Surf Stronger Blog

Sliding Liberia on da' North Shore

2008-07-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Sliding Liberia is a superb new surf documentary well worth a viewing. Our good friend, Crystal Thornburg, is one of the surf stars in the picture, and will be presenting the movie this Saturday at Café Haleiwa on the North Shore of O'ahu.

If you happen to live on O’ahu (and we know there are a lot of Hawaiian Surf Strongers out there!) or plan on visiting the island this Saturday, cruise up to Duncan Campbell's Café Haleiwa and check out a screening of the film. Guaranteed fun.

Aloha,
The Surf Stronger Crew

Surf Stronger Invades Surf City

2008-07-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

The Surf Stronger Crew enjoyed a killer weekend in Huntington Beach (aka Surf City) for the kick-off of the US Open of Surfing. Highlights included a team signing with Surf Stronger's Serena Brooke, the surf at the pier Sunday morning (head high, glassy, wall'y...and warm!), and endless rounds of sushi at Tuna Town on Main. The signing was a big success with lots of surf stoked folks coming out for a poster and chance to meet Serena. We nearly ran out of posters! Special thanks to Sambazon Acai for providing delicious, healthy drinks and to Huntington Surf & Sport for having us. Also a hearty thanks to all the folks who turned up at the event. Good luck Serena in this week's competition!

The Surf Stronger Crew

Sauce signs yet another poster!

Get your Surf Stronger posters... and Sambazon Acai!

Da Crew.

One Good Thing About Music...

2008-07-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

Music is a huge part of our program here at Surf Stronger: Before a surf or a workout, during a workout, on a run, driving our cars...in the lineup in our heads. We like music. That's probably why for Surf Stronger--Core Training we went to the effort of assembling an all-star group of musicians called the Surf Stronger House Band, and recorded an original groovy soundtrack. We got Bay Area legend Tim Bluhm (Mother Hips) and the equally legendary Steve Adams (ALO) and from there rounded out the group with sweet playing Danny Lebowitz on guitar (ALO) the amazing Jackie Greene on keys and the ever (rock) steady Adam Topol on drums. Pay attention to the music on Surf Stronger--Core Training and let us know what you think. "One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain."

Tim Bluhm of the Mother Hips (and Surf Stronger House Band) rocking it at this month's High Sierra Music Festival, California. See more pics.

Surf Stronger at the US Open of Surfing 2008; Serena Brooke Signing

2008-07-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

We are stoked to announce that the Surf Stronger Crew will be at this year's US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. The contest and event runs from July 18-27. Surf Stronger will be there July 19 & 20. Come meet Surf Stronger Team member, Serena Brooke, at a special signing at Huntington Surf & Sport on Sunday July 20th. Serena will be on hand to sign limited edition posters and to talk surf fitness. Come out and meet Serena and the Crew.

What: Serena Brooke Meet & Greet; Signing
When: July 20th; 2:00 PM
Where: Huntington Surf & Sport at the Pier.

Check the US Open web site for or Huntington Surf & Sport site for more info.

Hope to see you at the US Open of Surfing!

The Surf Stronger Crew

Protect California Beaches. Protect Trestles!

2008-07-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

NOTE: Looks like there are some changes on when this meeting will take place. It will NOT take place at the Bren Center. See www.savetrestles.org for updates.

While the Surf Stronger crew hails from Central California, Trestles is near and dear
to our heart -- wonderful surf spot, and wonderful natural, California coastline that makes this place so epic. It's under fire from development but there's something we can do to protect it:

(taken from SaveTrestles.org)

The biggest hearing yet for Trestles will take place Friday, July 25th at the Bren Center on the campus of University of California, Irvine.

This hearing marks the next critical battle in a decade long fight to protect Trestles!

We already won the battle, here in California, when the California Coastal Commission (CCC) struck down the toll road on grounds it violates the Coastal Act. But, the TCA refused to accept the CCC decision and has appealed it to the Federal Government.

Now, we need to ensure the Federal Government supports important California environmental laws and upholds the Coastal Commission decision.

Learn more at www.savetrestles.org.

The 180 Jump Squat

2008-07-08T07:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a "twist" on a favorite exercise from Surf Stronger Volume 1, the 180 jump squat. Add this exercise to your workout routine and feel the difference in your next go-out!

Coach Scott

Fish Choices: How You Can Make a Difference

2008-06-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

For the last handful of years, the surf industry, and the surf community for that matter, has talked a lot about fish surfboard designs. While we enjoy the skate-y, fun aspect of fish boards as much as anyone, we thought we’d talk about real fish in this post, and focus on a topic the surf industry has largely ignored: Sustainable and responsible fishing.

As consumers, this is an area where we can really make a difference. Did you know that many fish are in grave danger of becoming extinct due to over-fishing practices? And, many of these fish are on the menu at your favorite fish house!

“I’ll take the swordfish.”
“What’s that you say? Swordfish? Are you kidding me?”

Swordfish is one of the worst things you can eat if you care about swordfish being around for your kids and grandkids. Largely we think this is an awareness and education issue. Knowing what you should and shouldn’t eat is where it begins. Lucky for us, there are a couple great resources to get educated. Check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium web site for more information. They even have handy pocket guides that can help you make choices that support healthy and abundant oceans.

Check it out and tell a friend.

Stay healthy and stay sustainable.

Surf Stronger--Core Training Now Available as Download

2008-06-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
We are super excited to announce our latest release, Surf Stronger--Core Training with Serena Brooke, is now available as a download. You asked for it, you got it! We've partnered with The Surf Network for our downloads. So we now offer Surf Stronger Volume 1 and Volume 2 as downloads and even both videos as a package. The download versions rock. Throw it on your iPhone, iPod or other mobile device so you can take the workout anywhere and do it anywhere.
Check out the downloads today.

The Surf Stronger Crew

Save the Waves ...

2008-05-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

The Surf Stronger Crew is proud to support Save The Waves at their benefit bash, "Life is a Wave". We'll be donating a few Surf Stronger DVDs for the auction and rallying out for this awesome event. If you've ever thought about doing something good for the environment, the time is now! Environmental action has never been so fun.
Event features live music, art, film, silent auction, and environmental action! And did we mention our all-time favorite band, The Mother Hips headline? Too easy!

Event details:
May 22nd, 6PM - Midnight
111 Minna Gallery
Downtown San Francisco

Surf Fitness for Surf Travel

2008-05-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the opportunity to join a good friend for a quick trip to Centro America for 6 days of surfing, sunning, fresh fish, cold beers and plenty of hammock time. I knew about the trip for about a month, and with fairly inconsistent surf in Central Cal this time a year, I made sure I trained hard the month before I left. My weekly workout diet leading up to the trip consisted of two to three Surf Stronger workouts per week, two swims, and the occasional surf or skate session. I'm happy to report the training paid off! Upon our arrival, the swell was pumping: 6-8 foot beach break heaving onto the tropical beach. Awhooo! We paddled out at dusk to a hungry, competitive crowd and caught a few nice ones. For the rest of the week we surfed two to three times per day (with the surf never dropping below head high) and got our fair share of waves. I gotta say, the heat and dehydration got to me every session before any fatigue or soreness. It's trips like these where you really notice how well fitness can pay off for surfing!

The author, right place, right time.

Supercharge your fitness with Surf Stronger!

2008-05-08T08:07:00.000-07:00

All athletes require good core strength to perform at their best—especially surfers. Join us May 8th for a dynamic and interactive talk with Scott Adams, CSCS, creator of the Surf Stronger training programs, and learn all about surf-specific training and core training for surfing. At this talk, you will gain valuable insight on surf-specific training that will help take your surfing, and overall fitness to the next level. Find out why some of the top surfers in the world are on the Surf Stronger program, and learn how you can incorporate core training into your fitness program!

Copies of the new release, Surf Stronger--Core Training will also be on sale.

FREE event, open to the public PLUS killer door prizes and light refreshments!

Details:
May 8th 7:30 PM
The Sports Basement, 1590 Bryant Street, San Francisco

(Scott Adams demonstrating a dynamic warm-up exercise for surfing. Photo: Walsh)

Surf Stronger--Core Training with Serena Brooke Available Now

2008-05-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

We are STOKED to announce that our new video, Surf Stronger--Core Training with Serena Brooke is now available!

The DVD includes: pre-surf warm up routine (7 minutes), main core workout and stretch (28 minutes), and the Quick Core workout (10 minutes). The main core workout requires an exercise ball while the Quick Core workout requires no equipment and can be done anywhere! DVD also features an awesome original soundtrack by the Surf Stronger House Band plus DVD extras! Best of all, this is a surf-specific workout that will help take your surfing to the next level.

Learn more or order at, http://www.surfstronger.com

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

The Surf Stronger Crew

A Look Back

2008-05-02T10:57:00.001-07:00

Making a full-length, commercial video is not easy work. It’s down right tough at times. Pre-production for our second release, Surf Stronger—Core Training with Serena Brooke, took us from LA to Santa Cruz to San Francisco to Hawaii to Australia, to Santa Barbara, and finally back home to Central California. The work involved is heavy: program design, script writing, rehearsals, praying for good weather, film crews, interviews, production schedules, flights, sandy camera gear, contracts, music selection, recording sessions, long distance phone calls, long distance e-mail, dodgey lodging, sunburns, editing, more editing, and a bit of surfing, core training, and dreaming along the way. One secret we can share is this: Find and work with not only talented people, but good people whose hearts are in the right place. If you can do this, things fall into place a lot easier.

Making this video was also a heck of a lot of fun. Here now is a look back in photos at the year of making this new video. We hope you like the new release.

Stay healthy and see you in the water.

The Surf Stronger Crew

Initial brainstorm in Venice Beach, Calif.

Talking surf fitness, Venice Beach, Calif.

Core instruction. Scott and Serena rehearse.

A pretty nice set.

California interview. Serena breaks it down.

Sunset Beach, December 2007.

Last minute details before filming. Sunset Beach, December 2007.

Sunset Beach, Hawaii.

Bevo, Todd, Serena after a day of filming, surfing and interviews.

Surf Stronger House Band members, Adam Topal and Jackie Greene lay down the groove.

Recording the soundtrack of Surf Stronger Volume 2. Dan Lebowitz and Steve Adams experiment between takes.

Scott demonstrating a dynamic warm up exercise.

Surf Stronger founders and creators, Scott Adams and Todd Walsh. Cinco de Mayo 2008.

Surf Stronger Crew at Roxy Surf Night

2008-04-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

What could be better than an evening hang for the upcoming Roxy Surf Night in San Francisco? The event will feature a book signing of "Fearlessness: The Lisa Andersen Story" by author Natalie Linden, plus apearences by Roxy Surf Team pros, including Jennifer Smith - recent World Longboard Champ; Santa Cruz's Jenny Useldinger -- Billabong XXL finalist and Mavericks surfer; and top longboarder Julie Cox. And, event promoters even promise light refreshments and BEER for those who show up early. And as a bonus, there'll be a free screening of Roxy's new film, Shimmer.

We were stoked and honored to be invited out to this event and will most likely have a handful of pre-release, limited edition copies of our new video, Surf Stronger--Core Training with Serena Brooke DVDs on sale.

We can't wait!

Details:
Web: http://www.zunasurf.com/roxy/
Roxy Surf Night, 6-9 PM
Wednesday, April 30th
Sports Basement
1590 Bryant Street

Man Killed By Great White While Swimming off San Diego Coast

2008-04-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

Our condolences go out to the friends and family of Dave Martin, a 66-year-old swimmer from Solana Beach, who was killed by a 17-foot white shark while doing a group swim around 7:00 AM Friday April 24th off Solana Beach, Calif.

Having just surfed a nearby beach two weeks ago, and given the extremely rare nature of fatal shark attacks in San Diego (the last one being in 1959) this news comes as extremely shocking.

No doubt, this attack, like most, was a case of mistaken identity whereby the shark mistakes a wetsuit-clad swimmer (or surfer) as a seal (food). When you think about it, there are so few sports in the world that put you in danger of being killed by a predator like a white shark. Again, the likelihood of a fatal attack (this being only the 8th on record in California) is tiny but the thought of it, and the terror of it crushes any stats you can put out there. The fact remains, when we step off the sand and into the ocean we become part of the food chain.

Godspeed, Dave Martin. RIP.

Happy Earth Day!

2008-04-22T00:14:00.001-07:00

As surfers, we get to commune with nature on every go-out. We are some of the luckiest people on earth. Unfortunately the water and environment in which we play is not always so pristine. Earth Day is a great reminder that we all can and should do our part to protect this blue planet we call home. After all, it's the only one we got. Do something green this Earth Day. Leave the car at home and ride or walk, pick up some trash, eat organic, support The Surfrider Foundation, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Happy Earth Day!

(Photo: Walsh)

Surf Stronger in This Month's Surfing Magazine

2008-04-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

Our new surf-specific workout video, Surf Stronger--Core Training with Serena Brooke, is reviewed in this month's Surfing Magazine ("The High Performance Issue"). Surfing had some great things to say about the new video. Check the review in this month's Surfing, and order the new video starting May 5th at www.surfstronger.com.

Spring Training

2008-04-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

Today I grambled down to Ocean Beach (SF) to see if I couldn't get some good clean conditions and a few punchy waves before the Spring wind came up. Weather was fine, but the ocean was none-too-inviting. The prospect of pulling on the 4/3 and haggling for a few crumbly waves just wasn't motivating. I switched gears and decided to go for a workout.

I cruised around Land's End to the Bay side of San Francisco and hit one of my favorite places on earth, San Francisco's Dolphin Club. There I ran through about six Surf Stronger exercises in an attempt to warm up my core temperature before my bay swim. You see, this would be my first Bay swim of the year and I know just how damn cold the water is in April in San Francisco. Armed with speedo, goggles and neoprene cap, I went for it! Slowly. Toes, shins, thighs, waist, chest...and I am off! It is hard to describe the feeling of plunging into 54 degree water, sans wetter, but suffice to say it is exhilarating. The first 100 yards I swim heads-up because every time I place my face in the water a gnarly ice cream headache ensues. (This goes away after about 100 yards) At the first buoy I strike up some conversation with a visiting Frenchy, clad in neoprene head to toe. He and I hammer down the buoy line to the flag. Feeling good, I suggest we swim to the opening. He's game and we hammer across Aquatic Cove to the "cigarette" buoy that sits at the opening to the Bay. The Frenchy is in good shape, and with the added buoyancy of a wetter, he is hard to keep up with. At the opening, we marvel at the larger-than-life Alcatraz, then bee-line it back to shore. I bid adieu to him at the buoy line and stroke 50 meters to the sand of the Dolphin Club. The shallow water off the beach feels like bath water. I know I'm now numb and it's time for the showers. After the classic one-two of a hot shower and sauna, I'm super stoked -- a surf-specific adventure workout in the great outdoors! One of my favorite ways to train for surfing.

(Surf Stronger's Todd Walsh making a leap of faith at the 2007 Alcatraz swim.)

Surf Stronger -- Core Training with Serena Brooke

2008-04-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

Surf Stronger Nation-
We are stoked to announce that our second full-length surf-specific
workout video, Surf Stronger--Core Training with Serena Brooke,
comes out May 5th!

This new video focuses on an area surfers need to work on most -- their core! The video contains two core workouts, inspiring surfing footage, DVD extras, and more. Available May 5th worldwide at www.surfstronger.com.

Go Organic, or Go Home!

2008-04-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

Today we took a little mid-day break from the grind to enjoy some waves. Work load was heavy, but winds light, and swell perfect for a surf just north of town at one of our favorite not-so-secret reef breaks.

Driving up Highway 1 for a surf check, I couldn't help but notice a foul stench in the air -- the stench of fertilizer for the ag land that surrounds the surf in these parts. It was a strict reminder about farming methods -- and the use of nasty pesticides and fertilizers, versus the more benign organic farming that we try to embrace. I mean, if fertilizers can permeate the ocean air for a good ten mile stretch of coastline, just how potent and gnarley is this stuff? It's polluting the air, the groundwater no doubt, and the very food it goes onto. No doubt, it winds up polluting us! By buying and eating organic, you are supporting a more sustainable cycle -- one that does not use pesticides which wind up polluting the environment.

In this day and age, organic products are widely available. Whole Foods helped popularize organic produce and food, but massive chains are now embracing organics and making them available. What can you do to embrace a more organic lifestyle? Buy organic produce and products! Trader Joe's carries tons of great products made with organic ingredients. From beer to beans, soaps to salad dressing. Support companies that make products out of organic ingredients. Two of our favorites include Sambazon and Clif Bar. You can also grow your own. Even if it is just a few herbs you grow in your kitchen or apartment balcony. Give it a try. Look into organic products. You'll likely be stoked you did.

Stay healthy and see you in the water.

(California gold on the Central Coast)

2nd Annual Surfer's Fitness Forum Wrap Up

2008-04-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

The Surf Stronger Crew was in LA over the weekend at the 2nd Annual Surfer's Fitness Forum. The morning started out at a local beachie where the crew enjoyed a few waves before making it over to the forum. It was a lively morning at Riviera Fitness Club with a great turnout of surfers all keen to learn the latest in surf fitness. Coach Scott took the group through the fundamentals of Core Training for surfing -- what is the core, why is it critical to your surfing, and key exercises for improving core strength. It was a dynamic and fun seminar!

Thanks all for coming out and special thanks to Dave Olan for organizing and hosting a great event.

The Surf Stronger crew is available to conduct seminars or training camps at your club, beach, etc. If you are interested, drop us an email at info@surfstronger.com.

(Scott, Rocky, Noel, Peggy, Todd)

Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro... Game On!

2008-03-20T18:20:00.001-07:00

The swell cranked up yesterday and today sees the first round of the men's WCT competition! Surf today is "6' Hawaiian, 8' Australian, and 12' Californian" as the announcer pointed out. It is big and burley with a lot of side-on shore wind making for challenging conditions. To surf well in these conditions takes the utmost physical fitness and it's obvious the touring elite are in great shape. Tough paddle out and large bumpy walls to negotiate -- and they're ripping it! It's great fun to watch them surf in these conditions. Check out,
http://www.ripcurl.com/ for all the coverage.

(A very focussed and fit Mick Fanning headed out for his first heat. Photo: Hank Ten)

Surf Stronger at 2nd Annual Surfer's Fitness Forum

2008-03-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

The Surf Stronger team, featuring Scott Adams and Todd Walsh, will be out at the 2nd Annual Surfer's Fitness Forum Saturday March 29, 2008 in Redondo Beach. The team will be leading a hands-on, dynamic talk on Core Training for surfers. You will learn some valuable new exercises that will help you take your surfing to the next level by way of better core strength! Also on hand will be Peggy and David Hall of Yoga For Surfers fame, as well as Rocky Snyder, author of Fit to Surf and Fit to Ski & Snowboard.

If you are interested in how you can get in better shape to take your surfing to the next level you won't want to miss this awesome event. It's free and open to the public and is located a the fabulous Riviera Fitness Club in Redondo Beach. Hope to see you there!

Details:
Riviera Fitness Club (www.rivfit.com)
Saturday March 29,08 10:00am to 12:30 pm
1650 Pacific Coast Hwy. Redondo Beach, CA
310-316-5000

(Surf Stronger's Serena Brooke demonstrating a great core exercise. Photo: Holly Horn)

Noosa Festival of Surfing ... It's All Good

2008-03-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

Noosa Heads, Australia is one of the most beautiful spots in the world. White sand beaches, a groovy (if ritzy) town, and cobblestone point after point after point. Set in a sub-tropical rainforest, it's lush and green. No wonder surfers have grown to love the place.

The 16th annual Noosa Festival of Surfing rocked this week! Longboards, stand ups, tandems, surf ski races ... music, food, drink. The waves were small, but that didn't deter competitors or the overall vibe of the event. It was all here and one of the coolest surf festivals around. Look for a Surf Stronger video take on the event in the future. Meanwhile you can get the full skinny here.

Surf Stronger Down Under!

2008-02-26T06:24:00.000-08:00

We are stoked to announce Surf Stronger staffers will be in one of our favorite countries in the world in March -- Australia! We'll be attending a couple huge surfing events -- starting off at the famous Noosa Festival of Surfing and then proceeding to the Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro. If you see us running around in our Surf Stronger t-shirts, or out in the water, definitely say hello (er, G'day!).