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Who We Are FLOW is open to everyone; men, women, youth, boys, girls and families who desire to share God’s love through their actions towards surfers. We are an outreach where we care for surfers at the beach, at surf contests and at special events. Although we do surf and have surfers involved you do not need to be a surfer to serve God. Please take a moment to pray for our group and see if you, or any of your friends or family, feel drawn into our mission field. If you have any questions feel free to approach any of the FLOW guys or gals at the events or e-mail us at flowsurfers@yahoo.com Monthly Events We meet each month at local surf event or contest sites. We arrive early and either help the contest get set up or we help beachgoers who are carrying arms full of chairs, umbrellas and coolers. In between we surf, pass out snacks or drinks and FLOW stuff. Afterwards, we gather for a devotion and discuss upcoming events and opportunities to serve others. Our devotions are very casual and are geared for first timers to Bible scholars. All are welcome to hear God’s word and ask questions like, “What does that have to do with me?”. Special Events We try and pack up the vans and see our local sites. The wave pool in Orlando is obviously a favorite as well as our Summer FLOW Jam where we jam as many kids into two vans and travel up coast and camp our way back home while surfing as many breaks a possible. There are lots of ways to be involved just come and see. We serve at National and Regional Contests: ASF Florida Contests, ASF Championships, NSSA Southeast Contests, NSSA East Coast Championships, Quiksilver King of the Peak, Gnarly Charley Surf Series, Walking on Water Movie Tours, Rip Curl Grom Search… Get plugged at: flowsurfers@yahoo.com www.fellowshipledonwater.com www.facebook.com/FLOWSebastianInlet
Tell us about yourself, Casey. My name is Casey Cruciano, I’m married with 2 kids, living on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and doing surf ministry there. My wife and I have been missionaries for over 10 years, I’ve been surfing for 25+ years, and enjoying the journey the Lord has taken us on. Speaking of that, we’ve heard that you are preparing for a new journey this summer? In June, our family is relocating to Africa to participate in surf ministry there. We have accepted a position that’s going to take us to Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa. As a regular-footer it has been a dream of mine to surf that wave forever, but so much more than just good waves is the opportunity to serve where God is guiding our path. How did you make the decision to move so far away? After being involved in surf ministry for many years and meeting radical people from all over the planet that were serving in their respective communities, I thought that my family might eventually find ourselves overseas. I thought that might mean Central America or the Caribbean, places I’ve been to before and are relatively easy for friends and family to visit. So, I had been scouting out openings in those areas, but nothing caught my eye. Many months passed and quite unexpectedly the J-Bay opportunity was announced. It was way out in left field geographically, but the position itself fits my giftings to a “T” so I know that it’s the right next step for us. How long will you be there and what will you be doing? We have agreed to 3-year commitment in Africa, and the job title is “Operations Manager” for Christian Surfers International. The role will be working alongside the International Director, engaging in the mission and vision of the ministry as it is articulated across the world in nearly 40 countries with thousands of volunteers. I’ll also be a part of the local mission in J-Bay, where they do surf lessons to disadvantaged youth, run an internship program, and operate a thrift store, among other things. J-Bay is also a hub for the region for special events like conferences and campouts, so I hope to be helping to coordinate those events as well. You got to visit Jeffrey’s Bay this past year, how good was that wave!? It really is incredible to see in person. One thing I didn’t realize until I got there was just how long it is, there’s actually about 6 sections to the wave where you can take off, the best of which is where they hold the contest (Supertubes). It’s a very fast wave and in no time you’ve run a few hundred yards down the line. Surprisingly, the crowd isn’t too crazy and you can get decent waves if you wait your turn. And, since there are other waves in the area, you can surf up or down the beach to get away from everyone a bit. Any advice for groms wanting to serve overseas? I really never thought I would be in this position, and to be perfectly honest as a teenager didn’t ever think I’d be sharing Christ with people verbally. But, I had some amazing mentors over the years that challenged me to lean into Him more. The challenge, however, was never to change locations, rather, to do more with the lost around me in the present. I am a firm believer that whoever you are right now won’t change if only your environment changes. So, start with reaching the people God has perfectly placed in your everyday life. How can readers of Blank Magazine be involved? If you’d like to read more about my family’s personal journey, you can visit: www.tinyurl.com/cruciano-africa to learn more and contribute if you would like. If you’d like to hop on our newsletter list to hear more about our adventures in Africa, just send Blank Magazine your info. We are also planning to receive a missions trip in July of 2017, for people who would like to work the WSL contest for 2 weeks. It’s a great way to have
Name: Tanner Corbitt Age: 10 Hometown: Tequesta, FL Nickname: Tan the Man Favorite (local) surf spot: Juno Pier Sponsors: Blueline Surf and Paddle Co, Vissla, Dakine, XCEL, Garden of Life, Modern Juice Co, Sticky Bumps Wax, Surfscreen Organic Sunscreen What kind / size board are your currently riding: Brian Bulkley boards out of San Clemente,CA 4’6” and 4’7” Favorite place to eat breakfast: The Corner Café in Tequesta or Dunkin Donuts Do you have any phobias? No, not that I can think of. Favorite movie: Pixels How old were you when you started surfing: I was 3 and ½ when my dad started pushing me into waves. Who do you like to surf with: My sister and my local friends in Jupiter. What do you do when it is flat: We skateboard, mountain bike, or we go to a gym called the Zoo to train. Do you have any pets: No, but my sister really wants a dog but my mom won’t let us get one! Recommended reading: I like all the I Survived books and any Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. What music is on your playlist right now: Top 40, anything with a good beat. Best friend is: Hayden,William, Lucas (I probably don’t have 1 best friend). What local surfers do you look up to: My Uncle Brian Favorite pro surfer: Mick Fanning Who has influenced your life the most: My mom and dad influence me. I’m only 10 and I think that I have had great experiences in my life already. Thanks to my mom and dad for giving me opportunities to travel and see different places. Jesus is: My Savior.
Happy Birthday In March 1966, the Van Doren Rubber Company opened for business in Anaheim, Calif. manufacturing deck shoes on its premises and selling them directly to the public. Vans’ rugged makeup and sticky rubber sole made them the perfect companion for skateboarding and they were quickly adopted by the rising subculture. These humble beginnings led to a 50-year history of “Off The Wall” moments in action sports, fashion, music and art, rendering a simple pair of canvas shoes into a platform for creative expression around the world. In 2016, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand will honor its rich heritage with special product releases throughout the year, showcasing Vans’ timeless design and innovation. The ultimate culmination of Vans’ 50-year legacy kicked off in March with the global expansion of Vans’ cultural hub, House of Vans. It is through the House of Vans experience that the brand will come to life, as it celebrates the milestone across the globe alongside the extended Vans family that have made the brand what is it today. Source: Surfersvillage Global Surf News
Thank you Tom Dugan and Dick "Mez" Meseroll 25 years, 190 issues, 21,112 pages. Only three other American surf magazines have made it to a similar milestone: Surfer, Surfing, and The Surfer’s Journal. But to this day, ESM remains committed to one coast and one community, in all its infinite permutations. Whatever you ride, however you surf, and wherever you go, if you’re from the East Coast, we’re here for you. www.easternsurf.com
Source: Eastern Surf Magazine
Recently there's been a big push by shapers and surfers to involve Volume Metrics and Surfboard Volume Calculators to really dial in their surfboard quiver. Since CAD (Computer Assisted Design) files and programs have progressed into the surfboard shaping bays, volume has become a more measurable and integral part of the design process. Volume is now seen as essential for establishing the best board for a surfer's age, ability and wave type they surf most. While some beginners may not even think about the volume of a surfboard, they'll sure learn quick how important the right equipment can be. After they've watched their friends riding waves all the way to the beach while they're still struggling to paddle, they'll see why finding the right beginner surfboard for them can be the difference between sticking with surfing or giving up early. But how do you find the right volume for you? Knowing Your Surfboard Volume: Determining the right volume for your surfboards requires thinking about many different factors. Your age, surfing ability, frequency and the types of waves to surf are all important in finding the right surfboard volume. External measurements of a surfboard are a great starting point, but the distribution of the foam through the entire outline can also have major impacts on the performance of your surfboard. By knowing your volume, you can help determine the right equipment for your level of surfing. Luckily, there is plenty of information out there today including volume calculators and volume charts to help you determine the volume that is best for you. However, lots of these volume calculators can be fairly general and often only take your weight into consideration. Finding the Volume of a Surfboard and the Use of CAD programs: Up until recently, volume was considered without consistently being measured. You used to just feel the rails and throw the board under your arm and that would give you an idea of how she was going to float. People still swear by this and anyone who's been around surfing will tell you it’s still a good system. If you have some surfing experience, you will always be able to use the feel test to understand, to some extent, how that board will perform for you. The use of CAD systems have created a situation where shapers can easily refine a surfboard's volume without having the hassle of using a displacement tank. This makes it easier to find the right dimensions and dial in equipment for your optimal performance. As mentioned before, advanced surfers can feel the difference in as little as half a Liter change in volume. But don't just stick with one volume either: In good, quality waves, too much volume will hurt your performance. Yes, you'll find paddling into the waves easy, but setting your rail and then transitioning from rail to rail will be difficult. In these circumstances, you may find surfing something like an Emery Nemesis, Album Context or the DHD Sweet spot will give you better results. Similarly, in less powerful and softer waves, if your board doesn't have enough volume, your wave count is going to go down. Bogging your rails and sinking into the wave could even ruin your session. These kind of waves call for a mush machine like the - Album Swing or the Stamps FX - to keep you going. You really need to find a happy balance between your type of equipment you use and the waves you surf. The Verdict: Don’t waste your time surfing with the wrong equipment. Using more advanced surfboard volume calculators you can take into consideration many of the variables needed to determine what type of equipment you should be looking for. This is going to help set you in the right direction. All the tools are out there to help you dial in your ideal board or boards - because everyone should have a quiver. Use the tools and with some common sense, experience, and your shapers knowledge to help determine construction, and other helpful tips, you will be well on your way to building the quiver of your dreams. Source: http://www.boardcave.com/the-surfers-corner
Sydney Corbitt Name: Sydney Corbitt Age: 12 Hometown: Tequesta, FL Sponsors: Blueline Surf and Paddle Co, Honeygirl swimwear, Dakine, XCEL, Garden of Life, Modern Juice Company, Sticky bumps wax, Surfscreen organic sunscreen Greatest surfing accomplishments, thus far: Last summer I went on a trip to Costa Rica and Nicaragua for an all girls surf camp with International Surf Services’ Global Surf Camp. I was nervous but went all by myself. It ended up being the best trip ever. I surfed with girls who I knew from contests but we all became great friends and had an awesome time. Greatest accomplishments, thus far in life: I’m proud of my school accomplishments which include honor roll and my surfing accomplishments which include being invited to surf in surfing prime America events and a few years ago, I qualified for Volcom VQS Championships. Favorite (local) surf spot: Juno Beach Pier Favorite surf spot outside Florida: Trestles,CA What kind / size board are your currently riding: I have 3 that I use: Bulkley, Quiet Flight and Eric Arakawa.The Eric Arakawa is a 5’1” that I’ve been using most recently. Favorite breakfast food: Boston Cream Donuts If you had a super power: That’s easy, I’d fly. How old were you when you started surfing: I was about 4- 5 years old when my dad started pushing me into waves. Best wave you have ever surfed: Popoyo in Nicaragua and Trestles What wave do you want to surf: Ollie’s Point in Costa Rica What do you do when it is flat: We go to the skatepark, go to the gym to train, or we mountain bike. Pizza or Tacos: Pizza, but I love tacos too! Do you have any single fins in your quiver: No, I do not. What three qualities do think every surfer should have: I think every surfer should be kind, patient and level headed. Who do you look up to: My parents. Who has influenced your life the most: My parents influence my life every day. They have taught me right from wrong and enabled me to do what I love. What is the best advice you can give to the groms in the water: If you are having fun, who cares if you are winning or in a contest. Do what makes you happy. Continue if you enjoy it. Don’t get sucked into the idea that you have to win to be successful. Each experience is a learning experience. Try and become better for you, and if you are happy with your progress, then you have succeeded. Jesus is: The Messiah that gave his life to save us from our sins.
Name: Greg Geiselman Surfboard Label: Orion Surfboards Age: 51 Hometown: New Smyrna Bch How long have you been shaping: 30yrs How did you get started shaping: Charley Baldwin ( CB ) asked and I wanted to learn How many boards have you shaped: 24,000+ Favorite (local) surf spot: New Smyrna Inlet Do you have any pets: no What model and size board are your currently riding: 6'0 18.7 x 2.25 toaster model Do you have a single fin in your quiver: yes Favorite surf destination: Mexico Do you have a favorite model you are shaping right now: the Fricker or Menace have been fun Favorite food: Mexican Best Breakfast in town: Beacon restaurant Favorite surfer of all time: Tom Curren Favorite surfer on the world tour today: Kelly or Julian Who has influenced your life the most: Parents Favorite fin system, why: I have used the FCS systems since they first came out Both your sons have had scary moments in the surf. Evan at Pipe this year and Eric, with a big shark, a few years back, on the California coast. Do you think it has changed the way they approach surfing or life? I don’t think it slowed them down on there approach to how they surf. It made them realize that they are not invisible like we all thought when we were young. They have appreciated family and friends more and realize how lucky they are to have the life they have. Do you have any phobias: Probably snakes or spiders Favorite non-surf movie: Gladiator Do you play an instrument: No, wish i did Custom orders call: 386 423 0609 Social Media: Facebook - orion surfboards, Instagram - orionsurfboards, Website - orionsurfboards.com Jesus is: Everywhere
#nomorebullying Bullying is something very powerful that a lot of people wouldn't even think twice about. It can tear a person apart and can do a lot of damage. Bullying is a terrible thing that needs to end so that everyone can show their greatness to the world that God has given all of us. "How cool is it that the same God who created mountains and oceans and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you". This quote tells how we are all meant to achieve greatness. For some people it is hard because all of these bullies get in their way, to a point where doing something great seems nearly impossible when all you can think about is what is this person going to do next time. The quote states "thought the world needed one of you." God didn't just think to himself about how He thought the world could use a few more people, He knew that the world needed you. He put you into this world because He needed you to be someone to make a difference in this world. If you are being bullied, you need to reach out to God with all of your heart and find a new way to let your greatness and the love of God shine throughout this world. We can stop bullying if we prove to them that whatever they try to do is no match for God's plan for us and His unconditional love. Follow Coral on her blog at http://gromsforgod.blogspot.com/ Come out to the Groms For God Bible study “Walk In The Light on Wednesday Night” For
Summer Surf Travel—How to pack your board bag with Shred Show’s Chris Grow How do you get your surfboards safely and cheaply to your next travel destination? Packing foam and the word ‘because’ may be your best friends here. The popular Shred Show has launched an informative piece about how to get your surfboards safely and cheaply from Point A to Point B. Chris Grow takes the same sort -of-scientific approach that he uses with surfboard design and rolls it into travelling with surfboards. For example, when trying to get your boards to fly for free (in addition to being polite) if you use the word ‘because’ you can increase your chances by 30% of getting the fee waived. How? Chris did some research and found that the magic word ‘because’ gives the person at the ticked counter a reason for waiving the board bag fee. Also know that towels and wetsuits used to pack your board bag do not make good cushions and add greatly to the overall weight of your board bag. Only pack your bag with surfboards, pillows and protective foam. Learn heaps more in the video clip from the shred show on YouTube: How To Avoid Airline Fees and Keep Your Surfboards Safe - Change The Forecast Surfersvillage Global Surf News,
WHO IS ANDY MINEO? Whether he’s on stage bringing an audience to its feet with his riveting performance or off stage fielding interview questions with a potent combination of intellect and wit, it’s obvious Andy Mineo is a born communicator and hip hop music is his instrument for reaching the masses. “It is absolutely undeniable that hip hop is becoming the universal language,” You are able to say exactly what you want. You represent exactly what is deepest and dearest to you and people respond to that. They respond to that realness.”
Rapper Andy Mineo dreams up ways to connect with his fans beyond the music itself. For his sophomore album Uncomfortable—released by Reach Records, the rap label founded by Lecrae—Mineo invited followers to share their version of the cover art, his bearded and bespectacled face pressed against glass. Hundreds posted pics of themselves (and theirbabies!) in the pose, enough that Instagram featured the project on its blog. No wonder crowds pack meet and greets and sold-out shows throughout his 26-city tour (his first as a headliner), which concluded last month. On social media, Mineo posts behind-the-scenes selfie videos, solicits fan feedback, and holds giveaways for fans who send pics of them with the new album or its promo posters. At the listening party for Uncomfortable, he challenged fans to a surprise Nerf gun battle at a custom-decorated skate park. “You’ve always had the ill rollouts,” radio host and MTV personality Sway Calloway told Mineo. He compared the young rapper to 2Pac, DMX, and Kendrick Lamar—legendary and “God-conscious.” Uncomfortable, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Christian Albums chart, was an effort to pushback against “an inauthentic sense of cleanliness” and safety affiliated with Christianity, he explained at the Catalyst conference in Atlanta this fall. In the title track, he raps, “God prepare me for the war / Comfort be the thing that'll make a king fall.” The Syracuse native met Alex Medina, now a producer with Reach, when he moved to New York City for college several years ago. Mineo became involved with the arts ministry T.R.U.C.E. and launched a rap career. He released his first full-length album in 2013, and has performed with artists such as Tedashii and Lecrae. As he continues to make music and serve at his Washington Heights church plant, Mineo talked to CT about Christian hip-hop, the role of creators and entertainers in the church, and how he feels God pushing him out of his own comfort zone. To read the entire interview log onto: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2015/december-web-only/ andy-mineo-rappers-are-missionaries-too.html
Spring Social
www.surfcontestguide.com
March 31—April 3 NSSA East Coast Championships @ New Smyrna Beach April 9 Gnarly Charley / Longdoggers Spring Fling @ Indialantic
April 15—17 ESA Southeastern Regionals @ Paradise Park April 16-17 ASF Contest # 11 @ Cocoa Beach April 30 7th Annual Surfers For Autism Festival of the Palm Beaches April 30 Gnarly Charley / Longdoggers Spring Fling @ Indialantic
May 7-8 ASF Contest # 12 @ Flagler Beach May 14 ESA Contest #3 @ Paradise Park June 4-5 15th Annual Wahine Classic @ Folly Beach, SC June 11 8th Annual Space Coast Surfers For Autism Beach Festival June 26-30 NSSA National Championships @ Huntington Beach Pier
What to Do When You Feel Far from God Seek and You Will Find Feeling close to God helps reassure us of the object of our faith. At the same time, we can’t always rely on our feelings. We will not always feel closeness to God even if we seek it. Sometimes, even when God feels far away, we need to rely on our knowledge that He is there. At the same time, I don't believe there's anything wrong with wanting to feel closer to Him. A desire to feel close to God shows He's important to us. If we want to feel God more, it requires our attention and effort. During my period of depression, it took months of continuing to pursue a relationship with God before I felt that He had always been with me. It's almost like developing a sixth sense; one based in our Spirit. I felt moments of being united with Him; of being truly known and attended to by His tender heart. And when I was finally blessed with dear friends, I found myself still wanting to spend time alone with God. When we truly seek, we will find. And any relationship we want to grow, any one we truly invest in, we can develop. Our relationship with God is certainly no exception. It is the highest, the deepest, the richest relationship we can experience on this Earth. And it’s worth the effort. Read the entire article at: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/practical-faith/what-do-when-you-feel-far-god
The Surprisingly Depressing Experience of Going Viral What overnight Internet fame taught me about real community. MTV called my 5-mile run “the jog seen ‘round the world.” By the time I got back, the video had already been viewed over 24,000 times. My friends and I went to sushi and watched on our phones as the count rose by the tens of thousands. Before long, my phone was buzzing with interview requests, Facebook marriage proposals and thousands of social media followers. From an outside perspective, it would certainly seem like I was on top of the world. And it certainly was fun for a while. But while I became Internet famous, but what I did not become was known. Humans have this innate desire for fame and recognition. We crave an endless amount of fawning and attention, and in this digital age, where “likes” are the measure of our worth, this is exponentially more true. Receiving a sudden flood of attention reminded me that our desire for these things is misplaced, though. The masses were in love with me, but I still felt empty. It turned out that Ecclesiastes 1:8 was right; the eye never has its fill of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing, nor the Twitter its fill of retweets. Donald Fairbairn once wrote that the most "insidious effect" of America’s celebrity culture is its “constant, subliminal message that we are not really important.” If celebrities are the gods of the modern age, what does that make the rest of us “normal” people? We take selfies with the famous to attach ourselves to something of significance—someone who will let us feel like we have meaning. Perhaps what we really crave, more than praise from ten thousand mouths, is intimacy—truly being known. Unsurprisingly, Tim Keller puts it best: We want someone of ultimate glory loving us. Not just love in general. What we need is this ultimate assurance of who we are, ultimate assurance of our worth. We need someone like that loving us like that. We need someone we think the world of thinking the world of us. We need the praise of the praiseworthy. When we lock eyes with the one who created the very idea of “attention,” the obsessions of our own hearts are unbent from years of crooked crowd-seeking. “We love because he first loved us.” When we know what this means, we can focus on the people around us, rather than the distant A-listers. Even when the attention from “going viral” recedes, I know I can focus on the Lord, who knows every one of us better than our best friends. Read the entire article at http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/surprisingly-depressing-experience-going-viral
8 year old Hugh Thompson getting his fare share of rides during some of our winter swells.
Kevin Brown finding himself in the right spot at the right time.
14 year old Tommy Coleman charging Delray on one of the biggest swells of the winter. Photo slavetothewave.com
Charley Hajack and his Gnarly Charley Winter Surf Series keeps the kids in the water all winter. Good on ya.
Miami looking a lot like Maui. It’s a zoo down there but it sure is beautiful. Photo slavetothewave.com
Christian Daniels staying close to home and close to the curl.
Hans Wagner enjoying some Hawaiian juice this winter. Hans is fortunate enough to have some family on the North Shore.
It’s hard not to be amazed with the size Delray can hold. Back in the 90’s there was a Hurricane that came through Delray offering monster walls like this. Nice to see it can still hold the winter swells. Photo slavetothewave.com
Why Blank? Like a surfboard, we all begin as a raw blank; scuffed up, yellowed and not so pretty. God works in us to shape us for His glory and according to His plan. We don’t know exactly what our final shape will look like, but He is the master shaper and we have to trust in his plan. You may want to be a big wave gun and he may be shaping you into a fish. Why a fish? He has a plan to use you when a wider outline, slightly thicker rail and fuller tail is needed. How well will you work, for His glory, if your outline is for Pipe and you are surfing Ocean Ave.? In this shaping bay, we will never be glassed. The Master Shaper is never finished with us.
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