In Memory of Cipriano Grut

firefly
by Cipriano Grut

Night has come and once again I miss the nights while living in the mountains, getting up to shut a window that faces the wilderness.

Outside I see it's full of fireflies all over.  Seems like the stars have shaken off the dust of the road, and that that dust of light has fallen in the meadow in front of my house.

The little emeralds makes the night magical.  The still air, suspended by itself, does not disturb the silence.

The fireflies lighten up to show and communicate us their love.  The brightness shows me that love does not only enlighten the source, but everything and all who are nearby and close.




It is with great sadness that SurfWatch reports the news that Cipriano Grut has passed of complications related to a heart condition on October 28, 2009.  The SLSA has announced the upcoming November SLSA competition will be renamed the Cipriano Memorial and plans are in the works for a memorial event at the competition.  Please feel free to leave your messages and memories of Cip to share in the comments section.

WickedV Carver:
Cip and I were very close, and it's a very sad time for me and others who he touched in a very special way.  I cannot say enough good things about the man Cip was and forever will be in my heart.  May he rest in peace.

Bobbi Laval:
I've known Cip since before he even started surfing.  A mysterious guy in a dark cloak and hood hanging out at Chi before the first shortboard comp in 2007.  He blessed my board for good luck the night before the comp.  The next week, he shows up at WOI surf lessons at Bundy.  That was the start of Cip's relationship with Reef Riders,WOI and me.  My long time friend and co-captain of Reef Riders, he was like a big brother to me more than anyone else in SL.  He had a heart of gold and was a true gentle man in every sense of the word.

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SLSA Mini Competition October 29 2009 Results

Thursday, October 29, 2009, the Second Life Surfing Association had their second mini competition on pipes at the SLSA sim at Archipelago.

Heat 1:
Amy Eclipse 10.0
vs
Mick Lunasea 9.5

Heat 2:
Kantbe Thursday 13.5
vs
Angelle Aluveaux 12.0

Final:
Amy Eclipse 14.0
vs
Kantbe Thursday 14.5

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Syx Toshi Wave Report

submitted by Syx Toshi

Las Islas Naima Waves - Ocean Huge
Creator:  Naima Broome
Cost:  6000L
Permissions:  No Mod/Copy/No Transfer
Specifications:
One very large prim, does not change shape, animated texture, prim does not move
Two prim sizes, 120 x 120m and 256 x 256m
What's in the package:
There are 5 different types and 21 different configurations of these large Ocean Waves.
What you Need to Know:
- A basic understanding of Second Life
- A basic understanding of Edit Mode
- A basic understanding of Terraforming

This review is a little different from my previous examinations of your favorite waves.  This wave cannot be surfed, but will add a realistic touch to your surfing area.  Let's face it - not every wave in the ocean is going to give you that once in a lifetime ride.  There are many we all watch roll on through.  This is that type of wave.

Naima's creation is a huge prim with an ultra-realistic wave aminatino running from one end of the prim to the other.  The animation is just spectacular and finishes off your ocean in a very realistic manner.  The creator recommends this product for "off shore".  I would agree these waves are better seen from a distance.

Set up of this wave is a snap!   It's placed right on the ocean surface and starts animation with no input needed.  I would always suggest placing any object in edit mode so you can adjust it immediately without picking it again.  Once you have placed the wave, you can move it into the optimum location.  Another suggestion would be to move it as far to your ocean's horizon as it will go.  This will allow you to have part of the prim "off-sim" which will create a fantastic look of infinity on your ocean.

When occupying the same space as your surfable waves, the Naima Ocean Wave will not interfere with your ride or the performance of the wave.  I have my Naima waves running in tandem with a large Sunset wave and there has been no affect on ride or the performance of the wave.  Additionally, I've seen no real degradation of sim performance.

As far as compatability, I have tested the Naima waves with Sunset, Pipeline, Foam and Maverick waves and had no problems.  This product can be paired with any of the shoreline waves out there to create a finished look to your beach.  A great look is having the Naima Ocean Waves end about 10-15m from your beach with a shoreline wave running in the rest of the way.

In scoring this wave on my patented and totally subjective wave scale, I would give this wave a 9 out of 10.  The beauty, simplicity and cost make this a must have for any sim owner that has an ocean.  If you would like to see or purchase this product, go to:  http://slurl.com/secondlife/Las%20Lagunas/216/224/21.  As always, this is only my opinion.  always try it before you buy it!

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Sally LaSalle Voted in on SLSA Board

The Second Life Surfing Association announced Sally LaSalle was voted in by 22 eligible voters to fill Robin Mapp's seat on the Board.  Sally has served several previous terms as Director and has been an advisor on the Board.  Three Director seats will open for election on December 1, 2009.  Current directors are Desirae Beaumont, Abel Halderman, Bonheur Chenaux, WickedV Carver and Sally LaSalle.

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Mari's Mailbag - Loyalty

My first topic I'd like to write about is loyalty among surfers.  A few months back, someone came to me quite hurt.  She had overheard a surfer speaking to others hatefully about a fellow surfer.  It happened to be someone very well known in the surf community.  This was so hurtful to her, she was in disbelief.  She asked me, "Mari, is there no loyalty among surfers?  Don't we have a common bond - the love of surf and of our community?"  She soon quit surfing altogether.

I have never forgotten the anguish she felt.  It made me think that I also had heard talk about each other in public on open chat.  We as surfers should genuinely love our sport and each other to respect both.  Do you remember your first wave?  The rush?  Then the hours of practicing to perfect your style?  Some went on to compete for the love of it and of the new friends they met.  Somewhere along the way, some forgot.  Got too comfortable, I guess.

We all need to take pause..reflect...try to realize we are all in this for the same reasons, and community is very important.  Next time you are speaking in open chat, try to remember why you are surfing in the first place.  Also remember that others are listening and the very person who gave you your best tips could be within listening range.  So could someone just beginning to surf.  Let's be decent to each other.  Keep our community strong.

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Pacific Coast Hwy Surfboard Art Contest

Pop over to Pacific Coast Hwy sim and vote for your favorite surfboard art.  The contest is held as part of the Surf Festival being held on Nov. 1, 2009.  See contest rules and entry information at the Visitor Center for details on how to enter.  Judging will take place at noon on Nov. 1 and the winner will be announced at 1 PM SLT.  Judging will be done by a combination of Mick Lunasea, Revlon Benoir for originality, style, composition and skill and the popular people's vote, with prizes of 1000L for first place, 500L for second and 250L for 3rd.  Stop by the visitor center at 139, 185, 24 and cast  your vote!

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Australian Surfing Association Announces Director

Desne Aabye has been selected as the first Director for the newly formed Australian Surfing Association.  With a large contingent of Australian surfers in SL, several people felt the need to form an Australian organization so some competitions and events could be more time compatible with Australian time.  Stay tuned to SurfWatch for more information and details on this organization.

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Pacific Coast Hwy Fall Surf Festival 2009 - November 1

Fall Surf Festival 2009

Mick Lunasea and his partner, Revlon Benoir, are proud to announce Fall Surf Festival 2009, a celebration of SL surfing at their home sim, Pacific Coast Highway (137, 193, 26), that features surfing, residential and retail. As Mick describes it:

"PCH is inspired by the rugged beauty of the California coastline and offers stunning views of the towering coastal bluffs which overlook majestic beaches and thundering waves. The highway and beaches are owned by the region and is guaranteed passable without ban lines and security orbs. Rez a free horse at the visitor center and follow State Highway 1 as it winds its way up the coast towards the historic town of Santa Rosita where you will enjoy the finest shopping in Second Life.

The Maverick wave breaking in the bay provides some of the sweetest, most challenging surfing spot in SL. There is a free HP surfboard rezzer located at the visitor's center but for a truly realistic surfing experience, grab a wipe out enabled surfboard (available at Surf Crazy shop in Santa Rosita). Pacifi Coast Hwy offers a limited number of residential parcels for sale, with a relaxed covenant and friendly, helpful staff."

Fall Surf Festival 09 is a celebration of SL surfing in its entirety and diversity and is scheduled for November 1, 2009, from noon until 2 PM SLT. A concert by Def Leppard tribute band, surfboard art contest, surfing exhibitions, surf product merchants and creaters are all part of the line up of activities that attendees can check out.

PCH will sponsor ten 100 prim and ten 50 prim vendor locations for 1L for merchants and creators of surf related items to showcase their products. The surfboard art contest is open to all makers of boards and judges will be SL surfboard shop owners. Prizes for the surfboard design contest are 1000L for first, 500L for 2nd and 300L for 3rd place. From 1-2 PM SLT, the surfing exhibition will feature wipe out surfing as pro SL surfers dodge the PCH boneyard hazards and after the exhibition, visitors are welcome to try out the boards. County Line open space was recently added featuring Leogarto Burt's Sunset 200.

Come check out the beach, the town of Santa Rosita with its gas station, church, cantina with free pool and mechanical bull, chosen as one of the shooting locations for the upcoming Aeryn Kidd production, Soul Wave.

For more information, contact Mick Lunasea or Revlon Benoir.

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Introducing Mari's Mailbag

Marianna Monentes, owner of Boracay islands, Sunset Dance Pavilion, Fountain Fantasies, competitive surfer, has been a member of the surf community since 2007.  Sharing the philosophy of SurfWatch as a resource for the surf community to ask questions and find answers, Marianna recently agreed to head up Mari's Mailbag and answer questions readers might have or address issues that might be on your minds.  So fee free to submit your questions via comments, anonymously if you wish, and see if Mari can shed some light.

Mari states, "Ever hear of Dear Abby?  Of course you have.  Well, for the surf community, consider me someone you can ask pretty much anything.  Reading SurfWatch and seeing the genuine heartfelt outpouring concerns of all in the community, I felt it time to hear your thoughts and see if I can help shed light on things that are concerning you.  Not going to have any hateful remarks towards individuals or teams and also not going to debate SLSA rules and regulations.  There is a forum for that.  This is going to be an uplifting place to feel warmth and genuine caring, for indeed, I do.  Sharing your thoughts will help others, too, so let's send in those thoughts and questions, guys!"

SurfWatch and Mari look forward to hearing from our readers, and SurfWatch is proud to welcome Mari to our staff.  Look for Mari's Mailbox in future issues of SurfWatch!

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Pumpkin Heads Hit Tsunami!!!

Something very skeeery spotted along the dark sandy shores of Tsunami Beach on a dark Hallow's Eve...

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Breaking News - SLSA Calls for Election to Fill Director Seat

The SLSA just announced an election to fill a Board Director seat, to be held on October 26.  According to SLSA spokesman and director, Abel Halderman, Robin Mapp has been unable to perform this role for over a month and according to the Constitution, an election has to be held to fill this position.  The SLSA Board greatly regrets having to take this action.  They are putting out an immediate call for candidates.  See http://surfslsa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=760 for more information.

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SLSA Round 2 Tsunami Beach Challenge Results

results courtesy SLSA, photos courtesy Colleen Brennan and Bobbi Laval

The results of an exciting SLSA Round 2 Tsunami Beach Competition:

FINALS:

1st Place:  Desirae Beaumont 15.66667
2nd Place:  Socks Clawtooth 15.50000
3rd Place:  Maldrul Morris 15.33333

SexyBoy Oh 14.66667
Sally LaSalle 14.66667
Sean Azambuja 14.0000

SEMI FINALS:

Heat 1:

Wilfrid DeCuir 15.33333
Desirae Beaumont 17.00000
SexyBoy Oh 16.00000
VW Sands 15.66667
Sunshine Zhangsun 15.00000

Heat 2:

Colleen Brennan 16.00000
Bobbi Laval 15.83333
Socks Clawtooth 16.83333
Maldrul Morris 16.50000

Heat 3:

Kimmy Jigsaw 15.16667
GiavannaMarie Melody 14.33333
Sally LaSalle 16.00000
Sean Azambuja 15.83333

PRELMINIARIES

Heat 1:

Wil DeCuir 16.83333
Colleen Brennan 15.83333
Bonheur Chenaux 14.66667
Kohana Schimmer 14.83333
Sassy1 Fizzle 15.33333

Sven Homewood 13.50000

Heat 2:

Desirae Beaumont 15.83333
Kimmy Jigsaw 16.00000
Velvetori Twine 13.33333
MarkFoo Waverider 15.50000
Brenden Quan 15.16667
Robbin Ember 14.50000




Heat 3:

SexyBoy Oh 15.66667

Bobbi Laval 16.16667

GiavannaMaria Melody 15.66667
Followingwaves Sirbu 14.83333
Amy Eclipse 14.33333
Lynda Mimulus 15.33333

Heat 4:

Socks Clawtooth 16.33333

Sally LaSalle 15.66667

WickedV Carver 15.33333
Harbor Piers 14.83333
Aeryn Kidd 15.00000





Heat 5:

VW Sands 16.33333
Sunrize Mornington 15.33333
Sweetcajan Voom 14.00000

Maldrul Morris 16.00000

Kim Henig 15.00000

Heat 6:

Sean Azambuja 16.33333

Sunshine Zhansun 15.66667

Desne Aabye 15.16667
Ashleigh Dickins 14.83333
Buffy Munro 14.66667

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Births and Adoptions

PORTILO-SILVANSKY

Adoption Date:  October 9, 2009

Born:  8/23/2009

Age: 4 years old

Gender:  Female

On October 9, 2009, Emma Portilo and Maxwell Silvansky became proud parents adopting 4 year old Tasya Portilo.  Tasya was adopted thru an adoption service for child avatars that are not "live" people but are robots controlled by A.L.I.C.E. artificial intelligence.  They have hundreds of functions and can do just about anything a real person can do including walk, follow, sit, use pose balls, stand, fly, talk, shout, dance, attack, change clothing and MUCH more.  They can even hold intelligent conversations. 






COLLINS-MCDONNELL

JIAGU-MANAMIKO

Luckymoon Jiagu and Mojo Manamiko are proud to announce the birth of Newt Zepp Manamiko born Saturday, August 22, 2009, at 6:14 AM SLT, weighing 7 lbs, 9 oz and 19 inches long.

If you have a birth or any news you'd like to share, contact Tauri Tigerpaw and we'll help you get the word out! It's free!

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MUST Surf Fest 09

submitted by Clarke Torok, photos courtesy Tilly Theas

Surf Fest 09 is scheduled to take place Tuesday, October 27th and Wednesday, October 28th.  A Live Band will play Friday, October 30th, 7-9 PM SLT

Location:  Surf the Pacific Coast Highway.  The quiet surfing community and winding highway that leads you down the shoreline of the most treacherous stretch of the Northern Pacific Coast Highway for vehicles.  Who knows when you may lose control of the wheel and end up 30m down to a surfer's most feared demise.  With a bridge connecting two sides to a river emptying it's mouth into the Pacific on one side, a rugged shoreline beach in the middle, and a deadly boneyard lining the wall of the cliffs edge...


Competition Format: An Open Invitational the first night.   Tuesday will be Open Qualifyer open to any surfer who wishes to surf with an invited list of some of SL's Surfing Stars from every surfing circuit in SL. Qualifiers will advance from the Open to the Invitational through a highest heat judges average. Heats are timed at 6 minutes with 2 surfers in the water.  Just take your waves - timing the sets is important. Surfers are not against anyone but themselves as the highest scores will move you into the money round. Registration for Open Qualifying will begin Thursday, October 15th and end Monday, October 26th, midnight SLT $300L fee for all Open Qualifying Surfers.

Invitation format will be Surfer vs. Surfer, timed heats of 8 minutes until the final 4 surfers remain.  The surfer with the highest heat score from the quarter final heat will be seeded #1, lowest #4. Seed pairings will be #1 vs. #3 and #2 vs. #4, with the winners in the final, and the then a battle for 3rd on the Podium.

Board Usage: Any Action, HP, or SSI board.  Any board with wipe outs turned on (comp boards may be supplied for this format).

Invitation Surfer: Please RSVP your invitation should you receive one via in-world mailbox at MUST Headquarters located on the left side of the entrance way.

Purse: Determined by sponsor, paid invitational entries, number of open qualifying surfers, tour and additional sponsor donations.  Total raised will be paid out to the field of Wednesday surfers. Prizes will be given out by sponsors directly to 1st, 2nd, & 3rd.

Those wishing to participate in sponsoring the event, please contact Clarke Torok via in world notecard when offline and IM when online.  Volunteers are also being requested to fill judges chairs for both nights.  Contact Clarke Torok or Mick Lunasea if you are interested.

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Team Profile - TaiChi

Team Name: TaiChi

 Year founded: 2009


Founder(s): Kimmy Jigsaw, Wilfrid DeCuir, Sally LaSalle




Current owner captains:
Kimmy Jigsaw, Wilfrid DeCuir, Sally LaSalle


Pro Surfers:
Wil DeCuir
Kimmy Jigsaw
Sally LaSalle
MarkFoo Waverider
SweetCajan Voom
Lacy Rossini
Velvetori Twine
Rick Galli
Requiem Theriac
In training:
Amy Eclipse


Current team standing:
Number 1 !!


Where did the team name come from:
Named after the Cradle of competitive surfing CHI and its spectator sim TAI.  We use the terms Tai and Chi separately, unlike the martial art TaiChi.  Tai Chi for us means Ultimate Life Energy


Why was this team started:
To manifest the spirit of surfing the pure love of the sport and create a positive force for surfing love and enjoyment. To create a place for like minded people to express the close kinship that comes from sharing a wave and the connectedness with nature, the interconnection of all the elements which go into manifesting the surf "zen". We have a mix of young and old and love to watch new members develop and excel.


Give us any pertinent history/highlights of this team:
We are a relatively new team putting it all together this year. We are out for the penant and would be proud and totally stoked to achieve that.


Our individual members are on a quest for improvement and we have had some great results already. Wil winning the first comp at Mori and MarkFoo winning the ABBSL 4th stage just recently. We have five pro riders in the top 20, but we are proud of all the riders in our team.


How does this team train and how often:
We train regularly, members often call others fro a session during the months, we train more intensely the week before comps trying to simulate comp conditions as much as possible. Helping and advising each other in a friendly nurturing envirinment.


What is the basic philosophy behind this team in terms of SL surfing (reality vs. gaming):
We have real life and second life surfers. We like to try to express real life radical high energy surfing as naturally as possible within SL.


What board does this team use and why?
We leave that to the personal preference for the individuals. they need to get in touch with their own chi and let that energy flow.  But we arent afraid of trying different boards, we regularly compete in both the SLSA onn SSi boards and in the ABSSL on HP boards.


What wave does this team prefer and why?
We prefer wet watery waves, the perfect curl for that perfect shred!


What associations does this team compete in?
SLSA, ABSSL, VSA


Who are the top scoring riders on this team?
Wil, Kimmy, Sally, Markfoo

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Emi's Birthday Bash

submitted by Chaos99 Braveheart

Discovering the Rose Theater was one of Emi's favorite sims, I immediately booked her birthday party there.  I knew I wanted a live musician, but didn't know who. One day Emi took me to see Digby Smalls perform live in concert and had mentioned, "I'm in love with his voice, and it gives me an eargasm" (laughs)  Like a hawk on its prey, my eyes were dead set on booking Digby. After a weeks of stalking him during his gigs and sending him countless numbers of offlines and notecards, he finally responded back with unfavorable news. "10 PM SLT is like 2 am over here, and its just too late, I'm sorry."  I wanted to say, " Hey, Digs, that's 1 AM eastern time, stick to singing, and stay away from any accounting jobs" (laughs).  Not to belittle him with his poor math but in hopes of booking him as it was truly 1 hour sooner! Giving up on trying to talk Digby into the gig, I tried to get her more involved with attending concerts in hopes of booking someone she likes. All thanks goes to Chloe Platini of bebe dolls (had to plug it in there) for helping me find a replacement. Chloe and I were at one of  Damian' Carbenell's concerts and a tp was sent out for Emi.  She immediately fell in love with his voice and with his love for the piano, he was a winner!!! Because of  Damian's mad piano skills, he took the crown. 

To work on the invitations, I asked a long time best friend of hers, Shelby Fitzerald, for a list of friends.  To design invitations, I hired the most creative person I knew - once again, Chloe.  I wanted the party to be a surprise, so after sending invites, I followed them with countless offlines to make sure everyone kept a lid on it (I call them courtesy reminders) 

Finally, the day of the party.  I wanted to truly surprise her.  I told her that we were just hanging out at Ambrosia Dance Club during my set. I had this elaborate idea that once she was there and I started to work at my DJ job, she would be fooled into believing that this has to be it.  As I opened my set with a remix of Hello Seattle by Owl City, I pretended to be having some technical difficulties and faked a crash. Using a back up DJ to cover my fake crash, I snuck out of the club and to the party location and sent Emi a TP to where everyone was waiting.

On her rezzing, the whole crowd went off with massive "Happy Birthday" gestures and local chat was cluttered with birthday wishes and all Emi could utter was, "Oh, my, god" . She told us she was crying, she was so happy and felt so loved by not only a few close friends but people she didn't know. Damian came thru with an awesome performance.  He even played a dedication that I requested for the birthday girl - Edwin Mccain, "I'll be", because truly I am and will be the greatest fan of her life!

I want to thank all of Emi's friends who were there and helped in so many ways and those who could not attend, as well as The Rose Theatre, owner Kaya Angel, for all his amazing customer service; Damian Carbenell and his management crew and last but not least, Emilyn Knoller, for loving me. And I hope she realizes this goes to show how many and how much people care for her and love her just as much as I do.

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Syx Toshi Wave Report

Read the latest wave review by Syx Toshi, owner of the Monkey Cove sims, as he looks at the Sunset wave, one of Leogarto Burt's designs.  Simply scroll down the right side of your screen to the sponsor logos and click on Surf Shop 6 to read all about the Sunset wave.

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A Sassy Surprise!

Braata Beach was the party spot for Thursday's, October 15, suprise party for Sassy1 Fizzle.  Church Drascol set the stage and the surfers had the place hopping!

Sassy had a special message for her friends after the party:

Wow!  Where do I start?  I am surrounded by the best of the best!!  In my 2 years in SL, I never was so lucky until I met the surf community.  So many true friends all supporting one another in the most awesome ways.  I want to thank all who came out to my surprise party and thank the ones who couldn't and messaged me.  I have never felt such love and care from people in SL.  Special thanks to Kris (Juneau) and Aurora (Jacks) for letting Church hold my party here (love you guys). 

To my loving fiance, Church, amazing comes to mind when I think of you.  I thank God daily for blessing me with you, Church.  Thanks, baby, for the most memorable moments in my life since meeting you.  I love you.
I wish all my friends the same joy as they have given me.

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Heat Draws SLSA Round 2 Tsunami Beach Challenge Saturday, Oct 17

The SLSA has assigned heat draws for Saturday's Round 2 Tsunami Beach Challenge:

Heat 1


Wilfrid DeCuir (RED)
Colleen Brennan (BLUE)
Bonheur Chenaux (GREEN)
Yendor Destiny (ORANGE)
Sassy1 Fizzle (PURPLE)
Sven Homewood (BLACK)

Heat 2

Desirae Beaumont (RED)
Kimmy Jigsaw (BLUE)
Jac Mornington (GREEN)
MarkFoo Waverider (ORANGE)
Brenden Quan (PURPLE)
Robbin Ember (BLACK)

Heat 3

SexyBoy Oh (RED)
Bobbi Laval (BLUE)
GiavannaMarie Melody (GREEN)
Followingwaves Sirbu (ORANGE)
Amy Eclipse (PURPLE)
Lynda Mimulus (BLACK)

Heat 4

Socks Clawtooth (RED)
Sally LaSalle (BLUE)
WickedV Carver (GREEN)
Harbor Piers (ORANGE)
Aeryn Kidd (PURPLE)

Heat 5

VW Sands (RED)
Sunrize Mornington (BLUE)
Sweetcajan Voom (GREEN)
Maldrul Morris (ORANGE)
Kim Henig (PURPLE)

Heat 6

Sean Azambuja (RED)
Abel Halderman (BLUE)
Desne Aabye (GREEN)
Ashleigh Dickins (ORANGE)
Buffy Munro (PURPLE)

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Team Profile - VSA

Submitted by VW Sands

Team Name: Vibrations

Year founded: 2007


Founder(s): VW Sands


Team Capt.: Buffy Munro


Co-Capt: Quench Spotter


Pro Rider: WickedV Carver, Kim Henig, Triston Mayo, VW Sands


Current team standing: 4th


Where did the team name come from:
"Vibrations" from our group name VSA ( Vibrations Surf Alliance)


Why was this team started:
We had to much to drink one night on the deck at Majini I think.


Give us any pertinent history/highlights of this team:
Vibes was formed back on Bishara and Majini was our first "home break". We had one of a handfull of Epics running back then, Pipes and fluffs nextdoor on Wimbi (with Heathers Reef-Rock collision scripts) and open-water Pipes on Pepo to the east. I guess that counts as both a little history AND highlights. After moving to Mori (which has also been a highlight) we finished the 2008 season in P3 and have had riders on the podium now and again.


How does this team train and how often:
Train? Ummmm..........er.....we drink beer alot and surf together way too seldom?


What is the basic philosophy behind this team in terms of SL surfing (reality vs. gaming):
Not sure team philosophy has anything to do with real vs. gaming but..............our team rides because we have fun doing so. I suppose then that our "philosophy" is to have fun together, have fun with the riders at the comps that we ride with and maintain some perspective.

What board does this team use and why?
Our "Team boards" are SJA sculpties with HG/Seb scripts but these days we pull out whatever we feel like riding from our personal quills.


What wave does this team prefer and why?
Ask any of us and get a different answer each time.


What associations does this team compete in?
We compete in the SLSA series. A few of us have ridden in the ABSL as well.


Who are the top scoring riders on this team?
Hmmm.......whoever was NOT out the friday night before?


If you see a pattern of warped humour here it´s because SL surfing is a bunch of friends sharing time in an on-line environment, a computer "game". It´s not cut and dry, hardcore, make it or break it real life. It´s not supposed to be.

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Brophy Boards Reach Beaches

SSi Brophy board display at Peahi

SSi's line of Brophy surfboards has hit the sand running!  Carrying Drew Brophy RL designs authorized by the Brophy's for use in SL, SSi will be providing new board designs as the Brophy's provide new artwork, so check back frequently for the newest available designs.  Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VowhKnsXIL8 to see the boards in action and get a glimpse of SSi's new epic wave soon to be released.  Boards are currently available at Peahi, Kikeli, Monkey Cove, Primworks, and other fine beaches.  To get a Brophy vendor for your beach, contact Sebastian Saramago.

Surf Shop 6 at Monkey Cove Displays SSi Brophy Boards

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Montego Lecture Circuit - Bobbi Laval

Check out the amazing Bobbi Laval's recent lecture for the Montego Lecture Circuit, available now at http://surfslsa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=750. 

Kohana Schimmer introduces guest speaker, Bobbi Laval

And stay tuned for Montego Lecture Circuit speakers every month.  Sebastian Saramago currently scheduled for November 5.

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Syx Toshi Wave Report

Interested in reading more detail about SL surfing waves?  Syx Toshi, owner of Monkey Cove surfing sims, can tell you all about them, including the latest SSi Epic in the works.  Syx has a keen interest and understanding of wave design and technology and explains his view in terms we can all understand.  Simply scroll down the right hand side of your SurfWatch page to SurfWatch Sponsors and click on Surf Shop 6.  SurfWatch will keep you posted on updates to Syx' site so you can stay on top of the waves!

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Results from SLSA Round 1 Tsunami Beach Challenge, Saturday, October 10, 2009

Scores provided courtesy SLSA, photo courtesy Colleen Brennan

Robbin Ember tearing up the wave

The results of the SLSA Round 1 Tsunami Beach Challenge are:

Heat 1:
Harbor Piers 14.00
Lacy Rossini 11.83
Sunshine Zhangsun 12.00
Kohana Schimmer 12.50
Sparkey Corleon 11.83
Kantbe Thursday 13.66

Heat 2:
Kim Henig 13.50
Sven Homewood 13.33
Maldrul Morris 14.33
Bodhi Lowtide 11.33

Heat 3:
Buffy Munro 13.16667
Aeryn Kidd 12.50000
Ashleigh Dickins 13.33333
Mojo Manamiko 11.50000

Heat 4:
Sassy1 Fizzle 13.00
Kait Seetan 13.00
Countess DeCosta 12.00

Heat 5:
Robbin Ember 13.33333
Velvetori Twine 12.33333
Cymindra Deschanel 12.16667
Aurora Jacks 9.500000
Brenden Quan 14.16667

Heat 6:
Rhett McMahn 12.00000
Lynda Mimulus 12.83333
Mick Lunasea 10.16667
Rick Galli 10.33333
Amy Eclipse 13.16667

Best two riders from each heat will advance to Round 2 on Saturday, October 17.

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SLSA Heat Draws Round 1 Tsunami Beach Challenge

Round 1 of the SLSA Tsunami Beach Challenge will start at 11 AM SLT and check-in is at 10:45 AM SLT.  Each heat is 3 waves each, and the best 2 riders from each heat will advance to Round 2 on October 17.

Heat 1:
Red - Harbor Piers
Blue - Lacy Rossini
Green - Sunshine Zhangsun
Orange - Kohana Schimmer
Purple - Sparkey Corleone
Black - Kantbe Thursday

Heat 2:
Red - Kim Henig
Blue - Sven Homewood
Green - Maldrul Morris
Orange - Sienna Velinov
Purple - Bodhi Lowtide

Heat 3:
Red - Buffy Munro
Blue - Aeryn Kidd
Green - Ashleigh Dickins
Orange - Ucalegon Zarco
Purple - Mojo Manamiko

Heat 4:
Red - Sassy1 Fizzle
Blue - Kait Seetan
Green - Countess DeCosta
Orange - Locksley Blitzstein
Purple - Silvia Warden

Heat 5:
Red - Robbin Ember
Blue - Velvetori Twine
Green - Cymindra Deschanel
Orange - Aurora Jakcs
Purple - Brenden Quan

Heat 6:
Red - Rhett McMahn
Blue - Lynda Mimulus
Green - Mick Lunasea
Orange - Rick Galli
Purple - Amy Eclipse

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Surf Party!

SL surfers are invited to a pre-competition barbeque and beach dance party!

Where:  Freeport, New April Island, Freeport (6, 106, 21)
When:  Friday Oct 9
Time:  2 PM SLT til the cows come home
DJ:  Desirae Beaumont starts at 4 PM SLT

Sponsored by Tsunami Beach, proud home of the SLSA Tsunami Beach Longboard Challenge and Jasmines Cantina Resort

Come relax and have a good time with your fellow riders!  Beer, burgers and laughs! Good luck to all the riders!

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Team Profile - Boracay

submitted by Harbor Piers

JamesB Allen, co-founder

Team Name:  Team Boracay

Year Founded:  2009

Founder(s):  JamesB Allen/Marianna Monentes

Current owners:  Owner/Captain Harbor Piers

Current Team Standing:  with no shoes

Where did the team name come from:
Originated from Island name

Why was this team started:
JamesB Allen is a real life surfer.  Surfed in competitions in his RL youth and wanted an SL team.

Pertinent History/Highlights:
Relatively new team and having a good start to our first full season in Season 2 of 2009.  Bubster Box was the first team member to advance us to the 2nd Round at the Chi Fluffy Challenge.  Harbor Piers is the first to advance to the Semi's at Sol Mananero competition

How does this team train and how often:
Correspondence between surfers, sharing tips, training whenever is convenient and will try to group together when we can.  Very hands on.  We won't put on the stress of a rigid practice schedule.  This is SL surfing!!!

What is the basic philosophy behind this team in terms of SL surfing (reality vs. gaming):
SL is another way to enjoy and share the love of surfing.  Boracay's philosophy is to have fun and enjoy ourselves.  To each surfer their own, whether you are landlocked or on the coast catching the morning waves each day.  SL lets us all surf!

What board does this team use and why:
RJ surfboards.  A great board designer.

What wave does this team prefer and why:
We prefer any wave we can ride!

What associations does this team compete in:
SLSA competitions

Who are the top scoring riders on this team:
Harbor Piers, Kait Seetan and eLiza Eizenheim

Harbor Piers                                                                                               Boracay Surf Team

                                                                                         

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Associacao Brasileira de Surf no SL

Sunset...Jaws...Leogarto Burt's waves.  Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZajkUjAhZ3U to see them in action. 

Leo's waves are available for:

SUNSET WAVES
10m x 10m x 40m - 3,000L
10m x 10m x 60m - 4,000L
10m x 10m x 100m - 6,000L
10m x 10m x 200m - 8,000L

Sunset waves make waves with shapes sculpted using mega prims and comes in four different sizes.  The main factor to take into account when choosing a Sunset model is the area of ocean available for installation so a single wave is used regardless of the size of the sea, from a small cove in your residential area or a whole island to the surf.  The Sunset wave kit contains:  control panel, generator, install instructions notecard, metric rules, Surf Point HP landmark.  Leogarto Burt is always available to assist with wave installation.

JAWS
15m x (7.5m or 10m or 15m) x 100m - 20,000L

Jaws waves is one of the most advanced and fully detailed waves in SL today capturing the reality of RL beaches.  It uses mega prims in multiple sculpted forms combined with a new technology to control timing of actions and shapes with the Jaws wave producing a variation of the shape of the wave along the route.  There are 15 different sculpted which give the appearance of the wave to form on the outside and gradually developing thru an extensive pipe to break and eventually die at the beach.  The timer also allows variations in textures, sounds and more particles increasing their reality.  Jaws comes in 3 different heights.  The kit comes with control panel, generator, install instructions notecard, metric ruler and Surf Point HP landmark. 

Contact Leogarto Burt for more information.

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SLSA Celebrates at SLSA Sim Dedication Event

Saturday, October 3, marked the Grand Opening ceremony for the Second Life Surfing Association's new sim at Archipelago.  The event opened with a live music line up of Obeloinkment Wrigglesworth, Zorch Boomhauer and Tauri Tigerpaw.  All donations went to to the SLSA to help defray the cost of this historic new home for the SLSA.

The SLSA also raffled off two Yen Destiny motorcycles that went to Kohana Schimmer and Sally LaSalle.  Desne Aabye, Kohana Schimmer and MaryAnn Maa each won a Tsunami surfboard, and Sally LaSalle and Desirae Beamont won a Bloody Waters Beach Shack.

The event had a full fun park set up on the beach with beach volleyball, ping pong, dunk tank, kissing booth, ferris wheel and other events. 



At 4 PM SLT, there was a mini surfing competition to break in the sim. 

The final results:
Wil DeCuir - 8 points - 3000L payout
Sean Azambuja - 8 points - 3000L payout
Sally LaSalle - 7.5 points - 1000L payout
DeVinna Toll - 6.5 points - 500L payout

Heat 1 competitors and scores:
Wil DeCuir - 7.5
Kimmy Jigsaw - 7
Desne Aabye - 6.5
Kohana Schimmer - 6
DeVinna Toll - 7.5

Heat 2 competitors and scores:
Sean Azambuja - 8
Sally LaSalle - 7
Ashleigh Dickens - 5
Kim Henig - 6.5

Money prizes were funded by Bloody Waters Construction.  Future money prizes will depend on sponsorship.

The SLSA plans to hold a mini competition every month at the new sim in this same format - each rider getting two waves with one counting towards the score.  This format requires minimal officials to operate, and many of the competitors donated their winnings back to the SLSA and said they thoroughly enjoyed this competition format.

Check out Kohana Schimmer's photos of the event at:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/43224369@N04/

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Kayak Derby II

Kayak Derby II, the second SL Whitewater Kayaking competition, will be held on Saturday, October 24th, at 11 AM SLT at the Tidewater Canyon River in Wilder Keys.  Thrilling whitewater action as paddlers run three heats each, challenging the gates of this difficult river course, competing for the top prize of 500L!  Whitewater kayaking is gaining popularity in Second Life led by creator "GT Whitewater Kayaks" and has multiple whitewater rivers across the grid.  For more information or to register for the derby, please contact Guiles Tidewater or visit Tidwater Canyon River, Wilder Keys (235, 93, 31).

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Wax On In-Depth

Submitted by Colleen Brennan, Special Correspondent

I recently had the pleasure of meeting up with Sassy1 Fizzle and GiavannaMarie Melody and interviewed them for SurfWatch's on-going “surfer-on-the-beach” series called “Wax On.” SurfWatch randomly chooses a beach and interviews the surfers we find to ask them some basic questions about SL surfing and try to get a feel of who makes up our community and their thoughts on various aspects of surfing and current issues.

Anyone who knows Sassy and Gia knows that they are hardcore surfers who genuinely enjoy their time on the virtual waves. I asked them what they enjoy so much about surfing in SL and what motivates them.
Gia noted that she, “... loves the friendships and sense of community .” Sassy added she, “...loves the peace and tranquility I feel while surfing... always makes me feel a little better.” I think both sentiments go straight to the core of how so many of us feel.

There is a strong and lasting bond that develops from our common interest of sharing good times on the virtual waves. Both Sassy and Gia reflected on how they started surfing. Sassy recalled, “ I wish I had known about surfing when I first came to SL.  I missed out on it for two years before stumbling across it one day.  I was hooked for good from then on.” She continued, “Maxwell Silvansky taught me and was my very first true surfer friend and still is to this day."  Sassy also added that VW Sands has been a great influence on her and a great teacher and coach. She stated, “ I have learned a lot from VW.  His true calling is teaching.”' I know many of us would agree with that sentiment.
Gia had a similar experience with an early mentor. She credits SexyBoy Oh as the first surfer she met and recalls, “Then I met everyone else and made many friends. Everyone has been so kind.” Sounds like Sexyboy created another surfing addict.

Having both joined the SLSA competition circuit in 2009, I asked Sassy and Gia how they feel about competitive surfing. Gia noted that while she has a lot of fun, she can also take it seriously and practice hard because, "I am a competitive person, and I love them (the SLSA competitions.)".  Gia is a goal setter and does not think in terms of beating other people. She prefers setting personal goals such as making the top ten and then working hard to get to where she desires to be. Gia feels the need to give back to the surfing community and ran for an open SLSA director spot in the September election.

Sassy expressed some concern that the community sometimes gets off track and loses sight that the comps and all surfing “should be about fun and friendship.” Sassy is also a hard-working surfer, but she just does not realize she is working hard because she enjoys it so much. Sassy is a community person. She expressed an interest in giving back and perhaps putting her surfing career on hold at some point and participating in other capacities such as judging.

I am running out of wax but I cannot close “Wax-On” without including Gia's response to my question about if she has a favorite wave type. Clearly she likes her fluffs! Stating, “I love to dance in RL and to me, it is like tangoing with a wave. You have to ride the wave.  It does not fight you like the epic and other power waves.” I am off to tango, surfers! Be careful, you never know when we might drop in and do some waxing when you least expect it.

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MUST Competition Results

submitted by Syx Toshi

The second MUST surf event of the season at Monkey Cove resulted in a surf-off between Followingwaves Sirbu and Rayzza Rubble.  Followingwaves was the victor with a score of 4.6 to Rayzza's 3.9.  Both competitors gave the spectators a great show!

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One Cool Cat Celebrates his Birthday!

The coolest surfing cat, Zenon Parnall, celebrated his birthday on Sunday, September 27, kicking up the sand in a specially designated litterbox on the beach at Mori Pwani.  His love and partner, Nadja Revnik, threw him a surprize beach bash and debuted the specially created issue of "Playcat, the Magazine of Entertainment for Cats".  Friends were on hand with live entertainment of kitty looooove songs by Tauri Tigerpaw. Congratulations to Ze and PURRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

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Team Profile - Montego

completed by Kohana Schimmer

Team Name:  Montego Surf Team


Year Founded:  2009 February


Founder(s): Kohana Schimmer, Robbin Ember and Candywhite Compton (Candywhite is no longer active)

Owner/Captain:  Kohana Schimmer

Co-Captains:  Robbin Ember and Sunrize Mornington

Mentors:  Tauri Tigerpaw and Sebastian Saramago

Current Team Standing:  6th with SLSA

Where did the team name come from:  Kokomo by Beach Boys

Why was this team started: 
A few of us, formerly on the Cornish Surf Team in 2008 (Cornish was disbanded after the Cornish beach sim was closed and owners chose not to continue name/team) were left lost and homeless, so we got together one night and decided to start the Montego Surf Team.

Pertinent history/team highlights: 
Since our team is relatively new, we don't have much "history"...ahhh (frown).  We do accept brand new surfers without criteria or tests for them to join us.  As long as they have the "passion" in their demeanor for surfing, we know they will be a good member of Montego Surf Team.  We do put on a "Guest Speaker" series for the surfing community each month that has become very popular on the first Thursday of each month at our home break beach "Knowhere".  Our team sponsor is Counting Offcourse for our homebreak and Damien Kleinfeld of Splendeurs Surfwear for our team outfits.

How does this team train and how often:
We try to get together the last Thursday of each month and surf together, talking tricks and tips.  We usually practice at our homebreak, Knowhere, or at the venue of the next upcoming competition.  All captains are available for one-on-one training with any team member.  Some members attend the free lessons given by VW Sands on Wednesdays, too.

What is the basic philosophy behind this team in terms of SL surfing (reality vs. gaming):
"FUN FUN FUN"  Montego recognizes that each member brings their own uniquely different personality and surfing style which makes us so special!  I suppose we all do a little of both, reality vs. gaming, when surfing.  Our basic philosophy is to embrace a "team spirit" in our souls and to keep the "passion" for surfing alive in our hearts.  We stress having "FUN FUN FUN"!  We encourage our riders to compete but if they don't want to, that is fine, too.  They can cheer on their teammates which is just as important to us.  Montego Surf Team wants all our surfers to enjoy the sport of surfing, feel the love and support of their family (team) and most of all, have "FUN FUN FUN"!

What board does this team use and why?
We use SSi boards made by Sebastian Saramago.  Seb is one of our "mentors" and his boards are the best!  We aren't biased or anything...LOL!

What wave does this team prefer and why?
Each rider has their favorite wave, I'm sure, so I would have to say all of them:  fluffies, pipes, epic and sculpties are our favorites.  We encourage our members to surf all types of waves on all types of boards and to visit all types of beaches to hone their skills insuring we are always prepared.  Kind of like the Boys/Girl Scouts motto!  LOL

What associations does this team compete in?
SLSA and VSA

Who are the top scoring riders on this team?
Sunrize Mornington, Bodhi Lowtide, Kohana Schimmer, Robbin Ember, Maldrul Morris

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