20 Questions: Surfer’s Perspective – Robbin Ember

submitted by Zelda Zimberman

1. Name:  Robbin Ember.

2. Team:  Montego.

3. Surfing Since:  Like forever in sl terms, since early 2008.

4. Favorite Board:  Sharks, and, my Nemo and Spot, I love shortboards, they are so responsive.

5. Favorite Wave:  Pipes, and not sure, I guess that I just love quick turns and I grew up, so to speak, riding at Cornish where I learned to ride and jump the pipes.

6. How did you come across surfing on SL and what was your first initial reaction to it?
I was sort of dancing for money and to get away from it all one day, I found myself at Majini, and took a couple of lessons from someone that I don’t really remember.  Soon after I met a lot of people,  and just got hooked on it and the people.

7. Are you involved in the SLSA (second life surfing association) in any way?
Yes, I still surf and love my team and the people.  I might run again for the board.  In any event, I am still committed to keeping the slsa going.

8. What are your thoughts or opinions on the direction on the SLSA from 2012 and beyond?:
Who knows, but I still believe that the primary  purpose is to keep surf sims going and to maintain events and competition, as well as, to encourage involvement through the simple idea that every organization or group of individuals is only as important as every single member.

9. What do/did you find positive and negative about it?
Friends definitely positive and hmmmm, sometimes maybe too much competition which results in bad feelings or a sense of unfairness and sometimes an aloof attitude definitely negative.

How would you like to see it improve more?
I don’t know.  I think that we can go back to a one event structure, but that is dependant or open to expansion, if needed, on an event by event basis.  But I understand that is difficult.  And maybe that is another source of improvement, more compassion for the directors who are trying their best to make things better.  I mean I trust them and if I don’t or I disagree, I let them know.

10. Do you compete in any surfing competitions SLSA or non?
Most SLSA comps I do and I have competed in Australian events, Surfjam, and would like to start the Brazilian series.

11. What do/did you find gratifying and dissatisfying about  competitions?
I may have already answered that.  On the good side I do love to compete, but sometimes it leads to some bad feelings and/or a sense of unfairness.  Believe it or not, sometimes even I feel sorry for myself, like my score was too low.  But I now have realized that, smiling, I just flat out suck…But really, Sun showed me how out of sorts I can get and that it is just me…and after a moment of reflection, instead of arguing,  I agreed and realized that it is part of the competition,sometimes you do good, sometimes not so good and  you have to take it all in stride…but I guess my point is, that I understand, how some people can get upset and I know…

12. How do you feel about the SLSA using non SSI boards for competitions? (ex; HP5, LSD, Action)
I disputed it at first, but I have to admit that I liked the last event and look forward to new types of events.

13. If you are currently inactively involved in competitions (surfing, judging, etc.) what was the reason for leaving?
Not applicable, yet.

14. What are your thoughts on the team dynamics? Is there a team you particularly like? Why?
As I said, I love my team and more important the very good friends that I have on this team.  I mean who could ask for more, Sunrize, Mal, Bodhi and everyone…I mention those individuals, because they were there when things were about to fall apart and they kept it all together. In that regard, no matter win or loose, that is what  this organization should be about, keepin’  it all together, like good friends do.

15. Is there anyone on here that particularly had an impact when it came to surfing, mentoring, and overall being a role model for you?
Other than those mentioned above, Colleen Brennan, thanks Colls. She may not remember, but  after my first season, I thanked the directors on the forum and she was the one that responded and told me that new surfers like me were the ones that made her still want to surf and practice.  Since then, I have always had that feeling.  Other surfers like Wil and Crusader also encouraged me, and Sally and I could always argue, but she also taught me so much, and, of course, Bobbi, never understated, but always there when you need her.  I would also like to mention someone that I am not sure if many will remember, but someone who really helped me when I first started surfing was a person known as Bastante Little.  He introduced me to Cornish Beach, where I later met O and Lala, who first got me surfing on a team.  Thanks.

16. What was your favorite moment or memory on surfing here?
My favorite moment was a couple of seasons ago when Sunrize, Mal and I stood on stage and accepted the second place award for teams.  Wow the little team with a whole lotta heart, that meant the most to me.   We just missed winning, and oh, btw, Mr. Lowtide was a very important part of that team.

17. Is there anyone you know or knew that isn’t active as much in surfing and would like to see come back?
Bodhi Lowtide, without a doubt. And maybe, again, Bastante Little, thanks…Please mention Bastante if you can, I am not sure if anyone will remember, but he was great… I guess that I could also add Max and Joowa…

18. Many people have strong opinions when it comes to SL surfing and RL surfing. What is your take on the comparison?
None… I only boogie board in rl, still have to learn, so I really don’t know…

19. Do you have any advice for new SL surfers on here?
Yeah, don’t let anyone get you down, compete, have fun and make friends…and please, just one thing in return, make sure that  you put back into it, what you take out…

20. Any other thoughts?
Not really, just have some patience, love and compassion and let the wave roll,  with you on top of it…and, oh, by the way, don’t fall, giggle…but if you do, your friends will pick you up…

SLSA Cape Marina Open Heat Draws

The heat draws for the Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) Cape Marina Open have been announced on the SLSA Forum.

Place: Cape Marina
Date: December 1st at 11:00 AM SLT (Heat 1 surfers please be on site and ready to go at 10:45am SLT)
Wave: HP Jaws
Board: SSi longboard 5.1, 5.2. or 5.2 dlg

Heat 1
Curshaw Resident
Valium Lavender
Kr1st3n
Jexpek Waverider

Heat 2
Melian Catronis
followingwaves Sirbu
aquariastrus jolles (Nickey Skorpian)
Amphiprion Bellinghausen

Heat 3
Rick Galli
Johnnywhadd Resident
Zelda Zimberman
Van Valeeva

Competitions packages with color rashies and information on the competition will be sent out soon. The colors assigned to the surfers were not posted in the forum, but should be included in the comp packages. Normally, it goes in order of red, blue, green, orange.

According to the SLSA event rules, when less than 15 surfers participate in the Open event, those with the top 10 scores in the preliminary heats will advance to the Pro competition.

If you aren’t competing Saturday, come join the party in the spectator stands and cheer on the surfers!

PRE-QUALIFIED for Pro event:
Bobbi Laval
Colleen Brennan
Sally LaSalle
Sunrize Mornington
iLaurenB Resident
Cierra Theriac
Ignacio Pevensey
Willowwynn Resident
Figger Arun
Petra Xaris
Mick Lunasea
Revlon Benoir
Imzadi Amaterasu
Ashoka Mosely
Shannon Cardalines
Louinho Nizna
Dax Verlaine
Damiana Babcock
Maldrul Morris
Lyn Naveah
Katielove Adored

Sim Spotlight – Cape Marina

The last SLSA competition of Season 2 takes us to Cape Marina and the Jaws wave. As soon as the Chi competition was over, I was out at Cape Marina the next day to check it out. I hadn’t had the pleasure of visiting the sim before and I have never been on the Jaws wave. A trip over was definitely due.

Anaka Destiny had the following to say about Cape Marina and its neighboring sims:
The Cape Isles Resort (Cape Cruise, Cape Marina, & Riders in Bliss) features activities like beach parties, two clubs: Marv’s House of Blues, Satans’ Playground, lot’s of smooth country roads to ride, Damnation MC, shops, hangout areas, Skytracks, SLM tribute concerts, Live DJs, Paradise Blanket, sky-diving, kayaking, surfing, sailboarding, water slides, scuba diving on an underwater reef and much more!!!

Eve Wiskee also added:
I am Eve owner of Riders in Bliss along with my husband (Rodison Bellic)… Cape Marina is an awesome place to go and relax and hit some waves.  The owners are the best of people and the best of friends to have. It has a peaceful atmosphere. We have been connected for almost a year now to both  Cape Marina and Cape Cruise and it adds to what you can do. While there sim is mainly surfing and water, the other 2 sims add another perspective giving places to ride bikes and relax with friends and have fun and also have some shops to hang around at and tracks.

The sim has a lot of nice touches. The beach is clean and open, waiting for a group of friends to come hang out.

As soon as I can pry myself off my board, I will be checking out the rest of the Cape Isle sims.

I am still trying to figure out the Jaws wave. It’s a tough one and I am trying out all my longboards to find the right combination. Cape Marina is a nice place to hang out while I work on this. See you out there soon!

Last Day to Register for SLSA Cape Marina Open/Pro

Today is the last day to register for the SLSA Cape Marina Open/Pro Series. This is the last event of the year. Don’t miss it!

Place: Cape Marina
Dates: December 1st (Open) and December 8th (Pro) at 11:00 AM SLT
Wave: HP Jaws
Board: SSi longboard 5.1, 5.2. or 5.2 dlg

Registration closes at midnight. So, head over to the SLSA Forums to get signed up.

SLSA Director Candidates

It may have come down to the wire, but 5 candidates submitted nominations for the 3 seats on the Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) Board of Directors that will become available on December 1st. The elections will be held on December 1st.

This is also the date of the Cape Marina Open. So, all you eligible voters make sure you also remember to cast your votes that day. It is important that all eligible voters cast their votes as there are more candidates than seats available and you are selecting the people that will represent you. Eligible voters are those that have surfed in one of the last 6 SLSA competitions, an appointed officer (volunteer) during one of the last 3 competitions, or a member of the SLSA Hall of Fame.

The directors ending their terms are Imzadi Amaterasu, Bobbi Laval, and Melian Catronis. The directors that are mid-term are Sally LaSalle and Xander Datura.

Below are the candidate submissions in order as received by the current Board of Directors and posted to the SLSA Forum. 

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I would like to offer myself, MaryAnn Maa Rustamova, as a candidate for a directors seat in SLSA.

I have been in sl since 2006, started in the surfing community in 2007.

I own Tsunami Beach and am on the tsunami beach surf team.

I have worked with SLSA in the past as fund raiser.
Two great money making Date Auctions.

married to HOF Pova Rustamova.

i offer my services for the 6 months.

thank you,
mary ann Maa Rustamova

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Name: Willowwynn Resident

I Willowwynn Resident hereby claim my willingness and ability to serve a full term as director of the SLSA. My schedule even into the next semester of college will include blocks of time that I can log in and work when needed on things for the SLSA as well as having open weekends. I’m currently affiliated with Team Montego.

I’m new to the SLSA, having joined just this season. I was brought in by my father Maldrul Morris to surf and enjoy the community that the SLSA has to offer. In the process I got to experience how closely knit this group is and the kind of teamwork it takes to make this a successful venture for all involved. Several of the more seasoned surfers have assisted me in learning and growing with the community and I would like to give back to that very same community that has become something of a second family for me.

As for visions for the SLSA I would like to make an emphasis on the variety of boards and waves available in Second Life. To do this I envision having competitions that are not based only on the ssi boards that are used most often but rather by expanding the available types in the SLSA. This season we had what I believe was the first hp board competition and it was well received. There are others out there that might be interesting to try out with the competitions.

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My Name is JohnnyWhadd and I wish to stand for election and an SLSA Director. I am willing and able to serve the full six month term from December 1st 2012 to June 1st 2013.

As a person who lives life to love, laugh & learn, I have been fortunate enough to provide my efforts and my skillset in a variety of capacities. First, starting in High School, i volunteered at St. Josephs Hospital as an ER tech, then, moved to FLA where I learned to surf in rl and worked as a p/t lifeguard in Greyton Beach. This is where I learned to surf and to love mother ocean. Through the next decade, I found myself helping out with AWARE (animal Welfare and rescue) Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, i am a certified C.E.R.T. officer, Managed fundraising efforts for the GRRA (Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta), and recently, Have been assisting in the educating of our youth in the areas of our Constitution and 2nd amendment rights. I was taught at an early age that it’s really not about what ya got, but rather what you give! So I am here to be the best person i can and to wiin as many comps as possible. >

I would like to gain a healthy skillset which would allow for possibly another term as a director.

Being as new as I am to the SLSA, I am gaining more and more of an understanding of what this great organization is all about. At the moment, I really do not see an adverse issue but will keep an open mind to assess and apply my best efforts to resolve.

Disclosure:

I have read the SLSA Constitution, and understand the gist of how the SLSA is organised and run, and why it was created in the first place.

JohnnyWhadd

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I iLaurenB Resident hereby claim my willingness and ability to serve a full term as a director of the SLSA. I am currently affiliated with Team Montego. In the future I plan on owning a sim that will be associated for the SLSA. I was encouraged by a couple of people to join the SLSA community therefore I am now currently competing for the second season. I have learned what its like to just go out and have fun with people that like to do what I like as well. Since joining the community I have became more confident and less doubtful of myself. I’ve learned things each day from some of my mentors and have grown more into the SLSA. Because of them, I would just like to give that to the community that will last worth while for the better. My vision for the SLSA is to become more growing as a surf community. To do that I envision to hold events getting us closer for what we can be. This season by so far we have had a different board introduced to us, The HP5. There was a competition held and so far alot of people were pleased by it. I think if we put a variety of boards for competitions it will become more effective to the community and also have more learning experience. With saying that, I hope the best for such an awesome and outgoing group of surfers!

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Name: Cierra Theriac

I am willing and able to serve a full 6-month term on the Board of Directors. I am currently a member of the Tsunami surf team and run the news blog Surf Side (if that counts towards this).

I am one of the founding directors of the SLSA. Our original vision was to create an organization to run successful surfing competition and create a community we could all be a part of. I believe the SLSA has achieved this and has continued to grow and improve from the original set up.

We all love to compete or at least be a part of the larger surfing community. We need to be willing to give back to the organization that has given us so much.

So that is what I want to do. It is my turn to give back to the SLSA community. I have been a part of competitions as a marshal, judge and surfer. The community at large has given me so much enjoyment and friendship.

Being a director is the ultimate way that I can volunteer my time and effort to help the SLSA continue to be a successful organization and hold our beloved competitions.

Thank you for your consideration.
Cie

Surf Teams in Second Life

This is a list of the surf teams currently active in Second Life and competing in the Second Life Surfing Association.

Team Name: Carpe Diem Surf Team

Captain: Valium Lavender (Vally)

Sponsor: Carpe Diem Surf (sim)

Home Beach: Carpe Diem Surf (sim)

Statement: The mission of Carpe Diem Surf Team (CDST) is to promote and foster the amateur and pro sport of surfing in the Second Life community. with emphasis on helping new surfers on the CDST team to learn how to surf.with emphasis on good sportsmanship and citizenship, CDST Team members will participate in competitions held by the Second Life Surfing Association when an individual’s time permits.  CDST’s goal is not only to produce some of the most valued and skilled surfers in Second Life with the goal of winning competitions but individuals should also be trained volunteers of the SLSA, as time permits.

Accepting new members: YES!

Contact: Valium Lavender, Team captain

 

Team Name: Montego

Captain: Sunrize Mornington and Robbin Ember

Sponsor: Jakeb Hermit and Maxwell Silvansky

Home Beach: Freeport

Statement: Our team slogan is: Fun in Friendship

Accepting new members: No

Contact: Sunrize Mornington

 

Team Name: Reef Riders

Captain: Bobbi Laval / Gia Melody

Sponsor: none

Home Beach: Does not have home beach but we are at home on many beaches, especially Solace Dreams.

Statement: Reef Riders is a small team, but is the oldest active team competing in SL. It has been the tradition of Reef Riders to support a cause, initially it was Project Children, then War Child. We are currently looking for a cause to support. It is also our tradition not to recruit active surfers from other teams, preferring to develop new surfers or provide a home to surfers who have not been happy with other teams.

Accepting new members: Yes but must be invited or ask for an invitation

Contact: Bobbi Laval or Kantbe Thursday

 

Team Name: Surf Crazy

Captain: Mick Lunasea

Sponsor: Surfcrazy Surf Shop

Home Beach: Bratta / Tortolla Beach

Statement: Good times! Help, support, coaching. Sponsor will help with boards and garments.

Accepting new members: Yes, must try out, have basic surf skills and free saturdays.

Contact: Any team rider

 

Team Name: Tai Chi Zen

Captain: Sally LaSalle

Sponsor: Sally LaSalle

Home Beach: Tai and Chi

Statement: Ultimate Energy
A group for people who let their energy flow for peace, creation and richness of spirit.
Surf Sims T’ai and Ch’i are the original home base for people that appreciate love, beauty and surfing.
All surfers who share these values are welcome. A place to follow your own path with friends to help.

Accepting new members: Yes  (although new team surfers are always run past the team first)  We also have social members that don’t surf for comp points.

Contact: Sally LaSalle

 

Team Name: Tsunami

Captain: Colleen Brennan, Rick Galli, Figger Arun

Sponsor:  Tsunami Beach

Home Beach:  Tsunami Beach

Statement: Tsunami Pro Surf Team has always been about welcoming diversity and pulling together to do our best.  Each of our pro riders loves to surf, and we are surfers first, competitors second.  No one can take on the ocean, but if we’re good enough, and lucky, we can share some of its immense power and magic through the love of our sport.

Accepting new members: Yes

Contact: Any of the captains

Asylum Sims Close

On Wednesday, Xander Datura announced the closing of the Asylum sims. Citing the all too familiar RL and financial reasons, he did not want to make a big deal out of it, but preferred to let them close quietly. But he has promised, that when he is able, he will bring them back bigger and better than ever. Crossing my fingers that will be able to happen soon. Thank you Xander for hanging in there as long as you could.

Please try to support our surf sims and donate to them with whatever lindens you can spare. For one week, skip that new hair or outfit and give to your favorite sim or sims. We, as a community, have to help keep our surf sims alive.

I am Thankful for You

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who celebrate it! And a Happy Thursday to those that don’t. 🙂

I am thankful and grateful to have you in my second life.

Love, Cie

20 Questions: Surfer’s Perspective – Mick Lunasea

submitted by Zelda Zimberman

1. Name: Mick

2. Team: surfcrazy

3. Surfing Since: fall 2007

4. Favorite Board:
pretty much any board, i enjoy experimenting and own many brands. i’m partial to ssi modifiable boards. nothing like shaping your own and decorating. tuning board is a real plus. i like party waves too!

5. Favorite Wave:
never met one i didnt find joy on

6. How did you come across surfing on SL and what was your first initial reaction to it?
i did search for surf, surf city popped up, i landed there rented 1/2 the towns stores before i had any merchandise! i was so stoked to meet rob, thor, sierra, suen, grabbed a rob john board and hit it!

7. Are you involved in the SLSA (second life surfing association) in any way? (competitions, events, etc.):
i’ve tried to ride every contest since season 1 2008, dabbled in marshalling and judging. milo and abel were huge help and are still good friends. sl surf professor bobbi was a giant help as i progressed. proud sponsor since 08.

8. What are your thoughts or opinions on the direction on the SLSA from 2012 and beyond?:
new riders are ripping, all are stoked. i see more involved in staffing comps, we always need more help so all can enjoy.

9. What do/did you find positive and negative about it?
How would you like to see it improve more?: positive is ppl having fun!

10. Do you compete in any surfing competitions SLSA or non?
both 🙂

11. What do/did you find gratifying and dissatisfying about competitions?
i love seeing new talent win, hate lag.

12. How do you feel about the SLSA using non SSI boards for competions? (ex; HP5, LSD, Action)
since the boards exist why not give all of em a shot?

13. If you are currently inactively involved in competitons (surfing, judging, etc.) what was the reason for leaving?
n/a

14. What are your thoughts on the team dynamics?
teams are fun, ppl you share fun with, help and cheer for.

Is there a team you particularly like?
surfcrazy 🙂 because we are!

15. Is there anyone on here that particularly had an impact when it came to surfing, mentoring, and overall being a role model for you?
so many influences its difficult to post my whole friends list here. all have brought something to the party!

16. What was your favorite moment or memory on surfing here?:
too many to list.

17. Is there anyone you know or knew that isn’t active as much in surfing and would like to see come back?
thor, rob, mons, jt, shi, cippy, craig and chrissy, aldo, yendor, poid, connie, heather, sebastian. all creative and most of all fun!

18. Many people have strong opinions when it comes to SL surfing and RL surfing. What is your take on the comparison?
there’s no comparison, no rl bloody feet, reef scars or life changing injuries, no gas money needed or strength and balance just to paddle thru waves. sl does provide the thrill and stoke like rl plus great friends world wide.

19. Do you have any advice for new SL surfers on here?
if you can walk in sl, even poorly you can learn to surf 🙂 relax, enjoy! any questions ask a surfer 🙂

20. Any other thoughts?
go for it! home beach is bratta / tortola. Always open for team surfcrazy try outs for new team riders!

SLSA Cape Marina Registration Open

You can now register for the next event in this season’s Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) competitions.

Place: Cape Marina
Dates: December 1st (Open) and December 8th (Pro) at 11:00 AM SLT
Wave: HP Jaws
Board: SSi longboard 5.1, 5.2. or 5.2 dlg

You can register by visiting the SLSA Forums. Registration will be open until midnight SLT, Tuesday, November 27th. There must be at least 30 people registered, for the both the Open and the Pro to be held. If less than 30 people register the events will be combined into one to be held on December 8th. Top 20 ranked surfers, you still need to register! Your registration into the event is not automatic. This event is open to any SLSA member, even if you have never competed before (you will be competing in the Open event).

This is a new wave for a SLSA event, so get out there and start practicing. See ya on the waves!