Girls Rip: First Love

How's it, girls? I just finished watching First Love, an amazing and inspiring surf documentary that's finally made it to our shores! Following on the footsteps of Jess Laing, Nikki Van Dijk, and India Payne, three girls from Phillip Island, this film takes us through their love of surfing and the ups and downs of training, competition, and injury. The girls are all prepared for their journey to Hawaii, but tragedy strikes and instead of legendary waves and warm sunshine, Jess has to endure surgery and recovery in addition to recently being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. With beautiful footage, and appearances by some of our favorite pros, like Steph Gilmore and Bethany Hamilton, this film brings to us the pure magic and real emotion of surfing.  

Available to rent or download on iTunes now.

Will you watch First Love? Have you already checked it out? What did you think of it?

Beach Reads: Surf Girl Roxy

Whether you're a diehard surfer girl or landlocked and dreaming of the beach, Surf Girl Roxy will cover you in sun, sand, waves, and smiles. Perfect for summer or a winter pick-me up, this book reads like a diary and is filled with memories, dreams, and an array of beautiful photographs. A fun sneak peak into the fascinating lives of pro surfers! It features stories from the Roxy team including legendary female surfers Lisa Anderson, Chelsea Georgeson, Kassia Meador, and Sofia Mulanovich. A fresh take on female surfing, this book will delight and inspire you. Order yours now at Amazon.

Is Surf Girl Roxy displayed on your coffee table yet?

Photo Credit: Roxy

Currently Craving: Colored Denim

Ready or not, colored denim is all the rage and our favorite surf lifestyle brands have jumped on board with this trend. The color selections are endless from pretty pastels and vibrant hues to simple neutrals and statement making neons. Unsure of this trend? Tread lightly and start off with black or white denim. Take it up a notch and go for an ocean blue or a light coral. Feeling bold? Break out the brights! Here are some of my favorite picks:

(1) Roxy Skinny Floods Denim in Maroon, $54.50
(2) Swell Springtime Colored Denim in Mint, $69.50
(3) Billabong Still Rockin Skinny Denim in Light Pink, $56.00
(4) Swell Radical Pant in Orange, $69.50
(5) Element Billie Skinny Denim in Green, $59.50

All styles shown are available at Swell.

Will you be rocking colorful denim?


Photo Credit: Swell

Beach Hair 101

In a perfect world: I would style my hair by walking down to the beach every single morning, dunking my head into the ocean, and letting it dry freely in the salty air. Unfortunately, I don't have that option on a daily basis. If you do, we're going to take a moment to glare at you with envy. We still love you, we're just extremely jealous and not afraid to admit it!

Here's a few ways to get those waves without your feet having to ever touching the sand:

Salt Spray 
This is one of my favorite methods. Saltwater gives your hair rich texture and volume, allowing it to hold better (especially if you've got fine, flat locks). Spray on to damp hair, scrunch, and let air dry. You can also use a diffuser for faster results. This stuff is amazing on second day hair, too! Here are a few of my picks:

(1) Surf Spray - The classic choice. Adds body and a light hold with a matte finish. $24 at Bumble and bumble.

(2) Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray - A wallet friendly version from Not Your Mother's that smells just like a day at the beach. $5.99 at Ulta.
(3) Marine Summer Hair Beach Waves - Surf-sexy hair with a refreshing, cooling experience and added UV protection. $25 at Fekkai.

You can even bottle up some of the ocean during your next beach trip (leave the sand) or make your own by boiling 8 ounces of water with 1 teaspoonful of sea salt.

Braids and Buns
Not a fan of putting products in your hair? Try the simple braid or bun method. Put slightly damp hair in a couple of braids or twisted buns just before bedtime. Get your in 8 hours, let your hair down in the morning, run your fingers through your mane, and go! Natural and product free.

Surfer's Salve
A healthier option is to put a little Surfer's Salve in your hair. We'll get to how amazing and versatile this product is in another post, but all you need to do is to run a few dabs through your hair to create that wavy, messy beach hair look. Plus you're getting the moisturizing benefits of olive oil, aloe, and vitamin e. Great if you're worried about salt sprays drying out your ends! $10 at Island Soap.

Wave Iron
Want to pick and choose exactly where you want your waves and just how many you want? Try a wave iron. There are many options on the market these days, but I'm a big fan of the double barrel. Just make sure you use a good leave-in conditioner with heat protection before giving this tool a go! $30.95 at Amazon.

How do you get sea-worthy waves?


Photo Credit: Austin Chronicle, Bumble and bumble, Ulta, Fekkai, Island Soap, Amazon

Chick Sticks By Lola

I don't know about you girls, but when I walk into a surf shop I feel like all of the boards are geared towards the guys while we're left with a couple of clothing racks. Don't get me wrong, that's great and all when we're shopping for a new outfit. But our love of surfing needs to be taken seriously as well and we need options. We can have both a good session and a cute dress, right? If you're also feeling like the board choices for girls are slim pickings, you need to check out Chick Sticks by Lola. These boards are designed especially for girls, making it easier for us to handle, perform, and even learn on. Learn on a shortboard? Sure! Whether you're a beginner or advanced at the sport, the choices are endless and you can even customize your order as needed to fit you. Not to mention beautiful paint jobs that show off your individual personality. Here are a few of my picks:

The Bad Betty, a 5 fin option mini longboard. Shown in Pink Hibiscus Wave. Adorbs, right?

The Hoochie Mod, a 5 fin option egg shape. Shown in Dawn Patrol. Hot!

The Vixen, a 5 fin option fish. Shown in Aloha. What a beaut!

Check out Chick Sticks for more boards and paint options to get your stoke on.


Photo Credit: Chick Sticks

Beach Beauty: Salt'n Sea

Prepare to fall in love with this product!

I recently discovered Love & Toast's Salt'n Sea shower creme during my most recent trip to Whole Foods. The scent is a breath of fresh air -- greens, citrus, mineral salts, and white florals. And it's perfect if your skin is in need of some refreshment after a day of playing in the sun. I love how it makes my skin come alive again after that dried out too much sand and surf feeling. It detoxes, nourishes, and protects from dehydration, plus it's free of all the yucky stuff. I'm looking forward to trying more from this line! Check your local Whole Foods, or browse even more products here.

What's your favorite product to refresh your skin after a day at the beach? 


Photo Credit: Love & Toast

Roxy Pro Biarritz 2012: Results

Happy Monday girls! How many of you caught the live action of the Roxy Pro Biarritz 2012? If you did, you know that while it may have been off to a slow start (lay day lay day lay day) the action was intense! If you missed it, check out the results:

Round 1
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.50, Sarah Mason (NZL) 13.15, Coco Ho (HAW) 9.00
Heat 2: Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.05, Lakey Peterson (USA) 10.65, Sage Erickson (USA) 8.10
Heat 3: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 11.30, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 10.00, Johanne Defay (FRA) 6.60
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.20, Page Hareb (NZL) 10.80, Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 7.75
Heat 5 : Carissa Moore (HAW) 17.30, Justine Dupont (FRA) 14.90, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 5.00
Heat 6 : Laura Enever (AUS) 14.50, Malia Manuel (HAW) 12.15, Pauline Ado (FRA) 7.40

Round 2
Heat 1 : Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 12.75 Sarah Mason (NZL) 12.40
Heat 2 : Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.25, Sage Erickson (USA) 13.35
Heat 3 : Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 18.15, Johanne Defay (FRA) 11.00
Heat 4 : Malia Manuel (HAW) 15.75, Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 11.00
Heat 5 : Coco Ho (HAW) 16.00, Justine Dupont (FRA) 15.15
Heat 6 : Page Hareb (AUS) 10.65, Pauline Ado (FRA) 7.50

Round 3
Heat 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 15.10, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.40, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 11.30
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.40, Coco Ho (HAW) 11.50, Lakey Peterson (USA) 8.35
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.00, Malia Manuel (HAW) 13.70, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 9.60
Heat 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) 14.00, Laura Enever (AUS) 9.25, Paige Hareb (NZL) 6.10

Round 4
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.40, Lakey Peterson (USA) 9.50

Heat 2: Coco Ho (HAW) 11.67, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 8.77

Heat 3: Malia Manuel (HAW) 12.10, Paige Hareb (NZL) 9.16

Heat 4: Laura Enever (AUS) 12.13, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 8.66

QUARTER-FINALS
QF 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 11.37, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 10.53

QF 2: Coco Ho (HAW) 12.60, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 8.76

QF 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.57, Malia Manuel (HAW) 10.00


SEMI-FINALS
SF 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.66, Coco Ho (HAW) 9.37

SF 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 17.10, Carissa Moore (HAW) 12.50

FINAL
1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 18.53

2 – Tyler Wright (AUS) 13.10

Tyler Wright showed off impressive surfing skills in the final heat but Stephanie Gilmore dominated the event and ultimately took the win, claiming her 5th ASP Women's World Title. Congrats Steph!

Want more? Check out the event highlight videos at Roxy Live.

Photo Credit: Roxy

Beach Reads: SurfGirl Issue #38

Hey girls! Have you picked up the latest issue of SurfGirl magazine? Check out the lovely Lauren Hill gracing the cover with a gorgeous board in tow. Here are some of the articles featured is this issue:

• Seawater Sirens: Five girls who live and breathe surfing
• Sex and Surfing: Sexism vs female empowerment in the surf industry
• Ocean Boheme: Beach-inspired fashion with a bohemian twist
• Car Park Surfers: Summer living in France
• Top 10 Pro Surfer Hot List: Eye candy on the waves

SurfGirl is an amazing surfing and beach lifestyle magazine for women. It never disappoints! Beautiful, vibrant, and with articles a girl actually wants to read (sorry, Transworld Surf). It can be a bit difficult to find in the U.S. If your local shop carries it, pick up a copy today! Otherwise you can subscribe through Amazon, or directly through SurfGirl. Check out the Nalu bead subscription package!

What surfing magazine are you currently stoked on?

Health Tip: Coconut Oil

Some of you ladies are probably already aware of this, but coconut oil is a surfer's miracle in a jar. I use it for everything, and I mean everything!

First, let's talk about that jar you should be keeping in your kitchen. Ingesting coconut oil on a daily basis has many health benefits. It's an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, and it improves your digestive health. Let's face it. Depending on the location of your home break, the ocean is not always the cleanest place to be. And if we're spending a lot of time it in, we're exposing ourselves to those toxins over and over again (especially during the rainy seasons). Surf sickness is not cute, and we don't want to be curled up in bed feeling sorry for ourselves as a killer set comes rolling in. 

Not only does coconut oil increase immunity and help ward off those unwanted bugs, it also can boost your energy levels. First one in, last one out? Spoon up, chickies!

The daily recommended dosage is 1-4 tablespoons per day. I suggest starting with 1 tablespoon and working your way up to what works for you and your body. How can you add it into your diet? Use it in place of other oils for your cooking and baking (it's the only oil that creates no toxic byproducts and retains its nutritional properties when heated). Mix it into your smoothies. If you're really brave, just take it straight. Personally, I like to stir it into my coffee. Adds a yummy coconut kick!

Moving on to that jar you should be keeping in your bathroom. Girls, this product is about to become a staple in your beauty regimen. Here are just a handful of cosmetic uses for coconut oil:

1. Hair conditioning treatment - Too much sun and saltwater? Smooth a generous amount onto strands, braid, get your 8 hours in, and wash out in the morning to reveal softer and stronger hair.
2. Chapped lips and skin - A natural alternative to your standard lip balm and lotion. Don't forget to exfoliate first for the best results!
3. Sun damage, fine lines, acne, puffy eyes - Say hello to your new night cream.
4. Sunburn - Because reapplying every 2 hours is not always possible (or easy to remember). Coconut oil is soothing and healing. Slather it on to reduce redness, moisturize, and ease that sting.
5. Makeup remover - Gently wipe your face clean with a dab of coconut oil on a cotton swab.

Amped on buying a jar? You can find it at most grocery and health food stores. Make sure you get the organic extra virgin coconut oil. Try Nutiva or Nature's Way.

Enjoy!

Beach Bag 101

Billabong Bondi Bound Beach Bag, $39.50
zappos.com

Taking a vacation over the holiday? If you're headed out for a day of fun-in-the-sun, you know a key item to bring with you is a beach bag stocked with everything you might need. Don't forget your bikini and a smile!

The Essentials

• a fab pair of sunnies
• a big, floppy hat
• sunscreen, spf 30 or higher
• lip balm with spf
• a pretty beach blanket
• iPod loaded with summery tunes + earbuds
• a good book or magazine
• lots of water (bonus: coconut water)
• surfer's salve in case of burns or bites!
• a light, healthy snack
• a camera to capture the moment

What's in your beach bag?

Upcoming Events: Roxy Pro Biarritz 2012

Who says girls can't rip?

Get ready, ladies. The Roxy Pro Biarritz is upon us. See the world's best female surfers tear it up for the win! 

Check out the fierce lineup:  
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
Carissa Moore (HAW)
Courtney Conlogue (USA)
Tyler Wright (AUS)
Laura Enever (AUS)
Malia Manuel (HAW)
Lakey Peterson (USA)
Coco Ho (HAW)
Paige Hareb (NZL)
Rebecca Woods (AUS)
Sofia Mulanovich (PER)
Sarah Mason (NZL)
Pauline Ado (FRA)
Silvana Lima (BRA)
Justine Dupont (FRA)
Sage Erickson (USA)
Jacqueline Silva (BRA)

Tune in July 10th-14th here: Roxy Live. Missed the action? Check back in for the latest scores and a summary of events.

Will you be watching? Who will you be rooting for?

Bikini Friday: Party In The USA

Hey beach babes. The fourth of July is upon us. You know what that means? Beach getaways and hitting the waves! Kick off your holiday in red, white, and blue and let the crowds salute your style.

Obey Star Spangled Bikini Top, $44, and Bottom, $44
obeyclothing.com

Would you rock this look?

Sage Erickson in People StyleWatch

Pick up the July 2012 issue of People StyleWatch to see a little feature on O'Neill team rider Sage Erickson. She shares her must-haves for a day of hanging out on the sand and in the surf. Here are a few of her favorites:

O'Neill Mojave Bikini Top, $40, and Bottom, $40
shoponeillusa.com

Oakley Polarized Crosshair Alloy Sunglass, $200

oakley.com

Enjoy Hair and Skin Treatment Oil, $29.95

enjoyhaircare.com

What are your must-haves for a day at the shore?

Health Tip: Smoothies

Happy hump day!

If you're anything like me, by now you're lagging. So close to the weekend and yet so far. Why not banish those mid-week blues with an energy boosting smoothie? They're packed full of essential vitamins and minerals, not to mention the combinations are endless. Here is one of my favorite smoothie recipes to eliminate that sluggish feeling:

1 Sambazon Original Rio Blend smoothie pack
8 oz almond milk
1 banana
1 tbsp flaxseed oil
1 scoop Harmonized Vegan Protein in vanilla

Toss all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Delish! Raise your smoothie potential by adding maca, raw cacao, or wheat grass powder. Use that fuel to kick the rest of this week right into the weekend. Also makes a great post-surf or workout smoothie!

Cheers.

What's your favorite smoothie recipe?

What's Your Drug?

Surf Is My Drug.


For every girl who has ever felt the love of the ocean. A new blog that will touch on the things you want the most all in one place: health, beauty and fitness tips, beach-inspired fashion, the latest on your favorite surfer girls, decorating ideas for that seaside pad, sweet escapes, and much, much more. Whether you surf or love the beach, this is the place for you.