Skate Post

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I think it’s about time I mention skating in an actual post on my blog. Right now I am only skating a longboard, which is to improve me during these cold winter months for my return to the water in summer. I am riding a Z-Flex longboard, (38” X 9”). It’s a pretty sweet ride, and as it is MY first board, (NOT

borrowed), it took a lot of research to find this versatile board that didn’t hurt my wallet too much, but it came to $199, and came wrapped up in a fun cardboard box for me to open. Very exciting!
Now that I have exposed myself to different landscapes, I think I can officially say I don’t suck at it.

My board does gather quite some speed down hills, however I love having to carve to slow down, and it feels like I’m back in the water doing my thing on my surfboard.

Don’t forget that I would love to hear from you guys about… anything! Just email me sunsetwave@live.com.au
It can be about anything, and I may even mention you and your thoughts in my blog, (only if you want to!)
Anyway guys, have a great day!

Ash xoxo

(Pic below: my beautiful long board!)


A Brief Histroy on the Origins of Surfing

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The earliest written account of surfing was by Lieutenant James King in 1779. He described surfing, or “hee nalu”, as the Native Hawaiians called it, as ‘riding a wood plank on the swells of Kealakekua bay… they seem to feel the great pleasure in the motion that this exercise gives.”

Surfing is believed to have originated long ago in ancient Polynesia, and later thrived in Hawaii. Surfing is often referred to as the ‘sport of kings’, this is because surfing was originally reserved for alii, (Hawaiian royalty). However this taboo was abolished in 1819, and commoners were allowed to participate in the sport. However in the 1800’s Western Society arrived in Hawaii, and took control over their customs and traditions and tried to overthrow them, setting rules about Hawaiians religious beliefs, wearing more clothes, learning to read and write, working more, etc. Hawaiians were also restricted and discouraged from play, including surfing.

Some of these examples of the influence of a Western Society can still be seen today, for example, Christianity is the biggest and most common religion in Hawaii. However, despite their ancestors being discouraged from the sport, Hawaiians still love to participate in surfing, and thousands of tourists travel to Hawaii each year to witness, and participate in surfing the great waves of Hawaii themselves.
They say you haven’t made it until you’ve made it in Hawaii…

memories

Aside

When you hear a certain word, isn’t it funny how you can be flashed back into a memory that reminds you of that word. When I hear summer, I think of so many happy memories, fun, laughter, sunshine, friends…
For all my fellow Australian’s, HANG IN THERE!!! Summer is only 5 months away!

And for all those around the globe right now who are in (or coming into) summer, enjoy every last sun ray!

Ash

xoxo

Mondays?

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It’s true that surfing can bring you closer to the natural world.

So I just want to say, we only have one world, so look after it! Our actions WILL affected future generations, which imagine if the generation mostly affected by our mistakes was us, imagine the feeling of knowing our great-great *some large number of greats* grandmother/father, decided this for us?

The animal industry impacts our environment via habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, the introduction of non-native species and the increased competition for food and water.

If you aren’t vegetarian, why not participate in meatless Mondays? Don’t laugh just yet; I know a lot of people are against NOT eating meat, however, I think 1 day of no meat out of 7 isn’t so bad! It’s easy to do, and at the end of the day, you will know that you will save LOTS of animals from a painful death at the slaughterhouse. You will also MASSIVLY reduce your carbon footprint; reduce your water usage; PLUS so many MORE amazing reasons! For more info check out the link!

——-> http://youtu.be/tpziz8cJMaI

It’s something to be proud of, so think about it!

Ash xoxo

Link

Cool Wetsuit

I absolutely hate how surfing is mainly a summer sport… I wish it was an all-year-round thing, which it could be, only it is most uncomfortable in winter. If you have never have the sensation of surfing in winter, let me describe it…

First of all, you have your icy winds, (that for Australia, come from Antarctica) that if exposed for long enough, burns your skin. It is very uncomfortable; the numb sensation doesn’t last long. The water is freezing, and when you duck-dive, your head feels the pressure on your skull from the freezing water. The waves become monstrous and choppy, and it’s a fair effort to get behind the breaking sets. I think it’s fair to say I don’t particularly like surfing in winter, and I know I’m bitching a lot about it! However, I don’t mind it all that much, it’s very refreshing and you feel so alive!

Thankfully, there is an option for those who don’t appreciate the wake-up-call:

Quicksilver has made it possible to surf waves in Antarctica, and maintain a nice cosy heat. I’m not too sure about staying cosy warm; however you will not get hypothermia… sweet!

This wetsuit is the first ever battery powered heat vest that can be worn under any wetsuit. I discovered this ‘Cypher Heated Wetsuit Vest’ last year in store at Quicksilver, and was straight away amazed!
I felt the heat myself in a small pouch you could put your hand in, and my hand was burning up! Though you can dial down or turn up the degree of heat, so this is great news for all of you who can’t travel the globe following summer all year long, and want to surf during these icy months… or in Antarctica.

Enjoy…

Ash xoxo