Sep 25, 2012

End of summer (free) surf film from Billabong – Daze at Sea

Every year, as the summer ends, the surf companies show off their clothes and surfers in free surf films. They are a visual delight and the soundtrack always supplies a new favorite song. Here is the first one, from Billabong – Daze at Sea – available for download in various sizes:

Small | Standard | TabletHD

 

 

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Sep 24, 2012

Sea Over Land – a 16mm travelogue in South Africa – surfing, elephants, and soccer

A beautiful short film by John Lynch set to the music of Sam Bauer – and the combination shines.

 

 

From the filmmaker:

I was so involved in my DSLR work, I had the impulse to look at some 16mm footage. To see what I used to shoot on my trusty old vintage 16mm Bolex.

It was refreshing to see moments in footage presented exactly the way they were filmed. No effects were necessary for the texture and feel. A quality that celluloid film will always have over digital.

I met Sam Bauer a few years ago on a project. We became friends and he expressed interest in doing a cut and composing a score to my cinematography. I gave him a series of out-takes from my 2003 South Africa Trip that became a part in “Change the Subject” (released in 2004).

Sam was the editor of Donnie Darko so he possesses natural affinity for sound design and score. This is Sam’s interpretation of the footage.

It was is refreshing to see this after so many years.

J. Lynch

Sep 23, 2012

Why are we so fascinated with the ocean? – Be a part of the documentary: What the Sea Gives Me

I’m a big fan of the crew at Misfit Pictures and the last movie they made – Manufacturing Stoke. It opened my eyes to the DIY community in surfing and inspired me to get out in the ocean, and I bet it will do the same for you.

There next project is just getting started - called What the Sea Gives Me - and you have the chance to be a part of it. There is a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the movie – and get awesome goodies – but first more about the film:

- It will be a feature-length documentary comprised of intimate and candid interviews with some of the ocean’s most extraordinary ambassadors.

- We will give you an honest and personal look through the eyes of those who thrive under the most extreme water conditions, those ensuring the proper care of the oceans for future generations and those who simply derive a sense of pure joy from the sea.

- The goal is to raise ocean awareness on a global level while reminding the viewer how closely we are all connected to the sea; and, to introduce you to a unique group of people we find absolutely captivating.

 

It looks to be an amazing movie and I hope you become a part of it.

Donate $5 or $25 or $100 and join the Kickstarter campaign:

  • $5 – supported by credit, thank you from the filmmakers
  • $25 – DVD, pre-release limited edition – credit, thank you
  • $50 – VIP tickets to premiere screening – DVD, credit, thank you
  • $100 – Signed original Matt Beard art print – tickets, DVD, credit, thank you

Sep 16, 2012

A force in the sport of surfing – photographer Aaron Chang

The Aaron Chang bio:

As a force in visually defining the sport of surfing Aaron has pursued his photography to the far ends of the earth. For 25 years, as a senior photographer for Surfing magazine, Aaron was at the core of the surfing world discovering new talent and surf spots on a global scale. Having traveled to 40+ countries in search of the perfect adventure Aaron’s work has graced the covers of over 100 magazines.

 

Aaron is a legend and his work is amazing. His next great adventure is opening his own gallery in Southern California. Below are some pieces of his, including many shots from his gallery.

 

sunlight clouds sunset orange water waves ocean surf aaron chang A force in the sport of surfing   photographer Aaron Chang

 

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Sep 7, 2012

Bodysurfing the Wedge

The Wedge on September 5, 2012, from HBStonelight and John Minar.

 

 

The Wedge – Newport Beach, CA

I’m not sure of the wave height, but I would say 5-10 feet. And, it looked like those with handplanes were getting the best rides.

 

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Sep 4, 2012

Surf City Surf Dog event – Sep 28-30, 2012

Surf City is putting on an awesome event for surf dogs. Taking place over three days in September, 28-30, 2012, it includes a surf dog competition and other fun events, like a pet fashion show and dog toy expo.

The full schedule:

 

Friday 6 – 8:00 PM – The Shorebreak Hotel

  • 6 PM – Opening Ceremonies & Yappy Hour
  • 6:30 PM – Dog is Beachin’ Fashion Show

Saturday, 12 Noon – 4:00 PM – The Strand on 5th

  • 12 PM – 4 PM – Pets Love Toys 2-Day Expo
  • 12 PM – 1 PM – Doga (dog yoga)
  • 1:00 PM – Surf City Dog Costume Contest & Owner Look-a-Like Contest

Sunday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Dog Beach

  • 8:00 AM – Registration Opens
  • 8:30 – 1:00 PM - Pets Love Toys 2-Day Expo
  • 9 – 1 PM – Surf Dog Competition
  • 1 Pm – Surf Dog Finals & Awards
  • Immediately after the awards – Closing Ceremony at The Shorebreak Hotel

 

**Registration is open for all events.

**Follow on TwitterFacebook

 

I will definitely be attending with my pup Jesse, and I hope to see you there!

To end with this funny line from the site:

Huntington Beach is going to dogs! The premier dog surfing competition on the dog surfing circuit.

The “dog surfing circuit” – lol

 

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Sep 2, 2012

Del Mar Cinema Series – Sep 7-8, 2012 – surf & ocean films

Summer is the time for movies under the stars and the Friends of Del Mar are bringing together two nights of ocean and surf films, for the 3rd annual cinema series. More on this free event from the Del Mar Times:

This year, the Cinema Series kicks off Sept. 7 at sunset (around 7:30 p.m.) with a trio of award-winning surf films, Abroad/Salmon Theory/Manufacturing Stoke, an unflinching and timely look at the surf industry today, with a special guest appearances by the filmmakers and founders of the San Diego Surf Film Festival.

The Sept. 8 marquee kicks off with Amazing Jellies (official selection: San Francisco Ocean Film Festival), followed by Willem & The Whales, a look at a world without whales told through the eyes of a child. The feature presentation will be Universal Pictures’ Big Miracle, starring Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski.

 

Details:

Del Mar Cinema Series
Sep. 7-8, 2012
7:30pm (food trucks at 6pm)
Del Mar Shores Park (9th St & Stratford Ct.)
Free, open to the public (donation suggested)

 

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Sep 1, 2012

The Republik of California in San Clemente – unique products for modern rebels

There is a new brand on the street, Republic of Kalifornia, and they are producing some awesome designs. Starting with a re-design of the California flag: the iconic bear, star, and red stripe…with a fuzzy twist.

 

republik of california bear flag re design The Republik of California in San Clemente   unique products for modern rebels

 

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Sep 1, 2012

Nine Lights founder Jeff Beck – improving surfboards by placing the stringer on the outside

Last weekend, while attending the Sunset Beach Handplane Demo Day, I met a fascinating surfboard shaper by the name of Jeff Beck. Through his company, Nine Lights, Jeff is performing some incredible experiments that could change the surfing industry. He had many of his boards on-hand to try for free, which is a regular part of the “demo day” ethos.

The first board that I tried, called the Slipper, perfectly represents Jeff’s unique design sense. The board has no stringer and instead uses a thin piece of wood on top (fiberglass bottom). According to Jeff, “when you remove the stringer it opens up all sorts of design possibilities. You can experiment with different shapes and sizes.” He said the wood top provides as much, or more, strength than the stringer would provide.

I took the board out to try him at his word. Now, I’m 6-feet tall and weigh 180+ pounds. I pounded the hell out of that board because it is a modified Alaia, which means no fins, long and real thin (picture below). You have to pop-up quick and immediately start turning. The board never once gave or bent and felt stronger than my classic stringer boards. I definitely think Jeff is on to something, and it was so much fun to ride that it was my favorite of the event.

 

 

To give you more insight into Jeff’s innovative thinking I want to tell you about his handplanes made out of aerospace airplane wings. Made from the foam in the wings they are super-strong and amazingly lightweight. When you hold it in your hand all the weight you feel is in the leash. I tried one out and it definitely feels stronger than regular surfboard EPS foam (I kept smacking it because I couldn’t believe how strong it was). An amazing way to recycle old airplanes and turn them into a fun ride.

 

 

Overall, I was truly impressed by Jeff’s deep understanding of surfboard design, experimental concepts, and his environmental focus. The next time I’m in the market for a surfboard I will assuredly be checking out Nine Lights Surfboards.

Here are a few other designs from Jeff, and make sure to visit his website and like him on Facebook.

 

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Aug 30, 2012

The amazing shots of surf photographer Morgan Maassen

Morgan Maassen two girls underwater The amazing shots of surf photographer Morgan Maassen

(image: Facebook)

 

Morgan Maassen is possibly the world’s most talented surf photographer. All you have to do is look at these shots and you will be impressed. He is also a past winner of the Follow the Light Foundation.

Here are 8 of his images pulled from his public Facebook page, where you can find tons more. He can also be found at:

 

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Aug 27, 2012

*Enjoy Handplanes turns bodysurfing into art

*Enjoy handplanes set themselves apart in the bodysurfing industry by turning their creations into one-of-a-kind art. It is amazing, the creativity and beauty they put into these little planes, with everything from DIY craft to pure artist illustrations, simple coloring and classic lines.

Of course, one has to mention that all of these handplanes are made from recycled and reused material. They use old, trashed surfboards and environmentally responsible resin for glassing. Definitely a part of the Zero Waste mantra.

Take a look and you might just be tempted to buy one. You can also join the *Enjoy community by visiting their vibrant Facebook group.

 

**All these photos, and more, can be found on the *Enjoy Facebook Photos page

 

skye walker art design handplane bodysurfing enjoy san diego film festival hammerhead sharks drawing sdff *Enjoy Handplanes turns bodysurfing into art

 

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Aug 26, 2012

#ShareYourPassion – what do you love doing everyday?

share your passion sunset gold waves ocean surfing #ShareYourPassion   what do you love doing everyday?

What do you love doing everyday?

#ShareYourPassion

***

For me, it’s longboard surfing.

 

**Photos from the talented, Elmo Hernández, follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Find more photos on Liquid Salt

 

 

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Aug 25, 2012

BeardArt

Beautiful.

Matt Beard is a California surfer/artist who paints the state’s rugged coastline in dreamy colors and fluid shapes. – Liquid Salt Interview

 

WebsiteFacebook page

beardart matt beard waves coast beach ocean purple flowers rocks cliffs BeardArt

 

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Aug 24, 2012

What did you do on your lunch break?

I’m constantly impressed by what you can do with a GoPro camera.

 

What did you do on your lunch break?

 

 

One Summer weekend, one GoPro, edited on a one-hour Southwest flight.

Muzic by Surf City – Free the City

 

#DIY – #JustGoAndFilm – #Filmmaker – #LunchBreak

Aug 22, 2012

Surf band: The Red Fox Tails

The Red Fox Tails: Surf Soul Jazz

 

From the band’s website:

Combining elements of Jazz, Surf, Rock and Roll, Latin and Second Line rhythms, The Red Fox Tails have come up with a sound they might call “Surf Jazz”…shaped by world music flavors such as, Peruvian Chicha, 60′s/70′s Ethiopian pop music, as well as early New Orleans Funk and R&B with a heaping dose of Jim Jarmusch/David Lynch-like motion picture music.

The Red Fox Tails: Felipe Benavides’ savory guitar tones, Jay Reilly’s angular thumping acoustic bass, and drummer Ron Bocian’s rhythmic dexterity.

 

They have two albums out,  Drop In (2011) and Aloha (2012).

 

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Aug 20, 2012

Surf event: Handplane Demo Day – try out new surf toys for free – (this Saturday)

Another demo day for y’all to come out and play with some surf toys. The poster says it all:

 

handplane demo day anderson street august 25 free share ride discuss enjoy surf craft bodysurf bodyboard diy self made harbour surfboards Surf event: Handplane Demo Day   try out new surf toys for free   (this Saturday)

 

I’ve been to several of these and make sure to bring some surf fins (wetsuit optional with the water so warm). Of course, many people will be bringing their own homemade products for you to test out. Professionally crafted bodysurfing handplanes will definitely be there. Maybe some Paipo’s for bodyboarding.

 

Handplane Demo Day
August 25 – 8am
Anderson Street/PCH in Huntington Beach
Facebook event page

 

Womp!

Aug 20, 2012

Monday Morning surf film – Blue Jean Barrels (Florida to Outer Banks)

For your morning zen.

 

 

The Thompson brothers hydroplane their way from Jacksonville, Florida to the Outer Banks to score an all day tube fest. Enjoy!

 

Song: Lana Del Rey – Blue Jeans

Video: Thomas Brothers Productions

Aug 10, 2012

Amazing overhead shots of the U.S. open of Surfing in Huntington Beach

Surfer magazine has posted 16 amazingly large overhead shots of the U.S. Open of Surfing and the Orange County coastline.

Here is one of them, mightily shrunk:

 

huntington beach pier rubys ocean beach pacific water surfing us open crowds1 Amazing overhead shots of the U.S. open of Surfing in Huntington Beach

 

See the rest – Above the Open – an oddly serene look at the U.S. Open

Aug 4, 2012

The most fun had all summer – The Paipo Stokefest 2012

The Paipo (pronounced pie-po), a member of the family of ancient Hawaiian surfboards like the alaia and olo, is experiencing a resurgence and finding a place back in the lineup. The small, flat, wooden bellyboards have become so popular that The Paipo Society decided to create a summer gathering.

 

ed lewis enjoy handplanes paipo stokefest 2012 scripps la jolla beach The most fun had all summer   The Paipo Stokefest 2012

 

Over 75 stoked people attended the inaugural Paipo Stokefest, which took place on July 29, 2012 at Scripps Pier in La Jolla. Besides having plenty of paipos to test ride (thanks to Encinitas shapers Jon Wegener of Wegener Surfboards and Christine Brailsford of Whomp), it included other prone surfing craft such as handplanes, mats, alaias, and basically anything that can be propelled by a pair of swimfins.

 

 

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Aug 4, 2012

Follow the Light chooses best new surf photographers, Shawn Parkin & Sara Lee

The Follow the Light Foundation (FTLF) was created in the spirit and memory of Larry “Flame” Moore who was Surfing Magazine’s Photo Editor for more than 30 years.

The organization awards a grant each year to best new surf photographer, helping to finance their dreams and push the sport and its lensmen forward.

- Follow the Light

 

Shawn Parkin – Overall Winner

 

 

 

Sara Lee – People’s Choice

 

 

// Videos courtesy of Swell Blog