SurfWatch

SLSA Announces Rule Change

2012-01-31T10:45:00.000-08:00

Today the SLSA announced a change to the rule that allowed those riders who worked as comp staff to have their worst score dropped. In order to encourage more riders to work surf competitions as judges, the rule was changed to the rider working as a Judge will be giving rank points equal to their average place for the season. More information can be found here. Interview with Board of Directors to follow soon.

Flashback! Week of January 23, 2011

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Yeehaw! We are on the road again and this time we stop in January 2011! Hang on and don't forget your sex wax!

SurfJam 19 Comp Results

2012-01-28T16:22:00.000-08:00

pics courtesy of VW Sands and JT Castanea

Finals:
JT Castanea 18
CK Carver 17.75
Sunrize Mornington 17.5
Wicked Carver 15.75

Semis:
Heat 1
CK Carver 18
Imzadi Amaterasu NS
NicuTzi Resident 17.5
Wicked Carver 18
Mick Lunasea 17.9

Heat 2
Petra Xaris 14.75
Cristal Rowlands 15.25
JT Castanea 17.75
Sunrize Mornington 15.75
Marcella Belargio 14.75

Prelims:
Heat 1
Mick Lunasea 14.75
Zelda Zimberman 14.25
Ugh Yeu 14
Petra Xaris 15.75
CK Carver 17

HEAT 2
Imzadi Amaterasu 17
Dixson Martian NS
Revlon Benoir 15.75
Socks Clawtooth NS
Cristal Rowlands 16.25

HEAT 3
NicuTzi Resident 17
Xander Datura NS
Marcella Belargio 15.25
JT Castanea 16.25
Melian Catronis 14.75

HEAT 4
Sally Lasalle 17
Sunrize Mornington 17.75
Alliejj Resident 9.75
Wicked Carver 18.25

Staff: VW Sands, Lissa Sands, oigetoffmychips, Cloudy Matova, DJ Ensane Jefferson
Special Thanks to Wicked and CK Carver for allowing us the use of their sim and Icy Fredrikkson for the use of James

SurfWatch wants to help you!

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Please send SurfWatch your questions for the next in-world magazine! Here's some anonymous e-mail websites:

SurfJam 19 Registration is Open

2012-01-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

Contact VW Sands by notecard if you would like to compete.

Flashback! Week of Jan 24, 2010

2012-01-22T09:55:00.000-08:00

Off season for surfing can be wrought with drama, boredom, and tons of questions on when the next season begins. Well, surfers, pull up some sand because this time machine is going back to what kept the community hopping the week of Jan 24, 2010

Now Accepting Eye Candy Nominations

2012-01-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

SLSA Rezz Day/Birthday Fundraiser

2012-01-17T20:33:00.000-08:00

submitted by Sunrize Mornington

This was a history making day for the SLSA’s new surf sim! It was the first surf comp at the new sim, Solace Dreams. We had new faces and old faces. It was great to see the return of Pova, who wore an awesome bikini tux with a bow tie and French cuffs on his wrists. I’m not buying that he was wearing a tux bikini, especially after seeing the dance he did on his board. LOL

The surfers finished in the following order:

In 5th – Petra Xaris
In 4th – Miranda Funizza
In 3rd - Melian Catronis
In 2nd - NicuTzi Resident
In 1st - Pova Rustamova

The fundraiser was a success. We were almost surrounded by the raffle boards and the prices ranged from L$50 – L$500. A necklace made by Dax Verlaine, with the SLSA logo on a blue background, was selling for L$25 and was also a gift to the surfers. In the raffle boards we had 3 pieces of awesome new art from Bobbi Laval, a mesh Tiki Tattoo bar thanks to the generous Hatzfeld Runo, Velvetori Twine, clothes designer extraordinaire of VELVETRYTHMS, donated 5 items, 2 men’s and 3 women’s. Mick Lunasea, who always comes through for us, donated an awesome surfboard and Rayzza Rubble donated a very sexy outfit called Prey 4 Surf Outfit. Hatzfeld also gave us a mesh Tiki Aloha statue that we decorated the party platform with and it now sets in the SLSA clubhouse.

We also received excellent donations from many people. Xander Datura and Syx Toshi gave extremely generous donations.

At the end of the day the wonderful people of the surf community raised L$27,015 to keep the SLSA Sim alive and well.

Flashback! Week of Jan. 16, 2011

2012-01-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another Sunday, another trip in back in time. This week's Flashback! takes us to the week of Jan. 16, 2011. We had night riding, a Mari's Mailbag and more! Sit back as we hit surfing altitude and land in January 2011

Events

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday Jan 14

Solace Dreams Party/Fundraiser
When: Jan 14 Noon slt
Where: Solace Beach and Solace Dreams
What: Mini comp and raffleboards
For more info: http://www.surfslsa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1916

Upcoming Events

2012-01-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

Have an event coming up? Get married? New child in the family? New show? New sim or party? Let us know and we'll help you get the word out. IM Lissa Pinion in-world or email me at lissapinion@gmail.com.

Surfing with Lissa

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Now that the festivities of the holidays are behind us, most of us are hunkering down to make it through the rest of the winter. Well I say pfft! We have surfing to do! Sun and waves to follow so grab your boards and lets hit some waves!

First stop!

Grand Haven Futuresurf
Great Lakes surfing at its best. Home of the Great Lakes Surf Association in SL there is plenty to do on and off the Joaquina waves. An art gallery, rental homes, and a campfire to hang out around and bbq at.

Next!

JC Endless Summer
Surfing gets a bit of a challenge at this surf spot. A Cortes wave crashes into a sandbar and rocky reef so becareful! Surrounding beach has plenty of spots to hang out afterwards and seek first aid if needed. Black rock dotted with waterfalls makes this a lovely spot to surf.

SLSA Call for Surf Competition Sims

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

The SLSA has opened the call for surf sim owners who would be interested in applying to have their sims included in the upcoming 2012 Season 1 comp series. Details can be found at: http://www.surfslsa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1904

Flashback! Week of Jan 10, 2010

2012-01-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

Aloha fellow time travelers! Here we are once again about to go back in time to visit the surf community of January 10, 2010. A lot was going on and we are about to see it all in Dr. Who fashion....ok minus the aliens and odd beings. Grab your sticks, click the link, and let's go! Flashback!

SLSA 2011 Season 2 Awards Ceremony

2012-01-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

The SLSA met today to celebrate the closing of the 2011 Season 2 surf competition season. The following SLSA members were given awards:

Angel Award:
Kantbe Thirsday

Sportsmanship Award:
Sunrize Mornington

Best Venue:
Tsunami and Bundoran Reef (tied)

Kohana Schimmer Award:
VW Sands

Rookie of the Season:
JT Castanea

Most Improved:
Zelda Zimberman

Top 3 teams:
1. Tsunami
2. Surfcrazy
3. Montego

Top 10 surfers:
1. Wilfrid DeCuir
2. JT Castanea
3. Bobbi Laval
3. Cierra Thierac
5. Sunrize Mornington
6. Colleen Brennan
7. Zelda Zimberman
8. Maldrul Morris
9. Damiana Babcock
10.Buck Ghostraven

Hall of Fame inductees:
Wilfrid DeCuir (season champion)
JT Castanea (season runner up)
Sunrize Mornington*
CK Carver*
Giavanna Melody*

*a two-way tie appeared in the HoF vote, therefore three people were inducted into the HoF through a vote.

SLSA 2011 Season 2 Awards Ceremony

2012-01-06T14:33:00.000-08:00

Awards ceremony for 2011 Season 2
Where: Solace Beach
When: Saturday, Jan 7, 2011 11am slt

SurfWatch still wants to help you!

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Flashback! Week of Jan 2, 2011

2012-01-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

Whoo hoo! Our first Flashback! of the new year! While I am sure that 2012 will bring us many stories to cover and memories, I know that we had a great 2011. Lets go back to the week of Jan 2, 2011 and remember what was going on in our awesome corner of SL. Jan 1, 2011 Flashback!

New Years Day Mini Comp Results!

2012-01-01T21:18:00.000-08:00

First comp of the Year! Shangri-La Beach Resort

2011-12-31T14:06:00.000-08:00

All boards, huds, anything goes. 1 rider at a time, 3 waves. NO Judges, peoples choice! FUN! Invite your friends, stuff the ballot box. FUN!

Sign up Sunday Jan. 1st 3:30-6pm slt at Shangri-La Lagoon.

Prizes include lindens, trophies and a free week at one of the houses at Shangri-La !

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Artanis/147/113/21

Flashback! Week of Dec 26, 2010

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Alas, this is our last Flashback for good ol' 2011. Next year we will be back with more but for now, lets take a walk down memory lane and see what was shaking in the surf community the week of December 26, 2010.

http://surfwatch.blogspot.com/2010_12_26_archive.html

SLSA Board Discusses Sim Move

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

SurfWatch recently sat down with members of the SLSA Board of Directors to discuss the exciting new move to Solace Beach. We took the questions most commonly asked and presented them to the Board who were gracious enough to take some time from the sim move and holiday bustle to share some insights with us.

SW: What was the primary reason for the SLSA to move its home sim to another location?

SLSA Board: We believe that success happens when an organization embraces new opportunities. We understand and appreciate the generosity of the members who donate their own money to keep the SLSA sim funded and operational. What we want to see, is for those generous donations of those hardworking members to be utilized more effectively
We moved the SLSA home to a sim that will allow the SLSA to be introduced and promoted to a large community, which is the most effective way for the association to keep growing in the long term we envisage this new opportunity as fundamentally a partnership that is beneficial to both sides. And we enter this partnership with no additional cost to the members.
We have to think of our sim as not only a place for competitions or the SLSA Hall of Fame. It must be a place where our community is met by the outsiders, who have a chance to become a part of our family, not a remote place with no connection to any other community. We have to think of our sim as a place that would not only be visited at the times of fundraisers but also be a welcoming and attractive place anytime even without the officers/managers/directors constant involvement. That is what the Solace Dream has a chance to become.
Bottom line therefore is: the SLSA Board of Directors believes that the money coming from generous donations from the SLSA members should be used the best way possible, producing the most benefit for the organization as possible - for the lowest possible cost. That is why we embraced this opportunity to move the SLSA home with open arms, and it is our sincere hope that all our members do the same.

SW: The decision to move the SLSA sim location seems to have been done very quickly. What was the rush and why was the SLSA group not consulted before the move was made?

SLSA Board: The opportunity to move our sim from one location to another was brought to the attention of the board by a member of the group. The board always seeks to respond in a timely and decisive matter to issues and suggestions from its members, particularly when they have a direct positive impact on the SLSA’s constitutional mission. The benefits of the proposition were discussed as a sensitive commercial negotiation and the move was agreed to by all 5 board members. The new sim in question is a desirable and hot property and became available to the SLSA a week before the sim tier was due at our previous location. It was an opportunity that all of the board members agree has enormous potential benefit for the entire SLSA group.

SW: We understand that the desire with the move is to increase membership and therefore competition numbers which have been decreasing. Currently the group has 901 members. What will be done to encourage your current members to compete or become active?

SLSA Board: Declining participation has been one of the problems the SLSA has been dealing with for at least 6 months now. Yes, the SLSA has about 900 members, however let’s agree on one fact; most are inactive and never will be actively participating in our events. That is the thing all large organizations experience. One of the ways that the new sim will help with this is to bring fresh new surroundings, new people, new faces and new friends into the mix. Developing a diverse and varied social group and introducing new people to surfing is no only the primary mission of the SLSA, it’s also a wonderful way to encourage existing members to re-energize and give them the opportunity to build their own social circle of friends. Additionally, the sim is situated in a fun location with a lot of activities that surfers can enjoy together off the beach. So new people, new surroundings, new experiences, we say to all members come and try this out with a fresh positive outlook!

SW: The press release says, "... however designated builders within the group, will manage the facilities and will return stray prims on a regular schedule..." How often is regular? Do members have the names of those who will have perms to clean the sim if someone has decided to dump prims on the sim and it makes the lag unbearable? Are those responsible spread out over several time zones?

SLSA Board: So let’s focus on the positives here first. The new Sim, Solace Dreams has the SL Surfing Association Group as the parcel owner. The SLSA has full control over who comes, who goes, who rezzes and as such we can and will allow members to rez their own surfboards or objects on the sim any time. The idea behind this is to make the sim that the SLSA pays for truly feel like a place that SLSA members can call home. Indeed in fact, members can Set Home to the sim if they have nowhere else to do that! Within the SLSA Group a Role has been created called SLSA Sim Support. Members that are placed in to that role will be able to build permanent structures, as well as to return non-permanent builds. Members are welcome to ask the board to volunteer in that role, we should have plenty of time zone coverage and anyone that sees a problem can look up the role in the group profile to see who they can call for help at any time. Also pertinent to this question, the Solace Estates is part of the Linden Labs Atlas program meaning that sims in the estate receive priority concierge and performance resolution; this is yet another benefit of moving to this estate.

SW: There was a great deal of talk about how the traffic from a club on James Isle affected sim performance on Archi. How will this be different having two bordering sims, San Diego City to the North side and Solace Beach to the East side an one of these having an events center that will have well, events? And with open water to the both the West border and South border, does the SLSA know if the Estate owners plan on adding sims?

SLSA Board: There are a couple of things to keep in mind on this point, first of all our sim was and remains a HomeStead level sim. This means that the sim is limited by Linden Labs to 20 Avatars, and this means that it is necessary to have a neighboring Full performance sim in order to be able to conduct competitions on the sim.
The Club on James Island which negatively impacted lag on Archipelago was a private club that was occupied pretty much around the clock. The events center on Solace Beach is managed by the Solace Estate and holds one to 2 hour music concerts every 2 or 3 days only. Any event that the SLSA runs on our Sim can be coordinated with the Solace estate manager so that there is no clash with neighboring events.
As we needed to be placed next to a full sim, we asked for our sim to be placed next to the event center and the coastal themed San Diego. In general sims are not placed next to each other in the Solace Estate and we would expect no further sim placed next to our sim.

SW: Will surfers be competing with boats on the new sim since it is encouraged on the San Diego City North side sim with boat docks?

SLSA Board: Sailing is a beautiful sport but there is simply no place for it at the SLSA sim due to the presence of waves that are physical objects. In addition, San Diego sim boaters are not used to having a water sim where our sim is, and we can control object entry if necessary.

SW: While the sim was located at Archi, it was rarely utilized. How will this change with the move to Solace Estates?

SLSA Board: Since the SLSA will have total control over the land at the sim, our members will be able to rezz at the sim. We want them to feel at home everytime they visit the sim. They will be allowed to set the sim as their home location, too.
In addition, the SLSA sim is slowly becoming a necessity especially for competitions when the surfing world is facing more and more sim departures. Recently, Bundoran Reef, now Crab, PrimWorks (aka Surf Camp) next. Soon there will be no sims left for the SLSA to have its activities on. Without them the community has no chance to grow and stay active. So we want members to really embrace Solace Dreams, come and make yourselves at home!

Merry Christmas from SurfWatch

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

From the staff here at SurfWatch, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Be safe!

May All your Holiday Wishes Come True!

2011-12-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the Sands!

2011-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years from V, Lissa, and Vibrations Surf Alliance!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

More Holiday Wishes

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Photography credits: Lizzy Glenwalker

Lost?

2011-12-22T20:05:00.000-08:00

Kant was last seen wandering aimlessly around the SurfWatch Headquarters mumbling in awe, "So this is where everyone works!" If you see her wandering around, send her home to Tan.

Beach Fashion

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Decorating is always more fun with tall friends whose shoulders help you reach the tallest parts of the tree! Merry Christmas!

On Location At: Alliance Surf Vibes Beach Vibes Clubhouse
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Alliance%20Surf/195/142/26

Lissa:
Hair: TRUTH Twiggy Cocoa
Eyes: Earthstones Stoned Eyes in Labradorite Lashes:CCD Eyelashes - Bedroom
Skin: LAQ Nellie 05 Mocha
Shape: Custom made
Clothing: MDI: Kiss Me Quick full set
Jewelry/Accessories: *Sweet Sin Tatto* I'm Bad? Oh yes, My Heart is Yours bracelot, bbb Engagement/wedding set, M!ne Christmas trees in white earrings, Earthstones Aculo Bracelet and Necklace

Gremmy:
Hair: TRUTH Drake Streaked Golden
Eyes: ::Exodi:: Twilight Eyes in Bella
Skin: LAQ Jonas O8 Mocha
Shape: The Classic Male Novus
Clothing: Splenduers Hybrid Boardshorts in Green

Props:
SSP Hang A Shining Star Pose set
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hallgerda/26/171/21
Hope Creations Sparkling Christmas Tree
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hope%20Texas/27/12/22

Happy Holidays from Sally and Bobbi

2011-12-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

Surfing with Lissa

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

This installment is all about the Great White North where the crazy hard core surfers find the best surfing in the winter months. Come on! I'm serious! Why else would Santa live up here? Check out the vids below for some frozen surfing action!

Yakutat, AK USA

Tofino, Canada

SurfWatch Surfing Sim List

2011-12-19T19:37:00.000-08:00

taken from: http://swwavereport.blogspot.com/
SurfWatch Surfing Sim List

submitted by Kantbe Thursday Updated: December 19, 2011

This is the VERY basic listing of what's out on the grid, broken apart by wave size offered. Many places have multiple wave styles and like to change them up from time to time, but this list represents what was found at the time they were all checked.

NOTE: Some beaches have loaner surfboards, some have rez areas for using your own board, some require joining their group in order to use your board or loaners.

Thanks to Socks Clawtooth for all of his work in creating the original list of surfing sims from which this is based.

Large

Biscous Bay

Cape Marina / Lock's Crib - (Action - Maverick)

HP Surf Point - (Joaquina)

Kauai, Hawaii - (Sunset)

Monkey Cove - Sunset 200m, Epics,100m Sunsets, Joaquina)

Monkey Tail - (Action Nitro and Joaquina and Maverick (Alt))

Pirate Point Break - (Epic)

Picturesque - Panda Bay - (Jaws and Fluffies)

T'ai - (Epic Cortes, Pipes, and Fluffies)

Tsunami Beach - (Sunset, Cortes Twins, Various LSD)

Vibe Beach, Alliance Surf - (Epic Cortes Pipes and Fluffies)

Wingprincess - (Teahupoo and Fluffs)

Medium (some with Pipes and fluffs, some alternate)

Bundoran Reef - R.I.P.

Cartagena Pipeline

Chi - (Pipes, Fluffs)

Grandblue

Kokomo Beach

Kick Back Beach

Lily, Lily Beach

Oahu Hawaii

Onyx Cove - (LSD 50m "Mick's Malibu" and 10m "Kimmy Jigsaw's" Fluffie)
Peahi

Pelican Bay (Dee Waverider)

Rodos; Wings Shores
Serina & Oventa

SL Surfing Association home beach - (changes wave types frequently)

Southern Coast Surf & Sky (loaner board, but no rez area)

Surfside Hideaway

Syx Monkeys Beach - (Pipes)

Teahupoo - World Class Surfing - (Action)

The Swell

Thetis Bahia Surf Beach

TiKi Lounge; TiKi Tattoo

Tortola - (Action)

What? Surf & Simboard Park

Small (Fluffs)

Naturum Island Resort

*PX* Caves and Surfing

Women Only, A Womans Touch - men welcome if accompanied by women

Xuriel

Events!

2011-12-19T19:31:00.001-08:00

December 20th:

Lola & Pammie's place

7:00 pm SL time
Tis the Season To Be Jolly! and what better way than with a christmas bash!! Why not take a well deserved break from all that shopping! Grab some eggnog, spiked preferably, and join in on the christmas cheer!!!!

December 21st:

Club Electricity:

Grand Opening to welcome the Winter Solstice
6:00 PM SLT: The amazing vocal and guitar stylings of the Notorious Digby Smalls. Do not miss the opportunity to hear this truly wonderful singer.

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM SLT: Dance on the snowy rooftops of the club. Play games and socialze. All while listening to great tunes from the swing era and beyond, solstice, celtic and some surprises. Music to celebrate the season!

Surf-Safari Hit the Beaches of SL

2011-12-17T23:33:00.000-08:00

Surf-Safari, a Vibrations group tradition since 2008 when it started on Majini, saw a revival on December 18, when the group hit six surf sims and ripped the waves up enjoying great friends, great waves, and laughs by the oceans full. Check out the action below:

First stop is Monkey Cove well known for great surfing.

Second stop is Panda Bay where Vibes did nearly crash the sim.

Third stop is What? Surf and Simboard Park home of red rock surfing and good times.

Fourth stop was Crab Island where it was decided that jetskis and surfers don't mix well.

Fifth stop on this Surf-Safari was Bisous where the owner owns more waves than the SL gods and rocks them hard.

Last stop Chi Where lil fluffy waves kick butt and take names even for Vibers.

Art and Ice Skating Tonight!

2011-12-17T16:33:00.000-08:00

Artist Reception: 6:30 - 7:00pm sl time, TONIGHT Sat Dec 17
Ice Skating Party 7:00 - 9:00pm sl time, TONIGHT Sat Dec 17

http://slurl.com/secondlife//88/160/2

New Mixed Media art by Bobbi Laval along with some never seen RL Photographic works, flowpaper drawings and more.

Following join us outside on the rink by the dock for an Ice Skating Party. DJ Dan will be streaming the SLsMix - FG Radio show live from frozen ice. Join us for the fun and music. Don't worry, free skates are available.

Another surprise in time for Christmas, Bobbi has scattered her Holiday Bears and other goodies around, come grab them for free or almost free, including holiday frames. :)

SLSA Birthday/Rezz Day Celebration and Fundraiser: December

2011-12-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

The SLSA met on December 12th to celebrate December birthdays and rezz days as well as raise funds for the sim tiers. In addition to a raffle and party, there was a mini comp (scores to follow). In the raffle there were two surf boards courtesy of SurfCrazy and LSD, a mesh wave by LSD, artwork from Bobbi Laval, and holiday decor from Sally LaSalle.

Mini Comp Results: Top 3 received trophies
1st: Zelda Zimmerman
2nd: Jayden Domenici
3rd: VW Sands and Mick Lunasea
4th: Damiana Babcock
5th Trista Potez

The event raised $20,000L for the sim tiers.

Holiday Wishes

2011-12-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time again when you send us your holiday wishes and we post them the week before Christmas! Hint: this is where you send me a full perm version or email it to me at lissapinion@gmail.com Get them to me asap!

SLSA Announces Home Sim Move

2011-12-15T21:58:00.000-08:00

Abel Halderman, Communications Officer on the SLSA Board of Directors announced the home sim for the SLSA has been moved to Solace Estates http://slurl.com/secondlife/Solace%20Dreams/174/255/22 According to the announcement some benefits for the SLSA move include advertising to a large group base of about 6000 avatars, event advertising across all the estate sims, use of neighboring sims for stands and other events, and cost of maintaining the sim will remain the same as well.

It was emphasized the SLSA's mission remains to promote surfing and having a large group to recruit from will ensure that happens. SLSA members will also have free access to rezz anywhere on the sim with designated members stopping by to clean up the sim on a regular basis. Inclusion to such a large estate will help in negotiations with Linden Labs in obtaining status as an Info Hub and destination for new avatars coming from Orientation.

The full announcement can be seen here: http://www.surfslsa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1873

Stay tuned for a more in-depth interview coming soon!

Surfing with Lissa

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

With the first day of winter fast approaching, I thought I'd take us to some warmer climes in the never ending pursuit of sweet surfing! On today's trip, we are heading to Greece where we will bask in the sunshine and try not to look at men in speedos. Really, guys, no one ever looks good in those! And we will visit a beach that is home to a family of pandas! Bring plenty of bamboo! Oh and don't forget your best stick!

First stop is Panda Bay!

Panda Bay
SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Picturesque/140/94/22
Quiet lil stretch of beach inhabited by a family of pandas. Jaws wave and fluff running. Plenty of places on the grassy beach to cuddle or chill before or after a surf sess. Watch out for the planes tho. Some of us are still learning to fly after all. And be respectful of the house being private.

Next stop is Greece!

Rodos, Wings Shores
SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wings%20Shores/41/106/23
A trip to the Greek Isles is a good way to bask in the sun, eat some great food, and rip some waves. You wil find pipes and fluffies rolling into the shore where you can hang out afterwards and ride the water slide or play with the seals. Tired of paddling out? Grab a speedboat to take you to the sweet spot.

Goodbye Bundoran Reef: In Our Hearts You Will Stay

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Bundoran Reef, or as most of us know it, Bundy, went the way of so many of our beloved surf sims today. I thought a lot about how to best tell the story of Bundy. My words cannot fully express the loss so many people are already feeling so let their words do it.

Ibrew Meads: My first time surfing was here on Bundy. Cipriano taught me the basics of how way back in 2008, but I never became a regular surfer. I've always loved Bundy, though. It's always been a beautiful beach. I used to fly over it every day going from my home to Nancy Blake's where I was a hostess. I was delighted to see the surfers and people on the beach enjoying the place. Later, I learned to sail here, trying to avoid the waves, hehe, or surfing them in a boat for an exciting ride. This has been my home for four years, and will be greatly missed.

Mick Lunasea: one of the originals, all good things must come to an end but this one hurts.

Melian Catronis: Well I haven't frequented Bundy much but in the short time I've been here surfing I've come to love this place. It's very unique not only for the cold water but the wildness of the landscape and the rocks.

GiavannaMarie Meldoy, Co Captain of Reef Riders.As a Reef Rider....I am sad to see Bundoran leave us. My history with Bundoran first starts when i became a Reef Rider. One of the forgotten Reef Riders is the one who mentored me, Cipriano Grut. When I first popped up onto Mori, another great sim that is gone, he saw potential in my surfing. He taught me how to surf and invited me to become a Reef Rider. At that time, the Reef Riders home was on Neart, again another sim lost. I can remember I was getting so frustrated trying to prepare for my second comp ever, Chi...Fluffies. I had never surfed Fluffies before. I was so intimidated by everyone being able to surf the fluffies at Chi, Cip took me to Bundoran Reef, where they had fluffies running at the time. Bundoran Reef was where I spent time perfecting how to ride Fluffies. Over the next couple of years, people have come and gone.......I became Co Captain of the Reef Riders. While I have memories of those people that I had the privilege to call team mates, Bundoran Reef will always hold a special place in my heart. It was where I would go to relax, show new Reef Riders how to surf, and just chill at Nancy Blake's. In the true Irish way I would like to end with a thought, an irish Proverb:

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

May the rains fall soft upon your fields,

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand

Abel Halderman: I don't remember much from last year. Spent some time in the hospital and had to learn how to walk again.

Imzadi Amaterasu: Bundy will always have a special place in my heart.. I won my first in-season comp here.. I started practicing not thinking id be able to do it with the rocks.. Thats when I really got to know some of the surfers and knew the SLSA was the best place in all of SL .. really sad to see Bundy go :(

Sunrize Mornington: I remember sitting by the fire and listening to the music and watching the waves. Great way to relax and sometimes laugh at the songs. :)

VW Sands: What I will never forget is the lonley, cold mornings at Bundy. Surfing all alone only to be joined by Robin or Bobbs, Devi on occasion. Then the solitary quiet after our sesh´s there.

Desirae Beaumont: Bundoran Reef closing, a sad day. Neart and Bundoran were the home beaches of the first and only team I ever joined. For me as newcomer it was a great honour to be allowed to join them and thats what I will never forget. Lots of great memories will disappear with the last West of Ireland surf sim. Gone, but never forgotten....ReefRiders Surf Team and West of Ireland Surf Sims Neart and Bundoran Reef will always remain as a big part of my surf career in SL. Farewell Bundoran Reef

Nash Laville: A place where you can always have whole lot of fun with a bunch of soul. A great combination.

Pics courtesy of Bobbi Laval, GiavannaMarie Melody, VW Sands, Petra Xaris, Abel Halderman, Melian Catronis, and Ronan Roxly

End of an Era

2011-12-13T22:48:00.000-08:00

submitted by Kantbe Thursday

There are somethings where words aren't needed. Goodbye Bundoran Reef.

Beach Decor: The Beachstore

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Shot on Location at: Alliance Surf aka Vibes Beach

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Alliance%20Surf/195/142/26

Creator: The Beachstore!
SLURL for Creator: http://slurl.com/secondlife/THE%20Beachstore/214/220/22
Additional Info: This hammack comes in Single and Couple configurations and has PG and Fun er Adult poses. Texture changeable.
Prims: 11

SLSA Celebration Party and Mini Comp

2011-12-11T13:10:00.001-08:00

as posted on the SLSA forums found here: http://www.surfslsa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1856

When: December 12, 2011 12pm (noon) till 4pm SLT

Where:
Party on James Isle - http://slurl.com/secondlife/James%20Isle/37/245/52,
surfing on Archipelago http://slurl.com/secondlife/Archipelago/199/114/21

What:
It's a fundraiser for Archipelago and a celebration of all December birthdays and rezdays.

We will be having a mini comp. The mini comp will be a SSI board of choice on Archi. The waves are already set up if you wish to check them out. There is a limit to 15 surfers so sign up early. If you wish to surf Contact Sunrize Mornington by midnight slt December 11, first come first serve! Trophies for the top 3 surfers. WE ALSO NEED 3 VOLUNTEER JUDGES FOR THE EVENT. This is a good way for new judges to get in some practice before next season!

Maldrul Morris has kindly donated his time to rock us as our DJ. Be sure to hit him up for a request.
There is also going to be several items we are raffling off on raffle boards.

Flashback! Week of December 6, 2009

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Quick! In the sleigh and off we go to the week of December 6, 2009 and lets take a look at what was ringing through the surf community!

http://surfwatch.blogspot.com/2009_12_06_archive.html

SLSA Season 2 Bundoran Reef Surf Comp Scores

2011-12-10T16:24:00.001-08:00

picture courtesy of CoolKat Delicioso, scores courtesy of Sally LaSalle

Finals:
imzadi Amaterasu 14.66
CoolKat Delicioso 14.50
Abel Halderman 14.16
GiavannaMarie Melody 14.00
JT Castanea 13.66
Cierra Theriac 13.33

Semis:
Heat 1
CoolKat Delicioso 12.50
Cierra Theriac 13.83
Zelda Zimmerman 12.33
Yari Ziplon 11.83

Heat 2:
JT Castanea 14.16
jayden Domenici 13.83
imzadi Amateras 15.33
Vic Bonetto 11.00

Heat 3:
Bobbi Laval 16.00
GiavannaMarie Melody 16.33
Abel Halderman 16.50
Melian Catronis 13.16

Prelims:
Heat 1:
Wilfrid DeCuir NS
Damiana Babcock 12.33
Abel Halderman 12.83
CoolKat Delicioso 13.66
Shilow Carter NS
Cristal Rowlands 10.33

Heat 2:
JT Castanea 13.50
Zelda Zimmerman 13.16
Robbin Ember 12.16
Anabelle Marquis 9.16
Lourinho Nizna 10.50

Heat 3:
Bobbi Laval 14.00
Buck Ghostraven 12.33
imzadi Amaterasu 14.00
Ashoka Mosley NS
Desirae Beaumont 13.16

Heat 4:
Cierra Theriac 13.66
Melian Catronis 11.33
Xander Datura NS
Twixt Mode NS
Revlon Lunasea NS

Heat 5:
Maldrul Morris 4.66
jayden Domenici 14.16
Yari Ziplon 10.16
Lanky Silvercloud NS
Kim Henig 8.16

Heat 6:
Colleen Brennan 12.50
Mick Lunasea 12.83
GiavannaMarie Melody 13.33
Bullet Admiral 8.00
Vic Bonetto 13.00

Staff: VW Sands, Sally LaSalle, Sunrize Mornington, Figger Arun, Cierra Theriac, DJ Dan, Colleen Brennan, IBrew Meads

SLSA Season 2 Bunderan Reef Surf Comp Heat Draws

2011-12-08T20:06:00.001-08:00

When: Saturday December 10th, 11:00am SL Time
Where: Bundoran Reef (spectator Stands on Connemara Sim)
Board: Longboard >3.38m visible prim
Wave: Pipes

Heat 1
Wilfrid DeCuir (RED)
Damiana Babcock (BLUE)
Abel Halderman (GREEN)
CoolKat Delicioso (ORANGE)
Shilow Carter (PURPLE)
Cristal Rowlands (BLACK)

Heat 2
JT Castanea (RED)
Zelda Zimmerman (BLUE)
Robbin Ember (GREEN)
Anabelle Marquis (ORANGE)
Lourinho Nizna (PURPLE)

Heat 3
Bobbi Laval (RED)
Buck Ghostraven (BLUE)
imzadi Amaterasu (GREEN)
Ashoka Mosley (ORANGE)
Desirae Beaumont (PURPLE)

Heat 4
Cierra Theriac (RED)
Melian Catronis (BLUE)
Xander Datura (GREEN)
Twixt Mode (ORANGE)
Revlon Lunasea (PURPLE)

Heat 5
Maldrul Morris (RED)
jayden Domenici (BLUE)
Yari Ziplon (GREEN)
Lanky Silvercioud (ORANGE)
Kim Henig (PURPLE)

Heat 6
Colleen Brennan (RED)
Mick Lunasea (BLUE)
GiavannaMane Melody (GREEN)
Bullet Admiral (ORANGE)
Vic Bonetto (PURPLE)

Shangri-La Miracle Mini Comp Results

2011-12-07T19:00:00.001-08:00

Riders:
Jayden Domenici
Doc Droverson
Coolkat Delicioso
Hydro DNC
Melian Catronis
Shilow Carter
Zelda Zimberman

Shangri-La Contest Board
1. Winner is ElDicht SpiritWeaver L$350.
2. Winner is jayden Domenici L$245.
3. Winner is Zelda Zimberman L$105.

SurfWatch In-World Issue 10

2011-12-03T21:00:00.001-08:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More fashion

SLSA Announces December 1st Election Results

2011-12-03T17:44:00.001-08:00

The SLSA Election Committee announced the results of the December 1st election to replace the seats being vacated by Maldrul Morris, GiavannaMarie Melody, and Imzadi Amaterasu as their six month terms have come to an end. Maldrul Morries, GiavannnaMarie Melody, Sally LaSalle, Yari Ziplon, and Abel Halderman put forth their bids to run for the three seats.

Thirty-six eligible voters made their voices heard. Incoming SLSA Board of Director members are Maldrul Morris, Sally LaSalle, and Abel Halderman.

Congratulations to the incoming Board members and thank you to all who ran.

Events!

2011-12-03T10:53:00.001-08:00

SATURDAY

Ice Skating Party !!!
7:00 - 9:00pm SL time
Saturday, December 3rd
SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tuvan/88/160/2

DJ Dan will be streaming his SLs Mix - FG Radio show from Laval Art and Photography Gallery during our Ice Skating Party. Join us for the fun and music!! Skate, stroll through the winter landscape or visit the gallery.
Free skates available, or bring your own.

SUNDAY

Miracle Mini Comp
3:30 -6:00pm SL time
Sunday, December 4th
SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Artanis/147/113/21

Shangri-La Beach Resort Lagoon. All boards, huds, anything goes. 1 rider at a time, 3 waves. NO Judges, peoples choice! FUN! Invite your friends, stuff the ballot box. FUN! Prizes include lindens, trophies and a free week at one of the houses at Shangri-La !

**Have an event? Surf related or not, let us know so we can help get the word out to the community. Contact Lissa Pinion (Sands) in-world via notecard or at lissapinion@gmail.com**

Vote! SLSA Board of Directors Election Today

2011-11-30T22:28:00.001-08:00

The SLSA is holding an election today to fill three seats on the Board of Directors. The six month terms for Maldrul Morris, GiavannaMarie Melody, and Imzadi Amaterasu end today as three of the elected candidates take office in their place.

Yari Ziplon, Abel Halderman, Sally LaSalle, GiavannaMarie Melody, and Maldrul Morris are each vying for the highly contested seats. Voting begins at midnight December 1st and runs for 24 hours. Only those on the vote list will be eligible to vote. Voting is held in the SLSA Hall of Fame http://slurl.com/secondlife/Archipelago/222/146/22

SLSA Director Candidates Interviews Part 4

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

SurfWatch conducts these in-depth interviews to help voters get a clear picture of the candidates that are running for the Board and gives candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the voters. All five candidates were sent the same interview, SurfWatch received four interviews back. See their interviews below. All interviews are posted in the order received. Voting opens on December 1st. Stay tuned for more details!

Candidate Name: Yari Ziplon

SW: You are currently ranked #240 or some such for last season's SLSA surf rankings and you've been SL surfing for LESS than 2 years. We understand you have announced your intent to run for SLSA Director this term. What qualifications, skills, competencies, traits, etc. would you bring as a director and why are you running?

YZ: Um skills? I am pretty good at engine repair. I have no people skills so I dont listen to bullshit lol other then that I have no clue... I was asked to run so I figured what the hell

SW: What areas of improvement do you currently see for the SLSA as an organization?

YZ: The organisation needs a whole new outlook on PR and marketing. Both where venues are concerned and where people and the sport is concerned. I think we as an organisation could benefit from being more
active in our marketing. plus plus plus lol

SW: What do you see as the top issues facing SL surfing in general, and what would be your first priority as an SLSA director?

YZ: My first priority would be to make SLSA fun for everyone. The greatest challenge is getting people who want to make a difference. You see it everywhere. Everyone wants to have fun, not everyone are willing to do the work. I think the people who have held this position in the past and who run for it in the future are worthy of our respect and our admiration. but people rarely appreciate it. RL I volunteered to help build an indoor arena for the local sports team so that kids can have fun. the cost of that arena was less then 10% of the value of the product because everyone pitched in and worked for their children, their siblings etc. Why do you not see much of that anymore?

SW: Why are you the best candidate for this job?

YZ: Honestly, I'm not and here is why: I travel up to 200 days a year and am incommunicado (thats down the road and to the right of incognito) a lot of the time

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

YZ: I was very sattisfied with the competitions not so satisfied with the turnout lately

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

YZ: I'm a panda, I like bamboo and I surf and I love my wifey... um other then that not much

Give us a brief statement or opinion on some of the major issues the SLSA faced in 2011 and possible issues moving into Season 2 (listed below):

1. Were you concerned with the low number of competitors signed up for the recent Open comps and what do you foresee for the future of the two-round, two-weekend SLSA competition format? If you are in favor of keeping the two round format, what are your thoughts on how to get more riders to participate in compititions?

YZ; The low signup concerns me, yes. However changing the setup can be a double edged enema. You can end up losing the people who want to compete for fear of the PROs skill level at the same time I think it a prudent idea to look at the current realities.

2. With the continuing decline of full surf sims with supporting neighbor sims for specators, and with more and more surf sims set up on Homesteads, what can be done to support the sim owners and ensure smooth running competitions?

YZ: Good question Alex 0_o to be honest my view on this is very simple. We can support each other up and down but at the end of the day asking people to pay a signup fee would make us loose competitors but that might be an alternative to some. I hope that never happens and I will do my best to find better solutions to that

3. The SLSA put into place a stipulation that a rider could miss one comp each season and not have it count against their rank in order to allow more people to volunteer to work comps. Most riders who use it are not using it to voluneteer but to do things in rl. Should this stipulation go back to being for volunteers only or should all riders be able to use this?

YZ: Volunteers should have some privelages I think this should be one privelage for volunteers. At the same time, RL must come first. And if you have things come up RL I think that could be worked out in a way that is to everyones benefit

4. With all the recent tier shortage notices, do you feel it is necessary for the SLSA to keep a home sim. Why or why not?

YZ: Yes, but I think it important to be sure where and how. A home sim is vital to SLSA due to the fact that it is an assembly point for people who are curious for SLSA to train volunteers and a place where we can arrange events to attract more people.

5. There has been some discussion on allowing other board types and wave types other than SSi. What are your thoughts on allowing other scripts into the competition season?

YZ: I think the competitions should be about who is better not who has the best scripts. That should be a good answer.

SLSA Director Candidates Interviews Part 3

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Candidate Name: Abel Halderman

SW: You are currently ranked #19 for last season's SLSA surf rankings and you've been SL surfing for nearly 4 years. We understand you have announced your intent to run for SLSA Director this term. What qualifications, skills, competencies, traits, etc. would you bring as a director and why are you running?

AH: This job is mostly about hard work, it is about committing your time for the benefit of the members. It’s always given me a great satisfaction to participate in organizing things in the SLSA and seeing them actually happen… even better - seeing other people enjoying them, too. I have a passion for this job and I’m excited about the opportunity to run for the office on the SLSA Board.

I believe that my previous experience as a director, surfer, surfing coach, head judge or event coordinator, along with my experience with RL large projects, can be a valuable asset to the SLSA. I take this experience as an important lesson about my own abilities and limits, but also about how things should or shouldn’t be done. It makes me pretty certain about what to expect of the job, what kind of tasks I may be assigned to, what kind of issues or problems the SLSA may be facing, and that communication, transparency and being open-minded is the key to success for our organization.

SW: What areas of improvement do you currently see for the SLSA as an organization?
The SLSA has always been a people’s organization and I’m happy that we’re still discussing possible directions the SLSA should head in. There is plenty of good ideas on the SLSA forum, and I believe we should keep implementing some of them.

AH: Of course one of the “hottest” issues to me is a low number of registrations for competitions. Another thing is something mentioned many times: low number of volunteers to work the competitions. It often happens that the same people judge or marshall almost all season. I don’t believe that it’s a good thing. Perhaps it’s a communication issue only and I’ve noticed an improvement in that area, but on the other hand maybe it also requires some changes in our regulations, too.

SW: What do you see as the top issues facing SL surfing in general, and what would be your first priority as an SLSA director?

AH: The main issues for SL surfing is surf sims being declined. There is literally only a few sims the SLSA can have its competitions at, and that is how the problem touches the organization. Of course it is not a good thing for another reason as well: shortage of surf sims = less people interested in surfing in general.
If I am elected, I will start my term basically after most of the preparations for the last season competition are over. Therefore my priority would be to discuss and implement solutions to make the next season a success, and one thing in particular: have more surfers in it! There is plenty of great ideas on the SLSA forum and on the members’ minds, and I believe a lot of people willing to help with the task. Some people would say: “surfing doesn’t need promotion”. I’d say: yes, it does.. in a manner of “hey, there is something like surfing here, and we have competitions, come over and have fun”.
There is also another priority for the Board to focus on before the next season starts: should we use different manufacturers’ surfboards in our comps? Maybe it’s time for the SLSA to open its comps to different and new surfboards. There is a lot going for that solution and there are some “but’s”, too. All worth discussing, but I believe in this matter we should hear more from a larger number of people, which would suggest that an SLSA survey should be organized, much like the one SurfWatch had, maybe a little more detailed, too.
I would also like to organize another Town Hall Meeting, like the one a year ago, which was a great opportunity for the directors and the members to meet live and discuss the most current and important matters in the SLSA.

SW: Why are you the best candidate for this job?

AH: The SLSA is about fun. That’s for sure. I think a director should be a person having even more fun than others when preparing competitions and events  Someone once said: “Do what you love doing, and you will be successful”. So I hope me doing what I enjoy doing would help the SLSA and its members. Besides, I believe I have the experience, skills and attitude to be an effective director.

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

AH: I’ve seen a lot of new faces recently. I also noticed they are doing very well in comps. And they are excited about being a part of this group, too. I’m glad that the SLSA is open-minded to new solutions and ideas. And then, like I mentioned before, I’m not very happy about the number or registrations for our competitions. After all there is over 900 people in the SLSA group and only 20-30 surf in our comps.

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

AH: I love burritos ;-)

Give us a brief statement or opinion on some of the major issues the SLSA faced in 2011 and possible issues moving into Season 2 (listed below):
1. Were you concerned with the low number of competitors signed up for the recent Open comps and what do you foresee for the future of the two-round, two-weekend SLSA competition format? If you are in favor of keeping the two round format, what are your thoughts on how to get more riders to participate in competitions?

AH: I am concerned with that. Recent cancellations of the Open events was the only thing the directors could have done though. One of the main reasons for the introduction of the two-round format was to make competition shorter, so the judges, marshals and other officers wouldn’t have to work non-stop for 10-12 hours and surfers wouldn't have to sit around waiting forever, too, other than to let more people surf in SLSA comps (reminder: before it was introduced the limit of riders in each season competition was 40).
The two-round, or rather two-competition format has its good sides: it lets the less experienced surfers to surf in another competition and get ready for a challenge of facing the “old timers” in the Pro one. It is also not very hard to find staff for those comps, since a lot of trained judges and marshalls are not surfing in the Open. Even though there is no harm in having those comps, they are a bit of a waste of time for the staff since the surfers could automatically be qualified for the Pro competition and the number of the Pro comp surfers would still be 30. Bottom line is that as long as the numbers are low, I’d suggest to have the Open comps cancelled with a notice regarding that sent to the riders ahead of time.

2. With the continuing decline of full surf sims with supporting neighbor sims for specators, and with more and more surf sims set up on Homesteads, what can be done to support the sim owners and ensure smooth running competitions?

AH: First thing we could do is to make title sponsorship free for our competition hosts. Having to pay for at least two sims (including at least one full sim) is a big challenge for them, and then the SLSA makes them pay another $7500L if they want to be promoted. Skip that, and the SLSA budget will lose $37.500L a season, which is not that much for the SLSA. We could also improve our sponsors promotion within the SLSA, or even come up with a project, something like “Save Our Sims” a few years ago, but focused on raising funds for surf sims.

3. The SLSA put into place a stipulation that a rider could miss one comp each season and not have it count against their rank in order to allow more people to volunteer to work comps. Most riders who use it are not using it to voluneteer but to do things in rl. Should this stipulation go back to being for volunteers only or should all riders be able to use this?

AH: Every rider uses the system. Every rider’s worst competition points are skipped when calculating the overall rankings, including the comps they didn’t surf in and got the DNC or DNS points. The system was put in place to let people volunteer. Yet, I see that those who volunteer would most probably did it even without the system. And they lose as much as they would lose if the system was not in place since other surfers use it just to remove their worst result. I am not happy with that at all. On the other hand it is about surfing skills, so rewarding only those that judge with points that are supposed to be given for surfing skills is not a good solution, either. I don’t believe there is a perfect solution for that problem other than perhaps some kind of a regulation that would make surfers volunteer. Of course that wouldn’t be 100% fair, either, since not everybody can judge in a season due to limited opportunities to do it.

4. With all the recent tier shortage notices, do you feel it is necessary for the SLSA to keep a home sim. Why or why not?

AH: I believe that if some miracle doesn’t happen soon, we should let the sim go. Seriously, guys. Last time I went there the traffic was 191. The SLSA has been struggling to keep it for a while now, and we keep asking people to donate, but then what… still not much has been happening there for a long time. It’s nobody’s fault really, but for sure all of the activities that we had there could happen somewhere else… with an additional benefit of promoting other struggling surf sims by having our events there. I know there is a Hall of Fame building at Archi and it is an important part of the SLSA tradition. But couldn’t we have it somewhere else? Most probably a lot cheaper or for free? It’s a nice building, a very clever design from Syx Toshi, approved by the SLSA members in a contest a while back. I’m sure a lot of sim owners would like to have it on their land.

5. There has been some discussion on allowing other board types and wave types other than SSi. What are your thoughts on allowing other scripts into the competition season?

AH: I believe that maybe it’s time to do so. SSi boards will always be my favorite, but I also think that we need some new stuff allowed in competitions. I don’t think we should have multiple manufacturers boards in one competition as the judging would become nearly impossible then, since it is not only about the style to many judges, but also difficulty. And some difficult moves and sets of moves are easier to do with some boards than with others. I think introducing new boards would also help with numbers of registrations for our competition. Like I said before, I think that we need a detailed survey on that for the SLSA members to express their opinions.

SLSA Director Candidates Interviews Part 2

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Candidate Name: Sally LaSalle

SW: You are currently ranked #20 for SLSA surf rankings and you've been SL surfing for more than 4 years. We understand you have announced your intent to run for SLSA Director this term. What qualifications, skills, competencies, traits, etc. would you bring as a director and why are you running?

SL: I love SL surfing its fun and I have been involved in it ever since surf-able waves were invented back in 2007. I have been a director 3 times in the past, and in my first term helped to oversee the recovery of the SLSA from a deep crisis into its most successful period ever. I have great organizational skills, I keep my word, I follow through on actions, and I have 5 years of SL skills related to building, scripting, animation, clothing and video.I created and own the surf sims Chi and Tai, the most long lived surf sim in SL.

SW: What areas of improvement do you currently see for the SLSA as an organization?

SL: As an Organization I would love to see participation recover to its former peaks and beyond. SL Surfing is an enjoyable way to spend time, and make life long friends and relationships, and I'd like to see as many people as possible have that opportunity. I think that SL surfing has been effected by the general down turn in the SL economy and so needs a way to mitigate those effects and rebuild.

SW: What do you see as the top issues facing SL surfing in general, and what would be your first priority as an SLSA director?

SL: To me the top issue facing SL Surfing in general, is the financial viability of sims dedicated to surfing. More successful surf sims, means more places for people to surf and to learn about surfing, and the spread of the sport by word of mouth and stability of the venues. More participation is the key to addressing all of the issues the SLSA faces. More participation means a larger pool of people to get event volunteers from, it means a large pool of resources to help support our sim and attract sponsors, and it means a larger pool of people to help our surf sims remain viable. I also believe that people would like to see some innovation, some new types of surfing, some new types of competition and participation to keep it fun and challenging, but also to allow new people to get a sense of achievement early on.

SW: Why are you the best candidate for this job?

SL: Each of the candudates is from a diffferent surf team background and I think this is a wonderful sign of strength in the organisation, any of the candidates would be great directors. Personally, I have a strong track record in getting things organised and seeing things through into implementation within the SLSA, and helping to ensure all directors are consulted on major decisions. I have a long record of continuity in the surf scene, so I bring knowledge of the past as well as a vision for the future. Directors, while naturally needing to be in touch with members, also need to be able to make and support decisions, they also need to be able to change things that are found to not be working.

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

SL: The best part was to see good friends and to go out and enjoy surfing with them. I was a little disappointed that participation has been falling off, and that we have been losing more surf sims to financial pressures.

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

SL: I have always been a strong sponsor of the sport, but I have personally never made any money from it so I'm not into it for financial reasons. I have my own views about things, I'm not afraid to support my views, but I am certainly open to be persuaded by a good idea and supporting argument from others. One thing you can be certain of, is that if I am elected, i will be putting in the hours to help my fellow directors collectively achieve the best outcomes possible for all our members.

Give us a brief statement or opinion on some of the major issues the SLSA faced in 2011 and possible issues moving into Season 2 (listed below):

1. Were you concerned with the low number of competitors signed up for the recent Open comps and what do you foresee for the future of the two-round, two-weekend SLSA competition format? If you are in favor of keeping the two round format, what are your thoughts on how to get more riders to participate in competitions?

SL: In essence the mission of the SLSA the reason it exists, is to spread the word to as many people about SL Surfing and to get as many people surfing and enjoying the sport as possible. So any decline in participation is I believe a sign that we aren't really living up to our mission. The two round event format was introduced back when participation was so great, that either people were missing out on the opportunity to compete, or surf comps would take so long to finish that it was a drain on the officials and the competitors. When the two round system was introduced, limits were also set on how many surfers would be needed to justify two rounds, again based on limiting the comp to a reasonable amount of time for officials and participants especially in time zones outside the USA. If participation was to increase again, then I would insist in a format that limited the time needed to hold an event. The time span of a single event is the crux of the issue, so the solution is either, to split the event up over multiple dates or, to find a way to cut down the time of a single day event.
I think that the best way to get more participation, is the friendly welcome of new surfers into the group and that the group is positive about itself and what we do. One rule of every successful business is to make a product of service that is easier to buy, or easier to use. We need to find ways to achieve that simplification.
From a practical point of view, we also need to ensure that members are getting event notifications, in addition to in world group notices, I would advocate the purchase and operation of a subscriber service to ensure we are gettign as much communication with members as possible.

2. With the continuing decline of full surf sims with supporting neighbor sims for spectators, and with more and more surf sims set up on Homesteads, what can be done to support the sim owners and ensure smooth running competitions?

SL: This is a two pronged issue, I think that we as a group need to be a strong lobby to surf product vendors to increase the return on sales to sim owners. We could also investigate the sale of SLSA developed products and services through sims, where a large portion of the sale goes to the sim owners. This benefit should only be avaialble to sims that provided a surf venue, and not to non-surf sims. We currently spend US$100 per month to maintain an SLSA member owned sim. We need to look at that very carefully, personally I feels its important for the future health of the SLSA to have a Hub where people can go to find out about all the other surf locations available and to learn about surfing and surf officiating. Its also important in supporting our bid with the Lindens to have the Lindens provide us with protected surf sims around the grid. In the short term however, that $100 a month may be better used in hiring a spectator sim for two days next to a HS surf sim, with the re-acquisition of the SLSA sim based on a financial and participative minimum threshold.

3. The SLSA put into place a stipulation that a rider could miss one comp each season and not have it count against their rank in order to allow more people to volunteer to work comps. Most riders who use it are not using it to volunteer but to do things in rl. Should this stipulation go back to being for volunteers only or should all riders be able to use this?

SL: I think that a modification of this rule is in order given how difficult it is to get experienced judges to volunteer for Pro events. I think that everyone should still get the chance to discard one event due to conflicts with RL commitments, but that Volunteers for Event Official positions should be given a "bonus" in the form of not a "Did Not Compete", but in the form of a "Volunteer Average" score. So for instance, in the current system, if a surfer got 2, 3, 2, 5, DNC, there score for the season would be 12 (discarding the DNC which is recorded even if the volunteer). In my proposal in stead of the DNC a volunteer would get a 3 which is their average placing for the events they surfed in. So their scores would now be 2, 3, 2, 5, 3* and their score for the season would be 10 (discarding their now worst 5th). Giving them an average score for their discard would give them the opportunity to discard another worst score as if they had actually surfed every event.

4. With all the recent tier shortage notices, do you feel it is necessary for the SLSA to keep a home sim. Why or why not?

SL: I would like to see the retention of the SLSA sim, but one of the problems with the current SLSA sim, is that it doesn't feel like an SLSA member benefit. If I am a member of the SLSA, then having that sim should provide value to me. As a general member I should be proud of it and feel like I as a member, am a part owner of it. One of the ways to do that, is to open up general prim rezzing to SLSA members only, so that members can come along and rez a board to show their friends, maybe work on tweaking it, or they should be able to rez a cuddle pose for their sweety, and spend some time there really feeling like its a place they are privileged to use and that they can bring a friend to. I think this change would help get more participation from more members when it comes to funding tier. If we got 250L a month from just 100 of our 800 members there would be no tier issue at all.
From a practical persepctive, I have advocated and gotten approval form the directors to put Adboards on Archipelago to assist with regular income for the sim. I will ensure that this gets implmented immediately, and that of course, the sim is appropriately monitored and managed from a scritp lag point of view.

5. There has been some discussion on allowing other board types and wave types other than SSi. What are your thoughts on allowing other scripts into the competition season?

SL: Well we have certainly already allowed wave types other than Surf Systems Inc (SSi), with both HP and LSD waves now having been used in official comps.
The question of board types is a different one. The surfboard scripts from the different makers responds differently to keyboard input. So surfing boards from different script makers, you have to (re)learn to surf each one. I think though, that there has been little innovation from some script makers lately, while new makers have been working hard to explore the new physics of mesh and to redefine the surfing experience. I think that the SLSA again needs to embrace that diversity and innovation and competititon in some way. If we don't then we face the possibility of becoming irrelevant and of stagnating as an organisation and as a sport. I think that we should consider some events using different board types, I think that we should also consider some events using a board rezzer so that all boards perform the same and only the skill of the surfers is being compared. I think at this stage I would not recommend mixed board script type events as it would be difficult to compare certainly in the tricks area as the board makers scripts have different capabilities. Embracing new board types is also another way to tap in to a new stream of members, and to also give surf sims some options for different income streams.

SLSA Director Candidates Interviews Part 1

2011-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Candidate Name: Maldrul Morris

SW: You are currently ranked #1 for last season's SLSA surf rankings and you've been SL surfing for more than 2 years. We understand you have announced your intent to run for SLSA Director this term. What qualifications, skills, competencies, traits, etc. would you bring as a director and why are you running?

MM: I work as a computer consultant and have been administrating the SLSA website and forum as communications officer and Director. I have also been keeping scores and calculating and posting individual and team ranking for the 2011 Season 2. I am a fair and honest elf with a good work ethic. I am running for director because I wish to continue helping to keep the SLSA organized and efficient.

SW: What areas of improvement do you currently see for the SLSA as an organization?

MM: Further refinement of the surf event process to accommodate various levels of interest (ie single event vs Open and Pro based on number of registered competitiors). Training, not only for event staff such as judge or marshall, but also for the various officer duties such as SIM manager or HR.

SW: What do you see as the top issues facing SL surfing in general, and what would be your first priority as an SLSA director?

MM: A recurring sentiment I have been hearing since I was elected is that the SLSA isn't fun anymore. I would say the top priority for all of the directors should be to make sure everyone is having fun.

SW: Why are you the best candidate for this job?

MM: I am the best candidate because I am thorough, intelligent and hard working. I will take the position of Director of the SLSA seriously and always consider the surfers when performing my duties.

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

MM: I was most satisfied with the hard work of the event staff last season. I was most dissatisfied with lag.

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

MM: I still make great cookies! :>

Give us a brief statement or opinion on some of the major issues the SLSA faced in 2011 and possible issues moving into Season 2 (listed below):

1. Were you concerned with the low number of competitors signed up for the recent Open comps and what do you foresee for the future of the two-round, two-weekend SLSA competition format? If you are in favor of keeping the two round format, what are your thoughts on how to get more riders to participate in compititions?

MM: The two round format has been useful in the past when event registration swelled to allow more surfers to compete. It can still be useful in the future when interest again waxes and we see larger numbers of competitors. Further refinement of the process for determining if 2 events are needed will help to increase the fun factor for surfers and spectators by limiting the duration of any single event.

2. With the continuing decline of full surf sims with supporting neighbor sims for specators, and with more and more surf sims set up on Homesteads, what can be done to support the sim owners and ensure smooth running competitions?

MM: Make certain that tip jars for the sim are prominent and pointed out by the event DJ and coordinator during a competition. Negotiate with venue providers to remove or reduce lag inducing scripts and objects prior to a competition.

3. The SLSA put into place a stipulation that a rider could miss one comp each season and not have it count against their rank in order to allow more people to volunteer to work comps. Most riders who use it are not using it to voluneteer but to do things in rl. Should this stipulation go back to being for volunteers only or should all riders be able to use this?

MM: The stipulation was specifically to allow more surfers to be able to act as judges since it is possible to compete while serving as either marshall, event coordinator or security. As I have said before, SecondLife is called that because that is what it is: a second life. Real life has a way of interjecting itself frequently into all of our enjoyment of the game. The dropping of the worst competition score (or NS score) has helped otherwise great surfers obtain rankings more in line with their talent and less with their ability to attend. Also, the term 'volunteer' is a bit of a misnomer. Event staff are paid for their service.

4. With all the recent tier shortage notices, do you feel it is necessary for the SLSA to keep a home sim. Why or why not?

MM: Necessary? Nothing about this game is 'necessary', but I do think that having a home sim for the SLSA is a good idea. The resource has been underutilized but I see that turning around.

5. There has been some discussion on allowing other board types and wave types other than SSi. What are your thoughts on allowing other scripts into the competition season?

MM: In the interest of fairness, any new waves or boards would have to interact in the same manner as the currently accepted waves and boards. That will require an agreed upon set of parameters and specifications which would have to be met before the new boards or waves would be sanctioned for SLSA events.

Events!

2011-11-26T09:53:00.001-08:00

PARTY at Bisous Island

PT Beardmore and DJ ENSANE

When: Sat, Nov. 26th Noon SLT

?Occasion: New sim warming, Nash's Rez/B-Day Weekend

Where: Home of Nash Laville and Phaenecis Decycla
SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bisous%20Island/176/230/23
Activities: Music, waves and whatever

Thanksgiving Wishes

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving. A day we all spend together in turkey coma's thinking about all the things that we are thankful for. Pumpkin pie, egg nog, stuffing, er, no, not the food although I'm thankful for that too. I'm talking about the things that I'm really thankful for. My kids growing up healthy and happy. A job in a time when so many do not have one. A home. I'm thankful for the love in my life. My friends.

I'm thankful for an amazing staff that works on both this blog and our in-world magazine. I'm really excited about the next edition of SurfWatch In-World and I know you will love it. Thanks to Tauri and Ash for being my sounding board and inspiration and V for supporting me in all I do.

I'm thankful to be a part of a community that can be so generous and so friendly that it never fails to blow the socks off new comers and old timers alike. I'm thankful even for Linden Labs. Yes, yes, because without them, I'd not have all of you. I'd not have the Aussies, the Kiwis, the Germans, the Brits, the East coast US, the Hawaiians, the Midwest US, the Pole, and the French. For all the grousing and hollaring and complaining we do about lag and crashing and not rezzing, we still have each other. For that I am truly thankful.

So no matter where you are today...whether it is Thanksgiving in your part of this marvelous world or not, take a moment to think about what you are thankful for. Share it here with us if you like. And remember, we shouldn't depend on a day like Thanksgiving to remind us of the blessings we have in our lives. Be thankful every day.

Happy Turkey Day!
Liss

Surfing with Lissa

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've been indoors working on school stuff and planning out this week's Thanksgiving feast when I got stir crazy. I grabbed the keys and hit the road for some exploring. I know some of you will surf no matter how cold it gets so here are two spots I just had to share with you! Enjoy!

The Swell
SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Blinding%20Love/174/139/27
While out looking for a new sweet spot to share with you I literally ran outa gas at The Swell. I thought I'd just grab a beer and wait for a friend to bring me some gas when I walked out back and viola! There it was! Sunset waves rolling into the shore on this cold fall day. Put on your suits and grab your boards! There is a great campfire just up the hill to warm up by after a surf session and the beer on tap is always flowing.

Bisous
SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bisous%20Island/176/230/23
All gassed up and ready to go, I didn't have to go far before I found this new sim. Biscous will look familiar to those of you who visited Zug as it's a Nash Laville creation so you can expect multiple waves running all the time and great tunes. Still plenty of places to snuggle up and hang out with good friends. Hint: fall off your board and check out below the wave line.

SLSA Bundoran Reef Surf Competition Registration Open

2011-11-21T20:12:00.001-08:00

When: December 3rd and December 10th at 11:00 AM SLT

Where: Bundoran Reef

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bundoran%20Reef/164/63/22

Boards: SSI Longboard script 5.1, 5.2 or 5.2dlg.

Wave: Pipes

A New Tradition

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

SurfWatch: Sunrize, tell us what got you interested in hosting a monthly birthday/rezz day celebration?

Sunrize Mornington: I have always enjoyed giving parties as well as going to them so I wanted to see what I could do with that to help the organization I love so much. Maldrul and my sister, Sonya, started to do a birthday/rezday celebrations at the club Maldrul DJs for on Fridays. It was such a big hit with SL's new users as well as the veteran users that I thought it might work to raise money for Archi (Archipelago). Instead of a costume contest I thought it would be more interesting for our purposes to have raffles.

SW: Will you have a fundraiser raffle each time?

SM: Yes I hope to. As long as the stores and Icy are as generous as they were for this one, it will be easy to do. :)

SW: How successful was the raffle in raising funds for Archi?

SM: All total we raised a little over L$13,000 to help support Archipelago.

SW: If people have ideas for other events who do they need to contact?

SM: As the Archi sim manager they can contact me, of course they can contact any of the current directors as well.

SW: Anything else you would like to add?

SM: Yes. I would like to thank my helpers, Damiana Babcock and Maldrul Morris. I would also like to thank Icy (Fredricksson) for letting us use James Isle. Of course I thank all those that gave to the raffles and those that played the raffles. Without them this could not have been a success.

Breaking News!

2011-11-19T17:08:00.001-08:00

This just in from Alliance Surf! It appears that the Occupy Wall Street movement has affected other special interest groups to protest as well! Notice the protester's determined chant of "Eat More Ham!" One spectator was overheard saying, "Not since those cows outside of the chick-fil-a encouraged people to eat more chicken has an animal ever had such an impact on my dinner decisions! More chicken, more ham, what's next? More salads?" This reporter couldn't agree more! How long can this madness go on?

SLSA Announces Candidates for Board of Directors

2011-11-19T10:52:00.001-08:00

The SLSA has announced the candidates running for the Board of Directors that oversees the organization. Those seats being vacated by Maldrul Morris, GiavannaMarie Melody, and Imzadi Amaterasu. The six month term will take effect on December 1st after the election. Those running for the open seats are Maldrul Morris, GiavannaMarie Melody, Yari Ziplon, Sally LaSalle, and Abel Halderman.

As always SurfWatch will bring you interviews with each candidate so that you may make an informed decision on this exciting election. Stay tuned and stay informed.

SLSA Board of Directors Election Deadline

2011-11-16T19:11:00.001-08:00

Want to make a difference in the SLSA? Elections are happening on December 1st to replace the outgoing Directors whose terms are nearly up. If you are interested in running, see the SLSA forum to find out how to submit your intent to run. November 17th is the last day to make your desire known.

Add Your Voice

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

To our poll! Results to be published in an upcoming issue of our in-world magazine! Tell us what YOU think is the best, trendiest or just plain cool.

Click here for the form!

Flashback! Week of November 15th

2011-11-13T11:46:00.001-08:00

What a week we had back in 2009! So much going on so get comfy and come back to what was going on the week of November 15, 2009.

http://surfwatch.blogspot.com/2009_11_15_archive.html

SLSA Hosts November Birthday/Rezz day Fundraising Party

2011-11-12T17:12:00.001-08:00

What: Birthday/Rezz day party to celebrate November rezz days and birthdays to fundraise for the Archi sim fund.
Where: James Isle and Archi
When: November 13 12:00 noon sl time
Board: Short boards
Wave: Pipes

More info can be found here: http://www.surfslsa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1826

SLSA Chi 5th Anniversary Surf Competition Scores

2011-11-12T17:05:00.001-08:00

pics courtesy of Sally LaSalle and Maldrul Morris

Finals:
JT Castanea 15.16
Cierra Theriac 14.83
Wilfrid DeCuir 14.66
Sunrize Mornington 14.66
Damiana Babcock 14.16
Abel Halderman 13.50

Semis:
Heat 1
Wilfrid DeCuir 15.33
followingwaves Sirbu 13.33
Damiana Babcock 15.00
Zelda Zimberman 14.16

Heat 2
Colleen Brennan 14.33
JT Castanea 15.50
Maldrul Morris 14.16
Cierra Theriac 14.33
Tied Surf Off:
Colleen Brennan: 6.1
Cierra Theriac: 6.6

Heat 3
Bobbi Laval 15.00
Fonda Fugue 14.50
Sunrize Mornington 15.50
Abel Halderman 15.00
Tied Surf Off:
Bobbi Laval: 6.5
Abel Halderman: 7.1

Prelims:
Heat 1
Wilfrid DeCuir 15.66
Colleen Brennan 15.16
jayden Domenici 14.50
Robbin Ember 14.66
GiavannaMarie Melody 14.83

Heat 2
Bobbi Laval 14.83
followingwaves Sirbu 14.00
Maha Adder 13.00
Cristal Rowlands 12.83
bullet Admiral 11.83

Heat 3
JT Castanea 15.16
Buck Ghostraven 14.16
xander Datura NS
Fonda Fugue 14.50
Shilow Carter NS

Heat 4
Maldrul Morris 14.83
Damiana Babcock 15.50
Anabelle Marquis NS
Twixt Mode 13.16
ashoka mosely 14.50

Heat 5
Sunrize Mornington 15.00
Zelda Zimberman 14.83
Yari Ziplon 13.33
Curshaw Resident 11.50
CoolKat Delicioso 14.66

Heat 6
Cierra Theriac 15.00
Imzadi Amaterasu NS
Sally LaSalle 14.50
Abel Halderman 14.66

Staff: DJ Dan, CoolKat Delecioso, Maldrul Morris, Mick Lunasea, Jordan Mendle, Lissa Pinion, Sally LaSalle, Kantbe Thursday, Colleen Brennan

SLSA Season 2 Chi Surf Comp Heats

2011-11-10T10:18:00.001-08:00

When: November 12th at 11am SLT
Where: Chi
SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Chi/134/225/22
Board: SSi shortboard with 5.1, 5.2, 5.2dlg scripts
Wave: Fluffy

Heat 1
Wilfrid DeCuir (RED)
Colleen Brennan (BLUE)
jayden Domenici (GREEN)
Robbin Ember (ORANGE)
GiavannaMarie Melody (PURPLE)
(BLACK)

Heat 2
Bobbi Laval (RED)
followingwaves Sirbu (BLUE)
Maha Adder (GREEN)
Cristal Rowlands (ORANGE)
bullet Admiral (PURPLE)
(BLACK)

Heat 3
JT Castanea (RED)
Buck Ghostraven (BLUE)
xander Datura (GREEN)
Fonda Fugue (ORANGE)
Shilow Carter (PURPLE)
(BLACK)

Heat 4
Maldrul Morris (RED)
Damiana Babcock (BLUE)
Anabelle Marquis (GREEN)
Twixt Mode (ORANGE)
ashoka mosely (PURPLE)
(BLACK)

Heat 5
Sunrize Mornington (RED)
Zelda Zimberman (BLUE)
Yari Ziplon (GREEN)
Curshaw Resident (ORANGE)
CoolKat Delicioso (PURPLE)
(BLACK)

Heat 6
Cierra Theriac (RED)
Imzadi Amaterasu (BLUE)
Sally LaSalle (GREEN)
Abel Halderman (ORANGE)
(PURPLE)
(BLACK)

We Need Your Pictures!

2011-11-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

We need old pics from you old, er, spring chickens from the past few years of surfing in SL for our next in-world edition of SurfWatch. We are looking for the really old stuff. Back when surfing was new fun and we crashed sim after sim surfing and partying. Send your full perm pics to ashleigh.dickins@gmail.com ASAP!

Surf On!

Flashback! Week of Nov 11, 2008

2011-11-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

Here we are again, Flashback Sunday and we have some gems for you. Come on in and get comfy as we flashback to what was going on in the surf community the week of Nov. 9, 2008.

http://surfwatch.blogspot.com/2008_11_09_archive.html

The Ionic Spell

2011-11-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ionic%20Dream%20Seeker/200/141/22

SLSA Chi Open Comp Canceled

2011-11-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

Per the SLSA, the Open surf competition to be held at Chi on Nov. 5, has been canceled due to low registration for this round. All riders will advance by default to the Pro round to be held Nov 12 at Chi.

SLSA Season 2 Chi Surf Comp Registration Open

2011-11-01T22:42:00.000-07:00

The SLSA announced registration for the Chi Surf Comp is open at: http://www.surfslsa.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1802

When: November 5th and 12th 11am sl time
Where: Chi
SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Chi/134/225/22
Wave: Fluffy
Board: SSi 5.1, 5.2, 5.2dlg

Spoooooky Surfers!

2011-10-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

pic courtesy of Arjuna Bombastic

Trick or Treat time and we want your Halloween fun pics to share with all of our readers! Send them to me full perm inworld or email them to me at lissapinion@gmail.com Be sure to put your names on them so I can give you credit!

Halloween Mini Surf Comp Winners!

2011-10-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

Winners of the Halloween Mini Surf Comp have been announced!

1st: Jordan Mendel
2nd: ELDicht Spiritweaver
3rd: Maggie Davi

All Other Riders:
Ryyan MvMasters

Dane Kutenai
Jay Domenici
Phatmoe Resident DNC
Greenly DNC
Luscious DNC

HALLOWEEN MINI COMP!

2011-10-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

When: Oct 30th 4-6pm sl time
How: Sign up Sunday Oct. 30th 4-6pm slt at Shangri-La Lagoon.
Where: Shangri-La Beach Resort Lagoon.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Artanis/147/113/21
DJ Angelsmoon Jewell

All boards, huds, anything goes. 1 rider at a time, 3
waves. NO Judges, peoples choice! FUN! Invite your
friends, stuff the ballot box. FUN!

Prizes include lindens, trophies and a free week at one of the houses at Shangri-La !

The Fall by Betty Tureaud

2011-10-26T23:54:00.000-07:00

The Fall by Betty Tureaud

When: Friday at 2 PM SL time!

Where: Phi http://slurl.com/secondlife/Volim%20Te/26/136/3006

Live Music: Ultraviolet Alter

Kantbe Serious: Nekkid Fall Surf'n???

2011-10-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Kantbe Thursday

Can you believe a surf naked competition in this Fall weather? Well, it's true! The SLSA is having a Halloween FUNd raiser for Archipelago. They're say'n let's get back to the "FUND-a-mentals" and come to Archipelago naked to scare your surf'n buds in a pre-Halloween celebration!!!

There will be a Halloween Surf Nekkid competition to raise funds for the Archipelago sim. Funds will be raised by registration fees. Competition registration will be 195L$, spectators will be 395L$, and staff (judges and marshal) will be 595L$ (they'll have the best view, after all). Spectator stand LM will be provided to after registrations are received.

The event will be held on Archi beginning Noon SLT on Friday October 28th. Registrations close at Midnight Thursday (23:59PM SLT). All registrations should be made directly to Sally LaSalle.

To the guys, Sally added, "Bring your junk, but not your woodies."

Flashback! Week of October 24, 2010

2011-10-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

Things are getting geared up for a spoooooky week of activities so what better way to hide and test that candy before you give it out than to have a flashback...the good kind not the acid kind! Grab that candy, remember we are just testing it for safety reasons, and head over to what was going on in our surf community the week of October 24, 2010!

Do you have some great pictures from the past? Send me a full perm copy and we will use it!

SLSA Season 2 Tsunami Pro Surf Comp Scores

2011-10-22T22:45:00.000-07:00

Finals:
Bobbi Laval 18.500
Wilfrid Decuir 17.666
JT Castanea 16.000
Buck Ghosthaven 15.833
Maha Adder 15.166
Maldrul Morris 14.833

Semis:
Heat 1:
Wilfrid Decuir 17.166
Mick Lunasea 15.666
Cierra Theriac 16.833
Maldrul Morris 17.833

Heat 2:
Katey Spiritwat 14.333
Maha Adder 16.000
Melian Catronis 13.833
Buck GhostRaven 15.333

Heat 3:
Bobbi Laval 16.666
Colleen Brennan 12.166
JT Castanea 13.666
followingwaves Sirbu 9.3333

Prelims:
Heat 1:
Wilfrid Decuir 15.000
JT Castanea 13.166
Figger Arun 13.000
Twixt Mode 12.000
Ashoka Modely NS

Heat 2:
Sunrize Mornington 14.666
Cierra Theriac 14.833
Yari Ziplon NS
Katey Spiritweaver 15.500
JukkaEspo Resident NS

Heat 3:
Damiana Babcock 7.5000
Bobbi Laval 16.333
Melian Catronis 10.666
amatsu Dezno NS

Heat 4:
Followingwaves Sirbu 11.666
Xander Datura NS
Mick Lunasea 14.833
Valium Lavender NS

Heat 5:
Maldrul Morris 13.000
Jayden Domenici 12.000
Curshaw Resident NS
Maha Adder 15.666

Heat 6:
Colleen Brennan 17.000
sven Homewood 14.000
Robbin Ember 14.333
Buck GhostRaven 16.166

SLSA Season 2 Tsunami Surf Comp Pro Heats

2011-10-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday October 22nd,
Time: 11:00am SL
Where: Tsunami Beach (spectator Stands on Freeport Sim)
Board: Longboard >3.38m visible prim
Wave: LSD

Heat 1
Wilfrid Decuir (RED)
JT Castanea (BLUE)
Figger Arun (GREEN)
Twixt Mode (ORANGE)
Ashoka Modely (PURPLE)

Heat 2
Sunrize Mornington (RED)
Cierra Theriac (BLUE)
Yari Ziplon (GREEN)
Katey Spiritwater (ORANGE)
Jukka (PURPLE)

Heat 3
Damiana Babcock (RED)
Bobbi Laval (BLUE)
Melian Catronis (GREEN)
amatsu Dezno (ORANGE)

Heat 4
Followingwaves Sirbu (RED)
Xander Datura (BLUE)
Mick Lunasea (GREEN)
Valium Lavender (ORANGE)

Heat 5
Maldrul Morris (RED)
Jayden Domenice (BLUE)
Curshaw (GREEN)
Maha Adder (ORANGE)

Heat 6
Colleen Brennan (RED)
sven Homewood (BLUE)
Robbin Ember (GREEN)

Buck GhostRaven (ORANGE)

Light & Shadow Show

2011-10-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

"Light & Shadow Version 3.0"

comes with a surf board line based on the shadow theme

Saturday 12 PM SLT (noon) 9 PM german time
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Monkey%20Paw/222/12/2

The exhibited pictures are a mixture of real life photography and SL snapshots. They refer to a status of being somehow there and in the same time not totally being there. A way of presence that has a relation to the shadow, which needs something physic and light to appear, but is not physic itself - similar to our presence in this virtual world. We are here, but yet somehow connected to the "real world" and our virtual being is at least in a mental way based on our everyday self. The perception of this world is subjective as the colorizing of the pictures.

The surfboardline is based on a photo series of shadows. It was developed in the process of creating this exhibition. Those shadow boards let "your self" glide through the virtual worlds.

Surfing with Lissa

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

This week's surf sessions takes us to a red rock, white sand beach and a place that for you fluffy lovers, will surely challenge you. Grab your boards and hit the waves!

First up....

What? Surf and Simboard Park
Slurl: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Opelessence/25/235/891
I first heard about What? from a cute lil chipmunk. My first visit I got sidetracked and had to leave but came back today. Boy howdy I'm glad I did! The sim is completely remodeled and I have to say I'm loving the red rock and grassy dunes. HP waves are running and there is a loaner board option as well. No shopping but with so many nooks and crannies to explore especially with that special someone, who needs shopping? (LM takes you to a central point then you tp down to the beach)

And...

Xuriel
SLurl: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Opelessence/25/235/891
This is a wicked fast pipe run so be ready as soon as you get in the water otherwise you will miss it! There is a campfire on the beach to warm up and dry off with when you have hit all the fluffys you can.

Beach Decor!

2011-10-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

Our selection today allows you to literally have a beach no matter where you are and at 50 prims is easy on the prim allowance!

Shot on Location At: Alliance Beach http://slurl.com/secondlife/Alliance%20Surf/172/157/21
Beach in a Box
Creator: Gewittertante Aabye
SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Alliance%20Surf/172/157/21

Flashback! Week of October 18, 2009

2011-10-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

So I've been catching up on Dr. Who shows from the BBC and can't help but wish we had a tardis to zip around time in. I found some on ebay but don't think they are real so we'll have to make do with our weekly Flashback! Grab a lunch and join us for a trip back to what was happening in the Surf community the week of October 18, 2009

http://surfwatch.blogspot.com/2009_10_18_archive.html

No Surf Comp? No Problem!

2011-10-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

What happens when a surf comp gets canceled? A surf party of course! Folks met over at Tsunami Beach with DJ Dan spinning tunes and danced away the day joking around and hanging out with great people. Thanks to Colleen Brennan for letting us crash her place.

SLSA 2011 Season 2 Tsunami Open Comp

2011-10-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

The 2011 SLSA Season 2 Tsunami surf competition was canceled today by the Event Coordinator due to low registration. All registered riders will be placed into heats for the Pro round on October 22 according to an announcement made today by the SLSA Board of Directors.

What Ever Happened To? Vibrations Surf Alliance

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what happened to that surf group? Do they still do activities? Well, wonder no more! SurfWatch is proud to announce the first in a series we are calling What Ever Happened To? We sent out interview requests to all the surf groups that have kinda faded off the radar to see what they are up to these days so stay tuned as we bring you one each week in the order they are received.

Vibrations Surf Alliance aka: VSA and Vibes
Founder: VW Sands

SW: Tell me how your group started and is it still active?

VW: The VSA is a group I started back on Majini, for pratical reasons at first. I wanted to get a group started for folks to just hang out and free surf between contests and at the same time allow them to rezz their toys anyplace on the Maji sim.

Vibes is alive and well although my time at the SLSA has kinda cut into our activities. Time to fix that though! We have around 600 members, all of whom are free to make a mess at our home sim.

SW: Is your group open or by invite only?

VW: Vibes has always been an invite only group. That may sound kinda snobbish but there was and is a method to my madness ;-). Firstly the group is for surfers. Not knuckleheads looking for a tag so they can rezz 100 foot ships on any sim with open water. Having a touch to join sign allows at least some "screening" before an invite is sent and insures that the folks you meet wearing a Vibes tag are surf-junkies above all else :-)

SW: Many riders say that Surf Jams were a great way to break into the SLSA surf comp scene. How did you get started doing Surf Jams and why did they stop? Are there any plans to have a regular surf jam scheduled again?

VW: Surf-Jam has always been a laid back contest series. When we started way back when it kinda filled a void between SLSA comps and as you mentioned was a great way for new surfers to learn the ropes in a real mellow format. I just wanted a surf-for-fun contest series where rank and points and all the rest meant nothing. Just group members battling it out simply for the fun of surfing with their friends.

SJ "stopped" as a result of the explosion of other surf contests going on every weekend. I have always tried to schedule our SJ on the weekends that nothing else was going on and these days those are rare. That and the fact that we had always had 2 full sims to play on and moving to our new home (HS) makes it tough to hold the SJ of old. On the brighter side though SURF-JAM lives on!! "Regular" Surf-Jams will continue with SJ 19 the next :-)

Surfing with Lissa!

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

This week I find I'm being pulled towards the more traditional waves out there. The Epic and Pipes. While the Pipes and I have a sort of understanding in that they allow me to ride them and I don't delete them, the Epic is my true love. Tall and wide, fast and slow, I find the peace RL is so often lacking when the Epic and I are one.

Sooo, get out the sex wax and grab your favorite stick and hit the trail with me on the never ending search for that sweet ride.

First stop on the trail...

Pirate Point Break
Slurl:
Arrrggg Mateys! It is off to Pirate Point Break to score the booty! Booty in this case, of course, being the sweet monster we call the Epic with a run so long even I can get a primo ride out of it! Rezz area where ya land so toss your favorite stick in or find a few boards to be had at a quaint shop nearby. I even spotted a mermaid....why do I never see mermen?
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Pirate%20Point%20Break/53/117/24

One more stop today...

PrimWorks Surf Camp
SLurl: http://slurl.com/secondlife/PrimWorks/160/218/22
While Surf Camp at PrimWorks is being remodeled, hit the beach and grab some pipes on one of the loaner boards available or toss your own board into the water! Afterwards, stretch out on your beach blanket or jump the construction barriers to check out the many vendors of all your favorite surf icons. Don't forget to check back again to see the Surf Museum once it opens.

Beach Fashion!

2011-10-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

This edition of Beach Fashion takes Gremmy and Lissa back to a time when swimsuits had fabric.

On Location At: Chi http://slurl.com/secondlife/Chi/127/127/57

Lissa:
Skin: LAQ Nellie 05
Hair: none
Clothing: 1920's Navy Striped Swimsuit by StarChild Designs
Jewelry: *BF* Naida necklace

Gremmy:
Skin: LAQ: Jonas 05
Hair: TRUTH "Hank" in Honey
Clothing: 1920's Red Striped Swimsuit by StarChild Designs

Props:
Beach Towel Set "By the Sea"

SLSA Tsunami Beach Surf Comp Season 2 Registration Opens

2011-10-09T22:41:00.000-07:00

The SLSA announced the opening registration for the Tsunami Beach Surf Comp began early today. The longboard comp series runs with the Open on October 15th and Pro on October 22. Boards will be SSi scripted 5.1, 5.2, or 5.2dlg longboards only. Wave name has not been announced but is a LSD created wave. Registration closes on Thursday October 13. To register visit: Comp Registration

Flashback! Week of October 5, 2008

2011-10-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Autumn winds are blowing us all the way back to the year 2008 to see what was going on the week of October 5th-12th. We lost a surf sim, registered for a SLSA sponsored surf comp at Chi, and chatted with one of the founders of SSi, a premier maker of boards and waves in SecondLife. Check it out for yourself! http://surfwatch.blogspot.com/2008_10_05_archive.html

Beach Decor!

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

We are back and boy do we have some great beach themed decor lined up to share with you! With Fall coming, what a great time to remodel your beach pad or if you don't have a beach pad, add a few beach themed decor items and bring summer indoors all year long!

Shot On Location at http://slurl.com/secondlife/TSUNAMI%20BEACH/232/49/22
S.I.D> Beach Set in White
Creator: Bora Rossini (sorry I don't have a LM to the store but you can contact the designer directly)
Prims: 15

Surfing with Lissa!

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially over so say goodbye to the sun and warmth of RL and hello to the warm sunny beaches of SL! While we piddled away the glorious days of summer, some sim owners were busy setting up new surf spots to crash. I hit two of them recently...tough job but...and hope you will too. As always, if you find a new surf spot, hit me up in world or at my email. lissapinion@gmail.com

First stop on the hunt for sunshine warmed sand:

Panda Bay
SLURL: Panda Bay

Panda has a short and fast run for the Jaws and Pipes so if you like it short and sweet (smiles sweetly) you will like this run. Shops, a club and some cuddle spots are scattered around this quaint lil surf spot.

Next stop finds us at:

Ol Nude Beach
SLURL: Ol Nude Beach

Ol Nude Beach next to Orgy Island....oh yeah, I got your attention now don't I? Clothing is obviously from the name optional so let it all hang out here while surfing some waves. Only downside is you will have to use the board rezzer here unless you have an Action board so you may not need to bring your favorite stick.

Kantbe Serious: Another Fine Mesh

2011-10-04T06:00:00.001-07:00

submitted by Kantbe Thursday

Thinking back on the Archipelago Halloween orange waves with the floating Jack-o-lanterns and the sand waves with bombarding rocks (in response to last season's pipes and rocks at Bundy), I've been looking at some of Luscious Starship's latest work (I have to wonder if this is really work for her because she has so much fun with it). It's clearly another fine mesh she's gotten herself into.

Maybe you've seen it on the national television news broadcasts, maybe in the newspapers, maybe in the National Enquirer, maybe not...

Luscious has been working on mesh versions of surfable waves and surfboards. The way Luscious is designing the LSD boards, a mesh board will actually have different performance characteristics based upon the mesh. So, in theory, with a mesh board that can take advantage of this capability, Mick Lunasea really could surf on a log. Not all boards available today can take advantage of this feature, so be sure and check with the builder if you want this or you could just end up with a big mesh on your hands.

Luscious has graciously made her development sim available for anyone who would like to give some of the test waves and boards a shot. She has a rezzer out to spit out a board to try. Be aware that since this is all still in development, access to the sim might be spotty and no telling what the state of the waves might be when you show up. Also, as a courtesy to Lus, please pick up your empties and trash when you leave... pack it in, pack it out.

Luscious has also made a few demonstration videos on YouTube:

LSD Mesh Surfboard on an LSD Mesh Pipeline Wave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUh8W_IQJnY

Inside the 88m LSD Pipeline Morphing Mesh Wave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POIn_d-P36Q

Inside the LSD Mesn Pipleline Wave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFNXsDZNNgc

Short wave and board sample

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFTvlyKSWl8

These test boards are running version 77.1 (did I mention that Lus has been busy?) . The latest production version is 76.3. LSD boards do check for newer versions and update whenever they are rezzed, however. The latest production versions are always available at the main LSD store on Freeport.

Letter from the Desk of the Editor

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

"Times a changin".... again... even in SL Surfing

Two years ago, the decision was made by the then Board of Directors of the SLSA to try out a new competition format that would allow more surfers to ride. At the time, many surfers who registered were turned away due to space constraints so a two comp format was introduced. For well over a year, the new format worked great! More surfers who registered got to ride and new surfers were not "thrown in deep end at Chi" as Ashleigh Dickens once was.

Ok, so what is the big deal if this worked so great? Well, here is a bit of a history lesson for you. Back when we had one SLSA comp per month there were several other surf groups who had comps and activities that were awesome for training folks and just plain fun. After the two comp format, all those surf groups began having to compete for two weekends a month, then riders got burned out and the surf groups began fading away. Squeezed out literally.

Its been clear for some time now that there is no logical or rational reason to have two comps a month for the SLSA. It is basically too time consuming and too labor intensive. It was a trial at a time when it was needed. The numbers have not supported this for some time. It burns out the staff who work the comps. It burns out the riders. It burns out the surf groups.

According to the SLSA Constitution the below is one of the first reasons for existing:

1.2.1. The objectives of the SLSA shall be:
1.2.1.1. To establish and maintain an international association to promote the interests of surfing in all its forms throughout all of SL, to which all concerned with the sport of surfing or its related activities may gain affiliation.

Here in lies the rub. The SLSA is to promote surfing and in its attempt to open competition to more riders, it has squeezed out the very groups who fed it's base. The groups who taught those new surfers about boards and waves, tricks and how a competition works, the surfer who doesn't want to compete but wants the camaraderie of surfing together in a Surf Jam or Surf Safari, the parties where we burned a sim down and danced and laughed. The party wave after party wave. Maybe the deaths of our true, surf dedicated sims, would slow if the groups who run them had more support and time to be surf groups? That is the million dollar question.

People come and go and through it all, the surfing has been there. The core of old timers who are stubborn enough to do the work and welcome the new people in and teach them. Let's bring back the parties, the Surf Jams, Surf Safaris, spontaneous roving surf sessions, surf classes, board exhibitions, tandem comps, etc. Its all gone now but it can come back. I know it can.

Surf on
Lissa Sands (Pinion)
Editor in Chief of SurfWatch

Flashback! Week of Oct 4th 2009

2011-10-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Put your rakes down, the leaves can wait and join us as we hit the road and go back to what was going on the week of October 4, 2009 in the surf community!

http://surfwatch.blogspot.com/2009_10_04_archive.html

SurfWatch Asks: Results of Board Scripts Survey

2011-09-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

To allow or not allow surf board scripts other than SSi's has been an on-going debate for some time now. Waves from other developers such as HP and Lusc have long been accepted in official SLSA competitions but the board scripts have always been SSi created. Earlier this week, SurfWatch asked for your opinion on whether the SLSA should allow board scripts other than the SSi scripts into the surf competitions as is done with wave scripts. Ten of you responded and here are the results. Thank you for your participation and stay tuned for all the latest!

Question 1: Would you be in favor of the SLSA allowing other board scripts in surf comps?
60% answered Yes
40% answered No

Question 2: Would you be in favor of allowing multiple board scripts in the same surf comp? (ie: SSI, HP, Lusc, Action)
20% answered No
80% answered Yes

Additional Comment Section: We left a section so those who responded could expand on their opinion. They are below.

As of 2011 ...just havent seen enough to justify metasurfin comps in SLSA. What we have is the best. Others are fun and alternatives, yet not strong enough to justify this proposed change

I think it's more realistic to allow multiple board scripts because just like in RL you should be able to choose the board you surf on! The trick will be training judges to be able to fairly compare technique between boards. Style wise, and length of wave ridden components of judging though would be exactly the same. Also given the amount of time you can spend on a single wave, technique and tricks will probably come out pretty fair as well since to maintain style a surfer will probably still be limited by time as far as how many tricks / techniques they can perform while the wave is on the water. Plus things like turning at the edge of the wave seem to be equally difficult on any board.

It's hard enough already for judges, especially when it comes to estimating technical difficulty of a trick or tricks. Mixing boards up would then have effect of making it a style contest. As far as SSI scripts go, the 5.2dlg script kinda became an accepted script by default. SLSA had been awaiting the new script, rumor was that it was going to be 5.3 script or something like that. SSI quietly released the dlg script without any fanfare. People started competing on them unaware. I believe performance wise, except for being adjustable, the 6.4 script persorms much like 5.2dlg script does. The main difference being that settings are adjustable and the animations are different. So I think it is possible that the 6.4 script could be legal with some limitations. There have been a few comps were boards were mixed, I really don't know how the judges score the surfer and not the board in such cases.

I only support the use of multiple board scripts if it's reasonable to expect the judges to be able to distinguish the relative skill of surfers regardless of board script.

here's the thing. The SLSA afterall IS about having its champion, too. And while in RL a good surfer can surf anything, in SL it doesn't work this way. Surfing another board is like playing another game. If it was all about the style, I'd say it doesn't matter what you surf as long as you got it. But it's not only about the style. It is also about tricks and MOST of all about difficulty.

Why NOT allow other boards? How would the judging work with multiple board scripts in one comp?

Pic courtesy of: http://www.geekphilosopher.com

SurfWatch Asks You! : Board Scripts

2011-09-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

Over the years there has been talk when new board and wave script creators have come onto the surf scene as to whether their scripts should be used in SLSA sponsored surf comps. Many of the different waves have been accepted as they are compatible with the current SSi created board scripts. Surf boards on the other hand have been a different issue altogether. We at SurfWatch want to know your opinion on this issue and we even made it easy but setting up a quick survey for you!

SurfWatch Survey

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