#Tips to Become a Better Surfer

[southswellsurfshop]

Tips to Become a Better Surfer

Surfing is a great pastime; many do it because they love the thrill. In addition, surfing is a great way to stay in shape and live a healthy lifestyle. You can compete in local competitions to take surfing to the next level. Becoming a better surfer takes patience and commitment, but the more time you spend focusing on bettering yourself will lead to faster improvements on the board. A healthy lifestyle is essential for surfing. Surfing is a sport, and we all know that exercise improves the health of your body, mind, and soul. Walking, running, and yoga are three exercises you can enjoy that will improve your surfing skills.

Walking and running will improve endurance and cardiovascular health, which results in being able to hold your breath underwater for longer and the perseverance to paddle for hours in the water.

Yoga helps with flexibility and allows for the improvement of stretching and strength. The movements required for yoga are similar to standing on a surfboard, for example, lifting your body from lying to standing in one swift motion. In addition, it is important to stretch or do yoga before getting in the water for safety and injury prevention.

Become a stronger swimmer

The most effective way to get acclimated to being in the water and paddling for waves is to become an overall better swimmer. Maneuvering the water without a board makes it easier to catch waves when you are on your surfboard. Simple freestyle swimming mimics the same muscle movements as paddling a surfboard, helping your body learn the exact moves to help you get out into the water and catch waves.

Equipment

There is equipment for becoming a better surfer, such as balance boards, skateboards, and the perfect surfboard and fins. Balance boards mimic the same balance and strength needed to manage a surfboard. Skateboardshelp with stability and moving a surfboard. The traditional skateboard is good for learning to surf, but if you are looking for something more specific, a cruiser mimics the same movement and balance as a surfboard. If you are a beginning surfer, the board plays a significant role in becoming more advanced. An excellent beginner board is a soft-top or foam-top surfboard. Usually, the longer and wider the board, the easier it is to stand up. Once you have managed this, you can move to something smaller or even a hard-top surfboard. Whether you want to stay using a longboard or switch to shortboard surfing, something in between will help the transition go smoothly.

[ashxketchum]

Summer Ship asks for TyHil (because a) if i reblogged this i wouldn't get a single ask, b) who's stopping me lol)

🌼 Who likes to go outdoors and who prefers to stay inside?

In the summer Hilary prefers to stay inside, have late-night at-home movie dates or bake/cook together. Tyson is a beach person through and through (am I ever letting go of my surfer hc NO) and in order to get Hilary out and about, he has to make a lot of promises about doing extra chores or studying. But it's all worth it in the end when Hilary steps out in a bikini.

👙Who got a new swimsuit that the other can’t stop looking at?

Hilary 🧜🏻‍♀️ Tyson 😳

🩴Who breaks their flip flops?

Oddly enough, Hilary and Tyson finds it annoying since when they do go to the beach she just curls up in a corner with a book and doesn't move about, so how does she manage to break it every single time 🧐

🐚Who likes collecting shells?

Tyson, and then he gives the best ones to Hilary. Which isn't a great idea since she's a hoarder so by the time they're old, she just has jars and jars full of shells given to her by Tyson.

Sometimes Tyson keeps the really good finds to show to his father whenever they meet.

🌞Who handles the heat better?

Tyson, Hilary complains a lot and never lends her handheld electric fan to anyone.

⛈Who’s afraid of thunderstorms?

Also Hilary, but she wouldn't exactly be scared of it, but just that they maker her uncomfortable and she prefers not to be alone when it's happening.

🌈Who enjoys the longer days the most?

I think this would really depend on the phase of their lives. When they're in school together then both of them would love longer days because that would mean being able to spend more time in each other's company. When they're in uni or when they start working, then they just want the day to get over so they can get home and see each other again.

⭐️Who likes to look at stars?

Tyson because he has a faint memory of his father pointing out the constellations to him when he was little, Hilary also becomes interested in astronomy after Tyson mentions this. And then she becomes the person Tyson goes to with all his questions astronomical questions.

🌊Freshwater or saltwater?

Tyson would love saltwater because he likes to swim/surf in the ocean during summers, Hilary likes freshwater because she enjoys sitting by a pond on a spring morning.

🍉Which one loves watermelon? Who spits the seeds like it’s a sport? Or who hates the seeds?

They both love watermelon and they definitely compete over who can spit the seeds out faster. Every now and then Tyson lets Hilary win so he can see her celebrate unabashedly.

🫐Do they like to go berry picking? Who picks the most berries? Who eats more than they pick?

This would be something that Hilary would plan for the two of them just so they can avoid going to the beach for a day. Tyson will obviously eat more berries than he picks and then sulk when Hilary finishes off with a larger amount than him.

🥩Who’s grilling? What are they grilling?

I can see Tyson as one of those guys who're really particular about their grilling equipment and techniques. They probably bring out the grill for cookouts and beach parties so Tyson would probably choose to grill some meat.

🛶Who’s never been on a kayak/canon? Do they tip over?

Hilary's probably never been because Tyson keeps teasing her about how he will tip her over.

✈️Do they travel over the summer? Where to?

I think when they're in their 20s they'd travel during every vacation they get, especially during the summers I can see them making plans to visit Max in America, or Rei in China. But when their kids are born, they prefer to do more domestic trips and save international travels for special occasions.

🎢Are they amusement park people? If so, what’s their favorite ride?

They weren't really until they decided to have 4 kids with wildly different personalities who can only ever agree on doing one activity together, riding a roller coaster. Hilary sits this one out though.

[seashore-od]

Catch the Wave: A Beginner's Guide to Beach Surfing

Beach surfing is an incredibly thrilling and rewarding experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, there's something for everyone when it comes to hitting the waves. From the thrill of catching a ride on a wave to the zen-like relaxation of just gliding through the water, beach surfing is an activity that can be enjoyed by all. Let's take a look at what it takes to get started with beach surfing.

Essential Gear and Equipment

In order to enjoy beach surfing, you’ll need some essential gear and equipment. First, you'll need a surfboard. If you’re just starting out, it's recommended that you rent or borrow a board until you become more confident in your abilities before investing in one of your own. You should also consider buying a wetsuit if you plan on spending extended periods of time in the water as this will keep you warm and protected from dangerous ocean conditions such as strong rip currents or sharp rocks. Finally, make sure to buy some sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UV rays!  

Learning the Basics

Once you have all your gear sorted out, it’s time to start learning the basics of beach surfing. The best way to do this is by taking some lessons from an experienced surfer who can provide valuable insights into proper technique and safety tips for beginners. It’s important to remember that although beach surfing can be lots of fun, there are also inherent risks involved so make sure to follow any instructions given carefully. Additionally, practice makes perfect—the more time spent in the water practicing your moves, the better results you’ll get eventually!    

Safety Tips  

Last but not least, make sure that your safety comes first whenever going out into the ocean! Always check local weather forecasts and surf advisories before heading out so that you know what kind of conditions will be present during your surf session and how best to navigate them safely. Additionally, ensure that someone knows where you are going when heading out alone—this way someone will know if something goes wrong while out in the water. And finally, never underestimate Mother Nature and always respect her power!

 In conclusion, beach surfing is an incredibly rewarding and thrilling experience—one that has something for everyone no matter their skill level or experience with waves. With some essential gear and knowledge about proper technique and safety tips under your belt, anyone can enjoy an amazing day out at sea surrounded by majestic beauty while honing their skills as a surfer! So don't wait any longer; grab your board and hit those waves today!

[thescribblingtourist]

From Chester to Cattlewash

Meet George and Barbara Wilson – unofficial Canadian ambassadors to idyllic Barbados.

Written By Richard Perry

Nova Scotia natives George and Barbara Wilson have made 27 trips to Barbados.

Driving north on the Ermy Bourne Highway it was becoming harder to keep our eyes on the road. To our right, three thousand miles of uninterrupted Atlantic swells were breaking on the beach. To our left, the sloping green hills of eastern Barbados displayed lush vegetation and the swaying leaves of breadfruit and coconut trees.

But as we passed giant Round Rock (an Instagram favourite), we saw the smiling Barbara Wilson, waving from her lawn in front of the big green cottage she had told us to look for “just across from the rock.”

We’d arrived in Cattlewash, named years ago when farmers walked their cattle down to the beach so saltwater could provide some relief to fly bites. These days it is a tiny rural neighbourhood serving two ends of the age spectrum: retirees looking to get away from it all and hipster surfers from around the world who ride giant waves in international competitions.

“Welcome to Cattlewash. Come on in.” said George. “May I offer you a drink…rum punch perhaps?”

The Wilsons have lived in several Maritime communities during their careers, but now make their home in Chester, Nova Scotia.

George is a tall, boyishly handsome 84-year old, a former head of sales for Kraft/General Foods in Atlantic Canada. With his velvety smooth, measured voice he could pass for a diplomat, well-suited to moving in high circles.

Barbara, now 80, was a nurse and wound care specialist who trained at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. More than once she’s had to treat friends on the island for everything from heat stroke to burns from a leaking gas stove.

Like her husband, Barbara has fallen in love with the Bajan people and their lifestyle.

“On some level, we equate it to the openness and friendliness of Newfoundland, which we both love,” she said. In their sailing days, they cruised the southwest coast, visiting outports and making friends with locals who helped tie up their boat. One couple invited them to their wedding.

We’d been tipped off about the Wilsons by fellow Nova Scotian John Cavill, a retired Air Canada public relations executive and a current representative for Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc. In a country that relies heavily on tourism dollars and foreign exchange revenue, loyal repeat vacationers like the Wilsons are routinely feted at glitzy events hosted by the Prime Minister. This year marked their 27th trip to ‘Little England.’

“At our reception, two children in their school uniforms opened our car door,” said Barbara. “They were so polite and engaging. Inside, we were met with steel pan drums and children singing Beautiful Barbados.”

Beautiful, beautiful Barbados Gem of the Caribbean Sea Come back to my island Barbados Come back to my island and me.

Please me come back where the night winds are blowing Come back to the surf and the sea You’ll find rest, you’ll find peace in Barbados Come back to my island and me.

“We shook hands with Prime Minister Stuart that night. I told him we’re from Nova Scotia, and that along with Newfoundland we’ve always had a wonderful history of trade with Barbados. I said ‘We always sent salt, fish and lumber. In return, you gave us rum and sugar. We got the better part of that deal!’”

The Prime Minister of Cattlewash

Not five minutes into our hors d’oevres and rum punch, it’s clear why this Canadian couple has no trouble filling the cottage with guests. They are gracious hosts and love to share stories. Their friendships with Bajan neighbours and other vacationers have led to some creative hijinx.

“We have had fun jokingly forming our own government at Cattlewash,” said George. “We had a prime minister who was from Montreal, a Dr. Doug Kinnear who was the doctor for the Montreal Canadiens. He and his wife Katie have been down for about ten or fifteen years, living near us. So we had our ‘government’ meetings'. Barb, as a former nurse, was going to be minister of health. I was minister or tourism or something along those lines.

“Unfortunately, Doug died just last year. So last night at our party we held our glasses up to honour Prime Minister Doug Kinnear of Cattlewash. He was a colourful character. He always had stories about the Habs.”

Dr. Doug Kinnear, the Prime Minister of Cattlewash, treats Habs captain Bob Gainey. Photo credit: Globe and Mail

I found an obituary of their friend. He led the Canadiens’ medical team from 1962 to 1999. During that time, they won an impressive 12 Stanley Cups.

All roads lead to rum

It’s said of Barbados that wherever you see a church, you’ll find at least one rum shack nearby. We checked. It’s true. There are said to be as many as 1,700 rum shacks – on an island only 21 miles long by 14 miles wide!

I was curious if our new friends were fans of the tried and true Bajan rum punch recipe of one part sour, two parts sweet, three parts strong and four parts weak. “Actually, we leave out the weak…the water or juice. Ice cubes are all you really need.”

Seated on their patio, with the ocean in full view and a noisy surf soundtrack, we got into some good stories. Like the time they showed up in the local church, the only whites in the congregation, and the pastor, Father Matthias, invited them to stand up and announce to the flock who they were and where they were from.

“We gave our names and where we’re from in Canada,” said George. “It was pretty quiet. I told them we came because of the warmth of the people, who are very special and then added that we also came for … the Bajan macaroni pie. That’s when they got excited and broke into applause.”

An inauspicious welcome

George still recalls their first day in Barbados back in the late sixties. “In all our excitement, in the darkness I rushed into the water and had no sooner stepped in when I told my friend Bill, a doctor, that I thought a shark had bitten my foot, the pain was that bad. I had stepped on sea urchins. I had 40 barbs in each foot. I spent two weeks with my feet in buckets trying to get them out.”

In Barbados, everything is close. At 432 square kilometres (166 square miles), the entire island covers roughly the same area as St. John’s, Newfoundland. One minute you’re facing the calmer waters on the west coast, where play is the order of the day. Pasty white tourists, mostly from the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States fill the beach chairs and restaurants.

The Wilsons’ front yard view, where the Ermy Bourne Highway skirts the Atlantic Ocean in eastern Barbados.

But head a few miles inland and the landscape changes dramatically. The terrain rises through sugar cane fields, past roadside neighbourhoods (with ubiquitous rum shops) past an occasional long-abandoned windmill. When you climb Cherry Tree Hill facing the wild east coast, the view is stunning – one of those stop and stare moments. It’s hard not to imagine the country’s colonial past and these very fields where slaves worked unbearable days in oppressive heat.

Soon, the twisty, bumpy roads wind down toward sea level and the untamed east coast where the Wilsons have found their Shangri-La, where it is quiet and scenic – just the way they like it.

George and Barbara point to where they like to go for walks. Cattlewash has a beautiful one mile stretch of unbroken beach – said to be among the longest in Barbados.

“We’ve stayed in Sunset Crest in Holetown, and we like to visit,” said Barbara. “and we’ve had a safari tour into places that are like jungles, so dense and gorgeous. But when we come over that hill and in view of the sea and feel the trade winds, ahhh…coming down the hill…everything falls off and it is so lovely seeing the sea.”

 -30-

[octaviusrubinho]

Discover the Best Surf Lessons in Canggu: Your Ultimate Guide to Riding the Waves

Canggu, Bali, is a haven for surfers of all levels. With its beautiful beaches, consistent waves, and laid-back vibe, it's no wonder this coastal village has become a hotspot for surf enthusiasts from around the world.

Whether you're a beginner looking to catch your first wave or an experienced surfer seeking to refine your skills, Canggu offers a plethora of surf schools and instructors ready to help you conquer the ocean.

In this guide, we'll dive into everything you need to know about surf lessons in Canggu, ensuring you have an unforgettable and rewarding experience.

Why Choose Canggu for Surf Lessons?

Canggu is renowned for its diverse surf spots catering to all skill levels. From the mellow waves of Batu Bolong to the more challenging breaks of Echo Beach, there's something for everyone. The warm tropical waters, stunning sunsets, and vibrant surf culture make Canggu the perfect place to learn and progress in surfing.

Best Time to Surf in Canggu

While Bali enjoys surfable waves year-round, the best time to take surf lessons in Canggu is during the dry season, which runs from May to September.

During these months, the waves are more consistent, and the weather is ideal for spending long days at the beach.

However, if you prefer fewer crowds, the wet season (October to April) can still offer great waves, especially for beginners.

Finding the Right Surf School

With so many surf schools in Canggu, choosing the right one can be a bit overwhelming.

Here are some top recommendations to help you get started:

Canggu Surf School: Known for its friendly and experienced instructors, Canggu Surf School offers group and private lessons tailored to your skill level. They provide all the necessary equipment and focus on safety and fun, ensuring you have a great time while learning the basics.

Bali Green Surf School: This eco-friendly surf school is perfect for those who want to learn to surf while supporting sustainable practices. Their instructors are passionate about the environment and offer personalized lessons that emphasize ocean awareness and respect for nature.

In Da Surf School: Located near Batu Bolong Beach, In Da Surf School is a popular choice for both beginners and advanced surfers. Their professional instructors are dedicated to helping you improve your technique and boost your confidence in the water.

Endless Summer Surf School: With a focus on small group lessons, Endless Summer Surf School ensures you get plenty of individual attention. Their instructors are skilled at breaking down complex maneuvers into easy-to-understand steps, making it a great option for beginners.

What to Expect from Your Surf Lessons

Surf lessons in Canggu typically begin with a brief introduction on the beach, where you'll learn about ocean safety, surf etiquette, and the basics of paddling and standing up on your board. Once you're comfortable with the fundamentals, it's time to hit the water!

Instructors will be with you every step of the way, offering guidance and tips to help you catch your first wave. Don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of it – surfing is all about practice and perseverance.

Essential Surf Gear

Most surf schools in Canggu provide all the necessary equipment, including surfboards, rash guards, and leashes.

However, if you're planning to surf regularly, you might want to invest in your own gear. Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need:

Surfboard: Beginners usually start with a soft-top board, which is more forgiving and easier to handle. As you progress, you can switch to a fiberglass board for better performance.

Rash Guard: A rash guard protects your skin from the sun and prevents chafing from the surfboard.

Leash: The leash keeps your surfboard attached to your ankle, preventing it from drifting away after a wipeout.

Sunscreen: Use a high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen to protect your skin from the intense Bali sun.

Tips for Beginners

Stay Positive: Learning to surf can be challenging, but it's important to stay positive and keep a good attitude. Celebrate small victories and don't be too hard on yourself if you struggle at first.

Practice Patience: Surfing requires a lot of patience. You'll need to wait for the right wave and be prepared to fall off your board multiple times. Keep practicing, and you'll improve with each session.

Listen to Your Instructor: Your instructor is there to help you. Pay close attention to their advice and ask questions if you're unsure about something.

Respect the Ocean: Always be aware of your surroundings and respect the power of the ocean. Follow surf etiquette and be mindful of other surfers in the water.

Exploring Canggu After Your Surf Lesson

Canggu isn't just about surfing – there's plenty to explore and enjoy after your lesson. Here are some top recommendations:

Beach Clubs: Relax and unwind at one of Canggu's famous beach clubs, such as The Lawn or Finns Beach Club. Enjoy a cocktail, listen to live music, and soak up the laid-back atmosphere.

Cafés and Restaurants: Canggu boasts a vibrant food scene, with plenty of cafés and restaurants offering everything from healthy smoothie bowls to delicious Indonesian cuisine. Some popular spots include Crate Café, Betelnut Café, and La Brisa.

Yoga and Wellness: Complement your surf sessions with some yoga or wellness activities. Canggu has numerous yoga studios and wellness centers where you can stretch out and relax.

Shopping: Explore Canggu's eclectic mix of boutiques and shops. From surf shops to trendy clothing stores, you're sure to find something unique to take home as a souvenir.

Conclusion

Surf lesson Canggu is an experience like no other. With its stunning beaches, consistent waves, and welcoming surf community, it's the perfect place to learn and grow as a surfer. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, the surf lessons in Canggu offer something for everyone. So grab your board, hit the waves, and embrace the adventure – the ocean is waiting for you!

[mahendarkumarmisraramji]

Harnessing AI for SEO: Tools and Techniques for 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a pivotal SEO technique for 2024. AI can streamline and enhance various aspects of SEO, from keyword research to content optimization and performance tracking. This guide will explore how to harness AI for SEO and introduce essential tools and techniques that can help you stay ahead of the competition.

Understanding the Role of AI in SEO

AI has the potential to transform how SEO strategies are developed and executed. By processing large amounts of data and identifying patterns, AI can provide insights that are both deeper and more actionable than traditional methods. This shift not only improves efficiency but also enables more precise targeting and optimization.

Why AI Matters in SEO

Data Analysis: AI can analyze vast datasets quickly, uncovering insights that humans might miss.

Automation: AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for strategic planning.

Personalization: AI can help create personalized content and experiences, improving user engagement and conversion rates.

Key AI Tools for SEO in 2024

1. AI-Powered Keyword Research

Keyword research is foundational to SEO, and AI tools can enhance this process by identifying relevant keywords and predicting their performance.

Tools to Use:

Ahrefs: Uses AI to provide keyword suggestions, difficulty scores, and search volume estimates.

SEMrush: Offers AI-driven keyword magic tools to discover high-performing keywords.

2. Content Creation and Optimization

AI can assist in generating content ideas, optimizing existing content, and ensuring it aligns with user intent.

Tools to Use:

MarketMuse: Uses AI to analyze your content and suggest improvements for better search rankings.

Clearscope: Provides AI-powered content optimization recommendations based on top-performing content in search results.

3. On-Page SEO

AI tools can help optimize on-page elements like meta tags, headers, and images to ensure your content is search-engine friendly.

Tools to Use:

Surfer SEO: Analyzes top-ranking pages and provides AI-driven on-page optimization suggestions.

Frase: Uses AI to improve on-page SEO by aligning your content with user search intent.

4. Technical SEO

Technical SEO is critical for ensuring your site is crawlable and indexable. AI tools can identify and fix technical issues more efficiently than manual methods.

Tools to Use:

DeepCrawl: An AI-driven crawler that helps identify and fix technical SEO issues.

Screaming Frog: Uses AI to enhance its site audit capabilities, providing insights into technical SEO improvements.

5. Predictive Analysis and Trend Forecasting

AI can predict future trends and changes in user behavior, helping you stay ahead of the curve.

Tools to Use:

BrightEdge: Uses AI to predict search trends and provide recommendations for staying ahead.

Crimson Hexagon: Offers AI-driven trend analysis to understand future content opportunities.

Techniques for Harnessing AI in SEO

1. Automating Repetitive Tasks

AI can automate many repetitive SEO tasks, such as site audits, keyword tracking, and reporting, allowing you to focus on strategy and creative work.

Actionable Tips:

Use AI tools to automate routine tasks like rank tracking and reporting.

Schedule regular automated site audits to catch and fix issues promptly.

2. Enhancing User Experience (UX)

AI can analyze user behavior on your site to identify areas for improvement, helping you enhance UX and reduce bounce rates.

Actionable Tips:

Implement AI-driven heatmaps to understand user interactions on your site.

Use AI to personalize content and product recommendations based on user behavior.

3. Optimizing Content for Voice Search

With the rise of voice search, optimizing content for voice queries is essential. AI can help identify common voice search queries and optimize content accordingly.

Actionable Tips:

Use AI tools to discover voice search keywords and questions.

Optimize content for conversational phrases and long-tail keywords.

4. Improving Local SEO

AI can enhance local SEO efforts by identifying local search trends and optimizing your content for local queries.

Actionable Tips:

Use AI tools to monitor local search trends and update your content accordingly.

Ensure your Google My Business profile is optimized using AI-driven recommendations.

5. Enhancing Link Building Strategies

AI can analyze your backlink profile and suggest opportunities for acquiring high-quality links.

Actionable Tips:

Use AI tools to identify high-authority sites for potential backlinks.

Monitor your backlink profile with AI-driven analytics to ensure link quality.

Monitoring and Adapting Your AI-Driven SEO Strategy

SEO is not a set-it-and-forget-it strategy. Continuously monitor your performance and adapt your approach based on AI-driven insights.

Actionable Tips:

Regularly review AI-generated reports to understand performance trends.

Adjust your SEO strategy based on predictive analytics and trend forecasts.

Conclusion

Harnessing AI for SEO is not just a trend; it’s a necessity for staying competitive in the digital landscape. By incorporating AI-powered tools and techniques into your SEO strategy, you can gain deeper insights, automate tedious tasks, and create more personalized user experiences. This comprehensive approach will not only improve your search rankings but also drive more targeted traffic to your site.

As you implement these SEO techniques for 2024, remember that the key to success lies in continuous learning and adaptation. The digital landscape is always evolving, and staying ahead requires both innovation and flexibility. Embrace AI as a powerful ally in your SEO efforts, and you'll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Want to see more such content then do follow me for more digital marketing ideas.

[crazycat12123]

Riding the Waves: Top Tips for a Beginner Surfer

For those drawn to the thrill of surfing, starting can be exhilarating yet daunting. Here are some invaluable tips for a surfer stepping onto the board for the first time.

Firstly, understanding the ocean is crucial. Spend time watching the waves and currents, learning to read the sea's patterns. This knowledge is fundamental and one of the essential tips for a surfer looking to become proficient. Beginners should start on beaches known for consistent and gentler waves, which are more forgiving for learning the basics.

Investing in the right equipment is one of the primary tips for a surfer just starting. A larger, soft-top surfboard offers better stability and easier wave catching. The wetsuit should match the local water temperature to ensure comfort during longer sessions.

Taking lessons can accelerate your learning curve. Professional instructors can offer direct feedback and correct your form, which is invaluable. They can also instill essential safety information from the get-go.

Practice makes perfect, especially in surfing. Dedicate time to practice paddling and standing up on the board. Good paddling technique conserves energy and helps catch waves more effectively, while a solid stance provides the necessary balance.

Surfing demands patience and resilience. Wipeouts are part of the journey, and every fall is a lesson. Respecting the ocean and fellow surfers is crucial — learn the etiquette and always be aware of your surroundings.

Remember, surfing is not just a sport; it's a lifestyle that celebrates nature, fitness, and community. With these tips for a surfer who's just beginning, you’re set to start an adventure that could last a lifetime. Catching your first wave is an unrivaled feeling, and with persistence, the waves you ride will only get bigger and better.

[skylersolomonofficial]

Wave Crasher

Secret identity: Joshua Smith

He has the Gift to control water, breathe underwater, and can turn into a watery mist to travel quickly. His Gift leaves him smelling like the ocean all of the time

His father, Mikey, founded The Hero Crew twenty years ago, shortly after Joshua was born. Mikey moved bases after thirteen years to live in Washington for his wife's new job, but still had an established base in California

When Joshua was thirteen, his parents died in a staged accident from one of Mikey's enemies. He then took over The Hero Crew with Doctor Shoelace at side as his second in command. She is much like an aunt to him as she was close to both of his parents

Joshua has a very stereotypical "Surfer Dudetm" personality. He says dude and like a lot. When he was younger, Joshua wanted to be a painter. He still enjoys painting, but he understands that being a hero comes first. He became a hero because he looked up to Mikey, becoming one at ten

Joshua has blond hair with blue tips, blue eyes, and tan skin with freckles all over. He is 6'3 and generally wears tank tops with stripes, faded blue shorts, and sandals any time of the year

He is twenty years old, born on June 21st, 2000. He is not one of the younger people in The Hero Crew, but was when he first joined. His father taught him for the first two months of his hero career, but Doctor Shoelace took over his training after Mikey died

Fears: failing everyone, dying, and being alone

Likes: painting, music, blue, purple, and seafood

Allergies: Pineapple and cotton

Joshua is a cisgender and heterosexual man, but he did experiment with his gender and his sexuality. Occasionally, Joshua likes to wear dresses and often paints his nails. He's very supportive of the queer, black, POC, disabled (physically and mentally) and homeless communities. He'll offer a safe space for anyone if they need it and proudly claims people as family when they're rejected by their own families

He has an adoptive sister named Tivona Blum, who happens to be Mother Nature, the third in command in The Hero Crew. He adores her very much and would do almost anything to save her

Joshua has killed people by accident for and hates the feeling that it made, hates that it felt freeing. He killed the person who killed his parents in a rage and has regretted it since. He doesn't regret that the villain is gone and can't hurt anyone ever again, but he does regret killing. He believes there was a better way to handle it and he never wants to kill ever again, knowing that if he did, he might not stop and he doesn't want to go down that road. Joshua doesn't shame anti-heroes that kill bad people, but does wish they had found a better way to do so

Like many heroes, Joshua has to deal with the pain of not being able to save everyone. But he tries. He tries to help the homeless by opening homeless shelters in The Hero Crew's name that offers a safe place for anyone who needs it with warm food and clean clothes that helps people find jobs and permanent homes. He visits the elderly and helps cheer them up. He talks to teens about safe sex and how to raise children if they have some or where to find abortions. He fights for rights for everyone and tries to help get free health care for all Americans

While being a hero doesn't pay much, Joshua gets the money he needs from donations and other members who make a large sum of money. He doesn't ask for it, but he doesn't turn it away when someone offers it

[claylowe]

hitting the mark but missing the point

Picture yourself with a bow in hand, an arrow nocked, your gaze riveted on a distant target. You breathe in, focus, and let the arrow fly. The trajectory is straight, true, and hits the bull's-eye—only, the victory feels hollow. Eugen Herrigel, in his book, Zen and the Art of Archery, would tell you that you've missed the point entirely if you're basking in the glory of hitting the target. Much like Jack Kerouac's elusive 'It,' Zen is not something you find but something you feel, beating in the very marrow of your bones. The real art lies in dissolving the boundary between the archer and the arrow, between the surfer and the wave, between mentor and mentee.

"Put the thought of hitting right out of your mind! You can be a Master even if every shot does not hit. The hits on the target is only an outward proof and confirmation of your purposelessness at its highest, of your egolessness, your self-abandonment, or whatever you like to call this state. There are different grades of mastery, and only when you have made the last grade will you be sure of not missing the goal.” [Herrigel]

There's something ineffable about standing on the edge of human experience and peering into the abyss—whether that edge is a surfer confronting a towering wall of water or a spiritual coach whispering to a soul in turmoil. Hunter S. Thompson once said, "The edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over." The line between mastery and disaster is perilously thin, but that's where the Zen is. That's where you touch something beyond the mere mechanics of action—you touch essence. It's the space where questions about life, death, and identity are not merely contemplated but felt in every sinew and cell.

Do we not all seek this in some form or another? Those who have never surfed a wave or loosed an arrow may find their edge in a deeply moving piece of literature or in the cadence of a beautifully spun podcast episode. The medium may differ, but the essence remains the same: the pursuit of a moment that stretches the boundaries of our 'self,' that gives us a glimpse of the eternal within the ephemeral.

"The right shot at the right moment does not come because you do not let go of yourself. You do not wait for fulfillment, but brace yourself for failure.”

Yet, let's be honest, this pursuit is often marginalized in today's fast-paced society. We live in a world of quick fixes, of hacks that promise to make us better, smarter, faster. But where is the space for soul work in a world obsessed with superficial metrics of success? Zen masters and surfers alike would scoff at the notion that faster is better, that accumulation is the aim. They understand something that many of us have forgotten: The journey itself is the reward, and the real mastery is in becoming one with the act, whether it’s riding a wave, shooting an arrow, or guiding a soul.

"What stands in your way is that you have a much too willful will. You think that what you do not do yourself does not happen.”

Perhaps then, the next time you find yourself engaged in an activity you're passionate about—be it writing, podcasting, or conversing over a cup of tea—pause for a moment. Are you focused solely on the end product, the accolades it might bring, the metrics it might achieve? Or are you present in the act, feeling the pulse of life in the very tips of your fingers, coursing through you, transforming you in small yet infinitely significant ways?

Miyamoto Musashi said, "Do nothing which is of no use." It's an invitation to trim away the inessential and focus on what truly matters. In doing so, we come closer to answering the Zen koan that our existence poses—by stretching the boundaries of self until they dissolve, leaving us in a state of unity with the act, and perhaps, the universe itself.

"You must learn to wait properly... By letting go of yourself, leaving yourself and everything yours behind you so decisively that nothing more is left of you but a purposeless tension”

As you draw back the bowstring of life, poised to release yet another arrow toward whatever target you've set your sights on, consider this: Is it the bull's-eye you're truly after, or is it the exquisite tension between your fingers and the string, the weight of the bow in your hand, the whispering wind in your ears? In that moment of perfect concentration, the target becomes irrelevant; it's the pure act of shooting that brings us closest to the art of living. That's where the Zen is. That's where you'll find the cosmic dance, not just in hitting the mark but in becoming the bow, the string, the arrow--each a seamless extension of your true self.

So, what's your wave? What's your arrow or whispering soul? Where do you find the Zen in your life? And when you do, will you recognize it for the cosmic dance that it is?

[toughgirlchallenges]

Sian Sykes - From City Life to SUP Activist Tackling Plastic Pollution. Inspiring Women to Pursue Their Dreams and Create Change.

Sian Sykes was born on the edge of Snowdonia and enjoyed growing up in beautiful North Wales. During her adult life, she used to work in Creative Media in London as a Project Director. However after working 15 years and working 18 hour days in the industry, she wanted a better balance in life, to reconnect with nature and to be closer to the sea and mountains. 

That's when she re changed her focus in life and moved back home, to do what she loves doing. Now she guides people stand up paddle boarding in beautiful places.

Since working in the city, Sian has travelled the world, building up vast experience of leading expeditions to Nepal, Mongolia, India, China, Peru, Morocco and the Alps.

Sian loves a SUP challenge! Sian has completed a number of record breaking SUP challenges. She was part of the first team to cross England on a paddle board, she was then the first person to ever SUP solo the 3 British lakes, Llyn Tegid, Windermere Lake and Loch Awe in 3 days, all unsupported. Sian was also the first person to circumnavigate Anglesey on a SUP which took her 5 days to complete the 120km journey in very challenging sea state conditions.

Sian is a real activist, Sian’s recent achievement was a big expedition with a real purpose by highlighting the epidemic we face with disposable single use plastics. She was the first person to SUP circumnavigate Wales (solo and unsupported), a 1000km journey along canals, rivers and sea. She raised money for charity, collecting plastic along the way, inspiring others to make a pledge against plastics and educational talks.

Sian enjoys linking her love for the water and mountains through SUP. Her love for the outdoors is infectious, and she’s inspired people of all ages and from all walks of life to get out and SUP.

***

Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Sponsored by Land & Wave - join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences. 

Don't miss out on these empowering episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - hit the subscribe button and be part of the adventure!

***

Show notes

Who is Sian

Growing up and being introduced to the great outdoors by her mother at 3 weeks old

Her love for the outdoors 

Her teenage years 

Going to university and how she changed 

Chasing wealth and status

Working in Advertising in Manchester and London 

Making a career change after 15 years 

Living for work

Feeling detached from who she actually was

Not feeling fulfilled anymore

Wanting to make a U turn 

Getting qualification in the outdoors

6 months working in London and 6 months working in the outdoors

Separating from her ex-husband 

Discovering paddleboarding by chance and loving it

Crossing England from Bristol to Reading on a paddle board

Gaining experiences and choosing the qualifications

The community in Llanberis, Wales 

Building up contacts and connections

Volunteering in outdoor centres and taking groups on Duke of Edinburgh Award

Needing to prove herself 

Going after her International Mountain Leader Award which took 3 years to achieve

Talking about the financial concerns of making a career change

Making the transition into the outdoor industry

Stand Up Paddleboarding Adventures and Expeditions

SUP around Anglesey 

Plastic Pollution in coastal areas

Being warned about adventure blues 

Starting up her own business and becoming freelance 

Finding your passion

Surfers Against Sewage - We are Ocean Activists. We are the voice of the ocean. Campaigning for a thriving ocean, thriving people.

Anglesey becoming the first county to become plastic free

Water Skills Academy (WSA) 

WSA - SUP Expedition Guide 

Advice for women who want to get more qualifications in the outdoor industry

How to connect with Sian

Final words of advice for other women who want a career in the outdoors

  Social Media

Website: www.siansykes.com 

Instagram: @sian_sykes 

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@psychedpaddleboarding 

    Check out this episode!

[kitelineonline]

Slingshot Wingcraft Safety Tips: Guidelines for a Fun and Secure Ride

Slingshot Wingcraft is an exciting new way to experience the water. It combines a personal watercraft and a small boat that uses a water-powered jetpack to lift you into the air.

It's a thrilling experience you will remember, but it's important to remember that safety is key when riding a wingcraft. Here are some guidelines to follow to make sure you have a fun and secure ride:

Always wear a life jacket

The most important thing you can do when riding a Slingshot Wingcraft is to wear a life jacket. Even if you're a strong swimmer, unexpected things can happen in the water. A life jacket will help keep you afloat and save your life in an emergency. Make sure your life jacket fits properly and is fastened securely.

Know your limits

It is an exhilarating experience, but knowing your limits is important. If you're new to the activity, start with the basics and work your way up. Only attempt advanced maneuvers once you have the necessary experience and skill. It's better to take it slow and be safe than to risk injury by trying something beyond your ability.

Follow the rules

Like any other watercraft, Slingshot Wingcraft has rules you must follow. Make sure you know the local regulations and obey them at all times. Follow the speed limit and stay away from restricted areas. Be aware of other boats and watercraft in the area and give them plenty of space. Remember, safety is everyone's responsibility.

Check the weather

Before heading out on the water, check the weather forecast. You can best enjoy it on a calm day with little wind. Avoid riding in rough or choppy water, which can be dangerous and uncomfortable. If the weather looks bad, postponing your ride for another day is best.

Use the safety features

It comes equipped with safety features that are designed to keep you secure while you ride. Make sure you know how to use them and use them correctly. The safety tether, for example, is a vital component that connects you to the craft and will shut off the engine if you fall off. Always wear the safety rope and make sure it's attached securely.

Take a safety course

If you're new to wingcraft or want to improve your skills, consider taking a safety course. These courses are designed to teach you the basics of safe riding and can help you become a better rider. A safety course can also give you the confidence to enjoy your ride to the fullest.

Have a buddy

It's always a good idea to ride with a buddy. Not only is it more fun to share the experience, but it's also safer. If something goes wrong, you'll have someone there to help you. Make sure you communicate with your buddy throughout the ride and agree on a plan in case of an emergency.

In conclusion, Slingshot Wingcraft is an exciting and unique watercraft that offers a memorable experience. However, it's important to remember that safety is paramount. Always wear a life jacket, know your limits, follow the rules, check the weather, use the safety features, take a safety course, and ride with a buddy.

By following these guidelines, you can have a fun and secure ride on your Slingshot. Buy your next water sports gear from Kiteline ranging from Naish wing surfer gear to slingshot sustaining utmost quality & durability for years.

Visit Website.

Original Source: bit.ly/3zSGmgP

[dreamwakeacademy]

When and Where to Surf in Singapore

With lots of months all through the year, there are ample opportunities to learn and master wake surfing and wave boarding experiences when in Singapore. Singapore has emerged as a favorite destination to enjoy lots of water spots due to its cultural disposition as a tourist-friendly destination. Uniquely, Singapore has an upper hand when it comes to learning these two water sports all through the year.

Be it winter, summer, spring, or autumn, the weather has its promises and surprises. Yet, the key question always remains: where to surf in Singapore?

Best Places of Where to Surf in Singapore

The best places to perfect and improve your overall wakesurfing and waveboarding skills are well-equipped with the best trainers.

Dreamwake Academy

An academy dedicated to making you learn and master the sport in the shortest learning curves. What marks Dreamwake Academy out is its competence, transparency, affordability, and uniquely framed lesson cycles for your convenience. They are the pioneers, with an incredible line of trainers, equipment, and best locations to turn you into a master of water sports. You have the shortest possible learning curve, affordable fees, extra-better safety precautions, and you are in the best environment with trainers who have a positive attitude and disposition. There’s something you learn beyond wakesurfing and waveboarding in the most family-friendly environment.

Wakemusters

A wakesurfing school with good times and tunes to soundtrack your surf. The equipment feels roomy, with ample seating. They are competitive and hygienic, with the best waves to ride on for both surfers and borders. Get several styles of surfboards with expert boat navigators and certified instructors who ensure you get customized and helpful real-time tips on the surf.

Splash N' Surf

Popular destination for the young and young-at-heart for splashy times and experiences. or if you fancy catching the waves or learning other surf sports and tricks. Master your skills in riding on any board surface for a small fee and charge.

Ryders Singapore

Wakesurfing at Ryders Singapore has been running for some years now. It has the specialty for wakeboarding and wakesurfing. At Ryders Singapore, learners benefit from experience and can tell the capabilities and expert skills of their trainers. Besides wakesurfing lessons, from beginner to advanced, it offers different types of skills on the boards. You can choose based on your previous level of knowledge about wakeboarding or wakesurfing. Make choices with sound teaching so that you can tap into the best skill importation.

Suter WakePro

Suter WakePro is a wakesurfing by passionate wakesurfers. Learning wakesurfing at Suter WakePro makes a lot of a difference. And the best part is that children as young as 7 years old can enroll to learn more about wakesurfing and waveboarding. Wakesurfing with good wakesurfers only strengthens your skill and self-belief. Become better every day with positive affirmations and wakesurfing skills.

In the end, choosing where to learn is a matter of comparing all the vital aspects of sports. Like wake board Singapore, you can access the best trainers with years of experience and great equipment.

Blog Source URL:

[iamapoopmuffin]

Please and thank you I have a google doc of OCs (originally created so I could add colours via paint and keep better track of everyone because my dudes I have so many OCs I forget who some of them are sometimes) but will also add a teeny bit about my main kids under the cut! But also here's a list of everyone I can remember if anyone sounds interesting-

Dean - Lumberjack woodchuck who yeets trees at you in fights

Jeb - Dean's sleazy coyote bestie with only one arm and a master of every gambling trick in the books

Skeats - My rookie for Frontiers, was a chill vibes surfer dude until Infinite killed all his friends, now quiet and PTSD filled

Cuddles and Meela - Cool secret agent duo

Oliver - Vector's adopted father, basically Fagin as a rat

Candle - A high ranking member of the wax moth army who ends up betraying his people to save Charmy and ally with the Chaotix

Dandruff - Candle's little brother, a little older than Charmy

Una - Mad eel lady with a hovercraft and a proper witch cackle laugh we love her, inspired by the Monty Python Hungarian Phrasebook sketch

Zee - Frankenstein's Monster style experiment of lots of things sewn together

Shirley - Zee's boyfriend who has also been experimented on

Tip - Skeats' boyfriend and a fancy posh penguin man with a monocle and top hat

Jab - Feral scorpion child Tip found in the trash

Ayesha and Arij - Poetic skunk sisters who have a rivalry with Rough and Tumble

Zero - Ayesha's dinosaur boyfriend from the past who has no concept of time and also cool powers

Kurage - Arij's jellyfish boyfriend who works as a prison guard and loves gardening more than life itself

Argyle and Lana - Vector's shitty biological parents who are in the middle of a messy divorce

Silkfoot and Lampsley - Main wax moth villains of the Golden Hive Arc

Camellia and Veronica - Main wasp villains of the Golden Hive Arc

Alfa - Fight club doe who overdoes it on the cutesy stuff for her maid gf

Slide - Voice of reason for Alfa and Candle, a good boy

Lychee - Slide's girlfriend, fashion queen

Tank - Lychee's bestie, fellow fashion queen

Nugget and Smudge - Shadamy fankids (I have fankids for other Shadow ships and Amy ships but honestly these two are the only ones I like the designs for...)

Custard and Pudding - Vectilla fankids

Naja and Vex - Espiopal fankids

Paddy and Wack - Fang/Mina fankids

Marshmallow and Aurora - Bugbear fankids

Rolanda - A younger sister OC for Fang and Nic, created for that baggage weasel baggage story involving the Chaotix and the Hooligans having to work together

Menace - The most gremlin ever, runs a haunted house attraction with his spooky chao all named after horror stuff

Karma - Espio tragic backstory fodder turned vengeful antagonist

Plumeria - Okay you know how Cosmo scattered a bunch of seeds that would become her children and Sonic gave one of those to Tails and he now grows it in his lab? When that blooms into a baby-

Character Ask Game, but for Sonic OC's!

Just had an idea that I thought would be fun, feel free to reblog if you want to try this with your own Sonic oc's too.

Where are they from?

Powers/Abilities?

Speed, Flight, or Power type?

Do you ship them with anyone?

Do they have another form?

Favorite food?

Favorite music genre?

Do they have any family members?

Who are they closest with?

Is there someone they hate/dislike?

Do they have any rivals?

Are they good with Chao, Wisp, or any other sort of creature?

What were they like as a kid?

What makes them the happiest?

What makes them feel angry/upset

Biggest strengths?

Biggest weaknesses/flaws?

What is their sexuality?

If they could meet a character from any other media, who would they get along with the best?

What are their hobbies?

Are they a hero or villain?

How are they with technology?

What is their preferred method of combat?

Are they a follower or a leader?

What's the strangest thing about them?

What is something they like the most about themselves?

What is something they don't like about themselves?

Something you, their creator, like the most about them?

How would you describe their personality?

What is their main goal/motive?

[maddiwrites]

Secrets of the Shore (Chapter 1)

Pairing: Pogues x reader, eventually JJ x reader.

Summary: This is just my rewrite of the show Outer Banks with my own twist by adding another main character which also happens to be John B’s twin sister. 

Note: Hey guys! Thank you so much for the support of my last couple of fics. All your messages have been so kind and so sweet! I’ve made a rewrite of the show with a new character that eventually falls in love with her best friend. I’m gonna be posting a new chapter three times a week. Let me know what you guys think!

Word Count: 4.3k

Warnings: None

Chapter 2 

"That's what, a three-story fall to the deck?" John B tip toes across the middle of the roof as he sips out of the can of beer in his hand.

I lean to my right, pressing against JJ's shoulder as we sit on a construction slack used to hold construction workers as they work on the siding of the home. Scaffolding, I think it's called. I narrow my eyes at my brother, counting down the seconds until he falls.

"I give you about a one-in-three chance of survival," Pope jokes from the deck below us.

John B shrugs. He licks his finger and holds it up in the air as if he's feeling which way the wind is blowing. "Hm. Should I do it?"

"Yeah, jump." Pope holds up a power drill and points it at John B like it's a gun. "I'll shoot you on the way down."

"You'll shoot me?"

"Yep." Pope closes one eye and pretends to shoot it. "Pow!"

I roll my eyes and look forward again, letting the beer slip down my throat like a refreshing glass of water. The warm North Carolina air presses soothingly against my freshly tan skin and I bask in the sunlight. Its days like these that I like the most. Days where none of my best friends have work, we're drinking causally, and joking with one another. Even if it's on a construction site in the middle of Figure Eight. But the idea of getting caught just gives me an adrenaline rush.

"They're gonna have Japanese toilets with towel warmers," Kie says as she walks out of the unfinished house.

"Of course. Why wouldn't they?" JJ says next to me with a shrug like it's not the craziest thing that a Kook would own.

"This used to be a turtle habitat, but who cares about the turtles, I guess."

"I can't have cold towels."

Kie looks up at John B, shielding her eyes with the back of her hand. "Can you please not kill yourself?"

"Don't spill the beer. I'm not giving you another one," JJ says.

As if on cue, John B's foot slips. Luckily he catches himself, but his beer, however, drops to it's death on the deck below. As John B steadies himself I release the breath I didn't even know I was holding. I take another greedy gulp of my warm beer to steady the nerves in my chest.

"Whoa! Oh, shit," John B curses.

"Of course you did," JJ rolls his eyes playfully. "Smooth."

"A plus, really." I glare up at my brother, feeling his mischievous smirk right back at me.

"Dumbass," Kie mutters under her breath. She looks up at me as if waiting for me to say something, but I only giggle to myself. John B can be clumsy but he's not going to accidentally kill himself.

"Hey!" I hear another voice shout behind us towards the street and front of the house. A voice that doesn't belong to any of my friends or my brother.

"Hey, uh, security's here," Pope says.

Immediately knowing what that means, I jump to my feet with the help of JJ right after he slugs the rest of his beer. A delirious grin dances along my lips as I hop down to the main deck.

"Let's wrap it up!"

"Boys are early today."

"Humpty Dumpty, let's roll!"

My legs take off after my friends through the house. Adrenaline rushes through my veins and straight to my head like a power high. I can't even feel my legs as they jump over wooden slacks and construction tools. The high from running from the police is better than any drug JJ can get his hands on, even the good stuff.

"Gary is that you?" JJ plays along before accidentally running into him, making him slip on his feet before running the other way. I grab his wrist and pull him closer to me to catch up. "Gary, good to see you man!"

I laugh as my feet land on the freshly cut grass in the front yard. "You're asking for it."

"JJ!" The obese cop chases after us, recognizing my best friend's face instantly. I'm not surprised, not even a little bit. JJ had his fair share of run-ins with the law.

"They're going out front!" I hear another cop shout. I can barley hear through the wind rushing through my ears.

We run into a tall white painted fence that blocks us from our car, better known as the Twinkie. Hopping fences is something I've learned to become better at after doing it so many times. However, I can't say the same about Pope. He's always struggled.

I swing my legs over the fence and land with a small 'oomf.' I look over my shoulder for my slow-poke friend and see him falling over the fence, landing on his side. I laugh as I pick him up by the shoulders.

JJ is waiting for us, clapping his hands like a coach on the sidelines at a football game because his players aren't running fast enough. But there's a smile on his face. "Get up, Pope, fatso's coming!"

"Hey!" The guard shouts behind me. He's halfway up the other side of the fence, but he doesn't have the strength to pull himself over completely. "Come here you little pricks!"

I hear the familiar honk coming from the van John B and I learned to drive in. My brother and Kie are waiting for us in the front seats of the Volkswagen van that would look better in the 70s than the 2020's but I love it. It fits our friend group perfectly. Plus I'd choose this car over any fancy Mercedes Tourons usually drive. The only time I've ever been in one of them is when I snuck off with a golf player from Georgia after a boneyard party. It was luxurious of course, but nothing like the Twinkie.

"Bus is leaving!" John B says as we get closer.

"Come on!" Kie yells at us from the passenger seat, banging the flat of her palm against the door.

I dive through the back first, landing on my elbows and rolling over. Pope and JJ follow less than a second later.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Gary calls after us as John B steps on the gas.

JJ leans out of the sliding side door that's still wide open. I lay on my back watching him as I try to catch my breath. His smile is contagious. For a boy who's been through hell and back, he smiles a lot, and I love every second of it.

He holds out his beer can as if he's offering it to the cop who's still trying to catch us...if he can catch up to it. "Check out Gary, gunnin' for a raise. Come on, Gary!"

"Wait. Slow down. Hey! You little pricks! Hey!"

"You're gonna give him a heart attack!" Kie tries to scold him but she can't fight the smile on her lips either as she watches from the side rearview mirror.

"You're so close! You can do it. There you go. They don't pay you enough bro."

"JJ, stop. Stop!" Kie says through her laughter.

I love Kie. She always tries to keep the peace between her friends and the world itself. Always the girl who raises money for charities that protect this Earth and save animals and solve world hunger. She's going to change the world someday. Her and Pope. Maybe if they can tolerate each other, they'll do it side by side.

JJ slumps back into the van with a toothy grin. He sits next to me and pulls me up so I'm sitting up straight. He dangles his arm around my shoulder and I lean further into his side. If I could choose one position to be in for the rest of my life it would be this one.

But I'd never admit that.

"Oh, come on. That sort of initiative is just begging to be punished," JJ says.

I hum in response and lean back into the seat behind me and stare out the window. A view of passing vibrant green leaves takes over the window as John B drives. The scene comforts me. Summer is my favorite season. No school. Just work and friends and the Outer Banks. Paradise on Earth, some may call it.

It's the sort of place where you either have two jobs or two houses. Two tribes, one island. We're currently driving through Figure Eight, the rich side of the island. Home of the Kooks. So, guess where we don't live.

As John B drives further South, the houses get smaller and smaller, feeling more like home. This is the South side. Or as we like to call it, the Cut. Home of the working class who make a living bussing tables, washing yachts, running charters. The natural habitat of...drumroll, please...the Pogues. That's us. Pogues, pogies, the throwaway fish. Lowest members of the food chain.

I know... a little harsh, don't you think?

So, the downside of the Pogue life is we're ignored and neglected. But the upside of the Pogue life? We're ignored and neglected, which means we do whatever we want, whenever we want.

The second John B parks the car, the boys are gathering all their fishing gear and we set off to our next destination. The marina.

"Nice haul, dude. Look at that!" JJ teases my brother when he reels in what I think is the smallest fish I've ever seen. If it was orange, I would have thought it was my old pet goldfish from when I was six. "Been all bait for, like, three weeks."

John B pulls the fish off his hook and tosses it in JJ's direction. JJ flinches back, knocking into me and almost throwing me into the water below. That was probably my fault, though. I shouldn't be sitting on an open ledge, dangling my legs twenty feet above the water.

"Watch it, idiot!" I smack JJ upside the head after letting go of the death grip I had on his bicep when I was about to fall to my death. Well...I'd probably survive, but it would hurt like hell.

"It's not my fault you chose the most dangerous seat!" JJ retaliates.

Yeah, that's JJ. John B's best friend since the third grade, which subsequently makes him my best friend since the third grade too. He's about as local as they come. Latest in a long line of fishing, drinking, smuggling, vendetta-holding salt-lifers who made their living off the water. Second best surfer I know. First being me of course. Mild kleptomaniac and a future tax cheat.

"Yeah, Mar, you should really get down from there," Kie says, walking over to me to help me down. I decide not to put up a fight. If I'm going to break my leg, I'm gonna do it in a surfing accident or something cool, not by falling off the dock.

Kiara. Or Kie as we call her. When not saving turtles or listening to Bob Marley, or getting a dolphin tattoo, she hangs out with us. I'm not really sure why though. She's a rich kid, actually. Her family owns the Wreck, this Outer Banks institution. Total cash down with the tourists and my current job. You know, I'm not really sure how her parents feel about us. But they like me enough to bring them money towards their restaurant. I bring in a lot of regulars. Advertising is kind of my thing. I'm pretty sure all my friends, even my brother, have a thing for her.

Kie hands me a water bottle and lays her legs across my lap. She lies down on the wooden bench and bathes in the sunlight the day still has to offer. Kie is my best friend. Best secret holder known to man, for the most part.

"I think she needs a leash," Pope adds, making me pass him a glare.

"The only thing useful about a leash is how I can strangle you with it," I say.

"Kinky," JJ says and winks at me. "That's my girl."

John B slaps JJ upside the back of his head.

I'm lucky my sunburnt skin is hiding the blush that creeps along my cheeks.

Pope glares at both JJ and I which only makes my growing smirk widen.

Pope...the brains of the operation...finalist for the Lucas T. Vanderhorst Merit Scholarship. And the smartest person I know. Little bit of a weirdo. His father's this legendary character, Heyward. Anything you wanted on the island, Heyward could get for you. Now, I'm not sure Heyward knew what to make of his oddball son, but it didn't matter. He was a Pogue, just like the rest of us.

"Trust me, if a leash was that easy, I would have tried a long time ago," John B mutters with a hint of a smile.

John Booker Routledge. My insufferable twin brother. Pain in my ass. Number one partner in crime. I hate him but I love him. Pretty much like any sibling relationship. We live in an old fish shack on the marsh. The Chateau as my dad use to call it. My dad disappeared at sea nine months ago looking for a shipwreck. I mean seriously, who disappears at sea these days? I miss him a lot. He may have been a little neglectful, but he took care of us the best that he could. My mom, however? She split when I was three. Last I heard she was in Colorado. At least I think it was Colorado. Honestly who knows and who cares.

Since my dad vanished, my Uncle T is supposedly my legal guardian. At the moment, he's in Mississippi, building houses which means it's just me right now, on my own, hangin' out with my brother and my friends.

Three months after my dad went missing, he was officially presumed dead. John B is more of an optimist than I am. He refuses to sign the paper and until he sees a dead body, he's not giving up. I back John B's decision, but I'm more realistic about what happened to my dad. The ocean, although my favorite place to be, is also one of the scariest.

My dad is probably dead and I will never get the closure that I want. So I'm dealing with it the best way I can, although I'm pretty sure everyone is a little worried about me, especially Kie now that John B is starting to follow in my footsteps by exhibiting reckless behavior.

But I'm getting better now. Day by Day. At least I wasn't acting like I did when my dad first left us.

                                                     ~ ~ ~

I woke up with a slap to my ankle and my head buried deep into my pillow. I groan from the abrupt living alarm clock that's now pacing my room and throwing clothes from my closet at me. It only makes me squeeze my eyes tighter in hopes for at least five more minutes of sleep.

"Seriously, Mar, we need to go. We're late." John B rips my blanket off my body, leaving me exposed in just my pajama boxer shorts and a tank top. The sudden chill sends goosebumps up my arms and legs.

"Go without me." I push myself up on my elbows and grab the clothes he threw at me. I knew meeting the social worker alone wasn't an option. Even if one of us goes to this stupid meeting, it will prove to the social worker that we're not being responsible enough to keep DCS off our backs. As far as they know, Uncle T is still living with us and keeping us safe.

"You have five minutes." John B ignores me and leaves my room, slamming my door shut.

I roll my eyes and tumble out of my soft bed. I slip on my jeans shorts and a white t shirt that I tie in a knot to make it a crop top. Underneath it I have on my plain black bikini, knowing that I will be surfing the second we get home. The News has been reporting a storm for weeks that's suppose to hit tonight. Vicious waves and crazy winds sends a thrill through my body.

We arrive to the social worker's office only two minutes late. I thought that was a sign of responsibility, but the social worker only looks at us with distaste as we sit in the two chairs in front of her desk.

"John, Marleigh, it's come to our attention that you two are unemancipated minors living on your own." Her hair is pulled back into a tight low bun and her glasses are perched on the tip of her nose. Her suit looks way too tight for comfort, like it's squeezing the life out of her.

John B scoffs and leans back into his seat as if we have nothing to worry about, but I know his heart is beating just as wildly as mine. "No....no." The social worker raises one brow in suspicion and glances in my direction to either confirm or deny what John B is saying. John B sees this and answers for me. "No."

I just shrug as a response, which only makes the social worker more weary. She leans into her desk and folds her hands on top of our folders that are piled in the middle. "I need honesty to help you. That's what we want, right?"

"Yeah. I'm being honest."

"Okay, then when is the last time you spoke to your uncle?"

John B looks down at his watch and purses his lips. "Uh...thirty-four minutes ago."

"When's the last time you saw him?"

"Two hours and...forty-three minutes ago?"

I hold myself back from rolling my eyes. It's clear on the social worker's face that she's not buying into any of John B's lies.

She sighs and turns to look at me. "We're gonna come out there tomorrow to talk to your uncle. If he's not there, we're gonna move forward with foster care." Foster care. The words make me dig my nails into the wood of the arms of the chair I'm in. The last place I ever wanna be is in foster care. I want to stay here on the island with my brother and our friends. Not with some random family who couldn't care less about us in a place I'm not familiar with. "I want to assure you, we're gonna find you a safe and loving home."

She says it like she's offering us a better life, one that we would want, one that sounds like the better option but it isn't. I ignore the worried look John B sends my way and watch the seconds go by on the clock above the door. We basically have twenty-four hours to find Uncle T or someone to be pretend to be him.

                                                  ~ ~ ~

The winds begin picking up early in the afternoon, the rain hitting by 5. On my way home from working at the Wreck, I watch people board up the windows of their stores and homes. All John B and I can do is hope that our little shack won't blow away by morning.

Unfortunately for Pope, he's at our house when John B catches me leaving the house with my board. When he tells me to stop, I'm prepared to put up a fight. I've been looking forward to surfing in this storm all day - something I can use to push the DCS lady out of my head and the promise she made that sounded more like a threat.

"You think you were gonna go out without me?" John B smirks and leads the way to the beach.

Pope follows behind us like a lost puppy, basically talking to himself as he tries to convince us that this is a bad idea. We stop at the edge of the beach. It's almost impossible to see the ocean through the wind and the rain.

"Those aren't surfable waves, bro," Pope says, squinting through the rain that splatters our faces wet.

"Says who?" I say, passing him a devious smirk and make a run for it towards the ocean.

I paddle past the choppy waves, letting the water knock me around like a feather in the wind. When I see a decent looking wave to ride, I prop myself up on my feet and stand. I lean into my board. The warmth that's taken over my body outruns the cold water I fall into when the waves crash over me. My body tumbles under the water and my board bumps against me. I try to swim back up to the surface but the current is strong. I don't know where I am and I can't see under the water. My nose burns when water rushes up my nostrils. I squeeze my eyes tight and just swim upwards in hope of reaching air. Maybe this was a bad idea, but the thrill is still keeping me excited.

I finally reach the surface after what feels like years. John B and Pope's screams are dull against the whistling wind. I hop back on my board and give the two guys a thumbs up and a wicked smile. Pope looks like he's about ready to have a heart attack and John B breathes out a sigh of relief as he paddles closer to me.

"You alright?" He asks me.

"Fine," I yell against the wind.

John B nods. He looks like he's about to say something else, but something over my shoulder catches his attention. I turn myself around, intrigued at what's he's seeing other than the water, clouds, and a bunch of rain. Then I see it. A boat that barely looks afloat, so far out that it looks like a speck against the rain.

"We should probably go," I say. I don't want John B's mind to run to what might have happened to Dad out there. Maybe he was caught by a storm like this, maybe his boat went overboard and his body is out there floating with the fishes. I don't know. The last thing I need him to do right now is speculate. Even if the same thoughts are running through my head, John B thinks he's still alive. These thoughts will keep him up all night. He doesn't move, however. "John B let's go."

                                                  ~ ~ ~

JJ is already laying on the pull out bed in my living room when I get out of the shower. JJ crashes here most days of the week. He'd much rather be here than with his drunk abusive dad. Our friends don't know the extent of how shitty his relationship really is with his dad. But I do. I found out when I was thirteen. JJ snuck through my bedroom window after a tough night with his dad. His face and torso were covered in bruises. It took everything in me not to burst out in tears right then and there. But for some reason, he trusted me of all people with his biggest secret. I cleaned him up and let him sleep in my bed with me. Every once in a while we repeat the process. Sometimes he's not even hurt, he just shows up. And I let him in because I like having him there.

I fall onto the mattress next to him and prop my head up on my hand, leaning on my elbow. I run my fingers through his hair, feeling satisfied and bubbly when he moans in response.

"When did you get here?" I ask him.

"You were in the shower. Don't worry I didn't peak, but I was tempted," He says into his pillow.

I use the same hand I had woven in his hair and punch his shoulder playfully, making him fall on his back. His lips turn up in a grin.

I lay there for a second, looking up at the ceiling. My eyes feel heavy, the events of the day officially taking over my body. I peek an eye over at JJ who's watching me carefully as if I might break under his fingertips.

"What?" I grin to myself, thankful for the darkness so he couldn't see the blush on my cheeks. Again.

"You all right?" He asks, pushing my hair out of my face so he can look straight into my eyes.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

JJ hesitates, like he's trying to pick the right words to say. I watch him closely, studying every mark and crevice on his face. Beautiful and clear like always. Even when it's covered in bruises and blemishes, he's handsome. I could look at him all day.

"You hate storms," He says.

"I can sleep through anything," I tell him. "And I don't hate storms. They make for...eventful surfing days."

His face drops to a more serious one. "You know what I mean."

I do. Storms have never really frightened me. Not really. But ever since my dad disappeared nine months ago, I worried that he would get caught in a storm like this, that by morning there would be a knock on my door from an officer who would tell me that a dead body has washed up on shore and they ID'd him as my father. The image leaves me with nightmares on nights like tonight.

JJ's the only one who knows this.

I don't like talking about it. Like JJ, we have this in common. So instead of telling him I'm fine and him not believing me, I pull the blanket at the edge of the mattress over our bodies and tuck myself into his side, laying my head on his shoulder. A position so intimate for just us "friends." I hope he can't feel my heart pounding beneath my skin, against his side. I let my body soften against his, feeling sleep take over me. I fall into a dreamless sleep next to JJ, hoping that the storm will be gone by the time we wake up.

[kitelineonline]

The Ultimate Guide to Wing Surfboarding - All a Beginner Needs to Know

Have you ever heard of wing surfing? It's an action sport that combines elements of surfing, kiteboarding and paragliding - and it's becoming increasingly popular among athletes looking for a new way to experience the ocean!

In this ultimate guide, we take an in-depth look at what wing surf boarding is, the equipment you need to get started and how to start orr as a beginner.

So if you're ready to find out more about this thrilling water activity, keep on reading!

What is Wing Surfboarding?

Basically it is the activity of riding a surfboard, paddleboard, or other type of water board without a foil while carrying a portable wing in hand.

Although the wings were first employed for downwinding or powering bigger paddleboards, wing surfers are now putting on fantastic shows of wave-riding and aerials on shorter, lower volume boards too.

Wing surfing is a relatively new and niche form of surfing that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Unlike traditional surfing, which relies on waves to provide the surfboard with propulsion, wing surfing uses a kite to create wind power that propels the wing surfboard. This type of surfing can be performed on any type of board, including foilboards, inflatable SUPs, and even windsurf boards.

Terminology

Because wing surfing is still a relatively new sport, there is a lot of terminology that you may not be familiar with. Here is a primer on some of the most important terms you need to know:

Kite

The kite is what provides the wind power that propels the board. It is attached to the board via a harness, and is controlled by the rider using a set of handles or bar.

Harness

The harness attaches the kite to the rider's body and also provides a way to connect the kite to the board. There are different types of harnesses available, depending on your preferred riding style.

Foilboard

A foilboard is a type of surfboard that has an attached hydrofoil beneath the deck. This allows the board to “lift” out of the water when enough speed is generated, making for a more efficient ride. Inflatable

SUP

Inflatable SUPs (stand-up paddleboards) are becoming increasingly popular in the world of wing surfing. These boards are  produced with two layers of material that are "tied together" by a substantial number of incredibly thin threads. The two layers can almost completely collapse together when the board is deflated, making it possible to roll it up and store it in a much smaller space.

Tips for the Beginners

As with any new activity, there are bound to be a few bumps in the road when you first start wing surfboarding. But don't let that discourage you! With a little patience and practice, you'll be shredding the waves in no time.

One of the most important things to remember when starting out is to stay calm. It can be easy to get overwhelmed when you're first learning, but it's important to take things slow and steady.

It's also crucial to have the right equipment. A good wing surfboard should be lightweight and easy to maneuver.

You'll also want to make sure you have a good leash attached to your board, in case you wipe out.

Conclusion

Wing surfboarding is definitely an adrenaline-rushing sport and must try too.

Once you've got the hang of things, don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques. There's no right or wrong way to wing surf, so feel free to try different tricks and see what works best for you. The more you practice, the better you'll become at riding the waves.

If you're looking to buy the right gear for your wing surfing journey, Kiteline is the best shopping site for you offering quality gear with handling techniques.

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Original Source: https://bityl.co/GnoP