July is always a great time of year to join us in Nicaragua. We sometimes get some bigger swells that allow the Amigas to really push their surfing, but no matter what there are always cute waves on the inside as well. This week we had an awesome group and galloped down the beach on horses, learned better paddle technique in the pool, how to duckdive and turtle roll, and gave some skateboards to a group of local kids.
To watch the video, check out the post and click play!
Check out this sweet little movie by Hayley Gordon showing some rad chicks shredding on surfboards and skateboards and generally wrecking havoc on the streets of Oceanside, CA. Just a little something to fire you up to shred this weekend!
[http://vimeo.com/90255395]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXUHUkyyjpM]
The Mother Hips are my favorite band, purveyors of musical California Soul that have released 8 albums in a career spanning 20 years. Their sound goes perfectly with driving along Highway 1 with the window down, hair blowing in the breeze, on your way to check the surf. If you like Sierra Nevada swilling, cowboy boot wearing, and California coastal cruising, you will love The Mother Hips. Do yourself a favor and go to the website, download some tunes, load up your van with single fins, firewood, and a good set of hiking boots, grab a few friends and take off on a road trip with a soundtrack that will keep you jamming the whole way there and back again, then come back and let me know what you think.
They recently released a new album that has become my favorite – Behind Beyond, which you can sample for free on their website.
A few years back I was honored to star in a music video for the song “Are You Free”. During the filming, I ended up with two sprained ankles plus several stitches across my knee cap, but it was well worth the experience. You can read that story here.
So practice your skateboarding, you never know when your favorite band leader will call you up and ask you to bomb down a hill!
[youtube=http://youtu.be/ycpafeySMfk]
After catching a wave and standing up, learning how to generate your own speed is the most important skill in learning to surf. The success of every turn relies on having enough speed. Unfortunately, it can be tricky to learn how to pump, but practicing on land on a skateboard is a great way to learn!
Having the right skateboard for the lesson is important. A longboard skateboard is key, and I prefer a Sector9 Sidewinder series skateboard. Check out the video for tips on how to improve your pumping by playing around on a skateboard.
Want to get your own Sector 9 Skateboard with the Sidewinder trucks? Click here!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq4ww437Gs8]
On a trip to the Galapagos Islands with Sector 9 Skateboards, pro surfers Holly Beck, Jen Smith, and Kim Mayer skate to play with baby seals. Future retreat location? Maybe….
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJMw9VNCTpw]
Holly Beck, Kim Mayer, and Jen Smith are pro surfers who also love skateboarding. They are part of the Sector 9 girl’s team and went to Ecuador with skate and surfboards to surf with seals and hang out with marine iguanas. Check out part 1 of the adventure.
