SLSA Candidates for Director Interviews

Note: Due to the December 1st elections not being a standard election, SurfWatch has agreed to publish the following interview which was received after the deadline for interviews.

Candidate Name: GiavannaMarie Melody

SW: You are currently ranked #? for last season's SLSA surf rankings and you've been SL surfing for more than ? years. We understand you have announced your intent to run for SLSA Director this term. What qualifications, skills, competencies, traits, etc. would you bring as a director and why are you running?

GM: I was not ranked for last season, due to my rl life. But I have been ranked in the top 20 for 2 seasons previously. I have been a part of the SLSA for approximately 2 years. The one thing I always felt was special to me was that Cip had a huge influence in developing me as a surfer. The passion he displayed was something that I cherished and wish to share with others. I am a great listener and communicator, which I believe is key in being a director with 5 other individuals. I am happy with the direction that SLSA is taking and feel that I had a small part in help taking this organization in its current direction. I have always been dedicated to the ongoing growth of SLSA.

SW: What areas of improvement do you currently see related to SL surfing?

GM: I love the idea of having surfing 101 classes. This is something that I was pushing for during my previous term as Director. It has brought new talent into our organization. The new surfers that have joined has been refreshing to the SLSA. I think its important that we continue to develop and find new talent.

SW: What do you see as the top issues facing SL surfing and what would be your first priority?

GM: When I first came to the SLSA, it seemed our resources for surf competition sites were huge. Over the past season we have lost some of our cherished venues. It is imperative that we find a way to save our current sims and find a way to expand our choices.

SW: All the candidates are qualified - why should voters elect you over any other candidates?

GM: I think the other two candidates are very qualified. I don't believe that I am more qualified than them, in fact I see them as equals. They are two people that I look forward to work with and share ideas to help this great organization. However, I do feel that I bring some past experience to the table.

SW: What were you most satisfied with as an SLSA member last season? What were you most dissatisfied with?

GM: I am most satisfied with how smooth most of the competitions have been running. The time has been cut down drastically . I do however feel that we do need more sponsors to help with the costs of running the SLSA. This is one area I hope to improve on as Director

SW: Anything else you would like voters to know about you?

GM: I would love to let the voters know that I am 100% dedicated. I do feel that I have unfulfilled business since my last term. But things have progressed since then. The SLSA is a huge part of my rl and sl life. I am looking forward to serving the community with the current board members as well as my other two candidates. Thank you

Give us a brief statement or opinion on some of the major issues the SLSA faced in 2010 and possible issues moving into Season 1 of 2011:

1. With so many full surf sims gone or having to reformat how they are used, what, if anything, can the SLSA do to help sim owners and riders who will now be relying much more heavily on Homestead sims for comps?

GM: I believe we have to pull our resources. Awareness also is key. We have lost a few great sims already. Looking for more sponsorship is one thing that can be very beneficial to helping our organization preserve our current sims. We need to explore new options and I feel that the next board administration has the talent to find solutions to this issue.

2. With low competition registrations, do you feel the two comp format still required?

GM: Although the two comp format is a great idea...I think it could be done in one competition. But I do not appose to having a mini comp riders that are not in the top 20, but not having that every month. This will allow them to gain the experience of a full competition.

3. What are your general thoughts concerning what makes comp legal board scripts and mods?

GM: I always thought that having mod boards is a good thing...but we need to regulate what can be used. I think it is in fairness to the other riders. I believe that we have lost some of our top riders to this issue.

4. Do you believe that team rankings should continue and what is the impact on camaraderie in SL surfing?

GM: I don't see anything wrong with team rankings. As far as camaraderie is concerned, I feel it has improved over last season.

5. Any particular issues you feel are not being addressed that you want to do something about?

GM: Save our surf sims and expand our community


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Someone Turns 3!


A party bash took place Sunday, Nov 28th at Tsunami Beach for Sunrize Mornington's 3rd Rezz Day!

The sun rises every morning,
Over broad sand beaches
And smooth rolling waves,
But we forget to celebrate,

The most important part
Of every single day,
That we live and feel
By its warmth and energy.


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Beach Huts for Rent

Looking for a little piece of heaven to call your own, where soft white sand tickles your toes and you awake to the sound of the surf out your front door?  Check out Southend at Goombah Estates!  36 sims of waterway, airspace and horsetrails; shopping; parties; and surf!  Beach huts, skyboxes or full, half, third or quarter sims also available.  Tell them what you need and see what they can do to make Goombah Estates your home!  Contact Kelly Goombah, Stud Dirval or Willilicious Georgette for more information!

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SLSA Monkey Cove Longboard Open Registration

as posted on SLSA Forum: http://www.surfslsa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1324


This is a registration topic for the season finale series at Monkey Cove.

When: December 4th and 11th, 11am SLT

Where: Syx, Monkey Cove http://slurl.com/secondlife/Syx/18/53/21


Boards will be SSI Longboard script 5.1, 5.2 or 5.2dlg.

Waves: SSi Cortes

1. The Open event is open for ALL new surfers and also those currently ranked below 20th place. The Open comp will take place next Saturday, December 4th (11am SLT). It will have it's own winners. There will be podium, awards, trophies and all the fun stuff. All heat winners will advance to a final heat which will determine that overall event winner, winning prize and trophies.

2. All first and second placing riders from the Open will be automatically qualified to compete in the next stage of the event, the Monkey Cove Pro taking place on Saturday, December 11th (11am slt). All registered current top 20 ranked surfers are qualified to sure in that competition, as well as heat winners and runners-up from the Open competition. The Top 2 Open scores that don't automatically qualify to compete will receive wild cards and will also be invited to compete in the Pro.
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Sharrrrrrrk!!!!

This just in!  Shark on beach attacking...snowmen???  Check it out at Archipelago!
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Pray for Surf...

photos courtesy Colleen Brennan, Maxwell Silvansky, Ashleigh Dickins and Tauri Tigerpaw

What the SurfWatch staff does on their time off...





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Watch out for Sharks!

Shark fin in the water???  Heck no!  That's Sharkbite and their newest satellite shop at Southend, Goombah Estates, carrying the hottest surf fashions and designs and giving you a taste of all the latest beach fashions available at their main store at Tai!  Stop by and check out Sharkbite's new satellite shop and all the other new shops now open at Southend! 

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SLSA Candidates for Director Interviews

SurfWatch conducts these in-depth interviews to help voters get a clear picture of the candidates that are running for the Board and gives candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the voters. Although this is not a standard election, we feel it is still important for the SLSA membership to know about the candidates and their thoughts. All three candidates were sent the same interview and two have responded. See their interviews below. GiavannaMarie Melody is the only candidate to not respond. Interviews are posted in the order they were received. Voting opens on December 1st. Stay tuned for more details!


Candidate Name: Robbin Ember

SW: You are currently ranked:
RE: I think around ten or so, but oops I don't want to mess it up, that is my goal for this season.

SW: for last season's SLSA surf rankings:
RE: I am not sure, but I was way up there, I mean like way up in the numbers, not good.

SW: and you've been SL surfing for more than:
RE
: two years, I think.

We understand you have announced your intent to run for SLSA Director this term. What qualifications, skills, competencies, traits, etc. would you bring as a director and why are you running?

RE: My most important quality, I think, is my compassion, my desire and ability to listen, and then incorporate what I see and hear into a cogent idea that resolves the issue or, if not, explains the reason. I am running for the board because I feel an obligation to do my part in helping my friends. I know the time and effort that it takes, and I want to repay those who have done so and now do so.

SW: What areas of improvement do you currently see related to SL surfing?

RE: The largest improvements that I see are twofold. First, and most important, is to continue to try to help bring our community back together. I noticed so many members sort of drop out of the organization, in the past, for a lot of reasons, and this season, I have seen some come back, I am thrilled to see some old wounds mend. This, along with all of the great new surfers that have competed this season, I am more enthused about our group. In this regard, I believe that we can also make our organization more open to the other surfing organizations here in SL. I remember at the beginning of this season, or some months ago, a great gathering/party at Tsunami that got all of our groups together, from the US, to Europe, to Asia, to (what is it Mick Jagger shouts on David Bowie's version of Dancing in the Streets) South America...It was a great gathering and I think needs to be repeated more often.

Second, I agree with an idea that VW Sands had a while back about consolidating our financial resources to maintain our current sims. We need to make sure that we preserve what we have and/or help out individual sim owners. However, I realize that the formula is fairly tricky, i.e. who gets what and for what reason, but we have to start somewhere.

SW: What do you see as the top issues facing SL surfing and what would be your first priority?

RE: As I said above, my first priority is to mend old wounds and encourage new participation. We have been blessed this season with some great performances by some great new surfers. Combined with bringing some people back, wow...We can do it, you know. And being open to other organizations. We already have great boards and great waves, I think that now we need to remember why and with who we want to share it. Also we need to consolidate our financial resources to keep great sims going and perserve what we already have.

SW: All the candidates are qualified - why should voters elect you over any other candidates?

RE: As I have said in the past, I am not so certain that they should. I am not techinically talented and not the brightest or most analytical, but I work pretty hard, am determined, and, oh yeah, I have a heart.

SW: What were you most satisfied with as an SLSA member last season? What were you most dissatisfied with?

RE: As I said this season I was most satisfied in seeing a lot of new, and great, surfers join and hopefully enjoy, while also seeing some great old friends come back. Likewise, I was most disappointed in seeing some great surfers not involved this past season.

SW: Anything else you would like voters to know about you?

RE: I don't think so, I believe that everyone knows me and what I am like. Well I included, a new look photo. But being serious again, it is like the group of friends that I surf with, Sun, Mal and Bodhi, we agreed to stay together as a team to have fun, because we liked each other and felt a certain bond, and I just believe that this organization needs that type of focus at this time.

Give us a brief statement or opinion on some of the major issues the SLSA faced in 2010 and possible issues moving into Season 1 of 2011:

1. With so many full surf sims gone or having to reformat how they are used, what, if anything, can the SLSA do to help sim owners and riders who will now be relying much more heavily on Homestead sims for comps?

RE: Running a surfing sim takes a lot of finances, and I definitely believe that we need to consolidate resources. When Majini went down, my first reaction was to try to start a new sim and then another, and I learned. Instead of more sims we need to preserve and promote what we have and then maybe build from there. VW had an idea long ago about consolidating resources and I believe that this might be a new area we can get into. Start with a fund to help the sim owners who need help, and also keep our own SLSA sim going. I believe that we already have a fund for that, but we need it, and more to help owners in trouble. This would also leave a possible option of renting a full sim when in need. As I said above, the formula is tricky, but we have to start somewhere.

2. With low competition registrations, do you feel the two comp format still required?

RE: This has been a reoccurring question in my mind too. I was on the board when we changed the format, and, in fact, was a surfer that was, at first, not allowed to register for a comp because within a couple of hours forty people had already registered. The change was needed then, and I hope that it is needed in the future, but I don't think that we need it now, at least not for that reason. I do like seeing the additional event, though, it brings new life, new surfers, and wow so much confidence. Just look at how some of the new, and yes, even old surfers, including myself, have done after being in the finals of the first week. That is good, but we have to weigh it with the resources required. I think that if registrations stay below forty or around there, we might want to keep the format for two events a season and not for the rest. Then keep it as a safety net if we blow the lid off on an event.

3. What are your general thoughts concerning what makes comp legal board scripts and mods?

RE: I like standard comp boards, I mean, everyone surfs the same board, available at the beach. I think that is most fair.

4. Do you believe that team rankings should continue and what is the impact on camaderie in SL surfing?

RE: I like the team rankings, as I said before, my teammates are very important to me. They are my closest friends and I just hope that I help them, as much as they help me. And you know I feel very close to almost every surfing team. In fact I find team riders the most encouraging.

5. Any particular issues you feel are not being addressed that you want to do something about?

RE: Not really, I think that you all asked about everything. Well, one thing, I am listening to this great song, and it really makes me think...Martha Davis and the Motels, Only the Lonely...I love this song, but please don't let it happen here...please...and, love you Stephy...take care everyone, Robbin.


Candidate Name: Coolkat Delicioso

SW: You are currently ranked 12th for last season's SLSA surf rankings and you've been SL surfing for more than a year. We understand you have announced your intent to run for SLSA Director this term. What qualifications, skills, competencies, traits, etc. would you bring as a director and why are you running?

CD: mmm.. I hold no pretenses to my skills here, this will be the first time I have done such a thing in SL. but I do have rl experience in group management and fund-raising. I love SL surfing, and the whole family feeling that goes with it, so to be given the opportunity to serve my fellow surfers, I'm going to jump at it. Okay, I'm still a relative noob compared to some of you old farts..hehe but I'm willing to try and help push the SLSA forward in a positive way, and try and build on what we already have.

SW: What areas of improvement do you currently see related to SL surfing?

CD: The areas of improvement that I currently see are faster, smoother run comps and a happier vibe all round.

SW: What do you see as the top issues facing SL surfing and what would be your first priority?

CD: I see the top issues facing SL surfing to be funding, and the loss of surfing sims. Not only do we lose a sim, we sadly lose a part of our whole social environment. First priority would be to explore through positive discussion, different ways of tackling these problems, as this seems to be a reoccurring theme.

SW: All the candidates are qualified - why should voters elect you over any other candidates?

CD: I think I would bring a good vibe to the board. I would never say I'm better than him/her. I hope I am more of a diplomat than a lying politician.

SW: What were you most satisfied with as an SLSA member last season? What were you most dissatisfied with?

CD: I was most satisfied with myself, in finishing top 20!! hehehe.. no, really..I was most satisfied with the waves, the vibe, DJ Dan, the fun, and the general feeling that ran through everyone, it's been awesome this past season. Dissatisfied? Harsh word..never dissatisfied,.. obviously disappointed, we lost Mori : (

SW: Anything else you would like voters to know about you?

CD: I hate bullies, drama, people on power trips, sycophants, empty glasses and bs. I love life, music, dancing, having fun, and happy, helpful, friendly people. Oh, and never ending sl tequila, wacky hair and outfits..

Give us a brief statement or opinion on some of the major issues the SLSA faced in 2010 and possible issues moving into Season 1 of 2011:

CD: There are always going to be issues having to be addressed by the SLSA each season. Funding seems to be the theme that reoccurs each season, be it SLSA or sim funding.

1. With so many full surf sims gone or having to reformat how they are used, what, if anything, can the SLSA do to help sim owners and riders who will now be relying much more heavily on Homestead sims for comps?

CD: Keeping surfers aware of situations like this is always going to be a priority for me. The sooner people understand, the quicker the can respond. So any kind of information regarding this kind of situation, relayed the SLSA will be passed on to the surfer and sim owners as soon as it is available.

2. With low competition registrations, do you feel the two comp format still required?

CD: Yes I do...it should raise more funds, bring more people in, plus we get to party two weekends in a row!!.Yay!

3. What are your general thoughts concerning what makes comp legal board scripts and mods?

CD: Personally, I think if the script/board is legal and the board is modifiable, I feel you should do what you like with it, as long as it is within the length specified for the comp. You could surf a car bonnet for all I care! hehehe That said, I do like it when we all use the same non mod board too, its more of a level playing field so to speak.

4. Do you believe that team rankings should continue and what is the impact on camaraderie in SL surfing?

CD: Yep! Team rankings should continue..The impact of camaraderie?..*Throws a bucket of water over Q and hides behind Triston!!..hehe

5. Any particular issues you feel are not being addressed that you want to do something about?

CD: Well yes, the loss of our surf sims. We're still losing them.
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Live Performance! Tauri Tigerpaw!

When:  Friday, November 26, 2010
            1 PM SLT
Where:  The iFrog Garden - jardin romant, Dream4 You (186, 154, 23)
              Join the Tigerpaw Tour group for an LM or check out SL Live Music Events!
Who:  Tauri Tigerpaw in Concert

Live guitar and vocals!  Occasional live sneezes and dog howling!  Join us!

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Giving Thanks

special submission by Revlon "Revy" Benoir

In A Bountiful Universe What Am Thankful For?


When I was asked to write this year’s Surfwatch Thanksgiving post on what I have to be thankful about, I immediately started to think deeply about the topic at hand (well not immediately - first I had get past my swollen ego for being chosen).

My philosophy in life is that every day is filled with blessings both small and large, sometimes we fail to recognize the small things such as an IPhone has a built in IPOD, yet we always remember the really big stuff like my mother ill with cancer has recently celebrated another birthday. In recognition of Surfwatch, as the preeminent source of information pertaining to surfing in Second Life, I am going to focus what I am thank for in my Second Life.

I find it intriguing how one event has the possibility of developing into a complete branch of your life. On July 4, 2008, Mick Lunasea proposed and I became Mrs. Lunasea. While it is true that I had a nice Second Life before this special day, my union with Mickey has brought about so many new friends and exciting new adventures and I am very thankful for this. Last July Mickey and I celebrated our first year anniversary, we decided that we wanted to expand our family. We now have our son Jayden or Tiger as we prefer to call him. For this I am thankful.

I joined the Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) early in my Second Life, however, I was never an active participant.  Well, believe it or not, it is very hard to be Mrs. Lunasea and not become involved in organized surfing. I met so many wonderful people through my association with the SLSA that I wanted to give back to the community. I discussed this with Mickey and Surf Festival was born. So many people expressed how they enjoyed seeing the surfing community come together in a group effort, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be involved with the event.

While seeking a band to play at the Surf Festival, I was invited to join the SLNFL Broncos as a cheerleader. Through this adventure I came upon the Myst Dancers dance troupe. Dancing has always been a passion of mine in Real Life (RL), and I am very thankful for the opportunity to join such a highly regarded a dance troupe.

In closing, many of us have so much to be thankful for, however, we should not forget those less fortunate as well as those who honorably serve our countries. Let each of us make a point to remember them in our thoughts and prayers.
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Happy Thanksgiving!!!

What are you thankful for? 

Today in the states we celebrate Thanksgiving - some with family, some with strangers, some with turkey and stuffing and football, some alone with a cold sandwich in a car.  Whatever your circumstances, we thank you for sharing SurfWatch with us today.  When you log onto SurfWatch, you are sharing time with friends - family, even - many of us who have spent years together sharing time in a vitual world. 

We appreciate every comment you have shared with us - the ones we post and the ones we are unable to post - because it shows you are reading SurfWatch. We appreciate the stories and scores and pictures you send to us.  We appreciate the in-world comments when you don't want to make a public comment.  We thank you for supporting us by joining our groups and visiting our shop and headquarters.  Thank you for your support, your participation in Second Life (SL) surfing, the linden you spend on boards and clothes and donations, reading and sharing with SurfWatch, and for caring.

I personally am thankful to Barchan Paderborn, SW Founding Editor, for one of my most enjoyable, frustrating, time-consuming and rewarding hobbies; Lissa Pinion, SW Editor in Chief, for stepping up and keeping the SW dream alive; Ashleigh Dickins, SW In-World Edition Editor, for perserverence and dedication; all the SurfWatch staff, contributors and commentors that have made this more of a family operation by sharing their Second Lives with us, and Bandit for making room for me on the couch.


Feel free to share what you are thankful for in the comments section.
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New Baby News!

GiavannaMaria Melody is proud to share her Real Life family with her Second Life family with this shot of the newest member of her family, the adorable Antonio, born on May 9th of this year.  Congratulations Gia!!!!
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SurfWatch's Snowman Contest!

Enter our totally awesome contest and wow us with your mad snowman making skillz. You may win lots of moolah PLUS be featured on the cover of SurfWatch! Plus you get the warm fuzzies of helping out the SLSA! No lump of coal for you this year! Head over to Archipelago and get your plot while you can, space is limited!  (Must be an SLSA member for build permissions)

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Tauri's Tidbits and Sticky Situations #13

We were recently having a convo about Second Life (SL) situations and talking about SL etiquette - is there such a thing? You know, the kinds of things you run into in SL and are not sure of the proper way to handle. We'll be periodically posting these dilemmas and looking for genuinely constuctive feedback on your opinion. If you have a comment or a dilemma of your own, let us know and we'll add it to the list!  And thank you to those of you that have sent us dilemmas to post - be sure to look for them in future segments!





Dilemma:
How do you tell your friend who is IMing you that he just broke up with his GF and is devastated, that you are in the middle of wild SL sex and can't talk to them right now?

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Win Some Linden!

Who's that crazy dude climbing on a board???
Be the first to post the location of this gnarley paleo-surfer in the comments section and win 250L!
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Hoo...What...When...Where...

Check out the new satellite shop of Hoodoo Surf next to the SurfWatch shop at Southend http://slurl.com/secondlife/Southend/55/172/31!  Hoodoo's main shop is at the beautiful Hoodoo Surf Superstore located at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Joyful%20Land%203/42/224/22 at Joyful Land 3. The satellite shop at Southend will feature all the great fashions and surfwear you've come to associate with Hoodoo Surf!  Come surf, lay on the beach, hang out at the club and enjoy the new shops going up at Southend including OSD's Gallery, Lourve Fashions, the SurfWatch Shop, and now, HOODOO SURF!  More shops opening soon!  And while you're shopping at Southend, check out Goombah Estate's 36 attached sims of residential living joined by waterways, airspace and trails!
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SLSA Director's Election December 1st






The Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) has announced the candidates running for three open seats on the SLSA Board of Directors as Coolkat Delicioso, Robbin Ember, and GiavannaMarie Melody. Election will be held December 1st. SurfWatch will be posting interviews of the incoming Directors before the election. To see if you are eligible to vote in the upcoming election, please see http://www.surfslsa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1320 and each candidate's intent to run at http://www.surfslsa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1322
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Who's Watching the Surf?

created exclusively for SurfWatch by Ashleigh Dickins





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Surf In SL - Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor submitted by Rick Galli. 



Hello, friends.........

I just want to express a few thoughts, not make criticism or cause any drama. I just miss the old days and have been reminiscing about how Second Life (SL) surfing has changed so much and pondering why.  I was a resident of Majini Beach that I loved (so many good times).  It was a place where all were welcome and where everyone knew everyone.  I just loved sitting in Analog's chairs (Analog Jun) talking, flirting and, on occasion, smoking "one" (hehehe).  Always we danced. And of course we surfed a lot.  We had a lot of fun.  Competitions were only a detail.

Really, missing Majini.  It was a real surf community where people bonded.  That sense of commiunity seems offten to be missing today.  Just look for friends at the competitions - try to find just a hi, good luck, etc.   Why? I have to wonder.

We currently have many great surfing sims.  I love it, but never or almost never meet anyone.Why?  What is the surf in SL today?   The best surfboard?  The best script?  The best machine?  It can't be about just that.  Where are the people? Where are the friends? Ok...some have gone (we miss them much).  But where is the bonding of people? The welcoming of new people and the the building of the surf community?

Today, with all the new boards and waves ,we can do unimaginable tricks in the surf and make turns and jumps that do not exist in Real Life (RL), even at the top levels. I know we are talking about SL where anything is possible but would be this indispensable? Would this be amusing?  Should we only care about how we are being evaluated by the judges? Who does the most amazing tricks?  The best unimaginable performances?

I do not speak for me.  I never will have this pretension.  I know my limitations.  I know the limitations of my machine and my connection.  But I know, too, that a good performance also depends on a good connection and a good configuration of the machine.  I'm not a bad surfer in RL (hehe), I've surfed since 10 years old.  But here in SL, I do not have a good performance.  Almost 4 years of SL and never climbed a podium.  But, really, this is not important to me, and I will not let the surf or compete for it, never.  But I love to surf and, as much fun as winning a competition must be, there should be more.

I know as I reminisce, I feel like maybe something bigger and better has been lost. I really just miss a place to find my friends, all together.  I miss it.  I miss Majini, I miss the happy afternoons with a lot of talk, where everyone was friends, where all taught all.  I want a place to sit and do nothing, just sit and talk.  And, of course, to surf without wave wars, without board wars.
Why not release all the waves and surfboards?  Why not go back to fun and unpretentious surf?  Why not bring the spirit of Majini, back?

Awwwwwwww....I just miss it.

Thanks for your time to share my thoughts.

Rick Galli
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Tauri's Tidbits and Sticky Situations #12

We were recently having a convo about Second Life (SL) situations and talking about SL etiquette - is there such a thing? You know, the kinds of things you run into in SL and are not sure of the proper way to handle. We'll be periodically posting these dilemmas and looking for genuinely constuctive feedback on your opinion. If you have a comment or a dilemma of your own, let us know and we'll add it to the list!  And thank you to those of you that have sent us dilemmas to post, thank you for your input and be sure to look for them in future segments!





Dilemma:
If you know someone's partner has an alt and is cheating on them as that alt, or has an alt of another gender, and their partner doesn't know, should you tell them?
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Island Sea Dreams

Finishing up the final touches at her newest shop, Countess "Connie" Decosta's Island Sea Dreams has an additional location at:  http://slurl.com/secondlife/Harkonne/170/167/22, Second Life's new innovative indoor surf pool!






Connie is debuting a new line of bikinis and wraps in bold, vivid new colors and designs to add to her currently successful line of swimwear, so stop by her newest shop at SL's indoor surfing pool!







You can also check out Connie's new line of bikinis and wraps at the SurfWatch Shop at Southend!
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Deadline Approaching for SLSA Director Election Nominees

Reminder:  The Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) is accepting nominations for Director until November 17.  Step up and commit six months to participating in the organization that supports Second Life surfing.  Syx Toshi, Mick Lunasea (completing Countess Decosta's term), and Harbor Piers' current seats will be up for election on December 1. 

There are five sitting Directors on the Board of the SLSA serving six month terms in elections staggered every three months with alternating two-and-three Board seats coming open.  This ensures experienced directors are always on the Board during an election transition.  The Board manages the finances for running the competitions and maintaining the sim, including fund raising activities and sponsorhips; holding the competitions including registrations, staffing and venue selection and preparation; and many other activities. 

The 3 new Directors will join Kantbe Thursday and Abel Halderman as they complete the second half of their terms.  Kantbe states, "When the discussions and working collaboratively as a team works, it's a great feeling", when asked for a quote about the most satisfying aspect of being a Director.  Refer to http://www.surfslsa.org/ for requirements and details on running.
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HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY CHI!!!

submitted by Sally LaSalle

Chi is 4.


4 Second Life (SL) years equates to about 100 human ones.  At least that's how long ago it feels to me, that Chi was born.  But born from what?  Born from the creative passion of two people that were driven to make a place that was to be a celebration of the elements that combine to form life, love and creative energy.  Born to be a place of peaceful meditation and quiet reflection, where life's constant ebb and flow can be watched and reflected on.

People have asked, mainly in the surfing community, why has Chi lasted so long, while other surf sims have gone to pixel dust?  The answer really lies in who it is that is asking the question. You see, Chi wasn't created to be a surfing sim. Surfing came later! So from its very beginning, Chi was an unusual place on SL. It was a place that was not carved up into neatly lettable parcels for rent. It was a place that embraced "bumpiness", terraformed to provide a real life feel, and to soothe the eyes with smooth curves, 4 separate rounded bays each with a different atmosphere, a mountain range a volcano, with terrain rising from a uniquely created custom sand texture through verdant greens to craggy rocky heights.

Something else you may or may not have ever noticed, but if you look down on Chi from above, the island is bisected by a deep ravine into two halves, its Yin and its Yang. Much thought and care went into the concept, as did the covenant which provides for a consistent Asian inspired build and the exclusion of smoke belching machines. Chi has also always been an open build sim, a place where people could come and try things out or just rez their shopping and try things on.  It has welcomed and embraced diversity in all its forms, with residents and technology from the broad spectrum of human imagination.

And in embracing that diversity perhaps lies the secret of its longevity.  Chi has never been dependent on surfing or surf related forms of income for its survival.  Economically, it has a very diverse source of income from all forms of SL business and donations. Chi is a very welcoming place, but in a very subtle way, we are not "in your face" with over the top salutations.  We never ask for contributions or donations.  On the other hand, we are very much into providing them, on the basis that karma will prevail and kind deeds, tho reward enough in their own right, will eventually be rewarded in other ways.

Chi has no expectations or aspirations.  Come as you are, enjoy, go as freely as waves on life's energy flow. Stay or not, like it or not, it's your choice and it's a place of non judgment. The only rule is to do no harm and consider your actions or motivations in the broad context of ever-changing life.

Will Chi always be there? I very much doubt it. The only constant in life is change.  It's the essence of the universe we all occupy, so one day Chi will have changed to some other form. That is OK, it's not to be feared or something to be sad about, it's just another phase. For now, as always, from a place of pure belief in my heart, I welcome you all to come visit, maybe stay, but enjoy Chi and Tai as they are in the present moment enjoy the surf, and see you in another year !! :)
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Breaking News on Monkey Cove!

Syx Toshi, owner of Monkey Cove sims, just announced with sadness that, "Monkey Cove will be changing dramatically in the next few weeks. I will no longer be renting residential huts/areas. Due to the economic realities of estate ownership, I must change to a better model that will allow me to retain the sims in the estate. Effective immediately, I will only be renting full, 1/2 and 1/4 sims based on availability. This means that once the rent you have paid is up, there will be no opportunities to rent huts. If you are interested in renting a Full sim or Half sim, please send me a notecard. Based on the sim, prices will range from L$ 30,000/month - L$36,000/month for an entire Homestead Sim. L$ 16,0000/month - L$19,000/month for 1/2 Homestead Sim.

Syx states, "What has always made Monkey Cove special is the residents, and I hope to retain some of that magic in this next evolution of Monkey Cove. I think this is the best way to continue to have great surfing at Monkey Cove and meet the demands of the financial realities that go along with surf sims."

Contact Syx Toshi by notecard if you are interested in renting full, half and quarter sims.
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neXXus Dome Brilliance

Hovering over Tai (192, 124, 21), skies of brilliant hues capturing sparkling stars and orbiting planets, or vivid sunset colors swirling in the clouds, or unimaginably beautiful overhead scenery.
Thanks to neXXus Showroom located at Tai (49, 124, 4001), the sky is awash with domes that can cover your sim with spectacular ambiance!

Check out the neXXus Showroom at Tai and enjoy live performances, shopping, rentals, surfing and so much more, adjacent to the serenity of Chi. And don't forget to look up!


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Chi 4th Anniversary Pro Comp Scores

scores courtesy of Buffy Munro and Sally LaSalle

Finals:
1. MarkFoo Waverider 17.50
2. Bobbi Laval 17.33
3. Triston Mayo 17.16
4. Harbor Piers 17.00
5. Wilfrid DeCuir 16.83
6. Ceedi Doghouse 16.16

Semi 1:
MarkFoo Waverider 16.33333
Wilfrid DeCuir 17.16667
Rayzza Rubble 15.16667
Jayden Domenici 14.83333

Semi 2:
Robbin Ember 13.33333
WickedV Carver 14.50000
Ceedi Doghouse 15.16667
Harbor Piers 15.50000

Semi 3:
Bobbi Laval 17.16667
Triston Mayo 16.66667
Coolkat Delicioso 16.33333
Jordan Mendle 3.666667

Heat 1:
Sunrize Mornington 14.16667
Robbin Ember 15.00000
Mick Lunasea 13.00000
Rayzza Rubble 15.00000
Dane Kutenai 11.00000

Heat 2:
Bobbi Laval 17.50000
Followingwaves Sirbu 13.50000
Ashleigh Dickins 9.666667
Ceedi Doghouse 14.83333
Alexia Marais 11.66667

Heat 3:
Wilfrid DeCuir 17.33333
Velvetori Twine 13.50000
Jordan Mendle 15.50000
Van Valeeva 14.00000
Alexander Dreie NS

Heat 4:
MarkFoo Waverider 16.00000
Maldrul Morris 14.33333
Coolkat Delicioso 15.33333
Cymindra Deschal 14.83333
Rom Heungsung 13.16667
Lourinho Nizna 14.16667

Heat 5:
WickedV Carver 16.16667
Jac Mornington NS
Sven Homewood 11.33333
Jayden Domenici 14.16667
Rick Galli 8.833333

Heat 6:
Colleen Brennan 15.50000
Triston Mayo 16.83333
Harbor Piers 16.50000
Cristal Rowland NS
Avidward Flagon NS
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Chi 4th Anniversary Pro Comp Heat Draws

as posted on: http://www.surfslsa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1307Heat draws for the Chi 4th Anniversary Pro

When: Nov 13th, 11am SLT
Where: Chi http://slurl.com/secondlife/Chi/131/209/23
Wave: fluffy (foam wave)
Board: SSi longboard

In order to accommodate a surfer that could not surf in an early heat, and having received acceptance from all original heat 1 surfers, the first heat based on the SLSA formula of making heats, has been moved after heat 4 and heat 2 has become heat 1, as it looks below. Heat contents does not change. Therefore heat draws for the Nov 13th look like this:


Heat 1
Sunrize Mornington RED
Robbin Ember BLUE
Mick Lunasea GREEN
Rayzza Rubble ORANGE
Dane Kutenai PURPLE

Heat 2
Bobbi Laval RED
Followingwaves Sirbu BLUE
Ashleigh Dickins GREEN
Ceedi Doghouse ORANGE
Alexia Marais PURPLE

Heat 3
Wilfrid DeCuir RED
Velvetori Twine BLUE
Jordan Mendle GREEN
Van Valeeva ORANGE
Alexander Dreier PURPLE

Heat 4
MarkFoo Waverider RED
Maldrul Morris BLUE
Coolkat Delicioso GREEN
Cymindra Deschanel ORANGE
Rom Heungsung PURPLE
Lourinho Nizna BLACK

Heat 5
WickedV Carver RED
Jac Mornington BLUE
Sven Homewood GREEN
Jayden Domenici ORANGE
Rick Galli PURPLE

Heat 6
Colleen Brennan RED
Triston Mayo BLUE
Harbor Piers GREEN
Cristal Rowland ORANGE
Avidward Flagon PURPLE
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ISLAND OASIS FOR RENT!

This won't last long!  Beautiful island oasis with sunset views, approx 2000 sqm., 350 prims, 800L per week located in a lovely, friendly and peaceful long-running sim.



Feel free to TP over and take a look and contact Dove Perlmann for more information!
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ithake/42/178/22

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Surf Rapport: Monkey Cove

submitted by VW Sands









Thursday November 11, 2010

Monkey http://slurl.com/secondlife/Syx/17/98/21

Seems like the sets at Monkey are good and..........better. Water temp was a tad cooler than normal today but the swell more than makes up for having to wear a spring suit ;-) 8-10 foot with 12-15 sets, a slight off-shore breeze and as always an easy paddle to the lines, Monkey is in great shape.

TONS of cool gear in the SurfShop here too so stop by Monkey and strip! Er.....rip!

/V


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SLSA Announces Call for Director Candidates

submitted by Kantbe Thursday

The Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) Board of Directors announced today (November 10, 2010) that they are taking applications for three upcoming vacancies in Director positions. These seats will be filling those currently held by Mick Lunasea, Harbor Piers, and Syx Toshi.

Applications must be submitted to each standing director between November 10, 2010 and November 17, 2010 to be considered.

More information is available in the announcements section of the SLSA forum and on the SLSA's web site.
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New Wave at Tsunami - the Cyclops!





Check out Luscious Starship's new design, the Cyclops, at Tsunami Beach!

Luscious Starship recently rolled out her new wave, the Cyclops, to add another wave option to Second Life surfing.  Surfwatch asked Luscious which boards she recommended using with this new wave design, and she responded, "All boards work on it. I've tested LSD, SSi, HP5, Action, and Vehicle LA'B SURF Series (from Japanese wave/board maker Eathon Sands) and they all work quite well."

Starship adds, "The wave would not have been possible without all of the friendly and helpful people of the surfing community whose suggestions and comments ultimately made the wave the way it is.  I'd also like to extend a special thanks to Divetan Sands for saying, "I want it to ride higher and in the tube more";  Mick Lunasea for saying about the prototype, "It looks like a lump, but the ride is.....phew!"; and Figger Arun for saying, "I like the original one better", when I tried to closed the tube up too much at first. And, of course, Colleen Brennan for listening and giving me crazy ideas as well as allowing me to use Tsunami Beach as a wave fermentation lab!"

Be sure to stop by Tsunami Beach and check out the Cyclops!
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Tauri's Tidbits and Sticky Situations #11

We were recently having a convo about Second Life (SL) situations and talking about SL etiquette - is there such a thing? You know, the kinds of things you run into in SL and are not sure of the proper way to handle. We'll be periodically posting these dilemmas and looking for genuinely constuctive feedback on your opinion. If you have a comment or a dilemma of your own, let us know and we'll add it to the list!  And thank you to those of you that have sent us dilemmas to post - be sure to look for them in future segments!



Dilemma:
What's the best way to remove someone's editing rights to your stuff without hurting their feelings?
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Wave Conditions: Mojo Beach

courtesy of VW Sands, Surfrat








Aloha SL surfers!
This is the first in a twice weekly Surf Rapport series from SurfWatch! We'll be wondering around
SL's surfing spots and providing you with up to date weather and swell reports from ALL the best
breaks in SL so stay tuned!

Saturday, November 6, 2010


The winter months are proving to be kind to the break at Mojo! With 12-15 foot sets
and water temps STILL in the low 70's the conditions here are truley Epic. Daytime high
on Saturday was 77 degrees, wind S-S/W at like.....5 knots maybe ( had 3 beers before I paddled out )
and WAY overhead sets, Mojo is rawking hard!

Plenty of goods at this beach so grab a stick and head out! Toss a few clams
on the owner(s) so we can include them in the Surf Report in the future as well ;-)

Stay tuned ( or tuned out ) and until next time GET WET!
As always, be sure to check out http://www.swwavereport.blogspot.com/ for the latest surf spots!








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In Honor of Andy Irons

photos courtesy Sally LaSalle

3-time world ASP surfing champion, Andy Irons, died Tuesday.  Cause of death was not immediately known.  At 32 years, a true champion and surfing legend, Irons was the world champion in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and a serious contender in every major surf competition.  Surfers around the world have been paddling out in honor of his memory, including the virtual world.




Surfers in memory of Andy Irons at the November 6 SLSA Chi competition



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