Surf Smarter: Develop Efficient Paddling Skills

Surf Smarter: Develop Efficient Paddling Skills

Surfing, paddling out efficiently

 

Surf Smarter: Develop Efficient Paddling Skills. Let’s face it, the whole point of surfing is catching the wave. Don’t waste energy and tire yourself needlessly by working too hard on paddling out.  Here are some key points from a SurfScience article. Check out the full article for details.

Paddling Out Efficiently
Paddling out into the surf is one of the best feelings. However, don’t waste your strength on the paddle out, save it for the parts that count like catching the wave.

Paddling out is a necessary evil. If you do it smart, you can save up to 50% of your energy. Here are three tips to paddling efficiently:

1. Look for Channels: This tip alone can save you tons of energy and frustration. Surf Smarter: Develop Efficient Paddling Skills As waves go to shore they bring water in with them. That water needs to go back out to sea somewhere. Water always finds the path of least resistance. There are certain spots where the water is literally channeled back out to sea. These spots are usually deeper so the waves aren’t breaking in them. There is less resistance coming at you so it’s a good place to paddle out.

2. Don’t Extend Your Paddle Back: When the wave dies, get off of it. You want to spend all of your time surfing. Once it peters out, duck over the top and get back into position for the next wave.

3. Time the Sets: Every wave that you have to duck dive/turtle/push through will set you back a few feet. That is just what happens. If you can time the sets, you can catch the last wave of the first set and get out just under the first waves of the next set.

4. Paddle With Purpose: If you don’t paddle hard when its time to get out, you will greatly increase the amount you have to paddle. The slower you paddle, the more waves you will encounter. The more waves you encounter, the more you will get pushed back and the more paddling you will have to do.

 

 

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Low Key Surfboards Offering Ishkabibbles Fabric Designs for Board Inlays

Low Key Surfboards Offering Ishkabibbles Fabric Designs for Board Inlays

 

Low Key Surfboards Offering Ishkabibbles Fabric Designs for Board Inlays.

Check it out. We are happy to be working with Ishkabibbles. Great company and hey, it’s just fun to say. Go on, say it…Ishkabibbles. Bet you’re smilin’ now.

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Easter Surf Festival Cocoa Beach Starts Today

Easter Surf Festival Cocoa Beach Starts Today

Space Coast Easter Surf Festiva

Easter Surf Festival Cocoa Beach Starts Today

Easter Surf Festival Cocoa Beach Starts Today. If you’re lucky enough to not have to work today, head on down to Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach.

This event will benefit The Central Florida Humane Society. Surfing Competitions will include a Men’s short board. Men’s and Women’s Legends  Longboard. Women’s Short board. There will also be a Dive Surf Ride boy’s and Girl’s under 12 Menehune’s division.  A distinguished Easter Surfing Championship trophy will be awarded to all winners (1st – 4th). Spectators will have a chance to learn Skate Boarding via the on site skate clinic by Scooter Newell of the Cocoa Beach skate park. There is also a timed Slalom run for trophies and prizes. Watch Tandem Surfing. Join in a surf clinic by Bear Woznick. Spectators and competitors can participate in celebrity signings. Families can attend an Easter egg hunt. Enjoy evening entertainment with a Cocoa Beach style Luau while listening to live music by the Big Daddy Band. Participate in the “Limbo King Title.”  Watch the Dog lure chase, bid on items at the silent auction and experience a Sunrise Service at the beach site. Nathan’s Famous Hot dogs will be on site offering samples and interactive games to the public.

Here’s the info you need to know:

  • Dates March 25, 2016 – March 27, 2016 (Recurring daily)
  • Time Starting: 10:00 AM
  • Location Lori Wilson Park
  • Address 1500 N. Atlantic Avenue Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Additional activities include:

  • Learn skate boarding via the on-site skate clinic by Scooter Newell of the Cocoa Beach Skate Park
  • A timed Slalom run for trophies and prizes
  • Tandem surfing
  • Surf clinic by Bear Woznick
  • Celebrity signings
  • Easter egg hunt
  • Evening entertainment with a Cocoa Beach style Luau
  • Live music by the Big Daddy Band
  • Bid on items at the silent auction
  • Sunrise Service at the beach site on Easter morning
  • Nathan’s Famous Hot dogs will be on site offering samples and interactive games to the public

Check out the Easter Surf Fest website for more information.

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4th Annual Beach ‘N Boards Fest This Weekend

 

Beach and Boards Fest

 

4th Annual Beach ‘N Boards Fest This Weekend

 

 

The 4th Annual Beach ‘N Boards Fest is this weekend, March 11th-13th. Located at Shepard Park, 200 E Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. Get yourself there! Seriously, DO NOT MISS THIS!

Admission to Beach ‘N Boards Fest competitions and events is free for spectators. YEAH!

There is something for everyone to enjoy at the Beach ‘N Boards Fest.  Professional and amateur collegiate competitions and demonstrations in almost every type of board sport are duly represented: surfing, skateboarding, paddle boarding, kite boarding, and wakeboarding. Land lovers will appreciate the beach volleyball tournament, yoga, 5K run, Spikeball and jammin’ live music!

If you’re not familiar with Spikeball yet, it’s worth checking out the Spikeball YouTube Video.

Spike Ball Ron Jon Surf Shop Beach "N Board Fest

 

 

 

 

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Influential Female Surfers Forged Paths

Influential Female Surfers Forged Paths
Margo Oberg Infulential Women Surfers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Influential Female Surfers Forged Paths

March is designated as Women’s History Month. Low Key Surfboards recognizes the many amazing female surfers. Those who paved the way at a time when surfing was primarily a man’s sport.  Margo Oberg is one such gifted and resilient women. She was a trail blazer. Women surfers increasingly earned recognition as competent athletes. Because of revolutionary female surfers, the world of pro surfing evolved to what it is today. Let’s honor women surfers this month.

“The most influential female surfers of all time have played several roles in the progression of the sport. It’s not only a matter of grace, but also one of ability and commitment.

Mary Ann Hawkins was one of the first female surfers to show how to get waves ridden in California. She lived a troubled life, despite several career achievements in swimming and competitive surfing. Hawkins could hold her breath for more than two minutes.

Marge Calhoun is considered the first female surfing champion. After taking the Makaha International surf contest, she continued to pioneer female surfing in Hawaii. Marge was inducted into the Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame, in 2003.

Isabel Letham is the “first lady” of Australian surfing. Letham volunteered for a tandem surf session with Duke Kahanamoku when the Hawaiian champion visited Freshwater, Australia, in 1914. She never quit surfing.

Margo Oberg is the first true legend of female surfing and the first multiple winner of world surfing championships. Oberg lived in Hawaii in a tree house. She is considered the first pro woman surfer.

Wendy Botha is the one and only South African female surfer to claim a world surfing title. She claimed a total of four trophies and posed nude for Australian Playboy.

Layne Beachley has been considered the ultimate surfer girl and probably the best female surfer of all time. The talented Australian has taken seven world surfing titles; her record has never been beaten.

Sarah Gerhardt was the first woman to challenge the big wave surfing arena of Mavericks. The blond teacher opened the book on riding giants for females. Keala Kennelly and Maya Gabeira are also big wave surfing pioneers.” Article by Surfer Today.

Does the woman surfer in your life need a new board?  Contact Low Key Surfboards for a custom shaped board by Neil Hamilton. The local Indialantic guy.


 

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Low Key Surfboards Now at Flohana in Cocoa Beach.

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Low Key Surfboards Now at Flohana in Cocoa Beach.

Low Key Surfboards now at Flohana in Cocoa Beach. We are stoked to have a selection of 8′, 9′ and 9’9″ longboards and also grom boards for sale in this new surf and fitness studio. Stop in and check it out. Flohaha is located at 3501 S Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 (the old Neilson shop). Visit them at Flohana.com or on Facebook.

Here’s what owner Jake Oleson says about how they came up with their name and what the business has to offer.

FL = FLORIDA.  OHANA = FAMILY.

FLOHANA

Flohana Cocoa Beach Store front painting

FLO is a mental state only found in the moment when you can completely stop thinking and let your body completely connect to the environment (literally go with the flow). People find their FLO in many ways, for me it’s the moment you take off on a wave and turn onto that open face, or when I do a workout that makes me connect to nothing but that task at hand. Naturally Flohana is a family of these people who seem to have the same desires for fitness and a natural draw to the ocean.

Flohana is a surf and fitness studio where people can rent a board, take a surf lesson, do yoga, or a fitness class, and be happy knowing that they truly have no worries because they are surrounded by an Ohana of people just like them.

Locally shaped Low Key Surfboards can also be found at Sebastian Inlet Surf & Sport Shop located in Melbourne Beach at 8898 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951. Also check them out on Facebook.

Remember, let’s keep local dollars in our local economy. Support locally owned Brevard County businesses. Help preserve one-of-a-kind businesses and their unique, distinctive character. Entrepreneurship is what fuels America’s economic innovation and prosperity.  So shop locally, buy what’s Made in America.

 

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Surfer Kelly Slater Florida’s Space Coast Favorite

Surfer Kelly Slater Florida’s Space Coast Favorite

Surfer Kelly Slater Florida’s Space Coast Favorite. Surfing is a lifestyle here on the Florida Space Coast.  We are incredibly proud of our local Pro Surfer Kelly Slater from Cocoa Beach, FL.  At 44 years old, he maintains the ability to stand up quickly and cleanly the moment he catches a wave. From there, he goes on to perform mind blowing rides that show the world he remains the undisputed king of competitive surfing.

Some of this skill is surely because Kelly Slater also trains in Jui Jitsu. That keeps ya young and focused! For any Brevard County locals wanting to give this a try, check out Brazilian Top Team in Indian Harbor Beach.  That’s where Low Key Surfboards shaper Neil Hamilton currently trains ~ who by the way has a Purple Belt.

Today’s Space Coast Daily article shows Surfer Kelly Slater Florida’s Space Coast Favorite.

Imagine yourself sitting on a perfectly-shaped surfboard and basking in the almost 100 degree temperature while your feet dangle in the luke warm Atlantic Ocean, waiting for that perfect wave to bring you back onto the shore of Florida’s Space Coast.

That scene is a favorite for many locals, and surfing is unlike any other experience as it connects you with a world that is unknown to many.

It is a deep and dark mystery where sea life moves and sways with the natural currents of the water and an exhilarating world in which to immerse yourself.

Surfing is not just a culture; it’s a lifestyle on Florida’s Space Coast. The need to be with one of the most natural elements on Earth is something that many people can’t explain, and yet, they yearn for people to understand their love affair with the ocean.

Brevard Native Kelly Slater Saves Woman and Her Son In Hawaii On WednesdayRelated Story:
Brevard Native Kelly Slater Saves Woman and Her Son In Hawaii On Wednesday

Florida’s East Coast is home to many well-known and professional surfers dating all the way back to the 1930s, but one story that hits close to home is Cocoa Beach’s native Kelly Slater. Slater, born and raised in Cocoa Beach, Florida, is an 11-time world champion surfer and can be found on the cover of many surfing magazines at any given time.

In 1984, Slater won his first of four U.S. Surfing Championship titles; two in the Menehune division and two in the Boys’ division. At the age of 14, Kelly Slater won the Eastern Surfing Festival at Florida’s Canaveral Pier and turned down the money prize to keep an amateur status.

At the age of 16, Slater turned pro and the locals on Florida’s Space Coast couldn’t keep their eyes off of Slater as he dominated the surfing community.

Slater World’s Greatest Surfer Of All TimeRelated Story:
Slater World’s Greatest Surfer Of All Time

A good-looking man that offered a Florida-vibe, people referred to his allure as “Slatermania,” and compared him to a young Elvis Presley. He was even included in the “50 Most Beautiful People” by People in 1991, and every local was swooning over their very own superstar from Cocoa Beach, Florida.

At the age of 20, Kelly Slater was pro-surfing’s youngest world champion. Over the next several years, Slater mastered his skills and won several titles including Pipeline Masters, Quicksilver Pro, and many more. His 11th title came in 2011, at the age of 39, all while his local hometown continued to cheer him on.

Many local hopefuls wish to continue in Slater’s footsteps and become a worldwide phenomenon in surfing from Florida’s Space Coast. You can catch some of these hopefuls in the upcoming surf competitions. Below are some notable and local competitions.

We look forward to seeing you on the beach on Florida’s Space Coast. #StillCool #CocoaBeach

 

 

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John John Florence Conquers “The Eddie”

John John Florence Conquers “The Eddie”

John John Florence conquers “The Eddie.”  The big wave event produced huge sets of monster waves. A day they say, “Eddie would go.”

The event is referred to as “the Eddie” after Eddie Aikau, a local Hawiian lifeguard and surfer who died at the age of 31.  Aikau was part of a team attempting to trace the route of their Polynesian ancestors from Hawaii to Tahiti aboard the traditional Hokulea canoe in 1978.

Rough seas were encountere and the vessel capsized. Aikau took his surfboard and paddled away for help. He was never seen again, though the rest of the crew was eventually rescued.

Check out this Surfer Today article and be amazed!

John John Florence wins the 2015/2016 Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau

26 February 2016 | Surfing

Mason Ho and John John Florence: sharing a ride at Waimea Bay | Photo: Keoki/WSL

John John Florence has conquered the 2015/2016 Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau, in historical 45-to-60-foot surf, and occasional closeouts, at Waimea Bay. Brock’s Swell – sent by the late Brock Little – raised the bar for human greatness.

Kelly Slater brought his giant black gun, and he was all smiles before paddling out into hell. It was really big out the back, and all invitees had 60 minutes to get the best waves.

Competitors could go to Round 2 with zero waves ridden. That’s the beauty of “The Eddie” format. Riders only had to get a decent total on the leaderboard. That’s four good waves.

The inside shore break rides are always a crowd favorite. Spectators love and it, and surfers did their best to touch land and greet fans. Sunny Garcia was one of the first to hit dry land in grand style.

Critical decision making, positioning, and stress management were the most important ingredients of Waimea Bay’s magic formula. As a result, the event had its intense rides, massive wipeouts, committed drops, and white water air drops into the abyss.

“I was trouble getting out. I always like to get the first waves, just to get the nerves off. I was ready to go on the first minutes. It was a positioning game out there. We missed a few waves, but we got a couple. I am 50 this year, so I’m just enjoying the event and appreciating it. There’s a good vibe here,” said Ross-Clarke Jones.

Grant Baker: one of the biggest wipeouts of the event | Photo: Keoki/WSL

Jamie O’Brien suffered one of the worst wipeouts of the contest but, soon after, recovering from the brutal beating, he was already focused on getting another bomb. Kala Alexander followed with an acrobatic free fall.

Clyde Aikau, 66 and the oldest athlete of the event, paddled out in the name of his brother. Once again, one last time. The Hawaiian legend adopted the classic, low wide stance, just like Eddie Aikau, to absorb the extra shock.

But the new generation of big wave riders is taking over. And John John Florence proved why he got the invitation. The young Pipeline Master stole the event with 301 out of 400 points.

“I was so nervous, I thought, ‘oh gosh, I just gotta get through this day and hopefully get a couple of waves! I was riding my bike down here this morning in the dark and just the energy of how many people were parked all the way down the street. I’ve lived here my whole life and I’ve never seen it like that,” expressed Florence.

“Walking down the beach, like Uncle Clyde was saying, people just screaming, and the energy was so crazy. I’ve never been a part of an event like this. It’s definitely the highlight of my life for sure. I’ve only seen it run a couple of times in my life so to be a part of it, to be surfing in it, and to actually win it is such a dream come true.”

All 28 surfers rode 141 waves. The 2015/2016 Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau had 25,000 spectators on the beach and in the surroundings of Waimea Bay. The Hawaiian Water Patrol proved why they’re the best among the best.

Eddie Aikau must be proud. This truly was a Big Wave Invitational. His legacy has never been more alive.

2015/2016 Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau | Leaderboard

John John Florence (HAW) 301
Ross Clarke-Jones (AUS) 278
Shane Dorian (HAW) 270
Jamie Mitchell (AUS) 249
Kelly Slater (USA) 238
Makuakai Rothman (HAW) 231
David Wassel (HAW) 230
Mason Ho (HAW) 191
Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 180
Aaron Gold (HAW) 139
Mark Healey (HAW) 133
Takayuki Wakita (HAW) 123
Koa Rothman (HAW) 117
Ian Walsh (HAW) 115
Reef McIntosh (HAW) 112
Grant Baker (ZAF) 109
Kohl Christensen (HAW) 109
Bruce Irons (HAW) 101
Ramon Navarro (CHL) 100
Danilo Couto (BRZ) 93
Clyde Aikau (HAW) 91
Nathan Fletcher (USA) 88
Sunny Garcia (HAW) 87
Peter Mel (USA) 86
Kala Alexander (HAW) 86
Greg Long (USA) 71
Tom Carroll (AUS) 67
Noah Johnson (USA)/Ben Wilkinson (AUS) 37

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Mick Fanning taking a pro surfing break

Mick Fanning during Round 3

Mick Fanning taking a pro surfing break.

Mick has had a rough year. He’s smart to take some time off and regroup. He’ll come back stronger than ever!  Check out this Surfer Today article below.

Mick Fanning decided to take a break from full-time professional surfing.

The Australian surfer, 34, announced he will be taking a “personal year,” and he will only be competing in select events throughout 2016.

“Last year was definitely intense – what happened at J-Bay, being in a title race and the unfortunate passing of my brother. There was so much build up with everything happening. I got to a point at the end of the year where I felt empty. I didn’t feel like I had much to give back,” explained Fanning.

“This year, I’m going to take some time off and have a bit of a personal year. Just to regroup and re-stoke the fire. At this stage, I’m going to compete at Snapper, and I’m going to compete at Bells, and then I’m going to take some time off from there.”

Mick Fanning says he has full support from his family, sponsors, friends and the World Surf League. Nevertheless, the three-time world champion plans to return to the waves of South Africa where he almost lost his life.

“I want to go back to J-Bay. I feel like there’s something there that I want to go and face. I want to make sure that I scratch that off the list. I think the main thing will be that first surf. I probably won’t be getting up at dark and getting out there before the sun gets up anymore,” notes Fanning.

“I think it’s more about jumping in and surfing once or twice, and then I’ll be fine. It’s the same thing as when I came back and surfed Snapper for the first time. You’re a little bit wary, and it’s in the back of your mind, but you get to a point where you start to feel comfortable again.”

 

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Cocoa Beach Native Kelly Slater wins Volcom Pipe Pro 2016

Cocoa Beach Native Kelly Slater wins Volcom Pipe Pro 2016

Our local boy is making headlines! Less than a week ago, Kelly Slater was quick to save two bystanders, a mother and child, from a rogue wave.  Now our local Cocoa Beach Native Kelly Slater wins Volcom Pipe Pro 2016.  We sure are proud of Kelly!

Check out this YouTube video and Surfer Today article for details…

Kelly Slater has taken out the Volcom Pipe Pro 2016, in 10-to-15-foot surf at Banzai Pipeline, Hawaii.

The magical all-star 30-minute final included Jamie O’Brien, Bruce Irons and Makai McNamara and got underway in classic Pipeline conditions. A barrel fest. Slater celebrated his first victory in two years.

“I’m stoked; it’s been a while. Between drinks as they say in Australia. Two years since I won an event, and it was this one,” expressed Kelly Slater.

“I feel good; it’s obviously a great way to start the year off. It just flowed. Got big waves, got some nice barrels, had some high scores. But what a day! Perfect southeast trades and big bombing surf.”

Slater secured the win with two solid scores – a 7.83 and an 8.73. McNamara, who had the highest wave of the final, was not able to find the backup ride he needed to overcome the Floridian. As a result, O’Brien finished runner-up.

Bruce Irons ended up winning the Todd Chesser Hard Charger Award for his commitment and determination in the Volcom Pipe Pro.

“I was not expecting that. It means a lot because I grew up looking up to Todd Chesser. I knew Todd; I was young, but he was always Todd Chesser, he’s always the guy. I’d sit on the beach watching, and Todd would be going on the biggest rights,” added Irons.

“Every time I’m out there I’m always thinking about the Todd Chesser waves. And I love Jeannie, it’s a real honor to have this award. It’s right up there, it’s nice, I’m happy.”

Volcom Pipe Pro 2016 | Final

1. Kelly Slater (USA), 16.56
2. Jamie O’Brien (HAW), 9.94
3. Makai McNamara (HAW), 8.90
4. Bruce Irons (HAW), 6.73

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