The Surfboard Man

Derek Rabelo surfs Pipeline

2012-02-29T16:17:00.001-08:00

Have you every surfed Pipeline on the North Shore of Hawaii? Chances are you haven't considering most of you guys are average surfers. If you have, have you ever done it blindfolded? It might seem like a weird question and surely a recipe for disaster...until you watch this video of Derek Rabelo.

ONIA Board Shorts

2012-02-28T16:45:00.002-08:00

Surf Trunks have come along way and it seems as though the technology and design is becoming more and more complex. But what if you want a simple pair of surf trunks. Skinny, Short and stylish; a classic design made with quality materials.

I got a package in the mail today from my friends over at ONIA Luxury Swim Wear with some of their best selling board shorts inside. I am so stoked right now. They are so comfortable and look great. Watch out ladies! Can't wait to start wearing my new trunks a ton this summer.

ONIA Swim Wear sets themselves apart as a luxury swim wear line and they definitely live up to it. They retail starting around $130 and go up from there. If you are looking for a simple pair of board shorts with a clean design then look no further than ONIA Luxury Swim Wear.

Kolohe Andino - Creating Your Legacy

2012-02-27T11:12:00.003-08:00

Kolohe Andino might have been eliminated from his first world tour event, but his career is just beginning. He has numerous sponsors who pay the bills to ensure he can focus purely on perfecting his surfing. In addition, he has many top surfers mentoring and coaching him to keep him on track. He will be exciting to see how Kolohe Andino does his first year on tour.

Wave Machines

2012-02-27T05:56:00.000-08:00

Many factors and variables go into making a world class surf break. We could spend all day just discussing and analysing what makes a great surf spot. Some of these things include bottom contours, wind speeds, wind direction, swell window.

So when someone says they have come up with a wave pool design that will crank out perfect waves then I won't lie, I get kinda excited. Mainly because it would be awesome to surf perfect barrels all day long. Also because I could surf in trunks all year long, until I wanted to surf real waves again.

So far no one has achieved opening a functioning artificial wave pool that is open to the public except for the WaveGarden. However, many corporations and surfers including Kelly Slater are currently working to be the first company to offer a perfect wave to the masses.

Quiksilver Pro 2012 - Gold Coast AUS

2012-02-24T15:14:00.000-08:00

The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast gets the 2012 ASP World Tour underway today with the Women taking to the water. The waves are very contestable and offering up the opportunity for some big maneuvers out the back.

The Quiksilver Pro webcast is online and really beneficial to all of those who can't make it down to catch the action live. Its an exciting event and you aren't gonna want to miss it.

Photo Credit: Quiksilver

Local Shapers

2012-02-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

One of the best things that you can do for your local surf community is buy custom surfboards from your local shaper. Not only will you get a great board, but you will put money back into your local economy.

What I like about most local shapers is that they really care about their customers. They are dedicated to making a great board for you no matter what you are looking for in a surfboard.

Lastly, you know your shaper will shape a board that will work best for your local surf spots. Mainly because chances are your shaper surfs at all the same spots which you do. Bottom Line: buying a pop-out surfboard from China just isn't worth it.

When Your Local Spot Goes Off

2012-02-21T05:09:00.000-08:00

There is nothing more rewarding as a surfer than surfing an epic session at your local break. You know exactly how it breaks and where to sit to get the perfect wave. You spend countless days surfing less than desirable waves at this spot and one day you drive up and it is just reeling in perfectly. This is rare, but when the conditions come together, the result can be incredible.

Quiksilver Pro 2012 - Gold Coast Australia

2012-02-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

With less than a week before the Quiksilver Pro gets underway, surfing's finest are putting in long hours getting ready for the first ASP World Tour Event of the year. With $425,000 of prize money and priceless points on the line, the competition is sure to be fierce.

I was surfing with my friend Jon yesterday and we were talking about how this is one of our favorite events and a great way to start the 2012 tour. Snapper Rocks is a really consistent wave and offers up some fun little waves for the surfers to potentially score some big rides.

The Quiksilver Pro 2012 gets underway February 25th and you aren't gonna want to miss it!

Photo: Quiksilver

Respect the Locals

2012-02-20T06:07:00.000-08:00

If you want to get waves and respect when paddling out at any well known surf spot is to show respect to the locals. It is their surf spot in away and could care less if you get any waves at all. None the less, if you show respect and wait your turn chances are you will get your fair share of waves.

The main idea is to be respectful. You can do this by letting them catch the best waves and wait your turn. In addition, don't paddle out with a bunch of friends; it just makes you look bad. Lastly, don't get in the way when paddling around the lineup.

By following these simple little rules you can be sure to catch a fair amount of waves and have a great surf session, while also respecting the locals.

6 Articles to read Today

2012-02-19T07:08:00.000-08:00

Below are six great articles to read this weekend. They consist of a wide variety of topics and were published at various times since The Surfboard Man was first started. Enjoy!

Bruce Brown - The Legend Behind the Camera

The California Surf Project

Guest Post: North Shore Quiver

Superbrand Surfboards

San Onofre Shark Sighting

Loaded Longboards

Sally Fitzgibbons wins the Australian Open of Surfing 2012

2012-02-18T18:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Sally Fitzgibbons on her win at the Australian Open of Surfing. She has had a great run and maintained her consistency throughout the event, which definitely helped her win each of her heats.

Its a great way to start the 2012 season for Sally Fitzgibbons and we can't wait to see her surf in all the events this year!

Small Surf Today

2012-02-17T14:32:00.000-08:00

Orange County has had pretty small surf over the past couple days. However the sun was out so I decided to head down to the beach. The lineup was quite crowded with all the groms who were out of school today because of the holiday. The wind was light onshore which assisted many of the stand out surfers to launch plenty of air reverses. Enjoy the four day weekend!

Surfer Stereotypes

2012-02-16T17:11:00.000-08:00

I was cruising around on Twitter today when I came across a hilarious picture from the guys over at INT Surfboards. Check it out!

Costco WaveStorm

2012-02-15T16:28:00.000-08:00

Costco Softtop Surfboards are making quite the comeback as many are becoming increasingly good at riding them in fast hollow waves. Between this video & Jaime O'Brien riding one at pipe one has to wonder when the madness will stop!

Photo Credit: Baeseman

Surfing Ruined My Life

2012-02-15T08:03:00.000-08:00

I was driving down the freeway the other day and saw this classic car. I figured I had to take a picture so I could share it with all of you guys. Enjoy!

Australia Open of Surfing 2012

2012-02-13T20:36:00.000-08:00

After continued success in the US, The US Open of Surfing has been moved to Australia to bring a massive surfing event to the masses in Australia. It is taking place at Manly beach which is known to offer up contestable and consistent surf for all the competitors.

Photo Credit: http://australianopenofsurfing.com/

They also have the skate bowl and many other attractions on the beach which you don't want to miss. If you are in Australia make sure you head down to the Australian US Open of Surfing 2012.

Photo Credit: http://australianopenofsurfing.com/

Surf Contest Tactics

2012-02-13T06:03:00.000-08:00

Knowing the common surf contest tactics is quite possibly the most important aspect that many surfers fail to master or have any understanding in. However, it is extremely important whether or not you plan to surf in any contests. It can be the difference between getting the wave of the day or watching someone else score a perfect wave.

Tactics like selling someone on a wave or positioning yourself in the lineup to have priority when a set wave comes can have a huge impact on your surf session. You can use them whether there are two guys out at your local break or if you are surfing Pipeline.

Just remember, the smartest and most strategic surfer gets the best waves.

CREED VIRGIN ISLAND WATER

2012-02-11T12:41:00.000-08:00

I am often in search of Cologne to ensure I am always smelling good and fresh. From going to dinner to meeting new people, it makes a difference. Trust me, I know these things.

When I came across CREED I was impressed with their extensive history. The company was started 1760 in London and has grown to be one of the most well known fragrance companies around. Many notable people have chosen CREED Fragrances including Sir Winston Churchill, Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton.

After getting in touch will CREED, I couldn't wait to get my hands on their "Virgin Island Water", one of there most popular fragrances. It came in the mail this morning and it is absolutely amazing. It has a very clean and fresh smell, that isn't overpowering. Its truly perfect for surfers like you and me.

If you are a surfer looking for some new cologne or fragrance then I would suggest checking out CREED Fragrances. They have an extensive track record and a variety of products to fit your personal style and preferences. You can connect with them through their website, Twitter and Facebook in addition to stopping by their store in New York!

Here is a list of select retailers which carry CREED Virgin Island Water:
Neiman Marcus
Select Saks Fifth Avenue Stores
Bergdorf Goodman
CREED - 794 Madison Ave. Manhattan

Quiksilver Pro 2012

2012-02-10T18:25:00.000-08:00

The Quiksilver Pro in Australia is one of my favorite events on the ASP World Tour. It starts on February 25th 2012 and you don't want to miss it!

Pickup Trucks

2012-02-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

Everybody has experience the act of trying to fit a surfboard into a tiny car and how it is nearly impossible, let alone frustrating. You always end up dinging your board or with salt water and wax all over your car. All in all its just not a good situation.

That is why I love having a Pickup Truck. I can easily throw my surfboard in the bed of my truck and still have room for my friends boards. Longboards or Stand Up Paddle Boards? Not a problem, just throw on the FCS Tailgate Pad.

After surfing it is even easier cause you can throw your wetsuit in the truck bed so it doesn't get the inside of your car all dirty. Having a Pickup Truck is awesome as a surfer and you should definitely consider getting one!

Surfing in SoCal

2012-02-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

Orange County has had its fair share of great weather and fun surf over the past few days. The lineups have been full of surfers and there has been plenty of local talent flaring in the beach breaks over the past week or so!

$1,000 Fine For Throwing Football, Frisbee at the Beach

2012-02-09T07:08:00.000-08:00

Thinking about enjoying a nice day at the beach and maybe throw a football or frisbee around with some friends. Think again! You are going to need a permit for that or a large bank account to pay for the fine. LA County just approved a $1,000 fine for playing on the beach becuase everyone knows throwing a frisbee is REALLY dangerous. Its like when the banned downhill Skateboarding in Laguna Beach.

Make sure you spread the word via Social Media & use the Hash Tag -> #DontTellMeWhereToThrowMyFrisbee

Kolohe Andino - Salt Creek

2012-02-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

Here is a great little edit of Kolohe Andino shredding at one of Orange Countys finer surf spots surfing some really fun waves. Enjoy!

Hurley Pro 2011 - A Look Back

2012-02-06T06:54:00.000-08:00

I have so many awesome images from the 2011 Hurley Pro down at Lower Trestles that took place a couples months ago that I thought it would be fun to do a little look back.

New Promo Pictures - Troy Grover Photographers

2012-02-03T18:13:00.000-08:00

As I began thinking about what Re-branding my online presence looked liked in a practical manner I decided it was important to get some new promo pictures. I ended up getting some done by two of the nicest people I have ever known; Troy & Aimee Grover (Troy Grover Photographers). As you can see they did an incredible job and I couldn't be happier.

This was the first time in awhile that I have had someone take "Professional" pictures of me in awhile and it was a blast. Keep in mind I am still without a modeling contract so if anyone needs a surfer for a photoshoot let me know :) haha

In other news the surf has been pretty flat over the past few days so make sure you catch me on Twitter, Pinterest and of course here as I have had alot of free time.

Clothing:
Shirt - H&M Clothing
Jacket - SLVDR
Jeans - Levi's
Watch - Freestyle Watches
Hat - Urban Outfitters