Posted: January 19, 2011 by
Francesca
If you have been living in the northern part of Europe for the past 4 months you will know a think or two about hibernating. What with the short daylight hours, super cold and wet weather and general January blues, you would be forgiven for forgetting that there is a sun up there in the sky.
However, first things first- if you have booked yourself a winter-pick-me-up
surf holidays, or are thinking about it, then thinking about what to pack may require some assistance. To help you prep for your holiday in the sun we have come up with a quick top 10 list... ready, steady, go.
1. Sunblock
A total lifesaver when pale winter skin meets intense rays for the first time in months. Choose a mimimum of SPF15, if not higher, and check the rating of UVA/UVB stars- 5 is best.
2. Moisturizer
Face, body, eye moisturizers are going to be very welcomed at the end of the day, after playing in the surf for hours on end.
3. Beach bag
Whether it is to keep your entertainment and survival kit in, or simply to use as a beach pillow, make sure you remember to take a large beach bag.
4. Beach towel
An oldie but a goody, having a massive towel for the beach gives you room to set up camp- pour out the contents of your beach bag and really relax.
5. Flipflops
That’s right, it’s time to dig out the slaps. Most hot surf destinations will wear flipflops as their national dress, especially during the evenings. Enjoy allowing your feet to see the light of day.
6. Beach dress/ boardshorts
For when you want to be super lazy- no effort required in getting dressed in the morning of after a surf.
7. Sunglasses
No squinting please.
8. ipod/mp3 player
There’s nothing like gazing out over the water watching the surf listening to your favourite tunes... it’ll get you amped to get out there too.
9. Book
Something to start, put down and then fall asleep with.
10. Hat
Protect you head, face and neck from the midday sun, whilst enjoying the beach... or the perfect tool for covering your face for a beach siesta.
Posted: January 13, 2011 by
Francesca
How was your last surf session? Did you feel great or did those extra Christmas helpings and mince pies make you feel unfit?
Even though Christmas and New Year’s is a lot of fun, the January mid winter blues can strike at anytime. Don’t give up on your surf training, (or maybe that should be- start surf training?), and get yourself feeling and looking great for your next surf holiday.
Here are a few ideas to help you on your way to feeling surf fit again:
Sometimes change is far better than beating yourself up about the excesses of the holiday season. If you have spent the better part of December filling your body with chocolate, alcohol, roast dinners and desserts, then it is time to change it up.
Replace the rich foods with nutritious clean foods. Bring in lots of vegetables, beans, and pulses; fruit smoothies for fun and energy before or after a workout; lean meats, oily fish and eggs for protein a few times a week; and reward yourself with a treat at the weekend for all your hard work.
- Even though fashion and media may tell you to diet your way to being in shape, most surfers know that being healthy and happy is far simpler- being outside, seeing daylight, working out and surfing. If you have been hibernating in the gym for the past few months then it is time to get outside.
You burn more calories when working out in the great outdoors, especially when terrain running. So maybe it is time to re-envision your workout routine, put on a couple of fleecy layers, and brave some brisk wind, cold and rain? Your body will thank you for it and your mind will enjoy the change of scenery.
There is nothing like having a goal to work towards, so why not book a surf holiday to reward yourself? Knowing that in a matter of weeks or maybe a month or two you could be on your surfboard, in warm waters, the sun beaming down on you as you catch your first wave of the day- is a massive motivator.
Eating healthily, working out, listening to your body’s needs- ie sleep and relaxation, pay off when you feel fit and strong in the surf. So you can enjoy every moment of your holiday and really make the most of learning to surf or improving your techniques.
For sunshine, great waves and warm water, take a look at the surf destination of Fuerteventura. This Canarian island is the perfect winter surf getaway, and will give you a great incentive to keep improving your over all fitness. So what are you waiting for? Time to work and get on that holiday...
Posted: January 04, 2011 by
Francesca
We’ve looked at the surfers who have made it onto the men’s tour for 2011, but who has made it onto the women’s tour? The women’s tour is always smaller than the men’s, as there are 17 female competitors in comparison to the men’s 34. However, the women’s tour is getting better every year, with new surf spots and surfing that is raising the bar in women’s professional surfing.
Here is who has made it to the tour for 2011:
The Newbies
There are quite a lot of new faces for this year’s tour. Joining the top 10 of 2010 are 6 new faces. Watch out for Australians Laura Enever and Tyler Wright in particular as some of the best of the newbies.
- Laura Enever (AUS)
- Tyler Wright (AUS)
- Courtney Conlogue (USA)
- Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
- Pauline Ado (FRA)
- Alana Blanchard (HAW)
The Wildcard
The ASP council have decided to allocate one wildcard this year and it’s going to:
The Oldies
Some of the best women’s surfing was seen in 2010 by none other than x4 world surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore. Check out the list of the top 10 below for a flavour for what is to come this year:
- Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
- Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
- Carissa Moore (HAW)
- Silvana Lima (BRA)
- Sofia Mulanovich (PER)
- Chelsea Hedges (AUS)
- Coco Ho (HAW)
- Melanie Bartels (HAW)
- Paige Hareb (HAW)
- Rebecca Woods (AUS)
Say Goodbye to:
Unfortunately in order to make way for the newbies there have to be some cuts. The tour is saying goodbye to 6 surfers:
- Rosanne Hodge (ZAF)
- Bruna Schmitz (BRA)
- Amee Donohoe (AUS)
- Lee Ann Curren (FRA)
- Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)
- Nikita Robb (ZAF)
Watch out for the first of the ASP contests in February at the Roxy Gold Coast Pro from 26th February to 9th March.
Posted: January 03, 2011 by
Francesca
Happy New Year and welcome to 2011! A massive congratulations on surviving winter so far and for making it through all the celebrations of the last month. As a reward for all your present giving and partying, we thought that we would make sure you have some surf inspiration: free surf films to watch or download. Here’s some of the best and where to find from...
Reef: Cancer to Capricorn (Downloadable)
Some of the best surfers in the world, on some of the best waves in the world. The movie is still available to download and enjoy.
Oxbow: Watermen Experience (Downloadable)
If you need inspiration to mix up your surfing, here it is... Laird Hamilton tears every size of wave apart with some buddies on a ‘waterman’ surf holiday.
Taylor Steele: Innersection
Here’s a rare chance to participate in the creation of surf films. Taylor Steel has been putting together a surf film that is chosen and voted for by the public. Although the film has now been put together now, you can still view the surfers videos and vote for your favourites.
Relentless: Dark Side of the Lens
This award winning production by Relentless is simply beautiful. Looking at the life of the water cameraman and just how those surf shots are created, it is amazing to see the ocean and the surf for another angle.
Check out a small clip of the “Dark Side of the Lens” below:
More
Surfing Videos