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

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?