Ladera Skateboards is much more than a brand. It’s a tight-knit crew of local skaters from Santa Cruz, California who’ve formed an alliance based on countless skate sessions and endless good times. Over the years, the Ladera Skateboard crew’s grassroots efforts, guerrilla marketing tactics and unique image have helped to build name and increase brand awareness.

Nine years later, Ladera Skateboards is still at the forefront of creating quality products, progressing the sport and staying involved with the culture and lifestyle of skateboarding.

By optimizing control, feel, and performance for all ability levels, Ladera Skateboards continues to stand apart from the rest with its high performance set-ups, innovative board designs and premium skateboard components. All skateboards are, and continue to be tested and approved to meet the highest standards.

Armed with a progressive team of athletes and a shared passion for skating, Ladera Skateboards has evolved into a community focused on redefining the capabilities of every single rider.  After all, performance can only be as high as the board you ride. Raise your standards.

NCS: Who was involved from the beginning?
LS: In the very beginning it was Ryan Roberts and Parker Weiss who started Ladera Longboards.  Since then many things have changed and people have come and gone. Ryan Roberts has never lost tract of his vision and its his passion for Ladera that has kept him going through the years.

NCS: The art work on the boards are looking nice.  Who’s is doing your art designs?
Kevin Walsh is doing the art work… Living in Santa Cruz, CA doesn’t come without it’s consequences.  Perfect, cold water surf, a deep-rooted skate culture and an endless variety of creative inspiration helped shape Kevin into a unique and successful artist, and one that shares in our goals and visions perfectly.  Kevin’s distinct, bold style has graced Metallica posters and the bottom of professional surfer’s boards, and now they’re right at home on the latest batch of Ladera Skateboards.

NCS: When you were making longboards in your wood shop class in high school, did you ever dream that you would have your own successful longboard company?
LS: No, we were just doing what we love, not thinking about success or having a company.  It wast all about making something you liked and going out and skating with your friends.  The success and growth of Ladera came naturally just through passion and are drive to make a higher quality skateboard.

NCS: What influences the shapes and designs?
LS: Friends, skating, and what we feel like making influences the designs.  Basically just getting feed back on what people would like to skate.  Going to the skate park and asking people what shapes they would be stoked to ride.  Also just going out and skating ourselves and finding shapes we would like to skate.

NCS: Do you guys have a team?
LS: Ladera is currently in the process of rebuilding our skate and surf team. We are always looking for new riders that are stoked on Ladera… Hopefully in the future we will have a full Ladera team.

NCS: Do you guys get kids constantly asking if you guys can sponsor them?
LS: Yes, we have a group of groms in Santa Cruz on the east side, who are stoked on Ladera.  They are constantly asking about getting sponsored.

NCS: Ladera recently got some financial backing right?  Has that helped in doing certain things that were not attainable before?
LS: Yes that has helped, it has allowed us to expand in ways that we couldn’t before.  We are now able to push the brand more and in different ways.

NCS: Didn’t Ladera collaborate with The Expendables on a tour?
LS: Ladera and The Expendables hit the road for a winter Blackout tour. At Ladera, we love us some good rock ‘n roll (and reggae, punk, metal, and hip-hop) so when the Expendables were looking for tour sponsors, we said sign us up! The tour hit 46 stops across the nation, and special guests include Iration, Passafire, Pour Habit, and Roots Down Below.  Ladera helped promote the entire tour, the band drove all across the United States, playing back to back shows.  Some of the other bands that were apart of the tour were Iration, Passafire, Pour Habit, and Roots Down Below.  Ladera was really stoked to be apart of the tour and everyone had a great time.

NCS: Where would you like to see Ladera Skateboards 5 years from now?
LS: In Five years we would like to capture 15 to 20% of the domestic longboard market as well as international sells.  In addition we would have a well established sales and marketing structure promoting are evolving hard good line and soft goods. I hope Ladera develops a solid skate and surf team.  That is first on our list for what we would like to see happen next. I hope to see Ladera still enjoying what we do, and that is making high quality skateboards.  I would like to see us always pushing to improve our shapes and designs on our product and keeping our friends and customers stoked.

NCS: Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
LS: I would like to thank Madrid Skateboards, Joey at Paris Trucks, Ruse entertainment, the Stanley Family,  Skate Works, and all the friends and family that have contributed over the past 10 years, thank you for getting us to where we are today.

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Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Ladera Skateboards

The competitors were greeted by huge waves as soon as the Contest began, with heats one through four being won by Dave Wassel, Peter Mel, Alex Martins, and Ryan Seelbach respectively. “These were definitely the biggest waves I have ever paddled into,” said second-place winner, Shane Desmond. After two memorable semi-finals which were won by Anthony Tashnick and Carlos Burle, the hard-charging Bertish pulled through in the final round.

The Gnarly Head Wines “Gnarliest Drop” Award, given to the surfer who pulls off the most impressive drop of the day, was won by Anthony Tashnick. Commenting on the opportunities that today’s conditions offered, Tashnick said, “There are no excuses on a day like today, it was perfect. Whatever you wanted, you could take.” The Jay Moriarity Award, given to the surfer who best exemplifies the spirit and passion that Jay was famous for, was won by Dave Wassel. Wassel, who thanked the Half Moon Bay locals for accepting him, was also blown away by today’s conditions. “It was undoubtedly the largest surf any paddle-in contest has ever seen.”

Despite the roughly 50,000 spectators in attendance, the Save The Waves Green Team was able to minimize the impact that the fans had on the area surrounding this world-famous break. As in years past, Green Team staff members separated trash and educated fans on how to reduce their carbon footprint. Added Maverick Environmental Manager Joao de Macedo, “Mavericks is a special place for all of us, and we’re thrilled to say that even with all of today’s foot traffic, the Save The Waves Green Team was able to ensure that this pristine condition.

Mavericks CEO Keir J. Beadling thanked everyone involved in the production of the event. “As we all know, producing this event is no easy feat. It takes countless hours of preparation from everyone in the Mavericks extended family. We’re grateful for the support of all who aided in the staging of this event, as well as for all of our sponsors. And congratulations to all the competitors on what was truly an historic day out here at Mavericks.” The full slate of sponsors for the 2009/2010 Contest includes Sony Ericsson, Barracuda Networks, Jim Beam® Bourbon, Moose Guen and Jane Sutherland of MVision, Facebook, the Bay Club, The Corporate Law Group, Gnarly Head Wines, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Airship Ventures, Vertical Response, Surfer Magazine, Oceano Hotel & Spa, Stormsurf.com, Rickshaw Bagworks, GoPro, Mission Chiropractic, and Capture Technologies.

About Mavericks™ and The Mavericks Surf Contest®
Every winter season, Mother Nature offers up the ocean’s harshest conditions and the giant, unpredictable waves that characterize Mavericks and the annual Mavericks Surf Contest®. Frigid waters, dangerous currents, jagged rocks and the ever-present threat of the great white shark. When weather conditions are just right, the 24 chosen surfers will make the official contest call. Once the call is made, they will have only 24 hours to arrive in Half Moon Bay to face the extreme conditions, thunderous waves and each other. Coined as “the wave beyond,” the Mavericks™ brand inspires hardcore athletes to face the unpredictably raw power of Mother Nature, and stirs the souls of those who aspire to challenge their own limits. Mavericks remains true to its core: a cold, mysterious and foreboding place that demands respect from everyone who goes there and inspires them to attempt the extraordinary. 2009/2010 Contest Sponsors include Sony Ericsson, Jim Beam® Bourbon, Barracuda Networks, Moose Guen and Jane Sutherland of MVision, Facebook, the Bay Club, The Corporate Law Group, Gnarly Head Wines, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Airship Ventures, Vertical Response, Surfer Magazine, Oceano Hotel & Spa, Stormsurf.com, Rickshaw Bagworks, GoPro, Mission Chiropractic, and Capture Technologies. For more information, including photos, surf conditions, Official Mavericks™ gear, and contest highlights, visit Mavericks online at www.maverickssurf.com.

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Chris Bertish Crowned Mavericks Champion

9 Questions with Jennifer Taylor, President of “Smart Girls Who Surf”

Being in the sun isn’t just about having fun — it’s about being safe, smart and protected. As beneficial as Vitamin D is for our skin, it’s even more important to keep our skin well hydrated while blocking the most harmful UVA and UVB rays. Smart Girls Who Surf and Surf-Vival know exactly how important this is to men, women, children, and families, so they created a premium line of earth-friendly sunscreens and products that protect the environment without using toxic chemicals or synthetic preservatives. Staying safe while playing in the sun has never been so fun — and easy!

NCS: When and how did Smart Girls Who Surf start?
JT: Smart Girls Who Surf was brought to life in July 2006. I bought the company from a friend of my moms a year later in July 2007. I immediately went to work on re-formulating all of the formulas to be chemical and paraben FREE. What I thought was to be a 3-6 month process took almost 12 months. Our new formulas have been on the market for one year now.

NCS: Where is your product made?
JT: My manufacturer is in San Diego and my filling facility is in Huntington Beach. We are very proud to admit that everything is made here in the USA.

NCS: How does Smart Girls products differ from the competitors?
JT: Smart Girls Who Surf and Surf-Vival differ from our larger competitors by producing a clean, moisturizing sunscreen using natural actives to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.  Very few ingredients (Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, and Avobenzone) have been proven to actually protect the skin from the more harmful UVA (cancer causing, skin aging) rays.   Most sunscreens actually only offer protection from UVB (burn) rays.  Using Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (both proven to effectively protect from UVA and UVB), our sunscreen is one of the most effective natural sunscreens on the market.

Another thing that differentiate us from our competitors is that our products are actually manufactured and filled here in the USA.  While many commercial sunscreen companies are focused on bottom line, we are focused on quality and producing a pure formula. By producing our formulas locally we know exactly what is going into the sunscreen and what the consumer is getting.

NCS: Does your product work well for people with sensitive skin?
JT: Yes, very well.  Because we have taken out the active chemicals and all synthetic preservatives, our products are much gentler on sensitive skin.  Zinc is an active ingredient that actually has been proven to be a natural antibacterial agent.  I have had many parents write me and tell me how happy they are that they have found something that effectively protects their children in sun without causing a rash.

NCS: How is Smart Girls going “Green?
JT: Living in a coastal community, we are painfully aware of everything that affects our fragile environment.  By producing a chemical free sunscreen we are helping to clean our polluted oceans.  There is planty of scientific research pointing to the decimation of the coral reefs and the marine life that depend upon the reefs to survive.   Just think of of all of the beach goers all over the world that go into the ocean after spraying all of those chemicals on them to protect them from the sun.   The chemicals have to go somewhere.

We have also started our own version of a “rise above plastic” campaign.  When I started this company I spent months focused on packaging.  Biodegradable packaging is a tough thing to find.  Companies that have tangible products need visibility to sell. So naturally, they rely on clear plastic. That is why there is an abundance of plastic packaging on the market.  Personally, plastic is a huge pet-peeve of mine.  So, I made it a personal goal to get rid of all plastic packaging that my kits (Grab-N-Go, Sun Savvy, and Surf-Vival) were sold in.  I am proud to say that now all of our kits are  sold in 100% biodegradable natural jute packaging.

I think all companies, including mine, will continue to strive to make any type of difference, large or small, in reducing our carbon footprint and making our world a cleaner place.

NCS: Are your products organic?
JT: Both of our product lines are completely natural and free of any active chemicals and synthetic parabens.  Our SPF 32 face sticks are organic.  For any product (skin or hair care) to be deemed organic, the FDA requires that at least 70% of the ingredients used come from organic matter and the processing must take place in an approved organic facility.  The FDA set these rules in place primarily for food products, but for skin care, unfortunately it is loosely monitored.

NCS: When should we expect to see the Smart Kids Who Surf product line come out?
JT: Hopefully, in the next 12 months. Still perfecting a higher SPF formula with Zinc.

NCS: Are you involved in the community and giving back?
JT: Yes, very involved. I am very fortunate to live in the small, tight knit community of Laguna Beach with my husband and two children. We are very family and surf oriented. Everything revolves around the kids and the beach. I have recently served as President of SchoolPower, the Education Foundation for Laguna Beach which raises money for the four public schools in our district, and my company is also very involved with the Orange County Chapter of the Surf Rider Foundation and volunteering on Zero Trash Days(local campaign to clean the beaches) here in Laguna Beach.

For the full product line, visit www.smartgirlswhosurf.com.

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Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Go Green with Smart Girls Who Surf

All surfers on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series look to compile their top results throughout the regional season in order to earn a berth into the ASP World Junior Championships. Once qualified, surfers compete to earn the title of ASP World Junior Champion.

Young, who is the reigning ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion, was is top form throughout the elite event’s opening rounds, topping an international field of up-and-coming talent including Chris Friend (AUS), Keanu Asing (HAW), 16, and Takumi Nakamura (JPN), but was eliminated by eventual 2009 ASP World Junior Champion Maxime Huscenot (REU), 17, in a tough Quarterfinals matchup.

“The surf was small the whole time, but it was fun in my Round 2 heat,” Young said. “I surfed a bunch with the guys that I was staying with and worked on figuring out my boards. The rights were pretty fun, so I was looking to surf on my backhand, but it’s kind of hard to surf with all of the bumps. I don’t really know where to sit to catch those rights, but I was just trying to wait for the good ones.”

Conlouge, who is consistently a top performer amongst the world’s best female surfers, started her Billabong ASP World Junior Championships campaign strong, topping Alizee Arnaud (FRA), Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) and Felicity Palmateer (AUS), but fell to 2008 ASP Women’s World Junior Champion Pauline Ado (FRA), in a tough, last-second loss to the young French standout in their Quarterfinals matchup.

“I was just going out there and trying to get through the heat,” Conlouge said. “There’s always room for improvement and always things that I could work on. The conditions were really similar to Huntington, it was really mushy and fat, but it works. You’ve just got to use it to your advantage and make the best of it.”

Both Young and Conlogue will be back in 2010 on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series and are eligible for rebirths at the ASP World Junior Championships for a shot at the 2010 title.

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.aspnorthamerica.com

American Results at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships: (Men’s)
Nat Young = 5th
Cory Arrambide = 9th
Dillon Perillo = 17th
Luke Davis = 33rd
Brent Reilly = 33rd
Cody Thompson = 33rd

American Results at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships: (Women’s)
Courtney Conlogue = 5th
Sage Erickson = 9th

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Nat Young takes 5th at ASP Junior Worlds

Contesting in their respective regional ASP Pro Junior Series throughout the 2009 season, qualifiers for the prestigious Billabong ASP World Junior Championships include 48 men and 18 women from the seven ASP regions: Africa, Australasia, Europe, Japan, North America and South America.

While the event has been held at North Narrabeen’s famed peaks for over a decade now, the ASP Australasia region hasn’t seen a men’s champion since Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, in 2001. Owen Wright (Lennox Head, NSW), 19, ASP Australasia’s No. 1 seed and qualifier onto the 2010 ASP Dream Tour, will look to cap off an incredible junior career with a big result at North Narrabeen.

“Last year (in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships), a lot of things went the wrong way for me,” Wright said. “It will be tough since the field has a lot of the same faces from last year, but I’m looking forward to it. Narrabeen is an awesome location; the Alley rights are so puntable and the lefts are long and sometimes barreling so I hope we get it pumping this year!”

ASP South America has been dominant at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, with Brazilians taking our four of the 10 men’s titles in the event’s history. Jadson Andre (Natal City, BRA), 19, 2010 ASP Dream Tour rookie and last year’s ASP World Junior Runner-Up, will lead the latest ASP South America squad into this season’s event.

“I think I put in a good performance last year, but during the final I didn’t catch the best waves, Kai (Barger) was surfing very well during the event and deserved the victory,” Andre said. “This year, I know and believe all the guys competing at Narrabeen are strong and have a chance to win. All the heats are like a final, so because of this I will give 100% attention in all the heats. I have been working on my psychological, physical aspect and my surfboards. I’m going to surf well and find the best results.”

ASP North America has not ventured as well in Narrabeen. Despite producing formidable teams, the North Americans have yet to claim an ASP World Junior Title – a fact that Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 18, hopes to rectify in his second appearance at the prestigious event.

“The standard of competition in this contest is crazy, every first round heat could be a Final in a normal junior contest,” Young said. “Personally, I would definitely like to do better this year. Last year was my first year in the contest and I made a couple heats so I was stoked, but this contest is so important to all the juniors because it is the biggest junior contest of the year. I think the other US guys are all great surfers and they have all had contests this year where they have shown that they are worthy of being in the World Juniors. I think this year could be a good year for the U.S.”

Kai Barger (HAW), 20, reigning ASP World Junior Champion, has graduated beyond the ASP Pro Junior Series, but remains enthusiastic about his fellow Hawaiians in Narrabeen.

“Looking at the Hawaii team, I think it would be sick to see Clay Marzo win, Barger said. “If he surfs anything like he has been surfing at home then he’s easily capable.”

Barger more than understands the importance of the event, and the effect a victory there can have on someone’s career.

“If there’s one contest to do well in, then trust me this is the one to win,” Barger said. “This contest changed my life and sometimes I still can’t believe I won there. There were a lot of nuts guys last year the surfing standard was so high. It seemed like everybody was pulling out their best.”

Mick Fanning (AUS), 28, recently crowned two-time ASP World Champion, knows a thing or two about winning and offered his own thoughts on the Billabong ASP World Juniors.

“I never got one…it’s a tough title to win,” Fanning said. “Back in the day it was really a battle between the Americans, Hawaiians and Aussies, but these days, there are contenders from each of the ASP regions and I think the list of recent past winners is a reflection of that.”

Despite the heavily-loaded field in this year’s Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, Fanning’s pick for the title stays close to home.

“Owen (Wright) is World Champ material if you ask me,” Fanning said. “I’ve watched him evolve over the years and he’ll be the man to beat at the World Juniors for sure, provided he’s recovered from some heavy injuries suffered during the Portugal World Tour event.”

The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships mirrors the competition format of the ASP World Tour and is considered the sport’s “crystal ball” for aspiring champions. In addition, a Final’s placing in the tournament affords the successful surfers an unrivalled seeding on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) that serves as a springboard to the ASP World Tour.

The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships will be webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

PAST ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONS:
2008: Kai Barger (HAW), Pauline Ado (FRA)
2007: Pablo Paulino (BRA), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
2006: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Nicola Atherton (AUS)
2005: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
2004: Pablo Paulino (BRA)
2003: Adriano de Souza (BRA)
2002: N/A
2001: Joel Parkinson (AUS)
2000: Pedro Henrique (BRA)
1999: Joel Parkinson (AUS)
1998: Andy Irons (HAW)

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Billabong ASP World Junior Championships – Sydney

American representatives including 2009 ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 18, Dillon Perillo (Malibu, CA), 19, Luke Davis (Capistrano Beach, CA), 16, 2008 ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion Cory Arrambide (Ventura, CA), 20, and Brent Reilly (Carlsbad, CA), 19, will travel alongside Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana, CA), 17, and Sage Erickson (Ventura, CA), 19, to tackle international talents such as 2010 ASP World Tour rookie Owen Wright (AUS), 19, defending ASP World Junior Champion Kai Barger (HAW), 20, and defending ASP Women’s Pro Junior Champion Pauline Ado (FRA), 18 at this year’s elite level of ASP Pro Junior competition.

Young, who clinched the 2009 ASP North America Pro Junior Series title at the last event of the year, the ASP Grade-3 Oakley Pro Junior, in front of his home crowd in Santa Cruz, California, is heading to his second consecutive ASP World Junior Championships and is hoping that the experience gained at last year’s event coupled with his regional success in 2009 will help his cause against the world’s finest junior competitors.

“Since I have done this contest before I know what to expect,” Young said. “I have surfed the wave and have seen how good the competition is. Every heat is like a final and everyone in that contest is capable of doing well, otherwise they wouldn’t be there. Since I have surfed there before I have got some boards that I think will work very good over there, plus, the priority system won’t be new to me since I did this comp last year.”

Young was a double-qualifier for this year’s ASP World Junior Championships and despite being the top rated surfer on the 2009 ASP North America Pro Junior ratings, the explosive goofy-footer earned his berth to Australia as the top rated American on the ASP WQS for 2009. Young is also hoping that his sharpened competitive skills honed on the ASP WQS this season will help his cause at this year’s Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.

“Even though the top guys in this contest were some of the top guys on the ‘QS, the last contests I did were the contests in Hawaii, and those have to be the hardest contests all year,” Young said. “To surf against the guys in those events and make some heats is a real confidence boost. Hopefully I can carry that confidence with me to Australia.”

Perillo, who led the ASP North America Pro Junior Series until the final event of the year, suffered a serious ankle injury while on a free surfing trip to Bali, but has made a full recovery and is prepared for the upcoming event in Narrabeen.

“Santa Cruz was the first time I could actually surf,” Perillo said. “After that event I tried surfing again but it didn’t last. I had to take a three week break before I went to Hawaii and that’s where I started surfing again without a brace on. Now the ankle is way better, I’ve been surfing every day, all day and it hasn’t been bothering me. It should be perfectly fine for the event.”

Despite establishing himself as a global standout, Perillo’s showing at this year’s Billabong ASP World Junior Championships will be his first and the talented Californian is hungry to claim a win over the world’s top talents.

“This is my first one but I’m kind of old so I want to do really well,” Perillo said. “More than half of the kids are younger than me. Placing first would be nice so I can get that seed.” (in to major ASP WQS events)

Arrambide, who was the 2008 ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion, will also be making his second journey to Australia in his quest for the coveted ASP World Junior Champion Title. The Ventura native is out to establish himself as a serious contender alongside the international field that is set to flock to Australia to compete in the contest and sees the event as the prelude to his future career.

“Surfing with the top juniors is great and I look forward to completing with those guys for the rest of my career,” Arrambide said. “I’ve really just been surfing my brains out at home to prepare and a bit of training. It should be a great event!”

Davis, who is the youngest American to represent the continental 48 states at the upcoming Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, is making his inaugural pilgrimage to the event and has been spending as much time in the water as possible to prepare for the contest while dialing in his equipment.

“I have just been trying to surf as much as possible and get all my boards figured out before I leave,” Davis said. “Qualifying for this contest is a big deal for me and it will help me with my confidence going into the 2010 season.”

Reilly earned his chance at the prestigious title of ASP World Junior Champion as the second top seed from America of Junior age on the ASP WQS.

Conlogue and Erickson, who have both been top representatives of America on the global front over the last few years, both gained priceless experience at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships last year and will be out to bring home the ASP World Junior title for America in 2010.

The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships will run from January 9 through 17, 2010 and will be webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

America’s Finest Head Down Under

NCS: How did you get into filming?

SC: I got into filming back in 1973 when I was taking photography at the University of Hawaii.

NCS: What was your first video camera?

SC: My first video camera was a Canon GL-1. Before the Canon, I was using film cameras.

NCS: What was your first surf flick?

SC: My first surf flick was called “On Safari to Stay”. We shot it in Super 8 film with a Beilu

NCS: Where is your favorite location to film?

SC: I like shooting any location where the light and waves are good and some of my boys are out. Indo and the Hawaiian Islands have some of the most compelling light and water.

NCS: Do you enjoy filming on land or in the water?

SC: I do like shooting both, but water is more challenging and you’re more involved so in my opinion it is a bit more fun

NCS: What kind of video camera (make/model) are you using now?

SC: On land, I’m currently using a Canon XH A-1 with several different adapter lenses depending on how close my subjects are. In the water I’m using a Canon HV-20. Both cameras are hi-definition

NCS: When you edit your videos, do you use a MAC or PC?

SC: We edit with Mac, the program we use is the Final Cut Pro.

NCS: How do you choose the music for your video sections?

SC: Musically speaking, we try to find the grooves we want, and search for the songs that fit it. CJ [Nelson] has been very helpful in this process.

NCS: What surf films do you enjoy watching?

SC: A couple of the surf flicks I like to watch are “Litmus” and “156 Tricks”.

NCS: Is there any surfer that you would want to film surfing that you have not filmed yet?

SC: I’d like to film Dave Rastavitch, I love his approach and that he’s a free surfer, not bound by the contest stuff.

NCS: What are your current surf flicks that are out now?

SC: All 4 of my movies, “On Safari to Stay”, “On Safari Again”, “Another State of Mind”, and “Fresh Fruit for Rotten Vegetables” are available at www.surfcraftmedia.com or other outlets like x-tremevideo.com. (they also available on digital down loads at www.thesurfnetwork.com)

NCS: Are you working on any special projects right now?

SC: I’m always working on my “next movie”.

NCS: What advice would you give to anyone who is looking to get into filming surfing?

SC: My advice for anyone looking to get into filming is to be persistent and do your own thing.

NCS: Is there anyone that you would like to thank?

SC: I’d like to thank all the guys in my movies, CJ Nelson has been particularly generous with his time and collaboration; also my editor Nathan Apffel who makes it possible for me to do what I do. And especially all the people that buy and appreciate my movies.

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Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Filmer Profile – Steve Cleveland

Featuring the infamous Plastic Wave (barreled by plastic), the SF premiere of “Lost Prophets” and Captain Paul Watson presenting “The Cove”, as early as 6pm a line snaked around the block past the immigrants, pimps and traffic on Mission Street. Area hipsters in skinny jeans and fixed-gear bikes were greeted by a completely sold- out Victoria Theatre, environmental activists drank plenty of beer and “Save The Waves” shone hard in bright marquee lights high above 16th Street.

But even the hipsters couldn’t stay away. Everyone attending was extremely happy with smiles all around, and the organic beer, local wine and Hawaiian-made vodka didn’t hurt either. Art sparked from ocean activism and watery environmental issues was created exclusively for the evening by local San Francisco surfer-artist Travis Weller and his gorgeous prints sparkled on the theatre lobby walls.

Captain Paul Watson arrived with his Sea Shepherd crew in tow, all semi-famous from their TV successes on Animal Planet’s “Whale Wars” and most recently “South Park.” Captain Paul minced no words when presenting “The Cove” and its dolphin conservationist message to the cheering crowd: “what we are doing to our oceans is insane and will destroy civilization if we don’t change our ways. If you’re eating fish you are part of the problem.” Local character was also celebrated in “Devil’s Teeth” – an emotional & chilling short film by Roger Teich & Ron Elliot about diving with great white sharks at the Farallon Islands.

Local surf rockers The Eldorados played two sets of surf-drenched hard rocking classics for the packed theatre and the roof was nearly blown off. Save The Waves Coalition ended the night with an amazing raffle of great prizes. A late-night Q&A with Paul Watson and Charles Hambleton, star of “The Cove”, sent everyone off with a healthy dose of introspection on the unhealthy reality of our oceans and marine life.

This was another amazing local San Francisco event produced by Save The Waves Coalition. It looks like Save The Waves Film Festival is here to stay!

~~~~~~~~~
Some attendees volunteered their comments after the event:

“One of the best events in San Francisco this year that I’ve been to. No doubt.” – Michelle McCarron.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you for hosting such a fabulous film festival! Having Captain Paul Watson there in person made such an impact. The vibe of the evening was relaxed, fun, party with your friends, yet the message was a shot to the heart. I can’t wait to get more involved and for future events. Kudos to all who made it happen.” – Cassie Marrone.

“Great film fest! Inspiring and enlightening. Thank you.” - Samantha.

More information and photos can be found at www.savethewaves.org

Photos by Giovanni Agnoli

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Save The Waves Film Festival Rocks San Francisco

“I’m so stoked. I can’t even talk,” said Nathan after his victory. “To win in my home state, and to win a 6 Star Prime event in such an iconic location, and to be up there with the guys who have won this event in its history is incredible,” he said. “I am just so stoked.”

It was a final of epic proportions – not just because of the surfing on display. Some of the biggest sets of the week came as if on cue into the final heat.

“There were a lot of waves coming at me with about 10 minutes to go,” said the O’Neill CWC California runner up, Australian, Heath Joske. “When those sets came through, about 30 of them hit me in the head one after the other. I got battered,” he said. “But it’s the way of the ocean.”

With yesterday’s swell still sticking around it provided the perfect arena in the amphitheatre-like setting of Steamer Lane in which to hold the quarters through to the finals of this 6 Star Prime ASP World Qualifying Series event.

One of the favourites for the competition – world number three Adriano De Souza – was knocked out in the first heat of the day by fellow Brazilian surfer Alejo Muniz.

“I was so nervous,” said Alejo. “I have looked up to Adriano for years. I was so nervous to surf a heat against him I couldn’t sleep at all last night. I can’t believe it. It’s like a dream come true,” he said after getting through to the semifinals, where his run was cut short by Nathan Yeomans.

Local favourite Kieran Horn was stopped in the quarterfinals by Luke Munro, but despite the fact that the Santa Cruz surfer was out, the crowds lining the cliff above the surf never thinned for this day of finals.

With a packed awards ceremony on the point at Steamer Lane it wasn’t just the final two surfers who were celebrating victory in the Californian sunshine.

Blake Thornton cut short his break to Los Angeles and headed straight back up to Santa Cruz when he discovered that he had won the US$50,000 as the overall winner of the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series 2009.

“I went down to L.A. after I blew it here in my first heat,” said Blake “I was checking Jarrad Howse and Adam Melling’s progress at the end of the day, but I couldn’t watch. I needed so many things to go right and they did,” he said.

It was the perfect ending to not only an epic competition here in Santa Cruz but also to the entire O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series.

Starting back in March of this year, the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series has more than succeeded in its ambition to seek out new waves in hidden corners of the world on which to stage one of the most groundbreaking contest series in the world of professional surfing.

The year has encompassed The Bluff in Tasmania, the perfection of Thurso East in the North of Scotland, the incredible Kalk Bay in Cape Town, South Africa, the cold but huge surf in Tofino Canada and finally the epic conditions of Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz – the home of O’Neill.

“It’s a great concept,” said Blake Thornton. “I think it’s unreal.”

“We saw some different places,” he said. “I never dreamt I would go to Canada surfing and it’s the nicest place I’ve ever been. And then Cape Town was awesome not only because I did well but because it was something new – stepping outside and going down there. It’s definitely a good thing that O’Neill did and I will definitely do it again next year.”

For more information visit www.oneill.com/cwc

Special thanks to all of the sponsors of the 2009 O’Neill Cold Water Classic and Oakley Pro Junior: O’Neill, Oakley, Red Bull, Corralejo Tequila, SURFER and SURFING, as well as, the official hotel partner, The Dream Inn, and food partner, Whole Foods.

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O’Neill Cold Water Classic Day – FINALS

As the sets hit triple to quadruple overhead, producing the biggest conditions this competition has seen in its 12-year history, jet skis were deployed to help the surfers through the turmoil.

“This is the biggest swell we’ve seen here this season,” said local surfer and O’Neill Wetsuits Marketing Manager, Kieran Horn, who won this competition in 2003, and is now the only Santa Cruz surfer through to the quarterfinals.

In addition, the first ever O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series winner was decided today and will be presented with the award after the finals tomorrow. Australian Blake Thornton has claimed the staggering US$50,000 prize money despite being knocked out in the round of 96 here in Santa Cruz after both Jarrad Howse and Adam Melling failed to reach the points they needed to beat Blake to the prize.

Jarrad was knocked out in the round of 48 in a heat, which saw Adam Melling take victory. However needing to reach the finals to claim the prize, Adam was ousted by his fellow ‘Lord’ from the finals of the Cold Water Classic Scotland, Lord Luke Munro.

“I don’t feel too guilty about knocking him out of the running for the $50,000,” said Luke. “Especially after seeing what happened to Jarrad Howse today who was extremely unlucky not to make it through by the tiniest margin.”

In the huge swell, it wasn’t easy work for most of the surfers out in the water today “I’ve had a good day, I’m in the quarterfinals,” said Damien Fahrenfort who won his round 16 heat over O’Neill Cold Water Classic Canada runner up Jay Thompson. “But it was a lot of work,” he said. “A lot more than I am used to.”

“Everyone complains when it’s small and everyone complains when it’s too big. But you can’t complain about the paddling because of the skis. This is better conditions than most World Tour surfers get,” said Damien.

One of those World Tour surfers, and currently world number three, Adriano De Souza, was out there battling strong in the swell to also make it through to the quarterfinals.

“It was a tough day today,” said Adriano. “The conditions are pretty big – like eight to ten feet. I am stoked to make it to the quarters. I’m enjoying myself here in Santa Cruz.”

The day kicked off in the round of 48, and the ASP WQS 6 Star Prime event took full advantage of the epic swell to move though both the rounds of 24 and 16 – even changing location midway through the round of 16 – to set up a day of finals on Sunday.

Cory Lopez, another quarterfinalist who was first to surf when the competition moved down the point to Indicators said: “There were some pretty decent waves this morning out on the point. But the swell has picked up about four to five feet bigger and it became a madhouse out the back. Tomorrow, however, looks like great conditions,” he said. “I can’t wait.”

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O’Neill Cold Water Classic Day #6