We Are Surfers: Q&A

Strider Wasilewski Is One of Surfing’s Truly Inspirational Rags to Riches Stories

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<br />
<strong>Strider Wasilewski is one of those guys who needs no introduction in the surf community. </strong>He’s
 one of the sport’s most beloved stars who now graces our screens with 
his commentary at WSL events. He’s a beautiful human being and here he 
shares a truly remarkable story of a life that went from rags to riches.<br />
<br />

“I was born 1972 in Sonoma County, California in a house over the 
Russian River,” he says. “The doctor was late and I was not waiting to 
come out so my dad delivered me that day. When I was five years old, my 
mom, brother Mescalito, and I moved to Santa Monica and that’s when I 
started surfing. My dad was in jail, we were broke, living on welfare, 
but the ocean was free. So my brother and I would see boards wash up and
 ride them until the owners came swimming in to claim them.<br />

Then, in 1984, I won the NSSA National Boys Title and was on the 
surfing map. The same year, I was discovered by a Horizons West modeling
 scout and worked with fashion photographer Herb Ritz as a young model. I
 worked with Cindy Crawford, Olivia Newton-John, Darryl Hanna, I surfed 
for Horizons West, Town & Country, Body Glove, Astrodeck, Bear 
Clothing, Lost Surfboards, and eventually Quiksilver. Eventually, I 
landed a cover shot on SURFER Magazine at Pipeline, carving out a career
 surfing and modeling, getting paid to travel the world, surf, and be in
 magazines and movies. I bought my first house at 30 and then started 
flipping them, fixing them up and selling them for profit. It’s all led 
up to today, where I now live in Malibu with my wife Lily and three boys
 Coast (11), Country (8), and Cruise (3).<br />
<br />

In 2012, I got laid off from Quiksilver, my mom was dying from 
cancer, the IRS was auditing me for the third year in a row, and my wife
 was pregnant. Enter my efforts to work for the WSL in 2014 along with 
starting my own business, Sunscreen Co. Shade Sunscreen. After 18 months
 of doing surf lessons, I went to work on both ventures. Sure enough, 
the WSL and Shade are still going today and life is good.”<br />
<br />
<strong>How did you get the gig as WSL commentator?</strong><br />

I had heard about the restructure of the ASP/WSL and wanted to try to
 do the host thing. They told me they were done hiring but I said they 
were missing something — someone who actually looks like a surfer and is
 rough around the edges. Then they gave me a chance. The rest is 
history.<br />

In the beginning, I was new, had no time on camera or with the mic, 
and they were asking me to be someone else. More of a clean cut 
sportscaster host, which is not me. After I got a little more 
comfortable and they taught me a few things I settled in and then I got 
to be in the water. Out there, I’m much more at home. Don’t get me 
wrong, I love the beach stuff but the ocean is my home. I’m a surfer 
first and always will be.<br />

<strong>You grew up surfing in LA in the 70s. Can you tell us what the surf scene was like in Los Angeles back then?</strong><br />

The scene in LA in the late 70s and early 80s was mental. I was 
raised on the streets of Santa Monica by Tony Alva, Jay Adams, Skip 
Engblom, Kevin Ancel, and so many more amazing humans who looked out for
 me. My dad was in jail and I was surfing Bay Street in Santa Monica 
rain or shine. Cocaine, crack rocks, sex, and gang violence were 
everywhere. I lost friends to all of them. Life on the South Side of 
Santa Monica was no walk in the park.<br />

<strong>My favorite Strider moment is you giving commentary whilst in
 the barrel at Cloudbreak and Teahupo’o. That will always stand out in 
my mind about you.</strong><br />

Fiji was amazing, Joel Parkinson and Owen Wright were telling me to 
pull in and talk through the whole thing. I tried to step off but farmed
 it and missed the wave. I thought ‘No, I’ve blown it…’ I was still in 
the spot so I put the mic in my mouth and paddled into the next wave. 
Epic 10-12 foot ledge nug that I got totally shacked on. I kicked out 
and the channel went nuts. Joel was laughing and said the wave before 
was shit and mine was the one. I tried to get them to broadcast it but 
they missed it. But people were shooting pictures and stills because 
Dane and Parko were out surfing, so I got the shot.<br />

Tahiti was funny. My producers wanted me to get the interview with 
Jordy Smith but he kept paddling back out to the peak. So I went to the 
peak too, got the interview, and a set came. Jordy got the first one and
 a bigger one was out the back. Backpack and mic and all, I said fuck it
 and went, got shacked, and the place went nuts again. Jordy joked that 
he was glad I wasn’t in his heat.<br />

<strong>My favorite contest to see you on is Teahupoo because there’s
 so much excitement and energy in the water that it rubs off on you and 
you are like a kid hyped up on sugar. It makes watching that comp even 
more fun. You are completely animated. What’s that event like for you?</strong><br />

The place is magic and that magic rubs off on you. Not to mention, 
the wave is so fucking scary it’s crazy so the added fear element really
 pushes things over the edge. Boats, floats, and people hanging in the 
channel and I’m close enough to high five the athletes on every wave. I 
respect the athletes for their ability and that comes across in the 
broadcast. That is real and that, I think, is why people enjoy what I 
do.<br />

<strong>What is your favorite event and why?</strong><br />

They all have their moments, Europe is amazing for great waves, fans,
 lifestyle, food, and friends. Australia is about the quality of life. 
Yes, the waves are good along with the people and the waves. But above 
all else, they are living a good life. They work so they can live and 
are not living to work. I might end up there one day. Brazil is not 
everyone’s favorite stop, but I love it. The passion of the culture and 
the people is crazy. And the landscape is outrageously beautiful. But 
Fiji I think is my favorite, You just can’t beat Tavarua and I’m in love
 with the Fijian people.<br />

<strong>What was your childhood like?</strong><br />

I grew up getting beat down verbally and physically. If you couldn’t 
take both, you were out. You either found a way to put your hands up and
 had a quick tongue or you got squashed. So I learned to spit back and 
verbally defend myself — talking shit at a high level. I was also a 
white boy in a predominantly Mexican and black school district so I had 
to fight at school and on the streets. Shit, I even got beat up for my 
food stamps by the bums at the corner liquor store.<br />

So yes, I’m humble but only because I was humbled by life. The more 
you get beat down, the more you learn, grow, and get stronger in the 
ocean and on land. I kept my head up though and always looked forward.<br />

<strong>What was your family life like? </strong><br />

My kids are amazing. They skateboard and snowboard more then they 
surf. They’re artist and performers and I can’t wait to see them keep 
growing as humans. My wife is the most amazing woman in the world — a 
Lebanese princess by blood. The most beautiful, strong, hardworking 
woman I’ve ever met. When I first saw her, I knew she was the person 
that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.<br />

<strong>I am not alone in saying this but I am stoked that you grace 
our screens every month at the WSL comps. You are one of my personal 
favorites. Do you plan on sticking around? </strong><br />

A: I’m sticking around as long as they will have me. I love the job 
and surfing with the young bucks keeps me sharp and healthy. It allows 
me to have my sunscreen business as well. That’s my future along with 
being a dad and working in the water. It’s a good life.<br />

<strong>Any parting advice?</strong><br />

Live your dreams. Don’t line up. In fact, get out of line and go to 
the front if you have to. Life is not about living other people’s 
dreams. Also, remember to each their own. Everyone is different and your
 path may not be right for others. My kids are teaching me this. Above 
all, remember to fill your heart with love and respect. What you put out
 there is what you get back.<br />

Strider Wasilewski Is One of Surfing’s Truly Inspirational Rags to Riches Stories

Strider Wasilewski is one of those guys who needs no introduction in the surf community. He’s one of the sport’s most beloved stars who...

What are my chances of being attacked and killed by a shark?

Q&A 3:05 PM

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<br />
<h1>
Sharks attacks events are extremely rare, but when they occur, they always make the news and generate a serious social alarm.</h1>
Despite the flashy headlines, the truth is that humans are not part 
of the shark's diet and, in most cases, it privileges the less dangerous
 hit-and-run attacks.<br />
<br />

And, in many cases, the injuries and wounds caused by the predator's teeth are not lethal. Yes, surviving a shark attack is not impossible.<br />
<br />

So what are the odds of being bitten to death by a shark? Is it safe 
to surf and swim in our coastlines? What do statistics tell us about 
shark attacks on humans?<br />

Florida Museum's International Shark Attack File (ISAF) documents all
 known shark attacks since 1958. Simultaneously, it gathers data from 
several sources covering the period from the mid-1500s to the present 
day.<br />

They perform geographical analysis, reveal trends, and publish 
statistics regarding the evolution of shark attacks on a global scale.<br />

ISAF made an effort to fine-tune the comparisons and calculate more accurate odds of being attacked and/or dying by a shark.<br />

They used beach attendance data supplied by the US Lifesaving 
Association for a large number of West and East Coast States beaches in 
the year 2000.<br />

The results are surprising - or maybe not. ISAF compared shark attack
 data with all accidental death information published by the National 
Safety Council and reached an interesting conclusion.<br />

The odds of being attacked and killed by a shark are 1 in 3,748,067 
(0,000026 percent), which means that there are 18 diseases and 
accidental causes of death more likely to kill you during your lifetime 
than the ocean's predator.<br />

Take a look at 18 major causes of death in the United States:<br />

<strong>Heart Disease</strong>: 1 in 5<br /><strong>Cancer</strong>: 1 in 7<br /><strong>Stroke</strong>: 1 in 24<br /><strong>Hospital Infections</strong>: 1 in 38<br /><strong>Flu</strong>: 1 in 63<br /><strong>Car Accidents</strong>: 1 in 84<br /><strong>Suicide</strong>: 1 in 119<br /><strong>Accidental Poisoning</strong>: 1 in 193<br /><strong>MRSA Infection (resistant bacteria)</strong>: 1 in 197<br /><strong>Falls</strong>: 1 in 218<br /><strong>Drowning</strong>: 1 in 1,134<br /><strong>Bike Accident</strong>: 1 in 4,919<br /><strong>Air/Space Accident</strong>: 1 in 5,051<br /><strong>Excessive Cold</strong>: 1 in 6,045<br /><strong>Sun/heat Exposure</strong>: 1 in 13,729<br /><strong>Lightning</strong>: 1 in 79,746<br /><strong>Train Crash</strong>: 1 in 156,169<br /><strong>Fireworks</strong>: 1 in 340,733<br />

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Shark Attack</strong>: 1 in 3,748,067</span><br />

You'll notice that getting killed by a shark attack is more than ten 
times less probable to occur than losing your life due to fireworks.<br />

For example, death by lightning strike, a risk we surfers take every 
time they're catching waves under cloudy and stormy skies, is 47 times 
more likely to happen than death by shark attack.<br />

The figures speak for themselves. If you're moderately precautious, it is highly unlikely that you'll die from a shark attack.<br />

Living is taking risks all the time. When you're eating, sleeping, 
walking down the street, studying, exercising, and having fun, you're 
always putting your life on the line.<br />

Surfing takes place in a natural environment, surrounded by the 
elements, and marine life. It is vital that you feel comfortable with 
what you're doing and assess the risks before paddling out.<br />

Just learn more about why, when and how do sharks attack and make sure you don't go surfing or swimming in shark-infested regions, or beaches closed by authorities.

What are my chances of being attacked and killed by a shark?

Sharks attacks events are extremely rare, but when they occur, they always make the news and generate a serious social alarm. Despite t...

Is there an ideal body type for surfing?

Q&A, WeAreSurfers 10:00 PM

<h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 20px 0px 10px;">
The first thing we need to acknowledge is that everyone can become an accomplished surfer - the tall and fat man, the short and skinny woman, the weak and unfit boy, and the athletic girl.</h1>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
The same rule applies to age. Anyone - young and old - is ready to take on surfing. Because it's all in the mind and surfing is not an impossible mission.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
So, is there an ideal body type for surfing? The answer is tricky because it can lead to a controversial analysis that discourages people from learning to surf.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Now that we know that everyone can enjoy the pleasures of wave riding, we reformulate the question. Is there a physique that better adapts to the requirements of surfing?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Yes, there is. But let's understand why. Surfing is an outdoor sport that involves a lot of balance, and constant adaptations to waves in motion. The human body is repeatedly invited to adjust to movements in all axis.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
It starts with paddling and finding balance on a surfboard, continues in the take-off and <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">pop-up</span> stages, and progresses through the trimming and maneuvering moments.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Surfing is a constant act of balance. You can train and improve balance with simple physical exercises</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
There are three basic human body types: the ectomorph, the mesomorph, and the endomorph.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
The <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">ectomorph</b> is characterized by a thin, linear, and tall structure. It lacks fat and muscle tissue, and it can be fragile.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
The <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">mesomorph</b> is characterized by an athletic build, a good posture, and well-developed muscles.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
The <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">endomorph</b> is characterized by a preponderance of body fat, under-developed muscles, and a rounded build.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
In theory, the mesomorph body type will be fitter that the other two because it is better prepared to excel in explosive sports that involve speed and power.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
But that doesn't mean the other two are excluded from surfing. They can eclipse the "ideal" body type with talent and natural skills. Moreover, they can train and workout to look like a mesomorph.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Apart from body types, it is also important to note that the vast majority of <span style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none !important;">world surfing champions</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box;"> </span>are not tall. Tom Carroll (5'6''), Tom Curren (5'10''), Kelly Slater (5'9''), Mark Occhilupo (5'9''), Mick Fanning (5'10''), Adriano de Souza (5'6'') have won dozens of titles with an average height.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
So, statistically, you could say that an average-height man or woman who adopts a healthy diet and a regular exercise regimen will be ready to challenge the waves and become a prolific surfer.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Discover how to get a <span style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none !important;">surfer's body</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box;">.</span></div>

Is there an ideal body type for surfing?

The first thing we need to acknowledge is that everyone can become an accomplished surfer - the tall and fat man, the short and skinny woma...

How surfing after rain affects your health

Health, Learn How, Q&A 6:53 PM

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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 28px;">Q</span><br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: 14px;">Since the storm season is upon us here 
in California: What types of infections/diseases am I exposing myself to
 by surfing after or during the rain? I've heard that you can get 
Hepatitis, are there any other dangers? Is it worth it to get vaccinated
 for some of these diseases to lessen the risks?</b><br />
asked by Joe McBride<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 28px;">A</span>

<br />
<b>Chad Nelsen</b>, environmental director of the Surfrider Foundation, responds:<br />
<br />
"The Surfrider Foundation has always advised the public never to swim or
 surf after a rain. The coastal waters are polluted with urban runoff 
and sewage from leaking water logged sewer pipes. In most places, and 
especially in Southern California, ocean water quality after a rain is 
dangerous. <br />
<br />
In Southern California most counties issues a 72-hour advisory after it 
rains. Unfortunately, they do not post the beaches after a rain. The 
Orange County Department of Health has been quoted as saying, "We just 
assume all surfers know that the water is polluted after it rains." 
Surfrider thinks increased outreach must be done to warn surfers of the 
risks. <br />
<br />
A study cited in EPA's draft guidance document on water quality found 
that surfers and divers were at greater risk of illness from contact 
with contaminated beach water than are swimmers or waders. In addition, 
an epidemiological study in Santa Monica Bay found that there is 
increased risk in swimming within 400 yards of a flowing storm drain. In
 Southern California you will be hard pressed to find a stretch of surf 
that isn't near a storm drain. <br />
<br />
Waters that are polluted may contain several different disease-causing 
organisms, commonly called pathogens. Enteric pathogens -- those that 
live in the human intestine - can carry or cause a number of infectious 
diseases. Swimmers in sewage-polluted water could contract any illness 
that is spread by ingestion of fecal-contaminated water. (AIDS and many 
other diseases are not carried by enteric pathogens.) <br />
<br />
Viruses are believed to be the major cause of swimming-associated 
diseases, and are responsible for gastroenteritis, hepatitis, 
respiratory illness, and ear, nose, and throat problems. 
Gastroenteritis, which can also be caused by bacteria, is a common term 
for a variety of diseases that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, 
diarrhea, stomach ache, nausea, headache, and fever. Other microbial 
diseases that can be contracted by swimmers include salmonellosis, 
shigellosis, and infection caused by E. coli (a type of enteric 
pathogen). Other microbial pathogens found at varying concentrations in 
recreational waters include amoeba and protozoa, which can cause 
giardiasis, amoebic dysentery, skin rashes, and pink eye. <br />
<br />
There is also what we call the "toxic cocktail" of pesticides, 
herbicides, heavy metals and other pollutants that are not monitored 
regularly and the health effects are poorly understood. <br />
<br />
Here are a couple (very) extreme Surfrider examples from last year that resulted from presumed sewage spills: <br />
<br />
Chris O'Connel had a cut on his arm and went in Mission Bay San Diego 
after a recent rain. His arm became infected with the Streptococcus 
bacteria and he almost died. Three operations and two and half weeks in 
the hospital saved his life. <br />
<br />
Also, a member of the Long Beach Chapter of Surfrider Foundation became 
infected with the same bacteria after surfing near the San Gabriel River
 Mouth. Charles Moore of Long Beach was also hospitalized for two 
weeks."

How surfing after rain affects your health

Q Since the storm season is upon us here in California: What types of infections/diseases am I exposing myself to by surfing after o...

What is a killer whale?

Q&A, Video, WeAreSurfers 4:21 PM

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<h1>
The killer whale, also known as orca, is the largest member of the 
dolphin family, and one of the most ferocious marine predators on the 
planet.</h1>
Interestingly, the name "killer whale" is a mistranslation of the 
Spanish designation "asesina de ballenas," which literally means "whale 
killer." So, these ocean creatures are not whales - they are whale 
killers.<br />
<br />
Scientifically named Orcinus orca, the killer whale is, in fact, a 
savage predator with sophisticated behaviors. They're often spotted 
working as a highly coordinated team and rarely lose a battle.<br />
Killer whales are easy to identify. They feature a big black back, 
with medium-sized white patches above and behind the eyes, and then a 
big white chest that runs from head to tail.<br />
Scientists believe that killer whales don't smell. But they see and 
hear very well. They communicate through sounds, and they've developed 
their own unique "dialects" or system of calls.<br />
<br />
Although they never truly enter a deep sleep-like state, orcas rest 
half of their brains alternately. When they close their left eye, their 
left side of the brain is shut down, and vice versa.<br />
However, their coloration may differ from pod to pod so that they can
 hide and surprise their prey in more or less transparent waters.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Orcas: they adapt well to both cold and warm water temperatures | Photo: Michel/Creative Commons" height="426" src="https://www.surfertoday.com/images/stories/orcapredator.jpg" title="Orcas: they adapt well to both cold and warm water temperatures | Photo: Michel/Creative Commons" width="640" /><br />
<br />
Thanks to their thick layer of fat under their ski, orcas can be 
found in all oceans of the world, in a broad range of marine ecosystems,
 in cold, cool and warm waters.<br />
<br />
Killer whales can be dangerous to their prey. They are armed with a 
set of between 40 and 55 brutal teeth that will capture, rip and tear 
victims in a matter of seconds.<br />
<br />
These powerful creatures of the seas feed on fish, octopuses, 
stingrays, seabirds, turtles, marine mammals like dolphins and seals, 
and even sharks. They're apex predators - they're on top of the food 
chain.<br />
Orcas are highly social marine mammals and live in pods. Young killer
 whales learn to hunt prey by watching and learning the basic techniques
 through their mothers.<br />
There are five ecotypes of killer whales in the Northern Hemisphere: 
resident orcas, Bigg's orcas, offshore orcas, North Atlantic Type 1, and
 North Atlantic Type 13.<br />
In the Southern Hemisphere, there are four different types of killer whales: Type A, Type B, Type C, and Type D.<br />
<br />
Marine mammals come to the surface to breathe, and exhale a spout of 
gas and water into the air, just like a human snorkeler. The larger the 
animal, the higher the mist rises.<br />
A male killer whale can reach 32 feet (9.6 meters) in length, and 
weigh up to nine tons. On average, they reach sexual maturity around 21 
and live between 29 and 60 years.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Killer whales: orcas in captivity rarely live past the age of 25 | Photo: Ajari/Creative Commons" height="426" src="https://www.surfertoday.com/images/stories/orcatrainer.jpg" title="Killer whales: orcas in captivity rarely live past the age of 25 | Photo: Ajari/Creative Commons" width="640" /><br />
<br />
Female orcas will reach 23 feet (8.2 meters) and weigh up to eight 
tons. Their fertility peak comes around 20, and they live between 50 and
 80 years. The gestation period of an orca is 17 months.<br />
One of the oldest known orcas is "Granny." She may have lived up to 
105 years, even though some researchers think that her age at the time 
of death was between 65 and 85.<br />
Their average swimming speed is three-to-four miles per hour 
(five-to-6.4 km/h), but they can accelerate up to 30 miles per hour (48 
km/h).<br />
<br />
An orca can kill a shark by flipping it upside down and putting the 
opponent in a paralyzed state called "tonic immobility." The dorsal fin 
of a male killer whale can reach six feet.<br />
According to the oceanographers, there are around 50,000 killer 
whales in the oceans of the world. The majority lives in the Antarctic, 
but they can also be found in the tropical and northeast Pacific, and in
 the Norwegian Sea.<br />
<br />
When held in captivity, orcas develop unusual behaviors. Over 90 
percent of all killer whales in captivity have not lived past the age of
 25.<br />
Since they became marine life park attractions, these elegantly large
 animals were responsible for the death of a handful of 
trainers. However, there are no known incidents of a wild orca attacking
 or killing a human being.<br />
<br />
In Native American culture, orcas are the symbol of strength and power, and they're seen as the protector of humankind.<br />
<br />
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What is a killer whale?

The killer whale, also known as orca, is the largest member of the dolphin family, and one of the most ferocious marine predators on th...

When is a Wave too Big to Duck Dive?

Q&A, WeAreSurfers 12:18 AM

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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">For those of us who weren’t born with cojones the size of tennis balls,</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">we can only make superficial attempts to relate to the beatings we see dished out to the world’s best big-wave surfers</span>. The occasional gasp that slips out from behind our computer screen, making our coworkers wonder what the hell we’re watching at work, only does so much to help identify with what these guys are actually going through.</div>
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On a recent trip down to Mexico, my brother and I got to talking about some things surfers wonder, but very few actually have answers to. One question in particular stimulated our curiosities: When is a wave too big to duck dive? The answer to this question, of course, is largely situational, but there are a few points to acknowledge that may be useful for both beginners and those looking to aspire to be more like their big-wave heroes. Speaking of big-wave heroes, I caught up with one of them, Ricky Whitlock, to clear a few things up.</div>
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“Different scenarios call for different actions, said Ricky. “If it’s a 15-foot white water, I’m gonna try to duck dive it. But if it’s a 6-foot double up on my head, and I’m on dry reef or super shallow water, I’ll probably ditch my board. For the average person, I would say trying to duck dive anything over 6 to 8 feet is going to be more dangerous than beneficial.”</div>
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Because bailing your board comes with its risks, Ricky tries to duck dive whenever he possibly can. Still, he’s cognizant of, for example, board size, position in the lineup, and a host of other related factors when opting to duck dive.</div>
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“More times than not, I duck dive. I would rather get pounded trying to duck dive than swim under it and come up with my board in two pieces. I feel like every time I ditch my board, my board breaks or my leash breaks. Either way, I’m usually swimming in. But I’ve been out at Jaws and looked over and saw Ben Wilkinson duck dive a 20-foot Hawaiian wave. Ben is a beast and can duck dive a 10-foot+ board like the average person duck dives their shortboards. I personally can’t duck dive my Jaws guns so I don’t even attempt to do so.”</div>
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And while not all of us are built like Ben, that quick decision more or less based off intuition. Unfortunately, it’s probably going to take several relentless beatings to more to make that right decision.</div>

When is a Wave too Big to Duck Dive?

For those of us who weren’t born with cojones the size of tennis balls, we can only make superficial attempts to relate to the beating...

What is Glass Beach?

Q&A, Video, WeAreSurfers 7:13 PM

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The name says it all. Welcome to a California beach where, instead of sand, you'll find millions of tiny pieces of glass.</h1>
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Glass Beach is a group of three small and narrow beaches in MacKerricher State Park, near Fort Bragg, California, that are covered by millions of colorful pieces of sea glass of all sizes and shapes.</div>
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But why is there glass on Glass Beach? All three beaches are abundant in sea glass due to years of dumping garbage into a near coastline areas.</div>
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From 1906 to 1967, three local dump sites accumulated glass, cans, apothecary bottles, auto tail lights, batteries, and many other car appliances.</div>
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The first dump site was created in 1906 by residents, who discarded their trash onto the shore. When the mountain of garbage became unmanageable, they would burn it down.</div>
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<img alt="Glass Beach: sea glass of all sizes and shapes | Photo: Creative Commons" src="https://www.surfertoday.com/images/stories/glassbeach2.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" title="Glass Beach: sea glass of all sizes and shapes | Photo: Creative Commons" /></div>
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But when the first site filled in 1943, Fort Bragg opened a new landfill site that remained active until 1949. Then, a third beach began collecting the community's trash until 1967, when the authorities shut it down.</div>
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With the passing of time, glass found on sand strips near bodies of water suffered chemical and physical transformations and eventually became natural frosted glass.</div>
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Sea glass needs between 30 and 100 years to get its characteristic shape and texture. Shards of broken glass tumble and crash against the surrounding elements - rocks, water, sand - and their edges become rounded and smooth.</div>
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Only then it may become an exciting collectible from a jewelry perspective. At Glass Beach, the majority of the gem bits laying on the sand are transparent, white and green.</div>
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But watch your feet - there are still thousands sharp pieces of shattered glass making their journey toward excellence. You've got put on your flip-flops before literally enjoying a walk on glass.</div>
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<img alt="Glass Beach: thousands of tourist visit this place during summer  | Photo: Creative Commons" src="https://www.surfertoday.com/images/stories/glassbeach3.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" title="Glass Beach: thousands of tourist visit this place during summer  | Photo: Creative Commons" /></div>
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Glass Beach is located only three and a half hours' drive away from San Francisco, i.e., 170 miles north of the Golden City via U.S. Highway 101.</div>
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However, and according to the rules of California State Parks, beachgoers and the general public are not allowed to take small or large fragments of glass from these spots.</div>
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Instead, they are invited to leave the sea glass pieces where they are so that others may explore and discover this unusual semi-natural treasure.</div>
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During summer, around 1,000 tourists visit Fort Bragg's three glass beaches on a daily basis. The best time of the day to explore Glass Beach is at low tide.</div>
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Getting down to the treasure site may be tricky for the elderly and disabled, but not impossible if accompanied and supervised by adults.</div>
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What is Glass Beach?

The name says it all. Welcome to a California beach where, instead of sand, you'll find millions of tiny pieces of glass. Glass Be...

Why Can't We Surf After It Rains?

Learn How, Q&A, WeAreSurfers 4:01 PM

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photo source :<span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr">www.surfline.com</span><br />
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<span class="irc_dsh irc_msc"><a class="irc_hl irc_msl" data-ved="0CAYQhxw" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Surf+After+It+Rains%3F&newwindow=1&client=firefox-a&hs=aG3&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:fr:official&channel=sb&biw=1525&bih=679&tbm=isch&tbs=simg:CAQSWQntOEGXwOLGMhpFCxCwjKcIGjwKOggCEhTXGtIa2hrXIrMawySjG9gi3xivGhogO1HjgVj52uX7ZSJzjqxvFCJAVZg5iQawDBdmJdnst40MIa1htNjhY2l4"><span class="irc_idim"></span></a></span><br />
Last winter, the Southern California skies went grey with thick 
churning thunderheads and the heavens unloaded a drenching series of 
rains that went on in near unbroken succession for months. The most 
welcome aspect for surfers was the flushing of tons of soil and sand 
into lineups from Ventura to Imperial Beach, sculpting some of the best 
sandbar and bottom-contour conditions Californians have seen in years. 
Understandably California surfers were frothing. The only problem was 
the storm water pollution.<br />
<br />
In coastal California, when rain falls onto an urban landscape it 
flows through the streets and drainage systems and is flushed into the 
sea untreated. The very same principle that allows rainwater to carry 
sand and soil into the lineup also allows for storm drainage systems to 
carry the discarded detritus and wayward pollutants of mankind. This 
untreated rainwater, pollutants and all, is known to experts as urban 
stormwater, and as you can imagine, it’s f-ing filthy.<br />
<br />
Allowing the untreated urban run-off into the ocean is like letting 
your neighbor hose down his driveway, wash the bathroom floor, spray out
 the bottom of his garbage pails and then dump the dirty water into your
 pool. It’s bad circumstance, and this winter it made for some seriously
 disgusting ocean water quality in California.<br />
<br />
But it’s a nightmare that, if you ask the experts, we’re stuck with. 
Moreover, as coastal urban populations continue to mushroom this 
nightmare become increasingly problematic and damaging to both surfers 
and the aquatic environment itself. The most apparent answer, i.e. the 
restructuring of the drainage and sewage systems so urban stormwater is 
treated before its release, is a complicated one. In fact it’s an option
 with so many obstacles it really isn’t even on the table for 
consideration at all.<br />
<br />
But why? Well, that’s a murky one, and in an attempt to cut through 
it, Surfermag.com talked with a few surfing environmentalists for their 
insight regarding the question: <b>Why can’t we surf after it rains?</b><br />
“Most of the regulators, cities, and even some environmentalists 
admit that is very unlikely we could devise a system in today’s world 
that would ensure clean water when it rains on an urban landscape” 
explains Marco Gonzales, a lawyer working extensively on environmental 
litigation in conjunction with the Surfrider foundation. “The notion of 
treating all stormwater as we do sewage is not currently technologically
 or economically possible.”<br />
<br />
According to Mr. Gonzales the lack of treatment feasibility is 
correlated to the sheer amount of water that flows through the street 
when it rains. In order to catch and treat runoff the city would need to
 build underground “stadium sized” reservoirs to capture the dirty water
 after the first rains. The real key, according to Gonzales, is dealing 
with dry weather sewage flows and other illegal pollution in each 
municipality to curb bacteria levels. This is because, while polluted 
water after a rain is anticipated and only lasts a few days until 
dispersed by currents, illegal flows can strike without warning making 
entering the ocean an aquatic Russian roulette.<br />
<br />
Mr. Gonzales has been focusing extensively on San Diego over the last
 few years, and during his career beach closures dropped from 500 per 
year, to only 86 in 2005, a year with one of the highest recorded 
rainfalls on record.<br />
<br />
How is he doing it? “First, we’re putting liability on the cities to 
stop the pollution. It used to be that the state was the enforcers of 
the permit. Now, if the city isn’t enforcing, they’re in trouble,” 
explained Gonzales. “Second, through our lawsuit defense, we established
 that discharges of stormwater must meet water quality standards. This 
means that when a city devises a stormwater plan, and they don’t meet 
standards, they have to spend more money and more time to come up with 
alternative solutions. In wet weather, all of the City’s have to work on
 “source control,” which means things like street sweeping before the 
first flush, and ensuring that commercial and industrial businesses 
haven’t left pollutants out where they’d flow into storm drains.”<br />
<br />
Gonzales installment of a legal apparatus with financial ramifications is solid, and should be commended, but again we ask, <b>why can’t we surf after it rains?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>

Some ‘experts’ suggest awareness initiatives. The bottom line is that
 awareness is not enough. If we focus exclusively on changing people’s 
minds without legal ramifications, we will never be able to surf after a
 rain. It’s nave and idealistic to think that we can change water 
quality by changing attitudes. Bumper sticker policy is not the answer.<br />
To find out what policy can help us answer our question, we queried 
San Diego Mayoral Candidate Donna Frye. Foremost on her agenda is water 
monitoring. “The purpose of water monitoring is to protect the public 
health, but it also allows for the identification of those areas which 
are the most polluted” explains San Diego Mayoral candidate Donna Frye 
“This, in turn, allows for the best allocation of limited funds to 
address the problem.”<br />
<br />
With all due respect, our gut feeling is that, at least in the short run, monitoring isn’t going to answer our question: <b>Why can’t we surf after it rains?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>

Our search for an answer was getting cloudier and cloudier. So, 
against our better judgement, we asked a state spinmeister for the 
official State answer to our question.<br />
<br />
And it should be noted that they are doing something. The California 
State Water Board is taking measures to secure water quality with a 2001
 Clean Beaches Initiative (CBI) grant that has committed nearly $51 
million to help local agencies deal with bacteria counts. Liz Kanter, an
 information officer with the Water Board informed us that, “constructed
 projects include 38 urban runoff diversions to the local sewer system, 8
 urban runoff treatment facilities, and 12 infrastructure improvement 
projects.” Where all of this is taking place we are not sure. 
Unfortunately she also added that, “due to volume and capacity, it is 
not practical to divert 100% wet weather flow to treatment facilities.  
However, consideration is being given to how wet weather flow can be 
successfully captured prior to reaching our rivers and ocean and used 
for irrigation, groundwater recharge, creation of wetlands, and similar 
desirable purposes.”<br />
<br />
It all sounds good. It is a good spin. But should we feel assured by 
bureaucrats who don’t surf? These people can claim that solutions are 
being implemented yet we still surf in dirty water. There is stench 
permeating our senses after each precipitation. Local municipalities and
 even many environmental experts believe the task to properly fix the 
issue to be infeasible logically and economically, yet who would have 
believed us able to send a man to the moon ten or twenty years before we
 got there?<br />
Next time you plan on donating to an environmental group ask them 
what they are doing to make it so you can surf after it rains. Be wary 
of bumper sticker sound bites. You may want to save your money for an 
organization that has an aggressive plan to fight contaminated storm 
water run-off, and if you find such an organization let us know.<br />
<br />
Our crusade is summed up perfectly by surf industry mogul Bob Hurley 
who laments, “stinky bacteria filled water makes me sad.  I am not a 
scientist but it is embarrassing to me that a society as advanced as 
ours cannot keep our sewage out of the beautiful life giving sea.” Mr. 
Hurley, we couldn’t agree with you more.<br />
<a href="http://www.surfermag.com/" target="_blank">source</a>

Why Can't We Surf After It Rains?

photo source : www.surfline.com Last winter, the Southern California skies went grey with thick churning thunderheads and the heaven...

Q&A: How do you turn a single fin?

Q&A 5:28 PM

<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000033; font-size: 24px; font-weight: normal;">QUESTION</span></h2>
<i>I have a retro-style Al Merrick round tail single fin (6'9"x21"x3"). 
As I usually surf thrusters I don't know much about single fins and I 
was wondering what size fin I should use (it came with a 7.5"). I plan 
on using it in mushy waves up to head high.<br />
Asked by Pete from Oregon</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<i>photo of Matty Chojnack</i><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #000033; font-weight: normal;">ANSWER</span></h2>
<b>Nick Carroll</b> replies:<br />
<br />
A 6'9" single fin in mushy  underhead waves? I dunno, Pete. Might be 
worth trying it in slightly overhead hollow point waves, and hunting the
 tube. But be that as it may...<br />
<br />
Generally, you'll find the single fin appears to move slower through 
turns. In fact, what's happening is that it doesn't project through 
turns as far as a thruster or twin-fin. You can make up for this by 
adjusting your style and timing, placing turns only in the more powerful
 parts of the wave. You can also make a difference by using a range of 
fin sizes. Try a larger fin -- not longboard style, but up to 9" -- set 
further up the fin box; this will help you run a turn a little further 
with less pressure. A smaller fin set well back will promote acute 
angled turns, stalls and tube rides (the single's specialty!). Don't be 
scared to try some weird stuff, too: The old Cheyne Horan Star-fin is 
killer, if you can find one.<br />
<br />
In any case, you will find a distinct difference in performance, and 
you'll probably gain a new appreciation for your other equipment in the 
process. Good luck!

Q&A: How do you turn a single fin?

QUESTION I have a retro-style Al Merrick round tail single fin (6'9"x21"x3"). As I usually surf thrusters I don't ...

Is Australia the World's Most Dangerous Surf Trip?

Q&A, WeAreSurfers 7:02 PM

<h2 data-splitpost="title">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Snaked at Forster</h2>
<div class="slide-content" data-splitpost="content">
Sure, Australia featured prominently in our World’s Sharkiest Surf Zones article, but shark attack is merely in the bronze medal position of Aussie-flavoured danger.<br />
<br />
<strong>At One Mile Beach, Forster, NSW</strong> yesterday, swimmers were alerted by whistles from lifeguards to clear the water.<br />
<br />
But rather than another shark scare, the animal danger on this 
occasion was a brown snake – one of the most deadly land snakes on the 
planet – swimming between the flags. <br />
<br />
Poisonous, maybe, but respectful of designated swimming area at least.<br />
<br />
Possibly the best, most understated Aussie-style, least newsworthy 
quote ever, came from John Smith, a snake expert, who said, “He (a 
lifeguard) said he would call back if he needed any more help and I 
never heard back so it must have gone towards the rocks”.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<h2 data-splitpost="title">
Snaked At Burleigh</h2>
<div class="slide-content" data-splitpost="content">
<strong>Not willing to be undone by a venomous counterpart</strong>
 in NSW, a Gold Coast constrictor got in on the snake scare act at 
Burleigh, one of the most famous surf spots in Australia, later in the 
very same ‘arvo’ as the brown snake incident at Forster.<br />
<br />
This wasn’t the first python gnarl of the New Year on the Goldie, 
neither. Police had warned Gold Coasters after large pythons had eaten a
 guinea pig and a cat recently. <br />
<br />
(In all fairness, the cat probably deserved it…)<br />
Not having the poisonous fangs of smaller snakes, these dudes instead
 crush prey to death by constricting every time the poor animal breaths 
in, suffocating it, before swallowing it whole. <br />
Cute!</div>
<br />
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<h2 data-splitpost="title">
Shark Chomps Whale</h2>
<div class="slide-content" data-splitpost="content">
<strong>Still the same sunny, fun-filled at-the-beach Wednesday afternoon Down Under</strong>, and a humpback whale beached at South Broulee, NSW. <br />
<br />
As a crowd gathered to possibly try to help the stricken mammal, it 
was washed back off the shore before being promptly attacked by a shark.
 <br />
<br />
A shark-spotting helicopter was scrambled and spotted two of the predatory fish in the area. <br />
Which brings us nicely onto the next peril – Men In Grey Suits.</div>
</div>
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<h2 data-splitpost="title">
General Sharkiness</h2>
<div class="slide-content" data-splitpost="content">
<strong>Yep, it’s sharky</strong>. <br />
Pretty much all coasts have recorded fatalities, and all ocean-goers,
 from swimmers to fishermen, divers and of course, surfers, take to the 
drink at their own risk.<br />
<br />
Now, we can already hear your self-righteous, comment board shrieks; “It’s <em>their</em> habitat!” “It’s not as dangerous as crossing the street!” <br />
<br />
Sure, sure. You are correct on both counts. But crossing the street 
doesn’t scare the living shit out of us. Getting bitten by a massive 
fish whilst going for a surf does. <br />
<br />
Rightly or wrongly, rationally or otherwise, it’s a frightening prospect, the fish bite. </div>
<br />
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<h2 data-splitpost="title">
Savage Wrinkles</h2>
<div class="slide-content" data-splitpost="content">
<strong>Perhaps worse than sharks, snakes, spiders, box jellyfish</strong>,
 and whatever other fauna nasties lurk on or around that large, red, 
mostly desert continent, perhaps the second-most scary thing about 
Australia is what it does to your face.<br />
<br />
After a day or two, you’ll start to look like you’ve been swimming in a pool with too much chlorine in, a bit like David Moyes. <br />
<br />
After an over-winter (aka summer) trip there, you’ll start to look… really old. <br />
After an entire childhood/youth of growing up there, your average 
Aussie surfer, at 25, looks 40. He could probably come to Europe and 
clean up in the legends division, without needing to show any ID. At 40,
 he looks about 90. Sure, you got the weather, the surf, the mineral 
wealth, the chocolate paddle pops and the fishing, but your grid is 
ruined. <br />
<br />
If you treasure your youthful looks, go to NZ instead… preferably the South Island.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<h2 data-splitpost="title">
The Accent</h2>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>The number one peril of a visit Down Under</strong>, the biggest threat to your well being, is not attack by animal.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It is not attack by incoming UV radiation. It is, of course, coming home with the accent.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Now, as far as we’re concerned there’s nothing wrong with using ‘cunt’ as punctuation. Not really. There’s not much wrong calling your lounge the ‘lounge room’, calling Weetabix ‘Weetbix’ or with finishing sentences with ‘but’.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The real badness is getting the upward squirt in tone as you end a phrase, so that everything coming out your mouth sounds like a question, cunt.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
You have been warned.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Is Australia the World's Most Dangerous Surf Trip?

Snaked at Forster Sure, Australia featured prominently in our World’s Sharkiest Surf Zones article, but shark attack is merely in the b...

Can snowboard technology save the surfboard?

Q&A, Video 3:35 PM

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<br />
WE WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT SURFBOARDS<br />
<br />
But your screwing habits will stay about the same.<br />
Each of the 31 pieces used to construct our surfboards are new 
materials to the surf industry. 30 years of experience crafting and 
riding high performance environmentally friendly composite surf, skate 
and snowboards went into designing our unique Waterboard process, 
materials and shapes. Each fused homogenous surf structure is 
handcrafted in the USA with a focus on performance and environmentally 
friendly manufacturing and materials. Only stainless steel fin screws 
remain the same. Waterboarding is now fun and healthy.

Can snowboard technology save the surfboard?

WE WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT SURFBOARDS But your screwing habits will stay about the same. Each of the 31 pieces used t...

Is there an age limit to become a surfer?

Q&A, WeAreSurfers 3:40 PM

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<br />
<h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 20px 0px 10px;">
Is it ever too late to start surfing? No. Can you learn to surf in you 60s? Sure. Because you only discover the true meaning of life when you catch your first wave and ride it to the beach.</h1>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Age is a state of mind. By now, you have probably heard that we reach our peak physical functioning and ability in our 20s and early 30s. No drama.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Technically, there is no reason why a 80-year-old man/woman can't paddle for a wave, catch it, and pop up easily. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to spot <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">lifelong surfers</span> in crowded lineups.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
The process of becoming older is part of life, and it shouldn't hinder one from learning how to surf. Surfing is not an extremely physically demanding outdoor activity. You can ride waves in one-foot summer surf.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Aging produces several changes in our bodies, and we must understand them first before deciding if it is too late to take on the sport of kings. So, what happens to our physique as time goes by?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Believe it or not, we begin to lose the ability to hear high-frequency sounds - above 20 kH - in our teenage years. Between the 20s and 30s, a reduction in calcium leads to decreased bone mass, and we start losing cognitive abilities.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Then, from our 30s to our 50s, we gain weight, or hair falls, we lose two inches in height because disks between vertebrae start to shrink, and wrinkles and age spots begin to appear on our face and neck.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Between our 50s and 70s, we start losing weight, our hearing declines, the visual and auditory skills are no longer perfect, and our reaction times become slower. And as you become even older, your physical flexibility diminishes more or less drastically.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Fortunately, if you've just turned 80, and if you want to become a surfer, there might be good news for you. How can a man or woman in his late adulthood life still catch waves alongside young children?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
The secret lies in food habits and regular <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">physical activity</span>. If you have a <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">healthy diet</span> and keep a long-term exercise routine throughout your adulthood, you'll be able to surf for life. So if you tick the following boxes, go surfing with a friend or relative:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
1. Know how to swim;<br />
2. Feel comfortable in the surf zone;<br />
3. Have not been advised by the doctor to stay away from the ocean;<br />
4. Can perform basic body movements;<br />
5. Understand the fundamental rules of <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">surf etiquette</span>;</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
You will only need a good wetsuit, a longboard, a leash, and an experienced <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">surf instructor</span>. Start catching a few whitewater rollers, and progress into the small summer ripples.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
The long list of famous veteran surfers includes John "Doc" Ball, LeRoy Grannis, <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Dorian "Doc" Paskowitz</span>, Woody Brown, Fred Van Dyke, Gwyneth Haslock, Albert "Rabbit" Kekai, John Kelly, Peter Cole, Eve Fletcher, Pedro Martins Lima, and many others. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
No one expects a 90-year-old wave rider to be a competitive surfer. If he's out the back, he is just having fun and telling us it is never too late to grab a surfboard and learn how to walk on water.</div>

Is there an age limit to become a surfer?

Is it ever too late to start surfing? No. Can you learn to surf in you 60s? Sure. Because you only discover the true meaning of life whe...

Did You Know Rowing Works 86 Percent of Your Muscles in 30 Minutes?

Health, Q&A, WeAreSurfers 9:10 PM

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<br />
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: 33px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">In today’s fast-paced, frenetic world,</span> one of the most common excuses you’ll hear from people who don’t exercise regularly is “I don’t have time to work out.” Now, there’s no doubt that many people are busy, but in the 24 hours we all have at our disposal each day, is carving out 30 minutes from the 1,440 available really, truthfully impossible? For most of us, the answer is “no.”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: 33px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
If we can first commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise four or five times a week (of course this is assuming you’re too busy to go surf, snowboard, ski hike or otherwise, get outside), the next question is how to spend this time. Health magazines and websites are chock full of get-fit-quick articles, but many feature gimmicky exercises that are at best a waste of your precious time, and at worst might even prove harmful.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: 33px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
So where to turn? For most people, it’s advisable to play your sport/s of choice and to supplement these by exercising at different intensities in ways that incorporate the major movement archetypes (e.g. squat, lunge, overhead, hang, press and front rack). There are no “do everything” workouts, but there is one go-to exercise that’s a favorite of elite athletes and coaches alike: rowing.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: 33px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Studies have shown that rowing recruits 86 percent of the muscles in your body, including those in all major muscle groups. As Stella Lucia Volpe, an exercise physiologist and professor of nutrition sciences at Drexel University puts it, “With each stroke, pretty much every part of the body is used.” Getting out on the water introduces other helpful elements, including balance and the added stimulation of being in nature, but even the good ol’ rowing machine (aka the erg) provides a highly efficient workout in minutes. You can also tailor rowing to work different energy systems by varying the duration/volume, intensity and density of each rowing workout.</div>
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<img alt="erg4" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-122002" height="390" sizes="(max-width: 670px) 100vw, 670px" src="http://cdn2.theinertia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/erg4-670x390.jpg" srcset="http://cdn2.theinertia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/erg4-670x390.jpg 670w,http://cdn2.theinertia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/erg4.jpg 675w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;" width="670" /></div>
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Want to improve power and explosiveness in your riding, regardless of outdoor endeavor? Then look no further than short, fast intervals varying from one to three minutes. Fried from shredding pow the day before? Then go for a low stroke rate, slower 5K. Can’t face that run in the frigid cold? Opt for several mid-paced 1,000 to 3,000 meter pieces on the erg, instead. And if you’re looking to lose weight, the rowing machine can help you vaporize 500 calories per hour (depending on your bodyweight and the nature of the rowing session). Then there’s the longest lasting caloric burn that comes from developing more muscle.</div>
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Here are a few sample rowing workouts that can help you get started. Be sure to watch some videos that demonstrate correct form and do your best to get an experienced rower to check your positioning until you’ve got the basics down. Before sessions, row slowly for five to 10 minutes and then perform some dynamic mobility exercises that open up your hips and shoulders. Cool down with another five to 10 minutes of slowing and mobility exercises that target the quads, hamstrings, hips and shoulders.</div>
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<img alt="erg3" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-122001" height="412" sizes="(max-width: 670px) 100vw, 670px" src="http://cdn1.theinertia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/erg3-670x412.jpg" srcset="http://cdn2.theinertia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/erg3-670x412.jpg 670w,http://cdn1.theinertia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/erg3.jpg 675w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;" width="670" /></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">500 Meter Repeats</span></div>
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Row 500 meters (check the computer on the erg at the gym) at a pace that makes it hard to talk (e.g. 8 or 9 out of 10 in perceived effort, with 1 being walking-level exertion and 10 being an all-out, cough-inducing sprint). Rest for the same amount of time as it took you to get to 500 meters, then repeat until form or speed deteriorates. If that’s not enough recovery time, then row 500 meters slowly between each interval. You can vary the workout by trying the Little Method of doing 8 to 12 60 second sprints with 75 seconds rest, or the lung-busting Tabata method, which requires 8 rounds of 20 seconds of all-out effort with 10 seconds slow rowing.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">5 Minute Intervals</span></div>
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After your warmup, row at a medium pace for five minutes. This should be a 6 or 7 out of 10 in terms of effort. Then row slowly for 3 to 4 minutes and repeat. Do as many intervals as you can while maintaining effort and form.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">5 K</span></div>
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Okay, there’s nothing new with this one, but it’s still worthwhile. Row 5,000 meters at a pace that allows you to complete the distance goal but leaves you feeling like you’ve put in some work. To mix things up, you can up the distance to 6K (another common training piece for competitive rowers) or try to beat your previous best time.</div>

Did You Know Rowing Works 86 Percent of Your Muscles in 30 Minutes?

In today’s fast-paced, frenetic world, one of the most common excuses you’ll hear from people who don’t exercise regularly is “I don’t ...

Is it safe to surf while pregnant?

Q&A, WeAreSurfers 1:19 PM

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Are you pregnant? Do you want to go surfing? Here's some advice for women who want to surf through pregnancy.</h1>
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Some women can't resist the temptation to merge two special moments - their pregnancy, and their intimate moment with the ocean.</div>
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In other words - only a surfer knows the feeling. So, if you're a self-confessed wave riding addict, can you stay out of the surf for nine months?</div>
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Surfing when pregnant is not forbidden. However, it is not the same thing as staying out of the water. We must admit it - there are risks associated with it.</div>
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But the most common question remains entirely unanswered - is it safe to surf while pregnant?</div>
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Each surfer has its own experience. Some women will stop surfing when their belly gets big; others, like Bethany Hamilton and her mother, decide to surf all through their pregnancies.</div>
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From a medical point-of-view, the majority of doctors will say that pregnant women should exercise, but surfing is never the number one suggestion.</div>
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Instead, health professionals will add that there are specific workout programs for pregnants that include water - for instance, swimming and water aerobics.</div>
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The most conservative doctors and nurses note that surfing is a sport which involves a high risk of abdominal trauma and that excessive exercise can lead to bleeding, problems with the cervix and placenta, ruptured membranes, and premature labor.</div>
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That is why pregnant surfers should feel entirely comfortable and confident when making the decision to ride a few waves. Unlike with <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">bodyboarding</span>, surfers need to paddle for a wave and then pop-up using arm power.</div>
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So, should a pregnant woman go surfing? The wise answer would be, "No." Holding the breath, losing the balance, popping up, may have an adverse impact on your belly, and on your baby.</div>
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But if you're willing to take the risk and catch a few waves, pay attention to the following advice and keep your bump safe:</div>
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1. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Go if you know</strong>: if you're not an experienced surfer, don't paddle out. You need to make sure you control the ocean variables;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />2. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pick and ride a foam surfboard</strong>: you'll get more balance and a cushioned surface for your belly;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />3. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Practice breathing</strong>: keep the oxygen flowing for you and your baby, and avoid too many breath-holds;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />4. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Be selective and surf small summer waves</strong>: visualize what lies ahead, and paddle for waves without consequences;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />5. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Paddle out in uncrowded beach breaks</strong>: don't go surfing in rocky environments or breaks full of beginners, and wave hogs;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />6. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Get someone to watch over you</strong>: make sure you have a friend or relative nearby in case you need him/her;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />7. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Avoid closeout waves, and spectacular kick-outs</strong>: play it smoothly and reduce all unwanted body impacts;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />8. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Enjoy short surf sessions</strong>: don't put too much pressure on your body;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />9. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Paddle on your knees</strong>: avoid lying on your stomach - do like longboarders do;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />10. <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Avoid late take-offs</strong>: take it easy and let the challenging waves pass by;</div>
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Women should be especially careful in the first months of pregnancy, and then again when they're almost giving birth.</div>
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All pregnancies are different, and what is valid and correct for a woman, can be an unpleasant experience for another. Listen to your body, talk to your doctor, and, when in doubt, adopt a conservative posture.</div>

Is it safe to surf while pregnant?

Are you pregnant? Do you want to go surfing? Here's some advice for women who want to surf through pregnancy. Some women can't...

What is a groundswell?

Q&A 11:02 PM

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What is the definition of groundswell? Why do surfers prefer long-period waves? Learn why are groundswells are better for surfing.</h1>
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Swells form when the wind, at a certain speed, duration and direction, blows over a distance of water called the fetch. When the first waves form, they begin to travel faster or slower, depending on the ocean and wind conditions.</div>
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A groundswell, or ground swell, is a long-period group of waves created by a distant storm system over long distances, at least 2,000 miles away from the coast.</div>
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The majority of groundswells are produced by mid-latitude depressions between 30 and 60 degrees, and travel from west to east, swinging towards the Equator.</div>
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<img alt="Groundswell: surfers prefer long-period waves | Photo: Shutterstock" src="http://www.surfertoday.com/images/stories/groundswellsurfer.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" title="Groundswell: surfers prefer long-period waves | Photo: Shutterstock" /></div>
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European surf breaks are often blessed by North Atlantic low-pressure systems, while California and Hawaii receive these consistent ocean swells when they're generated in the North Pacific.</div>
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Groundswell waves are faster, further apart, less steep, thicker, and more powerful than short-period swells created by local winds. Long-period waves also break in shallower waters.</div>
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A groundswell is often identified by a <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">wave period</strong> of more than 15 seconds, while locally generated wind swells have a time between waves of less than 11 seconds.</div>
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<img alt="Groundswell: an example of a huge fetch forming in the North Pacific" src="http://www.surfertoday.com/images/stories/groundswellmap.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" title="Groundswell: an example of a huge fetch forming in the North Pacific" /></div>
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The groundswell owes its name to the fact the energy of long period wave extends down, and comes into contact with the ocean floor earlier, at a depth of around 1,000 feet, while wind swells only touch the bottom of the sea at about 50 feet.</div>
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Groundswells have always been connected with exceptional surfing conditions because long-period waves travel from a long distance and carry a lot of energy.</div>
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When they arrive at our surf spots, groundswell waves appear clean, spaced, powerful, and ready to be ridden by surfers.</div>

What is a groundswell?

What is the definition of groundswell? Why do surfers prefer long-period waves? Learn why are groundswells are better for surfing. Swe...

Everything You Wanted to Know About the History of the Shaka

Q&A, Video, WeAreSurfers 10:04 PM

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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Humans use their hands to communicate different things.</span> A middle finger in the air while driving: anger, frustration. An index and middle finger in the air with the rest held together: peace. At a bar, peace could also mean two more beers please. Gangs use unique hand signs as monikers, so gang members can show to whom they pledge their allegiance. In the surf world, the definitive hand sign is the shaka.</div>
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The shaka has contested origins. The most common story is that descendant of Hawaiian ali’i (chiefs), skilled waterman, and beloved community leader Hamana Kalili popularized the gesture as a result of unfortunate circumstances. While working at the Kahuku Sugar Mill, so the story goes, Hamana suffered an accident and lost his index, middle, and ring fingers. As a result he was reassigned to work as a security guard for the sugar cane railroad. Some say that Hamana would wave his hand when the train was clear to move, others say he would use it to wave kids off the tracks. Still others say the local kids used to test their luck by taking sugar canes off the train, but when Hamana was there he’d give them a hard time, so they developed a way to signal each other when Hamana was on guard.</div>
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Alternative theories hold  the shaka was born from Spanish travelers that would make the gesture holding their thumb to their lips, representing sharing a drink with the locals. Or that one of the first surfers in Hawaii invented the sign when a shark bit off his middle fingers in the water, which he then waved in the air to alert his surfing compatriots. Or that ancient Polynesians <a href="http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Sep/25/ln/FP509250345.html" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #09b1d8; text-decoration: none;">would use</a> their pinky and thumb extended to measure the stars, guiding their canoes to the Hawaiian Islands.</div>
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Whatever the origins of the hand gesture, they don’t account for the name itself: the shaka. Similarly, there is much debate about where the word comes from. It’s not a Hawaiian word. Most credit the proliferation of the word to local Honolulu TV host Lippy Espinda who’d use it to sign off. But the word itself may come from an ancient Buddha named Shakyamuni who would fold his fingers into shakas when praying. An alternative theory holds “shaka” comes from “shark eye”–a compliment to others. It could also be a derivation of “shake it up”.</div>
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Since its Hawaiian origin, the “shaka” has become an intrinsic part of surf culture, and no longer specific to Hawaii. It’s a gang sign of sorts–to show your allegiance to the club.</div>
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Everything You Wanted to Know About the History of the Shaka

Humans use their hands to communicate different things. A middle finger in the air while driving: anger, frustration. An index and midd...

What is sandboarding?

Q&A, WeAreSurfers 2:11 PM

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Welcome to the grainy world of sandboarding. If you visit or live near large dunes, you may experience one of the most heart-pumping outdoor activities you will find on the planet.</h1>
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The sport that was never quite considered an "official sport" is usually practiced in large, steep coastal dunes, and even in hot deserts where oceans and water are only a mirage.</div>
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Sandboarding is a blend between surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. Instead of descending water, asphalt, or snow, a sandboard rides down or across the dune's face.</div>
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The lost art of sandboarding is an old practice, though. Believe it or not, the Ancient Egyptians already used wood planks to slide down the dunes and transport heavy cargo.</div>
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However, and according to "<a href="http://amzn.to/2lc844p" rel="alternate" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #428bca; text-decoration: none !important;" target="" title="The Encyclopedia of Surfing"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Encyclopedia of Surfing</strong></a>," the first modern enthusiasts of sandboarding only started hitting the grainy slopes between the 1940s and 1960s.</div>
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"Sandboarding expanded in the 1970s, largely due to the efforts of Gary Fluitt and Jack Smith. Borrowing templates and technology from snowboarding, the sandboard became longer and wider, with foot straps and slick Formica bottoms," wrote Matt Warshaw, author of the "Encyclopedia of Surfing."</div>
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"As with surfboards, it was discovered that longer equipment was better for drawn-out lines on big hills, while shorter boards had the advantage in terms of maneuverability and were used mostly on smaller hills."</div>
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<img alt="Dune du Pilat: Europe's highest dune | Photo: Shutterstock" src="http://www.surfertoday.com/images/stories/dunedupilat3.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" title="Dune du Pilat: Europe's highest dune | Photo: Shutterstock" /></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Gear, spots and stars</strong></div>
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The sport, also known as dune surfing or sand surfing, requires a specially-shaped board, gloves, goggles, a helmet, knee and elbow pads. Some pilots also apply sandboard wax to increase grip.</div>
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Remember that the majority of dunes located in beaches are extremely sensitive. In many cases, sandboarding can destroy the <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">fragile ecosystem</strong> and alter the sand movement dynamics of a particular area.</div>
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So, make sure you know where you're carving the dune with your sandboard. The good news is that some of the best sandboarding spots in the world are located in regions where nature is not harmed when you enjoy the thrill of speed.</div>
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In sandboarding, the quality of the ride not only depends on dune steepness but also on the quality and type of sand. The equipment under your feet is also important.</div>
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There are sandboards of several sizes, but they often range from 4-to-6 feet. The most common templates are square tails, twin tips, and swallow tails. Formica and wood are the preferred core materials.</div>
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Sandboards usually include bindings, straps, or bungees, so that you never lose control of the plank. The world's first sandboard park is located in Lane County, Central Oregon. The Sand Master Park offers lessons, rentals, ramps, sliders, and free ride zones.</div>
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The sport crowns its champions at the Sandboarding World Championships; Dune Riders International (DRI) is the governing body for all international competitions, which also includes a World Tour with several stages in North America and South America.</div>
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If you're an avid traveler, you can visit and ride the highest sand dunes in the world. They are: Cerro Blanco (Peru), Cerro Medanoso (Chile), Badain Jaran and Mingsha Shan (China), Rig-e Yalan Dune (Iran), Rig-e Yalan Dune (Iran), Issaouane-n-Tifernine Sand Sea (Algeria), Big Daddy and Dune 7 (Namibia), Mount Tempest (Australia), Star Dune (Colorado, USA), and the <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Great Dune of Pilat</strong> (France).</div>
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Erik Johnson, Marco Malaga, Josh Tenge, Jose Martinez, Bruno Sales, Gabriel Cruz, Abraham Espinoza, and Dito Chavez are some of the stars and legends of sandboarding.</div>
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If you want to try sandboarding, follow these steps:</div>
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1. Get a proper sandboard and protective gear;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />2. Find a long, non-protected sand dune system with a gentle slope;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />3. Get acquainted with the sandboard;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />4. Perform a short drop and learn how to stop;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />5. Go down the dune on your heels to train your balance;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />6. Add toe work and ride a steeper hill<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />7. When you feel comfortable try a few 360s and backflips;</div>

What is sandboarding?

Welcome to the grainy world of sandboarding. If you visit or live near large dunes, you may experience one of the most heart-pumping out...