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July 31, 2007 4:36 PM

Website of the week: Drift Magazine

The long awaited issue three is out now and features all the usual beautifully crafted pages and thought provoking articles we've come to expect from the past two issues. The issue includes sustainable surfing, stand up paddle surfing, surfing as a religion, and my personal highlight, a peculiar picture of Laird Hamilton sporting a strange short suit and toting a mammoth paddle board on his shoulder. There's also awe-inspiring photography from Greg Martin and art from Steve Andrew. The best bit about this publication? It's paper free and totally free to download. Visit Drift Magazine to read.

Like that? Try this: Previous websites of the week | World Surf Radio talk to Lucia Daniella Griggi about photography and womens' surfing development in the UK

July 31, 2007 in Environment, Surfing, Website of the week | Permalink | Comments (0)

Daida Moreno wins fifth windsurfing world title

Images: PWA World Tour

Windsurfer Daida Moreno has won the Womens' Freestyle World Championships in Sotavento, Fuerteventura, despite a severe lack of wind, bringing her world freestyle title total to five. Daida is also currently leading the windsurfing wave leaderboard, which she won in five consecutive years from 2000 - 2005! Her sister Iballa, meanwhile, is high up in the slalom rankings and joint second in wave. I think you'll agree they're probably the most talented windsurfing family in the world!

Like that? Try this: Neil Pryde Rigging and Tuning Podcasts for Windsurfers | Windsurfer Lucy Robson Crosses English Channel | Animal Tarifa Kitesurfing and Windsurfing Academy

July 31, 2007 in Events, News, Other sports, Pros | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dakine Vixen Toiletries Travel Bag

As you can see, this Vixen travel bag from Dakine holds a lot of stuff.  And when you get to where ever you're going, you can hang it up and never have to worry about locating your sunblock or unpacking all your toiletries.  It'll come in handy for surfing trips, snowboarding trips and even plain old business trips, if you're a high flying type. Buy one at Orcasurf for £19.99.

Like that? Try this: Volcom Nelson Toiletry Bag |  Animal Camo Overnight Bag

July 31, 2007 in Accessories, Health and Beauty, Snowboarding, Style, Surfing, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

Girlie Camp pre season park and pipe snowboard camp with Torah Bright

Fancy an early season shred with TTR World Tour winner Torah Bright? Who wouldn't? Head to the Girlie Camp in Switzerland from 26 -30 September and you could be riding the park and pipe in Saas-Fee while everyone else is still waiting for the season to start. The accommodation is at the Popcorn Hotel, where you'll be treated to a preview of Roxy's new movie, and the 490 Euro price includes accommodation, lift pass, plus breakfast and dinner.

Visit Girlie Camp for more details and to book.

Like that? Read this: Our Camp diaries days one, two and three.

July 31, 2007 in Events, Pros, Snowboarding, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ollypop Kipper's Knickers Hoody

We've featured the genius that is the Ollypop surf pop-up training towel a few times now (it now comes in girly colours), but the dragons in the den weren't so keen. After dragon Theo lauded it as being 'about as useful as knickers on a kipper', Ollypop have launched the new Kipper's Knickers range of hoodys and tees in response. We like!

Like that? Try this: Book review: Surf Girl's Guide to Surfing - The essential guide for surf chicks everywhere | The Ryde I Surf Small Waves T Shirt

July 31, 2007 in Style, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 30, 2007 5:02 PM

Rad Reading: Shark alert in Cornwall and Girls Kite Night in Poole Harbour with Emma York

- A shark has been sighted in Cornwall - no big surprise there since there's organised trips to go swim with them - but the Sun have sensationalised the whole thing and suggested it's a killer Great White come to chow down on us all. [The Sun]

- Fed up of kite boarding alone? A new girls Kite Night has started up in Poole Harbour. Go and enjoy some quality wind time with the girls! [Cooler]

- Kassia Meador and Crystal Dzigas profiled on the latest episode of Boardriders TV. [Surfers Village]

July 30, 2007 in Kiteboarding, News, Pros, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our Camp girls snowboarding summer camp diaries - day three

The Our Camp diaries continue, with day three, and the thoughts of camper Simone Binczyk...

Hailing from Cologne, Simone works as a sign language interpreter. She’s been riding for eight years, and this is her second Our Camp. Having previously attended another snowboard camp, she found the Our Camp coaching more tailored to the individual, and the smaller group a friendlier environment. And Our Camp didn’t even have to pay her to say that…

“I do the pipe, and not bad – I dropped in even though I said that I wasn’t going to. And I do the rail, the first time in my life. Before I came to Our Camp I swore that I would never do rails or boxes, I just accepted that I could never do it. It look so hard and suicidal. And then my first Our Camp I did a box, and now, I did rails. I even jumped on. It’s crazy. I was really proud. And it is not so hard as I thought. And Sonia said – “Today, it’s Simone National Day.” Awwww … because everything worked good.

After a short, short break, we skated to the gondola that goes down into the valley, where we were going to go rafting. Really crazy, it was my third day on my skateboard, but the first day on the street, with cars, people, bikes, cracks – but I liked it very much. We had a destination, I felt like it was my street, you know. Because before Our Camp I had tried to skate but I didn’t feel safe; but now we have been practising and I knew how to push properly and how to step off.

We got to the gondola and went down to Venosc to go rafting. I never rafted before and we had to wear all this funny wetsuits and lifejackets and helmets, and old Lacoste shoes.

We had a safety talk and had to rescue Gilly from the grass. Finally we went into the very very cold glacier water – very very cold. We spun 360s around rocks and I almost fell out but Sonia pulled me back in – I was a little bit afraid. In the beginning everybody has a little bit of fear, but by the end we had all really loved it, because it brings so much fun and it was so good to do it in a group, because everybody must work together and we all laughed so much.

At the end we went underneath a bridge; I thought it was going to be a joke because the tunnel was so small, but we went through the small window … oh, oh, oh, this was really really crazy. But we’re all still alive.

Want to go on camp? Visit Our Camp to find out more.

Like that? Read day one by Alena and day two by Helen.

July 30, 2007 in Snowboarding, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sofia: The Documentary profiles Peruvian surfer Sofia Mulanovich

In Peru, Sofia Mulanovich isn't just an amazing surfer, she's the inspiration for a nation. This documentary follows her on her quest to become a world champion surfer, and looks at her impact on Peru and South America, when she becomes the first South American surfer ever to win a world title event. The film doesn't appear to be available in Europe yet, but you can watch the trailer below...

Like that? Try this: Sofía Mulanovich to be immortalised in Surfers Hall of Fame | Review: Roxy Shimmer all-female surfing DVD starring Sofia Mulanovich

July 30, 2007 in Movies, Pros, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (1)

Stephanie Gilmore wins US Open of Surfing

Image: ASP Covered Images

Despite early domination by Sally Fitzgibbons, Aussie Stephanie Gilmore was crowned winner of the US Open of Surfing after defeating Karina Petroni in the final. Aged only 19, Stephanie was the oldest in the final, and the semi-finals, which was an all teen affair. 16-year-old Sally Fitzgibbons and 14-year-old Courtney Conlogue both went out in the semi-finals, leaving 18-year-ol Karina Petroni to take on Stephanie in the final.

Her US Open win leaves Stephanie Gilmore in third place in the WQS, behind Jacqueline Silva in second and Jessi Miley-Dyer in first.

Watch the round 1 highlights from the event here.

Like that? Try this: Jennifer Smith new Womans' Longboarding World Champion! |  X Games Womens Surfing in Puerto Escondido, Melanie Bartels wins it for Team USA

July 30, 2007 in Events, News, Pros, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Winner alert! Pa-Pa Jewellery Competition

Julie Trotter - congrats! Your necklace is already on the way to you.

As the piece of jewellery was designed to reflect the 50 years since the Gower was named as a place of outstanding natural beauty, the winner was the 50th person to correctly answer the question.

If you haven't won, why not check out our Ex Elements comp, or head on over to Pa-Pa Jewellery and buy it for yourself anyway!

July 30, 2007 in Offers and Promotions | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 27, 2007 5:56 PM

Womens' Beach Fit on Godrevy Beach with Miss Fit

Carolyn Andrews, she of the excellent Surf Fit website, has just started running Beach Fit on Godrevy beach, Cornwall. For those of you lucky enough to live nearby, it's a fun way to keep fit with amazing views in the bargain!

Visit the Miss-Fit website to find out more.

Like that? Read this: Winter surf fitness | Review: Yoga for surfers 2

July 27, 2007 in Health and Beauty, News, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Chill Factore, Manchester, due to open November 2007

When it opens later this year, the Chill Factore will be the longest and widest snow dome in Europe. It also looks like they'll be making their snow differently to the other snow domes in the country, judging by this demonstration, so it'll be interesting to see if that results in higher quality snow. What I'm most interested in though, is this claim... 'Chill Factore's slope design means that there will be plenty of room for boarders and skiers to co-exist in perfect harmony - no piste-rage here'. Big guarantees there! But if the set-up is anything like the artist's impression (above), it looks like it should be pretty fun. Still not a mountain, but a better substitute.

Get some summer snow: Les Deux Alpes | New Zealand | Dry slopes | Dubai Snowdome | Whistler Glacier | Chile.

July 27, 2007 in News, Skiing, Snowboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our Camp girls snowboarding summer camp diaries - day two

Here's the second of our Our Camp diaries, and I'm getting progressively more jealous of the girls on the trip!

Helen is a Procurement Officer for Wakefield Council. She’s been riding for about four years, usually with her (now very envious) boyfriend and a group of male friends. Last year she rocked up to the Our Camp Castleford event, and felt like she learnt more in four hours than she’d ever managed on holiday. She travelled to Les Deux Alpes via train, plane and bus, a twelve hour trip that involved numerous delays and no end of curious stares. Lugging a hefty boardbag onto a train? In the middle of summer?? In Wakefield???

“We were all really excited about our second day because we’d all achieved more on the first than we thought we would. Sunday had been perfect: perfect weather, perfect snow. We got up earlier today to get more in, but when we got to the top the wind was horrendous; as fast as you were coming down you were getting blown back up again.

We split into two groups: some girls went to the pipe, but I stayed on the piste to practise what I’d done the day before. We then headed over to the park which was a bit more sheltered, but the jumps that we’d done the day before were now really slow. Instead we hit the rails. I’ve never done one before, but this time I decided just to give it a go – I don’t see a reason not to try now, because everybody else is trying and nobody’s going to laugh at you, so it doesn’t feel like it matters that I’ve never done it before. I managed a board slide down half one rail, and jump on from the side on another; we all had a great time.

We found two better kickers and at this point I took off my rucksack and thought, you know, if I go really fast, the worst that’s going to happen is that I’m going to fall and roll. After a couple of attempts I managed my first f/s 180, which was fantastic. Then I went for an indy – I wouldn’t say it was a lengthy grab, but I touched it. By this point everyone had forgotten about the crap weather and everybody had done something that they hadn’t done before.

After lunch we went skating again. Before I came away, I’d told everybody at work that I’d give skating a go and then sunbathe in the afternoons for the rest of the week. I also thought: how hard can it be? I was wrong on both counts. Yesterday, when I first stepped on a board, it just disappeared away from underneath me. By the end of about half an hour’s tuition, however, I felt pretty confident and could comfortably push and ride down a hill.

Today we started by setting up a new board, which I remembered how to do from a demo the previous night – for me, remembering something like that is amazing. Then we learnt to tick tack. I got it in the end, but first I stacked it and grazed my elbow. The graze was worsened from a few tough landings on the trampolines, which we went on after skating to practise our spins and grabs. It’s strange, as you grow up you get all sensible about not hurting yourself, and though I do other sports I haven’t got a graze for years. The feeling of it stinging reminds you of being a child – and skateboarding reminds you of being a child, of doing something that maybe you shouldn’t, which is so cool.

You know, I came on this camp with two aims: one was to do a boardslide and the second, to do a 180 off a kicker. I did my first boardslide yesterday and my first 180 today. God knows what I’ll do tomorrow.”

Want to go on camp? Visit Our Camp to find out more.

Like that? Read day one by Alena.

July 27, 2007 in Snowboarding, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ron Jon Surfpark Florida update

Our very first post on this blog was about the Surf Dome (hopefully) due to be built in London. At the Ron Jons SurfPark in Florida they're a little further along with the project and currently in the test phase. And judging by the photo updates, it's due to churn out some lovely waves! Those waves you see in the pictures are indeed man made. Prices are online already and once the park opens, US$34.95 will you buy you 2 hours in the training pool with 3-5 ft waves, and once you've mastered that, the pro pool can produce waves up to 8ft, with prices around US$49.95 for 2 hours. Way more exciting than a theme park!

Visit www.ronjonsurfpark.com for more info.

Like that? Read this: More surfing on Nollie

July 27, 2007 in News, Surfing, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 26, 2007 6:03 PM

Slam Section: Girls on wakeboards falling over from The Chick Flick

This isn't exactly pleasant viewing, think constant wakeboard wipeouts, but it is encouraging in the sense that even the best female wakeboarders in the world fall just as inelegantly as you do.

Like that? Read This: The parts of The Chick Flick where they don't fall over! | Louise Moore Wake Camp Wakeboarding Coaching in Florida

July 26, 2007 in Audio and Videocasts, Pros, Wakeboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get ready for winter with bargain O'Neill womens Psycho and Epic wetsuits

Seeing as our summer has been a washout, you may as well prepare for winter surfing while it's still cheap, boardridersguide.com currently has a great sale on women's O'Neill winter wetsuits with prices from £75!

From L to R: O'Neill Womens Psycho 2 5/3mm (£109) and O'Neill Womens Epic 2 4/3mm (£75).

Like that? Read this: Rip Curl H Bomb Heated Wetsuit | HangAir wetsuit dryer dries your wetsuit in two hours

July 26, 2007 in Environment, Offers and Promotions, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Second Annual Chicas Only Ski and Snowboard Contest in Argentina

Now I'm jealous, not only did the girls taking part in the 2nd Annual Chicas Only contest get a dream mix of sunshine and snow during the event (and all we get is rain, pah!) they also got drinks from the Jagermeister snow bar to finish off the day! The event was a cool combination of coaching session with covert judging, and prizes were handed out for Break Through Performance (Tati Cook), Best Style (Ally Carrol) and Park Queen (Martina Mezquida). Besides Jagermeister, others sponsors of the event included Rip Curl Girls.

Read the full report on Snowboard.com.

Like that? Read this: Our Camp girls snowboarding summer camp diaries - day one | More snowboarding

July 26, 2007 in Events, Skiing, Snowboarding, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rad Reading: UK Pros stuck in gondola for four hours, and Sally Fitzgibbons wows in the US Open of Surfing

- Watch the scary video of Deux Alpes cable cars swaying in the 80mph wind. UK snowboard pros Sam Cullum, Jamie Nicholls, Nelson Pratt, Ed Gunn and Andy Rivers were unfortunate enough to be stuck inside for four hours before they were able to absail down. Scary shit. [Snowboard Club UK]

- 15-year-old surfer Sally Fitzgibbons is dominating in the US Open of Surfing, scoring a 18.86 out of a possible 20 in her first round heat, and then backing it up with another amazing showing with a 17.76 out of a possible 20 in her Round 2 heat. Currently, her closest competitors are Jessi Miley-Dyer and Stephanie Gilmore. [Surfers Village]

- The snowboard show is coming to Tamworth on the 22nd of September (my birthday, no less) and is set to include women-specific rail coaching sessions. Hmm. [Snowboard Club UK]

- And finally, not really news, but an awesome picture, check out the rice paddy art from Japan. [Lost Weekend]

July 26, 2007 in Art, News, Pros, Snowboarding, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (1)

Ride team updates on Priscilla Levac and Hana Beaman

In their Ride Chronicles Ride have done a little update on what their talented team is up to, and you can learn how snowboarders Priscilla Levac and Hana Beaman have been spending their summertime. Here's the goss..

Priscilla Levac - Well Priscilla's season is just starting now that she has healed up from her X Games induced broken leg. Priscilla is in good spirits though and hopes to still manage and squeeze in some shots with Runway Films over the summer. Maybe a little Camp of Champions a little Mt Hood and of course why not end the summer with a trip to New Zealand?

Hana Beaman - Hana just spent some time wrapping up her video intro for...

Runway Films up in Whistler and managed to squeeze in some time here at the Ride office to work on some ads and web material. Hana was so busy this year I don't blame her if she just wants to sit on a beach all summer. In fact I think that's just what she intends to do. A surf trip with the girl friends to some amazing tropical place and then I'm sure she will be refreshed and ready to find some snow in the southern hemisphere.

To keep up to date sign up to the Ride Chronicles here.

Like that? Read this: Hana Beaman and Gretchen Bleiler win at the Burton Abominable Snow Jam | Ride's 07/08 Levac outerwear

July 26, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our Camp girls snowboarding summer camp diaries - day one

If you ever wondered what happens on an Our Camp snowboarding summer camp, wonder no longer, we've got the low down straight from the horses mouth. Well, the campers mouths...

Alena is from Stuttgart, in Germany; this is her fourth Our Camp. With her friend Simone, from Cologne, she drove over from Germany to Les Deux Alpes on Saturday, in blisteringly hot weather and heavy-as, start of Les Grandes Vacances, traffic. They arrived at camp base, the charmingly-named Sick and Mental hostel, on Saturday night, in time for some home cooking from the Sick and Mental boys and the Our Camp welcome meeting. “Normally in summertime in Germany everybody’s going to the beach and at work they all ask me, Why are you going to the snow? And I’m just - I just love it. They are calling me crazy but I work in a bank: I sit in an office all the time and it’s so amazing to be out in the fresh air all day with friends. It’s worth driving fifteen hours; we’d drive even longer to come here and have a cool week and meet other girls who are snowboarding...

When we arrived, we had a really good meal and a great tarte au framboises – oh yes, and amazing goody bags with goggles and a hoody and a tshirt. The bags were Animal backpacks and vanity cases, all different. Simone and I knew which bags we’d really like, but to make it fair we each had to pick a lottery ticket that matched a bag. The funny thing was that everybody on the camp got the bag that they had secretly wanted – it was like destiny! We played pool and bowling on the Wii and it felt like we were already in our holiday, straight away. Even though we didn’t know the other girls it was as if we were already all part of the same group, like we’d all known each other for a long time.

This morning Simone and I woke up really early; we wanted to be the first because we were so excited about going up. We were so early that breakfast wasn’t out yet! It takes about 35 minutes to get up to the glacier from Les Deux Alpes village. We were up the mountain by 9.30am; it was already really hot and slushy. We stretched and warmed up, which is really important and an Our Camp tradition. Then we did a few warm up runs to get used to being on our boards again after three months, cruising around on the piste and practising our 180s.

Then we headed to the park. We started with a line of four 3m kickers; because the snow was so slushy you had to take a lot of speed. Next was the pipe. It was so slushy and so easy to get high up the walls that I loved it, but they closed it at 11 because it was getting so slow. We’re going to go there earlier tomorrow. Then we did smaller kickers to practise different grabs: my aim this week is to get a high 180 with a solid grab – I didn’t make it today but I’m getting closer.

We ended the day with backside and frontside boardslides on the boxes. Usually I 50-50 on and then turn, but this time I finally made myself jump straight into the slide, because I saw Katie do it first. She fell, but she was fine, so I thought, okay, I want to do it too. First time I fell and it didn’t hurt, second time I didn’t fall but wasn’t satisfied, third time I fell again and the forth time I made it and came out switch. That’s the thing about the camp: everybody is trying new stuff, so it’s easier to convince yourself to go for it: you always think, okay, I want to do it too.”

Want to go on camp? Visit Our Camp to find out more.

Like that? Read this: Nitika Chiquitas Girls Skateboarding Camp in Pardubice, Czech | Girlie Camp Prague Skateboard Video

July 26, 2007 in Events, News, Snowboarding, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

Indo and balance board tricks to improve your snowboarding and wakeboarding

More things to do indoors when it's raining, this time it involves using a balance board to improve your snowboarding and wakeboarding. If you don't have a balance board, get an old skateboard and make one, it'll only cost you 20p tops.

Like that? Read this: Get your stoke on in the floods: Urban Skimboarding | Five things to do when it's raining and there's no surf

July 26, 2007 in Audio and Videocasts, Health and Beauty, Skating, Snowboarding, Tricks and Technique, Wakeboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 25, 2007 5:06 PM

Low Down: Vans 07/08 Snowboard Outerwear Womens' Day 7 Dowing Jacket and Pants

What: Vans Day 7 07/08 Womens' outerwear.
USP: The jacket is kitted out with a super adjustable and removable powderskirt and a shock resistant pocket for your mp3 player. 
Highlight: Designed in conjunction with Hana Beaman (she's been busy) they're stylish and functional. The pants have a Boa gate to adjust your Boa boots with minimum hassle.
What to expect: The high spec 10000mm Waterproofing and 10000gm2 Breathability fabric should keep you warm and dry while your stylin' up the mountain.

Like that? Read this: Ride Snowboards 07/08 womens outerwear Cell 10 Collection | 07/08 Burton Andy Warhol Outerwear

July 25, 2007 in Equipment, Pros, Snowboarding, Style | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bikinis that stay on while surfing #3: Hot Tuna Reflection Bikini

Although I make no guarantees, Hot Tuna promise this bikini will stay in place when others have gone awondering. The extra thick band on the top gives this a fighting chance of staying where it should do, and the fabric is plentiful where it should be, leaving less opportunities for unwanted flashing. Available from Extreme Pie for £49.

Like that? Read this: Bikinis that stay on while surfing #1: Speedo Flipturns | Bikinis that stay on while surfing #2: Pualani Hawaii

July 25, 2007 in Style, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cheryl Maas in Purple Yeahh teaser two

This is the trailer that's getting everyone stoked right now, I must have watched it at least four times since it came out yesterday! Look out for girly shred star Cheryl Maas and check out trailer one here. And if that's not enough snowy goodness for you, watch last years Yeahh movie, Public Yeahh on Method.tv, in full, for free!

Like that? Read this: Pirate Movie Production Walk the Plank Teaser starring Anne-Flore Marxer | Float Film teaser two | Absinthe Optimistic? Trailer | Mack Dawg Productions Picture This Trailer

July 25, 2007 in Audio and Videocasts, Movies, Pros, Snowboarding | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 24, 2007 4:27 PM

Last few days to enter the comp to win a Pa-Pa Handmade Baby Mussel Shell Necklace worth £90

It's the last few days of this comp, so get your entries in quick for your chance to win this gorgeous necklace!

To win, email enquiry@pa-pa.co.uk with the answer to the following question and your name and address before 31st of July.

What is the name of the vessel that is shipwrecked off Oxwich point on the Gower Peninsula?

Hint: Have a hunt around the pa-pa site to find the answer.

Check out more of Phillippa's divine surf and beach inspired designs on at Pa-pa.co.uk.

Like this? Read this: Icon Australia Jewellery at Extreme Pie | Layne Beachley Jewellery

July 24, 2007 in Offers and Promotions | Permalink | Comments (0)

Coasteering (the normal kind) and coasteering (the extreme kind)

According to Ex Elements, who run two coasteering courses, coasteering is a crazy combination of rock climbing, scrambling, swimming and cliff jumping. You will get wet! (Duh.) You will traverse cliffs, jumping into the water and climbing higher up the cliff as the landscape dictates, and it is essentially a day spent overcoming a huge natural, obstacle course.

If plain old coasteering isn't wild enough for you, then try the extreme kind. Ultimate coasteering starts with an abseil into a cave, followed by a speed boat ride to the most challenging parts of the coastline they can find.

Fancy trying coasteering? Enter our Ex Elements competition and you could win one of three £50 Ex Pass vouchers, or a Ex Element Rash vest.

Like that? Read this: Climb and power kite...all in one day | River Bugs White Water Rafting with Ex Elements

July 24, 2007 in Offers and Promotions | Permalink | Comments (0)

World Surf Radio talk to Lucia Daniella Griggi about photography and womens' surfing development in the UK

In episode 28 of the World Surf Radio podcast, you can listen to talented UK surf photographer and coach Lucia Daniella Girggi talk about her career in surfing, the increasing amount of women in the water and how her pictures have been laminated onto surfboards. Click on the image on the left to listen, and you can hear Lucia at around 14 minutes in. To find out more about Lucia, visit her website at www.luciadaniellagriggi.co.uk.

[Source]

Like that? Read this: Podcast roundup: Roxy Jam, Laura Berry trick tips and Vans Pool Party | Website of the week: Buy pictures of you surfing from WPsurf.com

July 24, 2007 in Audio and Videocasts, Photography, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Surf Chick Tee from new Scottish Surf brand Staunch

So new Scottish surf brand Staunch is up and running, and there's some pretty cool offerings, we like the tongue in cheek 'local' tee and the to the point 'Thurso' - 'go hard or go home'. But then we spied this, a tee called 'surf chick'. But it's not for us, oh no. Here's what they had to say about it...

There is something wonderful about a girl on a surfboard, so graceful so soft & smooth. If you are a female and the words “body from bay watch, face from crime watch” happen to ring true. Start surfing the water is the place for you. Buy this and feel like a man!

So any plans to make some threads for us, rather than about us, eh Staunch?

Like that? Read this: Surfin' UK surfing tees | We can play that game...Nollie man of the week: Mick Fanning

July 24, 2007 in Style, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (2)

Pirate Movie Production Walk the Plank Teaser starring Anne-Flore Marxer

Anne-Flore Marxer seems to be the only girl in the Pirate Movie Production crew, and although we see a shot of her in the teaser, I'm not sure there's any of her riding. It's a wicked watch none the less though, with pow aplenty to get you dreaming of the winter...

Like that? Read this: Snowbroader.eu interview Anne Flore Marxer | Les Ettes Perfume for female board riders | Runway Films teaser online

July 24, 2007 in Audio and Videocasts, Movies, Pros, Snowboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 23, 2007 5:44 PM

Lamorna Penrose Blank Canvas 2 Surfboard Art

Lanmora Penrose's latest collection of paintings on surfboard blanks is a treat for the eye. You can see the boards in exhibition at The Boardroom at Porthtowan Blue until the 15th September, and some are still available to buy for those of you wishing own a piece of surfboard art. All the boards are shaped by Beach Beat's Chops, and have been painted using non toxic paint.

Like that? Read our interview with Lamorna.

July 23, 2007 in Art, Events, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Website of the week: Alliance Wakeskate

Or should I say, magazine of the week?  Because, lucky for us, Alliance Wakeskate have put all their mags dating back to 2005 on the interweb for us to read...for free. Nice one. Click here to view them and get educated on the world of wake skating.

Like that? Read this: Top 50 girls who rock: Wakeskater Stef Tor | The Chick Flick all female wakeboard and wakeskate video

July 23, 2007 in Wakeboarding, Website of the week | Permalink | Comments (0)

Low down: Ride Rapture 07/08 Ladies freestyle snowboard

What: The Rapture - Ride's new freestyle board for girls. Seems 07/08 is the season brands have realised girls like freestyle too and they've all brought out a femme freestyle board! This is the girlie version of Ride's budget freestyle option, the Agenda.
USP: The fact that it's a freestyle board just for girls is hardly a USP now, but this one promises to be cheaper than your average.
Highlight: It comes four lengths from the teeny 138 for mini-shreds to a 151.
What to expect: An Agenda, but with pink stars.

Like that? Read this: Low down: Volkl 07/08 Impress SQD womens freestyle snowboard | Low down: K2 Va Va Voom 07/08 Snowboard developed by Leanne Pelosi

July 23, 2007 in Equipment, Snowboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

Kustom Winter 07/08 Shoes - you'll want a pair now

While we're waiting for flip flop season to start, why not have a gander at these offerings from Kustom for Autumn/Winter. Don't know about you, but I'd quite like a pair right now. Prices range from £34 for the Elena (top middle) to £53 for the Kim Boot. My personal fave is the MG Velcro (middle bottom), what about you?

Like that? Read this: ME - My Etnies - Design Your Own Callicut or Cinch Shoe |  DC Court Graffik Womens Shoes

July 23, 2007 in Style | Permalink | Comments (0)

Belinda Baggs product testing for Patagonia (i.e. Surfing in California)

It's Monday, or Moanday, if you prefer, and it's raining. Joy of joys. Here's a lovely Patagonia vid featuring the elegant longboarder Belinda Baggs to cheer you up a little! Apparently they call this product testing...

Like that? Read this: Mary Osborne longboarding in Guatemala | Let Rochelle Ballard, Layne Beachley and Keala Kennelly cheer up your Monday

July 23, 2007 in Audio and Videocasts, Longboarding, Pros, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 20, 2007 5:38 PM

Podcast roundup: Roxy Jam, Laura Berry trick tips and Vans Pool Party

If the Float Film teaser wasn't enough for you, and you can't be bothered to go out in the rain this weekend, here's some more free female action sport vids for your viewing pleasure. You pretty much need itunes for most of these, but that only takes a minute to get.

The Roxy Jam. Now condensed into nine vids of world class ladies logging. Watch it through itunes or on Roxy.com.

SNO!Zone Tips and Tricks with Laura Berry. Learn how to ride a 50-50 a rail and boardslide with one of  Britain's best girl talents. Available on itunes or the SNO!Zone website.

Vans Pro-tec Pool Party Womens' Competition. Watch all the highlights from the girls section, and get some trick tips too. Yep, this is on itunes too. 

July 20, 2007 in Audio and Videocasts, Pros, Snowboarding, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get through the last part of the working week with Float Film's second teaser

Not long to go now until home time, this should help pass some time and simultaneously start the count down to winter! Just imagine, if all the rain we're having now was frozen...it'd be heaven. Enjoy!

Like that? Read this: Float Films Teaser Number One | Runway Films Teaser | Roxy Podcasts

July 20, 2007 in Audio and Videocasts, Movies, News, Pros, Snowboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

Five things to do when it's raining and there's no surf

Meh. What lovely weather we're still having. Which coupled with the fact there's zero swell, does not a very fun weekend make. Here's a few suggestions for wet weather activities that don't involve surfing...

1. Snowdomes. Obvious one this, all year round snow that isn't affected by the rain. If you don't ski or board and can't be bothered to learn (shame on you), then you can toboggan.
2. Indoor Skydiving. Note the important word here: indoors. Death less likely.
3. Coasteering. Hardly matters if it's raining if you're in the sea, does it?
4. Go Ape. High wires are more fun when it's raining. Fact.
5. Mountain Biking. What's a little mud between friends?

July 20, 2007 in Bikes, Skiing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Reading mountain biking: Four books to read when your bike's broken

1. Mountain Bike Maintenance. If your bike is broken, learn how to fix it. If it isn't, learn how to keep it that way.

2. Complete Mountain Biking Manual. What the title says. Includes riding techniques, essential kit, safety issues, nutrition needs, the latest gadgets to monitor performance, race training and 300 colour pictures...

3. Women's Mountain Biking. An inspirational guide to mountain biking for women. Tips and advice specifically for us.

4. Where to Mountain Bike in Britain. Do I really need to explain this one?

Like that? Read this: Cube Bikers Heaven Lady Bike Weekends in Switzerland and Austria | Flirtees biking and cycling t-shirts for women | Reading Surfing: Five things to read when the waves aren't working | Reading Snowboarding: Five things to read when there's no snow

July 20, 2007 in Bikes | Permalink | Comments (0)

Vans 07/08 womens' snowboarding boots

Another day, another new set of gear to dribble over. I've never worn Vans boots myself, but I know a few devout Vans wearers who claim they are The Comfiest Boots Ever. Stiffer than the slippers that are 32s but still comfy as. This year, it seems they've gone a bit mad with the colour palette. See those yellow, pink and black things? That's Hana Beaman's Hi-Standard. It comes with something Vans like to call a Pro-Flex Snowaffle Air outsole and also comes in less 'look at me' colours. New for this season is the Veil (black boot bottom right), a Boa boot that's all about customisation, as you can tighten all the separate areas independently, kinda similar to the 32 Focus Boa. See all the new stuff over at Vans Snow.

Like that? Read this: Thirty Two 07/08 Vela and Focus Boa womens snowboard boots | Low down: Volkl 07/08 Impress SQD womens freestyle snowboard | Yay or Nay: 07/08 Burton Andy Warhol Outerwear

July 20, 2007 in Equipment, Snowboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 19, 2007 4:02 PM

Ex Elements Introduction to skateboarding

 

This is another great way to spend your £50 Ex Pass if you're one of our lucky winners, and there's still plenty of time left to enter. On this course you'll spend a whole day in the skate park, and everything you need is provided. Beginners and improvers alike can benefit, as after an assessment of your current ability, the instructors will teach you more progressive skills until your tearing up the concrete. Click here for more information and to book.

Like that? Read this:  Ex Elements Extreme Sports Emergency First Aid Course | River Bugs White Water Rafting with Ex Elements

July 19, 2007 in Offers and Promotions, Skating | Permalink | Comments (0)

For the surfers that alphabeticize their CD collection: The Wave Log Book

To be honest I can only imagine the most anal of surfers bothering to record wind direction, water temp, shape of the waves, crowd numbers and exact time spent in the water in this wave log book. But if you can be bothered, it's a great way to remember those amazing sessions when you can tick uncrowded, offshore wind and peeling waves. Probably best to skip past the days when you ticked chilly onshore closeouts though. Get yours for £14.99 from the Orca Shop and indulge your inner Monica.

Like that? Read this: Tide and time clock | Rip Curl H Bomb Heated Wetsuit

July 19, 2007 in Accessories, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ride 6th Annual Snowboard Art Competition

The 6th Annual Ride Snowboard Art contest has launched, and you could be in with the chance of winning US$1000 and a one-of-a-kind Ride Snowboard with your design on if your art skills are up to it. You do have to pay US$40 to enter though, which seems a bit of a swizz, they must be making more money than they're giving away with this comp. Anyone from any country can enter, go to the Ride Culture site to find out more.

Like that? Read this: I Love Ride Tattoo Party | Ride Snowboards 07/08 womens outerwear Cell 10 Collection

July 19, 2007 in Art, Snowboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Super Girl Actionista Collection

The Super Girl Actionista Collection is due to be launched tonight at Nine Star with surfers Bethany Hamilton and Holly Beck in attendance. Some of the collection is already on sale at Intuition, including the special addition Havaianas and this 'I wanna be a super girl' tee. Also due to be unveiled at Nine Star is Etnies Girl shoes, a Rip Curl bikini and Guy Okazaki custom surfboards. There's no plans for it to be sold in the UK, but I hope we get to see some of it, super girl rocks!

Like that? Read this: Beach clothes from Lizzy Surf Wear | Dress it up in Fat Face

July 19, 2007 in Pros, Style, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Salomon 07/08 Lily and Lush Womens' Snowboards

All the new 07/08 sites that are popping up now can only mean one thing - I need to get saving. I only wish I was on the snow enough to justify a giant quiver, as these two new boards from Salomon have me reaching for my wallet just going by the description. The Lush has been developed with super shredder Jamie Andersen, and if it's good enough for her, that's good enough for me. It's Salomon's first women-specific twin and includes Salomon's new rubber sidewalls. The Lily on the other hand is a directional twin which they describe as 'smooth as silk' with 'great pop' and a 'jibtastic flavour'. Sounds fun! Visit the Salomon website to see the whole 07/08 range.

Like that? Read this: Hot or not? Salomon 07/08 Womens Relay elite Bindings | Review: Salomon Ivy Snowboard

July 19, 2007 in Equipment, Pros, Snowboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 18, 2007 7:18 PM

Dive with sharks in Cornwall

Sharks aren't just contained to faraway tropical locations, you can have a close encounter with a relative of a great white off the coast of Cornwall. For the cost of £95 per person you'll be taken out into the Atlantic to experience some down time with one the scariest of sea creatures. These ones can't eat you, but they can bite! Visit Shark Cornwall for more information.

Like that? Read this: Deter sharks while surfing with shark camo | Extreme Hotel Cape Town

July 18, 2007 in Travel, Weird Stuff | Permalink | Comments (3)

Automaton 07/08 Mixed Signals Snowboard

Automaton like to keep things simple. Their boards are for anyone - boy, girl, or robot - and come in only two designs. Trust Me, a flexy jib board, and Mixed Signals, an everyday freestyle board or a powder board for mini-shreds. They're also very pretty, with art by Chad Carothers and no fancy features you don't need. Automaton boards are made right here in Europe, not a factory in China or somewhere far away, so you might even save the planet some air miles as a bonus.

Like that? Read this: Tara Dakides Tara-O-Matic Snowboard | Design your own Snowboard with Elan Artec Blueprint Topsheet

July 18, 2007 in Equipment, Snowboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

Curve Overstayer Board Bag - Board transportation and on-beach accommodation

Why not lay your head where ever the surf is with the Overstayer Board Bag from Curve. It carries up to three boards plus your gear, but the best bit is that you can sleep in it. Buy the sleep mat add on and you'll be super comfy and cosy in your board bag, and your boards will benefit from the extra protection when they're in transit. Also included with the board bag is a day sling, making the walk from the dunes to the surf even easier!

Even though Curve are a New Zealand based company, they ship to the UK 'cos they're nice like that. The Overstayer board bag is £74.95 for a small one including a free sling, and the sleep mat is £39.95 on top. Shipping costs around NZ$30 and should only take six days.

Like that? Read this: Curve Waterman Board Carrier Surfing Backpack - carry food and drink while you surf | Surf Sling: surf carrier, changing towel and bag all in one | Dakine World Traveller Coffin Board Bag - holds four surf boards or several small people

July 18, 2007 in Equipment, Surfing, Travel | Permalink | Comments (1)

Wakestock completely sold out!

If you haven't got your ticket for Wakestock yet, well, you're too late, as all the tickets are sold out. But you'll probably want to beg, borrow or steal a ticket when you see this promo video and see that as well as world class wakeboarding, there's music aplenty (from Just Jack, Shapeshifters, Dirty Pretty Things, and more).

Visit Wakestock.co.uk if you want to upset yourself with what you're missing out on.

Like that? Read this: Low down: Hyperlite Divine Ladies Wakeboard | Chichester Ladies Wakeboard Clinic with Matt Crowhurst

July 18, 2007 in Audio and Videocasts, Events, Travel, Wakeboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 17, 2007 10:23 PM

Climb and Powerkite all in one day with Ex Elements

When one extreme sport just can't provide you with enough adrenaline for a day, then cram in two. Ex Element's Climb and Powerkite experience should certainly get your juices going. In the morning you'll get your head around the basic principles of rock climbing then put them straight into practice. Then after lunch it's off to the beach for an introduction to power kiting. By the end of the afternoon you should have had some airtime and got the hang of scudding, aka being dragged along the beach.

Fancy a go? Visit Ex Elements to book or try your luck in our Ex Elements competition.

Like that? Read this:  Ex Elements Extreme Sports Emergency First Aid Course | River Bugs White Water Rafting with Ex Elements

July 17, 2007 in Offers and Promotions, Other sports | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thirty Two 07/08 Vela and Focus Boa womens snowboard boots

Thirty Two are the latest brand to launch their 07/08 site, and their slippers boots for next season are better looking than ever. Shown on the left is the Vela, the stiffest womens' boot in their range, which  this year comes with two new features, an inner ankle harness and custom lace lock. On the right is the Focus Boa, which according to 32, is the most customisable boa boot on the market. The Focus Zonal Lacing System has two reels for custom upper, lower and ankle tightening, making it easier to get a perfect fit, and helping to prevent heel lift.

Like that? Read this: Thirty Two Country Hoody | Salomon 07/08 Womens Relay elite Bindings | Volkl 07/08 Impress SQD womens freestyle snowboard

July 17, 2007 in Equipment, Snowboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

Patagonia environmentally friendly super warm Wetsuits

Not only are Patagonia wetsuits better for the environment, they're warmer too. The non-petroleum based neoprene is lined with merino wool, which keeps you better insulated and wicks away water from the skin, meaning you can wear a thinner suit in colder conditions. Less neoprene equals more movement which in turn should mean a better surf for you! The wetsuits also contain recycled polyester, chlorine free wool and PVC free kneepads, all created to help reduce the impact on the environment. Happy surfer, happy planet.

Like that? Read this: Design your own custom O'Neill Psycho Wetsuit |  O'Neill Bahia Series Booty Halter Wetsuit

July 17, 2007 in Environment, Equipment, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our oceans are dirty! Surf Rider Foundation Campaign Video

I've had an ear ache since my surf on Sunday, which is a constant reminder that the sea isn't as clean as it could be. This is a clever and slightly shocking video from the European Surf Rider Foundation to help highlight the issue of sea pollution. Translation of the slogan at the end is along the lines of, 'if you don't want this to happen, help us keep the sea clean.'  Visit the Surf Rider Foundation to find what you can do to help.

Like that? Read this: Roxy "I Heart Clean Air" Organic Cotton shopping and beach Tote Bag | Simple 100% Sustainable Shoes CA-Bana Lifeguard Edition | Betty Belts Surf Aid Wave Necklace

July 17, 2007 in Audio and Videocasts, Environment, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rad Reading: Our Camp blog, Float Films teaser two and more

- Read the Our Campers daily diary, and wish you too were enjoying the slush of Deux Alpes. [Onboard]

- Float Films have released their second teaser for their all-girl snowboarding movie. Yay! Roll on winter. [Powderroom]

- Hana Beaman talks to Transworld Snowboarding about surfing, contests and last season's highlights [Transworld Snowboarding]

- Marie Dejean wins the Roxy Pro Junior in Biarritz.

July 17, 2007 in Movies, News, Pros, Snowboarding, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rip Curl Girls Tour 2007 comes to Sennen, Newquay, Croyde, Llangennith and Bournemouth

The Rip Curl Girls Tour is massive this year in the UK! There's half price lessons for girls during the Rip Curl Boardmasters event in Newquay, then the tour also travels to Sennen, Croyde, Llangennith and Bournemouth. New surfers and improvers are invited to take part in the event, which includes coaching from pro surfer Elise Garrigue and other Rip Curl riders, goodie bags and health and yoga workshops.

For more information visit www.ripcurl.com/girlstour.

Like that? Read this: Animal Surf Academy Girls Only Workshops - full details |  Roxy Shimmer Tour heads to Newquay, Portrush, Porthcall and Bournemouth | SurfGirl Summer Coaching Events

July 17, 2007 in Events, Pros, Surfing, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 16, 2007 7:36 PM

Bikinis that stay on while surfing #2: Pualani Hawaii

All the swimwear at Pualani Hawaii is designed and tested by Hawaiian stunt women, surfer and all round action girl Iwalani. Her aim is to create functional swimwear that also looks nice, and it's road tested in the waves of Hawaii, so it shouldn't let you down in a wipe out. Cameron Diaz went to Pualani Hawaii for surfing bikinis that wouldn't fall off when she was surfing and being papped, and I've yet to see a disastrous oops-I've-lost-my-bikini picture of her yet, so I assume they did the job!

Like that? Read this: Bikinis that stay on while surfing #1: Speedo Flipturns | Billabong Equator Auto Sports Hot Skin Bikini for warm, chafe-free surfing

July 16, 2007 in Environment, Style, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (1)

Low down: K2 Va Va Voom 07/08 Snowboard developed by Leanne Pelosi

What: K2's new girls' twin-tip developed by Leanne Pelosi - the Va Va Voom.
USP: The Hybritaper tip and tail reduce the swing weight for spinning while the lightweight womens'-specific Rhythm Core gives you that pop and smooth flex essential for improving your skills on rails or in the park.
Highlight: The longer effective edge with shorter nose and tail allow you to drop down 5cm in board size and master spins and tricks easier.
What to expect: A jib-tastic, buttering, park-slaying machine.
Buy it soon, when next season's stock arrives in the UK. It's already on sale in the US at backcountry.com.

Like that? Read this: Volkl 07/08 Impress SQD womens freestyle snowboard | Roxy Olly Pop Snowboard

July 16, 2007 in Equipment, Pros, Snowboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

Roxy rider Jennifer Smith new Womans' Longboarding World Champion!

Image: Getty

What a weekend at the womens' world longboarding championships in Biarritz! Last year's second place surfer, Jennifer Smith, was the eventual winner after defeating 15-year-old Justine Dupont - the surprise success of the contest.

The biggest upsets occured in round four, where Kassia Meador, Mary Osborne, and last year's winner Schuyler McFerran were all taken out of the running. In the quarter finals the relatively unknown French local Justine Dupont beat Roxy rider Crystal Dzigas to advance to the semis, where she then triumphed over Chelsea Williams, who was hoping to better her fifth place of 2006.

Of her win, Jennifer Smith said, 'I feel so blessed to be in the situation I'm in right now, I made the final last year and lost, so to come back and make the final again and take the title is just an incredible feeling.'

For more info, full results and pictures of the event, visit the event website.

Like that? Read this: Roxy Jam Biarritz ASP Womens' Longboard World Championships live blogs. Days one, two and three.

July 16, 2007 in Events, News, Pros, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 13, 2007 3:43 PM

Rad Reading: Surfline interview mega grom Kelia Moniz, Jo Dennison signs with Viking Surfboards and Olympus go 360

- Kelia Moniz may have been knocked out of the Longboard World Championships, but the other surfer in her heat, Jennifer Smith, said afterwards that Kelia 'is going to be a world champion'. Check out her recent interview in Surfline. [Surfline]

- Welsh Champion surfer Jo Dennison has joined the Viking Surfboards team [Surfers Village]

- Olympus have developed a 360 degree camera lens, amazing action sports pics here we come. Oh, wait, it's still a concept. Maybe one day, then... [Extreme 365]

July 13, 2007 in News, Photography, Pros, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Walkabout How to Cross Step DVD featuring Roxy longboarder Kassia Meador

If you've been watching the Roxy Jam and wishing your legs would co-ordinate and cross step as elegantly as the girls competing in the World Championship, then this DVD might help. I can't promise it'll transform you into a world champion, but it will help you get the basics down and improve your cross stepping and nose riding technique. The DVD features tips and interviews with Donald Takayama, Bob McTavish, Nat Young, Joel Tudor and of course, Kassia Meador. It's available for £19.95 from Indo Europe.

Like that? Read this: How to cross step on your longboard by Adam Colton | Make your own indo-style balance board for 20p | Roxy Shimmer all girl surfing DVD

July 13, 2007 in Movies, Pros, Surfing, Tricks and Technique | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bonfire Snowboard womens' 07/08 Outerwear: Blur, Prism and Endless Jackets

We've already had a look at the Bonfire skirt/pants combo, but here's some of the jacket offerings from the 07/08 outerwear range. Last year I couldn't get enough of Bonfire's jackets and pants, but I'm not sure I'm quite so in love with their new range. Here's the images so you can make your own mind up. Shown from top to bottom: Blur, Prism and Endless. You can see the whole range here.

Like that? Read this: Ride Snowboards Womens' 07/08 Outerwear Cell 10 Collection | 07/08 Burton Andy Warhol Outerwear

July 13, 2007 in Equipment, Snowboarding, Style | Permalink | Comments (0)

Day three: Roxy Jam Biarritz ASP Womens' Longboard World Championships live blog

Image: Kassia Meador on day two.

The waves and the weather are getting better as the Roxy Jam progresses, and today brings super clean one to two foot waves with a light offshore breeze. Longboard perfection! Some exciting heats today - first is Kassia Meador and Isabelle Braley followed up by Crystal Dzigas and Summer Romero...

7.51am Some beautiful riding from Kassia Meador in heat one, and as expected she advances ahead of Isabelle Braley into round 4.

7.53am Two top surfers up next, the very elegant Crystal Dzigas and one of yesterdays high scorers, Summer Romero. At 15 minutes to go, Crystal Dzigas is currently lagging behind. Some great rides so far from Summer Romero, whose combined score stands at 10.25.

 Keep reading for more updates...

8.08am Whoo this is exciting for first thing in the morning. Summer's score is now 12.00 but Crystal is oh-so-very close behind at 10.90. Some beautiful and technical riding from both girls. A nice little set coming in for the last five minutes of the heat.

8.13am Crystal is definitely trying her best to get into first place, she's clocked up 10 waves so far! Her last ride of 6.50 puts her into the lead ahead of Summer, who has been in front for the whole heat!

8.59am LOADS of amazing riding going on this morning in France. Take a look if you can here. So far Kassia Meador, Crystal Dzigas and Selby Riddle go through.

9.09am French local Justine Dupont gets the highest score of the event so far - 17.25! She takes out USA's Kaitlin Maguire.

9.25am Chelsea Williams is giving it her all, and her mix of traditional long boarding manoeuvres and shortboard style is rewarded with a 9.00! The highest score of the competition so far.

9.39am Chelsea Williams exits the water with a huge grin and entry to the next round.

In the water now is the lovely Mary Osborne, one of our extreme sports heros here at Nollie. Read her tips for surfer girls here. Mary's on her third wave of the heat now, and the girl's got style! She currently leads over Sabrina Olas.

9.59am Mary Osborne continuing to impress me with her graceful, natural style.

10.29am After Mary Osborne defeated Sabrina Olas, Julie Cox went through ahead of Estitxu Estremo. Now in the water is the current world champion Schuyler McFerran. One to watch!

10.57am Schuyler McFerran shows us why she is the world champion with some extra long nose rides, and sails through as expected.

10.58am An exciting heat taking place now, last years second place surfer, Jennifer Smith, takes on blogger and 14-year-old super grom Kelia Moniz. So far it's all super close. Place your bets!

11.11am Both longboarders are surfing their hearts out. Kelia Moniz managed to come back from a partial wipe out by hanging on with her feet! Jennifer Smith is in the lead, but there isn't much in it!

11.21am Jennifer Smith goes through with her last wave scoring 9.50, the new highest score in the competition. Looks like she'll be a contender for first place this year!

12.08pm How close can Joy Magelssen get to longboarding perfection? 18.9O out of a maximum of 20 is her incredible score. Meanwhile Lindsay Steinriede is also surfing an amazing heat, but her score of 15.65 isn't good enough to get her through.

1.17pm In heat 12 Leah Dawson advances ahead of Helene Chabeaud, and I'm already looking ahead to tomorrow's heats, where looking at the draws, some of the favourites will get knocked out of the competition. First to surf is Kassia Meador and Crystal Dzigas, Roxy team mates, who knows who will go through out of those two. Then in heat three there's Chelsea Williams against Mary Osborne, both of whom surfed amazingly today. Anything could happen!

The remainder of round three will be surfed tomorrow along with all of round four.

Like that? Read this: Day two: Roxy Jam Biarritz ASP Womens' Longboard World Championships live blog | Day one: Roxy Jam Biarritz ASP Womens' Longboard World Championships live blog

July 13, 2007 in Events, Pros, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 12, 2007 5:56 PM

River Bugs White Water Rafting with Ex Elements

A cross between a water water raft and an armchair, river bugs give you a chance to get extra close to those river rapids. Invented in the capital of adrenaline, New Zealand, these little bugs are super fun, and super versatile. You steer with webbed gloves, and can learn to pirouette and stand up once you get the hang of it. Visit Ex Elements if you fancy having a go, or try your luck in our Ex Elements competition, where you can win one of three £50 vouchers (almost enough for the River Bugs experience) or a Ex Elements Rash Vest.

Like that? Read this: Ex Elements Extreme Sports Emergency First Aid Course | Adrenaline Junkies Morzine Holiday

July 12, 2007 in Offers and Promotions | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hana Beaman and Gretchen Bleiler win at the Burton Abominable Snow Jam

There's been a small lull in snowboard contests with this little thing called 'summer' getting in the way. But Burton won't let us forget about snowboarding - the Burton Abominable Snow Jam has been taking place over the last three days at Mt. Hood, Oregon, and next month we've got the Burton New Zealand Open to look forward to. The results are in from the Snow Jam and in the half pipe, Gretchen Bleiler took first, followed closely by Kelly Clark and Claire Bidez, who also won best trick for her frontside 900!

In the Quarter pipe, Hana Beaman rode into first place, with Japanese rider Yuki Furihata in second and Kelly Clark in third. Third must be lucky as Kelly Clark also won the highest air contest and took home a 2008 Polaris 600 RMK Snowmobile. Nice one!

Like that? Read this: Vicci Miller's Oakley site | Watch the Absinthe Optimistic? Trailer

July 12, 2007 in Events, News, Pros, Snowboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

Beach Beauty: Davines Mouisturising Hair and Body Shampoo will moisturise your hair and body post surf

If you're lucky enough to be on the beach or in the sea in Biarritz then a bottle of Davines Sun Protective Hair and Body Shampoo will serve you well. Infused with Apricot Oil and Rice Proteins it'll re-moisturise your skin and hair and keep it protected when you next take a dip. It'll also work wonders on your tangled beach hair and leave it soft and conditioned. Keep a bottle in your beach bag for use at the beach shower post surf. Your hair and skin will thank you for it!

Like that? Read this: How to avoid surfer girl hair: Protect your locks in the sea with John Masters Organics and Philip Kingsley | Tesco Ultimate SPF 30 Sun Protection for watersports

July 12, 2007 in Health and Beauty, Longboarding, Surfing, Wakeboarding, Windsurfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Day two: Roxy Jam Biarritz ASP Womens' Longboard World Championships live blog

Image: Getty

Here's Schuyler McFerran, last years overall winner,on the way to winning her heat in messy waves yesterday. The waves have cleaned up a lot today, and the skies are sunny, hurrah! There's still a light cross shore wind and the waves are pretty small, but at 2 foot they're big enough for these ladies and their 9 ft plus boards. Onto today's action, keep updating the post to find out what's happening...

8.26am No surprises so far. Hot favourite and nose riding queen Kassia Meador has just gone through to the second round, with a combined score of 12.75. In the first heat of the day, last years semi finalist, Claire Karabastos beat Tory Gilkerson with a combined score of 10.90. In the water now is Hawaiian Janna Irons and Malia Fuertes from the USA...

8.43am Oooh we got a mention in the coverage, nice one! Janna Irons (cousin of super surfers Bruce and Andy) is currently leading her heat with three minutes to go. Her top rides so far are 5.00 and 6.25.

8.56am Janna Irons goes through with the highest combined score of the day so far - 13.50. In heat four Chelsea Williams has just got a really long ride scoring a 7.00 and putting her into the lead.

9.03am Chelsea Williams gets another super long wave. Loads of nose riding action! A high scorer, I reckon....yes, she's rewarded with an 8.75! Putting her firmly in the lead with a combined score of 15.75.

9.07am Just looking through the heat draws for the day, and the only Brit in the competition, Candice O'Donnell, has a tough heat against one of last years stand out competitors, Miku Uemura. That's coming up in heat 12. 

9.16am Chelsea Williams goes through with her score of 15.75. In the water now is surf shop manager Ashley Lloyd. Hailing from Santa Cruz, she manages the Paradise Surf Shop. Ashley Lloyd is currently in the lead, but there's not much separating her and Jennifer Flanigan.

9.22am Ashley Lloyd sure is a talented individual, not only is she a surf shop owner and a world class surfer, she's in a band, too. Check out her music here! She's still in the lead, and has just posted a 5.00 score.

9.43am Jennifer Flanigan goes through in what was of the most exciting heats so far! Despite an early lead from Ashley Lloyd Jennifer's final combined score was 11.00 to Ashley's 9.40. In the water now is Aussie Selby Riddle and Caroline Angibeaud from France. Selby Riddle currently leads.

10.00am Selby Riddle just got a nice little ride that scored her 3.65 and increased her lead. Followed swiftly by Caroline Angibeaud posting a 2.30. Not enough to put her in the lead, but it closes the gap a little.

10.27am Selby Riddle maintained her lead and goes through to round three. In the current heat Roxy rider Coline Menard leads, and Rosie Locke only has one score due to an interference. Coline Menard recently passed her exams, (Congrats Coline!) and has been training hard for the Roxy Jam ever since.

11.05am We're now onto heat nine and Clemence Godinaud and Claire Dereux, both from France, are surfing for a chance to get into the third round. The commentator has just gone over the rules, so I'll share them with you. Each competitor is allowed to catch up to 15 waves in their heat, but only the top two scores are counted. Each wave is scored out of 10, and the scores of all the judges, apart from the highest and lowest, are averaged to create their score. So far the highest score today is 15.75 from Chelsea Williams. In heat eight, Lindsey Steinide went through.

11.22am A stunning last ride from Claire Dereux, beautiful turns and elegant cross-stepping from the French surfer. She scores an 8.00 and is through to round three.

11.38am No heat eleven so Brit Candice O' Donnell is up next. Good luck Candice! Cristiana Pires and Hanalei Reponty are currently in the water. Cristiana Pires is leading, she's had some nice rides on those lovely looking waves so far.

11.48am Candice O'Donnell in the water now. Send good vibes!

11.51am I can't understand a word the French commentator is saying, but I just caught a ' oooh la la' when Candice wiped out. Who knew the French really said that? Miku Uemura currently leads with a 5.00 to Candice's 3.25 and 1.25.

12.12am Candice put in a damn good try, but sadly was no match for Japanese Hawaiian Miku Uemura. But then she's got Hawaii to practice in!

12.35am Karina Abras goes through in heat 13. Some tandem surfing coming up next, I believe. Wanna try it yourself? Watch this how-to video!

3.28pm Still a break in the heats. But ah haaaa, I was right, Tim Warwood is commenting on the event. Do I have clever ears or what? Strange that a male snowboarder is reporting on a womens' surfing event, but, ah well!

4.30pm The contest is still off, but due to recommence at 6pm local time (in about half an hour I think). In the meantime, check out how 14-year-old Kelia Moniz has been spending her day off before the third round tomorrow. According to her blog, she's been eating, sleeping, and doing a spot of surfing.

5.11pm And we're off again! I think so, at least. Heat 14 is Kirsty Webster against Myriam Imaz. My money's on Myriam Imaz.

5.16pm The heat's now underway, and it looks lovely and sunny in France. Three heats to get through before the end of the day.

5.30pm Kirsty Webster up and riding most in the heat so far, some nice sets coming in! Kirsty Webster leading.

5.33pm Kirsty Webster seems to have a ride-everything tactic, while Myriam Imaz is selecting waves carefully. So far Kirsty's tactic seems to be paying off as she is in the lead!

5.39pm Nice wave from Kirsty Webster, a bit of nose riding at the beginning and it scores a 6.25, increasing her lead. And Kirsty Webster goes through. How wrong was I?

5.42pm Now is the turn of Summer Romero and Gaelle Szymkowiak - who is already on a wave seconds into the heat!

5.45pm Summer Romero posts a 7.00 for her first ride. Lovely! Her second ride is even better at 7.75. She's going to take some beating.

6.27pm Summer Romero goes through, and in the last heat of the day it looks like world record holder Angela Bauer might be advancing into round three too. She leads in front of Helene Chabeaud with five minutes remaining. It looks so lovely in France right now, oh to be there!

6.32pm Oh look, there's a surf school in the way. What a surprise. Oooh, Helene Chabeaud gets a wave at the last minute and goes through.

All over for another day! Come back tomorrow for some round three goodness! Kassia Meador is up first again. Should be an interesting one. You've no idea how much I want to go surfing after watching it for a whole day.

July 12, 2007 in Events, Pros, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 11, 2007 2:27 PM

Roxy Perfume - the official launch

The Roxy Jam also marks the launch of the Roxy pefume, called, would you believe it, Roxy! The scent has been created by Antoine Maisondieu and is described as a glowing, sunny floral scent which is also surprisingly sophisticated. Notes include citrus fruits, lily of the valley, violet and frangipani. It also contans Bio/Ecocert certified Ylang from Madagascar.

Visit the Roxy site for more information.

Don't forget to check out our live blog of the longboarding championship at the Roxy Jam.

July 11, 2007 in Health and Beauty, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Day one: Roxy Jam Biarritz ASP Womens' Longboard World Championships live blog

The Roxy Jam Biarritz is kicking off today and we'll be bringing you updates on the event through out the week. Keep your eyes on this post as we'll be updating it throughout the day as the news happens. Currently the round one heats are taking place and the surf is looking messy and windblown, and the wind is onshore.

10.32am So far Mary Osborne has come first in her heat, so will progress straight to round three, but Kassia Meador will have to battle it out in round two after only coming second in her heat. Aussie Chelsea Williams also failed to win her heat, so will also have to surf in round two. Last year's champion, Schuyler McFerran, is up next in heat eight. Full heat results are available here and you too can watch the event live here.

10.42.am Last years winner Schuyler McFerran has started her heat. She scores a 6.75 for her first wave, taking her straight into first place in her heat....

Keep reading for more updates...

10.56.am Schuyler McFerran increases her lead with a 8.75 score on her fourth wave. She's now way ahead of the other girls in her heat, Coline Menard and Malia Fuertes.

11.05am Defending champion Schuyler McFerran wins her heat with a 15.50 score and glides through to the third round.

11.21am Heat nine is pretty uneventful so far, with none of the participants Jennifer Smith, Melanie Fosse or Kelly Coward scoring above a 5 for their waves. Jennifer Smith is currently in first place, despite Melanie Fosse getting seven rides so far! There's still seven minutes to go, and it looks like it could easily all change, especially for second and third place.

11.31am Jennifer Smith goes through with a score of 12.15, despite second place surfer Melanie Fosse clocking up ten scores. Next up is Claire Karabatsos, Clemence Godinaud and Kelia Moniz.

11.37am Kelia Moniz, one of the surfers in heat ten is only 13! She's even got her own blog. Check it out here. Here's what she said about her arrival in Biarritz...

My mom and I arrived in Biarritz about 3 hours ago and it has been a really long trip here. We had a 5 hour flight from Hawaii to LA... a 6 hour layover in LA... jumped back on the plane to Paris that took 10 hours... and then had another 5 hour lay over in Paris... got back on the plane for another 1 1/2 to Biarritz. And now I just got out of the water from a fast little session with Kassia. The waves are really bad! It is like 2 feet and howling on shore winds. But other then that the town is beautiful and we are having a great time.

So far she's in the lead with an overall score of 9.50, obviously the conditions aren't holding her back too much!

11.48am These girls make paddling look so effortless! Oh to have their arm muscles!

11.56am Hawaiian Kelia Moniz held onto her lead with a score of 10.90 and will advance to the third round. Random Kelia fact - her favourite smell is Ralph Lauren Blue Water perfume.

12.01pm Happy afternoon! We're now on heat eleven and Tori Gilkerson, Kelly Sloan and Yuko Shimajiri are currently in the water. Last years winner Schuyler McFerran has the highest wave score of the event so far - 8.75.

12.29pm Yuko Shimajiri from Japan won heat eleven, and now Leah Dawnson, Claire Dereux and Angela Bauer are battling it out for a chance to go straight through to the third round. Angela Bauer has yet to get a good wave, but she is in Guiness Book of World Records as one of the 42 surfers to ride the same wave simultaneously at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!

1.23pm The waves are pretty dire! The girls in the current heat, Kelly Nicely, Gaelle Szymkowiak and Marie Vigne, are spending a lot of time waiting for that elusive wave. As for the last two heats Leah Dawnson and Emma Neuschwanger were the surfers to go through to the third round and miss out on the instant death second round. I'm looking forward to heat 15 (next) where Hawaiian surfer and Roxy rider Crystal Dzigas is up against the only Brit in the competition, Candice O'Donnell. Good luck Candice!

1.40pm Yay Candice is up! Oh, now she's down! Good start, though.

1.43pm Crystal Dzigas gets her first ride of the heat, crashing out on a attempt to get to the nose, but scoring a 4.50 putting her into first place. Candice O'Donnell is now up on her second wave, still pretty short but at 2.40 an improvement on her first score of 1.00. She's in third place behind Myriam Imaz of Spain.

1.52pm It's now high tide in Biarritz, causing all sorts of problems with backwash for the girls in heat 15. If you want to read more about Candice O'Donnell, check out the special summer Edition of Surf Girl, where Candice is interviewed. She's also a body boarder, in case you didn't know! Crystal Dzigas is now leading by quite a big margin with a combined score of 11.25 for her two best rides.

1.56pm There's still six minutes left but it looks like Crystal Dzigas is likely to maintain her lead. If you'd like to see more of Crystal, check out her long boarding in the new Roxy movie, Shimmer.

2.04pm Sure enough, Crystal Dzigas posts a final score of 7.50 and wins the heat. The final heat of the day now underway. Selby Riddle, Nathalie Destandau and Sabrina Olas are the last to surf.

2.27pm I can hear a British bloke commenting in the background. They sound like a cross between Ed Leigh and Tim Warwood. Hang on, perhaps it is Ed Leigh. He gets around a bit, eh?

2.30pm All done! Sabrina Olas goes through. Come back tomorrow for the instant death second round. Everyone who came second or third today will be surfing tomorrow for their chance to get into the third round.

July 11, 2007 in Events, Pros, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 10, 2007 3:34 PM

ISPO: The Easy Glider motorised scooter and fun machine!

The overall winner in the ISPO awards is this nifty looking thing - the Easy Glider. It's essentially a motorised scooter, but much more fun than the chav version. Riding it has been likened to skiing, but it gets better. Take off the platform, and you can use it with your skateboard, roller blades, or basically anything with wheels. The motor is electric, charges from the mains, and will keep going for about an hour at speeds of up to 15mph. It's enough to make me want to dig my roller blades out of hibernation.

Carry on after the cut to watch the Easy Glider being explained and tried out by some peppy Australian presenter...

Related: The Bike Board | The Hang Board | The Aquaskipper

July 10, 2007 in Equipment, Gadgets, Skiing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rad Reading: Mountain biker lands double backflip, Surf Genie launches and Luella Bartley designs for O'Neill

- Mountain biker Glen Coe lands a double back flip (watch it above). Insane. [Extreme 365]

- Fashion designer Luella Bartley is creating a 30-strong summer 2008 collection for O'Neill. [Catwalk Queen]

- New website Surfing Genie has launched to help matchmake surfer and break. The site features a database of well known surfing spots which can be searched according to variables such as location, ability and wind direction. [Surfing Genie]

- Are hover boards the future of skateboarding? [Extreme Pie]

Like that? Try this: The Ron Jon Florida Surf Park - 240 perfect waves an hour | The bike that's also a snowboard | How to make surfing mainstream: Stick a dog on your board

July 10, 2007 in Bikes, News, Skating, Style, Surfing, Travel, Videos | Permalink | Comments (0)

Movie Magic: Gallaz AKA Girl Skater starring Vanessa Torres, Amy Caron, Jaime Reyes and Monica Shaw

AKA Girl Skater came out in 2002, but it's as rad as ever in 2008. Skateboarders Vanessa Torres, Amy Caron, Jaime Reyes and Monica Shaw star in this all girl skate fest, and it's sure to inspire you to go rip up the concrete. Here's a six minute long preview...

If you want to see more, you can watch the whole movie online at TotalVid.com, or buy a copy from Xtreme Video.

Related:  Learn how to skateboard (and do a nollie!) with the Skateboarding Explained Instructional DVD |  How to cross step on your longboard by Adam Colton

July 10, 2007 in Audio and Videocasts, Movies, Pros, Skating | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nitika Chiquitas Girls Skateboarding Camp in Pardubice, Czech

Nikita Chiquitas are running a four day skate camp for girls in Pardubice, Czech. Campers will spend two to three hours a day in skateboard coaching with Nikita riders  Jana Baráková and Radka Janceková and French coach Lisa Jacob. Afternoons will be spent in breakdancing lessons and visiting the local waterpark before enjoying more skateboarding sessions in the evening. At the end of the camp, they'll be a campers contest to show off your new skills. The camp runs from 23-26 August 2007 and is priced at 150 Euro which includes accommodation, food, coaching, photographer, video-coaching, tennis, break-dancing lessons and other activities in a recreation centre.

Related: Learn how to skateboard (and do a nollie!) with the Skateboarding Explained Instructional DVD | Our Camp all girl summer snowboarding and skateboarding camp in Les 2 Alpes

July 10, 2007 in Events, Pros, Skating, Travel | Permalink | Comments (1)

The surfboard with GPS and a two way radio

So, a surfboard with GPS and a two way radio. Interesting, I'll give you that. The idea is you can keep in touch with your surfing buddies via the two way radio and radio for help if you're injured, and the GPS can help locate you in a rescue situation. It's still a concept at this stage, but the only people who I can really see buying into this are the type of surfers whose aim is to drop as much money on their hobby as humanely possible, as GPS in a surfboard ain't gonna come cheap. There's also the matter of what they're going to be in, the board above looks very pretty, but what does it do? Unless a credible shaper decides they want this technology in their boards, it's probably unlikely to take off.

Personally, there's no way I'd like a radio in my surfboard, isn't half the point of surfing to escape the rest of the world, not stay in constant contact with them via radio?

[Source]

Related: Improve your paddling power with the Surf Power Paddle Deal | Bikinis that stay on while surfing #1: Speedo Flipturns | Locate custom shaped boards with the Real Surfboard Campaign

July 10, 2007 in Equipment, Gadgets, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 9, 2007 1:17 PM

ISPO: Dig and Sit Flexible Beach Sofa

This nifty rug makes visiting the beach as comfy as your living room. Simply dig out your ideal shaped sand sofa, set down the Dig&Sit rug, and recline and relax! The Dig&Sit rug is superior to your average beach matt because it contains padding for a more comfy sand slumber, and is super tough and water proof. Gusts of wind are no problem, as it comes complete with pegs to keep it in place. I officially want one.

Available from Pro Idee for £77.50.

Related: Roxy "I Heart Clean Air" Organic Cotton shopping and beach Tote Bag | Fourstar Clothing Co Beach Cooler

July 9, 2007 in Accessories, Equipment | Permalink | Comments (0)

ISPO: Extrong Surf Runner Kayak type thing

It's ISPO time again, the Sport and Style show is currently taking place in Munich, but you can see the best of the new innovations right here on Nollie. This colourful contraption is the winner of the Dupont hardware award, and is a kayak-cum-wave ski type thing. It's supposed to be super stable and you can use it on any body of water you can find, really. Just not near me, please, I've had enough run-ins with out of control sea kayakers as it is.

Previous ISPO exhibitors: StanceFind | Quiksilver Yeti Snow Watch | Snowskirts | Sixxa Clothing.

July 9, 2007 in Equipment, News | Permalink | Comments (0)

X Games Womens Surfing in Puerto Escondido, Melanie Bartels wins it for Team USA

Image: Mez/ESM/ESPN Images

The very first womens' surfing contest at the X Games went off at Puerto Escondido last week. Melanie Bartels scored at 8.5 for this barrel ride, which she said was probably the longest of her life, 'I didn't even think I was going to make it out', she told Surfline. Her super high scoring barrel led her team, Team USA, to victory. To watch video footage, visit the X Games site at EXPN.

Related: Bikinis that stay on while surfing #1: Speedo Flipturns |  Surf travel: Starfish Surf House in Jefferys Bay South Africa

July 9, 2007 in Events, News, Pros, Surfing, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

Movie Magic: Mary Osborne longboarding in Guatemala

Watch longboarder Mary Osborne catch some great Central American waves in this video diary of her trip to Guatemala. If you like the music, it's by Sus Cortez.

   

Via Etnies Girl.

Related: Read Mary's book, Sister Surfer: A Women's Guide to Surfing with Bliss and Courage | Girls Rip: An all female longboarding video

July 9, 2007 in Audio and Videocasts, Pros, Surfing, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rad Reading: Get fit for surfing with pole dancing and Alize Montes beats the boys

- Get fit for surfing with...pole dancing. Pro surfer Connie Arias (pictured) swears by it. [Surfline]

- Alize Montes continues to rip, beating 20 boys to win the 11 and under junior Jam at the Vegas AmJam. Between her and Carissa Moore the boys don't have a chance. [Etnies Girl]

- Snowboarder Silvia Mittermuller admits she doesn't like the cold. Go figure. [Snowboard Canada]

- The 2014 Winter Olympics will be held in Sochi, Russia. [World Snowboard Guide]

July 9, 2007 in News, Pros, Skating, Snowboarding, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 6, 2007 10:05 PM

Surf Girl Surf and Pilates week in Morroco with Gul rider Celine Gehret

Surf Girl have just released details of their surf and pilates week in Morocco, and it sounds like a cracker! Gul team rider Celine Gehret is coaching, along with BSA surf coach Zoey Cotton and longboarder Chris Thomson. Your days will be spent surfing at fun beach breaks (so no reef cuts to worry about) with pilates sessions at sunrise and sunset. The holiday is suitable for beginners and experienced girl surfers alike, and will be held on 18 November to the 25 November 2007 and 8 April to the 15 April 2008. Visit the Surf Girl website for more info.

Related: Book review: Surf Girl's Guide to Surfing - The essential guide for surf chicks everywhere | Surf travel: Starfish Surf House in Jefferys Bay South Africa

July 6, 2007 in Longboarding, Pros, Surfing, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ex Elements Extreme Sports Emergency First Aid Course

Extreme sports are called so for a reason: they're dangerous. That means the chances of you or one of your buddies stacking it are quite high. Get prepared for any eventuality with the Ex Elements Extreme Sports Emergency Aid Course (£99). You'll learn what to do when things go bad from professional extreme sports medics, and the six hour course teaches you how to deal with injuries ranging from wounds to being knocked unconcious, and how to help yourself if you're the one in trouble. It's not a nice thing to think about, but you'll be glad you did it if you ever get into trouble.

Want to go on this course? Enter our Ex Elements competition and you could win a £50 Ex Pass to put towards any Ex Elements product.

July 6, 2007 in Bikes, Health and Beauty, Offers and Promotions, Skating, Skiing, Snowboarding, Surfing, Wakeboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

Surf Art: Celine Chat at the Roxy Surf Jam

Celine Chat has a dream lifestyle; she travels the world to surf and paints in front of the wave. So it's no wonder the spirit of surfing is present in each and every one of her paintings. You can see her work first hand at the art exhibition at the Roxy Surf Jam in July, or visit her website see her paintings of waves around the globe.

Related: Meegan Feori's Costa Rican surf paintings | Nollie interviews surf artist Lamorna Penrose

July 6, 2007 in Art, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (3)

Go Crusin': Electra Ladies Hawaii Cruiser Bike

The sun is shining! Celebrate the sunshine with a laidback cruise on the super comfy Electra Hawaii. The ride on one of these is so comfy and stable you should have no problem toting your surfboard along to the beach. Just remember to lock it up when you get there, as these £299 babies will be sure to get a lot of attention!

Related: Blank Media 2007 BMX Bike | Flirtees biking and cycling t-shirts for women

July 6, 2007 in Equipment | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 5, 2007 5:18 PM

Learn how to skateboard (and do a nollie!) with the Skateboarding Explained Instructional DVD

The Skateboarding Explained skateboard DVD will help you to learn how to do everything from nollies to 360 flips. The basics are covered for newbies, and once you've mastered them, it should help you learn a few tricks and spend less down face planting onto concrete. Watch the trailer after the cut...

Buy it here for 14.99 Euro.

Related: All about the pretty: Skateboard wheels from Ricta, Movement, Hubba, Enjoi and Death | thesideproject.com girls skateboarding network

July 5, 2007 in Equipment, Movies, Skating, Tricks and Technique | Permalink | Comments (3)

Shop: Beach clothes from Lizzy Surf Wear

Lizzy Surf wear hails from South Africa, and if the weather ever turns they sell everything you need for a day at the beach. Get comfy on your Cayman Surf Matt (£24.99) in your Lewis Board Shorts (£19.99) and Maya T Shirt (£15.50).

Related: Volcom board shorts | Ripcurl Spellbound boardshorts

July 5, 2007 in Style, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

How to choose a rash vest

Rash vests seem to be one of the most commonly misunderstood pieces of surfing clothing. Which rash vest you choose depends on if you're going to be wearing a wetsuit or not. In either case, the main reason for wearing a rash vest is to prevent rashes from your surfboard or your wetsuit. Other reasons are to keep warm or as UV protection.

If you are wearing a wetsuit...
+ It should go UNDER your wetsuit, not over. The only exception is if you're in a surf school or a competition, in which case you'll be given one.
+ It should be tight fitting. Too loose and it will be uncomfortable and may rub.
+ If you're surfing in cold water, a thermal rash vest can help you keep warmer. As can long sleeves instead of short sleeves...

If you're not wearing a wetsuit...
+ Choose one with UV protection to shield your skin from the sun's waves.

Need a rash vest? You can win one in our new Ex Elements comp, click here to find out how to enter.

Related: Stash your keys in the Bubble Loc Rash Vest | Rip Curl Gravity Rash Vest | Billabong Shimmy and Sweetheart Rash Vests

July 5, 2007 in Equipment, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (1)

Win! Get extreme with Ex Element

If you want to do something, anything, that gets your adrenaline going, chances are, Ex Element can get you to the top of that mountain or to the start point of those raging river rapids. With over 300 extreme experiences and courses to choose from, you won't be getting bored any time soon.

Nollie have teamed up with Ex Element to give you the chance to win one of three £50 Ex Passes, which can be redeemed against anything on the site and are valid for 10 months. Five lucky runners up will also get their hands on a Ex Element Rash Vest.

If you're in need of a little inspiration, keep reading because over the next six weeks we'll be discovering just how you could spend your voucher if you're the lucky winner. No matter what you're into, be it monster trucks or hang gliding, there will be something to get your heart going.

To enter email us and with your name and address and tell us the name of one of the experiences or courses Ex Element offer. Hint: Look at their website!

Closing date is 31st August 2007. This competition is open to entrants in the UK only.

July 5, 2007 in Offers and Promotions | Permalink | Comments (1)

Reef Sorte Good Luck Ribbon Sandals

Wear these down to the shore and hope that the good luck ribbon wrapped round the strap brings you great waves! It also comes with a matching ribbon for your wrist, so you can be blessed with good fortune even when it's too rainy to sport flip flops. Reef has recently announced that they're launching a whole girls range of clothes next year, so fingers crossed they're finally shaking off their sexist image.

Related: Reef Stash Sandal | Reef Fanning Sandals, probably the most comfortable sandals in the world

July 5, 2007 in Style, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Low down: Beach Beat Foxy Stix Foxy Disc Girls Surfboard

What: Foxy Disc, a board from Beach Beat's girls range, Foxy Stix.
Who for: A light to medium weight girly that is keen to improve and progress with the shape.
USP: Narrower than mens' models for easier handling and carrying yet the same bottom designs as the men.
Highlight: Designed and shaped by world famous Chops.
What to expect: The round tail will help develop smooth surfing, and the nose has been drawn in more to make the board more duck divable.
Buy it from Beach Beat for £395. Take a look at it on their webcam before buying!

Related: Light Goddess Series Surfboard | Fluid Juice Custom Shaped Boards

July 5, 2007 in Equipment, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 4, 2007 12:30 PM

Rad Reading: Carissa Moore is on fire! Aill Na Serracht on BBC Coast, and Korea gets a snow slope

- Super grom Carissa Moore now holds the record for the most national surfing titles held by anyone - male or female. Go Carissa! [Surfers Village]

- Footage of the Irish wave Aill Na Serracht at the cliff of Moher will be shown on BBC's Coast on Sunday 8th July. The footage is taken from Gavin Gallagher's new movie 'And then the wind died...' [Surfers Village]

- Kelly Clark and Elena Hight are set to compete at the Burton New Zealand Open, which is taking place between 7th to the 11th of August.

- Rico and Sarah win the European Tandem Surfing Contest held in Anglet, France.  [Surfers Village]

- Korea opens its first indoor snow slope [Snowboard Club UK]

July 4, 2007 in Nollie News, Pros, Snowboarding, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Icebreaker merino wool base layers on sale at Snow and Rock

I realise this is totally the wrong time of year to consider stocking up on base layers, but that's the whole reason they're cheap! The usually ultra-expensive Icebreaker merino wool thermals are currently available cut price at Snow and Rock. Buy them now and you'll be snug and better off come winter.

Related: Howies Merino Wool Base Layers | Bula Lily Micro Stretch Base Layer

July 4, 2007 in Accessories, Equipment, Offers and Promotions, Skiing, Snowboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bikinis that stay on while surfing #1: Speedo Flipturns

As lovely as all those tie-up bikinis that Rip Curl, Roxy and Billabong bring out are, it's not a wise idea to actually go surfing in them. Because if they tie-on, they also un-tie, and you don't want to re-emerge from a wipe out sans bikini! This bikini by Speedo should stay firmly in situ, but buy it tight to make doubly sure.

Related: Body Glove Vapor Bikini | Billabong Equator Auto Sports Hot Skin Bikini for warm, chafe-free surfing

July 4, 2007 in Style, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Low down: Hyperlite Divine Ladies Wakeboard

What: Hyperlite's ladies specific board for new and intermediate riders.
USP: The soft flex and moulded in fins let allow first-time wakeboarders to feel stable in the water. The 'V' shaped bottom provides traction and stability on landings for intermediates.
Highlight: The board is covered by a lifetime warranty so you can buy in confidence.
What to expect: A smooth ride and ladylike grace in the air.
Buy it from Just Water for £199. Available in 119cm, 128cm and 134cm. Choose your board length dependent on your weight. See the Hyperlite site for details.

Related: Chichester Ladies Wakeboard Clinic with Matt Crowhurst | O'Brien Dallas Friday Skyla Wake Board | Louise Moore Wake Camp Wakeboarding Coaching in Florida

July 4, 2007 in Equipment, Wakeboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 3, 2007 6:16 PM

Book review: Surf Girl's Guide to Surfing - The essential guide for surf chicks everywhere

What? Surf Girl magazine's book on surfing - a perfect introduction for any wannabe wahine.
For who? Start up surfers will find everything they need to know in this bible for girl surfers, from how to pop up to the environmental impacts of surfing.
Contents? Even total beginners will be totally clued up after reading this book, which even includes a glossary of surf speak for the uninitiated. There's chapters on surfing basics, how to choose a board, health and beauty, more advanced moves and a mini travel guide with spots to explore in the UK and abroad.
Looks? This book is packed with inspirational images and wave upon wave being ripped up by female surfers - you'll want to head to the beach before you're even half way through...

Downside? There is quite a few adverts making up the pages, but the ratio of content to adverts is still good. The book was written in 2004, but most of the information is still up to date.

Buy it for £9.95 at the Orca Surf shop.

Related: Sister Surfer: A Women's Guide to Surfing with Bliss and Courage | Reading Surfing: Five things to read when the waves aren't working

July 3, 2007 in Nollie Rates, Surfing, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

Surf travel: Starfish Surf House in Jefferys Bay South Africa

The best thing about the Star Fish Surf House in Jefferys Bay, South Africa, is that it looks out over tubes, supertubes and surfers point, three world famous South African waves. The second best thing is that it only costs 10 euros a night. What more do you want? How about 2 bathrooms, 2 lounges with fireplaces, 2 kitchens, 1 dining area, 2 double bedrooms with sea views, 1 double bedroom back facing, a 140 sqm sun deck on the roof with a private glass balcony, a 180 sqm wooden deck, and 4 under deck covered parking spaces. Sound good? Find out more here.

Via Wahine Surfing.

Related: Dakine World Traveller Coffin Board Bag - holds four surf boards or several small people | Surf Shelter - the surf trip accommodation finder

July 3, 2007 in Surfing, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

Surprisingly useful: Trekking Havaiana Flip Flops

Not exactly a substitute for proper shoes, but flip flops that can't fall off (due to the clever back strap thingy) could be useful in a lot of situations. Walking down a cliff to that secret surf spot for example, or even trekking, if you're so inclined. These are a bit harder to find in the UK than the US or Australia, but if you hunt a bit, you should come across a pair.

Related: Sole Surfer Company Flip Flops | Havaianas at New Oxygen | Keep your keys in the Reef Stash Sandal

July 3, 2007 in Style | Permalink | Comments (1)

Jee Vice Vamp Sunglasses

Who better to kit your eyes out for summer than Jee Vice, whose Vamp sunglasses are handmade in Italy and adorned by Jeevice's dream girl team of snowboarders, skaters, surfers and rock stars! Visit www.jeevice.com for more and to find out where to get yours.

Related: Oakley Script Sunglasses | Electric Varla Sunglasses

July 3, 2007 in Style | Permalink | Comments (0)

Low down: Volkl 07/08 Impress SQD womens freestyle snowboard

What: Volkl's 07/08 womens' twin-tip freestyle board. A softer, girls-specific version of the Volkl Squad.
USP: Grip lacquered skate style top sheet eliminates the need for stomp pads, but beware - it collects snow!
Highlight: Not a flower in sight, punk graphics replace the usual swirls and frills.
What to expect: A fast, poppy, lively, mid-flex freestyle board.

Related: Ride Snowboards 07/08 womens outerwear Cell 10 Collection | Salomon 07/08 Womens Relay elite Bindings

July 3, 2007 in Equipment, Snowboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 2, 2007 2:02 PM

Rad Reading: An interview with Nina Buitrago, Spencer O'Brien heads to Hawaii and break before the turn on your mountain bike

- GLTR interviews BMXers Stacey Mulligan and Nina Buitrago [GLTR]

- Andy Irons wins Rip Curl Pro Search Chile, and Kelly Slater not quitting after all [Surf Nation]

- Snowboarder Spencer O'Brien spends her snowboard off-season in Hawaii, read her trip report. [Snowboard Canada]

- Holly Beck broke her board, so she and her fellow pros held a mock surfing contest on it, watch the video over at Surf Line [Surf Line]

- Brake before the turn - just one of the tips dispensed by Karen Kefauver in her mountain bike tips article [GLTR]

July 2, 2007 in Bikes, News, Pros, Surfing, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ride Snowboards 07/08 womens outerwear Cell 10 Collection

All of Ride's new Cell 10 outerwear collection has 10,000/10,000mm waterproof/breathability and fully taped seams, yet most of it isn't suitable for shy and retiring types. The monochrome zig zag print (on the left, in case you haven't seen it yet) will stand you out on the mountain, as will the Levac jacket which is packed with style details and only comes in 'notice me' colours. Fans of white mountain gear (you're a better person than I am if you can keep it clean) will be sorted, as most of the pieces are available in bright, bright white, like the Carswell vented pants and Pekin jacket, shown.

Related: Ride Snowboards 07/08 womens bindings | Get a free snowboard at the I love ride tattoo party

July 2, 2007 in Snowboarding, Style | Permalink | Comments (1)

Is surfing becoming too popular?

This is the car park at Putsborough beach in Devon yesterday - cars were parked in every available space, and more still were at the top of the hill. The end of a flat spell and a break in the rain meant Putsborough was exceptionally busy, and being the main sheltered beach in the area, it seemed like every surfer within a several hundred mile radius had motored in. The sea itself was awash with boards; from long boards, to retro quads to short boards - and everything in between. Add body boarders, surf schools and sea kayakers to the water and you have yourself a very crowded sea. A very crowded sea, and not many of them were following surf etiquette...

I myself spent most of my time in the water getting out, and walking along the beach to try and find a less crowded spot. Only to find myself surrounded again within minutes. Although powerful waves provided a natural barrier against the crowds, as only those with enough experience could get out the back, the etiquette didn't seem much better past the white water, with countless surfers dropping in, eager to claim their wave in a sea of hundreds.

Is surfing becoming too popular for the limited space in which we have to do it? Will secret spots become a thing of the past as more and more surfers search for a less crowded break? Will surfers give up, fed up of being dropped in on and crashed into? Who knows, but yesterday I found myself looking forward to the less crowded waves of winter. The only problem being, that aren't that quiet any more, either.

Related: Surfing etiquette, the BSA guide | Surfing etiquette, this time in video form

July 2, 2007 in Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Locate custom shaped boards with the Real Surfboard Campaign

Surfboard shopping can be stressful - there's a lot of choices to make! But if you've decided you want a custom shaped board and want to check you're buying a hand-shaped board rather than a factory produced pop-out, then look out for a glassed in 'Real Surfboard' logo.  Not every shaper is signed up to the scheme, but if your board has the logo - you know you're buying the real thing.

Related: Choose your next surf board on the beach beat web cam | Fluid Juice Custom Shaped Surfboards

July 2, 2007 in Equipment, Surfing | Permalink | Comments (0)

Go Pro 3 million pixel waterproof surfing camera

This is not the first Go Pro Underwater Camera, but while the previous models didn't really have enough pixels for it to be worth the bother, the newest version has 3 million - now we're talking! The camera attaches to your wrist so you can wear it and surf, and has a 3x sequence burst - essential for capturing action sports. The sample picture above shows what sort of image you could capture (although I can't guarantee you'll surf that well or have such nice waves) and the upgradeable memory means you won't run out of memory until your fingers have gone wrinkly.

Related: Camerasforsport.co.uk: Cameras for surfing, snowboarding, sky diving and more dangerous and difficult to film activities | Olympus mju 725 SW Shockproof and Waterproof Digital Camera

July 2, 2007 in Kiteboarding, Photography, Surfing, Wakeboarding | Permalink | Comments (0)