Seal Beach - Big Waves, Friends, Crowds, and Chaos!

Yesterday Sunday February 28th 2010 was one of those days in Seal Beach history when everyone you know is out and about. The waves were the biggest of this winter, the weather was perfect and everyone was in a good mood! As usual when the waves get big and the tides are high all the local news vans show up and prepare for flooding etc... Sometimes it is a bit of a false alarm but yesterday didn't disappoint. The water flowed from NorthSide over to SouthSide and filled up the area between the berm and the houses, in some places it was up to four feet deep. Mitchy Dejarnet even got the opportunity to paddle from NorthSide down to his house at Twelfth street (check the pic in our slide show). On Saturday there was a Tsunami warning from the terrible earthquake in Chile. It obviously never arrived but the tidal surge along with the big surf, and high tide made for this flooding. These are days that remind me of my youth since they only happen about every five to ten years with the most exciting one being back in 1983. That was the year when the Pier came down along with Esther the oil Island. They say it's an El Nino Winter maybe it's true!?

The images for the slide show were given to us by Jim "J.B." Boswell. He takes some pretty amazing shots of the local surf, check out his site JB Photography.

BOARDROOM: LEGENDS OF SURFBOARD SHAPING

BOARDROOM: LEGENDS OF SURFBOARD SHAPING
Features the greatest legends of modern board shaping. We hear first hand on how they got started, who gave them a break and how they changed surfing history forever. We hear about the transition from balsa to foam , from long board to short board, from California to Hawaii. Get ready for a trip back in time to the beginning of modern day shaping.

Looks like it's gonna be a cool flick. Can't wait for it to come out!

Check out www.boardroomthemovie.com for more info.

Mike Marshall Long Time Harbour Shaper, RIP

We lost a a great member of the Harbour Surfboards extended family this past Saturday Feb 6th. I was lucky enough to meet Mike Marshall back in the early Eighties while I was starting my stint as an employee at the Harbour Shop. Mike would often stop in and heckle us guys in the back. He was one of Rich's original production shapers back in the sixties. One of my fondest memories of Mike was from the Harbour Surfboards 25th Anniversary party back in 1987. He was just the life of the party amongst the many surf characters from the Sixties and Seventies eras. It was always a pleasure to run into Mike and Sharon at various events and talk shop, I think he especially enjoyed talking education with my wife (she's a high school teacher) since he was a long time teacher himself.

It sounds like Mike's last days were as pleasant as can be expected. Here's what Rich Harbour emailed me:

As many already know Mike Marshall, my dear friend of more than four and half decades, had a stroke early Monday morning. After arriving at
emergency, they found he had a very aggressive form of leukemia.
Brain surgery was performed to relieve pressure and he remained in an unconscious state thereafter.
Later in the week the family was informed that he was not going to survive, so they decided to remove him from all life support and take him home to live his final days where he was most comfortable.
He was transported by ambulance Thursday, and on the way to his home they convinced the ambulance driver to take a lap around the parking lot at Blackies. With that done, they delivered him to his house where he rested in the "Museum Room" on a hospital bed, now in a Blackie's T-shirt in place of a hospital gown - much more appropriate. I visited Friday and Saturday. There were family and friends near him, all in a very positive mood, prepared for the final moments of his life that ended shortly after I left yesterday.
I wish his wife Sharon and family well. These are going to be tough times and my heart and thoughts are with them.
May he rest in peace.

I'm gonna miss bumping into Marshall at the various surf events.

Best wishes to Sharon and his family from the Harbour Surfboards extended family.

FEBRUARY'S RAFFLE; Three Sets of Future K1 Bamboo Keels

Up for grabs this month (February) is three sets of Future K1 Bamboo Keels. That's right, three winners this month!!! All you have to do to be entered is purchase at least $30 worth of stuff either online or in the shop. We'll announce the winners at the beginning of March.

January's winner of the Fusion Install Kit is Leroy Haight of Weirsdale, Florida. Here's what Leroy emailed us after finding out he was the lucky winner;
"I have never won anything this is great. I have to say it is so great being able to get materials here in the middle of nowhere. Being raised in San Diego and living there for 40 years where materials were so easy to get. I have been making surfboards for 35 years and there is nothing better than riding a board you designed and hand crafted. So I would like to say Foam E-Z has enabled me to continue to rip in the water. Thanks"

Check out our February Newsletter for more information.

It's that E-Z! Happy raffling!

PRO SHAPER INTERVIEW with Mike Minchinton by Grant Ramey

Recently I had the privilege to sit down with long time Huntington Beach shaper Mike Minchinton. Mike is a pretty legendary dude who has worked with some notable guys like the late Chris Hawk, Carl Hayward, and Robert August just to name a few. I remember being eleven years old and going into the old Roberts August shop on the corner of 5th st. in Huntington Beach and seeing the Minchinton Model board. At that time I had a beat up old mini long board that paled in comparison to a gloss polished, air brushed beauty. I had a little ritual that lasted about a year that went like this, surf, go to Robert August Surf Shop, stare at boards, eat, surf, and then go back to R.A. to look at the Minchinton Model. That's my little bit of history in regards to Mike. I'm sure it's a familiar story, just insert your name and the shaper's name and you have your own experience.

Listen to the interview:

An Update from Prison! BadFish Surfboards

Do you remember our customer from the Crestline Correctional Facility? If not you can look back in the archives of our blog. Well Tony "Neptune" Stearns is still building boards behind bars! I don't know if you got a chance to see his little write up in SurferMag and Transworld Surf but he's graced the pages of those two magazines. We just received an email from him and here's what he had to say:

Hello my friends, this is Tony Stearns, Badfish Surfboards. The only surfboards ever made in prison. I wanted to show you some photos of my current inventory and also let you know about my Facebook.com page called Badfish Surfboards. Please help me create a cyber snowball with this information. If you could forward this message and my photos to anyone you know who surfs it will help me get off the ground. I want to thank you all for your help and support. I'm trying to do the best I can while I am here in prison.

Love and respect to everyone!

Tony Stearns T-43417

P.O. Box 10

Crestline, CA 92325

Nice Article in the Daily Pilot - Newport Beach newspaper

Dawn Patrol: Foam E-Z eases shaping experience

By John Burton

Updated: Friday, January 8, 2010 12:10 AM PST
My friend Kathy Escher has a teenage son, Kole, who surfs and she tells me about interesting things like a place where you can shape your own surfboard.

Foam E-Z near the Westminster Mall is a one-stop shop for any and all materials needed to make or repair surfboards. For professionals or do-it-yourselfers they have everything, including a shaping bay with all the tools, accessories, and help required to make your own board.

I had to check that out so I dropped by and was greeted by Grant Ramey. I introduced myself and explained why I was there.

“So, do you want to shape a board and write about it? he asked.

“Err, uh, me? Shape a surfboard?” I stuttered.

I hadn’t considered that. There are some things you inherently know just aren’t your strong suit and for me that includes making things with tools.

“Yeah, that would be cool,” I heard myself say.

So the game was on. It’s a busy place and Grant had customers so I cruised around the shop. A few minutes later, Foam E-Z’s proprietor, Brad Nadell, arrived and we talked for a while.

He started the business in 1993 as an alternative source of foam blanks for shops that had a hard time meeting the minimum orders required by Clark Foam, which for many years held a virtual monopoly.

Clark’s stunning decision to abruptly close up shop, and the repercussions still felt throughout the surfing industry is a story in itself, but Nadell had to adapt and change the business dynamic. Today their focus is more toward the hobbyist and outstanding customer service is their edge.

Brad helped me pick out a blank for my first effort. He steered me toward a “second” which works just fine but has a cosmetic flaw. They cost a lot less and are a good idea for novices.

He and Grant told me that coming up with a template for drawing the outline on the blank is an important first step. I went home and flailed unsuccessfully, so when I returned for my shaping session I used one of my boards and their templates to make the outline.

Then I had to cut out the shape with a hand saw. I did an OK job although there were a couple of wrinkles.

The next step was truing things up using a Surform plane. Luckily I had Grant as a consultant or it would have been a disaster.

I started removing material from the top and bottom using a planer. None of this is easy if you’re not used to it and the planer can do some damage so I went back to the Surform and some heavy sand paper.

That’s as far as I got during my first session. I came away with something that looks more like a surfboard than a coffee table so I’m calling it a success. There’s a lot more shaping to be done so we’ll see how it turns out.

I have a new appreciation for the skill that went into my custom made boards. My Foam E-Z experience was great — drop by or look up www.foamez.com.

Daily Pilot article

Introducing the “Foam E-Z Monthly Raffle Extravaganza”

January's Raffle is the FCS FUSION INSTALL KIT w/ ROUTER BIT


We appreciate you, our customers, and to show it we have decided to do a monthly raffle to reward your loyalty. This is how it’s going to work. Entry for each month’s drawing will begin on the first of the month and will end on the last day of the month, simple eh? The only thing you need to do to enter is make a purchase of $20 or more online or in the store. Each time you do you will be entered into our raffle, that’s right, every time you purchase $20 or more worth of products. So if you come in on Monday and spend $100 then you get a ticket. If you come back on Thursday and spend $40, you get another ticket.

Now that we have that cleared up, let’s move on to when the drawing will take place. The drawing will happen on the first Monday of each new month. If the winner is local then he/she can pick up the loot, sing any song by Hall and Oates, and it’s a done deal (singing is optional, but encouraged). If the winner is an online customer, all they have to do is pay the shipping. We will announce each winner in our monthly newsletter so everyone knows who to be jealous of. This month’s raffle will be for the FCS Fusion Installation Kit with Router Bit, a $62.95 value! For information on how the FCS Fusion System is installed check out the Fusion Installation Manual.


Happy New Year and happy raffling… from us here at Foam E-Z

SkiSurfing???

Hope everyone is having a great holiday season. Since it's winter time and skiing/snowboarding is on peoples minds I thought we'd share this interesting?, goofy?, crazy?, video. Definitely an interesting take on blending skiing with surfing, without any snow. So if you can't make it to the snow this winter maybe you can give "Skisurfing" a try???? What's next as we go into the new year?

Happy New Year from us at Foam E-Z!

Surf Story, a book by Rob Havassy

Robb Havassy is celebrating the launch of SURF STORY this Friday, December 18 at the Hurley Headquarters "Town Hall", with proceeds from the evening benefiting the Surfrider Foundation.


SURF STORY is a 400+ page, hard-cover glossy collection of images and stories by the painters, photographers and writers that are embedded in today's surf culture, and is already receiving rave reviews for capturing the uniqueness and eclectic designs of the surfing community.


Friday night will feature an exhibition, book signing, concert and all-around good times.

HOLIDAY SHIPPING CALENDAR and Some X-mas Gift Giving Ideas

Every year we all have to think about what to get others for Christmas. I don’t know about you guys but I hate it! It takes up time and energy and usually I fail and the person is bummed anyways. So this year, we are going to help you out by offering Foam E-Z Gift Certificates. They can be purchased over the phone and can be used online or in the retail store. You can even use them to reserve some time in the world famous “E-Z Shaping Box” that has been getting rave reviews around the world…..of Westminster and Huntington Beach that is. Call us up, get a Foam E-Z Gift Certificate and show someone that you care enough to get them a unique gift of board building instead of something lame like socks or a coffee mug.

If you are thinking about purchasing gifts online check out the Foam E-Z Holiday Shipping Calendar to be sure everything arrives on time. If you have any questions about delivery time please be sure to call. We don't want that special one to end up with coal in their stocking because Fed Ex dropped the ball!

Grizz

Kwik Kick Epoxy Is Your Friend!!!

Let’s face it; you need to try epoxy resin. Don’t worry, I’ll be here to help you through it and now you can’t use that lame excuse that “it takes too long to cure.” That’s right; that old stand by is out the window because we now carry The Resin Research Kwik Kick epoxy. The name says it all, quicker cure time, flip time, and overall working time. I have had the opportunity to work with the stuff and it is great. Just like the RR CE the Kwik Kick has the optical brightener and UV inhibitor and even though it has a bluish color to it, the resin dries clear and actually finishes out with a brighter white due to the optical brightener. Back to the facts, the working time @ 75˚ is roughly that of polyester and the flip time is about 45 minutes which basically cuts the original flip time of 3-4 hours by a couple of hours. I was able to glass a board completely in 6 hours which is a vast improvement from the usual glassing schedule of laminate one day and hot coat the next day. The Kwik Kick is the same price as the other variations of Resin Research Epoxy systems, it saturates out the same, and it is a great product to work with. Call us up if you have any additional questions.

Grizzley

Kelly Slater talks on NPR!

This is actually a cool and entertaining interview! I'm not sure how Kelly Slater got picked to be on NPR but it turned out to be a a good choice. He doesn't have anything groundbreaking to say but the exchange between he and the interviewers is pretty darn funny. You know the stereotype Surfers have built over the years. Pot smokers, losers, uneducated, (you know the rest) but Kelly is on this NPR show to break down the stigma for us!

Enjoy!

Topless Mermaids, a funny Volcom cartoon!

Came across this Volcom ad the other day and thought I would share it. No real point but definitely a creative masterpiece! All surfers have been in search of or at least have dreamed of the Topless Mermaids. We're looking forward to part two!

Enjoy!

Black Friday: Shape ‘til you drop!

Attention!!!

Black Friday is near and we will be here so don’t fret!! Yes we will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 26^th but we'll be open on Black Friday November 27th, from 11-4pm. The shop will be stocked and ready to accommodate your surfboard building needs.

Word on the street is that there are going to be some in store specials on some luxurious items such as the E-Z Finish Shaping Pad regularly $8.95 will be on sale for only $5.00! Resin Research Epoxy single and three gallon board kits will be 10% off. We also have the world famous E-Z Square on sale right now for only $24.95 marked down from $33.95 as well as the E-Z Calipers with Gauge marked down to $74.95. In addition, the CF Planer will be on sale for $379.95 ($20 off). So cruise on by, take advantage of the savings, and stock up on goodies for yourself or for the board builder in the family.

Look forward to spending Black Friday with you!!!

Bobble Surf Camp, Free Iphone App

Bobble Surfer Free is an iPhone app from Lemur Software that will help you get your wave fix when you can’t make it out to the ocean. It’s built on the tilt sensitivity of the iPhone, so tilting the phone left will turn the little surfer dude left and tilting the phone right will turn the dude right. The real trick is starting with the phone flat as tilting the phone “up” will stall the surfer and get you caught on the lip of the wave. (This is one of the downfalls of the game. You can’t play it in bed while lying on your back.) Also the game has a pumpin’ surf track to help keep you stoked as you work to build up speed to launch crazed aerials. This game has a similar feel to the old T&C surf game for the original Nintendo…if you remember that one.

The full version (.99¢) is now available in the US iTunes store. It has:

-New learn to surf mode with interactive lessons

-Compete against friends with global ranking systems

-Four all new unlockable breaks for a total of eight

-Grab the rails for harder turns and to score higher

-Choose from four different style boards (shortboard, fish, longboard, and funboard)

-and much more!

Check it out and let us know what you think.

Have fun surfing in the cyberworld.

Gore Vent Plugs, A High Tech Epoxy/EPS Solution!

The newest high-tech product to the Foam E-Z family is the Gore Vent Plug. Now you can stop worrying about your EPS/Epoxy or Hollow Wood surfboard gassing and blowing up! It is the only vent on the market that is made entirely by W.L. Gore. The W.L. Gore design has the membrane bonded around the circumference using a very specialized process. This vent "breathes" constantly alleviating the need to open and close it. Or in worse case, your board soaking up water since you forgot to close it! The vent will flow 40 ml/minute max, and SUP's over 10' or hollow boards should use two (mid-board & near tail). Originally Gore designed this vent for sealed military electronics, so it meets very stringent spec's for a saltwater environment. This vent isn't an immunity to heat problem with EPS and Hollow Wood, and customers should understand that boards still cannot be left in the sun; especially upside down on your surf racks.

The Gore Vent Plugs come in two models:

Glass-In version is designed to be installed under the glass, directly into the foam.

Retro-Fit version is designed to be installed after the board has been glassed.

The Gore Vent Plugs are not cheap at $26.95, but are a great investment for your EPS/Epoxy or Hollow Wood surfboard especially if you want your board to last.

Check out the Gore Vent Plug Installation Manual for the correct directions on installing your Plug.

These plugs are another example of Foam E-Z's effort to carry the highest quality, made in the USA, surfboard building tools and products available. Feel free to let us know if you don't see something you're looking for on our site, most items are only a day away! We're open to all suggestions and comments so please let us know how we're doing.

Thanks for your support-

Brad

A Fly on the Wall, by Jeremy Lynch!

"A Fly on the Wall" Jeremy Asher Lynch from Modus Films on Vimeo.

Jeremy is a local HB guy, home board builder (Foam E-Z customer), artist, and film director. He is going to be featured at an art opening this Friday night November 13th from 7-10pm. The location is LeBasse Projects, 6032 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA.

Here's what he's been up to:

"I just finished the first installment of a new videos series we are doing at Modus Films.

It is gonna be a short abstract series called, "A Fly on the Wall".
In this series we are taking a voyeuristic approach to the everyday life of people we know and are influenced by.

The first video is on me as I prepare for my show this Friday. I have 6 new pieces in the show!"

The show is open to the public, hope to see you there!

Go to www.lebasseprojects.com for more info

Feel Good Saturday!

What a day at Foam E-Z this past Saturday was! It was great having Mark Bouvier in the shop again. Even with the short notice (via blog post), Foam E-Z customers came down to say hi to Mark and catch up with him. A big thanks to Nancy (Mark's mom) for chauffeuring him down and sticking by his side to be sure all was as it should be. The buzz in the shop was unreal not to mention the shaping going on in the Shaping Box and next door at Aloha Glassing. Only shaping his fifth board, Dan tried his hand at an "Old School Pig" 9'6" Nose Rider. He got really crazy and flipped the blank nose to tail to try get more tail rocker and less nose! Mark got dusty too as he walked Dan through the beginning stages of the shape process. The day wasn't without it's legends, as Robert August showed up to shape a 7'6" Seventies Gun for his nephew and Mike Minchinton shaped a five fin bonzer out of a neat two stringer wedge blank. It was cool seeing Robert August and Minch talking shop with Mark.

We're hoping to get Mark in the shop on upcoming Saturdays. We could surely use his help and good spirits. A big benefit party for Mark Bouvier, "Give some dough to a bro", is in the works. We'll be posting the details as they come up, please keep checking back.

Thanks for your support-

Brad/Grant/Mark

A Special Appearance this Saturday November 7th!!!

Foam E-Z super employee Mark Bouvier will be hanging out at the shop tomorrow, Saturday November 7th. Just in case you don’t know the history Mark has worked for us at Foam E-Z for about three years. He became our "Saturday" Guy and nurtured his own and new clientele making them laugh with his dry sense of humor. He is a shaper and an artist, the Evolution Tee Shirt that debuted at the Foam E-Z Fifteen Year Party is his creation. If you haven't seen him lately it's because he got into a terrible car accident on Thursday July 9th, 2009 http://www.ocregister.com/articles/police-beach-huntington-2488973-head-taken. Basically he got rear ended and the car came down on top of him, crushing one side of his head! After removing a portion of his skull to drain some fluid Mark had it replaced on September 25th and has since been sent home from the hospital to rehab. He's had to relearn to speak and is rehabbing the rest of his body at this time. It's absolutely amazing how far he has come in such a short time (although to him I'm sure it seems like it's been forever). In the car with him at the time of the accident was his girlfriend Sarah who was pregnant with their first child. Thank god she walked away with barely a scratch. They have since had healthy-happy baby Jack on October 7th.

We hope many of you can come down and say hello to Mark. He would be stoked to see his Foam E-Z friends both old and new to talk shop. If he's not in the front of the shop when you arrive he will be in the "Shaping Box" coaching his Friend Dan as he shapes a new board.

We're working on plans for a benefit party for Mark in the upcoming weeks so stay tuned. In the meantime you can check out Mark's MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/cheaterfives or email him board building questions or good wishes at surfddout@yahoo.com.

Hope to see you all-

Brad

UV Catalyst …Will Make You Taller, Stronger, and More Attractive

That may not be completely true, or true at all, but it does kind of rule if you are using polyester resin. I’m a huge fan of the UV catalyst and I’ve been using it for about 3 years now, on and off, and have been getting it pretty dialed. I did a board the other day with a resin tint bottom, some additional resin tint splashes on the tail. I then did a resin tinted seal on the foam with multiple tints on the deck as well as doing glass on fins and finished it off with a two 4oz clear deck. I did the usual paste on the bottom and deck before hot coating the board and went 100% UV catalyst. After it was all said and done I only used a total of 2 ¾ quarts of resin and it only took about 3 ½ hours. Another bonus of using the UV catalyst is that the overpowering polyester resin smell doesn’t linger since the resin kicks off as soon as it hits the sun or ultra violet lights leaving less of a chance that a neighbor or family member will complain about the “smell” coming from the garage. Don’t get me wrong, there is still a strong “smell” however, it doesn’t linger as long. So there you go, if you are still hesitant to try it out, call us up and we’ll be more than happy to answer any additional questions.

Grizzley

Board Building in Prison!!!

One of my favorite things about being involved in the surf industry/working at Foam E-Z is meeting and getting to know new people, all kinds of people, from all different walks of life. Recently we have been selling board building supplies to an inmate at Pilot Rock State Prison in Crestline, California named Tony “Neptune” Stearns. This guy has gone through some rough times and made some poor decisions and has been in prison since 2001. One good decision he made was to turn his life around and do something positive with his time in prison and try to actively get involved in his rehabilitation. I have spoken to Tony a few times on the phone and the guy sounds amped about board building and his rehabilitation. I’m looking forward to more updates from “Neptune” and even meeting him soon in person to discuss his boards and board building in general. If anyone would like to contact him I know he would be stoked. You can send letters to him at:

Tony Stearns T-43417
P.O. Box 10
Crestline, CA 92325

This isn't the first time Foam E-Z has supplied prisoners with the supplies to build the board of their dreams. In the mid-nineties we were contacted by three Hawaiian inmates that were doing hard time in a Federal Penitentiary in Minnesota. We have pics and letters from them which we will elaborate on in a future post.

Keep up the good work Neptune. We're here for you!

Grizzley

Japanese Curved Planers are BACK!!!

Back by popular demand!!! The Japanese Curved Planer has not been around since Clark Foam went down in Dec 2005, but we've got them back in stock. Get them while they last!

Shapers love these little guys as they make it easy to cut the stringer in tight curved nose rockers. This plane fits perfect in the shapers hand and in the curve of the rocker. Extremely hard wood base with a high quality blade that can be sharpened many times. 1-1/8” X 3-3/4”; Imported from Japan.

Foam E-Z does Sacred Craft 2009!

If you missed Sacred Craft this year then you missed out. This years tribute was to legendary shaper Dick Brewer who also released his shaping DVD and the buzz was huge. His DVD covers template making, wood board shaping as well as standard blank shaping and yeah, we got ‘em!! He even gives Foam E-Z a shout out in the video. Back to Sacred Craft, it was only 5 bucks to get in and check out the latest shapes and designs from the big guys like Rusty and Merrick to the gurus like Karl Ekstrom and some throwback shapes from the hipsters at Gato Heroi. There were boards made out of all kinds of materials from epoxy to poly, Alaias, carbon fiber, you name it and it was there.

Not only are there cutting edge shapes and designs but at the show the shapers themselves are there to talk shop with the consumers and sign autographs. Check out some of the pics and you’ll see that everyone was in good spirits and really feeding off of the energy of the show.

We also participated in an epoxy glassing demo with Dave Daum from Kings stand up paddle and raffled off some shirts, hats, and even a single board epoxy kit and 10 yards of cloth! I was honored to be involved with such a great guy as Dave who has 30 + years of experience in the industry. We laminated the deck and bottom of an EPS blank to a packed room and it was a great lesson from a seasoned pro.

After that we cruised around to schmooze with some other dudes like Jeff Clark, the dudes at Marko, and even Dick Brewer. Brewer made several appearances in the two shape rooms while other shapers such as Gary Linden, Pat Rawson, and Dennis Murphy exhibited their shaping wizardry to large crowds packed around the clear shaping booths.

It was awesome to see the way a master craftsman like these guys move around the board and turn a blank into magic in only one hour.

Two days of talking shop and soaking up knowledge from an elite crew of legendary shapers, and looking at thousands of new shapes is enough to get anyone amped on shaping and frothing to get back in a shape room. Happy shaping.

Grizzley

SACRED CRAFT Coming Up This Weekend!!!

Hey everybody. Just checking in to give you all a heads up on Sacred Craft this weekend, we are going to be down at the expo on October 10^th and 11^th so come on down and see us, therefore Foam E-Z will be closed on Saturday. There will also be legendary shapers Pat Rawson, Gary Linden, Dennis Murphy, Ricky Carroll, and Reno Abellira shaping and showing some legendary skill as well as a tribute to Dick Brewer. We are going to have our products down there as well as some coupons that can be used back at the shop. You can find us snuggled up next to US Blanks or just look for the air borne blank with our name on it. Besides the regular booth deal we will also be taking part in an awesome Resin Research Epoxy hand glassing demo with craftsman Dave Daum at 1:30pm on Saturday and 10am Sunday in the Bubble Gum Surf Wax room. I know a lot of people are hesitant to use epoxy for one reason or another so this will be a great demo to check out and get those questions answered by a true pro. Besides that, did I mention we will have giveaways all weekend? Yeah, so cruise on down and hang with us this weekend while we check out some cutting edge technology and pay tribute to some of the original fellas.

Noises From the Shed, board building by Glass Tiger Surfboards

A brief insight into how Mark Roberts from Glass Tiger makes his unique wooden surfboards. Glass Tiger is a small company based in Falmouth, Cornwall, making hand crafted wooden surfboards with a lightweight foam core. He has developed a construction method that produces an exceptionally strong, yet light and responsive surfboard, that if looked after will last for years, maybe even a life time. All the processes and materials Mark uses are carefully considered to reduce their environmental impact.


Glass Tiger Surfboards

78 Pengarth rise,
Falmouth,
Cornwall,
TR11 2RR

Phone-07977147425
email-info@glass-tiger.com
Web- www.glass-tiger.com

Surfers Take Different Paths During the Vietnam War!

Between the Lines explores the choice that most draft age surfers faced during the Vietnam War era: either go to war or evade the draft. It was one or the other. Between the Lines delves into the lives of two surfers who choose opposite paths, Pat Farley and Brant Page.

Many of the film's personalities are expected to be in attendance and the theater lobby will be filled with a variety of Vietnam photos and memorabilia. CSM member Bruce Blandy will display the surfboard he crafted in Vietnam. DVDs of the film will be available for sale, as well as the companion book honoring the movie and the first-ever Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Paddleout (which was held in Oceanside in 2007).

"Keeping your daughter off the poll!" Grizzley attends the 2009 Surfer Poll

If you are a fan of surfing like I am then the 2009 Surfer Poll and Video Awards is one of the highlights of the year. I was fortunate enough to attend the event and it did not disappoint. Red carpet entry bright lights, video cameras, and pros as far as the eye could see. There were video pros, top 44 pros, a mean looking group of Hawaiian pros, Aussies and South African getting crazy. The event was hosted by a rotating cast consisting of Benji Weatherly, Fred Patacchia, and Sal Masekela of E! and X Games fame. None of the action was off limits, pros and regular fellas were shoulder to shoulder to catch all of the awards and to check out the ladies.

The ladies were definitely one of the standouts of the evening. It became a theme throughout the night that the ladies were ripping harder than ever and there was plenty of film to support it. Stephanie Gilmore took home top honors for the ladies with a solid field of ladies such as Coco Ho, Carissa Moore, and Alana Blanchard not far behind the rankings. All of them dressed to impress and ripping harder than most of us guys that were in attendance, seriously.
When it came to the men’s category Slater took home the number one spot, of course, but there were other highlights that were great to see like Ken Collins getting annihilated on a 50 foot wave that was projected onto 3 15’X15’ screens with an earth shattering sound system. Taj Burrows best trick which really got the crowd going and Standout Surfer of the Year Bret Simpson who had hometown backing and a great video clip to back the award.

The event went off without a hitch and it was a great honor to get to be in a room that small with that many of the industries elite from the behind the scenes guys, to the corporate suits, to the many different slathering of pros. I can’t wait to see what surfing will bring for the remainder of ’09 through 2010. If it continues on then the Surfer Poll and Video Awards for 2010 will not disappoint.

NEW SUP Board Building Kits!!!

For those of you that want to build your own SUP we have created complete board building kits. There are three sizes available in two different models, Surf and Flat Water. The Surf Series come in 9’, 9’6”, 10’ and the Flat Water Series comes in 10’, 10’6”, 11’. These sizes and shapes cover the range for most people and conditions.


The SUP Surf Series blanks are professionally computer designed and cut on a CNC machine out of White Hot EPS Foam. These SUP Surf blanks/boards are progressive and made to surf on, therefore they won't paddle as well as the Flat Water SUP's. All designs are proprietary Foam E-Z designs with the help of established shapers to make sure these "cut blanks" are truly original and legitimate. The blank is cut close to the finished product thus your shaping process has been simplified to blending the nose/ tail, sanding the blank smooth, and a few minor details. The blanks are designed so the customer can adjust the tail shape and certain dimensions if necessary.
SUP Board Building Kits come with all the highest quality materials/supplies to build your very own SUP. Includes: Professionally computer cut EPS blank, Resin Research CE Epoxy 3 gal Kit, 6ozx38" Fiberglass Cloth, Future EA Vector II or FCS M-5 Sidebite Production Set , 10.5" White Fin Box, 8.5" Future SUP Surf Fin, White Leash Cup, Vent Plug, Logo Paper, SUP Leash, and SUP Deck Traction. TOOLS OR INSTRUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED!



The SUP Flat Water Series blanks are professionally computer designed and cut on a CNC machine out of White Hot EPS Foam. These SUP Flat Water blanks/boards are thicker and wider making them float and paddle better than the Surf Series Sup's. All designs are proprietary Foam E-Z designs with the help of established shapers to make sure these "cut blanks" are truly original and legitimate. The blank is cut close to the finished product thus your shaping process has been simplified to blending the nose/ tail, sanding the blank smooth, and a few minor details. The blanks are designed so the customer can adjust the tail shape and certain dimensions if necessary.
SUP Board Building Kits come with all the highest quality materials/supplies to build your very own SUP. Includes: Professionally computer cut EPS blank, Resin Research CE Epoxy 3 gal Kit, 6ozx38" Fiberglass Cloth, 10.5" White Fin Box, 10" Future SUP Flat Water Single Fin, White Leash Cup, Vent Plug, Logo Paper, and SUP Deck Traction. TOOLS OR INSTRUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED!

Prices for complete kits range from $855 to $875. Each kit has a lead time of two weeks. Upgrade Kit with a C-4 One Piece Fiberglass Paddle 8.5" Blade for additional $217.00! To place an order or for any other questions please email Sales@FoamEZ.com or call the shop at 714.896.8233.

Dane Reynolds and Dan Malloy ride some interesting boards!!!

TSJ | POV - "Dan Malloy & Dane Reynolds Board Swap" from The Surfers Journal on Vimeo.

Ride shotgun with Dan Malloy and Dane Reynolds as they cruise from their Ventura homes to Emma Wood State Beach for a quiver swap. This insider look at their modes of surfing comes to a head as they trade—and ride—everything from homemade hunks to foiled Fryes.

SURFRIDER EXPRESSION SESSION

Surfrider Foundation Celebrity Expression and Malibu Surfing Association MSA Classic

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION CELEBRITY EXPRESSION SESSION AND

MALIBU SURFING ASSOCIATION MSA CLASSIC

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009

WHAT: The 4th Annual Surfrider Foundation Celebrity Expression Session will bring celebrities together to raise awareness and funds for the Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Part of Malibu Surfing Association’s MSA Classic, the Celebrity Expression Session is a great opportunity to watch top-tier celebrities show off their surfing skills while demonstrating their commitment to coastal environmentalism.

On-site, media will be given the opportunity to interview the celebrity surfers about their participation in the event, as well as their involvement with the Surfrider Foundation.

The MSA Classic, presented by the Malibu Surfing Association, is the premiere contest in the Coalition of Surfing Clubs annual series. This two-day event, was first held in 1962, and now has over 275 athletes representing elite surfing clubs from around the world.

WHO: The Surfrider Foundation Celebrity Expression Session will feature celebrity surfers such as FLEA, JASON MRAZ, SAL MASEKELA, ERIC BALFOUR, DAVID CHOKACHI, ERIC AVERY, PETER DISTEFANO, BRANDON CRUZ, and ERIK SANDIN.

The two-day MSA Classic will feature more than 275 athletes from California’s elite surfing clubs from around the world.

WHEN: Saturday, September 12
Media Check-in- 10:00 AM
Celebrity Expression Session 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
MSA Classic – ALL DAY

Sunday, September 13
MSA Classic – ALL DAY

WHERE: First Point, Surfrider Beach – Malibu Pier and Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA.

THESE ARE FREE EVENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR TO RSVP, PLEASE CONTACT ALEXIS HENRY AT SURFRIDER FOUNDATION

949.732.6413 OR AHENRY@SURFRIDER.ORG

Fluorescent Surfboard Paint, jsut like the 80's!

The Eighties are back with the same Fluorescent Paints we used to paint the boards from that era! You can mix these paints with the standard colors to make brighter colors or use them on their own. The colors are brilliant and don't fade (unless you leave directly in sun for prolonged time). We stock the full array of Fluorescent colors: Fluorescent Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue, and Green. One pint each. Check em out at http://www.foamez.com/graphicstools-surfboard-paint-c-5_41.html

We'd be stoked if you would send us pics of your awesome color jobs. We'll post them on our blog for the world to see!

Have Fun!

Brad

FLEXPAD INTRODUCES NEW SANDING PAD FOR 2009!

FLEXPAD INTRODUCES NEW SANDING PAD FOR 2009!
POWERS, OR (July 27, 2009) –FLEXPAD INTRODUCES NEWSANDING PAD FOR 2009!

With the introduction of this new FLEXPAD comes a change in surfboard sanding tools for 2009. If you've
sanded using a FLEXPAD in the past, you know how true they run. The challenge has been to make them last longer
under heavier workloads and varying RPM levels.



Last winter, I developed a multi-layer foam combination. Using high pressure molding and a new hard shell
foam that I formulated, to solve that issue. The hard shell white foam on top of the Orange Hard and the
Red Medium FLEXPAD transfers the cutting edge and the flex point more towards the outside of the pad.
This results in less stress on the center area and it extends the life of the pad. After 7 months of testing in
all kinds of applications, it's ready to go! With very positive feedback, I guarantee you won't be disappointed
with it's performance.

“As with all my FLEXPAD products they are tested with experience and constructed with quality. KEEP SANDING.”-
Jerry Mowe.

All FlexPad products are available exclusively here at Foam E-Z http://www.foamez.com/glassing-surfboards-sanding-pads-c-3_74.html

Santa Barbara Oil Proposal gets Denied - Surfrider

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY DENIES PXP SANTA BARBARA OIL PROPOSAL BUDGET ITEM

Surfrider Activists Make Their Voices Heard


San Clemente, CA (July 28, 2009) – On Friday, the California State Assembly prevented an attempt to override the State Land Commission’s denial of the Tranquillon Oil & Gas Project off the coast of Santa Barbara. They stopped legislation added to the budget that would have allowed the project to move forward. The Assembly’s decision stresses the importance of California’s system of independent boards and commissions to take action, and also highlights the grassroots efforts of the Surfrider Foundation and other environmental organizations to prevent Governor Schwarzenegger from circumventing the State Lands Commission’s decision making process regarding the project.

“This was an important victory for us,” says Chad Nelsen, Environmental Director for the Surfrider Foundation. “Regardless of the project, allowing the Administration to use special legislation to skirt established decision making processes would set a dangerous precedent, jeopardizing the state’s ability to enforce existing environmental law.”

In January, the California State Lands Commission denied the Tranquillon Oil & Gas project in a 2-1 vote. At that time, Commission attorneys, in consultation with the Attorney General’s office, concluded that the agreement could not be reliably enforced. In an effort to move forward on the project, special budget legislation was proposed that would have allowed the Director of Finance to effectively override the State Lands Commission’s decision.

Within days, Surfrider Foundation and numerous other environmental organizations banded together to express their opposition to the special legislation that would overturn the State Lands Commission’s decision. Through action alerts, letter writing campaigns, and countless phone calls to local representatives in Sacramento, activists urged that this special legislation be left off the budget because the efforts was contrary to the principle of independence of California’s system of independent boards, would weaken the Commission, and establish a precedent that controversial decisions of the agency could potentially be reversed through legislative tricks.

“As we saw last year in our successful effort to Save Trestles and then again with this decision, when people stand up and make themselves be heard it can make a difference,” says Nelsen.

For more information, visit www.nottheanswer.org .

About Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Now in its 25th year, the Surfrider Foundation has grown from a small group of dedicated surfers in Malibu, California to a global movement made up of over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide. For more information visit us at www.surfrider.org .

Sacred Craft Shaping Demo at the Hurley US Open

There is nothing better than hanging out with 125,000 of your closest friends at the U.S. Open presented by Hurley. Major props goes out to Hurley for putting this whole thing together and bringing back all-stars like Slater, Fanning, Machado, and Irons. This event dwarfed past years in action, size, half-naked girls, entertainment value, skate/bike/shaping demos, and….half naked girls. Everyone was rallying behind local boy Brett Simpson in the final vs. Mick Fanning. The energy was positive and people were hooting and cheering at every wave whether it was Fanning or Simpo. When it was all over Simpson prevailed in his hometown to the tune of $100K in prize money.

That wasn’t the only action though. There were the usual raffles, and giveaways as well as retail buildings they erected with full on air conditioning. The stand out this year was the Sacred Craft Shaping Demo. Scott Bass and the boys set up a shaping booth inside an air conditioned tent for the shapers to do shaping demos on the sand right in the middle of all the craziness. Along with the help of U.S. Blanks and us (Foam E-Z) they were able to work through and explain the shaping process to onlookers. I was able to catch John Carper doing his thing and it was really to cool to not only see what he was doing but to also hear him explain his movements. It was very special since the inside of a shaper’s bay is a very private place. This is where secrets are kept and ideas are formed, therefore to be able to see a real pro going at it was a great treat for everyone. Carper really wowed the crowd when he broke out a chainsaw to cut out the outline. Other legendary shapers on hand for the demo were; Bill Stewart, Maurice Cole, Doc Lausch, Darren Handley, Pat Rawson, and local HB legend surfer/shaper Robert August. So as you can see this was quite a display of history, skill, and craftsmanship.

Not sure if I mentioned it but there were Half Naked Girls everywhere!! By the end of the event people were ready for more. The pros and spectators agreed that they can’t wait to see what will happen next year.

Reported by Grant Ramey
Pics by Jeff Holtby

Foam E-Z hits the Surfline US Open Party.

Wow!! You got to love summer in Huntington Beach, especially when the U.S. Open is in full swing. On Thursday July 23rd Surfline hosted their VIP party at their Huntington Beach offices overlooking the sprawling contest spread on the south side. Monster Energy drink and Corona were also their providing the beverages and the Monster Girls provided the hospitality and added to the scenery. The night started off with a good mellow vibe and escalated to a full on dance party courtesy of some rowdy pros in town and some awesome R&B from the early 90’s. Everyone had a great time mingling, checking out the luxurious Surfline office, and drinking…..a lot. All and all it was a great night out and a super fun crowd of surfers and surf fans from all over the world just letting loose.

Giant Squid in the House!

Reader Irena Guilmette sends us this picture of her husband John in the water today at Bolsa Chica State Beach Tower 18 with a Humboldt Squid found in the surf line. This squid was estimated to be about three feet in length and weighed about 15 to 20 pounds.

“My husband was surfing … when he noticed all the kids on the beach gathered around the squid. The squid was washing to shore, but still alive, my husband grabbed it to take to back to sea,” Irena writes.

These powerful and sometimes aggressive “jumbo” squid usually dwell in deep water (600-2,300 feet), but they’ve been making an appearance recently along the OC and San Diego County coasts. In a story on the phenomenon this week, the Orange County Register’s Pat Brennan noted that scientists who study the Humboldt squid say they appear periodically in large numbers off Southern California for reasons that still aren’t clear.

Beach Blogger Laylan Connelly reminds us that in 2005, about 1500 of these squid washed ashore on OC beaches in January of 2005.

Some attribute the Humboldts’ current near-shore activity to a recent earthquake, others say the squids’ appetite for grunion causes the creatures to be so close to shore. Whatever the cause, the big squid — with their barbed suckers, sharp beaks and aggressive ways — are back in the neighborhood.

SURFRIDER MOSAIC PROJECT!

Surfrider Foundation Teams With LEGOLAND California Resort for Celebrity Mosaic Project

LEGOLAND® CALIFORNIA Resort and Surfrider foundation team up for celebrity mosaic project
Celebs Create Ocean-Themed LEGO® Mosaics to Raise Funds for Surfrider Foundation

CARLSBAD, Calif. (July 15, 2009) – SEA LIFE™ Aquarium turns one August 11th and LEGOLAND® California Resort is celebrating with the launch of the Celebrity Mosaic Project to benefit the Surfrider Foundation. Celebrities including Al Pacino, Brooke Shields, Heidi Klum, Jamie Lee Curtis, Peter Facinielli, Thomas Gibson, Tom DeLonge and Tony Hawk have built their own unique ocean-themed LEGO® mosaics that will be on display at LEGOLAND California Resort from August 11 to September 8, 2009 and as a listed auction on Charitybuzz.com with proceeds donated to the Surfrider Foundation.

“We are excited to be celebrating SEA LIFE Aquarium’s first birthday and partnering with them for the Celebrity Mosaic Project,” says Matt McClain, Surfrider Foundation’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “Their idea to use unique celebrity mosaics as a creative way to educate the public about our fragile ocean and marine environments is fantastic and aligns perfectly with our mission.”

“It is exciting to see so many of today’s most popular celebrities come together to support Surfrider Foundation,” said Peter Ronchetti, General Manager of LEGOLAND California Resort. “What a fun tribute to the Aquarium’s first birthday! I may even be tempted to bid on a few of the mosaics myself.”

The Surfrider Foundation is one of the world’s largest non-profit organizations dedicated to the protection and preservation of our oceans, waves and beaches. Now in its 25th year, the Foundation continues to carry out initiatives for clean water, free and open access, and the preservation of coastlines through its global grassroots networks made up of all types of ocean lovers.

Mosaics vary in theme from a mermaid created by Heidi Klum to a fish on a skateboard by Tony Hawk, a smiling sting ray by Thomas Gibson and a kissy-faced blowfish by Jamie Lee Curtis. Most of the celebrities recruited their children to help in the design and creation of their mosaics.

The online auction begins August 11 when the Mosaics are unveiled during a ceremony in SEA LIFE Aquarium’s Southern California Touch Pool. In addition, SEA LIFE is hosting a special Surfrider Foundation Weekend August 14 to 16 featuring a Surfrider Foundation-inspired craft for kids; a Surfrider Foundation education booth and a ticket offer for Surfrider Foundation Members. For more information, visit www.sealifeus.com , www.surfrider.org or www.charitybuzz.com .

###

About LEGOLAND California Resort
LEGOLAND® California Resort is the premiere California destination for families with young children and is home to both LEGOLAND® California, a 128-acre family theme park and SEA LIFE™, a two-story 36,000 square-foot interactive Aquarium. Both attractions are owned by Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world. For more information visit www.LEGOLAND.com .

About Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Now in its 25th year, the Surfrider Foundation has grown from a small group of dedicated surfers in Malibu, California to a global movement made up of over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide. For more information visit us at www.surfrider.org .

About CharityBuzz
Dedicated to helping charities prosper.
There is nothing more important than the work non-profits undertake. At charitybuzz, we believe that cause marketing can be both effective and trend setting. Our innovative auctions reach millions on a global basis. Our growing community of bidders are driven to do well, affluent, well educated, well informed and brand loyal.

Legendary Hobie Shaper, Terry Martin Shapes it up on video!

TSJ | POV - "Terry Martin and the perfect 40-minute board" from The Surfer's Journal on Vimeo.

This is a great viewing of legendary Hobie shaper Terry Martin shaping up a traditional longboard. He starts with a US Blanks 9-3Y as his canvas and works his Skil 100 planer over the blank. Those old planers just eat up the foam like no other.

Having started shaping wood as a lad in '50s San Diego, on through to shaping sleek Phil Edwards Models, to the now - where he finds himself an in-demand builder of boards of all denominations for Hobie- Terry Martin is the consummate craftsman. In this short video, Terry shapes a perfect traditional noserider, talking us through his philosophy and technique as he works.

Enjoy the video, we hope it provides some insight to your shaping experience.

Brad

ISD article in the Orange County Register

International Surfing Day

See who showed up for the 5th annual event

By LAYLAN CONNELLY

OrangeCounty.com

Sylvia Bybee looked in her plastic bag, listing the discoveries found on the sand at Bolsa Chica State Beach.

A rusty nail. A pair of tweezers. Plastic straws and lids. Oh, and a crusty dead fish.

"I was like, what is that?" she said of the barely recognizable fish skeleton. "Just nasty stuff."

Bybee's bag was one of many filled up on Saturday, as surfers came in from the water to clean up the coast for International Surfing Day, which was started five years ago by San Clemente-based Surfing Magazine and the Surfrider Foundation.

Check out photos for the event here.

"We all use the beach, we all use the water," said Tony Soriano, treasurer for the Huntington Beach/Seal Beach Surfrider chapter. "We should take care of it."

The day started when a group of co-workers took a day off early from work to grab a surf session and brainstormed about how they could give back.

"It's a day to consciously think about the lifestyle we get to live. It's a day to celebrate the sport," said Surfing Magazine Editor-in-Chief Travis Ferre.

Surfers have a natural connection to the environment, spending hours on any given day sitting in the water and waiting for waves. Often, plastic bags or trash float right next to them in the ocean.

"Everyone has the same interest - clean beaches and clean water," said Brad Nadell, of surf supply shop Foam E-Z, which had a booth at the event in Huntington Beach. "I think people just want to get more involved these days."

Johnny Ray Flores, 7, pulled a large, rusted street maintenance stand as big as him from the sand. Johnny and his sister, Natalie, dug it up from the Santa Ana River.

It read "City of Los Angeles."

"That must have been washed up from the ocean," said their father, John. "I was very surprised."

The Flores family - all dressed in wetsuits - resumed their hunt for junk throughout the morning.

"Look at her, she's determined," John said of Natalie, who was pulling hard on a blanket buried deep and stuck in the sand.

"Be careful, there might be something in there!" he called out to her.

International Surfing Day had a slow start, with 18 organized cleanups the first year it was held. By 2006, there were 40, and this year more than 100 beach cleanups were held around the world from as far away as South Africa and Europe.

Here in Orange County, three major gathering sites were at Bolsa Chica and Huntington state beaches and Salt Creek in Dana Point.

More major surf brands are getting involved with International Surfing Day as they have become more environmentally conscious. This year Quiksilver sponsored the cleanup at Bolsa Chica, Vans gave away bags of goodies down at the Santa Ana River mouth, and many smaller surf shops set up booths.

"I think it's cool that in five short years we're seeing more companies that are being a part of it," said pro surfer Matt Beacham. "It's something I think needed to happen for a long time."

Although the surf was lackluster and many surfers who showed up didn't even bother getting into the water, it wasn't a wasted day.

"We're all here for the right reasons - to raise awareness for the ocean, waves and beaches," said Vipe Desai, creator of Project Blue, a company that focuses on eco-friendly surf wear.

Despite drizzly weather, cloudy skies and wind-chopped waves, thousands of surfers turned up to do their part and pay respect to Mother Nature.

"Unfortunately, the weather isn't greatest, but the turnout is great. We're not going to let the rain stop us," said Alexis Henry, spokeswoman for the Surfrider Foundation.

Look what I found on International Surfing Day!

This was the big catch for the day! Can you believe what this
gentleman and his son reeled in? It appears these street road blocks
drifted all the way south to the OC. We had a great turnout today
despite the crummy weather. Look for a more detailed update in the
next few days.

Enjoy your ISD!

Brad

International Surfing Day!

Ever needed a legitimate excuse to go surfing? Well, on June 20, 2009 you finally have it, International Surfing Day. Created by Surfing Magazine five years ago, this unofficial, official surfers' holiday gives us a chance to promote and celebrate the sport while bringing awareness to the state of our oceans and beaches. The goal is simple, take the day off or at least part of the day to go out and catch a wave or three and... while you're at it...help cleanup your favorite beach. In conjunction with the Surfrider Foundation, Surfing Magazine will be organizing a a handful of official beach cleanups. If there isn't an official beach cleanup in your neighborhood don't let it stop you from beautifying your own stretch of sand!

What are you doing tomorrow for International Surfing Day Saturday 2009? We'll be down in Huntington State Beach (North Side of River Jetties) from 8am to 1pm, along with a number of other surfing enthusiasts! Come down and join us there will be plenty of swag given away, refreshments, surf music, sun, and fun.

Some of the participants setting up tomorrow are: Foam E-Z, Future Fins, Harbour Surfboards, Van's Shoes, Katin Surf Shop, Greek Surfboards, Surfline, Monster Energy Drinks, Surfing Magazine, The Sierra Club, and many more. So as you can see it will be a great day to kick off the summer.

Hope to see you there!

Brad