The Best North American Beginner Surf Spots
The tombolo at Frank Island in Tofino, British Columbia. The sandbar at Cowell's Beach in Santa Cruz. Miles and miles of easy, rolling waves in Central Florida and Virginia Beach. The warm, sandy surf of the Wall in Hampton, Rhode Island.
What makes a great beginner surf spot is the natural alchemy of a soft, sandy ocean bottom that creates gentle, almost perpetually rolling waves and allows for mistakes and recoveries. Access is important: lots of parking, surf shops nearby for rentals and instruction, and an easy route out to the peak for those learning to paddle. Safety and security are important to, for in this crowded world, the best beginner spots provide protection from the tyranny of the elements and better surfers.
Scattered around North America, every couple hundred miles or so, are beaches and reefs perfect for beginning surfers. We polled surfers, surf instructors, and surf shop owners around the country and chose these spots based on setup, reputation, access, safety, and security. If you want to catch a wave, these are the places to get your feet wet.
Hawaii
Northeast
Southeast
Northwest
Southwest
Midwest
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Free Surf 99
Easy Rollers
Waikiki Beach
Honolulu, Hawaii
SURF REPORT: Warm and sunny, with consistent waves year-round (but best in summer). Try Canoes, an easy right break near the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Scene: Touristy. But in the water, it's pure "aloha." Bonus: In winter, watch the pros go big at Pipeline, on the North Shore. Wax Run: Hans Hedemann Surf Rentals (www.hhsurf.com)
Beginner Surf Spots
CLICK HERE for an exclusive guide to 20 of the best beginner breaks in North America, with the lowdown on the beach scene, local surf shops, and more.
Cowell's Beach
Santa Cruz, California
SURF REPORT: Waist-high sets that break 200 yards from shore; nippy, 55-degree water (wetsuit required) in summer. Scene: Packed with locals, but the most welcoming spot in Santa Cruz. Bonus: Après-surf, play pinball at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Wax Run: Cowell's Beach Surf Shop (www.cowellssurfshop.com)
Corolla Beach
Corolla, North Carolina
SURF REPORT: Here on the northern end of the Outer Banks, you'll find warm water and mellow surf from spring to late summer. Scene: A relaxed hot
________________________________________
For emergency repairs to punctures or bottom dings, keep a couple of bumper stickers in your glove box. Cut a little circle out of one, use it to cover and seal the ding, then go back out there and surf."—Joe Roper, owner of San Diego's go-to first-aid shop, Joe Roper's Surfboard Repair
________________________________________
spot for East Coasters from Maine to Miami. Bonus: Scuba diving at hundreds of offshore shipwrecks. Wax Run: Corolla Surf Shop (www.corollasurfshop.com)
San Onofrestate Beach
San Clemente, California
SURF REPORT: Long lines of whitewater for boogie boarding and longboarding. Find low, slow-breaking peaks at Dogpatch. Scene: A family-friendly mecca since the 1930s—with a few RVs and beer bellies. Bonus: Cameos by longboard legends like La Jolla native Joel Tudor. Wax Run: Rip Curl Surf Shop (www.ripcurl.com)
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach, Florida
SURF REPORT: Picnic Tables, north of Patrick Air Force Base, churns out gentle rollers year-round. Scene: Novices from Tampa and Orlando; seasonal snowbirds.Bonus: Watch rockets launch at Cape Canaveral while practicing your own takeoffs. Wax Run: The Goods Surf & Skate (www.thegoodsshop.com)
Robert Moses State Park
Waikiki Beach
Honolulu, Hawaii
SURF REPORT: Warm and sunny, with consistent waves year-round (but best in summer). Try Canoes, an easy right break near the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Scene: Touristy. But in the water, it's pure "aloha." Bonus: In winter, watch the pros go big at Pipeline, on the North Shore. Wax Run: Hans Hedemann Surf Rentals (www.hhsurf.com)
Beginner Surf Spots
CLICK HERE for an exclusive guide to 20 of the best beginner breaks in North America, with the lowdown on the beach scene, local surf shops, and more.
Cowell's Beach
Santa Cruz, California
SURF REPORT: Waist-high sets that break 200 yards from shore; nippy, 55-degree water (wetsuit required) in summer. Scene: Packed with locals, but the most welcoming spot in Santa Cruz. Bonus: Après-surf, play pinball at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Wax Run: Cowell's Beach Surf Shop (www.cowellssurfshop.com)
Corolla Beach
Corolla, North Carolina
SURF REPORT: Here on the northern end of the Outer Banks, you'll find warm water and mellow surf from spring to late summer. Scene: A relaxed hot
________________________________________
For emergency repairs to punctures or bottom dings, keep a couple of bumper stickers in your glove box. Cut a little circle out of one, use it to cover and seal the ding, then go back out there and surf."—Joe Roper, owner of San Diego's go-to first-aid shop, Joe Roper's Surfboard Repair
________________________________________
spot for East Coasters from Maine to Miami. Bonus: Scuba diving at hundreds of offshore shipwrecks. Wax Run: Corolla Surf Shop (www.corollasurfshop.com)
San Onofrestate Beach
San Clemente, California
SURF REPORT: Long lines of whitewater for boogie boarding and longboarding. Find low, slow-breaking peaks at Dogpatch. Scene: A family-friendly mecca since the 1930s—with a few RVs and beer bellies. Bonus: Cameos by longboard legends like La Jolla native Joel Tudor. Wax Run: Rip Curl Surf Shop (www.ripcurl.com)
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach, Florida
SURF REPORT: Picnic Tables, north of Patrick Air Force Base, churns out gentle rollers year-round. Scene: Novices from Tampa and Orlando; seasonal snowbirds.Bonus: Watch rockets launch at Cape Canaveral while practicing your own takeoffs. Wax Run: The Goods Surf & Skate (www.thegoodsshop.com)
Robert Moses State Park
Free Surf 98
The Coldest Ride
THE WAVES AREN'T BIG, but they're long and glassy, and the women have them all to themselves. They trade off on slow lefts that break, one after another, off a sandy beach strewn with cobble and seaweed. Beyond the surf, the September ocean is smooth.
This spot wasn't easy to reach; it took a full day of travel from Los Angeles on three separate flights, then this morning a local boatman shuttled us across the bay in a skiff. We carried the boards over the jungled isthmus of a tiny island to this beach, where the tail end of a swell is rolling in from across the Pacific.
But those trees lining the beach aren't palms—they're Sitka spruce. Out past the breakers, a salmon troller chugs by, and across the bay, wrapped in the clouds, stands North America's third-highest peak, 18,008-foot Mount St. Elias. We're a lot closer to the North Pole than the equator, which explains why six-time world-champion surfer Layne Beachley, perhaps for the first time in her 16-year career, came looking for waves this morning in an ankle-length parka.
Plunked down on the Gulf of Alaska 300 miles southeast of Anchorage, the fishing village of Yakutat (pop. 700) can't be reached by road and gets ferry service just twice
Ultimately, Layne Beachley's reasons for making the long, chilly trek are about the same as anyone's: "I just had to see it," she says.
a month. But Beachley and some of the world's best surfers are braving the cold water, soggy weather, and endless flights for a taste of true expedition surfing, complete with ditch boots and bear spray. Beachley, 33, is here with 22-year-old fellow Australian pro Claire "Bevo" Bevilacqua and Colleen Mehlberg, an 18-year-old from San Clemente, California. The trio and a photo crew were on their way up for a shoot for a women's surfing magazine, but it folded, so they decided to come anyway and sell the pictures elsewhere.
They aren't the only ones descending on Yakutat: Their first-ever-pro-female-surfers-in-Alaska mission is coinciding with the annual pilgrimage of another group of ten pro surfers, trailing an entourage of seven sponsors and cameramen. September is a good time to surf here, since it's after the midsummer doldrums, but more important, because the silver salmon are running and you can fish and surf in the same place.
Yesterday, down at the tiny Yakutat airport—a pair of rain-swept runways where a stuffed bear and a mounted moose head inhabit the parking-lot bar—the surfers were easy to spot amid the hunting and fishing camo. There was Beachley, wrapped in denim and turning heads as she floated across the terminal. There was Orange County recluse and big-wave seeker Nathan Fletcher, 30, bleary-eyed in a Thrasher sweatshirt. There were Reef McIntosh, a 26-year-old pro from Kauai, and three more Orange County riders: 14-year-old Ford Archbold, 18-year-old Erica Hosseini, and Jill Jacobs, 26. And arriving from Santa Cruz were Matt Rockhold, Jason "Ratboy" Collins, Josh Loya, Russell Smith, and Josh Mulcoy, a pack of pro freesurfers, aged 25 to 36, slouching from the luggage carousel in their tube socks and polka-dot shoes and cocked trucker hats, board bags in one hand and rod cases in the other.
Mulcoy, 35, is sort of the reason everyone is here: His pioneering expedition to Southeast Alaska in 1992 landed him on the cover of Surfer, dropping into a double-overhead barrel in front of snow-covered St. Elias. Ever since, a revolving roster of pro surfers has skipped the breaks of Fiji or Tahiti to come here each year, making a destination of this deep-woods, glaciated, and generally unlikely place.
The waves this morning aren't the sort you'd travel the globe for, and air and water temperatures are both in the fifties. Still, there's plenty to do. The photographers want some shots of the women huddled around a campfire in outfits provided by their sponsors. You know, real Alaska-looking stuff.
"I have trouble saying no," Beachley tells me, then laughs. She's a celebrity back home in Sydney—she dates the guitarist from INXS and gets chased down the sidewalk by paparazzi—so she's used to it. "If someone asked me to pose in the rain in a fucking bikini," she says, "I'd probably say yes." Her ensemble today, hot-pink cords and ditch boots, may be of questionable value for advertisers, but leaning over the fire with the wood smoke drying her hair, Beachley seems fairly content. She sits on the sand and looks out across the infinite icy ocean. Professional surfer or not, ultimately her reasons for making the long, chilly trek to the Gulf of Alaska are about the same as anyone's: "I just had to see it.
THE WAVES AREN'T BIG, but they're long and glassy, and the women have them all to themselves. They trade off on slow lefts that break, one after another, off a sandy beach strewn with cobble and seaweed. Beyond the surf, the September ocean is smooth.
This spot wasn't easy to reach; it took a full day of travel from Los Angeles on three separate flights, then this morning a local boatman shuttled us across the bay in a skiff. We carried the boards over the jungled isthmus of a tiny island to this beach, where the tail end of a swell is rolling in from across the Pacific.
But those trees lining the beach aren't palms—they're Sitka spruce. Out past the breakers, a salmon troller chugs by, and across the bay, wrapped in the clouds, stands North America's third-highest peak, 18,008-foot Mount St. Elias. We're a lot closer to the North Pole than the equator, which explains why six-time world-champion surfer Layne Beachley, perhaps for the first time in her 16-year career, came looking for waves this morning in an ankle-length parka.
Plunked down on the Gulf of Alaska 300 miles southeast of Anchorage, the fishing village of Yakutat (pop. 700) can't be reached by road and gets ferry service just twice
Ultimately, Layne Beachley's reasons for making the long, chilly trek are about the same as anyone's: "I just had to see it," she says.
a month. But Beachley and some of the world's best surfers are braving the cold water, soggy weather, and endless flights for a taste of true expedition surfing, complete with ditch boots and bear spray. Beachley, 33, is here with 22-year-old fellow Australian pro Claire "Bevo" Bevilacqua and Colleen Mehlberg, an 18-year-old from San Clemente, California. The trio and a photo crew were on their way up for a shoot for a women's surfing magazine, but it folded, so they decided to come anyway and sell the pictures elsewhere.
They aren't the only ones descending on Yakutat: Their first-ever-pro-female-surfers-in-Alaska mission is coinciding with the annual pilgrimage of another group of ten pro surfers, trailing an entourage of seven sponsors and cameramen. September is a good time to surf here, since it's after the midsummer doldrums, but more important, because the silver salmon are running and you can fish and surf in the same place.
Yesterday, down at the tiny Yakutat airport—a pair of rain-swept runways where a stuffed bear and a mounted moose head inhabit the parking-lot bar—the surfers were easy to spot amid the hunting and fishing camo. There was Beachley, wrapped in denim and turning heads as she floated across the terminal. There was Orange County recluse and big-wave seeker Nathan Fletcher, 30, bleary-eyed in a Thrasher sweatshirt. There were Reef McIntosh, a 26-year-old pro from Kauai, and three more Orange County riders: 14-year-old Ford Archbold, 18-year-old Erica Hosseini, and Jill Jacobs, 26. And arriving from Santa Cruz were Matt Rockhold, Jason "Ratboy" Collins, Josh Loya, Russell Smith, and Josh Mulcoy, a pack of pro freesurfers, aged 25 to 36, slouching from the luggage carousel in their tube socks and polka-dot shoes and cocked trucker hats, board bags in one hand and rod cases in the other.
Mulcoy, 35, is sort of the reason everyone is here: His pioneering expedition to Southeast Alaska in 1992 landed him on the cover of Surfer, dropping into a double-overhead barrel in front of snow-covered St. Elias. Ever since, a revolving roster of pro surfers has skipped the breaks of Fiji or Tahiti to come here each year, making a destination of this deep-woods, glaciated, and generally unlikely place.
The waves this morning aren't the sort you'd travel the globe for, and air and water temperatures are both in the fifties. Still, there's plenty to do. The photographers want some shots of the women huddled around a campfire in outfits provided by their sponsors. You know, real Alaska-looking stuff.
"I have trouble saying no," Beachley tells me, then laughs. She's a celebrity back home in Sydney—she dates the guitarist from INXS and gets chased down the sidewalk by paparazzi—so she's used to it. "If someone asked me to pose in the rain in a fucking bikini," she says, "I'd probably say yes." Her ensemble today, hot-pink cords and ditch boots, may be of questionable value for advertisers, but leaning over the fire with the wood smoke drying her hair, Beachley seems fairly content. She sits on the sand and looks out across the infinite icy ocean. Professional surfer or not, ultimately her reasons for making the long, chilly trek to the Gulf of Alaska are about the same as anyone's: "I just had to see it.
Free Surf 97
The Main Event
If you follow surfing, you know the season-ending Pipeline Masters is the biggest stop on the World Championship Tour. But you also know that Kelly Slater all but secured his eighth WCT title months ago. So why watch? Because the December 8-20 contest (follow online at triplecrownofsurfing.com), held on Oahu's North Shore, never fails to turn Slater and fellow surfing heavyweight Andy Irons into a beachfront version of Ali Vs. Frazier.
"If I can't win the world title," says Irons, who was third in the standings as of October but hasn't finished a season lower than second since 2001, "winning at Pipe would definitely ease the pain." And continue Salter's suffering. Though the seven-time WCT champion has the more storied career, Irons has beaten him three of the four times they've gone head to head at Pipe, a record that will be on both of their minds as they paddle into the most hallowed wave in the sport. "Pipe Masters is almost a world title itself," says Irons. "I can't wait."
If you follow surfing, you know the season-ending Pipeline Masters is the biggest stop on the World Championship Tour. But you also know that Kelly Slater all but secured his eighth WCT title months ago. So why watch? Because the December 8-20 contest (follow online at triplecrownofsurfing.com), held on Oahu's North Shore, never fails to turn Slater and fellow surfing heavyweight Andy Irons into a beachfront version of Ali Vs. Frazier.
"If I can't win the world title," says Irons, who was third in the standings as of October but hasn't finished a season lower than second since 2001, "winning at Pipe would definitely ease the pain." And continue Salter's suffering. Though the seven-time WCT champion has the more storied career, Irons has beaten him three of the four times they've gone head to head at Pipe, a record that will be on both of their minds as they paddle into the most hallowed wave in the sport. "Pipe Masters is almost a world title itself," says Irons. "I can't wait."
Free Surf 96
Tough Break
Restrictions on personal watercraft threaten California's baddest wave
IT'S SCARIER than Maverick's, heavier than Waimea Bay, among the most dangerous waves in the world. On a good day its steel-gray face reaches heights of 70 feet, with a tube that stretches as long as a football field across a lethal boneyard of black rock.
What Do You Think?
Should PWCs be banned in the Monterey sanctuary? Vote here
This is Ghost Tree, the mammoth surf break near Monterey Bay, California, just off the 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links. In the four years since it was first towed into, it has become one of the planet's most discussed surf spots. But the monster wave could soon go back to being just part of the scenery.
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, manager of the 276-mile-long Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, is seeking to restrict the use of personal watercraft (PWCs), such as Jet Skis, in the sanctuary, claiming that they disrupt marine life. The ban would also cover Maverick's, though conditions there, unlike at Ghost Tree, sometimes allow for safe paddle-in surfing.
"Protect the resource—that is our primary mandate," says Rachel Saunders, spokeswoman for the sanctuary. "At all these places, there are marine animals and seabirds resting and breeding. PWCs can get very close into shore, so we think they're a potential disturbance."
Tow-in surfing isn't the first action sport to run afoul of conservation regulations. The "mechanized transport" language of the 1964 Wilderness Act has been used to close 106 million acres to mountain bikers. And in 1998, climbers were prohibited from placing fixed bolts in Forest Service–administered wilderness areas. (The ruling was later overturned.)
So it's easy to see how noisy, polluting PWCs make a ripe target. But tow-in proponents claim that—given how infrequently big-wave spots break, and the small number of people skilled or crazy enough to maneuver in such surf—a ban is mostly symbolic.
"It comes down to a lack of education," says Don Curry, spokesman for the Association of Professional Towsurfers and the man who named Ghost Tree. "We use PWCs three or four times a year, only when the swells get big enough. Boats are permitted to go out in these places at any time. Why shouldn't we?"
The new rules, expected to pass this year, might allow for a limited number of special-use permits at Maverick's. But swells generally hit with less than 24 hours' notice and can die down even faster. By the time the paperwork went through, applicants could have little more than official documentation of the surfer's lament: "You should have been here yesterday."
Restrictions on personal watercraft threaten California's baddest wave
IT'S SCARIER than Maverick's, heavier than Waimea Bay, among the most dangerous waves in the world. On a good day its steel-gray face reaches heights of 70 feet, with a tube that stretches as long as a football field across a lethal boneyard of black rock.
What Do You Think?
Should PWCs be banned in the Monterey sanctuary? Vote here
This is Ghost Tree, the mammoth surf break near Monterey Bay, California, just off the 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links. In the four years since it was first towed into, it has become one of the planet's most discussed surf spots. But the monster wave could soon go back to being just part of the scenery.
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, manager of the 276-mile-long Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, is seeking to restrict the use of personal watercraft (PWCs), such as Jet Skis, in the sanctuary, claiming that they disrupt marine life. The ban would also cover Maverick's, though conditions there, unlike at Ghost Tree, sometimes allow for safe paddle-in surfing.
"Protect the resource—that is our primary mandate," says Rachel Saunders, spokeswoman for the sanctuary. "At all these places, there are marine animals and seabirds resting and breeding. PWCs can get very close into shore, so we think they're a potential disturbance."
Tow-in surfing isn't the first action sport to run afoul of conservation regulations. The "mechanized transport" language of the 1964 Wilderness Act has been used to close 106 million acres to mountain bikers. And in 1998, climbers were prohibited from placing fixed bolts in Forest Service–administered wilderness areas. (The ruling was later overturned.)
So it's easy to see how noisy, polluting PWCs make a ripe target. But tow-in proponents claim that—given how infrequently big-wave spots break, and the small number of people skilled or crazy enough to maneuver in such surf—a ban is mostly symbolic.
"It comes down to a lack of education," says Don Curry, spokesman for the Association of Professional Towsurfers and the man who named Ghost Tree. "We use PWCs three or four times a year, only when the swells get big enough. Boats are permitted to go out in these places at any time. Why shouldn't we?"
The new rules, expected to pass this year, might allow for a limited number of special-use permits at Maverick's. But swells generally hit with less than 24 hours' notice and can die down even faster. By the time the paperwork went through, applicants could have little more than official documentation of the surfer's lament: "You should have been here yesterday."
Free Surf 95
Dudes, Mellow!
YOU'RE BLACK!" exclaimed Dorian "Doc" Paskowitz. Diminutive and tan, with a thatch of gray hair, the 86-year-old San Diego physician stood barefoot in a Tel Aviv apartment wearing khaki shorts and a white T-shirt emblazoned with a logo for SURFING FOR PEACE, Doc's fledgling initiative to bring Israeli and Palestinian youth together under the banner of brotherly shredding. We were at 28-year-old Israeli surfer Arthur Rashkovan's place, a few blocks from the break at Hilton Beach, on the Mediterranean coast. Doc was fresh from a nap; by the time he emerged from the bedroom, I'd spent several hours hanging out with soft-spoken, laconic Arthur, a liquor distributor and surf magazine editor, and two of Doc's adult sons—David, 48, and Joshua, 32, both as lanky as their father is short. Joshua, a filmmaker, sported a mullet, a porkpie hat, and tattoos from neck to feet; musician David looked more conventional, with glasses and flecks of gray in his hair.
"It's Jimmie Briggs!" yelled Arthur. "Jimmie Briggs!" added Joshua. "Jimmie Briggs, you're black!" responded Doc, smiling, his arms open wide to give me a hug. Doc's not shy; we'd been speaking for months on the phone, but both Israel and the surfing community are mostly populated with white faces. He seemed delighted by the appearance of a six-foot-three, dreadlocked black dude from the Bronx.
It was a hot, early October night in Israel, less than a week before the launch of Surfing for Peace, and the air seemed charged and slightly hectic. Back in Southern California, Doc's dream had seemed simple: Use surfing as a bridge between Arabs and Jews, get kids to learn the sport alongside their so-called enemies. They'd start with a concert, some surf clinics, and who knows, maybe it would grow into a foundation. To launch the effort, he signed up two of the biggest names in the sport: eight-time world champion Kelly Slater and 23-year-old Hawaiian big-wave wunderkind Makua Rothman, who at age 18 rode a 66-footer.
The plan was to stage a week of surf clinics in Tel Aviv and Gaza, culminating with a big Friday-night concert. Kelly and Makua would take the stage with the popular Israeli roots-rock band Malca Baya. David Paskowitz had written a song called "One Voice" for the effort, and, serendipitously, the peace organization OneVoice International, led by a New York–based Mexican Jew named Daniel Lubetzky, happened to be staging its own rally the day before the Surfing for Peace concert, with simultaneous shows in Tel Aviv and Jericho headlined by Canadian rocker Bryan "Cuts like a Knife" Adams. The timing was perfect. It would be huge. Concerts! Surfing! Rock Stars! Peace!
Of course, somebody had to pay for all this. Kelly is sponsored by Quiksilver, and the bulk of the money for the Surfing for Peace launch was coming from Quiksilver's Israeli distributor, Sakal Sports, run by surfer and former Israeli commando Haim Sakal. Kelly was the linchpin to everyone having a successful week. Not only is he part Arab (his great-grandfather was Syrian), but some of his most fervent followers come from the only Jewish nation in the world. There was just one problem: He was flying in from competitions in Europe, and nobody knew for sure when.
"We don't know if he's in Mundaka or France or what," explained Joshua.
The Paskowitzes were also increasingly worried about how it all would play out. They'd met with Sakal earlier in the day and left feeling that the week's events weren't going to be as pure as they'd envisioned. Instead of low-key surf clinics, they were starting to see a media circus.
"Dorian, you don't understand what I've been trying to tell you," Arthur said to Doc. "I've been here since you and David left in August trying to make this happen. We've only had two months to pull it all together."
"I understand that, Arthur," Doc replied. "But I've got Haim's word that it's going to happen the way we want it."
I sat flipping through a Hebrew-language magazine until things cooled down and Doc went to lie back down. One thing was becoming evident: Launching a peace movement required focus and teamwork.
And these guys were surfers.
YOU'RE BLACK!" exclaimed Dorian "Doc" Paskowitz. Diminutive and tan, with a thatch of gray hair, the 86-year-old San Diego physician stood barefoot in a Tel Aviv apartment wearing khaki shorts and a white T-shirt emblazoned with a logo for SURFING FOR PEACE, Doc's fledgling initiative to bring Israeli and Palestinian youth together under the banner of brotherly shredding. We were at 28-year-old Israeli surfer Arthur Rashkovan's place, a few blocks from the break at Hilton Beach, on the Mediterranean coast. Doc was fresh from a nap; by the time he emerged from the bedroom, I'd spent several hours hanging out with soft-spoken, laconic Arthur, a liquor distributor and surf magazine editor, and two of Doc's adult sons—David, 48, and Joshua, 32, both as lanky as their father is short. Joshua, a filmmaker, sported a mullet, a porkpie hat, and tattoos from neck to feet; musician David looked more conventional, with glasses and flecks of gray in his hair.
"It's Jimmie Briggs!" yelled Arthur. "Jimmie Briggs!" added Joshua. "Jimmie Briggs, you're black!" responded Doc, smiling, his arms open wide to give me a hug. Doc's not shy; we'd been speaking for months on the phone, but both Israel and the surfing community are mostly populated with white faces. He seemed delighted by the appearance of a six-foot-three, dreadlocked black dude from the Bronx.
It was a hot, early October night in Israel, less than a week before the launch of Surfing for Peace, and the air seemed charged and slightly hectic. Back in Southern California, Doc's dream had seemed simple: Use surfing as a bridge between Arabs and Jews, get kids to learn the sport alongside their so-called enemies. They'd start with a concert, some surf clinics, and who knows, maybe it would grow into a foundation. To launch the effort, he signed up two of the biggest names in the sport: eight-time world champion Kelly Slater and 23-year-old Hawaiian big-wave wunderkind Makua Rothman, who at age 18 rode a 66-footer.
The plan was to stage a week of surf clinics in Tel Aviv and Gaza, culminating with a big Friday-night concert. Kelly and Makua would take the stage with the popular Israeli roots-rock band Malca Baya. David Paskowitz had written a song called "One Voice" for the effort, and, serendipitously, the peace organization OneVoice International, led by a New York–based Mexican Jew named Daniel Lubetzky, happened to be staging its own rally the day before the Surfing for Peace concert, with simultaneous shows in Tel Aviv and Jericho headlined by Canadian rocker Bryan "Cuts like a Knife" Adams. The timing was perfect. It would be huge. Concerts! Surfing! Rock Stars! Peace!
Of course, somebody had to pay for all this. Kelly is sponsored by Quiksilver, and the bulk of the money for the Surfing for Peace launch was coming from Quiksilver's Israeli distributor, Sakal Sports, run by surfer and former Israeli commando Haim Sakal. Kelly was the linchpin to everyone having a successful week. Not only is he part Arab (his great-grandfather was Syrian), but some of his most fervent followers come from the only Jewish nation in the world. There was just one problem: He was flying in from competitions in Europe, and nobody knew for sure when.
"We don't know if he's in Mundaka or France or what," explained Joshua.
The Paskowitzes were also increasingly worried about how it all would play out. They'd met with Sakal earlier in the day and left feeling that the week's events weren't going to be as pure as they'd envisioned. Instead of low-key surf clinics, they were starting to see a media circus.
"Dorian, you don't understand what I've been trying to tell you," Arthur said to Doc. "I've been here since you and David left in August trying to make this happen. We've only had two months to pull it all together."
"I understand that, Arthur," Doc replied. "But I've got Haim's word that it's going to happen the way we want it."
I sat flipping through a Hebrew-language magazine until things cooled down and Doc went to lie back down. One thing was becoming evident: Launching a peace movement required focus and teamwork.
And these guys were surfers.
Free Surf 94
San Jose by the Sea
Charles Vance had been on the lam for more than seven years when authorities finally caught up with him in Jacó Beach, Costa Rica, on December 17, 2007. The police arrested the 41-year-old on three outstanding warrants, including possession of a controlled substance and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Vance's indiscretions had occurred years earlier in the United States, and since then he'd been bouncing around Central America on a forged Mexican passport. In mid-2007, he showed up in the small beachside city of Jacó and found a job selling real estate in one of Costa Rica's most popular Pacific-side tourist destinations.
Only the now-incarcerated Vance knows why he chose Jacó, but anyone who's traveled there recently could make an educated guess. Development, most of it mid- to high-end condos and hotels, is happening at such a dizzying pace that Jacó has jokingly been dubbed "San Jose by the Sea," a reference to Costa Rica's sprawling capital city. Surely Vance was trying to tap into these newfound real estate riches.
The U.S. fugitive might also have been drawn by Jacó's aura of forgiveness. The small city opens its arms to all kinds of people without asking a lot of questions. Take a late evening stroll down the main street, Pastor Diaz Avenue, and you're just as likely to encounter trinket-buying tourists from the States or Canada as drug-pedaling teenagers from the country's Caribbean coast, or transplanted prostitutes from San Jose. In general, though, unless these disparate groups seek each other out, their paths don't tend to cross.
"There is definitely a seedy side to this place, but it's not a dangerous place," says Maria, a tanned 40-something Canadian who came here 14 years ago in search of warmer weather and decided to stay, opening Surf City Jacó, a gift shop that sells everything from kitschy paintings of sunsets and palm trees to long boards and surf lessons. "I sit here with my doors wide open until 2:00 a.m. without worries. People here don't bother you unless you want to be bothered."
It's an easy two-hour drive to Jacó from greater San Jose, and the close proximity attracts an eclectic mix of foreigners and Ticos, as the natives are known. Once vacationers arrive, surf, sun, and partying usually rank high on their agendas.
Jacó's wave riding is decent but not great, offering a small beach break with mellow left and right peaks. Nearly the entire two-mile beach is fair game, but it tends to close out quickly when waves reach head height or during low tide. Advanced surfers often base themselves in Jacó, but spend most of their surf time at nearby Playa Hermosa or Playa Escondida. Hermosa serves up a consistent beach break that rarely falls lower than head high. Escondida is a perfect, tubing reef break with powerful lefts and rights.
For the beginner surfer, Jacó is the ideal place to learn. A half-day rental plus a three-hour lesson can be arranged for less than $50, and there's no shortage of supremely qualified instructors in town. A regular stop on the national pro surf circuit, Jacó has spawned a host of top-tier international talent, including ten-year-old Kalani David, whom Surfer magazine recently called one of the best young surfers in the world.
If riding waves isn't your bag, or if you're simply looking for a low-tide diversion, rent a beach cruiser bike, go on a canopy or horseback riding tour, or explore one of two nearby national parks, Manuel Antonio or Carara.
Fifteen miles north of Jacó, Carara Biological Reserve (www.costa-rica-guide.com/parks/carara.htm) provides an oasis for wildlife amid the surrounding agricultural land. The 11,614-acre biological reserve protects the Rio Tárcoles River Basin and contains five eco zones with a variety of animals, ranging from crocodiles to two-toed sloth. The dense primary rainforest houses hundreds of bird species, including the colorful scarlet macaw; crocs can almost always be spotted from the highway bridge that crosses the Tárcoles along the park's northern border. Two miles south of the Tárcoles Bridge is the Quebrada Bonita Ranger Station and park headquarters, a good place obtain information about hiking in Carara.
Thick tropical forest borders four spectacular beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park (www.manuelantoniopark.com), a 4,769-acre wonderland about 40 miles south of Jacó. Soak up the sun, explore tide pools, or head inland on one of the countless hiking trails. In the forest, wildlife sightings abound, including the ubiquitous white-faced monkeys. It's easy to spend a full day here, so arrive early and bring a lunch. Also be prepared to share the scenery—as one of Costa Rica's most popular national parks, Manuel Antonio welcomes upwards of 300,000 visitors a year.
If crowds aren't your thing, don't sweat it. Just head back to Jacó, grab a book, and find a quiet spot on the beach. As Charles Vance found out, this is an easy place to get away—at least for a little while.
Charles Vance had been on the lam for more than seven years when authorities finally caught up with him in Jacó Beach, Costa Rica, on December 17, 2007. The police arrested the 41-year-old on three outstanding warrants, including possession of a controlled substance and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Vance's indiscretions had occurred years earlier in the United States, and since then he'd been bouncing around Central America on a forged Mexican passport. In mid-2007, he showed up in the small beachside city of Jacó and found a job selling real estate in one of Costa Rica's most popular Pacific-side tourist destinations.
Only the now-incarcerated Vance knows why he chose Jacó, but anyone who's traveled there recently could make an educated guess. Development, most of it mid- to high-end condos and hotels, is happening at such a dizzying pace that Jacó has jokingly been dubbed "San Jose by the Sea," a reference to Costa Rica's sprawling capital city. Surely Vance was trying to tap into these newfound real estate riches.
The U.S. fugitive might also have been drawn by Jacó's aura of forgiveness. The small city opens its arms to all kinds of people without asking a lot of questions. Take a late evening stroll down the main street, Pastor Diaz Avenue, and you're just as likely to encounter trinket-buying tourists from the States or Canada as drug-pedaling teenagers from the country's Caribbean coast, or transplanted prostitutes from San Jose. In general, though, unless these disparate groups seek each other out, their paths don't tend to cross.
"There is definitely a seedy side to this place, but it's not a dangerous place," says Maria, a tanned 40-something Canadian who came here 14 years ago in search of warmer weather and decided to stay, opening Surf City Jacó, a gift shop that sells everything from kitschy paintings of sunsets and palm trees to long boards and surf lessons. "I sit here with my doors wide open until 2:00 a.m. without worries. People here don't bother you unless you want to be bothered."
It's an easy two-hour drive to Jacó from greater San Jose, and the close proximity attracts an eclectic mix of foreigners and Ticos, as the natives are known. Once vacationers arrive, surf, sun, and partying usually rank high on their agendas.
Jacó's wave riding is decent but not great, offering a small beach break with mellow left and right peaks. Nearly the entire two-mile beach is fair game, but it tends to close out quickly when waves reach head height or during low tide. Advanced surfers often base themselves in Jacó, but spend most of their surf time at nearby Playa Hermosa or Playa Escondida. Hermosa serves up a consistent beach break that rarely falls lower than head high. Escondida is a perfect, tubing reef break with powerful lefts and rights.
For the beginner surfer, Jacó is the ideal place to learn. A half-day rental plus a three-hour lesson can be arranged for less than $50, and there's no shortage of supremely qualified instructors in town. A regular stop on the national pro surf circuit, Jacó has spawned a host of top-tier international talent, including ten-year-old Kalani David, whom Surfer magazine recently called one of the best young surfers in the world.
If riding waves isn't your bag, or if you're simply looking for a low-tide diversion, rent a beach cruiser bike, go on a canopy or horseback riding tour, or explore one of two nearby national parks, Manuel Antonio or Carara.
Fifteen miles north of Jacó, Carara Biological Reserve (www.costa-rica-guide.com/parks/carara.htm) provides an oasis for wildlife amid the surrounding agricultural land. The 11,614-acre biological reserve protects the Rio Tárcoles River Basin and contains five eco zones with a variety of animals, ranging from crocodiles to two-toed sloth. The dense primary rainforest houses hundreds of bird species, including the colorful scarlet macaw; crocs can almost always be spotted from the highway bridge that crosses the Tárcoles along the park's northern border. Two miles south of the Tárcoles Bridge is the Quebrada Bonita Ranger Station and park headquarters, a good place obtain information about hiking in Carara.
Thick tropical forest borders four spectacular beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park (www.manuelantoniopark.com), a 4,769-acre wonderland about 40 miles south of Jacó. Soak up the sun, explore tide pools, or head inland on one of the countless hiking trails. In the forest, wildlife sightings abound, including the ubiquitous white-faced monkeys. It's easy to spend a full day here, so arrive early and bring a lunch. Also be prepared to share the scenery—as one of Costa Rica's most popular national parks, Manuel Antonio welcomes upwards of 300,000 visitors a year.
If crowds aren't your thing, don't sweat it. Just head back to Jacó, grab a book, and find a quiet spot on the beach. As Charles Vance found out, this is an easy place to get away—at least for a little while.
Free Surf 93
Top Ten Alternative Spring Break Destinations
Hot Spot:
Jacó, Costa Rica
Those looking for a more active or outdoorsy way to spend spring break often gravitate to Costa Rica, one of Latin America's premier eco-travel destinations. The seaside town of Jacó has great surfing and easy access to the rain forests, wildlife, and eco-tours for which Costa Rica is famous. It's also one of the country's most heavily visited destinations, especially during local holidays (like Holy Week, which sometimes overlaps spring break) when locals from San José arrive by the bus load.
Alternatives:
Dominica
As an alternative, consider Dominica, the tiny island-nation between St. Kitts and St. Vincent. Known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, Dominica has virtually no beaches but makes up for it with a rugged interior that climbs dramatically from the shoreline. Favorite excursions include hiking through a verdant rainforest to 100-foot Middleham Falls, or through the Valley of Desolation to Boiling Lake (both aptly-named). The island also has terrific diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, and is home to the Caribbean's last remaining community of indigenous Caribs.
Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Another eco-tourism gem gaining popularity, Cabarete will be a hot spot before long. It's one of the Caribbean's premier windsurfing and kiteboarding destinations, and numerous shops offer instruction in both sports, plus rentals and retail gear. You can learn to surf here, too, or book a mountain biking tour. The DR is also home to Pico Duarte, the Caribbean's highest peak at 10,417 feet. Tour operators in Cabarete offer guided ascents, which take two to four days—sunrise at the summit is sublime.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
All-inclusive resorts are a logical choice for your next spring break family getaway, mainly for the ease and security of having your lodging, meals, pool, beach, and activities all in one spot for one price. Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, is one of the Caribbean's go-to family resort destinations, with high-quality beaches and facilities, plenty of kid's programming (including for teenagers) and affordable packages, especially if you're flying from the eastern U.S. and Canada.
Alternatives:
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
If you're looking for more adventure, consider taking the family to St. John, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The U.S. Virgin Islands' least developed island, St. John has sailing, horseback riding, and other family-friendly tours, plus plenty of do-it-yourself hiking and out-of-the-way beaches reachable by rental car. (And since St. John is part of the United States, you don't need to worry about the language or insurance concerns that deter some parents from renting cars abroad.) St. John has a couple of resorts, plus many condos and villas with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms, which make excellent home bases.
St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis
The larger of the twin-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Kitts offers families a good alternative to the typical resort vacation. It's easily accessible, with direct flights from several U.S. cities, and lodging ranges from all-inclusive resorts to private villas. Like St. John, St. Kitts has tours and do-it-yourself options—a new Marine World facility is a hit with younger kids, while families with teens can bond on challenging hikes through the island's dense forest and up its prominent volcanoes. Catamaran trips to Nevis, even less developed than St. Kitts, make fun day trips for the family.
Hot Spot:
Jacó, Costa Rica
Those looking for a more active or outdoorsy way to spend spring break often gravitate to Costa Rica, one of Latin America's premier eco-travel destinations. The seaside town of Jacó has great surfing and easy access to the rain forests, wildlife, and eco-tours for which Costa Rica is famous. It's also one of the country's most heavily visited destinations, especially during local holidays (like Holy Week, which sometimes overlaps spring break) when locals from San José arrive by the bus load.
Alternatives:
Dominica
As an alternative, consider Dominica, the tiny island-nation between St. Kitts and St. Vincent. Known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, Dominica has virtually no beaches but makes up for it with a rugged interior that climbs dramatically from the shoreline. Favorite excursions include hiking through a verdant rainforest to 100-foot Middleham Falls, or through the Valley of Desolation to Boiling Lake (both aptly-named). The island also has terrific diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, and is home to the Caribbean's last remaining community of indigenous Caribs.
Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Another eco-tourism gem gaining popularity, Cabarete will be a hot spot before long. It's one of the Caribbean's premier windsurfing and kiteboarding destinations, and numerous shops offer instruction in both sports, plus rentals and retail gear. You can learn to surf here, too, or book a mountain biking tour. The DR is also home to Pico Duarte, the Caribbean's highest peak at 10,417 feet. Tour operators in Cabarete offer guided ascents, which take two to four days—sunrise at the summit is sublime.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
All-inclusive resorts are a logical choice for your next spring break family getaway, mainly for the ease and security of having your lodging, meals, pool, beach, and activities all in one spot for one price. Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, is one of the Caribbean's go-to family resort destinations, with high-quality beaches and facilities, plenty of kid's programming (including for teenagers) and affordable packages, especially if you're flying from the eastern U.S. and Canada.
Alternatives:
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
If you're looking for more adventure, consider taking the family to St. John, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The U.S. Virgin Islands' least developed island, St. John has sailing, horseback riding, and other family-friendly tours, plus plenty of do-it-yourself hiking and out-of-the-way beaches reachable by rental car. (And since St. John is part of the United States, you don't need to worry about the language or insurance concerns that deter some parents from renting cars abroad.) St. John has a couple of resorts, plus many condos and villas with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms, which make excellent home bases.
St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis
The larger of the twin-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Kitts offers families a good alternative to the typical resort vacation. It's easily accessible, with direct flights from several U.S. cities, and lodging ranges from all-inclusive resorts to private villas. Like St. John, St. Kitts has tours and do-it-yourself options—a new Marine World facility is a hit with younger kids, while families with teens can bond on challenging hikes through the island's dense forest and up its prominent volcanoes. Catamaran trips to Nevis, even less developed than St. Kitts, make fun day trips for the family.
Free Surf 91
Legendary Surf Towns
Follow the surf-board-toting crowd, and wherever you land, you'll find a great vibe. Not to mention plenty of sun, sand, and good eats. Surfer Kimball Taylor takes you on a guided tour.
BRAZIL
Fernando de Noronha
This island 225 miles off the northeast coast of Brazil is as pristine as they come, and it's determined to stay that way—visitors have to pay an environmental preservation tax (TPA) of $20 per day. But the surfing, diving, and snorkeling are so good, and the scenery is so lush, that no one seems to mind chipping in for the island's protection.
Sleep: The bright, air-conditioned apartments at Pousada Del Mares are decorated with Brazilian artwork (Rua do Sol, Vila dos Remédios, 011-55/81-3619-1243, from $111).
SURF'S UP
Welcome to the world's top chill towns.
• Launch the slide show
Fuel up: Surfers love Fernando's big family-style dinners, which have a tradition of joining locals and travelers together. Palhoça da Colina serves up one of the best spreads on the island—but make sure you have a reservation, and get there by 8:30 p.m. (Estrada da Colina 4, Vila do Trinta, 011-55/81-3619-1473, palhocadacolina.com, from $49).
Hang out: Join the eclectic crowd at Bar do Cachorro, which thumps nightly with forró music—similar to a polka lost in island rhythms (Terminal Turístico do Cachorro, Vila dos Remédios).
Surf: The friendly folks at Your Way will set you up with a local instructor suited to your level of experience (011-55/81-3619-1796, www.yourway.com.br, one-hour lessons from $31).
MEXICO
Troncones
Though only about 50 miles from the larger resort communities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, its rural setting, jungle backdrop, and eco-vibe make Troncones feel a world away. The town is a haven for surfers, who are lured by the miles of waves and white- and golden-sand beaches.
Sleep: Quinta d'Liz is a clean and colorful B&B made up of six beachfront bungalows. Each has a private bathroom, and there's a communal kitchen (Playa Troncones, 011-52/ 755-553-2914, playatroncones.com, from $38).
Fuel up: The resort food at Manzanillo Bay's garden-patio restaurant might seem a bit much for surfers (golden malted waffles with fresh fruit and cream, anyone?), but that doesn't seem to deter them. Of course, the nice surf break directly in front of the restaurant doesn't hurt (Playa Troncones, 011-52/755-553-2884, www.manzanillobay.com, breakfast from $4.25).
Hang out: Go to the beachfront restaurant El Burro Borracho for local seafood like red snapper, shrimp tacos, and abalone fajitas. Wash it all down with a michelada: ice-cold Mexican beer that's accented with lime juice and salt (Playa Troncones, 011-52/755-553-2834, burroborracho.com, entrées from $6).
ADVERTISEMENT | ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Surf: ISA Mexico offers one-day group and private lessons year-round. From November through May, when the weather is more reliable and the waves are more rideable, it also conducts multiday surf camps (541/550-7343, isamexico.com, lessons from $50).
PORTUGAL
Ericeira
With its cobblestoned streets and tiled buildings, Ericeira looks like a quintessential Portuguese fishing village. But north and south of the village center, scalloped cliffs give way to white-sand beaches and—much to surfers' delight—consistent right-hand reef breaks. Done surfing? Spend some time at the region's palaces and vineyards.
Sleep: Pensão Gomes, home to 20 modest rooms, might be a little rickety, but the staff is so effusively friendly that you won't mind a bit (Rua Mendes Leal 11, 011-351/261-863-619, from $37).
Follow the surf-board-toting crowd, and wherever you land, you'll find a great vibe. Not to mention plenty of sun, sand, and good eats. Surfer Kimball Taylor takes you on a guided tour.
BRAZIL
Fernando de Noronha
This island 225 miles off the northeast coast of Brazil is as pristine as they come, and it's determined to stay that way—visitors have to pay an environmental preservation tax (TPA) of $20 per day. But the surfing, diving, and snorkeling are so good, and the scenery is so lush, that no one seems to mind chipping in for the island's protection.
Sleep: The bright, air-conditioned apartments at Pousada Del Mares are decorated with Brazilian artwork (Rua do Sol, Vila dos Remédios, 011-55/81-3619-1243, from $111).
SURF'S UP
Welcome to the world's top chill towns.
• Launch the slide show
Fuel up: Surfers love Fernando's big family-style dinners, which have a tradition of joining locals and travelers together. Palhoça da Colina serves up one of the best spreads on the island—but make sure you have a reservation, and get there by 8:30 p.m. (Estrada da Colina 4, Vila do Trinta, 011-55/81-3619-1473, palhocadacolina.com, from $49).
Hang out: Join the eclectic crowd at Bar do Cachorro, which thumps nightly with forró music—similar to a polka lost in island rhythms (Terminal Turístico do Cachorro, Vila dos Remédios).
Surf: The friendly folks at Your Way will set you up with a local instructor suited to your level of experience (011-55/81-3619-1796, www.yourway.com.br, one-hour lessons from $31).
MEXICO
Troncones
Though only about 50 miles from the larger resort communities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, its rural setting, jungle backdrop, and eco-vibe make Troncones feel a world away. The town is a haven for surfers, who are lured by the miles of waves and white- and golden-sand beaches.
Sleep: Quinta d'Liz is a clean and colorful B&B made up of six beachfront bungalows. Each has a private bathroom, and there's a communal kitchen (Playa Troncones, 011-52/ 755-553-2914, playatroncones.com, from $38).
Fuel up: The resort food at Manzanillo Bay's garden-patio restaurant might seem a bit much for surfers (golden malted waffles with fresh fruit and cream, anyone?), but that doesn't seem to deter them. Of course, the nice surf break directly in front of the restaurant doesn't hurt (Playa Troncones, 011-52/755-553-2884, www.manzanillobay.com, breakfast from $4.25).
Hang out: Go to the beachfront restaurant El Burro Borracho for local seafood like red snapper, shrimp tacos, and abalone fajitas. Wash it all down with a michelada: ice-cold Mexican beer that's accented with lime juice and salt (Playa Troncones, 011-52/755-553-2834, burroborracho.com, entrées from $6).
ADVERTISEMENT | ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Surf: ISA Mexico offers one-day group and private lessons year-round. From November through May, when the weather is more reliable and the waves are more rideable, it also conducts multiday surf camps (541/550-7343, isamexico.com, lessons from $50).
PORTUGAL
Ericeira
With its cobblestoned streets and tiled buildings, Ericeira looks like a quintessential Portuguese fishing village. But north and south of the village center, scalloped cliffs give way to white-sand beaches and—much to surfers' delight—consistent right-hand reef breaks. Done surfing? Spend some time at the region's palaces and vineyards.
Sleep: Pensão Gomes, home to 20 modest rooms, might be a little rickety, but the staff is so effusively friendly that you won't mind a bit (Rua Mendes Leal 11, 011-351/261-863-619, from $37).
Free Surf 90
Pip Harry drops into the world's most famous big wave spot, Mavericks, to catch the breaking news.
The mere mention of Mavericks is enough to bring sweat to the brow of even the most experienced surfer. And let's just say I'm not much good out the back wobbly, intermediate and unable to progress from a two-metre mini mal with training wheels. But I'm ticking a life goal off my bucket list today get close enough to the big wave to taste its salty spray on my face.
Located in the sleepy fishing village of Half Moon Bay, 40kilometres south of San Francisco, Mavericks is Mecca for the adrenaline junkie. On this occasionally deadly break, pro-surfers and the criminally insane ride waves more than 15metres high.
Every January the invitational (and weather dependent) Mavericks surf contest is held. Mother Nature, and those brave enough to try and tame her, put on an awesome show.
It's an idea to arm yourself with local advice when visiting this surfing icon. Laid-back kayak guide Kenny Howell runs California Canoe and Kayaks, a few hundred metres from Mavericks, and will take anyone with a modicum of water awareness out to the break for a sticky beak.
We set off in the late afternoon, taking in the tranquil Oakland Estuary and its lazy seal population in a sturdy two-man craft.
Howell is full of insider titbits about Half Moon's famous surf spot. Local Jeff Clark discovered it in the 1970s and surfed it alone for the next 15 years his mates labelling him a bit of a nut job. It wasn't until 1990, when a photo was published in Surfer magazine, that the rest of the surfing world came out to play.
With a Hollywood movie deal in the works, Clark can be seen strolling the local shops telling people he'd like Brad Pitt to play him in the film. If you want to meet the man himself, Clark runs the local Mavericks Surf Shop on Harvard Avenue, where he sells his own custom-made surfboards and signed photos of himself charging the monster wave.
Today, as we paddle effortlessly to the beach at Pillar Point, Mavericks is a wolf rugged up in a sheepskin coat. With barely a ripple on the surface it's difficult to fathom that in the right weather conditions, we'd be staring at a three-storey-high wall of water. Behind us is a clifftop where thousands of onlookers scramble for an elevated vantage point when it's big.
Locals are concerned about the ecological implications of the growing crowds, as the break is in a national marine sanctuary.
With Mavericks lying dormant, we head back to shore and stop by the Half Moon Bay Yacht Club to chug a beer as the sun drops on the boat-filled harbour. Cheap micro brews and free popcorn draws a crowd of locals, who bring along their salty dogs and tell tales about fish, or waves, that got away.
It's not just the waves that grow big in Half Moon Bay. The annual Pumpkin Festival, held in October on Main Street, attracts America's greatest gourd growers who compete in a hotly contested weigh-in. Expect to see Volkswagen-sized varieties of the orange vegetable, as well as sculpting, pumpkin pie bake-offs, local produce, music and local art.
Half Moon is also famous for its organic produce, grown in the surrounding fertile hills. A visit to local Italian bistro Pasta Moon on Main Street is mandatory. Squeeze into the cosy restaurant and drool at every heaped plate that passes by.
We try a bit of everything starting with Monterey Bay calamari served with lemon aioli, pockets of gooey butternut squash and mascarpone ravioli, a brick-size lasagne and a platter of desserts, including their famous layered chocolate cake with coconut cream
The mere mention of Mavericks is enough to bring sweat to the brow of even the most experienced surfer. And let's just say I'm not much good out the back wobbly, intermediate and unable to progress from a two-metre mini mal with training wheels. But I'm ticking a life goal off my bucket list today get close enough to the big wave to taste its salty spray on my face.
Located in the sleepy fishing village of Half Moon Bay, 40kilometres south of San Francisco, Mavericks is Mecca for the adrenaline junkie. On this occasionally deadly break, pro-surfers and the criminally insane ride waves more than 15metres high.
Every January the invitational (and weather dependent) Mavericks surf contest is held. Mother Nature, and those brave enough to try and tame her, put on an awesome show.
It's an idea to arm yourself with local advice when visiting this surfing icon. Laid-back kayak guide Kenny Howell runs California Canoe and Kayaks, a few hundred metres from Mavericks, and will take anyone with a modicum of water awareness out to the break for a sticky beak.
We set off in the late afternoon, taking in the tranquil Oakland Estuary and its lazy seal population in a sturdy two-man craft.
Howell is full of insider titbits about Half Moon's famous surf spot. Local Jeff Clark discovered it in the 1970s and surfed it alone for the next 15 years his mates labelling him a bit of a nut job. It wasn't until 1990, when a photo was published in Surfer magazine, that the rest of the surfing world came out to play.
With a Hollywood movie deal in the works, Clark can be seen strolling the local shops telling people he'd like Brad Pitt to play him in the film. If you want to meet the man himself, Clark runs the local Mavericks Surf Shop on Harvard Avenue, where he sells his own custom-made surfboards and signed photos of himself charging the monster wave.
Today, as we paddle effortlessly to the beach at Pillar Point, Mavericks is a wolf rugged up in a sheepskin coat. With barely a ripple on the surface it's difficult to fathom that in the right weather conditions, we'd be staring at a three-storey-high wall of water. Behind us is a clifftop where thousands of onlookers scramble for an elevated vantage point when it's big.
Locals are concerned about the ecological implications of the growing crowds, as the break is in a national marine sanctuary.
With Mavericks lying dormant, we head back to shore and stop by the Half Moon Bay Yacht Club to chug a beer as the sun drops on the boat-filled harbour. Cheap micro brews and free popcorn draws a crowd of locals, who bring along their salty dogs and tell tales about fish, or waves, that got away.
It's not just the waves that grow big in Half Moon Bay. The annual Pumpkin Festival, held in October on Main Street, attracts America's greatest gourd growers who compete in a hotly contested weigh-in. Expect to see Volkswagen-sized varieties of the orange vegetable, as well as sculpting, pumpkin pie bake-offs, local produce, music and local art.
Half Moon is also famous for its organic produce, grown in the surrounding fertile hills. A visit to local Italian bistro Pasta Moon on Main Street is mandatory. Squeeze into the cosy restaurant and drool at every heaped plate that passes by.
We try a bit of everything starting with Monterey Bay calamari served with lemon aioli, pockets of gooey butternut squash and mascarpone ravioli, a brick-size lasagne and a platter of desserts, including their famous layered chocolate cake with coconut cream
Free Surf 89
cutdown of article
Citytrain commuters to receive free internet access
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25321035-3102,00.html
By Darrell Giles
April 12, 2009 12:00am
PASSENGERS will soon be able to surf the web free of charge while catching the train in southeast Queensland.
Ms Nolan said new wireless equipment to allow security footage to be streamed in real time to Queensland Rail's control room at Central Station in Brisbane, would also create wireless internet access at stations and on trains.
"This means that commuters will be able to log on to the internet and catch up on emails on their train ride to work or while waiting at a station," she said yesterday.
Ms Nolan said the scheme, which would cost Queensland Rail between $1 million and $4 million, was expected to be available in every train and station in the Citytrain network by early 2010.
The new technology would make Queensland the only state in Australia where commuters could rely on constant wireless access.
She said people living near train lines or stations would not be able to tap into the free internet service because it would be "fire-walled"."
Sounds good but I wonder what they mean by people living near train lines would not be able to tap into the internet service.
Citytrain commuters to receive free internet access
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25321035-3102,00.html
By Darrell Giles
April 12, 2009 12:00am
PASSENGERS will soon be able to surf the web free of charge while catching the train in southeast Queensland.
Ms Nolan said new wireless equipment to allow security footage to be streamed in real time to Queensland Rail's control room at Central Station in Brisbane, would also create wireless internet access at stations and on trains.
"This means that commuters will be able to log on to the internet and catch up on emails on their train ride to work or while waiting at a station," she said yesterday.
Ms Nolan said the scheme, which would cost Queensland Rail between $1 million and $4 million, was expected to be available in every train and station in the Citytrain network by early 2010.
The new technology would make Queensland the only state in Australia where commuters could rely on constant wireless access.
She said people living near train lines or stations would not be able to tap into the free internet service because it would be "fire-walled"."
Sounds good but I wonder what they mean by people living near train lines would not be able to tap into the internet service.
Free Surf 87
Why Study Surf Science At University,
If you're looking for a career with a difference there is now the option of going to university to study surf science. Plymouth University now offer courses in this subject and it turns out it comes with quite lucrative job opportunities.
Of course, everyone knows that surfing is big business in Australia. With a massive coastline facing open seas, they are treated to some of the best surfing waves in the world. However, surfing has also caught on as the sport of many around the world. Surf clothing alone is a massive industry with shops springing up in the most unlikely places.
There is a stereotypical lifestyle associated with habitual surfers; one of the laid back, jobless, shorts wearing scruffy haired young person that spends all his days riding the waves and saying things like 'Yo dude'. In reality, surfers are of mixed ages and sexes, who are very particular about their surf clothing and who usually hold down very good responsible jobs.
The fact that it is now possible to go to university and study your favourite pastime means you can combine your job and your hobby and who could ask for more?
Whilst on this course there will be numerous opportunities to get your surf clothing wet but it's not all about riding the waves. There are many factors to this course that will benefit the wider community and future generations.
For example, environmental science is one aspect of the surfing course. This involves the study of the impact humans have on the environment and the aquatic ecosystems. They are also involved in devising ways to minimise the negative influences of this impact and ensuring the positive ones. This study is beneficial to the whole of human kind and says a lot more about your common surfer than their concern over surfer's hair!
Meteorology is another vital aspect to the course. Focusing on the Earth's atmosphere and weather trends, the more people that understand this, the more people there will be to predict weather extremes and environmental changes that need to be implemented.
Covering a diverse range of subjects from marine organisms and ocean currents, waves and plate tectonics, students will get a chance to wet their surf clothing with these practical and theoretical studies.
Biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology and physics all come into play here and make all science dynamic and interesting as well as having the knock on effect of finding new ways to protect our planet for future generations.
One of the more complex subjects covered in surf science will be physiology - the study of physical, mechanical and biochemical functions of living organisms. This will show students the effect that one organism can have over another, the interaction between carious organisms and how we can help or hinder to the advantage of the planet.
In an unexpected branch of surf science comes the study of psychology. This is the closer inspection, in an attempt to understand, the mind processes behind actions of living organism, namely humans. Maybe they could study why scientists cannot come up with something better than wrapping ourselves in super clingy surf clothing that refuses to budge at the end of the day?
If, at the end of the day, you still want that ultra laid back life style, you could always use your degree to work in surf clothing, either in the design, manufacturing or retail sectors or apply your knowledge to surf board design. Either way, a course of surf science can only benefit yourself and the environment, if all it leads to is a better understanding and more consideration.
If you're looking for a career with a difference there is now the option of going to university to study surf science. Plymouth University now offer courses in this subject and it turns out it comes with quite lucrative job opportunities.
Of course, everyone knows that surfing is big business in Australia. With a massive coastline facing open seas, they are treated to some of the best surfing waves in the world. However, surfing has also caught on as the sport of many around the world. Surf clothing alone is a massive industry with shops springing up in the most unlikely places.
There is a stereotypical lifestyle associated with habitual surfers; one of the laid back, jobless, shorts wearing scruffy haired young person that spends all his days riding the waves and saying things like 'Yo dude'. In reality, surfers are of mixed ages and sexes, who are very particular about their surf clothing and who usually hold down very good responsible jobs.
The fact that it is now possible to go to university and study your favourite pastime means you can combine your job and your hobby and who could ask for more?
Whilst on this course there will be numerous opportunities to get your surf clothing wet but it's not all about riding the waves. There are many factors to this course that will benefit the wider community and future generations.
For example, environmental science is one aspect of the surfing course. This involves the study of the impact humans have on the environment and the aquatic ecosystems. They are also involved in devising ways to minimise the negative influences of this impact and ensuring the positive ones. This study is beneficial to the whole of human kind and says a lot more about your common surfer than their concern over surfer's hair!
Meteorology is another vital aspect to the course. Focusing on the Earth's atmosphere and weather trends, the more people that understand this, the more people there will be to predict weather extremes and environmental changes that need to be implemented.
Covering a diverse range of subjects from marine organisms and ocean currents, waves and plate tectonics, students will get a chance to wet their surf clothing with these practical and theoretical studies.
Biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology and physics all come into play here and make all science dynamic and interesting as well as having the knock on effect of finding new ways to protect our planet for future generations.
One of the more complex subjects covered in surf science will be physiology - the study of physical, mechanical and biochemical functions of living organisms. This will show students the effect that one organism can have over another, the interaction between carious organisms and how we can help or hinder to the advantage of the planet.
In an unexpected branch of surf science comes the study of psychology. This is the closer inspection, in an attempt to understand, the mind processes behind actions of living organism, namely humans. Maybe they could study why scientists cannot come up with something better than wrapping ourselves in super clingy surf clothing that refuses to budge at the end of the day?
If, at the end of the day, you still want that ultra laid back life style, you could always use your degree to work in surf clothing, either in the design, manufacturing or retail sectors or apply your knowledge to surf board design. Either way, a course of surf science can only benefit yourself and the environment, if all it leads to is a better understanding and more consideration.
Free Surf 86
Above And Beyond A Surf Shop
When you hear the name O'Neill you immediately think of surfer dude's with their surfer's hair, bronzed bodies and wetsuits. The name has come to be synonymous with surf clothing after Jack O'Neill set up the original surf shop in the Sixties. Up until that point, all surf shops had stocked surf boards but it was O'Neill that was supplying the only surf clothing. In fact, it is believed he was responsible for the first wet suit designs.
However, Jack O'Neill is also responsible for disadvantaged children learning about the environment and marine life on his O'Neill Sea Odyssey Programme. This aims to teach children all about the environment and the effects people have on it. Producing children that are much more aware of the impact they have on their surroundings and how they can help or hinder it can oly be a good thing.
This course, in Santa Cruz, California takes place on the Team O'Neill 65' catamaran over three hours. There is also on-line education tools that schools can use in conjunction with the course and, although it is relatively short, it gives these kids a good grounding in the understanding of ecology, navigation and marine biology.
So, what is the point of it? Well, the kids learn that while sports people are often hailed as heroes, everyone still needs to be responsible for their place in the world and the impact they have on it. They will learn about marine biology. This is the study of living organisms that occupy our waterways, from fish to corals. They will learn how the forces of nature change the marine habitat and the effects that mankind also have on it.
Marine biology is a science that can take many years of study to get to grips with. Even then, ideas are constantly changing, as is the environment. Marine habitat and the relationship between oceans and the environment are touched on during O'Neill's short course and this will be enough to tell these children whether or not they are interested in it enough to take up a similar course on leaving school.
Also studied on the Sea Odyssey Programme is Ecology. This is a very important subject for today's youngsters to understand. There is much in the press about mankind's effects on the world around us and to see it with the clarity that a short burst of information can provide, it will probably have a more far-reaching impact. Ecology is a science all its own studying the distribution of organisms and the interactions between them and their environment, including the effects of climate and geology.
The navigation part of the course involves learning how to plan, read and control the movements of those who are moving around the sea's, particularly while they are studying the ecology. There is no point in understanding our impact on the environment if we have no way of controlling it while we study it.
This course, as I said earlier, is predominantly for disadvantaged young people. For those who get this opportunity, many would otherwise have never known about the possibilities and options open to them to study their environment and to be able to give something back. It means that this is just one more opening to get their minds active and show them that, whatever their background, they can make a difference. Just as O'Neill has done when he could so easily have made a comfortable living simply from selling surf clothing.
When you hear the name O'Neill you immediately think of surfer dude's with their surfer's hair, bronzed bodies and wetsuits. The name has come to be synonymous with surf clothing after Jack O'Neill set up the original surf shop in the Sixties. Up until that point, all surf shops had stocked surf boards but it was O'Neill that was supplying the only surf clothing. In fact, it is believed he was responsible for the first wet suit designs.
However, Jack O'Neill is also responsible for disadvantaged children learning about the environment and marine life on his O'Neill Sea Odyssey Programme. This aims to teach children all about the environment and the effects people have on it. Producing children that are much more aware of the impact they have on their surroundings and how they can help or hinder it can oly be a good thing.
This course, in Santa Cruz, California takes place on the Team O'Neill 65' catamaran over three hours. There is also on-line education tools that schools can use in conjunction with the course and, although it is relatively short, it gives these kids a good grounding in the understanding of ecology, navigation and marine biology.
So, what is the point of it? Well, the kids learn that while sports people are often hailed as heroes, everyone still needs to be responsible for their place in the world and the impact they have on it. They will learn about marine biology. This is the study of living organisms that occupy our waterways, from fish to corals. They will learn how the forces of nature change the marine habitat and the effects that mankind also have on it.
Marine biology is a science that can take many years of study to get to grips with. Even then, ideas are constantly changing, as is the environment. Marine habitat and the relationship between oceans and the environment are touched on during O'Neill's short course and this will be enough to tell these children whether or not they are interested in it enough to take up a similar course on leaving school.
Also studied on the Sea Odyssey Programme is Ecology. This is a very important subject for today's youngsters to understand. There is much in the press about mankind's effects on the world around us and to see it with the clarity that a short burst of information can provide, it will probably have a more far-reaching impact. Ecology is a science all its own studying the distribution of organisms and the interactions between them and their environment, including the effects of climate and geology.
The navigation part of the course involves learning how to plan, read and control the movements of those who are moving around the sea's, particularly while they are studying the ecology. There is no point in understanding our impact on the environment if we have no way of controlling it while we study it.
This course, as I said earlier, is predominantly for disadvantaged young people. For those who get this opportunity, many would otherwise have never known about the possibilities and options open to them to study their environment and to be able to give something back. It means that this is just one more opening to get their minds active and show them that, whatever their background, they can make a difference. Just as O'Neill has done when he could so easily have made a comfortable living simply from selling surf clothing.
Free Surf 85
New surf clothing is on the market that is so stretchy and water tight that there are no seams, seals, joints or fastenings. You climb into this wetsuit through the neck.
Now correct me if I am wrong but this sounds like a feat beyond all reasonable physical possibility. I'm not a surfer but I am a scuba diver and have been exposed to the ritual of donning and removing a wetsuit and it is never an easy task. Putting it one gets you into such a hot state that you are glad to throw yourself into water of any temperature. Taking one of is a physical challenge all its own!
When it comes to surf clothing, the wetsuit is very important, particularly for those surfing in and around British waters as we are not famed for our warm waters! Even on the hottest summer day, our seas are still cold and if you intend to be in and out of it all day surfing, a decent amount of protection is called for and boarding shorts are simply not going to suffice.
So comes the wetsuit. A mass of rubber that fits like a second skin, these suits have taken on various changes over the years to make them more comfortable and more water tight. A wetsuit should fit comfortably close to the skin to just allow a small amount of water in. This water is then quickly warmed to body temperature and keeps a warm(ish) blanket next to your skin. They should not be too loose as they will continue to let in more cold water and they should not be so tight that they restrict free movement.
Zips and fastenings have been a problem on surf clothing over the years by breaking or seizing up or allowing water in and out. Yet surf clothing has never been made of material flexible enough to omit fastenings whilst still being able to get a good seal. Until now.
A new design of wetsuit is due for release that is both flexible and water resistant to the point where a surfer can enter the suit through the neck, stretching it over his entire body and allowing it to snap back into shape creating a nice seal around the neck.
This all sounds well and good, but I want to see someone remove one of these babies! Trying to remove the average wetsuit will see the surfer pull all sorts of interesting expressions whilst several layers of skin and all body hair is removed in the process. A wetsuit needs to be fairly 'grippy' to do its job and once they are wet, they just love your skin. They stick like super glue to keep such a good grip and are notoriously difficult to get off again.
In fact, if you're looking for some cheap entertainment, visit a beach where people are surfing and take a (careful) look at people trying to remove a wetsuit. I say careful because you could get yourself in trouble if you go around watching people get undressed but it is highly amusing. They stride out of the water, looking all cool like they are professional water sportsmen and women, flick back the wet surfers hair and undo their wetsuits. Now comes the funny part.
Surfers up and down the beach can be seen writhing about as if they were having an epileptic fit whilst they try and free themselves from this rubber skin. After a good forty five minutes of fully fledged silly walks, they are once again free and stroll away as if they just threw it off and as if they are not really hot and bothered and uptight!
Now correct me if I am wrong but this sounds like a feat beyond all reasonable physical possibility. I'm not a surfer but I am a scuba diver and have been exposed to the ritual of donning and removing a wetsuit and it is never an easy task. Putting it one gets you into such a hot state that you are glad to throw yourself into water of any temperature. Taking one of is a physical challenge all its own!
When it comes to surf clothing, the wetsuit is very important, particularly for those surfing in and around British waters as we are not famed for our warm waters! Even on the hottest summer day, our seas are still cold and if you intend to be in and out of it all day surfing, a decent amount of protection is called for and boarding shorts are simply not going to suffice.
So comes the wetsuit. A mass of rubber that fits like a second skin, these suits have taken on various changes over the years to make them more comfortable and more water tight. A wetsuit should fit comfortably close to the skin to just allow a small amount of water in. This water is then quickly warmed to body temperature and keeps a warm(ish) blanket next to your skin. They should not be too loose as they will continue to let in more cold water and they should not be so tight that they restrict free movement.
Zips and fastenings have been a problem on surf clothing over the years by breaking or seizing up or allowing water in and out. Yet surf clothing has never been made of material flexible enough to omit fastenings whilst still being able to get a good seal. Until now.
A new design of wetsuit is due for release that is both flexible and water resistant to the point where a surfer can enter the suit through the neck, stretching it over his entire body and allowing it to snap back into shape creating a nice seal around the neck.
This all sounds well and good, but I want to see someone remove one of these babies! Trying to remove the average wetsuit will see the surfer pull all sorts of interesting expressions whilst several layers of skin and all body hair is removed in the process. A wetsuit needs to be fairly 'grippy' to do its job and once they are wet, they just love your skin. They stick like super glue to keep such a good grip and are notoriously difficult to get off again.
In fact, if you're looking for some cheap entertainment, visit a beach where people are surfing and take a (careful) look at people trying to remove a wetsuit. I say careful because you could get yourself in trouble if you go around watching people get undressed but it is highly amusing. They stride out of the water, looking all cool like they are professional water sportsmen and women, flick back the wet surfers hair and undo their wetsuits. Now comes the funny part.
Surfers up and down the beach can be seen writhing about as if they were having an epileptic fit whilst they try and free themselves from this rubber skin. After a good forty five minutes of fully fledged silly walks, they are once again free and stroll away as if they just threw it off and as if they are not really hot and bothered and uptight!
Free Surf 84
Ride Better Waves With The Right Surf Clothing
Surfing, like skiing, is one of those sports where image is everything. Wearing the right colours of the season and the right brands in the industry is a well known part of riding the waves. Most people have heard of a half a dozen top surfing brands and as a result tend to meander towards these familiar names when choosing their surf clothes. Buying you clothing for the season doesn't end at your wetsuit however. If you really want to look the part, there are board shorts, sunglasses, t-shirts and headwear to also consider, helping you stand out when riding the crest of your wave.
For those who have never stepped foot on a surf board, it is by no means an easy sport and takes a great deal of patience and skill to succeed. However once you master the moves, it's a highly addictive thrill. Riding your board out to sea, identifying a suitable wave, using all your upper body strength to push yourself up on to your board, positioning your feet and arms at the right angle and having enough balance to ride the wave to the very end, is a terrific physical and personal challenge. One of the greatest ways to ensure you can give your best performance is to make sure you are dressed suitably and wearing comfortable and appropriate surf clothing.
Surf clothing will ensure you are dressed at the correct temperature for the ocean and that you are suitably streamlined. The first thing to purchase therefore is your wetsuit. Depending on when you plan on catching your waves will determine if you buy yourself a summer or winter suit. This is important as insulation will vary between the two. Winter surfing obviously involves surfing in cold water and therefore you will require a thickness of 5mm. However if you plan on doing some summer surfing you will probably just need a shortie (3mm suit).
Finding a wetsuit that fits you perfectly (make sure you pick one for the right gender as they will be designed to fit differently) will not only make your surfing more comfortable but will also protect you better against the elements. It's important to get fitted properly to make sure you get the right fit for your body shape. Price will obviously be a contributing factor to your choice however the more you are willing to pay, the higher the quality materials of the suit and more advanced bonding processes means better protection and comfort.
Your wetsuit however should just be the first, not the only item on your shopping list. If you are planning to surf in warmer conditions, you may opt for a rash vest and shorts instead of the full wetsuit. Rash vests are seamless torso shirts that are designed to increase your paddle speed and your flexibility, as well as keeping you warm when the conditions turn a little chillier. Board shorts come in all styles, with the brighter, wilder prints usually being the most popular.
Hats and headwear are a personal preference however often surfers with longer hair often opt for these to keep their hair from their eyes while in action. Similarly many riders choose to wear sunglasses to keep the glare of the water from reflecting into their eyes.
On shore, Surf clothing also includes a good pair of flip flops (or jandals or thongs, depending on which country you are from). If you are surfing in warm weather, the sand may be too hot to walk on in barefoot so a good pair of flip flops will help overcome this problem, while being easy to slip off at a moment's notice when you spot a vital wave.
Like buying specific boots to play football, leotards for gymnastics and swimming costumes for swimming, there is also very specific attire you need when surfing. Buying the right surf clothes is not just about looking good but about protecting yourself from the sometimes extreme elements at sea and about streamlining your body to achieve its maximum performance.
Surfing, like skiing, is one of those sports where image is everything. Wearing the right colours of the season and the right brands in the industry is a well known part of riding the waves. Most people have heard of a half a dozen top surfing brands and as a result tend to meander towards these familiar names when choosing their surf clothes. Buying you clothing for the season doesn't end at your wetsuit however. If you really want to look the part, there are board shorts, sunglasses, t-shirts and headwear to also consider, helping you stand out when riding the crest of your wave.
For those who have never stepped foot on a surf board, it is by no means an easy sport and takes a great deal of patience and skill to succeed. However once you master the moves, it's a highly addictive thrill. Riding your board out to sea, identifying a suitable wave, using all your upper body strength to push yourself up on to your board, positioning your feet and arms at the right angle and having enough balance to ride the wave to the very end, is a terrific physical and personal challenge. One of the greatest ways to ensure you can give your best performance is to make sure you are dressed suitably and wearing comfortable and appropriate surf clothing.
Surf clothing will ensure you are dressed at the correct temperature for the ocean and that you are suitably streamlined. The first thing to purchase therefore is your wetsuit. Depending on when you plan on catching your waves will determine if you buy yourself a summer or winter suit. This is important as insulation will vary between the two. Winter surfing obviously involves surfing in cold water and therefore you will require a thickness of 5mm. However if you plan on doing some summer surfing you will probably just need a shortie (3mm suit).
Finding a wetsuit that fits you perfectly (make sure you pick one for the right gender as they will be designed to fit differently) will not only make your surfing more comfortable but will also protect you better against the elements. It's important to get fitted properly to make sure you get the right fit for your body shape. Price will obviously be a contributing factor to your choice however the more you are willing to pay, the higher the quality materials of the suit and more advanced bonding processes means better protection and comfort.
Your wetsuit however should just be the first, not the only item on your shopping list. If you are planning to surf in warmer conditions, you may opt for a rash vest and shorts instead of the full wetsuit. Rash vests are seamless torso shirts that are designed to increase your paddle speed and your flexibility, as well as keeping you warm when the conditions turn a little chillier. Board shorts come in all styles, with the brighter, wilder prints usually being the most popular.
Hats and headwear are a personal preference however often surfers with longer hair often opt for these to keep their hair from their eyes while in action. Similarly many riders choose to wear sunglasses to keep the glare of the water from reflecting into their eyes.
On shore, Surf clothing also includes a good pair of flip flops (or jandals or thongs, depending on which country you are from). If you are surfing in warm weather, the sand may be too hot to walk on in barefoot so a good pair of flip flops will help overcome this problem, while being easy to slip off at a moment's notice when you spot a vital wave.
Like buying specific boots to play football, leotards for gymnastics and swimming costumes for swimming, there is also very specific attire you need when surfing. Buying the right surf clothes is not just about looking good but about protecting yourself from the sometimes extreme elements at sea and about streamlining your body to achieve its maximum performance.
Free Surf 83
Cut wires, surf free in wireless Foster City.
FOSTER CITY -- You may know the scene in "2001: A Space Odyssey" where the prehistoric human throws a bone in the air, signifying the discovery of tools and the dawn of mankind.
This wasn't quite as dramatic.
But the wire-cutting ceremony at Leo J. Ryan Park Monday represented a big step forward for Foster City, which became the first city in San Mateo County to provide free wireless Internet access to its residents.
The Wi-Fi network, provided by Mountain View-based MetroFi, has a coverage rate of about 95 percent, so that anyone using a computer equipped with a wireless modem should be able to get online from most city locations.
Mayor Linda Koelling, two council members and MetroFi CEO and co- founder Chuck Haas symbolically cut a high-speed Internet line to commemorate Foster City's technological leap.
"This is a great opportunity for our residents and even visitors who come to our community, to have access to the Internet free-of- charge," Koelling said.
MetroFi has installed Wi-Fi networks in Concord, Cupertino, San Jose, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale, but those networks cover only the downtown areas. Foster City is the first to get city-wide coverage, Haas said. The network is supported by 113 transmitters perched on streetlight poles throughout the city. The strength of the signal is best within a few hundred feet of a transmitter.
Reception may be spotty indoors, so some residents may need to purchase a wireless adapter, a one-time cost of between $60 to $100, Haas said. For homes blocked by tall buildings, MetroFi can install an external antenna.
Foster City's deal with MetroFi is non-exclusive, meaning that Foster City still plans to participate in Wireless Silicon Valley, a project to blanket 43 municipalities, 1.5 million residents and 1,500 square miles in four Bay Area counties with a wireless network.
Steve Toler, Foster City's administrative services director, said MetroFi simply gave the city the chance to get a head start.
"We just wanted to make sure our residents had wireless access guaranteed and this was a way of controlling our destiny in that regard," Toler said.
In September, the regionwide project chose Silicon Valley Metro Connect to build its network, which remains a year or more from completion. Metro Connect is a partnership between Cisco Systems, IBM, SeaKay and Azulstar.
Like Metro Connect, MetroFi plans to turn a profit through online advertising. MetroFi users will see a banner advertisement at the top of each Web site they visit and about four times per hour, users will see a full-page advertisement on the way to their next destination, Haas said.
For those who don't want to see any ads, MetroFi offers a subscription service of $19.95 a month. Other paid services will be available to city agencies and local businesses.
Haas said the fact that MetroFi is free spells the end, here at least, of that slow-witted dinosaur known as dial-up Internet service.
"For anyone still on dial-up, there's no more excuses" not to switch, Haas said.
Staff writer Aaron Kinney can be reached at akinney@sanmateocountytimes.com.
c2006 ANG Newspapers. Cannot be used or repurposed without prior written permission.
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company.
FOSTER CITY -- You may know the scene in "2001: A Space Odyssey" where the prehistoric human throws a bone in the air, signifying the discovery of tools and the dawn of mankind.
This wasn't quite as dramatic.
But the wire-cutting ceremony at Leo J. Ryan Park Monday represented a big step forward for Foster City, which became the first city in San Mateo County to provide free wireless Internet access to its residents.
The Wi-Fi network, provided by Mountain View-based MetroFi, has a coverage rate of about 95 percent, so that anyone using a computer equipped with a wireless modem should be able to get online from most city locations.
Mayor Linda Koelling, two council members and MetroFi CEO and co- founder Chuck Haas symbolically cut a high-speed Internet line to commemorate Foster City's technological leap.
"This is a great opportunity for our residents and even visitors who come to our community, to have access to the Internet free-of- charge," Koelling said.
MetroFi has installed Wi-Fi networks in Concord, Cupertino, San Jose, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale, but those networks cover only the downtown areas. Foster City is the first to get city-wide coverage, Haas said. The network is supported by 113 transmitters perched on streetlight poles throughout the city. The strength of the signal is best within a few hundred feet of a transmitter.
Reception may be spotty indoors, so some residents may need to purchase a wireless adapter, a one-time cost of between $60 to $100, Haas said. For homes blocked by tall buildings, MetroFi can install an external antenna.
Foster City's deal with MetroFi is non-exclusive, meaning that Foster City still plans to participate in Wireless Silicon Valley, a project to blanket 43 municipalities, 1.5 million residents and 1,500 square miles in four Bay Area counties with a wireless network.
Steve Toler, Foster City's administrative services director, said MetroFi simply gave the city the chance to get a head start.
"We just wanted to make sure our residents had wireless access guaranteed and this was a way of controlling our destiny in that regard," Toler said.
In September, the regionwide project chose Silicon Valley Metro Connect to build its network, which remains a year or more from completion. Metro Connect is a partnership between Cisco Systems, IBM, SeaKay and Azulstar.
Like Metro Connect, MetroFi plans to turn a profit through online advertising. MetroFi users will see a banner advertisement at the top of each Web site they visit and about four times per hour, users will see a full-page advertisement on the way to their next destination, Haas said.
For those who don't want to see any ads, MetroFi offers a subscription service of $19.95 a month. Other paid services will be available to city agencies and local businesses.
Haas said the fact that MetroFi is free spells the end, here at least, of that slow-witted dinosaur known as dial-up Internet service.
"For anyone still on dial-up, there's no more excuses" not to switch, Haas said.
Staff writer Aaron Kinney can be reached at akinney@sanmateocountytimes.com.
c2006 ANG Newspapers. Cannot be used or repurposed without prior written permission.
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company.
Free Surf 82
AUSTRIA: FREEWAY EXHAUSTS CAPACITY
In order to secure the quality of the service, Freenet.at has stopped taking new clients. Freenet was the first company in Austria to launch internet access free of charge in December 2000. Within four weeks, 31,650 users registered for the service, which has now reached its capacity limit. In two weeks' time, Freenet is to start the second phase of expanding the network with Novell systems. The company expects to be able to take new clients at the end of February 2001. By the end of the year Freenet expects to have 500,000 users of the service, that is financed with banner advertising. Jet2Web Internet is currently the Austrian market leader, with about 300,000 clients.
Publisher: Unabhaengige Tageszeitungs fuer Oesterreich
Publication Name: Presse
Subject: Business, international
ISSN:
Year: 2001
In order to secure the quality of the service, Freenet.at has stopped taking new clients. Freenet was the first company in Austria to launch internet access free of charge in December 2000. Within four weeks, 31,650 users registered for the service, which has now reached its capacity limit. In two weeks' time, Freenet is to start the second phase of expanding the network with Novell systems. The company expects to be able to take new clients at the end of February 2001. By the end of the year Freenet expects to have 500,000 users of the service, that is financed with banner advertising. Jet2Web Internet is currently the Austrian market leader, with about 300,000 clients.
Publisher: Unabhaengige Tageszeitungs fuer Oesterreich
Publication Name: Presse
Subject: Business, international
ISSN:
Year: 2001
Free Surf 81
OperaTor and XeroBank - Surf the Internet Anonymously
Surfing anonymously on the Internet seems to be more popular than ever; and why not? Anonymous surfing offers protection against snooping web sites, annoying advertisers, employers, or curious family members.
More obvious reasons for anonymous surfing include, surfing in internet cafes, public terminals in libraries, or hotel business centers.
The truth is, you may want to surf anonymously on any PC where you don’t want to leave traces of your private surfing activities.
Most typical PC users are amazed at the amount of information their browser provides to web sites they visit. For example, the information below is available to every web site I visit. I have X’d out certain parameters for privacy purposes only.
Your computer is connecting to the internet at xxxxxxx, xxxx, in the xxxx, with an IP address of 24.xxx.xxx.142
Your User Agent is being reported as: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv: 1.8.1.12) Gecko/20080201 Firefox/3.0.5
Your Referrer is being reported as:
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&client= ient=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en
Your IP Address is 24.xxx.xxx.142
Your Host Name is d235- xxx.xxx.home1.cable.net
The objective of anonymous surfing then, is to conceal this information, and more, from web sites and other computers, and typically you would use an anonymous proxy server between you and the web site to accomplish this.
When surfing anonymously, your web browser talks to the proxy server; the proxy server talks to the web site. Effectively, this means the web site does not know you; it knows only the anonymous proxy server.
You have a number of choices when it comes to anonymous surfing. You can use a free proxy server service; some of which are quite good and up to the task. not my personal first choice – but that’s fodder for another article!
More reliable and safer, in my view, is to download and install a client application which manages the details of anonymous surfing for you.
Surfing anonymously on the Internet seems to be more popular than ever; and why not? Anonymous surfing offers protection against snooping web sites, annoying advertisers, employers, or curious family members.
More obvious reasons for anonymous surfing include, surfing in internet cafes, public terminals in libraries, or hotel business centers.
The truth is, you may want to surf anonymously on any PC where you don’t want to leave traces of your private surfing activities.
Most typical PC users are amazed at the amount of information their browser provides to web sites they visit. For example, the information below is available to every web site I visit. I have X’d out certain parameters for privacy purposes only.
Your computer is connecting to the internet at xxxxxxx, xxxx, in the xxxx, with an IP address of 24.xxx.xxx.142
Your User Agent is being reported as: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv: 1.8.1.12) Gecko/20080201 Firefox/3.0.5
Your Referrer is being reported as:
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&client= ient=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en
Your IP Address is 24.xxx.xxx.142
Your Host Name is d235- xxx.xxx.home1.cable.net
The objective of anonymous surfing then, is to conceal this information, and more, from web sites and other computers, and typically you would use an anonymous proxy server between you and the web site to accomplish this.
When surfing anonymously, your web browser talks to the proxy server; the proxy server talks to the web site. Effectively, this means the web site does not know you; it knows only the anonymous proxy server.
You have a number of choices when it comes to anonymous surfing. You can use a free proxy server service; some of which are quite good and up to the task. not my personal first choice – but that’s fodder for another article!
More reliable and safer, in my view, is to download and install a client application which manages the details of anonymous surfing for you.
Free Surf 80
The Different Types of Anxiety
Any person who is trying to research anxiety, the first realization he/she will get is that anxiety is a general term that include different types. Therefore, the person who is looking for anxiety information will come to the conclusion that there are different types of anxiety.
The story does not end here. Many of the people who are trying to search for information about anxiety are people who have doubts that either they themselves are anxiety sufferers or someone they know could be an anxiety sufferer.
The things that such researchers are looking for are anxiety physical symptoms. They do that in search of some evidence to tell them whether their doubts are in place or not. Until now what these people are doing is absolutely the right thing to do.
Now in case they have found that the collection of symptoms they are witnessing are the same as the symptoms they have found to indicate anxiety, the right thing to do is stop there and then.
The wrong thing to do is to try to diagnose which type of anxiety we have at hand and then continue to find how to overcome this anxiety type.
The first thing that we need to do is get professional help to look at the sufferer. We will assume here that the sufferer acknowledges the fact that he/she might be suffering from anxiety and is seeking help.
The professional help should decide whether the sufferer is actually suffering from anxiety and should also decide which of the types of anxiety apply to this particular case. Then steps for overcoming anxiety can be decided.
Now the sufferer at this point can move on with increasing their knowledge about the specific anxiety type that they are suffering from and can choose to follow other supporting methods to speed up the recovery time. Those methods that the anxiety sufferer decided on following which were based on own reading should be shared with the professional help that they are getting.
We should always remember that professional help is the corner stone to recovery, but the sufferer must play an active role in recovering from anxiety and not depend totally and solely on the professional help.
Now to put the steps in a clearer and more organized manner let us look at the following do and don t:
We should not attempt on our own to figure out the following:
Whether we have anxiety or not
What type of anxiety we suffer from
How to overcome anxiety
What we need to do is the following:
Seek Professional help to accomplish the following:
a) Proper Diagnosis of our symptoms to decide for sure whether we have anxiety or not.
b) If we have anxiety, to know which type of anxiety we suffer from.
c) What are the steps that we need to take to overcome our anxiety.
Increase our knowledge especially within the anxiety type that we suffer from.
Support the remedy steps that we got from our professional consultation with different methods that we got from our reading
The Professional that is helping us should be aware of the other steps that we are taking from the knowledge that we are gaining on our own.
The bottom line that we are trying to say here is the following:
Don t ignore your symptoms
Don t attempt to diagnose yourself
Don t attempt to cure yourself on your own based on your own diagnosis. You are not an expert in the field regardless how much you have read about the subject.
The different types of anxiety might have different curing routes and you might not be helping yourself if you are trying to go through it on your own.
The symptoms can trick you and you might even think that you have anxiety while a proper diagnosis might show a different ailment altogether and what was happening is merely two different ailments sharing common symptoms.
What we are providing in our different anxiety information channels is to support you with extra knowledge so that your path in overcoming anxiety is clearer, but this does not mean that you can do it all on your own.
Any person who is trying to research anxiety, the first realization he/she will get is that anxiety is a general term that include different types. Therefore, the person who is looking for anxiety information will come to the conclusion that there are different types of anxiety.
The story does not end here. Many of the people who are trying to search for information about anxiety are people who have doubts that either they themselves are anxiety sufferers or someone they know could be an anxiety sufferer.
The things that such researchers are looking for are anxiety physical symptoms. They do that in search of some evidence to tell them whether their doubts are in place or not. Until now what these people are doing is absolutely the right thing to do.
Now in case they have found that the collection of symptoms they are witnessing are the same as the symptoms they have found to indicate anxiety, the right thing to do is stop there and then.
The wrong thing to do is to try to diagnose which type of anxiety we have at hand and then continue to find how to overcome this anxiety type.
The first thing that we need to do is get professional help to look at the sufferer. We will assume here that the sufferer acknowledges the fact that he/she might be suffering from anxiety and is seeking help.
The professional help should decide whether the sufferer is actually suffering from anxiety and should also decide which of the types of anxiety apply to this particular case. Then steps for overcoming anxiety can be decided.
Now the sufferer at this point can move on with increasing their knowledge about the specific anxiety type that they are suffering from and can choose to follow other supporting methods to speed up the recovery time. Those methods that the anxiety sufferer decided on following which were based on own reading should be shared with the professional help that they are getting.
We should always remember that professional help is the corner stone to recovery, but the sufferer must play an active role in recovering from anxiety and not depend totally and solely on the professional help.
Now to put the steps in a clearer and more organized manner let us look at the following do and don t:
We should not attempt on our own to figure out the following:
Whether we have anxiety or not
What type of anxiety we suffer from
How to overcome anxiety
What we need to do is the following:
Seek Professional help to accomplish the following:
a) Proper Diagnosis of our symptoms to decide for sure whether we have anxiety or not.
b) If we have anxiety, to know which type of anxiety we suffer from.
c) What are the steps that we need to take to overcome our anxiety.
Increase our knowledge especially within the anxiety type that we suffer from.
Support the remedy steps that we got from our professional consultation with different methods that we got from our reading
The Professional that is helping us should be aware of the other steps that we are taking from the knowledge that we are gaining on our own.
The bottom line that we are trying to say here is the following:
Don t ignore your symptoms
Don t attempt to diagnose yourself
Don t attempt to cure yourself on your own based on your own diagnosis. You are not an expert in the field regardless how much you have read about the subject.
The different types of anxiety might have different curing routes and you might not be helping yourself if you are trying to go through it on your own.
The symptoms can trick you and you might even think that you have anxiety while a proper diagnosis might show a different ailment altogether and what was happening is merely two different ailments sharing common symptoms.
What we are providing in our different anxiety information channels is to support you with extra knowledge so that your path in overcoming anxiety is clearer, but this does not mean that you can do it all on your own.
Free Surf 79
Choosing Your First Surfboard
Atticus is a brand of clothing founded in 2001 by Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppers of Blink-182, and their childhood friend Dylan Anderson. However, both Hoppus and DeLonge sold their shares of the brand during the hiatus of Blink-182
The name Atticus Clothing was derived from the main character's father in the book To Kill a Mockingbird by the author Harper Lee. Attics Finch is a lawyer who defends Tom Robinson, a black man on trial for rape. Atticus is shown to be a tireless crusader for good causes (even the hopeless case of defending a black man in front of an all-white jury).
In addition to the literary connection the name is derived from Heroes Atticus, a Greek rhetorician who spent his fortune supporting music and the arts.
Logo
The Atticus logo, created by Dylan Anderson, known as the "Resting Bird" depicts a bird lying on its back and is a pictorial representation of the book To Kill a Mockingbird, with reference to the character's name, Atticus Finch.
Music releases
The company was heavily influenced by music and released three volumes of their Dragging The Lake compilation CDs, featuring songs from bands such as Blink-182, Alkaline Trio, New Found Glory, The Sounds, Bane, Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday, Lydia, Death Cab for Cutie, Rise Against and Coheed and Cambria.
The aim of the brand is to give something back to the music industry, and these CD Compilations were a big help for many smaller bands; their company biography states:
“ The ATTICUS vision is fashion for today's youth, whilst giving this generation a choice. We create clothes for those who create music and have built our reputation through countless tours, hours in the studio, late nights and after shows. We are the friend with the connections, the friend with the van, the friend with an extra room. We were there from the start. ATTICUS was there when the band graduated from van to bus. For the kid who doesn't quite fit the mold of today's saturated skate/surf culture, ATTICUS provides a choice. A brand that is grounded in the culture of music, founded and run by musicians. Beyond dropping off product at the show, these artists are our friends and family and count on us to make them look good on and off stage. ”
Discography
• Atticus: ...Dragging the Lake (2002)
• Atticus: ...Dragging the Lake, Vol. 2 (2003)
• Atticus: ...Dragging the Lake, Vol. 3 (2005)
• Atticus: ...Dragging the Lake, Vol. 4 (2009)
Atticus is a brand of clothing founded in 2001 by Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppers of Blink-182, and their childhood friend Dylan Anderson. However, both Hoppus and DeLonge sold their shares of the brand during the hiatus of Blink-182
The name Atticus Clothing was derived from the main character's father in the book To Kill a Mockingbird by the author Harper Lee. Attics Finch is a lawyer who defends Tom Robinson, a black man on trial for rape. Atticus is shown to be a tireless crusader for good causes (even the hopeless case of defending a black man in front of an all-white jury).
In addition to the literary connection the name is derived from Heroes Atticus, a Greek rhetorician who spent his fortune supporting music and the arts.
Logo
The Atticus logo, created by Dylan Anderson, known as the "Resting Bird" depicts a bird lying on its back and is a pictorial representation of the book To Kill a Mockingbird, with reference to the character's name, Atticus Finch.
Music releases
The company was heavily influenced by music and released three volumes of their Dragging The Lake compilation CDs, featuring songs from bands such as Blink-182, Alkaline Trio, New Found Glory, The Sounds, Bane, Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday, Lydia, Death Cab for Cutie, Rise Against and Coheed and Cambria.
The aim of the brand is to give something back to the music industry, and these CD Compilations were a big help for many smaller bands; their company biography states:
“ The ATTICUS vision is fashion for today's youth, whilst giving this generation a choice. We create clothes for those who create music and have built our reputation through countless tours, hours in the studio, late nights and after shows. We are the friend with the connections, the friend with the van, the friend with an extra room. We were there from the start. ATTICUS was there when the band graduated from van to bus. For the kid who doesn't quite fit the mold of today's saturated skate/surf culture, ATTICUS provides a choice. A brand that is grounded in the culture of music, founded and run by musicians. Beyond dropping off product at the show, these artists are our friends and family and count on us to make them look good on and off stage. ”
Discography
• Atticus: ...Dragging the Lake (2002)
• Atticus: ...Dragging the Lake, Vol. 2 (2003)
• Atticus: ...Dragging the Lake, Vol. 3 (2005)
• Atticus: ...Dragging the Lake, Vol. 4 (2009)
Free Surf 78
Surf Faster, Safer, and Easier With Free Utility.
Like freeware? Then why not become a software reviewer for our site and get your 15 minutes of fame?
Last Update: Sat, 12/20/2008 - 19:38 — rhiannon
Many websites contain ads that use Shockwave Flash. On a slow connection, these ads take an inordinate amount of time to load. This handy utility allows selective blocking of those ads and speeds up browsing.
"No! Flash" is a utility to block multimedia ads and spyware in Microsoft Internet Explorer (Firefox users already have a bevy of tools at their command to do this).
It resides in the your system tray, enabling or disabling multimedia content.
This speeds your browsing considerable by blocking ads, and the ability to block scripts increases your browsing safety.
No Flash:
-enables or disables Flash
-enables or disables images (GIF, JPG ...)
-enables or disables videos
-enables or disables .gif animations
-enables or disables background sounds
If you have a slow internet connection this utility is the perfect answer to items clogging your limited bandwidth.
Faster connections benefit and the added safety of script blocking is big plus.
www.bbshare.com/ Windows 2003, XP, 2000, NT, ME, 98, 95, and works wherever Internet Explorer does.
Compatible with Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0, 4.01, 5.0, 5.01, 5.5, 6.0
Like freeware? Then why not become a software reviewer for our site and get your 15 minutes of fame?
Last Update: Sat, 12/20/2008 - 19:38 — rhiannon
Many websites contain ads that use Shockwave Flash. On a slow connection, these ads take an inordinate amount of time to load. This handy utility allows selective blocking of those ads and speeds up browsing.
"No! Flash" is a utility to block multimedia ads and spyware in Microsoft Internet Explorer (Firefox users already have a bevy of tools at their command to do this).
It resides in the your system tray, enabling or disabling multimedia content.
This speeds your browsing considerable by blocking ads, and the ability to block scripts increases your browsing safety.
No Flash:
-enables or disables Flash
-enables or disables images (GIF, JPG ...)
-enables or disables videos
-enables or disables .gif animations
-enables or disables background sounds
If you have a slow internet connection this utility is the perfect answer to items clogging your limited bandwidth.
Faster connections benefit and the added safety of script blocking is big plus.
www.bbshare.com/ Windows 2003, XP, 2000, NT, ME, 98, 95, and works wherever Internet Explorer does.
Compatible with Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0, 4.01, 5.0, 5.01, 5.5, 6.0
Free Surf 77
Oakley, Surfline launch free Surf Report app, kooks need not apply
I haven’t run into any surfers with iPhones, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. Today, Oakley (the guys that make those hideous Thump sunglasses) and Surfline announced their free app: Surf Report.
There’s only one other surf-forecasting app, GreenRoom Surf Forecasts, available today and it costs $2.99. It’s limited to spots in California, but you can get a seven-day forecast whereas Surf Report only provides up to three days. However, Oakley’s app is free and you can’t beat that.
With Surfline powering the Oakley app, surfers now have access to spots all over the world with vital stats like air temp, water temp, tide charts, swell breakdown, wind, sunrise/sunset and a brief synopsis for each spot. Projected conditions and weather are provided for the following three days as well. Using the GPS coordinates of your iPhone you can see what’s going on at a handful of spots near you that are within a certain distance that you set.
Driving directions are also included via map links in case you’re going somewhere new. All of the beaches are well known, so the few hidden spots that are left in the world won’t be revealed, but this will surely bring on another wave of iPhone toting kooks to the already crowded lineups.
A community tab launches news surrounding Oakley team riders, profiles, photos and videos for those interested.
I haven’t run into any surfers with iPhones, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. Today, Oakley (the guys that make those hideous Thump sunglasses) and Surfline announced their free app: Surf Report.
There’s only one other surf-forecasting app, GreenRoom Surf Forecasts, available today and it costs $2.99. It’s limited to spots in California, but you can get a seven-day forecast whereas Surf Report only provides up to three days. However, Oakley’s app is free and you can’t beat that.
With Surfline powering the Oakley app, surfers now have access to spots all over the world with vital stats like air temp, water temp, tide charts, swell breakdown, wind, sunrise/sunset and a brief synopsis for each spot. Projected conditions and weather are provided for the following three days as well. Using the GPS coordinates of your iPhone you can see what’s going on at a handful of spots near you that are within a certain distance that you set.
Driving directions are also included via map links in case you’re going somewhere new. All of the beaches are well known, so the few hidden spots that are left in the world won’t be revealed, but this will surely bring on another wave of iPhone toting kooks to the already crowded lineups.
A community tab launches news surrounding Oakley team riders, profiles, photos and videos for those interested.
Free Surf 76
Now, surf the Net free-of-cost at kiosks
Ahmedabad, Nov. 30 For the first time in India, the Ahmedabad-based NETHOTZONE has joined hands with US-based Ahem! Management Solutions to set up kiosks providing free Internet facility in 155 cities and towns of the country. NETHOTZONE is investing Rs 165 crore over the next five years to set up these kiosks at public places and expects revenues to the tune of Rs 255 crore, Mr Chetan Ingole, Chief Operating Officer, told Business Line here today.
The company has also applied for patenting the software and the concept. Its revenue model is based on online and offline advertisements. Each kiosk will have 19-inch LCD monitors and high-speed Internet access, with support staff. The outlay of the concept would be borne by the companies looking to reach out to the Internet surfers.
Ahem! Management Solutions is a San Francisco-based software firm specialising in developing Internet traffic controlling software through wireless network. The concept has been tested at a college here for 45 days. The NETHOTZONE portal is designed to promote local content’s global reach. The content of the Web site will be completely user-driven, Mr Ingole said.
With the mottos of “Freedom of Knowledge” and “Let the Web be free”, NETHOTZONE is setting up two kiosks in Ahmedabad in the next two weeks, followed by those in Vadodara, Rajkot and Surat. These kiosks are being set up at malls, colleges and other public places, Mr Ravin Vyas, CEO and promoter of the company, earlier told presspersons.
Along with the free Internet accessibility through kiosks, the NETHOT user will also have access to discount coupons and other deals of various brands.
Ahmedabad, Nov. 30 For the first time in India, the Ahmedabad-based NETHOTZONE has joined hands with US-based Ahem! Management Solutions to set up kiosks providing free Internet facility in 155 cities and towns of the country. NETHOTZONE is investing Rs 165 crore over the next five years to set up these kiosks at public places and expects revenues to the tune of Rs 255 crore, Mr Chetan Ingole, Chief Operating Officer, told Business Line here today.
The company has also applied for patenting the software and the concept. Its revenue model is based on online and offline advertisements. Each kiosk will have 19-inch LCD monitors and high-speed Internet access, with support staff. The outlay of the concept would be borne by the companies looking to reach out to the Internet surfers.
Ahem! Management Solutions is a San Francisco-based software firm specialising in developing Internet traffic controlling software through wireless network. The concept has been tested at a college here for 45 days. The NETHOTZONE portal is designed to promote local content’s global reach. The content of the Web site will be completely user-driven, Mr Ingole said.
With the mottos of “Freedom of Knowledge” and “Let the Web be free”, NETHOTZONE is setting up two kiosks in Ahmedabad in the next two weeks, followed by those in Vadodara, Rajkot and Surat. These kiosks are being set up at malls, colleges and other public places, Mr Ravin Vyas, CEO and promoter of the company, earlier told presspersons.
Along with the free Internet accessibility through kiosks, the NETHOT user will also have access to discount coupons and other deals of various brands.
Free Surf 75
How to surf with complete security, part 3
In issues #129 and #130 I talked about using the free VMWare Reader and the free Ubuntu LiveCD to surf safely. Both are great solutions but both are a little awkward to use as they take several minutes to start up.
Today I'll show you two different free products that will allow you to start surfing safely in seconds rather than minutes.
The first is called Sandboxie. Its name accurately describes what it does: it creates a sandbox environment on your PC within which you can browse safely.
The strange name "sandbox" derives from the Java world where it refers to the highly contained and restricted environment in which Java programs (applets) are allowed to run. They are allowed to "play in the sandbox" but not go outside it. The important point is that while running in the sandbox, the programs have no access to your PC.
So it is with Sandboxie. While browsing within the environment provided by Sandboxie you are totally corralled off from your other parts of your PC. Any files you download are isolated to the sandbox. Similarly, any programs that are executed only do so within the sandbox and have no access to your normal files, the Windows operating system or indeed any other part of your PC.
This means you have complete browsing security. Nothing you do while browsing can have any effect on your PC outside the sandbox.
Starting SandBoxie is simple. You just double click the Sandboxie icon and it will launch your default browser within the sandbox. When you've finished browsing you have the option of deleting all files accumulated in the sandbox during the session or retaining specific files. The secure option is to delete the lot.
It's a neat solution for safe surfing but there are some caveats. First, Sandboxie only works on Windows 2000 and later so Win9x users are out of luck. Second, the system is only safe if you choose the option of deleting all files at the end of your browsing session. Third, you have to be constantly mindful whether you are browsing in the safe sandbox environment or just browsing normally as the two environments look exactly alike. This is a real problem and I do wish the makers of Sandboxie would do something to make the sandboxed environment look visually different.
I also wonder about SandBoxie's ultimate security compared to using VMWare or a Linux LiveCD. I wasn't able to break out of the sandbox environment and get access to my PC but maybe a smart hacker could.
I don't have these residual concerns about the next option: surfing from Damn Small Linux within a QEMU virtual machine running on your Windows PC.
This is bit similar to the option of running a Linux on your Windows PC within a VMWare virtual machine that I mentioned in issue #129. It differs in that the virtual environment is created using the free Open Source program QEMU rather than VMWare.
Damn Small Linux (DSL) is a special cut-down version of Knoppix Linux that only takes up 50MB. However, it does include a pre- installed version of Firefox so it's ideal for creating a safe- surfing environment.
This may sound daunting to set up but it's not. The folks at DSL have included everything you need in a single archive. All you need do is download the 50 MB DSL archive, unzip it to a folder and run the file dsl-windows.bat.
This will automatically launch QEMU and then Damn Small Linux which will auto-install, including automatic network configuration. On my test 3.2 GHz P4 the whole process took less than one minute.
Running Firefox from within DSL is no more complex the clicking the Firefox icon on the DSL desktop. Ending your session is equally simple: just right click on the desktop and select "Power down."
When you power-down, all traces of your surfing session will disappear. That includes any files downloaded, any cookies and your whole surfing history.
This all sounds very attractive but I must warn you that QEMU takes up a lot of processing power; bags of it. You'll need at least a 2.0 GHz Pentium class processor to run it and even then you'll find response to be sluggish. With faster processors, though, it will work just fine.
So that's it folks. You now have four free options for safe surfing; VMWare Reader, the Ubuntu Linux LiveCD, Sandboxie and DSL under QEMU.
Which is best? Well, if convenience is your top priority then you can't beat Sandboxie. If you have a really fast PC then you'll be tempted by DSL and if you want the best security VMWare and Ubuntu are the way to go; it's your call.
Whatever option you choose you will soon discover that once you are freed from security and privacy concerns you will be free to surf the internet without fear, to go to places you would normally never dream visiting and to try things you wouldn't normally dare. All this, while knowing that at the end of your browsing session, you can wipe everything from your PC without leaving a trace.
In issues #129 and #130 I talked about using the free VMWare Reader and the free Ubuntu LiveCD to surf safely. Both are great solutions but both are a little awkward to use as they take several minutes to start up.
Today I'll show you two different free products that will allow you to start surfing safely in seconds rather than minutes.
The first is called Sandboxie. Its name accurately describes what it does: it creates a sandbox environment on your PC within which you can browse safely.
The strange name "sandbox" derives from the Java world where it refers to the highly contained and restricted environment in which Java programs (applets) are allowed to run. They are allowed to "play in the sandbox" but not go outside it. The important point is that while running in the sandbox, the programs have no access to your PC.
So it is with Sandboxie. While browsing within the environment provided by Sandboxie you are totally corralled off from your other parts of your PC. Any files you download are isolated to the sandbox. Similarly, any programs that are executed only do so within the sandbox and have no access to your normal files, the Windows operating system or indeed any other part of your PC.
This means you have complete browsing security. Nothing you do while browsing can have any effect on your PC outside the sandbox.
Starting SandBoxie is simple. You just double click the Sandboxie icon and it will launch your default browser within the sandbox. When you've finished browsing you have the option of deleting all files accumulated in the sandbox during the session or retaining specific files. The secure option is to delete the lot.
It's a neat solution for safe surfing but there are some caveats. First, Sandboxie only works on Windows 2000 and later so Win9x users are out of luck. Second, the system is only safe if you choose the option of deleting all files at the end of your browsing session. Third, you have to be constantly mindful whether you are browsing in the safe sandbox environment or just browsing normally as the two environments look exactly alike. This is a real problem and I do wish the makers of Sandboxie would do something to make the sandboxed environment look visually different.
I also wonder about SandBoxie's ultimate security compared to using VMWare or a Linux LiveCD. I wasn't able to break out of the sandbox environment and get access to my PC but maybe a smart hacker could.
I don't have these residual concerns about the next option: surfing from Damn Small Linux within a QEMU virtual machine running on your Windows PC.
This is bit similar to the option of running a Linux on your Windows PC within a VMWare virtual machine that I mentioned in issue #129. It differs in that the virtual environment is created using the free Open Source program QEMU rather than VMWare.
Damn Small Linux (DSL) is a special cut-down version of Knoppix Linux that only takes up 50MB. However, it does include a pre- installed version of Firefox so it's ideal for creating a safe- surfing environment.
This may sound daunting to set up but it's not. The folks at DSL have included everything you need in a single archive. All you need do is download the 50 MB DSL archive, unzip it to a folder and run the file dsl-windows.bat.
This will automatically launch QEMU and then Damn Small Linux which will auto-install, including automatic network configuration. On my test 3.2 GHz P4 the whole process took less than one minute.
Running Firefox from within DSL is no more complex the clicking the Firefox icon on the DSL desktop. Ending your session is equally simple: just right click on the desktop and select "Power down."
When you power-down, all traces of your surfing session will disappear. That includes any files downloaded, any cookies and your whole surfing history.
This all sounds very attractive but I must warn you that QEMU takes up a lot of processing power; bags of it. You'll need at least a 2.0 GHz Pentium class processor to run it and even then you'll find response to be sluggish. With faster processors, though, it will work just fine.
So that's it folks. You now have four free options for safe surfing; VMWare Reader, the Ubuntu Linux LiveCD, Sandboxie and DSL under QEMU.
Which is best? Well, if convenience is your top priority then you can't beat Sandboxie. If you have a really fast PC then you'll be tempted by DSL and if you want the best security VMWare and Ubuntu are the way to go; it's your call.
Whatever option you choose you will soon discover that once you are freed from security and privacy concerns you will be free to surf the internet without fear, to go to places you would normally never dream visiting and to try things you wouldn't normally dare. All this, while knowing that at the end of your browsing session, you can wipe everything from your PC without leaving a trace.
Free Surf 74
Gonuts4free.com
Gonuts4free.com has been established since 1998. We are an experienced team of highly skilled technicians dedicating our time to support and service for our customers. The result of providing free Internet, email and support the last 11 years, has given us the opportunity to expand over Spain and the United Kingdom. Unlike most Internet providers, Gonuts4free.com has the correct infrastructure to give speed, security and reliability to ensure a maximum benefit from it's email and Internet services.
Because the customer is King...
Our ancient philosophy of "Customer is king !", has given us an unmatched reputation. For years we have relied and trained new support members on this mentality and we are always searching for new ways on how to satisfy even more current and new clients.
News, what's new?...
Installation of updated Version of Spam filter - (01/12/2008)
Gonuts4free New Webmail & Server Facility - (01/10/2008) - Click here to view
Gonuts4free Belgium Launched - (03/09/2006) - Click here to view
New Remote Support Service Launched - (19/06/2006) - Click here to view
New Knowledgebase Article Added - (18/03/2006) - Click here to view
New Mobile Guide added - (02/02/2006) - Click here to view
Gonuts4free Web Search added - (07/01/2005) - Click here to view
New Knowledgebase article added - (05/01/2005) - Click here to view
New ADSL + 24h. Calls service setup - (03/12/2005) - Click here to view
New Anti Spam filtering system enabled - (19/11/2005)
New Account management system and features (16/06/2005) - Click here to view
Web Site Design Updates & Improvements (14/05/2005)
General Mail Servers & Databases Updates (04/03/2005)
ADSL Services setup in Spain (02/01/2005)
General update (22/11/2004)
Yellow pages (06/10/2004) - Click here to view
Refresh web site (01/08/2004)
Admins/Webmasters - Join our partner program (09/01/2004) - Click here to view
New email guide created Pegasus (02/11/2003) - Click here to view
New email guide created Eudora(02/11/2003) - Click here to view
New email guide created Incredimail (02/11/2003) - Click here to view
New email guide created Outlook 2002 (13/10/2003) - Click here to view
Knowledge base updated (22/09/2003) - Click here to view
Knowledge base added to our Site (08/08/2003) - Click here to view
Default update of Site (01/08/2003)
Default update of Site (01/05/2003)
Update of Privacy Policy (01/05/2003) - Click here to view
BT Cheap call services added (16/04/2003) - Click here to view
Default update of site (12/03/2003)
Free Gonuts4free Installation CD launched. (03/01/2003) - Click here to view
Gonuts4free.com has been established since 1998. We are an experienced team of highly skilled technicians dedicating our time to support and service for our customers. The result of providing free Internet, email and support the last 11 years, has given us the opportunity to expand over Spain and the United Kingdom. Unlike most Internet providers, Gonuts4free.com has the correct infrastructure to give speed, security and reliability to ensure a maximum benefit from it's email and Internet services.
Because the customer is King...
Our ancient philosophy of "Customer is king !", has given us an unmatched reputation. For years we have relied and trained new support members on this mentality and we are always searching for new ways on how to satisfy even more current and new clients.
News, what's new?...
Installation of updated Version of Spam filter - (01/12/2008)
Gonuts4free New Webmail & Server Facility - (01/10/2008) - Click here to view
Gonuts4free Belgium Launched - (03/09/2006) - Click here to view
New Remote Support Service Launched - (19/06/2006) - Click here to view
New Knowledgebase Article Added - (18/03/2006) - Click here to view
New Mobile Guide added - (02/02/2006) - Click here to view
Gonuts4free Web Search added - (07/01/2005) - Click here to view
New Knowledgebase article added - (05/01/2005) - Click here to view
New ADSL + 24h. Calls service setup - (03/12/2005) - Click here to view
New Anti Spam filtering system enabled - (19/11/2005)
New Account management system and features (16/06/2005) - Click here to view
Web Site Design Updates & Improvements (14/05/2005)
General Mail Servers & Databases Updates (04/03/2005)
ADSL Services setup in Spain (02/01/2005)
General update (22/11/2004)
Yellow pages (06/10/2004) - Click here to view
Refresh web site (01/08/2004)
Admins/Webmasters - Join our partner program (09/01/2004) - Click here to view
New email guide created Pegasus (02/11/2003) - Click here to view
New email guide created Eudora(02/11/2003) - Click here to view
New email guide created Incredimail (02/11/2003) - Click here to view
New email guide created Outlook 2002 (13/10/2003) - Click here to view
Knowledge base updated (22/09/2003) - Click here to view
Knowledge base added to our Site (08/08/2003) - Click here to view
Default update of Site (01/08/2003)
Default update of Site (01/05/2003)
Update of Privacy Policy (01/05/2003) - Click here to view
BT Cheap call services added (16/04/2003) - Click here to view
Default update of site (12/03/2003)
Free Gonuts4free Installation CD launched. (03/01/2003) - Click here to view
Free Surf 73
retouching people
No, we are not going to touch anybody, no one will be physically harmed. We are just discussing retouching people's photos in Photoshop. This is one of the most commonly used actions, when people's photos are incorporated into a graphic design.
In many cases the photos are taken with a home camera, or a digital camera with a low optical quality or low resolution, and people just don't look as pretty as they should. In this tutorial we will go over one of the techniques for general retouching and improving the overall look. This is a simple, quick, and easy technique, to comprehend and to use.
abstract:
There are many techniques for processing and retouching photos in general and people's photos in particular. You can reach high levels of picture processing and bring the models to a very high level, even if they are not that beautiful in real life, or that the photo itself is problematic. In this tutorial we will use a very simple technique for retouching portraits. of course you can use this method for different kinds of photos and receive interesting effects.
creating the new file:
we shall begin by opening the picture file, and for your results to come out similar to the ones on this tutorial, you should use the same definitions as we did.
file name: retouching
file size: 400 x 400 pixels
resolution: 300 dpi
No, we are not going to touch anybody, no one will be physically harmed. We are just discussing retouching people's photos in Photoshop. This is one of the most commonly used actions, when people's photos are incorporated into a graphic design.
In many cases the photos are taken with a home camera, or a digital camera with a low optical quality or low resolution, and people just don't look as pretty as they should. In this tutorial we will go over one of the techniques for general retouching and improving the overall look. This is a simple, quick, and easy technique, to comprehend and to use.
abstract:
There are many techniques for processing and retouching photos in general and people's photos in particular. You can reach high levels of picture processing and bring the models to a very high level, even if they are not that beautiful in real life, or that the photo itself is problematic. In this tutorial we will use a very simple technique for retouching portraits. of course you can use this method for different kinds of photos and receive interesting effects.
creating the new file:
we shall begin by opening the picture file, and for your results to come out similar to the ones on this tutorial, you should use the same definitions as we did.
file name: retouching
file size: 400 x 400 pixels
resolution: 300 dpi
Free Surf 72
ranking on search engines.
Every webmaster can register his website to search engines. Everybody knows that if your website does not come up on the search engines on one of the top three pages, it is as if it does not exist. So, what are the parameters that set the website ranking and improve its' chances of becoming the number one on the search list? A successful job can lead to great marketing results.
This article will focus on how to get a higher ranking on search engines. Its' importance derives from the frequent use of search engines. Therefore, every web developer tries to study the parameters that lead to better ranking.
In this article we will go over some important parameters that are related to keywords and ways to improve them on your website. Obviously there are more parameters, but in this article we will only deal with some.
Before we start I want to stress the importance of this subject, by using a personal example of a website we run, and by doing so - encourage you to keep reading the article. Of course I cannot reveal the identity of the website owner, but do trust me, that this a true story.
Well, a customer came to me with a very beautiful website based on Flash technology. It had animation, background music, colors, buttons, etc. It was much like the well-invested computer games. But, the website was built over two years ago and a lot has changed in this business, so the contents of the website had to be updated as well. The problem was that the customer had difficulties investing more money in this website, since he never made a single transaction via the website, and therefore he didn't believe marketing over the internet is effective (I hear that claim very often). After running his website's server's statistics, it turned out that he actually had an average of two entries a day, since it was built.
Eventually the customer decided to give it another shot, and let us rebuild his website. The website was built using a data administration system with merely a 10 hours per months work's budget (on a regular basis). In this website, we took under consideration all the parameters that are mentioned on this article. Since the deal was also based on commissions, we monitored and saved all the records and here are the results.
Time (in Months) Entries (per day) Calls Transactions (per month)
1 8 None None
2 17 1 None
3 16 None None
4 20 2 None
5 54 5 2
6 94 7 3
7 190 21 2
8 210 19 12
9 225 23 9
10 239 21 15
After the 10th Month, the average entries number was reduced and remained stable on about 200 entries a day. On the other hand, the average transactions number was increased and now stands on 16. Just to remind you, before our work of promotion, the website had had an average of 2 entries a day and no transactions whatsoever.
The number of entries is relative to the type of the website, type of business, type of products and type of services. For one website, these statistics may not look very "hot", whereas for another - they would look incredible.
Well, after I impressed you (I hope) lets start.
first, lets go over the properties of a search engine, how the robot or the search engine's "crawler" works, we will see the difference between a search engine and an index, and then move to how to improve your website's ranking.
How does a search engine work?
Everyone knows that in order to be part of the search engines' database, you have to register your website, fill out the wanted details and send. Well, let me surprise you- it's not required in order to be included in the big search engines' database. It is because the search engines feed their database using a "crawler" (robot) that surfs over the Internet, scanning all the websites it finds on the way. Therefore, even if you do not register your website directly to a "Register a Website" form on a search engine, the site will be found as it is, in condition that other websites are connected to it. That's exactly the thing that differentiates a search engine from an Index. A search engine feeds data automatically, using a "Crawler", whereas an Index is catalogued by people who visit the site and rank it according to what they think of it. Therefore, it is very important to register the website to an Index.
The problem is not only becoming a part of a search engine's database - but on which location, or page number on the results page, does the website appear when searching for a relevant keyword? if my website is ranked number 18,500 on the results page, then it is as if it does not exist. Researches show that only the first three results pages matter to the user, which means 30-45 first results on the list. That's why the website's ranking is so important.
Back-Links:
That is one of the most important parameters for ranking. We will go over it in short since you can read about it on a different article I wrote, dedicated to "Back-Links". Well, Back links are the number of links on other websites or web pages that are linked to your website. In the scanning process of the "Crawler" robot, he counts the number of websites or web pages linked to your website, and the more links there are, the more popular your website is. There are two types of links: Internal link and External link.
Internal Link:
These are the links inside the website itself, meaning - between the pages of the website. Therefore you will find, on many "heavy" websites, a button that is called Website Map which contains links to all the parts of the website. It is important to link as many pages as possible to other pages and link them to the main page, and vise versa. Some even link words inside the texts to different pages. For example: Look at the following text block.
Here is an example of how it works. The purpose of this paragraph is to demonstrate the internal link method inside this website. It consists of words that use as links to other pages on the website. Obviously, they must have some logical connection to the page to which they link to. For example, the words "Main Page" should be linked to the main page, etc.
External Link:
These are the links to your website, that are on other websites. In order to achieve a situation where other websites are linked to your website, several actions must take place, like - initiating a cooperation with other web masters, participating actively in Forums and discussion groups. You can read more about it on the article about "Back-Links". The ranking of the websites that are linked to you is significant. That is why you do not want to initiate cooperation relationships with poorly-ranked websites. Make sure the site you wish to cooperate with is ranked 3rd degree and above. You can check the ranking of a website using the following tool "Link Popularity Check" on Google.
How can I find out which website are linked to mine?
Aahhh.. That's simple. Go into "Google" or "Yahoo!" and enter the following question on the search field: Link:www.yoursite.com when you yoursite with the name of your website, and then you receive a list of websites and web pages that are linked to your website. By the way, using this method you can learn which websites are linked to your competitors.
Meta Tags and Keywords:
Meta Tags are a number of tags that give information to the search engine's crawlers. There are different types of Meta Tags but the most important ones are the "title" tag, "description" tag and "keywords" tags. These tags are located at the top of the HTML page, between the Head tags and it looks like that:
Today a large number of the search engines are not using the Meta Tag scanning method; instead they analyze the content of the website. Even though, the Meta Tags are important on a website. Okay, now you know what meta tags are. There are a few more parameters I want to make sure that you understand before we proceed.
Title: That is the page's title as it is displayed on the upper border of the Internet browser. The "Title tag" looks like that:
Title Content: That is an HTML tag that characterizes titles inside the contents by sizes, and it looks like this:
welcome to the website
That's all... Now we are really clever and we can proceed.
Find out what are the best searching keywords for your website (How do you do it? That's a topic for a whole article). Choose 3-5 of the most important and popular keywords. Combine these words inside all the elements we introduced here. That means,
32 On the title page.
32 On the Description Meta tag.
32 On the Title Meta tag.
32 At least on one Title Content
32 and of course inside the contents' text of the webpage itself.
For example: Lets say that we are talking about a flower-shop website, and the important keywords I characterized are: Flowers, Plants, Roses. Then, the HTML script would look like this.
Insert keywords in image meta tags:
You can improve your chances to succeed by adding keywords inside the image meta tags. For example:
src="flower.gif" alt=Flowers and Plants" width="134" height="97">
Some even take it further and name the files, folders and pictures with names that include the keywords. For example:
flowers-garland -plant.jpg
In conclusion:
There are many ways to improve the parameters that set the ranking of the website on search engines. In this article we simply went over a few parameters that involve keywords and back-links. In order to succeed in ranking a website high, it takes a constant investment in these methods, finding out what are the best keywords, and checking the result pages on search engines. These results and the keywords are dynamic, changing and never last for long. But before you set off, I want to warn you about all the scamming methods and spam emails. Do not be tempted to participate in links exchange programs, do not try to manipulate the search engines by creating false web pages and links, do not fill you website with keywords that repeat themselves over and over, just to get a higher ranking. And in short, use your common sense and I am sure that you will succeed in raising the number of entries to your website substantially. It might take some time, so do not expect immediate results. That's it.
Every webmaster can register his website to search engines. Everybody knows that if your website does not come up on the search engines on one of the top three pages, it is as if it does not exist. So, what are the parameters that set the website ranking and improve its' chances of becoming the number one on the search list? A successful job can lead to great marketing results.
This article will focus on how to get a higher ranking on search engines. Its' importance derives from the frequent use of search engines. Therefore, every web developer tries to study the parameters that lead to better ranking.
In this article we will go over some important parameters that are related to keywords and ways to improve them on your website. Obviously there are more parameters, but in this article we will only deal with some.
Before we start I want to stress the importance of this subject, by using a personal example of a website we run, and by doing so - encourage you to keep reading the article. Of course I cannot reveal the identity of the website owner, but do trust me, that this a true story.
Well, a customer came to me with a very beautiful website based on Flash technology. It had animation, background music, colors, buttons, etc. It was much like the well-invested computer games. But, the website was built over two years ago and a lot has changed in this business, so the contents of the website had to be updated as well. The problem was that the customer had difficulties investing more money in this website, since he never made a single transaction via the website, and therefore he didn't believe marketing over the internet is effective (I hear that claim very often). After running his website's server's statistics, it turned out that he actually had an average of two entries a day, since it was built.
Eventually the customer decided to give it another shot, and let us rebuild his website. The website was built using a data administration system with merely a 10 hours per months work's budget (on a regular basis). In this website, we took under consideration all the parameters that are mentioned on this article. Since the deal was also based on commissions, we monitored and saved all the records and here are the results.
Time (in Months) Entries (per day) Calls Transactions (per month)
1 8 None None
2 17 1 None
3 16 None None
4 20 2 None
5 54 5 2
6 94 7 3
7 190 21 2
8 210 19 12
9 225 23 9
10 239 21 15
After the 10th Month, the average entries number was reduced and remained stable on about 200 entries a day. On the other hand, the average transactions number was increased and now stands on 16. Just to remind you, before our work of promotion, the website had had an average of 2 entries a day and no transactions whatsoever.
The number of entries is relative to the type of the website, type of business, type of products and type of services. For one website, these statistics may not look very "hot", whereas for another - they would look incredible.
Well, after I impressed you (I hope) lets start.
first, lets go over the properties of a search engine, how the robot or the search engine's "crawler" works, we will see the difference between a search engine and an index, and then move to how to improve your website's ranking.
How does a search engine work?
Everyone knows that in order to be part of the search engines' database, you have to register your website, fill out the wanted details and send. Well, let me surprise you- it's not required in order to be included in the big search engines' database. It is because the search engines feed their database using a "crawler" (robot) that surfs over the Internet, scanning all the websites it finds on the way. Therefore, even if you do not register your website directly to a "Register a Website" form on a search engine, the site will be found as it is, in condition that other websites are connected to it. That's exactly the thing that differentiates a search engine from an Index. A search engine feeds data automatically, using a "Crawler", whereas an Index is catalogued by people who visit the site and rank it according to what they think of it. Therefore, it is very important to register the website to an Index.
The problem is not only becoming a part of a search engine's database - but on which location, or page number on the results page, does the website appear when searching for a relevant keyword? if my website is ranked number 18,500 on the results page, then it is as if it does not exist. Researches show that only the first three results pages matter to the user, which means 30-45 first results on the list. That's why the website's ranking is so important.
Back-Links:
That is one of the most important parameters for ranking. We will go over it in short since you can read about it on a different article I wrote, dedicated to "Back-Links". Well, Back links are the number of links on other websites or web pages that are linked to your website. In the scanning process of the "Crawler" robot, he counts the number of websites or web pages linked to your website, and the more links there are, the more popular your website is. There are two types of links: Internal link and External link.
Internal Link:
These are the links inside the website itself, meaning - between the pages of the website. Therefore you will find, on many "heavy" websites, a button that is called Website Map which contains links to all the parts of the website. It is important to link as many pages as possible to other pages and link them to the main page, and vise versa. Some even link words inside the texts to different pages. For example: Look at the following text block.
Here is an example of how it works. The purpose of this paragraph is to demonstrate the internal link method inside this website. It consists of words that use as links to other pages on the website. Obviously, they must have some logical connection to the page to which they link to. For example, the words "Main Page" should be linked to the main page, etc.
External Link:
These are the links to your website, that are on other websites. In order to achieve a situation where other websites are linked to your website, several actions must take place, like - initiating a cooperation with other web masters, participating actively in Forums and discussion groups. You can read more about it on the article about "Back-Links". The ranking of the websites that are linked to you is significant. That is why you do not want to initiate cooperation relationships with poorly-ranked websites. Make sure the site you wish to cooperate with is ranked 3rd degree and above. You can check the ranking of a website using the following tool "Link Popularity Check" on Google.
How can I find out which website are linked to mine?
Aahhh.. That's simple. Go into "Google" or "Yahoo!" and enter the following question on the search field: Link:www.yoursite.com when you yoursite with the name of your website, and then you receive a list of websites and web pages that are linked to your website. By the way, using this method you can learn which websites are linked to your competitors.
Meta Tags and Keywords:
Meta Tags are a number of tags that give information to the search engine's crawlers. There are different types of Meta Tags but the most important ones are the "title" tag, "description" tag and "keywords" tags. These tags are located at the top of the HTML page, between the Head tags and it looks like that:
Today a large number of the search engines are not using the Meta Tag scanning method; instead they analyze the content of the website. Even though, the Meta Tags are important on a website. Okay, now you know what meta tags are. There are a few more parameters I want to make sure that you understand before we proceed.
Title: That is the page's title as it is displayed on the upper border of the Internet browser. The "Title tag" looks like that:
Title Content: That is an HTML tag that characterizes titles inside the contents by sizes, and it looks like this:
welcome to the website
That's all... Now we are really clever and we can proceed.
Find out what are the best searching keywords for your website (How do you do it? That's a topic for a whole article). Choose 3-5 of the most important and popular keywords. Combine these words inside all the elements we introduced here. That means,
32 On the title page.
32 On the Description Meta tag.
32 On the Title Meta tag.
32 At least on one Title Content
32 and of course inside the contents' text of the webpage itself.
For example: Lets say that we are talking about a flower-shop website, and the important keywords I characterized are: Flowers, Plants, Roses. Then, the HTML script would look like this.
Insert keywords in image meta tags:
You can improve your chances to succeed by adding keywords inside the image meta tags. For example:
src="flower.gif" alt=Flowers and Plants" width="134" height="97">
Some even take it further and name the files, folders and pictures with names that include the keywords. For example:
flowers-garland -plant.jpg
In conclusion:
There are many ways to improve the parameters that set the ranking of the website on search engines. In this article we simply went over a few parameters that involve keywords and back-links. In order to succeed in ranking a website high, it takes a constant investment in these methods, finding out what are the best keywords, and checking the result pages on search engines. These results and the keywords are dynamic, changing and never last for long. But before you set off, I want to warn you about all the scamming methods and spam emails. Do not be tempted to participate in links exchange programs, do not try to manipulate the search engines by creating false web pages and links, do not fill you website with keywords that repeat themselves over and over, just to get a higher ranking. And in short, use your common sense and I am sure that you will succeed in raising the number of entries to your website substantially. It might take some time, so do not expect immediate results. That's it.
Free Surf 71
Again threading problems.
Hello.
I am now coding a small application that should do the following:
1. User inputs timestamps in a file.
2. Application starts a thread and check every second if the current
time is equal to any timestamp in the file (stored in a struct however).
3. If its time, the thread call a function, a http post using mechanize.
4. Application should be runable both on linux and windows.
However, i have gotten some big problems, first, there were a bug with
threads in ruby 1.8.6 and standard I/O (gets) + windows, however I got
help here on the ruby forum to fix that with an alternative input
method.
What the problem is now that the function i am calling in the thread
doesn't run anyway(some problem with mechanize and threads aswell?)
since the function runs fine when i for example place it in initialize
for the class. And I can comment out the function and for example just
change a variable in it and it works fine aswell.
So I heard that in 1.9.1 there should be no bugs like this, however I
haven't yet found a way to fully install ruby 1.9.1(on windows) with
mechanize (+ needs nokogiri), when trying to install them I always gets
some kind of errors for missing .so files etc.
Anyone managed to install 1.9.1 + mechanize(+nokogiri)?
Anyone had the same problem as me?
What do people normally do when coding things like this?, I mean, the
things that the application do shouldn't be that unusual.
Best regards
Hello.
I am now coding a small application that should do the following:
1. User inputs timestamps in a file.
2. Application starts a thread and check every second if the current
time is equal to any timestamp in the file (stored in a struct however).
3. If its time, the thread call a function, a http post using mechanize.
4. Application should be runable both on linux and windows.
However, i have gotten some big problems, first, there were a bug with
threads in ruby 1.8.6 and standard I/O (gets) + windows, however I got
help here on the ruby forum to fix that with an alternative input
method.
What the problem is now that the function i am calling in the thread
doesn't run anyway(some problem with mechanize and threads aswell?)
since the function runs fine when i for example place it in initialize
for the class. And I can comment out the function and for example just
change a variable in it and it works fine aswell.
So I heard that in 1.9.1 there should be no bugs like this, however I
haven't yet found a way to fully install ruby 1.9.1(on windows) with
mechanize (+ needs nokogiri), when trying to install them I always gets
some kind of errors for missing .so files etc.
Anyone managed to install 1.9.1 + mechanize(+nokogiri)?
Anyone had the same problem as me?
What do people normally do when coding things like this?, I mean, the
things that the application do shouldn't be that unusual.
Best regards
Free Surf 70
Infopackets Top 10 Tech Reports
Subscribe to infopackets technology news today and receive any of the below Top 10 Tech Reports -- absolutely free! Simply checkmark each report you'd like and have it sent to your inbox.
Infopackets Top 10 Tech Reports
1. Top 10 PC Security Essentials
Revenue from PC Security Software sales grossed over $2.5 billion in 2007: proof that it's easy to compromise just about any computer connected to the Internet -- including yours. This exclusive report explains how to adequately protect your computer while online the Internet and highlights the best free resources available, including Anti-Spyware Software, Antivirus, Windows Updates, and more -- all in simple English! Secure your PC today, the easy way!
2. Top 8 Freeware Antivirus Review
Why buy antivirus software when you can get it online for free? We review and explain the differences between free antivirus versus a subscription-based model, while contrasting simple antivirus protection to suite-based protection. Included in this special report is a time-saving, feature comparison of 8 of the best antivirus freeware products available today! Super duper and absolutely free!
3. Unleash The Beast: 10 Key Concepts of PC Optimization
What is the best way to speed up your PC? The answer, of course, depends on many factors. With over 25 years in computing experience, Dennis Faas debunks key computing concepts, while explaining how, why and what you need to make your computer work in tip top shape -- and to keep it that way. An infopackets exclusive! Free software included!
4. Top 5 MS Office Alternatives
Microsoft wants you to pay $499 MSRP for MS Office Professional 2007 (MS Word, MS Excel, etc) -- and if you're like most people, spending that kind of money on a glorified word processing suite isn't likely going to happen. So, how about a freeware alternative that is 100% compatible for $0.00? We round up the Top 5 MS Office alternatives and compare notes.
5. 10 Keyboard Secrets of MS Windows
Think the mouse is the best way to navigate your PC? No way! Having to constantly reach for the mouse not only puts unnecessary strain on your neck and shoulder, it also severely decreases your productivity time. Learning to use your keyboard effectively and efficiently can absolutely transform your PC experience -- and that's why we wrote this special report. So, stop clicking and start using your keyboard the way it was meant to be used!
6. Make Windows XP Look Like Vista
Why spend you hard earned cash on upgrading to Vista if you don't have to? Sure, Windows Vista has a beautiful interface -- but everyone knows that it's plagued with hardware and software incompatibilities. If you like the look of Windows Vista but want the compatibility of XP, download this report now! Free software included!
7. Star Trek Desktop Theme
Turn your computer into a Super Star Trek Workstation -- Our free report, "How to make a Star Trek Desktop Theme", shows you how! Included are 82 unique and entertaining sound clips and 6 amazing backgrounds from the Classic, Next Generation, Deep Space 9, and Voyager Star Trek TV series -- all 100% customizable and free! Too much fun! All Images above included in report: click here to see more screenshots and sound samples.
8. Browser Shootout: Firefox 3, IE 7, and Chrome Compared
Browser wars have been brewing for years and it's no longer a two-horse race. So, which web browser is the best and why should you care? We compare and contrast key differences with Mozilla's Firefox 3, Microsoft's Internet Explorer 7, and Google's new Chrome web browser, while highlighting future trends.
9. Free Alternatives to MS Windows
Got an old computer that can't run Windows Vista or XP because its hardware requirements are not enough? We explore the absolute best of the best fresh freeware alternatives so you can get your old PC up and running again using the latest web browser, MP3, and word processing software available -- all without spending a penny! Frugal fun for everyone!
10. How To Test and Repair Damaged Sectors on a Hard Drive
Subscribe to infopackets technology news today and receive any of the below Top 10 Tech Reports -- absolutely free! Simply checkmark each report you'd like and have it sent to your inbox.
Infopackets Top 10 Tech Reports
1. Top 10 PC Security Essentials
Revenue from PC Security Software sales grossed over $2.5 billion in 2007: proof that it's easy to compromise just about any computer connected to the Internet -- including yours. This exclusive report explains how to adequately protect your computer while online the Internet and highlights the best free resources available, including Anti-Spyware Software, Antivirus, Windows Updates, and more -- all in simple English! Secure your PC today, the easy way!
2. Top 8 Freeware Antivirus Review
Why buy antivirus software when you can get it online for free? We review and explain the differences between free antivirus versus a subscription-based model, while contrasting simple antivirus protection to suite-based protection. Included in this special report is a time-saving, feature comparison of 8 of the best antivirus freeware products available today! Super duper and absolutely free!
3. Unleash The Beast: 10 Key Concepts of PC Optimization
What is the best way to speed up your PC? The answer, of course, depends on many factors. With over 25 years in computing experience, Dennis Faas debunks key computing concepts, while explaining how, why and what you need to make your computer work in tip top shape -- and to keep it that way. An infopackets exclusive! Free software included!
4. Top 5 MS Office Alternatives
Microsoft wants you to pay $499 MSRP for MS Office Professional 2007 (MS Word, MS Excel, etc) -- and if you're like most people, spending that kind of money on a glorified word processing suite isn't likely going to happen. So, how about a freeware alternative that is 100% compatible for $0.00? We round up the Top 5 MS Office alternatives and compare notes.
5. 10 Keyboard Secrets of MS Windows
Think the mouse is the best way to navigate your PC? No way! Having to constantly reach for the mouse not only puts unnecessary strain on your neck and shoulder, it also severely decreases your productivity time. Learning to use your keyboard effectively and efficiently can absolutely transform your PC experience -- and that's why we wrote this special report. So, stop clicking and start using your keyboard the way it was meant to be used!
6. Make Windows XP Look Like Vista
Why spend you hard earned cash on upgrading to Vista if you don't have to? Sure, Windows Vista has a beautiful interface -- but everyone knows that it's plagued with hardware and software incompatibilities. If you like the look of Windows Vista but want the compatibility of XP, download this report now! Free software included!
7. Star Trek Desktop Theme
Turn your computer into a Super Star Trek Workstation -- Our free report, "How to make a Star Trek Desktop Theme", shows you how! Included are 82 unique and entertaining sound clips and 6 amazing backgrounds from the Classic, Next Generation, Deep Space 9, and Voyager Star Trek TV series -- all 100% customizable and free! Too much fun! All Images above included in report: click here to see more screenshots and sound samples.
8. Browser Shootout: Firefox 3, IE 7, and Chrome Compared
Browser wars have been brewing for years and it's no longer a two-horse race. So, which web browser is the best and why should you care? We compare and contrast key differences with Mozilla's Firefox 3, Microsoft's Internet Explorer 7, and Google's new Chrome web browser, while highlighting future trends.
9. Free Alternatives to MS Windows
Got an old computer that can't run Windows Vista or XP because its hardware requirements are not enough? We explore the absolute best of the best fresh freeware alternatives so you can get your old PC up and running again using the latest web browser, MP3, and word processing software available -- all without spending a penny! Frugal fun for everyone!
10. How To Test and Repair Damaged Sectors on a Hard Drive
Free Surf 69
PC Mesh Anonymous Web Surfing 5.5 Publisher's description
PC Mesh Anonymous Web Surfing 5.5 Publisher's description
PC Mesh Anonymous Web Surfing is an Internet utility to let users surf the Web anonymously by masking their IP address.
IP address is the unique identification number of any computer connected to the Internet and is detectable by any website that the user is visiting.
IP address contains information about the geographic location of the user and her Internet service provider.
PCMesh Anonymous Web Surfing masks user IP address by redirecting the outgoing Web traffic through free public proxy servers. As a result the user can surf the Web using the proxy server's IP address.
Feature highlights:
One-click proxy configuration
Change of proxy server every X minutes (user defined)
Fast proxy verification (normally 200 proxies per minute)
Proxy list import and export
PCMesh Anonymous Web Surfing is designed for novice as well as experienced users.
Requirements: Either of MS Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Firefox, Netscape or Opera
What's new in this version: - List of proxy websites refreshed.
• Download PC Mesh Anonymous Web Surfing 5.5 (1.03 MB)
• Buy PC Mesh Anonymous Web Suring’s full version ($39.95)
PC Mesh Anonymous Web Surfing 5.5 Publisher's description
PC Mesh Anonymous Web Surfing is an Internet utility to let users surf the Web anonymously by masking their IP address.
IP address is the unique identification number of any computer connected to the Internet and is detectable by any website that the user is visiting.
IP address contains information about the geographic location of the user and her Internet service provider.
PCMesh Anonymous Web Surfing masks user IP address by redirecting the outgoing Web traffic through free public proxy servers. As a result the user can surf the Web using the proxy server's IP address.
Feature highlights:
One-click proxy configuration
Change of proxy server every X minutes (user defined)
Fast proxy verification (normally 200 proxies per minute)
Proxy list import and export
PCMesh Anonymous Web Surfing is designed for novice as well as experienced users.
Requirements: Either of MS Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Firefox, Netscape or Opera
What's new in this version: - List of proxy websites refreshed.
• Download PC Mesh Anonymous Web Surfing 5.5 (1.03 MB)
• Buy PC Mesh Anonymous Web Suring’s full version ($39.95)
Free Surf 68
WPtouch
WPtouch is a WordPress theme plugin for iPhone and iPod touch that formats your WordPress blog with an iPhone application-style theme with ajax loading articles and effects. With WPtouch you can customize your site appearance in the WPtouch admin panel, without modifying a single bit of code on your site. WPtouch includes an admin panel that allows you to customize your page icons and logo. There is also a Companion Support that shows plugin, WordPress built-in function, and pages support and compatibility to help you setup your WPtouch installation and guide you on having photos, archives & links pages configured with built-in WPtouch support. WPtouch also includes a link in the footer for your iPhone visitors to switch between your site’s normal theme and iPhone theme.
WPtouch features:
* User-selected theme toggle (between WPtouch view and your site’s regular look)
* iPhone-like application appearance, functions
* AJAX, jQuery & effects in only 56kb
* The ability to turn javascript effects & ajax on/off
* Full WordPress search, pages, archives, categories, tags and links support
* Theme native social bookmarking support
* iPhone/iPod touch native post e-mailing support
* Ajax comments, posted in real time
* Ajaxed pagination (users can browse posts like YouTube videos)
* Admin selectable custom icons for pages, logo, bookmark icon
* Manually edit your site’s title to fit WPtouch
* Show / Hide post excerpts, customize style appearance in different ways
* Easily add your own icons to customize your menu appearance
* Admin inclusion/exclusion of site pages shown in the theme’s menu
* Compatibility suite in the admin to inform of add-ons, WordPress version support
* Favicon fetch & conversion to .png for links displayed using the WP blogroll
* Support for FlickrRSS plugin, Blip.it video plugin
* Automatic Archives page layout (if you have or create a page called ‘Archives’)
* Automatic Photo page layout with Flickr (if you have or create a page called ‘Photos’ and have the FlickrRSS plugin installed)
For download and installation instructions, please visit http://www.bravenewcode.com/wptouch/. For more screenshots, visit http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wptouch/screenshots/
WPtouch is a WordPress theme plugin for iPhone and iPod touch that formats your WordPress blog with an iPhone application-style theme with ajax loading articles and effects. With WPtouch you can customize your site appearance in the WPtouch admin panel, without modifying a single bit of code on your site. WPtouch includes an admin panel that allows you to customize your page icons and logo. There is also a Companion Support that shows plugin, WordPress built-in function, and pages support and compatibility to help you setup your WPtouch installation and guide you on having photos, archives & links pages configured with built-in WPtouch support. WPtouch also includes a link in the footer for your iPhone visitors to switch between your site’s normal theme and iPhone theme.
WPtouch features:
* User-selected theme toggle (between WPtouch view and your site’s regular look)
* iPhone-like application appearance, functions
* AJAX, jQuery & effects in only 56kb
* The ability to turn javascript effects & ajax on/off
* Full WordPress search, pages, archives, categories, tags and links support
* Theme native social bookmarking support
* iPhone/iPod touch native post e-mailing support
* Ajax comments, posted in real time
* Ajaxed pagination (users can browse posts like YouTube videos)
* Admin selectable custom icons for pages, logo, bookmark icon
* Manually edit your site’s title to fit WPtouch
* Show / Hide post excerpts, customize style appearance in different ways
* Easily add your own icons to customize your menu appearance
* Admin inclusion/exclusion of site pages shown in the theme’s menu
* Compatibility suite in the admin to inform of add-ons, WordPress version support
* Favicon fetch & conversion to .png for links displayed using the WP blogroll
* Support for FlickrRSS plugin, Blip.it video plugin
* Automatic Archives page layout (if you have or create a page called ‘Archives’)
* Automatic Photo page layout with Flickr (if you have or create a page called ‘Photos’ and have the FlickrRSS plugin installed)
For download and installation instructions, please visit http://www.bravenewcode.com/wptouch/. For more screenshots, visit http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wptouch/screenshots/
Free Surf 67
Nothinginlife.com
NothingInLife.com is part of the ApplyMarketing.com network of sites, which include ApplyTools.com among others. Nothinginlife.com is currently in the top 500,000 of all internet websites according to Alexa Ranking. Nothinginlife.com researches many different free online products and services. There are many useful services such as free fax numbers, free long distance, and free internet access that the average online user is unaware of. Often these services are not advertised. Nothinginlife.com offers both consumer and webmaster utilities. Nothinginlife generates leads for ad campaigns by offering free products in exchange for lead generation and demographic information.
If you are interested in advertising your service or product on any one of our network of sites please Contact Us.
If you are looking for site statistics, demographic information or possible sponsorship opportunities please view our Media Kit
If you are interested in online marketing services please Contact Us, and we will review your site and work with you to create an effective marketing plan.
Everything in life should be Free.
NothingInLife.com is part of the ApplyMarketing.com network of sites, which include ApplyTools.com among others. Nothinginlife.com is currently in the top 500,000 of all internet websites according to Alexa Ranking. Nothinginlife.com researches many different free online products and services. There are many useful services such as free fax numbers, free long distance, and free internet access that the average online user is unaware of. Often these services are not advertised. Nothinginlife.com offers both consumer and webmaster utilities. Nothinginlife generates leads for ad campaigns by offering free products in exchange for lead generation and demographic information.
If you are interested in advertising your service or product on any one of our network of sites please Contact Us.
If you are looking for site statistics, demographic information or possible sponsorship opportunities please view our Media Kit
If you are interested in online marketing services please Contact Us, and we will review your site and work with you to create an effective marketing plan.
Everything in life should be Free.
Free Surf 66
New - Indo Surf Discount Card
Simply present your Card when you first contact participating businesses to receive free gifts and discounts as offered only on this webpage.
*Full details, with Websites and Telephone numbers, will be given to you after you order the book which includes The Card for free
* If you're thinking of travelling with any of these businesses, order the book first to receive these exclusive Discounts. You'll save heaps more than the book costs!
• MENTAWAI BLUE Surf Charters - US$500 Discount Mentawai Trip for a group booking of 8 passengers during 2009
• WORLD SURFARIS - Up to 5% OFF selected Tours & Accommodation to all Indo Surf & Lingo Clients - You could save $150 off an average Mentawais trip
• SUMATRAN SURFARIS - FREE BEERS on board + FREE Airport pickup = over $50 value when you book a tour with us
• SURF TRAVEL ONLINE: Free Bali Airport pickup + Fee block of Sex Wax + VIP Discount on product from STO Surfshops when you book through STO
• SURFTECH Rental Surfboards Bali: Rent 5 days & get your 6th day FREE!!
Plus come back again and get 2 days FREE. All new boards! No airport hassles!
• ALOITA RESORT, Mentawai Islands:10% Discount Save $180 a week.
- You must present the Indo Surf Discount Card & Book direct to our website
• NUSA DEWATA Mentawai Yacht Charters - US$75 Discount per Passenger when you book directly at our website
• SARAINA KOAT MENTAWAI - 10% Discount for full group bookings made directly to us mentioning this discount offer before booking. Must show Voucher from book or Discount Card on arrival in Padang.
• DISCOVERY KARTIKA PLAZA HOTEL, on the beach at Kuta Reef, Bali
15% Discount off Food & Drinks from all our hotel restaurants
10% Discount off Massage treatments
• PURI RAJA Beachfront Hotel Legian - 30% Discount off published rates during low season (January-June 30.2009, October 1-December 22.2009)
• PURI ULUWATU Villas Bali, and PURI ASU VIP Villa, Hinako Islands, Nias:
10% discount when you book by email to Steve
• BALI SURF CONNECTION - US$50 OFF G-LAND top packages @ Bobby's & Jungle Camps; or any MENTAWAI Resort or Boat booked through BALI SURF CONNECTION *Special group discounts too
• FREELINE Indo Surf Adventures- FREE "Rubber Time" Double DVD
• G-LAND Joyo's JUNGLE Surf Camp - 10% Discount for G-Land JOYO'S Camp Java deluxe and superior packages. Save $35 to $60
• MACARONI'S RESORT Mentawai Islands - paddle in for a FREE BEER at the "'Macas Resort Bar & Restaurant": Buy 1 long-neck Bintang and get 1 extra long-neck free!
• DREAMWEAVER - Bali, Lembongan, Lombok, Sumbawa Yacht Tours. 10% discount for individual bookings (save $95!). 15% discount on a group booking of 3 or more, when booked direct to the owner. Save over $400
• A.J. HACKETT Bungy Jump Bali: 10% Discount
• SURFER GIRL SURF S'COOL Bali: 10% Discount
• RIP CURL SCHOOL OF SURF Bali: 10% Discount
• POPPIES Restaurant Kuta: Free Beer or Soft Drink with every main meal
• PARTAMA - FREE T-SHIRT & delicious meal at MAXI Restaurant when you book a Bali-Lombok-Sumbawa yacht tour with PARTAMA
• PONDOK KENCANA Resort West Java: 10% Hotel Discount
• BALI SURFING TOURS - FREE LARGE BEER or fresh juice after any tour
• Uluwatu GECKO INN Bali: 10% Discount for bookings over 5 days
• GANGSTA SURF Shops Bali – 10% Discount if you spend over $50
• DIVERSE SURFBOARDS - Free Legrope with every board ordered direct from our Gold Coast Australia shaping factory
• MAGNUM Transport - FREE LARGE BEER when you book a Full Day Bali Surf Transport with MAGNUM BALI TOURS
• BALI SURF PHOTOGRAPHY - Get yourself photographed surfing in Bali by professional photographers
• SUMATRA SURF LINK – Say 10 nights, get the 11th NIGHT FREE! Surf “Sumatra’s Longest Left” Karang Nyimbor Reef and South Sumatra's best kept secrets with Sumatra Surf Link!
• BALI STAND UP PADDLE SURF & KITE SURFING – 15% Discount on rentals, 10% Discount on lessons. Professional instructors make it easy for you to experience these exciting new sports in Bali.
* Important: These discounts are only available when you produce the Indo Surf Discount Card which you will receive FREE inside each copy of the new updated 2009 Indo Surf and Lingo guidebook.
*Full details, with Websites and Telephone numbers, will be given to
Simply present your Card when you first contact participating businesses to receive free gifts and discounts as offered only on this webpage.
*Full details, with Websites and Telephone numbers, will be given to you after you order the book which includes The Card for free
* If you're thinking of travelling with any of these businesses, order the book first to receive these exclusive Discounts. You'll save heaps more than the book costs!
• MENTAWAI BLUE Surf Charters - US$500 Discount Mentawai Trip for a group booking of 8 passengers during 2009
• WORLD SURFARIS - Up to 5% OFF selected Tours & Accommodation to all Indo Surf & Lingo Clients - You could save $150 off an average Mentawais trip
• SUMATRAN SURFARIS - FREE BEERS on board + FREE Airport pickup = over $50 value when you book a tour with us
• SURF TRAVEL ONLINE: Free Bali Airport pickup + Fee block of Sex Wax + VIP Discount on product from STO Surfshops when you book through STO
• SURFTECH Rental Surfboards Bali: Rent 5 days & get your 6th day FREE!!
Plus come back again and get 2 days FREE. All new boards! No airport hassles!
• ALOITA RESORT, Mentawai Islands:10% Discount Save $180 a week.
- You must present the Indo Surf Discount Card & Book direct to our website
• NUSA DEWATA Mentawai Yacht Charters - US$75 Discount per Passenger when you book directly at our website
• SARAINA KOAT MENTAWAI - 10% Discount for full group bookings made directly to us mentioning this discount offer before booking. Must show Voucher from book or Discount Card on arrival in Padang.
• DISCOVERY KARTIKA PLAZA HOTEL, on the beach at Kuta Reef, Bali
15% Discount off Food & Drinks from all our hotel restaurants
10% Discount off Massage treatments
• PURI RAJA Beachfront Hotel Legian - 30% Discount off published rates during low season (January-June 30.2009, October 1-December 22.2009)
• PURI ULUWATU Villas Bali, and PURI ASU VIP Villa, Hinako Islands, Nias:
10% discount when you book by email to Steve
• BALI SURF CONNECTION - US$50 OFF G-LAND top packages @ Bobby's & Jungle Camps; or any MENTAWAI Resort or Boat booked through BALI SURF CONNECTION *Special group discounts too
• FREELINE Indo Surf Adventures- FREE "Rubber Time" Double DVD
• G-LAND Joyo's JUNGLE Surf Camp - 10% Discount for G-Land JOYO'S Camp Java deluxe and superior packages. Save $35 to $60
• MACARONI'S RESORT Mentawai Islands - paddle in for a FREE BEER at the "'Macas Resort Bar & Restaurant": Buy 1 long-neck Bintang and get 1 extra long-neck free!
• DREAMWEAVER - Bali, Lembongan, Lombok, Sumbawa Yacht Tours. 10% discount for individual bookings (save $95!). 15% discount on a group booking of 3 or more, when booked direct to the owner. Save over $400
• A.J. HACKETT Bungy Jump Bali: 10% Discount
• SURFER GIRL SURF S'COOL Bali: 10% Discount
• RIP CURL SCHOOL OF SURF Bali: 10% Discount
• POPPIES Restaurant Kuta: Free Beer or Soft Drink with every main meal
• PARTAMA - FREE T-SHIRT & delicious meal at MAXI Restaurant when you book a Bali-Lombok-Sumbawa yacht tour with PARTAMA
• PONDOK KENCANA Resort West Java: 10% Hotel Discount
• BALI SURFING TOURS - FREE LARGE BEER or fresh juice after any tour
• Uluwatu GECKO INN Bali: 10% Discount for bookings over 5 days
• GANGSTA SURF Shops Bali – 10% Discount if you spend over $50
• DIVERSE SURFBOARDS - Free Legrope with every board ordered direct from our Gold Coast Australia shaping factory
• MAGNUM Transport - FREE LARGE BEER when you book a Full Day Bali Surf Transport with MAGNUM BALI TOURS
• BALI SURF PHOTOGRAPHY - Get yourself photographed surfing in Bali by professional photographers
• SUMATRA SURF LINK – Say 10 nights, get the 11th NIGHT FREE! Surf “Sumatra’s Longest Left” Karang Nyimbor Reef and South Sumatra's best kept secrets with Sumatra Surf Link!
• BALI STAND UP PADDLE SURF & KITE SURFING – 15% Discount on rentals, 10% Discount on lessons. Professional instructors make it easy for you to experience these exciting new sports in Bali.
* Important: These discounts are only available when you produce the Indo Surf Discount Card which you will receive FREE inside each copy of the new updated 2009 Indo Surf and Lingo guidebook.
*Full details, with Websites and Telephone numbers, will be given to
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)