Jay and Jeff Grygera (Iron Cross Surfboards) and Jerry Anderson (Headline Graphics) who produced a commemorative surfboard for Brennan Savage (FDNY Retirees of San Diego 19th Division) to honor the 343 firefighters lost on 9/11 at the World Trade Center.

Encinitas, CA – September 2, 2011

Firefighter Brennan Savage, President of FDNY Retirees of California, was leaving work to go surfing on September 11, 2001 when he looked across the bay to see one of the Twin Towers on fire. When he saw a jetliner hit the second tower he realized he wasn’t going anywhere, but back to work that day. Some of Savage’s fellow firefighters were in the water surfing that morning and lost their lives at the Twin Towers.

As a fireman and a surfer now living in Encinitas, California, Savage wanted to do something special to commemorate the friends he lost that day. He thought a commemorative surfboard would be just the item. That’s when he contacted Iron Cross Surfboards’ Jeff and Jay Grygera to   donate the surfboard. Jeff then contacted Jerry Anderson, owner of Headline Graphics. Anderson creates custom surfboard graphics on Photocloth, producing photo-realistic images. “I envisioned it immediately,” said Anderson, “I thought of creating a flag that ran the length of the board with the faces of the 343 fallen firefighters set in the white stripes.”

According to Jeff Grygera, “I have built thousands of surfboards, but none of them ever affected me like this. Working on that board, I would stare at those faces for hours, realizing these guys would never return to their families again. As a family man, that was really emotional for me.”

The surfboard is finished and on display at Iron Cross Surfboards through September 7. At 10:00 a.m. on September 7, the board will be presented to the now retired firefighter, Brennan Savage at Iron Cross Surfboards, 2101 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff. Media is encouraged to attend. The surfboard will be part of the 10th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony slated for September 11 on the USS Midway Museum at 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego. For more info, visit www.midway.org/911 and www.fdnyretireesofcalifornia.com.

After being displayed on the USS Midway, the 9-11 board, as it’s being called, will be taken to its permanent home at the San Diego Firehouse Museum.

Contacts: Brennan Savage at savagebdl@yahoo.com or 760-623-3539
Jeff/Jay Grygera, Iron Cross Surfboards: jeffgrygera@gmail.com or 760-436-1900
Jerry Anderson, Headline Graphics: janderson@headlinegraphics.com or 760-436-0133

We had a great time at the HASL Kauai 2011 skim contest at Shipwrecks with a small turn out which is good for a small beach & island.   The wind was light & the skim was really good and got better as the tide came up.  When it came down to the Men’s Advanced there is no denying that the top guys were ripping super hard and that the results would be really close.  1st place winners got a killer pair of shades from Dirty Dog Eyewear & Freak Traction pads.  Thanks also to Maui Skimmers, Victoria, & Exile for stickers and some goodies.

We add up the place that each judge gives the rider & there was no unanimous winner.  The difference between 1st – 3rd place was very close in waves scores and when the numbers were added up it was David Sterman from Oahu taking his 1st  HASL win,  Anthony “Ace” Conlon from Kauai got a close 2nd, & recent multiple Hawaii skim contest winner Jesse Solomon from Maui was really close for 3rd.   Good job to these guys they were going off and put on a real good show.

The permit application for the HASL finals has just been submitted for Saturday October 8th at Yokes on Oahu.  The conditions are very likely to be good, & although it’s a long drive to get there it seems worth it by how good the turnout is.

The series points need to get added up and then will get posted on the Hawaii Amateur Skimboard League facebook page.

Here is a link to an online gallery by a family friend of Ace on Kauai.  http://www.shop-dakineimages.com/skim

Mahalo!!

Erik  Covarrubias

Hawaii Amateur Skimboarding League HASL
Email:  info@hawaiiskimboardleague.com
Website: hawaiiskimboardleague.com
Phone: (808) 265-2112

22 & under division

A note from the Hawaii Amateur Skimboarding League director Erik Covarrubias:

We’re getting ready for the contest this Saturday August 27th at Shipwrecks on Kauai.   It’s a small beach and an even smaller parking lot so get together to figure out how who’s driving.  We plan on getting to the beach by 8am and starting the contest by 9am so don’t be late.

If you haven’t signed up yet the links are below.  For Men’s Advanced it’s $75 with 1/3 of that going to the cash prize for the top 3 places.  Right now we’re expecting last year’s HASL champ Kyle”Little Man” Olson, recent contest winner Jesse Solomon, & Keith “Party” Fowler all from Maui.  The advanced heats will include Anthony “Ace” Conlon form Kauai & David Sterman form Oahu.   You won’t want to miss the best skimmers in all of Hawaii at the same beach so there’s still time.

Mahalo again to Maui Skimmers, Dirty Dog Eyewear, & Freak Traction for donations.

Men’s Advanced $75 cash prize – https://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1977150

HASL members $25 – https://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1977151

Non members one time contest entry fee $35 – https://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1977153

Erik  Covarrubias

Hawaii Amateur Skimboarding League HASL
Email:  info@hawaiiskimboardleague.com
Website: hawaiiskimboardleague.com
Phone: (808) 265-2112

Kauai Classic Sat Aug 27th 2011

Sticky Bumps and Wax Research announce the signing of Matthieu Thibaud to their World Skim Team

Sticky Bumps, a division of Wax Research Inc., is proud to announce the signing of France’s Matthieu Thibaud to their World Skim Team.   He joins Sticky Bumps World Team Riders Dave Rastovich, Alana Blanchard, Dylan Goodale, Bethany Hamilton, Coco Nogales, Malia Manuel, Leila Hurst, Christian Wach as well as Stand Up Paddlers Chuck Patterson, Brian Haag and Darian Boyle.

“I am really happy and honored to join the Sticky Bumps Team.” said Matthieu. ” I remember when I was a kid watching my older brother and his friends skimboarding. One day in our local surf shop (in France) where they had several wax brands, my brother picked a Sticky Bumps bar and said: “this one is the best!” It was true and that makes me even more stoked today to have the opportunity to represent this company as well as I can. ”

Originally from France, Matthieu started skimming when he was age 9. His travels have taken him Spain, Portugal, Mexico, US East Coast, Northern and southern California where he has been living the past 3 years. His current sponsors are Sticky Bumps, Victoria Skimboards, Extreme Outdoor Supply (EOS), Freak Traction, DC Shoes, Nixon Watches and Snuggbuds Headsets.

“It’s very inspiring to see an athlete like Matthieu and his passion not only for the sport but for giving back to those in need,” reflected John Dahl.  “He’s not only a great skimboarder but also an incredible human being who exemplifies the kind of connection Wax Research and Sticky Bumps desires to have with their athlete.  I’m stoked to have him join our family.”

Matthieu Thibaud is a contributor to the Heart of Sailing Foundation.  The Heart of Sailing Foundation introduces sailing for free to children and adults with development disabilities, such as Autism and Down Syndrome, as a form of education and recreational therapy.

http://matthieuthibaudvictoriaskimboards.blogspot.com/

About Wax Research

Wax Research is recognized by the international surfing community as one of the original surf accessory companies. It was founded in 1972 by John Dahl with the purpose of manufacturing surf and ski waxes and accessories. Wax Research brands include Sticky Bumps, Ransom and WEND, and are sold by distributors worldwide. Its headquarters are located in Carlsbad, California, USA. www.stickybumps.com

And make sure you check out Matthieu’s new pro board at EOS! Check it out here: Matthieu Thibaud Pro Model Skimboard

Just in case you didn’t know we do carry an extensive line up of O’Neill life jackets and vest. If you put one on, you will be able to do all these tricks! Just like when I put on my Jordan’s I turn into Michael. Check out our selection here: O’neill Vest

The Maui Melee 2011 was a hit with excellent conditions and plenty of good skim waves for all.  A big mahalo to Brent Edwards from Maui Skimmers for donations and MC skills, Sergio with Dirty Dog eyewear for having some sweet shades, I had my Dirty Dog’s on all day. Did you?  Check out their websites and facebook pages.

Groms – 1st place, Nohea Bachiller / 2nd Kai Hemmitt / 3rd little Tai Beck catching air on his sponge board.

22 & under – 1st place Ollie Shipp / 2nd Colin Camp / 3rd Tyler Patrou

23 & over – 1st place Russell Carbonell / 2nd Kai Bednorz-Pierpoint / 3rd Dannon Chu

Women’s – 1st Heather Graf who now leads the women’s points because she ripped at the Yokes contest last month / 2nd Joleane Rico / 3rd Kiana Soloria / 4th Coral Mathison

Cash prizes for the Men’s Advanced division was $100 for 1st, $70 for 2nd & $50 for 3rd which made it all that more exciting.  We had 11 of the top skimmers in all the islands come out and perform at the best skim spot in all of Hawaii.  It was truly an action packed show but as the heats went on some of the guys got left out until there were only 3 left.  The winner of the Big Beach HASL Maui Melee for 2011 is reigning HASL champ from last year Kyle “Little Man” Olson.

Men’s Advanced – 1st Kyle “Little Man” Olson / 2nd Jesse Solomon (winner of the last 2 contests Yokes & Kaanapali) / 3rd David “Stermanbergstein” Sterman

Good job you guys it was tough competition to end up with a top 3 spot.

The next HASL contest is planned for Saturday August 27th somewhere on Kauai.  The Kauai contest is usually our smallest contest to go along with a small island.  Super fun skim for our event last year so stay tuned by checking the facebook page at Hawaii Amateur Skimboarding League.

The full results will get posted on the HASL website once we’re done updating the league points standings.

Mahalo for all the support, ALOHA!!

Erik  Covarrubias

Hawaii Amateur Skimboarding League HASL
Email:  info@hawaiiskimboardleague.com
Website: hawaiiskimboardleague.com
Phone: (808) 265-2112

Yoga is a great way to stay balanced & flexible for surfers

We are excited to have another guest blogger! Tali is an amazing person who loves the outdoors and especially yoga. Keeping yourself injury free in board sports is hard enough to do as is, so I wanted Tali to touch on how yoga can help out all the surfers/skimmers out there. Here is Tali!

It’s no secret that yoga and surfing go hand in hand. While yoga can
prepare the body for surfing there is also the common bond of breath,
balance and going with the flow.  This collection of yoga poses, or
asanas, are designed to open, strengthen and stretch the parts of the
body that are used most while riding.

Garudasana  Arms (Eagle Pose).
How:  Extend arms out to each side, bend elbows, bring arms to center
in front of chest and cross your right arm above your left,  and rest
the right elbow into the left’s crook.  With your forearms
perpendicular to the floor, press your palms together, and continue to
lift your elbows to feel more of the stretch.  Hold for a few breaths
and switch sides. Repeat twice on each side.

Stretches upper back and shoulders.  Great before and after long
paddling sessions.

Malasana  (Squat)
How:  Separate your feet outer hips width distance apart. Exhale and
slowly lower into a squat. If this hurts your knees, support your seat
with a bolster or folded blankets, and if your heels come off the
ground, place a rolled up towel beneath them.  Placing your hands in
prayer, press your elbows into your thighs to open your chest and
hips.   Hold for 5-10 breaths.

Opens hips and strengthens the back.

Chaturanga Dandasana
How:  From a plank position with your wrists below shoulders, lower
your body to a hover over the floor while keeping your back flat, your
forearms and elbows in, and heels pressing back. Hold the hover for 5
breaths, and repeat from plank pose.

Core, triceps, back.

Navasana (Boat Pose)
How:  Sitting up, use your hands to center your weight between your
sit-bones and tailbone.  Place your hands right behind your seat to
open your chest and flatten your back.  Lift the feet slowly off the
ground. If you can lift and lower legs slowly with easy raise hands,
reaching your fingers towards your feet. Continue to raise legs with
an inhale, and lower with an exhale. 5-15 breaths.

Strengthens core; Stretches back muscles.  While good for overall
strength, this pose will help with deep breathing and focus.

Balasana (Happy Baby)
How:  Lie on your back, bend your knees towards your torso, lift your
feet off the ground as though your feet were going to touch the
ceiling or sky. Bring hands to sole of the feet.  Using gentle
pressure pull the knees into the underarms. Enjoy this pose for as
long as you’d like.

Releases tight hips and relaxes back.

Enjoy these poses and you’ll see an improvement in your surfing. As
with all exercise take care and consult a physician before trying
anything new.

Thanks Tali! And for more Tali make sure you check out these links, including her twitter feed:

andthewhatnot.com
mycupcakemafia.com
twitter.com/cupcakemafia

Aloha from HASL,

Everything is coming together for the second HASL contest for 2011 scheduled for Saturday June 11th at Big Beach, Makena on Maui. It’s a great way to start the summer off and Maui is usually our most amount of entries so you won’t want to miss it. We’ll be setting up early with check in starting at 8am and the contest beginning at 9:00 so don’t be late.

Once again this is a chance to see Hawaii’s top skimmers like Jesse Solomon winner of the recent two Hawaii contests, Kyle “Little Man” Olson last year’s HASL champ, & David Sterman who recently returned from ripping in Cabo. You’ll want to see Sean McClenahan runner up in the past couple of contests & if we’re lucky Anthony “Ace” Conlon will grace us with his presence.

Recent female stand out competitor’s we’ll expect to see include Heather Graf who’s been coming up in the ranks and Nikki Lee another Maui wahine skimmer that’s going to show us why this is her spot.

We have to also say thanks to Maui Skimmers Skimboards, Dirty Dog Eyewear, Freak Traction, & Maui Tomorrow for helping to Save Makena.

The sign up links are below for the $25 membership price for those who paid the $25 membership fee at the Yokes contest. There’s the $35 one time contest entry fee for those who only get the chance to sign up for the Maui contest this year. And there’s the $50 Men’s Advanced entry that offers a cash prize for the top three places.

HASL member $25.00 entry fee – https://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1966605

$35 one time contest entry link – https://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1967081

Men’s Advanced $50.00 – https://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1966604

Mahalo again for all the support and check the HASL facebook page at Hawaii Amateur Skimboard League for pictures and updates.

Erik Covarrubias

Hawaii Amateur Skimboarding League HASL
Email: info@hawaiiskimboardleague.com
Website: hawaiiskimboardleague.com
Phone: (808) 265-2112

Conditions looked like ankle biters… too bad with a final heat. Congrats again to Austin and Blair!

Big thanks to Shawn Kenny for getting this out so fast. Enjoy team riders Blair Conklin and Austin Keen… as you can tell the conditions weren’t ideal. But they did the best for what they had!