ninas Real Food

Zoe Smith

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RAILS & TALES . . . South Africa

The GIRLS

J

of

Bay

ing ground where my sisters and I go to twice a week to train with surf legend Graham Hynes, our 83 year old coach who inspires me daily. Seals is also place to unwind and play.

Jbay is a very diverse town. If you head North to the end of town, you come to the stunning Kabeljouws river where you’ll find a flock of pretty pink flamingoes and a great beach for fishing.

Head to the south of town and you’ll find the Surfers Village where holidaymakers gravitate to for the Billabong factory, for beautiful clothing that’s cheaper than retail price. There is also a skate park, gym, jewelry store, Country Kahya and various restaurants and coffee shops.

Jeffrey’s Bay, world-renowned surf spot, is a little town that holds so much more than what meets the eye. I have seen countless people come here to reflect and heal. To escape from the damaging patterns of their regular lives and experience something spontaneous and different. To embrace nature and life and to see the beauty in the people around us, Jeffrey’s Bay holds something special and spectacular for everyone, an experience not to be missed. F

Photos by Greg Chapman

Zoe Smith Gina Smith

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RAILS & TALES . . . Puerto Rico

B

efore bringing a WSSM retreat to an exotic location, we like to explore it first.

Finding the best spots to surf (for all levels of surfing), the best places for our photographer to capture it all from, as well as what local hotspots and activities to hit, are all top priorities for us. Yes, we know... tough job!

After hearing lots of great things about Puerto Rico and receiving multiple requests to take a retreat there, we decided to bite the bullet, purchase the airfare... and go exploring !

Now with every good exploration tour, you need some good buddies along to make it a fun experience, as well as to get a better overall impression of what the destination really offers.

So for this journey, fellow explorers and previous WSSM retreat guests, Kristin Wetzel from New York, and Kiersa Brenner from Chicago, Michelle Olson from Phoenix and of course, our staff photographer, Gabriel Fernandez, joined us for an epic week of sun, surf, more surf... and MORE surf! Here is what we discovered.

After a 6-8’ swell at Jobos, behind Wave Riding Vehicles surf shop (Kristin, Sandra, Dan, Michelle)

- Sandra & Dan Olson / WSSM Publishers

Enjoy the Ride Arriving into Aguadilla makes getting into Rincon, the surf capital of the Caribbean and located on the west side of the island, a LOT more convenient! At only a half hour drive through beautiful countryside, it sure beats the traffic laden 2 1/2 hour drive from San Juan.

However, if you’re to enjoy it on your own- and drive yourself, you’ll have to be prepared for the lack of street signs. The directions we were given started with, “Take a left out of the airport. Turn right at the fork (a 3 way fork), then seven stoplights later, turn right, and drive about 15 minutes. Then turn left at the second Walgreens... “. Yes, we’re serious. Obviously, road signs are not a major priority here.

You can imagine our conversations went something like... “Was that 5 stoplights we’ve passed? Or 6? hmmm... well, let’s just keep driving!”

At 3am in the morning, which is the best time to arrive so you avoid traffic and take advantage of the very best airline prices, this can be frustrating. But, oh well, take it in stride and just sit back and enjoy the ride. Good thing it’s not a very big island, and the locals are VERY friendly on the Rincon side, so getting directions is actually a pleasant experience. Which leads us to...

The Locals Having lived in Hawaii (a state often dubbed “the friendly state” though we don’t know WHY!) for almost 15 years, you get used to living with your head down, minding your own business, and communicating minimally with the locals. You learn to stay out of their way, and they leave you alone- for the most part.

In Puerto Rico though, by stark contrast, we enjoyed the laid back friendliness of the locals.

From hard-core locals, to ex-pats, to yogees, to entrepreneurs... It became normal to have someone strike up a conversation with you while out to lunch or dinner, with them expressing genuine interest in where you’re from, why you’re there... and if you’ll be coming 48 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Thank you, Caroline Rocha, official jewelry sponsor of our WSSM Women’s Surf Retreats. The girls love your handpainted, Swarovski crystal embellished leather cuffs! (carolinerocha.com)

A beautiful sunset session at Domes in Rincon

WSSm

Puerto

Rico Exploration Tour

Photos by Gabriel Fernandez

Kristin at Wilderness wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 49

RAILS & TALES . . . Puerto Rico back. They want you to! They LOVE people from around the world to visit them, and learn about Puerto Rico. Time after time, after interacting with policemen for directions, waiters at restaurants, or the random person at the bus station or store (again, for directions), we would leave with a big smile on our faces, and asking each other in disbelief... “Can you believe how friendly everyone is? They are SO nice!”

As with any island or city, it depends on where you go. While definitely not as friendly or helpful as the Rincon side, even the San Juan area was nice, with people having no problem helping you find your way, or offer advice on local attractions. How refreshing!

A full moon rising over Desecheo island. Our view from the rooftop patio of Front Street Apartment 12, in Rincon

Accommodations Condo Living: We wanted to be as close to

the surf as possible, so we decided to book a nice condo right in the heart of Rincon. After finding Heriberto’s property, Front Street Apartment 12 on VRBO.com, he assured us we would be happy with our location, being close enough to town to walk to dining and nightlife. We would also be directly across the street from the beach, and only 5 minutes from Puerto Rico’s best surf breaks like Maria’s and Domes. He was right. Each morning, we’d wake up before sunrise for a light breakfast on the rooftop patio overlooking the ocean and the rising full moon etching its path across the water. Absolutely STUNNING. Beautifully decorated, it was a pleasure to come home each day after surfing hard. It easily accommodated our crew of 6 with 3 bedrooms (It can sleep up to 9 people), a full kitchen, 3 bathrooms, and the rooftop patio complete with grill and bar... we didn’t want to leave when the time came to check out. See for yourself at www.vrbo. com/359024 .. and tell Heriberto we sent you!

Luxury Living: If you’re planning on coming

with a large group of people, then renting an entire house is going to be a great option for you, and they’re in abundance in Puerto Rico!

We found Villa Rincon online, a beautiful 5 bedroom, luxury villa, that pampered and pleased us to no end! Located in the Puntas area which is just a few minutes north of the heart of Rincon, Puntas is a peaceful and beautiful hilltop community.

We enjoyed the fully equipped kitchen, beautifully landscaped grounds, and swimming pool immensely. Falling asleep each night after showering in the perfectly designed en-suite bathrooms, then plopping into our king sized beds boasting super soft sheets and fluffy pillows as we listened to the waves break softly on shore in the distance, was magical. Truly magical.

In Puntas, there are 5 roads that weave their way from the top of the hill to the beachside road, where you’ll find surf breaks Pools, Sandy’s, and Parking Lots. Villa Rincon is located only a few minutes from these breaks, making this luxury villa an excellent choice for those wanting a quiet community, gentle waves, nightlife, and dining... without having to drive more than 5 minutes for it! Check out Villa Rincon at www.villarinconpr.com

The SURF Now for the best part. The waves! San Juan was flat while we were there, and the water wasn’t “friendly” looking, so we can’t vouch for it.

However, Rincon boasts tons of great breaks 50 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Front Street Apartment 12 Complete with 3 bedrooms and 2 oceanfront balconies

The rooftop patio

Breakfast on the rooftop covered patio

Dan at Wilderness

Kristin and Sandra at Wilderness

Kristin with her new board at Domes

WSSm

Puerto

Rico Exploration Tour

Photos by Gabriel Fernandez

Kristin & Sandra celebrate a good session, while Dan and Michelle talk surf stoke | At Jobos Beach

Arturo’s Mexican Food truck that we all piled into for a photo. The BEST tacos on the island!

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RAILS & TALES . . . Puerto Rico that are easily accessible, and are easily surfed at almost any skill level.

Domes was a WSSM favorite, due to its short paddle out and consistent surf. The crowd is a little heavier here than other spots though pretty mellow in vibe, but it’s a great fall-back break, especially if everywhere else is flat.

Parking Lots (in Puntas) was great for the beginners of our group, as was the inside of Jobos, located in the Isabella area- further north. Kristin’s favorite spot was Wilderness, which is located near the Aguadilla airport.

You’ll need an SUV or van to access it due to the poor conditions of the bumpy dirt road that leads to it, but with empty peaks a norm... this was a spot we hit almost daily.

Surfer’s Beach, also very near the airport, boasts several peaks to choose from, and offers a short paddle out. Lots of sea urchin here though... so you’ll want to wear booties if you’re planning on standing up after a ride.

The outside of Jobos (in Isabella) was also a fun break. Due to its location, there were often lots of surfers out, which made wave-catching more difficult. Not a break to be missed though... on the right swell, it can line up with multiple sections to race, and a nice easy paddle-back out- using the channel.

Puerto Rico’s warm water, gentle waves, and a super friendly surf crowd makes surfing here so much fun, and with more than 2 dozen breaks to choose from within a 25 minute drive, finding a wave you love isn’t the hard part. It’s getting your group to decide WHICH spot to surf!

FOOD Puerto Rico offers an eclectic mix of cuisine, that will keep your taste buds satisfied. Fine dining (Casa Verde) is available, but we wanted to explore cheaper- less formal options, so we could really get the local culture, and make vacationing here more reasonable for our readers. Roadside food trucks are in abundance in PR, and you can trust most of them, to offer you a lot of flavor and substance, for value.

Our favorite hangouts included: Arturo’s Mexican Food: ($) We met Arturo on the road to Domes at his mobile truck, after an awesome session. A jolly fellow with a repertoire of English slang that is very amusing, he’s since re-located to Aguada and into a building. Offering the very best value we found on the island, his $3 pulled chicken tacos are GIGANTIC, and topped with his fresh salsa!

La Kabana: ($$) Voted by our group as the very best burgers on the island, Enrique offers outside dining, a variety of tasty appetizers, and outstanding tacos and burgers. He uses all fresh ingredients, and although it takes a while to get your food, once you bite into that juicy burger, you know it was worth the wait!

Located across from Tamboo in an empty lot, in Puntas.

Surfer Spot: ($) Located on 413, in the Puntas area, this outdoor surfer bar opens at 8pm (yes, that’s right), and offers super yummy burgers, fries and tacos.

Sandwich Delight: ($) With over 30 sand-

wiches to choose from, and costing only a few dollars each, these freshly grilled sandwiches come in a variety of tasty ways. Some have names that give NO indication of what they are, so your best bet if you’re feeling adventurous, is to order a couple of each and split them, to figure out which one you like the most. They’re 52 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Jobos Beach: Kiersa, Michelle, Kristin, Sandra, Dan. We took over the break... and then the streets!

Kiersa claiming her wave at Jobos

Michelle cruising all the way to shore

WSSm

Puerto

Kiersa joined us later in the trip, but still scored waves with us at Jobos The beautiful, fully stocked kitchen at Villa Rincon

Rico Exploration Tour

Villa Rincon’s beautiful oceanview master suite

Photos by Gabriel Fernandez

The view from the master suite Gabriel Fernandez, our photographer, finally got in a shot!

A fun night at Villa Rincon doing yoga and watching Point Break

Dan paddling his surfboard around in the pool Kristin, Kiersa and Michelle heading out at Parking Lots

The girls bet Dan he couldn’t back-flop.

Dan won.

After an EPIC session where we surfed till dark at Domes, after which we saw the bio luminescence! Stoked!

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RAILS & TALES . . . Puerto Rico Fried Potato Balls: ($) ok, so that’s definitely not the name of the place, but none of us recall seeing a sign indicating it’s name.

Here’s how you get there (Puerto Rico directions). Head to Jobos. As you enter the town, the road dead ends at Wave Riding Vehicle surf shop. Turn left, and follow that road for about 8 minutes (ocean on your right). You’ll see a small restaurant/eatery on a curve on your left.

The small window will be filled with fried local foods including potato balls filled with meat, and the famous Empanadillas... similar to a calzone, but fried- and filled with chicken, beef, or fish. SO good! and CHEAP! Ode to the Elephant: ($$-$$$) Ready for

a NICE dinner out? Overlooking Puntas, this beautiful and quirky restaurant sits on a hillside overlooking the ocean, and is intimate and relaxing-- before 10:30pm, after which it comes alive with the local night life crowd. Delicious cuisine, soothing atmosphere, yet comfortably local, if you only splurge on one nice dinner night? Go here!

Michelle on “La Bestia” at Toro Verde Adventure Park. Over 800ft in the air and travelling up to 65mph!

Puerto

WSSm

ALL good !

Rico Exploration Tour Photos by Gabriel Fernandez

The Poolbar: ($$) A nice outside restaurant/ bar, that overlooks a pool with colored lasers dancing on it. Enjoy surf films playing on the giant screen, and rock out (yes, it’s loud- but fun!) to local music.

Tamboo Bar & Restaurant: ($-$$) Great for dancing, w ith a local and laidback vibe. DJ throws down while you watch the moon over the ocean from the dancefloor.

Pancho Villa Mexican Grill: ($$) A reason-

ably priced “sit down” restaurant that offers a wide assortment of Mexican favorites, without the intense spice.

Happy Bowls / Puntas Bakery: ($) Excellent sandwiches, breakfast burritos, acai bowls, and more! Note: they close at 2pm!

Cafe 2 Go: ($) A cute little coffee stand serving the closest thing to American espresso drinks. Located on the way to Domes. Tell Eric we sent you!

Tip Top Ice Cream Shop: ($) Located in

the heart of Rincon, be sure to stop in for their incredibly rich and delicious Frappes. They’re out of this world!

Activities When you’re too tired to take one more paddle... it’s time for other exciting activities!

Toro Verde: Perhaps the largest adventure park we’ve ever been to, and one that you’ll want to plan an entire day around! Located in the heart of the island, they offer heart dropping ziplines, adventure walks, waterfall rappels and more, ranging from 60 minutes to half day tours. Be sure to try “La Bestia” (the beast) which will have you flying like superman (literally) over 800 feet up in the air, for almost 2 minutes, and reaching speeds of over 65 mph! (www.toroverdepr.com) Pintos R Us: Join Julie on a leisurely horse-

back ride on healthy, happy horses, as she leads you along the beach fronting Puerto Rico’s best surf breaks. A perfect way to spend the afternoon, while taking in the beauty, you can also check the surf conditions as you ride!

Bonus? Unlike most rented horses, Julie allows you to trot and run the horses at certain spots along the trail! (www.pintosrus.com) F

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Domes Beach Kristin on fire at Jobos

Thanks to Les, Carley and the WRV crew for the free t-shirts!

The girls follow Sandra to Pools in Puntas

Dan, Michelle, Gabriel, Kiersa, Kristin and Sandra, enjoying a ride with Pintos R Us, checking out surf breaks accessible only by foot or dune buggy

Julie with Pintos R Us taking the crew on a beachside ride, perfect for checking the surf conditions!

Sandra sets up for a floater at Domes, with the famous Desecheo island is in the background wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 55

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 social media @roxylook Photo: Ashley Barrett | ashley-barrett.com

BURTS BEES Tinted Lip Balm “This nourishing tinted lip balm deposits the perfect hint of color to your lips while keeping them hydrated. It’s packed with Shea Butter and botanical waxes so your lips become softer with each application. I love the beautiful color range it comes in to give you many options for natural, luscious looking lips.” www.burtsbees.com

TARTE “Lights Camera Flashes” Mascara

“My endless search to find the best mascara in the market has been put on a long pause thanks to this incredible new formula from tarte. This ultra-black mascara does it all: curl, lengthen and volumize. The intelligently designed brush has two sides. One side allows for the perfect application and the other assures definition and no clumps. The thickening Pro-B vitamin, collagen stimulating beeswax and conditioning mineral pigments in it, has earned this superstar mascara a “never leave home without it” place in my beauty bag.” www.tartecosmetics.com

FRESH BEAUTY Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask

“This advanced antioxidant mask is a delicious treat for your skin. With key ingredients like fermented Black Tea, Lychee seed extract and Jicama seed juice: your skin is left hydrated, more even in tone, firmer, and refreshed with a gorgeous glow. It’s enjoyably pampering while also keeping your complexion healthy and looking its best. ” www.fresh.com

100% PURE Primer

“A good primer is the foundation for creating a long lasting, flawless finish to your makeup. This all natural, silicone free formula is simply amazing.

The light reflective pigments in it illuminate your skin while the vitamins and antioxidants in it protect your skin. Your makeup will wear beautifully for hours without any pore clogging ingredients and harmful parabens.” www.100percentpure.com

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Wonder Glow

“This soft- focus beauty highlighter is my latest obsession and a “must have” on every shoot. It’s Fluorescent Core Light Diffuser creates a sophisticated and natural looking glow to wake your complexion up. The BioNymph Peptide Complex in it helps to reduce wrinkles, boosts your skin’s elasticity and overall appearance. This multi-tasking product perfects your complexion externally giving it a fresh, dewy glow, while it simultaneously works below the surface to keep your skin in its best “no filter” needed shape.” www.charlottetilbury.com

CHANEL Les Beiges

“This luxurious powder goes on light and smooths out your complexion into a radiant, soft finish. It’s infused with White Rose and Cotton Flower to keep your skin feeling soothed and looking fresh. It can be used all over to set your makeup or it can be used to bronze and contour. The wide, no fail color range makes it easy to find your perfect shade. The flawless and silky finish it gives off makes this my new favorite powder.” www.chanel.com 56 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Ask Roxy

Q: If you only had three makeup products to create a polished look, what would they be?

VICTORIA PARSONS |

Redondo Beach, CA

A: “Love this question, Victoria!

Less is ALWAYS more with makeup so this is a great question to prove that motto true!

My three products are mascara, clear lip balm, and concealer; here’s why.

Mascara instantly wakes up your eyes, making them bigger and can also add some drama depending on the application, but keep your eyes clean and naturally beautiful. tarte’s “Lights Camera Flashes” and Benefit’s “They’re Real” are two formulas that curl, volumize, lengthen and define gorgeously.

Concealer is my next pick because most of us women can get away with just using concealer and skipping foundation if you choose the right formula for your skin type.

There are so many amazing concealers on the market that are creamy, highly pigmented and blend in the skin flawlessly like my favorite Chanel’s “Correcteur Perfection” and Loreal’s “True Match” Concealer Crayon.

Just remember to apply the concealer under the eyes and around the nose and mouth where your face has more natural shadows, then blend out towards the jaw line until its seamless.

Lastly I choose a no color lip balm, because with the proper application and placement, you can create a beautiful, healthy and dewy look. I love Burt Bees “Hydrating Lip Balm with Coconut & Pear” and Fresh’s Sugar Lip Treatment because they are very emollient with hydrating and skin loving ingredients like Shea Butter and Beeswax, but are not greasy or sticky. I like to apply some balm on my eyelids and above my cheek bones to give my skin a luminous look. I also apply some on my lips to finish off this simple, three step, beautifying look.”

Roxy

XoXo

LIFESTYLE . . . Daily Fitness Tip Toe Pose

Variation (Prapadasana)

By Zofia Karubin Certified Yoga Instructor

Make life fun, make yoga fun, and enjoy something that will improve your health, wellbeing, and surfing style.

YOGA

Tip Toes

When you do yoga, it improves your focus, strength, and flexibility, so you’ll have more enjoyment while surfing and you can even add some extra elegance and grace to your surfing skill.

Yoga is more than just stretching and exercise. It goes deep into every cell of our being, and affects every aspect of our life, simply by breathing and being present in every moment.

When we are present and aware, we can express our true power that resides within our hearts and minds, which helps us to become free from stress, worry and all the troubles of our world. So breathe in life, breathe in health, and breathe in the beauty of your Spirit.

F GENTLE STRETCHES Always warm up gently by grounding yourself in standing pose.

1) Relax your arms out, shoulders up and down, and turn your torso and head to the left and right, as your arms gently swing back and forth, while you breathe in and out.

2) Do a forward bend before and after this pose. From a standing position, inhale and stretch the arms up and over your head, then slowly breathe out and bend forward reaching the arms down, and relaxing down, head down, neck relaxed, feeling the stretch and feel the breath.

3) When you’re ready, lift up and roll up slowly as you inhale and again ground yourself in standing pose.

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)

BENEFITS: F Stretches the toes,

feet, thighs, hips, shoulders, neck, and arms.

F Strengthens your core, especially the abdomen muscles.

F Improves focus, concentration, balance, and endurance.

1

From standing pose, squat down as you exhale and slowly bend your knees and fuse your legs, ankles and feet together, balancing on your toes.

Stretch your arms out to each side, relax the shoulders down and breathe out as you hold your surfboard lightly behind you for stability and balance. Lift your head up, chin down, and look straight ahead at a point on the horizon, and keep breathing while focusing and feeling the energy in your body.

2

When you’re ready, lift one leg up and straighten it, flex the foot, and hold it up by engaging your abdomen muscles as you keep on breathing. Notice the strength in your abs and hold the leg up for as long as it’s enjoyable, while balancing on your toes.

3

Now, bend your leg and place your ankle on top of the other thigh, feeling the hips opening and stretching as you breathe in and out. It is normal to feel emotions come up as you practice yoga poses, especially during hip openers. If some feelings come up, just breathe thru it, and accept and love yourself just as you are.

Next, you may slowly bring your head down for an additional stretch of the spine, it feels so good, then slowly lift your head up and release the leg down. Repeat the entire sequence on each side three to six times and finish up with a forward bend as mentioned above. Namaste: My inner light bows to your inner light. F Another Beautiful Sunset at Topanga State Beach in Southern California

Zofia 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. Go to www.womenssurfstyle.com/zofia.html Outfit by Graced By Grit (gracedbygrit.com). The tunic is made of quick-dry, compression fabric. The knickers are made of breathable, ultra-fine and extremely light fabric.

It is very comfortable and excellent for yoga, paddling, and surfing. | Photos by: OnIt Pro LLC (OnItPro.com) 58 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 59

LIFESTYLE . . . Living Healthy

Beach Cravings

By Nicole Young

P

re-Surf Meals

Surfing on a full stomach is not ideal.

To make sure you have enough energy, make sure you eat about 1 to 3 hours before your surf session. Some good, high-energy foods are oatmeal with added fruits such as berries, banana with peanut or almond butter, Greek yogurt, apples, walnuts, eggs, vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals.

Model: Michelle Young

READY TO SURF? Not so fast!

Eating the right foods can make your surf session the best one yet. Not only will eating the right foods improve your performance on the water, but it will also get you closer to that knockout body.

You can actually cause muscle loss if you surf regularly on an empty stomach.

Here’s why: when you’re hungry, your body goes into survival mode and draws protein from muscle instead of from your kidneys and liver, where your body normally looks for protein. So eating before a surf session is essential for staying energized all day long.

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B

etween Sessions

Sometimes the sets keep rolling in and they are too good to take on just one session in a day, so eat some carbohydrates for a longer surf session!

Carbohydrates are your body’s main energy source. Complex carbs include legumes, grains, peas, brown rice, and sweet potatoes.

Simple carbs are found in fruits and milk. Grab a sandwich with whole-wheat bread and a bowl of fruit or carrots.

A

fter Surfing

Post-surf meals should focus on replenishing energy and vitamin levels and repairing damaged muscles.

Carbohydrates are your body’s main energy source. Complex carbs include legumes, grains, peas, brown rice, and sweet potatoes.

Simple carbs are found in fruits and milk. Grab a sandwich with whole-wheat bread and a bowl of fruit or carrots.

S

nacks

Snacks are a great way to boost energy!

Some healthy high-energy snacks include fruits like oranges, kiwis, and nuts, which tend to be high in fiber and protein.

Bananas are also a great way to fight cramps.

H

ydration

Proper hydration is probably the most important factor for a good surf session. You should start drinking water a few hours before you surf and make sure you continue to drink water between and after your sessions.

Whip up one of these delicious smoothies to ensure that you get all of the nutrients you need for an awesome surf session!

F

ALOHA SPIRIT SMOOTHIE

F

RISING SUN SMOOTHIE

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

2 tbsp 100% pure cocoa powder

½ cup of fresh blueberries

2 tbsp creamy natural peanut butter

1 medium banana

1 medium ripe banana

½ cup of fresh pineapple

8 oz. non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt

½ cup low-fat plain yogurt

4 to 6 ice cubes

1 tbsp organic honey

Dash of cinnamon

A couple drops of fresh lemon juice

Directions:

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth, pour into a glass and enjoy!

Pour peanut butter, cocoa powder, Greek yogurt and ice cubes into blender and mix at high speed.Slice banana, add into mixture, and re-blend. Pour smoothie into glass and sprinkle dash of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.

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wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 61

LIFESTYLE . . . Poetic Expressions

Lady Bug

By Devon / The Mermaid Chronicles

One day, a lady bug went surfing with me.

The sea was so calm and blue and green, she thought a dip would be the perfect thing.

She decided to dive in, but her wings were too small and could not help her swim.

I scooped her little body into my hand so she would be safe and together we rode a wave.

The ride was swift, but not paralyzing.

Photos by Devon

She was excited to experience my kind of flying.

Surf Prayer

SMART LIVING Making Life Easier

1

ON THE ROAD

It’s hard to be mad at someone when they thank you, so if you MUST steal a lane,

or cut someone off suddenly while driving, be sure to throw up a quick “shaka” or wave, letting them know you are aware of what you did, and thank them for their patience. It should at least help them simmer down a little bit, and you may just get a wave back.

2

GET UN-HOOKED

Do you suffer from pain, cramps or bloating after eating? The kind of pain that creeps up under your bra line and won’t go away?

Next time this happens, try unhooking your bra for 30min to an hour or two- depending in discomfort. Better yet, be proactive and unhook it whenever you sit down to eat, especially if it’s going to be a big meal. This release of pressure on your torso will aid in the digestive process, and you’ll be more than ready for dessert.

Try it! It works !

By Kristin Wetzel

As we paddle out to sea, I pray for a safe day.

For surfing means much more to me, than words could ever say.

I pray that we catch lots of waves, And ride them in to shore.

We’ll paddle ‘til our arms fall off, yet still come back for more.

I’m thankful for the ocean’s gift, and waves that never end, for God knows, come tomorrow, I’ll be back again.

3

BUDDING ARTIST

Is your child a budding artist that has redecorated your walls in crayon? No need to freak out.

Using a baking soda based toothpaste, or straight baking soda, apply with a damp cloth, rubbing gently. The marks will remove with minimal effort.

4

MAYO = OIL + EGGS

Substitute mayo for eggs and oil in a recipe.

Sounds gross, we know. But, it simplifies cooking and makes baked goods epecially moist. Use equal parts mayo for the eggs and oil in a recipe. For example: if your recipe calls for 2 eggs and 1/3 cup of oil, you would use 1 cup of mayo.

Photo by: Gabriel Fernandez 62 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 63

Surf Stoked . . .

Surfing Moms Just Wanna Have Fun! Photos & Story by Valeh Levy, M.D.

What happens when carefree single female surfers marry and become moms?

How do they manage to keep the vital thread of surfing woven into their daily lives after the birth of their children?

Every surfing mom knows the dilemma once their lives are forever changed for the better by experiencing the bliss of motherhood and marriage. The bliss of surfing takes a back seat to the new priorities they must face for raising healthy, flourishing children, being loving partners to their spouses, managing new chores that go with motherhood, and often juggling a career, either by choice or out of necessity, to help provide a stable source of income for their growing family. Surfing even brought many of these women together with their spouses and soul mates, so it should continue to thrive in their lives as new mothers. But, more often than not, new moms become overwhelmed, so the fun and pleasure of surfing gets pushed back into a corner. Their need to surf does not go away though. Instead, it tugs at their hearts.

Finding a guilt-free way to fit in quality surf sessions becomes harder with their new babies to care for. Often, the extended families of these new moms are not nearby, nor are they in a position to offer much relief from the new responsibilities. For every surfer, nothing replaces that feeling of freedom and fun that comes with playing in the ocean and riding her waves.

You just can’t take the baby out in the surf like you can take them to the park in a stroller while you walk or jog.

So, how can moms get quality surf sessions again after childbirth? There is good

news! Organized groups of surfing moms from all over the world are getting back to their surfing roots quickly. They are forming mom and tot support groups at their favorite surf breaks by

64 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

swapping child care duties on the beach. This can be for a morning, afternoon or full day of short, timed surf sessions, usually 30 minutes at a time. This allows the moms to surf freely while being within full view of their tots, in case they need to be “flagged down” to console an inconsolable youngster. These surf based gatherings can be loosely formed by word of mouth among a group of close friends, or they can be very structured through websites like “Surf Mamas” in California, or even organized into not-for-profit organizations like “Surfing Mums Incorporated” in Australia.

One thing is certain, these groups are spawned from an intense passion for surfing shared by women, a passion that simply does not go away after childbirth.

These surf support groups are formed out of necessity. Any surf mom, including me, knows that sharing babysitting duties while swapping turns at surfing with a husband is a delicate

What makes this “word of mouth” group work really well is that each mom has something special she brings to the outings in addition to her personal love for surfing and for the children. The women inspire one another. balancing act, more often than not, ending in some sort of tension. If that husband is a surfer, the scenario goes like this… often, someone stays out too long and the wind goes onshore, so someone gets the glassy waves, while the other gets the wind slops. Sometimes the tot gets “moody”, and one gets the happy baby, while the other gets the inconsolable baby.

If the spouse does not surf, they resent the incorrectly perceived “selfishness” of the wife surfing out away from the shore, in the correctly perceived romantic setting of the ocean

swells, with other stoked surfers. The scenarios go on and on, and silly marital resentments build around the beautiful pastime of surfing.

For this reason, I suspect that “Surfing Couples with Tots” is not a worldwide support group phenomenon, like surfing moms with tots.

Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing and watching a local New Smyrna Beach, Florida mom and tot surf support group organized by my friend Heather Milwee.

She is a young, talented, surfing mom whose number one priority was surfing for twelve blissful, carefree years as a single, twenty-something woman. During those twelve years, Heather waited tables at night so she could surf all day.

She often surfed with a core group of likeminded girlfriends, Melissa White, Jo Jo Kokin, and Angel Arias, with whom she shared many surf adventures.

They traveled to exotic locales such as Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico. Heather and friends drove cross-country to surf the breaks of Southern California, and they chased hurricane swells from Florida to as far north as the Masonboro Inlet in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.

Mutual surfing friends even introduced Heather to her surfer husband, Allen. Their young simple lives revolved around the joy of surfing and the ocean.

I first met Heather in the surf lineup, when she was newly pregnant with her daughter, Kyla. She was thinking about a new career path.

She asked me about my career as a radiologist because she was thinking of becoming an “X-Ray tech”. It didn’t take long for me to realize that she had the aptitude, people skills, and dedication to make an outstanding radiology technologist. She ultimately made that career choice after job shadowing, and then enrolled full time in school to focus on becoming one.

Heather wanted to help her partner, Allen, provide a stable financial future for their new family, which includes Allen’s 13 year old daughter, McKenna, who is a wonderful big sister to little Kyla. After the seventh month of pregnancy, Heather quit surfing and began her career.

At about the same time, Heather’s core group of surf girlfriends also began new families.

All of them began finding less time for surf-

ing with their new responsibilities and roles as mothers. The four surfing moms began meeting at the beach every Thursday with tots in strollers, walking 3 miles to shed the weight gained during pregnancy. They resented not being able to surf as before, so one day they realized that if they simply brought the kids, strollers, surfboards and some toys and snacks to the beach, they could surf for thirty minutes at a time and swap child care duties every Thursday, instead of taking those 3 mile walks!

That is how this group began. This nucleus of surf moms extends an open invitation to other moms who wish to share in this community of healthy moms and tots playing at the beach.

Dads are welcome too. If a new mom comes to the group and she does not surf, she still gets her 30 minutes of “alone” time to do whatever she pleases, like swim, stroll, or just chill out without any responsibilities.

Sometimes there are as many as twelve moms, each with two children in tow,

museum trips, but if you give her a power tool, she’ll create a whimsical themed room for your child’s bedroom. She is known as the “Mary Poppins” of the group. Angel Arias is a Spanish speaking creative event planner and international traveler going to El Salvador twice a year with two daughters, Ariela, 3, and Ariana, 1.

forming an amazing little stoked community on the beach and in the ocean.

What makes this “word of mouth” group work really well is that each mom has something special she brings to the outings in addition to her personal love for surfing and for the children.

The women inspire one another.

Heather, now mother of 2 ½ year old Kyla and pregnant with baby number two, is the group’s organizer. She sends a mass text to everyone on Wednesday night telling them where and when they will meet on Thursday morning.

The women support one another in their creative pursuits. Heather designs and sells cute little artsy handbags. Melissa White is a hairdresser, with two children, daughter Reece, 3 ½, and son Asher, 7 months. She keeps the moms looking hot with the latest hairstyles. Jocelyn (Jo Jo) Kokin is an artist and stay at home mom to sons Maddox, 4, and Mason, 2. She schedules all kinds of fun outings for the group such as

These surfing mom and tot groups bring everyone a sense of joy, peace and satisfaction, nurturing healthy, compassionate children, while leaving moms renewed, happy, and with a sense of gratitude. All of this carries over into their relationships with their partners, and for Heather’s group, sets the tone for a fun weekend.

Making time for surfing restores balance to the busy lives for these talented multitasking surfer moms. F

1) Surfing moms make sure their tots travel in style: Kids are ready for some fun in the sun

7

2) Heather learns that she can handle three 3) Children learn to help one another and conquer waves together

6

4) Melissa watches the waves as son Asher learns to crawl on the beach 5) Kyla learns quickly with free surf lessons from mom

1 2

5 3

4

6) Everyone in?

7) Surfer girl in the making.

Specific benefits reported by the New Smyrna Beach moms.

MELISSA F Kids look forward to seeing their friends all week long, so moms can use

this as a positive reward incentive to inspire good behavior during the rest of the week.

JO JO F Moms look forward to talking, socializing, networking and even venting with their friends while being out of the house, playing on the beach, and doing something they love. It restores and balances their sanity.

HEATHER F Moms feel supported regarding personal domestic frustrations. It sets a good mood for the weekend. It’s like free therapy.

Moms also gain confidence by facing the challenge of handling up to five preschool kids and they learn to engage the kids in fun activities like playing hopscotch, soccer, duck-duck-goose, or Frisbee on the sand. They take kids beachcombing for shells, or finding sand fleas to take home and freeze for fishing bait.

ANGEL F Moms get to try their hand at teaching valuable life lessons to the children: sharing, helping one another, playing cooperatively, consoling upset pals, and being mindful of the environment by doing a mini-beach cleanup after each outing.

All mom and tot surf groups have a few things in common, apart from allowing the women to reconnect with their passion for surfing: F They need an organizer to ensure that everyone is reminded of when and where to meet.

F They are dynamic and ever changing, depending on who shows up to any given outing.

F They are fun, renewing, and empowering for the moms, allowing worries to be washed away for a few hours.

F They are fun for the kids! They make new friendships and get positive childhood memories centered on the beach and ocean. wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 65

Surf Stoked . . .

RE-UNITED IN

HAWAII

By Sasha Leitner

I was recently shown a black and white photo of a group of surfer girls in the 60’s in Australia kicking it on the beach together. It’s a perfect depiction of a killer day at the beach with your buddies after a great day of surf. The only difference from today is the retro suits and Betty hairdos. Little did I know, but I was holding a photo of some of Australia’s trailblazing, legendary, water women. To me, it’s an iconic image of the women who were shredding years before it was widely accepted for girls to be as dominant as we are in the lineup. The ladies in the picture paved the way for all of us surf wahine who surf to live today.

Among the group of esteemed women in the photo is Robyn Harvey. One of New South Wales, Australia’s esteemed surfer women. I was privileged to get to meet Robyn Harvey this past summer on Oahu (she was the one who shared this magical photo with me). Robyn was staying on the North Shore for a SUP and surf retreat with a group of her mates when I was introduced to her by their activities guide, and my personal surf sister, Beccy Hailstones.

I was lucky enough to be invited along for an afternoon of surf with these lovely women.

Now in her 60’s, Robyn is as active in the surf and SUP community in Australia as she was in ‘67 when the photo was taken!

ABOVE (Back Row, Left to Right): Sandy Wilson, Kerry Wilson, Senone Chryniowski, Jill Lloyd, Laura Knight, Fay Maher (Front Row, Left to Right): Judith Clements (Deceased), Rhonda Johannson, Terry Brice, Anne Kozar, Robyn Harvey, Pam Lane

“This photo was taken after we won against the Cronulla girls (Kurranulla Wahines) 1967 at Terrigal. I am the one standing in front of the pink nose DALE Longboard in my “trendy” yellow 2 piece. I found all these girls (except Sandy Wilson, who we think has moved to the USA) this year after all this time. We had a reunion after 46 years... And we started the same conversation as if it was yesterday (1967). Still cannot believe it.” - Robyn Harvey Her surf journey is an Admirable one that began in NSW Crescent Hills.

When Robyn was first learning to surf, the lineup was a man’s world.

Undeterred by lack of surf sisters in the lineup, she fell in love with surfing and her father ordered her first real board out of Surfing World Magazine. “The board was from the “Keyo” factory in Sydney and it had to be freighted up by train back then. I loved my father for getting me that board, it changed my life.”

Once Robyn got her feet on her board, she found that she was a natural on the waves. “I was NSW North Coast Champion by 16, and I was surfing with legends like Nat Young, Midget Farrelly and Phyllis O’Donnell. I was hooked on surfing. Me and my mates were sometimes the only girls in the lineup, but we did not care, we were out there having a blast.”

Robyn has had an amazing water journey that has included surfing iconic breaks like Bells Beach in Victoria, Margaret River in Western Australia, her home break Kirra on the Gold Coast, and spots all over Hawaii. When longboarding made a comeback after years of the short board domination, Robyn was at the forefront of the rebirth of the wave slide. She stayed active in the ocean even after a debilitating strike to her health occurred.

Osteoarthritis took some use of her hand from her, which hindered her from her professional career, but it never stopped her from being active in the ocean. She has had an amazing professional journey as well. Robyn is in the forefront in advertising, design, and media marketing manage66 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

ment in various companies in Australia, and trailblazing a few of her own small businesses.

Robyn was appointed to the Surf Focus Group Committee with Council for establishing guidelines for surfing schools on the east coast of Australia.

Her vast ocean knowledge and love for surf has made her an expert in surf standards for ocean education, and her opinions are highly regarded.

Her focus nowadays (besides enjoying retired life in the surf, and SUPing with her long time surf buddy’s from the picture) is her Women in the Waves group. Robin’s daughters now have the reigns of the business, but mom is ever watching and guiding from the sidelines. The ladies have even released trademarks on “Gidget” and “Raiders of the Lost Arc”, two labels that Robyn oversaw and developed initially, and will now be managed by the Harvey Girls.

Robyn is a role model for young up and coming surfers all over the globe.

Challenging odds and mastering surfing when women were not accepted in the lineup, being a force to reckon with in the professional world, and raising a family of waterwomen, all while maintaining and perfecting her ocean skills in the lineup make her an Australian icon. One black and white picture lead me to meet this amazing woman. I hope to get to surf with her again soon, and hear more about her developing story ‘cause I know she will be shredding it up for years to come. F

Surf Stoked . . . Always Learning

4

Reasons You’re Not Feeling The LOVE In The Line-Up!

By Nesta!

Photo by Eric Macguire

This piece was inspired by my recent trip to the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii.

It’s not what you think. The trip was awesome and I had some of the most enjoyable sessions that I can recall of late. I was pleasantly surprised by the North Shore as a surfing destination. I was totally presumptuous in assuming that it would be difficult to have an enjoyable surfing experience here.

Not that it is has anything to do with quality and quantity of waves, I just assumed that the localism would be tough to handle and that the potential to get stink eyed all the way home would be high. I was overwhelmingly stoked on how friendly the energy was. Granted, I am not trying to dominate the main peak at Pipe. This may be a completely different situation. Rather, I opted for some less frequented spots that are a little less on the radar and a little more your local neighborhood reef breaks, which on second thought could be even more localized.

Furthermore, I have to say that surfing as a woman here is awesome. On the North Shore, women surfers are not a novelty. This changes the energy of surfing as a woman immensely. Many of the men in the water are used to surfing with their wives, girlfriends, sisters, aunties, etc. To them, the girls in the lineup could very well be one of their loved ones. The men seem stoked for you when you catch a good wave. They even give you waves and a smile as you go down the line. In LA I often feel that if you are paddling for a wave next to a guy, he will try even harder to catch it, God forbid a girl gets in before him. It’s as if they are even slightly more competitive or perhaps they are showing off. It’s always been something that has bummed me out being a female surfer. Not to say I haven’t met some super rad dudes in the line up in LA , I have, and they are ALWAYS some of the most skilled surfers.

It didn’t take me long to make the connection that if you are confident in your skill set and you don’t feel the need to prove anything, your energy will reflect that. Therefore, you will be happy to back out of a wave once in a while for someone, be it male or female. This got me thinking about what causes some of the bad behavior in the lineup and here’s a few things I came up with.

1 Scarcity

When you live in an area where good conditions are few and far between, the scarcity makes for a more charged surfing scenario.

When the surf finally picks up, there has been so much frothing at the mouth, the lineup can feel like a bunch of rabid dogs waiting for their next bite. It’s tough when you live in an area that isn’t consistently epic. My home break in Venice beach and Los Angeles, as a whole, definitely qualifies--not to mention in a city of 4 million people, there is scarcity even on a good day!

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2 Too much testosterone

Let’s face it, for now, surfing is a largely male dominated sport. Whenever you have that much testosterone all in one place, ego’s can flare. I am not saying that women can’t be rude in the lineup, too. In fact, I am always surprised and disappointed when I see another female in the lineup and my default is to smile and think to myself, “great I am not alone out here,” only to be met by the same glazed-over, unfriendly look that 99% of the surfing population has.

I get it, this is serious, right? We are competing for the next spot on the open... no wait… we’re not. We are all supposed to be out here having fun and enjoying mother nature’s playground. I guess given my ancestral health background, I don’t know why I would be surprised.

There are certainly some primal settings at play here.

3 Embarrassment

This actually relates to number 2, but dives in a little deeper. Most people in the lineup are still honing their craft.

Most are beginner or intermediate level. There is so much pressure to rip like Kelly Slater that I think when people don’t have the skill set they feel slightly embarrassed and it translates into a defensive unfriendly vibe. My favorite version of this is the guy in the lineup who will throw a fit if he misses a wave and try to pretend it was because you were in his way.

I see this happen all the time in L.A. There are very few occasions when someone is actually so completely in your way that you can’t still take off and carve around them. If you are good enough at your craft, you will effortlessly see the line you need to take and that person will be nothing but part of your decision making process.

This is one of the things I love about surfing in Hawaii, the surfers are so skilled and educated that this kind of behavior would stick out like a sore thumb! Most of the time the surfer that missed the wave just feels dumb that they couldn’t make it all come together and are looking for a good scapegoat. The louder they announce their frustration, the more you can see how embarrassed they are.

lowest common 4 The denominator Most people go to the beach with a good attitude. They suit up and wax their boards with an air of excitement. It’s usually not until they come in contact with their first douche bag that everything goes south. It’s happened to every surfer on the planet. Someone in the lineup decides to throw you a big ball of negative energy. You try to dodge it or let go of it as quickly as possible, but suddenly you realize they got their goo on you. It’s contagious and sadly that ball of goo gets everywhere. This is why I like when the waves are a little bit bigger. Nobody got time for any goo… We are too busy scratching for the outside set to sweat the small stuff. When it’s not big enough to wash all the goo away though, sadly it gets everywhere, and everybody starts to feel all gooey.

I love surfing with all of my heart and it is always disappointing when I see my fellow surfers not acting in their highest selves. Surfing can be one of the most inspiring and spiritual expressions in our lives and it saddens me deeply when I feel bad vibrations out there. I know you could say that I call it in. Maybe the one who smelt it dealt it kind of thing.. Perhaps that is important for me to look at. Perhaps I should take my advice and be the change I wish to see in the waves… F

Auntie Teresa’s Surfboard There are many “firsts” in life... your first tooth, your first steps, your first homerun, maybe your first kiss...

By Pat Williams, Lufkin, TX | Teresa M. Williams, Killeen, TX

...

The list goes on and on ….. but for many surfers, they never forget their first surfboard. As beginners, many of us use borrowed boards for the first few years, but when you got your own board, one that was REALLY your own, you may have felt that you graduated into the big leagues. Maybe it was an old beat-up son-of-a-gun or even a brand new one. Either way, you felt like a million bucks.

Our family vacations are taken in Port Aransas, Texas, just once each year. Six years ago (Vol 5, Issue #1, Winter 2008) we wrote a story about teaching my little sister Teresa to surf ….. at age 50. Yes, that’s right ... she was 50 years old. Teresa is a petite, but athletic woman, about 5 feet tall, and able to handle most new challenges. She advanced quickly from belly-boarding to stand-up surfing. On each trip, for a few short days in October, she got some more practice on my 7’–10” board. Each year gave her more confidence, until last year when she bought an 8’-2” longboard, on the way back home. But because of work schedules, she could not ride it until the next family trip, which was an entire year later!!! I am sure she had great surf dreams though ……. with her making wicked bottom turns, graceful roller coasters, walking the nose, etc (don’t we all surf way better in our own minds than in reality?).

The day finally arrived when we were to christen the new board.

She had a blast applying the first coat of wax (another first), and we headed out to the shore. It was a gorgeous day, but pretty small waves (it is Texas surf after all). The waves were small enough that we were just standing in chest deep water and pushing off. I was very proud of her, because she was doing her own paddling, …. dismissing us with the back of her hand that she needed NO help from

her older (and wiser) brothers. She quickly remembered where to stand, although her first ride or two produced a wobbly stance, and over the side she went. It didn’t take her long though, to start catching a fair amount of waves, and planting those lily-white legs firmly on her new board. Even with the red bruise spots developing on her sore knees, I saw a broad smile being etched into her face with each wave. We have all borrowed someone else’s board for a few waves, or even a few days, but there is something special about planting your feet on YOUR new board for the very first time. Whether it is a two foot wave, or double overhead, it is always exciting to connect with a new board, along with the notion, real or imaginary, that this new board makes you a much better surfer (again, …. surfing in my mind is WAY better than in reality).

Well, Teresa caught many fun rides, but this trip produced another first. The sand on Texas beaches is super-fine, and packs in very hard, so falling off in shallow water is dang near like landing on concrete. She had another new experience, ..… she fell off her board and broke her toe on the hard packed sand ….. her first injury.

Oh, just one final thought. As I wrote this story with some input from Teresa, she came up with the alternate title “An Old Woman’s First Surfboard”. She thought it would help encourage women surfers of all ages. While she is a mere 56 years “young”, and realizes that many surfers are tweens, teens, and young adults, she doesn’t “feel” old as her age might imply. In fact, as justification for buying her very first board, she said, .. “Y-O-L-O” …You-Only-Live-Once and life is too short.

DO ANYTHING while you still can.

And heck, why not make it SURFING !!” wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 69

Surf Stoked . . . Never Stop Believing

We Only Dance on

WATER Story & Photos by Larissa Morosco

Can faith save your life?

For me the answer is, without a doubt.

Sixteen years ago my life took a radical detour from the normal day to day path. My husband, Matthew, and I were given a chance to have “just another day” together.

At the end of an average and very usual day, we found ourselves in the emergency room of a hospital. Matthew presented with severe and sudden neurological problems that would prove to be a mystery to every doctor who saw him. He had every test they could think of, and after 24 horrifying and tense hours, we were sent home with a diagnosis of “severe optical migraine.” We were relieved because that was a known illness and it was not a brain tumor, meningitis, heavy metal poisoning or anything catastrophic. Right? When you are in a situation like we were, you realize that medicine, particularly anything dealing with the brain, is really just a series of educated guesses.

shock, but I knew, really knew that Matthew would walk out of that hospital and live a normal life. I asked the team of doctors not to tell Matthew, should he regain consciousness. I did not want him to doubt, even for a second, that he would make a full recovery. I was allowed into the surgical suite for a minute and he woke long enough to ask what happened. I said, “You hurt your neck and they are going to fix it. You’ll be fine.”

Matthew spent the next 18 days after the surgery in the hospital, going from ICU to the rehab unit.

In the course of saving his life, they had to break his neck and hollow out the first two vertebrae We left the hospital greatly relieved. Not long and screw them back together to make room for after we got back home, the the additional portion of his brain. phone rang. It was the neuroloAfter 6 days, Matthew lost the use gist. He had finally figured it out. of his legs one morning. I still reI had a one in a Now the race to save Matthew’s fused to tell him what the doctor million shot at life began. We rushed back to had told me, I could not entertain the hospital and were met in the the thought of the paralysis begetting 20/20 parking lot by an emergency team ing permanent. And so, over the vision. Only one complete with a “crash cart”. Just next weeks he would drag himself on the ride to the hospital, Matalong the hallways in the rehab chance. I was thew lost consciousness. I could ward with a walker. He made great blessed with a not imagine what was happening. progress and soon got a cane.

As the team of doctors whisked When he was released from the miracle that day. him away, the neurosurgeon exhospital, we began the true jourplained to me that Matthew had a ney back to our life together. He very rare birth defect, Arnold Chiari’s Malformawas young and strong. He had been a downhill tion. His brain was essentially too big for his skull skier and a mountain guide in Colorado. We spent and the spinal fluid was not able to circulate. His our life scuba diving, water skiing, and playing in brain stem was herniating and if he did not have the ocean. I knew we would come full circle, difsurgery immediately, his autonomic nervous sysferent, but still strong. The appreciation we had tem, the part that causes the heart to beat and gained for the gift of a normal day would go a your lungs to breathe, would shut down and he very long way in making us into the people we would not survive. As I signed the paperwork for would need to be to persevere. Gratitude is the his surgery, I began to pray silently, desperately, secret to happiness and faith makes a very strong for guidance and strength. The doctor said that foundation. We would build on that. if Matthew survived, he would never walk again Five years later, I had LASIK surgery to correct seand would most likely suffer from massive brain vere visual impairment that I had been born with. damage. In the course of 36 hours, the world we I had been nearly blind all my life. I was born with knew seemed to collapse. severe visual difficulties which were diagnosed by As I waited for our family to arrive at the my uncle, an ophthalmologist, when I was only 5 hospital, Matthew was taken to the ICU, I years old. I had a condition called severe myopia. prayed an unending prayer. I was oddly In other words, I was severely nearsighted. My vicalm. I know that the doctor thought it was sion was so bad that it was called “count fingers”, 70 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Our garden, where we really pretty much live in the tiki hut and only come inside to eat and sleep. We even shower under the orchid house outside. Matthew, a landscaper, is a very handy guy!

“Surfing fulfills one of those dreams that I had ever since I went into Pete Smith’s Surfshop in Virginia Beach in 1980 as a little kid and saw all the surfboards lined up and waiting for someone to ride them.

The impossible... is now within my grasp.”

I watch, as Matthew, who was not supposed to walk again... dances on water! God can do all things!

meaning that if you stood 6 inches from my face I could count your fingers. Because of the severity of my nearsightedness, I was at risk for retinal detachment, which causes blindness later in my life. My glasses were very, very thick, like Coke bottles, and I was tormented by mean kids all through school until I could wear contact lenses in seventh grade. Even with glasses or contacts, I still had serious visual troubles. I had virtually no depth perception and playing any ball sports, like tennis, was a lost cause because I could not judge how far away the ball was from me as it moved.

When I was in elementary school, I loved gymnastics and I was pretty good at it, but, as my vision worsened every few months, I had to give that up because I simply lost the ability to judge distance and could not vault or see where the mats were in relationship to where I was. Also, my glasses were so heavy that they would fall off and I simply could not see anything without them. My lifelong love had always been the ocean. I thrived in any water environment. Even after Matthew’s ordeal, we still went snorkeling and scuba diving all the time. The ocean had always just felt like home. I loved to swim underwater from the age of about three because no one can see clearly underwater. For me, it was the great equalizer and I was a very strong swimmer at an early age. I dreamed of being a surfer, but with my vision, it was beyond my reach.

All that changed when I got a phone call from my uncle who was forever looking into clinics around the globe that were doing surgery to correct visual problems like mine. He had found an eye surgeon in South Florida, where I live, who had successfully performed LASIK laser eye surgery on a patient with eyesight even worse than mine. I was too scared that I would not be a candidate, to even dare to hope that I could ever have good vision. In order to qualify for the surgery, you have to have a certain amount of corneal bed left after the surgery according to the FDA guidelines. I just barely made the cut-off! I had a one in a million shot at getting 20/20 vision. Only one chance and I was blessed with a miracle that day. I had the surgery and within minutes after it ended, I could see the doctor’s face from across the room! I had never been able to see textures, the patterns of feathers on birds, the veins of leaves on trees, and suddenly I could!

My almost one dimensional, flat world suddenly became full of textures and minute details that I had known were there, but that I had never seen before.

As we drove home from the clinic, my husband, Matthew, asked me what I wanted to do as soon as I got clearance from the doctor (about a week later). I had always wanted to learn how to surf.

It had never been an option for me. If I lost a contact lens, I would not have been able to find the shore. Matthew and I had been avid scuba divers for years because the mask allowed me to see the undersea world with little trouble. But surfing, well, that was just one of those dreams that I had ever since I went into Pete Smith’s Surfshop in Virginia Beach in 1980 as a little kid and saw those surfboards lined up and waiting for someone to ride them. Now, the impossible was within my grasp.

Each day, right after my fifth graders head for home, Matthew meets me at our beach and we surf if there are waves, which is surprisingly often.

If it is flat, then we take the SUPs out or snorkel and swim. When we are surfing, everything seems possible and as the first wave breaks and washes over me, I am born again. As I paddle into that first breaking wave, I am alive for just that moment, living in it completely. As I watch (with my eyes that can now see everything) a man who was never supposed to walk again rise up from the ocean and dance across the water, I know that miracles happen every day. F

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Surf Stoked . . .

Follow Your

DREAMS

By Melody Pence | Photo by Lisa Denning - Ocean Eyes Photography

This is a story about following your dreams and never giving up.

This is a story about listening to your heart. This is a story to tell you to go for it, no matter what. This story is to encourage. This is a story to remind you that if you are on a path of uncertainty, keep going. If you are chasing a dream, keep chasing it. If you are on a path and don’t know why, keep exploring. Above it all, believe.

My name is Melody. I am a surfer, I am 27, and my home is Oahu’s south shore in Hawai’i. I was born in Rockville, MD with a dream to work with dolphins and live by the ocean. This story is how I made my dream come true. At 3 years old, I was introduced to dolphins. I fell in love and I fell hard-hook, line, and sinker. I knew then what I was to do for the rest of my life. From there out, I knew I was destined to work with dolphins.

I told my parents, “Mommy, Daddy, when I’m older I’m going to live by the ocean and work with dolphins.” From that moment on, that became my vision.

During my years of kindergarten and until the age where I was actually old enough to volunteer or participate in camps, my vision never slipped once, instead it continued to grow and only got louder and louder. I would do things like take the picnic table from outside and put it in the basement creating my own study where I spent my days and evenings after school reading and absorbing everything about dolphins. I even taught myself how to draw them.

I later came to find out what the Law Of Attraction was and little did I know I had been practicing it my whole life. I had surrounded myself around them through my thoughts, my beliefs, and the visions I held in my mind, through seeing them in a book I was studying or through the posters on my wall, I was connecting to them and drawing them to me.

When I turned 15, I went to my first dolphin camp. Every year I would look forward to the summers when I would get to spend a week, sometimes two, with the dolphins down at the Dolphin Research Center. When I was 18, I was old enough to apply for an internship to work at the Dolphin Research Center and I got accepted. I spent six months working there and then had a vision that while I do love the dolphins, that I should be working with people and go back to school. I took a six year hiatus from the next time I’d be working with dolphins again.

In those next six years, I tried going to school and thought I wanted to be a physical therapist, only to find out I didn’t. I felt like I should be getting a degree because everyone else was, but in what I didn’t have a clue. It wasn’t until the death of my brother that my soul really started to awaken and 72 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

ask for more in life. The thought that came into my mind was that life is too short to be anything but happy. Immediately that thought took me back to my dream, my vision, and the dolphins. I heard of this place called Dolphin Quest on Oahu in Hawai’i when I was working at the Dolphin Research Center and decided to apply. I got accepted to my dream job, which was in the beginning stages, an internship with the hopes of getting hired on afterwards.

I was negative $750 in the bank and stuck on bed rest with no ability to work. The only thing I felt was pain. I created a Facebook page explaining my mission, what I had gotten accepted to, and what I hoped to achieve, ending it with my address, if anyone wanted to donate to my cause. I ended up raising about $3,000, which was enough to get me to Hawai’i. I was interning 40 hrs. a week while trying to find a job at night, and the two weren’t mixing well. Still, I tried.

After working a couple weeks as a dolphin trainer intern, I realized my own thoughts and values had changed. That just by being on this beautiful island of paradise, I felt connected to them. Every time I stared out into the vast open ocean I could only think of how they were supposed to be out there. I had a change of heart and decided to resign and continue my dream of living in Hawai’i.

The conclusion that I got from it was that the dolphins were the ones that brought me to this beautiful place, Hawai’i, where my soul had been awaiting this spiritual awakening. My mission seemed to become more spiritual than anything else and it seems as though I’ve been on one ever since. When you follow your dreams, it most definitely awakens your spirituality because it’s awakening your soul. Just physically being on the island, I had never felt so alive, so invigorated, so happy, and so spiritually connected.

I came to Hawaii to find myself and the dolphins led me here.

I recently took a trip to the Big Island to visit the dolphins again to get some clarity and perspective. I met Joan Ocean through a good friend who lives on the Big Island and is famous for her work with communicating with dolphins in the wild. She has written books and given seminars all over the world speaking about dolphins. I thought this would be a perfect person to spend 10

days with. For this trip, I went to figure out what it all really meant of chasing this dream from 3-27 years old.

It had led me to this beautiful island, but now what?

What am I supposed to be doing with this and my career? Why was I so called to them? Why were they such a huge part of my life? And since they were, are, and have been such a huge part of my life, why am I so connected to them and shouldn’t I be doing something with it and not waiting tables? Ugh, the confusion of feeling lost, but found at the same time. So off I went to the Big Island to spend some time in my element with the dolphins for clarity and to seek the answers to these questions I couldn’t seem to get.

What I found was this...that a dream never dies.

That a dream can be re-born again and again, and each time it can be re-born the exact same way. I found that a dream knows no time limit, a dream only lives. One dream can take you to a new dream; can fly you to new heights. If you are open to where it can take you, it can change form into a whole new kind of butterfly, taking off, giving you wings you never knew you had, only to find them because you went through the process. I found that this all happened for a reason. I found that life shapes everyone in different ways and that life shaped me through dolphins. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t know what it’s like to work for a dream, to make it come true, and to be able to share that with others.

I went to the Big Island with the intention of trying to work with Joan Ocean, but after I spent a lot of time in the water with the dolphins, I found that I am supposed to be working with people to help them follow their dreams. I am starting my own business as a life coach to inspire people and help them get back to their state of joy. The dolphins will always be here for me and Hawaii will always be my home base, no matter where I am traveling in the world. On any given day I can reconnect with them and feel their spirit, they are my foundation, my support, my strength, my inspiration, my heart and soul. When I am with them I feel at home. When I asked them what I was supposed to be doing with my life, I kept getting the message over and over to spread love, light, and joy and that is exactly what I intend on doing through them and through working with others.

I can’t tell you how magical it is to be underwater with a dolphin as we stare at each other eye to eye underneath the deep blue, diving down, surfacing, and diving down again. It is absolutely mesmerizing. There were also many week old babies around swimming with their moms all around us. What an incredible experience it was to swim with over 100 dolphins at the same time. At any given moment, they can choose to leave and go anywhere else in the open ocean, but they chose to hang out with us and not just for 20 minutes, but for about 6 hours in a bay with us all day long. This is why I think they are such amazing creatures... because they choose to give their love and they give so much. They are unconditional and I truly believe they are here to provide light and healing and guide us in this transition and shift of life. They are so special.

I am so excited to start my business as a life coach where I can shed this joy and light into others lives! I thank the dolphins sooo much for guiding me down this path and awakening me to my true calling, the calling really, of spreading their message. The feeling is a beautiful one and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it.

I feel so blessed and I can’t thank Joan Ocean enough for being such a wonderful confidant and friend, and for doing what she does. I thank her for creating a porthole, a window for others, and a connection to the spiritual through the dolphins. I can’t thank her enough for the work she has had to do to be able to do this and help the rest of the world with their enlightenment. I feel so blessed to now be able to call Kona my second home. Who knows, maybe one day that will be my home base. F

Melody... following her dream Photo by Lisa Denning Ocean Eyes Photography wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 73

Surf Stoked . . . From Our Readers

Submitted

PICS

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1 5 1, 2 & 3) Roxanne La’akea “Kea” Young, in Waikiki (#1 & 3: Halloween, #2: Christmas) Photos by: Kazuto Toguchi 4) “Kea” and the “Rat Pack” in Waikiki. Front row: (L to R) Kea, Kazu, Chiharu, Ivan, Will, Arthur, Tami. Back Row: (L to R - zig zag) Michael, George, Bugsy, Robbie, Linda, Steve, Germaine, John 5) Laura Myer at Puena Point- 2nd time surfing EVER! (Photos

by Uncle Bryan’s Sunset Surf Academy and Greg Rose with Waterlogged Video Productions). 6) Tiana in Waikiki. 7) Mildred Ball, who just retired from surfing at 92 YRS OLD, LAST YEAR. She’s been surfing Waikiki for 60 years. 8) Jolee, 5 years old learning to surf. 9) Jenny Rosa (surf instructor) 10) Mary, Aimee, and Patricia 11) Sheryl Irizarry who works at WRV Wave Riding Vehicles) in Jobos beach Isabela, PR. Seen here surfing “The Mix” in Puerto rico. Photo by Olgamarie Toledo.

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Carly Wilson (Photo by: Alex Shea)

Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA (but currently living on the North Shore of Oahu) Sponsors: Odina swimwear, Amy and Brian coconut juice, Raw Elements Sunscreen, West Wetsuits, and Rise bar

Lifestyle: When I’m not surfing I’m either skateboarding, playing the drums, playing golf or doing yoga. It’s good to have a balance between everything especially some cross training. Right now I am just competing as much as I can and really hoping that they bring some women’s asp events back to Hawaii!

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Thank You: Thank you to all my sponsors, they all put effort to be as Eco-friendly as possible, and also to my amazing parents, family, and friends.

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Community . . . Industry

Meet the Designers Idalia Suarez

Surf Enthusiast and Bathing Suit Designer Photos & Interview by Chrissy Swain

Chrissy Swain sat down with fellow female surf enthusiast and bathing suit designer, Idalia Suarez, who is based in Isabela, Puerto Rico Q: Where are you from, Idalia?

A: I’m a native of Bayamon, but at age 14 I moved to the north west side of Puerto Rico, I was looking for a lifestyle that was more simple and tranquil.

Q: Where did you attend school?

A: I studied Fashion Design at the Universal Technology College of Puerto Rico.

Q: At what age did you become interested in fashion?

A: I grew up inside an upholstery shop of my grandparents.

My Godmother owned a dressmaking shop that I loved to visit, and mom owned a sewing machine. Later when I was a teenager, I used the knowledge of my familiar surroundings to sew my own clothes. Later I felt the need to learn the techniques of making patterns and enrolled in courses to study fashion design and sewing. I worked for a while with pieces of hand-painted clothing, which were very popular with my clientele, they had a caribbean style and with a lot of color.

Then, inspired by the birth of my daughter and my passion for the waves in the sea, I began to express the beauty of design in the making of bathing suits. In this new facet, I worked with love and quality materials to design bathing suits that I could use while surfing.

Q: What influences your style?

A: I am influenced by a Caribbean, modern feminine style.

Q: How do you find inspiration for your different lines?

A: My biggest influence is the exquisite natural beauty that surrounds us on our tropical island. From there, I study fashion trends and colors for next season to use as a basis to come up with my own designs.

Q: What do you look for in a model?

A: A woman who has a Caribbean style and is natural looking.

Q: How many fashion shows have you had? What are they like?

A: I have presented collections of swimsuits in the West Fashion Week, Optima Runway 2013, Save the Parrot with style Fashion Night, Expo Bella High Fashion 2012, Puerto Rico Next Fashion Designer, Caribbean Runway (this was the presentation of candidates of Miss Puerto Belleza Latina) and Plazarela at Plaza Las Américas (this parade was with the candidates in the contest Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2012). All the backstage experiences have been very good; there is a friendly atmosphere to these shows. There is also a lot adrenaline, because after a lot of time, dedication and effort I can finally show the collection that I have created with much love.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of the business?

A: Really, I love it all, but my favorite part is the photoshoots.

Q: Who is your favorite designer?

A: I like Betsey Johnnson a lot because she has maintained a unique style in the fashion industry for so long, and her designs are super fun and happy.

Q: What are your personal goals for your business?

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A: To continue providing the service of design and preparation in the category of bathing suits or casual beachwear swimwear, and to continue to grow in this competitive industry of fashion. Soon I hope to open doors to the public in my atelier.

Q: What colors, styles, or designs are you interested in at this moment?

A: For spring/summer 2014, retro styles are on trend with a bit more modern characteristics. I like the fashion trends such as “cropped tank top styles,” “animal and tropical foliage prints,” “one piece suits”. Bright color palettes and also using combinations of pastel color palettes to name a few.

Q: What about Puerto Rican culture do you try to represent through your work?

A: Our tropical and colorful charm.

Q: What materials do you prefer?

A: I really like textiles of natural fibers that fall well and are comfortable; such as cottons, rayons and of course the lycra (of excellent quality) for the swimsuits.

Q: What advice do you have for future generations interested in pursuing a

career in fashion?

A: Always follow your instincts, what you feel in your heart, and never surrender despite any obstacles that may arise because perseverance and positivity will help lead to success. F

Nicole Vermillion Made in Hawaii

Photos courtesy of Nicole Vermillion

I started surfing when I was 12, my dad pushed me into tiny waves in front of our house in North Wildwood, NJ on a bright red 6’0 Liquid Shredder.

I started sewing when I was 10. My grandmother taught me how to make Barbie clothes because I didn’t like the clothes she came with. As I got older, I began making clothes for myself.

Now, my designs are based on a relaxed life style, as I aim to B bridge the gap between contemporary high-fashion streetwear and more relaxed island wear. Focused on movement and comfort, I create from only the softest and highest quality fabrics.

The most popular pieces I’ve designed would be the (A) Rosey OB Tank (White Chevron Lace)- The first official design of my line/ the piece that started everything! I’ve always had friends and acquaintances ask me to make them clothing, but this piece was overwhelmingly popular and made me realize that I could turn this into a business!

C

A

The (B) Anderson Dress - My newest dress which I am very excited about!

This design really tested my skills as a designer and required 4 pattern revisions.

(C) Wilma Dress (White Aztec Print)- Signature piece of my line… chic, edgy and an overall great fit on countless body types!

Special fabrics are important to me, so I use eco-friendly Modal that comes from Italy and is dyed in California. It’s a super soft and cool fabric which maintains its color, shape and softness through countless washes.

It is very stretchy and resists shrinkage, unlike cotton. Other items I like to express my artistic passion through would be my paintings! I love to oil paint and actually have a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts, specializing in painting/drawing. What does the future hold for me? Growing my company! Wholesaling to stores, building my brand and gaining a strong following! F

REACH OUT TO NICOLE VERMILLION AT.... www.vermilli.com | @nvermilli (instagram, twitter) | facebook: Vermilli

“Off of a dirt road across from Alligator rock on Oahu’s famed North Shore, one of the most creative new wetsuit designers resides. Jamie Defay Davis, owner and master mind designer behind Sirensong Wetsuits, sits across from me one glorious afternoon and shares her love of her trade. As a master craftswoman of the neoprene persuasion, Jamie has taken her keen eye for the female form and fashion, and melded them together to recreate the traditionally unflattering wetsuit (every water woman’s worst nightmare, but most cherished possession in cold water). The wetsuits she comes up with look more like high fashion then function, a fabulous combination for the unflattering wetsuit, and the kicker of it is that they work. Siren Song Wetsuits keep you warm, are designed for the female form so they don’t chafe you, and look super cute!

A graduate from UC Davis Design School, Jamie honed her eye for design and fashion in one of the top schools.

Textile design, sculpture, and graphic art were all part of her education. After graduation, Jamie wound up working as an environmental consultant in water and waste management. For the past 12 years, she has been an environmental warrior and done her part to educate about the importance of clean water. Being around the ocean for work guided her into the surf life.

Jamie began surfing at 28. Funboards at first, but SUP is her main love. The cold Californian waters made wetsuits a necessary part of her surf life. “I used to wear Monster Jackets, but they were always too short, and so plain looking. They were never as cute as the bathing suits I spent a fortune on and wore underneath my boring wetsuits.”

Jamie’s mother had taught her how to sew when she was little. So with a sewing machine she purchased on craigslist and neoprene rolls, she started making herself wetsuits. Her design background and exceptional understanding of a woman’s body make her wetsuits emphasise the female form, highlighting the elegance

of a woman’s curves. Corset like embellishments and carefully placed hand painted accents add to the sultry nature of her creations.

“Designing clothes or bathing suits seemed so frivolous to me, everyone was doing that. I wanted to make something functional and challenging. Wetsuits are necessary sports equipment for cold-water surfing, and SUP. I wanted to make them functional and fashionable- something they were not. There is so much more fulfilment for me creating wetsuits.”

Jamie

Defay Collins Sirensong Wetsuits sirensongwetsuits.com

After leaving California with her husband 5 years ago, Jamie moved to the North Shore of Oahu, and her designs took on a Hawaiian aspect to them. The bottoms started mimicking the skimpy style of the North shore women, and the color that Hawaii is known for. The wetsuits have a flair that is not being done by any other designer. Jamie’s creative eye is impeccable, bringing a high fashion feel to a typically boring piece of apparel.

Sirensong Wetsuits line is currently custom orders only with hand-painted and sewn embellishments. All of her pieces are one of a kind and limited edition. Long sleeve shorties and sleeveless shorties will be avaialbe on the website with front zip or back zip. A limited edition run of Bio-Preen neoprene (a limestone based material that is eco friendly), will also be available for purchase on her website in 2014. Custom orders will be avaible on a order-to-order basis, and full suits are also on the horizon.

“Things keep falling into place for Siren Song Wetsuits.

The support worldwide has been overwhelming. So many people keep telling me they love my designs and vision, so I just keep moving forward.”

Jamie’s innovative female flattering designs are a breath of fresh air in an otherwise dull wetsuit market.

As her company matures, pushing wetsuit apparel further into fashion, we will definitely keep this up and coming designer on our radar.” - Sasha Leitner F wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 79

Community . . . I am a Surfer

She Surfs

Camden Hoover A Jump Start

Camden joined the world weighing in at a hand sized, 3 pounds, 11 ounces. By 2, she was riding a bike, training wheel free, and leaping off of everything in sight. With the Atlantic Ocean as our back yard, I would tuck her under my arm like a football and take her boogie boarding and surfing.

She loved flying down the line and even enjoyed getting pounded by the shore slam! By the time her 3rd summer came around, I was dropping off the back of the boogie board and letting her ride the small ones in by herself. Within a summer month of bellying it in, Camden suddenly stood up on the board and rode it a solid ten feet! I think at that moment, wave riding became her first love.

For her 4th birthday, I picked her up a 5’10 soft-top fish and the tiniest wetsuit my wife and I could find. With the help of our friends and neighbors, we formed human bowling lanes in the water. I would give Camden a push and she would ride the whitewater in, frequently switching stance from regular to goofy. Since we are lucky enough to live 200 yards from the Atlantic, the number one beach rule we emphasize to our kids is “Respect the Ocean”. From that mantra, Camden and I would take to the water daily, talking about tides, winds, wave selection, and anything else she could think to ask.

The Contest Bug

Our hometown is fortunate enough to host the East Coast Surfing Championships every August, and Quiksilver hosts a super-grom division. This is where Camden caught the contest bug. Now at 6 years old and in the first grade, she has competed in more than 30 contests; entering mostly male dominated divisions of micro-groms and menehunes within the Eastern Surf Association and the Atlantic Surfing Federation, and also competing in tandem contests with her dad. This summer she had the opportunity to travel to Wrightsville

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Photos by Jason Hoover

Beach, NC for the Wahine Classic.It was the first time she had seen so many other girls surfing, and she had a lot of fun meeting new friends and surfing new breaks.

Camden enjoys watching Lakey Peterson, and has been fortunate enough to meet Occy, Keala, and many other friendly pros, she has also email corresponded with Keala Kennely, who is always very giving of her time when she sees Camden. On the flat days, Camden has a wooden canoe paddle that she uses as an SUP combo, she also loves to skateboard half-pipe, sing, play her ukulele, and shoot some hoops. Her favorite hang out is at her sponsor’s shop, Juicebox Surf, where she rocks out on the band equipment and gets dusty in the shaping room.

We are very fortunate to have a great local surfing community, and Camden enjoys surfing with local teen wahines, Kendall Ballinger and Laney Brooks.

A Healthy Lifestyle

Camden loves to volunteer, helping at events like Life Rolls On, Surfers Healing, and Wounded Warriors surf camp. Working with local surf coach Seth Broudy, and hanging with local Iron Woman Cindy Stokes, (who is a generous, positive influence in our surf community) has helped Camden’s progression tremendously!

Through surfing, Camden has been exposed to a healthy, positive lifestyle that teaches generosity, hard work, self-confidence, and perseverance. Being part of an ocean-minded community allows her to enjoy the benefits of playing outdoors and having fun while learning and doing something she loves. We help her keep a surf journal for all of her adventures, and I will enjoy helping her fill the pages with new waves, new friends, and new lands.

Written as objectively as a dad can, by Jason Hoover.

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Community . . . I am a Surfer

She Surfs Victoria Covey Not East Coast, Not West Coast, But Right in the Middle

Photos by Rob & Holly Covey

Travel Bug

How do you find surf when you live in Missouri? You don’t. You have to travel to find waves and that’s exactly what twelve year old Victoria Covey and her family have been doing since she was a baby. Family vacations are planned each year from their home in Missouri to the beach and are now centered around surfing events and surf forecasts.

Jr. are some of her most recent sponsors and is excited to be a part of thier team. It is that kind of support for local and not so local groms that fuels the interest in a sport that anyone can try to do even if you don’t live close to a beach. Victoria had to return home to Missouri for school, but has plans on joining the NSSA to compete this fall and making some new friends and starting making some new memories.

Getting Hooked

A Small Bump in the Road

Victoria has been surfing since the age of 5, but has really only become a wave warrior and enjoying the waves in the last two years. Her father rebuilt Woodie station wagons, the old surfer wagons of the 50’s and 60’s, and had extra long boards that were used as props with the cars. She had made up her mind that she wanted to get those boards out on the water and with the help from her mom and dad got pushed in on some waves. She was hooked and it was not long before she was paddling out and catching her own waves. She embraced the surfing culture with open arms and was always the first one up for the early morning surf check.

Now at the age of 12, she has participated in many surf camps and competitions along the Florida Coast over the years. The first event to spur her competitive nature was the Hurley Rip My Shred Stick in Pensacola, FL. This led to new friendships and created bonds with other kids her age that shared her love of surfing. She had such an amazing time at this event that she convinced her parents to hit the RMSS event in Chicago, IL and “surf” Lake Michigan. Ok… there was not much wave action that day but she got to say she surfed where Chicken Joe from Disney’s “Surfs Up” surfed and hang with the Hurley Pros. She loves to get surf advice from two of her favorite surfers, Taylor Pai and AJ Collins.

While back in Missouri, she spends her time wakeboarding, training on the Indoboard and gymnastics to stay in surf shape. After fracturing her back three years ago and being told she would probably never surf or tumble again, was able to make a comeback and now takes conditioning and core strengthening very seriously.

The Summer That Changed Everything

The Bonds You Make

Victoria is also encouraged by her grandparents who are now retired and spend the summer in Florida. This allows her to surf and compete during the summer. This brought her back to Panama City Beach, Navarre, and Pensacola for the beginning of a great summer of surfing. She has been a regular in the surf shops while in Florida and laughs, but secretly loves it when she gets mistaken for a “local.” After winning a surf competition this summer, placing in several others and an eventful summer of chasing the Florida waves, Into the Blue Surf and Sport asked her if she would like to be on their surf team. Her mother, very apprehensive, wanted to make sure that they knew that she was from Missouri. Victoria assured her that they knew and they were happy to lend her support. They have worked on getting her other sponsors such as Boardstix. Tony and Erik at Into the Blue Surf Shop have been very supportive and encouraging saying that they know that she will do great things and look forward to seeing what the future holds for her. The new LaurenH20 swimwear line, by Pro SUPsurfer and Snowboarder Lauren Abraham Designs, and Sikk Shades by Eddie Bauer 82 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Stepping Up to the Challenge

Victoria started out on a Robert August long board and loved the ride, but wanted to go a little smaller and eventually persuaded her mother into a 6’2” fish to gain maneuverability. She also tried out other board styles that her parents found on Craigslist (yes, people sell surfboards in Missouri, just not that often) until she found a style that she was comfortable with.

Wanting to still go shorter, she found her current board 5’2’’ Firewire Potatonator. She continues to progress and loves the challenge.

Best Advice

Never put the board in front of you walking out. I learned the hard way and got smacked in the head and ran over by my board. Oh yeah, don’t ride to shore on your belly, I got the tip stuck in the sand and racked my face on the sandy shelly bottom.

It’s the friends you make along the way and the memories you make on your journey. It wouldn’t be right for Victoria not to mention her FLBFF (Florida Best Friend Forever) and surf sister, Rachel, that she met at her first surf contest and became best friends instantly. The two gathered several times in Florida and Victoria has plans to visit her to surf in California where Rachel has just moved. After travelling so much, Victoria has friends from all around the world that all share the same stoke for life and surfing.

Surfers make the best of friends. Victoria also gives thanks to God everyday for allowing her family to enjoy the time they spend together because of surfing.

Looking into the Future

Victoria has competed in local Florida events, FCA Surf and Surfrider Foundation events. With the NSSA coming up, she is excited to get the wetsuit on again and be ready to make some more memories. Possibilities are endless, you just have to try. u

She Surfs Mackenzie Broughton

Growing up in Cocoa Beach Florida, I’m always asked if I’m a surfer. My family, friends, and teachers say it’s easy to recognize that I’m a surfer girl because I always wear surf styles like Roxy, Billabong and Quicksilver.

I love to shop at Ron Jon’s and Cocoa Beach Surfing Company. Those places are like the mall to me and always have the newest surf styles.

I started surfing when I was six in Cape Canaveral at Jetty Park and ever since my first wave I have been hooked. Growing up surfing with my twin brother and dad has been great. They have pushed me to paddle out at breaks that look pretty sketchy to me!

Surfing is all about the adventure, going to new places, trying new breaks, using different boards, and surfing with new people. I’ve traveled to Costa Rica, Cape Hatteras, California and Hawaii and we are planning a trip to Indo when I graduate. Getting to see the different cultures and way of life in these places makes me appreciate surfing and the life I have even more.

Photos by James K. Broughton

My favorite place in the world is Hawaii and I hope to live there someday. Surfing my long board at Queens on a cool summer morning before the sun came up was way too much fun, I could get used to that! I’m also blessed because my mom works for Delta Airlines which means I fly for cheap on stand-by. So whenever I see a fun swell in Costa or somewhere, I can hop on a plane and get to the waves.

Contests aren’t a huge part of my surfing life, but I do like to enter a few each year for fun. I have won the Cocoa Beach National Kidney Foundation Labor Day Weekend amateur events in both long board and short board in my age group several times. I am just starting to think about getting more serious with contests, because I joined the “Surf House” shop surf team in Cocoa Beach, but I don’t want it to ruin all the fun I am having with free surfing.

Being able to surf well on a long board and a short board has been great. I love to take out my long board when it’s small and glassy and just go for some cross-stepping and nose riding style, but I also can have a blast on my Al Merrick “Gravy” short board. Long board surfing feels so old school and relaxed but when I’m frustrated or feeling crazy, surfing my short board releases all the energy! One day I would love to be a model or team rider for a surf company and travel the world. u wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 83

Community . . . I am a Surfer

She Surfs Izzy Poulin

AGE: 19 | YEARS SURFING: 9 | HOMEBREAK: La Jolla | SPONSORS: Everyday Callifornia, Blenders Eyewear, XT Outfitters Website: izzypoulin.com | Instagram:@izzyisup

If you could have any special power? What would it be?

I would want to be able to breathe underwater. This would make surfing, especially big wave surfing, much easier. It would also be amazing to swim underwater with all the sea life and watch them without having to come up for air!

Do you have any pets?

Yes, right now I have a cat named Lily. We saved her when she was a kitten from the pound and she has been the best pet ever since! When I was younger at one point I had a beta fish, two parakeets, 2 rats, a dog, and a cat!

Besides surfing, what hobbies do you find the MOST pleasure in?

I play tennis and have been since I was four. I have competed in many tournaments and was on the varsity team all through high school. I now play in Intramural tennis at my college.

I know tennis will always be a part of my life just as surfing will be! I also love doing any type of outdoor activities such as hiking and stand up paddle boarding. I am a very active girl and love trying new things!

I have taken up modeling and it has expanded much over the past year. I have done shoots for some great bikini companies as well as athletic wear companies. I even did a few promotions for Prestigious Model and I have recently signed with Wilhelmina-Hawaii’s modeling agency!

Do you have any sponsors?

Yes! I have recently become a team rider for Everyday California and scored it because of my recent win on Transworld Surf’s Miss September 2013! They are based in La Jolla and represent the athletic, health-conscious, and eco-friendly lifestyle of California.

My newest sponsor is Blenders Eyewear and they have the best sunglasses out there! Check them out! I am also sponsored by a great company called XT Outfitters.

What EPIC session stands out in your memory-and why?

One of my best memories surfing was at Kaisers in Oahu. The waves were perfect that day and it wasn’t very crowded and I had such a great time! We also brought the GoPro out and got some awesome pictures!

If you could get a photo published in Surfer or SURFING magazine-- would you prefer a bikini shot, or surfing shot?

How about a surfing shot in a bikini? That would be an amazing opportunity and if I got it, I might as well show my surfing skills!

When competing, what do you feel is most important, prior to paddling out?

I feel that confidence is most important. If you are nervous and underestimate yourself, then you will not do your best.

You must also go out and have fun because that’s what surfing should be about. u

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Photos by: Emil Juboori

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Community . . . I am a Surfer

She SurfsEri Nishikami A True Soul Surfer...

On Nov. 29, 2013, I paddled out with many of Hawaii’s surfers to pay respects in a beautiful surfers circle for Buttons Kaluhiokalani. On the outskirts of Waikiki- in front of the Wall, the gathering of friends and ohana was beyond touching. As the late Buttons closest family and friends said their final goodbyes in the ocean for this iconic surfer, I was graced with the presence of some surf sisters I had not seen in a long time. South shore surfer girl Maki Yammamoto, and Japan’s Eri Nishikami, sat on either of my sides and held my hands as we said our alohas to the legendary surfer who touched so many lives.

Eri Nishikami was in town for a short surf trip, and we just so happened to reunite in the ocean for the beautiful memorial.

Since our last meeting quit a few years back, Eri has been busy impacting the surf world in Japan, and internationally. This Hawaii Pacific University alumni has come far since the carefree days she had here in Hawaii as a student. Eri is the owner, designer and editor for Beach Press- a bilingual news media website for women who love the ocean and nature, and most importantly surfing.

“I can impact people with Beach Press. It gives me the opportunity to reach people. I have the opportunity to communicate with women who don’t necessarily believe they can follow their dreams. What I write can inspire them to not follow the social norms that are put on women, especially in Japan. It gives me a platform to educate and open the eyes of young women who may not have the courage to change their reality. It gives me a way to expose many to the life that is out there.”

Originally from a small mountain town near Kobe, Eri packed up and moved to Hawaii to go to HPU to further her education. Surf came into her life while living in Hawaii and finishing her communications degree.

“I had a one year visa to work and surf once I graduated, so I took a job working the front desk at a hotel in Waikiki. It was not the right job for me, so when my visa expired I had to return to Japan and I worked at my Dad’s restaurant.”

Eri’s restaurant job did not even last a year since she was far from the 86 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Photo by: Kirby Fukunaga

By Sasha Leitner

ocean and surfing, and she was not very happy. A position in an apparel company opened in Tokyo, and Eri jumped on the opportunity. She moved to Chigasaki, which is a perfect location for a surfer girl.

“I was with the apparel company for 4yrs, but I was always late for work, and I would call in sick when the surf was perfect. One day the president of the company called me into his office. He told me I was always late and not doing my job, and surf was an improper distraction for a woman who has a job. He said I should be respectful and do my job better. So I quit.”

Eri found a perfect fit for herself in 2008 when she took on being a rep for Honeygirl Waterwear in Japan. The Hawaii based company afforded her the freedom to create her own schedule, and surf when she pleased. Trade shows, and lots of foot work on her part helped her create brand recognition for the little bikini company in Japan. The creation of Beach Press in 2011 gave her a platform

to market and represent the line to a whole new demographic of water women who otherwise would never have heard of the Hawaiian brand.

Sales afforded her the freedom to travel and surf as she pleased. Eri also was picked up by The Surfers Journal as a translator and online editor for the magazine.

“You have to do what you love. As women, we have to remember that we can create a place for ourselves in the professional world. Do what you are passionate about, and your path will show itself to you. People will always pop up and help you when you need it, you just have to be open to the opportunities.”

A creative, talented, hard working woman with the foresight to push through adversity, to make the life she wants... Eri is a true soul surfer.

Spreading her love of surf, and surf culture she has made a niche for herself in the work force. Surf led her down the path she was meant to be on, and her creative talents and desire to educate has given her many amazing opportunities. I look forward to surfing with her in years to come, and following her amazing journey. u

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Community . . . I am a Surfer

She Surfs Emory McClary

Photo by Elizabeth McClary

AGE: 15 | YEARS SURFING: 9 | HOMEBREAK: Pawley’s Island, South Carolina | SPONSORS: Billabong, Vonzipper, Village Surf Shoppe, nimbus gss, Ajw Surf Boards | FAVORITE BOARD: The answer model shaped by Ajw Surf Boards.

Growing up surfing

My Dad taught me how to surf when I was around six, on a 6 ft Walden with a round nose. My sister Leldon was eight and as soon as I could stand up, I wanted to be like my sister. So I started surfing all of the time. When I got into contests, Bob Weaver started helping me. Then David Nuckles was a big help!

At home, the waves are really small, mushy, and usually rough, but there are a lot of surfers. There are old guys longboarding and boys like Luke Gordon and Micah Cantor doing airs. Every now and then we get a really good hurricane swell and everyone in town is out surfing. There are not many girls surfing at home, so I usually surf with the boys. Once I see what a guy is doing, I want to show that I can do that too.

My scariest surf experiences

When in New Jersey for a Surfing America Prime, I got washed around a huge concrete pier. I was only 12, and the waves were a good size and rough. The wind was blowing 40-50 miles an hour and the current was ripping into the pier. I couldn’t paddle against the current, so I paddled as hard as I could outward so I wouldn’t get sucked under or into the huge mall-pier. Another time, I broke my wrist surfing shore break across the street from my house. I went up to do a hit and fell back and landed on my wrist.

My surf trips

The first surf trip I surfed on was Nosara Costa Rica; it is still one of my favorite places. But recently I went to Las Flores, El Salvador, and it is my favorite place! We’ve been there three times in the past two years. The last pleasure trip was Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - I loved it. The water was warm, the people were friendly and there were good waves. Another session that stands out in my mind was a day in Nags Head in August. The waves were perfect barrels; they were glassy and head high with overhead sets. The water was still warm and it was sunny. My advice is go to new places. You will never know until you go.

My opinion on surf technology

Firstly, I think the type of fins you use make a big difference. I like FCS, the grom fins work good for me on small waves, and the small am3s for bigger waves. Also, I think a lot of wax is important. I like Sticky Bumps or Bubblegum! In my quiver I have a 5’2” AJW Answer, a 5’0’ AJW Mr. Clean, and a 4’11 AJW Potato Launcher. My dream wave would be 6 ft, thin, barreling, with a sand bottom, lots of cool fish and warm water.

My competing life

In my opinion, the most important thing to remember prior to paddling out is to not worry, have fun, and do the best you can. When in doubt, go. The waves that I hesitate on end up being the best waves of the day.

Billabong, Vonzipper, Nimbus GSS, and Village Surf shop, AJW, sponsor

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Photo by Kent Ficklin me. I got my sponsors because I won multiple contests and made a name for myself. Billabong has always been my favorite surf brand. Village is a local surf shop that has helped me so much with connections, and I picked up some old AJWs from the surf shop, and loved them, now they are all I ride.

My first win at the buddy Pelletier in like 2007, was the first time I beat my sister. At ECSC in 2013 I won the girls under 18, and 14. Then I won the women’s pro! I was just happy to make the finals, and then I went for it and won. In the 2013 Sweet Water Pro/Am, I won the women’s pro. In the New Jersey Surfing America Prime in 2013, I combo-ed my u16 heat with two eights, and made the u18 finals and got second. Lastly, I made the 2013 USA surf team, which isn’t a contest, but was one of the best days of my life. u

Photos by David Turko Photography | davidturkophotography.net

She Surfs Maddy Malizia

Russia has given the world some great athletes. You might be surprised to find a surfer among them. Meet Russian-born, upand-coming surfer Maddy Malizia. She was adopted and raised in Florida. Maddy has always been an active kid. She loves horseback riding, but after becoming allergic she had to give it up. After seeing the movie Soul Surfer, she was inspired to try surfing. She started surf camp with Christine Benedetto and Surf Central in 2011, and by 2012, she was competing. She now has many winning competitions under her belt, but she is most proud of the ASF Championships and the NSSA. She loves to compete! She also appreciates good sportsmanship, but she admits she really wants to beat all the boys surfing!

Her best tip for winning competitions comes from Todd Holland: Put your weight on your front foot and bend down.

Maddy remembers one time in a competition the waves being really big and she face planted, going under nine feet of water with the board stabbing her. She got hurt, but she never considered quitting. She says Bethany Hamilton, her original inspiration, keeps her going when it gets tough.

Maddy loves surfing her local breaks with Audra Williams and the locals, her surf “family”, but she also travels whenever she can.

Last year, they spent Christmas surfing in Puerto Rico. Maddy’s favorite destination is Trestle’s Beach. “Trestle’s Beach in California had the best break I’ve ever surfed. With California waves I get down deep when I turn and I hit it like nobody’s business!”

She is currently sponsored by Impact Surfboards and DSR out of Miami, and she was just invited to join the Surf Central Team. Maddy takes surfing one wave at a time: “I don’t have a routine. Every wave is different. Life happens!” When she’s not surfing, Maddy stays active outside. She loves to Rip Stick down ramps, skateboard and ride her bike. She dreams of surfing Mavericks. Ultimately, she wants to become a professional surfer and show people how much fun surfing really is.

To see more of Maddy surf, go to http://d29545.wix.com/maddym

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Community . . . I am a Surfer

She Surfs Georgia Cook Summertime Surfing:

I grew up going to the beach every summer. When my family and I traveled to Kauai, I took a surf lesson and loved it. That summer I went to a YMCA surf camp. When I was 9, I entered my first contest and then it took off. I learned in Kauai on a longboard, and Tybee doesn’t get many waves, so I primarily longboard. But, as I got better I learned to shortboard. Though I can shortboard, I am better at longboarding and enjoy it more both competing and free surfing.

Girls who surf together, stick together:

My best friends at the beach and the girls I’ve met through competition are the ones I consistently surf with. I love to surf with these girls because its fun, friendly competition and you get to spend time with your friends. Also, you can always learn something surfing with different people. There are not a lot of surfers in Tennessee, so these girls that I surf with are some of my closest friends.

My favorite waves:

As I have gotten better I like to surf different places and conditions. I love long, clean waves that are perfect for longboarding.

Though my preferences may change, I will always love to surf my home break Tybee with all of my friends!

My scariest time in the water:

At the NSSA East Coast Championship during my longboard final heat, my leash broke!

It was 4-6 ft, windy, and the current was ripping that day. I tried to make it over this massive set wave, but it knocked me off my board, snapped the leash and then I was stuck really far out. In addition, I was in New Smyrna Beach, FL--the shark attack capital of the world. Oh yeah, that’s fun. Thankfully, one of my competitors saw me and helped me get my board back. It was near the end of the heat, and I had caught a few waves, but that experience was definitely freaky.

My three biggest inspirations:

My mom inspires me because she is wonder woman. Literally. She manages to get all kinds of stuff done at home, makes time to takes me on surf trips, helps me and my sisters with anything that we need, and still has time to start a non-profit that helps kids in Nairobi. My dad inspires me because he is the most hardworking man ever. He works all day and then comes home and works around the house. He and my mom are the 90 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Photos by: Joey Wilson

best team ever! They are so supportive of me. Finally, Jesus inspires me because no matter what trials He faced, He always kept moving forward.

He is the perfect hero.

My hopes for the future:

I want to find ways to show love to others. Whether it is giving shoes to kids and adults living in poverty, building schools to educate young women in poverty, or speaking to others encouraging them to use their passion to make a difference. I’d also really like to speak to more than 10,000 people at once. Being part of the ESA All Star team provides me a platform. Think about it, if I were just some kid from the coast that surfed well I’d be just another kid - but being from Tennessee opens many opportunities. I want to become chaplain for the Women’s WCT and work to have my family’s non-profit grow and build more schools in other countries.

My quiver:

I have nine boards right now. My memorable boards are a 5’5’’ Brill Board, it’s the board I took to Nicaragua and surfed, a 6’0 Brill Board that I learned to duck dive on, a 9’2’’ Brill Board which is my current log, an 8’0’’ Brill Board that I learned to walk up and down the board on, a 5’4” Crowd Control which is the first board from Crowd Control Surf Co. (they plan on making me some more like this one). Lastly I have an 8’ 0” Bic, it’s the first board I ever had, the one I learned on and I will probably never sell it.

My local surf culture:

Because I live in Tennessee, I am the only surfer.

There are no breaks or any other surfers. It’s interesting but fun! My home break on Tybee has great people. We’re all friends and it is fun to surf with everybody. Most of them do both shortboard and longboard (shortboard on swell days, longboard on days when it is really small) and I’ve always had other girls out there surfing with me. My Tybee surf family is great because they’re stoked to surf anything.

My routine on a board:

On my longboard, I’d go to the nose, hang there, come back and do a closeout turn. One of my coaches said that surfing a longboard is like a ballet dance, smooth and graceful.

If I had a super power:

To control the wave conditions. I could make it glassy, sunny, WARM, and fun!

My favorite quality in people:

Honesty, because it’s important to trust people.

Pets are family too:

I have a 2-year-old Brittany spaniel named Ginger. She is a ball of spasticness, but brings joy to my sisters and me. We also have chickens in out backyard. When they give eggs, they’re delicious! I love my pets; they have become part of our family.

Tips for surf trips:

Always, always bring something to repair your board with. It doesn’t matter what kind of repair it is, as long as you can keep surfing that board. I learned the hard way in Nicaragua, but fortunately knew the right guy!

Scott Brill, my shaper and mentor, taught me to watch the waves to see where to paddle out. Shea Lopez, a good friend and mentor, taught me to wax the tops of my feet before surfing.

Other things that make me happy:

I play soccer for my school varsity team and local rec center. It is a fun way to meet new people, keep my cardio up, and cross-train. I am also a motivational speaker. I was just named to the I Am Second Speakers Bureau this September. I look forward to working with them in the future.

I have distributed over 1300 pairs of shoes to people in poverty through Beautiful Feet, one of my amazing sponsors, who get the shoes through Cobian, another amazing sponsor.

One thing you should know about me:

Don’t take my surfing lightly just because I’m from Tennessee.

My current goals:

My job now is to be the best student and surfer I can be while showing love to others unconditionally. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA since the third grade, so school is definitely important to me. Also, when I get to surf, I go 110%. When I cannot surf, I train. I get up at 5:00 am every morning to train before school. Throughout this, I show love to others and encourage others through speaking.

My last surf trip:

In August, I went to Nicaragua with the ESA All Star Team for a training trip. It was amazing! To plan for it, I didn’t do much. The team captain plans the trip, so I just went with the flow. I did, however, plan on what to pack, which boards to bring, and I mentally prepared for it. The trip cost a total amount of about $1800. From this experience, I would say to go with an open mind, wear sunscreen, and to get a car for when you go to the surf breaks.

Paying dues:

I was in California at Trestles and took off on a huge wave and ate it. Of course, it had to be on the day that everybody was there, out in the water, so I was then in everybody’s way. The wipeout wasn’t pretty at all, especially on a longboard.

Keeping up with the boys:

In California, I went on this bomb. I was the only girl out and hooted off all the boys. They looked at me like I was crazy. Then they saw me surf this 9 foot board on a 12 foot wave. It was awesome! They all started cheering for me, too!

Bigger is better:

I rode a 9 foot board on a 12 foot wave at Trestles. When I went out to California for the NSSA Nationals, I surfed Trestles because everywhere else was crowded. Because I had so much fun catching big waves and surfing somewhere different, I plan to keep surfing bigger and better waves in the future and hope to get back to Cali soon.

My sponsors:

I picked most of them up at Surf Expo. I try to make a point to make sure that my sponsors’ values line up with my values. These companies have taken a chance on supporting a kid from Tennessee, so I want to make sure I represent their companies well. Maui and Sons has been a really great supporter of me. Ms. Patricia is always sending me goodies from California to Tennessee, and that makes me feel good. Beautiful Feet has been a great supporter of me, too. They have given me the 1300 pairs of shoes to give to others in third-world countries, through Cobian.

Cobian is another supporter and gives me shoes to wear. Sweatybands are awesome! They give me all the headbands in the world, and they stay on while I am surfing!

When I surf, I ride Brill Boardz, made by Scott Brill, a good mentor. He really supports me, gives up his time to come surf and give me tips, and makes really good boards. I have also gotten a board from Crowd Control Surf Co. They made me a good board and gave me some sweet racks that I hang on my walls. Anarchy Eyewear is a sponsor that I picked up at Surf Expo. They make amazing sunglasses and believe in me.

Another sponsor that I picked up at Surf Expo is Team Phun. They are a great company that supports me, and came up with my new favorite saying, “Sunday Phunday!” Hyperflex Wetsuis are amazing wetsuits that I surf in during the winter. SolRx is the best sunscreen company ever! Not only do they make great, long-lasting sunscreen, but also they are one of my biggest supporters that I have. Of course I can’t leave out Tybee Surf School, Uncle was my first and favorite coach of all time. All of my sponsors are amazing and really believe in me, even though I am from Tennessee. u wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 91

Community . . . I am a Surfer

Photography by Sinai

Kalliyan Davis

The first time I went surfing, I could feel the fresh, salty wind drying my wet hair as I paddled on the front of my surfboard.

I nervously tried to balance myself, but I remembered that my dad was on the back of the board, which comforted me. Kneeling was as far as I went because I was so scared of the ocean at that time. That was three years ago, though.

Before then, surfing wouldn’t have been my first choice for sports because I was always afraid of the ocean. I couldn’t imagine myself paddling alone on a board and being swallowed by a wave, probably never to come back out. The salt water had always irritated me when it got in my eyes and mouth. I couldn’t swim either, so I gulped down mouthfuls of nasty beach water. When I turned nine, my mom encouraged me to take swimming lessons. I was one of the smallest ones there, and also the slowest. However, I slowly improved and my fear of the water started to dissipate.

My dad grew up in Hawaii. He loved the beach and frequently went surfing.

He always wanted a partner to tear up the waves with him. Once he knew that my swimming skills were solid, he bought a 7-footer and took me to White Plains beach in Ewa Beach. My dad laid down all the rules and I practiced standing on my ocean

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She Surfs blue board that was on the sand. Then, we hit the water. I dug into the water as if I were digging for gold. I went at a glacial speed, but I was still having fun. When I saw the towering wave behind me, I shivered. I couldn’t face it. The wave picked me up anyway, and I tried to balance. I wiped out, but I felt so proud for catching the wave. I liked it so much, despite the salt stinging my eyes, that I came back every week.

Now I have graduated from the long board and my dad entrusted me with his six foot short board. It was a very special event when he first let me surf on it because it is around 30 years old – his favorite old board. Now I surf in Haleiwa in the winter, as long as it’s not too rough. I’m always looking forward to ripping up the waves and hitting McDonald’s or shave ice after. I go there every chance I can get. Sometimes it’s hard balancing surfing with school, homework, and music (I play electric guitar in my band Chaotic Five and I also play piano). Surfing is very special to me though, and my love for it will never die! u

Community . . . I am a Surfer

She Surfs

Kristin Wetzel

From hitting a golf ball to catching a wave

When most young surfers were getting their first board, I was getting my first set of golf clubs. Over the course of 13 years, I practiced diligently, improved my skills and travelled across the United States to play in increasingly competitive tournaments. When I was in high school, my family made it possible for me to move from cold and snowy New York, to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina so I could play and practice year round, and have a better chance at earning a scholarship to play golf in college. My dedication to the game resulted in a full scholarship to the University of Notre Dame to play for the Fighting Irish. After graduating with honors and having dedicated 13 solid years to hitting the links and chasing a little white ball, I decided it was time to write a new chapter.

I am so thankful for surfing, as it has brought me a renewed passion and love for something that I have not felt in years. Golf oM had long since become a job, and the fun of it had faded with i ch ae the increasing weight and importance of playing well in high lB school and college tournaments. So many recreational golfers are astounded that I could put aside my golf clubs after college and no longer desire to play. They don’t understand how I could forsake my ability to play at such a high level, while they live for the one good golf shot that keeps them coming back to the golf course every day. igh

tH

e Im ous

aging

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Pho t

|L

In the fall of 2010, I flew down to Florida to visit my grandmother, and we went to the Ron Jon surf shop where I received my first surf lesson from my now surfer buddy for life, Ami Berg.

The first time she pushed me into a wave and I successfully stood up, I was hooked. The wave may not have been double overhead, but it was an incredible rush nonetheless. Since then, surfing has found its way into my heart and soul and I want nothing more than to feel the peace of being on the ocean, and the thrill of catching that wave that keeps me coming back for more. I absolutely love going out to surf whenever possible. As a golfer I knew that being self -motivated and highly dedicated to improvement and practice is the key. That’s why surfer war wounds and wipe outs aren’t going to keep me from the ocean. It’s come to be far too meaningful in my life.

I was extremely fortunate to have been traveling for work for most of 2012, which gave me the opportunity to fly down to Cocoa Beach, Florida relatively often and spend my weekends surfing. I was able to surf more with Ami, and improve my skills based on her excellent teaching. I also worked with John Casselli of Wave Masters Surf School in Cocoa Beach, who does a spectacular job with his students. I was even able to experience the swells of Hurricane Sandy and Leslie on my trips to Florida, and catch some of the biggest waves I’d ever seen. My surf travels have also taken me to Wilmington, San Francisco, Peru, the Galapagos, the Lanzarote Surf School in the Canary Islands of Spain, and most recently to El Salvador for the 1st annual Women’s Surf Style Magazine surf retreat.

The latter topped the list, hands down. I made more connections with the amazing women on this trip than I did in all of high school and college.

I am looking forward to the next WSSM surf retreat in Hawaii with the greatest anticipation.

tt ne en

My first introduction to surfing came from my parents.

Although they were not surfers themselves, they would go through periods in which they would watch the films “North Shore” and “Point Break” practically on repeat. Ever since watching an Arizona kook learn to shred on Oahu, and an FBI agent learn to “pop it” and catch his first tube in Los Angeles, I knew that one day I’d have to see what catching a wave was all about, despite my residence in non-coastal upstate New York.

Photo by James Vybiral

That’s how I’ve come to feel about surfing. I had never quite understood that point of view until I once again became a beginner at a sport that would be solely for fun. While recreational golfers only remember their occasional good shots, I was at the point with golf where I only remembered my bad ones. There was no fun in it anymore, so I wanted to find something else that I would truly enjoy. Now, instead of trying to stay out of sand traps on the golf course, I aim for the beach wherever I go. Surfing has become a source of pure happiness for me, and although I wipe out far more than I actually surf, I live for that one great wave that tells me I have the potential to “go shred.” With surfing, I am able to focus on and remember only the waves that I catch, and that has made all the difference. I never have to put pressure on myself to surf. I can simply take pleasure in the activity and cherish surfing for everything that made me fall in love with it in the first place. u

Community . . . I am a Surfer

She Surfs

Tanya Davarle

The Surf Girl with the Phoenix Tattoo... By Simon Kettle

T

anya Davarle feels right at home surfing on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. A great variety of waves to surf, warm water and friendly people just makes life so enjoyable. I don’t think she’ll be heading back to her native New Zealand anytime soon, even though she really misses her family back home.

The former New Zealand number four ranked, junior ladies surfer grew up on the rugged west coast near the tiny town of ‘Glinks Gully’ which is notorious for shipwrecks, but it’s also where she first took to the onshore waves as a four year old, standing up and riding a boogie board!

By the age of seven, Tanya was pestering her fisherman father for a surfboard and although he could see his daughter’s love of the ocean life, like him, things were pretty tough and he just couldn’t afford one. As fate would have it though, on a trip one day to the local rubbish dump she found and still rides today, a surfboard which she affectionately calls ‘Pigdog’.

It was on this board, that she bogged up herself with paper and glue, that she taught herself how to surf. She quickly progressed through her teen years and entered into many competitions, but somewhere along the way Tanya lost her passion for this type of surfing lifestyle and even gave up wave riding altogether for a while.

Now, settled in Australia with her partner and job she loves, she’s once again found her feet and can regularly be spotted catching waves at her favorite surf spot at the bluff, Alex Headland. It’s at ‘Alex’ that I catch up with Tanya to discuss life, love, making skateboards and all things surfing.

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Competition Life

I started surfing in competitions in High School. I just decided to go in this school comp on a bit of a whim and thought it would be funny. I’m actually quite competitive, especially against the boys, (laughs) you know, ‘girl power’ and all that kind of thing. I ended up coming fourth against all the boys. I next entered the ‘scholastic surfing comp’ which is known in New Zealand as a ‘regional’ event, which is all the schools in the north island and I ended up winning it in my first year. So that was pretty cool.

The next event was the ‘Nationals’ schools championships and they were held at ‘West Port’. The surf was huge and extremely rugged and I was lucky enough to get through my first few heats and ended up ranking seventh in the under eighteen juniors that year. I thought ‘Wow’ I’m only fifteen and finishing seventh in New Zealand.

After that, I wrote to a local shaper called ‘Roger Hall’ who has a brand of boards called ‘Surfline’ and asked him if he’d like to sponsor me. He then rang and asked me and my parents to come over to meet him and he ended up making me my first 6’ custom board and gave me some clothes to wear. I ended up designing my own graphics and he put it on for me which was pretty cool.

The next year I kept improving and made the final again, but unfortunately I had to withdraw due to food poisoning. My sister drove five long hours to pick me up and take me home which was really nice.

The next and final year in juniors I won my third straight ‘regional’ title and went away again to the national at a place called ‘rocky lifts’. After making it through the first few rounds, the swell picked up to about eight foot and was just sucking and exposing the rock platform. I paddled out and caught one wave and then came in again. I said to my coach, ‘stuff that’ and didn’t go out again.

I know a lot of being a competitive surfer is to go out in any conditions, but I just thought I don’t want to do it anymore. I took six months off surfing at this point and took up a ‘Diploma in Sport and Leisure’, but entered one more competition before I turned eighteen, which was the New Zealand women’s surfing championship. It was held at Sandy Bay, close to where I lived and I finished fourth which was pretty cool because I bumped out the current New Zealand champion, Michelle Langdon. She was extremely upset, which was funny because of the sledging that goes on. That super, super competitive stuff never really suited me and I was always just happy to do a few cutbacks and have fun. So from that point, I pretty much gave up competitive surfing because I wasn’t enjoying it and went sort of ‘soulful’. I just didn’t like all the cattiness and how much pressure was placed on you. I started to hate surfing, so it was time to take a bit of a break which ended being a withdrawal of nearly two years.

New Zealand vs. Australia

Well, there are comparisons between the two countries, but I think it’s harder surfing in New Zealand than Australia. New Zealand has just as many good breaks, if not more than Australia, but unfortunately the hard thing for most of the population is the weather. It gets really cold during the winter and that’s when you weed out the real surfers. At the top of the north island it’s probably around twelve to fourteen degrees during winter, but down the south island it’s ‘COLD!!!’

Sometimes it even snows down to beach level and you’re going out in wettie, boots, gloves and hood, and it’s absolutely crazy.

You’d think more of the better surfers come from the north, but they actually come from the south- a place called Gisborne where there is more of a scene with board rider clubs where they develop surfers more. Australia is similar, but it has a lot more facilities, surf lifesaving clubs, and surfing clubs, where in New Zealand it’s like hens teeth. There’s also a very big ‘localism’ culture in New Zealand at different beaches, whereas here I haven’t experienced that. Maybe a little bit at Alex Headland where the young boys drop in, but that’s about all.

Photos by Simon Kettle

Sharks

When I was younger surfing back at my home break near ‘Glinks Gully’, I once had a shark come straight at me through the break and that was pretty weird. It was just a little school shark, maybe the size of my board, but it was swimming right at me and I let out a little girly scream and it just turned away. That was pretty scary! I waited and looked and then decided to paddle in.

I’ve sometime been out surfing and there are guys in their little ‘Tinnies’ going ‘BOOF! BOOF!’ and they’re shooting the sharks with their guns.

Recently there was a swimmer taken by a shark back home in New Zealand and the cops got an inflatable life boat and went out the back and shot it. They recovered his body which was good because it would help give his family some closure.

Onshore slop

When there’s nothing to do, I have my skateboards, my snowboard and my BMX. Back in New Zealand I liked mountain biking, so I am thinking about getting another one now that I am here on the Sunny Coast. If it’s onshore crappy surf, then I’m always happy to skate here. I also like spending time at home, watching DVD’s and cooking.

Surfgirl Power!

It’s a lot better than when I was growing up, there was nothing. Now there’s female orientated surfing magazines, which is great. The same in New Zealand, they have mainstream female surfing mags too. You still get your Billabong girl in her bikini and that sort of thing which is just natural. Of course a professional female surfer is going to have a great body and guys like seeing girls in bikinis just like girls like seeing boys in their board shorts with their six packs out. You’re always going to have that, but female surfing has just grown and blossomed and I think it’s really good how I’ve always felt accepted in surfing. I don’t look at myself as a female surfer, I just look at myself as ‘a surfer’.

Tattoos

I got my first tattoo when I was eighteen and it’s a ‘Celtic band’ around my arm that I designed myself. I spoke to Mum and Dad and said to them, ‘I am either going to get my eyebrow pierced or a tattoo, which one would you prefer me to get?’ They said, ‘tattoo’. I’m sure they thought I’d come back with a tiny butterfly or something, not what I had when I came back!! So, I gave them a choice. (laughs) Then I got addicted to tattoos.

I was the youngest and the baby in my family, but always a bit of a wild child. I’m very artistic and I like expressing my art and I like being a bit

different which is why I designed all of my tattoos. There were not many people getting tattoos when I started like there are today and I’m not really into the ‘old school – new school’ tattoos like the old sailing ships, owls, panthers, etc. Most of my tattoos have some kind of meaning to me. Most are black and white with the only one with colour being on my chest. It has six butterflies that represents my family members, and they are in in the shape of an ‘S’ which is for my sister, Sonia, who died of breast cancer. I chose butterflies because Sonia had tattoos on her back. I have my parent’s initials on my wrist, a catholic sleeve which is connected to my family heritage.

I don’t want to look back when I’m 70 and have something that is stupid, or that’s gone out of fashion. I don’t think religion is going to go out of fashion and I really like the symbolism. On my rib cage I have a phoenix being chased by a dragon. I have the map of New Zealand on the back of my left calf, so I never forget where I came from.

On my feet are my latest tattoos that I had done in Bali of Hindi writing, Buddha, waves, the lotus flower and cherry blossoms. I’m going to continue to go around up my leg when I return to Bali.

The Art of Making Skateboards

I have been skateboarding since I was four or five years of age. I remember when I was a teenager my Dad telling me that it was quite easy to make a ‘skateboard press’, and to put the kick in the tail. I’d always had the old school skateboard decks and put roller-skates on the bottom as most kids have probably done. So my Dad said, ‘it’s easy Tans, you can do it!’

Being a shift worker I thought I had some time and I’d get back into it and include my niece and nephew. My sister was sick with cancer and her husband had left her, so I was looking after her children quiet often.

Together we started doing some art projects and one of the ways we connected was with making the skateboards.

They were too expensive to just buy in a shop, so I decided to make a ‘press’ out of marine plywood and put together some of the big fat boards that have become trendy again. When I started making them they weren’t cool at all.

I also included a full concave in the deck and the kick in the tail and put it all together with some type of gorilla glue. I’d then clamp it all down, leave it overnight and the next day I’d come in to shape it. Friends and family would give me old trucks and wheels and then I’d do the artwork.

That’s how I really got started making the boards and now just do it for fun. I’m really into making the big fat old style boards. I take them out and have fun doing snakies and slides and stuff like that. u wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 97

Community . . . I am a Surfer

Photo by: Tony Roberts

She Surfs Avery Aydelotte

AGE: 13 | YEARS SURFING: 5 | HOMEBREAK: Stuart Rocks | SPONSORS: Ocean Minded, West Wetsuits, Dakine, FCS, Sun Bum, Happy Socks, Ohana Surf Shop FAVORITE BOARD: 5’4” Mayhem F-1 Stub

My surfing life

Growing up surfing has been really fun. My Dad has surfed since he was my age and he taught me how to surf. We surf together all of the time and go on surf trips. When I first started surfing I was scared to surf near rocks or reef, and now some of my favorite breaks are reef breaks. At home, there are a few decent breaks in our area that can get good. The crowds aren’t too bad except when it gets good, and then people come from different parts of Florida.

I like all-girl surf camps. I went to the Lisa Andersen camp last summer in Costa Rica and it was really fun surfing with my friends.

I am currently sponsored by Ocean Minded, Dakine, West, FCS, and Ohana.

They are great companies and I am so thankful that they support me.

My life outside of surfing

Other than surfing, I enjoy skateboarding, basketball, and writing. I love to laugh; my little brother, the movie Grown Ups 2 and my dog Finn make me laugh the most. Finn is a black standard poodle and I even made an Instagram for him, @finn_the_fluffy_dog. I also think kindness to others is really important because it’s always better to be around nice people.

Also, one thing I would want the world to know about me is that I’m a Christian.

Travelling for waves

I have travelled to Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, and California. El Salvador was pretty big when I was there in May; there were double overhead waves. When we were in Puerto Rico for Thanksgiving, we surfed dawn patrol sessions almost every day. An epic session that really stands out in my mind was surfing Playa Negra in Costa Rica last summer with Lisa Andersen for a week. She’s such an awesome surfer and I was so lucky to surf with her and get to know her.

If I could have my dream wave, I would make an A Frame wave like Lowers in clear and warm blue water with reef bottom that’s not too sharp. The wave would be a little overhead and hollow off the drop and then peel down the beach u 98 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Photo by: SnapJones Photography

Community . . . Hawaii

Roxanne La’akea Young Years surfing: 5 Favorite Surfboard: Depends, for South Shore, my classic longboard 9’6” which I bought from Kawika. It was his son’s, Alika.

It has lots of good Mana and butt grooves from some great surfing. For N.S. I like my first surfboard, the Ferrari Stewart Hydrohull 9’6”, it’s fast and can rip pretty nice. And for some good ‘ol fashioned nose riding, I love my “Rico Suave’” 9’4”- a one of a kind Donald Takayama “In the Pink.”

Favorite Surf or Life Quote: “Surfing Is Life.”

A little bit about me... I was born and raised in Hawaii, and am currently Owner/President of Creative Body Works, a company that specializes in orthopedic massage, personal training and nutritional assistance. Some people say I was born a fish, my love as a child was boogie boarding. My surf life really started as I recovered from a very bad divorce in 2009. I decided that surfing was the perfect way to liberate myself from a bad marriage, because I knew the water was a healing place. Because of a few injuries at the beach, I was watched over by the people at the racks. These people became my surf family. They became my guardian angels and I became their director of aloha, their therapist and “communications sista.”

My purpose for being there was to bring the aloha spirit back to the beach. We started having gatherings on a regular basis, including all the surfers that we knew who came out to partake in dawn patrol. We celebrate the holidays like Halloween, Christmas, May Day, Birthdays, etc. Waikiki is a very special place. It saved my life in a time that I needed to rebuild the confidence in myself, my self-esteem, and faith in the goodness of others.

My brothers and sisters have been so great about teaching me the ways of the water and indirectly, teaching me the ways of the world. They helped me heal in such a way, that only a sunrise will ever come close. There are no words that can explain what Waikiki and my surfer family means to me.

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L

ong ago the area known today as Waikiki was once a vast network of streams and wetlands.

Early Hawaiians irrigated the area and used it for fishponds and taro patches. The area at the end of today’s Waikiki, on the Diamond Head side, was a retreat for Hawaii’s Ali’i (royalty). Only the Ali’i and invited guests were allowed to surf Waikiki’s beautiful breaks. Queen Liliuokalani herself had her beach house built directly in front of one of Waikiki’s most popular surf breaks now famously known after her as, “Queens.”

Now you no longer have to be the Queen to surf “Queens”. Now the beautiful waves of Waikiki are open to all wahine (women). For many, it is the setting of their first wave riding experience. For an even luckier few, it is where they get to surf on a regular basis. Whether these girls get out once a month, once a week or even once a day, they all are lucky enough to call Waikiki their home break.

We have dawn patrollers that start each day by getting in the surf before sunrise, wahine that squeeze their session in at sunset, and those that go during their lunch breaks. Let’s not forget those weekend warriors that rush ‘em Friday through Sunday, too! No matter when, these women find the time to charge Waikiki’s fun and forgiving waves. These wahine are a part of a special family of surfers who connect to each other and to the surfers of the past.

- Jennifer Yoon

THE GIRLS OF

Waikiki

Stories & Photo Selection by Jennifer Yoon Photos: WSSM

Niki Years surfing: 3 Favorite Surfboard: craigslist find for $140! It’s old and beat up, but fits me well! It

has a thick layer of paint that keeps its maker a mystery. 9’0 x 22 x 2 7/8 Favorite Surf or Life Quote: “It’s not the size, but how you ride!”

A little bit about me... I have learned amazing lessons, discovered beautiful friend-

ships and made some of the deepest connections of my life out in the waters of Waikiki. When I moved here three years ago the plan was to stay for 3 months. I started surfing and that was a game changer! I recently became a surf lessons instructor.

Spreading the stoke with others has brought my ocean experience to another level.

What I dig most about surfing is that the possibilities are endless!!!

(Photo by: Kristian Ph2otography)

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Community . . . Hawaii

Janice Staab Years surfing: 12 Favorite Surfboard: 9’2” Mitsu Favorite Surf or Life Quote: “Malama i ke kai, a malama ke kai ia ‘oe.”

(Take care of the ocean and it will take care of you.) - Olelo no’eau A little bit about me... Surfing has given me so much. It is a form of meditation for me and a con-

stant reminder of my connection to nature. For that I am truly grateful. I love surfing in Waikiki because it is such a playful wave. I am all about playing, having fun and smiling in the water, and finding a similar group of people there. The longboard culture is also very strong in Waikiki and is a place where I pick up on innovative long boarding styles. I learn something new every time I surf there. You can find my friends and me in the water every Wednesday morning for something we call “Waikiki Wednesdays,” come and join us! It’s always a blessing to have more women in the water!

Chiharu Years surfing: 3 Favorite Surfboard: Takayama LJ

Richards model Favorite Surf or Life Quote: “Thank

God I surf.”

A little bit about me... Like so many

new arrivals to the islands of Hawaii, I had a dream to surf the gentle waves of Waikiki. Knowing no one, a complete beginner, I did not know what to do. To my good fortune, I was lucky enough to meet one of the original beach boys.

Uncle Ivan, a retired lifeguard captain graciously took me under his wing and began my introduction to surfing and more importantly, to a new group of friends.

With Uncle Ivan and his friends’ support, I suddenly had instructors and encouragement. I have progressed, thanks to everyone’s help. Now every time I paddle out, I feel at home with my new friends.

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THE GIRLS OF

Waikiki Photos: WSSM

Mari Sakishima Years surfing: 3 Favorite Surfboard: Ehiki Favorite Surf or Life Quote:

“What’s your dream?”

A little bit about me... I’m so happy and lucky that I can surf everyday in Waikiki!

I moved to Hawaii in March, 2012. When I was in Japan, I surfed only two or three times a month. Work was crazy busy and it took 2 hours to commute to the surf point. I knew I wanted to move to America, and only one thing was in my mind. “I want to surf every day.” So, I chose Hawaii.

At the time I had never even visited Hawaii, but I was confident that it would be awesome. Big mahalo to all the people I’ve met in Hawaii, especially Canoes morning surf crew, “Da Rack Pack”. You are the best!

Jan Hayashi Years surfing: 20 Favorite Surfboard: My current board is an 8’6” Takayama “Linda Benson” model which I ride as a single fin.

Favorite Surf or Life Quote: “Life’s too short to not have fun!”

A little bit about me... Sort of selftaught, but I’m always learning. Waiks is special- it’s the birthplace of surfing! I work for a private beach contractor that’s headquartered on Maui (my birthplace) and we handle all surf and beach activities for the Outrigger Waikiki. Being in the ocean... it’s my “sanctuary” and surfing makes it all the more FUN! As long as I’m alive, I’ll keep surfing!

Shelsea Deng Years surfing: 12 Favorite Surfboard: Anything good

for 3-4ft (Hawaiian scale) waves made out of fiberglass (G. Pang, Arakawa, Dewey Webber) Favorite Surf or Life Quote: “For

Photos by: Kea

whatever we lose (like a you or me), It’s always our self we find in the sea.” -E.E. Cummings

A little bit about me... I strive to constantly learn and grow from my mistakes and turn it into a positive experience. Surfing gives me clarity. That’s why my name ends with -sea. I never had much freedom throughout my adolescence, so when I turned 18, my brother and I moved out of our parent’s house and got our own place. A couple of my high school friends introduced me to surfing and I learned around Cliffs and Tongs (Diamond Head). Some days, I would paddle out to Threes, Dukes, Queens, or Ala Moana on my 8’6” Local Motion longboard with glassed-on fins.

After several months of surfing, I eventually wanted more of a rush. So then, I started surfing Lani’s, Chuns, and Alii’s 3-4ft (Hawaiian scale) on the north shore. I surfed whenever I could while attending Honolulu Community College in the early 2000’s. I waited tables at Gordon Biersch where I met Sandra Olson. She told me she was quitting one day to start her magazine and I was super stoked for her. I decided it was time to move on as well. I finally saved up enough money to attend the Art Institute in Los Angeles where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Marketing and Management. Some kids are lucky where their parents help pay their way through college. I probably won’t pay off my student loans until I’m 55 years old. Yet, if I hadn’t moved off this rock and seen what else the world has to offer (since choke people of all ethnicities move to L.A.), I wouldn’t have been able to come back with more appreciation, pride, and knowledge. wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 103

Community . . . Hawaii

Germaine Salim Years surfing: 7 Favorite Surfboard: I had a 7’6” Walden magic that I LOVED. My current fave is

my 8’4” Kimo Greene. It’s thick through the rails, turns slowly and smoothly, and paddles like a 10’0” A little bit about me... Surf completely changed my life. I used to be that girl who wore perfect heels all the time, and never liked to sit on the sand. Then, during my undergrad, I learned to surf at Kuta beach, Bali. The waves there are warm, sand-bottom peaks, with a big tide change which alters the shape hugely within hours. I was instantly hooked. I surfed the next few years - West Australia, Sydney, Queensland, and lots more Bali - getting worked over snappy sand banks and shallow reefs on anything from a 5’10” to a 9’6”.

I ditched the heels. I quit my job. It was the waves that moved me to paradise in 2010, 3 years after my first visit. It was surf that changed my life. I love Waikiki!!

The clear warm water, perfumed offshore winds, this incredible energy. The waves are long and fun and forgiving, with the best surf crew. I love seeing a friend (or a friend to-be!) in the water at any time of the day. Pure aloha! I never tire of it. Even though I work full-time now in energy policy, and spend less time with Waik’s than when I first moved here, I am still struck with wonder every time I paddle into her miracles. We are the lucky ones.

THE GIRLS OF

Waikiki

Photos: WSSM

Erica McGee Years surfing: 8

Favorite Surfboard: Old school logs Favorite Surf or Life Quote: “Given time, all things fade, so, long may you ride a wave.” Kristy Joe A little bit about me... I am a self-taught kook. Learned in the cold waters of the Oregon coast in a 4/3 wetsuit. Surfing is my meditation.

Despite the crowds in Waikiki, I am able to clear my mind of all worries and responsibilities and just have fun with my friends when I am in the ocean. I used to be a very sick person, in and out of hospitals since I was born, so surfing has kept me strong; mind, body, and soul.

4 years ago I had surgery which landed me in ICU for 3 months, but now I am no longer sick and am free to surf whenever and wherever I can. I love surfing small or big waves, doesn’t matter as long as I get salty. Waikiki can be frustrating, but it makes me happy when I see keiki getting pushed into waves. Seeing that great big smile on their faces keeps me grounded and reminds me what surfing is all about.

I don’t know who said it, but it’s true, “Whoever has the biggest smile out in the lineup is the best surfer out there.”

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Johnnelle DeJesus Years surfing: 11 Favorite Surfboard: Anykine longboard, as long as it’s ridable.

Favorite Surf or Life Quote: “The

best surfer out there is the one having the most fun.” -Duke Kahanamoku A little bit about me... With my busy schedule of taking care of my 7 year old, going to school, and working, I try to find time to get a little surf session in when I can. My first board was given to me on my 16th birthday by my dad, who found it at the dumpster. We made it our project to fix it up together because he couldn’t afford a brand new board. Since then I’ve been surfing for fun, and I grew up to love it!

Marsha Robinson Years surfing: 7 Favorite Surfboard: My favorite surf board was shaped by local shaper and surfer, Makani McDonald Favorite Surf or Life Quote: “With every

wave; there is an experience; an experience you can never recreate; you only live once; so, have no regrets in life; and just go for it….”

A little bit about me... My very first surfing experience was off the coast of North Carolina at Topsail Island. It was the summer of 1982 and I met a California Surfer name Brian. I spent a whole weekend playing around on Brian’s surf boards. Little did Brian know that he would inspire me to surf; but at a much later time in my life. I was 41 years old, finalizing my divorce, and needed to find my soul again. The ocean has always been my second home for healing my soul within; but, surfing gave me direction, hope, and a new purpose in life again. I taught myself how to surf. Give me a board and I can surf it!

Queens surf break in Waikiki is my favorite south shore break and the home of my first “FULL MOON” night surfing experience.

By day I am a parent consultant in Special Education Law; but my friends know me as the “Mermaid of the Pacific” searching the deep blue sea for my merman. And now I surf the deep blue sea with my merman. wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 105

Community . . . Hawaii

Jewels Calvin Years surfing: 18 Favorite Surfboard: 9’ 0” John Marr that I had especially shaped for me! Rides waves smooth like butter!

Favorite Surf or Life Quote: “It’s a big ocean, plenty of room to surf.” Gerry Lopez A little bit about me... My love and stoke for surfing began in 1993.

I was visiting my sister here on Oahu for Christmas! Met some awesome people that took me surfing! Believe it or not, I stood up the very first try!!

I was totally stoked and had to move to Hawaii!! Here I am 18+ years later, still sharing the stoke of surfing! You could have a really bad day, but once you’re riding waves you’re golden!

One New Years Eve, my friends and I paddled out at Canoes. I rode a wave and saw the reflection of the fireworks and moon on the glassy water!

One of the guys even brought out a bottle of champagne and cups so we could toast in the New Year!! This is one of my favorite moments surfing in Waikiki.

Carolina Polo Years surfing: 2 Favorite Surfboard: 7’2” Fun Board Favorite Surf or Life Quote: “The best surfer

out there is the one having the most fun.” -Duke Kahanamoku A little bit about me... The first time I

caught a wave was in Waikiki. I remember the exact moment when I told my sister Gabi how amazing the experience was and from that day, surfing became a part of my life. Later on, Kai Sallas taught me how to look for waves, and the perfect moment to catch them. After that, I started surfing in Waikiki every day. I even met the best group of people ever. They are really good surfers and they help me to improve and be a better surfer.

I am currently in a Masters program at UH and try to go surfing after I finish my school work. When I go to the ocean, I always come back home with a smile. I will never forget the amazing sunset surf sessions in Waikiki and all the great friends that I’ve met through this sport!

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THE GIRLS OF

Waikiki Photos: WSSM

Etsuko Nakao Kealakai Years surfing: 2 Favorite Surfboard: 9’6’ “No Brand” from Koa

Board Sports

Keiko Uchino Years surfing: 10 Favorite Surfboard: Darren

Tasuno’s 8’10” which I always used Favorite Surf or Life Quote:

“Do My Best” A little bit about me... I love surfing more than my job. I would like to say surfing is a part of my life. At the beginning of the day, I jump in the water and start paddling out before sunrise. The ocean heals and relaxes my body and mind, which I need. I love beautiful mornings. I see the moon, stars and the sky as it’s getting bright from Diamond Head. Sometimes there is even a rainbow above my head... Amazing! Also, I love the people that are surfing in Waikiki.

They have a lot of fun surfing, always helping, teaching and joking. I am lucky to surf with them.

It makes me happy and makes me smile... I always have a lot of aloha in my heart!

A little bit about me... I was born in Osaka, Japan moved here to Hawaii (Oahu), met then married my husband, Jonathan Kahookiekie Kealakai, on the 14th of August, 2011. He taught me to boogie board at Walls, Waikiki, then surfing at Canoes, Queens, Pukenikeni, and Pops.

When I first started surfing, it was just to beat the crowd. I can remember getting up at 4:45 a.m. to make coffee and toast for breakfast, getting ready, then head to the beach by 5:45am and in the water by 6. Most of the time we went it would be dark out. Now it is our routine.

18 months ago I started surfing with my husband’s 10’ Infinity. I surfed that board for a year, then bought a 9’6’ “NO BRAND” surfboard from Koa Board Sports in Waikiki. I love my board, but hope to get a smaller one soon. I enjoy surfing because I get to meet new friends, surf with them and talk story. My favorite surf spots are Waianae Rest Camp (Army beach), Betweens (Rock Piles and Bowls), Diamond Head and Sand Island. Surfing is my life. It keeps me fit, energized and makes me want to get up and get in the water every single day. Surfing is like “SMORES”... you keep wanting more.

Photo: Kazu

Anna Years surfing: 12 Favorite Surfboard: HIC Morgan 8’6” Favorite Surf or Life Quote: “Find a way” Diana Nyad A little bit about me... I tried learning to surf in Long Beach, Long Island. It wasn’t long before I decided that waiting for the warm waters & hurricane swells of September weren’t enough for me. I moved to Oahu & spent my first few years surfing Canoes, Queens, White Plains, Flat Island, Puena Point, and Chuns. But now I surf Pops 99% of the time. It’s convenient for me, early mornings & afternoons after work aren’t crowded, and it rarely surpasses my comfort level, which is about my head high. I know a lot of people who grew up in the islands can’t stand Waikiki, but I love it.

People are on vacation & they are happy, smiley & open to the unexpected.

Surfing, much like running, gives me self-nurturing/nature time. It doesn’t require a lot of gear, and I don’t need a team or crew to do it.

It complements my hermit ways. F

Photo by: Gone Surfing wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 107

SUP COMMUNITY . . .

Virginia Beach

Cindy Stokes SHE SUPS

By Sasha Leitner

The Wahine Surf Club in Virginia Beach, VA is organized by an amazing woman named Cindy Stokes.

In the cold east coast waters of Virginia Beach, this amazing water wahine has a hui of water women that is impressive! Predominately, they gather and surf at VB’s best surf beach, the 1st Street Jetty, but there is so much more to this surf club! SUP events, surf events, lessons, SUP Yoga, yoga retreats, full moon surfs, and tandem surf clinics are all events that the club organizes. Cindy and her husband, Brian Stokes, are an active tandem team who travel and compete on the tandem surf tour. They continually share their stoke for water sports with everyone they come into contact with! I was lucky enough to spend some time in the ocean with this amazing duo when they came for a visit to Oahu.

Cindy and Brian have a grace and ease with each other in the water as a tandem team that only comes with years of practice. They make it look easy. You would never guess that Cindy only recently started surfing and SUP paddling.

This amazing wife and mother made a choice one day that she was going to overcome her fears of the ocean and surf, and she did that with the help of her hubby and some amazing coaches!

Photo by James Vybiral 108 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Cindy met her husband, and tandem partner, Brian Stokes, in 1992. Brian, an avid VB surfer has been hitting the waves since ‘88. “I surfed VB on a “10’0 Hansen 50/50 and a 9’6 board from Santa Barbra Surf Shop by Yates. Fun boards, short boards, anything I could put my feet on!” Brian was the avid surfer in the beginning of their marriage, till one day in 2009 Cindy came across something that changed their marriage forever.

“I got a phone call from Cindy. She was cleaning the house (aka throwing out my junk) and she came across an old Longboard Mag. She saw an article in it about the Noosa Festival of surfing. Cindy spied a guy riding this little peeling wave while carrying a girl over his head. She had called me to tell me that that is what WE were gonna do!”

Brian, being an experienced surfer, informed his wife that tandem in Virginia Beach would not work. “The waves don’t break far out enough, they don’t have enough power, we don’t have the right board, it’s too cold, I’m not that strong, AND You don’t swim so well,” were all excuses he threw at his wife. Cindy insisted they were gonna do it, and her determined nature took hold, so she went on a mission to find a way to learn how!

Hitting road blocks at east coast surf shops, Cindy keep looking, and finally found an instructional DVD on tandem surfing! The Art of Tandem Surfing by Steve and Barrie Boehne, a tandem surfing couple from Dana Point, CA is what Cindy found and ordered.

The owners of Infinity Surfboards, Steve and Barrie knew their stuff! So Cindy booked a Father’s Day trip for Brian and herself to Cali to take tandem lessons with the multiple time champions of tandem surfing, the Boehne’s! A fast and long standing friendship was formed between the couples! Brian and Cindy give all credit to their mentors for their instruction and guidance in the sport of tandem surfing.

With a base of tandem firm in their grasp, the Stokes went back to VB and trained throughout the summer! Brian’s surf experience and Cindy’s natural athletic abilities made them into a strong tandem partnership! By the end of the summer, the duo felt they were ready to tackle a contest! They entered the Velzy Memorial Surf contest in VB, and their tandem career was in full swing! They have been surfing in contests and sharing their love of the sport with all they come in contact with since then!

Cindy has since expanded her solo water accomplishments. At the 2013 Steel Pier Classic in Virginia Beach, she competed in the shortboard, longboard, SUP surf, tandem surf, and a five mile SUP paddle race! Impressive accomplishments for any waterwoman! Cindy is a true role model. Her persistence and drive is truly inspiring, and she is daily sharing her Aloha for the ocean with all who meet her. F

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SUP COMMUNITY . . .

North Shore, Oahu Hawaii

Vanina Walsh Congratulations to Vanina Walsh... Placing #2 in the world for Womens SUP in 2013! We wish you continued success on the tour this year!

Photo: WSSM | North Shore Oahu, Hawaii 110 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

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SUP COMMUNITY . . .

Body, Soul, Spirit

Sup Yoga Gillian Gibree Fitness with

Reclining Bound Angle Pose : SUPta Baddha Konasana

1

Lie down on your board. Bend the knees and place your feet together flat on the board. Slide the heels comfortably close to the groin.

Photo by Shana Siler 112 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

2

Contract the abdominal muscles and move the tailbone under.

On the exhale, allow the knees to naturally fall open and float down towards the board creating a stretch across the groin and thighs.

3

Place the soles of your feet together and close to the hips.Bring the left hand to the heart, and the right hand to the stomach.

4

Remain here for 5 breaths or up to two minutes with slow, deep inhalations and exhalations.

Allow the gentle rocking of the board to relax the mind.

5

On the release, inhale the knees together and towards the chest to give yourself a big squeeze!

SURF ART & MUSIC . . . I am an Artist

Dana Martino

Age: 26 | Years surfing: 5 Years as an artist: 6 Homebreak: N. Wildwood, Avalon, & Cape May, NJ | New Smyrna Beach Inlet, FL

so much fun! Now I have something new to experiment with. The qualities of watercolors are beautiful and exciting. So many new ideas are flooding my head.

My Passion for Art I’ve been into some form of art and creativity all my life. I used to build towns in my sandbox, complete with bridges Lefts, Lefts, Lefts My Reflection is found in the Sea and handicap parking spaces, haha. Obviously I went a little beyond a typical sandcastle. I’ve always loved creating! In my teenage years I mostly made collages of everything I love. It wasn’t long before I filled my walls. (Growing up in NJ as a kid, winter is usually a lot of miserable weather so I spent a lot of time after school in my room creating when I wasn’t practicing on the swim, soccer, or dance team.) I think collaging was definitely a part of me developing as an artist because everything I cut out for my collages, I studied, for one day, I’d need to remember the details of those things to include in my paintings today.

I did attend college at Stetson University in Deland, FL. I started with a Biology major (I’ve always loved math and science!) but ended up graduating with a major in Visual Arts, and 2 minors, Spanish & Education. My view on college is kind of a negative one. I think it all depends on what the individual wants. For example, if you know you want to be a doctor, college is great and very important, but I think overall kids are pushed right into college before they have the chance to learn more about themselves and their passions before they have to make major decisions of study. If I could do it again I would Art is like have just traveled a year or two before going to college. I guess it didn’t hurt a Life though; I did travel and still have a degree in the end.

Experience I would love to be an art professor one day. I know I’d be top notch and very I would compare relatable. I “struggled” with seeing eye-to-eye with my art professors someart to life because times. They know I was talented, but they didn’t accept me for me. I’m an artist to me, they are in love with surfing, so naturally I wanted to paint surfing! My professor told me, one in the same.

“Maybe one day you’ll be a famous surf artist, but not today.” I still have a long Things and people way, but at least I feel like I’m on my right path now. in my natural environment inspire me. Colors, Surfing and Art shapes, and contrast are As far as art and surfing go, surfing has influenced my art in a huge way since what excites me. The qualities of surfing has become a huge part of my life. When I surf I get amped, and when paints and water also inspire me. I’m sponI’m happy I love to create, so when I’m surfing I almost always get ideas to paint. taneous, but like a plan. I’m always on the move, driven A lot of times when I am just sitting out on my board waiting for a set wave to by my heart, waves, and the energy around me. I live for roll in I am looking around absorbing the surroundings in my favorite environvariety but like to stay true to myself. All my life I have ment. I see pelicans fly by, beautiful sunsets, so many shapes, colors, changes, been in love with water, water drops, its movement, its and sounds. I get excited about the simplest things that a lot of people never capabilities, etc… I’ve also forever been drawn to eyes. If even notice. Without the things that make me happy, I’m nothing. I need surfFacebook Pages: someone were to take a look at my oldest work and paper ing and so does my art.

Totally Joan (Art) collages that I began to make as a child, you’ll find a lot of Surfing to me has become as important toFashion me in my lifeFashion as the necessities Surf (Surf for womenthat and the same imagery that I continue to use today (surf, eyes, keep us alive. I’m not the kind of girl that is high maintenance. awesome DIY tips/tricks) I love beautiful drips, people). things and I’m good at finding beauty Mono in theLoco simplest Surf things Schooleveryday. I can’t live I love color and beautiful things to smile about. My moods without surfing and physical activities www.monolocosurf.com that I can progress in. I cant without (for live surfing determine how and what I create, and my moods are greatcreating/painting/dreaming, and I cantPanama) live without love. ly affected by the people I love and my environments. It’s I need to feel like I’m making changes.www.goodpeoplesurf.com Art allows me to develop,(for easesurfing my mind, safe to say my environment is truly what inspires me. From relax, focus, and center myself. BeingEurope) able to paint is a gift that can drive me the way a person walks, to the way the sun hits the surface nuts and save me all at the same time.www.sharethestokefoundation.com I’d say surfing can be that exact way too. of the ocean as it sets. The sounds of a fish jumping out of I love the contrast of black and white. (becuase I love colors.

I love the combination of they are AWESOME) the water, to a person sitting on a step and the shapes that realism and abstraction (The contrast created between the two.). you study www.girlsurfsworld.com (forIfthe best surf surround them.. and so much more… my art, you will see my art reflects mestories) as a person. My feelings, my dreams, and I mostly use acrylic paint because it is a quick process and the things I love. Love, love loveeee. it is fluid. I can use it thick or thin, apply with a brush, I’m a compassionate young artist/surfer who’s always trying to help people and fingers, or spray it right from the bottle. It gives me a lot bring smiles. One smile can change someone’s life… I’m sure you’ve heard this of options and like I said, variety is good for me. and yes I know its true, especially a genuine one. F I create the most when I feel good (and when the waves aren’t firing because then I just eat surf and sleep haha).

Luckily that’s most of the time lately. I’ve had some real Follow At lows, feeling pretty uninspired, but lately after having lots Facebook page: Dana Martino Collection of fun waves to surf and surrounding myself with better Instagram: danamartino24 people with similar passions, I’ve been doing well! Just EmaiL: dmartino@stetson.edu recently I finally ventured into doing watercolors and its Phone: 386-383-0884 Surfed Out

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meet the artist

Age: 46 46 Age: Years surfing: surfing: 4 4 Years Years as as an an Years artist: 15 15 artist: Homebreak: Homebreak: North shore, shore, North Lake MinneMinneLake washta washta

Hooked on on Hooked Surfing Surfing

Mua’ekolu Mua’ekolu

had my my first first surfing surfing experience experience at at Waikiki Waikiki (along (along with with about about II had 2000 other other people people that that day). day). We We were were on on aa family family vacation vacation -- II 2000 was around around 16.

16. II grew grew up up on on aa lake lake in in Minnesota Minnesota water water skiing skiing was every day day the the lake lake wasn’t wasn’t frozen. frozen. That That is is what what II knew, knew, flat flat every stable passive passive water water –– relying relying on on aa boat boat to to provide provide the the energy energy stable to move move on on the the water. water. Think Think about about how how mind mind blowing blowing it it was was to for me me to to feel feel the the water water pushing pushing me, me, lifting lifting me, me, knocking knocking me me for on my my a**. a**. Probably Probably sounds sounds cliché, cliché, but but it it blew blew my my mind. mind. on April April My second second time time surfing surfing was was in in Nova Nova Scotia.

Scotia. This This experience experience My was the the polar polar opposite, opposite, and and II mean mean polar polar as as in in icebergs icebergs and and was frost bite. bite. That That was was the the coldest coldest water water I’d I’d ever ever been been in in (and (and frost my sisters sisters and and II were were often often the the first first ones ones in in the the lake lake the the day day the the ice ice my was going going off) off) II wore wore 3 3 wetsuits: wetsuits: aa shorty, shorty, long long johns, johns, and and aa long long was sleeved wetsuit wetsuit jacket jacket circa circa 1978.

1978. My My joints joints wouldn’t wouldn’t bend; bend; II had had to to sleeved paddle straight-armed. straight-armed. II eventually eventually stripped stripped down down to to just just the the shorty shorty paddle and froze froze almost almost to to death. death. But But it it was was worth worth it it to to catch catch aa few few waves. waves. and A Canadian Canadian friend friend shaped shaped my my first first board board for for me me on on that that trip trip –– aa big big A yellow tri-fin tri-fin with with blue blue racing racing stripes. stripes. A A year year later later II finished finished aa degree degree yellow in soils soils at at the the University University of of Washington Washington and and needed needed an an adventure. adventure. So So in moved to to Maui Maui (Paia) (Paia) for for aa year, year, waitressing waitressing in in the the morning morning and and padpadII moved dling and and surfing surfing in in the the afternoon. afternoon. Drainpipes Drainpipes and and Thousand Thousand Peaks Peaks are are aa dling couple of of my my favorite favorite spots, spots, not not because because the the surf surf was was great, great, but but because because couple of the the fun fun times times II had had there. there. II still still have have that that yellow yellow board board –– the the kids kids use use it it as as a of a paddleboard Lake Minnewashta. paddleboard onon Lake Minnewashta.

Budding Artist Artist Budding I’ve always always been been into into gluing gluing things. things. Luckily, Luckily, my my parents parents are are incredible incredible people. people.

I’ve Without exception exception they they have have supported supported me me and and told told me me II can can do do whatever whatever II set set Without my heart heart on. on. And And in in return return for for all all their their support support II have, have, Though Though I’m I’m sure sure I’ve I’ve made made my them completely completely crazy crazy with with worry. worry. When When II graduated graduated from from high high school school II sold sold them my Vespa Vespa and and went went to to live live in in Italy Italy by by myself. myself. II didn’t didn’t intend intend to to go go to to Italy, Italy, it it just just my ended up up being being the the cheapest cheapest and and most most accommodating accommodating country country in in which which aa kid kid ended with no no money, money, plans, plans, or or contacts contacts could could survive survive at at the the time. time. And And II did did survive survive for for with about aa year year -- on on $3.80 $3.80 aa day day (so (so II definitely definitely wasn’t wasn’t staying staying in in hotels hotels and and visiting visiting about museums, to to be be sure!). sure!). How How did did my my parents parents tolerate tolerate that? that? I’ll I’ll hopefully hopefully never never museums, learn from from my my daughter! daughter! My My parents parents gave gave me me the the gift gift of of space, space, time, time, and and unwaunwalearn vering support support to to let let me me make make all all the the mistakes mistakes II could could imagine. imagine. What What aa gift, gift, and and aa vering powerful way way to to learn learn about about life. life. powerful Other Artistic Artistic Passions Passions Other “Artistic” is is the the limiting limiting word word there! there! II do do love love making making things. things. And And I’ve I’ve been been “Artistic” lucky that that II have have been been able able to to dabble dabble in in so so many many different different mediums. mediums. I’ve I’ve made made lucky some weird weird ‘art’ ‘art’ (like (like aa life life size size papier-mâché papier-mâché cow cow painted painted with with Matisse Matisse patpatsome terns). I’ve I’ve made made hand hand sewn sewn dresses dresses to to support support myself myself on on Phish Phish tour tour (now (now II terns). make rainbow rainbow twirling twirling skirts skirts for for my my 4 4 year year old). old). II have have designed designed lighting lighting for for aa make local musical musical theater theater group. group. II even even tried tried film-making film-making for for aa short short time, time, created created aa local couple of of comic comic vignette-style vignette-style films. films. As As much much as as II love love painting, painting, gluing gluing things things is is couple really where where it’s it’s at at for for me. me. II could could cut cut up up aa cereal cereal box box right right now now and and spend spend the the really afternoon gluing gluing the the pieces pieces onto onto another another cereal cereal box box –– in in aa checkerboard checkerboard pattern. pattern. afternoon Should II be be admitting admitting that? that?

Should 3 Favorite Favorite Paintings Paintings 3 Mua’ekolu: II pictured pictured this this one one afternoon afternoon while while working working on on another another painting. painting. II Mua’ekolu: just dropped dropped what what II was was doing doing and and in in just just an an hour hour or or two two had had finished finished 4 4 paintpaintjust ings. This This one one (the (the first first two) two) and and three three others others that that II called called ‘the ‘the second second two’ two’ ‘the ‘the ings. first three’ three’ and and ‘the ‘the second second three’. three’. They They just just happened happened so so easily. easily. I’ll I’ll never never forget forget first the energy energy II had had creating creating these. these. the April: She’s She’s so so free free and and comfortable. comfortable. And And aa little little pink. pink. II thought thought II would would do do aa April: whole set set of of Calendar Calendar Girls.

Girls. But But II got got derailed derailed sometime sometime around around September.

September. whole Most of of my my images images are are moments moments during during movement, movement, posture posture of of activity. activity. But But Most every once once in in aa while while II need need to to make make an an image image about about taking taking it it all all in, in, or or looklookevery

1

2 3

Curl Curl

Shannon

Wing Belmont

ing back back afterwards. afterwards. ‘Looking ‘Looking Back’, Back’, ‘First ‘First Crack’, Crack’, ‘Sitting ‘Sitting ing Waves’, ‘Sunset’ ‘Sunset’ are are all all about about that that quiet/anticipating quiet/anticipating or or Waves’, quiet/tired time. time. quiet/tired

One of of a a Kind Kind Style Style One Vibrant women’s women’s surf surf art. art. I’m I’m admittedly admittedly self-taught… self-taught…

Vibrant went to to art art school school for for 3 3 years, years, but but never never had had aa class class in in II went drawing or or painting. painting. “Primitive” “Primitive” is is another another word word that that drawing comes to to mind. mind. The The figures figures (at (at least least to to me) me) are are about about posposcomes ture, form, form, strength. strength. I’ve I’ve had had one one person person say say to to me me that that ture, my girls girls are are too too thin thin and and II got got really really self-conscious self-conscious about about my that for for aa little little while. while. But But it it isn’t isn’t about about the the female female form, form, that it’s about about how how we we carry carry ourselves; ourselves; style, style, grace, grace, confidence confidence it’s (things II totally totally lack, lack, by by the the way). way). Just Just look look at at their their flat flat (things chests and and big big calves calves (self-portrait (self-portrait characteristics, characteristics, by by the the chests way). way).

The Future Future The Wow, If If I’ve I’ve learned learned anything anything in in my my life, life, it’s it’s that that the the future future Wow, is predictably predictably surprising. surprising. II was was single, single, independent, independent, and and is footloose for for 40 40 years. years. Suddenly Suddenly II have have aa husband husband and and aa kid kid footloose and aa dog dog and and aa house house and and aa job job and and what what happened? happened? Who Who and Fbefore, am I? I? II thought thought my my life life was was wonderful wonderful before, but but now now it’s it’s F am wonderful and and just just bigger bigger somehow. somehow. II think think I’m I’m aa really really wonderful lucky person, person, and and II really really appreciate appreciate the the chance chance you’ve you’ve lucky given me me to to share share my my art art through through the the pages pages of of your your beautibeautigiven ful magazine. magazine. F F ful Contact // Follow Follow At At www.shannonwing.com www.shannonwing.com Contact wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 115

SURF ART & MUSIC . . . I am an Artist My Friend... Laarni Gedo “If you have ever paddled out to Diamond Head for a surf, chances are you were graced with the surf style of Laarni Gedo. Either on a shortboard or longboard, Laarni’s smooth style, and magnetic personality beams off her in the lineup. Always dawning a focused stare, and a huge grin as she rips down the line, Laarni is a fixture among the Diamond Head crew. Originally from Pangasinan Philippines, Laarni is an Oahu transplant. Her family moved to Hawaii when she was 15yrs old, and her love of surfing started from there. Laarni’s love of the ocean and surfing radiates through her artwork. Her amazing ability to manipulate color and replicate the beauty of Hawaii’s natural environment comes alive in all of her paintings. From traditional canvas to clothing, Laarni expresses her love of the ocean and surfing on any surface she paints on.”

- Sasha Leitner

Laari Gedo

Age: 34 Years surfing: 19 Years as an artist: 5 Homebreak: Diamond Head, Oahu Hawaii Follow at: www.Laarnigedo.com

My Surf Roots I caught my first wave on a yellow 10foot tanker when I was 15. It was on a windblown ankle biter that I rode all the way to the beach because I didn’t know how to stop, or just didn’t want to stop. My dad ended up learning how to fiberglass the fin back on because I tore it to pieces.

A Budding Artist I remember playing with paint in class in grade school and having a lot of fun do-

Midnight Oil Mellow Yellow

Bruise Lee

ing it. I took one drawing and painting class in high school but that’s as far as my art education goes. I learned how to speak English when I was 10--- I think maybe learning the language was a good challenge that I really embraced. I was a shy kid and didn’t speak too much especially because of my accent and limited vocabulary, but I really wanted to make sure I wrote well. I remember my dad telling me that I could be really good at anything, whether it’s English, Math, or Science, but that I also need to be an excellent writer. And for a long time, writing was the only thing I wanted to do.

A few years later, when I was 15, I discovered, on that yellow tanker, in the crappiest windy wave of the West side, what would be my muse---surfing. I studied journalism in college and I sought out every chance I got to write about surfing. And then, one day, I happened upon a cheap canvas board and some paint and painted a beach scene that looked like a 6 year old painted---it wasn’t great at all, but it felt amazing painting something I loved. That was the beginning as far as I know. I always liked drawing and painting, but I never really had anything that I was passionate about---until surfing was in my life.

And I suppose, just like reporting and writing, I wanted my art to be more realistic and less abstract or cartoon-like. But I feel that I don’t have a mold yet that I fit in precisely.

Right now, I have just been painting what feels right with no specific direction. In surfing, from a distance you know who the surfer is by the way he or she trims, drops in, or bottom turns. Certain people have that trademark style. With my art, one day, I’d love for people to recognize my work before they notice the signature up close. I think that’s when I know I’ve found my style.

Community Outreach and Future Plans I love to donate my hatsand art to fundraisers for environmental causes... and as for the future? More surf and turf filled with hard work, creativity, and adventures! More world travels, less first world problems and complaining. F

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meet the artist

Age: 37 Years surfing: 6 Years as an artist: 2 Homebreak: Lake Ontario, Canada..and yes its freezing cold but we get some rad waves up in these parts. I learned to surf in Cocoa Beach, Florida when I was living there for 7 years on and off and its always a place close to my heart, a place I miss immensely and was the place I grew to love surfing and its community, its happy and positive vibe..The ocean has my heart forever now..

Turqoise Wave

Surf Love

LisaParks aka

Seaweedsa

Hooked on Surfing

I learned to surf in Cocoa Beach, Florida in 2007 at Shepards Park. I took a private lesson through CBSC with Debbie Walker and Matt Riley. I think I learned for the first few months on rentals and those lessons on a big ole yellow foamy. I rented boards for months until I could save for my first longboard, a beautiful 9’1” light blue Neilson shaped by Tom Neilson.

Budding Artist I have always been somewhat creative and into photography, but I didn’t start to paint until the summer of 2011,a bit of a late bloomer, but it wasn’t until I started to surf did I really learn who I was. Then, in 2012 I was diagnosed with cancer and had to go through 6 months of treatments and operations. I had to keep my mind and body focused on something positive and something I loved.

I thought I may never surf again so painting kept me connected to surfing.

I thought, something that was close to my heart kept my spirits up, and thank goodness everything worked out and I have been cancer free since Aug 2012.

I am still painting, its become like breathing to me now, almost like a blessing in disguise. As a child I don’t think I drew on anything I wasn’t supposed to, not anymore than the usual kid, but I did love cutting up my mom’s jeans!

My Art Style My style of painting comes from my simple lifestyle, and simple lines. I love color and I love longboarding and the lines the body creates. Nature, love, surfing, artists, and animals is what inspires me. Happy faces and good vibes... inspired by the 70’s and retro. It’s really difficult to describe my own style of art. It’s colorful, feminine, simple. I’m inspired by my life, photos, nature, surf culture... when I see my art evolve through its early stages of only painting for 2 years, I see influences of my childhood, like stained glass which I used to do as a young adult. I paint girls surfing quite a bit because I think it is so beautiful, and often paint a girl and boy together holding hands because it’s wonderful to find someone to share the passion of surfing with. I think anyways :) It’s dreamy!

Other Artistic Passions So far I have been painting with acrylics on canvas and wood. I have painted the mailbox @ Secret Spot Surf Shop in Nags Head, NC and designed the 2013 Florida Woman of The Waves t-shirt for their event and a t-shirt for The Gales of November-Magilla Shaus Memorial Surf Contest for 2013. I would love to someday learn how to shape surfboards as well and paint them.

Lindz

Community Involvement I am not involved in any outreach programs currently, but I try and give back to the community when I can by donating art to surf events like Aloha Toronto this past summer which was a Surfers Healing event. Also to our first ever ESA contest this past fall on Lake Huron in Kincardine, Ontario Canada. In the past I have also volunteered for Surfrider events in Nags Head, NC. And Cocoa Beach Florida as well as The Slater Invite in Cocoa Beach Florida for The Skin Cancer Society.

Community Involvement The future I believe holds so much for me if I keep working hard and carve my own path! I dream big and there’s so much I want to do and see. I would love to see my art someday on surfboards, but I truly am happy with a simple lifestyle. I would like my art to give me the freedom to travel and live out the rest of my life surfing and painting, perhaps living in a super rad treehouse on the ocean someday!

Contact / Follow At Seaweedsa page on facebook,...

Or email me at llparkes@gmail.com wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 117

SURF ART & MUSIC . . . I am an Artist

Photo by: Eric Raptosh

Age: At least 8 lifetimes old. Good thing I have 9! | Years surfing: 15 | Years as a singer: Forever but professionally about 6 years | Homebreak: Venice Beach, CA, baby!

I have fallen in love with EDM and it has opened up a whole new world of possibility and creativity.

Favorite Song to Sing

Me and Bobby McGee hands down.. I am known to hijack the mic at any venue where a live band is playing and ask if I can sing it.

My Music & Album Covers

My Early Years

I have always been a little song bird. My mom says I sang before I could speak and I would literally make musical sounds while she would push me in the swing when I was just a babe. But it wasn’t until about 6 years ago that I decide that I wanted to make a go of it professionally. I moved to Nashville and wrote and recorded my first album at the end of 2009.

Favorite Place to Sing

I love to perform and have a special place in my heart for the big stage, but I also love small gatherings where I can just free flow on a guitar or jam out with other musicians. Some of the most magical music happens when it’s unplanned.

They’ve Inspired Me

I have always been drawn to fierce female singers.

Janis Joplin was probably the first singer that blew my mind with her powerful vocals and presence. I loved Madonna when I was a kid and have continued to favor women who have a strong point of view and tenacity about them. I love Pink and I am pretty sure we were separated at birth, but she’s way more badass than me! Our house was full of music growing up and I listened to tons of folk singers like Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan.

They all had a message and used their voices to tell their truth and speak about what they believed in. I love the Beatles and Van Morrison, and all of the classic rock artists. Over the last several years 118 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

I have co-written all of the songs on my albums. As for the cover art, I usually choose the art based on the vibe of the music. The first album was very beachy and acoustic so we did the shoot on the beach in Venice. We re-created a living room on the beach including a wall, a couch, and a coffee table. The idea being that I am home on the beach. The second album was a little higher energy dance music so we wanted something a little sexier and edgy. The photo is of me is in an elevator. We almost called the album “Elevate” but I loved the idea of floating magically or having the ability to levitate. So we used the elevator photo as inspiration for the album title. Sometimes you don’t know what comes first, the chicken or the egg. In this case the album title or the album artwork!

Surfing vs Music

It only affects it positively. I draw so much inspiration from the ocean and there are so many life lessons to be learned in surfing. Whatever you are feeling is instantly magnified back at you in the water, so it reminds you stay grounded and to really be aware of your own energy.

Other Hobbies

I am a health, fitness, and wellness advocate. I spend much of my time coaching people on healthy eating, lifestyle, and fitness strategies through www.marksdailyapple.com. I also love trying new athletic endeavors and this past couple of years I have started to train in aerial acrobatics which I include in my live performances! F

Follow, Sample, Listen Find me on Itunes, Amazon, Beatport, and Youtube!

BEATPORT: www.beatport.com/release/levitate/1164295 ITUNES: itunes.apple.com/us/album/levitate/id690453567 AMAZON: www.amazon.com/Levitate-Nesta/dp/B00EO2DE9Y www.amazon.com/Fly-Free-Nesta/dp/B005D1HDEC/ ref=sr_1_1?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&sr=1-1&keywords=Nesta%21 YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/NestaTunesTV

meet the artist

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CONTEST SCENE . . . California

FORD Supergirl Pro

By Lindsay Swartz Photos by Gregerson

OCEANSIDE, CA (August 2-4, 2013)

The largest female surfing event of the year, the 7th annual Ford Supergirl Pro presented

by Paul Mitchell, made its return this year to the Oceanside Pier where 96 contestants took to the waves to compete for the $8,000 first place prize.

As part of the ASP World Tour, the Supergirl Pro provides an opportunity for professional women surfers to display their talent while gaining contest points in hopes of advancing to the ASP Women’s World Championship Tour as a top-ten contestant.

This year, thousands of fans crowded the beaches to watch as the women hit the waves over the weekend. Tribal Theory put on a live music performance for the crowds Saturday, after Bethany Hamilton signed autographs at the GoBank tent for grateful supporters. “I’m so thankful to all my fans for coming down today,” said Hamilton, “the Supergirl Pro is really an awesome event.” A sustainability village provided entertainment between heats, from yoga and seminars to hair styling by Paul Mitchell. The event also featured several organizations including the Surfrider Foundation, Girls Inc., and Boarding 4 Breast Cancer.

Surfers Bethany Hamilton, Coco Ho and Silvana Lima were among those competing in the Supergirl Pro, with Paige Hareb (New Plymouth, NZ) and Malia Manuel (Kauai, HI) ultimately making it to the head-to-head finals round on Sunday. After an intense thirtyminute heat where Manuel seemed to claim every wave, Manuel won the Supergirl Pro with an impressive 17.24 final score. “I was motivated by the fact that I was always runner-up!” said Manuel as she laughed; referencing that she had been a three-time runner-up.

“The Supergirl Pro is the best event all year because it supports female surfers. I’m so excited by the fact that so many people support us women surfing, it’s really important,” Manuel concluded. F

FORD SUPERGIRL PRO FINAL RESULTS: 1 – Malia Manuel (HAW) 17.24 2 – Paige Hareb (NZL) 3.37 FORD SUPERGIRL PRO SEMIFINALS RESULTS: SF 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 16.33 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 8.27 SF 2: Paige Hareb (NZL) 12.00 def. Alessa Quizon (HAW) 7.60

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Carissa Moore

DIMITY STOYLE AGE: 22yrs old | HOME: Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia | YEARS SURFING: Too long to remember, since I was 5 or 6 Interview by Dave Gregerson

DAVE: Good to see you, Dimity. Tell us a little bit about the contest. Was this your first Supergirl contest?

DIMITY: Hi, Dave. No, this was my second time competing at the Supergirl Pro

DAVE: What did you think of the venue?

DIMITY: Oceanside is awesome! I look forward to com-

ing to California to surf, it’s so much fun! There is so much to see and do in California, and it is exactly the way you see it on the movies!!!

DAVE: In what ways is this contest, a female only con-

test, different from a male and female contest? Have you ever competed in female-only contests before, and do they differ?

DIMITY: Both have their ups and downs… It’s really nice to get the best pick of the waves when there is no mens event to steal the show, but it’s also good to surf at mixed events with the men as there is a lot more publicity surrounding the event.

DAVE: Would you like to see more all female contests and why?

DIMITY: It’s definitely good to have a balance. but it’s

great to have all female contests as it’s especially nice to go free-surfing during the event and not have to battle against frothing contest guys!

DAVE: Tell me what you thought of the wave conditions?

DIMITY: The waves in Oceanside are really fun! I really like surfing Californian beach breaks... they are different to home, the sand is different somehow. My favorite wave though is the right hander that breaks into the pier on the north side!

DAVE: Where did you place in the contest?

DIMITY: Mmm… I think I placed 9th, not the best result, but at least I got a bit of cash to spend in California!!

DAVE: Do you think you will come back next year to surf the Supergirl Pro?

DIMITY: Yes, I’m hoping to come back to Oceanside to

surf in this contest again next year. It’s such a fun event.

Oceanside is a really cool spot, and California is awesome! F

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CONTEST SCENE . . . California

Autograph signings

FORD Supergirl Pro Photos by Gregerson

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Carissa Moore

Nikki Van Dijk

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CONTEST SCENE . . . California

Bethany Hamilton

FORD Supergirl Pro Photos by Gregerson

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Paul Mitchell Hair Station

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CONTEST SCENE . . . Hawaii

STILL Missing the Mark

By Scott Cuttre | Photo by Gregerson

The new reality show followed seven pro surfers during their pursuit of the coveted Hawaiian Triple Crown and featured an eclectic group of pros in varying stages of their careers. Boarding House: North Shore may have been the first accurate portrayal of the surfing lifestyle on any mainstream media outlet up to that point. Unfortunately, the show never gained a following and was quickly forgotten after the six-episode series run. There have been a few similar attempts to usher surfing into the mainstream through reality television, but much like the Boarding House: North Shore, the network and studio executives learned the hard way that surf-inspired television does not equal ratings. What is even more disappointing is that it is almost impossible to find any video remnants of Boarding House: North Shore. If you were not lucky enough to catch the original broadcast, you wouldn’t be aware that the show ever existed.

Surfing, more than any other sport mystifies and stirs up an inexpressible emotion that non-surfers cannot, but very much want to, understand. Yet, if asked, the majority of the non-surfing public would not be able to even name one professional surfer. Surfing’s intriguing lifestyle has an inexplicable appeal that apparently cannot be hammered into scripted story lines or dialog. Boarding House: North Shore was the first full-fledged network attempt to introduce the nonsurfing public to the world of pro surfers pursuing the Hawaiian Triple Crown – a surfer’s most trying time of the year.

“

The WB airing of Boarding House: North Shore coincided with reality television’s attempt to dominate the airwaves. Scripted sitcoms are expensive to produce, whereas reality TV provides “in-your-face” drama, without the need for expensive scriptwriters.

Boarding House: North Shore seemed to bear the formula for a successful reality show: housemate disagreements, physical disputes, and sex appeal. With all the proper factors in place, the first “surfing inspired” reality show seemed like a sure-fire hit. However, for surf fans desperately awaiting pro surfing’s long overdue public acceptance, Boarding House: North Shore would not be the vehicle to bring the surfing lifestyle into the mainstream. Fast forward to 2013. Access to story-based surf series has definitely increased, but through a different outlet: webisodes.

In the past, footage of your favorite surfers could only be viewed by purchasing surf VHS and DVD’s. Over the last few years, surfing has slowly begun to catch up with the rest of the digital world by providing instant access to high-definition footage from every surfing company and destination one could imagine. Before webcasts or webisodes, surf films featuring an interview from your favorite professional surfer or a film in a documentary style were few and far between.

Today, a frothing surf fan can find a wide range of video footage depicting their favorite surfer’s every decision: from their quest for the right board dimensions, down to why a certain fabric was used fashioning their current signature style of boardshort. While the outlet for viewing surfing has changed, the formula has not.

With behind the scenes insight into pro surfing in high demand, internet action sports provider, Network A, created an updated version of 2003’s Boarding House: North Shore via YouTube, unambiguously

Surfing, more than any other sport mystifies and stirs up an inexpressible emotion that non-surfers cannot, but very much want to, understand.

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“

In the summer of 2003, the now-defunct WB Television Network produced a surf style reality version of the real world called Boarding House: North Shore.

titled Surf House. Surf House aired its first episode of an eight episode series on May 20th, concluding on July 8th. Surf House followed four up-and-coming young surfers seeking notoriety on the North Shore of Hawaii during the most critical time of the year for surfers attempting to gain exposure and/or qualification onto the World Tour. The cast of Surf House is made up of two mainland US East Coast surfers, Michael Dunphy and Bree Klientop, Australian Mitch Crews, and Hawaiian Alisha Gonsalves.

While the web series lightly covers the Hawaiian Triple Crown, the bulk of the content depicted throughout the eight episodes focuses on the social interaction between the housemates outside of the water.

Of the four surfers followed in the show, Michael Dunphy and Mitch Crews are the only two surfers competing in the Triple Crown events.

Both surfers suffer early exits at Haleiwa and Sunset. Dunphy fell victim to the tricky Hawaiian conditions, while Crews, who had slightly more success in the events and seemed poised to make his mark in the contests, suffered an ankle injury during a free surf session which damped his qualifying hopes. While Dunphy and Crews both chose to forgo the Hawaiian party scene until their contest exits, Klientop and Gonsalves were on a much different mission while in Hawaii.

From the start of the short web series, it becomes obvious that Gonsalves stands out as the focal point of the series, with the other three housemates serving more as the supporting cast. The events within the series revolve around Gonsalves’s visible crush on Crews and her continuous attempt at persuading Crews to escort her to the professional surfing’s version of the Oscars: The Surfer Poll. After Crews leaves the house due to injury and an early exit in the two WQS Triple Crown events, Gonsalves’s flirtatious attention turns to Dunphy’s visiting house party guests, Balaram Stack and Evan Giesleman.

Giesleman’s presence stirs up a rift between Klientop and Gonsalves.

Sadly, the friction created through Klientop and Gonsalves’s mutual attraction of Giesleman serves as the only competition the two female cast members would be involved in throughout the series. This conflict between the two does provide the only “reality” type moment within the webisode, leading to Klientop’s late night exit of the house. All is quickly forgiven between the two in a television style sit down.

With Crews and Dumphy heading home from Hawaii, Network A decided against filling the surf footage void with Gonsalves and Klientop and introduced another visiting male surf star Clay Marzo. While Marzo does not serve as Crews’ and Dumphy’s replacement, Marzo’s one episode appearance offers the viewer a reminder of Marzo’s freakish talent which, unfortunately, has become less visible in the last few years. Prior to Crews and Dumphy’s exit, Crews states that Marzo will be staying in the house for a few days, but other than the surf footage, Marzo’s presence in the house is not documented. Lack of development of Marzo’s story line serves as an example of the missed opportunities the series failed to capitalize upon. It was blatantly obvious that deeper character development along with an effective story line were missing.

After viewing all eight episodes, it seems that Surf House could not

figure out whether surf footage or social conflict between the cast would dominate the content of the show. Surf footage of the cast is sporadic at best. At times it seemed like there was more time spent showcasing the talent of the visiting surfers, often to the point of excluding the original cast. With a cast of two females and two males, it was disappointing that the conventional previewing notion that the males would provide the action with the women providing the drama turned out to be true. Both Gonsalves and Klientop’s surfing prowess is basically absent in all the episodes. Why the bulk of Gonsalves’ surf footage is featured in the eighth and final episode of the series is puzzling. Klientop’s surfing seemed to be totally left out, rarely seen at all during her time on the series. Klientop’s screen time consists of model shoots, minor conflicts involving refusal to take out the trash, and entertaining house guests. The lack of Klientop’s surf footage leaves the viewer wondering about her status as a professional surfer.

Other than Gonsalves, the personalities of the housemates are unclear during the episodes due to time constraints on each of the eight episodes. The short segments limited the depth of the subject matter.

Surf House had all the elements in place to provide surf fans thirsting for a reality based web series centering around upcoming pro surfers.

In the end, content was the major factor missing from another one of surfing’s unfulfilling ventures into the online main stream.

The WB Network’s 2003 Boarding House: North Shore should have acted as the spring board to launch surfing into the mainstream.

Unfortunately, with every show that does not succeed on network television, America reacts adversely. A clear message is being sent that the general public is not and may never be ready to accept surfing as a revered sport. Surfing based webisodes are now a dime a dozen, popping up daily all over the internet. That being said, the internet can and will serve as the proper outlet suited for future attempts at reality based programming. Although Surf House was geared towards the surfing community, it failed to fill the void that Boarding House: North Shore attempted to satisfy. Surf House took a shot on a smaller scale with mixed results. Where Surf House did succeed was by showing the direction future surfing based webisodes could explore.

With all the glaring similarities alluded to between Boarding House: North Shore and Surf House, the most significant correlation lies in gender. The most interesting and poignant moments throughout both series come from the female surfers. In both series women provide the drama, but along with the drama, the women provide the most open and introspective assessments of themselves, allowing the audience, whether male or female to relate.

Without a doubt, surf influenced webisodes will continue to be a presence in the industry. No other media outlet is more beneficial to surf companies, offering the chance to showcase their team rider’s talents and personalities to the public. What remains to be seen is whether any of these surf sponsored attempts will create the mainstream attention that Boarding House: North Shore and Surf House failed to establish. Although Surf House leaves a lot to be desired, hopefully this series will serve as a model and precursor of things to come. F

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CONTEST SCENE . . . Growing Pains

Karma

Strikes the Roxy Pro

By Scott Cuttre | Photo by Gregerson

What more could you ask for? A heated title race, with female professional surfing on the upswing, rivalries being developed, and most importantly, respect is finally starting to be gained..

On the cusp of the 3rd to last stop of the Women’s WCT season, Roxy provided the fans with the customary pre-event sponsor video teaser.

Only one problem, instead of providing a surf filled promotional teaser showcasing the aforementioned themes, Roxy decided to release an event promo that more resembled a pre-meltdown Britney Spears music video than a video that showcased a critical up-coming surf contest.

After a month long break, the Women’s WCT was scheduled to reconvene in Biarritz, France. Unfortunately for the competing professional female surfers and their fans, the swell never showed up, leaving the event to be rescheduled for September/October, coinciding with the logically scheduled men’s event. The lack of surf was predictable for everyone except the heads of the Women’s WCT. The ASP’s brightest decided to schedule a critical contest that would no doubt have title implications at a time in Biarritz, France that is historically lacking on swell. Aside from the issue of poor planning and the heads of the Women’s ASP being forced to eat a little crow, a bigger mistake was made by the event’s sponsor, Roxy. Roxy, the leader in female surfing apparel, took it upon themselves to release a controversial promotional teaser which inadvertently may have pushed female surfing another step backward.

point of the promo is lost on the viewers. Along with being the event teaser, Roxy was using this video as an attempt to promote the arrival of 5 time Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore to its team. In a somewhat clever way of delaying the announcement of the addition of Gilmore, Roxy chooses to hide the identity of the female subject in the promo, making the promo some sort of guessing game for the fans.

Unfortunately, this interesting and original idea was completely wasted due to the stereotyped direction Roxy decided to take while visualizing this video treatment. What Roxy’s promotional video has successfully accomplished is to create a stir among the surfing community. Shortly after this promo was released, any type of internet search results including the subject of the Roxy Biarritz Pro would be accompanied by surf blogger backlash. With the recent announcement of Quiksilver’s female clothing line folding, is this the attention the company was hoping to attract? Quiksilver is one of surfing’s biggest companies, with its sister company, Roxy being the leader in female surf fashion. One has to wonder, with a marketing mistake of this magnitude being made, why does female surfing continue to shoot itself in the foot? An even a bigger question that needs to be answered is: Why was Roxy the one holding the gun?

What will not be said in any comment box or blog page is that Roxy, although greatly misguided, was on the path to creating an original event promo video. Every sponsored professional surfing event, male or female, uses the same safe formula for its promotion ideas when releasing a teaser video. Unfortunately, Roxy took the easy way out and chose sex over substance. Sexuality will always be a part of female surfing. Regardless of how you slice it, women will always wear bikinis pleasing to the viewer’s eye. At the same time, there will always be that line in the sand that companies and promoters will cautiously tip toe around--dividing “classy” and “trashy.” Regrettably, Roxy crossed this line.

What is the most alarming aspect of this promo debacle? That the top female surf company couldn’t seem to recognize the line in the sand that the sport’s followers hoped they would not cross.

ROXY, the leader in

female surfing apparel, took it

upon themselves to release a controversial promotional teaser which inadvertently may have pushed

Roxy decided against the usual action packed, music blaring event promo in favor of an event teaser that on some levels could be a worthy trailer for a soft core porn film. The promo begins in slow-motion with an unnamed, assumingly professional female surfer lying on a bed wearing nothing but bikini bottoms, and then sexually rolling over to check her cell phone.

The anonymous female then dresses herself in a loosely fitted see through button up shirt while standing between her strategically placed guitar and sticker filled surfboard. With all the clichés being accounted for, the subject then moves on to her laptop, passing her French breakfast, then drops her clothes and makes her way to the shower. I’ll forgo the rest of the triteness Roxy made sure to include when visually depicting the so-called life of a professional female surfer on the world tour. Just know Roxy made sure to provide multiple backside shots before the female surfer begins her slow motioned contest jersey sporting paddle out. Shot beautifully, the landscape at the start of the video looks amazing, so after first viewing one is left with the most obvious of questions: where is the surfing and is this how Roxy wants the fans to view female professional surfing? If this promo was Roxy’s attempt at grabbing the attention of the male demographic, then this promo was definitely a success. Sexual overtones along with an attractive female physique lacking clothing will always do the trick.

With all the clichés and unspoken sexual suggestive shots, the main

female surfing another step backward.

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With the release of the Roxy Pro teaser, it has become painfully obvious that the ASP and the top event sponsors need to understand that female surfing is at its most critical point in the sport’s history. Whether half-hazardly making a critical scheduling blunder or using nothing but the female form to sell an event, the ones that suffer the most are the companies themselves. Angering, and at the same time ostracizing the target audience only dampens growth. While there are many positive developments happening on a daily basis providing the sport with growth, the sport’s association as a whole needs to realize there is a responsibility that should be taken by all parties involved to make sure the image of female surfing continues to go in a respectable direction.

This would allow athletes and the fans to be proud of the culture each has chosen to be a part of. Neglecting this obligation will only raise the level of the already surging quicksand female surfing could be sinking into, bringing the public’s perception along with it. F

CONTEST SCENE . . . Growing Pains

Give us a CHANCE I

By Nicole Eddy Blog: http://eddnic001.wordpress.com

’m no feminist. Don’t get me wrong though, I stand up for women and their equality in society. It’s not exactly an issue that swirls around my head daily and makes me want to start a protest armed with hairdryers, curlers and lipstick, although that sounds quite fun!

I was reading an article by Cori Schumacher, 3 times World Longboarding Champ, called ‘Proliferating Stereotypes for Profit’ and she had some stats which were a bit of a brain blower. I’ll share some with you from three well-known surfing magazines. For every one picture of a woman in the magazines, seven males could be found. For every one picture of women actually surfing, there were twelve and a half more images of men surfing! People do not notice these things because it is what we are accustomed to.

You have to be blind not to see it, or just really naive! Female surfers have always been a minuscule percentage of the total amount of surfers and they are rapidly growing. Women still tend to get dropped in on in the lineup with the general misconception of, ‘Oh, she’s a lady, with lady-parts, therefore she can’t really surf that well.’ I’m no stranger to sometimes being the only girl in the water most times down the west coast of Cape Town.

I don’t mind it at all; it still feels as though the guys get shocked that I am physically able to paddle to the back-line, let alone ride the wave. I don’t want to generalize too much.

All in all, the bunch of surfers on the west coast, guys and girls, are pretty cool and laidback humans, bar a few who need a good thumping!

The Saltwater GIRL Magazine was the closest thing in South Africa to a girls ‘surfing’ magazine, but it really got my blood boiling. I found every issue being about ‘How to tell if he has a crush,’ or ‘How to kiss,’ with pictures of posers doing cartwheels on the beach in the sunset.

Seriously?! South Africa has our favourite local Zigzag magazine, a great magazine all in all, but I think almost every picture of a woman in the magazine is either topless or displaying only their bums in the shot. The only times I did see female spreads was on Bianca Buitendag, currently on the ASP 2013 Women’s World Tour, and a spread of local Cape Town’s Tanika Hoffman and Tarryn Chudleigh. I was so shocked that I tweeted a picture saying how excited I was to see women featured as ‘surfers’ and not as sex objects. What picture does this paint?

The issue of guys versus girls in surfing has never really bothered me. I always just got on with it and accepted that there are fewer girls than guys. During the events where both sexes competed, I did not even take notice that the guys division almost always received approximately three times the amount of prize money than the women’s. It’s just the way that it goes, right? I have been following the ASP World Tour for the past couple of years online and showing face at a few where I could, but when you’re so far down south, JBay is really the only option. I particularly enjoy following the women’s events. It is not only because they are girls, and that it is amazing to compare the differences in their ability and mine (there is no comparison really, but I’m not ready to admit that to myself quite yet).

It is mostly due to the fact that these young women seem to be training and shredding harder than ever nowadays. As soon as it comes to just over halfway through the year and the competition is just getting heated, I have to switch over to watching the men’s, which I don’t mind at all, as the women’s tour has finished. There are no Triple Crown events, no Fiji and no J-Bay, when it used to be an event on the ASP World Tour.

We all know that the level of men and women’s surfing are on very different levels. Whilst men are breaking boundaries that could have been deemed impossible at one stage, women are said to be ‘pushing the boundaries’ of ‘women’s surfing’. Yes, it could be due to the fact that men are stronger and are generally said to be more naturally athletic than women. Could the gap between men and women’s surfing be minimized if there would be more incentive to perform better through more events, surfing better waves, and having the stakes increased by raising the prize money three times higher than what they are currently winning?

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The view of women’s surfing has changed significantly and rapidly, even within the past two years.

The standards are higher and it is said that they are ‘pushing the boundaries of surfing.’ With this, there was a picture of Sage Erikson, not surfing, but posing in a revealing costume in the swimming pool and Steph Gilmore posing nude for ESPN... but no surfing pictures. I understand that sex appeal is often used to promote and up the image of girls surfing, with surfing being marketed as a ‘healthy’ looking sport, getting rid of the old hippy-get-high stereotype. But it has to be balanced with the equivalent amount of women tearing it up on the waves.

Why is it that these women who surf are competing with non-surfers for surfing advertisements? Those who perform the best (Carissa Moore, Lakey Peterson, and Courtney Conlogue) are much less preferred to the likes of Alana Blanchard, who as much as I am a fan of, I have seen her bum a thousand times more than I have her face. If women’s surfing is praised by the ASP and surfing organizations as ‘next-level’ and ‘breaking boundaries,’ then why have they only seen roughly 2% increase in prize money over the years? They are actually being compared with their current male counterparts on the tour who earn three times their amount on most events! How is this even legal?!

It’s a complicated and tough issue that challenges the balance of embracing women’s sexuality without relying on it to determine their athletic abilities by the public. Maybe if women were given an equal chance with the men on tour, we could be seeing more ground-breaking stuff. So to all the women out there, keep shredding! F You can view Cori’s article at www.theinertia.com/business-media/proliferating-stereotypes-forprofit

beach

fashion2014 Lorena

Ashley

Bikini: Sensi Bikinis (sensibikinis.com)

Bikini: Dkoko Costa Rica Surf Bikinis (dkoko.com)

Surfboard: Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com)

Surfboard: Chick Sticks (chicksticksbylola.com)

Fins: Fins Unlimited (finsunlimited.com)

Fins: Fins Unlimited (finsunlimited.com)

Leash: Sticky Bumps Day Glo Leash (stickybumps.com)

Leash: Sticky Bumps Day Glo Leash (stickybumps.com)

PHOTOS BY:

Daniel K. Fine Arts HAIR & MAKEUP BY:

Malia Aloy MODELS: Carley Sizemore, Lorena Miller, Ashley Stalcar, Dustin, Michael Manning

Watch: Sprout... Eco friendly timepieces (sproutwatches.com)

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FASHION COORDINATOR: Trish Edwards

Ashley Bikini: Mi Ola Bikinis (mi-ola.com) Surfboard: Chick Sticks (chicksticksbylola.com) Fins: Fins Unlimited (finsunlimited.com) Leash: Sticky Bumps Day Glo Leash (stickybumps.com) Bracelets: Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com)

Lorena Bikini: Dkoko Costa Rica Surf Bikinis (dkoko.com) Leash: Sticky Bumps Day Glo Leash (stickybumps.com) Surfboard: Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com)

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Evening Session ASHLEY Top & Shorts: Sweet Waterwear (sweetwaterwear.com) Bracelets: Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com)z Watch: Sprout Eco friendly timepieces (sproutwatches.com) Shoes: Rider Sandals (ridersandals.com) Sunglasses: Peppers (peppersusa.com) Surfboard: Chick Sticks (chicksticksbylola.com) Fins: Fins Unlimited (finsunlimited.com) Leash: Sticky Bumps Day Glo Leash (stickybumps.com)

North Shore LORENA Top: The Om Collection (theomcollection.com) Shorts: Vermilli (vermilli.com) Watch: Sprout Eco friendly timepieces (sproutwatches.com) Wrap Bracelet: Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com)

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fashion OM...

LORENA Tank, EXXY Sports-Brakini Top & Shorts: Sweet Waterwear (sweetwaterwear.com) Bracelet: Wakami (wakamiusa.com) Watch: Armitron (armitron.com) Shoes: Blu Kicks (blukicks.com) Sunglasses: Peppers (peppersusa.com) Leash: Sticky Bumps Day Glo Leash (stickybumps.com)

LORENA (left) Bikini Top: Sensi Bikinis (sensibikinis.com) Pants: The Om Collection (theomcollection.com) Cuffs: Oofkas (oofkas.com) ASHLEY (right) Top: Peace & OM (peaceandom.com) Pants: The Om Collection (theomcollection.com) Cuffs: Oofkas (oofkas.com)

Surfboard: Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com) Traction Pad: Let’s Party! (letspartytraction.com)

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The View CARLEY EXXY Sports-Brakini Top: Sweet Waterwear (sweetwaterwear.com) Pants: B Swim (bswim.com) Bracelets: Trendy Jewels (1-800-722-2309 trendyjewels.com)

Fu Man Chu Bay Bikinis: B Swim (bswim.com) Earrings: Trendy Jewels (1-800-722-2309 trendyjewels.com) Watch (Ashley/far left): Sprout, eco friendly timepieces (sproutwatches.com) Cuff (Lorena/middle): Dennis Kaping Fine Jewelry (denniskaping.com) Slink-Let Bracelet (Carley/right): Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com)

LORENA Bikini: KALIKALACJ SWIMWEAR (kalikalacjswimwear.etsy.com)

Necklace & Bracelets: Trendy Jewels (1-800-722-2309 trendyjewels.com)

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Wahine

2014

Sunglasses: Nectar (nectarsunglasses.com)

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2014

fashion

beach Beach Days ASHLEY Dress: Juli And Fred (juliandfred.com)

Cuff: Caroline Rocha (carolinerocha.com) Necklaces: Trendy Jewels (1-800-722-2309 trendyjewels.com)

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Surf Check MICHAEL Shirt: WetRax (wet-rax.com)

Watch: Sprout Eco friendly timepieces (sproutwatches.com) Sunglasses: Peppers (peppersusa.com) Shorts: Dunkelvolk (dunkelvolk.com) Shoes: RIDEBRO (www.ridebro.com) LORENA Shirt / Strappy Top: The Om Collection (theomcollection.com) Shorts: Lagaci (www.lagaci.com) Cuff: Caroline Rocha (carolinerocha.com) Hair Flare: Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com) Shoes: RIDEBRO (www.ridebro.com) Beach Bag: Peace & OM (www.peaceandom.com)

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June’s Beach ASHLEY Bikini: Kovey (kovey.co) Necklace / Bracelets: Trendy Jewels (1-800-722-2309 trendyjewels.com) Leash: Sticky Bumps Day Glo Leash (stickybumps.com) Surfboard: Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com)

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2014

fashion

beach

In the Tropics ASHLEY Bikini: Guria Beachwear (shopguria.com) Cuff: Caroline Rocha (carolinerocha.com) Necklace: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com)

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Neoprene Goddesses LORENA & CARLEY Wetsuits: Sirensong Wetsuits (sirensongwetsuits.com)

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beach

LORENA (above) Sunglasses: Sikk Shades by Eddie Bauer Jr. (sikkshades.com)

Rashguard: Exceed Wetsuits (exceedwetsuits.com) Watch: Armitron (armitron.com)

2014

Summertime

Headphones: Yurbuds (yurbuds.com)

Warm = More Waves DUSTIN Wetsuit: Exceed Wetsuits (exceedwetsuits.com)

Watch: Armitron (armitron.com) ASHLEY (middle) Top / Pants: Victory Koredry (victorykoredry.com) Watch: Sprout, eco friendly timepieces (sproutwatches.com)

Headphones: Yurbuds (yurbuds.com) Sunglasses: Peppers (peppersusa.com) LORENA (right) Wetsuit: Exceed Wetsuits (exceedwetsuits.com) Watch: Armitron (armitron.com) Surfboard: Chick Sticks (chicksticksbylola.com) Fins: Fins Unlimited (finsunlimited.com) Leash: Sticky Bumps Day Glo Leash (stickybumps.com)

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The Bike Path

LORENA (below left) Top: Victory Koredry (victorykoredry.com)

Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com)

Pants: Peace & OM (peaceandom.com)

Surfboard: Chick Sticks (chicksticksbylola.com)

ASHLEY (right) Top: BOLD Babe (boldbabespfclothing.com)

Fins: Fins Unlimited (finsunlimited.com)

Pants: Peace & OM (peaceandom.com)

Leash: Sticky Bumps Day Glo Leash (stickybumps.com)

Watch: Armitron (armitron.com) Necklace: Charming Shark

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2014

fashion

beach

Reflection

MICHAEL Sunglasses: Sikk Shades by Eddie Bauer Jr. (sikkshades.com) Top: Billabong (billabong.com) Shoes: Blu Kicks (blukicks.com) Watch: Armitron (armitron.com) Necklace: FCS fin key by SimpleBen (sbsk.com) Fins: Fins Unlimited (finsunlimited.com) Leash: Sticky Bumps Day Glo Leash (stickybumps.com)

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2014

fashion

beach Pools

ASHLEY Bikini: DELMAR by Berjheny (berjheny.com) Necklace / Bracelets: Trendy Jewels (1-800-722-2309 trendyjewels.com)

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Quiet Time LORENA Bikini: Guria Beachwear (shopguria.com)

Cuff: Dennis Kaping Fine Jewelry (denniskaping.com) Beaded Cuff: Trendy Jewels (1-800-722-2309 / trendyjewels.com)

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Ashley

(left) Fringe Top: Vermilli (vermilli.com) Bikini: Kovey (kovey.co) Necklace: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com) Shell Necklace: Hand carved by Deb’s Designs (debsdesignshawaii.com, FB/Instagram/ETSY: debsdesignshawaii) Bracelet (top hand) & Rope: Trendy Jewels (1-800-722-2309 trendyjewels.com) Bracelet (lower hand): Wakami- from Guatemala (wakamiusa.com)

Lorena

(below) Bikini: Kai ulu (kaiulu.com) Necklaces & Cuff: Trendy Jewels (1-800-722-2309 trendyjewels.com)

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2014

fashion

beach

Young Love

ASHLEY Shirt: Lagaci (lagaci.com) Shorts: Simply Short (simplyshortusa.com) Cuffs: Ookfas (oofkas.com) Sunglasses: Smith Optics (smithoptics.com) MICHAEL Sunglasses: Sikk Shades by Eddie Bauer Jr. (sikkshades.com) Shirt: RIDEBRO (ridebro.com) Necklace: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com) Watch: Sprout, eco friendly timepieces (sproutwatches.com) Bracelet: Wakami From Guatemala (wakamiusa.com) Shoes: Rider Sandals (ridersandals.com)

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Ready to Dine

LORENA (left) Shirt & Pants: Elan (clothingobsession.com) Purse: Souldier (souldier.us) Bracelet: Wakami- from Guatemala (wakamiusa.com)

LORENA (right) Sweater: Elan (clothingobsession.com)

Cuffs: Oofkas (oofkas.com) Skirt: Grace in L.A. (graceinla.com)

fashion

beach

2014

Shoes: Sbicca (sbiccashoes.com)

Evening Sail

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fashion

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Ready to Rock

CARLEY Sweater: Elan (clothingobsession.com) Skirt: Juli And Fred (juliandfred.com) Tights: Leg Luxury (legluxury.com) Shoes: Iron Fist (ironfistclothing.com) Ring: Trendy Jewels (1-800-722-2309, trendyjewels.com)

Sunset Drive

ASHLEY Dress: Rebecca Michaels (rebeccamichaels.com) Necklace: Trendy Jewels (1-800-722-2309, trendyjewels.com) Cuffs: Oofkas (oofkas.com)

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beach

fashion2014 Lady in Red CARLEY Shirt: Juli And Fred (juliandfred.com) Shorts: Grace in L.A. (graceinla.com) White Necklace: Trendy Jewels (1-800-722-2309, trendyjewels.com) Long Necklace: Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com) Earrings: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com)

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PRO-Files

AGE: 14 YEARS SURFING: I stood up on a long board for the first time when I was three HOMEBREAK: Kewalos, Ala Moana Bowls SPONSORS: Rip Curl, Makani Monstah! Surfboards, Smith Optics, Future Fins, Olley, Pro Lite, BoardStix, Charming Shark, Waiiola Coconut Water FAVORITE BOARD: Makani 5’1” Squashtail 162 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

PRO-FILES

Featuring...

Brisa

Hennessy

“

“

I grew up off the grid, in the ocean and in the rainforest of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica

Photos by Gregerson

It was a magical place filled with amazing wild life and the coolest plants and trees you have ever seen. There were no phones or electricity and our water came from a spring in the mountains. It was an adventure every day! Surfing was always a part of every day in my family. My parents ran a surf school and I was always in the ocean. I started swimming when I was 2 and first stood up on a soft-top long board when I was 3 years old.

You could say I have saltwater in my blood and in my heart! I just love it.

Surf sisters There are so many amazing girls who I have been competing against and with for many years. All of them are like my big sisters, little sisters, good friends and rivals.

We push each other and have a lot of fun!

People who inspire me My Grandma Tomi because of her wisdom and passion and the art she has shown me to see in every day. Rell Sunn for her beauty in and out of the water and the love and courage she showed and gave to all of the children in Hawaii. Carissa Moore not only wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 163

PRO-Files

Photos by Gregerson

PRO-FILES 164 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

because she is one of the best women surfers in the world, but for just staying real with a very pure, humble and happy, giving heart. And of course my mom and dad! They are my best friends; always there for me, we just have so much fun together and just the coolest parents ever!

Surfing Superwoman I have always wished I could fly.

I guess one of the closest things is when you are pumping down the line with so much speed and you kick out high and fly over the back. I hope some day soon I can do airs, and then it will really be like flying.

A love for animals I have 2 cats and 5 chickens.

I wish we could have more, but we travel too much. I just love animals, I always have. When I was younger I thought I might work in an animal shelter. I want to volunteer and do that one day, too.

Life besides surfing When I’m not surfing I am eating. ;) I love to eat AND to cook. Some day I hope to own a restaurant. I also love to paint and draw. My Grandma is an amazing artist and has taught me to see the world with a different eye.

Brisa

Hennessy AT A GLANCE:

F Favorite food: Oooooh, that is really hard to pick… but I will have to say Sushi F Slippers or high heels: Slippers for sure F Lipstick or gloss or bare: bare F Favorite dessert (that you can cook): Banana cream pie with caramelized bananas, Oreo crust, fresh whipped cream and a Nutella surprise F Favorite artist (song): The Beatles, Imagine F Dream surf destination you haven’t been to yet: Indo F Favorite color: Blue F Bicycle or skateboard: Skateboard F Favorite quote: Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible… Dalai Lama

MY SURF LIFE My biggest wave I think the biggest wave I have ridden was about 16-18 foot face at Sunset Beach. I was with my coach Kahea Hart. He got me on that big one…. actually he said “You better go Brisa!” I am glad I went because the one behind it was even bigger and all my friends got cleaned up! I think that is just about big enough for now…

Get back on the horse The last time I got hurt surfing was at the Nationals at Huntington Beach.

It was the first time I had surfed Huntington and it was a good 8-10 foot faces with crazy current. I went out with my dad for dawn patrol to practice and caught a big left going toward the pier. I did one turn and then the white water hit me and I went down. Next thing I knew my board wrapped around the piling and I was being held under. I held onto the mussels that are attached to the piling so that I could breathe. I finally took off my leash and was able to swim in. I got pretty scratched up, but mostly it was just a super scary experience. I did get out there again as soon as I calmed down.

You gotta just get back on the horse, as my dad says.

Good times with good people I have been lucky to have some incredible sessions with epic waves, but the ones that stand out most in my mind are not necessarily the ones with the biggest or best waves. The ones that bring a smile to my face are those where my friends and all the kids and parents are laughing and we are all hooting for each other and just smiling ear to ear. Sand Bar was like that the other day, crystal clear glassy water with small perfect waves and everyone just playing and laughing. It was one of those magical days.

My favorite contests When I was a grommet, I won one of my first contests at the Rell Sunn Menehune. It was so much fun and such a beautiful place and for a beautiful reason. I got my first national title this last summer at Lowers, which was one of my goals and a dream come true. I also recently won the Rip Curl Grom Search Nationals and I can’t believe I’m going to Bells!! I feel so blessed.

Do fins make a difference?

I think they definitely do. I just got on Futures and Brian sent me a bunch of fins to try. I am learning to feel the difference and what fin works best in different conditions for me. I am loving Futures. F wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 165

PRO-Files

Tearing up Oahu’s North Shore...

Courtney

Conlogue PRO-FILES Photo by Gregerson

166 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

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PRO-Files

Anastasia

Ashley PRO-FILES Photo by Daniel Russo

168 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Pipeline Surf Star

By Banzaii Betty Media

Meet up with Anastasia Ashley and you realize that this surfing wahine has many levels of stardom that she worked hard at getting.

She is rare in a sport that has a long way to go in their efforts of supporting female surfers as athletes not objects. It is definitely changing and fast and she is one of the women doing the work. Anastasia knows it takes lots of effort and has said she knew she made it “when she paid all the bills from surfing”. Being able to concentrate on the sport itself has given her the respect she deserves.

She does not do many tour events, but Pipeline is different for her. “I like Pipeline because it’s one of the most beautiful waves to watch from the water as well as it has so much power”, she explains. “I always grew up surfing there on small days as a child, so I know the wave quite well”, she said. “Also one of my good friends growing up was Jamie O’Brien, so that doesn’t hurt either.” Pipeline master Jamie O’Brien and gang give her advice and support, and watching the wave from the house right in front of the break is a plus.

She has been very successful at the famous break in competitions, the best record so far. She made the final 4 times out of 6 events getting a 3rd in 2009 and 3rd in 2012. Last year she placed 2nd and she was champion in 2010. How does she do it? She explains, “I think how you win it is to know how to watch the conditions and the swell direction that day because it can change very fast, you need to be on it’. That describes her in many realms she works at.

With the help of Airwalk and Bikini Ready- a line of yummy protein shakes and weight loss supplements, Ashley finds herself as an athlete spokesperson, a regular with ESPN, followed by the Huffington Post, and TMZ is sure to find a reason to have her in the mix. Her social media numbers are giant and she recently flowed into being a presenter at the The Cartoon Networks Awards event. She is no stranger to red carpets and has a knack for speaking on camera. Yes, she is one of the most recognizable surfers in the world. She also is part of the 50th Anniversary of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. That is big-time! And yes, she is the one famous for the “twerking dance warm up” video that was an internet sensation.

Ashley is also riding some giant waves and is a part of the XXL awards line-up, because growing up in Hawaii gave her the confidence to charge big waves. She moved back to California at 14, but doing the NSSA contests gave her the sense of drive and focus it takes for her lifestyle now. She said she was not one of the girls that got big support so she had to work really hard to do well. “I’ve been doing this for my whole life and doing the media thing. I think it’s hard for any female now whether you’re an athlete or in any type of show business you are always going to have to struggle with maintaining your credibility, especially if they push your looks.” Anastasia balances the media well and has the looks and fitness that comes with surfing, but she works-out hard and works at it harder. “I’ve worked extremely hard in my job and have been able to be relevant for the last 15 years both in media and in my surfing” she said. “I even have my schedule on the wall of my bedroom.” When asked about her hobbies, she says she loves music and goes to a lot of music festivals.

“Surfing taught me dedication... to be able to get up at 6 am and be happy about it, and to know that we all share the great ocean and we are all the same.”

Anastasia Ashley will be one to watch at the Surf n Sea Pipeline Womens Pro, bet on it! F

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PRO-Files

PRO-FILES 170 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Wendy

Guimarães

Story by: Darlan Lopes Photos by: Luciano Santos | www.superframes.com.br

Wendy Guimarães, only 17 years old, is the newest sensation in Brazilian surfing.

She began surfing at the age of 12 at her backyard break, Itaúna Beach, often considered one of the best waves in Brazil. She improved quickly surfing alongside other talented Brazilian surfers, Yan Guimaraes (her brother), and Raoni Monteiro.

Wendy, well known for her strong surfing style and powerful maneuvers holds many titles, including 2 time state champion in Rio de Janeiro, and 2 time Brazilian champion. She also finished 5th at the Junior Pro in Lobitos, Peru in 2013.

Besides taking surf trips throughout Brazil, Wendy has also traveled to Peru 6 times, so she could practice surfing down the line, and further develop her own style, on the long peeling waves Peru is famous for.

This young talented surfer dreams of traveling to Indonesia and someday, being a part of the global surfing elite.

Her current sponsors include Hennek (Wetworks), and support by PRO Lite. F wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 171

PRO-Files

2013 World Champ

Carissa

Moore PRO-FILES Photo by Gregerson

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SURF SHOP DIRECTORY | WSSM OAHU

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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

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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 174 | 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

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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

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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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NORTHERN 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

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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

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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

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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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1. Logon to: WomensSurfStyle.com 2. click on “contact us” to send us an email! (we promise to respond)

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

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WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH / CHARLOTTE

Surf City Surf Shop ............................................... 910-256-2265 Sweetwater Surf Shop ......................................... 910-256-3821 Wallerbears Surf Shop ................... 704-341-3414 | 704-369-7873

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

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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

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IndoBoard.com/Yoga

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See You Next Issue...

Chuns at sunset, Oahu Hawaii, during the WSSM Hawaii Women’s Surf Retreat 2013 | Surfer: Kaleia Deal Photo: James Vybiral | jamesvybiral.com

Log on to womenssurfstyle.com to learn more about the WSSM Women’s Surf Retreat World Tour, 2014 and get your own amazing sunset shots like this one!

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