Thanks for entering the competition, your entries were very inspirational and some of them made us laugh! So it was really difficult narrowing it down to ten winners but we did and here they are. Well done girls!

2012 New Year Resolutions

My New Years Resolution normally has the words, Chocolate, Less and Exercise in the sentence this year is going to be a year of positivity. As it will be the Chinese year of the Dragon I think I will aim to try and do bold things, not be nervi or worried, just get out there and try new experiences. Live life to the MAX! x
Sarah Evans

My resolution is to keep past resolutions  Also to appreciate what i have and have a laugh, i have a friend who’s just gone through the toughest year of her life and it’s made me realise how easy I have it and that I have nothing to frown about. Finally to ride a wave in Bali, got to cross that off my list.
Brogaen Maynard

My resolution is actually more of a challenge. I am challenging my mind to open up to new thing by reading one classic book a month, listening to one of the top 100 albums of all time a week and watching one Oscar winning movie a week. You can read what books, albums and movies on my blog here: http://bettylivin.com/2011/12/22/books-movies-and-artists-to-experience-in-2012/
Rachel Tynan

My new years resolution is to remember that it’s okay to be a beginner–whatever it is. That it will feel better to be a beginner and improve, “move up,” than being hard on yourself and feeling embarrassed that you didn’t prove you are actually at some level you thought you should be or made it seem like you’d be to others around you.
The faster you accept that you’re at x level, the sooner you get to the level you want to be. But be okay with the level you are truly at and accept it! Because soon you’ll be blowing kisses to that skill level as you cruise on upward!
Catalinda

I’m going to make lists. I generally remember the surfboard, but always forget something I need. It’s a be frightening when you start turning into your mum.
Katherine Coldicott

My New Year’s resolution is to start giving back to the ocean, beach, and enviornment each time I go out there to surf. I live in New York City and most people here don’t believe theres actually any surf here. The surf community here is huge and its amazing that I can take a two hour train ride outside the city to hit the shore. Whats also unbeliveable is the unecessary amount of garbage I see on the streets of the city everyday. I plan to give back to the ocean by walking the beach after each session and help clear the beach of any garbage that could wash back into the ocean. I want my children one day to be able to enjoy the ocean as much I do one day!
Ashley Martin

My New Year’s Resolution is to do one thing each month that I’ve never done before that takes me out of my comfort zone – a solo trip abroad, surfing when the swell’s a little bigger than I’m used to, finally starting to learn Spanish! I want to reach the end of 2012 and feel like I’ve really grown and experienced new things and lived life to the full, because after all life is too short not to!
Laura

To roll down a hill wrapped in bubble wrap!
Aimee

My New Years resoulution is to become a better person, ignore bad vibes and closed minds, to enjoy and make the most of the small time we have on this tiny rock floating in space. to take time and look at all the tiny wonders that this lifetime offers that usually go unnoticed and above all smile because when you do other people will start to. Happy Christmas and New Year to all.
Kim Price

My New Years Resolution is to try new things even when I’m scared that I won’t be good at it or I might fall over. Life is about experiences and 2012 is gonna be the year of jumping right in.
Charlotte

Tell us your best tip for keeping warm in winter.

Leave your answer below, the best one wins! Please state the size of hoody you’d like to win. Competition ends on December 10th 2011.

Have you always aspired to be a photographer and, like Matt Georges, are a lover of analog photography? Then get your films and cameras ready, because Billabong is offering you the chance to get your best shot on a limited edition tee.

Get inspired by Matt Georges and send us your best shot of what is home for you. Places, friends, families and home might have different meanings from one another but can all convey, there’s no place like it.

The most inspiring picture will be turned into a limited edition photoprint tee part of the winter 12 collection.

Prices
- 1st. One day with Matt Georges to meet him and share his passion for photography, your picture on a limited edition photoprint tee part of the winter 12 collection and a Billabong wardrobe
- 2nd & 3rd. a Billabong wardrobe

How to join the competition?
Log onto http://www.billabong.com/girls/eu/matt-george
and upload your picture on the website. Get fully involved in the creative process by choosing the shape of your shirt, the colour of it and the size of your picture.

The winners will be selected by a jury composed of Matt Georges, Anne Flore Marxer, ‘Le-Monde-est-a-nous’ blogger Marie-Laure Daillut and Billabong professionals.

Now grab your camera and win a chance to see your picture on the next Billabong collection!

About Matt Georges
Born and raised in the French Alps, Matt started taking pictures and printing black and white photos as a hobby at 17. Many skateboarding and snowboarding photos later, Matt has built a solid reputation within the industry.

This analog lover has a true passion for all aspects of photography and spends his time learning new (old) techniques and shooting with different cameras. Billabong is proud to collaborate with such a talented photographer and share his passion for snowboarding and creativity through original and exclusive products. Billabong has released a small collection of t-shirt, fleeces and some outerwear in collaboartion with Matthieu. The prints are all influenced by Matt’s work and include a selection of some snow/lifestyle photographs.

Watch the Billabong x Matt Georges collaboartion video

Built with HB3 Technology™, Wired Series fleece are completely machine washable – that means there’s no need to remove the ear buds or take out the wire when you throw it in the wash. So no more freaking out when you accidentally throw your hoodie in the wash!

We’ve a grey hoody with pink trim to win. Simply answer the question below;

Which of our fave eco surfers who features regularly on the SurfGirl website is the international team rider for Rusty?

Leave your answer below and include your size please. Competition ends on September 30th.

Cover-Up was started by Suzanne Crawford who started to make poncho changing towels from beach towels for her surfing friends on the East Coast. “They were to help make those cold winter changes after surfing a little more bearable and to help us girls get out of our wetsuits easier in the beach car parks after those long summer surfs!” says Suzzane.

Cover-Ups are all made by hand on Suzanne’s old singer sewing machine in her small beach bungalow, on a cold windy cliff top in Yorkshire. Each towel has a huge cosy hood and wide arm holes for easy changing. Suzanne sources the towels from all over to make the Cover-Up’s in unique designs and bright colours, using nice quality velour toweling.  This makes each design limited and  new designs are added to the collection all the time.

Suzanne says,  “I started making changing towels a couple of years ago just for my friends and they have just taken off from there. My boyfriend has a surf shop in Scarborough so I started to sell them there before opening an on-line shop about a year ago. I work as a fashion accessories designer as my day job and make my changing towels in my spare time. Sewing is a real passion for me and I love creating something that someone is going to enjoy using. It is so great to see someone at the beach using something that you have put lots of care into making. It makes me smile every time we see someone changing under one of our cosy cover-ups!”

‘Cover Up’s’ started life being sold in Suzanne’s local surf shop LowBrow in Scarborough, they now have an on-line shop www.coverupsurf.com and have sold world-wide to Australia, California, Europe and all over the UK.

We’ve a lovely Cover Up to giveaway, simply answer this question – what sort of car park changer are you? Do you let it all hang out or try to cover your modesty at all times?

The best answer wins the Cover Up. Competition ends on September 30th.

Professional surfer and gorgeous model Hannah Harding from Cornwall is one of the UK’s rising stars who spends more time on the beach and in a bikini than most of us could ever dream of. Having returned from training in Bali over the winter, the summer surfing season has just kicked off here with the English Surfing Nationals where all eyes were on her as she scored an amazing second place.  She oozes confidence but isn’t ashamed to admit she has a few extra secrets to look her best, and when she does, the beach is her catwalk.

Hannah says: “I’m in a bikini for most of the day so I like to keep my body silky smooth. When I do, I feel good about myself and I’m more confident in the water which is what counts. Luckily surfing keeps me tanned and toned but I know most girls on the beach worry more about being hairy – me included. I’m a big fan of the Philips Satin Perfect epilator because it’s just super quick and no fuss. As it’s cordless I can take it anywhere and be ready to get to the beach in minutes, plus it has a handy mini epilator for the bikini line!”

Feeling smooth and hair free on the beach is more important to women than shape when it comes to being confident in their summer swimwear. A recent global survey by Philips reveals that women are more embarrassed about having excess body hair when on the beach than feeling overweight or flabby. Nearly 8 out of 10 women (76%) said having hairy legs, underarms or bikini line would stop them from going to the beach or pool.

This summer you can be confidently smooth in minutes after using the new Satin Perfect HP6578 epilator which offers superior performance with the widest ever epilation head that removes more hair in one stroke. The new luxury depilation set includes a new slim-line cordless precision epilator that can be used to shave and trim tricky areas such as bikini line for ultra close and smooth results.

We’ve a set to giveaway just answer this question – what’s your top tip for looking good at the beach?

Put your answer below and the best answer wins the Philips Satin Perfect epilator. The comp finishes on August 31st.

Watch Hannah’s Bali video.

Photo: courtesy Billabong. Words by Samantha Edward

Billabong’s Design a Bikini Contest is getting us giddy at SurfGirl HQ, as it’s your chance to become part of iconic swimsuit history. Two-piece swimsuits date as far back as 1600 B.C., but the more modern bikini celebrated its 65th birthday this year thanks to none other than a French car manufacturer, Louis Réard.

So it just goes to show anyone can create the next statement bikini. Why not take a look through our celebrity video hall of fame and unearth some inspiration if you’re thinking of designing your very own two-piece of history.

Raquel Welch in One Million Years B.C. (1966)

Despite whether we’ve seen the film or not, the promotional shot of this fur bikini has no doubt been imprinted in our minds. Even though she was giving the bikini a good name, we’re not so sure whether fur was a practical choice!

Princess Leia in Star Wars (1983)

Glowing in a gold-clad bikini, it just goes to show sci-fi geeks have got good taste. And how can we forget the moment Ross asked Rachel in Friends to wear this very outfit… brave move!

Halle Berry in Die Another Day  (2002)

With neons making a comeback this season, Halle rocked the Bond girl look in this bright orange halterneck, accessorising with a chunky white belt. Although we would highly recommend NOT using it as a weapon belt!

Myleene Klass in I’m A Celebrity… (2006)

Who could forget our very own British beauty, turning a simple white bikini into a sexy revival in the swimsuit world. The former Hear’Say star stepped got men drooling across the nation.

Don’t forget! The deadline for Billabong’s Design a Bikini Contest is Friday 15th July 2011!

No matter if it’s a sporty-style or sexy halter bikini, with modern or romantic flower prints : let your imagination run wild ! The most creative design will be turned into a limited edition bikini and be part of Billabong’s Summer 2012 collection!

Plus, win a trip to meet the Billabong team of designers in Hossegor, France, receive a complete Billabong Summer wardrobe and get one free-surfing lesson!

Want to participate ? It’s easy!

Go to www.mybillabongbikini.com, download the bikini template, create and upload your personal design and then register for the competition.  A jury panel will review the top 5 selections as voted by the public via Billabong Girl’s European facebook page and choose the winning design. Further details on the contest such as official rules, entry instructions, jury members and prize descriptions will be available on www.mybillabongbikini.com.

About the Billabong and Xtra Life LYCRA fibre 2011 Swimwear Collection

Billabong has collaborated with INVISTA, owner of the Xtra Life LYCRA fibre, for a series of bikinis for the Summer 2011 swimwear range. This line includes 4 different tops and bottoms in 6 different colors that can be mixed and matched to find whatever suits and fits best.

The collaboration also includes a signature bikini designed for professional big wave team rider and 4-time Billabong XXL Big Wave Award winner, Maya Gabeira.

The Xtra Life LYCRA fibre is known to provide a long lasting fit and stands up to the harshest conditions at the beach and while surfing. It also provides an improved resistance to chlorine, sun lotions, and UV rays. More on: www.LYCRA.com.

LYCRA is a trademark of INVISTA

Take a look at what the waves Billabong girls scored on a recent trip to Teahupoo to test the new Surf Series range of surfwear – and test they did! Stay tuned for webisodes from the Billabong Girls Tahiti trip…

What you can Win

Major Prize Winner
The winner will see his original bikini design turned into a limited edition bikini part of the Billabong Second Summer 2012 range. The winner will also win a 2 days trip to Hossegor to meet the Billabong Girls team of designers and a Billabong wardrobe.

Finalists
The 4 finalists will receive a Billabong outfit.

Go here for all contest rules and conditions. Pick your bikini template and start designing! Entries close August 15th at 05:00 pm EST.

How the Winners are Chosen
5 finalists will be voted for by the public through this website until August 15th. People can vote once a day for their favourite bikini. The major prize winner will be selected by a judges panel from Billabong and associates. Meet the members of the jury here.

BILLABONG “DESIGN A BIKINI CONTEST” in collaboration with INVISTA and�Xtra Life LYCRA fibre.

You’ve always aspired to be a designer and have a passion for fashion ? Then it’s time to put your skills to the test !

Billabong Girl has teamed up with INVISTA to create the “Design a Bikini Contest” presented by Xtra Life LYCRA fibre. The contest will run from May 16th to July 15th 2011 and is open to all creative minds and fashionistas like you.

No matter if it’s a sporty-style or sexy halter bikini, with modern or romantic flower prints : let your imagination run wild ! The most creative design will be turned into a limited edition bikini and be part of Billabong’s Summer 2012 collection !

Plus, win a trip to meet the Billabong team of designers in Hossegor, France, receive a complete Billabong Summer wardrobe and get one free-surfing lesson!

Want to participate ? It’s easy !

Go to www.mybillabongbikini.com, download the bikini template, create and upload your personal design and then register for the competition. A jury panel will review the top 5 selections as voted by the public via Billabong Girl’s European facebook page and choose the winning design.

Further details on the contest such as official rules, entry instructions, jury members and prize descriptions will be available on www.mybillabongbikini.com.

About the Billabong and Xtra Life LYCRA fibre 2011 Swimwear Collection

Billabong has collaborated with INVISTA, owner of the Xtra Life LYCRA fibre, for a series of bikinis for the Summer 2011 swimwear range. This line includes 4 different tops and bottoms in 6 different colors that can be mixed and matched to find whatever suits and fits best.

The collaboration also includes a signature bikini designed for professional big wave team rider and 4-time Billabong XXL Big Wave Award winner, Maya Gabeira.

The Xtra Life LYCRA fibre is known to provide a long lasting fit and stands up to the harshest conditions at the beach and while surfing. It also provides an improved resistance to chlorine, sun lotions, and UV rays.

More on : www.LYCRA.com. LYCRA is a trademark of INVISTA