Video: Over Venice

You can get a great view of the Venice skate park on this video, taken with a camera attached to a remote-controlled toy plane.

Global Warming Protest

Hundreds attended a rally against global warming earlier this year in an undisclosed location.

May your holidays be appropriately temperate and may all your wishes come true.

Love all your friends at Surf Like a Girl.

Cool Gift: Adopt a Sea Creature

Via The Daily Green: If you're looking for a non-commercial gift idea for a loved one who worships the sea, consider adopting a sea creature with Oceana, a non-profit organization that fights to protect the ocean and its inhabitants. The recipient of your gift gets a cookie cutter or stuffed animal as a token and Oceana uses donations to fight the good fight in protecting dolphins, sea turtles, penguins, and more.--Stef McDonald

Look All Around: Cool Images

This comes from a cool site that has 36o degree images. Be sure to click on "full screen" to see it in all its glory.--Stef McDonald


Surfing at Eisbach in Munich

On Wednesday, December 9, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) claimed her second consecutive Vans Triple Crown title by beating out Sophia Mulanovich (PERU) in the Billabong Pro 2009. Read more about Stephanie here.

Whale Tale: Sweet!

One of those heartwarming emails that gets forwarded landed in my inbox today (thanks, Robert) about a whale that was stuck in traps but eventually freed. The story, cut and pasted from the email:

"If you read a SF Chronicle front page story, you would've read about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line-rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, and a line tugging in her mouth.

A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands (outside the Golden Gate) and radioed an environmental group for help.

Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad-off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her.

They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her.

When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles.

She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around--she was thanking them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives.

The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes were following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.

May you, and all those you love, be as fortunate to be surrounded by people who'll help you get untangled from the things that are binding you.

And may you always know the joy of giving and receiving.

I pass this on to you in the same spirit."

Old School: Alaia Surfboards

The New York Times has an article (thanks for pointing it out, Dad!) on the rising popularity of the alaia surfboard, a traditional Hawaiian longboard that is thick and wide and made of wood--with no fins. My arms hurt just thinking about paddling one, but I'm intrigued enough to want to try.--Stef McDonald

Seven Ply Skateboard Design

I heart Etsy in a big way and can pass hours clicking around the site. With the holidays looming, I got a little lost today, adding a lot of fun items to my cart for some loved ones on my list. Search the site for "recycled" or "repurposed" or "upcycled" to find artists and other crafty types who sell items that might otherwise end up in landfills. (Also try searching the stellar vintage section.) Seven Ply is a seller who offers jewelry and other trinkets made from discarded skate decks (above, earrings).--Stef McDonald

Venice Skate Park: Website

There's a networking hub on the web now for the Venice Skate Park, where users post photos and videos and connect with one another.

Bethany Hamilton in Bali

Check out Bethany Hamilton's adventures in Bali on Surfline. I am always impressed by her graciousness, super sick surfing, and how grown up she looks! Read more about Bali and my surf adventure here.--Rebecca Heller

Photos: Sea Life

David Barr's photos of Antarctica and underwater photos of sea life, including seals, are spectacular.

Flash Mob Beach Dance

Stephen Colbert on a Skateboard

I keep finding more reasons to love Stephen Colbert, from Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report." Here is the latest; watch 'til the end to see him skate with a California Congresswoman.--Stef McDonald

Cool Art: Lori D.

Check out Lori Damiano's new website full whimsical paintings and animation. Lori D served as one of the producers on Villa Villa Cola's all-girl skate flick, "Getting Nowhere Faster," and created the title credits for "Dear and Yonder," Roxy's video of daring women united by the sea.--Rebecca Heller

She Sells Sea Shells...

Check out Betty Belt's new designs. These necklace are made from repurposed sea glass that our friend Donna finds on California beaches. Donna personally sorts and selects the sea glass and designs each piece on paper then takes them to Bali, where she gives them to her silversmith who creates the bezels and box hinges by hand with recycled sterling silver. We want one!--Rebecca Heller

Read All About It: Skateboard Art

Celebrating art you can ride, "The Disposable Skateboard Bible" by artist Sean Cliver has almost 400 pages on the design of skateboards. Cool Hunting has a Q&A with the author, who also has a blog on the subject. --Stef McDonald

Do Good: Water for Waves

On your next surf adventure spread a little love and clean drinking water by purchasing w4w filters ($20 each). Hotie surfer, Jon Rose, is the founder of Waves for Water, an organization in which participating surfers will deliver the filters to surf destinations all over the world, wherever there is a need for clean sources of drinking water. For more do good ideas, click here.--Rebecca Heller

Skating's for the Dogs

Go, doggy, go!

Artsy Cool Skate Clip

Art plus skating equals cool.--Stef McDonald

Surfing in Lindsay, California?

Images of Rick Kane learning to surf in a wave pool in Arizona come to mind when seeing photos from the new sports complex in Lindsay, California. Where, you might ask yourself, is Lindsay? Start in San Luis Obispo and drive about 140 miles inland and you will come across Lindsay with its new sports complex hosting a FlowRider where you can get your inland surf on. The McDermont Field House also houses basketball courts, soccer fields, a laser tag arena, a climbing wall, and much more. Read more about what Lindsay is up to in the LA Times article.--Rebecca Heller

Wow: Whale Photography

Via HuffPost, a gorgeous gallery of whale photos from Bryant Austin. The photographer is known for taking spectacular photos of endangered species, bringing awareness to their plight with the Marine Mammal Conservation Through The Arts. (Poster pictured above comes from the mmcta.org site, where you can find out more and donate to the cause.)--Stef McDonald

Yoga for Surfers Tip: Down Dog Done Right

Our friend Peggy Hall, of "Yoga for Surfers" fame, emailed a tip on getting Downward Facing Dog just right. It's the pose of poses for yoga devotees and worth mastering. Here's her video on Down Dog 101.--Stef McDonald

Fashion Fun: Lines for Surfer and Skater Girls

We've read recently that two fashion designers are working on lines that we're going to want to check out (cause there ain't nothing wrong with wanting to look cute). Fabulous fashion designer Cynthia Rowley is teaming with Roxy for a line of surf and surf-inspired gear and Kit Scarbo, one of the past contestants of "Project Runway," is reportedly working with Etnies.--Stef McDonald

Liquid Castles: Places You Can Study and Surf

Around this time, high school seniors are deep into working on their college applications. Surfer girls who want to get a good education but just can't imagine parting with their waves can take a look at Surfline's list of colleges and universities where you can still Hang 1o .--Rebecca Heller

Cove Drama: Behind the Scenes

Boing Boing has a great post on the director of "The Cove," the documentary on dolphin killings in Japan. Louie Psihoyos talks about the experience of being present for a screening of the film in Japan with those who participate in the slaughter and/or support it right there in the audience.--Stef McDonald

Just for Fun: Seagull on the News

These Shoes Are Made for Skating

...and that's just what they do.... Ah, shoes. I won't reveal how many I have but there's a good reason for owning every single pair and a large percentage are flippies for the beach and sneaks for sport. Here's a book that celebrates shoes for skating.--Stef McDonald

Teen Read Week: Read Gidget

Just learned that this is Teen Read Week. First thing I thought? Gidget. You've probably seen the movie with Sandra Dee or the TV show with Sally Field. I liked both, but the book is best.--Stef McDonald

Always a Good Time: Volunteering

TV networks are promoting volunteerism on numerous series this week, so there's a good chance you'll see a favorite character in the act of lending a hand while you're reclining on your couch (not that there's anything with a little downtime on the couch in front of the tube...). Each of us has worked with Surfrider and Heal the Bay for beach clean-ups and other efforts to keep our beaches safe and clean and we can attest to the fact that doing something feels good. If you're looking for a place to pitch in, environmental organizations are a good place to start and we've also got a list of other do-good organizations on our site.--Stef McDonald

They Do: Surfers Hitched At Sea

Got the link to this story from our friend Donna of Betty Belts. She's acquainted with a couple that had their wedding ceremony in the water--while on their surfboards. How cool is it that the bride wore a wetsuit and a veil?--Stef McDonald

Hot Pix from Down Under

Just came across a surf inspired website that I wanted to share with you. Aquabumps, from Australia, is home to gorgeous surf photos like the one you see here of a lone surfer at Bondi Beach. Wish I was there.--Rebecca Heller

Behind the Scenes: Making Snowboards

There's something thrilling about going behind the scenes to get a glimpse at how something is made. I clicked on this video in today's Cool Hunting email on how a snowboard is made by Burton, a leader in the field. Yep, cool.--Stef McDonald

Go, Surf Doggies, Go!

Check out this video of surfing dogs on the LA Times website.

Up, Up, Away: Kite Board Ride

Via Boing Boing, here's a terrifying/thrilling video of a kite boarder who is lifted up, up, and away by the kite.--Stef McDonald

Attack of the Sea Blobs?

National Geographic reports that mucus-like sea blobs have been forming in what appears to be an effect of rising water temperatures. Yes, that sounds like something you'd read in a sci-fi novel; marine biologists who have studied the blobs say they can contain harmful bacteria and viruses and have the potential to kill sea life. An author on the study of the mucilage suggests that this is a good call to action for all of us to seriously take action against global warming. Amen.--Stef McDonald

More Shark Sightings: If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em

This morning as I took a friend for a surf lesson at Ocean Park in Santa Monica, California, all the surfers were abuzz about the leopard sharks along the shore. I laughed it off until we headed down towards the waves. I am not exaggerating when I say hundreds of fins were flipping in and out of the shore break. As we approached the water we could see schools of leopard sharks swimming along the shore where the ocean meets the sand. The sharks ranged in size from about a foot to about three feet. All we could do was laugh. They didn't seem to be bother the other surfers out in the water, and, well, it was the perfect day for a lesson, so I walked out shuffling my feet, yelling, and splashing to scare them away. My ever brave protégé tagged along behind me. They were only very close to shore so there weren't any sharks to bother us at the break, but let's just say my student never fell off her board as she rode it in. She told me her horoscope this morning said, " you will have great stories to tell." No kidding.--Rebecca Heller

P.S. If anyone has any photos, please share them with us.

New fin, blue fin, one fin, two fin

Recently I was asked by the Surfrider Foundation to paint on three fins (one above) to be auctioned off to raise money for the Life Rolls On Foundation.--Annie Walton-Teter

Splurge: Surf Hoodie

A gray hoodie is a staple in my wardrobe and I've got more than one (when one is in the wash, I've got a back-up). But I don't have one with a photographic print of the ocean on the back, like this one I found on Etsy. Wow, this one is cool. The seller also has tees. --Stef McDonald

Shark Spotting: Los Angeles

Our friend and owner of Horizons West Surf Shop, Randy Wright, caught this sequence of a shark breaching just off the LA coast line on Saturday. Yikes!--Rebecca Heller

Lip-Smacking Good: Non-Toxic Tints

I feel naked without anything on my lips and use shea butter when I'm feeling no-nonsense and glosses when I feel glam. For in-between, a tinted balm is just right and my new favorite comes from Hemp Organics, a company that makes products without the nasty chemicals you find in most brands. The Skin Deep database, which lists ingredients in personal care products and tests them for safety, gives this product the Low Hazard label (0 is safest and this gets a 2) so I can feel comfortable wearing it.

Happy Feet: Yoga Video

I began practicing yoga shortly before I learned to surf, when a friend told me it would help give me the upper body strength needed to paddle and push up on a surf board. And now I continue to practice because it makes my life better. This video is lovely. Watch it full screen for the full effect.--Stef McDonald


Umag Asanas At Sunset in Istria

Crowded Surf: Breaking Records in South Africa

We all know how crowded the breaks are these days, but the members of Earthwave take sharing waves to a new level. Organizers in Cape Town South Africa tried to break the record for the most people riding a single wave. They think they beat the record held by Brazil with 125 surfers on one wave. Absolutely nuts!--Rebecca Heller

Venice Skate Park: Dogtown Graffiti

During opening day of the Venice Skate Park, I took photos of this graffiti work, honoring Venice's skateboarding heritage: Dogtown.

Read an interview with Peggy Oki, the sole woman of the original Zephyr skateboarding team from the Dogtown days, on our Surf Like a Girl site.

For more graffiti art in Venice, see posts on the subject on my other blog, Sideshow by the Seashore.)--Stef McDonald

New Venice Skate Park: Open for Ripping

Below, photos from opening day at the Venice Beach Skate Park. I biked down to the park early, with my morning cup of coffee in hand, and took photos before the official opening. Then I returned in the afternoon to see the action. Hundreds were there to take to the concrete. The action shots below capture a couple of girls ripping.--Stef McDonald

New Surf Music: Pearl Jam

I realize I am a little late in the game, but I think I might have a crush on Eddie Vedder. Check out Pearl Jam's song "Amongst the Waves" from their new album, Backspacer. --Rebecca Heller

(Update from Stef: Never too late!)

Weekend Fun: Venice Skate Park

The new Venice Skate Park opens Saturday, October 3 (the photo above was taken last week), with expected appearances by Dogtown Boyz Jay Adams, Tony Alva, Jessie Martinez, and Geri Lewis. Photo of the finished park after we visit.--Stef McDonald

Breast Cancer Awareness: Beauty-Buying Tips

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and you're sure to see the pink ribbon on many products. Maybe you'll think, Oh, great, I'll buy that and help support the fight against breast cancer. The pictured pink gloss from Jane Iredale would be a good grab because it does not contain carcinogens like so many other beauty products (yes, a lot of beauty products really do contain chemicals linked to cancer -- but it's easy for you to educate yourself with help from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics). I'll get off my soap-box after saying this: you should think twice about what you buy and choose not to get products that can harm you and/or the environment. Still have your attention? I've posted more on the issue at my other blog, Sideshow by the Seashore.--Stef McDonald

Tip: Stand Up Straight!

At one of Rebecca's "Surf Like A Girl" days, where she teaches women to surf during a morning session, Peggy Hall was there to warm up the new surfer girls with stretches on the beach. Then I began practicing with Hall's series of "Yoga For Surfers" DVDs (fyi, her yoga DVDs are good for anyone, not just surfers) and she's offered us a lot of good tips to us. (A tip from Peggy on our website on stretch for paddling.)

In the last year, I began to experience back pain and a chiropractor pointed out what should have been obvious to me: I had terrible posture and years of slouching had hurt me. What could I do? More yoga and learn -- finally -- how to stand up straight. Pushing shoulders back? Not right. Seems like it should be simple, right? Those who practice yoga know how it's done. Check out Hall's video clip on perfect posture. I'm practicing....--Stef McDonald

Doing Good: Skateistan

The LA Times has a slideshow of kids skateboarding in Afghanistan, who've learned moves from a non-profit organization called Skateistan. From the site: "...we’ve seen that Afghan youth of all ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds love to skateboard. Skateistan brings them together, equipping young men and women to lead their communities toward social change and development." That's rad.--Stef McDonald





More video clips at the Skateistan site.

Ride My Board: Demo in Oceanside

Two of my kick-ass surf camp instructors from Las Olas, Julie Cox and Kristy Murphy, are hosting a board demo and BBQ -- "Ride My Board Day" -- on October 3 in Oceanside Harbor. Julie designs the Jule Collection and Kristy is behind the Siren line of stand-up paddle boards. Email julecollection@gmail.com for more info.--Stef McDonald

Skate Stunt: Tetris Time

Via Boing Boing: Skaters "playing Tetris."--Stef McDonald

Cute Baby Onesie: Stoked To Be Here

With baby showers looming, I was searching the web for some surf inspired items. This one made my day. Get it here at Surf Shack Baby. --Rebecca Heller

Surfrider: 25 Years of Kicking Butt

The Surfrider Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an event in Los Angeles on Friday, October 9 that features an auction of ocean- and surf-inspired art. Get details on the Anniversary Gala on their website.

Just for Fun: Sumo Wrestler

Photo taken at a street fair in Venice, CA. --Stef McDonald

Here Comes October, Here Comes the Sunn

This bit of entertainment news jumped out at us: Tia Carrere is reportedly going to produce and star in a movie on a trail-blazing surfer girl from Hawaii, the late Rell Sunn (aka the Queen of Makaha); find out more about Sunn on her official website. We'll be there with popcorn in hand when it makes it to the big screen. Sunn lost her life to breast cancer several years ago, but her legacy lives on, just as the fight against the disease continues. Next week marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness month and we're sending a shout-out to the Keep A Breast Foundation for doing its part to spread the good word--with art and with the help of surfer girls everywhere. Right on.--Stef McDonald

Give a Hoot: Coastal Cleanup Day '09

Saturday was Heal the Bay's Coastal Cleanup Day. Records were set for participation (more than 14,000 registered volunteers) and production (more than 300,000 pounds of trash), with organized trash collection efforts taking place in 60 countries, 60 of them in Los Angeles. The photo above was taken near my home, where I was heartened to see lots parents with their kids at work. Of course, if people would only pick up after themselves, the trash take would be lower and there would be no real need for such volunteer efforts. If only... a girl can dream, right?--Stef McDonald

Below, some classic public service commercials on the subject.

Cool Recycled Find: Skate Chair

I've been looking for some wood chairs for the yard and stumbled upon this cool skate deck chair from Treehouse Designs on the Craftzine blog. Looks like an Adirondack chair and seems to be a great way to repurpose old skateboards.--Stef McDonald

Go, Girl: Earning Stripes

We have no idea if Sarah Thomas surfs or skates or snowboards, but we think she's a girl who deserves a high five--for making waves of her own as a college football referee. Read about it in today's NY Times story on Thomas. --Stef McDonald

2009 Surfer Poll Awards

We're super stoked that Tiffany Campbell and Andria Lessler won the award for Breakthrough Filmmaker for the Roxy sponsored all-female surf film Dear and Yonder.

The top five women to take home Surfer Poll awards are Stephanie Gilmore, Sophia Mulanovich, Carissa Moore, Coco Ho and Alana Blanchard.

Girls rule!

--Rebecca Heller

Surfing with Dynamite?

"Mythbusters" investigate...

Surf Industry: Looking Up

The LA Times has a hopeful story today about how the surf industry is doing during the economy: "After a Dry Spell, the Surf Industry is Getting Its Stoke Back."

"The Cove" Happy Ending?

The saga of the dolphins captured in the documentary "The Cove" has a happy ending. News reports suggest that those in the Japanese town of Taiji will stop killing the dolphin and set them free. Fingers crossed....

Santa Monica Pier Centennial: Dick Dale

We sat on blankets on the beach for the 100th anniversary celebration of the Santa Monica Pier last night and heard surf rock legend Dick Dale perform. Live music coming from one side, waves lapping on the other--and then a spectacular fireworks show. Pretty perfect.

Project Runway meets the Surfer Girl

Episode 3 of Season 6 of Project Runway had the contestants creating surf inspired looks. Loved the idea, not convinced about the execution. Definitely want Irinia's macrame; didn't love Ra'mon's winning neoprene look. --Rebecca Heller

Shame on Sigg (Bottles)

There are a lot of toxins around us and we try to take steps to be clean and green. Going green for us means being kind to Planet Earth and also protecting ourselves and embracing all that is natural (really natural). Most know that plastic bottles are wasteful and the popularity of re-usable metal bottles, like the ones from Sigg, have become popular. I have used their bottles and also given them as gifts to friends, so I was particularly disturbed to read the news that suggests the company misled consumers about the safety of the bottles. It's bad that the bottles tested positive for nasty chemicals but worse that the company appears to have hid that info from consumers. There's no other word for it: it's shameful. Ad Age has even more on the story.--Stef McDonald

Layne Beachley: Dancing!

Read Layne's blog posts (with photos!) on her experiences on Australia's "Dancing with the Stars."

Daily Beast Post on Surfer Girls

Interesting new post on The Daily Beast, "Surf Girls: The Next Wave." Good quotes from legendary Layne Beachley (with a good bit of trivia: she's appearing on the Australian version of "Dancing with the Stars").

Big Wave Surfer Girl: Maya Gabeira

I'm happy with a small wave I can catch with my long board, thank you very much. But big wave surfing is still impressive to me. Wowee, those waves are big! Lately, some surfer girls have grabbed attention for riding some serious monsters. Check out the photo of Maya Gabeira at Dungeons, South Africa from earlier this month. Repeat after me: Wow.--Stef McDonald

Surf Chick Flick : Women and Waves

We haven't seen "The Women and the Waves" yet, but we want to!

Ando and Friends: Cool Clothes

Super-stylish surf artist Andy Davis is creating wearable art with his new company Ando and Friends. With organic fabrics and Andy's signature designs, we just can't get enough. --Rebecca Heller

Homemade Ice Cream

After surfing all day on a hot summer night, I really love this hand-me-down family recipe for homemade ice cream.--Annie Walton-Teter

Homemade Ice Cream

Makes 1 gallon

ice cream salt - 1 to 2 boxes
crushed ice -1 to 2 bags

2 cups sugar
2 T. plain flour (secret ingredient: makes it creamy!)
1 small can evaporated milk (Pet or any brand)
1 can sweetened condensed milk (Eagle Brand, etc.)
2 T. vanilla extract
1 pint whipping cream
2-3 cups chopped peaches (strawberries, etc.) mixed with 1 cup sugar ( let set for a few minutes so sugar will dissolve)
Milk (2% or whole) - enough to finish filling mixture in freezer container up to 1 gal line

Blend sugar and flour. Mix evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk and cream with mixer or blender. Add sugar & flour, beating well. Add vanilla and fruit (if used). Stir well and pour into freezer cylinder. Add enough milk to get up to 1 gal fill line (don't go all the way to the top or ice cream will spill over. The fill line is usually @ 1-2 inches below top).

Put top on cylinder with milk mixture and put it in ice cream churn (bucket). Put a layer of crushed ice in the bottom around cylinder. Add a generous layer of salt and repeat layers to top of bucket, but being careful not to cover cylinder top so that salt water will get into the ice cream. Turn on the freezer (if electric) and set in a larger pan or bucket. It will probably take @ 15 -30 minutes for it to freeze ... or more, depending on how much ice & salt you've used. When the motor starts slowing down and stops, it's ready to eat!

All Girl Skate Jam

Empowering Girls Through Skateboarding
All Ages, All Abilities, All Girls
All Girl Skate Jam at Vans Warped Tour
August 22nd Cricket Wireless Ampitheatre San Diego, CA
August 23rd Home Depot Center Los Angeles, CA

Following the LA stop:

Patty Segovia Solo Girls Skateboarders Photo Exhibit

445 E. Wishire Blvd Fullerton

For more information go to the All Girl Skate Jam website.

Final All-Girl Surf Day of the Season

Join Rebecca Heller , author of SURF LIKE A GIRL, and PERFECT DAY SURF CAMP for the last all-girl surf day of the season. Come learn to surf in an all female, non-competitive and girl friendly environment. Sponsored by Roxy!

Who: All the ladies (ages 17 and up, please)
When: Saturday, August 29
Time: 9 - 11am (Please arrive by 8:45am)
Where: Santa Monica Beach, Parking Lot #9 North of the Pier
What to bring: Wear a bathing suit and sunscreen. Bring a towel and water. We will supply wetsuits and foam surfboards.

Cost: $80

Click here for details and email information.

Viva la Mexico!

Great food, tons of sunshine, and uncrowded waves just a short drive away. That is why we still love Mexico. Over the weekend, us surfer girls headed south of the border for some summer swell. We are very sad about all the bad press, and certainly encourage everyone to be cautious, but we found Mexi to be as much of a draw as ever.

Read more about our adventures in Baja here or find out about my dream Baja wedding by clicking here.--Rebecca Heller

Super-Duper: Supergirl Pro Junior Surf Finals

Find more videos like this on BFD.com


We dare you not to be impressed with the highlights of the Supergirl Pro Junior finals. And winner Courtney Conlogue? She's sixteen. Sweet, sweet, sweet.

Women at the Helm

When the wind picks up, I trade in my boards for a Open 5.70 sport boat. Last year the annual 2008 turnout for the Women on the Water regatta in Marina Del Rey, held by South Bay Yacht Racing Club, was sad. Won overall by Phoebe Staff, a twelve-year-old who rocks the helm, yet I was disappointed about the turnout of only 5-6 boats. This year there will undoubtedly be more women and girls at the helm and crewing. It's a little late to sign up and race if you do not yet know how to sail but I thought a post on the subject couldn't hurt. Despite popular belief that sailing is for the affluent only, in the LA area there is the UCLA Marine Aquatic Center, where one can learn to sail and rent their boats at an affordable rate. Sailing is so much fun and it's just as addicting as surfing; the best part is you surf when it's glassy then sail when it's windy.--Annie Walton-Teter

Surfrider Beneft in Malibu

Efforts to try to keep our beaches and oceans safe and clean are always worth celebrating and the Surfrider Foundation's been at it for years. Party on: The West LA/Malibu chapter is having a 25th anniversary celebration at Duke's Malibu (Moana Room) on Tuesday, August 25, from 7 to 10 PM, with music, food and drinks, and more.

Good Luck Dolphins

I went out surfing last week in Venice with a new surfer girl. Jillian is the niece of a friend and was visiting from the East Coast. She's a teen and had taken some surf lessons, popping up on her soft board in the white water for a few days. The water was pretty flat on the morning we met for our surf and she was sleepy-eyed and quiet, saying only that she wanted to chill on the beach for a while. I convinced her that we should paddle out past the breakers and see what we might catch. The waves were few and far between, but the water was warm and it was a pretty morning. Then, up popped the head of a sea lion within feet of us--and this woke Jillian up fast. Shortly after that, we spotted dolphins and and she was all smiles. Me, too; I never tire of seeing dolphins out in the water. I told her that I believe it's good luck when you see dolphins swim by. Is that true? she asked. I told her I made it up but believed it. "Well, I'll bet it's good luck somewhere," she said. Good answer. I agreed and told her that it was good luck in California if you saw a dolphin in the water. . . The photo above comes from Lisa Denning, whose gallery of dolphins can be found here. --Stef McDonald

Cool Surf Band Video

Via Boing Boing: a video from the Japanese surf band The Royalfingers. The video is hilariously bad (check out the fierce Godzilla-like creature battle!) and the song makes me want to get up and join the beach dance party about two minutes in. So fun.--Stef McDonald

Coastal Cleanup Day

Coastal Cleanup Day is coming on Saturday, September 19 from 9 A.M. to noon. Join Heal the Bay to keep our beaches clean and help protect us surfer girls from polluted lakes, streams, and oceans. For an informational flier including the various locations click here. See you there! --Rebecca Heller

Science Lesson with Professor Laird: Surf Boards

Big wave surfing legend Laird Hamilton (and the guy credited with popularizing stand-up paddle boarding) posted yesterday on the Gizmodo techie blog on "Science and the Surf Board." --Stef McDonald

ISA World Surfing Games: USA, USA!

PacSun USA Surf Team in Costa Rica - Episode 5 from Surfing America on Vimeo.

Team USA took the gold at the ISA World Surfing Games in Costa Rica. The individual women's winner: Courtney Conlogue. See video highlights here.

Coming Up: ASA Supergirl Jam

Go, girls! The Supergirl Jam takes place August 15 and 16 in Oceanside, CA, then it comes to Venice Beach on September 6. For more info, check out the schedule on their site. . . And now for some dish: Check out this story in the LA Times on the new Venice Beach skateboard park and how there was a battle over who would use the park first (oh, the drama!).

Update: More info on the drama here at the Yo! Venice blog.

Surf Board Award

MTV Shows

Just because... The "Hottie" winners at the Teen Choice Awards (Megan Fox and Robert Patterson), where the winners are given surf boards as trophies.--Stef McDonald

Diamonds

The ocean is serving up some clear water and fun mixed up wind swell in the Santa Monica Bay today. When the light shines through my crystal making rainbows on the wall, I know it's time to DP (dawn patrol). Today I rode my favorite long board that a shaper friend made and I painted. For info about custom shaped art boards you may e-mail me annie at surflikeagirl dot net. A Ben Harper song came to mind and here's the awesome video. Check it out! Diamonds on the Inside.

I Want It!

I am a sucker for cute packaging, so what could be better than new Surfer Girl line of skin and lip essentials? Buff, shimmer and shine with this trio from Philosophy. You want it, too? Get it here.--Rebecca Heller

I Heart Mermaids

Along with a love of the sea, I have a special fondness for the myth of the mermaid and I post images of the sea sirens on my other blog. (Pictured, a mermaid among the surfers on the graffiti wall in Venice Beach.) A good summer read with a mermaid theme: "Republic of Love" by Carol Shields.--Stef McDonald