By VW Sands. Exclusive to SurfWatch.
Surf legend, Bishara Estate Manager, Vibrations Surf Team owner and SLSA Director VW Sands sums up what Surf Jam is about
The Vibrations Surf Alliance or VSA was formed soon after Majini Island was added to the Bishara Estate, . At the time there seemed to be a giant rift in the Second Life surfing community. It was being pulled in different directions and I founded the VSA as a way to try and create a group for surfers to just surf and have fun - no politics, no drama, no power-struggles.
As the Vibrations group grew - very slowly and by invitation only to this day - we decided to schedule surf contests for members and Surf Jam was born. I always tried to schedule contests in between Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) competitions as a way for surfers to stay in shape for the SLSA circuit, but more importantly to allow new riders a chance to compete in a relaxed atmosphere.
Since then, the VSA has grown to around 300 members, Surf Jam has become a regular fixture in the Second Life surfing community and Second Life's best riders are always on the roster alongside of new surfers. Since our first event the level of surfing has increased and Surf Jam's are still a great place for new riders to spend a day in the water with the top names. These days it takes only around 8 hours to fill the roster with riders, if that's any measure of success.
Surf legend, Bishara Estate Manager, Vibrations Surf Team owner and SLSA Director VW Sands sums up what Surf Jam is aboutThe Vibrations Surf Alliance or VSA was formed soon after Majini Island was added to the Bishara Estate, . At the time there seemed to be a giant rift in the Second Life surfing community. It was being pulled in different directions and I founded the VSA as a way to try and create a group for surfers to just surf and have fun - no politics, no drama, no power-struggles.
As the Vibrations group grew - very slowly and by invitation only to this day - we decided to schedule surf contests for members and Surf Jam was born. I always tried to schedule contests in between Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) competitions as a way for surfers to stay in shape for the SLSA circuit, but more importantly to allow new riders a chance to compete in a relaxed atmosphere.
Since then, the VSA has grown to around 300 members, Surf Jam has become a regular fixture in the Second Life surfing community and Second Life's best riders are always on the roster alongside of new surfers. Since our first event the level of surfing has increased and Surf Jam's are still a great place for new riders to spend a day in the water with the top names. These days it takes only around 8 hours to fill the roster with riders, if that's any measure of success.
What we strive for at Surf Jam is a relaxed, informal and playful approach to competitive surfing. We, of course, adhere to the well established rules of fair play, judging, wave counts and so on, but in a format less inclined to intimidate new riders. I think that´s what make the Surf Jam so much fun - we all root for one another, we ride as friends, as Vibers, together. It is true to what the VSA was way back then and still is today. It's a day in the water with friends, it´s a vibe and it´s alive and well on Majini beach!
Surf, party, surf!
Useful links
SurfWatch Results: Surf Jam 8 Results (2 Nov 08)
SurfWatch: Surf Report: Majini Island
SLURL: Majini Island
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