magazine
on fire The world’s best surfers
www.surfgirlmag.com
explode and surfing is my
creative outlet...” – Kassia Meador, inspired surfer
£2.99
24
9 771754 878009
“I feel like I’m going to
Meet the ASP A- team Destination Canary Islands Your best wetsuit buys Autumn fashion
Photo : Ted Grambeau
SAGE ERICKSON BEACH PARK
6:15 PM
PHOTOS: Prefontaine © 2009 O’Neill Wetsuits, LLC
SKINS LS CREW - ULTRA LIGHT - ULTRA STYLISH - PERFECT FIT O’Neill’s Skins Series protects against UV exposure and skin irritation. Utilizing O’Neill’s exclusive, buttery 6OZ Lycra with minimal, ergonomic seam placement for flexibility, comfort and unparalleled fit. The Skins Series continues to define functional warm water gear providing 50+UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), keeping you safe from the sun’s increasingly harmful rays.
oneill.com
Š09 Vans, Inc.
C
On the cover: sunset surf. Photo: lucia griggi.
ontents
32 United Colours of Surfing
You may be thinking this is just another Indo boat trip and you’re almost right. However, when you mix up explosive Peruvian Sofia Mulanovich with hip Cali surf chick Kassia Meador and Irish renaissance woman Easkey Britton, what’s so ordinary about that?
62 Fire Islands
The Canaries, a winter destination for the great unwashed of Europe…or a surfer’s playground. Whichever way you look at it there’s sun, surf aplenty and more nightclubs than Jordan’s had boyfriends. Here’s SurfGirl’s guide to the Islands…enjoy…
08 SURFGIRL
features issue 24 • september 2009
54 It’s a Girl’s Life
Oh yes it is! Especially if you happen to be young, fit and on the World Championship Tour. SurfGirl asks the pros what it’s like being on tour with the other girls and where they think the women’s tour is at in 2009. No bitch fights here – guaranteed.
72 Winter Wetsuit Guide
It’s still warm outside, so why are we looking at winter wetsuits? Because summer doesn’t last forever, and you’ll be needing one before you know it. So take a look at what’s on offer this winter and get in there quick, because the best ones get snapped up fast – and isn’t that always the way?
SpongeBob Zack departments:
| Page 16 juice: | Page 20 options: do something different today | Page 22 day job: jess clayton | Page 24 moodboard: the new tribe | Page 26 BEAUTY: keep the summer glow | Page 28 style: bags of style | Page 30 RADAR: marina the sprayer | Page 46 FASHION: autumn style | Page 81 surf smart: technique, high energy, travel gear | Page 88 happenings: roxy jam, billabong girls day, rip curl girls tour, chicks with sticks and news | Page 96 Page 12
intro: ed’s letter
what’s in, what’s out and what’s been entertaining us
COMPETITION: win a week’s holiday in lanzarote and vans’ new book.
publishing editor assistant editor
Louise Searle
Kat Dawes
editorial consultants graphic design
Steve England, Chris Power
David Alcock
graphic design intern production director
Anna Gronlund
Mike Searle
photographers
Simon Williams, Mike Searle, Kirstin Prisk, Lucia Griggi, Kate Czuczman, Alex Williams, Owain Davies. contributing writers
Easkey Britton, Rebecca Woods, Peggy Hall, Sophie Cherel. advertising
Contact the Advertising Manager, Steve England at steve@orcasurf.co.uk Tel: 01637 878074 website
www.surfgirlmag.com printing:
Advent Print Group, Andover, Hampshire.
Copyright 2009 Orca Publications Ltd. Reproduction (including by electronic means, such as commercial websites) without the permission of the publishers in writing will result in prosecution. 010 SURFGIRL
intro surfulfilled
One foot in summer and one in autumn, we’re stoked on the warm sunshine we’ve had (as well as the tropical downpour days) and anticipating those deep autumn groundswells. There’s been a great run of surf, including a few perfect days that would rival anywhere for fun waves and even a bit of a challenge, if that’s what you’re after.
This issue we’ve got a Canary Islands feature to turn you on to one of the classic, yet now rather overlooked destinations for UK surfers. Each island has something to offer and we’ve got some experts and ex-pats to give you the inside story, plus a gear guide to help you begin to think about those winter travels. Check out the Options pages for some ideas to fill up your days – try coasteering while it’s still warm, and think about snowboarding for a few months’ time! We’ve got interviews with the WCT pro surfer girls on where women’s surfing is at the moment, and some tips and techniques to get you surfing longer, faster and with more power. The best news is that, despite all the doom and gloom in the rest of the media, SurfGirl is growing – we’re now on sale in Australia and the USA, and we’re working on a special winter issue to keep you in the water, and also to introduce a bit of a focus on the lovely snow sports so many surfer girls defect to in the winter. So we’ve plenty to keep us busy until November! Roll on the rest of the summer, and the beautiful autumn swells… Kat Dawes, Assistant Editor 012 SURFGIRL
Autumn comes to the sea with a fresh blaze of phosphorescence, when every wave crest is aflame. Here and there the whole surface may glow with sheets of cold fire, while below schools of fish pour though the water like molten metal. – Rachel Carson
Sarah Beardmore and fishy friends, snapped early morning in the Telo Islands. SURFGIRL 013
photos courtesy asp
gallery: women’s asp world tour
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lucia griggi
juice button up
We’re loving the homemade jewellery look and The Blue Pebble are creating beautifully handcrafted quirky jewellery from buttons. Designer Claire Tait makes necklaces, bracelets, rings and anklets using new, recycled and vintage buttons which means each piece is individual. Prices start from £9 for a bracelet; go to www.thebluepebble.co.uk.
smells like surf wax
There’s nothing more summery and sexy than the smell of surf wax, and we’ve got our mitts on these great-smelling candles from the US company Ted Shred. They smell like surf wax and burn for over 100 hours. So if you fancy the scent of surf wax wafting around your pad, you can choose from jar, pillar or tin candles plus air fresheners for your car. Available at www.orcashop.co.uk.
coral guardians Coral reefs created the waves on which surfing was born, yet it is estimated that 10% of the world’s coral reefs have been irreversibly damaged and 30% are under serious threat. This is why Rip Curl is supporting WWF projects to preserve coral reefs, through the Coral Guard project. For more info go to www. ripcurlplanetfoundation.com and see what happened when eco-artist Heather Brown and took a boat trip around Moorea to meet people involved in programmes to preserve coral reefs. 016 SURFGIRL
Compiled by Sarah Bentley.
HOT
dear and yonder This summer the groundbreaking girls’ film Dear and Yonder has gone on tour around the world. The film captures each surfer’s experience through imagery, music and art that reflect the vision of the project. Filmmakers Tiffany Campbell and Andria Lessler tie these pieces together to tell a story of the most avant-garde female surfers of the past forty years, including Sally Fitzgibbons, Sofia Mulanovich and Kassia Meador as well as iconic surfers such as Linda Benson, Rell Sunn and Lisa Andersen. It’s a step forward in women’s surf films and if you get chance to see it, it’s well worth it. For more information visit www.dearandyonder.com.
white watches
The perfect wrist candy, not only functional but fabulous with a summer tan.
new surfboards
Time to treat yourself to a new stick and welcome that smell of curing resin into your home.
wearing heels
Not the usual footwear choice for the beach girl, but hey, let’s make an effort to slip a pair on at least once a month, even if it is just around the house.
nixon woman
Nixon has signed up singer/songwriter Santigold to the Nixon’s Woman’s program and the new marketing campaigns. After her successful debut album last year, Santi recently kicked-off her first headlining tour this summer in North America and Europe. Having joined forces on collaborations with the likes of Spank Rock, Jay-Z, Kanye West and the Beastie Boys, this Brooklyn girl is keeping busy. For more information visit www.nixonnow.com.
sole originals The creation of a shoe may not seem like a big thing, but in the ’60s Vans shoes were the Manolo Blahniks of their day, at least amongst the southern Californian community of surfers and skaters. Since then Vans has become a global brand and has branched out into other genres, embracing art, music and street culture. The fascinating history of the brand is explained in their book Vans ‘Off the Wall’, available nation-wide for £12.99 or at www.amazon.com.
surf ’n turf 2009 Scallops and bacon or squid and chorizo – the heavenly new takes on a classic combo.
football season kick-off Time to say au revoir to conversation with your fella, it’s back to grunting at the telly for him!
false reports
Your contact at the beach has told you its pumping, you drop everything, drive for three hours only to be greeted by two foot slop.
festival smugness
So you saw Blur at Glastonbury, Elbow at T in the Park, Florence and the Machine at Eden – do you really think those of us who weren’t there want to hear about it?
wetsuit flush
It may be the warmest time of the year but that post duck-dive flood of cold water down your back is never a pleasant experience.
NOT SURFGIRL 017
down time: music
downtime
surf into yoga with rochelle ballard
Ex-WCT stalwart Rochelle stars in this brand new yoga DVD, beautifully shot in gorgeous Hawaii with plenty of Jack, Donavon and similar plinkplinky tunage. There are six sections – an intro, a Qi Gong Flow section (kind of like Tai Chi) which is lovely and peaceful, then a ‘nice easy warmup’ taught by Rochelle – easy but pretty comprehensive. I like that it focuses on breath as well as asanas (poses), so important for both surfing and yoga. There’s plenty of detail in the instruction so every level of yoga practitioner will be happy. The Sun Salutation vinyasa section covers most of the major standing asanas in 13 minutes, perfect anywhere, anytime. Next comes something ideal for surfers, a shoulder-opener
the 65th
Peter Chapman (Troubador, 2009)
section! And it certainly loosens you up beautifully, a lovely après-surf stretch.
Set in a Badlands relocated to North Devon, The 65th tells the story of a doomed
The final part is the power vinyasa flow; it’s a bit more fast-paced, takes place in a
regiment with nothing to lose. It is the near future, and outside of the strictly
lush garden and is great for surfing, creating strength, flexibility and graceful flow.
controlled cities, Britain has fallen into a neglect which the regiment are quite happy
I thought this might be a bit gimmicky but it’s really, really good, and at 70
to exploit. Their random, kamikaze and baffling style gets them into trouble one
minutes total it’s a bargain. If yoga and surfing gives you even half the body (and
last time, and at the heart of it all is Captain Taverner, a very experienced officer
big happy smiles) these girls have, you’ll be super-stoked you gave it a go! Check
who now just wants to go surf. It’s all quite surreal, but very funny, and although
out a trailer at surfintoyoga.com and buy from orcashop.co.uk for £19.99 – KD
there’s not all that much surfing, it is an integral part of the plot and bookmarks the
See www.surfintoyoga.com.
madness in-between. Good shizzle. £7.99. – KD
music that’s ticking our boxes this month
Horehound – The Dead Weather
La Roux – La Roux
Everything is New – Jack Penate
As another month passes, another band from
La Roux has been compared to Marmite on
Although enjoyed by many, 2007’s ‘Matinee’
Jack White is unveiled. Known to many as
more than one occasion, and it doesn’t take
didn’t really do for Jack Penate what everyone
one half of the incredible White Stripes, Jack
long to work out why. Even the cover may put
was predicting. The post-Libertines party had a
is a luminary, continually pushing boundaries.
some people off with the androgynous Elly
massive hangover and this chirpy Cockney (or
Here he has teamed up with fellow boundary-
Jackson modelling ‘that’ quiff.
Mockney as many titled him) wasn’t everyone’s
pushers in the form of The Kills’ snake-
But what we have here is not another
cup of tea. Two years on and he has re-emerged
hipped lead singer Alison Mosshart, fellow
Hoxton wannabe, but a masterclass in ultra
with a great, Paul Epworth-produced (Bloc
Raconteur Jack Lawrence and QOTSA multi-
hip-pop music that bring back to the fore what
Party/Maximo Park) album that touches on
instrumentalist Dean Ferita.
the likes of Erasure and Pet Shop Boys did so
many diverse influences. From reggae, blues
well in the ’80s. Take recent singles ‘In for the
and hip-hop to African Fela Kuti vibes that can
shattering low-slung rock and roll that slips into
Kill’ and ‘Bulletproof’ with their hooky choruses,
be heard working perfectly on the first single
the middle of the road almost a little too far and
Jackson’s piercing and sometimes wobbly
‘Today’s Tonight’ with its Afro beat house
does feel like an album made by a collection of
falsetto and just enough production to make do
groove. ‘Everything is New’ is wrapped up
(too cool for school) successful musos taking a
and what you have is a pure pop genius.
neatly with lashings of soul and oozes with
break from their day jobs. Good and definitely
4/5
a humble confidence that should finally give
worth a listen, but I’m sure the next Stripes,
www.myspace.com/larouxuk
Penate the credit he is due.
What you get is a collection of earth
Kills or QOTSA album will be on the other side
4/5
of this particular boundary.
www.myspace.com/jackpenate
3/5 www.myspace.com/thedeadweatherfans 018 SURFGIRL
options 1
do something different!
try…coasteering Coasteering is an ace way to spend a flat day – you can learn loads about the local area and become a better waterwoman all in one go. Words Kat Dawes. photos matt hawken
Coasteering generally refers to getting from A to B via caves, whirlpools, cliffs, rocks, cliff jumps, rock arches and all manner of oceanic playground. It’s challenging, exciting and takes place in some of the most beautiful coastal scenery you’ll ever see. Team Player The best way to coasteer is to go on an organised trip where you will be safe and shown everything an area has to offer by local experts. Expect to pay about £50 for a half-day of adrenaline-pumping action. See www. coasteering.org. Cornwall: Coastline Coasteering, www.englishsurfschool.com/coasteeringin-newquay.html or Salt Air www.saltair.co.uk (female-run). Devon: Fremington Adventure Centre, www.fremingtonadventure.com Wales: Twr y Felin, pretty much the original: www.tyf.com Scotland: Uist Outdoor Centre in the Western Isles, www.uistoutdoorcentre. co.uk. How to jump off a cliff Yeah, yeah…but there is a technique. We asked expert Brendan Moore from Coastline Coasteering in Newquay for some tips. What’s the correct technique for jumping off a cliff? You must make sure you have a firm and steady jump area. Always jump with one foot forward with your toes on the edge of the rock, this will enable you to get a good distance from the cliff. When you jump you should give it all you’ve got, then spread out in the air to keep yourself upright and balanced. Just before you hit the water, bring your legs together and bend your knees slightly. Bring your arms across your chest, so you don’t slap your hands on the water on entry (hands tend to go numb for a couple of hours!). What’s the best way to overcome your fear when faced with a high jump? The worst thing you can do is get to the edge of the cliff then start hesitating – it will just get harder and harder the longer you stand there. Try to blank everything out of your head, get yourself ready and in the right position, look out to the horizon, then get someone to count down from three for you or do it yourself; when you get to one just go for it! You will feel amazing afterwards, and so proud of yourself. 020 SURFGIRL
What’s the most common injury and how can you avoid it? The main injuries are small cuts to your hands from rocks and mussels. There isn’t a great deal you can do to avoid this. When you are exiting the water and a wave comes through, try not to clamp on with your hands, because the ocean is a powerful thing and it will just pull you off however hard you hold on. Go with the motion of the ocean; the wave may well put you back where you just came from, but you’ll be fine, you may even enjoy it! Safety Sounds dangerous? It can be. Steve Wills, RNLI Beach Safety Manager, says: “We advise people to choose a coasteering school with professionally trained staff, appropriate safety procedures and the correct equipment. We urge those who are thinking of taking part in either tombstoning or coasteering to remember the safety advice we offer on our website, www.rnli. org.uk/beachsafety.” Undertaking any of the activities mentioned here is entirely at your own risk; use your common sense. • You should be a good swimmer. • Don’t go alone. • Be aware of the effects of tides, rips, swells and weather conditions at your chosen spot. • Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. • Take appropriate food, water, equipment and a mobile phone. • Know your exits and how to summon help. • If there’s a jump or climb that you aren’t confident about doing, don’t do it — forget peer pressure and take it at your own pace.
2
Learn to...snowboard We get a few tips from top snowboarder Kate Foster.
What are the best things about snowboarding? Fresh air, mountains, good friends, good food, and good fun! Is it a good idea to have lessons and how many do you reckon you’ll need? Lessons are always good just to pick up the basics of snowboarding; once that’s done you can easily just build on what you’ve learned. I think it takes a couple of days to go through the bruising and bashing then after that it can only get better! Snowboarding is so easy to progress with. What equipment do you need? Snowboard, boots, bindings, jacket, snowpants, goggles and depending on the temperature a warm hat, mitts, and a bum pad always comes in handy! How much does it cost to kit yourself out? You can always rent equipment or buy last year’s duds if you want to save money. Brand new the boards can
cost a few hundred pounds as well as the boots and bindings. Unfortunately it is a pretty costly sport! Where’s the best places to go if you’re a beginner? If you’re just starting out anywhere with wide pistes is great for you! A nice mellow incline and lots of space! Try Les Deux Alpes for all levels and anywhere in Canada for empty wide pistes. What can you expect to achieve after a week? Linking turns. Useful websites: The World Snowboard Guide is useful for finding new locations to visit, www.worldsnowboardguide.com. Any snowdome or dryslope web site will have information on lessons and equipment rentals if you want to learn closer to home www.xscape.co.uk or www.chillfactore.com.
SURFGIRL 021
working girl: jess clayton
photos courtesy patagonia
nine to five
This issue we ask eco chick Jess Clayton about her job at Patagonia. Name: Jess Clayton Age: 26 Job title: Public Relations for Patagonia, Inc. Home town? Ojai, California. What is it you do? I handle all of the product PR for Patagonia. I work with magazines, TV, radio, journalists and so on to get our product out into the media. I cover both the functional and environmental aspects of our apparel. What does a typical day in the office involve for you? Answering many emails and phone calls, requesting product samples to test, product info and product images. Also, doing interviews with various media to talk about our product, attending product meetings, keeping track of our product samples and so much more. How involved are you in environmental issues? I lead my life with environmental awareness, always working to lessen my footprint. In 2007 I spent two months in Nairobi, Kenya volunteering for Wangari Mathaii and the Green Belt Movement (www.greenbeltmovement.org) through Patagonia’s Environmental Internship Program. Do you feel that Patagonia’s programmes are making a difference? Absolutely! We are completely changing the way in which business is done. Every day we have other companies coming to us to learn how to 022 SURFGIRL
be more sustainable, or how to make clothing in a less impactful way. We are completely transparent in how we conduct business (see the footprint chronicles on patagonia.com) For the spring 2010 season, 83 percent of our products are recyclable and 65 percent are made using environmental fibres/materials. That is incredibly impressive, and I don’t know of any other company our size who is even close to this level of environmental dedication. Perks of your job? Flextime, being able to surf whenever the surf is good (one block from the office), organic café, free yoga onsite, and working with amazing people. What do you do after work? I race sailboats every Wednesday evening. Or I hang with friends, go out to dinner, go for a hike in the mountains behind Ojai, see a movie, or go surfing – my favourite spot is Rincon. Any words of wisdom for girls who would like a job like yours? Don’t settle. Stick to your guns and get a job you love and with a company you respect. Once you settle for anything less, it is hard to go back. How would you describe your day in five words? Inspiring, fun, detailed, hilarious, LUCKY!
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mood board: tribe
the new tribe
This seasons tribal trend doesn’t have any rules so feel free to get your inspiration from all over the world and mix and match from different cultures.
Icon Australia Silver Spring Ring RRP: £10 Work the tribal look with Rip Curl’s Amber top. RRP: £50
Icon Australia Fine Ring Wing RRP: £5
drumming holiday in africa Want to be able to bust some tunes on a drum? Why not combine wonderful climate, beautiful beaches, peaceful environment, and drumming lessons in Gambia? Check it out at: www.african-drumming.co.uk
We’re lovin’ this Argentinian Belt. RRP: £39 Avaiable at: www.plumo.com
Cute suede moccasins by Vans. RRP: £40
024 SURFGIRL
photo courtesy Billabong www.billabong.com
Roxy Sacret silver necklace RRP: £30
Woolies are big again this winter. Stay cosy with O’Neill’s Luise pullover RRP: £99.99
What’s not to love? Funky Babushka Keyrings. £3.95 Available at: www.plumo.com
Get some tribal chic with the Billabong Chafik bag. RRP: £40
In Thailand, bamboo tattooing began in the Buddhist temples, with monks receiving religious text tattoos from grand master monks for protection. Throughout periods of conflict in Thailand, soldiers would visit temples to be tattooed by the monks with spells for such things as protection, strength or invisibility. One Thai legend states that Thailand has never been occupied as the Thai soldiers are warrior ghosts who cannot be seen or killed by the enemy due to their protective tattoos.
bamboo tattoo
Get you own sacred tattoo at: www.bambootattoo.co.uk SURFGIRL 025
beauty: summer look
bronze goddess Carry that summer glow into autumn with golden shimmers and warm shades of bronze that leave all skintones looking luminous.
Makeup and words Suzi Winter (www.suziwinter.co.uk). Model Tasha.
Kitten Vixen Put Your Lips Together, £12 Peach Provocateur, Ravishing Ruby and Tickled Pink – vegan and contain no parabens or synthetic ingredients. See www.kittenvixen.com.
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Coral Queen, £5.99 This coral lipstick is fun, bright and looks great with bronzed skin for day or night.
Body Collection Bronzing Pearls, £2.49 Guarantee that you keep your summer sexy glow with these easy-to-use bronzing pearls. Available from Bodycare stores and www.lovethymakeup.com.
Prestige Cosmetics Baked Mineral Blush in Terra Rosa Sweep rosy blush over the apples of your cheeks to keep this look young and fresh-faced. Only available at Boots. Revlon Nail polish in Tropical Temptations, £6.16
e.l.f. Clarifying Pressed Powder, £1.50 Eliminates shine and helps control and prevent spots. And an absolute bargain! Check out www. eyeslipsface.co.uk.
Sonya Blusher, £13.01 Even the most sensitive skins love pure aloe vera, and this blusher combines that with antioxidant vitamins, marine extracts and chamomile. See www.aloevera-vitality.myflpbiz.com.
Technic Fashion Eye Shimmer Powder in Stardust, £1.99 These long lasting eye shimmer powders create gorgeous vivid eyes and are great for highlighting the inner corners of the eyes and cheekbones. Available from Bodycare stores and www. lovethymakeup.com.
026 SURFGIRL
Tantruth Secret Sun, £4.95 Daily gradual tanner to keep you looking healthy as the summer ends. Enriched with avocado and shea butter. Call 08700 500 868 or visit www.beautyexpress.co.uk.
Prestige Cosmetics Baked Shadow Quad in Bijou Four gorgeous shades of peaches, browns and golds that complement all eye colours. Only available at Boots.
Barefaced Beauty Beach Babe kit, £29.95 Mineral Bronzer, Mineral Glow, Natural Lip Gloss and Powder Dispensing brush. From www.barefacedbeauty.co.uk (products available separately).
mike searle
win!
satellite 3
Super-fun and funky in mad spaceship packaging, Satellite 3 eye colours will have you shining like a star. For all-out silver glimmer, try ‘Cyborg Chic’ or go for a bronze gild with ‘Global Poshover’. Stay dramatic with scarlet ‘Message From Mars’ Rocket Lipstick or go nude with the barely-there pink of ‘Oscular Major’. Saucer with two powders, £25.00, refills £7.50. Rocket Lipstick and one refill £15.99, refills £5.99 from www.satellite3.com. We have four Satellite 3 flying saucers complete with two eyeshadows to give away! Simply send kat@ orcasurf.co.uk an email with your name and address and Satellite 3 in the subject line, and winners will be picked out on 31 August. SURFGIRL 027
style: accessories
in your bag
Large, small, sack, back, round or square? This seasons bags come in all different styles. What´s yours?
The Gul Sanctuary bag, canvas and leather large shoulder bag in a limited edition of 100 pieces RRP: £48
Brighten up your outfit with The Ondine bag from Billabong. RRP: £35
O´neill Moving Backpack RRP: £35
030 SURFGIRL
The Hotness Bag from Gretchen Bleiler’s signature apparel & eyewear range for Oakley RRP: £49.99
Reef RRP: £
The Geo Hippie Handbag is a slouchy, shoulder bag from Rip Curl. Perfect for fitting all your necessities and a pair of flats for on your way home after a night on the town! RRP: £30
Animal´s Palm Shade bag RRP: £27.99
SURFGIRL 031
the insider: marina lee
Marina Lee runs the popular Surfboards UK shop in Newquay, making and fixing boards with her boyfriend top longboarder Will Eastham. Marina’s colourful longboards are a fixture in the waters of Fistral, and when we found out she does all the spraying herself, we decided we had to know more. Interview Kat Dawes. Photos Mike Searle unless otherwise indicated.
How did you get into spraying? Will made me a board and sprayed it and I said, “I would have liked it done like this,” and he said, “Well, the next time you have a board you can do it yourself.” So I just started with my own boards. 030 SURFGIRL
Will showed me exactly how to do it – how to prep the board and so on. I think I already had quite a good eye for what I thought would look good on a surfboard; I’m really into fashion and I want the designs I do to be quite high fashion.
How easy was it to get into? I think it would be hard to get into, I just got involved through Will. I think a lot of things (shaping boards as well) it’s more of a motor skill and making sure you’ve laid on the same amount
of paint everywhere and keeping it even. You’ve just got to look at it and count all the time how much colour you’re putting on so you get an even coat.
do his boards as well. Our own are the only boards we get to really go crazy on, so we make sure they’re by far the most hideous – in a good way!
Have you got any art training? I did A-Level Sculpture I think I’ve always had an eye for design anyway. Working with surfboards I think I know what works and I want to move things forward. My boards are all different. One of my boards is pink and blue zebra stripe. My new board is all blue metallic cloth with skulls stencilled all over it.
Where do you get the inspiration from? Everywhere. Magazines. Loads of fashion. Iron Fist at the moment, I’m loving where they’re going with really dark, rocky and weird stuff. I do all the design work for our brand as well, the shop, the clothes, the Elegance range for girls and I try to keep it all tied up together.
How long have you been doing this? I must have sprayed my first board about three years ago. The first one I did I wanted to have luminous pink flowers with luminous pink stars on the same bit and Will was like, “That’s so much masking out”. I said, “Well, I’ll do it then.” Now I
Do you shape as well? Not yet, but all of the girls range of boards that we’ve just done have all been through me surfing Will’s boards and not wanting to! Wanting to say that as a girl, that’s too wide for me to carry, too much buoyancy in the tail, I can’t turn it very well. So he’s refined those and slimmed them down.
The Elegance range consists of three models, an epoxy super-performance model, a performance noserider and a classic noserider. Obviously I’m a bit biased but since riding these boards my surfing has improved tenfold, some of the highlights being winning the recent BLU comp in Saunton and coming third in the English Championships. We even measure a girl to make sure they can carry a board. If you’ve got a board you don’t like carrying, you’ll only go and surf breaks where you’re literally going from the car to the shore, and what a misery is that? You never get to those out of the way places. I spent my early days of longboarding moaning about the size of my board! Now the board I ride is as light as a normal 6´8˝ fish, it’s polystyrene core and epoxy resin. SUK can be found at www.surfboardsuk.com and there are demo boards from the Elegance range available at the shop in Newquay. SURFGIRL 031
United Colours of Surf ing In early June eight girls came together to travel the Mentawai islands by boat, in a blend of nationalities and cultures. Intro and captions Rebecca Woods. Illustrations and story Easkey Britton. Photos Simon Williams.
Surfing is now a living, breathing, commercial sport which reaches all corners of the globe. Our boat for this trip was a melting pot on water, with Ornella Pelizzarri (Argentina) and Sofia Mulanovich (Peru) both representing Latin American power. Easkey Britton (Ireland) and Sarah Beardmore (now representing her homeland of England because she misses the Royal Family too much), Kassia Meador (USA)
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plus the three-strong Aussie contingent of Serena Brooke, Nicola Atherton and myself Rebecca Woods. As a group we decided to use the patriotism and individualism of every girl on board and competed for fun awards during our trip. Surfing to me as well as being a sport, is a creative extension of self. Have you ever heard the expression ‘a wave is like a blank canvas’? I truly believe this and love to watch and learn
from all surfers in the water, no matter the level, because you can never judge expression. Often this expression comes from people’s environment, culture and experience and you can see their personalities being carved into a wave. Every girl on this trip offered a different canvas, it was so interesting to see it all come together in the assortment of waves and days as we travelled around the Mentawai’s.
Sarah Beardmore – The Barrel Queen For someone who fell into surfing quite late at sixteen, because of a broken leg in another sport, she is doing pretty well for herself. Born in England she lived there for five years before her family came to Australia (aka God’s country) to ‘give her the freedom she needed for her competitive spirit’. She’s recently moved back to the UK and talks of her respect for English surfers: “You’re a true soul surfer in the UK, to surf there all year round shows a true love for surfing.” SURFGIRL 033
United Colours of Surf ing
Rebecca Woods – The Innovator (written by celebrity editor Nicola Atherton) When Bec’s not busy being a pest, feverishly flicking the light switch on and off when you’re trying to sleep, she’s thinking, observing and analysing. This energy translates so effortlessly into her surfing. She’s always working on a certain manoeuvre or technique which is why she has progressed into one of the tour’s most fluid and dynamic surfers. Whether it’s taking off steep and deep with Sofia, or throwing fins with Ornella on dry reef, she was always using the people around her as a catalyst for her surfing. 034 SURFGIRL
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Sofia Mulanovich – The Charger Sofia’s attitude is go hard or go home – you can attribute this to the intense passion and heart of South American people. She won the charger award on the last day with her intense dedication to solid six-foot Macaronis. A wave emerged from deep up the point, turning into one of the biggest waves of the day. Sofia just turned and paddled. It was hers, it was mean and she was going, which is the mindset you need when approaching such a wave. As she paddled in an eerie silence fell over the line-up, with everyone holding their breath for her as she went over the ledge. Her nose caught a little chop in the face and she went down in front of it. She got sucked up the face and slammed into the coral heads. We saw her lingering in the impact zone. “Swilly, go get her, she’s hurt!” screamed Ornella, but she wasn’t – an embarrassed Sof was naked! She was rescued by Orni who gave her some boardies to replace the bikini the wave had torn off her. This neckbreaking wipeout was a no-brainer for Sof, she was just laughing about how smashed she got. 036 SURFGIRL
Nicola Atherton, AKA Powerhouse Nicola is what I like to call a typical Aussie underdog. She's won just about every accolade a surfer can win from junior phase and up. She qualified for the WCT and won Rookie of the Year, and she’s still only 22.
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United Colours of Surf ing Ornella Pellizzari – Reef Inspector Ornella used to surf for three months of summer in Argentina and skated through winter because it was bitterly cold and she had no wetsuit. Ornella gives a 110 percent commitment to every wave and loves every minute of her surfing – coming from two foot slop I guess you would. Special mention must go to her for charging at Rags Rights at six feet of cross-shore death! Orne paddled into the thickest wave, grabbed rail, pulled in, came out screaming, then popped an air, landing back on the wave and disappearing into the dry coral. SURFGIRL 039
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Kassia Meador – Most Inspiring Person I haven’t done many trips with longboarders, but the few I have have taught me so much, and this time was no exception. Kassia is an all-round crazy, fun and unique person and it shines through in her surfing. Kassia explains it to me in her cool cat Cali accent, “I have all this creative energy, I feel like I am going to explode and surfing is my creative outlet for that.” She rides uniquely, taking out different boards and ripping on them all, drawing unique lines. You could tell her environment influences her greatly as she stalled her twinny in the barrel, and pulled grab-rail tailslides on her alaia. SURFGIRL 041
Easkey Britton – The Pirate Arrrrrrrr!! Easkey Britton! Sorry I can’t help saying that in a pirate voice because that’s also the way I impersonate the Irish accent (all in good fun I promise, it’s one of my favourites). Easkey is multiple times Irish women’s champ, an awesome surfer always rising to the challenge who is actually named after her parents’ favourite surf break in Ireland. 042 SURFGIRL
Easkey's pirate tale “Your whole reality; everything you believe is your creation… How you apply your power, what you create with your power is the difference between you and someone else. No-one in the whole world lives her life the way you do.” – Don Miguel Ruiz, Toltec teachings. There were four other boats and a couple of land camps at the break. All eyes were on us when we arrived, every boat with a male crew. On one boat all the guys gathered on deck cheering our arrival. It felt a little predator-prey, but who were the wolves and who were the sheep? All was revealed when we hit the water. It’s true we were outnumbered and there wasn’t much of a priority system working in the line-up. It was a full-on froth-fest. People scrapping for waves, snaking and paddling each other deeper, testosterone flying. There was one guy in particular with a super-aggro attitude who felt he had to be on every set wave and never waited his turn. Everyone was getting frustrated. After several days of smooth sailing through the Telos, not a boat in sight and sharing waves in empty line-ups, the vibe felt strange and uncomfortable. That is until we took control. After being snaked and dropped in on one time too many, we’d had enough and decided to restore some order. Some of us paddled up to the top of the point, staking our claim on the set waves. Sarah yelled the snake off her wave and he spent the rest of the session sitting way out on the shoulder. Bec, who had been waiting all session for a wave, took off behind the greedy aggro-Brazilian, bottom turned around him and proceeded to tear the wave apart with tightly executed moves, leaving him speechless. Orny boosted airs over guys’ heads and Nic showered the crowd in spray from her explosive turns. Trips like this are so cool; we all get to hang out together creating our own reality away from the world. No real pressures, a break from the competitive world tour, free from studies and work. Just play time. I love hanging out with this crew of girls, joking like big kids, girlie talk, laughing, shouting and hooting at each other in the water (The skipper thought we were the nosiest bunch of surfers ever, “Must be a girl thing”), something I suppose I miss out on a lot of the time, travelling solo or hanging out with the lads back home. We girls get so amped on each other’s surfing, pushing each other into bigger, deeper waves without competitiveness or getting aggressive, making sure everyone gets their turn. Even being on board with such a high-powered crew of girls I don’t feel out of place or overwhelmed. Each girl has her own unique way of surfing, her own way of being in the water, a different approach and attitude to her surfing and the sea. And that mix of talent is so inspirational. Instead of feeling like I don’t quite measure up or fit, in I feel encouraged and hungry to push my surfing. Macaroni’s is a perfect machine-like wave pumping out epic waves all day long. Maybe I’d had too much sun, or was just looking to spice things up a little, but I decided to take an unusual approach to my afternoon surf session. I put on a black eye patch decorated with a mini skull and crossbones, tied a bandana round my head, grabbed my cutlass and surfboard and jumped overboard yelling “Arrrrrr!” The line-up was pretty quiet and the few guys who were out there disappeared shortly after my arrival. I’m not sure if that was because the midday sun was getting too intense or because I got into character as soon as I hit the water. Holding my sword in my teeth, I took off blind (it’s impossible to see the lip of the wave or how the wave is shaping up), waving my sword, slashing and burning my way down the line. It was so funny. Actually, I surprised myself at how I surfed — the crew reckoned the sword helped amplify my turns and because I couldn’t see very well I had to ‘feel’ the wave, relying on instinct, timing and energy. I couldn’t believe what a difference it made! For the rest of the trip I visualised a sword in my hand and my turns got better. Whenever I felt a little out of sync with the surf all I had to do was unleash the pirate attitude and I was back in the game! Maybe it’s not so crazy — two of the world’s most famous pirates, Anne Bonney (early 18th century) and Grace O’Malley (16th century) were Irish. So maybe I really do have pirate blood in me after all! SURFGIRL 043
Serena Brooke – Best and Fairest If you have ever seen the advertisements for batteries where the rabbits run around until they drop, all except for one, the one left running is Serena Brooke! I honestly don’t know how she does it – she’s been an icon for women’s surfing for over a decade and is still going strong. –SG
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girl’s life
it’s a
The girls on the World Championship Tour travel the world, surf great waves and seem to have loads of fun doing it. We see their photos in magazines, on billboards and in adverts, but what’s the reality of being on tour like? How do they feel women’s surfing is holding up in comparison with the much wealthier men’s tour? And what does it take to be on the WCT in 2009? SurfGirl finds out. Interview Louise Searle. Photos ASP.
The Champion
The Individual
The Hero
The Threat
The Athlete
The Sea Eagle
The Thoroughbred
The Thinker
The Pin Up
The Princess
The Competitor
The Gypsey
Paige
PAIGE HAREB, 19 New Zealand • Tour rating: 3
What’s it like being on tour with the girls? It’s really fun, we all get along really well but all want to win. It’s business in the water but friends on land, just how I like it! When you’re on tour describe your typical day. If the comp is on, I’m pretty focused on that and it takes up my whole day at the beach, but if it’s a lay day or something I always like to try and do the tourist thing and search around the place I’m at or find something fun to do. How do you rate the status of the women’s tour in comparison with the men’s? The men’s tour has everything bigger and better but I guess it’s fair enough as there are way more men doing it so it’s tougher but it would be cool to see equal media and money as the men one day like they do in tennis. What are the most important attributes a surfer needs today? To be 100 percent successful you usually have to have the whole package, from looks and personality to ripping it up in the water. I think the sponsors are looking for that whole package more and more. Sum up your life right now in five words. Crazy, amazing, living, loving, laughing.
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Steph
STEPH GILMORE, 20 Australia • Tour rating: 1
How would you rate your job on a scale of one to 10? 10.5. What are the high points? Travelling and winning events, living dreams. What are the low points? Dragging a 30 kilogram boardbag across the world, economy class. When you’re on tour describe your typical day: Wake early, check the waves and contest call, quick free-surf before heat, hopefully win the event, fuel up with some good healthy food, then if all succeeds, finish the night with a wine and a dance with all the gang! Where do you feel women’s surfing is right now? I think the ASP are doing quite well through these tough economic times, so right now and this year we’re probably at the lowest point the sport will see for the next 20 years! And there has never been more interest in female professional surfing, so I think we’re heading in the right direction. How do you rate the status of the women’s tour in comparison with the men’s? I think we all deserve to make more in prizemoney and in ratio, there are more guys on tour and more heats to get through so it doesn't faze me that they are rewarded with more than the women, but overall I don’t think they should really be compared because although we’re all trying to aim for a world title, we’re such a different species and energy of competition. What are the most important attributes a surfer needs today? Style and ocean knowledge. Sum up your life right now in five words? Jam packed with wild dreams.
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Amee
AMEE DONOHOE, 29 Australia • Tour rating: 13
Where do you feel women’s surfing is right now? I always feel there’s room for improvement; in comparison to other professional female athletes, professional women’s surfing is behind the 8-ball. I would like to hope things will keep improving for the sport but with the economy and the lack of events, it’s hard to maintain interest. As far as gaining more status that comes down to media, the more media surfers get within or outside the industry, the more awareness and interest the sport will achieve. How do you rate the status of the women’s tour in comparison with the men’s? To be honest I think neither get what they deserve; of course there are key players on the men’s tour who people recognise like Slater or Occy, but realistically outside of the surfing world there are few people who would even know who the top 10 men surfers in the world are let alone the women. Layne did a great job of exposing herself to the masses and I think that cross-over element is crucial if professional surfing wants to grow in status. What are the most important attributes a surfer needs today? Commitment, determination, ability, flair, confidence. Sum up your life right now in five words: Surfing, travelling, experiencing, laughing, loving.
Jacqueline JACQUELINE SILVA, 30 brazil • Tour rating: 9
How would you rate your job on a scale of 1 to 10? Eight. Where’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Mentawais, Indonesia. What’s it like being on tour with the girls? Really fun. Where do you feel women’s surfing is right now? Good but it could be better if we had more events. What are the most important attributes a surfer needs today? Sponsors and media coverage. Sum up your life right now in five words: I’m live to surfing and surfing for life.
Sally
SALLY FITZGIBBONS, 19 Australia • Tour rating: 6
How would you rate your job on a scale of 1 to 10? 10. I love what I do! What are the high points? The high points are everything from surfing amazing waves worldwide to meeting so many different people, enjoying many amazing cultures and having the opportunity to test my surfing against the best female surfers in the world. Where do you feel women’s surfing is right now? I think women’s surfing is in a great place right now. There are five new rookies on tour, and the level of performance is continuously on the rise. Everyone is pushing one another and it’s great to be a part of that. More events and sponsorship interest is what is needed to help the sport move forward and give the best female surfers the platform to perform. Sum up your life right now in five words: Tremendously, positively, absolutely, fantastically fantastical!
Coco
COCO HO, 18 hawaii • Tour rating: 6
How would you rate your job on a scale of 1 to 10? 10! When you’re on tour describe your typical day. Go for an early surf, breakfast and coffee with a few of the girls or Daddsy, contest or explore for new waves if a lay day, surf in the arvo, home-cooked dinner with Dad and whoever else I’m staying with! How do you rate the status of the women’s tour in comparison with the men’s? We have less sponsor backing which results in fewer events and prize money but our progress is building steadily so it’s only a matter of time until we’re on the same scale. What are the most important attributes a surfer needs today? Sponsors! Any athlete can build on their success with the right support and routine! Sum up your life right now in five words. Constantly learning, growing, enjoying, and laughing.
Samantha
SAMANTHA CORNISH, 29 Australia • Tour rating: 9
What’s it like being on tour with the girls? Most of the girls these days are really focused on their own programs trying to win world titles. When the year is all over and everyone can let their hair down a bit everyone can be really fun! Where do you feel women’s surfing is right now? I think the level of women’s surfing has raised the bar but we need events in good locations like the men’s WCT. People don’t want to watch terrible waves and we don’t want to surf them. Performance in good waves will raise eyebrows! What are the most important attributes a surfer needs today? Be humble, work hard, learn from your mistakes. Sum up your life right now in five words: Live and breathe the moment!
Jessi
JESSI MILEY-DYER, 26 Australia • Tour rating: 16
How would you rate your job on a scale of 1 to 10? 15. What are the high points? I think travelling around with a bunch of your best mates and scoring good waves in amazing places is pretty all-time. Last year a big group of us went to Indonesia and cruised around the Mentawai island chain scoring waves, and also went to Macchu Picchu in Peru before the event in Mancora. It’s not every day that you’re somewhere like Macchu Picchu. Where do you feel women’s surfing is right now? I think it’s in an all right place – we have an amazing amount of interest in the tour but it’s not necessarily translating into events which is a shame. This year we have lost a few events, so I would like to see us increase the numbers back to where they where for 2010. What are the most important attributes a surfer needs today? Grit. It’s not an easy place to succeed and the tour is a rollercoaster. Sum up your life right now in five words: Happy with my chosen path.
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Silvana SILVANA LIMA, 25 brazil • Tour rating: 2
How would you rate your job on a scale of one to 10? 10, I love my job. What’s it like being on tour with the girls? It’s a dream to be among the best, the elite women in the world. We have good friendships. When you’re on tour describe your typical day? I am always up too early. I have breakfast, pick up my boards and if I have time to surf before heats I get my focus in the sea. I pray to God asking that he allow me to show what I know I can do in my life. After a good day’s work I have dinner and I always watch surf movies. Where do you feel women’s surfing is right now? I think from 2008 to 2009 the level of female surfing increased – we are more radical, and this development is very good and important! How do you rate the status of the women’s tour in comparison with the men’s? I think the surf brands need to invest more in women’s WCT. There should be more events, more financial incentives, better rewards. I wish I could understand why this difference in status; women have the same problems as men to get to this level. What are the most important attributes a surfer needs today? Discipline, adequate training, good equipment and financial support so that they can travel to events and train.
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Rosy
ROSY HODGE, 22 south africa • Tour rating: 13
What are the high points of being on the tour? Surfing and travelling for a living. It’s something that not everyone gets to experience and I’m enjoying doing it. What are the low points? Airports and the disappointment when you don’t do as well as you hoped. Where do you feel women’s surfing is right now? Right now women’s surfing is amazing. I think the girls are pushing the envelope all the time and it’s expanding. I think it needs more recognition. The lifestyle and the way girls surf has become more polished and athlete-orientated. It’s a very enviable way of life and I think it could be marketed and presented in that way. How do you rate the status of the women’s tour in comparison with the men’s? The men’s tour is massive and has a good following. I respect that but I also feel that women’s surfing can reach that same level and enjoy the same benefits. Sum up your life right now in five words: Always enjoying every beautiful moment.
Alana
ALANA BLANCHARD, 19 hawaii • Tour rating: 13
How would you rate your job on a scale of 1 to 10? 10! It’s the best job in the world, I get to travel the world and surf. What are the high points? Going to the most beautiful places on earth, and doing what I love to do. What are the low points? Being away from home. When you’re on tour describe your typical day. I wake up, eat then surf then eat then surf then eat then sleep! How do you rate the status of the women’s tour in comparison with the men’s? Well, like every sport the men are better and have more pull, but I think it’s getting more fair. What are the most important attributes a surfer needs today? Good surf and good boards. Sum up your life right now in five words. Love, happiness, fun, family and friends.
Rebecca Rebecca Woods, 24 Australia • Tour rating: 8
What’s it like being on tour with the girls? We are a fiery, opinionated and passionate bunch so it’s always interesting, but everyone, as competitive as they are, gets along well and has fun. Where do you feel women’s surfing is right now? Interesting question – there is so much going on right now with the financial crisis and popularity of the sport. If we were in different times I think our tour would be exploding but alas it’s not the case – we’re losing events as budgets are cut and we all need to stand together and ride it out I guess. Unless there are any major corporations out there who would like to replace our lost events in exotic locations – you can’t lose when it comes to girls ripping in bikinis in paradise – the exposure is well worth it! How do you rate the status of the women’s tour in comparison with the men’s? I don’t like to split it into men and women. I honestly think both tours don’t get the recognition they deserve. There’s a massive global market out there, we just have to tap into it properly, like golf and tennis have. Our sport is just as respectable and popular, just as accessible and fun. Sum up your life right now in five words. Live your life, be free!
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Sofia
SOFIA MULANOVICH, 26 peru • Tour rating: 3
How would you rate your job on a scale of 1 to 10? Eight. What are the high points? Fun surf, doing what you love, meeting good people. What are the low points? Planes, being away from home. Where’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Europe. What’s it like being on tour with the girls? Super fun. Where do you feel women’s surfing is right now? I think there could be more events and more companies supporting the girls. How do you rate the status of the women’s tour in comparison with the men’s? The status of the men’s is way better. What are the most important attributes a surfer needs today? Talent, image. Sum up your life right now in five words: Fun, challenging, exciting, unpredictable.
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alex williams
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F
FI ire
slands
The Canary Islands, situated 70 miles off the coast of northwest Africa, are sun-soaked wave magnets, attracting surfers as well as pasty Euros during the winter months.
alex williams
mike searle
alex williams
But away from the busy tourist hot-spots, the islands are surprisingly beautiful, in a rugged, moonscape sort of way, dominated by uncompromising lava fields and sand blown from the deserts of the Sahara. SurfGirl looks at the main surfing islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura and takes a peek at two islands better known for package holidays – Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
L
anzarote
Last winter a girl crew of Celine Gehret, Kathleen Spears and Tahlia Britton visited the European surfing hotspot Lanzarote. Here’s Kathleen’s report. Photos Alex Williams.
A
rriving in Lanzarote I was expecting the usual carnage: disagreements, grom abuse, boards, bikinis and sand everywhere, staying in a crappy hotel with free mosquitoes and cockroaches. But I was greeted by a lush house and settled into what would turn out to be mellowest surf trip ever. We stayed with Brit surfing legend Rob Small and his wife at their beautiful guesthouse Casa Penelope near La Santa. Rob was our guide, and our method of transport for the two weeks was Rob’s trusty, slightly creaky, pretty basic, legendary truck. Most mornings, Kathleen, Tahlia, Celine, Alex, Rob, Gally (the dog), wetsuits, boards, camera equipment, water and food was all loaded into the truck and we squeaked our way off to find the best waves we could. Lanzarote being in the north Atlantic, the weather conditions can be all over the place. We were pretty lucky with the waves we got the fist week. La Santa right was fun – we kept getting told that it wasn’t perfect, but for an imperfect wave it was quite impressive! La Santa right is so much fun to surf: you can just take off and look down the line and see section after section.
“Lanzarote is renowned for localism; you hear stories of people getting sent out of the water, getting out just in time to see your hire car have its windscreen waxed” There’s only one hard thing about that wave, which is the access. According to Rob, “Everyone falls over while getting in and out.” Tahlia surfs reefs every day and pretty much ran across the rocks. Celine kept up her gracefulness and I fell over, bumped across the rocks and stood on urchins. It became a running joke! Lanzarote is renowned for localism; you hear stories of people getting sent out of the water, getting out just in time to see your hire car have its windscreen waxed and so on. We didn’t run into anything like this, but it must be said that was down to Rob having lived there for the last ten years. The only funny looks we got were on the first day of surfing, due to our pasty non-existent tans and loud voices! Lanzarote welcomed us with open arms. The waves weren’t perfect and the sun didn’t shine every day, but we had a brilliant trip, so after two weeks we left Casa Penelope three very happy girls. –KS
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Celine
“It was great to surf with Kathleen and Thalia. I usually surf with guys so this was really fun. Thalia put me and Kathleen to shame playing Guitar Hero. I was absolutely rubbish at it. It was great fun during waveless days though!”
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Kathleen
“Celine gives graceful its true meaning, and let’s face it, she rips. Tahlia and I have had our differences before because our personalities are so similar, but out here we got on really well. She’s a really funny chick with a pretty odd sense on humour; her accent is wicked and she does a sick English accent imitation.”
Were to surf The surf here is challenging and the north shore attracts powerful swells during the winter. The varied coastline on the north and west coasts offers a wide variety of breaks here from El Golfo to Famara. There is surf for all levels of ability from the super-gnarly El Quemao in La Santa which resemble Hawaii on its day, to the more mellow sandy beachbreak at Famara. Famara beachbreak is the ideal spot for beginners where you can easily rent a surfboard in the village or take a surf lesson with Errant Surf School (www. errantsurf.com). Also at Famara is the rocky beach of San Juan, which is good for more experienced surfers. If it’s onshore on the north coast head to the more sheltered east coast where the breaks of Jameos and Punta Mujeres should be offshore and the beautiful Orzola beach is worth a drive to just for the amazing scenery.
Food and drink On the north coast the main surf town is La Santa and there’s a variety of good restaurants from Canarian food to posh eateries. For the adventuours there are two good bars, El Quemao and El Barquillo (which is known as El Sotano), which also do fab tapas. Along the coast at Famara, El Chiringuito is great for après surf sundowners and tapas. After the sun goes down check out El Bartolo which often has live music and Lenny’s bar with a relaxed surfy crowd. Club La Santa nightclub is the only disco on the north short but ‘It’s like Ikea without the furniture’ according to local Rob Small. At Puerto del Carmen there’s a plethora of good old greasy English grub to be had and the occasional local restaurant. If it’s great fish restaurants you’re after go to El Golfo a few miles out of town. If it’s banging nightlife you’re after Puerto del Carmen has it all. 066 SURFGIRL
Stay at For a really comfortable place to stay that’s a million miles away from the touristy Puerto del Carmen, stay at Casa Penelope in the quiet village of Tinago, two minutes from La Santa. There’s a breakfast bar, big ensuite bathrooms, fans and sunbathing area to soak up the gorgeous Canarian rays. Casa Penelope is run by friendly Brit couple Rob and Julie who go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Check out www.guesthouselanzarote.co.uk Alternatively, stay in Errant’s private apartments in Famara, all within walking distance of the surf, local bars and restaurants. Go to www. errantsurf.com for more info. Finca Malvasia (www.fincamalvasia.com) is a surfer-owned boutique guesthouse and vineyard offering stylish self-catering accommodation, lagoon style pool, volcanic yoga and massage room and award winning wines in a rural location. It’s just 10 minutes from the beachbreak at Famara and heavier reefs of La Santa and the owners are happy to provide daily forecasts and advice on the best spots around Lanzarote and Graciosa. Prices from 35 euros per person per night.
Useless (possibly true) facts about Lanzarote • Lanzarote holds the biggest cactus in the world, standing at a full 15.73 metres. • The town of Tabasco in the north-east of the island is the home of the famous sauce. • Lanzarote has 207 volcanoes. • It has 150 percent more urchins than people. • It has the highest rate of sheep attacks of any Canarian island. • It has more hire cars than residents. • It holds more naked Germans than any other Canarian island.
Tahlia
“Being in the water with the other girls really created a chilled atmosphere, especially around the testosterone-driven locals.“
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F
uerteventura Fuerteventura is one of the more mellow islands to visit for surf in the Canaries. Words Sophie Cherel.
W
hen I first came to Fuerteventura, I knew I’d be back. Apart from the fact that we scored epic waves for two weeks solid, I was impressed with the people, the laid-back atmosphere in and out of the water and the amazing beaches. The barren landscape isn’t everybody’s cup of tea – conspiracy theorists have it that the moon landings were filmed here, and you can expect volcanoes, rocks, dust, goats and the occasional ambitious shrub. You can also expect sunshine and waves pretty much every day. The only problem is the wind. It’s always on the prowl, and there’s very little shelter to be found. Strong northeasterly trade winds blow throughout the summer and tend to mess up any groundswell, but they also consistently create waves on the east coast. Though these are less powerful than winter waves, they can be surprisingly good. Summer’s a playful time in the water – it’s sunny, it’s small but never flat, and you can surf in a bikini. The main surf season, though, is winter. From September onwards, the wind drops and the Atlantic breathes life into the north shore’s reefs. The swell just keeps on coming, averaging about six feet, until April, and then it’s kite- and wind-surf heaven again. The beauty of living on a small island is that you never have to drive far for waves. Up in the north it’s 15 minutes between the beachbreaks of east and west coasts, which are joined along the north coast by a dirt track. This is the infamous north shore – it’s all black lava reef, a real surfer’s playground where you can find waves as hollow or mellow as you like. Warm up at Generosa, a lazy lefthander, then head just down the road to Mejillones for double the size and power. Longboard German Rights or get barrelled 100 metres away at The Bubble. The local girls are very welcoming, and if you come with a smile, you’ll get called into waves, cheered and possibly beer-ed later on. There are plenty of spots along the north shore that go relatively unsurfed, as well as some awesome beachbreaks down the west coast which are hidden or just difficult to access. If you’re keen to make the most of the sometimes fickle conditions, it’s best to go with a surf guide in a 4x4. Fuerteventura means ’strong adventure’ in Spanish, and whether it’s in the water, off-road rally-driving or in the bars, that’s exactly what you’re going to find!
"The local girls are very welcoming, and if you come with a smile, you’ll get called into waves, cheered and possibly beer-ed later on"
As with most of the Canary Islands if you can’t find a cheap flight online (look on www.cheapflights.co.uk), get a flights-and-accommodation package with Thomas Cook or First Choice.
Were to surf
East Coast: Fun waves at Flag and Drop beaches. Rocky Point, in Corralejo, a long, easy righthander that works on big swells. Further south, Glass Reef (El Burro) has a long slow left and a shorter, faster right. Lobos Island: One of the longest righthanders in Europe, a 10 minute boat ride from Corralejo. Easy take-off then walls up endlessly, with a barrel section at the end.
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alex williams
Getting there
Can get crowded. North Shore: Majanicho: First stop from Lajares is a mellow right point, popular with longboarders. It has a long paddle-out and an inside section good for beginners Hierro: A little further west. A playful left with an easy take-off. Can get crowded. Generosa: Near Corralejo. Mainly a slow, fat left, perfect for a first reef experience, with an easy paddle out. Acid Drop: Adrenaline-pumping left. Holds big swells and can hold you under for a while!
Surf camps If you want a no-hassles holiday, book with a surf camp that provides accommodation, equipment, coaching and transport, try www.liquid-magma. com. Alternatively, Flag Beach and Island Boarders run a few girls-only weeks
– their special package offers yoga sessions, beach barbecues, five days surf coaching with equipment and transport, shared apartments, lunch packages, airport pick-ups and goodie bags. For more info go to www. islandboarderssurfschool.com. The next weeks are set to take place in September.
Stay at Stay at The Corrajeo Apartments, walking distance to classic waves including Shooting Galleries, Harbour Left and Rocky Point. All have sea views and are very close to local shops and the harbour. From the harbour you can take a boat over to the amazing surf of Los Lobos or Lanzarote. Go to www. errantsurf.com for more info. For a variety of different accommodation from bungalows to apartments go to www.flagbeach.com for more info. For a more laid-back vibe, check out Lajares (an inland surf village) or Cotillo
photo courtesy liquidmagma.com
Surf instructor Sophie Cherel left behind our cold winters for a season in Fuerteventura a few years back. She loved it so much that she’s still there!
(a fishing village on the west coast with incredible beaches, lagoons and natural park).
Food and drink Loads of choice on the seafront, or try Fifth Avenue just off the main street. Surfers’ hangouts to eat, drink and chill include The Garden Deli in Lajares and Citrus just off roundabout in Corralejo main street. For the freshest seafood, hit La Vaca Azul in Cotillo. Drink and party at Corky’s bar and Bamboo Groove.
Other activities Kitesurfing, windsurfing, quad-biking, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, mountain-biking, catamaran trips, jetskiing, day trips to Lanzarote.
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T
G
enerife
With upmarket hotels opening, a brand new wave park and excellent surf, Tenerife makes a good winter destination. Photos Mike Searle.
Were to surf If you’re staying in the south of the island, head to Playa de las Americas. The main drag is called Veronicas, and all winter surf breaks along it: Billboards, Spanish Left and K16. If you want to rent equipment or get a surf lesson go to K16 Surf Shop and surf school, www.K16surf.com. In general the surf in this part of the island is pretty crowded so get in early. You’ll find Tenerife’s best-kept secrets in the north-east of the island. It’s definitely worth a look, especially around the city of Puerto de la Cruz.
Stay at Playa de las Americas is a lively holiday destination which has lots of accommodation from hostels to hotels and campsites to bed and breakfasts, so it won’t be too hard to find accommodation near to the surf. If you want to stay at a surf camp try Waveexperience in Puerto de la Cruz in the north of the island: www.wavexperiencesurfcamp.com
Other activities There’s loads to do on this busy tourist island. Most beaches in Tenerife cater for watersports such as, banana-boating, jetski hire and catamarans. There is also a brand new water park called Siam Park which is brilliant fun. It includes a super-fast see-through water slide which goes through a giant fish tank and a wave pool which provides outstanding waves. After dark there’s loads of nightlife centred around Veronicas strip but also check out the Carnival in February, it’s a massive fiesta!
ran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of the more scenic islands, with the humid north, dry desert south and lush mountainous interior. Photos Andy Lawrence.
Were to surf The south side of Gran Canaria is the more touristy part of the island but a good place to base yourself. Maspalomas has a fun and playful wave. The best area is the point that separates Playa del Inglés from the beach of Maspalomas. If you’re looking for a surf lesson, go to www.calimasurf.com for info. The north of the island has a varied coastline which boasts everything from gnarly reefs to less punchy beachbreaks, rustic fishing villages to the island’s capital Las Palmas. The surf centres around the capital Las Palmas. Confital is a righthander which the locals rate as one of the best breaks in the Canaries. Head out of town along the coast for less crowded surf with a more rustic setting.
Stay at This is tourist heaven; the best place to stay is around Maspalomas where there’s loads of choice and you can
surf and party at the same time. If you fancy somewhere a bit quieter try the Extreme Sports Cafe surf camp in the fishing village of San Felipe on the north coast. See www.extremesportscafe.com.
Other activities Head north for culture at Las Palmas, hiking in the mountainous interior and camel safaris in the sand dunes of Maspalomas. Plus there’s all the usual water parks, theme parks and beachside facilities to help you recharge your batteries.
Liquid Ventura Fuerteventura Why go halfway round the world when you can get eternal sunshine, epic waves and warm water without even changing the time on your watch? At Liquid Ventura we’ll take you for a taste of adventure along empty dirt tracks in 4X4s to breathtaking beaches and world-class lava reefs. Our BSA-qualified instructors know this island, its conditions and its waves inside out. They’ll take you to places you’d never find alone and make sure you have a good time out of the water too, with nights out and BBQ lined up as après-surf.
Check www.liquid-ventura.com or contact sophie@lemonia.org
SurfGirl Holidays
Get away for warm waves and plenty of sunshine at our friendly girls-only surf camp weeks.
Northern Spain Morocco Fuerteventura www.surfgirlmag.com
winter weaponry Words Kat Dawes. Photos Mike Searle. Location Snugg Wetsuits.
With more companies than ever designing and developing wetsuits specially cut for, styled for and geared towards female surfers, it’s no surprise that the quality is really, really high meaning the choice is also mind-boggling! We asked a few wetty experts how they design, make and test their suits to help you decide what to choose to see you through a wonderful, swell-filled winter.
BILLABONG Girl SG5
BILLABONG Synergy
C-Skins Angel 5/3
The all new SG5 utilises Billabong’s new zero gravity super-flex neoprene; increased cell size in the foam core makes this warmer, lighter and more flexible than ever before. Solar Mesh 5 acts in the same way as solar panels by absorbing the sun’s heat and trapping it within the cell structure of the mesh. It’s 30% warmer than any nyloncovered neoprene. It’s not only a light and flexible wetsuit, it’s also a durable one. Also features welded external and internal seams, overhead barrier and glide-skin collar. RRP: £200 (4/3), £230 (5/4/3 hood) Call: 02392465555 Web: www.billabong.com Email: officeuk@billabong.tm.fr
The Synergy is a perfect combination of quality , fit and performance. It’s a durable all-round suit at an unbeatable price. Features include 50% Airlite super-flex, silk touch jersey, ergonomic performance panelling and glide-skin collar. RRP: £125 (4/3), £130 (5/4/3) Call: 02392465555 Web: www.billabong.com Email: officeuk@billabong.tm.fr
The Angel is the top of the range back-zip wetsuit from C-Skins. It’s for those girls who want the classic ease of wearing a back zip wetsuit but who don’t want any compromise on flexibility. Features 100% externally sealed watertight seams, 100% ultra-stretch C-Flex neoprene, Simulated Mesh Skin chest and back panels, Fire Core Thermal interior chest and back panel, back zip seal and internal barrier, liquid wrist and cuff seals. RRP: £189.95 Call: 01208 78845 Web: www.c-skins.com Email: info@c-skins.com
Well-made
Wetsuits are a major investment for any surf girl, and you want to make sure your winter wetty is perfect for you. Wetsuit manufacturers understand this, and work hard to both keep costs down and pour research and development time into their ranges. Phil Bridges from Tiki explained exactly how a wetsuit is made from start to finish: “Firstly you take a block of neoprene foam and cut it to the sheet thickness that you require. This is then laminated with the linings that you want — stretch, super-stretch, soft touch inside with durable SURFGIRL 073
O’NEILL D’Lux Mod Hooded
Designed by women for women, this suit has the UltraFlex Firewall in the chest and back, exterior fluid seam welding and feminine style lines. Features modular hood/Crew Closure System and 100% Superstretch neoprene with Krypto Knee Padz. Seamless lumbar and paddle zones. RRP: £235 Call: 01730 811460 Web: www.oneill.com Email: wetsuits.eu@oneillwetsuits.com
O’NEILL Psycho 2 5/3
TIKI TK90 Heated
Known for flexibility and superior fit, the Psycho 2 continues to evolve with the new X-Type firewall, Double Fluid Seam Weld (no stitches) and new graphics. It uses the patented ZEN zip system and has a double super-seal neck, wrist and ankle seals and a key pocket. The panelling is seamless through the shoulders (extra flex) and lumbar (extra warmth) and uses a minimum number of panels. RRP: £260 Call: 01730 811460 Web: www.oneill.com Email: wetsuits.eu@oneillwetsuits.com
6/5/4 or 5/4/3, this stretchy, soft, comfortable suit is now available with the Tiki removeable heating system – all the quality and high performance you expect from Tiki, plus heating, all for the price of a normal winter suit. Also features Espan Extend neoprene, Ultraseal back system, glide-skin collar and hollow fibre lining. RRP: Check the website. Call: 01271 812442 Web: www.tikisurf.co.uk Email: tiki@tikisurf.co.uk
outside, plush inside with mesh outside — whatever is specified in the design. “Patterns are applied to sheet neoprene, then the panels are cut and laid out. Additional artwork is applied. At this stage the flat panels look like abstract shapes and nothing like their final form. The panels are primed with glue — all seams have a first coat to provide a uniform bonding 074 SURFGIRL
surface. The seams are then glued again so each seam has four lots of gluing. “The complex process of constructing the suit begins — this is where is goes from flat panels to body-shaped pieces. Some pieces are built in separate units over form work (like arms) and some are joined to full panels. Glued seams are then blindstitched and taped or sealed internally.
XCEL X-Zip 2 5/4/3
XCEL O-Zip 5/4/3
This suit has been specifically developed for the female shape and is now made from limestone (eco-friendly) neoprene. The biggest change for the girls is the innovative development in neck entry, designed to make life easier by scalloping the front and back dams. The suit now incorporates Xcel’s fantastic bamboo and recycled plastic lining, giving you eco-conscious girls the best insulation possible. Comfort, warmth and perfect fit for the female surfer. RRP: £260 (hooded £280) Web: www.xcelwetsuits.com Call: 01752 601410 Email: info@danielsurf.com
For girls who want all the features of the Infiniti but prefer the back zip system, there is the O-ZIP, with its re-styled upper body shoulder design. No compromises here, all the best bits but with a zip slightly offset to give comfort and stretch where you need it. Not only does this make entry a lot easier, it also prevents any flushing. Xcel again use the bamboo lining and their speciallyengineered girl fit. RRP: £200 Web: www.xcelwetsuits.com Call: 01752 601410 Email: info@danielsurf.com
“Additional elements like batwings, zips and glide-skin seals are added, the whole piece goes through Quality Control and is finally packed.” That’s a bit more complicated than we thought, and Phil says that’s only a “Fairly brief summary which doesn’t really do the complexity of the process justice”! So, what’s so difficult about the wetsuit-making process? Phil said, “It’s all super tricky. Probably the most complex part is taking two flat
panels and forming them together along seams that are different lengths to create the ergonomic curves that create the pre-formed shape that you see hanging on a rack. That and developing new patterns, which is mindbendingly complex.” Todd Janda, global product designer for Quiksilver’s wetsuit division, concurs: “Making suits that fit a wide range of body types is hard, and trying to make everyone happy!” SURFGIRL 075
RIP CURL Dawn Patrol
The new Dawn Patrol brings new levels of performance to the surfer who wants a quality wetsuit at an economical price. Rip Curl have reinvented, re-designed and re-named the Classic suit. Now featuring E3 (the lightest, warmest and stretchiest neoprene) in the arms, back, crotch and leg gussets along with durable high grade Ultralite Neoprene for all round performance. Rip Curl’s new Fireskin lining has been added to the chest for warmth and the new Blue Steel Zip and Soft Seal collar integrate for maximum water seal and comfort. RRP: £120 Web: www.ripcurl.com
New from old
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RIP CURL G-Bomb
The ultimate wetsuit for girls, featuring the very best technology and materials. The third generation of top of the range Elastomax E3 Superstretch Neoprene which is lighter, warmer and more flexible plus Fireskin lining: thin, warm and light to wick the water away. RRP: £200 Web: www.ripcurl.com
ALDER Stealth 5/4/3
Glued and blindstitched construction for watertight seams, X-stretch neoprene on shoulders and sleeves for easy paddling, single-lined torso to prevent wind-chill and help maintain inner core body temperature, YKK metal zip slider for a long life, raw cuffs and ankles for easy entry, reinforced double layer PU knee pads and Lycra-bound collar for comfort and seal. RRP: £110 Call: 01566 783444 Web: www.aldersportswear.com Email: info@aldersportswear.com
Although many wetsuit companies have been designing suits since the ’60s, there is constant change and innovation as new technology comes to the fore. Designs build on previous knowledge and incorporate new technology. Mark Brown from C-Skins says, “I don’t think anyone can have success from a brand new idea — we feel it’s all about adding and refining features on well-tested models.” Phil Bridges agrees: “New technology is
ALDER Fluid 5/4/3
Glued and blindstitched construction for water-tight seams, liquid seal on all seams, X- stretch lightweight neoprene throughout for easy paddling and comfort, raw cuffs and ankles for easy entry, pre-compressed neoprene and durable nylon knee pads for a long long life. 1mm neoprene bat-flap helps prevent flushing down the back; glide-skin collar for comfort and seal. RRP: £160 Call: 01566 783444 Web: www.aldersportswear.com Email: info@aldersportswear.com
GUL Vortex 5/4/3
The Gul Ladies Vortex is the top of the range women’s wetsuit. Blindstitched seams with full external liquid seams and 100% X-Flex superstretch neoprene give maximum comfort and manoeuvrability. The Vortex has been improved with less panels to give extra stretch across the lower back. Thermospan chest and back panels help wick away water giving incredible warmth. The ultra barrier system inside the back panel helps to reduce flush through the zip, and the dura-skin front and back panels prevent wind-chill, allowing you to stay out in the water for longer. RRP: £180 Call: 01208 262400 Web: www.gul.com
absorbed to streamline the process but the process essentially the same.” However, there have been some great advances in wetsuit technology, and the manufacturers are always pushing for more. Phil says, “The super-stretch fabrics and so on are largely thanks to [wetsuit manufacturers’] research and development.” Todd Janda says, “We are always pushing design limits with new technologies while at the same time refining proven technology.” SURFGIRL 077
ROXY Cypher
ROXY Syncro
SNUGG Sabotage
This 5/4/3mm steamer is the top of the range suit and uses 100% Hyperstretch II neoprene with Vapour Stretch and hollow fibre panels for extra warmth where you need it most. Flexy and warm. RRP: £209 Web: www.quiksilver.com
This 5/4/3mm steamer is economical, flexible and warm. 30% Hyperstretch II, 70% Freemax, and Stratamesh to reduce wind-chill. RRP: £125 Web: www.quiksilver.com
Features Ultraspan stretch neoprene throughout, hollow fibre chest panel, double-glued, blindstitched and heat-sealed taped seams, interlocking ’Y’-flap water barrier panel to prevent water entry through back zip, smoothskin neck, pre-bent arms and legs, Kanoko flex kneepads for comfort and durability. Made to measure for a perfect fit (stock sizes also available). RRP: £220 Web: www.snuggwetsuits.co.uk Call: 01637 878488 Email: snugg@globalnet.co.uk
Feedback
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But how much of the design of a wetsuit is influenced by the end user — both pro riders and everyday surfers? And are manufacturers listening to what girls want? Steve Peters from O’Neill says, “Our team of technicians create and design approximately ten to twelve prototypes in our key styles using the feedback from our team riders from all over the world.” Phil Bridges says, “Rider feedback is crucial — ultimately they are the most important part of the chain. The team rider feedback is great for assessing new designs and performance, but we also pay a lot
Thanks to Snugg Wetsuits for letting us hang out in their factory for the photo shoot. www.snuggwetsuits.co.uk
of attention to normal surfers. ‘Soft touch neoprene’ was devised from talking to girls who just wanted more comfort. This is something we didn’t get from team riders because they surf so much the feel of the neoprene is no big deal, they are used to it. It takes the occasional surfer to point this out to us.” Good to know! So now you know exactly how wetsuits are made, and just how
much research and feedback goes into producing the designs, you can be confident that wetsuits these days definitely aren’t the boy’s wetty with some pink on them! This year’s SurfGirl winter wetsuit guide contains the cream of the crop, detailing the major features and benefits of each suit. Choose wisely and enjoy the crisp autumn days snug in a comfy, brand new suit. —KD SURFGIRL 079
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simon williams
surf smart Step it up!
This issue we’re all about maximum performance levels. Make sure your inner fires are stoked up properly with some (super-) food for thought from yoga guru and nutritionist Peggy Hall, who recommends a power smoothie pre-surfing. Top coach Joel Grey tells us how to get more speed while surfing, something which feels great and will make those rides longer and more satisfying. Finally, Ireland’s Easkey Britton shows you how to whack out a backside re-entry, giving advice that everyone, whatever level, can take something away from. Summer’s been pretty good for wave action so far, so let’s step it up a gear!
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lucia griggi
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high energy eating Words Peggy Hall.
Power up with a pre-surf meal that will fuel your stoke for a great session!
Okay, I’ll admit it: in the old days, I didn’t care what I was eating, as long as I didn’t gain weight! But when I started to make the connection between what I ate and how I felt, I began an intense study of nutrition which ultimately led me to becoming certified as a nutritionist and weight and lifestyle management coach – which turned out to be a perfect complement to my yoga training. These days, I still eat what I like – but what I like is usually what makes me feel energised, healthy and satisfied! The bottom line when it comes to choosing food that nourishes and sustains you is to figure out how that food personally affects you. For example, I learned that – as much as I love it – wholewheat toast gives me indigestion. These days, I enjoy rice bread instead, and my digestive system – and my taste buds – are happy. When it comes to a pre-surf meal, you want to make sure that you’ve got something that’s easily digestible and gives you sustained energy. This will take a little trial and error on your part. I learned (very quickly!) that surfing after eating Mexican food is not a good idea. Ditto for doughnuts. Think about it: you want something that will give you high quality nourishment so you can surf with sustained energy. One of my all-time favourite pre-surf meals is easy to prepare and chock-full of vitamins, minerals and fibre. It also has a perfect ratio of lean protein and healthy carbs, all delivered in about 300 calories.
Peg’s Power Green Smoothie • 2 scoops rice protein powder (that’s my personal preference – it’s free of artificial ingredients and sweeteners) or 1 cup plain, low-fat yoghurt • 1 cup fruit (try frozen berries for a thicker smoothie) or 2 pieces of fruit like a banana and an apple • 2-3 leaves of romaine lettuce (for fibre, minerals and vitamins) • 1 stalk celery or 1/2 cucumber (good for your blood pressure) • 1 cup water (or less if using yoghurt) • 2 or 3 ice cubes if desired
simon williams
Blend it all up enjoy! This usually tides me over for a good two-hour surf session. I like to take it with me in a stainless steel insulated flask and sip on some after I surf as well. Some surfers (like two-time world champion Tom Carroll) prefer not eating at all before dawn patrol. This is actually a fine choice, if you’re someone who can just get up and go without eating. But, please keep in mind that this approach requires that you be very well-nourished on a regular basis. If you just had pizza and beer the night before and then get up to surf the next morning, you won’t have any high-octane fuel in your tank. Instead, enjoy a satisfying meal like roasted chicken, baked potatoes and vegetables. So fill up on natural, wholesome healthy food that you enjoy and make the connection between what you eat and how you feel. In time, you’ll begin to intuitively select those foods that truly nourish you mind, body and spirit! Avid surfer Peggy Hall is a certified yoga instructor, surf nutrition specialist and creator of the best-selling series Yoga for Surfers, which has helped thousands of surfers worldwide surf better – and live better! Learn more about her book High Energy Eating: Nutrition for Surfers and get free surf stretches at www.YogaforSurfers.com.
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stuff you need to go
travelling In an attempt to kick-start the global economy, flights have taken a tumble in price recently, and the lure of sun-drenched paradises is as strong as ever. Whether you’re planning a world tour or a short hop, here are some essentials and cool extras.
lucia griggi
Compiles by Kat Dawes.
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GEAR The gorgeous new Roxy bags – you’d be forgiven for buying one before you’ve got a board to put in it! They do day bags, travel bags and cool board socks. Soda pop orange board lovin’, £30 for a sock from orcasurf.co.uk. Or check out the Ocean and Earth coffin bags from £99.99. All available at orcashop.co.uk Epoxy boards are tougher and therefore the ideal board to run the airport/reef/airport-again gauntlet – they’re also lighter to carry! They cost a bit more but should last longer and hold their resale value well. www. surftech.com Take some spare fins, a ding repair kit, some compact, padded roof straps, fin key and a spare leash – as there might not be a surf shop near you. These small travel racks are perfect from www.carvesurf. com. The ultimate in useful tools if The Tool by Core Surf. It has an Allen key, screwdriver, wax comb and a lanyard that doubles as an extra leash string. £12.76 from orcashop.co.uk
LUGGAGE Visa, passport, cards, insurance details – keep all the boring stuff all together in this Da Kine Jetaway, one of our perennial favourites. £10.75 from orcashop.co.uk.
DOWNTIME Photography, art, writing, music or just keeping in touch – a laptop is now a common sight in a surfer’s backpack. A lovely MacBook or one of the many and super-popular netbooks are ideal – the sleek Sony Vaio is £699. Just make sure it’s covered on your insurance! We can dream – the Canon PowerShot D10, a 12.1 megapixel digital camera is waterproof to 10m. RRP: £379, www. canon.co.uk. Or try out a Go Pro Camera strapped to your wrist from £99 at orcashop.co.uk The PowerChimp takes two AA batteries and will give your phone an emergency boost of power. Plug it into your computer and it can also recharge batteries. £25 www. powertraveller.com. Record your thoughts and stick your tickets, receipts and postcards in a pretty book from Paperchase like this A5 Rainbow Butterfly Notebook. £7 from Amazon or Paperchase stores nationwide.
LOOK AFTER YOURSELF Arnica for bruises, pawpaw for rashes and sunburn, Evening Primrose to keep those hormones balanced – lovely alternative remedies every girl should take abroad in her first aid kit. Pack Vaseline for wetty rubs as well, and have a rash vest for chillier times and sun protection. Be safe: use Island tribe SPF 40 clear gel sunscreen for waterproof all-day protection.
bang on The backside re-entry or off-the-top is a standard move to have in your bag of tricks, but it requires excellent timing and body positioning to really nail it. Easkey Britton takes us through the manoeuvre. Photos Simon Williams.
Let the wave do the work! Keen as mustard to get this move nailed, you could find yourself making the fatal error of wrenching yourself around at the top and ending up with your top half facing one way and your bottom half totally the other! Here are a few tips to help you avoid this (and thus keep your knees and back in good working order…): • Smooth bottom turn: The bottom turn is always the set-up for a solid next move, so make it as precise and smooth as you can. Open your shoulders well, and if you’re stiff in the bottom turn, practice and practice, and try some yoga! • Wait for it: Don’t be too enthusiastic, wait and let the wave do the work. Set up the turn but don’t anticipate it too early. • Timing: The more you try it, the more you’ll learn, and the more likely you are to pull it off. So keep practising and you’ll figure out where the best spot is to pull the move. • Place the turn correctly: The backside top turn should be placed in the upper third of the wave, in the curve approaching the forming lip. Too early or too late and you are going to bomb. • Drive out of the turn, not into it: This is exactly where wave is doing the work. The curve of your board put into the curve of the lip makes a natural turning arc that you can follow through with just a little leaning on the rail. Put too much power into it and you’ll spin out. • Watch the nose of the board: This makes it impossible to perform the wrench.
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1 First of all, you have to fully commit to your bottom turn and lean over the inside rail. It’s really important to focus on the lip where you want to hit it. 2 Rotate your shoulders so that your upper body turns towards the lip. Drive through the bottom turn to gain speed and get as vertical as possible. 3 Bend your knees and keep pressure on your back foot. As the top of your board reaches the lip you need to begin to change direction so you don’t go off the back of the wave – rotate your lead shoulder back towards the shore, causing the rest of your body and board to follow. 4 Look back down the wave face, stay compressed to absorb the impact of the lip. • You can use your back arm in really steep sections to help keep your balance and turn tighter by touching the wave face. 5 Lean over your front foot keeping a low centre of gravity. Extending your back foot will help push your tail around, adding more spray and style to the move. Now you are facing back down the wave. Stay low and centred and once you start dropping down the wave again switch your weight from your front foot to your back foot to avoid nose-diving. And keep on shredding down the line!
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happenings
Jen Smith powering her way to victory.
roxy jam biarritz The Roxy Jam claimed a new world champ amid the mayhem of surf, art, music, and fireworks. It was a fantastic event!
The outsider Coline Menard styling to the final.
California’s Jen Smith won the Roxy Jam in Biarritz in July to claim the second ASP Women’s World Longboard title of her brilliant career after defeating outsider Coline Menard. Jen, who dominated from the beginning, managed to score a 9.25 point ride, the highest wave score of the event. “To win a second world title is just unbelievable,” Jen said. “That heat against Chelsea (Williams)… I was ready to bow out in the semis and I had no idea I was going to get that wave and this score. I was feeling pretty confident after that and when I made the final I was definitely looking for the second title.” Jen, who raised her world title trophy in front of a cheering crowd at La Côtes des Basques, had gone several months without a win. “I had no expectations this year as I had not won an event in months, maybe a year,” Smith said. “I came over here to give it my best and see what happened, and I made the final and won it. It’s just so good to get a second one.” As well as the surfing there’s was lots to look at with an art exhibition by American Jeff Hornbaker and others, an expressions session where the girls wore a colourful display of Roxy dresses, and cool arty workshops. Apres contest the usual shenanigans took place, with top DJ’s and Santigold headlining the live music programme, ending with a fab firework display over the Grande Plage on the final night. For photos and video of the event go to www.roxyjam.com
photos courtesy roxy
The after party, Biarritz stylee.
Kassia during the colourful expression session. The surf finally pumped on day four.
Jen with mates Candice and Kerry O’Donnell.
Santigold rocked the beach.
The finale.
Justine Dupont was considered a favourite but bowed out in the semis. SURFGIRL 089
photos courtesy billabong
billabong girls days
The BGD in Woolacombe was a great success despite the weather and everyone was stoked to meet surf legend Keala Kennelly. The Billabong Girls Days 2009 attracted 150 girls to Woolacombe on 18-19 July. The event kicked off with a yoga lesson followed by a surf with pro riders Keala Kennelly and British surfer Laura Crane, alongside some of the UK’s best surf instructors from the Nick Thorn Surf School. Groups then took part in Indo Board lessons, learning some really cool balancing tricks and exercises, and a massage lesson. Billabong team surfers Keala Kennelly and Laura Crane gave a talk about life as a pro surfer, followed by a Q&A session. Next came a beauty workshop on how to protect your skin, led by Nivea, an African dance class and a fashion show showcasing the Billabong Summer Collection. After a very busy day, everyone got ready to move to the ‘Fluoro’ theme of this year’s party. First up there was a barbecue on the beach to the sounds of the Zamba band. Girls were then treated to the best dance beats from team rider and DJ Keala Kennelly, turning the beach into a dancefloor 090 SURFGIRL
for the evening. Day two started with yoga and another surfing lesson, the last chance of the weekend to perfect new-found skills. After lunch Keala and Laura joined in with the Nalu Bead workshop and designed their own personal jewellery with beautiful lampwork beads, and the graffiti workshop where they were given the opportunity to show their creative talents by creating their own board art. The Billabong Girls Days tour finished with the Woolacombe event, but it will be back next year!
will bailey
billabong sign up jo Billabong team rider Laura Crane from Croyde interviewed Keala Kennelly at the BGD. What is your fear? Snakes, I am so afraid I can’t even look at them on TV. What is your favourite drink? Sambazon Acai smoothie (non-alcoholic) Mojito. Where is your favourite place in the world? Teahupoo – so beautiful, such kind people. Who do you aspire to? Anyone smart, talented courageous and selfless. What is your best quality? I would say compassion. If you had a party who would you invite? Jonny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Elvis, Elton John, Ru Paul, Dr Ruth, Borat, Bruno, Pink, Barack Obama.
Joanne Dennison, three times Welsh surfing champ, signed a sponsorship deal with Billabong at the BGD. Hailing from Milford Haven in West Wales, she began her competitive career by coming second in the Student Nationals in Newquay, her first event. She then entered and won the Welsh Nationals; now she’s the current British and Welsh champion and isn’t stopping there. Getting a deal with Billabong was a dream come true, even more so when she was welcomed to the team by Keala Kennelly during the recent Billabong Girls Days. SurfGirl caught up with her to find out a bit more about the Welsh whizz. Name: Joanne Dennison Age: 23 Home town: Milford Haven Local break: Freshwater West What was it like growing up in Wales? Amazing, we are good at rugby. When did you move to the coast or have you always lived there? I have always lived by the sea and always will. Did you like school? No, school wasn’t my bag, keala welc apart from games. omes jo to the team . How did you start surfing? I started surfing when I went to Uni in Swansea. All my friends surfed, I just loved it and started surfing every day. Where your family into it? I’ve never seen mum or dad near a surfboard; my bro had one for a bit but just to look cool on the beach. What do you do? I’ve graduated from Uni and I’m currently working for Outer Reef Surf School and competing. What are your plans for the future? My plans are to surf, surf and surf some more. I have a few comps coming up and I’ve done two events on the UK tour. I’m going to the World Games in Costa Rica in August. This winter I’m hoping to do some video analysis and advanced coaching in different locations. Have you ever felt the need to move and live somewhere else or are you pretty settled? I’ve got itchy feet, ready for somewhere new now. You’ve won the Welsh three times, what would you put your contest success down to? I suppose focus – some people get really nervous before comps but I love surfing so I usually can’t wait to get in there and catch some waves! How’s the standard of surfing in Wales in comparison to the rest of the country? Welsh surfers rock. Who do you rate? Reubyn Ash, Russ Winter, Ben Skinner. Where do you like to hang out? I like mixing it up, I like surfing with Dean Gough and some of the Welsh boyos in Wales. Going to comps in Corno and chilling with the girls Nicole, Beth, Gwen and so on, it’s always good to hang out with the homies. What are the local breaks like, where do you like surfing? Don’t tell anyone but Wales can be sick. Its got such a variety of waves beachies, wedges and reefs! Are you happy? Can’t complain really, work at the beach and surf whenever I want! How would you describe your life in five words? It is pretty damn cool! – Will Bailey SURFGIRL 091
steph enjoyed her brief visit to bournemouth.
gwen took second place at croyde.
rip curl girls tour The Rip Curl Tour took on four towns, two contests, one world champ; there was sun, surf and rain but a great time was had by all the girls! In the first leg of the Rip Curl Pro Women’s Event at Croyde beach, Gabi Rowe from Port Isaac defeated the rest of the field to take the advantage. Second place went to Gwen Spurlock of Swansea and third Lucy Campbell of Woolacombe, in her first Women’s event. The final leg was held at Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, just after we went to press – check www.surfgirlmag. com for news and photos. Ruarri Joseph and Max Tuohy played the after-party and the winners were crowned and the £1,000 prize money presented. This year the tour featured a series of Women’s surfing contests in England and Wales. Two of these events, Croyde and St Ives, combined to make a two star event on the Women’s UK Pro Surf Tour, with £1,000 prize money available. krisha and steph. In addition to the Pro events each venue hosted a Newbie event for girls who have not competed in a surf contest before. The finalists of these events went into the UK final and also won prizes from Rip Curl and the other sponsors. There was also a Women’s Longboard Event, the only Women’s Longboard event on the UK Pro Surf Tour.
the finalists at croyde.
stop press
Rip Curl’s Pro Search heads to Portugal Ricardo Bravo
Rip Curl has revealed that their ‘secret location’ event is at Peniche in Portugal, 19 - 28 October. Peniche is home to Supertubos, a powerful A-frame barrel nicknamed it the European Pipeline. “The Rip Curl Pro Search has had incredible success since is started, so I think it’s really exciting that the ASP Women’s World Tour is jumping on board for the adventure,” said Stephanie Gilmore, reigning two-time ASP Women’s World Champion. “I’m sure it’s only going to make the best event on tour even better!” Watch live on ripcurl.com. 092 SURFGIRL
Elsie and Steph Which one’s which?! Newquay surfers Elsie Pinniger and Krisha Sowinski went to the Rip Curl Girls Tour event in Bournemouth and met reigning World Champ Stephanie Gilmore. We did a double-take at this picture – separated at birth or what!
chicks with sticks
The charity surf event Chicks With Sticks was held at the Carnmarth Hotel’s magnificent marquee, overlooking Fistral beach, in Newquay, Cornwall on 11 July. The event raised over £600 which will be split between cancer charity PANTS (who were in attendance), Soul Surfer Foundation and the English Surfing Federation (to help send the junior girls team to the European championships). The daytime saw Pilates, the art competition, clothing stalls, skin art, bunting, cake competition, bring-and-buy sale, raffle and makeover corner. The evening kicked off with the Oakley Surf Sistas film festival with the The Surf Screen showcasing an exciting film premiere accompanied by a Pimms barbecue. This was followed by a raffle of goodies (holidays, equipment and clothes, with many thinks to Oakley and SurfMaroc) and top musical entertainment. Finally, the SurfGirl Boy Auction saw a corral of over 20 surfer boys offering their skills (or just themselves!) to the packed marquee of women for sums of up to £100. The after-party was at the infamous Koola Bar. The event will be back next year, bigger, better and brighter (with even more bunting)! For more updates check out the website www.chickswithsticks.org.uk or find us on Facebook!
photos kate Czuczman
The day the Chicks with Sticks event was held on was rubbish, but the bad weather didn't affect the enthusiasm shown by everyone for the worthwhile event and lots of cash was raised for charity.
Lots of girlie things went on during the day.
Gemma’s cakes were cupcaketastic!
The winner of the art competition Greener Waves For All was announced at the prize-giving ceremony. Just before a stunned and happy Julie Rhodes was swamped by girls heading to the front of the crowd for the SurfGirl Boy Auction, we grabbed her for a chat. Congratulations! How are you feeling? Thank you so much. I am so excited to win the competition. I received a beautiful mounted photo and a Neon wetsuit, which will be brilliant. Where are you from? Originally, Kingston-upon-Thames in Surrey. Now I live in Newquay. What do you do for a living? I’m a wildlife and animal portrait artist. How did you get into surfing? The first time I came to Newquay on holiday (about seven years ago). My boyfriend wanted to try it and I didn’t want to sit and watch, so I went along. I loved it so much that I went out and bought a surfboard the next day. Later we moved to Newquay so we could surf all the time. What inspires your art? Wildlife and animals. I love to draw endangered species such as tigers and snow leopards to raise awareness about them. How would you describe your style? As realistic as possible. I draw what I see, in as much detail as I can. You also collaborated on a photography entry, can you explain the concept of that one and did you really collect all that rubbish on the beach just that morning?! Every morning we walk our dogs on Great Western beach and we’re sick of seeing the piles of rubbish left from the evening before. There’s everything from dirty nappies, chip wrappers, barbecues and bottles (often broken glass). It was Tamsin’s idea (Tamsin Ridd) that our photo should show how people are turning the beach into one big landfill site. We collected all the rubbish you see in the foreground (up to our feet) in about 20 minutes, one morning on Great Western beach. It was
Nat on the mic, Mr Isaac on the podium.
Yehah, the girls had a riot during the boy auction!
The winning picture by the talented Ms Rhodes.
shocking how much there was! The guys at Reef Surf School try to clean the beach every day and do a great job, but they shouldn’t have to! Local businesses should go to greater lengths to ensure people dispose of their product wrappers properly and people should take responsibility for their own litter, not rely on others to clear it up! People just don’t think about the consequences to the local wildlife and the state of our beaches. Thanks to all the entrants to the art competition – we were truly delighted. See www.surfgirlmag.com for all the entries.
Tamsin and Julie and a day’s rubbish. SURFGIRL 093
Extreme Academy Midsummer Classic Jersey’s Grace Davies claimed the Open title at the Extreme Academy Midsummer Classic at Watergate Bay at the end of June. The third event on the BLU circuit took place in onshore two- to three-foot waves. Davies edged Nicola Bunt into second and Candice O’Donnell took third. The result see Davies and O’Donnell tied in joint first place on the overall rankings. Results: 1. Grace Davies 2. Nicola Bunt 3. Candice O’Donnell 4. Becky Stanhope.
Stormy Surf Relief Festival The White Stuff Surf Relief Festival at Cornwall’s Watergate Bay 17-18 July raised over £4,000 for the charity Surf Relief UK to fund their ongoing ‘SurfAble’ project. Tassy Swallow won the Under 16 Girls UKPST event in two- to three-foot cross-shore surf, just missing out to Swansea’s Beth Mason in the Women’s Open division. Results: Open 1. Beth Mason 2. Tassy Swallow 3. Gwen Spurlock 4. Jo Dennison. Under 16 Girls: 1. Tassy Swallow 2. Lucy Campbell 3. Gabi Rowe 4. Jemima Knight.
Rip Curl Grom Search The end of June saw the Rip Curl Grom Search’s English selection at Godrevy in Cornwall. The Under 16 Girls was won by Gabi Rowe, who then competed against the finalists from Ireland and Wales. Gabi won again, beating Mali James and winning a ticket to the European final in France, 7-8 August. Results: Under 16 1. Gabi Rowe 2. Sophie Sainsbury 3. Kensa Munroe 4. Jessica Henry. Under 14 1. Jaide Lowe 2. Lucy Campbell 3. Kensa Munroe 4. Flora Lawton. Under 12 1. Peony Knight 2. Teah Munroe 3 Flora Lawton 4. Sophie Turner.
surfgirl updates... we need you!
We’re doing our annual SurfGirl survey online this summer and we need your input. Basically we just want to know what you think of the magazine, what you would like to see more of and what things you like and don’t like. We had a huge response to last year’s survey and we’ve got some great prizes to give away. Just go to www.surfgirlmag.com and fill in the questionnaire. Thanks!
New Eco Boutique Hotel opens If you fancy recharging your batteries and treating yourself to a weekend break this autumn, look no further than the soon-to-be-opened Scarlet Hotel in Cornwall. The new eco boutique hotel opens its doors on 1 September. The hotel boasts an Ayurvedic spa, outdoor log-fired hot-tubs, a natural reed-bed swimming pool and the best bit is it’s adults only. It’s not going to be cheap but it sounds amazing! For more info go to www.scarlethotel.co.uk.
dale adams
winter holidays
chris power
surf to the next level
Have you tried surfing and loved it? Are you surfing regularly but now want to learn a little more? The SurfGirl ‘Next Step’ weekend is personalised to suit your needs. Whether you’re new to the sport, can stand on a board but are ‘stuck in the whitewater’ or are an advanced surfer who is looking to sharpen your surfing, this course aims to take you up a notch in a fun, laid back environment. Natalie Fox will be leading a team of qualified instructors to improve your surfing skills. The weekend is on 19-20 September at the ESF surf school at Fistral, Newquay. Check out www.surfgirlmag.com for more details.
courtesy gul
SurfGirl is running autumn/winter surf coaching trips to our favourite destinations again this year: Northern Spain, Morocco and Fuerteventura. They are held at friendly surf camps with girls-only courses run by qualified surf instructors with goody bags and lots of extras included. They’re a great way to spend a week with like-minded girls. Go to www.surfgirlmag.com for more details.
blog girl Gul team rider Amy Brock-Morgan is going around Europe in her camper van and will be updating us on her progress. Just go to www.surfgirlmag. com and hit the Blog link.
SG23 competition winners • The Animal watch and Animal surf day was won by Aoife Glass from Wandsworth. • The pair of Reading and Leeds tickets were won by Rachel Leach from Witney. • The five Roxy bikinis went to Gemma Dale, Kelly Lowe, Becky Lowe, Tricia Murray and G Crumby. • The design-a-board Animal competition was won by Lily Butterhill who gets her design sprayed on a board by Fluid Juice, plus she will attend one of the Animal Surf Academy Girls Only Days at the Boardmasters. See the winning entry at surfgirlmag.com • The Maximuscle product pack worth £100 was won by Selina Way. Prizes are on the way girls! 094 SURFGIRL
alex williams
win a holiday in lanzarote and vans off the wall book!
win a week’s surf holiday in lanzarote! Lanzarote is a surfer’s haven during the winter with lots of gorgeous sunshine and great surf! alex williams
And we’ve got a week’s surf holiday for one lucky reader to win. The prize includes one week’s accommodation at Casa Penelope and three days guided surf safari with British surfing legend Rob Small. On top of this Rob will help coach you during your stay as well as giving you plenty of tips to ensure that you enjoy your stay in Lanzarote. Check out the guesthouse at www.guesthouselanzarote.co.uk. The holiday can be taken any time between November and April depending on availability. (Not included in the holiday are flights, hire car, food and equipment.) If you want to have a go at winning this amazing surf holiday, just answer this question: At Casa Penelope, what are the rooms named after? a. Hawaiian islands b. Lanzarote surf breaks c. Countries of the world Send your answers to kat@orcasurf.co.uk by 4 September and include your address please. Applicants need to be over 18.
win a vans ‘off the wall’ book
We’ve three copies of Vans’ great new book, Vans ‘Off the Wall’ to win. The book is packed full of cool photos and stories from influential skateboarders, surfers, graffiti artists and designers who helped develop the iconic Vans shoe over the years. It tells the story of the influential Southern Californian community, which encompasses boards, bikes, art and music, as well as the one shoe keeping it all together. Vans Off the Wall is now available in bookshops nationwide for £12.99. We’ve three copies of this fab book to give away, to win one just answer the following question: What’s the well-known design pattern used on the sole of Vans shoes called? a. Waffle b. Crepe c. Cookies Send your answers to kat@orcasurf.co.uk by 4 September and include your address please.
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Next the big chill issue Snow or surf? What’s it going to be?
lucia griggi
We show you how and where to get both your surf and snow fix!
Plus Easkey and the girls have a blast at the wave park.
Essential gift ideas to give you a stress-free Christm…(sorry, can’t say that word yet!) The best winter retreats for your buck.
Out Now
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