Relentless Energy presents Short Stories, a challenge to recognize core sports and music filmmakers…

The first Short Stories film, by renowned photographer and bodyboarder Mickey Smith, explores his world as a true waterman – both as an athlete and artist, and is called The Dark Side of The Lens.

“Originally I planned for the film to be more anonymous, rather than biographical, an all encompassing piece, to represent the photographers keeping the surfing machine afloat”, explains Smith.

Something that offers insight into what it takes to grind out a living as a water-based photographer in the surfing industry: a short experimental glimpse at a life lived in the shadow of obsessive photographic pursuits.”

“It also gave me the chance to ask myself a few questions, like, if you’re always observing and documenting what you see and experience, are you ever truly present? Questions like that where I could step back think and then see what the answers were”, Smith says.

As well as documenting various voices and experiences across surf photography, Smith worked with Allan Wilson from the Astray Collective, who acted as Director of Photography on the project. Together they logged hours of footage across the Atlantic coastline, traveling around Ireland, Cornwall and Manchester. Shot in Super 16mm film, as well as groundbreaking work with Canon 5R Digital SLR, Smith also projected images of the huge walls of water within which he works, on to monster urban landscapes such as sky rises and castles in Manchester, as well as the cliff lines at his home of Ireland

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Dark Side of The Lens

Ha! Straight up hilarious!

To get started pick up a blue tarp from your local hardware store

Grab your skate and a few friends

Find a local tarp spot that’s not crowded

Go tarping!

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Trap Surfing

NCS: Lets start with your stats.
AM: Alex Martins, 39 yrs old, born in Recife, Brasil

NCS:How long have you been surfing?
AM: I have been surfing for 28 years

NCS: What made you want to start surfing in the first place?
AM: Just followed my friends

CS: Do you have a favorite wave?
AM: Mavericks is my favorite wave

NCS: What is a typical day like for you?
AM: I Normally wake up at 5:30 am, go to The Mindful Body to practice Mysore Ashtanga yoga for a couple of hours, then come home and have breakfast. If the surf is good I go for a surf. Otherwise I go to work. Then I come back home and have dinner and go to bed around 9ish.

NCS: What do you do for work?
AM: I have my own surfboard repair business. www.alexmartinssf.com

NCS: How stoked were you when you were invited to surf in the Mavericks contest?
AM: I was alternate number 1 so I was hoping to get in. A couple of days before I got a phone call that I was going to take Brock Little’s place so I was stoked and nervous because I knew the surf was going to be really big.

NCS: Was there a big surf scene in Brazil before you left?
AM: Yes! Brazilians are very passionate for sports and surfing is the third most popular.

NCS: Do you still go back and visit once in awhile?
AM: Yes! I try to go once a year.

NCS: Was the cold water a bit of a shock for you when you first moved to San Francisco?
AM: San Francisco? Yes! It was very hard to get used to. I would surf for half an hour max at fist.

NCS: You must have been excited when fellow Brazilian Carlos Burle was crowned the Big Wave World Tour Champ?
AM: Yes! Carlos is a good friend of my and he’s been charging big waves for a long time. Well deserved!!!

NCS: Do you do any tow ins?
AM: No, not really. I have gone a couple times, practicing in small waves with Lance Harriman. There is so much controversy around here with jet skis that I never got into it really.

NCS: Have you had any really scary moments surfing Mavericks?
AM: I had a few bad wipeouts and got caught inside by big sets which is always scary, but it’s a part of surfing Mavericks. It’s always scary on the big days.

NCS: If you had to pick 3 surfers that surf Mavericks the best… who would you pick?
AM: Well it’s very hard because I have at least 20 surfers in mind that surf really well out there. I can try to pick three, let’s see…I would say Ryan Seelbach, Peter Mel and Twiggy because they are very consistent on the big days.

NCS: Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
AM: My wife for supporting me every day and the locals for sharing the spot and helping me get my bearing out there.

Check out some footage of Alex at the Mavericks comp:

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Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Rider Profile – Alex Martins

I grabbed my board and the Bubble Gum Magic Bubble Wax Remover kit and continued on my path to physical and mental enlightenment. Using the provided scraper I went to town. WAX OFF! I kept a keen eye peeled for the devious Cobra Kai karate gang and their new wave hair doos. I grabbed the big pink “magic bubble” and prepared for more. I was advancing in my training but I needed more info so I read the instructions, which told me not to get the bubble, wet or near sharp objects. My yard cleared visual pat down of any roving porcupines or rain showers and I continued. Using the bubble I rubbed the board in circular motions – MORE WAX OFF! If Mr. Miyagi was here he would’ve seen a wax free board, and been pleased with the lack of chemicals being sprayed in the atmosphere like some other wax removers did. The Magic Bubble lived up to it’s name and now it was my time to shine with the oh so tricky “wax on” portion of the training. I used the base wax included with the kit and started using- (you guessed it,) circular motions applying the wax. I achieved Satori in my waxing ease. WAX ON! My board and I were ready to take on the Cobra Kai courtesy of the super easy to use Bubble Gum Wax Magic Bubble Wax Remover. I highly recommend this product for training in your karate dojo or if you just need to re-wax your stick before doing five piggies over the nose Crane Kicks at your local break.

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Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Magic Bubble Wax Remover Review

RICH LANDERER “RICKLAND” A Peru native, Rich grew up in Florida and moved to California in 1997 which sparked his shaping interest. Rich has developed into one of California’s premier shapers with a unique personal touch that is felt in each of his shapes. Rich has worked under some of the most prominent shapers in the industry. Rich does all the artwork for Rickland. He is recognized for his personal style and creative mind that is unleashed in the paint pen and stencil designs on his shapes. Customizing your own ideas onto your surfboard, either art or shape designs, Rickland is proud of his personal approach to each surfer. The following Master shapers truly influenced his practice and here is what he says about them:

“George Gall, owner at Plus One surfboards, helped me to refine my shaping skills.”

“Bill Riedel, owner of Stretch surfboards, inspired and motivated me to never give up.”

“Rusty Preisendorfer, owner of Rusty surfboards, who taught me in just 10 minutes things that took me over ten years to understand.”

“Wayo Whilar, owner of Wayo Whilar surfboards is considered the Al Merrick of Peru and taught me you should always remain humble.”

“John “JC” Carper, owner at JC Hawaii surfboards, a great friend who has been helping me to take my surfboards to a different level and to truly understand the art of designing surfboards.

“Cordell Miller, Owner at Cordell surfboards, inspired me to keep surfing, test my own designs and keep smiling so that I’m always happy!”

Rich further explains, “Professional surfers around the world have shown me how to look at surfboards in a different way. I thank my loyal customers and team riders for their feedback and support. Surfing, shaping, and art are my passion and a large part of my life along with my family and friends. I take great pride in my work and I’m always looking for new ideas to incorporate and try out. I strive for perfection and emulate that in my work. The outcome is a surfboard that responds to your personal style with a feel that cannot be matched.”

NCS: How and when did you start shaping surfboards?
Rickland: The first board I shaped on my own was 1997, in California.I was an amateur surfer aspiring to become pro someday, but due to my neck injury I wasn’t able to continue. I ended up switching careers and chose the right one. I remember living in an apartment with a carport, which I shared with another tenant. This guy’s car was black, so the next morning it looked like it just got back from the snow and the tenants were pissed! The board came out really good, I was surprised and from there I kept on shaping more boards for myself and friends.

NCS: At what point did you decide to make a career as a shaper?
Rickland: Back in 1997, I was making boards for friends and basically just charge them for materials. When I finally had shaped 1000 boards in 2004, I decided to actually make a living. I have shaped approximately 4000 boards to date.

NCS: What is your favorite aspect of shaping? How about you’re least favorite?
Rickland: I love shaping high performance surfboards, but lately I have been shaping small boards. I mean like 4 to 8” shorter than your standard surfboards. They’re just way easier to man handle, hah! My least favorite aspect of shaping will be longboards. I mean, I can shape you one, but I really don’t get one under my feet so often so I hate to shape and sell something my team and I don’t try. I’m working on a model though, that will replace and shortened your 9’ longboard to just about the same size as your regular shortie. You will be able to smack the lip like you would normally do on a standard shortboard and also nose ride it like a longboard. It will be released in our next catalog.

NCS: Whos have you shaped and who are you currently shaping for?
Rickland: Lots of pros like Sunny Garcia, Brett Simpson, Jamie O’Brien, Salvador Voysest, Pat Bollinger, Jeremy Berger, Gabriel Aramburu, Ross Williams, Josh Vanderwaall and of course all my loyal customers.  I have been working with Kaikea Elias “Surfing America’s 2006 US Champion”; 15 year old goofy foot from Kauai. He’s an outgoing, enthusiastic and humble kid. He’s extremely talented in the water and known throughout the islands for his charging attitude in larger surf, barrel riding abilities, aerials and years of tow-in experience.  The last two winters Kaikea has spent the season living on the beach at Pipe with Jamie O’Brien whom he considers a big brother. Here some of his accomplishments: -KGMB News’ First “Superkid” since the 1980’s (Was televised) -Jr. Lifeguard Island champion in 3 divisions (2009 Kauai) -Jr. Lifeguard State Championships 2009 Finalist in 3 divisions including Paddleboard Team (1^st place) -NSSA Nationals- Past finalist and 2 time runner-up Middle  School Team (2005, 2007 and 2008) -Producer, Director, Editor and Star of video segments aired on Kauai’s own Foundation Future for Youth TV show (since age 10) – Environmentalist who sat on a panel of experts at the State capitol to share his video and testified in front of 500 people. Kaikea and I clicked right away. I call him my little bro! In fact Kaikea’s family consider a “hanai son”, which means “adopted in” We’re going to be working together on Kaikea’s signature models for our next year’s catalog. Besides the rest of my talented team guys, I’m really putting most of my efforts toward Kai. Keep and eye on him because he’s the next super grom star!!

NCS: Is there a specific shape that sells really well?
Rickland: Right now all my shapes sell well even though the economy is bad, but from all of them I’d say the bandit and the torpedo sell the most. These models replace your standard shortie at any time on waves from ankle slappers to 6ft solid punchy surf. Last month, 80% of all my custom orders where placed for the bandit model. Basically you ride it 6 to 8” shorter, 1 to 1.5 wider and 1/8” thicker thank your standard shortboard. A single to double concave to vee throughout the tail. Full outline with double wings and rounded tail. Super fun and responsive. Here’s Jamie O’Brien in an article on Transworld. He’s on a 5’7 Bandit at Puerto Escondido. http://surf.transworld.net/1000103313/photos/tubos-grandes-with-job-and-amigos/

NCS: Any new materials?
Rickland: Recently I have been trying to come up with my own technology. I’m incorporating, PVC stringer for all our epoxy boards, for more flex. Also, we are using Fiber flex technology, which it consists in a EPS stringer less Marko foam with Carbon fiber rails and glassed with epoxy resin from Australia. The board flexes and responds well! Our poly boards haven’t changed much besides the quality of course. My crew at Pureglass does the best job. They’re by far the best glassers in California! I’m always looking for innovation to help me make the best boards out there.

NCS: How long does it take you to shape a board?
Rickland: Depending whether I’m hand shaping it or out of our CNC. I don’t hand shape anymore unless I’m trying a new model, working with a pro or just feeling the urge to get my hands on my skill planer. Boards from the CNC, take me about 30 to 40 minutes, but if John Carper aka JC, happens to walk by my shaping bay, I end up taking a few hours because we just can’t stop talking about designs and stuff, hah!

NCS: Does your team influence your shapes and how about magic boards?
Rickland: Absolutely! Without our close communication between them and me, the boards wouldn’t perform and get better every year. We work together and try to improve my designs. I love to get negative feedback more than positive because it pushes me to make better boards for you guys. As far as magic boards, I believe it’s just a board that came out wong. I mean, the fin placement was screwed up when the board was getting glassed or the lamination process end up bending the board in a certain way or it just happened to be the right board for the right wave. You can scan it and that board will not ride the same as the original, but pretty close. I just try to make all my boards to work and perform well.

NCS: Noticed that you also do the artwork… how did that come about?
Rickland: Yeah, I used to draw cartoons since I was like 8 years old. I would turn in homework in school with designs and stuff and always ended up in trouble. I love having some sort of color or design on my deck because it amps and psyches me up when I surf. I like share the same feeling with everyone who rides my boards. I can draw anything you want, but I like in particular abstracts and skulls.

[SinglePic not found]NCS: Who’s carrying your boards?
Rickland:  I stopped selling through surf shops in 2006 when I moved back to So-Cal. Nowadays, I have distributors in Japan, Peru, Hawaii, California and I’m working to on getting few more on the east coast and Europe. Don’t get me wrong, having the surf shops selling and promoting your brand is great too. I’m also re-opening accounts with some shops.

NCS: Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
Rickland: I like to thanks everyone who’s supported me for the past 13 years and to those who still out there for me. Also to my wife, kids, Bryce, AY, Jeff Marshall, Guss, Sal, JC, Big Jim and the Pureglass crew, Jonel aka MA, Animal Watches, Kat and Mike, Futures fins, Toby Odgen, Doug aguillard,and all my loyal customers and riders. If I didn’t mention your name please, forgive me, but I have a list with hundreds of people that I would give thanks. I like to thank you Arun as well for giving me this interview. Rich Landerer aka Rickland Ricklandsurfboards.com

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Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Shaper Profile – Rickland Surfboards

Life Is A Wave, the annual fundraiser hosted by Save The Waves Coalition, rolled into downtown San Francisco last Thursday night, May 27th. The event raised $50,000 for Save The Waves’ environmental programs, to further protect and preserve surfing coastline around the world.

STW also presented Billabong USA president Paul Naude with the organization’s 2010 Wave Saver Award for his environmental and humanitarian work on behalf of the surfing community. “I’d like to dedicate this award to all the volunteers of surf activism,” said Naude to a cheering crowd during his rousing acceptance speech.

“We’re honored to have such a strong turnout and truly appreciative of all the support for our efforts,” said Save The Waves executive director Dean LaTourrette. “ButLife Is A Wave isn’t just about Save The Waves, it’s about rallying the greater community around the importance of coastal protection and the value of special surfing areas.”

Life Is A Wave featured live music from Chilean legend Funky C, Miami multiculturalists Xperimento, and acoustic surf rocker Jon Swift, as well as sets by DJ Solomon and DJ M3. Save The Waves sends an enthusiastic thanks to all those who donated to the auction and attended the event, as well as Life Is A Wave2010 event sponsors, including Carve Designs, Clif Bar, Hog Island Oyster Company, Jim Beam, Limón Restaurant, Longboard Vineyards, Mavericks Surf Ventures, Patagonia, Ocean Vodka, Quicksilver Foundation, Sovereign Earth, Surfline, Zola Acai and 21st Amendment Brewery. See below for a complete list of event friends and donors.

For more information on how to help this great cause, please visit http://www.savethewaves.org

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Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Save The Waves raises $50K

Here’s what some of the fans had to say and we highly recommend checking out this film!

“Encapsulated all the cultures and stuff very well. I would have like to seen a little bit more surfing perhaps…”

“All the sh*t was f*ck’n wonderful man, f*ckn’n excellent job”

“Beautiful scenery, epic traveling, and great surf. I think there could have been a little more surf in the film, but aside from that.. purely epic!”

Look for a detailed review of the film and the event recap video on NorCalSurfers.com soon!

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Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Castles In The Sky – Premiere Recap

What: 10th Annual Surf Swap
When: Saturday May 29th- Noon to 5pm
Where: Aqua Surf Shop – 2830 Sloat Blvd, San Francisco
More: (415) 242-9283

Sample sale includes brands such as:

• Altamont
• Element
• Emerica
• ES
• Etnies
• Hippy Tree Clothing
• Hoven Vision
• Insight
• Matuse Wetsuits-Element
• OBEY
• Sanuk Footwear
• Smith
• & More

Visit da Captain’s Log at http://www.aquasurfshop.com for more info on the 10th Aqua Surf Swap

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Aqua Surf Swap – Sat, May 29

CASTLES IN THE SKY the new film by Taylor Steele, is a visual whirlwind that follows surfers to the farthest reaches of the known surf world and beyond. Filmed in five countries over three years, the movie delves into the true heart of the locations as the surfers journey through with a sense of open-minded awe.  We encourage you to get off your ass and prepare for a trip away from your usual routine, head to the distant reaches of Chinatown and prepare for a totally unique, rewarding adventure.

What: Castles in the Sky by Taylor Steele
Time: Friday, May 21 at 9:00pm to midnight
Where: The Great Star Theater in China Town located at: 636 Jackson Street – San Francisco, CA 94133-5007 | (415) 793-9594

When was the last time you were in Chinatown? We’ve put together a little guide to help you navigate your way to this foreign land and ultimately – to the Great Star Theatre.

Making the newly reopened Great Star Theatre in Chinatown the perfect venue for Taylor Steele’s new multicultural surf film.

Seemingly isolated from the San Francisco’s Sunset District lies exotic Chinatown. A “magic carpet ride” to an entirely different world, where one can easily forget they are next to downtown SF, let alone America.  Tasty food, drinks, and nunchucks are bonus awards for your journey to Chinatown

Now you might say- “Chinatown is too overwhelming! I can’t find parking.  It’s too touristy!” Well that is why we have scheduled the movie at 9pm on a Friday night! We’ve included links to MUNI/BART schedules, a map of nearby parking garages, restaurants, and hotspots that you probably haven’t heard of. We want you to get there in time to enjoy a nice meal, see an awesome movie and join us for a fun after party in North Beach at the Columbus Cafe.

Trip Highlights
Savor delicious food at House of Nanking, Pearl City Seafood, Chef Jia’s, Henry Chung’s Hunan.  Check out San Francisco’s great restaurants

Learn your destiny at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, hidden in Ross alley. See fortune cookies made the old fashioned way, and sample one right off the ancient assembly line. *closes at 6pm.

Sip a red lotus in the surreal ambiance of the famous Li Po Lounge

Dig around the dvd stores for some of our favorite Shaw Brothers kung fu films

Any of the tourist trap shops on Grant Ave are excellent places to stock up on Snaps, nunchucks, Chinese slippers, tea, or that “Alcatraz Swim Team” t-shirt that you’ve always wanted

Visit “Uncle Gee” at Vital Tea Leaf and he’ll set you up with a tea that will heal what ails ya: HERE

Once you’re done

Amp out on Taylor Steele’s latest film at the newly reopened GREAT STAR THEATRE, the only Chinese Opera House outside of China!

Hightail it outta Chinatown and head to North Beach – and chop it up with us at the official “CASTLES” after party at Columbus Café.

Check out this map for all the local parking/restaurants/theater/nightspots/etc

We are excited to work with The Great Star Theatre for the first time visit them.

Get Amped for Taylor’s new movie “Castles in the Sky”

If you need to catch the bus check out the Muni Schedule

Happily brought to you by Aqua Surf Shop and Wavefest

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Castles in the Sky – Fri, May 21

Omar Etcheverry is no stranger to the surf industry.  After being on the WQS for 10 yrs he had a change in interests and is now pursuing other endeavors but that does not stop him from surfing and being part of the industry!  Get a cup of coffee, relax, and read up on Mr. Etcheverry.

NCS: What is your name, age, and where are you from?
OE: Omar Etcheverry, 32 yrs, from Santa Cruz, CA

NCS: How long have you been surfing and how did you get into it?
OE: Started surfing at age 11. My brother got me into it when my family moved to Pleasure Point. We moved to Pleasure Point when I was about 10. I was born in Aptos, but never really went to the beach. I love to skateboard when I lived in Aptos in my grom years. Once I started surfing I was hooked! All I wanted to do was surf and that’s all I did. Living at Pleasure Point was awesome! I could get at least 4 hours a day in the water. All the boys hung at my house too. It was the surf hang out. Including such pros at Homer Henard & Kieran Horn. They were my two best surfing friends when I grew up at Pleasure Point. It was rad!

NCS: What is a typical day for you?
OE: Well, it has changed a lot in the last two years. Two years ago Rusty gave me an insane deal to be a Rusty sales rep, a nor cal marketing ambassador, and team rider. Now days it’s surf/play hard and work hard. I also started an Entertainment company together called Ruse Entertainment with a friend of mine named Chris Killen. He videos & edits and I log, surf, and organize video sessions with my friends when the waves are good. Now days a typical day for me would be, wake up run to my computer to check the surf and if it’s good I will organize a video shoot for Ruse with my friends and surf, but if it’s flat it’s all business; office work, conference calls account maintenance, you name it. I also DJ once a month at a cool local club called Motiv. Yeah, I know sounds crazy! The truth is that you can do it all, but you have to really want it. I’ve worked my ass off to make my jobs coincide with my friends and what I love to do. I think that’s the key to life!

NCS: Wow, you keep yourself pretty busy for sure… I recall seeing you on a show in which you were interviewing Kelly Slater.  What show was that?
OE: It’s called The Extreme Scene. It’s the longest running extreme sports radio show in the US. KNBR carried it for 6 years and recently we had to part ways. Both parties didn’t feel that the relationship was a good fit. They’re too old. haha! Cyrus Saataz (extreme sport writer and radio voice) created the show with long time friend Steve Blankenship. The show is hilarious. We try to call it the way it is. It has given me the chance to interview some of the biggest names in extreme sport like; Kelly Slater, Danny Way, P-Rod, Carey Hart, Ben Harper, The Rock, Marissa Miller, and many more. Now days you can hear us and read our contact in a bigger and better way at www.theextremescene.com

NCS: The crowd at Pleasure Point has definitely thickened over the years… how do you deal with the crowds?  Does it get to you or do you just let it go?
OE: Yeah, it has gotten bad. I just go surf. That’s the best way to deal with crowds these days. If someone gets in the way or comes close to harming someone in the line up I tell them in a some what kind way what they’re doing wrong and that they should go move down the point to a beginners spot. As we say in the Pleasure Point line up, I only see my friends and those who surf good.

NCS: What countries have you traveled to and which is your favorite?
OE: I’ve been a lot of places in my surf career. I was on the WQS for 10 years. I was also was a member of the US team as a grom, so wow, let me see here: France, Spain, Portugal, England, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Indonesia, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, South Africa, and Japan. Aaaaaah, I think that’s it. I would say France has the best beach breaks in the world, Indo has the best waves in the world, Mexico had the best sand points in the world, and Santa Cruz has the best waves in the U.S.

NCS: What songs play most on your ipod?
OE: Right now it’s Rise by the Japanese Pop Stars.

NCS: Of all the people that you interviewed on www.theextremescene.com… who were you most stoked on meeting?
OE: Ben Harper! We got to meet him and interview him after a rad concerts at the Greek after him and Damian Marley had an insane show together. He was such a nice person. He totally respects and remembers everyone. His music and passion for life really impresses me. What a cool cat!

NCS: After 10 years of being on the WQS, did you get to a point of feeling burnt out?
OE: Yeah, for sure! I remember when I was really over it vividly. I had made the money round at the Haleiwa event in Hawaii at the end of having a decent year and when I looked at the WQS ratings I was 113. I was like wow! My sponsors must of spent at least 25k for me to do the tour and I made heats all over the world and I was 113! I was really over it! That and my focus was totally been drifting to other fun avenues. I like to be in the media and DJ.

NCS: Where would you like to see yourself 5 years from now?
OE: Really Happy!

NCS: If you could change something in the surf industry… what would it be?
OE: The distribution of Money. Like most American industries is really top heavy!

NCS: Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
OE: My Mom, Dad, Brother, Wife, and the rest of my family. With out them I could of never had made it this far!

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Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Rider Profile – Omar Etcheverry