WSSM Womens Surf Style Magazine-- Summer/Fall 2011 Issue by WSSM Womens Surf Style Magazine

$9.99 U.S. & CANADA

Moving With Waves

excerpt from Romance On The High Seas by Lorenzo Lago

moving with waves time passes in sweet sacred colors folding shades of rich blues and shadows there is a feeling that takes over the soul when the sea reaches out for earth touches retreats gathers strength and again tosses its life upon the shore no shyness no guilt but triumphs again and again echo of a million years such ease grace surrender and sureness sharing in strength and rhythm I keep, carry, and cherish I am moving with waves

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Katie Radcliffe photo by: Joan Johnson

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Tatiana Howard

Maui, Hawaii | Photos by: Jay Haysey, www.globalshots.co.uk

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Letter from the Publishers Wow. Another year halfway gone… and 2012 is right around the corner! As I (Sandra) write this, we’re wrapping up our last issue for 2011, which completes our 8th year on stands. I’m super excited to see what the new year brings, ready to meet all the new girls that we’ll feature, stories that will be told. I’m amazed at how quickly the time has flown by, and what started as such a humble project- how much it’s grown. After moving to Hawaii in ’99 with my husband, Dan, who was an east coast surfer at the time, I learned to surf in the land Photo: Wayne where kings, queens and princesses before me have surfed. I never thought that my love of surfing, graphic design, and working for myself would have actually grown into the #1 women’s surf magazine in the USA.

To be #1 was never my goal. I often told Dan back in the early years, “I don’t want the whole (industry) pie… I just want a piece of it!” I remember sitting on my livingroom floor in our Waikiki apartment, surrounded by stacks of paper, with notes, photos, and scribbles all over them: bound together with simple craft yarn. These homemade books were my “dummies” that I presented to my printer, so they could see where I was trying to go with this idea, and how they could help me get there. I worked on layout long hours in the day- before heading out at night to work as a server at a local restaurant. I was planning our strategy as a magazine, figuring out where exactly we fit in this niche industry. “What would I want to see in a women’s surf magazine?” was my inspiration. I craved to know the ins-and-outs of surfing… from a beginner to intermediate surfer’s standpoint. Though there were 3 other women’s surf magazines on stands at the time—none of them filled this basic void, I felt. I wanted to include all the things I loved about my “other” womens magazines- like SHAPE. Health, beauty, fitness, recipes, word finds, stories of women that have risen above the odds, and realized their dreams of entrepreneurship. These were just some of the aspects of women’s lives that I felt was important to include. After all, there’s more to life than just surfing. It was a daunting task, and we encountered many bumps (blockades?) along the way. Had I known HOW hard it would be those first 5 years, I undoubtedly would never have started WSSM. It was by God’s abounding grace, combined with the patience and never-ending support of Dan, who told me to never give up, but make my dream a reality, that WSSM did indeed continue to grow. Both of them never gave up on me… and God willing, I’ll never give up on bringing YOU, one of the most inspiring, colorful, uplifting and educational surf magazines that’s ever been published. As we move into year #9… I am deeply moved by the continued support of you, our readers, and ask you to continue to spread the word about us. Every copy sold is a small block that builds the foundation of women’s surfing history, and we appreciate your support more than you can imagine. Our advertisers are also a BIG part of WSSM. Without their support and ingenuity, the women’s surf industry would not be growing, with all the new products emerging that fills our needs as women surfers. So please… read the ads, contemplate them. If you see that you can use their products in your life, or in a friend’s life, please support them, and let them know you saw them in WSSM. If we’re to continue to grow as a group, and inspire the next generation of surfer girls, we need the support and love from companies such as the ones you’ll find here, that are giving their heart, soul, and hard earned money, to support your lifestyle as a surfer. God bless them for their support, and God bless you, our reader… we love you, and thank you!

Sandra & Dan Olson

PUBLISHERS:

Sandra & Dan Olson

EDITOR: Debbie L. Olson

CFO: John Dotson

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Renee Williams, Sandra Olson, Amanda Fernandez

A big thanks to John for all his hard work & attention to detail!

WRITERS: Sandra Olson, Dan Olson, Tia Calvo, Amanda Fernandez, Rachel Kathleen Stallings, Carolyn Palma, Renee Williams, Amanda Rigney, Shelsea Brown, Nina Dacaney, Teresa Hodge, Deborah Anne Olson, Zofia Karubin, Bethany P., Christina DiMari, Claire Miyamoto, Holly Beck, Gina Abou-Sayf, Karissa Correa, Tracy Rubert, Roxy Saffaie, John Olson, Christina Frankel, Nichole Wagner, Jordan Klinger, Jenny Yoon, Morgon Hoesterey, Mary Osborne, Shane Cohn, Jenny O., Laura Viviana, Leanne Darling, Kristy Wright, Jenni Sells, Jennifer Erica Bright, Lindsay Schwarz WSSM STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Daniel KawasakiDaniel K. Fine Arts, John Olson, Dave Gregerson- 20foot. com, Dan Olson- WSSM, Dale Basye - HologramVision. com, Gabriel Fernandez, Matt Olson, Jordan Klinger, Karissa Correa, Rachel Kathleen Stallings CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: WahineSurfer.net, PaulTopp.com, Teresa Hodge, Corlyce. com, Rip-Pics.com, GaryMsCreations.com, Shelsea Brown, SpikeRaymond.com, Jim Whitney, Aaron Nakamura, Gabriel Fernandez, Daniel Russo, Christina Frankel, Jay Haysey, Wilber Bergado, Charles Lanceplaine, Glenn Brumage, Wingnut Weaver, Nancy Hussey, Matt Schweitzer, Tyler Fox, Anna Scipione, Michael Friedman - Big Surf Daddy Photography, Goyo Martin, Kelly Latimer, Jennifer Ouye, Meghan Whitney, Jimmie Hepp, Lolita James, Ozzie Jack Clarke, Holly Amodio, Harry Weiwel, Kevin Seid, Cat Slatinsky, Richard Bradley, JS Callahan FASHION COORDINATORS: Trish Edwards, Deborah Anne Olson SPECIAL EVENT COORDINATORS: Brandy & Rob Chang I.T. DIRECTOR: Stan Olson EDITORIAL & PHOTO SUBMISSION: WOMENS SURF STYLE MAGAZINE P.O. Box 22853 Honolulu, HI 96823 ONLINE: www.womenssurfstyle.com Publisher reserves the right to edit all submissions for content/space purposes at their sole discretion. Upon receiving, all submitted materials become the property of WSSM with full reprint rights, and will not be returned. Please send copies of your originals. WSSM is published twice yearly. Distributor and advertising information can be obtained by visiting womenssurfstyle.com. No portion of WSSM may be copied or reproduced in any way without written permission/consent of WSSM editor/publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. All surf photos submitted to, and seen in WSSM, are for content purposes only and remain the sole property of the individual photographers. Reproduction in any way is strictly forbidden. Contact info for photographers may be obtained by visiting their websites. Copyright 2003, WSSM Women’s Surf Style Magazine All rights reserved. Printed in Hong Kong.

WSSM Publishers/Editors

Meet our new team member... Tia Calvo

Staff writer, photographer, film maker and model

“I am an accidental globe trotter. One month turned to six, then morphed into years of traveling and surfing my way around the world. While Western Australia is my home base, you will mostly find me somewhere on the road, surfing, writing and filming my experiences. I am excited to join the WSSM team and share not only my stories, but also those of fellow inspiring women enjoying the ocean.” 16 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Cover Photo: Gregerson Surf Photography 20foot.com Surfer: Courtney Conlogue

She Surfs

SURFING THE

In This Issue LIFESTYLE 48

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

50 52 52

YOGA Balancing your life B-Kay’s Closet Fun & Easy Organizing Tips from B-Kay Recipe Corner

Chocolate Cream Pie, Post-Surf

Lentil Stew

Publisher Picks

Products that I personally love...

SURF STOKED... live, breathe, surf

Mary Osborne: the first woman to surf China’s Qiantang tidal bore

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR Tracy Rubert is the managing editor of Better Nutrition magazine. She holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop. In addition to writing articles for health & fitness publications, she has published fiction in a number of literary journals and is currently working on a novel. She lives in Long Beach, CA, with her husband and their rescue mutt, Mojo. Tracy is an avid surfer, and can often be found paddling out at Bolsa Chica or Blackie’s. Look for her articles, “Spotlight On: San O’Nofre” (64), and “Talking Board Design with Kristy Murphy” (154)

50 YOGA

30 42 56 60 62 64 66 68 70

RAILS & TALES

El Salvador... An epic surf destinations

RAILS & TALES

Hawaiian Style

Surfing the Silver Dragon

with Mary Osborne

Wahine in the Making Surfing the Phillipines Goodbye Corporate World SPOTLIGHT ON

San O’Nofre

Beginner Tips & Tricks Surf Stories

Hello LIFE!

Find the Charger Within

by Jenni O.

A Surfer’s Healing

In New Zealand

MY COMMUNITY 74 76 78

SHE SURFS !

SHE SUPS !

Bikini Stop!

Riggs and Pulley, designer Dianne Arnn

No Waves? No Problem... A day at Ko’Olina Golf Club Kim Mayer (78), MT Bourque (81), Sarah K. Dean (82), Shelby Schweitzer (83), Kaira Wallace (83), Chloe Buckley (84), Nicole Finaske (85), Carly Wilson (86), Leane Darling (87), Cathy Young (88), Misha Martin (89), Keenan Lineback, Jasset Humbel, Marissa Shaw (90), Mirabai James (94)

Balance Your Life

104

Kristin Thomas (96), Vanina Walsh (98), Jeannie Chesser (102), Rebecca Cravens (103)

SUP YOGA with Stand up Paddle Vancouver

THE SURF GALLERY 106

MEET ARTISTS:

Daina Scarola (106), Hannah Reynolds (108), Lisa Riehl (109), Kate Sikorski (110), Vanessa Janss (111), Heather Ritts (112), You’re Designed to SHINE (114)

POETIC MUSINGS 116

Writings by: Lindsay Schwarz (116), Jennifer Erica Bright (117), Jenni Sells (117)

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PRO - FILES 140 148 152 154 156 160 162 164

Courtney Conlogue Malia Manuel

What a Real Deal!

A profile on...

Who is Tyler Wright Talking Board Design

with Kristy Murphy

Duel for the Jewel Vans Triple Crown 2010 Keala Kennelly Charges Pipe Bethany Hamilton The Definition of Courage PRO- Trick Tips Bottom Turns w/Anastasia Ashley (164), Backside Airs w/Claire Bevilacqua (165)

168

China Breaks With Holly Beck

other goodies 26 28 46 72 118 20 22 24 170 172 173

CONLOGUE

EL SALVADOR

What a Real Deal

An Epic Surf Destination Awaits You... 18 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

At the Surf Expo Tradeshow

Surfer Poll Awards 2010

On Oahu’s North Shore

WSSM Sweethearts Valentine’s Day Surf Party CENTERFOLD Hottie

Johnny Helm

BEACH FASHION 2011 Summer Trends / Fall Fashions

wssm essentials

Courtney

140

Inside the Industry

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

Your voice- being heard!

Get the surf industry scoop

Surf Shop Directory Surfer Resources Global Surf Camp Directory

Advertisers 10 55 4 175 175 45 21 53 77 51 29 180 77 65 77 53 163 69 175 65 8 53 49 175 75 49 67 153 175

WSSM website giveaways

20Foot.com Bella Torre Academy Calavera Computer Repair by Stephen Slowey Central Pacific Computer Services Charming Shark Surf Jewelry Chick Sticks by Lola Coffee Talk Everpaddle Exceed Wetsuits Fab Beauty Hawaii Frisky Shoes Gabriel Fernandez Professional Photography GaryMsCreations.com GlobalShots.co.uk / Jay Haysey GoGirlzzz.com Honey Girl Hula Hitch Indo Board JettyGirl.com Keoki Surfboards LollieRocks Bikinis Makeup by Nikki Matanivusi Surf Resort My959.com Nani Bikini Nukumoi Surf Shop Nyseas Ocean Star Gifts

75 Ohana Ovals 147 OnIt Pro 27 Organik 153 Paul Topp Photography 45 Phix Doctor 55 Romance On The High Seas 175 RV’S Ocean Sports 153 Second Wind 77 SecretSurf007.com 163 Shaka Laka 63 Sik Chix 53 Siren Surf 67, 178 SolRx 147 Sticky Bumps 65 Surf Art by Daina 19 Surf Expo 69 Surf News Network 69 Surf-N-Sea 23 Sweet Waterwear 6, 41 TACA Airlines 175 Tasty Crust Restaurant 77 The Drops 61 The Wave Collection 2 Ultrasol Sunscreens 25 Verizon 49 WahineSurfer.net 153 Waikiki Beach Services 67 WavesGoneWild.com

T Online womenssurfstyle his Issue...

Welcome Aboard!

Blogs, Surf Contests, Culture, Beauty Advice We are super excited to introduce you to the newest members of our online team... These very special people are passionate about what they do, and they’re ready to share it with you. Log on to womenssurfstyle.com to view these new columns, and contribute to them!

CLICK & WIN

Gabriel Fernandez

“I’m a photographer that lives in New Smyrna Beach, Fl., and am a native Colombian. I’ve been enjoying taking photographs for almost 10 years now... For me it’s not a job, it’s more like an adventure. My WSSM column online, is focused on capturing with my camera, the surf and lifestyles of the east coast surfers girls. There are so many, and they are so talented... they deserve to have worldwide exposure. Join me on this journey, it will be fun…”

Logon to womenssurfstyle.com or

facebook.com/womenssurfstyle

every month from July ‘11 - Dec. 2011 for your chance to win!

SOUL SURFER Win a copy of this incredible film. It showcases the

strength and courage of Bethany Hamilton, the courageous young woman who lost her arm to a shark, which only increased her faith in God, as He helped her discover His plan for her life.

“More than just a shell”... a cute, hip, new line of womens action sports apparel with a positive message. Nice!

15 lucky winners every month !! FREE Goodies !! Visit womenssurfstyle.com for all your details & information

OHANA OVALS the

STICKY BUMPS “ALANA” TRACTION PAD

The Alana Blanchard, signature traction pad from Sticky Bumps, available in 4 colors, is exactly what you need to dress up your stick this summer!

A licensed cosmetologist & celebrity makeup artist based in California, Sherri helps women of all ages to look and feel beautiful. “I believe that beauty comes from within. When you feel beautiful on the inside, your natural beauty will be enhanced. A miracle happens when a woman feels good - she blesses people.” With over 20 years in the beauty business, Sherri has worked with many cosmetics manufacturers, notable celebrities in film, TV, print and in music. She is committed to helping women improve their lives.

ORGANIK

goodies every month!

SIK CHIX

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Zofia Karubin

A certified yoga instructor who resides in Los Angeles, CA, where she loves to surf and do yoga on the beach. She has been teaching yoga classes for adults, teens, and children for over a decade. Zofia’s life-long passion for yoga has been passed down from her mother who is also a yoga teacher. Visit her column online to view yoga routines by Zofia from previous issues.

FREE

RIGGS AND PULLEY

newest and hottest way to represent yourself, your family, your island, your school... whatever you want them to represent is up to you. Perfect for stocking stuffers this Holiday season!

Sherri Lujan

Roxy Saffaie

I am a wanderlust girl who grew up loving the art of creating. My painting started on walls, moved to canvases and eventually faces, using makeup as my medium. LA, HI, NYC and Paris are all places I have called home. Being the print beauty editor for Women’s Surf Style Magazine is the ultimate collaboration for me, being a makeup artist and long time surfer, who loves to write and share my expertise on beauty products and techniques. Some of the other things I love and are active in almost daily are surfing, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, creative writing, yoga, painting and day dreaming... My eternal question: “what is my next source of inspiration...”

has created a collection of swimwear that truly are works of art-- created from recycled goods, wearable or utilitarian. Each suit is unique and unusual, and styles are available in a wide variety of fabrics, textures, patterns, and colors that inspire.

.com

An eco-friendly tote bag, made from 100% organic cotton and grown without pesticides or chemicals. The anchors logo is part of their sirens + sailors collection. We’re gearing up for our New England sailing tour this summer., made exclusively from organic cotton, sustainable materials and fabrics made with recycled plastic bottles... and made in the good ol’ USA!

AIRWALK

“Back to School” goodie bag... filled with shoes, tee’s, a sweatshirt, and stickers galore!

oice of the Surfers

I came home yesterday evening to find the new WSSM issue in my mailbox... my family had to fend for themselves for dinner ‘cause I just had to read it cover to cover right then and there. LOL! I love the fashion section... and the surf camp article got me STOKED as I am off to surf camp soon. Also, LOVE the artist section... GREAT MAGAZINE!!” Elizabeth M. Maryland

I WANT TO HELP “Aloha, Renee and Sandra, I just received my winter/spring issue, how awesome! I luv it and I want to help spread the word as well. Let me know if there is anything that I can do here in Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, Long Beach, Newport with regardz to like new shops, places you’d like your mag to be at. I’m just super stoked and love you’s!”

with it. I’d love to share some of my stories with your readers, if you think they’d like to hear them. Thanks for the consideration!” Jenny O. | Alabama

WSSM: We’re always happy to share surf stoke! Check out Jenny O’s surf stories on page 68.

Kitty | Huntington Beach, CA

Turning 50 is FABULOUS!

WSSM: Thanks for the support, Kitty! Our mag is sold through Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books-A-Million, Waldenbooks & all Hollister stores, so the BEST way you can help is to let your friends know they can purchase it there, and ask them to support us & womens surfing by buying a copy. That is what will keep our magazine alive and growing.

“Wow talk about STOKE!! I just finished a 10 day surf trip to Oahu’s North Shore. It was Nervana! I didn’t think it could get any better and then your email arrived, saying I had won the silver wave engraved pendant from The Wave Collection!! Too cool... I guess 50 really is fabulous!! WSSM you ROCK! Thanks again!!”

“I know what you’re thinking”Birmingham, Alabama? Isn’t that darn near as close to land-locked as you can get in this country?” and you’re right: the closest decent break is a good six hours from here. Nevertheless, Ruli (my 8’10” mini longboard) is leaned up against a wall in the bedroom I share with my (very tolerant) husband. Why? Because even tho’ I’m landlocked, I’m still a surfer. And I have the stories to prove it. Oh, they’re not impressive stories, by any means. I’ve never surfed anything larger than said husband (who is six foot) and even that was with more spirit than style. But they’re stories that I feel speak to any woman who’s been bitten by the surf-bug in her mid-twenties, set about teaching herself, and didn’t let a little thing like living (at the time) two hours from the cold coastal waters of Oregon stand in her way. They’re stories that speak to anyone who can remember that first, burning love affair with their board, and all the little triumphs that came

WSSM has EVERYTHING!

WSSM: Happy to oblige! Check out Florida surfer girls MT Bourque (page 81), Nicole Finaske (85), and Keenan Lineback & Jassett Umbel (91).

Like mother, like daughter? “Dear WSSM Crew, Some mothers and daughters bond over shopping trips and manicures... For my mom and me, that’s not really our style. Thanks for understanding our definition of quality time. Keep up the good work. Cheers,

17 month old, De von Fix with mo ther, Lauren, in Ocean City, NJ

“Hi, first- this magazine is sooooooo much better then I even imagined it would be. I am 59 & just a beginner at surfing, but a lifetime beach person growing up my whole life on Jersey beaches. You have EVERYTHING in here for EVERYONE!! I couldn’t put it down. It’s loaded with great info, great buys & things I’d never even thought of. It’s inspiring, honest & helpful. I love the fact that you honor ALL women, real women, not just famous surfers. I am a lifetime subscriber. I just love it, thanks so much for being different and real!! Micky | New Jersey

“Love the magazine!!! would love to see some North Florida girls in your mag.” Sonia J. | Ontario, Canada

Devon Fix | Philadelphia, PA

E. Mitchell | N.E. Coast, USA

SURF STORIES

Florida girls

Eco-friendly sunscreen “I won your monthly giveaway, and just got my Smart Girls Who Surf facestick in the mail today and I just want to say thank you so much! I’m so happy that you promote products that are eco-friendly. Thanks again!” Lauren D. | WSSM Facebook

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

22 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

I News

ndustry

Surfers First Aid

& Wellness Kit by Global Odyssi

Specifically designed for surfers by surfers Small and compact, it’s the perfect size to put in your luggage or backpack, and contains their comprehensive manual that includes instruction on basic life support, allergic reactions, bites & stings, blisters, cuts, scrapes, wounds, infections, eye injuries, fractures, head injuries, heat illness, rib injury, signs of infection, soft tissue injuries, and submersion injuries (near drowning).

It’s a treasure chest of all your essential supplies

for surfing related injuries, plus one very unique product that came at the recommendation of surfing legend, Laird Hamilton... Colloidal Silver first aid gel! Since it’s the 1st product Laird reaches for when injured, once it was included, he gave his stamp of approval, and you can now purchase the kit from LairdHamilton.com, or at www.globalodyssi.com A MUST have for any surfer, visit their website for a complete list of included supplies… there’s just TOO MANY to list here!

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BLUE CRUSH 2 became avail-

able exclusively on Blu-ray™ and DVD on June 7, 2011. From the filmmakers of Blue Crush comes a movie about fun, friendship and a thrilling adventure of a lifetime. Dana, a killer surfer from California, travels to the breathtaking coasts of South Africa, determined to fulfill her mother’s dream of surfing the legendary Jeffrey’s Bay. With nothing but her mom’s journal as a guide and a fun-loving group of surf fanatics watching her back, Dana faces epic waves, tough locals and her own fears in this unforgettable surf odyssey. Filmed along one of the most exotic and dangerous shorelines in the world, Blue Crush 2 is available for a limited time only as a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack featuring Blu-ray™, DVD and downloadable digital copy, which showcases tons of bonus features you’ll also enjoy. www.blue-crush.com

SUNBOW SUNSCREENS recently

introduced a child friendly, micronized Zinc Oxide formula that provides a strong UVA/UVB barrier without chemical actives such as Oxybenzone or Octinoxate that are found in many other brands. It offers full spectrum protection, that is safe and non-toxic, offering extremely effective, natural protection. This Pediatrician-tested, approved and recommended sunscreen comes in SpongeBob SquarePants Yellow, and Dora the Explorer pink, but both dry clear with zero staining residue. Fun! Made in the USA. www.dorasunscreen.com

HANA SURF GIRLS: Real Stories. Real

Hawaii. Real Life… featuring Monyca Bryne-Wickey and Lipoa Kahaleuahi, from the small and isolated town of Hana, Maui.

Two girls, native to Hana, who grew up surfing, dancing hula, and making leis, are now facing the life changing decision that comes with turning 18… now what? This film gives you a very private look into the small community that is Hana, and its Hawaiian roots and culture. It is well narrated, keeping you captivated by its simple and straightforward format, and though generously sprinkled with surfing, you remain riveted to the focus of their stories, watching them embrace their native heritage gracefully, while capitalizing on opportunities that allow them to move into adulthood. www.hanasurfgirls.com

ACCIDENTAL ICON: THE REAL GIDGET STORY “Young female surfers have been

nicknamed ‘Gidget’ for almost 50 years and yet the true story of Kathy Kohner Zuckerman, the real ‘Gidget,’ and how her account of surfing Malibu in the mid-1950s became the basis for a best-selling novel and spurred a national cultural phenomenon, has never been explored until now. This touching look at a unique father/ daughter relationship and the connection to so many lives and pop culture stories is as original as it is fun. Capturing both a love for our beaches and a love for surfing, Accidental Icon is a real California story that could only come to life at the movies.” -Level Ent. www.level33ent.com

SWEET WATERWEAR Capri SUP Tights (As seen on page 130) Brand new to the

market and already a HOT item… Slide into these ultra-thin, and breathable new bottoms that offer supreme next-to-nothing comfort. Sweet Elite performance capris provide exceptional lower ab support/control top, and give your backside a “sweet” lift! Made from premium, fine gauge knit, Italian swim fabric... these technical bottoms reduce muscle fatigue, improve circulation and dry unbelievably fast, while still giving you UPF 50+ sun protection. www.sweetwaterwear.com

IBANEZA SURF RACKS ... better than soft

racks, and with 8 accessories built into one very convenient, easy to use, surf rack. Protecting 100% more of your car roof, while hauling your favorite surfboards, SUPS, kayaks or canoes. Use as a soft rack, sling, board stacker (no more towels between boards), board protector, car rack pad, changing/beach mat or seat cover! www.ibanezaracks.com

on them! See page 21 for a look at their flashy, funky, oh-so-girly paint options, shapes and sizes, and be proud to surf like a girl… on a CHICK STICK! www.chicksticksbylola.com

CALYPSO STUDIOS is now open to the

public! If you’ve been a fan of the CS jewelry and beach bags often showcased in WSSM’s fashion guide, but when you went to purchase your favorite piece, were unable to because you weren’t a wholesaler, then you’re in luck! You can now browse their extensive beach jewelry collection and purchase individual pieces to mix and match, or perhaps grab one of their S.H.O.P. (start helping our planet) tote bags, by visiting www.calypsostudiosinc.com

HAPPY ENDINGZ ECO SWIMWEAR

the first swimwear line in the world to be made out of 100% recycled nylon! Founder/Designer, Vanessa Rivers, is committed to changing the world, with her philosophy that it takes just one person, one choice, one step... one teeny, eco bikini to make the world a greener place. She’s kept the first collection simple by offering her signature “butterfly cut” bottoms (with minimal back coverageinspired by the Hawaiian Islands) in Blue Bliss, Pink Passion & Gold Goddess. You’ll find this swimwear to be some of the softest to ever grace your skin. (See page 124 for Blue Bliss on Katie) www.happyendingz.com

SOUL SURFER the

story of Bethany Hamilton. Showcasing LOTS of great surfing (excellent videography), the underwater duckdiving scenes are exciting and will stoke the surfer inside you to the core! Don’t miss the “over the falls” moment... Only a surfer knows that feeling! Soul Surfer shows how a person can still strive for their goals in life no matter what they encounter along life’s journey. Bethany has a very strong sense of faith in God that has helped her overcome her mental struggles-- she is a very brave woman, and an inspiration to so many going through tough times. Enter to win a copy of this moving film- see page 22. www.soulsurfer.com

CHICK STICKS- PINK CRUSH! Oceanside, CA shaper Dave Pearson, owner of Ezera Surfboards and Lola Blake, owner of Chick Sticks have teamed up to bring you totally easy-to-surf shortboards for girls! They offer a thicker, wider design that makes these short boards easier to paddle and ride, and they’re super easy to get to the beach... beginners can even learn

TEAM RIDERS SIGNED: OnIt Pro and KM Surfboards welcomes Vanina Walsh,

north shore surfer girl and Roxy team rider, to their bevy of talented riders, while Swimways Corp scoops up talented SUP’r Candice Appleby. Sticky Bumps welcomes Bethany Hamilton to their Elite World Team, and Continued next page...

GOT NEWS? Want to see your company featured in our Industry News? Logon to www.WomensSurfStyle.com, and click on CONTACT. Send us your press releases, new product launches, team rider profiles... Whatever it is, we’d love to hear from you!

SURF EXPO

ndustry

News

... continued from previous page

Smart Girls Who Surf has signed SUP racer, Kristin Thomas on board—their first female SUP team rider. Congratulations to these ladies, and we wish them all the best with their new sponsors.

PEDI COUTURE - Chic feet on the

go, is making eco friendly pedicures a reality. A crossover between vanity and wellness since they can be used for both pedicures and before/after yoga classes, these unique, toespreading, yet very-comfy slippers come in a bevy of colors, textures and styles, while helping eliminate the yearly waste of paper and cotton used to separate the toes after a pedicure. In addition, pregnant mothers are turning to Pedi Couture because studies show that the spreading of the toes increases balance!

be there... or miss out! by Sandra & Dan Olson

Business owners... If you’re new to the surf industry, and want to build your brand exposure, meet the buyers of the industry, and grow exponentially… then YOU NEED TO BE AT SURF EXPO!!

www.pedicouture.com

SOLRX MD Matte Zinc SPF #40,

brought to you by the makers of SolRx, is a once-daily application, medical grade sunscreen for super sensitive, allergy prone, nothing-else –seems-to-work-for-me, type of person. Simply apply it in the morning and it stays on ALL DAY, even in the water! It goes on clean, dry, and clear, there’s no greasy feel, no tackiness, and no oil or white sheen whatsoever. Make-up may be applied over it, and it’s Sal-free, Parabenfree, Paba-free, Padimate-O free, Oil-free, and also unfragranced. A serious sunscreen for those that are serious about skin care. www.solrx.com

iPHONE APPS FOR SURFERS! Surfer Buddies is a

new iPhone application that promises to be the best interactive application and website for surfers and the search for surf. Forget about wind conditions, parking conditions, and crowds… with this interactive, GPS based application you get real time updates from a trusted source at the beach: your social network and Surfer Buddies. Not only do you get information about the beach and surf conditions, but you get access to the nearest deals and spots for eating, lodging, shopping, lessons, board rentals and surf shops. www.surferbuddies.com

The Surf Journal iPhone app makes it easy for surfers

to track their time in the ocean: where they surf, when they surf, and measured and observed ocean conditions, while accessing satellite views when logging breaks. The app allows users to attach photos to their session data, record comments, and with access to over 1,300 buoys and 3,000 tide stations, the Surf Journal helps surfers find the perfect conditions for their sessions. The Surf Journal is free to try and is also available for the iPad. www.surfjournal.org

OHANA OVALS now available! So you’ve got the

keychain with your name on it, the license plate cover… now you can represent yourself, your family, your island, and much more with these island style initials, that combine the beauty of the islands with edgy tribal style lettering. Perfect for stocking stuffers, party favors, or that special someone. Enter to win a free initial of your choice (see pg 22). Visit their website for more island inspired products. www.ohanaovals.com

35 years and still going strong, the Surf Expo, held in Orlando, Florida in January and September, is the the largest and longest running surf, skate, swim and beach lifestyle trade show in the world... and is especially helpful for those interested in targeting the surf, SUP, and swim markets. The beauty of the Surf Expo is that it brings together buyers from around the globe, as they peruse the aisles in search of the hottest trends and products to take back to their stores and increase sales. Surf Expo’s extensive categories include a new-and growing quickly- SUP category, complete with board demos and instruction by surf legend Wingnut Weaver. SWIM is out in full force with aisle after aisle of beautiful models showcasing the newest swimwear and accessories… and if fashion is what you’re after, then you’re not going to want to miss the new TransWorld Business’”THE SHOWROOM” fashion shows (4pm daily), on the main floor. HOT! The SURF category is STRONG, drawing all your top brands, with their large and showy booths, as well as the new-to-the-industry surf brands that are just getting started. These new additions often offer a refreshing look at tomorrow’s trends… so keep your eyes open for the next big name to eclipse Roxy. SKATE offers a look at the grunge side of action sports, and this is where it gets crazy, loud and exciting. You’ll enjoy watching team riders of all ages skate, slide and wipeout at the exciting Bangers for Bucks skate park-- just be sure to watch out for the electronic skateboards with beach hotties on them, cruising the aisles, or the occasional freebie t-shirt or promo item sailing randomly through the air. Skate is truly a FUN category of Surf Expo. You’ll also find resort & boutique offerings, making Surf Expo truly a one-stop-shop for store owners. If you’ve never attended before, and want to check it out BEFORE exhibiting, then be sure to contact them TODAY. September’s show (Sept.8-10) is just around the corner… and if you’re not there? Then you’re missing out! www.surfexpo.com

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By Lindsay Schwarz

TURTLE BAY, Oahu, Hawaii December 7,2010

s the sun set behind billowing clouds over an endless deep blue ocean, the most talented surfers from all over the world began to make their way to the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of O’ahu for the 40th Anniversary Surfer Poll Awards. While previous years the award show had been hosted in Los Angeles, this year Surfer had decided that their anniversary deserved a special location. What better setting than the birthplace of surfing itself? Every year the event is held to honor the best and the worst alike. As host Sal Masekela said it best, “No other sport in the world would recognize an athlete for getting a foul, or wiping out. If you’re in the NBA and you miss the dunk, you don’t get celebrated”. Yet that is exactly what makes surfing unique. We don’t surf to be good, to score, or to win; we surf because we love the ocean that continually pushes us forward, encouraging us as we ride its wave. “The ocean is a blessing for all of us”, pro surfer and fellow host Fred Patacchia aptly noted to a crowd full of ocean lovers… and so the night began. As expected, Kelly Slater took the No. 1 spot in the Mens Division for the 16th time, along with his impressive 10 World Titles. The No. 2 spot went to the talented Dane Reynolds who stood at the platform in disbelief. Dane was followed by Jordy Smith and Mick Fanning. Later on, Kai Neville’s Modern Collective took the award for Movie of the Year while Best Cinematography went to the creative genius himself, Taylor Steele. Maya Gabeira took the stage to present the Heavy Water Award, giving credit to the big wave riders that continually push the limits. “We have to be willing to pay the ultimate risk to get the ultimate ride,” stated Gabeira, a big wave rider herself so it was only fitting that she present the award to winner Jamie O’Brien. Jamie also won Best Performance. As for the talented women taking the top spots, it was Stephanie Gilmore who was to be celebrated for her recent fourth

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consecutive ASP World Title. Stephanie was at a loss for words when she was congratulated, mentioning that “[she] couldn’t be more excited to be celebrating this in such a beautiful place”. She was right. As the women collected their awards, their words of wisdom were empowering and inspiring, making the night that much more special as they recognized the reason behind their choice to make surfing their lifestyle. An animated Carissa Moore took the No. 2 spot this year, announcing “it has been a really exciting year for me”... “I turned 18, got my driver’s license..” and now this! Moore is currently ranked No. 3 on the ASP Women’s World Tour. Coco Ho placed No. 3 in the peoples surfer choice award, followed by Sofia Mulanovich and Alana Blanchard. Anastasia Ashley was also in attendance at this years show after a few years break. “What made me want to go this year was the location, and I’m here to support my good friend Jamie O’Brien who is nominated for a lot of awards tonight”. While the best surfers made their way to the stage to collect the infamous surfer poll trophy and make their acceptance speech, the night was sparkling, but also surreal as Bruce Irons walked toward the platform to accept the No.6 Peoples Choice sSurfer award and the Best Barrel award on behalf of his brother, the late Andy Irons. Bruce thanked the surfing community for “being really loving” during this time and also mentioned for everyone to “have a good time, because that’s what [Andy] would have wanted”, and that’s exactly what everyone did. It was an emotional, yet exciting night on the North Shore, as many brilliant surfers were recognized for their progressive talent and dexterity. While everyone was congratulated, the top honors went to Gilmore and Slater. What makes a surfer worthy of a top spot, you ask? It is both their determination and spirit that continues to accelerate them forward. Although I don’t know how it could get any better, or how such talent could progress, I eagerly anticipate what is to come next. F

Rails & Tales

. . . El Salvador

1) Arriving in El Salvador, via Taca Airlines 2) Azul Surf Club, in El Cuco 3) WSSM crew: John (videographer), Dan (wssm owner/publisher/surfer), Amanda (Florida surfer, wife of photographer- Gabriel, of secretsurf007.com), Carolyn (surfer), Sandra (wssm publisher/ owner/surfer) 4) Martina, a guest at Azul Surf Club, and a surfer from New York, enjoying a wave all to herself at uncrowded, beautiful Las Flores 5) Azul Surf Club 6) John- still on Hawaii time, enjoys a siesta in one of the many hammocks at Azul Surf Club 7) Amanda taking in a spectacular sunset at El Cuco beach 8) Azul Surf Club, wrapped in night-time magic. 8 Photos: Gabriel Fernandez Photography | secretsurf007@yahoo.com Story by Dan Olson

aca Airlines once again pushes the free food and beverage cart by us, as we all get our last dose of technology at our fingertips. Some of us are watching movies with free headphones, while others try to catch a little sleep, but the excitement builds with every passing minute. I scan the vast ocean horizon through the window, searching for any sign of waves or land, but all I can see is the Taca Airline logo, posing as my wing man. This time, we took a direct flight to our destination, San Salvador- the capital of El Salvador, out of Los Angeles. Sandra, John and I had arrived from Hawaii into LAX, to meet up with Sandra’s sister, Carolyn, who often surfed with us in Hawaii, but this was her first “exotic” surf trip. Within just a few hours we landed in San Salvador, where our tour guide, Alfredo Alvarez, and his driver, Leo, met us and guided us to our air conditioned van, supplied with fresh juices, sodas and ice-cold bottled water.

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I’ve found this to be the best thing to do when traveling for surf in exotic countries that you’ve never been before: get a tour package! Spend a little extra money and “live the life”, while staying super safe. Alfredo stayed with us from the time we left the airport, until he dropped us back off again for our return flight home. We never had to deal with

parking, driving, or getting lost. Leo, aka “The Bull”, drove us safely, anywhere we wanted to go, on our (surfer) schedule, and guarded our boards while we shopped or dined. Now, don’t get me started on how good the food was just yet!

For the first few nights, we would be staying on the eastern coast of

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Rails & Tales

. . . El Salvador his next project there. She is now currently looking for volunteers to fund the project. It will be $2,000 per person for a great surf trip: all meals, transportation, boat trips and room included. Anyone who can get a group of 7 together can stay for free. Their time would be divided between surfing and helping with the construction and it is all tax free. They will begin construction in August of 2011.

El Salvador, at Azul Surf Club, in Cuco Beach, where we met up with our east coast photographer, Gabriel Fernandez, and his wife, Amanda, a surfer from New Smyrna Beach, Florida. You see, the western side of the country is the only part that has a coast, and it is riddled with undiscovered surf breaks. We would be staying near the world class surf break, Las Flores! Leo drove us to Cuco Beach where Ruby, the dog, was the first to greet us, and Lissette Perez welcomed us with open arms to her world class surf resort. Lissette’s story is a good one, and one that we support wholeheartedly. In El Salvador, the majority of children only make it to 9th grade. Lissette, together with the local community and support from the surfing community around the world, is on a mission to change that.

The Azul Surf Club was even nicer than we expected, and overflowing with loving energy, friendly staff, and comfortable rooms with A/C, cable TV (which we never turned on) and hot water to shower in. The property boasted hammocks out by the sea or under the sheltered canopies, several eating and lounging areas, a beautiful pool, and a hot tub. It’s so nice to have a hot shower and a pool to lounge around, after having surfed 2-3 sessions in a day!

The project for the school came about when Lissette searched for students to give 3 scholarships to, that she could afford. She found that there were 25 kids from just 1 school that were interested. It broke her heart. Soon after, Alex from Surf for Life came to stay at her place and decided to do

That first evening in, after taking a short nap and filling up on a delicious meal, we grabbed our boards for an evening session, right out in front of

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1) Rich entertaining the school kids in El Cuco, with magic tricks 2) Rich & wife, Shirley, perform a 360 head spin 3) Lissette helps Rich communicate with the children, including them in several of the tricks 4) John giving out the candy he brought for all the kids 5) Country & school pride 6) WSSM relaxing in the hammocks at Azul Surf Club before heading to the school to meet the children (l-r: Carolyn, John, Amanda, Gabriel, Dan, Sandra) 7) Dan pulls out of a close-out bomb, at Las Flores 8) Dan drops in at Las Flores 9) A local gathering rubber 10) Sandra, stoked on her El Salvador flag 11) Azul Surf Club 12) Dan using his GoPro HD video as John catches waves at El Cuco beach, directly in front of Azul Surf Club 13) Sandra on a close-out at Las Flores 14) Sandra contemplating going back out for just one more! 15) arms are pooped... she’s done! Ruby (dog) agrees. THANK YOU to Honey Girl Water Wear for outfitting us girls on this surf trip. These are the ultimate suits for surfing because they stay PUT, and we loved them! - Sandra, Carolyn & Amanda (www.honeygirlwaterwear.com)

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the club. It’s a fun beach break, offering both lefts and rights, and it can get gnarly on a rising tide with the right swell. Though the waves were only head high this evening, the black sand beach, silhouetted against the brilliant orange, pink and red scalloped sunset, was the perfect way to start our surf adventure. We fell asleep that night, anticipating the rising swell we had heard so much about.

The next morning, Leo loaded our boards for us, and we all piled in for a short 8 minute drive to Las Flores. Upon arrival, we were excited to see double overhead surf pounding the coastline, with an occasional surfer dotting the coast, disappearing behind the sets of waves rolling in. Hearts pounding, we followed the “local” as Lissette advised, out to the lineup, and proceeded to enjoy some of the biggest and most powerful surf of our trip.

10’-12’ glassy rights peeled away from the rocky cliff, then re-formed on the inside, and then re-formed once again. We logged some of the rides of our lives, with only 2 other surfers out. Nice! That was our schedule at Azul Surf Club: eat, surf, sleep, surf, eat some more, surf some more… until the last day of our stay there. Lissette, along with some other guests at the club, were going to the local elementary school to perform some magic tricks for the kids. They invited us along and we gladly accepted. This was going to be something most tourists would never get to see. As you can see from the pictures, the kids numbered around 400 and were stoked to see “visitors”. They were polite and extremely well-mannered as they all crowded into the center of the school yard, anxiously observing these Gringos that can defy the laws of gravity with floating handkerchiefs and 360degree head spins. My brother, John, and the “magicians” brought candy with them to give away at the end of the show, and the kids were overjoyed.

That evening, our last night in El Cuco, we walked the few short blocks to town for a better understanding of the culture. There weren’t too many cars on the street: a lot of walking and overloaded bicycles. Drinks and snacks cost about a dollar, and the people were very friendly, watching us watch them as we walked by. The people of El Salvador are very friendly and inviting. This was a refreshing change from Hawaii. Upon returning to the camp at dark, huge bonfires lined parts of the road, yet no one seemed to mind. Alfredo informed us that everyone burns their trash and anything they don’t want, which explains the light smell of smoke that hangs in the air throughout the country. And we thought it was due to the active volcano there! After saying our goodbye the next morning, we all piled into the van for the drive to Punta Roca Surf Lodge, the hotel owned by El Salvador’s #1 ranked professional surfer, Jimmy Rotherham and his family, in La Libertad.

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Small, quaint and very comfortable, it was also located right on the beach with stunning ocean views, complete with hammocks, 2 pools and security guards with shotguns that patrolled the property. It felt safe, and the famous surf break, Punta Roca, was nearby. Sandra and I joined Jimmy for an evening session there, and though it was crowded, it was an awesome place to put another “surf pin” on the map. Thanks Jimmy! Our morning session was at Sunzal, an incredible right-hand point break that offered multiple wave sets that just peeled through the lineup like liquid corduroy. It would reform over and over and over again- offering countless turns and snaps, with a nice channel to take you back out to the lineup. We followed this epic session with a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, frijoles, and fried platanos (banana family). We then headed to the board of tourism to say hello to Martha and Maria, that had helped set up our entire itinerary and worked closely with Alfredo, coordinating our excursions and meals. They did an excellent job helping us plan it all, and even provided us with

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another guide, Roberto, that would accompany us to our next great adventure… zip lining! We drove up the winding to the San Salvador volcano and zip line, admiring the coffee trees that were densely scattered on the slopes, bursting with white flowers. It was a beautiful sight. Once there, we “signed our lives away” and loaded into the safari style truck with our own personal shotgun-toting security guards, and headed to the volcanic peak. All six of us had never zip-lined before, so this was an item to cross off our bucket list. At one point we were flying at over 300+ feet in the air, over coffee tree laden ravines and canyons, back to the bottom. Breathtaking! A lunch at the zip line restaurant, Café Miranda, of the local Sunday fare, Pupusas (kinda like a FLAT tamale—of sorts, filled with cheeses, pork, or chicken, and served with salsa and pickled cabbage—don’t forget the fresh juice!) was served on the open air patio, overlooking the many volcanoes in the distance. wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 33

Rails & Tales

. . . El Salvador

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an epic surf destination

1) The WSSM crew saying goodbye to Azul Surf Club. We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to leave! (l-r) Leo, Gabriel, Amanda, John, Lissette, Dan, Sandra, Martina, Carolyn, Alfredo) 2) Dan catching his line at Las Flores 3) Carolyn enjoying the inside at Las Flores, in her new Honey Girl swimwear 4) Inside the surf mobile, stoked from the morning session 5) Carolyn heads out at Las Flores 6) A pretty standard storefront in El Cuco 7) Sandra drops on a nice wave at Las Flores 8) Lissette, and her wonderful crew at Azul Surf Club 9) Sisters- Carolyn & Sandra, head out for some early morning rides at Las Flores

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Rails & Tales

. . . El Salvador

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Opposite page: 1) An evening walk in El Cuco 2) Dan & John, silhouetted against the burn piles that dot the roadside 3) Halfway down the zipline 4) Val, Rich, Shirley, and Butch at Azul Surf Club 5) Lissette, Martina: Las Flores morning patrol. Photos 4&5 by Martina Melendez 6) Sandra zipping down through the lush countryside at 300+ feet in the air 7) Tough guys: at the San Salvador Volcano and Zip Line 8) Chatting with Martha & Maria at the Board of Tourism 9) Carolyn buying jewerly from a local girl in El Puerto 10) Schoolgirls in El Cuco 11) A really cool looking truck in El Puerto 12) Carolyn checking out the local architecture in El Cuco 13) Walking into El Cuco as evening sets in. This page: 1) Lunch at La Terraza Bohemia, with the ladies from the Board of Tourism, and professional surfer, Jimmy Rotherham. (l-r) Gabriel, Maria, Amanda, Jimmy, Sandra, Dan, Carolyn, John, Emilia 2) Amanda, Sandra & Carolyn, strategize about the paddle-out to Punta Roca 3) Beautiful flowers abound in El Salvador 4) Board of Tourism- a great start to planning your surf travel in El Salvador 5 & 6) Sandra and Dan at Punta Roca. Can you see his HD GoPro camera? It’s secured via an FCS plug.

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TOP RIGHT: In the background of this photo with the pier, you can see the waves crashing against it, and that it’s lined with fishing boats. They lower the boats down one at a time, in between wave sets, and then quickly start the engine and zoom away! I’ve never seen this done anywhere before… it’s a great use of space, but Jimmy Rotherham also said that when they’ve lowered the boats too slowly, and therefore, failed to time the sets; it results in boats being dashed and broken against the pier! Did I mention… this is also the way they have to come back IN! On the pier itself, is a world class fish market where you can buy trinkets and souvenirs from the shops that line it and the boardwalk. You’ll also see the local kids jumping from the pier and swimming in with the sets.

Back in La Libertad, we grabbed our boards and headed to El Zonte, about 10 minutes away, to meet up with some of El Salvador’s best local surfing chicas, Gabriela, Noemy, and Evelin, before they left for a surf competition in Guatemala the next day. It was late, and a bit overcast, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to surf with these girls… they were ripping!

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EL SALVADOR

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Gabriela met up with us the next morning back at Sunzal with her friend, Eli, for a killer morning session, with big, glassy waves once again. Such a perfect swell: one that locals were calling the best they had seen in several months. God always seems to bless us in our surf travels with epic waves. Remember I said the food was good? In the town of El Tunco (the Hog), we enjoyed some of the best seafood EVER. Gigantic shrimp prawns the size of two fingers, lobster, steamed fish, flavorful pastas, tender seasoned carne… leaving us with no room for dessert whatsoever. It was easy to communicate with most of the staff at the local restaurants, because most spoke enough broken English to decipher our bad Spanish. La Guitarra was an awewSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 37

Rails & Tales

. . .

some place for grinds after a session at Punta Roca. The live band playing in the restaurant, combined with candlelight, huge platefuls of scrumptious cuisine, and the sound of the ocean crashing on the beach, was a sensory overload and we recommend it highly. One afternoon at the Dulce Vida (“the Sweet View”) in La Libertad, while waiting for our food to arrive, we watched the local children dancing on the beach for tips. I threw a few dollars down to them, and after a few seconds, other tourists from the adjoining restaurants began throwing more money down to them. They gratefully dashed about collecting it: then promptly returned to dancing, and then soccer. After finishing our meal, we asked for our leftovers to-go, and took them downstairs to the hard-working entertainers. They loved it, and Alfredo told them firmly, they were to share everything.

1 & 2) Punta Roca Surf Lodge 3) Giving the local “beach performers” our remaining lunches from La Dulce Vida 4) The ocean view from La Dulce Vida. See the “beach performers”? 5) Amanda at Sunzal 6) Flashing our “signs”before heading to the fish market on the pier 7) Local surfer girl, Noemy Centeno Alvarez, drops in at El Zonte 8) Perfect lines peeling in at Sunzal 9) Horse rides on the beach only $2 10) El Tunco beach 11) Josselyn at Las Flores 12) Sandra on a smooth wave at Las Flores 13) Evelin Centeno Alvarez at El Zonte 14) Mariachis play love songs for Sandra (from Dan) at La Dulce Vida restaurant 15) Dan and John, returning from a session at Las Flores 16) Local surfers, Eli and Gabriela, at Sunzal 17) El Tunco “the Hog” 18) Amanda going right at Sunzal 19 & 20) Carolyn strokes into a wave at Sunzal... and she’s off! 21) Leo (driver), Gabriel (WSSM photographer), and Alfredo (local tour guide, surf trip specialist/owner, explorelsalvador.com) 22) It’s good to surf in El Salvador with friends... Sandra, John, Carolyn, Amanda, Dan 23) Carolyn- picture perfect at Las Flores 24) Dan, blasting out at El Zonte 25) Sandra on an outside set at Las Flores 26) The local surfer girls of El Salvador: Gabriela, Evelin, Amanda, Noemy, Carolyn, Sandra, Dan, John.

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Our last 2 days/nights were spent at the luxurious Paradizo Azul Resort, which had king size beds, exquisite décor, cold A/C, and 24hour gated security. Perched on a hill top overlooking the spectacular Sunzal point break, the view from the patio deck, swimming pools and dining areas was breathtaking, making us to wish we could just stay there forever. Steve and his wife, Ramjet, built the resort themselves, and manage it along with their adjoining restaurant across the street, Kayu Bar and Grill. They offered board rentals for John and Carolyn, which they found helpful since it eliminated the need to lug longboards back and forth to the beach.

and restaurants lining the cobblestone streets. Board rentals are plenty here also, and the atmosphere is very surfer-friendly. We hit the town on our last night in El Salvador. There were plenty of clubs and restaurants to choose from, with no hassling from the locals. One funny thing we noted here was that the girls were dressed nicely, in dinner and beach dresses, but weren’t wearing shoes. They brought the elegance of a night out, and combined it with the casual beach and surfer lifestyle… and it worked. Sunzal offered up some of the best waves as far as quality and consistency, though with a crowded lineup. The sets had multiple waves, allowing for lots of rides for everyone… if you wanted a set wave, all you had to do was go get it. And the middle to inside section had a nice second drop, where beginners and intermediate surfers can snag some sick, long rights.

This beach had pitch black, silky sand, littered with smooth cobblestones, where you can ride a horse for 20 minutes, for only $2. My brother, John, had never ridden a horse before so I thought it couldn’t be any more perfect than to take an afternoon ride on the beach, especially for the price. They even let us run the horses! The town of El Tunco was within walking distance from Paradizo Azul, and is a pure-surf town, with small roadside bars, cafés

El Salvador definitely offers waves for all levels; from my favorite wave- heart

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Rails & Tales

. . .

1) Map of El Salvador, courtesy of the Board of Tourism 2) Gabriela Castillo enjoying Las Flores 3, 4, 5) Paradizo Azul Surf Club: breakfast on the deck, accomodations, and room view 6) Amanda on her way to Las Flores for an early morning session 7) Carolyn blasting out of a late take-off at Las Flores 8) Eli from Germany, at Las Flores 9) Roberto (standing) tells the group about the rich history and culture of El Salvador- they truly ARE a friendly people 10) Steve and Ramjet, owners of Paradizo Azul Surf Resort 11) Amanda (l) and Sandra (r) sharing a party wave at Las Flores 12) Dan throws a bucket at Las Flores

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EL SALVADOR pumping, heaving Las Flores on a big swell, to snappy contest-like waves in El Zonte, to the perfectly pealing, slow rolling mountains of Sunzal. The only obstacle standing between you and the perfect surf session is getting your head in the game to surf in a foreign country and just let loose... and your arms giving out from the sheer exhaustion of catching so many waves.

I’d like to give a big thank you to the Board of Tourism for helping us set our plans. Alfredo and Leo “The Bull” from ExplorElSalvador.com made this whole trip so comfortable, informative, and safe for the girls and us guys. Thanks guys… and we’re planning to return to El Salvador very soon. F

RECOMMENDED SERVICES WHEN TRAVELING TO EL SALVADOR u

air travel

TACA AIRLINES www.taca.com u

tour guide & surf trip specialist

EXPLORE EL SALVADOR Contact: Alfredo | explorelsalvador.com info@explorelsalvador.com u

local information

El SALVADOR BOARD OF TOURISM www.elsalvador.travel/en/ u

surf resorts AZUL SURF CLUB PH: 626.487.4863 www.azulsurfclub.com PUNTA ROCA SURF LODGE www.puntaroca.com PARADIZO AZUL SURF RESORT www.paradizoazul.com

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Rails & Tales

. . . Hawaii

Two girls, two boards, and a tropical surf destination that beckoned to them from over 3,000 miles away... Surf travelers Christina Frankel & Nichole Wagner’s love of surfing inspired them to venture from the comfort of their home breaks in Florida, for a much anticipated surfing trip to Hawaii, anticipating exotic waves, warm water, and ocean life galore. Lured to Hawaii instead of closer surf destinations such as Nicaragua or Costa Rica, they found surf, sunshine and aloha, waiting to embrace them! Luckily, we connected with them before they arrived, and have been friends ever since, so we were stoked to get the inside scoop on these surf travelers to share with you. Our surfing roots…

NICHOLE: I’ve always been a beach girl my whole life, I was born in San Diego, California, and my parents always took me to the beach before I could drive. Now, I am currently living in Florida, which is where I pretty much grew up. I began surfing at the age of 14 years young (now I am 24 years old, hehe). Ever since I caught my first wave I was hooked, and I pretty much just taught myself how to surf and I would watch alot of surf videos. The spot in Florida you would most likely always find me surfing at is Sebastian Inlet. It’s right near where I live and I feel very lucky to live near one of the top surf breaks in Florida. CHRISTINA: When I was younger I always “dreamed” of being a surfer. A good childhood friend and I would go out at Coco Beach (in St Martin) with our boogie boards and try to stand up on them. We were so young, and thought we were SO cool because we taught ourselves how to stand up on boogie boards! It wasn’t until I was about 14 that I actually learned how to surf during a family vacation in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. My mother bought me an awesome 6 foot something Eric Swanson shaped board. It had a giant palm tree and sun on it. Groovy! After that trip, I went to local beaches like Wabasso and Sebastian Inlet and continued surfing.

Competitive surfing?

NICHOLE: About a year after I started surfing, I would enter small local surf contests until I got the hang of doing them and then I started to do some of the ESA, NSSA, and junior pro contests. Contests are a lot of fun and I do love to compete, but I am not the best at being aggressive out in the water during a heat, so I have to work on that! I must say nothing beats free surfing, it’s way more fun! Also, I am going to college right now at Indian River State College, and I would love to start a surf club/team there so we can do the NSSA college division, I think I can get a good team together. CHRISTINA: I’ve actually only competed once in surfing, I grew up in a very competitive family of golf and tennis and the only tournaments I participated in was tennis when I was younger. I just found surfing as more of a get away/pressure free kind of sport more than a competitive one for me.

Why Hawaii?

NICHOLE: My first trip ever to Hawaii was a trip I will never forget because I went to the North Shore during the winter time in 2008 and the waves were huge! My first time seeing all the surf spots that I’ve watched on surf videos and heard all about came to reality right before my eyes… walking down the path way to Pipeline I was so stoked, and Pipe was going off! I’ve been going back to Hawaii the past few winters to the North Shore, I love it out there. CHRISTINA: Everyone who has been to Hawaii speaks about how amazing it is. From all the footage I’ve seen on Hawaii, I wanted to go see for myself what this little paradise in the Pacific Ocean was all about. Also, so

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many people who live in Florida go to surf destinations that are a little closer. I guess we were also just feeling a little more adventurous!

What do you do back home?

NICHOLE: I currently live in a small laid back town in Florida called Vero Beach a.k.a Zero Beach... ‘cause there is not much to do here in this town. I try to lay low here and do my own thing and just mainly focus on surfing all the time when we have anything to surf. I stay active by going to the gym and training, and I’ve been focusing on finishing my bachelors degree… AND work alot and save all my money for surf trips! CHRISTINA: I just moved to California in March with my puppy and my boyfriend (Check out the Winter/Spring 2011 Issue to see how we met!!). My best friend, Nichole, and I have our own bikini company called OBikini-which is based out of Ocean Beach, San Diego, where I live. I am also a photographer! It’s great because I get to surf and have fun every day and still have time for work!

Tell us about planning this trip…

NICHOLE: Well, Christina and I kind of planned this trip spur of the moment. We talked about it for about a month, and one day we were chillen and started talking about it again about how bad we wanted to get out of here and go to Hawaii--Christina never having been to Hawaii… she was very anxious to get out there ASAP! As we began our search for a place to stay in Oahu… we wanted to make sure it was right near the beach, so we could just walk from our hotel to all of the surf spots. We went online to bookit.com and found a super cheap deal at the Parkshore Hotel for $99/ per night ocean front room. Score. Next, we got our buddy pass flight on USAirways (thanks to Julie Fink) and got a roundtrip ticket for about $400, can’t beat that! Once we got our tickets and everything booked, I was SO excited to get back to Hawaii… all I did before we left was pretty much worked every day, surfed, and went to the gym and worked on my fitness and did some yoga classes. I was so ready to get out of Florida and back to Hawaii for some real fun surf and I couldn’t wait too meet up with Sandra Olson and surf with her and check out all the spots on the South Shore!

What surf spots did you hit while in Hawaii?

NICHOLE: We surfed a few different spots on this trip... one spot that I really enjoyed surfing was Kaisers because it was so far out you could barely see what was going on from the beach, but once you paddled through the channel where all the ships go thru, it was a perfect bowl, left or right, and a lot of barrels. It was like head high, sorta crowded, but it was still fun. Sandra took Christina and I surfing at Diamond Head one day and that was a lot of fun too because it was real peaky and had some good size to it. Then Sandra also took us to a spot called Flies, and that was so much fun. We got too meet and surf with all the girls that day at Flies. Everyone was ripping and it was like 15 of us girls surfing the peak and only like 3 guys were out.. so the ratio was all girls and we showed the fellas up that day, pretty much they took notes from us ladies and we got all the good ones (hehe). Oh ya, and it was a lot of fun when Christina and I rented longboards and went and surfed Canoes and Waikiki. It was just so crowded… but I still got my fair share. CHRISTINA: Although it was super crowded, Kaiser’s was probably my favorite wave we surfed. You paddle out towards the break until you get in the channel and float out. There’s a super hollow and pitchy right that throws, it’s quick and short, but super fun… And then the lefts just seem like they keep going, and you can get a bunch of turns in... And if you get lucky while the sun’s going down, you can catch a ride back into the beach (if you paddle fast enough) to hang onto the back of one of the canoes when they’re paddling back in! Be careful to not hold on the entire ride, or some shallow water with rocks will stop you towards the end!

What boards did you bring with you and why did you choose those? NICHOLE: We packed both our boards in one board bag, so

we brought one board each. I brought my 5’10 AJW squash tail, it’s my favorite board right now... it feels good under my feet and I can get good speed on it. It has black rails and the whole top is bright pink, can’t miss me out there. It’s very bright, thank you AJW surfboards!

Christina, Nichole & Aaron in Waikiki

A GIRLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SURF-TRAVEL CHECK LIST:

Photos by: Christina Frankel | christinafrankel.daportfolio.com, Aaron Nakamura | HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com, Gary Miyata | GaryMsCreations.com

F Tons of bikinis F Super Glue (for reef cuts) F I-pod w/Skullcandy head phones F Laptop F Surfboards F Wax F Camera F Video Camera F Towels F Sunscreen F Make-up F Money$$$ F Leashes F Scuba gear (haha) F Clothes F Flip-flops F Sunglasses F Magazines F Movies (for the long plane rides)

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Rails & Tales

. . . Hawaii

CHRISTINA: I brought my new 5’10 Lost. I chose that one because I hadn’t gotten the chance to really ride it yet, and thought I might as well break it in someplace where the waves are usually always decent. Photos by: Gary Miyata | GaryMsCreations.com, Christina Frankel | christinafrankel.daportfolio.com, Aaron Nakamura | HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com

What other activities did you enjoy while you were here?

NICHOLE: I really enjoyed exploring, snorkeling, just cruising around, meeting the locals and new friends, hiking, seeing the waterfalls, doing photoshoots for the magazine, and trying all the good food there! CHRISTINA: One of my favorites was going hiking up Ala Moana trail. We went with a few buddies, in flip-flops, and it was raining. With mud all over me, we made it to the waterfall, and it was beautiful. Another one of my favorite activities was snorkeling on the west side on our very last day. A friend of ours, who lives there, took us the morning we were leaving to go back to Florida. The conditions were perfect – the weather was amazing, the water was super clear and it was completely flat. Oh yeah, and we heard dolphins while we were snorkeling!

WSSM set up a surfing photoshoot while you were here... tell us about that experience? NICHOLE: The photoshoot for WSSM magazine was so much fun! That was the day that Sandra took us to Flies and we got too meet all the girls that I have seen featured in the previous issues, everyone was super cool and we all had a blast surfing together. We also got to meet two of Sandra’s photographers for the WSSM magazine, Gary Miyata and Aaron Nakamura. They were so nice and got a lot of nice shots! Thank you guys for everything!

Being silly, post-surf session with the WSSM girls at Flies

CHRISTINA: Man, what a great experience! It was awesome, it was about 14 of us girls and I think 2 or 3 guys out. The girls were catching all the waves and it was so much fun! When do you ever see that happening? Thank you!!!

Shout-outs to anyone in Hawaii that made your trip more memorable?

NICHOLE: Of course! Number one I would like to thank Sandra Olson for making all of this happen for Christina and me. It was such an awesome experience to surf, explore with, and meet Sandra… she is such an amazing person, and I honestly look up to Sandra now for everything she does and has accomplished. Thank you to the photographers, Aaron Nakamura, for keeping up with our adventures throughout our trip and filming and taking pictures! And also Gary Miyata for all the awesome pictures from Flies! Christina and I also got to meet Ryan Beppu who is also an amazing photographer. We had fun hanging out with him, too! And thank you, Uncle Pat, for the words of wisdom and letting us use the canoe! CHRISTINA: I would have to say definitely Sandra Olson, thank you so much for EVERYTHING! And then of course everyone else that helped out and was awesome, like Uncle Pat, Ryan Beppu, Brandon who taught me the secrets on how to SUP (talk about free entertainment for those watching), Aaron Nakamura, Jordan Fahmie, the girls from the WSSM shoot and Gary the photographer. And my mother, because you always give a shout-out to your mom, and I love her!

Anything else you wanna add?

NICHOLE:: Best vacation ever!! See you all back out there in the winter and thanks again for everything!!! Mahalo. CHRISTINA: Yes! Please make sure you take a look at my photography website! www.christinafrankel.daportfolio. com, and “like” our Facebook Obikini page! F

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Naomi in Nani Bikini

Fun and laughter with friends and fans was our mission for Valentine’s Day this year:

a mission well implemented in the form of our incredibly talented and beautiful WSSM crew.

Rebecca Michaels of Violet Love Headbands passing out headbands to the girls

WSSM publishers, Sandra & Dan Olson, give away the free surfboard on main stage.

Pink tutu clad, furry-booted go-go dancers, with glittery WSSM tattooed thighs, mixed and mingled on the dance floor with our guests, as the WSSM hosts and hostesses made their way through the crowd, giving away free Charming Shark surf necklaces, bars of Sexwax, Nyseas, Ocean Star books, Wooloot water watches, Buckle Down belts & cuffs, The DROPS, WSSM t-shirts, Sweet Waterwear trucker hats, and Siren Surf hand crème. TONS of giveaways!! We were awed and entertained by a stunning performance by Malia and Belly Dancers in Paradise, which was promptly followed by our popular “Bikinis & Boardshorts” fashion show, featuring real surfer girls and guys modeling swimwear by LollieRocks, Bikini Thief, Nani Bikini, Sweet Waterwear and Quiksilver.

The highlight of the night was of course, the 2 great giveaways that all the girls wanted to win: a custom WSSM, carbon SUP paddle from Native Living Custums, and a hand shaped, epoxy shortboard from Island Glass Surfboards! Now this wasn’t

Doni in Bikini Thief

Brian in Quiksilver

Jaimee in LollieRocks

just any surfboard… it is hand painted purple and pink, and heavily streaked with silver glitter throughout. Shelsea Brown was the lucky winner of this board. Congratulations, Shelsea! We hope you’ll send us photos of you surfing that board soon. A big thank you to Brandy & Rob Chang for their coordination of the evening’s events, what a FUN night for all—great job, once again! And a BIG thank you to our sponsors who donated so generously, and to all our lovely models, dancers, hostesses and security for your time and hard work… and Senor Frogs!

Surf buddies, Victor & Dan (WSSM)

Body glitter time!!

Gary, Yukiko, and friends

(below- back row) Kaipo, Dan, Sean, Dan, Chris. (Front row) Chauntee, Tiff, Nikki

Heather & Loraine

Host & hostess, Kainalu and Erica Happy guests

(below) WSSM show coordinator, Rob Chang, Heather & Chauntee

Naomye, Jolene, Doni

Cory in Nani Bikini

Naomye in LollieRocks

Ladies & gentleman... Goodnight! (front row) Dan & John (l-r) Jolene, Katie, Jill, Sandra, Stephanie, Doni, Brian, Jaimee, Phil, Cory, Claire, Kainalu Claire in hair & makeup by Belle Torre Academy & Fab Beauty Hawaii

Sean Sweet of Sweet Waterwear, gives Dan a thumbs-up after his segment of the fashion show

WSSM security: Sean, Logan, beautiful show coordinatorBrandy Chang, Kaipo, Dan, Kris, Shane

Jill in LollieRocks

Claire in Nani Bikini

Claire in Bikini Thief

Doni, Naomye, Jaimee & Brian, in Sweet Waterwear

Malia and Belly Dancers in Paradise

To view the entire bikini collections by Lollie Rocks, Bikini Thief and Nani Bikini, and for more behind-the-scenes photos from this event, visit the following websites: Top two rows- photos by: Wilber Bergado | wbergadophoto.com Two middle rows- photos by: Gary Miyata | garymscreations.com Nikki & Kristiana

Yukiko & friends, stoked on their WSSM shirts

Tiffany, Chauntee, Heather

Two bottom rows- photos by: Elliott Wong | wahinesurfer.net

Belly Dancers in Paradise

Jesse, Kristiana & Lorena re-stock their giveaway goodie bags

Jolene & JIll, in LollieRocks

Trieu

Love the Violet Love Headbands!

Katie, Jolene, & Jill in Bikini Thief

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LIFESTYLE

. . . Living Beautiful

Bbox

EAUTY

Fashion and Celebrity Makeup Artist Roxy

hand selects some of her favorite makeup and skin products perfect on land or in the water. Email her your questions at: roxy@roxylook.com

Photo: Ashley Barrett | ashley-barrett.com

URBAN DECAY Midnight Cowboy Body Shimmer Lotion “This lotion not only helps to give your body the perfect sheen with its microsparkles, it also hydrates and offers anti-oxidant ingredients like Avocado Oil and Green Tea Extract. You can expect a soft scent of milk and honey to be left over your skin, and you can also expect to find ZERO Parabens, making this lotion’s glow healthy for you, inside and out.” www.urbandecay.com

TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup System “Temptu revolutionizes flawless makeup by creating this sleek and easy to use airbrush system. The Airpod foundation cartridges are packed with the perfect level of pigment, skin hydrators and breathable silicone leaving you with incredible long-lasting coverage that looks natural. The control of this airbrush is amazing, so much product is saved, so ultimately your dollars are, too. I love how hygienic it is, making it great for acneic skin. This is the closest thing to having your makeup professionally done on a daily basis.” www.sephora.com

LAURA MERCIER Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer

“Laura takes her amazing Tinted Moisturizer to the next level. This product now also comes in a formula that offers different levels of sheer illumination to match your skin tone while still giving it that flawless coverage, hydration and SPF protection. I love that you can wear this all over as a base OR simply as a highlighter, making it a convenient two-in-one product.” www.lauramercier.com

KORRES Evening Primrose Eye Cream “Preventing is easier than erasing, but this eye cream will help do both. I love the natural ingredients, like Evening Primrose and Ruscus Extracts, that deliver quality hydration while also helping to diminish dark circles and fine lines. Zinc, my favorite and natural sun block, is the SPF element to this effective and non-irritating eye cream.” www.korresusa.com

KATE SOMERVILLE ExfoliKate “This is easily one of my favorite skin care products out there right now. It contains an amazing arsenal of ingredients such as Fruit Enzymes that instantly remove dead skin cells and kill bacteria. The Essential Oils not only smell delicious, but they also help to soothe your skin. After just one application, your complexion will look refreshed like you just left the spa. Be prepared to be addicted.” www.katesomerville.com

WELEDA Skin Food “An absolute staple in my makeup kit and personal skin care regimen. This incredible moisturizer uses only natural and organic ingredients such as Sunflower Seed and Sweet Almond Oil for their Vitamin E and Essential Fatty Acids to nourish your skin. It also delivers antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties through Organic Pansy Extract and Rosemary which help with irritation and calms your skin. It’s excellent under makeup to help bring out a healthy glow and it so smells amazing: it’s plain and simply a MUST HAVE.” www.weleda.com

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Ask ROXY

Q: I train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and have been having a problem keeping my hair healthy while I train.

The little hairs that frame my face keep breaking so I’m really contemplating wearing one of those headgears to protect them, but I would prefer not to. Any advise on how I can keep my long tender tresses healthy and damage free so I still feel cute and confident while rolling on the mat? TAMMY CHANG | Honolulu, HI

A: “Lucky for you, I also

train in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu and have long hair so I can totally relate! My advice is to comb a leave-in-conditioner through your hair so it becomes denser. Once you comb a good amount in, pull it up into a bun or into a braid. This should help to keep all of your little hairs safe from harm while also giving your hair a conditioning treatment. Not only will you be protecting your hair, but you will be rejuvenating it too! This is also great to do before surfing because the leave-in-conditioner will help to prevent the salt water from penetrating and damaging your hair. I LOVE products like NANI’s Leave-in-Conditioner because it is rich in all natural ingredients such as Kukui Nut, Bamboo and Noni Fruit that truly nourish your hair and leave it smelling amazing too. Hope that helps! Roxy XXX

sexy hand-made bikinis

B I K I N I

nanibikini.com or come see the new styles first on:

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LIFESTYLE

. . . Daily Fitness

OGA

balancing your life

By Zofia Karubin -- Certified Yoga Instructor

The tree pose is excellent in helping us focus the mind, get centered, regain balance in our energy and in our life. All balancing poses are excellent for improving our surfing ability. Balancing on the ground is so much easier than balancing on the water, and the benefits of doing balancing yoga poses on the ground will make surfing even more fun, because you get so much more in tune with your body, your mind, and your whole being. With the arms stretched up in tree pose, it opens up the lungs and frees up your breath, and the breath brings calmness and peace. The tree pose also strengthens and stretches your feet, legs, hips and joints. The tree pose is fun and easy and the results can be felt instantly. Before you start, you can do some gentle stretches to warm up your body and remember you may do any variation of the tree pose that is right for you. You know your body best, so be sure to listen to the messages your body is sending. Don’t force or strain in any way. Each yoga pose should feel relaxing and should be relieving stress in your body and mind, not creating it. Be sure to breathe naturally through each pose and don’t hold your breath--allow your breath to flow. After doing the tree pose for a few breaths on each side, you might notice that it’s easier to balance one side than the other, this is natural, just be gentle with yourself and if you lose balance, try again and breathe. (If you have any health concerns, check with your health care provider before doing this or any exercise program)

y Tree Pose (Vrksasana) Hangin’ five on the rocks of Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California

B A

Focus on one point in front of you. Balance on one foot and spread your toes out, and gently lift the other foot up against the calf, the knee of the bent leg is pointing out to the side. Be sure to place the foot on the calf, and not the knee. With arms outstretched, reach toward the sky while remaining grounded and rooted in the earth. Allow the breath to flow smoothly and naturally. Relax into this pose for as long as comfortable, then balance on the other foot.

BIO: Zofia Karubin has been practicing yoga since childhood, and has been teaching yoga for adults, kids, and teens in Los Angeles, California for over a decade. Visit the WSSM website to see more yoga articles from previous issues of WSSM. Photos by On It Pro, We give you the edge, the rest is up to you!

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When you are ready, focus on one point in front of you, balance on one foot with your toes spread out and lift the other foot against the thigh, always place the foot on the thigh, and not the knee, and the knee of the bent leg is pointing to the side. The heel should be pushing into the thigh while the thigh pushes into the heel, creating a lock that helps to stay balanced. Bring the palms together at the heart or over your head and feel the energy shift as it flows up through the roots of your feet to the top of your head and to the tips of your fingers. Continue breathing naturally and with the awareness of feeling grounded and connected to the earth and the sky. Remain in this pose for as long as comfortable and repeat on the other side. F

LIFESTYLE

. . . An Organized Home

BCloset -Kay’s

by Bethany K.

Manage your home more efficiently... with these useful tips and ideas

CLOSET CHAOS

For one month, hang your clean (or worn clothes that just need airing) in the opposite direction. This will be the evidence of what you actually wear and what you don’t. Studies have shown we only wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. Is it time to drop off a bag at your local second-hand clothing shop? u

REFRIGERATOR BLISS

So we all want to eat healthier, save money, and have food ready in seconds. Well, though it’ll still take a few minutes to assemble, try using wire baskets in your refrigerator to organize your meals. Such as, put everything you’ll need for a delicious sandwich...deli meat, cheese, mustard, pickles, etc. in one basket. Same for salads. In just one quick trip to the fridge you’ll have everything you need right there. You’ll be much more likely to not eat out if it’s easier to fix and enjoy. u

EASY Chocolate Cream Pie

NO MORE TV

If you want to cut down on the time you and especially your children watch TV, set your television and equipment on a rolling stand and put it away in a closet. That way you’ll still have it for special occasions, but it’ll eventually become “out of site, out of mind”. F

A Used Kitchen...

is a Happy Kitchen

From Sandra Olson

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. milk 1 tbsp. sugar 6 oz. cream cheese (room temp) 1 (8 oz.) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed & divided in half 1 pre-made graham cracker crust 2 cups COLD milk 2 packages (4-serving size) chocolate or devils food chocolate instant pudding & pie filling

DRAWER SENSE

Though it may seem weird, you can also fold your clothes inside out before putting them in your dresser drawers. This, again, will show you what you actually use, and as an extra bonus, you’ll never have to worry about putting on a shirt or socks that have spiders in them because you’ll be exposing the little critters when you turn things right side out to wear.

RCorner ecipe

*Optional: 1. Substitute a chocolate graham cracker crust for more flavor. 2. Butterscotch chips add a burst of flavor, when used sparingly. 3. Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to chocolate mixture, for additional texture and chocolaty-ness!

Directions:

In medium sized bowl, mix together (whisk) 1 tbsp. milk, sugar and cream cheese, until smooth. Gently fold in 1/2 the whipped topping, till just blended (do not overmix). Set to the side. In a large bowl, mix together the pudding and 2 cups milk, for 1 minute, and until well blended- It will be very thick. Whisk in the remaining 1/2 of the whipped topping, and spread in graham cracker crust. Spoon cream cheese mixture on TOP of the chocolate mixture, completely covering the chocolate mixture, creating mounds for a more interesting appearance. Garnish by shaving chocolate chips (or butterscotch chips) on top. Store in and refrigerate for 3 hours, before eating.

POST-SURF Lentil Stew

Direct from Mexico, warm up from the inside out with this hearty stew

Ingredients:

1/2 bag of lentils 6 cups water 1 can stewed or diced tomatoes 1 can green chilis 2 cloves garlic 1/2 tsp. cumin 2 tbsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. pepper 6-10 sprigs fresh cilantro 1 cup cubed ham 2 slices bacon, cut into 1/4 in. pieces 1 cube chicken bouillon (do not add until AFTER cooking)

Directions:

In blender, combine tomatoes, onion powder, garlic & cilantro, and puree until smooth. In large pot, combine lentils, water, tomato mixture, cubed ham, bacon, and all spices EXCEPT chicken bouillon cube. Bring to a boil, then simmer (covered) for 45-55 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, dissolve 1 cube of chicken bouillon in 1/4 cup of HOT water, and add to the stew.

WARNING: Adding the chicken bouillon too early, can cause the skins of the lentils to harden from the salt. So add this LAST! *Optional: Top with a scoop of sour cream and your favorite salsa for a spicier, mexican flavor. Substitute 1/2 a fresh onion, for onlion powder if desired.

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LIFESTYLE

. . . Essential Luxuries Polka.com in green

BIG X in black/purple

X-perience ICON Series in yellow

Ppicks

ublisher

As a publisher, I come across a lot of great products...

but some of them stand out among the rest as real stars. I can recommend these products because I’ve personally used them and found them to be useful, effective, beautiful, and a great value. -- Sandra Olson

Tanker in purple Splat in green/orange

Polka.com in pink

X-Trak Traction Pads “Is your board looking old and worn, but you don’t have the cash to buy a new one? Often all you need is a little upgrade, some surfboard TLC that comes in the forms of new wax and leash, but even better, try a new traction pad! X-Trak offers a huge selection of colors and styles to compliment all personalities, helping breathe new life into your stick.Who knows.. with one of these new traction pads... you might be able to surf faster!” www.xtrak.com

SMART GIRLS WHO SURF Non-Whitening Mineral SPF 30+ Sunscreen “Formulated with natural ingredients, and containing NO parabens or chemical sunscreen actives like octinoxate or oxybenzone. It’s sweat resistant, and won’t sting your eyes or run. Made in the USA... I highly recommend this for your face!” www.smartgirlswhosurf.com

“Have you noticed? Scarves are in! Whether you wear them as a tropical “winter jacket”, or as a nice layering piece that adds color and texture... they offer the opportunity to let YOUR unique personality shine. “Useful” fashion? YES!”

ORGANIK Swallowtail Scarf “This bamboo/rayon, eco-friendly scarf, with its dozens and dozens of little swallowtails, is like bringing a breath of fresh air with you all day. Shown in aqua, it is lightweight and breathable, just perfect for a summer night.” www.theorganik.com

VIOLET LOVE Scarf “Violet Love, known for her couture elegance and luxurious fabrics, has created one of the most useful scarves I’ve ever worn. 72” length x 20” width makes this scarf useful around the shoulders like a shawl, or tied loosely for a splash of color at your neck. Made of Hacci knit, it’s luxuriously soft to the touch, and machine washable.” www.violetloveheadbands.com

AIRWALK JIM Plastic, in Lipstick Red

CALAVERA Fierce in Diamond “Brand new, surfer girl swimwear, tested in Costa Rica and refined to work in all surf conditions. This diamond pattern over black makes this sexy suit striking, eye-catching and fierce. Side velcro strap bottoms (reinforced with elastic for extra security), make this suit one-of-a-kind, and is sure to be a favorite in your bikini collection.” www.calaveraswimwear.com

“Move over, blue suede shoes... and make way for my “Lipstick Red”, shiny patent leather JIM Plastics! This limited edition shoe (only 300 pairs), featuring the original Airwalk JIM silhouette from the ’90s, is so much fun... it brings color and life to any outfit. Get yours now before they’re all gone... Classic!” www.airwalk.com

CUSHE Fossil-Flop

NANI HAIR CARE Moisturizing Conditioner & Leave-In Spray Conditioner

“Flip-flops, slippers... whatever you want to call them, no summer is complete without a die-hard pair that you know you can rely on. Cushe- well known for their anatomical fit and quality, designed this soft blown rubber footbed and outsole to be extra comfy, with the perfect amount of arch support. Shown in raspberry/ blackcurrent.” www.cushe.com

“After years of testing hair products for the magazine, Nani Hair Care’s Leave-In spray conditioner is by FAR my favorite and #1 recommended product for surfer hair! 4-6 spritzes after a surf sessen, work it through, and watch in amazement as the tangles simply disappear. It REALLY works!! Use the moisturizing conditioner after shampooing, and together, these two products will have you well armed against the ocean’s rough elements. It gets better... they’re also Sulfate free, Paraben free, and Glycol free!” www.nanihair.com

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SURF STOKED

. . . live, breathe, surf

SURFING THE By Mary Osborne and Shane Cohn

At first it was like rolling thunder, and more mythical than our mortal minds could have ever imagined...

The Qiantang tidal bore surged into the Hangzhou Bay with ethereal power. A massive, absurdly rapid edifice of white water suddenly appeared, throttling through the bottleneck of the bay. It sounded like we were on the LAX runway with a 757 bearing down on us. But we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. We were on the other side of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;China. The four of us were bobbing on two jet skis in the bumpy Qiantang river, the rain getting heavier, hearts beating harder. Gut check:

We were about to ride the Silver Dragon.

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Photos by: Charles Lanceplaine, Glenn Brumage, Wingnut Weaver, Shane Cohn, Mary Osborne

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SURF STOKED

. . . live, breathe, surf

Professional surfers, Mikala Jones, Robert “Wingnut” Weaver, Jamie Sterling and me, were invited by Wasbono International, the sponsor of the 3rd annual China Action Sports Expo and Surfing China Festival, to surf the world’s largest bore Sept. 23-25. Known as the Silver Dragon, the bore has reached heights between 20-30 feet and moves as fast as 25 miles/hr. In theory the bore can be surfed for more than 80 miles in the Hangzhou Bay. This natural phenomenon occurs once a year when the sun, moon and earth align, naturally creating an astrological spark that causes rushing incoming tides to funnel into the shallow river. Depending on the lunar impact, bores will take on various sizes. The Qiantang is known for its “undular bore” which is a massive, clean and surfable wave, followed by a train of secondary waves. “Most amazing wave I have ever seen,” said Wingnut. “The first look each day at the wave was so weird. This giant wall of whitewater stretching all the way across the river was just a total head trip.” The bore is also steeped in Chinese mythology, which alone drapes the river in a sort of spiritual, otherworldly texture. The myth tells the story about how the bore was unleashed on the river to punish an emperor, who had assassinated one of his generals, as he was a potential rival to his throne. To gain favor with the heavens and to stifle the river’s revenge, the Song Dynasty erected the Six Harmonies Pagoda (200 ft) on top of the Yuelun Mountains, overseeing the city. For the past two years, the Chinese government has allowed four

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surfers each year to surf the bore during the Autumn Festival, as a way of introducing surf culture to China. Jamie surfed the bore last year as a participant in the Expo, and was invited back with our group. “I never in my wildest dreams thought that my surfing career would take me to China,” said Jamie. “This was the longest waves of my life and I’m sure the longest wave I’ll ever surf. It’s so different to any other surf trip I’ve been on because you anticipate the wave arriving at an exact time. It’s like you have a date with the river.” We were the third installment of surfers to ever showcase the sport of surfing during the annual festival; and I would be the first woman to ever surf the Dragon.

I gripped tightly to Wingnut as he turned the throttle of the jet ski and raced toward the oncoming bore.

I glanced behind me toward the launch ramp: ambulance, police cars, government officials, and harbor patrol. Further beyond was the Six Harmonies Pagoda and 300,000 spectators along bridges and massive defense walls that lined the river. This was going to be one hell of a ride. My first site of the wave was mind blowing. A massive wall of whitewater quickly increasing in size and heading directly towards us. Jaime was the first surfer up and riding. A glassy, 8-foot left hand wall of perfection opened up for him to tear apart. Wingnut and I chased the Silver Dragon back and forth until it opened up into a surfable wave. I quickly wrapped my leash around my leg and jumped off the back of the ski with my board. Paddling as fast as I could, I felt the energy pick me up and glide me across the river. It was a perfect left for what seemed like miles. Then, just as my legs got the shakes, the wave closed out. I rode on my knees for a few moments to give my legs a break, and suddenly the wave opened up to the right. I was up and riding again. It continued like this. A one wave succession of rights and lefts. It truly was a longboarders dream wave. And it only got better during the next two days. Glassier. Bigger. Sunnier. And this was synonymous with the Expo itself. In the city, the streets closed down for the talented crew of pro skateboarders going big on vert ramps> Stand-up paddlers demonstrated the new sport in a makeshift pool, and bikini models showed off the newest western bikini wear. While all the fun and games were occurring outside, inside the convention center was an entirely different ball game. Elite board sports business owners from the United States lined the panels. They were fielding questions from curious Chinese business men and women about how to build board sports and its lifestyle in China. In 2008, SIMA Retail Distribution study estimates surf/skate retail sales over $7.22 billion in the US alone, at a population of 304 million. Multiply that by the Chinese population of 1.2 billion and one can easily see that opportunity for this industry is knocking at the door. I have a feeling the Silver Dragon may soon bring this land waves of gold. F

SURFING THE

Photos by: Charles Lanceplaine, Glenn Brumage, Wingnut Weaver, Shane Cohn, Mary Osborne

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SURF STOKED

. . .

Words by Nina Dacanay Photos by Philippine Surfing Academy

W A H I N E

ahine in the Making

hits Philippine shores Surfing is a growing sport in the

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Philippine Islands as more and more people are taking to the local shores and discovering that the beaches not only have the ideal, soothing sands and tropical weather, but also beautiful waves to ride. The Philippines, being an archipelago with more than 7,000 islands, is surrounded by water…cool, refreshing, inviting water. With the local’s trademark hospitality, not to mention the frequency of storms and tropical depressions, there is no reason for the surf culture to go too long without thriving in this part of the Pacific where some areas have been identified as good, boast-worthy surfing spots. As in many other things, though, surfing in the Philippines is also male-dominated. Zoom in on the 4-day Wahine Camp held last July, 2010, which attempts to slowly change that by introducing Filipinas to the popular board sport. Fifteen (15) Filipina water babies of all shapes, ages, complexions and sizes rode the waves in the Wahine Surf Camp, a first-of-its-kind surfing program for women, by the Philippine Surfing Academy (www.philippinesurfingacademy.com). The ages of the participants varied over a wide spectrum as junior as eight years old to thirty-five years young. Some were complete surf virgins while others had tried their hand in surfing before, but with no consistent practice. Regardless of the date of birth, the common interest to explore another skill and another angle of the great outdoors (not to mention the cute, pink, uniform rash guards), bound this posse together like sisters. To them, the only date that mattered was their date with each other over four full days of cool, wet fun and learning under the sun. Getting Their Feet Wet Before diving right into the water, the girls were given the rundown on the basics: the different parts of the surfboard, handling, safety and surf awareness, positioning, standing, correct stance, paddling and catching waves – all in the comfort of solidly wet ground. Let me explain. You see, the Wahine Surf Camp (and most lessons of the Philippine Surfing Academy for beginners) was held in the safety of a wave pool in Club Manila East in Taytay, Rizal, a resort that can be reached after a short 30-minute drive out from the urban

Ortigas business center. The lecture was given while the students perched themselves Indian-seat on the man-made shore of the pool, their bums catching the ebb and flow of the chlorinated water. The concrete floor of the pool might cause some bumps and bruises to the student, especially when wipeouts happen towards the shallow part, but one sees it better to incur bruises than bloody cuts from rocks and reefs. The instructors, certified surf coaches by the Academy of Surfing Instructors Australia, acknowledge that the danger of the unknown in open water adds to the anxiety of the newbies and so the sanitized and controlled setting of the wave pool is ideal for one’s first falls and mistakes. To add to the precautions, the soft boards used for the lessons make for less impactful blows in case of accidents. Infusing Feminine Movement The first two days of the camp not only dealt with the rudiments of surfing, but also included unique training activities, Yoga and Poi, which added colorful flavor and variety to the programme, much to the delight and enjoyment of the girls. The yoga positions targeted developing flexibility and core strength, as well as balance -- very important for staying on deck. Poi or Zipping is an enjoyable recreation and a type of performance art on Philippine beaches, especially in nighttime entertainment when performed by professionals with balls of fire. It worked out the shoulders and the back and taught the wahines coordination, poise, finesse and graceful movement…something girls are very much attuned to, rather than frenetic flailing of arms while cruising on a wave. These exercises offered something different, while at the same time stayed very connected to the free-flowing nature of surfing culture. Together, they helped strike a balance by complementing the masculine, athletic side of surfing with the woman’s soft touch. The REAL Deal On the third day, the Academy brought the class to Real (pronounced rey-al), Quezon, the beach of choice to expose the girls to the open water and to some baby waves. The proximity of Real to the metro -- only 100 km away from Manila –

makes it a relatively close and convenient place to catch some waves over a not-so-long weekend. Coach EJ Ventura sees this as the camp’s highlight since the girls were all nervous. You could see that it was their first time and they were giving their best. EJ had a bit of a challenge assisting the students due to the water current. With coaches assisting all throughout the beach day, the girls put the theory of the first two days into practice in preparation for the camp competition the next day. Complete with sting in the eyes, they took in the sun, the tasty saltiness of the water, the continuous arrival and sloshing of waves (with no lulls, like the wave pool). Learning Differences Comparing the learning of male and female surfers, EJ shares that women learn faster. It’s better teaching girls… they accept that they still don’t know how to surf. Unlike guys who have their pride. My experience tells me that guys don’t want to be helped, even if they really don’t know how to surf. In their minds, they already know. Girls, on the other hand, ask a lot of questions.” Lorraine Lapus, the first female instructor to be certified by the certifying body in the Philippines, seconds that women tend to be more open and have a natural sense of balance. The Winner’s Wave Waving hello to the familiar wave pool on Day 4, the surf competition was held back in the comfortable, safe environment of Club Manila East. Each surfer had 10 waves or chances to impress the judges. No coach was part of the panel. Criteria for judging included stance, correct form, length ride, and skill in maneuvering the board. And so the three days of intensive training and preparation came to this wave of winners: 1st: Joanna Katrina Magalong, 2nd: Jazel Justiniani, 3rd: Marcella Lyon, and 4th: Zoe Lim. The winners were awarded in trademark surfer style with a night of bands, good food and freebies from event sponsors! The Wahine Says: 18-year-old Zoe Lim, placed fourth and represents the median age of the participants. She was really surprised about the skill of the younger 8-year old participant(Marcella) in the camp who outranked her. But she enjoyed the camp just the same. To her, “a session of surfing during the weekend makes my mood soar up and it lasts for the whole week. I would really recommend [it] to other girls. It’s good exercise and it gets you close to nature.” Zoe plans to continue surfing during her weekends after the weekdays in school. The Coaches Say: Both Lorraine and EJ hope for a promising future for surfing in the Philippines. To the would-be female surfers out there, Lorraine advises: Don’t over-think it. The best way to go surfing is to just have fun. Everyone will wipe out. But she assures that it’s all part of the experience. EJ adds: Don’t be afraid. Try it out first. He had a student before who really didn’t want to surf, but once she tried it, she changed her mind. It’s not that dangerous because there are coaches around and they will not expose the student where there will be danger or if there is a mismatch in their skill level. At the end of the successful 4-day Wahine camp, one that may well be held annually, the participants have a lot to be stoked about – a warm glow emanating from their toasty tan as well as their renewed sense of confidence and accomplishment. F Learn more about surfing in Manila by visiting: www.surfingacademy.multiply.com www.clubmanilaeast.com

SURF STOKED

. . . live, breathe, surf

Goodbye, Corporate World... now has my heart. In the early 2000’s, Tierza Eichner worked at a now defunct Internet advertising agency until the dot-com bust left her unemployed.

Instead of jumping straight into corporate job-hunting, the 33 year old chose to take a surf trip to Central America, a hobby she picked up the year prior after several failed attempts. Here she would clear her head and ponder her next move. Her trip through Central America was cut short when she arrived at her first stop, Costa Rica, and fell in love with the people, culture and surf breaks of the coastal community of Malpais. She was supposed to stay one week, instead she stayed for 5 months. It was here while experiencing the rush of traveling, surfing, meeting new people, she realized her desire to share this experience with others and began contemplating the idea of starting a surf camp. She headed back to the US and started sketching out plans. In 2003, she officially abandoned the idea of going back to corporate life, started Pura Vida Adventures and began calling Malpais her home. She made Pura Vida Adventures a surf camp that is truly dedicated to the art of surfing. There is superb surf instruction for all levels, individually designed surf programs based on skill level and experience, a wide collection of premium surf boards and the freedom to “go where the waves are”. You can be sure that surfing always comes first at Pura Vida Adventures.

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Biggest obstacles faced… “The biggest

obstacle I faced was my personal fear of failure. I had never owned my own business, and starting one in a foreign country was very scary. In the beginning, I questioned myself constantly and wondered if I was making the right choices and decisions. I overcame these fears by believing in myself and realizing that there were no “real” obstacles stopping me from starting this business, just my own moments of self-doubt. As I worked on this business, everything just fell into place. I realized that I was meant to go down this path and start Pura Vida Adventures, which in the end completely changed my life and made me such a happier person. I like to use a surfing analogy. Whenever I am fearful or feel uncomfortable while surfing, I usually don’t surf that well. I question my judgment and usually don’t take that many waves, if any at all, because I don’t trust myself. But when I believe in myself and don’t let the fear take over my emotions, I have a great day surfing and in my mind I surf like a rock star and I feel alive and free. It’s ok to be afraid at times, but always being fearful will hold you back from what you truly can become.”

Greatest lessons learned… “I’ve learned that the sky is

the limit! Surfing and starting Pura Vida Adventures has made me realize that we are all capable of accomplishing anything. Just put your mind to it and believe in yourself and anything can happen. It’s empowering to realize that the world is your oyster and that by making your own decisions you can become the person you want to be. I feel that the road less traveled like Robert Frost’s poem says, is the best road to take. My philosophy is to consume life and enjoy every last morsel.”

Staying strong… “I’ve drawn inspiration from many sources of influence in my life, but these words ring true for me,“Feel the fear and do it anyway.” F

Learn more about Tierza’s journey... www.PuraVidaAdventures.com

Photos: Pura Vida Adventures

SURF STOKED

. . . live, breathe, surf

SPOTLIGHT ON by Amanda Rigney

Summertime at San Onofre is nothing if not the quintessential Southern California surf scene-- beach barbecues, long days on the sand, fun waves and good times. Perched on the border of Orange County, San O is a longboarding haven offering gentle rolling waves and a laid back vibe. From I-5, exit Basilone Rd, head toward the ocean and follow the signage. Access does have a pay-to-play aspect in that rangers collect a parking fee at the gate before allowing you to drive down to the beach. There’s a limit to the number of cars let in, so when capacity is met, expect to queue up and wait your turn: one car out = one car in. On weekends, holidays and throughout the summer it’s not uncommon to wait over an hour. Your best bet? Arrive early. Optimal at a medium incoming tide,

San O is comprised of three peaks, each with their own distinct characteristics. Farthest north lies The Point, a rolling right and shorter left popular with noseride stylists, retro-revivalists and, on days with swell, the occasional shortboarder. Paddle south about 10 minutes and you’ll find yourself at Old Man’s, a mushy and extremely fun peak breaking both right and left about 200 yards offshore. Aptly named for the plethora of old dudes that surf here, this flat grassy reef attracts surfers of all stripes to it’s forgiving waves. Due south lies Dog Patch, San O’s third surfing area and the only break where SUP is permitted. A favorite amongst novice surfers, expect to see beginners being pushed into waves on the inside as SUPers and more skilled surfers share waves farther out.

BEST SWELL DIRECTION: S, SW BEST SIZE: waist to head high BOTTOM: cobblestone and grassy reef ABILITY: everyone HAZARDS: loose boards, wobbly beginners, the occasional juvenile white shark

Summer is the season when San O shines, as south swells roll and reform along its cobblestone bottom. Crowds go with the territory, but most people make a beach day of it, meaning that a steady rotation of surfing, sunning, hanging out, and barbecuing makes uncrowded moments a possibility. It’s best to pack a cooler with ample drinks and snacks as restaurants and grocery stores require a drive north. If you do head into town, Pedro’s Tacos is inexpensive, fast and super satisfying -- their bean and cheese burritos with guacamole are well worth a look. F

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BEST TIDE: medium

FUN: 9

a n

by Da t r A i f r

Original oil paintings, art cards & giclée prints © by Canadian artist Daina Deblette Scarola

www.ArtByDaina.com

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SURF STOKED

. . . live, breathe, surf

Tips & Tricks

Find the CHARGER within... By Sandra Olson | Photo by: Gabriel Fernandez Professional Photography, facebook.com/secretsurf

“I recently got back from a trip to El Salvador… had the time of my life, went up a few levels in surfing (thanks to the 125+ wave count in a week), and was pushed to the max during a disastrous paddle out at Punta Roca. I miss-timed my set, underestimated the combination of the rocky bottom and extreme side-shore current of the 12wave set. Overall—I was sucking air, arms tingling, and praying for God’s help JUST to make it to the outside, and away from the rapidly approaching pier and oncoming sets. The feeling of helplessness, yet without anyone capable of helping in sight and knowing that physically, I was the only one that could get me out of the situation, with what seemed like MINUTES of panic/calm/panic—I haven’t felt that in years!

Surfing is awesome for that… It teaches you lessons you thought you already learned, and ultimately- who’s in control out there—and it usually isn’t the surfer.

When I returned to the States, I posted the photo on this page of another great wave called Las Flores, to my facebook, where a friend of mine, and beginner surfer- Nicole, commented ”you need to write an article, to teach girls like us, to charge like you do!” With the “beating” at Punta Roca still fresh in my minds eye, the posting of this message made me laugh out loud (literally) as I thought to myself—“if you only KNEW! I’m not charging… I’m surviving!” But in retrospect, she was right, I WAS charging. Of course, it’s always easy to be your biggest critic. When comparing this wave to others that used to scare me in my early years as a surfer, I guess I HAVE come a long way. My technicals on a wave leave a LOT to be desired… but, I charge! It took years, and I’m still FAR away from where I want to be as a surfer, but I am charging! So, for those of you just starting out, that have the basics, but struggle with riding bigger waves, I thought I’d put together some of the “wisdom” I’ve learned over the years. I now ask YOU the question… Are you ready to CHARGE? 66 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Surf with someone BETTER than you

This is KEY to progressing and getting through the mental barriers you are going to face. Luckily, my (very patient) husband, Dan, taught me how to surf. I was usually the only girl in his group of guy friends that would jump in the minivan, loaded with far more boards and people than was probably legal, and off we’d go. They’d score TONS of waves, paddling back out to me (on the outside) with the “It’s not as big as it looks!” or, “The takeoff is really smooth… you can do it!” After what seemed like hours of paddling for/pulling off, and overall, freaking myself out… I finally would get the courage to paddle as hard as I could and drop in- usually on an outside set- since that is where I was sitting. They were always right--it wasn’t so bad ON my feet… it was just looking down that face that was the real problem. Thus, the “better” surfer that I followed through thick and thin over the years was definitely Dan. He started surfing a solid 5 years before I did, and had already tackled the mountains of doubt I was just beginning to climb. It was actually a BIG help to see him drop in on a bomb, and make it! I would tell myself “well, he made it, I know him and though he kicks booty surfing, and has guns for paddle arms vs. my noodles—he’s human… I can do it too!” and off I’d go. You want to find someone better than yourself, that you look up to, and when they catch a wave, you catch the very next one. If they duck-dive a set, you duck-dive it too! You will naturally progress just by this one technique of playing “follow the leader”.

Get your 1st wave as soon as you can!

The longer you wait to get that first wave, the more your head is going to talk you out of it. It doesn’t matter if you wipe-out. That’s 50% of surfing anyway. At least you will get your first wipe-out out of the way! You’re water soaked, the adrenalin is pumping, and you can use this burst of energy to try again—before your head talks you out of it. Then, get your second wave immediately after that- feeding on the adrenalin.

Don’t be a bouy in big waves You’re

out there to surf… SO SURF! No need to sit there and bob along, getting in the way of other surfers and their waves, and letting your mind run away in fear. And don’t sit so far out, you begin to drift away with the current. The longer you sit, the bigger the waves will seem, and you’ll leave feeling defeated by the half-hearted effort that only YOU will feel inside—and trust me, you’ll feel it. Only those who truly try- will ride a wave, experiencing something that only a surfer understands.

Get in FRONT of the wave! Not on

the side of, next to, or “sorta” close to the where the wave is breaking. Get in FRONT of it! The smooth, glassy, somewhat flat shoulder- while tempting with its solitude, is not a wave. In the business world there’s a saying “Get in the way of progress…” same applies here. If the white water is consistently more than 15-20 feet from you, as the sets roll through, your chances of catching one are greatly reduced, and you’re going to wear yourself

out, getting frustrated “trying”. You’re main goal out there is to catch waves so that you can get better at surfing and catch MORE waves. So lineup positioning and moving onto the “peak” is something that the more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll be in that position, and the more chances you have of catching/riding multiple waves.

Look at where you want to be—not where the nose of your board is headed This was a hard one for me. I learned

on an 8’2”, without much rocker, so I continuously “pearled”. That makes dropping in even scarier- the fear of going head-first into anything is just foreign to humans. SO, the best way to get to where you want to go (further down the face of the wave) is to force yourself to look a good 8-12 feet in front of your board and down the line-- in the direction that you’re trying to go. As you bring your knees and feet underneath you to stand… DON’T look at the nose of your board! Your peripheral vision will automatically keep an eye on the nose of your board—and will signal you if something is about to go wrong. In addition, by keeping your head looking up, this small change in balance (the average human head weighs 20 pounds!) will allow your body to naturally follow, and do what it knows how to do instinctively stand up and go. You’ll find yourself balancing better, foreseeing bumps and ledges in the wave face, as well as beatable sections- while wiping out less.

Find some positive words, a phrase, verse, or better yet- pray, and say it

out loud if need be-- to help pump yourself up in those LAST seconds when you’re paddling your hardest, trying to match the waves speed, as it grows like a roaring avalanche behind you. I’ve personally found (on Oahu’s north shore especially) that the words spoken softly to myself “you’ve surfed bigger than this before… you can do this!” with the word THIS timed for that LAST paddle/dip of your hand before charging down the face, has helped me tremendously! This allows you to focus on the REALITY of the wave’s size, and you’ll find your “braver” instincts take control. “God, please help me catch this one!”... with ONE timed at takeoff, is calming AND strengthening at the same time. Whatever helps you find your courage—go with it, and watch your wave count increase!

Fear is normal For most of us “non-pro”

surfers, you’ll find that if you’re not scared of the wave, at least just a tiny bit, it’s probably not a wave that’s catchable. It’s ok to be nervous. Deep breathing… in through the nose, and out the mouth- for 8 slow breaths, will help your body’s stress levels decrease. Unless you’re in REALLY big surf, you’re probably safer in the surf than walking down the street, so erase any negative, self defeating thoughts from your head, SMILE (your psyche will love the rush of happiness that comes from smiling), and dig as deep and hard as you can … bottling up all that fear you feel inside and THROWING IT, along with your body, in front of the wave! YOU GOTTA WANT IT! F

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SURF STOKED

. . . live, breathe, surf

by JENNY O.

KOOKY (4/01/2006)

“I want to try and explain the strangeness that is being a budding surfer. I seriously cringe whenever I try to explain my passion to non-surfers, because they all assume that I’ve done it more than I have, to be so stoked. When I tell them that yes, I’ve dropped close to $500 on accessories for a sport that I’ve actually done all of twice, and plan on dropping at least $500 more for a board, they get that, “Isn’t it cute and sad the way she’s throwing away all her money on a whim?” look on their faces. And so, when I wander into a surf-shop (or talk to any surfer, really) I feel all small and hesitant to say anything about my experience level, lest they give me that same look.

Photo by: Nathan Richey

I didn’t start surfing until my mid-twenties, at a time when I was living two hours from the wild Oregon coast. Since I have always been a pretty compulsive journaler, I am fortunate enough to have a written record of the earliest days of my love affair, and it struck me that some of what I had to say then might resonate with some of you reading this now...

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But here’s the thing- they understand. Not once has a “real surfer” given me that “You’re insane to think you’re in love with a sport you’ve done twice,” look. They have felt what I’ve felt, and they don’t question its validity. So, I am gaining more and more confidence in my obsession. I am feeling more and more comfortable walking up and asking all these beginner questions, because I want to know, and nine times out of ten, they want to teach me.

LABELS (5/04/2006)

“Cruising down 14, with Mt. Hood piercing the blue in front of me, and rustling green streaking past my peripheral, I keep glancing up at the shape that’s blocking the vibrant sun from streaming in through my sunroof- It’s a surfboard. My surfboard. My 8’10” Mini Longboard. I break into a delighted grin and drive a little faster, eager to get home and show her the new digs (that’s right, I anthropomorphize like nobody’s business). Maybe I’m just imagining it, but it seems like everyone is looking at me, at my beautiful board strapped to the top of my dirty green Civic. People are breaking into grins of their own. Some have looks of recognition and longing on their faces, - and those are the people I exchange knowing nods with. Every time I see a roof rack with pads or Quiksilver stickers I feel a rush of kinshipthere goes a water-sibling. A somewhat shallow part of me wishes for an O’Neill sticker of my very own. Or a comb for my key chain. I want everyone to know that I surf- I am a surfer! I want to jump up and holler it at the top of my lungs, tattoo it somewhere visible for the

I haven’t actually experienced the “tenth” instance of someone not wanting to share, but I’m sure there must be a grumpy surfer somewhere. I went down to Gorge Performance to look at boards and get a pair of booties, and had just the nicest kid helping me. That’s another thing- I always vaguely feel like I’m too old to be doing this (I’m 25 for Pete’s sake, and most people seem to start in adolescence- or even earlier!), but no one else seems to feel that way, and so it soothes my paranoia. At any rate, I’ve seen a board that I may buy (a Blue 7’10” Mini-Mal), but I need to look around a bit more. I also did buy a pair of booties (after trying on four different pairs I settled on yet another piece of O’Neill equipment; I feel like a total brand-whore, but I guess they just make stuff with my body-type in mind)... so the next time I go out I’ll be able to pick my way down the rocks with (relative) ease- that’s right, I don’t give a fig about warmth, I just wanted to protect my soles! So yeah, I feel a little awkward about my fierce desire to be a surfer, but I want it so badly that I don’t care how much of a fool I might look. And I guess that’s true love.” F

world to see. This is who I am, World- a tattooed, surfing artist! If we’re handing out labels, that’s the one I want… I cried as I left the surf shop. Joyful tears. I just started thinking about how happy I was in life, and how much more happy I was going to become, and the tears sprang up. It’s a different feeling than when you cry from self-pity. Makes me not mind crying so much. So now I’m at home, and she’s leaned up against the living room wall, horizontal. She’s too long to stand upright- almost too long to fit into my bedroom. As it is, she’ll fit, but I can’t actually do anything like walk. And so she lounges out here, for now. I’m thinking I want to get some straps or bars to hang her on the wall, because right now it’s just kind of humorous how much room there isn’t. I’ll hang her above my bed and drift off to sleep at night, gazing at her, going on to dream of swells and curls… I told my buddy I’m going to sleep with her tonight. I might not have been joking.” F

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SURF STOKED

. . . live, breathe, surf

A SURFER’S HEALING

by Laura Viviana

Photo: Ron Strain

I am on the shore of the East Coast of New Zealand, bent over in the rain and gawking at the largest, most beautiful jellyfish I have ever seen. Layers of cherry

red- magenta ripple throughout her crystalline body as waves teasingly rush up to her. She heaves, suctioning sand into herself as the overcast silver sunlight runs straight through her dying body. My mind flashes with memories of being six years old, riding in a helicopter to the hospital. I’ve learned how to walk a few times in my life. The second time was in a hospital room, a month after that airlift rescue. My sister Dawn, ten years my senior, stood at the end of the room saying “C’mon, C’mon—you can do it”. That summer, I got caught beneath a riding lawnmower and nearly lost my leg. My doctors were typical in their cynicism, yet incredible

in their willingness to take risks in the experimental surgeries; thus “She won’t live” turned to “She’ll live, but we will have to amputate.” Then, finally: “We don’t have to amputate, but we don’t think she’ll ever be able to walk”. With every step, the pain grew more excruciating— but Dawn insisted that I try. Over many years, wheelchairs led to crutches, which led back to wheelchairs, which led to more crutches and metal, sci-fi bone growth gadgets. By my thirteenth summer, my body had been through seventy hours of surgery and extensive time re-learning how to walk. Elated, I finally strolled along the beaches of Long Island, completely unaided. After an unexpected surgery at the age of eighteen, I wanted to make up for the three summer months I lost while bed-ridden. I took my first surf lesson in the Atlantic and stood up on my first wave, riding it all the way into shore. Balancing, I watched as noisy white gulls passed over my head and fiercely dove into the cool sea. Time stopped. Everything stopped, except my board, which sewed through the fresh Atlantic sea foam that gathered like a dress hem and spread blue to the coast. This was the first and last wave I would stand on until I washed up in New Zealand, six years later. I was living in the gorgeous Bay of Plenty on the North Island’s East Coast—ironic, because it’s known for its high unemployment rate and

Gillespies Beach, NZ Lotton Point, NZ Photos: Laura Viviana

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a large, sleepy retirement community. The speed limit is so slow there that little old ladies strolling on their bright red sidewalk scooters often pass car traffic. I had taken a very random job as a medical alarm operator, and when I wasn’t dispatching ambulances for elderly folk who had fallen out of their lounge chairs, I was watching the frigid winter waves roll in from the Pacific. I would stare in awe as rugged looking guys in slick black wetsuits skimmed the surface of the ocean, touching the emerald curl of a wave with their hand in one moment and wiping out in the next, their boards flipping in the white foam. Spring came. I got tired of watching. The next thing I knew, I was handing over my measly alarm operator paychecks in exchange for second hand gear. The first month was so challenging, I started to think I was never going to catch a wave. Just paddling out was nearly impossible; years ago my doctors had transplanted my laterals to my leg in order to save it, weakening my back. Now, on the other side of the world, I got pummeled over and over again in heaving waves that kept me under water for completely unreasonable amounts of time. Sometimes the board would hit my injured leg and due to nerve damage, the extraordinary pain felt like a thousand pin pricks. Another time, I made the terrible mistake of putting the board horizontally between me and the wave, and it crashed right into my throat. But none of it—not getting hurt countless times, being the only girl (or the only person… it’s very easy to get a whole beach to yourself in New Zealand) or sucking in front of nine year olds who effortlessly ripped past me, distracted me from the incredible joy of being on my board. Every time I went out, I came back banged up but also the slightest bit better; and I was falling hard, fast and deeply in love with surfing.

Growing up, I felt affected by the standards pushed by the mainstream culture, and it was easy to lose sight of the innate perfection of my body. After many years of dealing with the pitying stares of strangers, I found my deepest truth: nothing was wrong with me. I just have a different body than the standard, and while it created a lot of suffering, my accident also opened up my heart to know true courage. As a female surfer, incredible things began to happen to me: instead of an object to look at, my body became a tool, a pathway to bliss. Out there in the waves, my body isn’t just eye candy for guys on the beach or an oddity for strangers to remark on, it’s my own. Instead of it having things done to it, as it had my whole childhood, my body was doing things—it was paddling and duck diving and turtle rolling. Surfing healed parts of me that I had yet to come to terms with—the parts that were scared of my perceived shortcomings, my anger about all the pain I had gone through, and the fear that I couldn’t surf to begin with. Most of all, I healed through the incredible gratitude I felt as I lost myself inside of the sport— an organic, unexpected process of re-creation. One late spring day I was amped to get into the water, despite the fact that I hadn’t yet stood up. The swell was a perfect northeastern, the kind that makes the normally docile waves go off. The weather was volatile, the wind was strong and I got taken down shore in glassy green waters pitched against an inky sky. Then clouds rolled in, turning to heavy grey and peri-

winkle blue within seconds. I decided to get out and make a run back up shore to where I started when the sky turned lavender, and it began to pour—a squall. I pushed my way against the wind, which whipped my board against me, barely letting me move forward. That’s when I noticed all the beached jellies, lying like miniature galaxies with their infinite star-like spots, squirming in the sand. And there was the queen jelly, in her bright red glory, her dying body sagging and helpless. I was exhausted, but compelled to go for one more run. As I paddled out, the rain began to ease and I watched as the sun flooded the sky, casting a golden, glazed honey glow over the calm surface of the ocean. The clouds all but disappeared, leaving only a few pink and silver ones out to dry. After I snapped out of watching this display spread across the sky, I realized I was getting sucked out incredibly fast. I was in a very strong rip, the first one I had ever encountered, and I had no clue as to what I was supposed to do. I got taken farther and farther down shore and out, within seconds I was a quarter mile from where I started. Panicked, I quickly tired of fighting the currents. I sat on my board.

The beach was empty, the ocean was empty. I realized that I was the only one who could possibly get me out of this extremely precarious situation. I prayed and prayed for a wave that would actually take me. I waited. Then, out of nowhere, an enormous one swept me in closer to shore. “C’mon, C’mon! Take me in, Take me in” I whispered to myself. I kept paddling. As another wave crested and the white water rushed me further in, I felt myself smiling wider and wider. I needed one more to get me back. Then, she came. The curl was perfect, the wave glinted with light and as I took it, I pushed myself up with the hardest of efforts, and there I was, nothing between the water and sky except for me, and I was standing! My feet steadied themselves on the waxed surface beneath me, and as I looked back across the ocean, there began a big fat rainbow, starting at the water and moving up through the clouds. When I laid down breathless on the sand, the rainbow had arced perfectly over the sea. Surfing continues to be my greatest teacher. It’s one of those rare gifts in life—if you just show up, you’re altered, changed for the better. When I’m out there and really present, nothing else matters; I am meditative, encompassed by grace. Long after I peel off my wetsuit, the quiet strength that I cultivate in the ocean stays with me, nourishes me and reminds me that every moment of my life is an opportunity for exploration, a deep quest of revelation. F Follow Laura at: http://livfreelit.wordpress.com/ Main photos: Paul Jean wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 71

centerfold

WEBSITE: www.johnnyhelm.com

MOTTO TO LIVE BY: Have fun all the time

(Check out my new song with Jed Leiber called “Charity” on itunes or at nightbirdrecordingstudios.com)

OTHER FAVORITE PASTTIMES: Singer/Songwriter

FAVORITE SURFBOARD: 6’8” Sadoy

HOMEBREAK: Connecticut Shore

YEARS SURFING: 20

Age: 88 (?)

JOHNNY HELM

Photo: Daniel K. Fine Arts

Songs by Leiber & Helm available on iTunes or visit nightbirdrecordingstudios.com for more information

Photo by: Joel Sadoy

COMMUNITY.

. . I'm a Designer

Bikini Stop featuring Riggs

Where Surf & Sensibility... MEETS SEXY

and Pulley

Designer: Diane Arnn | Buy Online: RiggsandPulley.com | Questions: info@riggsandpulley.com

When you grow up on the beach,

you live in your bikini...

u HOW IT BEGAN... When you grow up on the beach, you live in your bikini. You even have a drawer dedicated to them. Like with any fashion apparel, there is always one brand that looks and fits like no other... one you could never replace. So after years of futile searching for a bikini that I could love as much as my old favorite bikini, I decided to just sit down and make it. The bikini was made from a cotton jersey material. So to save money I decided to use t-shirts to make the patterns. I would cut one out, sew it, try it on, and then make the adjustments when necessary. Through the quest, it became apparent that each individual t-shirt brought a soul or identity to the bikini, making each one truly unique. A quality upcycled shirt is important, but the color, patterns and message are critical to the actual design. Black Cat Firecracker, Super Woman, Double Bubble Blow Pop, are but a few examples of shirts that drive the design style. Each bikini is fully lined with a second t-shirt, and that shirt has to be the perfect color match to accentuate and complete the full design. I can find a t-shirt that will make a really hot bikini, but lack the perfect color t-shirt to use as the liner, so I have to wait until I find its complement to make it. The whole design has to work for me. It is incredible to see, but my studio has a wall of t-shirts that are just for bikini liners, that are separated by color, hue, and their subtle variances. It’s quite beautiful and produces a similar effect to looking at a new box of 128 crayons. Riggs and Pulley’s bikinis come in a custom drawstring bag designed from the same two t-shirts, and are embellished with beach combed seashells or sea glass. This is just another personalized touch, and the perfect way to keep your bikinis cared for and organized. u THE NAME... It was my intention to have a brand name that would allow me to branch into other products and mediums. I had to conjure up a name that was surprising and obscure, yet catchy and relevant, like the bikinis it would represent. When I started designing, I was working as a regional account executive for 20 states, and was continually on the road, so I had a lot of time to think. There was a short list of possible names I had put together, but nothing that screamed. Then one day on the road, I passed a “big rig” carrying a crane, and on the side it said something like “Watson’s Pulleys’ and it hit me, “Riggs and Pulley”! It was perfect. u THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS... We all love being stylish. The fashion and styles we choose conveys who we are, makes us feel special, and gives us confidence that defines our life. Surfers more specifically, have always had a very distinctive sense of style, and it resonates. It’s counter-culture, revolutionary, and always on the edge. Riggs and Pulley offers this to women who want something different, the something that no other girl will have or be wearing on their beach. Our bikinis can be playful, girly, tough, retro, classic, and most of all sexy. Through all of this, we didn’t forget about fit and comfort! They are essential. Riggs and Pulley bikinis are made from soft, thin, breathable cotton, with drawstring ties for easy adjusting and won’t stretch out over time. Also, being that they are repurposed t-shirts, we’re doing our small part for the preservation of the environment. u BEST SELLERS... We have 4 bikini bottom styles offering varying amounts of coverage ~ small, medium, large and Brazilian Bikini Shorts, and 3 bikini tops ~ medium triangle, large triangle and a sport top. Although there are distinct patterns in place, each bikini’s design is truly dictated by the size of the t-shirt from which the bikini is made. Larger t-shirts allow enough fabric to produce our Brazilian Bikini Shorts, and obviously smaller t-shirts produce smaller bikinis. I can truly say there is not a crowd-favorite style. Every girl has her own style preference. The hardest part is deciding which one you want… for now! u FIND YOUR RIGGS AND PULLEY BIKINI... We currently have several stores along the east coast that sell our bikinis, but we also sell via our online store at riggsandpulley.com. This is the most up to date place to find our newest additions, and we are consistently adding new bikinis. You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter and be the first to see them as they list. Riggs and Pulley’s ambition is to gain representation in distinctive surf shops and upscale island style boutiques that look for merchandise that sets them apart, stores with a unique branding of their own. F

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Danielle in “Blue Ruffles” | Photos: Billy Kidd Photography

Top: Stephanie in “Superman” Middle: Danielle in “Hot House” Bottom: Rio in “Red Cross”

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 75

COMMUNITY.

. . Lazy Summer Days

No waves? No problem... Let’s GOLF! By Sandra Olson

While that may not be at the top of your daily activity list, golf can be a great way to spend an afternoon with friends, under the Hawaiian sun, with palm trees swaying and the perfect soft breeze blowing… Ahhhh… drink it all in! My sister Carolyn, was visiting from out of town, we had surfed our brains out, and were looking for a social activity, that could include my (rarely-surfs) best friend, Trish Edwards. So when I suggested we all skip out on our work and duties for the day, and go cruise at the Ko’Olina Golf Club, I knew they’d be down to play… and they were!

I made reservations for Dan and me, Trish, Carolyn, and Dan’s brother John, for a 1pm tee time. The plans were in motion! We unloaded the boards from our surf van, and reloaded it with Dan’s golf clubs, munchies and food, and plenty of cold beverages, and off we wentready for a warm afternoon on the golf course. We arrived at the Ko’Olina Golf Club, which is located on the sunny West coast of Oahu, and only a short drive from Honolulu and Waikiki. This course is a championship course, voted Best Golf Course in Hawaii by readers of Honolulu Magazine for 2010, and it was easy to see why. The golf shop and grounds are well kept and clean, the restrooms- gorgeous, and a very friendly and helpful staff. Looking out over the immense, rolling greens, they almost give you the same expansive, calming feeling you get when looking out to the ocean. The connection with nature is there, and it soothes your soul, sending you home feeling refreshed.

John, Dan, Sandra, Trish, Carolyn

As we started out on the 1st hole, we were immediately impressed with the new “Aulani - a Disney Resort & Spa at Ko Olina” being built nearby. The sheer magnitude and architecture of this resort added a charm to the course that we weren’t expecting. Kinda like being in a Polynesian fairy tale... Nice! None of us were any good at golfing, so our version of keeping score was a single point scored by the 1st person to make it in the hole, and the most 1st place finishes… won. Laughs were plenty, and missed swings were the norm, so we were happy to wave the more “aggressive” golfers (people that can actually PLAY golf) on through and watched in delight as they performed like a perfectly orchestrated ballet in front of us. The speed and precise skill at which they played through was amazing to watch! Playing golf like that must be like being out in the lineup when you’re one of the better surfer’s out there, thus, you have the pick of the waves, and can feel the awe in which you’re regarded by the beginners. That’s a good feeling to experience, and I imagine must be comparable to what real golfers feel as they connect, and drive their way through the course. After an afternoon of laughing, talking, redefining the sport of golfpolo, and a full nine holes, we returned promptly at 5pm, exhausted and happy. The course itself had been quite magnificent; not as difficult to navigate as other courses we had played in the past that simply gobbled our balls and laughed at our attempts to avoid the sand traps and hedges. This had been so much fun, and a nice distraction as we waited for the next south swell to arrive. I highly recommend the peaceful Ko’Olina Golf Club course, and encourage you to step outside your comfort zone, and take up a new sport that is sure to carry you through the no-waves, summer days ahead.

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Visit www.koolinagolf.com for more detailed course information, or call 808.676.5300 to reserve your tee time today!

wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 77

COMMUNITY.

. . I am a surfer

The hardest thing that she had to learn was to “let go.” “Feeling the flow is always the best way to go,” she says. She doesn’t mind competing because it keeps her close to the surf community, but she really prefers the free form style of surfing as it doesn’t make her feel judged.

Every now and then... an individual comes along in Santa Cruz that blows the rest of her peers out of the water. This person is Kim Mayer.

She Surfs

KIM MAYER

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Photos & story by Dale Basye

Growing up in Pleasure Point area of Santa Cruz near the beach, gave Kim ample time to try

bodysurfing, boogie boarding and eventually surfing. Her woodshop teacher, Kevin Miske, took her and her friends, Heather and Naomi, out at Cowells, a longboard break. “That was all it took to basically “change my life,” says Kim. Kim really feels the support from the local Santa Cruz surf community. She was coached by Frosty Hessen and, in high school, by Jay Moriary. She has also met some amazing people through competitive surfing. Thanks to her sponsors, she’s been able to make her professional surf career a reality. Kim’s been riding for Hotline Wetsuits since she was 15 and says, “They’ve supported me since the beginning, and Brenda (Scott Rogers) is a true inspiration.” Sector 9 Skateboards pushed the eco-movement early on, which was a perfect match for Kim. Pacific Wave Surf Shop in downtown Santa Cruz always welcomes her when she comes in for wax or to talk surf. Livity Outernational keeps her warm in the organic clothing. Continued next page... wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 79

COMMUNITY

. . . I am a surfer

She Surfs

KIM MAYER

Photos & story by Dale Basye

... continued from previous page

Kim told me that she wants to be remembered as someone that tried to brighten other’s days. As a person that loves everything in nature, she’s family first, and loves mom, dad and brother, Cory. What she remembers most is a beach in New Zealand with her best friends, Heather and Kiwi Julie, after an amazing day of righthanders under the view of the stars! Yes, Kim is a one of a kind, kind-hearted person and I’m glad I got to know her. F

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AGE: 17 YEARS SURFING: 10 years HOME BREAK: Isle of Palms, South Carolina BOARDS IN QUIVER: I have a lot... Fav’s: 9’3’’ Longboard, 5’8’’ Fish, 5’11’ Shortboard SPONSORS: Smart Girls Who Surf, Charleston Water Sports, Atlantic Spine Clinic, Bikram Yoga, Coral Custom Swimwear Photos by:: (Left) Nancy Hussey, (middle) AppleseedPhotographyJax.com, (right & this page) Carol Bourque

IN THE BEGINNING... I was a confident little girl, and would always rough it with the boys. The neighborhood gang would climb onboard golf carts and run them down to the beach. Some of these neighborhood kids had surf boards. I would never say no to a challenge. Not being old enough to paddle, I made my dad push me into the surf. The laughs, giggles, and waves captured my mind even to this day. I looked in my fourth grade diary the other day and was surprised to find what I wrote, “Dear journal, I actually rode the line today!” It made me laugh so hard because I remember being so excited. The surfing bug bit when I was 12 years old. Soon after, I dropped most recreational sports because they just couldn’t compare. LIFE IS GOOD... You could say surfing is a love or even an obsession. I drop everything and go. I plan my life around the swell. In Charleston, you might get a good overhead wave just five times a year, and when it is crankin’… I am going. One thing I don’t like is when a person moans and groans about small waves. Gosh, they don’t know where I’m from; we are all like starving dogs down here chasing the last bit of hurricane swell till it runs away. Then you take in all the memories of the waves because you don’t know how long the ankle slapping flat spell will last. Contest surfing has impacted how I think and act. I have always tried to walk a fine, but definite line between being aggressive and wanting to win, yet having the grace to humble myself and recognize that I lost. It is what it is and you can’t change those waves.

time ever making it to the finals! I have picked up a few sponsors along the way. Charleston Water Sports is my local shop. They are involved a lot with the local contests. Smart Girls Who Surf is a national sun and skin care line from Laguna Beach, California, that makes all natural and organic sunscreen. Bikram Yoga Charleston happens to be the coolest yoga studio in town. Atlantic Spine Clinic hooks me up with some back cracking excellence and training advice.

SURFING’S CHALLENGES... My craziest experience surfing would be at Easterns, 2008, at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It was my first time and there was a giant nor’easter out and they were still holding the contest. I could not make it to the outside during the contest with my longboard! When I got outside, I was too scared to Contest surfing has imcatch a wave in!! That was the one heat I never caught a pacted how I think and wave... I ended up advancing by default, but not catching a wave at the biggest contest I have been to, up to that act. I have always tried point, in my life. It was slightly embarrassing, but the next to walk a fine, but defiday I was charging! The current was running so fast that once you caught a nite line between being wave it was time to run up the beach. That was my first aggressive and wanting time ever at Easterns. Each year I go back I thank the Lord to win, yet having the that there is not a nor’easter, but also my mind is ready to tackle the storm, too. grace to humble myself

and recognize that I lost.

My favorite contest would be Folly Beach Wahine or the Easterns. The Folly Beach Wahine is when girls from all over the southeast come together every year and surf! Fun times and fun prizes! We had around 70 competitors last year. This contest is special to me because it was my first and I would recommend it to any girl who loves to compete or wants to try contest surfing for the first time. It has an easy and friendly atmosphere. It also supports my favorite organization and charity-the Surfriders Foundation and Surfers Healing which is an amazing camp for children with autism. The Easterns always means a lot to me because it has become our yearly pilgrimage to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. I received 2nd place in women’s longboard 2010. It was the first

FUTURE GOALS, DREAMS, PLANS... Future goals outside of surfing… Learn Spanish fluently, record a full album of my songs, get a scholarship(s) to help with college costs, work as a physical therapist. Surfing Goals… Learn a Helicopter 360 on the longboard…Wingnut told me the secret at Surf Expo 2011!! MT’s WISDOM; WORDS OF ADVICE FOR OTHER SURFER GIRLS... If you surf… Go for it! Charge hard because you are gonna be falling into water and water doesn’t hurt as bad as concrete. If you are just starting…Make sure to have fun and smile. Don’t worry if you are not doing well, don’t sweat it. We all start somewhere and the good guys out there don’t forget that they once had to learn also. F

She Surfs

MT BOURQUE THE REAL ME...

u 3 things that make you laugh out loud: People laughing, inside jokes, the Colbert Report u Favorite color: Turquoise u Favorite place to hang out with your friends: The beach!! u 2 favorite hobbies other than surfing: Kite surfing and song writing u Facebook or myspace: Facebook, all the way! u Study hard or hardly studying: Study hard u Organized, somewhat organized, messy, but with good intentions, just messy: Messy with slightly good intentions u Heels or slippers: Flip Flops u Lip gloss, lipstick or bare: Bare u Dream sponsor: Al Merrick or NIKE 6.0 u Last song you listened to before completing this: Zion and Babylon by Josh Garrels u Favorite brand surf wax: Mrs. Palmer’s wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 81

COMMUNITY

. . . I am a surfer

She Surfs

SARAH K. DEAN AGE: 28 | YEARS SURFING: 9 | OCCUPATION: Realtor SPONSORS: Sticky Bumps, Shaka Laka, BTG, Susu Hi Slippers QUIVER: 5’1 Arakawa Stubby, 5’4 Arakawa Bandit, 5’7 Arakawa GX, 5’8 Drift, 6’0 Local Motion, 6’6 Merrick K-Step Gun CONTACT SARAH: Ph: 808-652-1617 | Email: sardean01@hotmail.com

“On October 15, 2002 a local Hawaiian legend, Kirk Hodges, taught me to surf at Ala Moana Bowls, on Oahu, Hawaii. I met Kirk one afternoon while at the outside shower, after attempting to teach myself how to surf. It was a disaster and I was quite frustrated, yet still inspired from the whole experience. He came up to me afterwards and asked “Do you really want to learn to surf?” He was like an angel from the heavens. I established a daily schedule to learn to surf with the only Hawaiian to hold both a shortboard and longboard state championship for consecutive years in the 90’s. For two years, Kirk and I met at The Milo Tree (the locals gathering place for surfing) after I finished going to my university classes, and we studied the ocean everyday before paddling out. He gave me my first board, which was his daughters 6‘3. She later became my sister, a life long friend, as well as one of my favorite pro surfers. He taught me everything a novice surfer needs to know both in and out of the water. Years later, Kirk sadly passed away, yet he still teaches me about the ocean and its waves, each and every day.

Surfing has been instrumental in teaching me how to organize my thoughts and refocus my energy and emotions on positive things, such as being more patient, both in and out of the

water. It’s made me a happier being, because every morning surfing gives me something to look forward to, and every night something to smile upon. It completes me. Other passions include art... I love art! Besides surfing, which is an art form as well, I love to make epoxy-resin-collages on canvas. My dear friend and soul mate, Danielle, inspired me to make her something which she could hang on her wall. I sat down one night staring at an empty canvas and slowly flipped through dozens of fashion and surfing magazines in search of drastic colors, patterns and designs to overlay atop one another. After a while, an abstract image was being created under my very own eyes, and when the piece portrayed what my vision saw, I poured epoxy-resin over the top. The way resin dries is random, for it can be glossy and smooth as well as spiky and textured all at the same time. This result creates an abstract characteristic with each and all my pieces, whether it be a collage or paint. Beauty products for surfers? The only products in my makeup drawer are M.A.C’s black waterproof eyeliner and their waterproof mascara. I love these products because they last forever, even after the oceans wear-n-tear, and M.A.C’s a trustworthy name! Happiness... Music that makes me happy. I love Indie music! It fits the majority of my moods and I relate best to the typical rhythm associated to this genre. When I am working on my canvas, painting my boards, or writing poetry/lyrics, I find that it’s Indie I’m listening to. My favorite artists include Bon Iver, The Knife, M83, CCS, The Fray, Yacht, Metric, Cold War Kids, MGMT, and John Mayer. (I love country, too) Favorite food... Hmmm... Skippy extra-crunchy peanut butter and Tillamook’s medium cheddar cheese. Lip gloss, lip stick, or bare? Thin layer of lightly tinted lip stick followed by a cover of Shaka Laka SPF 30 ‘Surfa Stick’ to keep ‘em hydrated and protected. Words I live by... “Everyone dies, but not everyone lives.” Best surf maneuver ever completed... A (baby) punt or a reverse-face-360*, however none of these out score an epic, hollow and draining barrel in which you somehow escaped its tragic consequences which lie beneath your feet during the priceless moment. That’s the definition of Bliss... Dream surf destination & why... Indonesia, because unlike Tahiti, it is drastically less expensive and the line-ups are far more vast as well as less crowded. Indonesia, like many places, has an abundance of culture, flavor, warmth, and a genuine spirit. After I check that off my bucket list, Oz here I come! F F

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Sarah enjoying an evening session in Waikiki, in Oahu- Hawaii Photos: WSSM

She Surfs Shelby Kailei Lane Schweitzer

Photos: Matt Schweitzer

AGE: 15 years old | YEARS SURFING: 10 years | HOME BREAK: Lahaina Harbor & Honolua Bay | SPONSORS: Honolua Surf Co., Pakaloha bikinis, and my parents BOARDS IN QUIVER: (2) 5’11 Kazuma, 5’11” Cartwright & Lost 5’9 Rocket

IN THE BEGINNING... My mom and my dad taught

me how to surf when I was about three years old, because we live by the beach and everyone in my family surfs. But as I got older, my brothers Matty and Zane pushed me to keep surfing! Then I really started to fall in love with the sport and knew that I wanted to keep doing it! When I was younger I mostly surfed with my brothers and my friend, Nate Dog Schlea, and now my two best friends that I surf with all the time is Sierra Lerback, and Sierra Larsen. We always are the ones having the most fun in the lineup!

LIFE IS GOOD... I learned to surf on a shortboard

and that is where my heart is. I like to longboard if the waves are small, but 95% of the time I am on my 5’11”. When I am in the water, I just feel happy. It takes away any frustration or stress I have from school (or boys)... If I am having a bad day, I have to get in the water, and then I just feel at peace. I am most proud of qualifiying for the NSSA Nationals and Surf America Nationals. All the girls are so good (especially the girls from Hawaii). I was the only girl who qualified from Maui, so I was really stoked. I follow the HSA and NSSA circuit in Hawaii and this year I just won the Open Women’s Division of the HSA HiTech Surfbash. That was great since I just had signed with Honolua Surf Company the week before. I love to free surf, but it feels great to win a surf contest too!

THE REAL ME...

u 3 things that make me laugh out loud:

I laugh at everything all the time. But my friend, Cy Bug, really makes me laugh, and there are a few really funny YouTube videos I watch, and, I laugh watching my friends fall surfing. u Heels or slippers: Slippers u Facebook or myspace: FACEBOOK u Study hard or hardly studying: Hardly studying u Organized, somewhat organized, messy, but with good intentions, just messy: Messy, but with good intentions, although my mom would say really messy u 2 favorite hobbies other than surfing: Volleyball, art & hanging out with my friends at the beach. u Lip gloss, lipstick or bare: Lip gloss u Dream sponsor: Honolua Surf Company or Billabong u Favorite brand of surf wax: Sticky Bumps

moment, and respect the ocean and the power of the wave. I have learned to trust myself and continue to push my limits in the water, which has made me more confident in everything I do.

SURFING’S CHALLENGES... I guess I haven’t had

FUTURE GOALS, DREAMS, PLANS... I can’t

too many bad experiences out in the water, thank goodness. I have surfed with sharks, but not been bothered, I have paddled out in waves way bigger than I was comfortable with, I have been held under, cut by my fin, but all of it is worth one great wave!!! Surfing has taught me to focus, be in the

wait to get my driver’s license, and I would love to compete in the Gidget Pro, and be able to compete on the Girls CT circuit.

SHELBY’S WISDOM... “Love and be loved. Live, love, laugh, and surf!!!” F

She Surfs

KAIRA WALLACE Age: 12 | Years surfing: 3 Favorite board: 5’5’’ shortboard shaped by my dad Favorite surf spot: Steamers Lane (not my home break) “Everything about surfing just stokes me out... the water, the waves, the people, and especially the rush of a great ride. I basically started because of my family. My dad and brother both surf, and my dad really influenced my surfing. The town I live in isn’t really a big surf town. The biggest thing about it is Mavericks. I live only a few minutes from there. Our current surf coach, Rocky, decided to start a surf team and got it started with the CSSL (Core Scholastic Surf League). I was the only girl in the beginning and the team really improved my surfing. Our surf team now has about 9 girls and we’re all close friends. My dad though, was the real one to start me on surfing and kept pushing me to get better each day. He shaped my surfboard in the above photo, and we worked together on the artwork.” F

Photo: Tyler Fox | santacruzwaves.com

“Kaira is the captain of the girl’s middle school surf team, in addition to being an excellent student. She and her teammates recently paddled out to Mavericks for the opening ceremonies. As you know, our Norcal coastline is not for the faint of heart- the girls get no favors in the water. So it was tough for the girls to join the lineup... and I’m very proud of her.” - Mara Krasts (Mother)

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COMMUNITY

. . . I am a surfer

She Surfs

CHLOE BUCKLEY I

n the beginning… When I was 14, I

received my first custom shortboard, as did my brother, and we charged it. My dad would take us down to Torrey Pines Beach with his longboard and we would all just paddle out. Torrey Pines Beach is a cool beach break between La Jolla and Del Mar, although it could definitely be considered a beginner wave, we have seen some pretty incredible days out there. We would pack the car, turn the music up on the way down and whether it was big, small, sunny, windy, or cold, we were out there. My brother and I helped each other get better over time. We started to branch out of Torrey Pines and start surfing other breaks.

Through the years; best surf buddies & surf breaks... There are a few friends that have

stayed consistent over the past years. It’s probably because they were all good friends as well as local girls and that made it easy to just call them up and go. I grew up surfing with mostly boys. When I got my car I started going alone, which I like. When I started competing, I met a lot more girls that have become consistent. Now I have tons of girls I can call to surf. The cool part is quite a few of them are really good friends of mine. As I progressed in surfing, I wanted to explore. My brother and I started going to Del Mar Beach, which quickly became our new local spot. There’s a mushy left hand reef break at 15th St. that gets pretty fun. We sit a few streets north of there at 18th St., which is a fast, fun beach break. Del Mar is cool. It is a reefy break that gets really fun and can hold bigger surf. North of 15th are the beach breaks with good sandbars. Then there’s Dog Beach river mouth, which offers a lot of variety right there. I try to surf all over now with constant trips to Oceanside, Cardiff and La Jolla.

Scariest surf experience... Thankfully, I have

never gotten too hurt surfing or had too many memorable “being held under” experiences, but I have encountered some beastly creatures. It was a late afternoon in Santa Cruz, we were going out for our second surf of the day. We got down to the sand only to be greeted by the most enormous seal I have ever seen. It was an elephant seal. Before going to that beach, I had never even heard of the things, but I guess they are pretty common up there. It was massive. It looked like a boulder just lying there, super still, right next to where we decided to put our stuff. While we were getting ready to change, another one came out of the water, stopped, and barked a few times and then it made a beeline straight for the seal right next to us. They moved fast for such big creatures. The seal

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next to us headed our way, so we picked up our stuff and bolted. Getting chased by an elephant seal, which was getting chased by another seal, down the beach and up the side of the cliff was definitely the scariest surf experience I have ever had.

Three people who inspire me the most... There are so many people who inspire me, picking three is hard, but I know my top two would surely have to be my father and brother. u My father is the definition of Super Dad. I

couldn’t be more grateful for his love, support and understanding. He has always given me every excuse in the world to succeed and pushed me in the right direction. He has been through so much, and to see the successful and strong person he is today is absolutely inspiring. u My brother is the coolest human being I have

ever met. We sit down and have long talks about all kinds of stuff, the future, space, and surfing. I walk away from those talks feeling uplifted, with my brain turning and ideas flowing. He is a really kind kid, with a lot to offer. Not only that, but he pushes me. Just last week, he was teaching me how to skate a ramp and he wouldn’t let us leave until I dropped in. I so did not want to drop in, but nope, we were not leaving until I did. It’s nice having him in the lineup with me. We have fun and he’s always pushing me. u Andy Irons was a hero of mine since I started

surfing. I have posters of him in my room and his autographed pictures on my walls. I have almost every surf movie he was in. He was an incredible competitor and I always watched his heat online. He has some great quotes, but this is the one I love the most:

“I’ve had my fair shares of hills and valleys, but my life’s been radical and exciting. Stuff that kings would die to do. Straight up. The lifestyle we’ve got and the life I’ve led since I was 17, I can’t even tell my friends. I try and tell stories and they think I’m making it up or saw it in a movie. Straight up. It’s the life I wanted since I caught my first wave.” -- Andy Irons RIP A.I.

Future “high hopes”... I want to excel in everything I do. I have my foot in the door in a lot of places. Right now my sole focus is surfing and I hope to continue to get better as a competitor, a free surfer and an athlete. I want to take on the QS with full commitment and confidence and storm the castle.

The surf culture in California... I live in San

Diego and I love it. Between Oceanside and the

Photos by: Anna Scipione, http://ascip.smugmug.com

border, you will find some place that is fun and suitable for your skill level or board choice. The problem is everyone else knows that, too. It’s consistently crowded. It could be a small day, onshore wind and cold, and you will still pull up to a bunch of people out in the water. Most of the crowds are manageable. There are a few spots that I just completely avoid when it’s too crowded, but there’s always something else just around the corner. There are women out, not too many, but they are definitely around. I usually see women out in the Cardiff area and Oceanside.

Best surf-travel trip... A few summers back,

I went to Nicaragua with my friend, Shelby Detmers. It was hot and the waves were pumping everyday. We met up with Holly Beck, Kim Mayer, Nikki Brooks, Chad and his son, Conor Beatty. It was the first time I had met all of them and I was so stoked to be in their presence. The energy was great. Everybody wanted to surf, and we were pushing each other. Everyone gave their own dynamic to the group. We were always in laughs with Kim, and goofing around with Conor was too funny. Watching Holly charge was sick and exploring around with them all was pretty neat. The best part was that Nikki Brooks captured most of our better moments on camera, which then turned into a great feature on Surfline. I came away from that trip pretty stoked!

Besides surfing, hobbies I find the MOST pleasure in... I do a lot of doodling and paint-

ing. More recently I have been into learning how to play piano, trying to get better at guitar and picking up the harmonica. I find a lot of enjoyment in music. My family is pretty musical. It’s nice being able to walk around my house and pick up a guitar or hear my dad or brother playing from the other room.

Sponsors and why I ride for them... Hansen’s

Boardroom- Encinitas, is my shop sponsor and they have been very good to me. There are some great people who work there and there are always cool products in the store, especially their bikinis. Matuse Wetsuits: They make the most flexible 4’3’ I have ever worn. My sleeve and my spring suit are my favorites. They fit really well, are flattering, and really warm. I really like all the people at Matuse, it’s a great company. Rusty surfboards: I love my surfboards and they keep getting better and better. All the guys at the factory are really nice and are always so helpful to me, even when I ask them to help me find a pink R. sticker! F

N THE BEGINNING... I first got introduced to surfing when my fam-

ily and I went on vacation to the Abacos in the Bahamas. I met some local rippers there. One surfer named Blake Sands, is one of the best surfers I have ever met. I’m thankful to have met him and his friends. Once I got home I knew I had to get a board. My family and I ended up moving to the beach. After that I grew up surfing a place called LBS (Lauderdale by the Sea). No one really taught me how to surf, I actually had no one to surf with either, ha. I got tormented by all the locals… not many girls surfed… and if you did see a girl surfing there, you’d see them one time and then never again. A couple years after that I moved to Deerfield Beach. I met a lot of girls surfing there; we were a strong group! Some of my friends growing up surfing were Angela, Stacey, Gaby, Amy, Fernanda and her sister Maria! I will always remember the first time I was going down the line front-side and I sprayed this kid that used to always make me mad. Ha. I still remember to this day the first time I dropped in and cut to the left (front-side). Guys were so mean when I was learning to surf. It was an obstacle I had to over come; I knew I wanted to surf more than anything in the world. I didn’t let anyone make me feel bad. I spent all day from morning to dusk out there; people were surprised how dedicated I was.

LIFE IS GOOD...

I prefer to shortboard over longboarding, even though when it is really small out I love to cruise on the longboard, I love to shortboard because I love the evolution that it has become. I am very much into the new school of shortboarding and the dynamics of it. I’m always pushing myself to the next level, trying to learn new tricks. One that I am working on right now when it is really small out is a front-side chop-hop. I mainly surf boards between 5”10 to 6”0. It’s hard for me to go any bigger than that. Surfing had a big impact on my teens. I pretty much grew up in Lauderdale by the Sea, FL, and I could see the beach from my apartment. I actually was at the beach everyday either surfing or skimboarding with my brothers, Ben and Dre. In 2005, I started competing in the Eastern Surfing Association and National Scholastics Surfing Association. In 2007, my surfing career really started to take off, I became an ESA District Champ, Semi Finals – ESA Regionals Competition. I also took 3rd place at the Ft. Pierce Pro/Am, which I also received an award for sportsmanship- taking home a brand new longboard. I competed in the East Coast Surfing Championships, voted Best Female Athlete in 2008 and I got featured in magazines. Most of my sponsors that I have right now have been with me for most of my surfing career, and they have become a part of my surfing family. I am very blessed to have them. They are Stone Tyler Shapes, MONSTER ENERGY, Freestyle Watches, SPY OPTIC, SURFREEL.com and Big Surf Daddy Photography. They all saw my passion for the sport and gave me a chance to show them what I can do. Stone Tyler Shapes has shown me a new direction to maneuverability. I also want to mention my photographer, Michael Friedman who owns Big Surf Daddy Photography. He has always believed in me and my surfing and has been there 110% of the time; he is one of the greatest people I have met.

She Surfs

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO SURF...

My favorite place to surf is Sebastian Inlet. I know it sounds over-rated and crowded, but on a clean offshore day it gets so perfect, especially on the sets. Nothing like rounding up some friends and heading to the inlet for the whole day. We usually get there really early and build a bonfire somewhere no one will see, set up camp and hope the huge ants don’t eat us alive. Tips for surfing at Sebastian Inlet would be to watch out for the locals, it can get ridiculously crowded. I got yelled at by a guy who was old enough to be my dad. I guess when you’re a girl and there’s like 100 guys, you eventually end up dropping in on a few.

A LEARNING EXPERIENCE...

My worst surfing experience was when I let a friend use my leash, because he didn’t want to swim in every time to go after his longboard. It was a chest to head-high day out on the outside, and I went for a left (front-side), wiped out on a cutback, and the wave took my board all the way in to the inside. It all happened really fast, and I couldn’t even swim after it, there was white wash everywhere. I was swimming and swimming, but I got caught in a really bad rip current that I couldn’t get myself out of… I literally told myself “I’m gonna die, I’m gonna die”. I don’t really remember much after that until I woke up on the beach with paramedics and a really good looking guy giving me CPR, haha. I remember when I was waking up, that my hearing came back really slowly, I couldn’t hear much at first. Ever since that day I don’t care how big it is out there, I never forget my leash…I don’t care if it’s double over toe, I’m using my leash!

HOBBIES & FAVORITE PASTIMES...

Other than surfing, I enjoy stand-up paddleboarding. My friend Roray and Chris have gotten me into it. I caught 2 nice waves the first day trying it out. I think I got hooked instantly. It’s hard not being out in the ocean on the more flat days. It isn’t just about catching waves, but also about the extreme work out I’m getting. I’d probably get the same exercise on a closeout, head-high, sloppy day- getting worked. But stand-up paddle surfing is an all core excerise and I love it. I also love snowboarding, which I’m overdue for a session! I cross-train on my Sector 9 on a daily basis. I also love music, I sing in an old school hardcore band called Hardware Youth and play drums in a band called Stand Proud. I also write music and became a water hip hop lyricist. I also love going shopping with my friend Tricia. I travel, and go wakesurfing at Lavelle Train Station (LTS)

FUTURE PLANS....

I see myself doing all the things that I am doing now, competing and traveling. I see myself in Sydney, Australia! Besides surfing, I do have a dream job. I really would like to work for MONSTER ENERGY drinks as an advertsing/marketing manager for the south Florida region. I really believe in the product and I love what they stand for. Some other goals I have for the future is to ride for O’NEILL and SECTOR 9! When you love certain things you just aim for them until they just happen! I also want to say “Thank you” to everyone who supports me in what I love to do: everyone at Womens Surf Style Magazine! Michael Friedman and Big Surf Daddy Photography, MONSTER ENERGY, Chad at FREESTLE WATCHES, SPY OPTICS, Surfreel.com, Cris and Hank at Stone Tyler Shapes, Randy at SURF WORLD, Eastern Surfing Association, Jessika at Ola Feroz Swimwear, she makes amazing Brazilian suits! I also want to especially thank my friends and family! F

NICOLE FINASKE Favorite color: Pink

Favorite late night snack: Indian Food! Messy or organized? Messy! Shorts or skirts? Skirts Heels or slippers? Slippers Lip gloss, lipstick or bare: Bare Surfer dude’s or non-surfers: Surfer Dudes Facebook or myspace: Facebook all the way! 5 things we’d find in your car RIGHT now:

1) Green leash, 2) Monster sticker sheets, 3) An old towel I’ve been using for the last 6 months, 4) SECTOR 9 skateboard, 5) Heels

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COMMUNITY

. . . I am a surfer

She Surfs

CARLY WILSON

Photos by: Corrie O. | wavesgonewild.com

Age: 17 Years surfing: 7 Sponsors: Rip Curl, Anarchy/Angel eyewear Home break: Steamer Lane, Pleasure Point

WORDS I LIVE BY...

3 FAVORITE SURF BREAKS: The Hook, Indicators, and Trestles

BEST ADVICE...

3 SURF DESTINATIONS: Malibu and Hawaii (Kauai and Oahu) FAVORITE SURFBOARD: My 5’10 Ward Coffey custom shaped FAVORITE DESSERTS: Tapioca pudding and cake batter milkshake from Coldstone Creamery

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“Life is all about balance” - My mom, she has taught me that it is important to balance your life with other things besides just surfing: school, social life, and to always have another sport to play when it’s flat! Always remember that the ocean is a peaceful place! I wish everyone could be calm and not angry/agro when they are out there. Just keep surfing and have a good time in the water with your friends and family. F

She Surfs

LEANE DARLING

I am the personification of an adventurer, a traveler, and a pro-surfer; you just don’t know me yet.

Age: 24 | Number of years surfing: 5 (official start date: July 2006) | Favorite board: I am currently riding a 6’2” Mark Woo or my 9’6” Stewart longboard. | Favorite spot: The Jetty in Ft. Pierce, Fl. It offers a beautiful longboard wave, small and mellow crowds, and is also my homebreak. I am currently a resident of Oahu, Hawaii and surf frequently, wherever there are waves.

urfing is something that could be discussed for hours on end or simply described in one word. Both methods effectively capture the essence of why surfing is so compelling: the ocean. Many other elements of the sport, including the wave, the community of surfers, travel and free-spirits, all personify surfing. It is the subject of magazine articles, of movies, and of dinner conversations. But when you ask someone who just got out of the water, “How was it?” Your usual answer should sound like, “Awesome!” One word: Awesome! This word should hold true for any surfer, despite the crowd or the conditions. You can spend hours sitting on your couch looking at different web cams thinking that one might show an angle that will let you know “if it’s worth it”, or you can just decide that you’ve got the day off and that you’re just going to GO. It’s all about the stoke; which, for each individual may be something different. What stokes me the most about surfing is that, despite the elusive description of why surfing is what it is, the ocean will always treat you the same. Once you step off the sand and into that salty water that makes up most of our existence as humans, we’re all the same: girl, boy, foreign, local, rich, poor, famous, or just a kook. A wave is not biased and will come to whoever is luckiest at that moment. It’s your choice as to what you do with that wave and whether or not you’re stoked on it. When that special wave passes by the crowded part of the line-up and hits that lucky person sitting just inside, you know that they are saying “thank you!” with the biggest possible smile on their face. That is what stokes me about surfing. When my brother pushed me into my first wave in Waikiki, it was he who inspired me to keep learning and continue surfing. The stoke has only increased since that day. It has never occurred to me that I should do something differently because I am a girl, or foreign, or on an older board, or for any other reason. I just go. Just go! That motto is what has carried me through many countries on many different boards for waves on which there are many to ride. I think to better understand who I am and why I consider myself a pro (as understood by my definition), it is necessary to read a couple of my journal entries from the past:

September 2, 2007

I am sitting on an airplane somewhere over Spain, listening to the soothing sounds of Jack Johnson, Iz, and the like. This being my custom on most flights I take. It makes me feel less like a sardine trapped in contaminated stinky air, and more like I’m back on the North Shore of Hawaii. Comical, maybe; but I have a large imagination, and even larger dreams. I was born and spent most of my life growing up in South Florida, Boca Raton, to be exact. And, believe it or not, I’m not retired, I don’t drive a pink Cadillac, and I would like to think I am not as stuck-up and spoiled as most stereotypes of Floridians suggest. But I guess that is for others to judge. I was born on August 7, 1985. I spent my most recent birthday sitting on an airplane, stepping foot in four different countries in that one day. Starting in Orlando, then on to Frankfurt, in order to get to Madrid where I left some luggage, and continued on to Prague. This, I feel, characterizes my personality. I chose this unique and somewhat long and boring birthday path in order to start, or I guess continue, the journey to my dreams. How cliché is that? But then, isn’t that what everyone really wants to do in life? And I don’t even know what my dream… or dreams… is… or are. What is a dream anyway? Bernard Edmonds says, “To dream anything that you want to dream. That’s the beauty of the human mind. To do anything that you want to do. That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits. That is the courage to succeed.” Two years down the road I wrote my reaction upon seeing the heaviest wave I have ever seen. One that I never could have imagined being so awesome--even in real life; it was a big wave.

Monday, December 7th, 2009- Big Wave Surfing

It’s still very dark at 4:00 a.m. on the South Shore of Oahu as I hear my visiting mother rustle around our little hotel room. Just the night before it was me that had to convince her to wake up early in order to get to our destination before the rest of the island. Now look at her! I slowly rise out of bed and grab a cup of coffee. As I look out with a view of Diamond Head and Kapi’olani Park, I remember the distance we have to drive in order to arrive to the North Shore. Suddenly I feel a little more urgency about the situation as the reality sets in and the fog of the night before clears up. I didn’t wake up this early and take work off for the morning for nothing! Let’s go! We hurry out the door and get on the road. Knowing that the reports said the waves would be bigger Monday than Tuesday, we decided to drive up anyways, not knowing if the 25th Annual Eddie Aikau Memorial Big Wave Competition would take place. We were right. It was big. There was no competition, but watching such an amazing natural wonder I felt like I was a kid again. That day something happened inside me. Seeing something for the first time that you’ve only ever read about or seen on television is a discovery. The emotional feeling of a discovery can be a lot of things for a person. That day, for me, the discovery was that I am always fascinated by and will have a respect for the deep blue salty pool of water that we call the ocean. But on a smaller scale and in the day to day scheme of things, it just reminded to keep pursuing my passion without distraction. We have all heard that life is a journey; now let’s go travel it. F

Leane surprises a group of divers, off the coast.of Maui, Hawaii. See the shaka? Photo by: Morgan Hoesterey www.planetoceanphoto.com

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. . . I am a surfer

Photo by Laura Klees Thornton [L-R: Cathy with Wahine Kai members Michelle Noble Gutierrez and Tracy Rubert (author)]

She Surfs

Photo by Jennifer Ouye; Cathy at Volcom Skate Park

y Rubert

A... by Trac

CATHY YOUNG

Q: What is your age, Cathy, and how long have you been surfing? A: I will be 48 in March, 2011 and I have been surfing for 31 years—I started “late” at the age of 17. My friend, George Brownett, took me to Blow Hole, a spot on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine, Florida, where I grew up. Blow Hole waves were known to come in a perfect A-frame. I didn’t have the strength to paddle out the first time, so I hung onto George’s leash and he pulled me out. George then helped me get into position for my first wave. I remember just paddling as hard as I could until I felt the wave pick me up. I hopped to me feet and took off down the face of the wave. I had been skateboarding on ramps for many years prior to that first wave, so it made it easy for me to ride the face. Q: Tell us about your current occupation and your family. A: I graduated from the University of South Florida, 1987, with a degree in Management Information Systems and then moved to Orange County, California, and worked in the IT world until 2003. For the past eight years, I have had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom to my two handsome little boys, Zack (age 8) and Tyler (age 5). My family consists of my husband Craig, our two sons, and our yellow lab, Mozart. As well as being a stay-at-home mom, I am an artist and a photographer, a NSSIA surf instructor, and have been the president of Wahine Kai Surf Club in Huntington Beach, CA since 2004. Q: What do you like most about the club and being president? A: I love all of the great people I get to meet through the club. The women are awesome—so down to earth, so genuine, and so much fun! I love being out in the water sharing waves and laughs with the girls or being on shore taking photos or video of them catching waves. Also, within the club we have a group of moms just like me who have little ones, but still want to surf. So we take turns: some of us watch the kids on shore while the others surf, and then we switch. We even have a dad who joins the group occasionally.

Photo by Jennifer Ouye; Cathy at the Huntington Beach Pier

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Self-portrait painting by Cathy Young

Q: Do you longboard and shortboard, and which do you prefer? What boards are in your quiver? A: I have 4 boards in my quiver: an 8.5 fun board, a 7.2 pintail, a 6.6 potato chip board, and a 6.1 fish. I prefer my shortboards, as I dream of one day being able to ride them like the pros—big bottom turns, off the lips, floaters, and cutbacks. LOL…it’s always nice to dream! Q: Are there any particular moves you are currently working on? A: Yeah, all of my shortboard moves. I can do a cutback and I can make turns, but I don’t have a lot of power in my moves. So, I am always thinking about trying to slash my tail around and throw some water. Q: Do you compete in surf contests? A: I have been in three. My first competition was in September, 2003—6 months after my first son was born. I signed up for the contest to motivate myself to get back into the water. I was so nervous that I couldn’t breath and had to scream just to get air into my lungs, but somehow managed to take 3rd place. Then a few years later, I competed in the local Surfer Joe contest held in Seal Beach, California, along with several other Wahine Kai members. I was able to control my nerves and took 5th place in that contest. Then last September, I competed in the Huntington Beach Surf Contest and I took 2nd place. I was once again very nervous and in conditions (big overhead walled-up waves) that I usually don’t surf in. In this case, my nerves helped me stay focused, and I was able to ride the waves all the way to shore and gain more points against ladies who had better shortboard skills. Q: Where do you consider your home break? What is your favorite break? Where have you traveled to surf? A: My home break is the Huntington Beach Pier, but my favorite break is Trestles. I don’t get there often enough, but when I do I am always so stoked at how much cleaner the wave is. As far as travel, I have been to Costa Azul surf camp in San Francisco, Nay, Mexico, Costa Rica, where I surfed Tamarindo, Witches Rock, and Ollie’s Point. In April, 2010, I was lucky enough to bring 9 Wahine Kai members to Nicaragua to spend a week surfing with Holly Beck at Suave Dulce. I would love to get to Fiji one day. Q: Do you cross-train to surf? What other sports do you participate in? A: I don’t really cross-train to surf, but I do enjoy skateboarding. I started

Photo by Kelly Latimer; Cathy in Nicaragua

Art by Cathy Young

skateboarding when I was 12 (once again, a guy taught me how), and I have never stopped. I had my same skateboard until about 10 years ago when someone stole it out of my garage. Then I bought a long Sector 9. I would place my baby on the front of the board while I sat on the back, and we would cruise down the hill on my street. Now both of my sons join me at Volcom Skate Park in Costa Mesa. Other sports I enjoy are bike riding (road and mountain), working out at the gym, running, roller blading, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and rock climbing—pretty much anything outdoors. Q: Do you follow any particular diet to stay in shape for surfing? What is your favorite post-surf grind? A: No special diet. I am just lucky to have a high metabolism, and a body that is naturally lean. But I also don’t eat junk. I love healthy food—fresh fruit, nuts, grains, and veggies. I also LOVE chocolate. Lately my favorite post-surf grind is a Cliff Bar. Q: What are some of your other hobbies/interests? A: Since 2003, I have been painting murals in kid’s rooms. I usually work the child into the painting—they get a kick out of seeing themselves. I have also been taking photographs since 1980, when I bought my first 35mm. Of course, now it’s all digital, but I still love to capture people in action, laughing, or just a moment of their life.

Photo by Chris Clarke (L-R) The Young Family: Zack, Mozart, Craig, Cathy, and Tyler

Being a mom, you realize how quickly moments pass and how a photograph can take you back in time. Q: Who and/or what inspires you? A: My boys inspire me. I became a mom late in life (40 years old), so I need to stay as young and fit as possible for them. I want them to feel they have a young, cool mom. Of course, my oldest son likes to tease me. At the skate park, I am not comfortable going vertical anymore, so he teases me about it. I try to point out that I am the only mom there skating, but he pretends not to notice! Q: Where do you see yourself in five years? A: In five years I will be 53 (enjoying AARP) right here in Huntington Beach, and doing what I do now: surfing, skateboarding, painting, taking photographs, and loving life! Q: Do you have any advice for women over 40 who would like to learn to surf or who are striving to improve their skills? A: You can do it. Take a lesson from a certified surf instructor, go out only when the conditions are good for you, and find others to surf with (join Wahine Kai or some other surf group). It’s all about having fun, and when you surf with someone else it is so much better! F

“Hey WSSM, I am a stoked woman surfer from Santa Cruz, California. I recently found your mag on a local news stand, and now I’m hooked! I am 19, and have been surfing for 4-5 years. My favorite boards are my 9’0 Arrow, a high performance longboard, and my 6’6” fish, and another beater longboard. A few of my fav spots are 38th Ave., Capitola Beach, and going out of town in the summer. Who can resist a deserted beach and lots of fun waves?? The sweetest spot I have surfed, besides SC County, is San Onofre... such an epic spot!

What has always stoked me out about surfing is the fact that it’s such an individual sport. You can see what emotions everyone has by the way they surf the waves...aggressive, flowing, passionately, etc. A year or so ago, I was working at a women’s surf shop, “Paradise Surf Shop”, the laid-back vibe and surf stoked co-workers cemented my love for the surf world even more. When I step into the water, I have to admit that there is truly no better feeling on earth. No matter how hard you have to push yourself to go out, you are always glad you suited up and went out there... it makes you happier.

She Surfs

MISHA MARTIN Photos by: Goyo Martin

I am also constantly working on my nose ride skills, and of course, pushing myself to shortboard more often! I love crossstepping, and going left, since I’m a screw foot. Ha ha. My surfing world heroes are mostly local women who emanate friendliness in the lineup and have killer surfing skills, too. I have always adored Kassia Meador, Bethany Hamilton, Joel Tudor, and many other women and men, for their love of the sport and their influence on me and many other women’s lives. My Dad has been the one who really helps my surfing improve. He is a talented surfer and he pushed me into my first wave! I feel so fortunate to live in a surf town that shares my interests in the arts, music, and surfing! Keep surf stoked,” F wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 89

COMMUNITY

. . . I am a surfer

She Surfs Keenan, Marissa, Jasset

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3 Girls

...

by Meghan Whitney

www.meghanwhitneyphotography.com

“As a photographer, capturing the spirit of today’s surfing girl, their moment in time, and preserving it for the history books is a thrill... Marissa Shaw- age 19, Keenan Linebackage 18, and Jasset Umbel- age 17, are three very special girls, they’re talented surfers, and dear to my heart. For several years now, these girls have all been friends. Keenan and Jasset have known each other for many of those years from surfing on the east coast. A few years back, Keenan and I met Marissa, a Trestles local, while on a surf trip to California. The girls hit it off immediately and have been friends ever since. Jasset also frequents California a few times a year, and has become good friends with Marissa. As the years have gone by, all of the girls have tried to stay in touch, getting together whenever they are on the west coast. This year, on our annual trip to the west coast to shoot, Keenan and I planned it so that we would be out there when Jasset and her family were there, and could hook up with Marissa as well.” F

JASSET UMBEL

Marissa and Keenan, take in a California sunset...

u KEENAN LINEBACK

u MARISSA SHAW

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COMMUNITY

. . . I am a surfer

Keenan Lineback

She Surfs u JASSET UMBEL

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Keenan Lineback walks the line- Trestles at sunset

She Surfs

u MARISSA SHAW Marissa Shaw, Keenan Lineback, Jasset Umbel

Marissa Shaw

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MY COMMUNITY

. . . I am a surfer

She Surfs

MIRABAI JAMES MY SURFING ROOTS…

Surfing came into my life because I was a water baby and the beach was my playground. Surfing is just a way of life for us here in Hawaii. Surfing eventually took me to Long Island, New York, in the summer of 2001; the waves get good in the late summer to fall (hurricane season). I know, New York, crazy, but it is still an island, and being in the Hamptons isn’t that bad. I went to nursing school and worked on Long Island in a neonatal intensive care unit with tiny, tiny premature babies, and really sick infants. Finally, I got a job on Maui and here I am geared up and more ready and determined than ever to surf big waves and start my new job in the ICU at Maui Memorial Hospital.

BIG WAVE TRAINING…

I surf, surf and surf some more, run on the beach, lots of squats, swim, weight train, yoga, jujitsu, and pole dancing (ha ha) just for fun. Mental training is important, so I practice counting underwater when I take a beating and watch the waves when it is big. I really do enjoy all kinds of board sports: stand up paddle board, longboard, bodyboard, and skateboarding. Basically, whatever the conditions call for. It really helps with big wave surfing by getting back to basics and being able to go out in any conditions and have fun on any type of board.

LAST THOUGHTS AS YOU STROKE INTO A MONSTER WAVE… DON’T FALL!!! Nah, but sometimes it goes so quick that all you can think is WHEEEEEEEEEEEEE..... I am always looking ahead to see where to draw my lines.

TOW-BOARD VS. REGULAR SURFBOARD…

Towing definitely targets your legs more. When you surf big waves, you have to be able to paddle into them hard, so strong arms are a must. Both are completely different in so many ways, but the goal is always the same, right? Get the ride of your life. Life is too short to hold back.

FUTURE PLANS…

I just got a job on Maui as a Registered Nurse in the ICU. I like the fast pace and helping others get through the toughest moments of their lives. My future plans are to continue to progress in big wave surfing and to make all my sponsors proud (Maui Girl, Sector 9, Black Flys/ Fly Girls, Da Kine, Hana Hwy Surf, BYB Surfboards, ZICO, Power Balance, and Future Fins). I will eventually go back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner. Just being happy, living back home on Mau, is most important. I love being a Maui Girl and I am so grateful for everything, everyday... Maui no ka oi!

CONTACT HER... Mirabaijames@yahoo.com 94 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Mirabai feeling at home, surfing Jaws in Maui- Hawaii. Mirabai James was the first woman to tow-surf in New York. Pictured at Montauk lighthouse, this image is a great comparison of water colors between Hawaii vs. New York. This wave is what brought her to New York, and Jaws helped bring her home. Photos by: (this page) Jimmie Hepp, (below) Jenn Davis, (right) Lalita James

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MY COMMUNITY

. . . I love SUP

SHE SUPS

Kristin Thomas

Age: 48 Years surfing/SUP: Surfing for just over a decade, SUP racing & surfing just over a year… waterwoman for life! Homebreak: Although I live in Laguna Beach, I consider San Onofre (Old Man’s & Dog Patch) my wave Sponsors: Suplove boards, Stand Up Paddle Company, Sweet Waterwear, Smart Girls Who Surf / Surfvival Sunscreen, Ocean Minded MY SURFING/SUP ROOTS...

A couple of teachers at my high school used to take students to learn to surf at SanO. I remember how easy it seemed surfing tandem with Bob Nealy doing the paddling and telling us when to pop up. Ironically, I just ran into Bob of Surf More XM at Surf Expo in Florida last January! I’m kind of embarrassed I didn’t get into surfing back then, but I was spending 3 -4 hours a day in chlorinated water in middle school through college, doing the competitive swimming thing.

I really didn’t get into surfing regularly until my late 30’s with a group of girlfriends after buying my 9’2” longboard on consignment from the Boehne’s, at Infinity Surfboards in Dana Point. Besides our regular morning surf sessions through the years, I’ve had the opportunity to surf with my ‘Surf Mamas’ in Mexico, Panama & Hawaii, too. Although with work and having my youngest still in high school, my time is limited. I still love to longboard when I get a chance, but I spend a lot more time distance SUPing. I’m still a surfer though!

WHY SUP...

SUP is such a complete package as a sport! Meeting all the incredible people, being a part of something surrounded with so much growth and excitement, and finding a new way to enjoy the water are ALL pure Aloha. Every other water sport I’ve been involved in depended on a place or type of weather, but you can SUP almost anywhere, anytime! It is the chance to be on the water in any types of weather and conditions.

DO THE SAME RULES APPLY... SURFING vs. SUP

We all need to respect each other and the rules of the wave… not ‘snake our brother’ (or sister), etc. But most SUP surfers I know totally know their etiquette, and actually go out of their way to be more generous with waves since it is easier to catch a larger number and variety of waves on a stand-up. Personally, I think leashes are an excellent idea, because of the weight and volume of our boards, but coming up with a bunch of rules and restricting access is not the answer. There are always going to be a small percentage of people in ANY sport that are clueless or rude. But NOTHING makes me sadder than the fact that a small group of surfers are such haters about stand-up paddling. At the risk of stepping on toes, I think that being a ‘hater’ is a personality issue. Some people don’t like change of any kind and are really set in their ways – and choose to be jerks about it. Learning to surf as an adult – and a female at that - I never had to deal with the localism or ‘pay your dues’ mentality that sometimes happens in surfing.

SUP SPOTS FOR BEGINNERS...

Stand-up paddling is not difficult – that’s one of the most appealing aspects of it and part of why it’s growing so fast. But it’s smart to start with a lesson and maybe go out on flat water (harbor, bay, lake) the first couple of times to gain confidence. Dana Point Harbor, Newport Harbor, Mission Bay/ San Diego, Laguna Beach, and North San Diego County are all coastal areas that are all awesome places to get started. Dog Patch at the south end of SanO, River Mouth at Doheny, and Cardiff Reef in North San Diego County are good places to learn to SUP surf.

MY FIRST SUP RACE...

I was really lucky to start with a race on Mission Bay, San Diego called the Hano Hano Huki. Friendly people, fun race, good weather … all in the middle of winter! I think it reignited the dormant ‘competitive gene’ from my swimming and running years. On any given race day – even if I don’t have a great race myself - I’ve spent a morning getting a great workout and hanging out with awesome people. Can you beat that?

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Photo: Ozzie Jack Clarke

THE RACING / SURFING SUP COMMUNITY

Not too much of a difference really between those that SUP race, and SUP surf. There is a huge cross over here; the majority of the people I’ve met participate in multiple aspects of SUP. In general, it is a very social sport if you choose it to be … it’s easier to chat standing up. The people I’ve met are truly lovers of the ocean/ water, generous, friendly and open … whether the SUP race, surf or cruise.

Photo: Harry Wiewel

IDEAL RACE CONDITIONS...

My best results have been the long races & flat water races. The Suplove board I race is designed by an America’s Cup boat designer and is ridiculously fast in flat water. Most of my friend’s prefer to mix it up and love Battle of the Paddle style races with mixed conditions, lots of turns, waves and maybe even a little running. There really is a wider variety than you might think of races. One that I really want to try/learn how to do is a down-winder; the Maliko run on Maui is supposed to be fantastic!

THE FUTURE OF SUP...

There are SO many aspects to this sport! The growth has been phenomenal and is only expected to increase.

Because it is a sport pretty much everyone can do, I think the recreational or basic fitness areas will really grow this year. Stand-up paddling can be anything you want it

to be; do you want to walk, jog or run? Down the line, the prospect of some form of stand-up paddling getting into the Olympics is very exciting. It’s SUCH an accessible sport (water is 75% of the world)!

Photo: Holly Amodio

TIPS FOR HAVING FUN...

Although it doesn’t happen very often, it’s so sad to see someone not having fun on a board. I think starting with a lesson, so you know all the basics and don’t develop bad habits or get frustrated is the best advice I can give. Instructors can give you good advice on gear, too.

MY DREAM SUP DESTINATION...

If you follow SUP on the internet or in magazines, you’ve seen the incredible photos lately of people paddling all over the world. I adore travel and new adventures, so I would LOVE to paddle in any of the locations I’ve seen - through the canals in the Netherlands, down rivers in National Parks, around islands in Indonesia – anywhere! How incredible would it be to see these places from the unique perspective of being on the water!?

MY BUSY SCHEDULE INCLUDES SUP, BECAUSE...

Having a passion makes you a healthier, happier person. I am loving everything about SUP, so I’m making it a priority. You know what they say … you want to get something done, ask a busy person. I’ve always been a multi-tasker, balancing family, work and other commitments isn’t new to me. I’ll be the first to admit that I definitely am a bit ‘over-committed’ at this point in my life and will have to cut back… but it won’t be on paddling.

COMPANIES THAT ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE SUP WORLD...

I’m proud that all of my sponsors are making a difference and moving our sport forward. Suplove’s innovative designs push the envelope and their all inclusive theme encourages more to check out SUP. The SUP Company supports riders, brands and events in a way that truly inspires. Sweet Waterwear and Smart Girls Who Surf are especially supportive of women in this sport, and Ocean Minded really sticks to their mission of helping care for our oceans.

MY ADVICE...

If you love the water and haven’t tried stand-up paddling … today is the day.

CONTACT KRISTIN: Kristin@SUPmamaKT.com F Photo: Ozzie Jack Clarke

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MY COMMUNITY

. . . I love SUP

SHE SUPS

Vanina Walsh Age: 14

Years surfing/SUP: 2 1/2 years Homebreak: Queens

Sponsors: ROXY, KM Surfboards, COOP, Rumba Time, Kialoa, Tambor Acai, Island Shade Shacks, Surfer Salve, and Wet Feet. WSSM:Your story of how you got into surfing is a familiar one with the WSSM readers (and we LOVE it)... but we hear you’ve recently started SUP’n! When did you make the change to SUP?

VW: I wouldn’t say I made a change, I just added another fun way to enjoy the water and waves. When I tried SUP for the first time, I was on my longboard and I borrowed a canoe paddle from the beach boys in Waikiki. Nobody was selling SUP for kids, so my parents had a custom SUP made for me and I fell in love with the sport. It is so great because you don’t even need waves to get into the surfing lifestyle and you can do it anywhere you have water!

WSSM: As SUP becomes more popular, what aspect of it has drawn you the most and why?

VW: When I started SUP only a hand full of people were doing it. It was an exciting new sport for me. It was fun to be out in the lineup, most of us were all new at the sport. The SUP boards have come a long way, they keep getting better all the time. I love it because I can use the paddle to really dig into the water during turns on the waves. Lots of people are using SUP as a way to get into shape. I see people enjoying the surfer vibe and don’t necessarily get into the waves.

WSSM: Do you feel there are different rules for SUP’n vs. surfing?

VW: The rules for SUP’n are the same as all toters in the lineup. Etiquette is definitely important in the water. I usually don’t go out on my SUP at a break that is known as a shortboard break. As an SUP surfer, it is important to be aware and be respectful of other surfers in the lineup. On an SUP it is a lot easier to catch waves way sooner than a longboarder or shortboarder.

A good rule to follow is that there are plenty of waves for everyone, so let’s all share! I’m

aware of it, because I like to surf all types of surfboards. I think it is so important to share waves and the ocean. We just all have to

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Photos: WSSM

WSSM: In addition to SUP... you’re also a very talented artist! Tell us about your recent accomplishments as an artist? VW: I love to paint at night or when the waves or weather are not so great. Living here in Hawaii, I get inspired all the time. I recently did an art piece for the Women’s Pipeline Pro Contest and they used my art on the poster.

I also did a fabric design for Honey Girl Swimwear. They will be using my art on their next swim suit collection. I’m also working with Island Shade Shacks to create a fabric design for their shacks. Roxy just asked me a couple of day ago to work on some art for them. I’m so stoked!!!!!

spread some aloha in the water!

WSSM: What are some great beginner spots in your area that you can recommend and why?

VW: Barbers Point is a great beginner spot, there is alway a spot on the inside to surf, if the outside is too big. In the summer all of the North Shore is small and great for learning. Lots of people go to Ala Moana in town and start there. You can really start almost anywhere the water is calm and easy to get in and out of the water with your board.

WSSM: You seem to really enjoy racing... tell us about your first race experience, and why you have gone in that direction?

VW: My first race was on my dad’s longboard from Ehukai to Waimea bay, about a 3-mile run. Racing was just becoming a really popular sport and a lot of surfers would use their wave SUP’s for the races. After that, I did a few more races on borrowed SUP’s or race boards. I love racing, it’s great for my endurance. I recently won 2 divisions in the Baddle of the Paddle 2011. 1st in one, and 2nd in the other! KM Surfboards is working on my new race board, that will be made of Carbon Fiber. I am so excited!

WSSM: Is the racing SUP crowd a little different from surfing SUP peeps? If so, how?

VW: I’m not really sure about other places, but a lot of the people that I SUP with on waves are also into racing. I don’t know of anybody that only races, but I guess maybe on the mainland and places without waves you will find people that only do racing.

WSSM: What are the ideal racing conditions for you?

VW: Lots of wind in my back!!! I really enjoy flat water for racing, but so many of the races have wind swells and I am just starting to learn how to use the swell to my advantage. It is like putting the pieces of a puzzle together and I have a lot to learn!

WSSM: As a new sport, where do you see SUP going in the future?

VW: I know SUP is going to be big! It is truly a sport for everybody. I see small kids to older adults on SUP’s. It is a sport for every fitness level. The great thing is you can SUP on flat water like a lake or you can surf waves. I have even seen people going down rivers. That’s something I would like to try some day.

WSSM: Got any tips/advice for new SUP’rs?

VW: Board choice is important for sure. I surf custom boards by KM Surfboards, that are designed for my size and the type of waves I surf. There are some great pop out SUPs there as well. wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 99

MY COMMUNITY

. . . I love SUP

SHE SUPS

Vanina Walsh

For flat water paddling, I recommend trying some boards at a demo session at a store. Find the right size for you as far as length, thickness and width. When it feels right, you will know it! For sure, you should start in flat water until you get the hang of it. Also make sure the SUP has a good deckpad. I love the deck-pads that have a kickpad built in, It makes it easier for turning the board. I

use my Kialoa paddle because it’s so light. They make a model just for girls with a smaller blade that is super light.

You want to make sure, if you use a paddle for surfing, that it is about one shaka (6 inches) over your head. If you are using your paddle for racing, make sure it’s about 2 shakas over your head.

WSSM: How do you fit SUP into your busy schedule of school & surfing? And do you feel it’s REALLY important to make time for it... if so, why?

VW: I go through different phases in surfing. I wake up in the morning and check the surf report, and at that time I decide if I will take my SUP, longboard, shortboard, or racing board out. I don’t really feel like I make special time to SUP because I like SUPing just as much as surfing on my other boards. It’s great that I do my school online so I can surf when the waves are good. A lot of mornings I go SUP/surfing first, at that time the surfing breaks are not so crowded. I do my school work after that, and then fit a session in before evening.

WSSM: Who do you admire the most in SUP, and why?

VW: I don’t have a trainer, so watching other great SUPers is really helpful for me. When I’m in the lineup with Candice Applebee or Kamaki Worthington, I love watching them and learning from them. They give me great pointers. But so many people help me that it would be hard to list them all and I wouldn’t want to leave anyone out.

CONTACT VANINA...

Please contact me at vaninawalsh.com You can also follow my “fan page” on Facebook. I also have started a Tumblr and it is at: vaninawalsh.tumblr.com F

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Photos: WSSM

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MY COMMUNITY

. . . I love SUP

Q & A and photos by Elliott Wong | wahinesurfer.net Age? Age is confidential information! Let’s just say over 50! Home & occupation? Oahu, Hawaii: Kaimuki area-- on the cusp of Kahala is my house that I have been renting since 1973. I started SUP surfing in early 2007. I airbrush surfboards, make jewelry, and paint for a living.

How many boards do you have in your quiver & paddles?

I have 2 boards made by Jay Richardson for stand up, an 8’6” and 9’4”. I also have several Eric Arakawa surfboards ranging in size from 5’4” to 6’8”. One paddle, my Kialoa... love it!

Favorite? My 8’6” Jay Richardson and my 5-8 EA quad.

Jeannie Chesser

What is your favorite surf spot? My favorite spot for summer surfing

(since 1971), is Ala Moana Bowls. It’s been good all winter so no need to go to the north shore. But, when it’s small on the south, Mokuleia is my area for winter surf.

What kind of wave do you like for SUP? I don’t SUP at Ala Moana Bowls, except if there are less than 5 people out. I respect the spot too much. I usually SUP at Rock Pile Lefts and other spots that aren’t crowded.

Why do you SUP surf over regular board surfing? I would rather surf when there are waves. I SUP when it’s small and no wind. I don’t SUP when it gets crowded.

How do you feel about using a SUP board in the line-up? I have been surfing so long that I could be a real hog if I wanted to. I give a lot of waves away because I am a shortboarder and know what it’s like when a lot of Greyhound buses are out there. Usually people are cool to me, because I am cool to them. But, when people are idiots and get in my way, I have to school them sometimes.

Where do you see yourself 2 years from now? Probably doing the same things… surfing, surviving in work. Hopefully people stop buying those China pop-out boards and support our local Hawaii shapers and airbrushers... people who actually surf and make boards in Hawaii- for Hawaii.

Greatest accomplishment SUP surfing? I love that I can go paddle out

with the dolphins and enjoy the sea life on a SUP. I’ve been really close to whales too, and that was INSANE!! I really like surfing the waves on my 8-6. In life? My greatest accomplishment in life was having my son, Todd, the few precious years he was with me. He made me a better person. His spirit has motivated me to do things I wouldn’t have had the strength to do, such as surviving chemo and radiation when I had my cancer treatments in 2007. I know he would’ve wanted me to go for it and kick this cancer’s butt.

Who do you look up to in the SUP world? Jay Richardson, who makes

my boards, Blane Chambers, Bonga, Kekoa Uemura, Candice Appleby, Kamu and Kekoa Aweau, Sam Pae, Ckaipo Young, Johnston Kahuanui and my local heroes that surf with me every morning, Clyde Kaimuloa and Jimmy Lota.

Any final words for the ladies who are interested in SUP surfing or who already SUP surf? I would say- get a board that is light enough for you to carry; it opens up a whole new world of surf spots. Words for every SUP surfer, and any kine surfer, is to respect the regulars (locals) at any spot you go to, and you will be respected in turn. Hogging just makes SUPs look bad and makes it junk for all of us. Lastly… I truly love my JR boards, hand shaped and glassed right here at Makaha. Everyone should get one! F

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SHE SUPS

June 24th- the estimated due date of Hailee Mahina Hailstones (In Hawaiian, Mahina means moon) “When I found out I was pregnant I knew my surfing life would have to slow down a little bit. My surfing life will never be over though, and SUP is a great opportunity for me to get into the ocean and still get a healthy workout. It is hard sometimes living on the North Shore in the winter time and watching all the surfers charging waves, but I also realized that pregnancy is temporary... Something amazing and life changing comes out of pregnancy. I actually really enjoy being pregnant and finding new ways to be able to get into the water. I enjoy being able to SUP, body surf, swimming or just dipping my toes in the water when we get 6ft+Hawaiian swells. Pregnancy obstacles or differences? The only obstacle I have is being able to carry boards. Carrying heavy objects when pregnant is not recommended, so whenever I want to jump in the water and SUP I need someone to help me carry my board to the car. Which can be hard, since I am so independent and used to just grabbing my board whenever I want and jumping in the water. Otherwise, I am having a fun time on my SUP everyday. I’m still paddling smaller boards like my 8’6” and 8’0”, but since I am now 7 1/2 months along, my stomach is really going to grow in my last two months and I am going to stick with a bigger board for more stability. Getting back onto the board after taking a dip to cool off is also a challenge, and very different for me. You can’t just slide back onto the board on your tummy like usual. So I find myself grabbing the rail and really using my arm strength to roll myself back onto the board. It looks really funny so I am always cracking up whenever I have to do it. Prenatal Yoga during my pregnancy has helped my SUP balance. It helps my body stay conditioned and helps keep my balance steady on the board. How far into your pregnancy can you surf? You can SUP for as long as you feel comfortable or if you still have great balance, but I noticed the bigger I get my balance gets off by a little bit. Now that I am so far along, if I am standing for too long my feet get swollen, so I sit down and paddle for a bit and dip my feet in the cool water or just find a nice place to swim around and rest my body. Is it SAFE to SUP while preggo? It is safe to SUP preggo, but always make sure to ask your doctor first. If you are having a complicated pregnancy I do not recommend it, but if you get the clear and you have already had experience with a SUP-- go for it. My doctor told me since my body is already conditioned to SUP then it should be fine. You do have to remember though, that one fall could be very serious in pregnancy, especially in the stomach area, so extra caution is needed. I usually just cruise around- I don’t do my usual training routines because it could put stress on the baby.

SHE SUPS

Rebecca Cravens I always dreamed of having a surfing family since I was young. Surfing and the ocean is my passion, so I hope to get Hailee in the water as much as possible and I hope she enjoys the ocean as much as I do. I come from a family of surfers and watermen, so I know it’s in her blood, but I will support her in whatever she chooses. She is my life. Tips for preggo SUP’rs...

u Always have someone help carry

your board, especially if it’s really heavy.

u If water conditions look danger-

ous for you or your baby, take the pre-caution: If in doubt... Don’t go out!!! I try to only SUP on the glassier days with less wind, unless I’m doing a downwinder. u Never SUP alone while pregnant,

because you never know what could happen. u Don’t push yourself too hard,

because you are growing a precious life inside of you. u Have fun in the water, it will help

you stay relaxed, which is also good for the baby. Photos: Kevin Seid

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SUP

SETUP...

Find a location where the water is calm, especially for your first attempt at the yoga postures. You do not have to be an experienced paddler or yogi to try these postures, you simply need an open mind.

YOGA on the water

Carefully make your way on to your knees, keep the paddle in both hands, bend your knees, keeping equal weight in both feet until your paddle is across your board-- lower to your knees.

by Kristy Wright

Find the central balance point of your board (all boards are slightly different). From this place you can kneel and paddle, in order to maneuver your board as needed. I like to call this ‘home base’. The lower your center of gravity, the more stable you will feel. Take the T-grip end of your paddle and place it between your legs so the blade is at the tip (front end) of the board and easily accessible should you need it. When doing seated postures you can always place the paddle across the board... simply ensure it stays on the board.

2 Vancouver, BC Canada, Mar. 2011 – yes it is still Winter, but a sunny day In Vancouver on the water is always a great time for a paddle. Photos by: Danielle Baker | daniellebaker.com

Enjoy the freedom to move, and to be moved with SUP Yoga Yoga is a wonderful complement to any sport, but not often can we incorporate it into our sport; with SUP Yoga you will be challenged and entertained by how aware you will become over your movements and your breath.

Downward Facing Dog – Adho Mukha Savasana Once onto your hands and knees place your hands at shoulder width apart – directly under your shoulders. Spread your hands wide and feel if you press more with one hand or the other – keep equal weight in both hands. Take your knees just behind your hips, hip distance apart and tuck your toes (TABLE TOP Pose). Lift your hips and knees off the board… Take your time, and if you feel unbalanced, just lower back down to your knees. As you lift your hips up, send your chest towards your thighs and create an upside down ‘V’. Hands press firmly into the board, heels press down towards the back of the board-- but won’t likely touch. You are now in DOWNWARD FACING DOG...

High Plank to Low Plank - Chaturanga

*Modification is to lower the knees*

SUP Yoga will teach you to breath, to move and be present not only on the water, but in your everyday. Classes will include on land Yoga teachings to prepare you to try your postures on your board and ON the water. From Downward Dog to Warrior, you will enjoy the freedom to play, laugh and practice this wonderful mind/body experience.

From DOWNWARD FACING DOG... A) Look forward, inhale and take your shoulders over your wrists (HIGH PLANK). Keep your heels high, legs straight.

THE WARM UP...

Paddle around your favorite spot, take in the sights, focus on your breath with each paddle stroke, and focus your eyes into the distance. Your ‘dristi’ also known as your gaze will allow your eyes to soften your body, to relax, and your breath to calm.

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From HIGH PLANK... B) Keep your body firm, chest forward, heels pressing back and bend your elbows and lower down through CHATURANGA – aka Low Plank. Hands stay under shoulders, keep your chest as high as your elbows.

UPWARD FACING DOG - Urdhva Mukha Savasana From CHATURANGA...

A) Keep your hands under your shoulders, press your arms straight and roll over your toes to UPWARD FACING DOG. Roll your shoulders down your back, let your chest/heart shine through and keep thighs firm and lifted off the board.

*Modification – lower the legs to the board* B

From UPWARD FACING DOG... B) Roll over your toes to the balls of your feet, send your hips high and float back into Downward Facing Dog. You’ve now completed a simple Vinyasa Flow. Let’s keep going...

Three–legged Downward Facing Dog to High Runners Lunge

From DOWNWARD FACING DOG... Lift one leg up behind you, start slowly and notice if the board begins to wobble. Where is your weight distributed? Hands, feet?! Check in! Keep your hips square, keep your lifted leg foot flexed! And your lower leg firm. Sweep your raised leg right through to your thumb, plant the foot firmly so your knee is over your ankle and keep your finger tips on the board (HIGH RUNNERS LUNGE) Your back toes are tucked, hips low, chest forward... Gaze into the horizon, and breathe.

A great way to complete your SUP Yoga session is with a seated twist.

Seated Twist Make your way onto your knees and then onto your seat. Start with both feet forward. Take your foot over your thigh and plant it fully onto the board.

Warrior I – Virabhadrasana I From HIGH RUNNERS LUNGE... Spin your back heel down to the centre of the board. Toes point on a 45degree angle to the top edge. Plant your feet firmly… Begin to raise your hands off the board, peel your tummy off your thigh, engage your core, then slowly trail your gaze up to the horizon. Float your arms overhead, keep your palms facing in towards one another, and take your arms (biceps) back with your ears (WARRIOR I)

You can keep one leg straight or tuck the other foot under your opposite hip. Take one hand behind you and the other to wrap around your knee and hug it in to keep your spine tall. Gaze over your shoulder towards the back of your board and into the horizon. As you exhale, twist deeper. F

Thank you from SUP YOGA Vancouver, BC Canada... Enjoy the freedom to move, and to be moved while on your paddleboard. Special thank you to Coreban and Rogue, supplier of boards and paddles to SUP Yoga Vancouver. www.standuppaddlevancouver.com wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 105

SURF ART GALLERY

. . . I am an Artist

Age: 35 | Years Surfing: 2 Years as an artist: 7 years officially exhibiting and selling my art, but I

really began painting, drawing, and photographing as young as my earliest memory serves me.

Homebreak: There is a special place near Lawrencetown Beach on the

eastern shore of Nova Scotia where I love to play, especially when no one else is out. It brings peace to my soul and energizes my entire being.

MY SURFING ROOTS… I grew up very far from the ocean on the

Kapuskasing River in northern Ontario, about 2300 km away from the east coast where I now call home. I always loved the water. When I moved to Nova Scotia (NS) in ’94 to attend an art college, I fell in love with the ocean, especially in ’99 when my husband and I bought our home within earshot of the surf breaking on the beach. In the years following, I spent much time watching the waves, imagining how amazing it must feel like to ride them. I had developed a fear of cold dark water that held me back, which took over a decade to overcome. Then one day, I finally snapped out of it! Just like that. I realized I could either spend my life wishing and wanting to know what it felt like to surf, or I could go out and learn, and come to experience the exhilaration and beauty of feeling the power of the ocean beneath my feet! My first time out was on the evening before Hurricane Bill struck NS. My husband took me out with some friends and taught me to paddle, balance, and even pushed me into my first wave. It was such a magical evening. The sweet ocean air was foggy, and it felt like we were all enveloped in a protective cocoon. The waves were gentle and glassy. Later that night as I lay in bed, the waves continued to rock me until I fell into a deep, satisfying sleep. From that day forward, I was hooked!

ARTIST IN THE MAKING… I’m so fortunate to have been born into a super supportive, loving, and creative family. Each of us has grown into our own art niche. My sister is schooled in design and creates natureinspired prints, wood jewelry and art. My mom loves pyrography and

quilting, and adds the finishing touches to my dad’s creations. My dad played with many mediums throughout his life, including photography with his own darkroom (where I developed my love for the camera as an inspiring tool), but his main passion and focus is as a wood lathe craftsman. Each one of us now sports our own unique Etsy shop! There’s a photo I remember seeing of me as a baby in my crib, grinning ear-to-ear, an empty tube of diaper cream in hand, and everything within reach, including myself, painted white! Mom used to tape rolls of craft paper to the walls and floor for my sister and me to paint. When I was a kid, I built tree-houses with my cousins, and then later built log furniture sets just for kicks. My first business was when I was 16, tie-dying and selling t-shirts in my home town to make enough cash to buy my first wheels, a ’74 VW Westy camper. When it came time to apply to universities, I applied to only one- Nova Scotia College of Art and Design- and was fortunate enough to be accepted. I moved to NS on a whim, not at all ready for college, but with a strong desire to live on the coast and make my own way. I primarily took classes in photography and figure drawing, but after two years of studies and not a penny to my name, I had to satisfy my ever increasing urge to work and travel. Years later in ’03, after a long bout of being uninspired to create, I met a special lady who reminded me I was an artist and needed to honor my gift. I began teaching myself to paint and very quickly doors began to open for me; opportunities to exhibit were offered to me. I had finally found my true calling. I felt a wonderful connection with the forgiving buttery oils, and drew my inspiration from nature. It wasn’t until I found my passion for surfing and an intimate connection with the ocean that my subjects transformed into fluid waves, vivid moody light-infused seascapes, and retro-surf inspired patterns, textures, and figures set against flowers or vintage cars. I could always identify with that era, being a child of the ‘70s, and can say with some pride that I had a great 8-track collection, and my favorite cartoon was The Smurfs!

OTHER ARTISTIC PASSIONS… Photography has always been a fun

tool that I use as a process in the development of a painting. But I also just love capturing the beauty of a moment, where in a fleeting instant it’s gone. The ways in which light and water play together always amaze me. While you can never really capture the truly rich experience of a moment in nature, I feel that photographs help me to remember the moment when I revisit them. All I need to do is close my eyes, and I’m there. As an extension of photography, I’ve been playing with photo collages lately. My family has thousands of great photos of when we were younger. I’ve been mixing them up with vintage prints and viewfinder templates, with layers of resin or polyurethane in between, set against a wood block foundation. The outcome is great, with a very old-school effect! I’ve already done a few commissions that I’m really excited about exploring further.

MY ART STYLE… Bright, fluid, figurative, organic, contemporary surf art, both expressionist and impressionist, at times.

INSPIRATION... Definitely my family inspires me! I have great respect

for good people who give others like me a chance. I love music that moves my mind to wander and travel to beautiful places, both real and imagined. I’m inspired by nostalgia and wanderlust! The ocean and surf are a bit of an obsession that fuels my creativity, so naturally other likeminded folk inspired to create or express this mutual love for the ocean also inspire me- musicians, film-makers, photographers, athletes, painters, writers- we’re all part of this intimate surf art niche, and part of a greater whole of people who are moved to bring global awareness to this incredibly beautiful big blue marble, Earth. I couldn’t name just a few individuals who inspire me; there are so many.

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MY 3 FAVORITE PIECES & WHY…

Narrowing my favorites down to 3 is tough! They each have their own story and energy. I have several different series I’m working on and building, including my Retro Surf series, Beach Blossoms, Round series, Viewfinder series, and Waves. I don’t like to conform or restrict myself to one style or subject; however within each there is fluidity and consistency. I’ve been told they are all ‘me’, and they are! As an individual, I’m several layers deep, and I express this in my subjects. But foremost among all of them is a sense of longing and nostalgia that so many can relate to.

First up is a self portrait abstract seascape of my husband and me. It’s called L’Town. As locals affectionately call our area, Lawrencetown. This oil painting is on 24”x48”canvas and is part of my Retro Surf series. In this series of paintings, I create texture in the background (in this painting it’s where the sand is along the bottom length) by imprinting an antique wood textile print block into thick gesso. Once it’s dry, then I begin to paint. I have a thing for vintage cars, texture, and circles. The circle is symbolic for the Earth, and all life.

This painting is from my latest Viewfinder series, inspired by the vintage cameras and manual photographic exposure templates. A Thing Called Love, 20”x20”oil on canvas.

My absolute favorite painting is Golden. It’s oil on a 10”x12” beech wood panel from my Beach Blossom series. There is something about this painting that epitomizes who I am; my daydreams, desires, hopes and fears, are all laid out in a book in this painting. It’s a liberating awareness, yet it also makes me feel vulnerable and shy as I felt when I was younger. When I began exhibiting my work, I was very naïve. I would jump around, thrilled, every time I made a sale. To think someone loved my art enough to buy it was so exhilarating! I hadn’t really thought about how I was representing myself on canvas until people started commenting that my paintings were sensual, feminine, and poetic. It made me look twice and realize that I was opening my innermost parts of myself for all to see. Now I know that by painting what I feel and sharing my art with the world is to contribute to history. Art is so much more than décor. What I paint actually affects people on an emotional and spiritual level, and that is the deepest honor an artist could ever wish for…

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & SPONSORSHIPS… While my spare time is

pretty limited, there is an annual week-long kid’s art camp that I’ve been teaching for a few years now. It’s so much fun working with children. They’re eager to learn, and so easily swoon over my art examples that it’s enough to make a grown-up blush! Honestly, if you’re not feeling confident as an artist, just teach kids for a day. They’ll make you feel like a superstar! Aside from that, you really feel like you’re inspiring them to apply themselves and trust in their natural creativity. I taught fine art to grades P-8 at a private school for a year, and then taught an after-school art club for a year to junior high students. I love teaching kids and hope to have more time and opportunities to teach in the future. I’m not sponsored- yet! I’ve donated some art to small local fundraisers, but would really like to become involved in larger ocean, wildlife, and nature-support focused fundraisers including The Surfrider Foundation.

FUTURE PLANS… Currently, I’m attending a local weekend market called the Hali-

fax Seaport Market where I enjoy representing myself and sell my art in style. It’s a beautiful modern space powered by wind, solar, and thermal energy, and is the new home to North America’s oldest farmer’s market. I thrive on meeting people who are moved by my paintings and look forward to every weekend knowing I’m sure to 3 meet so many amazing people and the memorable conversations we’ll share. I plan to keep this up. I’ve got my sights set on participating in more arts festivals, and will be attending the Hale’iwa Arts Festival in Hawaii this July. I’ve been dreaming of experiencing these magical islands all my life! I’m branching out internationally and am presently looking for gallery representation. After working full time as a professional artist AND full time at my day job of 12 years, I am thrilled to say that my goal of focusing entirely on my art so I can enjoy more free time playing in the ocean, where I feel most alive, is materializing. I’ve taken the leap and am loving every moment of this fresh new life! I’m working very hard to make my dreams come true. Nothing comes easily, but I believe if you are pure of heart and what you desire most is where your focus is, then it will manifest when the time is right. In the not too distant future my husband and I also plan on renting out our house, buying a campervan, and setting out on the adventure of a lifetime. We plan to explore North and Central America, embarking on a huge surf trip; all the while I’ll be recording our journey through paintings and a story blog. I would love to compile a series of 52 weekly paintings into a travelling exhibition after we return home, with the idea of inspiring others to make the most of this lifetime and realize their dreams too. F

Find my art, or contact me to create art for you… u

Email me directly: daina@artbydaina.com I want to hear from you. u

Visit my portfolio and on-line shop: www.artbydaina.com

If you’re on Facebook, please join my art page “Surf Art by Daina Deblette Scarola”. It’s where I’m most active, posting new work often and thrive on interacting daily with my fans. u Visit my blog: www.artbydaina.blogspot.com

Check out Daily Surf Art where a small group of other artists and I post affordable mini art daily: www.dailysurfart.blogspot.com

If you’re on Etsy, I’m here too: www.etsy.com/shop/artbydaina wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 107

SURF ART GALLERY

. . . I am an Artist Age: 17 | Years Surfing: 14 Years as an artist: 8 Homebreak: Ponce Inlet, Florida MY SURFING ROOTS… When I was a

little girl, we were always at the beach. We have photos of me as a baby laying on my dad’s board. I guess it’s just one of those things, when your exposed to such an incredible lifestyle as a child it stays with you for life. I learned how to surf at Ponce Inlet on my dad’s longboard, I remember being so afraid of the water, but after a few years I couldn’t stay out of it.

ARTIST IN THE MAKING… It was the summer going into fourth grade. I was in a

summer camp at the local community college, and saw photography classes. My mom talked me into it because at the time I wasn’t really sure about it. After about the first week I was in love!! It was such a fun thing and a great way to show the world throiugh my own eyes. I wouldn’t say that I drove my parents crazy with my “talent” growing up, but my mom did say when I was about 2 years old she caught me drawing on one of her antique cabinets, which she still hasn’t washed off and promises she won’t paint over. I had a little purse I wouldn’t leave the house without, it was full of crayons and paper. I was always drawing and coloring, but as I got older I became more interested in photography.

OTHER ARTISTIC PASSIONS… Painting surfboards is something I really enjoy! None

of my surfboards are plain; there is always some sort of drawing on them. I used to make jewelry with my mom. We would have such a good time going to the bead store and picking out beads together. I’ve started painting shirts for my friends; so far they have all liked them.

MY 3 FAVORITE PIECES & WHY… My first image is called “The Life”; it is a picture

that I took in California a few years back. I overlaid a photo of the wax on my surfboard which made it more interesting. My second piece, “Pier”, is an image of the Main Street Pier. Due to hurricane damage and weathering, the structure is beginning to fall down. I was at a surf contest one day and it caught my eye how although it is old and destroyed, it still had its beauty. And finally my third favorite piece, “Frisco”, was taken on our vacation to Cape Hatteras for the Eastern Surf Championships. While checking many spots that morning, Frisco was by far my favorite. The pier was broken and almost reminded me of the movie Dog Town. I loved how dramatic the pier looked standing against the waves.

MY ART STYLE… I would call my style, weathered. I love taking pictures of old build-

ings or structures; to me when I take a photo and then later edit it I’m giving it a second life. I find beauty everyday in life and I find that very important.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & SPONSORSHIPS... I am currently involved

with two very amazing programs, Surfers for Autism and the Gnarly Charley Grom Surf Series. Surfers for Autism is the most touching program by far. The smile the children get when they feel the rush and power of the ocean just really changes you. Parents line the beach with tears of joy watching their children enjoy something so fun as they come out of their shells and become surfers. The Gnarly Charley Grom Series is a series of contests based on younger kids. I know as a young girl growing up the thought of surfing a contest scared me because I didn’t want to surf with older people who had way more experience than me! There are races, beach clean ups, dance contests, everything you can imagine! I strongly believe in giving back to the youth, I want to share my love for the ocean and hope to pass it on. My sunscreen sponsor, Smart Girls Who Surf, is an all natural product that is WONDERFUL !! I feel honored to be a team rider. The owner, Jennifer Taylor, is an amazing business woman from Laguna Beach, California. In the past two years she has taught me many life lessons and has educated me extensively on skin care. Also, I am a team rider for Ocean Minded shoes. I am a strong supporter of keeping our beaches clean. Together I think we can make a difference. I am also supported by Arnette Sunglasses, FreeStyle Watches, Maui Nix, and Clever Surf Boards.

FUTURE PLANS… I plan on going to college for photography at Daytona State, which has one of the best photography program in the country. Currently as a junior in high school, I am in an AP (advanced placement) photo class where we earn three hours of college credit once we finish the course. I would love to get into surf photography, it would be amazing to travel the world doing what I love and get paid for it!! F

FIND MY ART, OR CONTACT ME TO CREATE ART FOR YOU… Surfergirl911@earthlink.net http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1785965612

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View Over Cox Bay

Lisa Riehl was raised in British Colombia (BC) and has been seriously painting since 2004. A move to Sooke (a small town outside of Victoria, on Vancouver Island), into a house with a studio in the backyard, gave her the space she needed. Inspired by the dramatic landscapes around her, she has translated her passion for hiking, surfing and her love of nature to canvas. Lisa captures in bold colours her vision of the heart and soul of the West Coast. This is evident in her interpretations of the beaches of Tofino and Sooke, the forests and streams of the West Coast, and the mountains of Whistler. Lisa also paints vibrant and colorful pet portraits. She was originally inspired to paint her own dog, Lucy, and has now become one of the most popular pet portrait artists in the area. Lisa is an avid surfer and has been surfing for over 10 years. Winter surf is fantastic right close to her house in Sooke. She spends as much time in the water as work and painting allow, and often brings her little waterproof camera with her to capture the waves and atmosphere of being in the water – which she can then paint once back at home.

Release

LIFE AS AN ARTIST… “When I’m outside, I feel so inspired. The great

outdoors really is amazing and it never fails to renew my soul. I use my love of photography to capture scenes that I then paint – I go almost everywhere with my camera. Back in my studio when I’m painting, I can’t help but feel inspired and connected to the earth and ocean. Acrylics are my medium of choice, because of their boldness of colour and their immediacy. Using them, I incorporate the textures of nature into my paintings, as well as the vibrant colours that I see all around me … When I am not painting, I am usually outside enjoying nature – hiking, surfing or just taking my dog for a walk.”

MY ARTIST ROOTS… “My journey to the artist life has taken many twists

and turns. I have always loved art, drawing constantly from the time I was a child. But after high school, I decided to pursue sciences, getting a degree in Zoology from UBC. From there I went back to school to be a lab technologist, turning it into a 9 year career (with a bit of traveling thrown in, but very little drawing or painting). Later I got into the medical sales field, which I worked in for the last 10 years. About 7 years ago, I got back in touch with my artistic side. When my boyfriend and I moved to Sooke – to a house with a studio in the backyard – I finally returned to painting! And I’ll never stop now…”

First Peak

WHAT INSPIRES ME… “Being outside...I have always been a bit of a nature freak. I used to be totally addicted to nature shows on TV (I know, that’s a bit contradictory as I’m not outside while I’m watching these). When I’m outside on a walk or hike, or surfing in the cold west coast water, surrounded by the beauty of the wild, I feel this amazing energy. It’s hard to describe, but I feel as if I can do anything! I get this same feeling when I’m painting in my studio. I never seem to have painter’s block - there’s too much inspiration surrounding me.

www.lisariehl.com

Surfing feeds my soul and provides me with endless inspiration. I’ve always loved the water, but I had never really truly respected it until I started surfing. It’s the most difficult thing I have ever done and took many years to get the hang of. Finally after 10 years, I now feel as if I’ve learned a thing or two, although sometimes I can still go out and not catch a single good wave. I’ve learned a healthy respect for the power of nature - it’s easy to get out there in conditions that are too much for you, just fighting for survival (literally). But nothing beats the feeling of catching and riding that perfect wave… except for maybe finishing a painting that’s been particularly challenging! Of course I can’t forget my dog, Lucy...She is the reason that I got into painting pet portraits. Now 5 years old, she’s a black lab cross (with greyhound, maybe, as she’s tall and skinny) and is so photogenic that I just have to paint her. The first dog painting of her was 4 1/2 years ago, and since then I’ve done more than 60 pet portraits (and about 9 of those are of Lucy)!” F wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 109

SURF ART GALLERY

. . . I am an Artist MY SURFING ROOTS… I picked up a surf board

“I especially love to draw and paint female surfers and skaters, using live models instead of photography. My most recent stuff has been muscle studies of female athletes via drawing with charcoal on wood panels. I feel my drawings glorify athletic women.”

when I was twelve, but didn’t get my own until I graduated from high school. That summer I would go to Old Man’s Beach in San Onofre with my buddy from my high school pole vaulting team. Later in college, I surfed at Campus Point, Depressions, and Sands around the University of California, Santa Barbara, and in Durban and Fish Hook when I studied abroad in South Africa. I was a Huntington Beach local for a couple years. Now I live a block from the beach and drive down the coast to wherever the waves are best. I was always competing with boys in sports as I was growing up. Now I find that I also do that in the art world. I looked up many surf magazines online, yours included, but the two women’s magazines were the only positive replies I received. This is exactly why I love drawing women in sports--especially surfing. I have worked in surf shops, and as a surfer myself, I realize that women in surfing (especially shortboarding) are rare--the guys still don’t easily accept you unless they want a date.

ARTIST IN THE MAKING… My mother framed my first life-size self portrait I

Girl Catching a Wave 9 by 6 feet

did back in preschool. My parents always encouraged me to go to art school, but I wasn’t going to pass up UCSB. There, I studied Global Studies, dreaming of practical scenarios of fun employment opportunities such as Nike coming to me absolving to quit using sweatshop labor and begging me to design a surfing costume for Muslim women (inflatable chambers would hide, but also hinder, and picking out correct fabric would be fun). Unlike where I did a creative grant project in Durban, South Africa (teaching women of color to surf), untapped surf in Northwest Africa would require building shark nets and perhaps buying a beach exclusively for women if the whole swimming costume thing didn’t work out or guys hassled us. In Durban, theft and violence could really be a problem, so I had duct taped my $700 camera to my stomach under my clothes disguised as a pregnant woman to get through public transportation to the beach.

OTHER ARTISTIC PASSIONS… I drew a bunch of cars on a paper-mache cow a

couple weeks ago and was thinking perhaps I should mail it to Al Gore. Sometimes I do abstract painting commissions and sometimes I draw on fabric between sewing on it. Every few years I get excited about using resin, fiberglass, and foam, and then I am reminded of how toxic it is. (Yes, I’ve made my own surfboard. I sold it to Play It Again Sports) Five or six years ago when I heard Clark Foam wasn’t doing very well, I got really into researching non-toxic or recycled materials to use instead, but there was really no way I could afford that much bamboo or balsa. I wasn’t sure how to consolidate food trays into a blank without melting plastic (um, toxic). Even if I got my hands on some long sheets of hemp, I’d have to pour resin on it anyway. Car Changing

My favorite experiment was screwing skate trucks onto my roommate’s old printer in college. I take that back--my favorite was when I won 3rd place in a skateboard building contest for children as a 22 year old, with my head-stand skateboard. I carved out handle grips, picked out tight trucks and fat wheels, found flat foam pool noodles for the deck and regular cylindrical ones to go around the rest of the rim of the deck. It had a pin stripe and everything. I stood in a field for 3 days before the contest teaching myself how to do a handstand. After the contest, I dismantled it, immediately knowing it was only a matter of time before I broke my neck demoing it for friends.

MY 3 FAVORITE PIECES & WHY… “Car Changing” is really my first attempt at

a life size figure painting, so I am pretty proud of this one. The elements are derived from sketches I did from life (try drawing yourself in an unstable pose like that!) without the use of photography. The color is largely imagined. “Girl Catching a Wave” a fan shaped commission I drew from life, again without the use of photography. Sometimes I try to think of art making as an opportunity to imagine a utopia. In this instance, I guess there is nobody else around, so this girl isn’t ashamed to be naked, swimming in the ocean alone and tossing a net out to sea, enjoying the act of searching and being in the sun, in nature. My third favorite image was made before I was very confident with drawing, but the sheer audacity of using a pencil to do a drawing, 9 by 6 feet, is what makes this piece special. The largest figure here is over 6 feet tall. I see this piece ideally in the entry way of a women’s athletics-related corporation, empowering the average woman to play in nature--something we forget to do when we grow up. I put these women doing different outdoor activities in a communal beach cove, so that they wouldn’t feel insecure trying new sports or getting sweaty under the male gaze. Likely, the readers of this magazine won’t get that, but most women I talk to who don’t get enough exercise, don’t because they are embarrassed to try things they may be clumsy at in front of guys. I wanted to show that high impact sports aren’t the only way to up the happy chemicals in the brain--just being out in the sun and gardening is beneficial, too.

FIND MY ART, OR CONTACT ME TO CREATE ART FORYOU… katharinea.sikorski@gmail.com F 110 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

Age: 29 Years Surfing: 13 Years as an artist: 29?

MY SURFING ROOTS…

I started surfing when I was in high school. I grew up in Idaho, but went to boarding school in Carpentaria just a few miles from Rincon. Surfing was one of the sports options. Also, my dad has surfed since he was a kid, so as soon as I expressed interest he was there taking me out and calling me into waves. We surfed all around the Santa Barbara area and up in the Hollister Ranch. I started on borrowed boards until my dad surprised me with a 6’4” Merrick - I think he was just so excited to have a new surf buddy.

ARTIST IN THE MAKING… I’ve

Atlacamani

been doing some sort of art for as long as I can remember. I’ve probably played with each different medium and I’m still experimenting. As a child, I probably did get in trouble drawing on a wall here and there, but my family has always been supportive of what I do in my life... even the graffiti stage where drawing on walls could get me in more trouble than with just my parents!

East Coast Low Indonesia

OTHER ARTISTIC PASSIONS…

Well, of course I have a quiver of surfboards with layers and layers of paint on them. I also had a pretty exciting street art stage where I was getting up in the middle of the night to wallpaper paste art posters and cut out images of certain public structures in the streets of San Diego and Santa Barbara. Since then, I must have gotten a bit older and have been playing around a lot with sewing and textiles.

MY 3 FAVORITE PIECES & WHY…

It’s hard to pick 3 favorites since I’ve been through so many stages in my artwork. Atlacamari - This is a piece from my more recent work that explores the states of the domestic and exotic. It comes from my own experience trying to find a balance between the travel and adventure of my earlier life and my quickly approaching motherhood. I use fabric and sewing techniques that are traditionally feminine and domestic and juxtapose them with imagery from children’s adventure books of tall ships, pirates, mythology, and early explorers. The title Atlacamani comes from the name of the Aztec goddess of ocean storms and hurricanes. East Coast Low - This piece is also from my newer series. A weather system with an east coast low sends tons of swell down to us where we live in Australia!

For example, I had an amazing trip in the Mentawais in Indonesia, but I also ran face first into the reef at HT’s. I tried to use color, blood-like drips, and a busy composition to show the excitement and the creeping fear that the memory brings up each time I think of it.

MY ART STYLE IS… The style and content of my work come directly from my life experiences. My style is definitely collagebased in both the media I use (spray paint, fabric, children’s books) and the styles I mix together graffiti, realism, abstraction- just like my life takes influences from all over the place.

Indonesia - This piece was one of four large paintings (5 x 7 feet) that hung together as a single installation for my graduate school thesis. The pieces explored consciousness theory and the ways memory can morph perception and truth in our experiences.

HOPEFULLY MY FUTURE HOLDS... We had our first baby

I used memories of surfing different places and the emotions that come with those memories to create a part abstract/part literal visual picture.

CONTACT ME... www.vanessajanss.com

in April, so that is BIG, but I’m hoping the future holds a lot more of the same as my life does now - surfing, painting, and traveling! F

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SURF ART GALLERY

. . . I am an Artist

“Ever since I started printing my apparel, people have been calling me Miss H.”

MY SURFING ROOTS… I’ve always grown up around the ocean. My grandpa Chuck

had a giant passion for the ocean. Whenever I look back, I remember fishing and doing all kinds of ocean activities with him and my grandmother. I always knew about surfing, but never tried it until I turned twelve. One day, I decided I wanted to learn. I didn’t know anyone who could teach me, so my mom got me a lesson. She was so nice and would take me to Ventura on the weekends. The next year, I tried surf camp in San Clemente. We loved it so much that we picked up and moved a year later. My first board was a Becker fun board that I had for about six months. I remember driving down the freeway with it all strapped down when we heard a loud BANG. The straps had broken and my board had flown off the car. My mom stopped fully in the carpool lane, got out and grabbed it off the road a few cars back, even though it was broken in half and all chewed up. I will never forget that. I am just glad the board was the only thing that broke.

ARTIST IN THE MAKING… I have always drawn pictures. My family and their Floating Hybiscus View from Within

friends still have little post-its and scrap pieces of paper I drew on when I was little. I began to take it more seriously when I was in high school. I started to get inspired by artists like Drew Brophy, who was painting on surfboards. I have always been drawn to the Art Nouveau style and specifically the artist Mucha. The style has a lot of curvy, organic shapes like plant stems and flowing hair. I have always loved surf artist Rick Rietveld’s art; his paintings are a bit Mucha inspired. I had his posters on my walls as I was growing up. It’s funny, because the past two years I have been apprenticing under Phil Roberts, another talented artist I met through the Brophy’s, and Rick now shares a studio with him. I never thought that I would be learning in the same studio he works in. Painting with Phil and Rick, I have learned so much about my drawing skills, color, and finding myself as an artist. It has been a great learning experience! I do remember drawing on the walls and getting into trouble as a child… My favorite thing to draw on was the inside blank pages of books. I think I covered every spot of them in crayons and pencils. Aside from that, I have always been encouraged to paint and draw, I hope I didn’t drive anyone crazy!

Haku Girl

OTHER ARTISTIC PASSIONS… The pens I use to paint surfboards are really versa-

tile. I have also painted Uggs, surfboard fins, and wood furniture. I love taking pictures and making jewelry, too.

MY 3 FAVORITE PIECES & WHY… I mostly paint in watercolors and acrylic when

I’m not painting boards. I have a painting called “View from Within”. My best friend, Jesse, poses for a lot of my paintings and this one was one of the first she sat for. I am hoping to paint this in acrylics in the near future. She is a very positive and patient person. I wanted to express that and the beauty of living in the moment, even if it is simply daydreaming about waves. The second one is “Floating Hibiscus”. It is the tiniest painting, but I am very happy with the movement and colors of it. It looks like a flower just floating in the water, but has some interesting little bits about it that look a bit dreamy to me. The last one is unfinished. I am currently working on it and have for the past year. I have spent over 60 hours and am still working on a name. I have learned a lot in the painting process and am hoping to really create something beautiful. I hope to share it with the world very soon.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & SPONSORSHIPS… Surfrider, Keep a Breast, and

recently L.A.S.T. I normally paint items to get auctioned such as fins and once a ukulele for the Cosmic Creek in 2009 to benefit the Surfrider Foundation. For K.A.B., I painted a plaster bust that auctioned off for breast cancer. I hope to paint one every year. I was recently inspired by a young girl, Casey, who created Love a Sea Turtle organization five years ago. I created a limited edition shirt to help her cause. She organized a coast to coast bake sale and encouraged kids to bake and give proceeds to the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies to help marine life in the Gulf. Isn’t she incredible?

FUTURE PLANS… I hope that in the future I am able to travel and get ideas for new paintings. It wouldn’t hurt to explore some different surf spots either! I would like to create a series of watercolor sketches of each trip I go on. I am creating a new underwater series of paintings. I recently started printing my art on women’s apparel and hats called “Miss H”. The designs are inspired by paintings I have done. I am hopeful this new project will be another way I can express my creativity. For the short term, I plan to paint consistently and surf daily! F

FIND MY ART, OR CONTACT ME TO CREATE ART FOR YOU… My portfolio is www.abovethereefs.com E-mail me at Misshstudios@gmail.com Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/MissHStudios

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MY ART STYLEâ&#x20AC;Ś

In the past few years, I was very focused on becoming proficient in painting. I am now really starting to embrace my style a bit more. I love to paint the figure, ocean inspired themes, and creatures. I have always painted surreal, dreamy paintings.

Age: 26 Years Surfing: 14 Years as an artist:

As long as I can remember

Homebreak: Church

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SURF ART GALLERY

. . . Pearls around the World

PEARLS (girls) CONNECTING WITH EACH OTHER FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD! By Christina DiMari | Visit us at www.designedtoshine.com Christina DiMari, Shannon McIntyre, Jessica McLean

How it all began... After I wrote my memoir, Ocean Star, Shannon McIntyre (surfer/artist) painted this to bring to life the messages I share with girls and young women around the world. Thousands of girls wrote to me after reading my book, and it made me want to do more for the girls, to help them look at their own lives. I then wrote a six session life coaching study titled, YOU’RE DESIGNED TO SHINE. The messages in both Ocean Star and You’re Designed to Shine are shared in the following poem/prayer for you:

The Ocean Star Blessing

by Christina DiMari

Today, may you know you are a Star that is Designed to Shine. Always stay connected to your Source of Life & May the Living Water make you whole. Always travel with a Pod of people who bring out the best in you & May you be protected from those who would destroy your Dreams. Always remember your Heart is the wellspring of life & May it be guarded by Truth and filled with Peace. Always hold on to your Rock when the waves of adversity come & May you be surprised by Pearls of encouragement along the way. Always Look Up when choosing which way to go & May the Bright Morning Star light your path. Always Believe in the infinite possibilities that are born of Faith & May you use your gifts to Shine Brightly for others.

A PEARL FOR EVERY GIRL!!! The vision of OCEAN STAR and YOU’RE DESIGNED TO SHINE is to pass on

whatever you have learned to be a light for another girl! PEARLS all over the world are making a difference in unique and creative ways shining love in their own communities. Shannon McIntyre (surfer/artist) then painted this painting to show how the ripple had gone out and Glory was spreading all over the World! Elima | Indonesia “Ten years ago, when I was living in the United States, I was in a group that Christina DiMari taught sharing how to use creative prayer journaling in our process of healing, discovery, passion, direction and purpose. In my vision page I drew a picture of my future dream. Married. Children. Adoption. Missions. Indonesia. Healing. I got married. Had both my own child and adopted a child. I am now doing mission work in Indonesia. I knew Christina ten years ago way back when she was writing OCEAN STAR and we prayed about God’s purpose and plan for it. But over the past five years or so we have not been in contact with each other with both living in different parts of the world. Last week I had been thinking about going to a conference that focused on spiritual growth, healing and restoration for young women here in the mountains of Indonesia.

You’re Designed to Shine vision spreads all over the United States, South America, the Caribbean Islands, Europe and South Africa

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So I went. I found myself high up in the mountains of Java. The beautiful matriarch pearl leading the conference began the weekend by telling a story. A story of a young girl name Christina, walking the beach with her father as he told her a story about the stars that had fallen from the sky and landed broken in the sea. And how they were on a journey to learn how to heal and restore by staying connected to their Source of Life. Then she showed a picture of an Ocean Star! I sat there stunned. How could this be? Turns out she had found Christina’s book, OCEAN STAR, in a used bookstore all the way over here in Indonesia!!!! This painting now is very symbolic to me because it tells me what my life purpose is, to share the love and light of God with girls all over the Islands!”

Shannon McIntyre (surfer/artist) painted this painting to show how girls all over the world are connecting to each other, coming to the fountain of the water of life to be encouraged, equipped and inspired to go back to their communities to make a difference in the lives of others. These “fountains” are springing up all over the world. One of these major centers can be found on the campus of Biola University in Southern California. Irene Neller | Vice President for University Communications & Marketing Biola University | www.biola.edu “After Christina came to speak on our campus about You’re Designed to Shine, she inspired us to think about what we could do to make a lasting impact in the lives of other girls. I immediately knew that it was time to start making a dream come true that I have had since I was a young girl, to create a center where girls of all culture and backgrounds could come together... “The DREAM Center” - Center for Leadership Development for Girls/Women The Dream Center at Biola University directly responds to the growing needs of girls who need support and spiritual care as they try to figure out what they want to do with their lives. Girls come to the university with big dreams – dreams to make a difference in the lives of others, in their communities and around the world. A university provides the ideal environment for them to discover their talents and interests. They come searching for meaning in life and this is a time where women in leadership can play a very influential role – providing the girls with support and spiritual care as they go through the most formative years of their lives. At Biola, we want to educate the next generation of female leaders! Demographic trends demonstrate that the prominent gender population at most colleges is female, yet the majority of programs, leadership and professors in the classroom tend to be predominantly geared to males. Biola University’s Dream Center for Leadership Development for women responds directly to this growing concern and seeks to provide programs that support the needs of the female student– in mind and in character-as she discovers direction for life-long living. Part of the Dream Center includes hosting an annual Women’s conference taking place around a water feature – like the beach, the pool or Biola’s beautiful fountain. The Biola Pod – the girls club extending from the Dream Center, is calling on other colleges and universities to partner with us by forming their own campus pods. The goal is to have pods formed at as many college campuses as possible! The goal of the Pod is to provide a mentoring program that allows women to journey with young female students throughout their academic years, connecting them with staff and faculty mentors who are interested in leading small group interactions and discussion. At Biola, we work on journals and art projects that allow the girls to exchange ideas and thoughts on where they are in life, talk through obstacles and challenges they face as they discover what they want to do in life. We believe that once the girls connect with someone who believes in them and supports them in their pursuits, they will become all they were intended to be and more and in return, will give to others. It’s the “pay it forward” model – once they leave the university, they go and form their pods and become mentors and role models also for other girls.”

Shannon McIntyre (surfer/artist) painted this painting to show the main vision we have for helping show girls that having a relationship with God is NOT about religion, rather, a life giving relationship. Jessica McLean (recording artist) wrote a song that goes with this painting... Inspired by Revelation 21 and 22

Fountain of Life

You’re a Fountain of Cascading Light and you Open my Eyes To him who is Thirsty, Come and Drink, without Cost from the Spring! Death is gone for Good Tears are Washed Away and Heavy Burdens become Light. And now I am Free For the first time I can See Purpose and Meaning in my Life You give me Drink from the River of Delight With YOU is the Fountain. The Fountain of Life! To him who is Thirsty, Come and Drink, without Cost from the Spring!

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The Writers Wall

. . . share, enrich, grow

Poetic Musings from me to you

Under Water by: Lindsay Schwarz

My favorite place is under water Beneath the dancing tide It’s where I go when I want to let go Or perhaps I want to hide Amongst the crackling coral reef As I sift the sand beneath my feet For sea-stars and shells Whistles and bells Its treasure I seek Yet it’s freedom I find Holding my breath Releasing my mind From all hindrance and hurry Fear and fury All of which, no longer my worry As I linger along the ocean floor I really couldn’t ask for more If ever they ask, “where can we find her?” Tell them my favorite place is under water…

Friend in the Sea by: Lindsay Schwarz

100 feet below In a world less familiar than my own Where fish and dolphin play Beside the turtle, and the ray There lives a lady of the sea She holds her breath for an eternity She’s moving slowly, closer to me And for once I don’t feel the need to breathe I can swim and dance and move with ease And what an indescribable feeling; sensation It’s as if I’ve had a revelation And I don’t want to come up for air But I’ll live in the moment, cause this moment is rare For I’ve cured my insatiable need to just be As I let the sea consume me And I see her look this way with a stare And her long blonde locks of endless hair And I think to myself, ‘can this be true?’ ‘Am I dreaming?’ as I’m gleaming, ‘is that really you?’ I always knew you did exist Even when others would resist But perhaps only I can see For my eyes aren’t closed to possibility And now as light turns to dusk It is time for me to leave, I must But I’ll always remember you, please remember me Because I’ve always wanted to be friends with a mermaid in the sea

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The Poem of My Life by: Jenni Sells

Vibrant, invincible, irresponsible, untamed. Long flowing blond hair. In my life, unashamed. My idea of communion was “Hey – pass me the bong. Now crank up the music. I wanna dance to this song!”

The Ocean’s Song

And then, when I turned 30, I thought “I can’t do THIS forever. The time to play has ended now....besides.....I’m much too clever.” So I went to school and studied hard and got straight A’s. I got a ‘real’ job, and I worked every day.

Waves crash onto the beach and to me they beseech my attention. Splash and churn and with it sun-burn my skin, teeth gnash, sand in mouth- a salty stash, a rash clash on my tongue, not fashionable to spit what the sea has slung... but with it a salty message is sung, tender and loving and fresh with warm cool air for lung I am satisfied at what Oceania has brung.

“This is it”, I thought. This is what adults do. All work, and no play. There’s soooo much to do! I thought growing up meant becoming quite lame. How bored and how desperate my spirit became.

by: Jennifer Erica Bright

First time ever, good thing great weather. Slide on in, start to paddle, I begin to move away from shore, board I straddle. Wave comes- lay down fast and feel the swell of the ocean beneath and rushing past. And my pride as I stand up and take the ride She has bequeathed unto me, at last, smile large on my face, because I balanced and kept pace. Turn around, go again, stroke hard and then stand up and don’t forget to bend at the knee and get what I can from this oceanic spree. Heart on the mend, wave send me back to shore and I turn again to go for more... Renders me, surrenders me to the core and oceans floor... Be brave, held by the wave, feel the pain and simultaneous save, heart open, slain, ready for the gain, completely drained but not maimed, ready to be renamed. I am picture perfect, now, ocean framed, ocean claimed, and ocean aimed is my eye, I sigh now- I’m four feet higher than I was before ‘cause I’m standing on my board, not looking to hoard, just to hitch a ride or two or three, they come in sets, and I ride for free.

I’d changed the details of my life, but lost track of myself. My JOY had dissolved, but I still had my health. And then came the call I never thought I’d get. “My life might be over?? But I haven’t LIVED yet!!!! But I’ve not been a mother. I’ve not been a wife. This cancer could kill me. But what about my life????” So I yelled, and I screamed and I cried many tears. And I turned to my loved ones to help calm my fears. “I don’t think I can do this!!!” I stared death in the face. And I heard my soul whisper – “Walk through this with grace.” “Go within” it continued, “Or you must go without. Trust yourself always, there’s no need to doubt.” And after some visits, and a plethora of tests, They gave me some poison and took both my breasts. If ‘they’ have their way, it’s my ovaries, too.... The doctors all say it’s the right thing to do. So my choice is to dance this fine line of life Because each day is precious, no matter the strife. And NOW when faced with the question, “Who will you be?” My answer is simple: “Just me – times three.” My body, my mind, and my soul are the tree of life – and life is holy. The miracle is in me. My heart is wide open, and now I can see, that yes – I got cancer. But it didn’t get me!

If I loose control I bang my knee, get on again, sit up and see the next wave before it plants me in the bed. Water, high over head, but I am without dread. Just laughter, stroke hard, chase after another one, novice not master in the sun... I shun fear and shed a tear of joy, not playing coy out here. I am in love, completely encompassed like a hand in glove, so much peace I must be a dove. Surf without shove feel the gears of the ocean shifting beneath me, lifting and gifting rides and rifting. I come into shore, tired, feel the sands sifting between my toes and under my feet, I feel complete and go off in search of food to eat, so I may again be strong when I hear the call of the ocean’s song.

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Megan

Bikini: “Curly Sue Lace” by Kandy Wrappers (kandywrappers.com) Beaded necklace: 40” single strand “Sundance Collection” by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com) Flower necklace & anklet: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com) Sand-fillable bracelet: Wear the Beach (wearthebeach.com)

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ABOUT THE BRANDS... Tired of seeing the SAME big (over-sold?) brands, in ALL the surf magazines? Ready for the new Roxy to emerge? Us too! That’s why we are happy to bring you summer fashions from the emerging brands of the surf industry. The brands created by lovers of surf and the lifestyle that accompanies our sport, who are digging deep in their artistic souls, to bring you fashions that compliment your lifestyle, trick out your wardrobe, and help you define your new, summer style. Now, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so if you see something you like, we encourage you to visit their websites and check out all the other great styles they offer. They’re ready to serve you... they WANT your business, and it’s up to all of us, to support these up-and-coming companies, giving them a chance to be the next big REAL surf brand! WE THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THEM! MODEL TALK... Because we realize that not every woman is a size 2, and most of our readers are active women that appreciate seeing strong, healthy women showcasing clothing that can be worn in daily life and not just on the runway, we choose models that are athletic and strong water women and men. They come from all walks of life and occupations, and patiently dedicate their energy and time... taking time off from their “regular jobs” to be a model for a day, to make this issue’s fashion come alive for you. We hope you enjoy WSSM’s (unique?) and realistic approach to beach & lifestyle fashion. A special thank you to: Dan Olson, Megan Bridgeman, Katie Cousin, Holly Hino, John Olson, Kyle Eckstrom, Robbie Guht, Deborah Anne Olson, John Helm, Paul Goo, Trisha Edwards, Stan & Debbie Olson, for an amazing job well done!”

Sandra Olson Publisher / Editor

All photos by: Daniel K. Fine Arts Makeup by Nikki nikki.obayley@yahoo.com Hair by Christa Paul, Nissi Fernandez, Cherry Bond, Kristen Kuba, Robin Standish, Alisonna Kanahele, Amanda Constantine and Dezarae Kunishige, from the Paul Mitchell School- Honolulu (http://ulupono.paulmitchell.edu)

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Holly (Right)

Shirt: “Paris 1/2 Sleeve” in Topaz/Storm by Carve Designs (carvedesigns.com) Headband & Leggings: “Sunset” Couture Collection by Violet Love (violetloveheadbands.com) Scarf: “Eco Dune Scarf” in eggplant with “Lost” print by Mesa-Enterprises (mesa-enterprises.com) Glasses: “Tracer” polarized, in white by Filtrate Eyewear (filtrateeyewear.com) Earbuds & Watch: “Vozz” tangle-free headphones in purple, “Dogtime Watch” in orange by Wooloot (wooloot.com) Shoes: “Boardwalk” in brown by Cushe (cushe.com) Earrings: “Sierra” by Betty Belts (bettybelts.com) Bracelets: “Cocoa” wrap in pink/white/black, “Glass bead” wrap in orange by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com)

Megan

(Left)

Bikini: (top) “Wipeout Action” in midnight, (bottom) “Wipeout Loop Surf Rider” in midnight by Body Glove (bodyglove.com/girl) Surfboard: “Texas” by Island Glass Surfboards (islandglasssurfboards.net)

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Holly & Limo wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 121

Holly

(Right- this page)

Shirt: by Empowered Clothing (empoweredclothing.com) Necklace: Sterling silver wave pendant on a black cord by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) Bracelets: “Animal Prints” clay bracelets by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com)

Girl Time

Holly

(Below- this page)

HOLLY Cap: “Driver” in blue by Peter Grimm (petergrimm.com) Shirt: “#LGC101 Kimono Tie w/Crochet Shadow” by Elan International (elan-usa.com | clothingobsession.com) Leggings: “Laguna Ankle” by Violet Love (violetloveheadbands.com) Shoes: “Silver Metallic” by Pedi Couture (pedicouture.com) MEGAN Shirt: “Kona Sunset “with scoop neck, made from a bamboo and organic cotton blend, in black, by Organik (theorganik.com) Bikini top & boardshorts: “At the Pier Action” in multi by Body Glove (bodyglove.com/girl) Necklace: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com) Shoes: “Faux Fur Dalmation” by Pedi Couture (pedicouture.com) Blanket, Cooler, Lunch Tote: “Leopard” cozy fleece blanket, “Fresh Bouquet” lunch tote, “Leopard” large cooler, by room.it.up (roomitup.com) S.H.O.P. Totes: (Start Saving Our Planet) Reusable tote bags, perfect for the beach or groceries, available in assorted colors, by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com) Water bottles: Eco friendly, glass water bottles by Takeya USA (takeyausa.com)

Girl Time...

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Going Surfing

MEGAN (left) Cap: Surf cap by Gedostyle (wix.com/laarnisurfs/gedostyle) Shirt: “Racer Tank” in yellow by Empowered Clothing (empoweredclothing.com)

“Around the world” back view

Boardshorts: “Around the World” by Fighter Girls (fightergirls.com) Necklace: Sterling silver wave pendant on black cord, by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) Surfboard: “Texas” by Island Glass Surfboards (islandglasssurfboards.net) Board bag: Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com) Leash & Wax: 6’ Day Glo leash in pink, by Sticky Bumps (stickybumps.com) “Quick Humps” surf wax by Mr. Zog’s Sex Wax (sexwax.com)

HOLLY (right) Cap: Surf cap by Gedostyle (wix.com/laarnisurfs/gedostyle) Shirt: “Live Free” in grey by Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com) Boardshorts: “Brazil” by Fighter Girls (fightergirls.com) Necklace: Sterling silver wave-cutout pendant by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) Surfboard: 5’10” by Keoki Surfboards (keokisurfboards.com) Leash & Wax: 6’ Day Glo leash in yellow, Day Glo surf wax in pink, by Sticky Bumps (stickybumps.com)

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Morning surf session in Waikiki

Holly & Megan

(above- left to right)

Bikinis: One-of-a-kind cotton bikinis by Riggs and Pulley. See page 74 for an in-depth look at these very special and unique swimsuits, and what inspires designer, Dini Arnn, to make them. (riggsandpulley.com) Holly Surfboard: 6’, Megan surfboard; 5’10”... by Keoki Surfboards (keokisurfboards.com)

Megan

Bikini: “Bliss” lace-up front, padded bandeau top with scoop, tie-side bottoms, by Guria Beachwear. (guriabeachwear.com.br) Hat: “Erin” in purple by Peter Grimm. (petergrimm.com)

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Katie

Bikini: “Blue Bliss” recycled ruffle bikini, with oversized, ruffle tie-sides and signature “butterfly” ruched back, by Happy Endingz Swimwear. Made from 83% recycled nylon, 17% lycra... this suit is exquisitely soft-to-the-touch. (happyendingz.com)

Holly

Top: The ultimate in island style, lazy day luxury; “Windy Top” in Confetti by Juli and Fred. (juliandfred.com) Necklaces: “Teal Sundance” 18” multi strand, 40” single strand “Teal Sundance” necklace by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com) Earrings: by trendyjewels.com

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Beach Day! (left to right) JOHN: (Cap) Surf cap by Gedostyle (wix.com/laarnisurfs/gedostyle)

(Glasses) “Big Walt” polarized, by Peppers (peppersusa.com) KATIE: (Glasses) “Muse” polarized in brown, by Filtrate Eyewear (filtrateeyewear.com) KYLE: (Glasses) “Tracer- Cab Checks” with polarized grey lenses, by Filtrate Eyewear (filtrateeyewear.com) MEGAN: (Glasses) “Nina” polarized, in black by Peppers (peppersusa.com), (hat) “Lucadia” in lime, by Peter Grimm (petergrimm.com) JOHN H: (Glasses) “Couch” polarized in black by Filtrate Eyewear (filtrateeyewear.com) HOLLY: (Glasses) “Pit Boss” polarized, in shiny light gold and white by Peppers (peppersusa.com), (necklace) Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com), (hat) “Sweet” by Sweet Waterwear (sweetwaterwear.com) JAMES: (Glasses) “Juggernaut” polarized, in matte white camouflage, by Filtrate Eyewear (filtrateeyewear.com), (hat) “Liner” by Peter Grimm (petergrimm.com)

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Surf Check!

KATIE Shirt: “Wave” with a scooped neck in white by Organik (theorganik.com) Pants: “#JE229BLUE - Ripped Blue Jeggings” by Elan International (elan-usa.com | clothingobsession.com) Glasses: “Sasha” polarized, in black, by Peppers (peppersusa.com) Necklace: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com) Slippers: by Frisky (friskyshoes.com) KYLE Shirt: by Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com) Shorts: by Island Daze (islanddaze.com) Glasses: “Tracer” polarized, in white, by Filtrate Eyewear (filtrateeyewear.com) Necklace: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com) Slippers: “Luau” by Scott Hawaii (scotthawaii.com) Bracelet & Ring: “A Frames” wave ring, and “Island Pleasure” wave bracelet, both exquisitely carved and made of sterling silver by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com)

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Sterling silver, wave engraved, surf jewelry. Perfect for the surf fanatic in your life... www.TheWaveCollection.com

Going Out

KATIE (left) Dress: Perfect for that hot, summer night out... “Stripes up Top” by Body Coral (bodycoral.com) Necklace: 40” single strand necklace, “Animal Prints” clay bracelets by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com)

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Evening Session

HOLLY Wetsuit: Be PROUD to surf like a girl in this colorful and oh-so-comfy “Eclectic” womens contour cut 3/2mm full wetsuit. Enjoy ample shoulder room, allowing for a fuller paddle- thus, less fatigue. By Exceed Wetsuits (exceedwetsuits.com) Surfboard: 5’10” by Keoki Surfboards (keokisurfboards.com) Leash: 6’ Day Glo leash in yellow, by Sticky Bumps (stickybumps.com) ROBBIE Wetsuit: “Electro” mens contour cut 3/2mm full wetsuit. Made with superelastic E-stretch neoprene designed for maximum fit and performance, by Exceed Wetsuits (exceedwetsuits.com) Surfboard: “Texas” by Island Glass Surfboards (islandglasssurfboards.net) Leash & Wax: 6’ Day Glo leash in pink, by Sticky Bumps (stickybumps.com) Board bag: Wave Riding Vehicles (waveridingvehicles.com)

Sup's Up!

KATIE (far left) Top: “1/4 Zip, Long Sleeve” in sky/silver by Sweet Waterwear (sweetwaterwear.com)

Capris: “Sweet Elite Capris” compression tights in black by Sweet Waterwear (sweetwaterwear.com) HOLLY (left) Top: “Racerback Tank Top” in purple/lavendar by Sweet Waterwear (sweetwaterwear.com) Boardshorts: “A Leopard On The Prowl” a boardshort designed for water or fighting sports. Purple faux leopard fur (made for aquatic uses too!) and 2-way stretch microfiber in black and white, featuring a longer and wider leg to insure movement and function while training or fighting. By Fighter Girls (fightergirls.com)

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Going Out...

(below, left to right)

MEGAN: (dress) “Baylee” in midnight by Body Glove (bodyglove.com/girl), (necklace) sterling silver wave pendant on black cord, by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com), (cuff) “Tattoo Johnny Series” cuff, by Buckle Down (beltsdirect.com), (shoes) by Frisky (friskyshoes.com) KYLE: (shirt) “Logo Side Wrap” in grey by Empowered Clothing (empoweredclothing.com), (hat) “Curl” in brown by Peter Grimm (petergrimm.com),

Above: (left) “Vinyl 45” leather sneaker in white, with moulded rubber outsole with a unique “Vinyl Groove” grip and record label arch support... cool! (right) “Spike” an incredibly light, nylon sneaker with suede uppers, and ventilated mesh lining, in blue, by Cushe (cushe.com) (below) MEGAN Shirt: “MGC19” gauze top with crochet trim & tie neck with wooden bead accent. In white, by Elan International (elan-usa.com | clothingobsession.com) Necklace: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com) (below) ROBBIE Shirt: “Dillon” with an eco-friendly, waterbased design, and embroidered logo on back right shoulder, by FlowLuckyFree (flowluckyfree.com) Hat: “Simone” in grey by Peter Grimm (petergrimm.com) Bracelet: “Island Pleasure” exquisitely carved and made of sterling silver by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com)

Young Love

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(shorts) by Island Daze (islanddaze.com), (shoes) “Drift II” in grey/sky by Cushe (cushe.com) HOLLY: (dress) “#MD570- spaghetti strap dress”with bust cinching, in blue, by Elan International (elan-usa.com | clothingobsession.com), (hat) “Cardiff” in olive by Peter Grimm (petergrimm.com), (necklace) by trendyjewels.com, (shoes) “Shasta” in brown by Cushe (cushe.com) ROBBIE: (shirt) “Wave” in blue, made from bamboo & organic cotton blend, by Organik (theorganik.com), (shorts) “Chill” in custom tones of grey plaid by FlowLuckyFree (flowluckyfree.com), (shoes) “Surf Slipper Loafer Canvas” in red tartan plaid by Cushe (cushe.com) KATIE: (dress) “Skipperette” organic cotton dress in blue stripe by Organik (theorganik.com), (necklaces) by trendyjewels.com, (slippers) by Frisky (friskyshoes.com)

Holly

Shirt: “Rae Top” in dragonfly by Carve Designs (carvedesigns.com) Scarf: “Swallowtail” in black, made of bamboo and organic cotton by Organik (theorganik.com) Leggings: “Palisades Ankle” by Violet Love (violetloveheadbands.com) Glasses: “Pit Boss” polarized, in shiny light gold and white by Peppers (peppersusa.com) Bracelets: “Black/White Geo Wrap” clay 24” bracelet by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com), studded leather wrap bracelet by trendyjewels.com Boots: “Booty Call” back zip, lace covered booties from Iron Fist, featuring an open toe and lace-up front. (ironfistclothing.com)

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Date Night (left)

KYLE Shirt/hat: “Spotty Whirlpool” t-shirt in green, grey/green cap, by Empowered Clothing (empoweredclothing.com) Shorts: “Cargos FlowLuckyFree Style” in black by FlowLuckyFree (flowluckyfree.com) Necklace: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com) Shoes: “Spike” nylon and suede uppers with ventilated mesh lining, in green, by Cushe (cushe.com) KATIE Dress: “#B5015-Elana dress” in heather stripes. One of the softest fabrics to ever kiss your skin, by Juli and Fred (juliandfred.com) Scarf: “La Playa” a hacci knit that is luxuriously soft, by Violet Love (violetloveheadbands.com) Glasses: “Rylee” polarized, in amber tortoise over cream, by Peppers (peppersusa.com) Necklace: “Silver & Copper” an intricately carved, sterling silver wave over a copper base on a smooth black cord, by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) Slippers: “Honua” slight heel wedge, with contrasting leaf design and confetti flowers sprinkled on inside and outside of leather straps, by Scott Hawaii (scotthawaii.com)

Ready to Sail

MEGAN (right) Shirt: “Newport Slub Tank” in yellow by Carve Designs (carvedesigns.com) Headband: “Solana” by Violet Love (violetloveheadbands.com) Necklace: Charming Shark Surf Jewelry (charmingshark.com) Pants: “#MD227- Cinched knit leggings” in denim black, by Elan International (elan-usa.com | clothingobsession.com) Belt: Printed web belt by Buckle Down (beltsdirect.com) Bracelet: “Team wrap in yellow/ black” 24inch bracelet by Calypso Studios (calypsostudiosinc.com) Slippers: “Pinao” a classic slipper for a day at the beach or an evening out, by Scott Hawaii (scotthawaii.com)

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Rockstar Style

HOLLY Shirt: “Save Our Surf” in bamboo and organic cotton blend, by Organik (theorganik.com) Jeans: “Chains” moderate-stretch, ripped stonewash jeans, with chain accents. Guaranteed to be your favorite pair of party jeans! By Body Coral (bodycoral.com) Scarf: “Laguna” a scarf to dress up your summer outfit, or stay warm and cozy during a beach sunset. By Violet Love (violetloveheadbands.com) Necklaces: Gorgeous wave-engraved, sterling silver diamond and oval shaped pendants on silver chains by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com) Belt, Cuffs & Bracelet: “Cherries with Dots” buckle, “Tattoo Johnny Series” cuffs, by Buckle Down (beltsdirect.com), studded leather wrap bracelet by trendyjewels.com Glasses: “Pit Boss” polarized, in shiny light gold and white by Peppers (peppersusa.com) Boots: “Ladies Thelma Bootie” a fashion statement all their own, by Iron Fist (ironfistclothing.com)

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Sunbathing

KYLE (below) Boardshorts: by Island Daze (islanddaze.com) Slippers: by Frisky (friskyshoes.com) MEGAN (below) Bikini: “Cove Girl Triangle Top”, “In The Curl Bottom” in Odinaberry/Lusea, made in the USA from high-quality, certified recycled materials, organic fabrics and reclaimed trims, by Odina Surf (odinasurf.com) Necklace: by nikkiharrison.com

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Night Session

MEGAN (below right) Bikini: by Kandy Wrappers (kandywrappers.com) XtreaMP3: The Ultimate Sensory Experience! Take your music anywhere with the durable and completely submergible XtreaMP3 player. (finisinc.com) KATIE (below left) Bikini: by Body Glove (bodyglove.com/girl) Necklace: Sterling silver wave pendant on a black cord by The Wave Collection (thewavecollection.com)

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Pro Files And... board design with

Photos by Gregerson Surf Photography | 20foot.com

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Pro Files

What a Real Deal

Photos by Gregerson Surf Photography | 20foot.com

Story by Tia Calvo

Winter on the North Shore of Oahu is full of girl surfers and they rip. Everywhere you look there is a cute young thing on the beach ready to

paddle out, her stickered-up board toted under one arm. So how does a small fish make it in a big sea full of talent? This winter in Hawaii I spent some time hanging out with up and coming pro surfer Courtney Conlogue to find out exactly what it takes. One of my first meetings with Courtney was in the car park at Rockies on Oahu’s North Shore. She had a surfboard under each arm, an inflatable rubber duck on her head and a big smile on her face. At only eighteen years old and fresh out of high school, Courtney just qualified for the World Championship Tour. This is impressive, but not unusual in the current professional surf scene. Courtney is one in a wave of talented young girls including the likes of Carissa Moore, Sally Fitzgibbons, Tyler Wright and many others who have been taking on high school education and a full time sports career simultaneously. But how hard could a life of constant surf and travel really be? These days, to join the tour while still very young, a kid needs to be born a fish. Courtney grew up in Santa Ana and learned to surf at the age of four at breaks like Trestles and Huntington Pier. There are loads of little groms in the water though, so what makes the difference between a future weekend warrior and a potential WCT pro? It has to be the love of the competition. Courtney talks about her first surf contest as a kid saying, “I loved the feeling of going out there and having the jersey on and all the adrenalin. When I was ten I started the NSSA (the National Scholastic Surfing Association).” I reckon she knew from that moment this was it. continued next page...

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In 2009, at sixteen years old, Courtney made her mark on the surfing world by taking out the big enchilada of surf contests, the US Open at Huntington Pier. The men’s winner took home a record breaking $100,000 prize purse while the women’s first place was set at $4,500. When you think about it, that barely covers the costs of travel expenses, but Courtney is not one to complain. She was simply stoked to win it (although after a significant amount of bad press, her prize money was topped up to $10,000). Courtney has a low key approach. For most of high school no one even knew she surfed. “When I was in middle school, until I was in seventh grade, no one knew about me as a surfer until they saw me in the newspaper. I kept it kind of private because I didn’t want anyone thinking that I couldn’t handle managing things.” Corporate backing has improved since Courtney’s win at the US Open, with Billabong, Rockstar, Toyota of Huntington Beach, Verizon, Super, Dakine, FCS and Sexwax, all now supporting the rising starlet. However, having enough cash flow to fund expenses like plane tickets, surfboards and accommodations is an ongoing battle for those young surfers not born into money, or for those who haven’t made it big yet. For women’s surfing, the big time is still a work in progress. WSSM photographer, Dave, and I would go for lunch with Courtney and her mother Tracey after a morning’s work, eating at our favorite local food van. Courtney and her mom were on a tight travel budget and wouldn’t buy the overpriced drinks offered at the van. Instead Courtney would sprint off like a little energizer bunny to the local Foodland to get us bottles of water and cans of iced tea as it was much cheaper. She would always come back with a can of iced tea for me. “Before I really had the support, the financial aspect of everything was definitely gnarly”, she told me. “Traveling, you have to be really smart with everything you’re doing, watch what you’re buying, always go to the sale section. Get the

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Pro Files

half price stuff. It gives us the opportunity to learn how to travel on a budget. You do surfing because you love it.” The Conlogue family has supported Courtney’s career both financially and emotionally. It’s tough enough dealing with a teenager, and sports kids need a chaperone everywhere they go. But there’s no Rolling Stone story here. Just one hard-working girl with Courtney’s mom as her one woman support team – a manager, trainer, tour guide and super awesome mother all wrapped into one. There is the surfing side of things and there is the business side, with all the paper work, contracts and dealing with sponsors. It would be too much for a kid. Courtney’s mom goes everywhere with her. When Courtney is out surfing, Tracey sits on the beach with all the surfboards and gear. She spends most of her time on the phone talking to various sponsors and media people, organizing and managing. For every surf prodigy kid, there is usually a parental force behind them. “When I’m traveling and competing, I like to stay on top of a solid routine, and having her around allows me to do that,” Courtney explains. “Having her there helps me make sure I’m doing the simple things like eating before my heat. Stuff that mums notice. I really believe I couldn’t have done this without my parents. My sister and brother and whole family are my biggest fans with how involved they are.”

Once, after having issues getting a good close up shot, Dave told Courtney that she needed to look up more when she surfed. Tracey was not happy at that and she scolded Dave, telling him they had been working so hard getting Courtney’s technique right. That’s fair enough, we see them out there surfing, but don’t realize this is something they train so hard for. There is such technique involved when you are at a professional level. Courtney surfs so well and has an amazing athlete’s body - the way a surfer should look. For her it’s not about the modeling. It’s not about the clothes or the surfer image. It’s just about powerful quality competitive surfing. Courtney worked long days of shoots with us in Hawaii to get this killer cover shot. She showed up every day on time with an enthusiasm and appreciation not always easily found in this industry. After one long photo session, she came in from the surf shivering, with her teeth chattering and I asked her if she was cold. I handed her a towel and she said “Nah, I’m not cold, I’m just really hurting.” When you surf a lot, the wax on your board becomes abrasive. She had surf rash all over her stomach. The worst part was when she lifted up the edge of her bikini top. Where the lining rubbed was eating away at her flesh leaving open sores. It must have been stinging so bad, but she kept paddling out every day for weeks so we could get the cover shot. For her this is all part of work, a job, and a lifestyle she has always dreamed about. continued next page...

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All these years of training lead to one goal, making it onto the world tour. Once you make it, the pressure to perform in your rookie year is huge. A kid has to try not to drown under expectations. I quizzed Courtney on how she deals with it and what her competitive approach is for her first year on tour. In response she laughs and tells me, “Um... I’ll let you know when I get that jersey on at Snapper!” “Going into this first year, the key I think is just staying on the tour since there are so many amazing women right now. There is no little gap where you can just slip through. There are high standards. There is Steph who’s wanting her fifth world title. She’s crazy. All the other young next generation, Tyler, Lara, Sally, Carissa, me and all those girls, we are all going to be trying to have a fight fest. It’s going to be

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gnarly. It’s going to be exciting. I can’t wait to just watch and be a part of this coming year.” I felt sad when it was Courtney’s last day in Hawaii. I was helping shoot the Pipeline Masters and she popped out of the Billabong house to give me a big goodbye hug and a contest hat. But while I’m returning home to finish school and work, she is spending the next year jet-setting around the globe. That’s what all the long hours, beaten body, financial stress and hard work is all about. Living the dream and a lifestyle most can only imagine and watch. But how many of us could handle the pressure, hard work and expectations involved? For Courtney though, it’s still only about one thing: the love of surfing. F

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Pro Files

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a pro f ile on Malia Manuel

Story by Tia Calvo | Photos courtesy of O’Neill

Living on Kauai, we are surrounded by ocean... Both my parents surfed, so when I

was very young they took turns babysitting me. When it was big out my dad would go and surf, when it was a little smaller my mum would surf and my dad would babysit. Finally, my dad got sick of babysitting me all the time, so he put a life vest on me and paddled me out, when I was about two years old. He would pick me up and stand me on his shoulders and we would drop in at Hanalei Bay.” Malia Manuel grew up on the small island of Kauai in Hawaii and this is how she learned to surf. Malia looks every bit the classic Hawaiian girl, although she’s grown up a bit since her days spent on her dad’s shoulders. So has her surfing. Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of living on Kauai knows the magic held in both its oceans and land. The ocean there, notorious for powerful waves, has shaped some of the world’s top surfers. Malia is living up to her island’s history of quality competitive surfers, but it’s her approach to the surfing world with relaxed demeanor, quiet intelligence and aloha spirit that makes her special. At only 17, she knows time is on her side. “I didn’t really choose to surf competitively, it chose me,” Malia tells with a big smile, flashing a perfect set of pearly white teeth. We are doing an interview at the famous

Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore. For a young girl, she rolls with a big entourage, her team manager is watching on and it’s clear Hawaii’s up and coming daughter has sponsor love. She seems a little nervous, she’s a touch fidgety. A pretty white Plumeria flower is resting in her dark hair. “Last year when I was 16, O’Neill was very supportive of me taking a little break and just doing a few select contests that I wanted. But now I’m ready, I’m excited to really start the WQS and try to qualify.” Now her GED is out of the way and high school dances and pep rallies have been attended, she’s ready to begin her assault on the surfing World Qualifying Series. “I wasn’t in any rush to do professional contests. Now

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that I am 17, I think it’s an optimum age to start to step up to the next level”.

Coming from Kauai, she has big shoes to fill.

Professional surfers Bethany Hamilton, Bruce Irons and the famous late Andy Irons are examples of some who fall under the “Kauai prodigy” label. Living on a small island means community support. Being on the receiving end of this island support network is what helps shape the young local surfers. “The island is so supportive. Everywhere I go it’s all ‘oh, how did you do?” Everyone is so behind surfing. Everyone knows everything and everybody. There are so many good surfers from Kauai. It’s crazy to see everyone from such a small island up and coming and traveling the world, living the dream. I think what helped is all our parents surfed. We started at a younger age than maybe the generation above us. We started very early. As I got older, I watched all the Kauai boys- I think the Irons brothers especially, along with Dustin Barker and Reef Macintosh... All those guys have such a smooth style and I really wanted to live up to the Kauai surfing prodigy”. On top of island love and a solid family base, Miss Manuel is accumulating an appealing list of sponsors. She’s been riding for O’Neill for three years now, and is also working with Nike 6.0 and Von Zipper sunglasses. “I couldn’t ask for better sponsors. O’Neill has been such a great support system. I’ve had such a great time working for them”. But Malia’s most amusing sponsorship story is how she got world renowned board shaper Bill Johnson to make her boards. “It was such a fluke. I was there in California one year for nationals and I didn’t have such a great quiver. One of the guys that works for him came down and was like, ‘follow me’. I didn’t even know this stranger. I came down and Bill said ‘Girl, you need a makeover. A board makeover!’ So he shaped me a board in 2 days and now I haven’t ridden anything else. He shapes some awesome boards. I love them. Bill is such a great guy”. She’s blessed with a marketable mix of classic Hawaiian good looks and polished surf style, but it’s Malia’s humble nature and intelligence that is surprising for her age. When questioned about extra challenges faced by women in the industry, her answer is fluid and intelligent. “I think it is harder to be a guy. I think there are a lot more guy surfers and they are all good. Every single one of them. I guess with sponsorship and being a female, when they are running the men and women at the same contest the ladies will get the lesser of the best waves. The men will get the good waves and we will have to watch them rip. We will just sit down and wait for it to get windy and small. Then the women will paddle out. I think competitive and sponsorship-wise, all the rounds the guys have to surf, there’s hundreds and hundreds and they are all good. So I think it’s definitely harder to be a guy in my eyes.” Malia’s been cruising the North shore of Oahu for over a month now, “scoring a few fun waves” and doing O’Neill photo shoots, a nice end to a productive year. But while she’s enjoyed her natural progression into the competitive surf world, Malia plans to step things up and qualify for the World Tour by the year 2012. “Seeing all my friends there and winning CT events, I’m excited to start competing and qualifying.” With an unbeatable island training ground and a super stoked set of sponsors, there’s F little doubt of things going any differently.

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“Malia Manuel is the definition of Aloha...

with a smile that can light up any room. She continues to push the limits of women’s surfing with her fluid and progressive style, making her a fierce competitor on her journey this year to qualify for the ASP Women’s World Tour. Malia is a role model in and out of the water -- she’s a perfect ambassador for the O’Neill brand.” --Cedar Carter VP of Marketing for O’Neill Girls

Pro Files

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Who is

Pro Files

Story by Tia Calvo

Photo: Gregerson Surf Photography | 20foot.com

Tyler @ backdoor during the Pipeline Pro 2011

“Um, it’s pretty cool I guess” repeated giggly teenager Tyler Wright in her podium speech at Sunset. The sixteen year old Aussie dominated the 2010 O’Neill Women’s World Cup of Surfing final in Hawaii. She comfortably took out big gun, Steph Gilmore, along with Hawaiian local, Coco Ho, and fellow Aussie, Sally Fitzgibbons. Most of us watching on the beach were asking the same question: who is this Tyler Wright and where did she come from? For the Australian surf community, Tyler Wright is a well known name. She comes from a surfing family and has been groomed for a professional debut, plus her brother is the well known pro surfer Owen Wright. She shot into the surfing spotlight in 2008 when at only 14 she won the Beachley Classic in Manly. Growing up on the South coast of Australia, she’s been in the surf since a little baby and possesses your typical laid back Aussie surf kid attitude. We sat down with the sixteen year old to talk surf, school, competition and how it’s all just “pretty cool”.

here did you grow up? On the south coast of Australia at a place called Warrah beach.

Does your family surf? Yeah, everyone surfs in my family. From the eldest to the youngest. It’s super fun. How many brothers and sisters do you have? Three brothers and one sister and they all absolutely rip. I think that’s how I kinda got into it. I’m the second youngest, so I watched my big brothers and older sisters surf and I wanted to get into it. Did your parents teach you to surf? I think more so for me it was watching my older brothers. They would turn me out in the white wash and push me in, that was probably the main one. It was really cool. What boards are you riding? Jason Jameson Designs. He is only really young as well. I think he’s 18 or 19. Super talented. I’ve been surfing his boards for a few years now. His boards go absolutely amazing. Once I started surfing them I haven’t looked back. Have you been doing a lot of competitions lately? Yeah, this year has been pretty full on. I did the QS all this year and got a couple of good results and managed to make the CT for next year. So,you are sixteen and just qualified for the tour? Yeah. It’s pretty cool. Are you in regular school or home schooling? It’s kinda home schooling, it’s called distance education. I can travel and do everything like that and still get an education which is really important to me. I could finish up this year, but I think I’m going to go back to school and take my time with it. I like going to school, too. How is it managing school and a pro career? It’s going to be pretty full on, but I like it. It keeps me busy. I enjoy the challenge. It’s kinda just a repeat of this year if you think about it. You are pretty much traveling the same amount. It’s cool you know... I like it. Was this your first time competing at Sunset? Yeah, this was my first time over here and I quite like the wave. It’s pretty cool. I love the wave and that. First time competing in the Triple Crown and contests over here. I had a really good time.

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Do you feel like growing up surfing in Australia has prepared you for competition in Hawaii? I kinda think it’s good where I grew up. There’s some pretty solid waves down there and a lot of variety. Good point breaks and a couple good secret spots that no one knows about that you can absolutely get pitted on. It’s been a great experience growing up where I grew up. I’ve recently moved to the North Coast. It’s all coming to play really nicely. Before the contest did you practice at Sunset a lot? The first couple of days I did, but it wasn’t really Sunset. It was smaller and up the point a little bit more. But that was where we ended up surfing anyway. I just played it by ear or whatever they call it. How was it going up against all the big name girls in the final heat? Steph and Coco and everyone. Was that intimidating? Not really intimidating for me, more so exciting. That’s where I want to be next year and I look up to those girls a lot, so um, nah, I really enjoyed it. They have been surfing so well this year and to be out there with them was just cool, you know. Going into your first year on the tour are you feeling a lot of pressure? Not really. I don’t know why I kinda haven’t really thought about it. I don’t really pay attention to much things that will make me feel pressure. I think I feel more pressure with getting my school work done on time than competing. It’s kinda like a break, I kinda enjoy it.” How did it feel when you won Sunset? It was pretty cool, you know. I was out there with some of my friends like Sally Fitzgibbons, I grew up with her. I’ve done a lot of traveling with Steph (Gilmore) this year. The experience was really cool, it was all pretty cool. So while most sixteen year old girls are living a regular high school life, Tyler is preparing to challenge the top female surfers in the world for the title. She is also setting a new record as the youngest female ever to qualify for the Women’s ASP World Tour. When I ask what we can expect from young Tyler in the coming year, she coyly tells me I’ll just have to wait and see. She also says she’s going to have fun. As Tyler would put it, I reckon it’s all just “pretty cool”. F

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When 2005 Women’s Longboard Champion, Kristy Murphy, gives you a call asking for help in scouting a Caribbean paradise for one of Siren Surf Adventure’s VIP surfing & SUP retreats, there’s no question: you go! Her high-priority, “fun first” ethic spreads the joy of surfing like nothing else can. In our down time between exploring the Bahamas’ outer islands, SUPing through coral heads, and hunting lobster & mojitos, we struck up a very opinionated conversation about the ways in which women have influenced board design over the years. Her take just might surprise you...

with 2005 Women’s World Longboard Champ By Amanda Rigney | Photos by Siren Surf

Kristy Murphy

The latest Siren Surfboard model, the Kristy Murphy “Gitana”, is being received as one of the best balances between performance and cruise-ability to be incorporated into a single longboard design. Do you think the fact that you are a woman shapes the creative process of board design, and what’s your take on the progression of women’s specific board design? Yeah, the Gitana is really something special, but I definitely wouldn’t classify it as a board “for women only” just because it’s my signature model. It’s hard to believe now that Siren has become somewhat of a phenomenon among men, too, but when Siren Surfboards first began, we definitely were trying to cater to, what at the time, was a very new niche in the surfboard world: women. So as the first women specific surfboard brand, we did try to offer something a bit more suited to a woman’s style: flow and grace, rather than brute force. In the longboard arena, most boards felt very clunky, for lack of a better word, so we started trimming the boards down until we arrived at a design that was both responsive, yet forgiving. Don’t get me wrong: we didn’t just start lopping off width and thickness to satisfy this myth that “girls need a narrower board so it fits under their arm.” Siren never went for that line of thinking at all. The effects of the changes we made were felt in the water: more positive feel through turns, ease of catching waves, and above all, forgiving. But we didn’t get there overnight. A lot of time and effort still goes into the R&D process; Kevin Shaughnessy, the man behind Siren’s designs, has always tried to instill in us an understanding that good design is a process, and as the pros riding the boards, we were expected to participate in driving the evolution of all the models that Siren offers. I am never after a great board for a woman; I’m after a great board, period.

Q A

How has your role as an accomplished women’s longboarder influenced your view on surfboard design? I was very into the competitive surfing scene at the time, so the boards had to be forgiving -- can’t be fighting your board in a heat! I have always found it ironic that the longboards that worked best by com-

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petition standards, earning me a World Longboard Championship title in 2005, also worked best for the beginners that I’ve had the opportunity to teach and coach. They worked so well, in fact, that the Siren Hot Tamale model longboard was molded by Surftech and distributed around the globe. That’s the board I won the title on.

Is the same true for shortboards? No, on the shortboard side of things, it was just the opposite: where the longboards were oversized, the shortboards were just potato chips! Which would be fine if we always had plenty of surf, but just didn’t make sense for everyday conditions in the sub 3’ range. So there the goal was to just erase any perceptions we had about what a shortboard should be and build something that had all the positive attributes of a longboard in a 6’ package. Our most popular shortboard turned out to be a twin-fin that looked a bit like the boards the pros were riding in the late 70’s. Just like the longboards, guys really responded to how well that shape worked. Today, retro shortboards are all the rage, but at the time we were definitely ahead of the trend.

What has your experience developing boards for the mass market taught you about what design factors benefit women more than men? How should a custom board designed for a woman differ from one designed for a man? Over the years, Siren’s reputation as a women’s specific surfboard company faded as more and more men jumped on our boards. So to answer the question, I guess my experience with Siren has taught me that there are no gender divisions when it comes to a great shape! Of course, a lot of guys were probably just attracted to the mermaid on the Siren logo. Ha! To be honest, the idea that a board should work better for a man or a woman doesn’t even enter my mind when I work on a new design. For me personally, the design process goes like this: have an idea, get it built, get lost in the tropics for a month with your new board. Custom shapes are all about the individual, male or female. People are always shocked

Pro Files Surf photos by: CAT SLATINSKY

Learn more about Kristy Murphy’s Siren Surf Adventures and SUP Retreats at www.KristysAdventures.com To check out the Gitana Model, visit www.SirenSurf.com

when I say that; I think they expect me to make a case for special considerations needing to go into a woman’s surfboard. But it’s really about the individual’s specific needs and desires. Guys love to ride my personal boards--I think that says it all.

knowing that your work in refining a new model will benefit someone else’s surfing. And that’s better than all the money in the world. In my experience “trendy” has very rarely equated to “good.” It’s really time consuming to be trendy, and in focusing on being a “trend,” you lose sight of the substance behind what you’re doing. I think it’s better to spend that time driving innovation and design.

Q A

Do you think a case can be made that a woman surfer might benefit more from a board designed by a woman than one designed by a man? Certainly, but the irony is that both men and women can benefit from the eye of an experienced designer. As founder of Kristy Murphy’s Siren Surf Adventures, surfing the world’s best waves is now part of my job. But the early part of my competitive surfing career gave me the opportunity to surf the world’s worst waves. I draw upon those experiences in one way or another when collaborating on a new design, and I think having surfed such varied conditions adds a lot to the balanced nature of the boards we make. My Siren Gitana model is the epitome of that balance come to life. After a while, board design just becomes second nature. If one of my surf retreat clients wants a custom board for a particular surf spot we’ll be visiting, it’s very easy to put together a combination of design attributes that will serve their needs, whether they’re a man or woman.

Q A

What attracted you to board design? Why not just jump on the latest trendy design? Money. Ha! Everyone knows there is no money in making surfboards. Seriously though, it’s all about the love. There is a joy that comes from

Where do you think women fit in the grand scheme of things, with respect to the broader landscape of surfboard design and manufacture? The surfboard building industry needs the input of women surfers. I don’t know how to put this, but women are much more real than male surfers when it comes to objectively evaluating a shape. Guys are really caught up in the scene and politics that accompany the surf lifestyle. But women aren’t hindered by that “cool guy” stuff that men agonize over. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen a guy struggling on a brand new board that looks like a super rad rocket ship, but just isn’t right for his style or ability. I get a kick out of trading boards with someone in that situation, and seeing them instantly start having more fun. So I think that women are affecting the industry in indirect ways....

Q A

You’ve influenced a lot of surfers over the years, both directly through your surfing retreats, and indirectly through the board models you’ve helped design. Who have been your biggest influences along the way? Kevin is the best; nobody glasses a surfboard like Tony Channin and the boys at theChannin factory. To be clear, The Kristy isn’t actually shaping, but my R&D and feedback have resulted in some darn good surfboards and so many happy customers. Because there are so many different surfing styles that a single board will have to complement, it is important to have feedback from many different sources before offering a model to the masses. Kevin is one of the few shapers that can actually surf, which adds a whole new dimension of goodness to the development process. In fact, I would say it is necessary that the shaper be a good surfer--try explaining that you want a new rail contour that allows for subtle trim adjustments deep in the pocket while hanging ten to someone who has never been there! If the shaper can’t relate to what you are experiencing, you can’t even have a conversation. I have learned endless amounts working with Kevin at the Channin factory over the years. Nothing like being able to build a new design from start to finish in a single day! Someday I’ll probably try my hand with the planer, but until then I’ll leave it to girls like Ashley Lloyd-definitely a role model in the women’s shaping world! F wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 155

Duel for the Jewel History was made this year, as the Vans Women’s Triple Crown of Surfing’- 3rd Jewel (for the first time ever) wrapped up at the world famous Pipeline, on Oahu’s North Shore. Stephanie Gilmore (22), reigning four-time ASP Women’s World Champion from Australia, local Hawaiian favorite Coco Ho (19), and 2011 ASP Women’s World Tour qualifiers Tyler Wright (16) from Australia, and Alana Blanchard (20) from Hawaii, were noticeably excited, as the men’s 5th round of the Pipe Masters finished up, knowing they would be out next. They were ready to put on a show for the packed-out crowd on the beach! While all the girls got some barrel action, Stephanie Gilmore took the heat with almost no challenge, as she dominated, dropping into the ever-treacherous Backdoor. Looking relaxed and confident, she shot out of her winning barrel in style, showing the world where women’s surfing is headed in the future. Stephanie earned her 3rd Vans Triple Crown title by winning the Vans Duel for the Jewel at Backdoor Pipeline. Congratulations to these women for being up to the challenge at the #1 proving ground in the world, Pipeline. F_

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Pro Files

Photos: Gregerson Surf Photography | 20foot.com

Stephanie Gilmore

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Pro F #3 Photos: Gregerson Surf Photography | 20foot.com

Tyler Wright

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Coco Ho

Files

Alana Blanchard

Duel for the Jewel

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Photos by: J. Mack | www.jmackphotos.com

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How to shake off a big wipeout... â&#x20AC;&#x153;It's important to know that for every sick barrel you get, you are bound to have a couple of gnarly wipeouts. When I stack it really bad at some where like Pipe, the first thing I try to remember is to relax; panicking and fighting while you are getting spun around underwater always makes it worse. If I get sucked over the falls, I try to sneak in one last breath as I am going over. If I get lip-launched, I try to look for a landing that is away from my board and I try to land feet first. Once the wipeout is over and I get a good breath in me, I try to get back up on my board and get out of the impact zone so the wave behind the one I ate it on doesn't mow me down as well. When I paddle back out to the line-up, I try to

get another wave right away while my adrenaline is still pumping, if you wait too long you will probably psych yourself out.â&#x20AC;?

Pro Files

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“

Bethany joined the Wax Research family in 2002 as a rider for our brand, Ransom. She’s since moved on to ride for our Sticky Bumps Elite World Team. Her powerful surfing, barrel riding and passion for big-waves qualifies her feedback as valuable input in the development and improvement of our accessory line. Bethany fits the most important criteria for a Sticky Bumps team rider, which is caring about the people at Wax Research and the products we make.” The one word that brings Bethany to mind is Courageous

”

– John Dahl-Sticky Bumps

Photos by Paul Topp | paultopp.com | Story by Tia Calvo Bethany Hamilton’s is a well known story - a girl, a shark and an inspirational will to surf. Bethany was only thirteen years old when she lost her arm in a shark attack in Hawaii. For the average Joe that would be enough to kiss the ocean lifestyle goodbye for good, but Bethany took less than one month off surfing, then returned to excel with only one arm at what most of us struggle to do with both.

the entrepreneurial teenager, writing a series of best selling books, creating her own jewelry line for Claire’s, and recently releasing her own signature scent. (Bethany’s perfume and cosmetics line, Revelations, can be found at www.revelationsperfume.com). Her story has also caught the eye of Hollywood and her major motion picture, Soul Surfer, has just been released in cinemas world-wide.

While going for an early morning surf on the North Shore of Kauai, Bethany’s left arm was taken by a fourteen foot tiger shark. The swift actions of her surfing companions, fellow professional surfer Alana Blanchard and Alana’s dad and brother, undoubtedly saved her life. They fashioned a tourniquet from a surf leash and although she lost over sixty percent of her blood, Bethany fought to stay alive. She went on to make a full recovery, always maintaining a positive attitude and her strong faith.

Soul Surfer is set in Bethany’s

Since that day in 2003, the phenomenon that is Bethany has gathered momentum like a truck with no brakes on a downhill slope. After overcoming a few adjustment wobbles and duck diving issues, Bethany returned to competitive surfing and has been giving the other pro girls a run for their money ever since. Since gaining celebrity status, Bethany has proven to be quite

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home town of Hanalei and stars AnnaSophia Robb. It follows her life as a young surfer girl as she and best friend Alana Blanchard chase their dreams of becoming professional surfers. Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt both give strong performances in their roles as Bethany’s parents Thomas and Cherilyn. The encounter with the behemoth tiger shark is skillfully depicted and the portrayal of island life and beautiful Kauai scenery is breathtaking. It’s an enjoyable movie experience, but remember to pack your tissues as you will be squeezing out a few tears! Bethany is in every sense a “Soul Surfer.” She reminds us that surfing is about being out there and enjoying every moment no matter what, because we are blessed.

WSSM has fifteen copies of Soul Surfer on DVD to give away. Turn to page 20 to find out how you can take one home!

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Anastasia Ashley

Perfecting Your Bottom Turn!

TED GETTING STAR into the wave, g pin op . This dr re u’ As yo nter of gravity aintain a low ce as well as , ce lan you want to m ba ur you keep yo is important so thly. oo sm n itio ns tra ive you want to dr ing your knees, ot, fo lar gu re As you’re bend if (Left ur front hand leading force to forward with yo d use this as a an y) of go if your hand in int or right po to lf. You want . e” lin balance yourse e th going “down the direction of

u of the wave, yo ing up the face FRONT of IN As you’re com d an ve wa king UP at the focus want to be loo , and keep your you are going e th er wi wh dy ok bo Lo r you. ur uppe ll as moving yo on that, as we . dy bo your lower

ing t as you’re turn ift your weigh You want to sh board. Press ur yo of il ra the inside pressure up the face to ve size, (more ing on the wa sure es pr s les il, firmly- depend ra to engage the s ve is wa r Th ). ge er big for n’t fall ov ves, so you do board to turn for smaller wa easier for the it e ak m ll wi too far in, as n lea weight shift t n’ do ve, however, up into the wa u to fall! it will cause yo

about fun and ttom turns are ooth Be gracious! Bo ld shou be as sm m h the wave, it ug tto ro bo th a g o din int gli you entually turning as possible, ev master! turning style

Tip:

ep trying. uraged, and ke Don’t get disco m turn. tto bo a on rk wo ery It takes time to bottom turn ev e th ” ct fe to “per I am still trying time I surf!! hley.com SIA: anastasiaas FOLLOW ANASTA orusso.com

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PhotoS: Danie

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BENEFITS The bottom turn in my opinion, is the most important maneuver in surfing! It sets up your wave, and also sets up any type of maneuver you’re going to do on the wave. It is good to learn this so you can progress into more advanced maneuvers, and even if you are advanced already, it’s a great way to “polish” your style and moves, as well as solidifying your bottom turn!

Claire Bevilacqua 1

, wide read d and p s e et ar at tail pa ur fe p t re yo leg righ lf way u u s Make nt, back bove ha a s be htly knee leg- slig t n . o e d fr or th boar ard f the o your b your ave with aim eed, on the w p s With section f. f oken for lift o r b n u p m ra na best ke o llie li o d p an he li Hit t . d te r rota boa skate t and n. u o foot e positio e back our 80 degr y k 1 Kic in a y d p bo stom your ody, d to b r you the pa spin n keep you wn o r, while r e o c d n O foot he wate ver you t o back your ail-first in alanced b t y d od lan b r ou ing y foot. s t fron ward back w l e v o a ll elf tr d, and a k c ours Let y balance ound ba stay spin ar . u o y to ion as oard irect the b riginal d o ! into iding on r p e d ke e an Smil

FOLLOW CLAIRE: facebook: claire bevo bevilacqua twitter: clairebevo

os: Phot

Girl.c

Jetty

ro Files

rse Reve ide Airs s Back

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Pro Files

Photo: Richard Bradley

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with

Holly Beck

by Tia Calvo Photos by: JS Callahan/surfEXPLORE

Surfers are on the hunt. We hunt for the right conditions, the empty lineups, the perfect waves, the best exotic surf destination.

As the population of surfers expand, we hunt for the next unknown place. A new Indo or Hawaii, somewhere with fun waves and a vibrant culture. The latest off the radar destination to catch surfers attention is the small Chinese island of Hainan. To find out more about it, I caught up with female surfing icon, Holly Beck. My first thought was, what? There’s surf in China? But this blip of an island is being dubbed the Hawaii of China. In fact there is a whole group of expats who have been surfing it undisturbed for quite some time now. Holly has been working closely with the Chinese government promoting the Hainan surfing festival and she told us everything we need to know about making it our next surf trip destination. Hainan is a decent size by island standards, roughly the same size as Belgium. Measuring around 13,100 square miles, it boasts an enticing 112 miles of coastline, and that 112 miles has waves. Having a comfortable tropical climate, it picks up some pretty mean seasonal typhoon swells. If you don’t want to take the risk waiting for a storm swell, Hainan has two main surf seasons: fall and winter. Your best bet is to hit the east facing beaches of the island during the consistent months of November through to January. However, if you’re a warm weather bunny and winter isn’t your thing, not to worry, the summer months bring some nice south swells. “I did not expect the waves to be good”, admits Holly, who spent around a month in Hainan between September and October in 2010. “I thought it would be mushy, fun, playful like long board, fish, whatever. The first few days we were there, it was like that. Then we found this beach break that was offshore all day, hollow, overhead, legitimately good waves with nobody around”. So the island has good surf, but what about where to stay, culture, food, getting around and all that stuff? Hainan has a full range of accommodation for all budgets ranging from under $10 a night to five star. It seems the only worry other than what boards to pack might be understanding directions and how to get around, but every surf adventurer knows that’s half the fun. “The big problem is the language barrier basically,” Holly tells us. “You can’t ask for directions or anything. You can look on the map and see the name and then find it on the board. Because it’s in Chinese characters it just adds that extra element.” Renting a car is a good option, as finding the more remote surf breaks can be a challenge without one. Surf gear and surfing guides and lessons are available through local company Surfing Hainan. As far as safety is concerned Hainan seems pretty good and Holly says she didn’t have any problems. For the unadventurous the only issue might be the unfamiliar food. If you are one of those people who is really picky about food it might not be your best bet,” she says. However the cultural and surfing rewards should outweigh any food squeamishness, with China being an exciting escape from familiar Western ways. When quizzed about the culture Holly replied “So interesting! It was definitely the funniest place I’ve ever been. It seems all about taking photos over there. All anyone wants to do is take your picture. I was there and we were just cruising,

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and being a blonde girl all these Chinese people wanted to pose with me for my photo. It was classic.” Hainan already has a solid influx of local tourists from the Chinese mainland, but the government has been putting in big efforts to bring it to international attention. And what better way to do it than with some surfing games? The annual Surfing Hainan Open began as an unapproved renegade contest four years ago dreamed up by local Californian expat Brendan Sheridan. “It is pretty incredible to see how much the Surfing Hainan Open has grown over the past few years. There is such huge potential for surf to grow in China, and Hainan will surely be the capital of the surf scene here,” says Brendan. The contest is now sponsored by O’Neill and runs every November at Riyu Bay attracting entrants and spectators from around the world. Last year’s four divisions were Shortboard, Longboard, Bodyboard and Standup Paddleboard. Even the ASP is running an event in Hainan this coming October. For the moment though the Surfing Hainan Open accepts both professional and amateur entrants, so get ready to pack your bags and join in the festivities. Hainan has warm climate, good waves, typhoon swells, interesting food and friendly people... all checked off on our surf trip checklist. One has to question though, will this destination be spoiled by all of the recent exposure? Holly doesn’t seem to think so. “I think it will take a long time. I mean, yeah, eventually, that’s kind of the way things go, but I don’t think it’s going to happen over night.” I’ll be trying to attend this years O’Neill Hainan Surfing Open, and I am looking forward to spending some time exploring the island and its waves. F

For more information, booking accommodation, surf guides and lessons, contact Brendan Sheridan at www.surfinghainan.com

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SURF SHOP DIRECTORY | WSSM OAHU

Hawaii (area code 808) . . . . . . . . . . . .

A D Surfboard Productions..........................................668-4553 B K Ocean Sports..........................................................696-0330 Ballistic Board Co.........................................................261-2510 Barnfields Raging Isle Surf & Cycle ..........................637-7797 Ben Aipa Surfboards.....................................................842-0822 Blue Hawaii Surf ............................................................677-9696 Blue Planet Surf Shop (Kapahulu)......................................922-5444 Blue Planet Surf Shop (Ward Ave)...................................596-7755 Boardriders Club Hawaii ..............................................924-8100 Chans Surf Inc. .............................................................922-5664 Classic Surfboards........................................................735-3594 Da Board Shop ..............................................................627-0717 Downing Hawaii .............................................................737-9696 Drift Surf LLC .................................................................941-6699 Edge Board Works.........................................................847-3154 GoNUTS .........................................................................926-3367 Function Surf .................................................................922-5717 Groundswell Hawaii. ....................................................247-9184 Hale Nalu Surf Company.............................................696-5897 Hans Hedemann Surf Schools ................................... 924-7778 Hawaiian Island Creations: Ala Moana ....................................................... 973-6780 Kailua .............................................................. 266-6730 Pearlridge ........................................................ 483-6700 Haleiwa ............................................................ 637-0991 Kaplei................................................................... 674-4001 Mililani ................................................................... 627-7100 Waikiki Beachwalk ................................................. 923-0442 Hawaiian Southshore Outlet .......................................597-9055 Hawaiian Watersports ..................................................262-5483 Honolua Surf Co. .......................................................946-0794 Island Glass Surfboards ................................................. 457-9919 Inter-Island Surf Shop................................................945-2982 Jammin Hawaiian Kine Surfboards ...........................637-7663 Jon B. Mar Surfboards ...................................................277-0800 Kimo’s Surf Hut ............................................................262-1644 Koa Board Sports .........................................................923-0189 Koa Surf Classics.........................................................593-0747 Local Motion: Ala Moana ........................................................ 979-7873 Hawaii Kai.............................................................. 396-7873 Waikiki ............................................................ 924-4406 Windward Mall ............................................... 263-7873 Waikele Outlet Center.................................... 668-7873 Pearlridge ...................................................... 234-7873 Hawaii Kai ...................................................... 396-7873 Minami Surf....................................................................637-9994 North Shore Ohana Surf ...........................................638-5934 North Shore Boardriders Club .................................. 637-5026 OffDaLip.com Inc. ..........................................................396-8676 Pang Dennis Hawaiian Surf Designs & Hawaiian Paddle Boards ..................................... 638-7339 Pipe Dreams Surf Co. ............................................... 550-0275 Planet Surf .................................................................... 637-5002 Rush Jay ....................................................................... 596-0580 Russ K Makaha Quiksilver Boardriders Club ........... 951-7876 Quiksilver (Waikiki) ..................................................... 926-5800 RIPCURL (Ala Moana Center) .................................... 943-2490 RIPCURL (Kalakaua Ave) ............................................ 926-4100 RV’s Ocean Used Surfboard ....................................... 348-0441 Seawind Challenge Inc. ............................................... 922-0036 Sera’s Surf & Shore Ala Moana Center.................... 949-7828 Shack Daddy Surf & Kite ............................................. 637-2383 Sick Surf Hawaii .......................................................... 864-6742 Strong Current Surf Design ...................................... 637-3410 Surfboard Factory Outlet Hawaii.................................. 637-9190 Surf Garage ................................................................. 951-1173 Surf ’N’ Sea ................................................................... 637-9887 Surf News Network Hawaii ....................................... 593-2170 Town & Country Surf Shop: ......................................... 733-5699 Ala Moana Ctr................................................. 973-5199 Pacific Beach Hotel........................................ 971-5419 Uptown Pearlridge ........................................ 484-5499 Tropical Rush Surf Co. ............................................... 637-8886 Wave Riding Vehicles................................................... 637-2020 Wet Feet ....................................................................... 255-6255 XCEL Wetsuits Hawaii: Honolulu ......................................................... 596-7441 Haleiwa ........................................................... 637-3248

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MAUI

Hawaii (area code 808) . . . . . . . . . . . .

Action Sports Maui ..................................................... 871-5857 Boardriders Club ........................................................ 667-7978 Billabong (Lahaina) ..................................................... 667-1840 Da Beach House Maui: Harbor Shops at Ma’alaea ........................... 986-8279 Kihei Kalama Village ..................................... 891-1234 Enzo Custom Gear......................................................... 575-9020 Extreme Sports Maui.................................................... 871-7954 Hawaiian Energy Surf Designs..................................... 572-5145 Hawaiian Island Surf & Sport ......................................871-4981 Hawaiian Surfworks.......................................................242-1431 Hi-Tech Surf Sports ....................................................... 877-2111 Honolua Surf Co. (toll-free).......................................... 466-6582 1000 Limahana Pl., Lahaina ....................... 667-9781 845 Front St. ................................................. 661-8848 Whalers Village............................................... 661-5455 Honolua Underground ................................................ 661-5722 Island Groms ................................................................ 874-5788 Kalama Surf Sports ..................................................... 875-0655 Kazuma Surfboards Hawaii......................................... 573-5555 Lightning Bolt Maui....................................................... 877-3484 Local Motion: 1295 Front St., Lahaina.................................. 661-7873 1819 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei ................................ 879-7873 M. Miura Store ............................................................ 822-4401 Maui Boogie Man ........................................................ 249-7873 Maui Surf & Skates ......................................................... 874-5788 Maui Island Surf Co..................................................... 667-1813 Maui Surfboards .......................................................... 264-2648 Maui Tropix, Paia ............................................................ 579-9816 Maui Tropix, Kahului ..................................................... 871-8726 Maui Tropix, Lahaina .................................................... 661-9296 Maui Windsurf Co. ........................................................ 877-4816 Neil Pryde Maui.............................................................. 877-7443 Ole Surfboards ............................................................ 661-3459 Pakaloha Bikinis ........................................................... 280-6888 Outrageous Surf ............................................................ 669-1400 Roxy Quiksilver ........................................................... 873-6311 Sailboards Maui .......................................................... 579-8432 Second Wind Sail Surf & Kite.................................... 877-7467 Shapers ......................................................................... 877-7873 Surfboards by Vedder ................................................. 575-9960 Surf Dog Maui ............................................................. 667-5560 Timpone Hawaii ............................................................. 545-2649 Valley Isle Surfboards................................................... 244-5230 West Maui Cycles.......................................................... 661-9005 West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply .......................... 661-6252

KAUAI

Hawaii (area code 808) . . . . . . . . . . . .

Aloha Surf Lessons ..................................................... 639-8614 Deja Vu Surfwear............................................................ 822-4401 Dr. Dings West Side Surf Shop ................................... 335-3805 Hanalei Surf Co. ........................................................... 826-9000 Kai Kane......................................................................... 826-5594 Kauai Water Ski & Surf Co. ......................................... 822-3574 Nukumoi Surf Co. ....................................................... 742-8019 M. Miura Store ............................................................... 245-2174 Progressive Expressions.............................................. 742-6041 Rex Kauai....................................................................... 821-1588 Tamba Surf Co. ........................................................... 823-6942 Underwater Surf Shop.................................................. 822-2111 Wellman Surfboards...................................................... 338-0888

BIG ISLAND

Hawaii (area code 808) . . . . . . . . . . . .

A’ama Surf & Sport..................................................... 326-7890 Big Island Surf Co.......................................................... 959-2472 Big Rock Color Works................................................. 775-9714 Honolulu Surf Co: Waikoloa................................................................. 886-1019 Kona........................................................................ 329-1001 Jeff Hunt Surfboards LLC............................................. 965-2322 Kona Boy’s Inc.............................................................. 322-3600 Local Style..................................................................... 959-6121 Meaulu Inc...................................................................... 935-4485 Miller’s Surf and Sport................................................. 326-1771 Orchid Land Surfshop................................................... 935-1533 Pacific Vibrations........................................................... 329-4140 Rite Of Passage........................................................... 965-2345 World Core Surf Shop................................................... 329-8825

CALIFORNIA

. . . . NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Aqua Surf Shop: Sloat Blvd.......................................................... 415-242-9283 Haight St. .......................................................... 415-876-2782 Shoreline Surf Shop ............................................. 831-471-SURF Cowells Beach N Bikini Surf Shop....................... 831-427-2355 O’Neill’s: 41st Ave. ........................................................... 831-475-4151 Cooper St. .......................................................... 831-469-4377 400 Beach St. ..................................................... 831-459-9230 Pacific Wave ........................................................... 831-458-9283 Paradise Surf Shop (womens surf shop) .................. 831-462-3880

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

Clout Women & Surf Shop ................................. 310-457-1511 E.T. Surf / Just Longboards ... 310-379-7660 | 310-376-8847 Hanger 94 Industrial Sports ................................. 619-660-9393 Horizons West Surf Shop ..................................... 310-392-1122 Kanoa Surf Schools............................................... 310-374-1994 Malibu Surf Shack................................................ 310-456-8508 Ocean Echo Sportswear....................................... 310-823-5850 Players SurfBoards................................................ 310-545-9626 Spyder ..................................................................... 310-374-8276 SpyderII .................................................................. 310-374-2494 Surf Concepts........................................................ 310-545-7397 Ventura Surf Shop ................................................. 310-643-1062 WaveFront Surf Shop ............................................ 805-652-2201 ZJ Boarding House................................................ 310-392-5646 Zuma Jay Surfboards ............................................ 310-456-8044

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Action Beach Surf Shop ...................................... 760-722-7101 Active Ride Shop ................................................. 909-592-0661 Alternative Surf ..................................................... 562-431-1010 Aquahine................................................................. 858-488-8181 BeachCombers....................................................... 714-960-0031 Becker Surfboards (Pier Ave) ............................. 310-374-7626 Becker Surf (Malibu) ............................................. 310-456-7155 Becker Surf Shop (Yorktown Ave) ...................... 714-374-8900 Bluelink Surf Boutique ........................................ 310-450-7221 Bobs Mission Surf.................................................. 858-483-8837 Bruce Jones Surfboards........................................ 562-592-2314 Bunker Surf Shop ................................................... 858-488-7412 Capistrano Surf & Sport ...................................... 949-234-0320 CBS Board Shop .................................................. 949-455-0237 Cheap Rentals........................................................ 858-488-9070 Cheap Rentals No.2 .............................................. 800-481-7761 CHP Surf ................................................................. 310-540-1214 Chuck Dent Surfboards ...................................... 714-960-2882 Clairemont Surf Shop ............................................ 858-292-1153 Custom Surf & Sail ................................................ 858-270-1147 Dan Taylor Surfboards ........................................... 949-642-1316 Dive N Surf ............................................................. 310-372-8423 Elyzium Surf & Skate............................................ 619-460-0797 Emerald City Surf n Sport ..................................... 619-435-6677 Endless Summer Surf Shop ................................. 858-488-8983 Dan Taylor Surfboards ........................................... 949-642-1316 Dive N Surf ............................................................ 310-372-8423 Greenroom Surf Shop ............................................ 619-226-1311 Girl In The Curl (womens surf shop) ........................... 949-661-4475 Hansen Surfboards................................................ 760-753-6595 Harbour Surfboards ............................................... 562-430-5614 Hawaii Freestyle ..................................................... 858-755-6629 Herbie Fletcher Surf Shop.................................... 949-492-5721 HB Wahine (womens surf shop) ............................... 714-969-9399 HSS GIRLS (womens surf shop) ............................... 714-374-6266 Hobie Sports........................................................... 949-497-3304 Huntington Surf & Sport ......................................... 714-846-0181 Icons of Surf ........................................................... 949-429-7133 Inflight Surf and Sail ........................................... 562-493-3661 Island Surf ............................................................... 619-435-1527 Islands Surf............................................................. 310-315-7244 Jacks Surfboards (Hunt. Beach) .......................... 714-536-4516 Jacks Surfboards (Newport) ................................. 949-673-2300 K-5 Boardrider Shop............................................ 858-679-6822 K-5 Surf & Sport .................................................. 760-436-6613 Kane Garden .......................................................... 858-549-2073 Katin Surf Shop ..................................................... 562-592-2052 Killer Dana Surf Shop........................................... 949-489-8380 La Jolla Surf Co..................................................... 858-454-4547 La Jolla Surf Shop ................................................ 858-361-4957 La Jolla Surf Systems........................................... 858-456-2777

WSSM | SURF SHOP DIRECTORY LG Boarding Shop ................................................ 818-707-1944 Line Up Surfboards .............................................. 714-842-1648 Liquid Foundation Surfboards ............................ 858-488-3260 Longboard Grotto Surf Shop ................................ 760-634-1920 Malibu Surf Shop .................................................... 310-456-8508 Mitchs Surf Shop ........................ 858-459-5933 / 858-481-1354 OB Surf Shop ....................................................... 619-225-0674 Ocean Beach Surf Shop........................................ 619-225-0674 Ocean Girl (womens surf shop) ................................ 858-456-9283 Ocean View Board Sports ..................................... 818-541-9127 Offshore Surf Shop................................................ 760-729-4934 Old Town Surf Co................................................ 619-574-7873 Pacific Beach Surf Shop....................................... 858-373-1138 Pacific Drive Surf Shop....................................... 858-490-2563 Palapa Surf Shop................................................... 619-224-2715 Pesce Surfboards ................................................... 714-739-2882 Pier Surf.................................................................. 310-372-2012 Plumeria Surfboards.............................................. 760-479-0080 Pride Surf Skate & Snow...................................... 619-222-1575 PTA Surf Topanga................................................. 310-455-9283 Rip Curl (3rd St.) .................................................. 310-656-2875 Rip Curl (San Clemente) ......................................... 949-498-4920 Raw Skin Surf n’ Sport .......................................... 760-434-1122 Robert August Surfboards .................................. 714-960-2266 Rockin Figs Surfboards ....................................... 714-536-1058 Rockys Surf Shop.................................................. 619-223-4460 Rusty Surfboards ................................................. 858-551-0262 Safari Surf & Sport ................................................. 818-349-9283 Safari Surf School.................................................. 858-488-2334 Salty Sports .......................................................... 310-532-1781 San Diego Surfing Academy .............................. 858-565-6892 SoftCore Surfboards............................................... 949-650-2015 Soul Performance .................................................. 310-370-1428 South Coast Longboard......................................... 619-223-8808 South Coast Surf Shop.......................................... 619-223-7017 South Coast Wahines (womens surf shop)................ 858-273-7600 South Coast Windansea Surf .............................. 858-483-7660 Star Surfing Company ......................................... 858-273-7827 Sun Diego Surf & Sport........................................... 619-299-3244 619-299-3244 | 760-743-4133 | 858-452-2963 Surf Club................................................................. 858-483-4854 Surf Hut .................................................................. 619-575-7873 Surf Ride Board Shop .............. 760-433-4020 | 858-755-0858 Surf Savvy School ................................................. 858-454-8273 Surfboards by Kennedy ........................................ 818-225-1999 Surfboards by Small Faces................................. 949-642-5690 Surfside.................................................................. 949-675-2855 SurfNStuff.com ..................................................... 727-643-9395 Thalia Street Surf Shop ........................................ 949-497-3292 The Rusty Boardhouse........................................ 858-551-0262 Toes on the Nose (womens surf shop) ........................ 949-494-4988 Val Surf (Ventura Blvd.) ......................................... 818-225-8177 Val Surf (Whitsett Ave.)............................................ 818-769-6977 Val Surf (Pasadena)................................................ 626-796-0668 Valley Surf & Skate................................................ 818-892-5566 Vanguard ................................................................ 310-373-2501 Waterlines Unlimited............................................. 858-635-9480 Wavelines ................................................................858-675-9696 WindanSea Surf Shop .......................................... 858-488-9374 Witts Carlsbad Pipelines...................................... 760-729-4423 World Core.............................................................. 858-456-6699

The Break Surf Shop............................................. 904-276-7878 The Surf Station..................................................... 904-471-9463 Waves Surf Shop................................................... 904-247-6830

CENTRAL FLORIDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balsa Bill Surf Shop.............................................. 321-779-8580 Catalyst .................................................................. 321-728-2960 Cocoa Beach Surf Company 321-799-9930 | 321-799-9921 INLET WATERS, INC. ............................................ 321-725-6828 Island Fever Surf & Sport .................................... 352 536 9283 Longboard House ................................................. 321-951-8001 Mad Dog Surf Shop................................................ 386-761-5999 Maui Nix Surf Shop: (635 N. Atlantic Ave) .................................... 386.253.1234 (250 N. Atlantic Ave) ................................ 386.253.9099 (1700 W. Intl. Speedway) ......................... 386.254.5099 (Coconut Grove) ........................................ 305.444.6919 MTB Surf Emporium ........................................... 321-777-3685 MTB2 Surf and Skate ......................................... 321-779-2141 Nekton Surf Shop ................................................ 727-593-8292 Playalinda Surf Shop ........................................... 321-383-1633 Red Dog Surf Shop.............................................. 386-423-8532 SALTY DOG SURF SHOP: (S. Atlantic Ave.) .................................... 386-253-2755 International Speedway Blvd ............... 386-258-0457 N. Atlantic Ave ....................................... 386-673-5277 Spectrum Surf Shop ............................................. 321-768-7873 Suncoast Surf Shop .............................................. 727-367-2483 The Goods Surf Shop ............................................ 321-723-5267 University Surf and Skate .................................... 407-380-7427 USW Surf Shop .................... 321-725-1333 | 321-953-4879 ZWAVE SURF SHOP .................................. 386-439-WAVE(9283)

SOUTHERN FLORIDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B.C. Surf and Sport...................... 305-715-9912 | 954-564-0202 Boca Surf and Sail................................................ 561-394-8818 Epic Surf Shop....................................................... 561-272-2052 Impact Zone.......................................................... 305-374-6528 Fox Surf Shop....................................................... 561-582-3807 Groundswell Surf Shop ...................................... 561-622-7878 Island Water Sports ............................................ 954-427-4929 Island Water Sports ............................................ 561-588-1728 Juno Surf Shop.............................. 561-626-3569 | 561-575-6649 Maui Nix Surf Shop (Biscayne Blvd.) ........................................ 305-692-9191 (Ft. Lauderdale) ......................................... 954-522-5255 (Destin) ........................................................ 850.269.1234 Nomad Surf Shop ................................................ 561-272-2882 Ocean Magic Surf Shop .................................... 561-744-8925 SALTY DOG SURF SHOP: Panama City Beach ......................................... 850-230-3430 Surf Central ...................................................... 772-283-9002 Shirley Can’t Surf................................................... 305-292-1009 Surf World- Pompano ........................................... 954-545-7873 Surf World- Dania Beach....................................... 954-922-9056 Surf Syndicate ...................................................... 954-489-1335 Tommys Surf Slalom.............................................. 561-586-0073 Underground Surf Company Surf Shop ............ 954-428-5678 X isle Surf and Skate- ............................................ 305-673-5900

MARYLAND

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Malibu’s Surf Shop (Ocean City)................................ 410-289-3000

FLORIDA

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NORTHERN FLORIDA Aqua East Surf Shop............................................. 904-246-2550 Blue Sky Surf Shop ............................................ 904-824-2734 Clean Ocean Surf Company................................... 904-247-3810 Driftwood Sun and Surf ...................................... 904-321-2188 Fluid Surf Shop..................................................... 850-244-3554 Girl Next Door Surf Shop (womens surf shop) ........... 904-461-1441 Innerlight Surf and Skate: Destin ........................................................ 850-244-2469 Gulf Breeze................................................ 850-932-5134 Pensacola ................................................. 850-434-6743 Mr. Surfs Surf Shop .............................................. 850-235-2702 Outer Limitz Surf and Skate ................................ 904-260-2320 Perfect Sets Surf Shop ...................................... 904-246-3007 Pipeline Surf Shop ................................................. 904-277-3717 Pit Surf Shop ...................................................... 904-471-4700 Ponte Vedra Surf Company ................................... 904-285-1676 Quiksilver Retail..................................................... 904-363-8898 Sunrise Surf Shop .................................................. 904-241-0822

NEW JERSEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3rd Ave Surf Shop (Peddlers Village) ................ 732-223-7433 7th Street Surf Shop.............................................. 609-398-7070 Aloha Grove Surf Shop ....................................... 732-869-1001 Anderson Sports LLC ........................................... 732-530-3353 Brave New World: Ocean Port Ave .............................................732-842-6767 Point Pleasant ............... 732-899-8220 | 732-892-8220 Toms River ................................................... 732-505-3600 Eastern Lines Surf Shop (Belmar) ...................... 732-681-6405 Freedom Surf ........................................................ 609-494-6554 GoingOFFSurf.com Heritage Surf and Sport: Sea Isle City ............................................... 609-263-3033 OceanCity ...................................................... 609-398-6390 Vetnnor Ave. ................................................ 609-823-3331 Inlet Outlet ............................................................. 732-223-5842 Island Style Surf Shop ........................................... 732-842-0909 Ocean Hut Surf Shop ............................................ 732-793-3400

Primal Surf Shop .................................................. 609-264-1999 Right Coast Surf Shop ......................................... 732-854-9300 Ron Jon Surf Shop ............................................... 609-494-8844 Spellbinders (Main St) .......................................... 732-531-SURF Spellbinders (Ocean Blvd. N.) .............................. 732-870-2223 SheBeSurfin (womens surf shop) ............................... 609-967-3110 Summer Sun Surf Shop ...................................... 609-884-3422 Surf Unlimited “The Complete Surf Shop” 609-494-3555 Surf Shack ............................................................. 609-494-4017 Wave Jammer Surf Shop ..................................... 732-929-8656 Wicked Quiver Surf Shop ..................................... 212-924-3279

NORTH CAROLINA

. . . . . . . . . . . . . WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH / CHARLOTTE - - - - - - - - - - - - Surf City Surf Shop ............................................... 910-256-2265 Sweetwater Surf Shop ......................................... 910-256-3821 Wallerbears Surf Shop ................... 704-341-3414 | 704-369-7873 Wrightsville Beach Supply Co............................. 910-256-8821

WILMINGTON / CAROLINA BEACH - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Allison Surfboards ................................................ 910-686-0043 Aussie Island Surf Shop ..................................... 910-256-5454 Bert’s Surf Shop ........................... 910-392-4501 | 910-458-9047 Blowing In the Wind .............................................. 910-763-1730 Cove Surf Shop .................................................... 910-458-4671 ESA .......................................................................... 910-452-3033 Good Sessions Surf Shop Inc. .......................... 910-392-7041 Hot Wax Surf Shop .............................................. 910-791-9283 Island Kite And Surf ............................................. 910-458-7005 Pride Surf Shop ..................................................... 910-799-7811 Surf Camp Inc. ....................................................... 910-256-7873

SURF CITY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Shore Surf Shop ............................................. Bert’s Surf Shop .................................................... Spinnaker Surf & Sport ...................................... Local Call Surf Station (Southport) .....................

910-328-2232 910-328-1010 910-328-2311 910-454-8808

KITTY HAWK / KILL DEVIL HILLS / NAGS HEAD - - - - - - 17th Street Surf Shop ............................................ 252-441-1797 Cavalier Surf Shop ............................................... 252-441-7349 Coastal Edge .......................................................... 252-449-5560 Gale Force Glassing ............................................. 252-441-9095 Kitty Hawk Sports Inc. ........................................... 252-441-6800 Nolte Surfboards .................................................... 252-491-2590 Outer Banks Boarding Co. ..................................... 252-441-1939 Pit Surf Hang Out .................................................. 252-480-3128 Secret Spot Surf Shop ............................................ 252-441-4030 Watermans Classic Longboard ........................... 252-449-0459 Wave Riding Vehicles .......................................... 252-261-7952 Whalebone Surf Shop ......................................... 252-441-6747

SOUTH CAROLINA

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Berts Surf Shop................................................... Eternal Waves Surf Shop..................................... Head Shots Surf Shop........................................... Inner Island Surf & Sport....................................... North Shore Surf Shop.......................................... Pipeline Surf Shop................................................. Surf City Surf Shop..................... 843-626-5412 | Sydney Surf Company........................................... Village Surf Shop.................................................. Wallerbears Surf Shop.......................................... Wave Surf & Sport.................................................. X-Treme Surf & Skateboard...................................

843-272-7458 843-839-1239 843-281-2324 843-961-9937 843-280-5071 843-626-8945 843-272-1090 843-839-4845 843-651-6396 843-238-4079 843-235-8902 843-626-2262

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SURFER RESOURCES DIRECTORY | WSSM SURF LESSONS OAHU, Hawaii - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - April Grover’s Surf School ................................... 808.561.7142 www.surflessonhawaii.com

Girls Who Surf ....................................................... 808.371.8917 www.girlswhosurf.com Loco Boyz Surf School ......................................... 808.739.5588 www.locoboyzsurf.com Hawaiian Surf Adventures………………............... 808.396.2324 www.hawaiiansurfadventure.com SURFCLINICS.com by Nancy Emerson .............. 808.205.0335 Sunset Suzy Surf School ..................................... 808-781-2692 www.sunsetsuzy.com Hawaii Surf Retreat ............................................... 808.636.7873 www.hawaiisurfretreat.com

MAUI, Hawaii - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Maui Waveriders .................................................... 808.875.4761 www.maiwaveriders.com Girls Gone Surfing ................................................ 808.280.0103 www.girlsgonesurfing.net Big Kahuna Surf Adventures ............................... 808-875-6395 Maui Surfergirls .................................................... 808-280-8165 www.mauisurfergirls.com

KAUAI, Hawaii - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Garden Island Surf School ................................... 808.652.4841 www.gardenislandsurfschool.com

Kauai Surf School ................................................. 808.651.6032 www.kauaisurfschool.com Learn to Surf........................................................... 808.826.7612

BIG ISLAND, Hawaii - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors........................ 808.324-0442 Kona Beach Boys.................................................. 808.326-7686 Ocean Eco Tours................................................... 808.324-7873

CALIFORNIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - THE NEXT WAVE - Progressive Surf Coaching Southern California ......................... Toll Free - 877 NXT WAVE www.nextwaveusa.com R&R THERAPY AND SURF INSTRUCTION Specializing in Children with Special Needs ..... 818-787-6889 Costa Azul Surf Lessons (Laguna Beach, CA) www.costaazul.net ................................................ 949-497-1423 Surf Lessons With Katie ....................................... 310.962.7873 www.surflessonswithkatie.com

FLORIDA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Florida Surf Lesson............................................... 561.625.5375 www.floridasurflessons.com Central Florida Surf School ............................... 1.877.366.7873 www.surfschoolcamp.com EZride Surf School................................................ 954.803.7988 www.ezridesurfschool.com Surf Guy Surf School .....................1-866-SURFGUY(787-3489) www.surfguyssurf.com

TEXAS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Surf & Adventure Surf Lessons & Camp Virginia Beach ...................................................... 757-721-6210 Norfolk .................................................................. 757-321-9551 www.surfadventure.com

Paul Topp | PaulTopp.com (Hawaii - Intl)

NORTH CAROLINA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SURF REPORTS

Wrightsville Beach Surf Camp & Lessons ......... 910-256-7873 www.wbsurfcamp.com

SOUTH CAROLINA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Folly Surfing Lessons (Folly Beach) .................. 842-588-9145 www.follybeach.com

Soul Surfers Surf Camp (Mt. Pleasant) ............... 843-881-6700 www.soulsurfers.net Surf The Earth (Pawleys Island, SC) ................ 1-800-864-6752 www.surf-the-earth.com

MASSACHUSETTS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Surfari Sup & Surf ............................................ 1-978-704-9051 www.supsurfari.com Little Overhead Surf Lessons (Eastham) .......... 508-240-1455 www.littleoverhead.com

EL SALVADOR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Explore El Salvador explorelsalvador.com

SunZal Surf Tours ............................................... 407.745.1524 www.sunzal.com

CANADA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Surf Sister Surf School ..................................... 1.877.724.7873 www.surfsister.com

AUSTRALIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Surf Easy Surf Lessons ....................................... 07 5525 6818 www.surfeasy.com.au

SURFBOARD REPAIR OAHU, HAWAII:

The Ding Kings Hawaii ............. 808-391-7483 | 808-923-0067 Edge Board Works ............................................... 808-847-3154 RV’s Ocean Sports ............................................... 808-732-7137 Surf Garage ........................................................... 808-951-1173

MAUI, HAWAII:

Ron’s Board Repair ..................... 808-283-6462 / 808-575-7447 Maui Ding Repair................................................... 808-572-6636

KAUAI, HAWAII:

Dr Ding’s Westside Surf Shop ............................. 808-335-3805 Akamai Surf-Lihue................................................. 808-632-0797

CALIFORNIA:

Hourglass Manufacturing Inc............................... 714-894-0050 Ding King Surfboard Repair ................................. 760.753.0316

FLORIDA:

Blue Room.............................................................. 850-235-0401 Surf Station............................................................ 904-471-9463

SURF/PHOTOGRAPHER

Island Native Surf House Surf Lessons ............. 956-772-7100 www.islandnativesurf.com

Aaron Nakamura | HawaiiRedDragonPhotography.com

South Padre Island Kiteboarding Surf Lessons 956-772-1098 www.southpadreislandkiteboarding.com

Dave Gregerson | 20Foot.com (California, Intl)

Galveston Beach Bums Surf Lessons .............. 409-515-0587 www.galvestonsurflessons.com

Elliott Wong | WahineSurfer.net (Hawaii)

NEW JERSEY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7th Street Surf Shop Surf Lessons ..................... 609-391-1700 www.7thstreetsurfshop.com

VIRGINIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Titus Surf School ................................................ 870-370-SURF www.titus-international.com Hotline Surf Camp - Virginia Beach .................... 757-428-6703 www.hotlinesurfboardz.com

172 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

C.M. Olivieri | WavesGoneWild.com (California) Dale Basye HologramVision.com (California) Gabriel Fernandez | SecretSurf007.com (Florida, Intl) Gary Miyata | GaryMsCreations.com (Hawaii, Intl) Jim Whitney | SessionsSurfPhotography.com Joem Costez | SurferPix.com (Hawaii, Intl) Joanne Barrett | IslandStyleImages.com (Hawaii) Kaz Sano | KazSano.com (Hawaii - Intl) Mary Radcliffe | Rip-Pics.com (Florida) Nicole Sanchez | BehindTheLensMaui.com (Hawaii)

Spike | SpikeRaymond.com (Hawaii - Intl)

CALIFORNIA: Santa Cruz: 831-475-2275 Huntington Beach: 714-536-9303 DELAWARE: Fenwick: 302-539-5800 FLORIDA: North East Coast www.911surfreport.com (2 x daily PHOTO surf report) Jacksonville Beach (904) 828-4848 Jacksonville Beach (904) 241-1019 Jacksonville (904) 241-0933 Jacksonville (904) 249-4452 St. Augustine (904) 824-9855 St. Augustine (904) 471-1122 Central East Coast FL East Coast 976-7873 976-SURF Titusville (321) 383-0165 Cocoa Beach (321) 728-8118 ext. 2030, (321) 799-8888 ext. 3 Cocoa Beach (321) 868-8967 Cocoa Beach (321) 783-6440 Cocoa Beach (321) 784-2400 Satellite Beach (321) 773-0428 Indialantic (321) ALL-SURF (255-7873) Melbourne Beach (321) 768-7601 South East Coast Stewart (561) 287-7806 West Palm Beach (561) 744-8805 Palm Beach (561) 832-9299 Northern Gulf Coast Pensacola Beach (904) 432-3566 Ft Walton Beach (904) 244-2223 Central Gulf Coast Clearwater (813) 442-3227 Madeira Beach (813) 383-SURF (383-7873) Indian Rocks Beach (727) 596-WAXX (596-9299) Treasure Island (813) 363-SURF (363-7873) St. George Island (850) 553-6236 St. Teresa Beach (850) 697-8330 Southern Gulf Coast Gulf Coast FL (941) 778-WAVE (778-9283) Sarasota 1(800) 953-SURF (953-7873), (941) 346-SURF Ft. Walton Beach (941) 778-1001 Holmes Beach (941) 779-0000 Lido Key (941) 472-0004 HAWAII O’AHU: 808-596-SURF OAHU : 808-637-RUSH MAUI: 808-572-7873 KAUAI: 808-241-7873 BIG ISLAND: 808- 324-7874 NEW JERSEY Sea Bright: 732-842-4024 Belmar: 732-681-6405 Ocean City: 732-531-1028 Ocean City: 609-398-7070 Ocean City: 609-298-6390 Ocean City: 609-823-3331 Ocean City: 609-399-8399 NORTH CAROLINA Clearwater/Wrightsville Beach: (910) 256-8184 SOUTH CAROLINA Folly beach: (843) 588-2261 VIRGINIA Virginia beach: (757) 428-1877

WSSM | SURF CAMP DIRECTORY SURF CAMPS AUSTRALIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Nancy Emerson School of Surfing Phone: (61) 413-380-933 www.SurfClinics.com BARBADOS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Barbados Surf Trips Phone: 1.246.262.1099 www.barbadssurftrips.com BRAZIL - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Easy Drop Surf Camp Phone: (55) 73 - 3251 3065 www.easydrop.com Calima Surf School & Camp Phone: (34) 626 91 33 69 www.calimasurf.com CANARY ISLANDS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lanzarote Surf Camp Phone: (34) 971 306 992 www.nomadsurfers.com CANADA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Inner Rhythm Surf Camp Toll Free: 1-877-393-SURF www.innerrhythm.net Surf Sister Surf School Toll Free: 1-877-724-SURF www.surfsister.com COSTA RICA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Blue Surf Sactuary PH: 011 805-443-5495 www.bluesurfsactuary.com Costa Rica Surfing Chicas PH: 011 (506) 2643-3197 www.costaricasurfingchicas.com Endless Summer Surf Camp Phone: (949) 498-7862 www.endlesssummersurfcamp.com Green Iguana Surf Camp Phone: (506) 825-1381 www.greeniguanasurfcamp.com Pura Vida Adventures Phone: (415) 465-2162 www.puravidaadventures.com Rainforest Outward Bound Surf School Phone: 1-800-676-2018 www.crrobs.org Third World Productions Phone: (506) 643-1497 www.thirdworldproductions.org Voec Retreats www.voecretreavvts.com Witches Rock Surf Camp Phone: 888-318-SURF | (011) 506-2653-1262 www.witchsrock.com ECUADOR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Marejada Surf School Phone: 593 5 2622971 www.marejadasurfschool.com EL SALVADOR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Azul Surf Club www.azulsurfclub.com Paradizo Azul Surf Resort www.paradizoazul.com Punta Roca Surf Lodge www.puntaroca.com SunZal Surf Tours www.sunzal.com

FIJI - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Matanivusi Surf Fiji www.surfingfiji.com Nagigia Surf Resort Phone: (679) 333 7774 www.fijisurf.com INDONESIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - G-LAND Jungle Surf Camp - Bali Phone: (62) 361-777649 www.g-land.com Bobby`s G-Land Surf Camp Phone: (62) 361.755588,762364 www.grajagan.com Padang Padang Surf Camp Phone: 62 81 337 737210 www.balisurfingcamp.com MEXICO - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pescadero Surf Camp - Baja Phone: (52) 612-130-3032 www.pescaderosurf.com MOROCCO - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Taghazout Surf Camp Phone: (34) 971 306 992 www.nomadsurfers.com Villa Argane Surf Camp Phone: (34) 971 306 992 www.nomadsurfers.com NICARAGUA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Suave Dulce Women’s Surf & Yoga Retreat www.surfwithhollybeck.com PANAMA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Panama Surf Camp www.morronegrito.travel PORTUGAL - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lagos Surf Camp, Algarve Phone: (34) 639 39 39 94 www.nomadsurfers.com SAMOA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Salani Surf Resort Toll Free: 888 669 SURF (7873) www.surfsamoa.com/ SPAIN - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Golfino Surf School Phone: 679 932 586 www.golfinosurfschool.com Sopelana Surf Camp, Bilbao www.nomadsurfers.com Phone: (34) 639 39 39 94 SUMATRA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Baneng Island Resort Phone: (61) 2 6286 9033 www.simeulue.com/ USA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Bolinas Surf Lessons & Camp (CA) Phone: 415-868-0264 www.surfbolinas.com C-SickSurfin Surf Lessons (Galveston Island, TX) PH: 409-770-9455 www.c-sicksurfin.com Cannon Beach Surf (Cannon Beach, OR) Phone: 503-436-0475 www.cannonbeachsurf.com CLUB ED Surf Camps (Santa Cruz, CA) Phone: (831) 464-0177 www.club-ed.com Eli Howard Surf School Encinitas & San Elijo State Beach, CA Phone: 760-809-3069 | www.elihoward.com

Endless Summer Surf Camp Phone: 949-498-7862 www.endlesssummersurfcamp.com Islands Surf Camp | Phone: 310-866-1941 www.isurfcamp.com Oregon Surf Adventures (Cannon Beach) Phone: 503.436.1481 www.oregonsurfadventures.com Ossies Surf Camp & Lessons (Newport, OR) Phone: 541-574-4634 www.ossiessurfshop.com South Coast Kiteboarding & Surf Lessons (Corpus Christi, TX) Phone: 361-949-3278 www.southcoastkiteboarding.com South Padre Surf Company (Texas) Phone: 956-772-7272 www.southpadresurfcompany.com Surf Diva Surf School (La Jolla, CA) Phone: (858) 454-8273 www.surfdiva.com Surfing Rabbi (Venice Beach, CA) Phone: (310) 877-1482 www.Surfingrabbi.com WB Surf Camps (Cape Hatteras, NC) Phone: 1.866.844.7873 www.wbsurfcamp.com Richard Schmidt Surf Camp (Santa Cruz, CA) Phone: (831) 423-0928 www.richardschmidt.com Nantucket Surfari Phone: (508) 228-1235 www.nantucketsurfari.com Walking on Water Surf Camp (San Diego CA) Phone: (858) 509-7977 www.walkingonwater.org HAWAII | USA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - North Shore Surf Camps - Oahu (808) 638-5914 www.northshoresurfcamps.com Nancy Emerson School of Surfing - Oahu (808) 205-0335 www.SurfClinics.com Nancy Emerson School of Surfing - Maui (808) 244-7873 www.MauiSurfClinics.com LocoBoyz Surf Camp (808) 739-5588 www.locoboyzsurf.com Lightning Bolt Surf Expeditions (808) 877-3484 www.lightningboltmaui.com Girls Gone Surfing PH: 808-280-0103 www.girlsgonesurfing.net Maui Surfer Girls PH: 808 280-8165 www.mauisurfergirls.com

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Debbie Walker, a Dewey Weber team rider, enjoying WSSM at her local surf break in Florida. Now thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fan! | Photo: Jimmy Walker

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See You Next Issue... Surfer: Sormarie Nieves | photo: JettyGirl.com

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