A FRESHING BREAK FROM DAILY LIFE
Enjoy a stay in a Villa of your own! Cerritos Surf Colony is located on world famous Cerritos Beach with a reputation frequently noted in Surfer Magazine for champion surfing. Cerritos Beach is the best beach in Cabo, and voted first runner up in Los Cabos Magazine! Cerritos Surf Colony is a neighbor to both the Hacienda Cerritos Boutique Hotel (a majestic mansion hotel located on a private cliff at the shore of the ocean), and the celebrity frequented hot spot Cerritos Beach Club & Surf where you can get surfing lessons, board rental, and great food.
The free standing studio, one, two, and four bedroom villas are solar energy assisted. Enjoy our amazing swimming pool and bar, surf the waves out your back door , climb the Sierra de la Lagunas, explore the artist colony of Todos Santos, or just lay back in your own palm shaded hammock. ATV rental, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, art gallery walks, hiking Triple Waterfall, Voluntourism, massage, are just some of the things to enjoy here in Baja California. Los Cerritos provides simplicity, tranquility and a break from city life that you have been longing for.
Cerritos Surf Colony is a beach front resort of Mayan inspiration and thatched palm roofs.
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NOVEMBER 2014
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WESLEY STEWART • URBAN SURF 4 KIDS
FOUNDER’S NOTES Momentum. That’s what we are all trying to carrying into February. January is all about change and new beginnings. For a lot of us, the excitement of pursuing our new dreams & goals have worn off, and now the valley of pain has set in. Hold onto the vision and hope that you desired, as fulfillment of that change is almost there! Speaking of change, we had the delightful opportunity to make our way to Orlando for the bi annual Surf Expo Convention (Jan 7-10th). Surf Expo, is a gathering of the actions sports industry. While there, we spoke to many companies that have faithfully supported Urban Surf 4 Kids. We shared how lives are being changed, hope is being instilled, self confidence in our foster youth is skyrocketing, healthy outlets are being added, our volunteers are being empowered, and that together there’s so much more to accomplish. As we made our way out of Surf Expo, we said goodbye to our good friend Tom Jones. Tom, not only is one of the world’s greatest athletes, he is also a former foster youth. We hold Tom in high regards. We casually mentioned to him we were off to Puerto Rico to scout for a future surf & serve trip for the awesome kids we work with. Tom emphatically replied , “find Ernie Alvarez!”. Now, when Tom Jones tell you to do something, you do it! In Puerto Rico, I found Ernie and found a new brother. You see, when you do good things, good things happen. Long story short, Ernie is the president of the Federation of Professional Surfing in Puerto Rico, and as if our trip were planned, we arrived during the 2nd annual “Legends Surf Contest” (full story is on page 26).This event is a celebration of the history of surfing in Puerto Rico, and yes, they had some legends. Fred Hemming, Nat Young, and several others in attendance. The event was a full fledged festival for 4 days!
Ernie Alvarez and Wesley Stewart
As we shared our dreams together ,Ernie and I begin to make plans on “Saving the World”! We are on taking foster youth over to Puerto Rico for next years “Legends Surf Contest” in Rincon. Were going to have next years legend stoke out the kids and give them what they need. Some hope, faith in themselves, and a big scoop of love! Can’t waitNow that’s some Momentum. Mahalo, Wesley Stewart Founder | Urban Surf 4 Kids
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Wesley Stewart, Tom Jones, and Kalani Stewart
FEBRUARY 2015
A LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE
TABLE OF CONTENTS Urban Surf 4 Kids Magazine | February 2015
PAGE 6
Native Made: Tom Stone, He Mea Kanaka Maoli
PAGE 12 Grom Report: Jillian & Jackie Fiero PAGE 16 Travel Article: Melbourne Beach PAGE 26 Legends Surf Contest
keep digging, and you find some that are. And for me personally, when I started doing the exploration and I started thinking, they had to do certain things for certain reasons and you cannot judge. It really brought a sense of understanding - that we are all good people.”
PAGE 30 Access Surf: A Moment With Richard Julian
Access Surf:
PAGE 42 Surf Art Spotlight: Kanoealoha
egends With this understanding, and learning more and more everyday about the Aloha Spirit, while living on Hawaii, Lyssa’s art began to take on new meaning. Using fine point markers and creating in pointillism (a style that is all dots), Lyssa now creates multicolored, lighthearted pieces that instill the Aloha Spirit, and that educate residents of and visitors to the Islands. Centering on the culture and history of Hawaii, she says “it explains some things that visitors and locals don’t realize about the things that they see every day, or experiences that they have, or where they live now and what it used to look like.”
rf llo Contest
ar, East Created to celebrate the surf cul- '68 World Championship. …It was a tionship began. To this day Steven and of the ture of Puerto Rico, this event also big Richie deal” says Ernieon Alvarez, Executive Lyssacollaborate now prints her art on hats, and will soon expand to clothadaptive board ing apparel like shirts, tankRico tops and sarongs. ofwaves the Puerto Surfi ng Each piece comes rf that celebrates Puerto Rico surf history, Director designs, skis, tandem wave skis, with an explanation, so that the buyer can learn about that asSup boardsand with Legend chairs, and Surf adaptive all it takes including is an idea. Aa defi around on a point board forwhen a bit, thisinsimple ning Federation Classic island pect of Hawaiian culture and history and help spread its messimple solution to a prob- sentiment turns into a uphill battle. Be- kayaks. sage. For example, Director. she speaks of what the Hawaiian Green Sea Coast’s 1968 surfers from all over the world Contest when implemented could fore 2006 in Hawai'i, if you were looking With a shaper to work with, Richie Turtle is to the Hawaiian people: “a guide, a protector, and part of came to Rincon for the World ome home to the islands, and made ffect soamany in a beautifor wheelchair access toChamthe ocean, it headed theurbansurf4kids.org circle.” Lyssa hopes to spread more accurate information, and little non-existent, and this was his the next connection that lead and he beginning it feels so farof was ng the pionships Surfi ng.toAnd while there So as a Aloha celebration ofthewould the past Spirit, across world. t as it grows and spreads something Richard Julian was not hap- further along the path to his goal. mark of inspiration for the future, the ng the was a history and culture of surfing in
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Native Made Tom Stone | He Mea Kanaka Maoli | by nemoi mustain “I grew up surfing, I guess I was born to surf” he begins. Legendary Native Hawaiian waterman, Tom Pohaku Stone has been surfing since age 4 and says, even today, surfing remains the core of his life. Pohaku is an expert surfboard craftsman who carves traditional Hawaiian surfboards using traditional techniques. Also a historian, specializing in Hawaiian sports, Pohaku reintroduced the ancient Hawaiian land version of surfing, or Holua, where one lies on the belly and slides down mountainsides of lava at
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speeds of 40 or 50 mph. Pohaku is an educator for his organization Kanalu and teaches the traditions of the native culture. He describes his work as “the connection between traditional practices, which is surfing for one, but it’s also everything around the ocean, and how the ocean is something that teaches us every day and it’s always a positive.” Pohaku is all about keeping traditions alive. “I like traditional carving and I don’t just make surfboards, I make canoes, I make everything that we need to provide for in our daily life. That’s
FEBRUARY 2015 so important, because we’re so dependent on, for example, going to the store to get what we need. And in Hawaii it’s being able to teach that we don’t need to go to the store, or you don’t need to work in the contemporary traditional sense.You walk outside to carve something that somebody wants. So it’s teaching those traditions and keeping those traditions alive.”
But as a youngster, Pohaku wasn’t into history. He says “I wasn’t even interested in my culture or traditions. I wanted to be somebody else. I wanted to be that well known professional surfer and it wasn’t until I actually returned to my traditional way of life, with my mom as my rock, returning to the ocean all the time, and one day I just grew up.
Even in health, Pohaku is an advocate of traditional and natural healing. He himself successfully fought off cancer with help from a Hawaiian Healer and also a Jamaican Maroon Healer whom he met while on a trip to Africa in 2013 with Surfing Medicine International.
“Well you know what, I didn’t grow up!” He corrects. “One day I just woke up! ... And I knew for life to be correct for me and everything around it, I had to return to our roots and I did. And that’s when I became an educator, a pro-
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fessional educator, and went back to college. Even though I had a job making $80,000 a year, I quit that job, and just committed myself, 100% to educating myself and becoming a teacher. It’s normal. It’s natural. It’s just the way it is.” Pohaku’s natural role as educator, historian, and master surfboard craftsman may have arose organically later in life, but the seeds were planted at a young age. “I happened to be born as an era or generation was passing and that [traditional carving] is what they knew. And because I embraced that tradition of surfing, yeah my first surfboards were all wood and all carved right in front of me. So that was an opportunity that I realized later in life. That they provided that knowledge to me, to carry on and I just never really thought about it.” Yes, true appreciation of the craft came later in life, not initially. Pohaku speaks of the one who taught him carving, his dad. “My dad had no money and I wanted a surfboard. So he did the only thing that he knew how to. He went, got a piece of wood, brought it home and carved a surfboard. …And he made me a surfboard and then I looked at him and said ‘I hate it!’ He broke it and burned it. .... But you know, he provided something and really that’s my only regret in life ... I was a bad kid.” But now looking back on his childhood, Pohaku remembers
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being surrounded by positive individuals even when life was a struggle. He says “For the most part, in my childhood I grew up living on the beach, or living in small shacks someplace, or out of a car. But you know, my parents or my grandfather, wherever I was, their outlook was this is who you are, this is your land, this is your place, it’s the way we live. We live outside and, you know, we make the best of it.” And now Pohaku has made the best of it, fully embracing the lifestyle, the culture, and the traditions. So much so that Pohaku can’t even pick a favorite surfboard. He loves them all. “I know, that is a hard question” I say. “It is a hard question, I have no idea!” he says. “Ok, ok so I have 2 boards. One is the Kiko’o, or it’s made from the koa tree. I got it for my paddling board, wood board, that’s my favorite one. And then unbeknownst to a lot of people I have another board and it’s called an ‘nini. And that one is my big wave board. And when I say big waves, they are big waves. I haven’t yet let anyone photograph it.” Pohaku does though, plan someday on being photographed, riding big waves on his masterpiece, perhaps even during the next big swell. Traditional boards bring so much to present-day surfing and Pohaku understands. He says “it’s important now, that we connect and be thankful for these histories that continue to stay
FEBRUARY 2015 alive and that help us promote what our lifestyle really is and connecting that to everything else … like skateboarding right. Skateboarding, its modern roots are connected to the wheels and stuff, but its style and everything all go back to the same tradition that comes out of Hawaii.” He continues “the fact is that modern surfing hasn’t changed really that much. Our technology has changed, the fins, composite materials for surfboards … but they’re all based on the same design. I think to maintain that knowledge, even as we move into the next century, it’s important because it helps us to progressively move forward, to design some new boards.” Appreciating his roots, then understanding that knowledge and progressing into the future, this idea doesn’t just relate to surfing for Pohaku. The idea echoes elsewhere. He says “you know, it’s an old thing right, cause as we grow up, as young people we always look at elders or our parents and go ‘yeah right you have no idea what’s happening’ ... but really they do, because it’s based on life experiences.” He continues “I try not to tell the younger generation the way it should be, but to use it as a guide, by looking at your life experiences, and that nothing’s ever really hard. There is nothing that’s impossible … Every problem, if we sit down and give it some thought, we can overcome it and it’s not a problem, it’s just a stepping stone to understanding who we really are.” As for his future, Pohaku aims only for one thing, “I want to be able to show the world what Aloha really means”. I have a feeling he’s doing that every day of his life. - the end, but can you add this quote somewhere too? I think it’s a gem. “When you start your day, every day, you should just get up, and it doesn’t matter where you’re at, but greet the sun, because the sun comes up every day to greet you. That’s what I have to say.” - A bit of wisdom from Pohaku. - is this relevant anywhere? I like it because it is Hawaiian and he gave me the translation “H’nau ka ‘ina, h’nau ke ali’i, h’nau ke kanaka” - “The land, the chiefs, and the people --are one people.”
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g grom report jillian & jackie fiero by Sasha Leitner When trying to find things to motivate teenagers, most of the time parents and guardians come up short for ideas. Teens have a unique way of finding most things dull, boring, or too much work. So when I come across teenagers that are self motivated, I find myself captivated by them. I have been privileged to be acuatinace to not one but two amazingly motivated sisters. The Fiero girls Jillian 14 and Jackie 16. As an older female surfer or (Aunty in the line up of Oahu that your lovongly called)you tend to take notice when you see young girls happy as can be shredding every day. To surf like these girls you have to be dedicated and motivated, and over the years I have witnessed their skills in the line up blossom. Both Jillian and Jackie are home schooled by their mom Darcey Fiero. A feat most admirable considering the girls have to take ownership of their education. They have never been to regular school and have dedicated themselves to their studies, and their free time to surf while other kids are in class. The Girls learned how to surf at Baby Queens. Like most Oahu groms they fell in love with surfing in the beautiful Waikiki. They began exploring outside of Waikiki surfing Cliffs at Diamond head, and other south shore spots, eventually finding a home break at Kewalos. The fast pitchy wave was a challenge and excelled the girls surf skills exponentially over the past few years.
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"Once your hooked your hooked. There is just something about surfing that makes you feel whole." The girls both girls train Jiu Jitsu, and go to Egan Inoue boot camp classes, continusly pushing their minds and body's to further themselves as athletes. The girls believe in giving back to their community. They volunteer with Mauli ola foundation at their surf experience days taking children with cystic fibrosis and other genetic diseases out to surf.
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They have recently been invited to be part of Bethany Hamiltons Make a Wish foundation Surf camp in Kauai. Jackie will be taking water shots of the participants, and her mom Darcey will also contribute with Land shots while Jilly will help out wih participants. Jackie has a keen eye and love for water photograpgy, something she for sure got from her mother Darcey a wonderful photographer. Jackie interns with Thomas Penna wedding photography and videography, learning skills in editing, photography, and videography. After receiving her first gopro and playing around in the line up, she invested into her first water housing SPL and cannon 7D camera(with the help of her loving patents). Hurley recently paid Jackie for one of her shots of Charissa Moore and Pancho Sullivan solidifying her love and drive to hone her skills in photography. These young and talented surfergirls are self motivated, determined and good hearted. Up and coming groms that will impact the next generation of surfer girls coming out of Oahu in a positive way for sure.
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Travel
Article:
Melbourne Beach, By Alberto Hernandez
Florida
photo: Jim Roberts
Retirement is one of the most polarizing entities in our existence as human beings. I know of many people who work their entire lives so as to get the opportunity to retire. I also know of many people who try to do all they can to avoid retirement all together. Those that choose the inevitable, flock to places where the cost of living is low and the area is conducive to retirement communities. One of my good friends is in this pivotal transition in his life and he told me of a place in the United States where the weather is gorgeous (he enjoys the heat) and the cost of living is reasonable. He said that the place is like you got off the plane and entered Australia. He told me that his new home, and a great travel destination, was going to be Melbourne Beach, Florida. Melbourne Beach is Brevard County’s oldest beach community. The name Melbourne was given to the area in honor of its first postmaster, Cornthwaite John Hector, an Englishman who spent much of his life in Melbourne, Australia, and believed that the area reminded him of the place that he spent most of his life. The town’s population oscillated until World War II, after which it began growing
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steadily. Today, it is largely residential with a few schools, some businesses, and wonderful condominiums. In 2007, Melbourne was voted one of the ten best bargain retirement spots in America. There are a number of great historical sites that travelers can enjoy in the Melbourne Beach area. There is the Melbourne Beach Pier. The pier is located at Ocean Avenue and Riverside Drive. The pier extends onto the Indian River. On April 12, 1984, it was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places. Also, travelers can experience the Old Melbourne Beach Town Hall. This is a historic building built in 1908, and currently houses the Old Town Hall History Center. The center is a museum that contains exhibits on the history of the local area, including the history of the Native Indians, Spanish shipwrecks, and the development of Melbourne Beach. Melbourne Beach, Florida is also one of the best surfing spots in the United States. Melbourne is an exposed
bars at lower tides. The average temperature in Melbourne Beach is approximately 78 degrees. Besides the amazing surf at Melbourne Beach, the water sport enthusiast can enjoy other great water sport activities such as scuba diving, fishing, sailing and dolphin watching. There are a plethora of fun and exciting activities that the whole family can enjoy in this incredible beach community. If you decide that you want to experience the Melbourne community and take a break from the invigorating water based fun, you and the family can enjoy a number of great attractions, just minutes away from the area. You can take the kids to the Brevard Zoo, and allow the little ones to be amazed by all the different species of animals at the zoo. If you are like me and you are in touch with your cultural arts side, you and a loved one can have a night out and enjoy the Spice Coast Symphony Orchestra. If that is not enough, you and the family can enjoy some of the great festivals that the Melbourne Beach area hosts. This November,
there will be a festival called the Native Rhythm Festival. If you decide to take your vacation in Melbourne in November, feel free to check out this incredible festival in which our native brothers and sisters share their beautiful culture and heritage with us. In terms of hotel stays and fine dining, Melbourne Beach has a number of great places to stay at reasonable prices, and great cuisine to enjoy. Some of the more prominent hotels in the area are: The Seashell Suites Resort, The Sea View Resort Motel, and Tiara by the Sea. These are some ofbythe spectacuNeomi Mustain lar hotels that you and the family can enjoy and relax at while you take your vacation of a lifetime. There are a number of great places to eat in Melbourne Beach as well. Places like Dijon Steak and Lobster House, a restaurant that features French cuisine, Café Coconut Cove, also French cuisine, Robburritos, which highlights Mexican cuisine, and the Italian restaurant, Cerrato’s Italian Market and Deli, will fill you and your family’s bellies with good, hardy, and tasty food. Melbourne Beach, Florida is one of the more desired places to retire. But after many hours of research, I have come to realize that Melbourne Beach is also one of the best vacation destinations in the world. Go out and enjoy the surf, the history, and the food and lodging of Melbourne Beach, Florida.
photo: Scott Szwast beach break that provides left and right handers. Offshore winds blow from the West. Most of the surf comes from groundswells and the ideal swell direction is from the Northwest. The surf is often crowded, due to a large cross-section of the surf industry being based in Melbourne. Melbourne has average peaks over outside sand-
photo: Lou Divers
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FEBRUARY 2015
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Legends by Neomi Mustain
Surf Contest Well under the West Coast radar, East Coast surfers are fully aware of the adventure, beauty and epic surf that awaits them on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. Deemed East Coast’s Hawaii, Puerto Rico has become a mecca of surf, especially during the wintertime when surfers all along the East escape to the sunny skies and warmer waters further south. This January, in the Northwest corner of Puerto Rico, the coast of Rincon came alive when surfers from generations past reunited for the 2nd Annual Legend Surf Classic.
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Created to celebrate the surf culture of Puerto Rico, this event also celebrates Puerto Rico surf history, including a defining point when in 1968 surfers from all over the world came to Rincon for the World Championships of Surfing. And while there was a history and culture of surfing in Puerto Rico before 1968, the ’68 event brought much change to the coast, putting Puerto Rico on the international surf map. “The '68 event was very important for the Northwest part of Puerto Rico in terms of tourism, in terms of the awareness of the Rincon area. Since then, there was before the '68 World Championship and after the
'68 World Championship. …It was a big deal” says Ernie Alvarez, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Surfing Federation and Legend Surf Classic Contest Director. So as a celebration of the past and mark of inspiration for the future, the Legend Surf Classic drew a well-rounded crowd of participants. “The contest this year was a little bit bigger than last. We invited Nat Young, who surfed in the ‘68 contest, he was the world champion prior to that contest, and Fred Hemmings who won the ‘68 contest. We also had a number of well known, legendary surfers from both
FEBRUARY 2015 the east and west coast” says Dr. Bill Rosenblatt, well known surfer, psychologist and contest participant. And not just legendary surfers surfed, younger rippers participated as well. The Legend Surf Classic is a surf contest for everyone, holding 8 different contest divisions. Every age surfer, every style, and every board of choice was included in the competition. There was also plenty of opportunity to connect and stay busy on the beach as well. Pig roast, live music, beach party gala, and a viewing of ABC Wide World of Sport’s 1968 broadcast of the World Championship Contest are just some of the other highlights from the long weekend. More of a reunion than a cut-throat surf contest, Rosenblatt describes the energy of the event “everyone was really so stoked to see each other, to spend time, and to renew friendships. It turned out to be a weekend of amazing camaraderie, friendship … and it was really competitive surfing, but most of the people there were just having fun.” He continues “I mean the level surfing was amazing … but yeah, everybody was hooting and hollering and clapping people on, and in every division, not just the legends.” “Overall it was a great event and I think next year will be an even bigger event” says contest director Alvarez, “many people that photo: Rincon Surf Report
came to the island had such a great time, that they are already planning their return for 2016.” Having declared this year’s event a success, all are looking forward to future celebrations. “I was always joking, saying I know these are the dinosaurs of the sport … but no, no, no! These are the epic young people from surfing in that era and they still are incredible surfers!” Alvarez says, “It’s an amazing time and I would love to have them all back.” And while locals and participants of the event are gearing up for next year, much anticipation is also building up for the 50th anniversary of the ’68 World Championships, coming up in a few years. The 50th will be a big, big event, likely another legendary surf reunion among the vibrant surf culture and sparkling surf of Puerto Rico.
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Access Surf: by Sasha Leitner
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Sometimes all it takes is an idea. A seemingly simple solution to a problem, that when implemented could positively effect so many in a beautiful way. In the beginning it feels so far fetched, but as it grows and spreads the beauty of the idea is realised and shared creating a ripple effect touching more lives as it expands. Access Surf stared out as a little idea that has had a Huge impact on the lives of so many. Access Surfs Mission Statement reads: "AccessSurf empowers people with disabilities by providing adaptive surfing instruction and therapeutic educational program's on water recreation and enriches lives by assisting families to access the beach and ocean in a barrier free environment." It sounds like such a simple and straight forward sentiment, to give people with disabilities the ability to enjoy and take advantage of the Ocean and water sports. This is something that should be easily done, but before the program existed it was not. When facing the challenge of being in a wheelchair and wanting to take a dip in the cool Pacific Ocean and maybe paddle
around on a board for a bit, this simple sentiment turns into a uphill battle. Before 2006 in Hawai'i, if you were looking for wheelchair access to the ocean, it was little to non-existent, and this was something Richard Julian was not happy about. Richie is a first class waterman. Growing up in Hawai'i the ocean, and all of its activities were and intricate part of his upbringing. Richie had been petitioning for the state of Hawaii to put beach mats in at certain beaches for wheelchair accessibility for years and was getting no where with the state. Frustrated with the system he decided to find a way to make ocean activities accessible to those with special needs. Richie was participating in the US Open USTA wheelchair championships for tennis in 1999 and he saw a flyer by Infinity Surf Boards by shaper Steve Boehne for his adaptive surf boards. Instantly intrigued Richie headed up to Dana Point, CA to meet Steve. Richie took out one of Steves Tandem Ski's and loved it, thus their working rela-
tionship began. To this day Steven and Richie collaborate on adaptive board designs, waves skis, tandem wave skis, Sup boards with chairs, and adaptive kayaks. With a shaper to work with, Richie headed home to the islands, and made his next connection that would lead further along the path to his goal. Mark Marble was a certified Theraputic Recreation specialist for more then 20years, and worked to develope program's to help improve people's quality of life with adaptive recreational activities. Richie and Mark cliqued right away both enthusiastic and excited to create an adaptive ocean based program, and in 2006 a year after meeting the first Access Surf event happened. "There were 3 people in chairs when we first started. We had adaptive tandem boards and more volunteers then participants. Each time we gathered more participants began to come, it was inspiring. We have so many participants now we have multiple events for different levels. One of our first and longest supporters was Buttons Kaluhiokalani, our program was deeply effected by his passing. He was there at almost every event volunteering and spreading his love of surfing."
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Adaptive heat. Richie has had a huge hand in making this happen being one of the first adaptive surfers to participate in Dukes Fests expression session, and continuing to compete every year there after. His and a group of very talented athletes continuous persistence finally gave them the recognition they deserved, and their own heats in this classic watermen competition. Access Surf has had international recognition. Its amazing program and adaptive equipment has inspired sister organisations in Okinawa, Peru, Brazil, and across the USA in other ocean based communities. Volunteers from Access Surf went over to Okinawa
Access surf has grown exponentionally over the years, and has touched the lives of so many people. There are now so many participants that they have to split the groups up based on their experience. Day at the beach is the introduction day where they take first time amputees, quadrapeligics, autistic participants out into the surf on adaptive surf boards, adaptive kayaks, paddle boards, and water chairs. So many of the participants return, they have developed a second program All Adaptive Day at the Beach. This is for return participants who want to expand their water experience fine tuning their skills in the water. "It's more of a coaching program, for participants who want to take their skills to the next level. This new day is going to be
great for participants who want to start competing and challenging themselves to push their limits further." In 2012 Access Surf collaborated with the Wounded Warriors and now have a day at the beach for wounded Service Men and women. Giving the gift of ocean sports to service men who have been injured during their time serving our country. This is an amazing addition to Access Surfs program. As Access Surfs coaching program's expand, so do the Adaptive competition heats in major surf competitions. 2014 at the Dukes Ocean Fest was a huge accomplishment for the adaptive community.The contest now has heats for Wave Ski, Prone, Amputee, Deaf, wounded warriors and a all female
to train surfers and volunteers how to safely utilise the equipment and aide participants in all water activities. A huge Accomplishment from such a simple and beautiful idea. Access surf has created a ripple effect throughout a community that truly benefits from the healing properties of the ocean. Richies desire to make ocean sports accessible to those who needed help inspired thousands to help make that happen. The program is truly magical, spreading the joy of surf to individuals who would otherwise not have the opportunity to participate in the sports. With so many individuals working to make the Program spread and successful the horizon is limitless for how far it can spread bring joy in its wake.
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Soak in the Florida Lifestyle.... romantic ~ charming ~ relaxing
Bungalow Beach Resort
Recently awarded TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award for “Top Romance in US”
Directly on the beach, Bungalow Beach Resort is reminiscent of a bygone era. Bungalow Beach Resort offers 15 beautifully restored 1930s islandstyle bungalows. Visitors can enjoy accommodations, nestled among the white-sand dunes, sea oats and coconut palms of Anna Maria Island. Enjoy a heated pool, private beach area and much more. For more information call: 800-779-3601 2000 Gulf Drive North Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 www.bungalowbeach.com
“I came in search of paradise and found it a haven,” a tourist from England had written in the guestbook at Bungalow Beach Resort. Philadelphia Enquirer
Siesta Key Bungalows
Come and enjoy a Siesta Key getaway at Siesta Key Bungalows… directly on peaceful Heron lagoon. Our 10 charming Bungalows are nestled within a tropical garden and offer large one-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Overlook the lagoon as you enjoy our pool, bicycle to the beach, kayak in the peaceful waters, or grab a fishing pole and relax on our dock. Siesta Key Bungalows sits near the #1 Beach in America, plus great shops & restaurants too.
“#1 Best Beach in America” by Dr. Beach
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For more information call: 888-574-3782 8212 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key Fl. 34242 www.siestakeybungalows.com
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WWW.ARIAUTOWERS.COM
The Ariau Amazon Towers The Largest Treetop Hotel in the World Escape to the natural beauty and wild majesty of the Amazon Rainforest - one of the most exhilarating destinations on the planet. Nestled in a canopy of trees above the Amazon River, Ariau Amazon Towers jewel of the Amazonian Rainforest and the only hotel resort built completely at tree top level in the Jungle. Experience the ultimate in eco-tourism - from navigating the Amazon River to swimming with rare pink dolphins, to trekking through the rainforest to relaxing in a luxury tree house surrounded by the wonders of nature. Welcome to Brazil’s largest eco-friendly treetop hotel and discover rejuvenation and adventure in the heart of the Amazon. Contact Us | 1-877-44-ARIAU | info@ariautowers.com
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For a more personal experience on Hawaii’s Big Island, you might consider staying at Kona Hawaii Guest House. Choose from luxurious, romantic hideaways or secluded bungalows with
an old Hawaii feel. If you enjoy traveling off the beaten path, private residences and inns can add a whole new dimension to your vacation experience on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Specializing in Vinyasa flow classes. Presenting a well-balanced yoga practice that develops strength, balance, and flexibility. Tap into this form of power yoga in our lightly heated studio. Classes available for all levels. Looking for a challenge or to enhance your surfing performance? Try our surfer’s flow classes.
VISIT US 910 GRAND AVENUE #206, SAN DIEGO, CA 92109 CHAT 858.539.5742 EMAIL HEATHER@BIRDROCKYOGA.COM
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Renting BikeS, SuRfBoARDS PADDleBoARDS &
Farm fresh fruits, veggies and natural products delivered to your door. Live well, Go local & Eat organic!
fun! 3689 Mission Blvd. San Diego, CA 92109
3715 Mission Blvd. San Diego, CA 92109
1-800-941-7761 www.cheap-rentals.com
Choose what goes in your box! No Start up fees • No Commitment
(858) 946-6882
NaturallyToYourDoor.com
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FRIENDS OF URBAN SURF 4 KIDS
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Welcome to The Bissell House Bed and Breakfast, a uniquely charming, three story shingle Victorian, with craftsman style influence. Step back in time and experience a piece of Pasadena's heritage in a home that was built in 1887 and is elegantly situated in an upscale residential neighborhood located in beautiful, historic South Pasadena, California. Discover small town America a short half mile walk
201 Orange Grove Avenue South Pasadena, CA 91030
Our resort is located on approximately 7 acres, right on Lake Tahoe. There are 140 units located in five buildings. Four buildings are named after a historic figure (Carson, Bliss, Clemens and Baldwin) and one is named after a Tahoe historic site (Richardson). Some Features - 400 feet of private beach Year round heated pool and 2 outdoor spas - Tennis and Volleyball court - Horseshoes - Gas and charcoal grills at the beach and in the courtyard - Complimentary parking and Wifi
626.441.3535
to Mission Street with it’s many and varied eateries, metro station, bookstores, antique shops, wineries, art galleries, yoga studios and historic library. We are located approximately a mile and one half from the heart of historic “Old Town” Pasadena dining, shopping district and convention center and only six metro stops from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. The Norton Simon Museum, Fenyes Mansion Estate, Wrigley Tournament House, Greene and Greene Gamble House and Rose Bowl Stadium all either line or can be accessed off Orange Grove Boulevard within one to two miles north of us.
bissellhouseinn@gmail.com
Photo Credit: Bryan Madsen
Tahoephotographictours.com | Keith Price
3601 Lake Tahoe Boulevard South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 www.tahoebeachandski.com | 530-541-6220 Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
Tahoephotographictours.com | Keith Price
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by Sasha Leitner
a h o l a e o n a k “Hawai’i reminds me we are all a part of a collective family, regardless any person’s Life journey.” -Lyssa
by Neomi Mustain
o l l i j u r T a Lyss
Lyssa Trujillo has been creating art, in various styles, on and off since she was little. But her art wasn’t a focus until about 3 years ago, when she moved from California to Hawaii. In Hawaii, things changed. Before, “it was just something that I had enjoyed and [it] was a great pastime” she says. “Now, I have purpose in it.”
Purpose, though, was not a new thing for Lyssa. Lyssa had been placed into foster care when she was 16, and after a series of events, which led to her rights to visit her siblings being challenged, Lyssa became an advocate for in-care, outcare and after-care services. She continued to be highly involved for 4 years, working on a California statewide initiative and also working nationally, with other providers, to protect the rights of others who fell into similar situations as she had. Lyssa had always been drawn to Hawaii, and one of the reasons she came to Hawaii was to learn about her ancestry; her great grandfather was Portuguese-Hawaiian. Lyssa also tells another piece of her family history: “I grew up my whole life, until maybe a couple of years ago, thinking that I was Spanish. And it turns out that my family is actually Native American; it just blew my mind. Who I thought I was my whole life, I wasn’t!” She continues, “for a lot of young people, they may not know, and I understand. But if the desire [to learn about your family history] is there, go for it to find out, because sometimes the family members we have right now aren’t the best examples. But you
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FEBRUARY 2015 keep digging, and you find some that are. And for me personally, when I started doing the exploration and I started thinking, they had to do certain things for certain reasons and you cannot judge. It really brought a sense of understanding - that we are all good people.” With this understanding, and learning more and more everyday about the Aloha Spirit, while living on Hawaii, Lyssa’s art began to take on new meaning. Using fine point markers and creating in pointillism (a style that is all dots), Lyssa now creates multicolored, lighthearted pieces that instill the Aloha Spirit, and that educate residents of and visitors to the Islands. Centering on the culture and history of Hawaii, she says “it explains some things that visitors and locals don’t realize about the things that they see every day, or experiences that they have, or where they live now and what it used to look like.”
Lyssa now prints her art on hats, and will soon expand to clothing apparel like shirts, tank tops and sarongs. Each piece comes with an explanation, so that the buyer can learn about that aspect of Hawaiian culture and history and help spread its message. For example, she speaks of what the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle is to the Hawaiian people: “a guide, a protector, and part of the circle.” Lyssa hopes to spread more accurate information, and the Aloha Spirit, across the world. Lyssa says, “you can definitely have non-Hawaiian ancestry living that way [the Aloha Spirit]. And when you find people like that, you really just feel loved and you may not even know who they are, or never met them before, but you’re like wow you genuinely give love to every single person that crosses your path. And it makes you want to do that. It makes you want to be that kind of person.” She continues to attempt to explain where the Aloha spirit comes from and what it evokes. “When they talk about the canoe, the double hulled experience, being on the water, surfing…you feel that [aloha spirit] from people, and it is that ripple effect that makes you want to pass it on, to keep living in that way. It just feels…yeah I don’t really know how to explain it...” she says. “Well, that is why we need art, so we can know it and feel it from the art”, I say. She agrees, “yeah, maybe that’s how.”
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