The Surfboard Man

Oakley Polarized Dispatch II

2012-05-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Picked up a new pair of Oakleys from what is quite possibly the coolest Company Headquarters around, The Oakley Vault. Did I mention they have a Tank?

Anyways, I went with the Polarized Dispatch II and it looks like these will be my new pair for this summer! Such a great design and it was time to get a new pair even though I love my Oakley Holbrooks!

LIGHT | The Natural Agent That Stimulates Sight

2012-05-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

Pa'a Classic Boardshorts | Reyn Spooner

2012-05-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

As summer approaches, it is that time of year to try to find that perfect pair of board-shorts. I tend to get a couple new pairs each summer since I wear them so much and figure its totally worth the money.

Reyn Spooner sent me a pair of their New Pa'a Classic board-shorts the other day and they are awesome. They are very simple and have a clean design; both of which I like. They fit really well and are the right length for both surfing and hanging out with friends on the beach.

The materials and construction of these board-shorts are spot on. They will give you the piece of mind that they aren't going to rip or break while surfing this summer. In fact, they will probably last quite a long time if you take care of them.

So what are you waiting for, head on over to Reyn Spooner!

What Happened to Boring Surf Contests?

2012-05-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

5 years ago surf contests use to be boring. Or at least predictable. You had some of the top guys on tour who would consistently produce top results; while the others would struggle to even advance in the beginning stages of a contest.

That has changed with the addition of some very talented surfers to this years tour. Essentially there are no more easy or predictable heats. This leads to plenty of excitement on the beach and creates a nightmare for all of you who play Fantasy Surfer.

Will Kolohe Andino win a contest? Is John John Florence better than Gabriel Mendina? Will Kelly Slater be one of the first to be eliminated or make a clean sweep to the final? These are all questions and possible situations with so many talented surfers on tour this year.

Will Julian Wilson be a World Champion

2012-05-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

Julian Wilson is one of the most likable surfers on tour by far. His relaxed attitude during heats and support from his sponsors has made him a force to reckon with on the ASP World Tour. Did I mention he can surf really really well? In addition to being a very talented surfer he generally has plenty of support from the beach, including 31,000+ Twitter Followers.

There is no reason why Julian Wilson can't be the next ASP World Champion. Nonetheless, the same things were said about Taj Burrow and its something that has come back to haunt him. I hope Julian Wilson continues to surf like he has been to win him a couple contests to start some momentum towards a World Title; but only time will tell!

What's your Opinion: Will Julian Wilson win a World Title?

Cote's Cube: Nike Lowers Pro

2012-05-18T21:13:00.001-07:00

WAX - Unlimited Access to Surf Films

2012-05-18T16:13:00.001-07:00

Just got a tweet from my friends over at Swell about a new website called WAX which allows you to pay a monthly subscription fee to watch unlimited surf films.

They are running a 30 day free trial which you can get by clicking the image below and it looks like they have a ton of great surf films! Check it out!

Working with a Surf Photographer

2012-05-18T08:14:00.001-07:00

One of the best things to jump start your surfing career comes from working with a good surf photographer. It will help you get sponsors, featured on blogs such as The Surfboard Man.com and could potentially net you a spot in a surfing magazine.

However, there are a couple things to keep in mind when working with a photographer. The first is choosing a surf spot that is generally uncrowded and that you are very confident surfing. Keep in mind that good surf photography is dependent on sunlight so try to surf in the late afternoon for best lighting.

Also be mindful of where you are sitting in the lineup, don't paddle down the beach and leave your photographer wondering where you went. Also keep your wave count high to get as many images as possible. Most importantly, remember to have fun and keep your surfing relaxed!

Kolohe Andino

2012-05-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

US Open of Surfing 2012

2012-05-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest surf competitions each year is the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. It combines Surfing, Skating, BMX and Music to create one big party. Its a highlight of everyones summer who live locally in Orange County and plenty fly in from around the world to get in on the action.

Below are a couple tips for having the most fun at the 2012 US Open of Surfing which is coming up in a few months!

1. The Parking

There is plenty of free street parking, but it tends to fill up pretty early. If you opt to pay for parking in one of the parking structures, plan to bring some cash cause it can be quite expensive. The bottom line is plan on getting to the beach pretty early if you want good parking.

2. The Surfing

With such a big draw of surfers competing in the event, check the schedule to make sure your favorite surfers have a heat the day you plan to go down. And you can always watch the Live Webcast if you have to work or something haha!

3. Everything else

There are plenty of things to do/see that go on throughout the day that you don't want to miss. I suggest visiting the booths in the morning as the lines only grow throughout the day. Also plan on seeing at least one of the free concerts that are always a blast.

One things for sure, you don't want to miss the 2012 US Open of Surfing!

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe - Texturizing Sea Salt Spray

2012-05-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

My favorite thing about summer is how my hair is when I am outside and surfing everyday. Most call it surfer hair and it seems to be the popular thing among people on Pinterest right now!

But the reality is most people don't have the opportunity to go to the beach year-round to develop the ever popular surf hair. Luckily there is a great product that I recently got in the mail called Not Your Mother's Beach Babe - Texturizing Sea Salt Spray.

It works pretty well and definitely makes your hair smell good! While it doesn't replace hanging out at the beach everyday, it is definitely a good option for all of you surfers who are currently landlocked or unable to go to the beach.

It retails for $6.00 and you can buy it here!

Rock Climbing | Arcadian Ascents San Diego

2012-05-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't follow me closely on Twitter, I spent this past weekend sumiting Mount Everest! Okay, so maybe it was just rock climbing in San Diego; but it was a complete blast. It was my first time doing some legit outdoor Rock Climbing and it was quite the Adrienne rush.

Josh from Arcadian Ascents was such a fun guy to climb with for the day and definitely understood rock climbing and I was lucky enough to learn and climb with him. The weather was beautiful and nothing beats a good excuse to cruise down to San Diego for the day!

Not sure if I will pick it up as a new sport to invest in, but it is definitely something I plan to do more of in the future.

Summer Fashion | Episode 2

2012-05-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

One of the most important things you can invest in for summer is a good pair of sunglasses. With so many brands, styles and colors available it can often be hard to decide on which pair to buy.

I am a big fan of polarized sunglasses seeing that I spend alot of time at the beach and they tend to cut the glare off the water.

Here are my top 5 pairs of sunglasses for this summer!

Spy Borough - $79.95

Von Zipper Cletus - $90.00

Hoven Skinny Legs - $50.00

Oakley Dispatch II - $110.00

Knockaround Sunglasses

New Design!

2012-05-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!
I am really excited to reveal the new site design that I have been working on. It will take a little while to get everything up and working so please stick with us as we put the finishing touches on it! Hope you guys are scoring some fun waves, wherever you are :)

Chase Miller
www.thesurfboardman.com

Guest Post: Top 5 Ways to Prepare for Your Surf Trip

2012-05-07T06:56:00.003-07:00

There are few things that feel as good as that rush of excitement when we remember that we’re going on a surf trip. Planning where we will surf, stay, and visit is all part of the thrill. Working out what supplies and equipment we want to take with us, and which surf boards are best for the surf spots are all essential to maximizing the experience. So here are a few suggestions for how to prepare for the next surf trip to make the most of it all:

1- From A to B

If you are planning on exploring some surf spots that are unknown to you, make sure you get maps of the area, and talk to whoever you can who knows the break and how to get there. It can save you a lot of time, frustration and even dings in your board by asking for advice. You never know, you may even be let in on a secret spot if you’re lucky.

2- Preparation is key

Choosing the right surfboards to take for the waves you’ll be surfing is essential. Are you looking for cruisey longboard waves or fast, punchy breaks? Whether you are just learning to surf, or are working on progressing your technique, taking your own board with you on your surf holiday or trip is great as you’ll know how your board will work in the waves. So plan ahead. However, if you want to save on airline costs, or travel hassle, think about hiring locally or through your surf school, and ask their opinion on which boards will be best for your ability and the waves you’ll be surfing.

3- You can never be too safe...

When it comes to surfing we all know that getting sunburnt is one of the risks. Getting seared is one of the most uncomfortable vacation experiences, so make sure you chuck in a couple of bottles and sticks of high waterproof sunblocks into your luggage. Check for broad spectrum protection and for water resistance- because no one likes looking like a

lobster or risking skin cancer.

4- Get your sweat on

Getting our fitness levels up before going away can always be an uphill battle, but it feels so good when we can effortlessly pop to our feet in the surf. So putting a few good habits in place on the run up to our surf trip is worth doing. If you need the motivation take a mate with you for cardio workouts, and make sure you incorporate explosive and diverse sessions that will train your body to respond quickly to changes, and improve your stamina and flexibility.

5- It’s all bout the tunes

Possibly saving the best until last, no surf holiday would be complete without some amazing music. Whether you’re going to be flying long haul, or throwing on some songs in the car cross country, having a soundtrack to your trip will make the experience. Be varied, mixing up old and new tracks, and create some new memories for yourself en route... you may even find yourself replaying them in the line up and helping to motivate and focus you to go for those bigger and better waves. Enjoy!

Guest Post written by Surf Holidays!

Dane Reynolds - Nike Lowers Pro

2012-05-05T07:46:00.003-07:00

As Dane Reynolds came in from his heat yesterday, he couldn't have been happier. He was smiling, making jokes and talking to all the groms waiting for autographs on the beach. A stark contrast to the stereotype that surf media has created since dropping off the ASP World Tour.

It is quite possible that dropping off the tour was the best thing for Dane Reynolds to do at the time. Why? Because it is stoked on surfing again and focusing his attention on specific events throughout the year. Not to mention all the great content on his blog.

I don't know if we will ever see Dane Reynolds on the World Tour again, but I sure do hope we continue to see his surfing whether that is through video parts or contests.

Nike Lowers Pro 2012

2012-05-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day at the Nike Lowers Pro 2012. Dane Reynolds was happy, Joe Turpel was doing beach commentating and the surf was pumping. I came down in the afternoon and stayed for the evening surf session when some of the hottest surfers take to the water.

The likes of Kolohe Andino, Lakey Peterson, Laura Enever and Sal Masekela all took to the water to put on a show. The waves turned on and the lighting provided optimal shooting conditions for the countless photographers on the beach including myself.

Tomorrow is the final day of the Nike Lowers Pro 2012 and will prove to be a great day w/ one surfer walking away with a valuable win!

Nike 6.0 Lowers Pro 2012 | Warm Up

2012-04-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple shots from this morning down at Lower Trestles in San Clemente. There were a handful of boys in the water warming up for the 2012 Nike Lowers Pro which starts on May 1st.

The waves were below average and the onshore wind picked up around 10am. However, if today's talent is any indicator for what's to come then we are definitely in for an exciting contest!

Nike Lowers Pro: The Legacy of Lowers

2012-04-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

"The list of surfers that have made their mark at Lowers is distinguished. World champions, aerial innovators, game changers and stylists, each bearing their own legacy. To win at Lowers is to be ranked among an elite few. Come May 1 the best surfers in the world will push performance surfing further still at the 2012 Nike Lowers Pro."

That Terrible Surf Session

2012-04-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

We have all had those days when we seem to be making all the mistakes in the book. You can't catch waves, complete a wave or simply don't feel like trying. Chances are it is a rare occurrence, but can really throw you off your game.

It happens to the best of us and knowing how to deal with it is one of the most tactical things you can learn how to do. Sometimes you just need to call it a day and paddle in. Other times you just need to push through and start making progress.

However, my favorite way is to catch a wave in and go surf down the beach. Preferably where it is less crowded or just a few of your buddies. Doing this helps clear your mind and gives you a reset button when a surf session gets off on the wrong foot.

How do you deal with the days when you struggle to find rhythm while surfing?

CLIF Builder's Protein Bars

2012-04-26T08:25:00.002-07:00

Clif Bar & Company is constantly coming out with new products to help athletes like you and me reach our peak performance. They recently released some new flavors along with a unique survey which showed most of us are under-educated when it comes to information about Protein.

The CLIF Builder's taste very good and definitely fill you up whether you skipped lunch or just finished working out.

We also had a chance to talk with Ron Mathews who is a celebrity personal trainer and is partnering with CLIF Builder's. Check it out!

What does your typical work day look like?

I wake up at 5:45 and drink a shake. I’m in the gym training clients from 7 to 9, then I eat breakfast. I’ll meet more clients until noon or 1, then grab lunch. I work out from 1-3 and train a few more clients until 6 or 7. Finally, I head home for dinner and time with my dogs.

What is the most common mistake you see athletes make?

The most common mistake I see athletes make is training too specifically for their sport. For example, as a surfer you undoubtedly need great balance and core stability. Therefore, you shouldn't do the Olympic lifts (dead lift, clean and jerk, snatch), right? Wrong!

The explosiveness and strength these lifts give you will pay huge dividends in your sport. Not to mention that Olympic lifting improves your neuromuscular connections and muscle contraction speed. This will make you quicker and more agile in your balance training and surfing. If you are a marathon runner, don't neglect strength. Football player? Don't forget about muscle endurance. Powerlifter? Don't forget about flexibility. That is the mistake I see most often. 

What is your favorite sport or activity?

I enjoy playing football, lifting weights and doing CrossFit. Generally I like sports that involve maximum bursts for short periods of time (like football) rather than endurance sports (like soccer). 

What was it about CLIF Builder’s that made you want to partner with them?

You can ask my celebrity clients and they will tell you I am like a broken record when I say nutrition is the key to everything! You want to look better? Nutrition is the key! You want to perform better? Nutrition is the key! You have a nude scene in your next movie? Nutrition is the key! What you eat and when you eat are the most important things in your program. In fact it's about 80% nutrition and 20% your workout.

CLIF Builder’s is a product I already used. When I finish my workout and see my next client walking in the door, I eat a CLIF Builder’s. It has protein to rebuild muscle tissue and carbs to deliver energy for my next workout. No need to sacrifice my diet because I'm too busy.  

What has been your biggest accomplishment or favorite thing about your job?

I can't tell you how many lives I have been able to impact with my job. People want to look and feel better. The trouble is they don't know what to do. When you give a person a plan that is simple to follow and show them how to make realistic changes, then true change can happen.

When clients see success in their fitness goal, they start having success in other areas of their lives. They are happier and their marriage improves. They are more confident and they start getting promoted at work. Many came to me to get in shape for an event, achieved that goal and started aiming higher. I have had clients who couldn't walk a mile on their first session doing a marathon 18 months later.

A woman I trained lost 100 pounds in 9 months. She quit her job and became a trainer so she could help other obese people achieve the same goals she had. 

What is your favorite book or something you read that changed your life?

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. I read this book every few years and I always get something else out of it.

Ron Mathews

Summer Fashion | Episode 1

2012-04-25T11:28:00.002-07:00

As summer quickly approaches I have once again started shopping for new board-shorts and other clothes to re-stock my closet.

I am a big fan of Swell and was cruising around their shop yesterday when I came across a tank top & pair of board-shorts that I absolutely love!

QUIKSILVER WATERMAN ROCKY 2 BOARDSHORT RED

AMBSN POPSICLE TANK

Booties vs. Barefoot

2012-04-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

As I sit here in my office writing this post I can't help to ignore the weather that seems to appear also inviting. The sun is out, but aims to deceive the optimistic in me. Its still quite cold as the thick fog bank continues to burn off from this morning.

With the water temps in the mid 60's to high 50's, the debate often becomes whether to wear booties or not. Some live by them and then there are guys like me who fight all winter not to wear them. Its not that they are bad, but I like the feeling of my feet in direct contact with my board.

But after my last session when I had to paddle in cause I was so cold I started to think it might be time to buy a new pair. Simply because I hate getting out of the water cause i am cold, rather than being completely exhausted.

I can't wait for summer when we can go back to surfing in board shorts!

Warm Weather in Socal!

2012-04-17T07:46:00.001-07:00

I just checked the weather forecast and it looks like Southern California is gonna be in the 80s or 90s this weekend. It's almost like its summer!

APSU Surf Supplement

2012-04-13T06:13:00.003-07:00

If your anything like me you probably don't like to take a ton of vitamins. Its somewhat annoying and because I eat so healthy I don't need as many. Also you never know if they really works or not. And to be honest, I am not one to waste money on stuff that might or might not work.

However I recently came across a vitamin supplement called APSU Surf Supplement which was designed specifically for surfers. Talk about Awesome! Without getting all technical it essentially improves your focus, energy, immune system, Stamina and Joints. All in one supplement!

APSU Surf Supplement is a great product that came from a great idea. Best of all they have a 100% money back guarantee if you don't see any improvement. A bottle of APSU Surf Supplement will cost you $50 and will last for two months, which is quite a good deal for such a high quality supplement.