Friday, August 29, 2008

Surf Stronger Goes Hollywood?

Surf Stronger goes Hollywood? Well, not exactly. But we are featured in this week's People Magazine's Body Watch section called, "The Fit 5: Tips to Feel (and Look) Like a Star!" People reports, "Get a fit body, minus the sunburn, with help from the Surf Stronger, Vol. 2: Core Training DVD ($29.95), which takes you through surf-related exercises demonstrated by pro surfer Serena Brooke. Not only will the DVD improve your flexibility and core strength, but you'll also be doing good for the planet: Surf Stronger donates 1 percent of its profits to environmental causes." Check out the piece here.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Serena Brooke's Surf Stronger Gets to the Core by The LA Weekly

The LA Weekly has a great article in their August 28th edition on Serena Brooke and our latest release, Surf Stronger – Core Training. In it, Serena and Coach Scott talk about the ins and outs of surf fitness training, and, Serena breaks down some of her more memorable moments surfing as a veteran on the pro tour. Pick up a copy or check out the online version here. It’s a great read and not your typical look at surfing.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Outside Lands Web Cast of Jack Johnson and ALO

If you can't make it out to San Francisco for Outside Lands today, you'll have the opportunity to watch a couple great performers from the comfort of your computer. Our good friends and Surf Stronger soundtrack contributors ALO and everyone's favorite surfer/musician/environmentalist, Jack Johnson, will be web cast today and archive will be made available as well.

Exclusive webcast at attblueroom.com/music.

Jack's Webcast: August 24th at 7:40pm PST.
ALO's Webcast: August 24th at 4:50pm PST.


(The wonderfully talented, California rock-funk group, ALO.)

Friday, August 22, 2008

Frothing for Outside Lands

Perhaps the greatest stretch of live music to hit San Francisco in 40 years, hits this weekend. Radiohead, Beck, Tom Petty, Cake, Jack Johnson and so much more. And, virtually every member of the Surf Stronger House Band (Surf Stronger Volume 2 music) will be playing the festival: Tim Bluhm (Mother Hips), Steve Adams and Dan Lebowitz (ALO) Jackie Greene, and Adam Topol (Jack Johsnon). Our whole house band, albeit spread out on five different stages throughout one epic day of music.

See you in the Park,
The Surf Stronger Crew

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Inspire, Involve, Change

Surf Stronger's Serena Brooke recently signed on with Croc's to help inspire, involve and change. "Crocs Inc. and Outside Magazine bring you INSPIRING SOLES, a program celebrating athletes who have dedicated their lives to shattering boundaries and raising awareness for meaningful causes...Crocs and Outside will further their efforts through this year-long program spotlighting the grand achievements and donating cash and product to the athletes’ charities." Congrats, Serena!

They also have an interesting contest where anyone can nominate other "inspiring soles" for this porgram. Check it out at www.inspiringsoles.com.


(Photo: Swilly)

Friday, August 8, 2008

Demo Some Sweet Longboards

Our friend and pro longboarder, Julie Cox, hosts a cool looking demo day this Saturday, August 9th at Old Man's (San Onofre State Park.) Try out some sweet boards and hang at the beach Southern Cal style. (For more info, www.julecollection.com)


Try one of these gems, this Saturday, August 9th.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

5 Tips for Open Water Swim Training

One of the best cross-training activities for surfing is swimming. Open water swimming is even better because you are in the elements and you can enjoy nature up close and personal. Most of our open water swimming tends to take place in the San Francisco Bay, where the temps are a bit cooler (56-63!), the water a bit murkier, the challenge a bit higher. But becoming comfortable in open water is great, because sooner or later everyone snaps a leash and has to swim to shore. Having good swim skills is key for surfing! With that, here are our 5 tips for open water swim training.

1. Safety. Swim with a mate, preferably in front of a lifeguard. For added safety, tell the lifeguard your swim route prior to going out. Also know your limits and build up your distance.

2. Note the conditions before you head out. You'll want to look for rips, currents, etc., and also suss out a swim route to aim for (5 buoys, to the sailboat, out to the opening and back, etc.)

3. Equipment. For colder water, definitely get a neoprene cap ($20) and wax ear plugs ($5-10). You'll probably also want a good pair of goggles. With these essentials (and a suit of course) you are all set. We recommend the ear plugs to prevent water from getting in the ears, and to prevent against long term ear damage (Surfer's ear!). Also we always swim with a brightly colored swim cap so you are extra visible.

4. Start slow and build. Say you are doing a 1KM swim. We usually go: easy 200, build 200, hammer 400, warm-down 200. A warm-up and warm-down is always a good idea and building or doing intervals makes for good aerobic conditioning. During your swim it is good to site off of different markers (buoys, boats, etc.). Lift your head every 10-20 strokes or so to ensure you are on course.

5. Sign up for an open water swim race or group swim. Swimming with a big group or in a race can be good fun. Find a local race and go for it!