“Ovarian Cancer affects the lives of thousands of people and we here at Power Balance are eager to assist in battling the disease”, said Power Balance’s Josh Rodarmel. “We are delighted to have our family of athletes, colleagues and supporters with us as we officially begin working together with OCRF to help raise awareness and money for this most worthy of causes.”

About Power Balance

Power Balance was originally created to give surfers and skateboarders greater balance and flexibility in their craft, but has since transcended the extreme sports world to more traditional sports such as football, baseball and basketball. Their wristbands and pendants can now be seen adorning the wrists of pro-athletes, celebrities and consumers alike. For more information, visit www.powerbalance.com or swing by our Dana Point Shop!

About OCRF

Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) is the largest private non-profit organization in the United States dedicated exclusively to funding ovarian cancer research. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecological cancers and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. There is no effective means of early detection and only 19% of cases are caught before the cancer has spread beyond the ovary to the pelvic region. Since 1998, OCRF has awarded almost $40 million in research grants to investigators developing innovative strategies for early detection; exploring the genetics that increase risk; identifying new and improved targets for treatments; and deciphering how and why ovarian cancer spreads and how to stop it. For more information visit www.ocrf.org

I just had 15 days of vacation. Read: 15 days of freedom; freedom to go wherever I want and to do whatever I want. No need to wake up at 6:30 in the morning, no need to rush and to worry about an endless to-do list; just the pleasure to take my time and start my day with my cup of hot chocolate, thinking: ”Ok, should I go surfing? Or kiting?” (and frankly, I don’t have enough of these days).

I wish I could tell you that I traveled to a great place and surfed epic waves that would make any surfer jealous. But I decided to stay home instead, and to go kiteboarding every single day. And I was lucky enough to have 15 days of wind. No jokes. My surfer friends don’t understand why I’m so much into kiteboarding… some of them even tell me with a grin that I’m “lost”, and that nothing will ever save me from this obsession. They’re probably right, since I only go surfing when the wind is down.

But I guess sometimes you can really have too much of a good thing: the combination of  wind, salt and sun burnt my eyes so badly, I had to stay out of the water for 3 days, with eyes so red and sore I could barely keep them open.

But I’m not going to write a whole blog about 15 days of kiteboarding. Showing you what it was like is, I think, a better idea.

The ever-smiling Torea. I’ve never seen this guy not smiling. Not even once. He is always keen to go kiteboarding and surfing, whatever the conditions. Torea is one of the guys doing the most impressive high jumps and getting the deepest, most perfect barrels. However, he’ll always tell you how great your tricks were and how good your last wave was, never talking about himself, but always making sure to give you some advice to help you out. A great guy with a big heart.

Fetia (meaning “star” in Tahitian) always hangs out on the beach, following her surfer/kiteboarder/windsurfer owner, Isa, wherever she goes. It’s always fun to have a puppy to play with between sessions.

That is where you’ll find me most of the time. This kiteboarding spot has flat water and waves, thus suiting every riding style.

We had a few days of rain. The good thing about it is that you always end up kiting with rainbows – magic moments that stay in your mind forever.

The local kids often come to the beach to look at the guys kiting. They stay there for a few minutes, yelling and laughing, then turn their heads and keep riding their bikes along the beach.

Sometimes I envy my friends because they’re incredibly good, and I’m not there yet. But it’s a great motivation… they are the ones who make me want to become better at my sport. I love them all.

Probably my favorite time of the day; when the wind goes down and everybody packs back in the sunset light, talking about the last few hours of fun. Usually, a few beers follow.

Sunset time = feel-good time

Wait, what is this doing here??? Home-made dark chocolate cupcakes were also part of my daily routine. Yes, my diet was on vacation too

-Vainui

Premiering this week in California, Taylor Steele’s latest and greatest project is called Castles In The Sky. Filmed in five countries over the course of three years, we’re expecting quite a show! Click HERE for California tour dates.

TransWorld SURF: How did you come up with the name Castles In The Sky?

Taylor Steele: I read it somewhere. The meaning behind it is “wanting something out of reach”. I thought it fit our mindset of wanting new experiences and waves.

Where was it filmed?

India, Iceland, Vietnam, Peru and Africa.

Where did you guys score the best surf?

In India at this wave that has only been surfed by the locals. A week before our arrival they scouted it for us since we were coming to hang with them. We were some of the first foreigners there. Incredible waves and offshore all day. All the camera crew got to surf empty waves when Rasta was tired, too. So fun.

Everyone knows that getting skunked is part of traveling for surf. What did you guys do when the surf was lacking?

We would cruise around and check out the place. It depended on where we were. In India we took a train across the north to check the sites. In Peru we went to Machu Pichu. Everywhere we went we had something to do.

Is the film broken into surfer sections or locations?

Locations. We chose surfers that fit each location and really wanted to go there. Rasta had been dreaming of visiting India for a while. Same with Peru for Rob [Machado] and Iceland for Dan Malloy.

In your eyes, who surfed the best during the making of the film?

Machado was on in Peru; Clay Marzo too. Rasta was also in the zone. Everyone had their sessions.

What was the funniest thing that happened in the making of the movie?

So many things happen on these trips it’s all a blur. I guess customs keeping my camera in the Sahara was funny looking back on it. It wasn’t funny at the time though. I ended up shooting with my photo camera and trying to make it work.

Why the Hollywood premiere? There’s no surf in Hollywood!

Haha! That’s why! They need some real surf movies there—not the Hollywood perception of surfing. The real reason is it’s a good excuse to go big in the city.

What’s next for the Sipping Jetstreams crew?

Rest… Yet there are some ideas for the next trip are starting to swirl.

Find more stories like this one at TransworldSurf.com

Our Brand of the Month for May just got even cooler…

Can’t Wait: June 10^th, Billabong’s 4^th annual Design For Humanity benefit is heading to a new location (in LA)  set in the heart of the legendary NY Streets Backlot at Paramount Studios, a backdrop of the studio’s historic NYC facades that recreates eight distinct areas of the city. This massive block party fashion-music-art showcase will feature two concert stages, DJ dance parties, art gallery and DethKills live art installations, one-of-a-kind bikini runway fashion show, League of Extraordinary Dancers performance, Hit+Run live t-shirt screenprinting, food trucks, Invisible Children sensory exhibit, Master of Maple limited edition snare drums auction, VIP street and much more with all ticket proceeds, art show and product collaboration auction sales being donated to Invisible Children.

Legendary electroclash duo FISCHERSPOONER are headlining this years event for an unforgettable festival of light and sound performance which makes them a perfect collaborator for this years event. Chi-town rapper KID SISTER who seamlessly fuses elements of electro pop, Hip-Hop and ghetto house will be kicking off the night. DJ MARK MORENO, PASE ROCK, THEM JEANS, and CLASSIXX will be mixing beats throughout the night.

Exhibiting artists whose art you can purchase at the show include: Aakash Nihalari, Andrew Firmiano, Andreas von Chrzanowski, Beejoir, Blek le Rat, Boogie, Boxi, Bumblebee, Casey O’Connell, Chrish Del Moro, Dan Witz, Danielle Petach, DethKills, Eine, Erik Abel, Escif, Faith47 Shepard Fairey, Wolfgang Block and many many more!

Come ready to buy art, buy a custom t-shirt, buy a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, or just party with a purpose!

Tickets ON SALE NOW! The first 100 tickets will be $30, the next 1,000 tickets will be $40, the last 1,000 will be $50 (a very limited amount of VIP tickets will be available for $150). This is an 18 and over event, valid ID required.

Doors open at 7pm, show ends at 1am!

Shop Billabong: KillerDana.com

In between surfing sessions and making college kids fall in love with his acoustic jams, Jack Johnson hit the studio to record his fifth album. Entitled To the Sea, this LP is the singer-songwriter’s first in more than two years. Check out an interview with Jack Johnson and MTV about the new album that comes out June st 2010:

The album is called To the Sea. I guess it’s a reference to a father leading his son to the sea, with the water representing the subconscious. So it’s about trying to go beneath the surface and understand yourself,” Johnson told MTV News on Tuesday. “I have three kids … so the album is about that. It’s both me as a son of my own father and me looking down at my kids. I’m 34, right at this transition of still feeling like a child sometimes, but other times feeling like a father, and finding the father in myself. It’s all about those things.”

Recorded in just three weeks in Johnson’s Mango Tree Studios, Sea is meant to capture the man and his band as they’re supposed to be heard: live and loose. It was mainly committed to tape in one room, with minimal use of overdubs, and an increased focus on letting the instruments bleed into one another. It is very much the sound of a band setting up in a room and just playing.

“We don’t need much time. Just four guys in the band, we try to get it live as much as we can, keep as much of it with the bleeds in it,” Johnson smiled. “Three weeks is about as long as we could spend, because we tend to start overthinking things if we go longer than that. We’re a pretty small band, with pretty simple songs.”

Read more of this MTV article at MTV.com

Talented people inspire me… and to be honest, I probably feel a little bit of envy as well, because talented people have this special gift that allows them to do great things. Beautiful things. Some would argue that talent is overrated and that only (hard) work  can make a difference on what you do and how you do it. But that’s not the point.

I know there are talented people all around the world, everywhere! Even the kid next door could be one of those lucky few… And the more I look around me, the more I realize that Tahiti’s got her own share of raw talents. So this week, I want to introduce you to a man who is considered one of Tahiti’s best water photographers, mister Maiko Mou.

I want to know everything: how did you fall in love with photography?

Well, like pretty much everybody I’ve been taking photos since I was 2 years old… uhh, no, wait, I was a bit older than that: I think I was 25 actually (smile). It all started when I first came across those photoblogs on the internet ; I discovered the work of British photo blogger David J. Nightingale (http://www.chromasia.com), and just loved it.

The idea behind of all those blogs was to provide a lot of information about the type of gear that were used, the settings and everything. I wanted to share all of this myself and bought my first digital SLR camera in 2005.

What about water photography?

We live in Tahiti and water is all around us – literally. So becoming a surf photographer was just… obvious.  Plus I was raised in Papara, not far from the famous Taharuu beach break (located on the South West side of Tahiti), where Tahitian icons Raimana Van Bastolaer, Manoa Drollet, Hira Teriinatoofa and WCT battler Michel Bourez grew up surfing.

How do you feel when you’re in the water? What do you think about?

I feel calm. Waking up early before sunrise or going in the water at sunset time is soothing, especially in our warm waters. But I have to admit that when I go and shoot new breaks, I’m a bit anxious – the fear of the unknown I guess. But this feeling never lasts for very long.

What do I think about? Getting good shots! But just being in the water waiting for a set also allows to stop thinking, you know… to get rid of everyday’s stress. I believe that discovering the water world in this way can make us progress in other areas of our life.

How would you describe your work?

Well, my latest photos look pretty good to me (smile)… and different from what has been done so far, here in Tahiti. I know it looks a lot like Clark Little’s or David Pu’u’s work, but it’s a big world, with many different waves and landscapes. Plus each photographer has their own their own way of capturing images, you know. That’s what makes our photos different.

And you’ve already been published in a few surf mags!

That’s right, Transworld, Surfing, and several bodyboard magazines have published my work. But right know I want to focus more on showing my work in art galleries, here and abroad. I also put as many photos as possible on my website, so that they can be within everybody’s reach. I also have a few audiovisual projects, but shhhh…. not telling anything about them right now.

What is the best thing about what you do?

Being alone in the middle of nowhere, capturing magic and ephemeral moments, enjoying the waves’ sweetness, just feeling the Hau Maru (sweet atmosphere in Tahitian).

The worst?

Getting caught inside and ending up on the reef.

I looooove scary stories: got one in mind????

I had just broken up with my girlfriend when I decided to go shooting those big waves that break way out to sea (called Maotis) in Papara, with local surfer Hira Teriinatoofa. It was probably 15 ft, the river was in spate and the muddy waters had come all the way to the break where we were shooting. This huge wave came, and I had no choice but to drop my camera and swim as deep as I could to avoid getting worked. I came back to the surface and managed to find my camera … 750 ft away from the impact zone!!! Then on my way back to the peak, some sea creature caught one of my fins and dragged me in the water. That was intense… so intense that it nearly made me forget all about my break up.

What’s the accomplishment you’re most proud of so far?

Taking awesome photos of what is considered Tahiti’s most polluted break: I managed to show Tahiti’s “pretty face”, when there are some things that are just not right… It’s just like those nice postcards you know… they show our islands beauty but hide this reality we are all aware of. So I hope that one day our leaders take a closer look at those photos, realize how amazing this area is, and do what it takes to give it all its purity and beauty back.

If you want to see more of Maiko’s (art)work, go to >> www.haumaru.com

-Vainui

Related Articles:
Home is Where the Heart Is

Featured Photographer Josh Humbert

Another Side to Tahiti Surfing

True Love False Idols is a boutique-minded street fashion brand rooted in the evolving art, punk rock and hip hop scenes of Los Angeles. Created for and inspired by a growing collective of artists, musicians and designers, TLFI is recognized by its distinct graphics, hand drawn fonts and custom silhouettes. Check out one of their artists, Pose and this interview done by Alex 2Tone (founder of TLFI).

“NEIGHBORHOOD MONSTERS: TLFI” by POSE MSK

Pose is sick. I bought a couple of his pieces this year, and then met him in person at an MSK/AWR meeting. He runs a design firm, does graff, smokes, wears hats, and loves chi-town.

We discussed his Chicago gang card collection and the differences in street culture in our native cities, and from that the Neighborhood Monsters series was born. We modeled the monsters after people we know. The Zombie and Wolfman are based off of MSK crew heads. Support this dude, because he’s mad nice and he gets it in on the daily. And because he is sick. And I’m not talking about his health.

Pose wearing TLFI Mr. Aloy Wolf Tee

Who are you?

The 5th element of mystical Hip Hop aka Pose one, MSK, D30, TSL, SV.

What’s your problem?

Everything.

Did you like doing this project?

Definitely.

Was I a pain in the ass?

No comment. But seriously though, I worked for ad/media agencies for years, so everything else is a tropical drink…nice and breezy.

Dream Job?

Anytime I can draw, zombies, werewolves, crew mates, and breasts I’m a happy camper.

Pose wearing TLFI La Travisiesa Tee

What would you be doing beyond this?

Sleeping.

What Style you are waiting for to return? In any realm….

Anything pre my birth, gang sweaters, and the importance of combs.

Favorite 5 songs right now?

1. Pay to cum- Bad Brains
2. Digital- Joy division
3. Be my baby- The Ronnettes (murray the k’s holiday revue)
4. One thousand tears of a tarantula- Dengue Fever
5. Sleep walk- Ritchie Valens

Best Movie you’ve seen recently/and in the past?

Caddy shack, The Big Lebowski, tropic thunder, ect.

Pose MSK Chicago Style

What’s your work/education history?

Thief, sloppy drug dealer, bad construction worker, janitor, dishwasher, house painter, turned artist/ business owner, and still have never gone gay for pay.
Education was never my strong suit, but i did eventually finish high school, and later got my shit together, got a scholarship and copped a BFA in fine art with 3 years of solid deans list….

Read more of this interview at TLFI.com

Shop TLFI & Support Pose: KillerDana.com

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It probably is true that Maui is the windiest place on earth: wherever you go, north shore, west side, east side, the wind is howling, every single day. Unbelievable. (this photo: Maui’s west side, late afternoon)

This is the beach where I spent most of my time kiting: you can stay close to the shore and practice your tricks or go farther outside and surf the waves. Whatever your choice, you’ll get to play with huge turtles. I love my sport.

If you drive more up North along the famous Hana Highway, you’ll get to Ho’okipa. Make sure to stop by the cute little “hippie” town of Paia first, and try Mana Foods’ Carrot Cake (vegan version available). Sooooo yummy  (and their cookies are not bad either).

This is the beautiful line up of Honolua Bay. I was lucky enough to have a NW swell big enough for Honolua to break. It’s hard to catch waves, but the wait is definitely worth it. Notice how strong the wind is outside but how glassy the line up is, thanks to the cliffs surrounding it. In the back: the island of Lanai.

Located between Lahaina and Honolua Bay, on Lower Honoapiilani Highway, is Farmers Market & Deli. This healthfood store has a salad bar, a hot bar, fresh sandwiches and much more. It’s a small store, but it has pretty much everything you need. I was staying next door and used to walk there whenever I was hungry. Their Banana Cake is so good I ate the whole thing in just one day; I know, definitely not the right thing to do if you want a tight butt but c’mon… I WAS ON VACATION!!!

In the corner, right next to it is Bad Ass Coffee. Loved the smell of that place in the morning

-Vainui

“In the beginning, it was all about the surfboard. The only thing that mattered. From ancient Polynesia to the ASP World Championship Tour; from Waikiki to Maverick’s; from The Endless Summer to Surfline; as the eras passed what we’ve worn or said or listened to or traveled to or read or watched are just sidebars on surfing’s timeline. Because the history of our sport is the history of the surfboard. Nothing has defined the surfing experience more than that on which we ride the waves. Nothing defines the surfer more than his (or her) surfboard. So much more than a tool, the surfboard has become a philosophical icon, a sacred craft, a culturally pervasive symbol of freedom, adventure and enduring youth.

This is why the surfboard builder was once the primary arbiter of surfing culture, from those early Hawaiian kahunas to the first wave of board manufacturers in the early 1960s. Think back: Hobie, Hansen, Bing, Weber, Noll. These labels-the surfboards they produced and the way this product was marketed-shaped surf culture, both literally and figuratively. It was all about the ride-what you wore came second.

It is all about the surfboard; has always been about the surfboard. We at the SACRED CRAFT Consumer Surf Expo feel it is time to reassert that philosophy. To put the surfboard-and the modern-day kahunas who craft them-back at the forefront of surf culture. To place that influence, that importance, that responsibility, back in the hands of the artisans, surfers, and shapers who design our sacred crafts-and ultimately our future.

When you boil it right down, surfers only care about two things: Waves and the equipment to ride them with. Sacred Craft merges the two by organizing expositions that focus on surf equipment and situating the expos in coastal locations that offer waves nearby.

More than anything, Sacred Craft is a celebration of the surfboard. The philosophical icon of enduring youth. No other object stirs as much passion, as much stoke, and as much power.”

WHO: Surfers, Shapers, Designers, Craftsman, Manufacturers
WHAT: Surfboards and the culture that flows from them
WHEN: April 10 & 11 2010; Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 10am-4pm
WHERE: Ventura County Fairgrounds @ C Street
WHY: Because surfers really only care about two things; waves and the equipment to ride them with
HOW: $10 at the door includes TransWorld SURF subscription and door prizes including surfboards and one week stay at Joyo’s G-Land Surf Camp

Anyone else going this weekend? See you there!

Check out more info at: http: Sacred Craft Surf Expo

Related Articles:
Sacred Craft 2009
Timmy Patterson Shapes a Green Foam Board for KD Founder GW
Teahupoo Surf Club

Every Monday we like to hook you guys up with FREE STICKERS! This week in honor of our new Brand of the Month (Hurley), we are giving out Dalek and Bigfoot Hurley stickers! Whoo hoo!

All you have to do to win is share some Dalek or Bigfoot love! Pick one of these:

-Leave a comment telling us where n’ when you saw some Dalek, or Bigfoot art?
-Leave us a link to your favorite Dalek or Bigfoot video/photo…
-Tell us how you were introduced to either of these artists?

>>Free Shipping to U.S. residents only, Sticker give away ends Monday April 12th

Shop Hurley: KillerDana.com