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For your summer groove...

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Happy Rez Day, Baphy (Fushichou Mfume)!

Happy Rez Day, Baphy!  Thank you for reading SurfWatch!

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Great Lakes Surfing Association

photos and information reprinted with permission of Aquadoc

Surfing on the Great Lakes?  Oh yes, there is!  Just ask Aquadoc who has been an integral part of the real life (RL) Great Lakes Surfing Association throughout its history.

Ready for a surfari to the outer banks 1967

When SurfWatch interviewed Aquadoc back in April 2018, we were excited to hear he started surfing the Great Lakes in 1963 and became a Great Lakes Surf Legend!

He gave us permission to repost site photos to share the feel of real life surfing on the Great Lakes.
(Aquadoc Resident: Yes, you can use any pics off my SandHillCity site and there are tons there.  Explore the storyboard.)

We encourage you to do the same and expore the storyboard!  You don't need an ocean to surf!

Check out more of the history and the photos at:
http://www.sandhillcity.com/

And to hear more about Aquadoc and his Second Life surfing adventures, check out:
SurfWatch interviews Aquadoc

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SurfWatch Interviews June Gloom, UMI Sponsored Champion

photos courtesy June Gloom

SurfWatch recently caught up with UMI sponsored surf, boxing and wrestling champion, June Gloom (ToniTrue), to reminisce about her 2016 Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) surfing championship year and her love of wrestling and boxing.

SurfWatch (SW):  Hi June - thank you so much for interviewing with us!  Looks like you came into Second Life (SL) in 2014 - what drew you in?
June Gloom (JG):  Hi Tauri!  Thanks for having me!  So a real life friend of mine had been doing SL for a while and kept trying to get me to join.  I finally broke down and joined and been here every since!

SW:  How did you discover SL surfing?
JG:  Well in my earlier SL days, I had started DJing pretty regularly.  I met this DJ at an Indie club I worked at, and she was a surfer.  She asked me if I would like to DJ a surfing competition, so I agreed.  I worked several competitions during which, I started really paying attention to the surfers and what they were doing.  It was from there that I decided that I wanted to give it a try because it looked like so much fun!

SW:  You are the 2016 Season 2 champ.  That's exciting for me because I was away for several years during that time.  I'd love to know what surfing was like at that time - who were the top competitors with you?
JG:  Yes!  I still can't believe it sometimes, but it was super fun and such a wonderful experience.  Back then, the top group of surfers were Moira and a very new but still very good Kris Marley.  Also Cierra Theriac was always in the mix, and Petra Xaris really came on late.  I also got to surf against Bobbi Lasalle in the last competition of the season, which was incredible!

SW:  What waves and boards were you predominantly riding and why?
JG:  It was pretty much the standard rotation as they have currently.  C-3, LSD, HP5, and the SSi Long and Short boardies.

SW:  What were some of your favorite surf sims back then and why?
JG:  Bundy Reef is and will always be my personal favorite, as that it where I met a great many of my current surfing friends as well as where I did my very first competition.  Will never forget those big rocks!  I also enjoyed Tai a lot.  To be fair, there wasn't a surf sim I didn't like.

SW:  What was competition surfing like then and was it different from now?
JG:  It was super fun for me, also nerve-wracking at times!  I tried competing during the peak wrestling season fairly recently, and I just couldn't keep up with both.  It felt the same honestly.

SW:  And what are your favorite waves and boards and surf sims now and why?
JG:  I always had a thing for the bigger waves, because I'm a bit of an air-raider as far as style.  The fluffies were surprisingly fun as well, very challenging.  As far as boards, my personal fave is the C-3.  Hummingbird Point is probably one of the surf Sims I've really enjoyed as of now.  I also enjoy Kanaloa, Kona, Baja Norte, Chi, Bluff Cove, Ta'i, Teahupo'o....too many to name really, I love them all!

SW:  What are your goals for this season?
JG:  Well, I'm not competing, but I always keep my eyes on the happenings of the SLSA, so my goal would be for all surfers to have fun and be safe out there!

SW:  UMI is sponsoring you this season.  How did you hook up with UMI Surf Company?
JG:  I met Frankie Paige through boxing, believe it or not!  We started chatting a bit and quickly became good friends, found out we had quite a bit in common.  Frankie is amazing, and when the pro wrestling thing started taking off, we talked about helping each other by doing a dual-sponsorship type thing.  I'll promote her awesome boards, and she'll give me some plugs here and there.  It's been a fantastic partnership, and I'm really lucky and honored to be a part of it!  Plus, she's my musical soulmate!

SW:  What's your favorite UMI board?
JG:  I love all of her boards honestly.  My favorite though, would be the custom June Gloom Championship Edition that she made for me!  Wanna see it?

SW:  I see the iconic Reef Riders Surf Team in your profile - who else was on the team with you at that time?
JG:  Actually, when I was actively competing, I surfed with Ta'i Chi.  I am, however, an active Reef Riders supporter.  I support all teams really, because we're all brothers and sisters in this and we all truly love surfing.

SW:  Looks like you are also a championship wrestler!  Tell me all about that - how you got started, how often you compete, what it's like to compete.  I interviewed an SL wrestler once - she was so much fun.  She took pics of me in a headlock hahahah!
Maja the Very Modern Girl (Gaine Somerset), T2 IFFF Champion
Check it out!  It still makes me crack up!
JG:  Oh my gosh that is epic!!! I am "The Chill Factor" June Gloom. the current Pulse Women's Champion!  Chill as Hell outside the ring, Colder than Ice inside it!  Haha!  Well I've always been a wrestling fan and after putting my application in at a few places, I finally got the call up!  During my training, someone suggested to me that I use my surfing background as part of my character development, so I did!  Right now, I wrestle for Virtual Wrestling Entertainment (VWE), on their weekly Pulse brand, which airs every Sunday!  As far as what it's like....it's very comparable to being in a surf competition.  There is a lot skill involved and one wrong move can throw the whole program off..but as in surfing, I really enjoy the thrill and the rush of it all.  We can try out a few moves, if you want?  Hehe!

SW:  You also box???  Okay, tell me about that, too!
JG:  Yep, I used to box pretty much every day for a while there.  I competed at Lonsdale, where I met some really great people.  Also did GFC (Girl's Fight Club) where I finished 3rd and where I met my buddy Ily who is a current surfer...."Hiii Ily!".  I also did some exhibition type fights at Frankie's old Gym "Roots"...was super fun!  I still do it when I can and it's a great way to keep the skills up and stay in shape.

SW:  And you are a DJ!  Do you have a regular schedule?
JG:  As far as being a DJ, that is something I have done for several years and I really love music so...it just made sense.  As of now I'm not on a regular schedule as the wrestling takes up most of my time, but I fill-in at Whiskey SMASH! and Fogbound Blues when I'm able to.

SW:  What's the best way for people to know about your upcoming gigs, bouts and comps?  Would that be your fangroup at June Gloom Fanclub?
JG:  Yep!  I have a fan group and pretty soon will have a subscriber kiosk for those that don't have the room for more groups like me (lol).  I also have a DJ Group to keep up to date on upcoming sets.

*****************************************
June Gloom Wrestling Bio:  "The Chill Factor" June Gloom (Real name- Liberty June Heartshock) stands at 5'11" and weighs 141 lbs.  She is half-Chinese (her Mother's side) and half-Canadian.  Her parents moved to the United States shortly before June was born, from her Father's hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia.  They ended up in June's birth city of Cincinnati, Ohio.

So why "June Gloom"?  She explains the name:

"June Gloom is an annual weather pattern in Southern California that consists of long periods of cloudy, overcast "gloomy" days.  Well, I just so happen to love cloudy, gloomy days.  Also, I'm a big Indie Rock person, and June Gloom happens to be the name of one of my FAVORITE albums from one of my FAVORITE Indie bands of all time!"

As a child, June always loved to fight.  As one of the tallest girls all throughout school, sometimes her awkwardness and clumsiness would cause issues between her and her classmates.  "Yeah, I got into a lot of fights.  Most of them I didn't start. Sure, getting hit sucks and it hurts, but I did it anyway...it was a good way to release stress. Kids would talk about me due to my awkwardness. Mostly behind my back. The ones that did talk to my face usually got their little pig-tails ripped out or their faces wrapped around the swing-set".

Growing up, June excelled in athletics, and played most sports (Softball, Volleyball, Basketball, Hockey) on her journey through school.  June would play on the basketball team for her Alma Mater, the University of Cincinnati.  She eventually fell in love with all extreme sports, becoming a very highly regarded competitor.  in 2016, June won the SLSA's Season 2 Surfing Championship and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"Of course surfing is a sport, are you kidding me?  Have you ever been whacked in the head with a surfboard while getting tossed around by a big wave?  Ever been slammed into big rocks?  Have you ever had to punch a shark in the face?  Well I have!  What other sport can you do THAT in?", June says.

Growing up with 2 older brothers who loved professional wrestling, and who would use her as a practice-dummy, June would always have a thing for Pro-Wrestling.  She would eventually begin training as a wrestler and hitting the Indie circuit to hone her skills.  She would eventually sign with the VWE in late 2018.

A punishing power wrestler who also has a surprisingly effective aerial arsenal to compliment her overall athletic prowess.  Some have dubbed her "The Natural Athlete", or "The Concussionista".

June is extremely competitive, and can switch up her style as needed, depending on the competition and situation.  Whether it's a good old fashioned regular wrestling match, or an all-out donnybrook, June happily welcomes the challenge.

At 19 years of age, June looks to try and become one of the youngest wrestlers in VWE history to find success.

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Kutenai Wedding...

photos by Dhalia Kutenai

Dane and Dhalia Kutenai were recently married at the beautiful Klaatu wedding venue in Second Life (SL).

The wedding was a classic ceremony with attendee, Rayzza Rubble, yelling, "It's not too late, Dhalia - run!".

The couple will be honeymooning on the Mentawai Islands for a two week surf trip.

Mr. and Mrs. Kutenai invite everyone to join them Friday, July 26, 2 AM SLT, at Dahlia's club to celebrate:
Dhalex Adult Nightclub

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Part 6: The SLSA has a Constitution?

Welcome to Part 6 of our series covering the Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) Constitution in an on-going quest to familiarize and understand the constitution in bite-sized chunks.  Please refer to the earlier posts as this series will build on prior Parts*.

The Constitution:


1.  Structure

1.1. Association Structure (covered in Part 2 of this series)    
1.2. Mission Statement (covered in Part 3 of this series)
1.3. Membership (covered in Part 4 of this series)
1.4 SLSA Board of Directors (covered in Part 5 of this series)

1.5. Appointed Officers Appointed officers will be appointed, or re-appointed, every three (3) months in correspondence with
the Board of Directors elections, except as noted. A director may serve as an appointed officer, or the
directors may, as a whole, appoint a non-director for the office. An officer who is not a director, does
not have a vote on Board of Director decisions. Officers may be removed from their position at the
discretion of the Board of Directors at any time. 1.5.0 Human Resources Officer - appointed, director only. Is responsible for recruiting and training appointed officers and maintaining a pool of trained
event day staff. 1.5.1. Financial Officer – appointed, director only. Is responsible to oversee all aspects of financial areas. Duties include: making payments,
collecting receipts, and keeping an accurate record of all transactions and the current balance
of SLSA funds. A financial Officer must keep other directors apprised of financial payments.
Only the Financial officer may make payments on behalf of the SLSA. 1.5.2. Communications Officer – appointed. Is responsible to oversee all aspects of communication to the SLSA membership and surfing
community. Duties include: Maintain website; advertise surfing events via group notices, and
SL events postings, and via web publications. 1.5.3. Events Officer – position is appointed by Board of Directors and may be changed from event
to event in order not to place an undue burden on any one person.
Is responsible to oversee all aspects of a single contest or event and ensure the surfing aspect
of the event runs on schedule and according to the rules and that the staff is not making any
errors. The Events Officer is the only person who can give the exact schedule of events and
rules in all protests in collaboration with the Judging and Marshaling officers. Any member of
the SLSA who performs this role at an event shall be entitled to a payment in accordance with
the “SLSA schedule of fees”.
1.5.4. Head Judge – position is appointed by Board of Directors and may be changed from event to
event in order not to place an undue burden on any one person. 1.5.4.1 Is responsible for making Event Heat Draws 1.5.4.2 Is responsible for making competition day rulings 1.5.4.3 Is responsible for updating Season Scores
1.5.4.4 Is responsible for keeping in communication with other judges in preparation for events. Any member of the SLSA who performs this role at an event shall be entitled to a payment in
accordance with the “SLSA schedule of fees”. 1.5.5. Marshal – position is appointed by Board of Directors and may be changed from event to event
in order not to place an undue burden on any one person. 1.5.5.1 Is responsible for making sure surfers for heat are present and in order, and that judges
are aware of any no-shows. 1.5.5.2 Is responsible for making sure surfers do not begin until judges give go ahead.
1.5.5.3 Is responsible for obtaining assistants if needed. Any member of the SLSA who performs this role at an event shall be entitled to a payment in
accordance with the “SLSA schedule of fees”.
1.5.6. Security – position is appointed by Board of Directors and may be changed from event to event
in order not to place an undue burden on any one person. 1.5.6.1 Is responsible for maintaining secure competition area so that only officials and
competitors are allowed within the area during the times they are needed. 1.5.6.2 Is responsible for communications with persons who are interfering with the
competition.
1.5.6.3 Is responsible for obtaining assistants if needed. Any member of the SLSA who performs this role at an event shall be entitled to a payment in
accordance with the “SLSA schedule of fees”.

Breakdown:

Officers are appointed at each election, so basically they serve a 3 month period.  They are appointed by the Board to perform specific functions.  They do not become a Director and have no votes on Board of Director decisions.  An Officer may be a Director but is not required to be with some exceptions.  The Board can remove anyone from this role at any time.

The exception to the Director as Officer rule comes into play with the HR Officer.  This person is responsible for recruiting and training event day staff and only a Director is allowed to staff this position.

The Financial Officer must also be a Director.  They are responsible for making payments, collecting payments, and tracking all transactions.  They are the only one with authority to make payments on behalf of the Association.

Communications Officer is appointed, so may or may not be a Director.  They are responsible for communicating to the membership as well as to the surfing community at large.  This includes advertising events via the website, SL events, and other avenues.

Event Officer is appointed but can be changed for each event if necessary, to spread out the burden of duties across the season.  This is a paid position.  This position oversees all aspects of an event including making sure it runs on schedule and according to the rules.  They rule on protests in collaboration with judges and marshall.  

Head Judge is appointed but can be changed for each event if necessary, to spread out the burden of duties across the season.  This is a paid position.  They must make event Heat Draws, make rulings at the event, must update season scores, and must keep in communication with other judges.

Marshall is appointed but can be changed for each event if necessary, to spread out the burden of duties across the season.  This is a paid position.  They can use assistants if needed.  They make sure the competitors are checked in and notify judges of no-shows, they wait until judges are ready, then give surfers the go-ahead to catch a wave.

Security Officer is appointed but can be changed for each event if necessary, to spread out the burden of duties across the season.  This is a paid position.  They can also use assistants if needed.  They assure only judges and competitors are in the competition area and they communicate with anyone who is interfering with the competition.

The SLSA Schedule of Fees has the specific payment information, and we will cover that when we get to it in the Constitution.

*This is not an SLSA sanctioned series.  SurfWatch is exploring the SLSA Constitution as a long time member, supporter, former sponsor and participant in the SLSA over the years with the goal of understanding and education.  We invite SLSA and public comment for clarity and discussion.

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Class Notice Photography of Moving Objects - Surfers

submitted by Teddy Bear (atlasshrugged3)

Photography of Moving Objects - Surfers

Photo Salon is an open-ended workshop that provides SL photographers with skills instruction, practice locations, and a supportive atmosphere in which to practice the techniques of effective SL Photography.

Anyone is welcome to attend, but to get the most out of it you should be comfortable using the camera to take photographs in Second Life.

If you are interested to developing your photography skills, Photo Salon class starts at 7 pm SLT at Caledon Oxbridge University Lecture Hall.

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Request for Model Surfers

submitted by Teddy Bear (atlasshrugged3)

We need Surfing Models for this week’s Photo Salon class

We need Model Surfers for our Photography class on Moving Objects

All we need you to do is Surf!

The students will be shooting photos of you surfing as part of their class assignment

Class starts at 7 pm SLT at the Caledon Oxbridge University Lecture Hall

The field trip to Tai Surfing SIM will be after class (@ 7:30 to 7:45 pm SLT)

Come and help make this an epic class for the Photography Students.

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Happy Rez Day, David Charleston!

Happy Rez Day, bro-in-law!!!

David and Zennessa Charleston are owners of SurfWatch Partner, Charleston Heights at LaVista del Mar, and home base for SurfWatch headquarters and beach outpost.  To find out more about them and their wonderful town sim, check out the SurfWatch Partners tab:

New SurfWatch Partner: Charleston Heights

Charleston Heights: Home of the SurfWatch Offices

SurfWatch Outpost at LaVista del Mar

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Inner Tubing at Kia Kaha!

Come catch a tube ride down the river with up to 4 friends!  Grab a beer or sandwich and enjoy the ride!  Happening now at Kia Kaha!  Pictured:  Wayvz Carver, Katie (Fantasia007), Surf3r (oldsurferdude Danitz), Tauri Tigerpaw

Tubing Point at Kia Kaha

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Happy Rez Day, Pherol Rando Wild!

via GIPHY

7.21.12 Pherol Rando Wild

Happy Rez Day, lil brother!

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Group Notice From: SL Surfing Association, Petra Xaris

If you'd like to cast your vote for who you feel should receive Angel and Sportsperson Awards for Season 1 2019, please visit our forum at the following links. Voting will run through July 25th. Happy voting everyone!

http://surfslsa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=168&t=4131#p29349
http://surfslsa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=168&t=4130#p29348

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Kanaloa Beach Summer Fair 2019

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Kanaloa Beach Summer Fair and Sunlines

submitted by Frankie Paige (Tlaloc Beresford)

As part of the Kanaloa Beach Summer Fair, Umi Surf Company has created women's shirts and a matching design on the new Umini board.  Check it out at Kanaloa Beach Summer Fair opening tomorrow, July 19!  Kanaloa Surf Beach

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SurfWatch Partner Maoli: Waves and Ramps and so much more!

I headed over to SurfWatch Partner Maoli recently to catch a few waves and do some shopping.  The shops are infinitely cool with that weather beaten wood siding and faded surf pics.

Beach huts, lifeguard shacks, mini shops, paintball shacks and paintball systems set up in one shop.  Maoli Paintball System includes everything you need to play.

Cutiepie is at the Tourist Information Booth to greet you with gifts, landmarks, information and more!  And from here, you can teleport to the Vetox simball arena to check out the action!

There is a shack devoted to all of the Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) awards Denise Foxtrot has received for her many contributions to SL surfing as well as information and links to SurfWatch!

Spend some time in the wave shack - so much information about all the waves including fluffies.  The Endless Wave is a self contained wavepool simulation letting you practice those turns and barrels even without ocean waves.

Next two stops, surf boards.  Okay, give me a few hours in here.

A little section tucked in the corner has palms, flowers and butterflies!

Whats next?  Roaming fish, racing carts and simball arenas!

And the big kahuna, Vetox simboards!  So much fun!

The marina boardwalk and custom buoys finish the shopping tour.  Time to hit up the arenas, but that's for another day!

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Mon Joli Cadeau Gala Recap

submitted by Avalon and Yoh Boa

Artists and partners,

Wow what a great day yesterday (July 12)! The event exceeded our most optimistic expectations. Savannah (Rain) hit it out of the park, such a wonderful voice and great promoter of the event.  I think she even purchased some Art.  We successfully maxed out the sim during Savannah's performance.  The number that really is exciting was the total number of unique visitors to Mon Joli Cadeau yesterday.  We had 95 individuals show up and enjoy the Gala and exhibits, wow!  We know some of you had art sales as well, which is wonderful.

So, we are off and running. The exhibits will continue for two more weeks.  We will be posting events in search daily to continue to draw traffic.  Please continue promoting within your friends and groups.

Again, thank you all for your help and enthusiasm for Mon Joli Cadeau.   We are so pleased with the reception of our new little quarters.

Warm thanks,
Avalon and Yoh

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Sunday Soul Sessions

submitted by Val Lavender

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Marina Bay Waves Seminar

submitted by Teddy Bear (atlasshrugged3)

Marina Bay Waves Seminar
Sunday July 14 at 1 pm SLT
At T’ai Surf School

Learn about Marina Bay Waves
Wave Styles
Properties
Wave Set Up
Using Windlight to match Wave colors

Marina Bay Creator Jean Neymar

T’ai Surf School

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En Plein Air Art Show July 12 - August 2, 2019

Mon Joli Cadeau

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