Marley and Friends Party at Maverick's!!!

Submitted by Solsty Kismet


Join the crowd for the best Might Night in SL (Second Life) - Marley Night at Mavericks!
♬  The Party begins at 1pm SLT with the
         LEGENDARY Niels DJing his favorite music!
      
     ♬  Tamiqua Cheng will pick up the stream at 3pm         
and play our favorite reggae tunes!
     
    ♬ Finally, to round out a great night of fun..
    the resident Maverick DJ Shell will cap off
   our night of fun from 6-8pm slt!

Join us at Maverick's Surf Bar, Hole in the Wall, Bundy Reed (17, 182, 1710) - Moderate
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Bandit the Party Dawg: Maverick's Hole in the Wall


photos submitted by Maxwell Silvansky

No one can party as hard as Bandit, and his adventures at Maverick's Hole in the Wall, Bundy Reed (17, 186, 1711) - Moderate, are right up there!  With DJ Cie (Cierra Theriac) spinning the tunes. Bandit tuckered himself out dancing and basking in the love - you know how people get when they see a dog!  Sorry about the spot on the rug, Flynn (Sheridan)!  










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SURFWATCH FASHION: COSMOPOLITAN HAS ANOTHER EXCITING ROUND GOING ON!

Submitted by Valerie Lavender



I dropped in to find a beach party dress and found just what I was looking for...not too dressy but not so casual either.  Cosmopolitan has a new round beginning about every 2 weeks and is definitely worth a look around.








So if you have a party to attend and want to look uber chic, go by COSMOPOLITAN http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/No%20Comment/131/61/22  The current "round" ends on May 20th.



Today I am wearing....
Dress:  {Indyra} Shae Sundress: White Maitreya
Shoes:  G&D Shoes Mina Fatpack 18 Colors
Jewelry:  EarthStones Mother & Child Turtles Necklace and Matching Earrings












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The Surferazzi Strikes....




The surferazzi are all over the beach these days.  Who knows what unsuspecting photos will show up?  Be forwarned - the surferazzi can be anywhere!

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The Legends Series: INTERVIEW - Robin Coche (Originally Posted 4/8/2008)

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.
 

With a rez day of one year fast approaching, Robin Coche is an active member of the Second Life surfing community. Although she's currently not on the competition circuit due to real life obligations, Robin is the enthusiastic surf instructor at Majini Island. Surfwatch was able to squeeze in some time in with her between lessons to talk about surfing and the Bishara Surf School.

SurfWatch: Can you tell us a little bit about how the surf school started?

Robin: VW Sands [now Bishara Resorts Estate Manager] and I have known each other more or less from our rez in Second Life . We met on a beach, and I was fascinated by his profile quote, "boneheads and bitchy girls, don´t bother". So I made contact. We spent a load of time doing crazy things like skydiving onto moving objects like killer whales and crabs from 8,000 meters; also dropping unloved politicians into volcanoes or feeding them to the sharks!


Neither of us can remember where we started surfing. It was either Bundoran or Bishara, before Majini came into being. Bishara was one of the hardest beaches to surf - a pipe, short and sweet, and just to get me really frustrated, fluffies that pushed one into a corner. This is where I got my first board (Namiko/Bamboo). Sometime last year, we had the idea of starting a surf school on Bishara and thanks to the owner, Dumisani Ah, it was quickly realised. Shortly afterwards, I was asked whether I would like to take on a job as lifeguard on another beach. I was able to help newcomers to surf and also protect them, and myself, from griefers (having been caged and assaulted previously). Doing this job gave me a great opportunity to surf. I had already got a GR board.


At the end of 2007 I left the sim. I was burnt out and needed a rest. During all this time, VW and I had stayed in contact. I had been doing a lot of surfing on La Bahia. It was a lovely, lonely beach with triple pipes where I could regenerate myself. I asked the owner, Flynn Sheridan, at some point whether he could use me as a lifeguard or something similar. Unfortunately, as many of us know, Flynn is taking a break from SL, so I asked indirectly whether VW could use me. I ran a trial lesson on 13th March and was more or less thrown into the deep-end. The feedback was positive which convinced me that (VW willing) I had made the right decision!


SurfWatch: What are some of the challenges for you in your new role?

Robin: I will be the third instructor after VW and Slave (Lacey), so it´s not really starting, more like joining again. As to my goals, I want to initially help new surfers on the beach, show them what surf is about. It´s a passion, but we do it for fun - hey - who cares if we belly out! I do it every day, annoying, but a fact as we search for the perfect wave. And for me, very important is surf etiquette. Lots of people come here thinking this is a game, want all, but aren´t prepared to give. Our surf world is about giving and taking. We aren´t here to take all. The perfect wave will come. Patience for all of us. Secondly, I would like to show advanced surfers what we can achieve together. I think the circuit can only benefit from our knowledge of the waves and, of course, our keyboards.


SurfWatch: What's your favorite wave? How do you like to approach a wave?

Robin: Difficult. I love the pipe. It runs fast, which means I have to react faster. And then again, the Epic is more challenging. It has lag - needs a different tactic. And fluffies are damned fast. I tend to ignore the fluffies unless I want to get out into the surf.


My secret? [smiles] I guess I´m a maverick - just like to surf. Love to surf upside down.


SurfWatch: Is there anything else you'd like to talk about?

Robin: It´s great to be back here. It makes me feel really warm. We are planning one hell of a birthday party, VW and I. We will rip the waves, plus red, red wine and reggae.
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Artfully Created Kanaloa Surf Beach!




Submitted by Opal Rivers

Kanaloa Surf Beach, Poison Apple (172,125,21) – Moderate

This beach was created with a masterful hand, and yet using the restraint that only a true artist can achieve.  Your arrival point dunks you in the water, but a short wade through the water to the shore will not hurt anyone.  Besides, that’ll teach you not to teleport to a beach sim with high heels on.  Kanaloa Surf Beach has a gentle motion of the tide, the gulls flying overhead, and the soothing sounds of the shore all make this beach one for your landmark files.  This simplistic beach has the most realistic sand texture that I have seen in Second Life (SL).  The beach vibe is artfully created to portray a realistic beach for surfers to enjoy, with no lag or long rezzing to be found. 
There are many unique features of this beach.  First and foremost are the waves.  They are Maoli Tahiti Break.  The ample surf area is a smooth ride for all surfers on the multiple waves that run with a good frequency.   You must be a group member to rez a surf board.  However, there are multiple surf board rezzers for everyone to enjoy.  The buildings and social gathering areas are an eclectic mix of beach-worn buildings to tropical grass huts.  There are even a few strategically located abandoned locomotive engines around the sim.  Even the beach loungers are uniquely creative.  All these areas create social gathering areas to inspire the gathering of surfers and friends after a long day of enjoying the waves.  There is this unique carousel that looks harmless enough, until it starts to move at full speed.  I wish I would have held on tightly.   Next to this is the hip hop club that is actively used. The name of the nightclub on the sim is Club Sole.  There is also a landmark board to teleport to the store associated with the group called the Sole Shop.  Here there are many freebies for group members.  The owner of the sim is a Japanese avatar named Wataru ShoreI managed to have a brief interview with him despite the language difficulties.  Wataru explained to me that he loves the ocean and is a real live surfer.  It was his intention to create a realistic sim with wonderful waves for people to enjoy.  Enjoyable is the best word for this sim.









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From Mess to Mesh: SurfWatch Resident Part 1

Photos courtesy Maxwell Silvansky




SurfWatch Resident just recently made a reappearance into Second Life (SL) after several years, and she was in for a very rude awakening!  Mesh you say?  How the heck does that work?  And what does that all cost? What about all my other clothes and hair and skins and shapes and shoes and...

Time for an upgrade!  Join us as we take SurfWatch from Mess to Mesh!  We'll show you how to save linden and see what you can do to upgrade to mesh using available freebies.  Keep watching for From Mess to Mesh Part 2!
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Random Dance Party at Solace Beach Tuesday!

photo courtesy Moira (venera74)

photo courtesy Opal Rivers

photo courtesy Opal Rivers

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Never Too Old to Take a Wave...


Once or twice a lifetime, you meet those people that you never forget.  One of those people appeared early in 2009 - that lovable, wacky grandma who shocked everyone by hitting the waves and hanging ten like she had been born on a board. 






She was remembered for baking those special cupcakes for all the surfers, then beating them to the swells for a day of curls.



I remember it like it was yesterday...Grandma would hit the sand pulling her board behind her in a rolling cart.  She'd remove her shoes and unpeel her support hose, digging her arthritic toes in the sand.




Grandma Barnside would tell us stories of her younger early surf days in Hawaii with the Duke when she invented surfing, carving boards out of fallen palm trees.




 Grandma Barnside hasn't been seen since early 2011.  I picture her having finished another day of surf, dozing in some cozy chair near a fire eating those special cupcakes and dreaming of her Duke days and the spray of the ocean.
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The Surferazzi Strikes...





The surferazzi are all over the beach these days.  Who knows what unsuspecting photos will show up?  Be forwarned - the surferazzi can be anywhere!

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The Legends Series: INTERVIEW -- Desirae Beaumont (Originally Posted 6/19/2008)

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.

New to the Second Life Surfing Association's surfing competition circuit this year, some people must have been wondering whether Desirae Beaumont's second place in April's Surfline competition was simply a flash in the pan. Desirae proved last weekend that it wasn't by winning the SLSA Thor Bishop Short Board Pro surfing competition at El Corazon. SurfWatch caught up with Desirae earlier this week to ask her about the competition and Second Life surfing in general.

SurfWatch: What was your strategy going in to El Corazon?

Desirae:
I knew that it was something about control. Staying on the wave at first then trying not to belly. And trying to do tricks, but without dropping. A controlled ride. I guess did the right thing.


SurfWatch:
How would you sum up your strengths and weaknesses
at El Corazon?
Desirae: Weakness... well, I really had a hard time controlling my nerves. It was like, oh my god! My heart was beating faster each heat but after the first wave in the final, my nervousness was gone. The first wave was a blast. Then by the third, I was sure I could win. Four waves and one belly. I was sure that I wouldn´t drop off the wave, but I did start bellying in the semis.


SurfWatch:
What had you most nervous, the conditions, the other competitors?

Desirae: Oh my... I am nervous every competition. That´s me! [laughs]


SurfWatch:
So, what went right for you at El Corazon?

Desirae: I felt comfortable with the short run and the small wave.
I was absolutely sure that I would stay on the wave. I knew what to do. I figured out how to avoid it, and the board did what I wanted. I had no real problems with the lag, so the controls worked fine for me.I was at El Corazon twice before the competition and once some months ago. I had no real problems there.

SurfWatch: So really, nothing went wrong for you there at this last competition?
Desirae: I was a bit late... this was my only real problem. I was taking a nap and woke up 15 minutes before the heat! [laughs]

SurfWatch:
Who were you watching as your closest competition?

Desirae: Was there anyone who was not close?
Pova [Rustamova], for sure. Craig [Stallion], Colleen [Brennan], and a lot others. Some had bad luck. Devi [DevinnaToll] or VW [Sands], Abel [Halderman] -- it was pretty close. Three waves each on this short run. But see, I was not worried, because I didn't watch them and stayed focused on my surfing.

SurfWatch:
What board did you use?

Desirae: The Reaction Sunny board.

SurfWatch: How long have you been surfing, and how long competing?

Desirae: My first wave... it must have been around October 2007. I watched my first competition in ...hmmmmmmmmm.... September 2007, I guess, at Heliopolis. Then the final competition in October. I tried surfing with Bobbi Laval's old board. My first competition was the Triple Crown last year. I competed in the SLSA season in Jan 2008 for the first time.

SurfWatch: What was that like for a first competition?
Desirae: I felt so noob-ish [laughs]. All those experienced guys... jeez! Well... I am still new. It was a blast to reach a semi final, let alone win!


SurfWatch:
Who or what got you turned on to surfing?

Desirae:
Bobbi brought me in. She was the one who showed me what to do, and she did it all the time.


SurfWatch
: Any particular maneuver that you think helped you score points?

Desirae:
[laughs] Let me tell you one fact: the big change was surfing with Ritch Goalpost for about two hours at Heliopolis shortly before he went off Second Life. He showed and told me a few things. I was trying to copy others. He told me that I should ride my own style - controlled, and this was the change.


SurfWatch: Any advice for new surfers?

Desirae: Never give up. I was so close to doing so, so often.


SurfWatch: Anything to add?

Desirae
: I really appreciate the help and support I had from Bobbi, Ritch and Cip, especially during the time when I was thinking about giving up. And the support I had from the Reef Riders team and West of Ireland. I am happy to be in a team that is about charity and no-profit. This is one of the things that makes sense in Second Life.
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Here Come’s the Night: Part One

Submitted by Kanjena Sweetleaf

In which our intrepid reporter surveys the music and nightlife scene through the lens of an emptying glass.


I hadn’t planned to stay out so late, honestly! It was just one of those Friday things. I was surfing at Teahupo’o (Teahupo/104/31/22) with a friend and afterwards as we sat by the campfire watching the sunset, we got talking about music and clubs, and then, well, the next thing I knew I was suddenly sartorially transformed, from super minimal and functional (bare ass) surf attire into a very short dress, glittery make-up, and hair all shiny, and Ombre coloured.

I took a taxi* to a club, a place called The Glue House.  The Glue house (/Psycheevil/73/175/24) was created by the lovely Bisou (Vipere Serpente).  It describes itself as ‘A place for lovers of great music and for people that don't sleep early’ and lists it’s music policy as:
 ‘Ingredients:7% 60's Garage, 16% Post Punk, 12% Alternative,9% Indie, 6% Rock N' Roll, 21% Psychedelic ,6% new wave’.  They are open 6 nights a week, Monday through to Saturday, and the sets are usually from 2pm till 4pm SL (Second Life) time,except Fridays when there are 2 D.J.s, the first starting at 12pm SL time.



It was 2:15pm when I arrived, which is 10:15pm in my timezone. I was fashionably late. The D.J. was David de Coco (Davidisrafel Resident) an Irish man who specialises in Psychedelic alternative music. The music was very much to my taste. David is a virtual ‘crate digger’ who spends a lot of time finding wonderful new music to play and it all flows so well together.  His sets are compiled with great care and this is, I believe, an art in itself: The curation of an experience.



I didn’t know most of the music David played. It’s always great to discover new music. In fact, it is one of the greatest things about Second Life, in my opinion, meeting people from all over the world and sharing the listening experience. I have this theory that the senses are heightened in Second Life, because of the situation, the immersion in a visually stimulating, light driven environment, and in a club, where there is interaction with other avatars in local chat, this sensory heightening intensifies the musical experience for me. So it was truly psychedelic that night, my mind lifted to a different place, transported by the D.J.s imagination.

After his set had finished, to great acclaim, I found myself both awake and inspired and decided to wander over to another club, the enigmatic, mysterious Blue Orange (Empire State Island/222/56/1425).  Created by Ini (In Inaka) the club says this about itself: ‘Friendly bohemian club for MUSIC and ART lovers. Alternative, New Wave, Indie, Art Punk, Noise, Psychedelic, Rock, Neo-folk, Experimental, Avant-Garde, Modern and a lot of more music without labels.’



It’s a beautifully built club, but it’s more than a club, too, it’s an art space and, as well as displays of art works, they also host themed music events in purpose built installations.  It was certainly very friendly, the welcome was warm and smiley and the music was instantly captivating. The DJ was Gitu Aura and the music she played this night was, in her words:  ‘a bit noisy, a bit melting and a bit rocky’ in the genres of  ‘psychedelic rock, Indie rock, post-punk, darkwave, synthpop and much more’.  I’m a big fan of ‘much more’ by the way, just thought I’d add that to the mix.  Gitu played some wonderful music, definitely 'a bit melting' and I was also melting as a combination of high humidity and good whiskey had helped to create a lovely warmth inside me, an altered state glow which was invoked by this transmission of music and the ambiance of the Blue Orange.



The night blurred into early morning and my mind flowed with the music in moonlit streams towards a slumber…sometime later I woke up on a beach, disheveled and sand blasted, my clothes scattered around me, my make up smeared and that once perfectly coiffed hairstyle all windblown and sea weeded.

Another great night in SL, I think?

*Both clubs have groups which notify of their events and both also publicise their events on the Alternative Music Informer group.
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Breaking News from the SLSA (Second Life Surfing Association)

Reposted from SLSA group notice:

We did not receive the required nominations for the June 1st Director election that was needed. We are opening Director nominations again until May 25th. We will have a June 8th election provided we get three candidates. If we don't receive the required number of nominations by tomorrow May 20th start time of the Bluff Cove comp, we will postpone it. If you would like to run, please read the directions at the following post at the SLSA forum. Thank you!

http://surfslsa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=

And per Director Annie Panties (JadeEast), "We could use another trained judge, too, for tomorrow's contest at 11 am bluffs cove."

[Editors Note:  If you have judging experience and are available tomorrow or if you have an interest in keeping the SLSA competitions alive and well, please contact any SLSA Director and get involved!]
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Find Your Soul in the Sea


Palma de Majorca (150, 27, 29) - Adult - Island Sea Soul - Home of SurfCrazy!
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Remembering: SurfWatch In-World Volume 7

Look for Volume 8 coming soon! Click in the center of this image below to make it full screen, click the sides for flipping pages!


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Conversations with Nash: Salsa Waverider, Surf Rang and Special Guest Petra Xaris

Submitted by Nash Laville

Nash LaVille, former Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) Director and long-time soul surfer, shares his enlightening, interesting and sometimes hilarious conversations in Second Life (SL).  This post he visits with SLSA mascots, Salsa Waverider and Surf Rang with a special guest appearance by SLSA Director, Petra Xaris.




Nash:  Hey Buddy. Long time man!

Surf Rang: Hi, Nash.
Salsa Waverider: Hi, Nash.
Nash: Hiya Salsa.
Salsa Waverider: Still thinking about our date last week, Nash?
Nash:  Sigh.
Salsa Waverider: Oopps, sorry, Rang.
Nash:   Dude! Lookin sharp!
Surf Rang: Thank you, woof.
Nash: Someone die?  Joke. Kidding.
Surf Rang: Lol
Nash: Sorry
Surf Rang: Haha.

Nash: Not often I see the two of you together. Salsa. Rang.
Petra Xaris: Yes, I don't see them together much either. You kids should go surfing more.
Nash: Rang wang dang doodle.
Petra Xaris:  Lol.
Surf Rang: Woof.
Salsa Waverider:  Meow.
Nash: Doesn't look like they are dressed for the waves, Petra.
Petra Xaris: Not Rang.  Rang has to put up the comp stands.  He's a busy guy tonight.

Nash: You guys got a little time?
Petra Xaris: A little.  Why?
Surf Rang: Some.
Salsa Waverider: Always have time for you, Nash.
Nash: (smiles).  There have been some questions I've been wanting to ask you guys for years.
Salsa Waverider: Ask away.
Nash: Thank you, Salsa.
Salsa Waverider:  Yw.

Nash: Well, like, dude, not to pry but I'm curious. How did you get this gig, Rang?
Surf Rang: Well, I was digging for bones on the beach one day and met some ladies that surfed. They said they needed help so I've been working for them ever since.
Nash: How long you been at it?
Surf Rang: Getting close to 10 years now. Woof.
Nash: WOW. Chicks dig you. Nice work if you can get it.
Surf Rang: Yep, great gig. Once in a while they throw me a fresh bone so I'm a happy guy, woof!
Nash: Some just say yer a dog.
Surf Rang: Maybe human men could learn a thing or two from me.
Nash: Not gonna touch that one.
Surf Rang: Woof.
Nash: Woof.

Nash: Salsa, I have been wondering for years....How did you become the mascott for SLSA?
Salsa Waverider: Meow
Nash: Chasing a beach mouse? I just made that up.
Salsa Waverider: Well, I was prancing around the beach one day, looking for a fresh fish catch when I met the same two ladies Rang met. They thought he needed a cool cat to keep him in line and so...I was hired.
Nash: How long ago was that?
Salsa Waverider: Oh, probably about 7 years or so. As long as he keeps his woofing to a limit we get along just fine.
Nash: Looks at Rang.  I'm not gonna touch that one either.
Surf Rang:  Woof!!!!

Nash: I think this is the first time I have ever seen you guys together. You don't hang out much?
Salsa Waverider: Well, we do when no one else is around it seems.
Nash: That makes sense. Like, if a wave forms and no one is around to carve it, is there bliss?

Nash: Whats your favorite thing bout surfing in SLSA, Rang?
Surf Rang: I love getting into the water and splashing around. Of course, surfing just comes natural to me, At least that's what Ms Bobbi Laval-LaSalle tells me all the time. We're pretty good friends she and I.
Nash: I'm glad to hear this.

Nash: Where would we find the Rangster when it's mushburgers everywhere?
Surf Rang:  Mushburger?
Nash: Yeah.  Fluff. Flat.  Mud.
Surf Rang:   Ohhh.
Nash: Where would we find you, buddy?
Surf Rang: Hanging in the new SLSA office up in the sky, woof.
Nash: ?  Say whaa?  New office?  You got an office?
Surf Rang: Yep.  New office up there.
Nash: Way to go dude! Congrats!
Surf Rang:   Woof
Nash: They got a bone machine up there for YOU?  Just kidding. I know you get yours delivered fresh.
Surf Rang:  Woof

Nash: How about you, Salsa? Where do we find you when it's not percolating?
Salsa Waverider: Well, I like to travel around more than Rang does.
Nash: OK. I'm just gonna spit this out:  You guys ... trip me out.
Salsa Waverider:  Oh?
Nash: Yer like to cool for SL. You don't have any peers.  That was not a typo.. Ok, Salsa...You vape.  Like, constanly!
Salsa Waverider: well., I'm a cool cat sure and Rang is a cool pooch
Nash: LOL! Dude!  She just called you a cool pooch!
Surf Rang:  Woof


Nash: You guys get along real good for a cat and a dog. Most admirable
Salsa Waverider: I learned to keep my claws retracted around Rang.
Nash: Salsa, you are quite the fashion feline.
Salsa Waverider: Why, thank you, Nash. Thanks to Ms Petra. For years we were, um, without clothes.
Nash:  I think that is what baffled me. Mhm.  Both of you are sharp dressers. By the way Salsa, yer new yellow polka dot kini is twisted.  I mean the strap...right there.
Salsa Waverider: Rang could use another outfit. Maybe some boardies for the beach. Yeah, poor guy is sweating it out in that tux of his.
Nash: Boardie Priority.  Wait.  Isn't he like the best surfer in SL?


Nash: Good sign ya got here, Petra!
Petra Xaris: Thank you.
Nash: Nods, gotta love it. So is this your only gig ,Rang?
Surf Rang: For now, yes
Nash: Som'n on the horizon maybe? Just what IS it that you do, anyway?
Surf Rang: Keep an eye on the beach and keep the ladies smilin'.
Nash: HA! Cool. Right dude for the job.
Surf Rang:  Woof.
Salsa Waverider:  Meow.

Nash: Salsa. What are your responsibilities?
Salsa Waverider: Fishing. Cleaning up the beach and meowing at the visiters.
Nash: Like the cool kitty you are. I enjoy hanging with you guys. I had a real good time!
Salsa Waverider:  Aww, thank you meow.
Surf Rang:  Woof woof.
Nash: Alright, buddy! Good to see you man. Petra, nice to see you.  Salsa...I gotta git.  Woof.
Petra Xaris: Nice to see you. too, lol. Take care.
Nash: I'll see you around.  Peace
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Surf and Shop at Kona


What surf bunny doesn't like to hit the shops after icing the waves?  Kona Beach delivers both.  Kona Beach and Surfing, Woodridge (18, 176, 20) M
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The Legends Series: INTERVIEW - COLLEEN BRENNAN (Originally posted 3/15/2009)


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 sat down with Colleen Brennan, Director with the SLSA Board, to discuss her recent re-election and current changes to the SLSA competition registration process.

SurfWatch: How do you feel about another term as Director on the Board?
Colleen Brennan: First of all, it is a great honor to be elected for another term. My main goal, as always, is to preserve what is so very good about SLSA surfing and tweak what needs to be changed so that the maximum amount of people can have the maximum amount of fun.

SW: What are some of the most urgent matters you will be addressing?
CB: The most pressing issue we have involves registrations, and I believe that the surf-in proposal is the best one for addressing that. It will allow us to keep registration and competitions open while also limiting the length of time consumed by a competition (editors note: See SW 3/12/09 SLSA New Competition Format for details). I am excited that we now have almost a 50% increase in the number of people who will surf in a competition. The expanded opening round should give us all more surfing and less waiting.

SW: What other matters is the Board looking into?
CB: I would like to work on shoring up sponsorship support. I hope everyone realizes that is how the whole SLSA can even happen. I appeal right now to everyone who wants to keep the SLSA running to consider a sponsorship, maybe even one for their team (editors note: See SW 3/13/09 SLSA Seeking Sponsorships).

SW: Any other issues facing the new Board?
CB: I think it also may be time to review judging and other guidelines and see if they need updating and improvement. For example, there have been major changes since many of the current guidelines were initially adopted and we surfed on pre-Havok4 boards on a single length pipeline wave. Back then, it was almost impossible not to belly. "Using the whole wave" meant something entirely different than it does now with a 200 meter long Epic wave. We also need to evaluate what board scripts will be allowed in competitions. As I understand it, the 6 series script is becoming more widely distributed now. We will need to evaluate its impact and update the guidelines for changes in surfboard technology.

SW: Any final words?
CB: The more detailed we can get on this, the more it will be appreciated by surfers as well as judges. I believe everyone would appreciate improved guidelines on what is expected. Surfers will, in order to give a top performance, and judges will, in order to be most fair. The most important thing of all, tho, is that anything adopted will have to come from consulting the surfers and judges and then revising the guidelines. One thing that will be essential, in my opinion, is to reward excitement and innovation. The main concern is that, whatever system the judges end up with, it should encourage all-out surfing and reward risk taking over safety surfing. It is more exciting to watch someone who is trying to win than someone who is trying not to lose.
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Breaking News from Cann!bal !sland!

Reposted from group notice with permission of Chotaire Seelowe

What's new at Cann!bal?
Sun, May 14 2017 4:45:32 AM PDT

The preparations for the Cann!bal Summer 2017 update are full on. Besides Cannibia moving into our estate, there are 3 more Cann!bal beach regions planned to be unleashed in June. This is not only the biggest update ever, it is bigger than all previous big updates combined :)

I may be shifting the move of Cannibia for up to two weeks since I will be travelling to the Carribbean. I'll let you know early enough. Again, save this landmark, Cannibia loves will need it very soon :)

[Editors note:  New LM  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beach%20Paradise%20Island/122/119/22]

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Cause he's my best friend....


Bandit and Tauri, come join us at the Home of Surfing in SL, Solace Dreams (92, 18, 21) Moderate
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Realistic Beauty at Island Sea Soul

Submitted by Opal Rivers


Palma de Majorca (200, 210, 24) - Adult - Island Sea Soul - Home of SurfCrazy!

When you first arrive at Island Sea Soul, the sim feels like an authentic California surf beach.  The name Island Sea Soul and the sim comes from three people who collaborated to create this beautiful island sim.  Countess "Connie" Decosta, Mick Lunasea and JT Castaneda are the masterminds of Island Sea Soul.  The name is derived from Island Sea Dreams (ISD), Surfcrazy, and Soul Wave (Movie & photography).  Their love of surfing and the ocean has inspired a place where the rain forest meets the ocean, much like Countess' real life.

They began the creation with the waves.  After all, the sim slogan does say, Home of the Surf Crazy.  This is an excellent description for the whopping 6 running waves on this beach, giving the surf a crazy ride.  When asked how long it took to create this exquisite island, Countess explained that JT has the design eye and photography skills.  The Countess has the eye for colors, brightness, designing and building in SL (Second Life).  The construction did not take too long.  After all, it doesn’t take too long to make something beautiful when you use your heart, she said.  As the collaborative group meet, they continue to work on the finer details.  The Countess feels that, the best views on the sim are on top of the hill on the far end of the sim (149,14,44).  They are quite spectacular. 

The landing point is on the deck of a surf shack like no other.  The cabin seems empty until you notice the walls are lined with copious amounts of surfing information.  It is also the home of Global Surf Treaty Surfing Lessons.  Imagine receiving personal SL surfing lessons with a pro surfer, like Mick, JT or Countess.  This surf school is a great resource for anyone wanting to improve their surfing skills or considering emerging as a top surfer in SL.  Island Sea Soul boasts their own surfing association called Island Sea Soul Community (ISSC).  The association (group) is designed for the promotion and teaching of the sport of surfing.  Additionally, there is an in-world magazine the Countess writes for the community members.  The human-interest stories are inspired by camp fire tales and events of interest in the surfing community.


Just around the corner is the Country Soul One Love Surfboard Factory owned by Mick Lunasea.  This store is an awesome shop to come pick out a surfboard created by a real-life surfer or have a quality custom surfboard created to suit your personal style and taste by Mick himself [editor's note:  See More About Surfboards:  Mick Lunasea posted on May 11, 2017].  Mick also sells a wide array of products on the SL Marketplace.  Visit his store, Mick’s treasures. Just up the ramp is the Island Sea Dreams mesh jewelry shop owned by Countess DecostaThere are lovely sparkles here, ladies. 


The cave spelunking here is also challenging.  The entrance is clearly marked on the separate island (197,231,21).  There is a maze of caves and secret passages the can get you turned around in circles.  Make sure you approach this cave with proper gear, you may need some diving gear or the ability to hold your breath for a long time and enough food and water, just in case you get lost.  It’s a wonderful world to explore.  Just saying there are sparkles here, too, ladies.  There is a spectacular tropical hike at the end of the journey.

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