Issue 2

GET BOARD
Shaping, riding, understanding and buying

Sand. Ocean. Surf.

uniquely inspired accessories, handcrafted in paradise.

Exclusive discount for Edge Magazine subscribers. Enter promo code EDGE10 to receive 10 percent off everything, every day.

www. sandoceansurf.etsy.com

Issue 2
Editor Nikki Stephens
nikki@edge4chicks.com

Contributing Writers Sandy Beach, Kristin Boese, Jules Haley, Lindsay McLure, Erin Rowley, Brian Watkins Contributing Photographers Austyn Bynon, Caleb Farro, Kaitlynn Loy, Jeanice Stone. Page Designers Charlene Rughe, Nikki Stephens Web Designer Jared Serfozo Publisher Issuu www.issuu.com

Disclaimer: The athletics described and illustrated herein are performed by trained athletes and could result in serious bodily injury, including disability or death; do not attempt them without proper supervision, training and safety equipment. Edge Magazine is not responsible for injuries sustained by readers or failure of equipment depicted or illustrated herein. Contributions: Address all editorial correspondence to Nikki Stephens at nikki@edge4chicks.com. All manuscripts and letters sent to Edge Magazine will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to editing. Edge Magazine does not necessarily endorse authors views. Edge Magazine is not responsible for loss of or damage to manuscripts, photography or art.

BORED?
Are you bored? My answer is Hell yeah! But Im not referring to the typically awful, mind-numbing, horifically painful experience you may be thinking of. Im talking about my crazy obsession with the very foundation of my favorite sports: boards. Without boards surfing would be swimming, wakeboarding would cause a lot of drownings and kitesurfing would look idiotic and slightly comedic. We have come a long way since the times of 10-ft-long Alii wooden surfboards rode by ancient Hawaiian chiefs, but there isnt only size to consider any more. Now we have to look at material, shape, flex, rockers, fins, etc. etc. etc. And if you dont know what those things are, then you are going to be insanely lost when making a purchase. I bought my first kiteboard before I had even learned how to ride yet. I didnt know what to look for in a girlsspecific board, what size was right for me and my riding ability (uber beginner) and I certainly didnt know it mattered anyway.

LFTE

buyers

I still own that used Slingshot SX 122 cm beat up board, but I made a big mistake in the purchase. It was too small for me as a beginner and for my body type; and with absolutely zero board control on my end, it made learning even more difficult. More often than not, I just rented boards (usu-

ally mens) wherever I went, because mine was useless. I want your board experience to be very different. So in this issue, we teach you how to choose the right surfboard for your ability and wave preferences, give an explanation of the different parts of a board and have a board-

guide that includes a little bit of everything for wave, wind and wake riders. Get board, Chicks.

Nikki Stephens
Nikki Stephens Editor nikki@edge4chicks.com

Womens Kite Camp

April 11 - 15th

Special chapter pre-PKRA

Take part in filming a tv show for a womens sports channel.

KBYs beach villa will be your home for the week. Relax with a cup of coffee on the terrace, do yoga on the beach and sip cocktails until the sun goes down. During the week you will learn or improve your kitesurfing, kayak through the mangroves, swim in cenotes and visit ancient Mayan ruins. There is no shortage of fun in the Yucatan!

Kite lessons Daily yoga Kayaking Mayan ruins Massage Shopping

Camp includes transportation from Merida, food, beverages, shared accommodation, kite lessons, kayaking and yoga.

$850 per person only 6 spots available! Book now. www.kitebeachyucatan.com info@kitebeachyucatan.com

ON THE COVER

Erica Hosseini isnt just a killer sufer chick, shes also a model, blogger and closet nerd. Follow her blog at www.whereserica.com

See her photospread and interview on page

LFTE
Spring Break Getaways

18 28

Features

World Champion KristinBoese shows us how to complete a Board-off 360. ONeill wakeboarder Jules Haley gives a video tutorial on this advanced trick.

Un-Board Yourself

Shreddage

Toe-side Front Roll

KB4Girls

Spend your week off of school surfing the waves of Baja, kiting in Islamorada or wakeboarding in Austin.

Kristin Boeses camps and clinics for girls does more than teach kitesurfing.

Increase your stamina by adding heartpumping exercises to your work out.

Cardio

Health Hottie

38 41

43

26 32 46

Core

Windy Art

Female surfboard shaper, Windy Lang tells us about her journey.

Surfing hottie Warren Smith tells uswhat turns him on ... and off.

Mr. April

Pick the right stick Board Guide

How to choose the right board for your surf sesh.

Chick Next Door

Erin Rowley

44

Surfer, Marine Biologist, Family Focused

Wave, wind and wake: All the boards you can dream of.

60

Erica Hosseini
A Newport Beach native who has surfed six of the seven continents competing in pro and amateur comps for years still prefers her local river jetties to some of the most famous locations in the world. She takes a break from her busy schedule competing, training and traveling in Australia to talk with us.

Wheres Erica? I am currently in Australia competing. I started off in Manly, Sydney for the first event. Tell us about the competition experience so far. How are you doing? The waves were a little junky and windy, so I could have had a better heat, but my experience and the contest couldnt have been more fun. Such a great scene on the beach and the night life with the event parties was amazing. Cant wait to come back and give it another go next year for the Australian Open of Surfing! Where are you headed next? The next event is in Newcastle, Sydney next week. I am on the Gold Coast now traning and getting ready for the contest. There was a two week break in the middle of the events so I had to find somewhere warm to go with waves. The Gold Coast is always a fun spot to end up on. After that I will head straight over to Western Australia for the last event in the country. I am excited for that one as well because its basically a different world over there. Lots of kangaroos, wineries, massive trees and open roads. It will be a fun escape and a great way to end the trip. This trip is clearly not your first, where are all the places youve been in the world? I have been to six out of seven continents. Have yet to hit Antarctica; one day though! Ive also been all over Europe, to Bali, Australia, Tahiti , Hawaii, Peru Brazil and the list goes on and on. Where was your favorite and why? My fav is Australia. The people are great, the waves are fun. Its got a bit of every thing to keep me going day to day and most importantly the water is warm. My second fav is Bali. So much fun. Great surf, cheap EVERYTHING and great foooooood. (haha) but I cant handle more than a couple of weeks because it is too hectic for me. Were going to come back to that food comment in a minute, but lets talk about your blog/website WheresErica.com. I thought it would be fun to post a behind the scenes of the action I get into. Whether its a photo shoot, comp, surf trip, anything really. With all the traveling it was just more of a follow me around the world type blog and the title Wheres Erica? seemed perfect. Did you build the site yourself? I built both my site ericahosseini.com and my blog www.whereserica.com so I think its safe to say ive

spent my fair share of time Geeking out on the computer. So that is why you refer to yourself as a Closet Tech Nerd? What are some of your favorite nerd things to do? Im a total tetchy. I own every gadget there is. From iPad to iPhone MacBook, Kindle and GoPro, Flip and each generation there after. I try out everything and if its a no-go, its straight to eBay. I love mak-

ing videos too. Everyone that ever forgets a cable or camera cord when traveling always comes to me. Its now a known fact that I will have what youre looking for! haha Ok, back to the grub. We hear you love to eat, but your figure doesnt show it; how do you stay in shape and enjoy your favorite foods at the same time? I love food. I easily eat six meals a day, but obviously not a big junk fooder. I snack on lots of raw veggies

all day and love frozen fruit in the tropical spots. But my fav food is my dads home-cooked Caesar Salad. It sounds boring, but it is AMAZING. Also, whenever Im away I always try and find a gym or make sure I walk and get a small cardio routine in. And then just surf and practice where ever Im at. So naturally I get a lot of exercise.When the swells are big or its raining overseas I try and spot yoga studios and classes close by to where Im staying, so I have a few options.

This issue is our Get Board: Surf edition; how many boards do you have? Too many to count. A whole garage full. But I usually only travel with three to four--and thats traveling light. Most people travel with five to nine depending on the length of the trip. Tell us about your favorite board? My favorite board is my Sharp Eye Disco Its a 510 Squash Tail and just works well in all around surf. Describe your wildest day out on the water. Best day out in the water was on a trip to Bali in Nusa Lambongan Island. I was with a couple of my South African friends and we scored the best surf in the bluest water and surfed all day. No photos, no crowds, no hassels. Just my friends and I swapping perfect waves. It was amazing. Have you had any really bad experiences? Ive had a few. Ive broken a board in Bali and cut

myself on the reef. I had to swim 1/4 of a mile to the beach, just to have locals throw lime all over my cuts to prevent staff. That wasnt fun. There was also couple Hawaii moments. The swells in Hawaii are probably some of the fastest growing swells out there. You can paddle out and it will be 3 footers, but as your surfing it can change to 10 foot waves within the hour. All of a sudden you dont realize why youre out there or how to get back to the shoreline. Hawaii gets very powerful and very scary sometimes. What do you love most about the sport? That I get to travel to the greatest places in the world and surf fun waves. Sometimes its warm and sometimes its cold and rainy, but its always fun and a great experience. I also love surfing at home, its peaceful and I get to escape and just do my own thing without a care in the world.

Do you prefer competing or just riding for fun? why? I like both. I am very competitive and always have been. Sometimes losing is hard and then I just want to surf for fun. But after enough time goes by Im always excited to throw a jersey on and surf a heat. The nerves and thrill that come along with the competition side of things (making heats and winning events) is so rewarding that it would be hard to ever completely give up that side of the sport. Plus some of my best friends are on the tour and I love travel-

ing, hanging and surfing with them. They make it all that much more fun for me. Im very lucky. Advice to girls learning how to surf? My advice is to just have fun and love it for what it is. It takes a long time to get good and get the hang of it. Its not like other sports, Mother Nature is always making it a challenge and everyday is different. Dont throw in the towel too early if you get frustrated after your first few sessions. Stick it out and give yourself a chance to fall in-love with it. :)

A solo kiter explores the paradise of Whale Harbor, Fla. Photo: Kaitlynn Loy

Spring
Its that one, sacred time of year. You have a week free from responsibility, the weather is starting to feel like summer and the hall pass is in your hands. The winter has been a cold and rough one. This is your chance to warm up your soul and tan your shoulders.

Break Getaways

WhateveR

your preference, be it waves, wind or wake, weve got you covered with a spring break ride guide to find the goods and have a great time doing it. For killer waves, look no further than the Baja peninsula for endless possibilities. Kiters, how does warm, flat water and steady wind sound? Islamorada in the Florida Keys has your name all over it. Wakeboarders, Austin, Tex. has world-class facilities and is calling your name.

If exploring Baja in search of quality surf is your style, then you have plenty of options. Driving the entire Baja peninsula will put over 1,000 miles on your vehicle each way, but if youve never done it, its an experience to add to your bucket list. Another option is flying into San Jose Del Cabo then heading towards the East Cape or Todos Santos. A third option is driving from San Diego to Ensenada. Whatever you choose, there are plenty of opportunities for waves and adventure. Both the Cabo area and Ensenada have top-shelf spring break scenes. In between these two cities however, you and your friends are going to have to bring the excitement with you, because there isnt a lot going on between the far north and far south ends of the peninsula. Weather in Baja is extremely pleasant during the spring; expect temperatures in the 70s or 80s. The water, however, is relatively chilly. A substantial wetsuit (4/3 in the north or 3/2 farther south) is recommended. Expect to get at least four or five days surfing out of the week. If Ensenada is your destination, have your eyes peeled for surf all the way down Mexicos Highway 1. According to Kyle Wormsbecker, who surfs this area frequently, if it looks good it probably is, so pull off and give it a look. Breaks are named after Kilometer markers in this area, K 38 being one of the most popular. For lodging in Ensenada, Posada el Rey Sol offers a convenient downtown location with prices starting at $71 per night. If you need to rent a board or pick up something you forgot, San Miguel Surf Shop is located in downtown Ensenada as well. As you head farther south, the next zone of reliable surf is called the Seven Sisters, and is the heaviest surf found in Baja. The Seven Sisters are a series of right-point breaks located north of Guerrero Negro, about half way down the peninsula. If this is your destination, bring everything you will need with

BAJA

you, including drinking water. There arent very many settlements near this area. Lodging options consist of primitive camping. Beyond the Seven Sisters, the far tip of Baja offers yet another set of surf breaks. Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo will be your home base down here because of the airport, car rental, surf shops and hotels. Check out the Cabo Inn for small, clean rooms starting at $24 a night and a great location. From Cabo you can head to the East Cape to check out Shipwreck or Vinaroma. Both these breaks are within 25 miles of San Jose. Rent boards at Costa Azul or Azteca surf shops, both located in San Jose Del Cabo. Todos Santos is a smaller and more authentic feeling artistic community on the Pacific side located about 50 miles north of Cabo San Lucas.

The surf and culture in this region are worth the trip. There are three surf breaks within 30 minutes of one another. La Pastora to the north, San Pedrito in the middle and Cerritos to the south. For lodging check out Hotel Casa Toto in Todos Santos, a beautiful boutique hotel with rooms starting around $90. Camping and surfboard rentals are both available on the beach at Cerritos. San Pedrito has larger waves and a rocky bottom, whereas Cerritos is a smaller break with a sandy bottom. While you are down south, head into Cabo San Lucas for the classic Cabo spring break scene. Also, if you plan on driving in Baja check with your auto insurance provider to make sure youre covered.

Chris Farro engulfed in a sea of green, Punta San Carlos, Baja Calif. Norte. Caleb Farro

ISLAM FLorida

MORADA a
Whether your spring break goals include landing your first slim chance, or staying up wind consistently, a week in Islamorada, Fla. will help get you there. Warm, flat water and lightbut consistentwind spell out paradise for beginners and tricksters alike. With spring air temperatures in the 80s and water temperatures between high 70s and low 80s, its hard to have a bad day. You can expect an average of three or four kiteable days per weekeven more if a front is moving through. Dont worry about no-wind days. The area has a ton to offer including snorkeling, diving, boat rentals, fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding and The Keys Cable Park just opened in March. Places to stay are plentiful, but book in advance during spring break. The Postcard Inn, with prices from $229 and up, is located right in the middle of the party scene. The Chesapeake Beach Resort, with rooms from $278 and up, is conveniently located next to the Seven Sports operation. Check out the Drop Anchor Inn, with rooms starting at $160, if you are looking for more inexpensive lodging. oTHErside Boardsports and Seven Sports are two local shops that are equipped to handle any needs you may have. Bring your own gear, but dont hesitate to check out the Slingshot demo center at oTHErside Boardsports. Whale Harbor is the most popular riding spot, and its in the middle of everything. There is a large expanse of sand to rig and launch from, as well as many opportunities for downwinders. Boats are anchored up and down the beach with party-goers relaxing and checking out the action. A fun and unique option is to hire a boat to drop you in the shallow water and launch from there. When youre kiting, take some time to look around. Through the clear blue water you can admire tropical fish, turtles and dolphins. According to Jeanice Stone, owner of Stone Wear Bikinis and one of the only female kite instructors in the Keys, many of the countries top riders come to the Keys in the spring, and there can be a lot of guys and just a few ladies.
Burning sun and storybook clouds in Islamorada, FL. Jeanice Stone

Texas

Austin

Texas Ski Ranch

Austin, Tex., in the heart of the Lone Star state, is a wakeboarding paradise. In the spring you can expect to find both air and water temperatures in the mid 70s to 80s. You can wakeboard or ride the cable park every day if your arms and legs are ready for it. The Texas Ski Ranch is a 70-acre action sports complex with something for everyone. The cable park makes wakeboarding accessible to anyone because you dont have to deal with renting a boat, driving the boat or buying gas. Texas Ski Ranch has two cable systems: one for beginners and a larger one with many slider features for more experienced riders. Some of the most popular features in the park include a flat rail and transfer box. A full day pass is $36 and equipment rentals are available on site. If you need a break from the water, Texas Ski Ranch also has a rock climbing wall, skate park and a 15,000-square-foot trampoline park.

Canyon Lake, Lake Travis and Lake McQueeney are a few alternatives to riding the cable park. These lakes are known for their incredible wakeboarding and beautiful scenery. Nearby New Braunfels offers some alternative activities including the US Schlittenban, the largest spring-fed water park in the US. If that isnt enough, rent tubes and head to the Guadalupe River for a relaxing float. For lodging, check out the Embassy Suites in San Marcos, outside of Austin for rooms starting at $147. Another option is staying at the Fairfield Inn in New Braunfels for rooms from $89 and up. If you havent completely tired yourself after long days in the water and sun, head to Austin for a booming music scene and savory dining options. 6 th street is the place to be if youre looking for an evening full of excitement.u

Windy Art
rowing up in North Dakota and Minnesota may not lend itself to surfing, but Whitney Windy Lang enjoyed the water from a young age. Years of being a competitive swimmer and wakeboarding made surfing a natural transition when she moved to Newport Beach, Calif. At 18. When she first arrived in California, she knew little about the sport. Her first board was a Chilli high performance short board, which she says she struggled with at first as she paddled out to learn. It was way too thin for my beginner ability, she says, but I bought [it] without any knowledge of surf boards. Despite the initial challenges as she went out to surf with friends each day, she gradually got the hang of surfing and learned a bit about surf boards themselves. Not long after that, Lang met an accomplished surfer named Gary. Gary took Lang under his wing, teaching her about surfing and what surf board shaping entails. After seeing his collection of boards in all shapes and sizes, Lang was fascinated by the idea that surf boards could be so customizable. Suddenly, shaping her own boards appealed to her. Seeing her interest, Gary directed her toward the kind of research shed need to get into surf board shaping. She discovered an online community of surfing craft enthusiasts called Swaylocks, and quickly became hooked on reading about different techniques. What really got me excited was that I could create whatever I wanted, Lang says. The possibilities are endless. This pursuit lead her to meet a shaper from Huntington Beach, Ken Moorea man that would become her mentor. Moore agreed to take her on as an apprentice and teach her the craft of turning a plank into a rideable, enjoyable surf board. Together we made 10 boards from shaping to polishing, and I credit him to my success, she says. Shaping itself is an art of passion originating from hand tools, Lang explains. It now competes against the plethora of mass-produced boards sold in highpriced surf shops. Many dedicated surfers still prefer the original method of production, she says. Shapers from your town know the waves and which boards perform best in those waves. Surfing is a tough industry, and Lang says that being both young and female has been something of an obstacle. When people compliment my board and I tell them I made it, some of them dont believe me. Lang sees this as an exciting challenge, however.

Brian Watkins

Windy (Whitney Lang) polishing her pink fish. [MOORE]

Customizing surf boards is a fulfilling way for Lang to express her artistic side. In particular she enjoys designing fish, high performance short boards, and as she calls it, anything weird. She takes pride in knowing how to laminate a board during production, something not all shapers do. This allows her to construct a board from start to finish without needing to outsource, and really put a piece of herself into every board she creates. Her goal is to have created 500 boards in 10 years. Lang says the perfect day is when the water is glassy and the beach is quiet, because the art of surfing is being patient. Dont always take the first wave. Let someone else go before you.

PHOTOS//ABUTIN

KB4 girls

s I lean over my kite to attach the lines to the bridle, Im reminded that my gear has seen many great days. The connection points, frayed and faded, show signs of age. The rip-stop material of the canopy isnt as bright and crisp as it once was. The wind is howling, with gusts registering above the 30-knot mark. Clouds of sand are being blown off the sandbar and are pelting my face and legs. Im confident in my skills and my gear but its the supportive smile and nod from a fellow kiter that ultimately nudges me to get out on the water. When I know that my peers have my back I feel comfortable pushing myself to try new tricks or to launch my kite in fierce conditions. Kiteboarding has developed a reputation for being dangerous, daunting, and male-dominated. KB4girls, which stands for Kiteboarding 4 girls and Kristin Boese 4 girls, is a non-profit aimed at helping women break through this challenging stereotype. Lauri Streaker, treasurer of the KB4girls foundation explains that, while some women approach kiting with an aggressiveness comparable to young, hot-shot guys, women more often approach kiteboarding with a more pragmatic attitude. Women generally pair their stoke with caution and a desire to fully understand the mechanics of the kite and the wind before diving in. Megan OLeary, owner of Exotikite Kiteboarding, and KB4girls Baja Ambassador, has observed that women and men often follow a different learning curve. When she teaches womens lessons or KB4girls clinics, she typically spends more time explaining technical details, safety, and control theory. When the time comes to display the skills

on the water, however, OLeary then expects most females to progress faster than male students. KB4girls helps women progress in the sport by providing a support system that builds confidence and excitement. Streaker expains that, stepping outside ones comfort zone is a big factor in learning anything. KB4girls structures its clinics and camps in a way that pairs participants with others of a similar ability. By doing so, everyone has the opportunity to be coached at the level theyre at and are able to help push each other to improve their skills by reaching beyond their comfort zone. One of Streakers favorite aspects of kiting is being out there with friends, watching them kite and improve, while knowing that everyone is looking out for one another. KB4girls was founded with the mission to empower women and girls through the sport of kiteboarding. The idea is to give women a platform in a very testosterone filled sport, and help them achieve their goals, whether they are striving to succeed at a competitive level or

simply want to have fun and feel comfortable kiting without assistance. The organization has expanded its scope recently when it achieved 501 (c) 3 status. Now that KB4girls is a recognized non-profit, it has added another dimension to its events. In addition to providing opportunities for women in kiteboarding around the world, KB4girls also aims to raise money for local and global charities. KB4girls is hosting a tour of global events this year that will combine a womens riding clinic with a fundraising event. Each participant will be asked to meet an established fundraising goal instead of paying a participation fee. The money raised will be donated to a pre-selected local charity. In addition to global events, KB4girls is also has a full calendar of local events. Monthly downwinders hosted by OLearys Baja chapter are an exciting example of this type of event. The Baja downwinders are free to participants and include professional coaching and jet ski support. For a full list of events, check out the KB4girls website at www.kb4girls.org.

Pick the right

Stick
By Sandy Beach

When it comes to choosing the right board, its not always as easy it sounds, but have no worries. With the right info, a little patience and some help from an experienced surfer of 25 years, choosing the right board doesnt have to be stressful. Where can I find such a knowledgeable person you ask? Look no further than Sandy Beach, yes ladies and gents, that is his name. He will enlighten you about the variety of stick styles to choose from. Lets go shopping.

Longboard

Beginners should consider training on a longer and thicker board. The old clich, Bigger is Better should be applied. A Longboard style board is suggested, which ranges from 8 - 12 feet in length and 20 - 23 inches wide. Students should stick with the long board to gain confidence for a while, as it is the easiest board for practicing on. The average cost of a new long board is $600 - $800 and used ones can be purchased for $100 - $400 depending on the condition. The first board usually gets beat up pretty badly and often dinged, so dont feel the need to splurge on the best of the best. Once comfortable and confident on the board, if you would like to try another board type, now is the time.

Fun Board

The Fun Shape or Fun Board is a smooth transition from the Longboard. These boards are shorter, anywhere from 6-8 feet long, but are still wide enough to remain stable. They do, however require a more aggressive paddling style. Once in the wave, the board can be ridden in the same style as the classic Longboard or can be used to pull off some trickier, more squirrelly maneuvers.

Fish

Another wider but much shorter board, less than 7 feet, is the Fish-style board. These boards originated from the Olympic-style knee boards, all being short, flat and usually wide. Boards like this are excellent in mushy conditions and in getting through flat sections of the wave, as is often the case in places like Florida. This style of board has increased in popularity in the recent years and is often seen dominating the lineups.

Short Board

The Short board has a sharp nose with lots of rocker, or curvature of the board. They are usually shorter than 7 feet also and ridden in waves waist high or more. The sharper nose and increase in rocker allows for steeper drops, sharper turns and an overall increase in maneuverability. This is the type of board that dominates the competitive and professional level of surfing.

Big Guns/Rhino Chasers

Big guns or as the Hawaiians call them, Rhino Chasers, are used in big wave conditions where short boards are too small and slow to catch the waves. This design allows for fast, steep drops into double overhead conditions such as Waimea Bay located on the North Shore of Oahu. Even though there are several styles to choose from, learn them all. Take the time to explore each style of board and try them out in several different conditions. This is the best way to maximize your surfing experience while having fun in any type of condition you may encounter. Now all you need to do is get out to the beach, paddle out on your favorite new board, catch some fun waves and experience the stoke of a lifetime.

boobiesrule.org

LINE

SHEETS

Rocker
Long boards and fun shapes have less of a rocker so as to keep you in the face of the wave and steady on the board. It allows for slower, more controlled turns. The short board has a lot of rocker, especially in the nose region. This allows a steeper drop and lets the surfer pull tight, quick turns. A board with a lot of rocker is usually reserved for more experienced surfers.

Rails
The outer edge or side of the board. The rail influences all aspects of the ride. It impacts the planning capability, especially on long boards, the speed of the board and how it turns and grabs the wave. Long boards have a softer rail than that of short boards. That is, the rail is more rounded which is more forgiving in that it is harder to catch the edge and pitch sideways or forward. Thicker and wider rails create more drag. The short board has a much harder and sharper rail. This permits the board to knife in the water and plane faster for a quick turn. Unfortunately, the sharper rail is less forgiving and is easier to catch and pitch on, also referred to as a wipeout.

ROCKER

RAILS

Fins

The fins, located on the underside of the board are the engine of the board. Long boards have a single, while short boards and fish style have a 2-4 fin set up referred to thrusters, twinnies or quads. Single fins are usually bigger, wider and thicker. The single fin set-up teaches the surfer to look further down the face of the wave. Its very stable and holds the board in the wave amazingly well. Its fast in a straight line because it has less drag from the reduction of fins, unlike the multiple fin set ups. Despite having their own specifications and capabilities, the multiple fin set ups all have two things in common when comparing them to a single fin system. They are all much faster, looser and more responsive in performance. The fin set up is based on the individuals needs in the water, both single and multiple set ups can be found in most models. Try them all to determine which set up best suits your needs. The single fin is recommended for beginners.

TAIL FINS

Tail

The Tail effects maneuverability and overall control. Pintails or pointy tails have a tendency to maximize traction and control. The Round tail is the most common for long boards. It increases the lift and tends to be looser and turnable. Square tails allow the board to be very responsive for faster, sharper and looser turns. The swallow tail has two points that allow more hold and traction. This upside down V gives the surfer more control when going into and out of turns.

good hangtime is required for a Board-off 360, so you have to be particularly dynamic in your take-off and need to steer the kite back fast and aggressively. Fly your kite on a reach at the 11 oclock position, edge upwind and then steer your kite towards 12 oclock to build tension in the lines. Then you must jump off using the back. Immediately on take-off bring your center of gravity forward and start to rotate straight away. Flex your legs to bring the board close to your body, take your rear hand off the bar and grab the handle of the board. Once you have a firm hold on the handle, you can take your feet out of the strap and then extend them away from the board. After 3/4 of the rotation, pull the board back onto your feet, moving feet and board toward one another as you do so, and begin to land. Bring the kite forward and pull yourself back into position over the board. Cushion the landing on a broad reach with your knees.

By Kristin Boese

1 2 3 4

Edge upwind and steer kite up Take off and start rotating forward Bring board and hand together and grab handle Feet out of straps and extend

head in direction of rotation 5 Keep and finish rotation

6 Put feet back into straps, release edge 7 Hand onto bar, extend legs, kite forward 8 Land

To maintain the rotation, the rider should keep looking over her shoulder throughout the trick. It is therefore necessary to get the feet into the strap without looking.

w w w . K i t e b o a r d i n g C l o s e o u t s . c o m
F r e e S h i p p i n g o n A L L o r d e r s

Trick Tip
By ONeill Wakeboarder Jules Haley Once youve mastered your toe-side wake jumps and have them on lock, you will be ready to try some toe-side front rolls. Before trying it on the water, it is important to familiarize yourself with the trick on the trampoline. Unlike backflip-based tricks, it is harder to spot your landing with a toeside front roll, and it is important to be confident with the rotation. As you edge into the wake, make sure you approach with a strong powerful edge, keeping your hips up and your weight slightly over your front foot. Make sure you ride all the way to the top of the wake, going up before you initiate the flip. It is really important to keep your direction throughout the flip. Naturally you might be inclined to turn your body toward the boat, however it is really important to keep your handle close to your front hip as you rotate away from the boat, landing down the wake on your toe-side edge. A toe-side front roll is easy to under rotate. Try to keep tucked up until the very end of the flip, and when you land push the handle behind you, as though you are putting it into your back pocket. I find that it helps to let go of your back hand at the end of the flip, steadying yourself as you land. Butt-checking is a problem that many people have with front-rolls. This unnecessary and sometimes painful landing can occur from throwing the flip towards the boat and losing your direction. By throwing the rotation over your back arm you will keep your direction and get a sweet, clean landing that everyone loves to see. Dont be afraid to edge hard and give this trick some grr; the more you go for it, the bigger, better and easier your front rolls will be! Good luck, and have fun!

ONeill Wakeboarder Jules Haley demonstrates a clean Toe-side Front Roll VIDEO PROVIDED BY JULES HALEY

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Adding cardio to your workout three times a week helps you not only burn calories, but it also helps beef up your stamina. If the waves are flat and the wind is choosing not to cooperate, head out for a jog along the shore. Youll return feeling rejuvenated and euphoric (thanks to the sweet release of Endorphines).

Turn up the [heart]BEAT

Warren Smith

West Surfing International Team Rider

PHOTO bluesnapper.com.au

BORN Nashville, Tenn. (for reals) HOME I am currently homeless and hopefully that lasts for a long time STANCE Social Libertarian SURFING FORTE (Competitive, Big Wave, Free Surfer or other.) WHY? Im competitive as hell. I surf so I can beat people at it. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE WORD? When old men say titties, being super stoked, dank WHAT TURNS YOU ON? Wine dates, Miles Davis, powerful lips, pale skin, time traveling WHAT TURNS YOU OFF? Not time traveling, cigs, Grady Archbold

WHAT SOUND OR NOISE DO YOU LOVE? Huey P Newton and Shirley Chisholms podium voice, the new deertick and satan WHAT PROFESSION, OTHER THAN YOUR OWN, WOULD YOU LIKE TO ATTEMPT? Pizza delivery or a ninja, maybe a time traveler. WHAT PROFESSION WOULD YOU ABSOLUTELY NOT WANT TO ATTEMPT? Being Fred Durst would suck pretty bad. IF HEAVEN EXISTS WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR GOD SAY TO YOU AT THE PEARLY GATES? Something silly as hell. I doubt God speaks English though. I doubt he even speaks. Maybe it just puts things in your brain. Maybe it put these exact words in my brain. I dont know though. Im just here to party.

Boards

The perfect accessory to any beach outfit is a sleek and sexy board with the hottest graphics, eye-popping colors and sultry design. Just because we appreciate beauty though, doesnt mean we compromise on quality. Here are a few of the best boards on the market for 2012 that will surely make a statement.

Wave

Sharp Eye Disco $539 New design created for small to medium surf. The Disco is a high performance small wave board that allows you to surf like your normal short board. The bottom has the most amount of rocker than all other small wave designs and the outline is wider than the glider model. You will go fast and turn tight on those small but fun days. The Disco should be order 4 to 6 inches smaller than your regular short board. This board is also customizable with Sharp Eye graphics to make your high performance board uber stylish as well. sharpeyesurfboards.com

Starboard AST CAndy SUP $1649 Easy glide into waves and super smooth through all aspects of surfing. This is a proven performer as demonstrated by Tama Audibert, who placed second in the 2010 Waterman league Sapinus Pro, Tahiti. Tama simply went into a local shop in Tahiti, got himself an Element and took out the whole worlds elite. star-board-sup.com

Surf Diva Superstar $893 Recommended for gutless to shoulder high surf - the super flat entry and exit rocker insures speed through even the flattest sections. The full, forgiving rail maximizes flotation allowing for smooth turns without losing speed. surfdiva.com

PHOTO55Productions

Wind

Best KB Signature V3 $700 For girls inspired to show the guys exactly how kiting should be done, then a world-class board designed by a world-champion should be first choice. With rider weight-specific flex patterns and stiffness, the KB Signature V3 will feel like it was built just for you (because it was). bestkiteboarding.com See this board in action by CLICKING it

CrazyFly Girls Board 2012 $664 Decorated with special glitter paint, youll get more use out of this sparkle than any piece of jewlery you own. Every aspect is customer tailored to fit the needs of girls. Small S-size straps, optimized stance, graphics as well as balanced pop and flex for a smooth ride, soft landings and little chop. crazyflykites.com

Shinn Toyboy $750 Every girl loves a boy toy who she can take advantage of whenever she desires, ride until the sun goes down and love unconditionally for... as long (or short) as she wants. Real boys may come and go, but Shinns Toyboy board is here to stay. Constant curve rocker and squoval mold combine to offer outrageous performance in an easy-to-handle package. It is also supplied with Sneaker RS, which is best suited to our smaller feet. shinnworld.com

Wake

Slingshot Pearl $419 The word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable. What more could a woman want? Combine Slingshots latest Atomic Core, SingleShot Fusion Sidewalls, the Fastrack mounting system, and you get the perfect Pearl. Taking womens performance to a whole new level, the 2012 Slingshot Pearl has the smoothest pop and softest landings ever, this is truly the ultimate ladies board. slingshotsports.com

Angry Spider Temptress $Only available in Australia Are you ready to tempt the fellas with your tricked out runs? This board is for the rider who is ready to take on the big players of the industry. Hybrid technology combines the best of both worlds, the Temptress board shape with its unique flex characteristics, results in a board that has a huge wake to wake pop and has awesome flex for the best of rail riding. Get out there and show those boys whos boss. angryspider.com.au

Hyperlite Paragon Wakeskate $180 Featuring the look and function of Hyperlites signature skates, the Hyperlite Paragon Wakeskate is an incredible value. The Paragon series features a fully sealed 9-ply bottom deck for all the feel and pop of wood and has a True Skate top for grip dry boards cant even compete with. hyperlite.com

Victoria Agent Wakesurf $380 This wakesurf board is designed by Victoria team rider and World Wakesurfing Champion Bri Chmel. This wake-style skimboard has added width in the swallow tail that provides more volume underneath the back foot, which allows you to drop back further from the boat to pump out more tricks. Ride with either nose or tail forward and let the added volume give you extra pop. It is also equipped with low profile and comfortable traction. victoriaskimboards.com

 I am a goofy, goofy footer who got hooked at 13. Ive lived on Satellite Beach all my life. I grew up around surfing, with my father and older siblings always killing it. When I was really young I watched them while I boogie boarded. Seeing all of the fun they were having out there I had to finally paddle out with them. My mom and dad got me my first foam board for my 12 birthday. Then a longboard was handed down to me from my dad as I began to surf more often. My family is a huge part of my life. It was my dad, with some assistance from my sister, that taught me how to surf. My upbringing has humbled me and made me more appreciative of nature. Being around the ocean my whole life, I believe, has pointed me into my career interests as a Marine Biologist. I have since traveled to Belize for a college course, as well as Nicaragua twice and Mexico. I am the youngest of four and our family is a blessing in how tight we all are, and our uniqueness as one could say. We

are all literally best friends and always there for one another; it is absolutely awesome. My idea of a perfect surf session would be paddling out with my mom, dad, brothers and sister catching fun waves and bouncing our energy off each other. When I am not surfing I am teaching surf lessons at the Ron Jon Surf School. I am also an on-call volunteer for Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. Some other awesome organizations I enjoy working with are Surfers for Autism, Special Olympics and Smiley Riley Beach Bash, all with the Ron Jon Surf School. My mother is my inspiration, the strongest and most caring soul I know. As I began my second semester of college our family got the news that my mother was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. She has since fought it off, and is doing better than ever. It is my mother that has given me the strength, willpower and motivation to live my dreams. She has given me support along with the rest of my family that has been my fuel.

Erin Rowley

Chick Next Door

Wakeboarding
CHICKS
Send an email to nikki@edge4chicks.com with photos and 300-400 words about your wakeboarding lifestyle to be featured in the NEXT issue of Edge Magazine DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES April 30

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