Eaten Alive!

Submitted by Kanjena Sweetleaf


Cann!bal !sland [Beach Paradise Island (133, 142, 21) - General - Cann!bal !sland is a resort and residential sim, a sandy archipelago in the tropical style with plenty of things to do to while away the SL (Second Life) hours. You can play chess, beach soccer, ride a helicopter and shoot each other off the sky, hunt for rare coconuts, roam the estate with their exclusive yachts and surf! sometimes, but as it’s a general rated sim there’s a no nudity rule so no naked surfing!

It’s a beautiful, unique region, lovingly created and nurtured, one of the sweet treasures of SL.
There’s a friendly interactive dog and a cheeky monkey, which is a nice touch in my view as animals tend to be less likely to IM (instant message) me with a vague ‘hi’ and tend not to wear a tuxedo to the beach.



The real reason I came to these peaceful and pretty lagoons was a quest, to chance my luck and risk my life and reputation on the legendary ‘Cann!bal Tsunamis’. This wave was made by the creator and owner of Cann!bal, Chotaire Seelowe, who, for those who like to explore profiles, has a rather interesting and rewarding picks section.

My first attempts at surfing the wave were useless though because the wave wasn’t to be found. The wave and many other environmental features of the sim are on a timed rezzer. They call this sim an ‘automatic and modular region’ with ‘event-based, time-based and on-demand variation of the entire sim’ which means that the wave isn’t always active. Using the word ‘wave’ feels like I am understating the phenomenal force of SL nature that is the Cann!bal Tsunami, but that’s what it is, one huge wave.

This wave is unforgiving, relentless, terrifying and surreal. It rises fast out of the calm like a vengeful marine goddess and there’s no escape from her, she’s on a mission to engulf anyone brave enough to face her wrath. But, once you get on the wave and establish a position, it’s a lot of fun packed into a few intensely passionate moments. When you chill and slow down to the pace and make those moments stretch, there’s some gloriously silly surfing to be had as the wave has it’s way with you.

I tried attacking the wave dead on at the centre and then fast turning my way up to the crest, which worked well. I was able to ascend quickly and easily and as I reached the very top of the curled lip edge, there was a gap, a flaw in the wave perhaps but it was useful as I was then able to launch myself through the top of the wave, bounce off the crest and fly off into space, for a second or two, and then spin downwards like a maple seed helicopter. This is my signature move on the Tsunami, the move I keep trying to repeat and when it did come off, I felt a great sense of achievement.  I used a C-3 v2 Shortboard on the wave, the custom paints board made by Catalina Hunter which she sells at Turtle Break. The board acted as normal and it's tight turning circle meant that I could stay on the wave easily despite it's great velocity.  In addition, according to Chotaire, "Cann!bal has their own custom boards rezzed for everyone to use which are optimized for this wave.  It's the Cann!bal Custom HP5 100."



I played with this wave for a while and time drifted away as I repeated this quest to the top of the wave. It was, as the old joke goes, all very well in practice, but will it work in theory?

I was reminded of an essay ‘Walking in the City’ by French Philosopher Michel de Certeau, in which he describes the ascent and climax of a journey to the summit of the World Trade Center.  This passage in particular resonated in the afterglow of my ascent of the Cann!bal Tsunami:

‘it transforms the bewitching world by which one was “possessed” into a text that lies before one’s eyes. It allows one to read it, to be a solar Eye, looking down like a god. The exaltation of a scopic and gnostic drive: the fiction of knowledge is related to this lust to be a viewpoint and nothing more’

This wave, for me, was about the passion of that lust to be a viewpoint, the story of that journey to a fleeting moment of what seems like seeing and knowing, a pause in the air beyond the prow, through a gap in the rhythm, before a descent back down into the mass of everything unknowable.

The theoretical view is one aspect but ultimately it’s a lot of fun! Do come and see for yourself and stay awhile, it’s lovely.

Share:
Read More

Burning Man Happening Now

Submitted by Mick Lunasea


And for the next 3 days!  Don't miss it!  Burning Man - Deep Hole (50, 89, 24) - Moderate - burn2 - Virtual Regional of Burning Man



Share:
Read More

The Legends Series: Interview - Bobbi Laval (Originally Posted 3/19/2009)


Within the pages of SurfWatch is the rich history of Second Life (SL) surfing from the mouths of the surfers that created or developed or promoted or excelled in this virtual sport over the years.  Enjoy these interviews and the perspective from these surf legends as SurfWatch begins "The Legends Series".


SurfWatch recently caught up with Bobbi Laval, ranked 3rd in the SLSA standings after 2008 Season 2, in the midst of preparing for Friday's St. Pat's Pro-Am Competition at Neart and her photography gallery showing at Costa Rica.

SurfWatch: How did you get started with SL surfing? Who taught you?
Bobbi Laval: (laughs) Well, I am self taught, mostly. I started on a date. This guy took me surfing at Bish (Bishara), on the fluffies that were at Munch Bay. He couldn't figure out how to catch waves, so he just sat on shore and watched me. I don't remember who that guy was - never dated him again. But I'm still surfing. I went back there a lot. Joined Bish group cause they kept boards rezzed for group members to use. I didn't know there was anywhere else to surf in SL - never saw anyone else there. It wasn't until WOI started Reef Riders that I found out about SLSA and surf competitions. So that's when I really started surfing. Seano (Osumi) encouraged me and Ritch (Goalpost) was my first surf buddy. We kinda learned how to surf together. After the first surf comp, TK (Tightline Kidd) and Portia (Roelofs) got me on Reef Riders, and I learned a lot surfing with them.

SW: Where did you surf?
BL: Back then, I surfed at WOI sims. Mostly Bundoran Reef, Crab Island and Clare. Neart didn't come til later. And Imagi. I met Virtual Bacon before that first comp. He encouraged me, and I loved surfing there.

SW: What board and script did you start off with?
BL: Well, the first boards I used were whatever was laying around Munch Bay for group members. The first board I bought was a Namiko Shibuya, the pink one. It was a pre epic enabled board, very difficult to surf on actually, especially by today's standards. Just before the Imagi comp, I bought an SJA Epic enabled board. It was the Hedonism promo board. Then I had Sammyjo Ah make me a custom SJA board.

SW: We understand you, along with Colleen Brennan, have competed in every SLSA competition since it started. Tell us about the first competition.
BL: Yes. Every SLSA competition, even the Surf City comp on Rob Jon boards and the RFL fundraiser. Gosh, that first comp at Imagi, I was so intimidated. I really didn't know anybody there. Just Seano and Ritch who I met practicing there before the comp. He was new, also, and didn't know anybody. Most of the surfers there had surfed in the Namiko competitions. And I was the new girl that didn't know anyone.

SW: What made you want to start competing?
BL: Well, I've always been a bit competitive by nature. I grew up ski racing. But I was having so much fun exploring SL and surfing was just part of that.

SW: How has SL surfing changed from back then?
BL: Gosh, it has changed so much and grown so much. Boards have changed so much. Back then, there were only prim boards made straight from Heather's (Goodliffe) template and the Namiko which was a bit shorter. Basically, boards were all the same except for graphics. Often, there were boards for each comp. Everyone rode the same board that was issued for that comp. So back then, it was all the surfer and what they could do. Boards didn't make any difference like they do now. But the biggest change was Havoc4. That changed surfing more than anything. Physics are totally different now, and post havoc boards are different. It made aerials much easier and, believe it or not, bellying is harder to do now. So many tricks we do now were so hard to do back then without bellying. Havoc4 kind of equalized everything. All the old surfers had to learn to surf over again and experience didn't mean as much. The difficult tricks could be done by more surfers without bellying. Then people like Laz (Longstaff) and Radical (Twang) started tweaking board shapes for better performance.

SW: What board do you use now and why?
BL: I make my own boards to ride now. There is so much more performance potential with 5.2 scripts than with 5.1 scripts. But unlike with 5.1 scripts, there really are not a lot of retail versions of 5.2 boards that have been optimized for performance. Seb (Sebastian Saramago) is doing some cool things, but I don't think he has anything you can buy from a vendor. I think the only way to get them is to buy a custom board from him. Sniper (DSniper Hotshot) made some small tweaks and got a bit better performance, and I think Robin (Mapp) did, too, but nothing like what's possible. I don't think we have really figured out what's possible with a 5.2 script. I just rode Wicked's (WickedV Carver) new board recently. I think it may be possible to go too far. It almost seemed like the board could do things faster than my computer could draw and was a handful to control.

SW: What advice would you give new surfers today?
BL: Whatever you do, have fun. Watch other surfers for inspiration and to learn what is possible, but experiment and develop your own style. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Most of us are happy to help.

SW: Where do you spend most of your time surfing?
BL: Three places really. WOI which includes Bundy, Neart and Crab Island, so I have every kind of wave available right there. I also have my own sim, Bounty Reef, with pipes running the full length of the sim. Other than that, I spend the most time wherever the next competition is.

SW: Tell us what you're doing in SL currently.
BL: When I'm not surfing or taking care of the beaches at WOI, I am doing a bit of building, working on my line of beach furnishings and, most recently, photography. Bon (Bonheur Chenaux) has inspired me a bit, and I got some attention becoming a finalist in a photography competition at WOI. That has kind of opened up a whole new world to me, and I've been busy getting things together for upcoming shows at galleries I've been invited to show at.

SW: Tell us about the Neart competition coming up.
BL: Sio (Sioban McMahon) wanted us to do something for the Festival of Saint Patrick. St. Patrick's week, of course, is a really big deal for West of Ireland, as you can imagine. So Cip (Cipriano Grut) and I sat down and started brainstorming to try to come up with a format that would be fast and fun and, most of all, encourage new surfers to compete. We'll see how it goes over, but I think we have come up with something that meets our goals. It should be a lot of fun. If it works out well, we can expect some more similar competitions. Colleen has already spoke with me about something similar at Tsunami, and we think it will be possible to strong arm Wil (Wilfrid DeCuir) into hosting one. Wil doesn't read SurfWatch, does he? We'll use our womanly wiles on him - he's a softie at heart.

SW: Anything else you'd like to add?
BL: Gosh, you have asked a lot. I can't think of much more. Oh, one more thing. It's always good luck to tickle the marshall's feet before every heat, and to save your gum on the board of the surfer next to you in the line up (giggles).

Check the Announcements and Calendar sections for more information on the St. Pat's Pro-Am Surf Competition and Bobbi's gallery showings.
Share:
Read More

Sons of Beaches - Revisited

Submitted by Kantbe Thursday



I'm pleased to announce with this post and its updates to how to find SL (Second Life) surfing spots,  that Surfwatch’s Wave Report web site is back in action thanks to Tauri Tigerpaw being back in SL. It’s been updated again and can be another way to find surfing venues. You can also get to the Wave Report by clicking on a link that’s in the Surfwatch blog’s main page sidebar on the right.

Last July, Cierra Theriac's  Virtual Surfside blog published an article on how to find surfing venues in SecondLife. Since that time, a couple of more options have become available, Wave Report has been resurrected, and one has been discontinued and replaced with a new way of finding things. The July post is still a good reference for Linden Labs’ Destination Guide and the free Surfing Community Teleport Board provided by Clairebear (tclairetbeart.aeon).  


Denise Foxtrot  has designed and made freely available an SLSA information sign that includes several other informational resources in addition to a list of surfing sims. The sign has a weathered board theme with different pictures and a couple of size formats.






The shark warning sign on Solace Dreams that has been used for distributing a list of public surfing sims since 2009 has been replaced by a new multi-sim teleporting and notecard giver sign created by Denise Foxtrot. This sign takes the same list of LM’s (landmarks) that have been distributed in the Surfwatch surfing sim list and builds a TP (transport) sign that let’s you scroll through the list of LM’s and select one for a TP.  It also provides a copy of the “Simlist” notecard if you prefer keeping a copy of the list in your Inventory. The coolest thing about this new sign is that multiple copies of the sign can be distributed all over the grid by anyone who wants a copy. When an update is made to a central content server, an updated sign with the new list of LM’s and an updated notecard is automagically sent to everyone who has one of these signs. There’s no need to go to another distribution sign to pick up a copy, or depend upon someone without a stellar memory (er, that'd be me) remembering to send you an updated list. If you’d like a copy of this sign, please IM Kantbe Thursday.

 With all of these options, I still can’t over emphasize the LL Destinations Guide option. This could be the most frequently accessed way people new to surfing try to find a surfing spot. Doing an inworld search on "surfing" is unreliable because so many people put this in the keywords of their sim's description even though they don't provide surfing waves. Years ago, the SLSA (Second Life Surfing Association) Board of Directors worked for months with Linden Labs to help promote community development. Having a category in Destinations Guide was one of the things that resulted from this work. This is primarily intended for use by the surfing spot owner. Also part of the Destinations Guide is Featured Events.  If you have an event, like a multi-grid surf off, or a week long "get to know SL surfing" that's open to everyone, it could be a candidate for a Destinations Guide Featured Event.  If you have a sim you’d like listed and are having trouble navigating their submission requirements, drop an IM (instant message) to Kantbe Thursday who can help you get your sim listed.
Share:
Read More

Lava Flow at Tsunami


Is that lava flow in the distance?  Check it out for yourself at Tsunami Beach (131, 99, 21) Moderate
Share:
Read More

Shark Surfing

Kris Marley, former SLSA (Second Life Surfing Association) Director and 2017 Top 3 Surfer, out to tame a wild shark at Solace Dreams beach.  Is this new way of surfing a possibility for the next SLSA surfing competition?
Share:
Read More

Saturday, April 22, 2017, Ephemera Presents 'Anchored'

Submitted by Kanjena Sweetleaf



Share:
Read More

A Conversation with Denise Foxtrot

Submitted by Nash LaVille

Nash LaVille, former Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) Director and long-time soul surfer, got an exclusive interview with the mysterious Denise Foxtrot, creator of Maoli waves including Fluffy Fun, My First Surf, California, Oahu, NextGen Monster, Maoli NextGen, NextGen Freestyle, 2Real - Curly to interview her on behalf of SurfWatch and find out how she got started creating the popular Maoli waves.


SurfWatch (SW):  Hi Denise.  Still interested in the interview?
Denise Foxtrot (DF):  Yeah, sure.  Of course I am not the surfiest person to talk with about surfing but I feel *good* gotten asked for a interview.

SW:  Well, you build waves that are ridden.
DF:   Also nice to see the sims here still do good though it's amazing that beaches get visited, so many as they are in SL (Second Life) ^^.

SW:  What got you started? How did you get interested in building waves, Denise?
DF:  Well, I had no interest in building waves to be honest.  My SL partner bought and runned waves, She had surf sims before and every time the sim crashed, the no copy wave disappeared. Like, it was in old SL times. And stuff like HP waves was like 25K.  So I said stfu,  I build you copy waves so they won't disappear anymore. Was long before mesh, of course.

SW: Your waves are well liked.  Okay, well, I like them a lot, yet still affordable.
DF:  I try to slowly get cheaper with the prices but I'll keep some expensive of course. A *planned rarity* should be there or every sim would run every wave.

SW:   Your time spent building waves is considerable.  Will you continue to build waves adding to the variety?
DF: That's quite difficult to say since waves are waves.  I've 2 modeled out already for a while but I don't really know if I release 'em or not.  Waves are only variations of the same shape naturally^^.

SW:  True, yet you have variation from a tube shape, the Oahu, to The Swell and Tahiti Break, each with their own character and unique ride.
DF: Yes, but specially to Oahu, my first surf *the smaller variant* and California, I had to take lots of critics where I normally *sh** on it.

SW:  The Oahu seems like a nod to the old school style wave.  It's a real departure from your previous work.
DF:  The Oahu is a very pretty visual I think. The ride is very limited but people asked for tubes years long.

SW:  What about surfboards, Denise?  Do you have a favorite?
DF:   Not really, if I can be honest there, without that most creators of the popular boards are angry on me.

SW:  Why?
DF:   I like C-3, I like HP, I like SSi, even Ninja Studio that today's kids don't know anymore I guess.  They did good work but it's basically copies of each other just with different physics and animations.

SW:  I remember when you broke on the scene, Luscious Starship was making some big waves.
DF:  Oh, I liked LSD.  I like Lus.  She also tried to be different. Not like Vetox [SL simboarding] but versus that what has been there before.  Also 'specially the price drop with the waves.

SW: Yeah.  Any advice on how NOT to make waves?
DF:  Too complicated menus which was Lus big drawback sadly ( I must say that cause people come to me with her waves and ask me how to set 'em up).  Not trying to copy nature.

SW:  Dig. Nice to hear you say that.
DF: It's no nature in SL.

SW:  Yeah.
DF:  It's an important thing I realized a lot here. Surfing simulation many say make it like RL (real life). Sadly it's many times also the RL surfer that say it. Those that should know better.  If we talk about RL simulation, we talk about speeds of 100 kph a surfboard reaches on the peak. Imagine you handle a vehicle that fast in SL. That would be like riding an LSD board with perma boost.

SW:  LOL!!!! Crack me up.
DF:  The thing that should get concentrated on is *to give player the vision of what a casual person imagines of surfing*.

SW:  I agree. The  joy.
DF:  Yes, the freedom, the wish to smell the salt and feel the breeze.

SW:  Word.
DF:  That's the emotion that should get created.


SW:  I'm thrilled to hear you say this. It comes through on your waves.
DF:  To me, that's the most important.  I mean that's what surfing in RL is, too.   It's not about 100 tricks in a row making backflips and 2 meter airs.

SW:   Ummm.....
DF:   That's just the contest surfers in TV.

SW: Yeah
DF:  And every one of them started once on the beach just wanting to ride a wave to the shore.

SW: Yeah.
DF:  Unimportant if he fell down or not.

SW:  Yeah.  I'm so glad you have done what you have for surfing in SL.
DF:   I am very happy to hear that. I didn't done anything in my view.  People came to me asking if I sell those waves actually.

SW:  Oh, you have been a huge part in sustaining  surfing in SL with your waves.
DF:  Never intended to have a shop. I said, oh ok, but only long the shop pays for itself. That's now 4 or 5 years ? I don't remember but quite a time lol.

SW:   'bout that, yeah. Tell me, please, what's your fave wave? The Swell?
DF:   My favorite wave...that's hard. It's not really a wave I like to surf at most. It's the Flowriders.

SW:  It's a trick question.
DF:   But if I would have to pick a wave then the Nalu which was pre-sculpt.

SW:  Ah.
DF:  Cause it was the first wave I sold and that started it all.

SW:  I forgot about Nalu. That would be fun to ride again. Is anyone running it?
DF:  I've no idea sadly if it still works as it should. I sent to most Nalu buyers a freestyle 100 out.

SW:  Denise, you rule. You really have helped the surf community a great deal.
DF:  Sssht, dont flatter.

SW:  I'd like to thank you from everyone that rides: Thank you, Denise.
DF:  I'd like to thank everyone who rides 'em!

SW:  (Smiles).
DF:  That's more important.  A product is nothing if there's no one who uses it.

SW: True that.  You have time to catch a couple for old times?
DF:  Yes, but I am not sure if I do good on my new PC.

SW:  Let's find out!  [We then teleport to the mainland to what looked like a sculpture or water park.]
DF:  It's a bit like a skate park lol.

SW: Quite a bit!  I can't wait to try your Psycho board.
DF:  Works here, too. You just shouldn't use duck dive on the prim water.

SW:  Is this open to public?:
DF:  Sure. I keep building^^. The best thing is over there.  It's also listed in the surf sim list. That's a Flowrider I designed with competition in mind.  It had a lil learning curve.  Most people fly out on the first tries but it allows making airs and fliptricks,

SW:  Can I try again?
DF:  Sure, sure. Here's rezzer.  Press *back* on drop in and tapping www gives you speed. Once you're on the back of the *wave*, it's hard to come back.  It really has a learning curve.

SW:  It's nice.  I love this place.
DF:  Yeah and *different*. We also have a *normal* wave running out there.

SW:  I'm happy to see you, Denise. This is a real pleasure to be here.
DF:  And I am happy knowing you're happy ! Here's also connected to Blake sea/sailing sims. Heres a board rezzer that rezzes a similar board.  The right one.

SW:  Ok.
DF:  Well, similar form size and behavior.

SW:  Thank you
DF:  You don't need to keep w pressed on paddling. It just paddles^^.

SW:  Cool.
DF:  Duck dive boosts a bit cause I realized with SSi + co I come up and stick inside the waves sometimes. Out of those 2 things its very easy to get used to.

SW:  This is an agile little board.
DF:   Yes, but calculated into RL. It only comes on around 30 kph speed. That's only 1/3 of the speed a RL board reaches in tops and it already feels super fast.

SW:  I love it!
DF:   It has no real tricks but it has behavior.  Like when you press back, the center of weight moves to the back, too, and the turn radius and all changes matching to it.

SW:  Sweet.
DF:  It plays kinda with the physics.

SW:  Thanks so much!  Something new and good!
DF:  Oh, no need for thanks.  I am happy you have fun.  Have you seen the thing I made for Kantbe (Thursday)?

SW:  Don't think so.
DF:  She ever makes that much work with the surf list.  A month ago or so I made her this [pointing to a beautifully illustrated and weathered surf beach sign].

SW:  That turned out nice!
DF:  There people can TP directly to the sims on her list.

SW:  This is all your art?
DF:  Yes.

SW:  You are amazing.
DF:  The billboards are free and full perm for SLSA member. The kiosk Kantbe gives, it's with auto update and all. So that she hasn't the work of sending notecards everywhere.

SW:  This is just what is needed!  Perfect. Teleport to the beaches.
DF:   I hope that gets more popular for Kantbe's sake!  So much work as she does with the list for so many years now.

SW:  She's a great person.
DF:  Yes.  Rarely see her surfing or so, but she is there now, forever somehow^^.

SW:  Almost everyday she's out there.  Not surfing but research.
DF:  Yes, exact. That's why I thought I make her work a bit easier that way and SLSA, though I am no contest surfer etc. blah blah. I don't like contests but they shouldn't *stagnate*...Is stagnate right ?

SW:  I agree with you. Yeah, stagnate. Go nowhere. No life.
DF:  Such little things push them into thinking what they can *change*. See it on stuff like the Vetox board.  I know many not like it and it isn't really finished but it was different.  Really different.  And they made him quit already before he finished that board. Only cause it was different.

SW:  It comes down to riding and being one.
DF:  The point is boards like this is what is needed today. Something *new*.

SW:  I hear ya.
DF:  Just not be Vetox, that train runned out, but something that moves forward.

SW:  Yes, What can be done to help?
DF:  Nothing out of little kicks in the people's butts form time to time^^.

SW:  I got a grin.
DF:  That's a good thing to have on the face from time to time.

SW:  Yeah, whether you like it or not. This is beautiful!.
DF:  The difficult is I like everything somehow lol.

SW:  I know. I like everything, too.
DF:   http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=728068665.  Boards I like in RL.  Some of em^^.  My *regulars* lol.  http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198088450167/images/

SW:  WOW.
DF:   Some general pictures.

SW:  Those are beautiful.
DF:   It's another thing hw I ended up on skimboards.   You see how small mine is compared to the longboard. I have no car.   Everywhere I go is with longboard and a skimboard.  I just can put on my back.  A surfboard not.

SW:  Yeah, very cool. You travel well.


Share:
Read More

Kantbe Serious: Surf! Watch out!!!

Submitted by Kantbe Serious

Can you believe it?  I’m out having a blast enjoying the surf.  The sky is beautiful, the temperature perfect, the breezes warm and inviting.  Then, all of a sudden, a storm rushes in.  The water becomes dangerously rough.  I fall off my board and get tumbled around in the surf.  As I struggle to get back to my board, my top comes loose and washes away so quickly I can’t reach it.  Now, I sit ashore, watching the surf, hoping to spot my top washing back in.



Don’t believe that one?  OK, how’s this?  The sky is beautiful, the temperature perfect, the breezes warm and inviting.  How can one not want to sunbathe topless?  I spread out my beach towel, lie on my stomach, and remove my top.  Before I know it, I’ve dozed off.  

I’m awakened by a clap of thunder and realize a storm has blown in, and it’s about to start pouring down rain.  I reach for my top… gone!  The wind apparently caught it and blew it away.

I wrap up in my towel and run to one of the little huts lining the beach; getting out of the downpour just in time.  As I sit under the shelter of the hut and scan the beach looking for my top, I notice an issue of Surfwatch sitting next to me.  I pick it up and flip through the pages.  I realize if I had looked at Surfwatch earlier, I would have known about the upcoming weather conditions and might have avoided the embarrassment of having to get back to my car and home with no top. 

I guess I learned my lesson that if I want to know something about what’s going on with the surfing conditions and the beaches, I need to be looking at Surfwatch more regularly.

I’m sure glad that Tauri Tigerpaw and her staff have decided to start publishing it again.
Share:
Read More

Beach Tripping

Submitted by Opal Rivers

It’s odd what you find when you are sitting on a deserted beach.  Nothing would be the obvious answer, but not true.  Most days, I can be found sitting at the SurfWatch Headquarters writing stories and listening to the beach sounds.   SurfWatch headquarters (90, 19, 21) is on the Home of Surfing in SL and the SLSA beach on Solace Dreams.  So, with beach sitting becoming a hobby for me, is it any wonder that I was bound to meet someone else on that beach?  The first person I found was Tauri Tigerpaw on the beach.  Ironically 10 years ago, Tauri was the first person I met on the beach in my first AV.  Now, the days of the Majini sim, the beautiful people who visited it, and one special cat on the beach are only memories.  RIP, Zenon (Parnall).  Then we saw a man wandering down the beach one day, with hands in pockets.  If he were to drive as crooked as he was walking, he would have gotten a DUI.  That day, we met Dave Ganja on the beach.  With quick wit and humor, the Ganja man is an interesting soul with stories to tell about life, you choose which one -  RL (real life) or SL (Second Life).  It’s for sure, you will not leave his company without reeking of the ganja and a completed ganja inventory.  I do appreciate the enthusiasm, I must admit.

 Next, we encountered Maryann Maa, who is now serving on the Board of Directors of the SLSA (Second Life Surfing Association).  She was explaining to us her strategies for surfing in heels.  The discussion was certainly informational.  Additionally, my friend Namssab1nad Piers (Nams), CEO of Lumiere (113,149,22), also popped on the beach for a while.  He is working hard on lighting up SL (among other things) so the rest of us do not have to worry about it.  With all these unique souls gathered on the beach, I invited them to visit a wondrous sight on the next sim. So, the beach trip begins.





As the beach journey began, we passby a small dance floor and more rental shacks on SLSA beach.  There is an SLSA Hall of Fame that celebrates the efforts of those AV’s that have passion for the sport of surfing.  Through the dangerous sim crossing, we finally arrive at Solace Beach Estates Community.  Just beyond the sim crossing is a spot where the most amazing phenomenon occurs (48,113,21).  A seal family lives here, and next to them is alligator island.  It is truly a rare spot in the world, when these two-species share a habitat.  If you walk on the gator’s island, the gators run away.  Just as you think the show is over, a great white shark breaches the waters in an exciting display of skill.  Now you wonder which of the two the shark is hunting, seals or gators.  As you finally take your eyes off this wondrous sight, you realize this is an interesting part of the beach.  Quality shopping from excellent retailers, and a guitar stage, tropical beach clubs are a few of the features.  This noob friendly sim also boasts an amusement park with a pirate theme.  Stay for the midnight spectacular light show, as well.  


Well, as this road trip comes to an end and all AV’s had gone their separate ways, I looked back at the gator island and was certain I had seen one of those gators with MaryAnn’s shoe in its mouth.  If you should happen to visit this location, take care to heed the warning of the gator island.






Share:
Read More

Hanging Out at Solace Dreams Beach

Newly elected SLSA (Second Life Surfing Association) Director, MaryAnn Maa, looking for her high heels at Solace Dreams.  Anyone check that suspicious looking Komodo dragon?
Share:
Read More

The Legends Series: INTERVIEW -- Keala Mimistrobell (Originally posted 8/25/2008)

Within the pages of SurfWatch is the rich history of Second Life (SL) surfing from the mouths of the surfers that created or developed or promoted or excelled in this virtual sport over the years.  Enjoy these interviews and the perspective from these surf legends as SurfWatch begins "The Legends Series":

By Tauri Tigerpaw. Exclusive to SurfWatch.

SurfWatch recently caught up with one of Second Life surfing's pioneers Keala Mimistrobell, founder-owner of Namiko Surf Company, organiser of Second Life's first surfing competition (the Namiko Pro at Chi Island, March 2007) and one of the few early members of Second Life's surfing community. Namiko, which loosely translated means ‘child of the wave’ in Japanese, donates a percentage of sales revenue to the Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Namiko has eighteen retail stores in Second Life.

SurfWatch: Almost everyone has seen your name and knows you're associated with Namiko and the beginnings of Second Life surfing. How did you get involved with surfing in Second Life?

Keala: Well, I came to Second Life in search of surf... and so one of the first places I landed was Quan Li. Seb [Sebastian Saramago] and Heather [Goodliffe] had been making some of Quan Li's first surfboards (ones that actually worked!). Some of the people I met at Quan Li lent me their boards to use... gave me bikinis....you know, helping out the noob [smiles]. And gradually, I got it into my head that we needed a real surf company in Second Life. But not something that was just about wearing the clothes... it was about spreading the joy of surf... spreading the stoke! We wanted people who didn't know anything about surfing to be introduced to it. Maybe they'd take their new found joy and try it in real life too.


SurfWatch: You came to Second Life specifically for surfing? That's a first!

Keala: Well, they said anything was possible in Second Life! People came here to virtually travel to the Great Wall of China... or race cars... or fly.. or whatever. So I thought I'd look and see if there was any surfing.


SurfWatch: Who were your first surfing influences in Second Life?
Keala: Luckily, Seb, Heather and Joe [SurferJoe Wind] were here. Lessons didn't exist back in those days [smiles]. In November 2006, it was just past the sign-up boom for Second Life. There were tonnes of noobs just messing everyone up. Almost no surfers around. Joe was the first real surfer I met and so he showed me a couple things on the board.


SurfWatch: So, just a handful of surfers?

Keala: Absolutely. Seb, Heather, Poid [Mahovlich], Joe...There were a couple more people on the beach who surfed in real life. From all over... Europe, Japan. But not a lot of Cali boys ... and definitely no Tofino girls!


SurfWatch: Tell us about the first
Second Life surfing competition.
Keala: I had mentioned the idea a bunch of times to Heather, Hey... say... wouldn't it be cool if we ran surf competitions? And she agreed but didn't think Quan Li was the place to do it... it being low-prim and all. So, I introduced myself to Sally [LaSalle] and Poid who co-owned Chi Island at the time. They were the only class-5 surf spot on the grid at the time. We ran a demonstration event with the team riders I had started to put together, to get spectators out to watch a surf event. It went over great and we ended up running our first comp there.


SurfWatch:
How big was the first event?

Keala: I guess when I arrived, there were these great boards that Seb and Heather were working on, but no one knew about them. And at the same time, Rad's [Radical Twang] company Reaction was up and running, but it wasn't at all involved in the 'surf community'.. so there was this gap between the people, the activity, the brands.... really the 'lifestyle' was not cohesive.
I think the competitions gave the community a focus.

SurfWatch:
What do you think about it all now? The sophistication of the competitions, the whole subculture of the community etc.?

Keala: Well, I think it was inevitable and foreseeable. In real life, I have been administering amateur sports events for years and the formation of the SLSA and their competition system is exactly what was destined to happen. I totally appreciate that there are people who feel so strongly about this activity now that they are willing to dedicate so much blood, sweat, tears and breath to maintaining the system. But of course, with any system, there will be people who want to rebel against it. Both in real life and Second Life. So you'll get the 'soul surfers' who won't compete, but I think there is space for everyone in this community.


SurfWatch: Where do you foresee things going in the future?

Keala: As long as we are kind, love each other and take care of each other, we will be fine. However, I can see it going as it has in real life, from my experiences. Basically, SLSA will continue to function if and only if it maintains the right people. Right now, Sally is super involved and is the mainstay. Most others seem to get excited, burn out and fade away.


SurfWatch: So with elections coming up soon, how would you define 'the right people'?

Keala: Okay, how do I explain...The system that has been created is sophisticated, yes, and needs to be maintained. It's kind of like feeding the monster! Every SLSA board that comes along makes changes and adds new layers of complexity. It's a lot for people to maintain. It can be overwhelming: especially since it is done in this difficult virtual medium. So people get burnt out quickly. People quit the board very soon after they join, after they realize how much work it is to feed the monster. I've met so many people in Second Life and they are all wonderful in their own right. Everyone has valid and passionate reasons for joining the board. But I think there can be characteristics of a person that will make it a lot more productive, not so set in their ways. So, people who can be open minded, flexible, communicative, passionate, but not stubborn. This is a growing community, a growing period, so we all have to be open to change [laughs] Does that make any sense?


SurfWatch: Well spoken! And your own future in Second Life surfing?
Keala: [laughs] My own future is to stay happy and keep surfing.
I hope that all the competitions and all the team politics and personalities don't end up taking away from that original, core feeling. That in the end, it's you on the board hearing the rush of the water. I hope people are able to find peace with themselves through surfing.

In the meantime, I'm building this surf/snow sim and working on snowboards too, on the other side of this island. We're not finished yet, but soon.... I'm still building out the terrain park and stuff. Heather's been a gem, designing improvements to the snowboards.
Snowboarding is a whole other story... [smiles]

Useful links

SurfWatch Surf Report: Chi, unique surf breaks with a touch of Zen
URL: Namiko Surf
URL Surfrider Foundation
SLURL: Namiko Surf
SLURL: Chi Island
SLURL: Quan Li
Share:
Read More

SurfBoards, the Real Deal or Not!

Submitted by Opal Rivers

There’s nothing more exciting than watching surfers riding the big maverick waves in real life.  Especially when you consider some of those waves are taller than three story buildings.  It is an understatement to say that real life (RL) surfing is quite an exhilarating and dangerous sport.  Putting your life on the line to stand on a handmade or manufactured surfboard takes a lot of courage and trust in the makers of those boards.  Is it any wonder that surfing made its way to Second Life (SL) given the romance of chasing the ultimate waves?

With this in mind, I am left to wonder who is making the boards in SL?  Can they stand up to the intense power of a Maverick wave?  After some investigation, I have found some answers to these burning questions.  Shack Schapira, a long-term resident of SL, was very kind to take time out of his busy life to answer some questions about his creative works.  Shack is a talented creator and scripter of surfboards in SL.  The C-3 surfboards were created 3 years ago by Shack.  He created these smooth riding boards and also scripted, and animated them.  However, he is quick to note that no creative project occurs without advice from friends and people who are more familiar with surfing in RL.  His unique surfboards are available on the Second Life Marketplace and in-world at THE SHACK, House (34, 210, 1801) – Moderate.  He also has released a franchise of the C-3 systems to a few select retailers to alter textures and board shapes.  Shack also has other quality products that you should be sure to check out, like his C-3 Diver, S – Swim buoy, and the C-3 Swimmer.  His adventurous and creative designs are expertly created and sure to catch everyone’s attention.

Moving on to the surfboards.  The early versions of surfboards in SL were not as detailed as today’s versions.  They were flat and rather unrealistic.  Needless to say, the modern SL surfboard has evolved.  Today, RL 3D computer models are used to create realistic SL surfboards.  It’s both obvious yet important to note that the end result of the product is significantly different in RL and SL.  Surfboards generally have three components: the board, the animations, and most importantly, the scripts.

First let’s look at the boards themselves.  With the explosion of mesh products on the marketplace in SL, I felt like we needed to know what those surfboards are made of.  The newest version of surfboards, C -3, are a mixture of mesh and standard prims.  The visible components of most boards are either mesh or sculpties.  "This is done to achieve the realistic appearance of today’s surfboards", said Shack.  Additionally, the quality of the surfboard ride depends on variations such as board shape and differences in components.

As with most things in RL and SL, size does matter.  Larger boards react differently than smaller boards on the waves.  Secondly, the animations determine whether you are standing on the board, flipping, or hanging ten.  The most important component of a surfboard is the one that brings everything to life, the scripts.  Scripts determine how the board moves, floats, turns and reacts with the waves.  C-3 Surfboards work on all waves in SL today, however, to surf the fluffy waves, a different scripting is needed.  The C-3 version has the fluffy wave modifications.  So, let’s all get out there and enjoy all this hard work from the creators by catching a wave. 


Share:
Read More

How Many Can you Fit in a Hut?


photo courtesy MaryAnn Maa



photo courtesy Nash LaVille





Just how big are these huts anyway?  We got 12 in (is that counting Bandit?) and STILL had room to go!  Join us at the SurfWatch hut at Solace Dreams beach!


Share:
Read More

Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) Top 3 2017: Interview with Cierra Theriac

SurfWatch recently caught up with Cierra Theriac ranked top 3 in the SLSA standings in 2017 and one of the founders of the the SLSA, at her home at Bluff Cove to find out how she stays in top form with Second Life (SL) surfing.  


 SurfWatch (SW):  A lot of people are already aware of your history and long involvement with SL surfing and the SLSA, but for those new to SL surfing, tell us how you found out about Second Life surfing and how you got started.  Where, who, when all the details lol!
Cierra:  Little over 10 years ago I joined SL after watching over my husband’s shoulder for a day.  I found out about surfing again through Flynn (Sheridan). Watched him do it, and was immediately hit with, “I want to do that!”  At that time it was all SSi pipes and fluffs. Flynn managed a beach location, brought surfing to it, and I spent most of my time there. It all happened fast. I joined SL in January, and by May we had started competing and found enough like-minded people to found the SLSA.

SW:  What made you want to surf?  How hard was it to learn?
Cierra:  First it just looked like fun, and I don’t get the chance to surf in RL (real life).  It wasn’t hard to learn, but very hard to get good. I was a terrible surfer, lol.  I liked free surfing, no one judging.  Just you and the board and the wave.

SW:  Did you know anything about RL surfing?
Cierra:  Yes. Love it! But I am like an armchair quarterback.  I watch it all the time, try to watch all the world tour competitions through WSL (World Surf League). I am landlocked at the moment, so I am living vicariously by watching RL surfing.  I also try to see if there is anything I can take from RL surfing and bring back to SL.



photo courtesy Cierra Theriac

SW:  How did you get involved in competition surfing?
Cierra:  It was there. I had to try it. Surf competitions started pre-SLSA. They were held by surf businesses on local sims.  First one I remember seeing was on Chi.  Back then we watched on the same sim as the competition was being held.

 What was the question again? Oh yeah, so naturally after seeing a competition in SL, I had to try it.  LOL, never got out of the preliminary heats.

SW:  What are your favorite competitive moves?
Cierra:  Depends on the board… with SSis, I like smooth barrel rolls and getting air.  The higher you can go and not bellying is amazing. I love just pushing and seeing what I can get a board to do.

SW:  What do you get out of competitive surfing?
Cierra:  Fun. Camaraderie. It’s just a huge get-together with friends.  Doing well is always a bonus. :)

SW:  What's your favorite board?
Cierra:  Competitively, SSi and C-3.  But I like the Flow board for just smooth stylish surfing. I would love to try a comp with that and see what we can come up with.

SW:  What music if any pumps you up for surfing?
Cierra:  Grunge! 90s alternative.  Current rock.  Singing and surfing at the same time is awesome! Always try to get FooFighters Everlong and Learn to Fly in my heats.

SW:  Is there anyone in the past or current surfing world that you admire their style and try to emulate?
Cierra:  That is a hard one. There are so many people to admire.  The one person that I always loved to watch and try to borrow their style is Wil DeCuir.  He is probably the best surfer that I have seen in SL. If Wil said it, it was gospel to me.  He has the perfect balance of style, control, maneuvers, and just balls out surfing, on any board.

Not going to name any current surfers.  Don’t want their egos to get too big, lol. But there are really good ones out there.

SW:  What advice would you give new surfers about how to start?
Cierra:  Keep surfing. Start simple. Learn to feel good and in control on the wave first. Then start ramping it up.  And don’t give up. A new board, a new wave, they are always a challenge. That’s a good thing. Above all have fun!

photo courtesy Cierra Theriac

                                                                              
SW:  Where are your favorite places to surf?  What's your favorite wave?
Cierra:  Easy. Bluff Cove.  Since Flynn and I designed it to be the perfect surf place for us, naturally it is my favorite place to go. Besides that, my favorite place is always ‘where the next comp is’.

Favorite wave… I love to match up SSi pipes with an SSi shortboard. But favorite waves are probably Maoli Freestyle and Swell.            

SW:  What are some of the biggest changes you've experienced in SL surfing and how do you feel about them?
Cierra:  It’s constantly changing. New blood keeps things fresh.  Sometimes I think things get too complicated. I like simple. You practice with surf buds, compete like it is a big party, and go out and celebrate (or commiserate) after.

The new waves and boards are wonderful thing.  Maoli is making great waves.  We have new boards: C-3, Flow, in addition to using SSi, Hp-5 and LSD.  I can’t wait to see what the talented people out there come up with.

SW:  What do you imagine SL surfing will be like 5 years from now?
Cierra:  The same as it is now, but even better! People making waves and boards, and finding surf comps, and free surfs with friends.

SW:  What else do you like to do in SL in addition to catching a wave?
Cierra:  Wow, this is a biggy. I used to only surf. Sun up to sun down. Then I started shopping. LOL, no coming back from that. I sell a line of C-3 boards with Flynn’s textures on them. I am hoping to get a line with my designs soon.

I am always working on my sims: Bluff Cove that I own with Flynn, and Bundy Reef that I own with Sally LaSalle.  Bluff is purely a surf and chill spot. We were inspired by some spots in California when we designed it.  So I like it because it is a little different from other surf sims. If you want to chill and hangout, alone or not, I have put a lot of different spots to just be. Watch the waves, the sunset or sunrise, be with someone special.

Bundy Reef has turned into a surf sim with residential parcels.  What could be better than sitting on the porch watching the waves and then jumping on them from your front door.

I also resell gachas on the Marketplace to help pay for my very expensive hobby, i.e. sim tiers. And then I may go shopping again, lol.

SW:  Anything else you want to add?
Cierra:  I love meeting people. And I hate it when they go away.  SL surfing is one of the best things I have found. I get to surf. I get to challenge myself to get better. I meet awesome people, some who have become very good friends.

When all else fails, catch a wave!
Share:
Read More

SLSA (Second Life Surfing Association) Fundraiser Photo Contest Winner


Winning Photo - photo courtesy Moira

Moira (Venera74), SLSA Director and 2017 Top 3 Surfer, took top prize in Saturday's April 1st, 2017, SLSA Fundraiser and Photo Contest.  The evening was filled with music, dancing, the photo contest and raffle.  There were several great entries in the photo contest, with Moira coming out on top.  When asked to comment on her win, Moira said she, "put her pic in for a joke."  SurfWatch congratulates Moira on her Photo Contest win and her Top Three status!
Share:
Read More