Director Candidate - Gia Villano

SurfWatch has been covering Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) elections since it's beginning in 2008.  All the candidates were given the same questionaire with the same deadline and allowed to respond.  Following is candidate Gia Villano's response to SurfWatch questions giving voters a closer look into her candidacy.*







Gia Villano (GiavannaMarie Melody)
Finished 2018 Season 1 in 11th place

 WHY YOU ARE RUNNING

I am seeking re election.  I had a wonderful time over the past 6 months accomplishing many things with my fellow board members.  I have a love and passion for the SLSA ever since I became a member in 2009.  I feel it is important to be active in running such a successful organization that has a rich history in SL.  I have gained much experience over the multiple times as a sitting director and feel I can share my knowledge and mentor other directors. 

WHAT YOU SEE AS THE TOP ISSUES

Some of the top issues I still see are creating more ways to offer a friendly atmosphere other than at completion days.  There has been significant opportunities added over the last few seasons such as Surf Camp, Yard Sale, and Pre Comp Party.  Finding additional ways to grow the SLSA and create opportunities  to gather and have fun is a focus I would bring in my re election.  There is also confusion going on as to how one should use our communication services such as the Forums and Group Chat.  A clear and concise set of rules and regulations that explains disciplinary actions needs to be mainstreamed throughout these areas.  I am also a strong supporter of having well trained staff members such as Judges, Marshalls and MC.  We continue to grow this pool of talent, but it is still a focus that we can continue to strengthen.

WHY SHOULD I BE ELECTED

It is great to see more members stepping up this time around! I support each of the candidates and would love to see them have this opportunity.  I do feel I bring a long history of experience, a great work ethic and a positive attitude.  I would be honored to work with each of these other candidates and even mentor them in their transition onto the board. 

AFFILIATIONS

I am a past team co captain of the very successful  REEF RIDERS team that has merged into Team Tia/CHI.  I do not have any SIM affiliations.  I have owned and ran a couple Surf Companies: Surfari, and Surf Armor.  Both which have been sponsors of competitions over many seasons.  Also, I have been affiliated with Surf Camp, providing  surfing lessons.  Over the past 3 seasons I have also helped organize and perform at Pre Comp Parties.  I am also a Photographer for SurfWatch.  Lastly, I am a member of the SLSA Hall of Fame.

Thank you for your consideration and I hope I can serve the SLSA again for another 6 months.

*SurfWatch has provided this questionaire to all of the September 1, 2018, candidates, and will post any responses we receive before the election.

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When The Shark Bites

submitted by Kantbe Thursday

Surfwatch staff are asked to take on a lot of things. Some are fairly simple, some are fun, and some are down right dangerous. In this article, the writer was asked by Tauri Tigerpaw, Editor-in-chief, to try to answer some of the myths about sharks first hand. Read on for Kantbe Thursday’s interview with world renowned shark expert, Christopher “Mack” Shark. [Should be read while listening to this]


KT: Thanks for taking the time from your busy schedule of cruising the coast line to answer a few questions for the SurfWatch readers, Mack.

M: No prob, Red. Here, have a bea. Might I add yo' look wack enough ta smoke?

KT: er, thanks Mack

KT: Let me start with one of the most common things people say about sharks. They say that sharks are hungry man eaters who look for any chance to attack.

M: Sharks aint hustlin humans. Most "attacks" on humans is mistakes cuz of skanky wata visibilitizzle or is inquisitizzle bites. This is why there be all kindsa nuff mo' bites than fatalities.

KT: I've also heard people say they think that all sharks are the same. What can you say about that?

M: Shark species r' incredibly diverse wit' very different sizes, shapes, habitats, diets n' behaviors. There r' approximately 500 shark species, N' therez Ain't nuthin' but only three (white, tiga n' bull) r' responsible fo' da majority o' all bites.

KT: Interesting. All of those species and only a few known to bite humans. Er, what kind are you, Mack?

M: Les jus say I be known ta bite.

KT: (after moving to a chair a little further away) I guess this one is related. Some people think that all sharks are voracious predators.

M: Baskin sharks n' whale sharks, tha two phattest speciez of sharks, is filta feedaz dat feed on fish eggs n' other tiny organisms.

KT: Some have said, certainly not me, that the only good shark is a dead shark.

M: Sharks play a vital role up in keepin marine ecosystems balanced n' healthy fo' realz. An yo knows, sharks help coastal economies all up in ecotourism. Many playas is willin ta pay big-ass sumz of scrilla fo' tha opportunitizzle ta dive wit sharks.

KT: I've also heard it said that if a shark attack has not occurred, it means they do not live in that area.

M: Dat's a bunch o' bull! Sharks bust moves up in all of tha ghetto’s oceans - from inshore, coastal watas ta tha open, deep-blue sea - n' some can even be found up in freshwata rivers n' lakes.

KT: No offense intended, Mack, but some say that sharks have walnut-sized brains.

M: I'd bust if dat we're so stupid. Sharks can have complex hood behavior n' some species can communicate wit' body language, live in groups n' even hunt in packs. Sharks n' rays have some o' tha largest brains among all fish, wit' brain-to-body ratios simila ta birds n' mammals.

KT: Another one I've hears is that all sharks must swim constantly.

M: Most sharks do need ta swim continuously in orda ta pass wata ova their muthaf[BLEEP]in' gills n' breathe, some sharks r' able ta actively pump wata ova their muthaf[BLEEP]in' gills while restin' on tha sea floor.

KT: They (you know THOSE people) say shark fins are flavorful, full of nutrients and even have some medicinal value.

M: Shark fins offa no flavor or nutritional value. In fact, as top predators, sharks accumulate contaminants from their muthaf[BLEEP]in' prey, such as mercury, which has straight-up health effects even at low doses.

KT: Along those lines, people who hunt sharks for their fins say that sharks grow those fins back once they've been cut off.

M: Dat's total Bullsh[BLEEP]. A finned shark thrown overboard will drown, bleed ta dirtnap or be smoked by other sharks.

KT: But it must not be too bad. After all, sharks have no real predators.

M: Look, Red, da top billin threat ta sharks is HUMANS. Each year, tenz of millionz of sharks is capped fo' they fins. We is disruptin tha ocean ecosystem by cappin' a f[BLEEP]in sh[BLEEP]load of sharks. Tha only thang worse than humans huntin' sharks r' dem two legged sharks roamin' above wata livin' like a huthug. I be shizzle you know what tha f[BLEEP]k I be poppin' off bout n' know a gangbangin' few.

KT: Thank you so much for helping clarify these things, Mack. I think I'll finish off my beer and be headed on my way.

M: Don't rush off, Red. Y'all KNOW dat shit, mutha[BLEEP]ka! Come on n' join me n' all dem playas. We goin ta swim a lil' bit n' then grab a funky-ass bite ta eat. I be shizzle they'd ludd ta have you, biatch. Join our asses I mean.

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Seriously?

Submitted by VW Sands, Vibrations Surf Alliance (VSA) Founder

A friend asked me recently "what happened to SL (Second Life) surfing?" Not really sure exactly what he meant and needing a bit more specifics my obvious response was, "what ya mean?".

He said "well ya know what were we doing back in the old days that made it so damn much fun?"

Instantly I had the info I needed to give him an answer. Not THE answer mind you, just my 2 cents.

In the early days it seemed to me that we all had a much better understanding of what SL surfing was and was not.  We understood that the moves that can be made on a surfboard in SL were limited by the scripts in said surfboard.

Surfing "competitions" were like any other form of competition in SL.  They required ZERO skill (unless you consider hitting the arrow keys on a keyboard as a "skill". I mean sure, there were folks putting together cool combinations of moves but......the moves were scripted animations in the boards.

Understanding these basic facts meant that taking any of it seriously was never even considered. We surfed, screwed off and played this "game" never having the normal pressure of any kind of ego-driven, skill driven, prize money, trophy hunting BS that most RL competition environments normally entail.

When competitve SL surfing (or Sailing, go-cart racing, bowling, whatever) and the folks that were here doing that stuff understood that none of it required "skill" and was "Luck-Of_Lag" the mood was very much different than it is today.

Now days folks run out and buy Monster-Tower, water cooled i7 computers with 8 GB video cards and have a 100 mbit  fiber connection and bitch when they get a score not to their liking. What they don´t seem to understand is that their super-hardware doesn't mean squat ( if only to provide themselves with decent Client latency) when they are surfing on a sim with horrible server side latency.

Add to that the fact that in most cases there are 3 judges sitting in 3 different locations using 3 different ISP´s and 3 different connection speeds. So what the judges "see" and what they  (the gamer-surfer) see´s in their client window is........you get my point.


Now somehow this new batch of surfers (sailors, racers whatever) seems to think that monster hardware and tons of skill is required to "win". With that mentality comes of course all of the pitfalls with any type of competition, both in SL and RL.

So my answer was quite simple: "Back in the old days we surfed to have fun with our friends around the world and didn’t really give a rats ass about the rest."

Simple really. Take none of it seriously and have tons more fun.

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New HoF Curator, Cierra Theriac

SurfWatch recently caught up with newly appointed Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) Hall of Fame (HoF) Curator, Cierra Theriac, to get her thoughts on stepping into this new position.

SurfWatch (SW): How do you feel about becoming the new Curator - I think you are only the second person in this role.
Cierra Theriac (CT): I believe so.  Ritch Goalpost created the Hall of Fame, but Sally (LaSalle) was the first official curator.  I feel honored, who wouldn't?  I will try to live up to everyone's expectations.

SW: What is your understanding of Curator duties?
CT:   Wow, probably more than I am anticipating.  Beyond putting it out for a vote seasonally, plaques have to be made, um... The HoF building itself needs to be maintained and up to date. And I am sure I am forgetting a ton of things.  Luckily Sally said she would send me everything I need.

SW:  It sounds like it will be a smooth transition with Sally still around to help if you need it.  Was it a surprise to you to be nominated?  Or had you been in discussion with the Board?
CT: I heard, do not remember from who, that Sally was stepping down. Then she ran it past me, to see if I would be interested.  I assume she then went to the Board about it.  They asked me officially if it was something I would be willing to do.  I am very grateful Sally will still be around.  I am sure I will have questions (laughs).

SW: When do you start your official duties, or has that already started?
CT: I don't think there was an official date.  Probably when the Board announced it. It will feel real once Sally passes me the things the make the Hall of Fame, but I am ready to go, so I have moved the "curator" name plaque to my desk (smiles).

SW:  Thank you for your time and congratulations on stepping into this important role with the Hall of Fame!

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Cie Views: Anybody by Flair Event

Submitted by Cierra Theriac

Cierra Theriac has been involved in Second Life (SL) surfing almost since the start.  She's seen the fashion trends come and go while staying on the cutting edge.  In addition to being addicted to all things surfing, Cierra is also an avid shopper, hitting every event to find the goodies. Join us as we look at fashion around the SL globe as she brings us the best of the best from Cie Views.




Anybody Event
Ends 30 August 2018
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Elmira/84/27/23


[RED GIRL] Kamy Denim Beach Set - WEAR ME


Oubliette- Onyx Alexis Dress (add to unpack) (unpacked)


DAPPA - Garland Tattoo.

Avatar:
#Foxy - Muse Hair (Dark Blondes)
LAQ Bento head - Ana
^^Swallow^^ Shiny Ears 0.2 (wear)
Maitreya Lara Mesh Body
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SLSA HP5 Tahiti Pro Surfing Competition Today!

The Second Life Surfing Association HP5 Tahiti Pro Surfing Competition today!
11 AM SLT, Fairhaven

LM to the spectator stands:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Stratography/207/70/57
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Surfwatch Wave Report Updated

The SurfWatch Wave Reports have been updated on the website and inworld.

There are multiple ways the list of surfing sims (now somewhere around 70 some odd sims) is being distributed. Which way should you use?


It's really up to you. Denise Foxtrot has provided some freely available signs in a number of different sizes with different textures. These are great signs for giving out copies of the "simlist". One potential drawback, however, is that the list has to be manually updated. Since the signs and the simlist are freely available and can be shared with anyone, it's a bit of a challenge to know who has the list out for people to pick up.

The Surfsim Teleporter that Denise made for me uses a different approach. Denise developed a backend server that will automagically check for updates and get them distributed to everyone who uses the sign. It's loaded with LM's for all of the beaches in the simlist in addition to giving out a copy of the simlist notecard. There can be a delay of up to 5 days to get updates out, but since they're updated at best once a month, that shouldn't be too bad. The primary teleporter sign is at the Reef Rider hut on Bundy Reef, so it'll always be the most recent version.

As always, if you'd like a copy of Denise's signs, the simlist, or the Surfsim Teleporter, just give a holler to Kantbe Thursday.

[The Wave Report is always available and linked to SurfWatch for your convenience!]


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SLSA Call for Candidates - Time is Running Out!

The Second Life Surfing Association distributed the following information regarding running for a Director position on September 1, 2018:

September 1st, 2018 - Call for Candidates! September 1st, 2018

As per the SLSA Constitution, we will be having a General Election to fill two Board of Director positions. The election is scheduled to be held on September 1st, 2018.

If you would like to help keep your SLSA running, please consider standing for election as an SLSA Director. As with all Director positions, the term duration will be 6 months, in these cases from September 1st 2018 until March 1st, 2019. Applications should be turned in between August 11th – 24th.

If you wish to stand as a director, please create a note-card (IM's cannot be accepted) in-world, stating: your name, your willingness and ability to serve a full term, any affiliations of team, product or sim ownership, and a paragraph or two outlining your background, and your vision for the SLSA.

Send the note-card to all of the current sitting directors; KrisMarley, Solsty, richiemarley, giavannamarie.melody and jus4strat.

Director Eligibility is outlined in the SLSA constitution Section II.B. and can be viewed in the forum at viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1409 or on our website at http://surfslsa.org/main/?page_id=360 (won't require a file download).
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New SLSA HoF Curator

Reposted from SLSA notecard


As we all know Sally (LaSalle) recently stepped down from her post as Curator of the SLSA  (Second Life Surfing Association) HoF (Hall of Fame).  We are thankful for her selfless service to the HoF over the last ten years and they will be big shoes to fill.  Sally suggested a replacement and we the Board unanimously agreed with her choice.

Cierra Theriac has graciously agreed to be the new Curator and we are fortunate to have her.  From when Flynn Sheridan began planning the SLSA, Cierra has been a tireless supporter.  Her service is immeasurable and she is once again stepping up to do what needs to be done.

I believe I can speak for the membership when I say thank you Cierra and we all know you will do a terrific job!

[See SurfWatch's Breaking News:  http://surfwatch.blogspot.com/2018/07/breaking-news-slsa-hall-of-fames-curator.html]
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SLSA HP5 Pro Registration Ends Today!

Reposted from SLSA group notice

Last chance to compete in the first comp of the season!  Registration closes at 11:59 PM SLT!  It is going to be a lot of fun!  The only thing we are still missing is you!

Go to SurfSLSA.org to sign up
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You Know What They Say About Rules

written by Kantbe Thursday

Recently a disciplinary action involving the SLSA Group chat was brought to my attention. I was told that there was likely going to be some stuff hitting the proverbial fan. Over the past several days, I've been interviewing people to try to get as many facts straight as I could and try to get the timelines down.

At an early stage, there were claims of SLSA rules not being followed and possibly even some abuse of power. A director had ejected a member from SLSA Group chat due to what that Director felt was becoming inappropriate behavior for the group. As one Director put it to me, "abuse of any kind in the group isn't going to be accepted. It should be a relaxed friendly place for people to be." Initially I felt this might be a case of not following the SLSA governing rules and procedures. However, what I have found is quite the contrary. No actions nor processes that have been developed by the SLSA Board and in practice for the past couple of years were violated. Bear in mind that these processes precede any of the current Board holding office.

The practice is one that extends the Code of Conduct and part of the Constitution to include every aspect of SLSA activities, not solely competitions. Yes, this includes SLSA Group chat. In the event a Board member observes what they consider to be inappropriate behavior in open chat during non-competition SLSA events or in Group chat, they are empowered to take immediate action to “diffuse a problem”. Review and discussion by the rest of the Board takes place after the fact, so there is accountability.

All of this is well and good. But I personally have one problem with it. Documentation of this practice is hard to find and probably would be missed even by members who make a point to read all of the published rules that define how the SLSA will operate.

As a former Director, I know that the Board has a lot more to do with their time than most members realize. I hope that the Board will find the time to update the published rules to reflect this practice that has been in place by the Board for at least the past couple of years. Since there are ramifications on what a member can and cannot do while in an ejected state, I also hope that this expanded process would provide guidelines on what kind of behavior is inappropriate and specific timelines for when the Board will review and resolve the issue.

During the course of working on this incident, the SLSA Board has issued the following statement:
"We the board of the SLSA have recognized and will be continuously working on updating both the website and the rules that govern the SLSA. Many of you are past directors and realize the incredible amount of time it takes to run a successful season. We have a working list of things that will and need to be done. Keeping the membership apprised of the rules is at the top of that list. 99.9% of the membership have never and will never need rules for group chat because we have a community of the best and the brightest. There will always be those that will cross those lines and we will be documenting on the site how we and future boards will address those issues."

[Editors Note: This is an opinion piece and represents the views of the author.]
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Surf Camp: Annie Panties Judge Training

This is an encore presentation of Annie Panties SLSA Judge Training presented at Surf Camp on Thursday, August 9, 2018:


Welcome to judge training!

Today I will go over the basics of judging a competition. What I will cover is some rules, scoring, criteria, tricks and the judge HUD.

What we strive for is have scoring of our three judges within two points or less.  The closer the better.

The main thing I have always been told is consistency.  If you’re a high scorer, then you scored high throughout the contest.  Don’t change your scoring habits during a contest because that isn’t fair to the surfers.

During the contest the HJ sees all the scores and will monitor how everyone is doing.

If they see a pattern of really high or really low scores they may question you so you need to know why you scored a surfer the way you did, so keep a record of how you are scoring.

The best two of the three heat scores are counted.  They are added up and then divided by the three judges.

Surfers will only take a wave when given the ok by the Marshal.
The Marshal checks with the judges to make sure they are ready.  The judges when ready will lock into the surfer.

When all three judges are locked in then the Marshal will tell the surfer to take the next wave.

If a surfer takes a wave without the Marshal approval they will be warned and recalled back to take the wave properly.  A second offense and they will receive the minimum score and lose their turn in the heat.

10.1 Early Wave. If a surfer takes a wave prior to being told to go by the marshal, they shall in the first instance be recalled and warned that any further call jumping will lead to minimum score for that wave and loss of their turn.

10.2 Missed Wave.
10.2.1 Missed Non Phantom Waves. If a surfer moves to catch a wave and touches the wave but then slides back off that is designated as a missed wave the surfer gets minimum points and goes to the back of the sequence. (Catching a wave is a basic skill of surfing). The only exception to this rule is when all 3 judges agree that SIM side lag prevented the surfer from moving smoothly onto the wave.

10.2.2 Missed Phantom Waves (eg SSi Fluffy). If a surfer moves to catch a wave and passes through the wave without popping up that is designated as a missed wave the surfer gets minimum points and goes to the back of the sequence. The only exception to this rule is when all 3 judges agree that SIM side lag prevented the surfer from moving smoothly onto the wave.

Unless of three judges agree that lag played a part in the surfer and the wave the surfer gets the minimum score.

The length of wave is the wave from the time the surfer catches it to the shore. It’s divided into increments of .5, so a total score is 2 points.

 I missed and the minimum score would be .25-.75 depending on what the judge determines for a total score. So I total score would be for a missed wave about 3.0 or less.

The Head judge should make that clear in the beginning on missed waves.

Surfers may complain they didn’t see the wave.  Unless the judges didn’t see it also, the surfer will get the minimum score and told to relog before their next wave.

They need to contact the Marshal when they are back in and should tp to the stands, as not to interfere with the surfing.

The Marshal will then let the judges know that person is back and will come back to the buoy to continue to compete.

If they crash or come late to the contest, upon the judge’s decision, can compete in their heat as long as their heat has not finished.

The judges often are in conference so that everyone knows what is going on and they can confer as to what they agree on.

Scoring

Each wave that a surfer surfs is scored by 3 or more judges independently, each judge assigns a score between 0.25 minimum and 10 maximum for each wave surfed.

13.1 Surfer Crashes. If a surfer crashes while on a wave, the wave is scored up to that point, no re-do applies. The surfer may re-log on to SL and will be allowed to complete their remaining waves provided that the heat has not concluded.

Each judge score is then added up with the lowest score taken out.  The three total scores are then divided by three to get the final surfer score.

Two judges must score the surfer.  If one judge crashes or did not see a wave or surfer, the other two scores will count.

Often the contest will be halted until the judge returns after a crash, but it is the HJ decision as two scores are only needed.

The basic rule is to be consistent.  Changing your scoring pattern in the middle of the competition is not fair to the beginning surfers.  You should not be any more than 2 above or below the other judges in scoring.

The Head Judge has the right to request a full breakdown of the score by a judge or to throw that score out if they feel it’s not accurate.

 Because of computer glitches or whatever, each judge will have on paper their score breakdowns for each surfer by wave and heat.  Marks for length of ride, tricks and control should be kept by each judge in case they are asked by the Head Judge or if the computer messes up and you have to resort to hand calculations.

If a surfer crashes while on the wave their score is given at the point of which they crashed.  There is no do over.  They have until their heat is over to get back to the stands and contact the Marshal that they are back.

Under no circumstances are the surfer to contact the judges directly.  If they do let the EC and HJ know and they will be DQ’d from the competition.  They are told of this in the beginning so there is no excuse for not knowing.

15.1 Appeals for a re-do

A surfer may appeal ONLY to the marshal, to a wave re-do, via IM. Communication in Open Chat will not be considered an official request. The appeal will be relayed to the judges for deliberation who will decide if a re-do is allowed. The Judge’s decision is final and shall be relayed to the surfer via the marshal; under NO circumstance should the surfer correspond with any judge directly. Correspondence with a judge regarding any score or event ruling will result in immediate disqualification..

15.1.1 Wave Re-do can be granted for any of the following circumstances.

15.1.1.1 Lag on the SIM (SIM side lag). If lag on the sim effects a surfers performance they may be offered a re-do. This is only for SIM side lag and not for Client side Lag.

15.1.1.2 Wave rezzing failure. If the Wave only partially rezzes or the pushing component does not rez a re-do may be offered.

15.1.1.3 Interference. If the surfers' ride is interfered with or 'griefed' by another surfer or spectator they may be offered a re-do.

15.2 Appeals for score check
Post heat appeals can be made ONLY to the Event Coordinator if the surfer feels that there may have been an error calculating their score, or they were disqualified unfairly. Scores will be checked and the surfer notified of any correction or otherwise.
15.3 Post Comp Score Inquiries

Following the close of the event, post comp score inquiries can be made ONLY through the EC (if the EC is a Director) or one of the other Directors. At NO time may a surfer contact judges directly regarding their scores.

So basically do overs should be very rare.  Again the judges are in communication with each other and can decide whether it’s a lag issue, script problem, but again this is rare.

All judges are urged to turn their tags off and judge based on colors.  The Marshal refers to the surfers in colors like “Red get ready, etc.” and judges have to be the same.  You have to judge the surfer whether your friend or not in an honest manner.

If it helps not to look at the heat lineup then do that.  Inside I root for all the surfers, but I scored them as I feel they deserved.  Did one surfer stand out, were they better than the next person.

You have to feel confident in your score and if asked be able to defend it to the Head Judge.

Criteria

Easiest is the length of ride.
A maximum of two points can be assigned for how far down the break the surfer makes it.  In other works from the time they catch the wave to the end at shore.  You can picture the waves into divisions of .5 marks along the way.

Another aspect to ponder is how the surfer catches the wave.  Some wait for the wave to come to the buoy while others go out and take the wave as soon as it forms.

Some judges use their mini maps so they can see where they are along the break.

The easiest score is if they fall off mid-way in their surfing and would receive one (1) point.
Next we talk about style and control.

A maximum of four points is given to style and control.  Is the surfer seem in control of what they are doing and do they utilize the wave fully?

Are their moves choreographed into a smooth transition between wave sections and tricks or do they seem lost and not sure of what their next move will be and either belly’s or loses the wave.

How are they using the waves, the high parts and low, the curls and edges and is it a smooth rhythm of flow.

There is the mention of speed also.  The faster surfer shows aggressiveness and confidence while the slower surfer maybe unsure of their next move.  These are factors to consider.

Are they being innovative and show an easiness about their surfing and effortless move across the wave from one transition of trick to the next.

Tricks

The next criteria is tricks and techniques

A maximum of four points is given to tricks and techniques. Tricks and techniques include the ability to perform inner and outer turns, low carves and high rolls, 360 and 180 combinations, barrel rolls, flips, depending on the board used and the wave type.

The best surfer will be able to do all the tricks capable on that wave with that board.  Some boards will allow a variety of innovative moves, while others will be limited so then its technique that you will have to judge on.

You have to be consistent but also realize that if your giving surfers high scores in the beginning you may not have any room for others surfers coming up that do even better.

So you relate to the first set of surfers and compare other surfers to them.  The judges may not always agree on the scores but in the end it seems the best surfers that day are chosen and make the finals.

Again adjusting yours scores you may have just messed up the first heat so try to just be consistent with your scoring and focus on the criteria.
Surf HUD
You should Add or Wear surfhud 3.1.7

It should look like this when it is worn on you.
https://gyazo.com/57a6a09c4f97d9e3e9d0272ddb132b42

The Head Judge will rez a small box on the judges platform.  It is the surf computer and it talks to your judge hud and to the marshal huds.

When you lock into your surfer the Marshal will see all three judges have locked on and proceed to tell the surfer to take their wave.

You HUD will show the current heat, the rashie colors of the surfers in order of their starts, your scoring capability to include now the .25 factor.
Once you decide on a score you lock in the score by clicking the green check mark.

 Make sure you agree on your score before hitting the check mark.  You can use the .25 box for that number or variants of it. (.5 or .75)
If you do decide to change your score you click on the X and change your score.

 Try not to make changes if you can help it.  It not only prolongs the contest but your tapering with the computer system and we don’t want to have scoring problems.

The last box on your Hud is the lag meter.  When this is ON it will turn red if lag spikes occur.  This is helpful when a surfer has a problems and states it was lag that caused their problem.  If it turned red at that time for that surfer they may have a legitimate call on their run.

Once you scored the surfer the box will show your score and the heat inside it.  So you know who is next and what scores you have been given each surfer.

At the end of the Heat you will be asked if there are any problems with the scores.  Again you can use the other judges as a guide but primarily you should be consistent with your scoring and neither too high or too low + or – 2 pts.

When the HJ puts the scores into the computer and a copy to the EC, they will change the heat to the next one and the routine starts again for the next heat.

The HJ will see your score entered as it gets stored also into the database system.  You know you’re connected when the colors go from yellow to green.  It will state how many judges have connected.

It is recommended that the draw distance in order to see the entire wave be 180 approximately and if you do CTL ALT on the surfer you can lock onto them to follow them through their routine.  Neptune told me his draw distance is 300 so you need to see what suits your needs.

Please come at least a half hour early so we can see if you connect and answer any questions you may have.

What the HJ does is put you into a three way conference so that it’s easier for all three judges to talk among themselves on scoring and style/format, etc.

All judges wear the Grid Talkie Surf Rang 2.0.5 phone set so all the staff can communicate.

Sally had said that camming on a surfer doesn’t affect them or lag in recent months.  Sometimes my lock releases and I will lose the surfer for a moment, so I like to click on their name and follow them that way.  I do that for all the surfers either Nearby or on Radar listings of the surfer near me.

You can now undo the last (but only the last) score of ANY color. When you click the red X you are asked via a menu which color you want to undo, and are then told exactly which score value for which color you will be erasing. The Head Judge's HUD will flash that erased score until you replace it with a replacement score.

 You can press the 'HEAT' word at ANY time (reconnect if ever necessary).
You receive feedback when you send your score when the surf computer has saved your score properly.

Colors on the Lag Meter Box change with LAG; Green for OK, Red for Lag
We implemented the .25 score to eliminate as much as possible any ties in the contest.  So when you score you can use .25 or tap it for .5 or tap it for .75.  So your final score can be 6.25 if you want.

If you not sure about anything please ask the HJ in conference and they can assist. If you need to leave for a short while you need to let the HJ know.  Any prolong time extends the contest and at the HJ decision they may continue without you so try to do things during the heat shifts.

So after the heat is done go do your thing and be back before the next heat starts.
Keep in mind also that tallying up the finals takes a little time so that maybe the opportunity to take a break if you must.

Any questions?

You should not have any Bento items on your and you need to keep in all fairness to the surfers your script count low.  Use your classic shape and leave your AO and all unnecessary scripts in the grandstand for later.  The lower you can make your scripts the better.

I disable the name tags and go by the rashie colors.  Even if you know the surfer, put all your friendship, hostilities and whatever behind and judge the surfing of that person.

I personally feel bad when a surfer falls off a wave or board and hope the next time they do better, but that’s all I have to score as I feel and hope my other judges feel the same way.

Again it isn’t a precise science.  If surfer falls off the wave at the start you generally give them the minimum score.  Many give the surfer a 3.0 with the idea of one point for each group (length, style, tricks).  Others may give only .25 as the minimum and a total of .75.  I always see 3.0 but if you score say a 1 then you have to be consistent each time.  This low score will probably not count but you never know.

The main thing is to be fair, honest and consistent with your scoring and to try to have some fun too.

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Sally LaSalle Talks about T'ai


SurfWatch recently caught up with Sally LaSalle, former owner of T'ai, to talk about the recent transition of ownership of surfing sim, T'ai, part of the T'ai, Chi, Bluff and Bundy cluster, and share memories of T'ai.  

SurfWatch (SW): So what was the genesis of T'ai?  You had the very successful Chi.  Did you feel the need to add additional space?
Sally LaSalle (SL): Let's see if I can remember that far back.    Yes and no, and that's an odd answer but let me explain.  Actually, how it all happened was, the very first surf comps were run with the spectators on the surf sim.  So we all actually sat on the same sim as the surfers in the case of the first surf comp that was on Chi.  But I made cushions and everyone had to sit on the cushions and try to be still (smiles).

Sally LaSalle
SW:  Oh my gosh!  (laughing).  That was back in 2007?
SL:  Mm hmmm.  That was even before the SLSA (Second Life Surfing Association) was formed.  But when the SLSA was formed, there was a decision that I don't think was ever actually written down anywhere ever that we should have separate spectator sims to help reduce the lag on the competition surfers.  The first ever SLSA comp was at Imagi but there was a comp on Chi planned for November which was Chi's first birthday.  So I was thinking, where the hell can I put the spectators?  And found out that you could hire a sim for events from the Linden Labs for 3 days.  Tightline Kidd was the winner of that first event at Imagi (smiles).  Heats were timed back then so you weren't guaranteed your 3 waves.

SW:  Oh, get out!
SL:  It's true.  And people would deliberately wait longer than they had to so their competitors wouldn't get an extra wave.
T'ai

SW:  (Laughs) Evil genius!
SL:  So anyway, Tai came in to being as the spectator sim for that first season comp on Chi.  I hired it for 3 days and it rezzed literally on the Friday before the comp.  But then a funny thing happened.  It was supposed to vanish again after 3 days but it never did!  Linden Labs forgot it was there! (laughs)

SW: No way!!!  (laughs)
SL:  Yep, but I was worried that it could vanish any moment so I never did anything with it.  But some squatters decided to camp out there and make it their home and lived there for free for about six months.  Eventually, I got a message from a Linden that said something like, erm, "What's the deal with this sim?"  I said, "I don't know, I only hired it for three days."  Then they graciously told me that, well, "We won't charge you for the last six months!"  (laughs).  I was like, that is good, because I didn't order it for six months.  And just like that, Tai poofled.

T'ai
SW:  Wow.
SL: But then a year went by and I thought it would be cool to hold more comps on Chi and also to have a large(r) surf break than the little Chi bay.  So decided to bite the bullet and make Tai a permanent thing.  A friend of Desirae's (Beaumont) was selling their full sim.  Buggered if I can remember what it was called now, but I bought it off them for free just the transfer fee and had it moved next to Chi and renamed as Tai.  That must have been '09.  Yeah, I would say November 2009 cause held another Chi comp about then.  And the first comp on Tai itself was May 2010.  Anyway, that was the main reason for it, to be a spectator sim for Chi.  And to be a second venue with a much bigger break to run bigger waves.  At the time, it was the only two full-class surf sims that were rezzed next to each other.  So we could run comps on either.  Most of the other surf estates had one full sim and one or more homesteads around that  so were less flexible about the comp venue.

SW:  This is just precious history and background to have on record.  So throughout the 8 years of T'ai, what are some of the highlights and challenges?
SL: Well, I think some of the highlights were that we were the first sim to get the SSi Cortes wave, much to the utter disgust of other sim owners at the time (laughs).  But that was partly because Desi ran her surfboard shop called 'Perfect Waves' up in the sky above Tai and had about 1000 surfboard shapes and designs (All SSi!!) permanently rezzed there.
SSi board showroom on Tai - photo courtesy Kantbe Thursday

SW:  I remember that shop!
SL:  So it was like a permanent showroom for SSi and hence how we twisted their arm to get the Cortes.  But although the Cortes was a big step forward in wave design, it was a bastard of a wave to surf (laughs).

SW:  Why was that?
SL:  It moves really fast, and has a very tight curl so its hard to do maneuvers inside.  And also because of the fast movement especially on SSi shortboards.  You often got thrown forward off the wave and bellied.  You had to make a conscious effort to turn back into the wave a lot.  It's not so bad with the LSD boards.  But I always loved giving surfers something to challenge them, so I enjoyed it (smiles).  Another highlight was we held the 50th ever SLSA surf comp there which was an amazing milestone only to be matched by holding the 100th comp there years later (smiles).  I like milestones (laughs).

2008 Tauri Tigerpaw performance at Chi with T'ai backdrop
SW:  Amazing!  I'm sure one of the major challenges was the business operations side - keeping it fully rented to help with tier costs.
SL:  Yes, that is true, although because it's a surf sim, we attracted a fair number of comp surfers there over the years so we had that special venue status.  But trying to balance rentals and and surfing is tough.  One of the other challenges as a result of that is that to this date, there has never ever been a comp on Tai where someone didn't complain in my IM box that, "It's soo laggy here" (laughs).  Which was actually not true, the sim was always running well for all the comps there and we cleared out any laggy scripts before each comp.  But it's just a feeling people get if they are surfing past houses.

SW:  So had you been struggling with the decision to make changes with T'ai for awhile?
SL:  In terms of change, not so much.  I had one bad patch where I was out of work for a while, and it was getting really close to having to let it go but the surf community ralled behind me with a fundraiser, and it really made the difference to me being able to keep it.  That was actually a big highlight for me, too, and so grateful to everyone in the surf community that helped out with that, and for all the support I have received over the years from everyone.  That was about 2015.  So it hasn't been any particular event, really.  I just realized that my priorities have shifted a bit and I spend a lot less time in SL than I used to and as a result, I couldn't justify the ongoing out of pocket expense. Tai was $295a month as a full sim and often I was paying half or more of that out of pocket.

2015 Tai Chi Fundraiser
SW:  Whew, yes.  But you'll continue Chi, and don't you partly support some other sims?
SL: So yes, I will continue with Chi, and I effectively pay half of Bundy (by paying the tier on Bluf if that makes sense. The other thing is that when I was approached by Teddy ((Bear),  I could see just how excited and motivated she is about it, and I remember feeling like that. So that was the thing that really pushed me to do it, to give it a new lease of life

SW:  So what are your hopes for T'ai going forward?
SL: I hope it lives on, and I really do look forward to seeing it change and evolve.  I think that's exciting.  And I can't say enough about the help I have received from Kantbe (Thursday) over the years.  It's safe to say that Tai would have gone long ago if it wasn't for her management efforts.

SW: That's beautiful, Sally - yes, Kantbe is the solid rock of so many things people don't realize in the SL surfing community, including SurfWatch as our managing editor.  Teddy refers to you as "the Queen of Surf".  If you could send Teddy a message for T'ai when she reads this piece, what would you like to say to her?
SL: "Big snuggles to you" (laughs).  No,  I would say, I know you're going to be great, and you will have such a fun time.  Make it your own!  (smiles).
Sally LaSalle and Teddy Bear at T'ai

SW: Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with SurfWatch and our readers, Sally.  It's always a pleasure to spend time with you.

[See SurfWatch http://surfwatch.blogspot.com/2010/04/tai-chi.html and search "Tai" for more SurfWatch write-ups on T'ai].

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Mick Lunasea - History of Second Life Surfing at Surf Camp Week


Submitted by special contributor, Wolf Torii



SL (Second Life) surfing legend and self-proclaimed Surf Bum, Mick Lunasea sits on the edge of a yellow garbage can at the SLSA (Second Life Surfing Association) surf camp to talk about the history of surfing in SL. Next to him was his RL (real life) photo and a photo imbedded within it, presumably of him surfing in FL back in 1975.

“He is certainly still involved with SL surfing,” Said Solsty Kismet, current SLSA Director and oe of the organizers of Surf Camp.  “Mick never misses a competition.”

Mick appears to have no pretense about him. His hat shading the gray beard of his avatar models his RL age. He didn’t appear to have a script, and his presentation was like listening to your favorite uncle on the front porch, reminiscing about the good ole days.  Several people sat around him in the sand; a good mix of new surfers as well as the SL seasoned experts.

He began with a reference to Surfwatch Vol 1. Issue 1 and talked of SL surfing in 2007, explaining that all that we have in surfing now, came from the competition of those times. The race to build the best board, the best wave. Politically, how to work with your competitors for the sake of SL surfing yet fighting to stay solvent. Back then it cost $300 US to buy a wave.  There was also the issue of SL being unpredictable, “I’d lose a surfboard a day at least. SL was unstable, all created items could disappear in SL black holes. Especially vehicles. Surfboards are vehicles and tend to go off world more than anything, due to the fact that we try out of this world maneuvers riding them," Lunasea explained. 

He said all the boards sold back then were no copy, “If they failed or got lost it was your problem.”
Mick was also involved in helping to shape surfing in SL as we know it. “Action and SSi battled it out. Action and RJ were on friendly terms meeting occasionally. I eventually brokered a deal getting RJ and SSi to meet and work out a line of RJ sculpted decks powered by SSi script. RJ discontinued his own scripted waves and boards”, he said.

He also talked about many others who were involved in the beginning and shaping the sport. Most only by their first name, “VW (Sands), Flynn (Sheridan), Thor (Bishop), and Sierra (Sugar) were tight with Heather (Goodliffe) and Sebastian (Saramago). Misfits Surf Shop featured SSI. Rob (Robin Mapp) and Thor were best friends. Thor is responsible for introducing the shortboard in SL. SSi powered, of course. Thor was the first person I knew in SL who died. I missed the paddle out. Thor set precedent of a non-contest winner getting into the SLSA HOF.”

Surfwatch asked Lunasea if he thinks surfing was more popular 8 years ago. “It seems some years ago surfing was the ‘hot’ thing in SL [But there were] 70K residents in-world in winter and 50K in the summer. Today 40K? I think the number of surfers is the same really, we just don’t notice.”

Wolf Torii: So, would it be safe to say that percentage wise by population, it’s still as popular as it ever was with SL residents?
Mick Lunasea: Yes, and there were less surf sims back then.  0 to 20 max. (There are over 70 beaches now.)

Wolf Torii: Mick, in your opinion, what can we do as regular surfers to help support and sustain the sport in SL?
Mick Lunasea: Pay 10L to every surf sim you use (or 5 or 1L).

Wolf Torii: Well, Mick, I for one am thankful for you and the other surf pioneers who brought the sport to SL for all of us to enjoy. Thanks for sharing.
Mick Lunasea: I did nothing.  From day 1, I was a surf bum.  I do know it’s been a wonderful ride. I love the surf community - the good bad and ugly.

There you have it. Mick Lunasea, he takes no credit for his involvement. But I for one, know a legend when I see one.









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Vibrations Surfari!

Surfers from around the grid gathered at Teahupo'o for a Vibrations Surf Alliance good old classic Surfin' Safari headed up by VW Sands and his partner, Meka Chaffe Sands.
Gia Villano


Jaque Quan
Meka Chaffe Sands
Venizi 
VW Sands

After gathering at Teahupo'o, the gang headed to the mysterious first landmark at the exquisite Ash Falls where surfers tossed their boards in the water and hit the waves under a setting sun.
Ash Falls
Julz
Surfers next hit Eudemonia where the waves were front and center, er, after V's evil twin's grass skirt.
Megs
Mick Lunasea

Next stop, Cohiba Cay.  Surfers wasted no time in hitting the clear crystal water and riding the crests, followed by a quick rest break.
Countess DeCosta
WytchWhisper


Next stop, Angel Lagoon, was a little bit of a problem at first.  The waves were mysteriously not to be found.  But the VSA team had a quick back up plan, and surfers were quickly teleported to Lindo Beach to catch the surf there!

Baphy

Next was Shagwong Cove Resort where the group was greeted by a surprized Diamonte Thomas, sim owner.
Teddy Bear
Diamonte Thomas

The last stop was a cold brew and spot around the fire pit at V and Meka's home.  Surfers warmed up, chugged some brew, and talked about the waves.  Looking forward to the next VSA event!




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Vibrations Surf Alliance Surfin' Safari Today!

Today is the day!  11 AM SLT!  Teahupo'o - World Class Surfing (152, 9, 22)

Aloha Surfers!
It's Surfari time!

Date: August 19th!
Time: 11 am SLT till all waves are surfed and the last Corona is drank!
Where: We are starting at Vibes current home base, Teahupo'o!

Rules Of Engagement:
1. We will have 15 to 20 minutes at each destination.
2. We will visit 6 SURPRISE destinations.
3. Each destination will be handed out separately!
4. YOU are here to have a good time, catch the perfect wave, revive your soul, AND watch VW define Kook!

Mahalo Vibers!

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Surfari 2018

Reprinted by Vibrations Group Notice


VW has been surfing the whole Meta-verse and the Secret Spots have been found!!!  Tomorrow at 11 SURFARI 2018 BEGINS!

See you there....

Teahupo's - World Class Surfing
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Shagwong Cove Fun Surfing Comp!

Diamonte Thomas' Shagwong Cove Resort was the location of an impromptu fun surfing comp on the beach on Saturday, August 18! Shagwong Cove Resort is a 4 sim resort  and today's Men in Motion Beach Party had entertainers, DJ's, surf contests, and more!  Men in Motion Dance Troupe raises money for men's health issues.  All the participants, mostly new surfers, grabbed a C-3 and hit the waves.  First place winner was Queenie Acacia excelling in tricks!  Caranora Bravin came in second and Mr. Wingtips was third!  Great job to all the new surfers!






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