By Caroline Nieuwenhuis

Take up a hobby – Everyone has got something that they’ve always wanted to learn to do, and dark, cold evenings leave you with no excuse not to. Whether it’s picking up a guitar, learning to knit or playing chess until your fingers bleed, finding a new hobby is a great way to pass the time whilst being productive!

Workout – The gym inevitably becomes a more inviting place during the Winter as you can burn some calories whilst keeping nice and warm. However, you don’t have to join an expensive gym to get a good workout and If you’d rather not spend your evenings with several other sweaty people, you can always buy a few workout DVD’s and get fit in the comfort of your own home. Whether its boxing, aerobics, or keeping it more chilled out with some yoga, it’s never too early to get working on that bikini body!

Watch some surf DVD’s – Grab yourself a nice big mug of hot chocolate and cosy up on the sofa with a few surf DVD’s to keep you going. They’re sure to boost your spirits and what’s more, it’s a good incentive to brace the cold outdoors and hit the waves yourself!

Have a ‘Twister’ party – You may have bid farewell to your old board games a while back, but getting some friends round and having a game of ‘Twister’ is actually great fun. Throw a glass of Baileys into the mix and you’ll have people doing the splits in no time! It even helps improve your flexibility for when you’re next out catching waves….(it’s as good an excuse as any!)

Decorate – It’s been proven that colours such as orange and yellow make people feel warmer, happier and more at ease. So grab yourself a paintbrush and get to work on your bedroom. You can even design yourself a feature wall by painting on some flowers and palm trees. Get your creative juices flowing and you’ll feel like you’re in Hawaii all year round!

A quick look behind the scenes of ace fashion photog Kirstin Prisk shooting sporty Nina for the coming issue of SurfGirl #26 Out in April.

Tech talk:
Decided to video and shoot it simultaneously through the monitor. It was the first time I have worked in this way. Worked out great thanks to a good team, good tunes, sweets, and coffee.
Gear: 5dII armed with the Magic Lantern firmware, Small HD monitor, Sigma 50mm 1.4 and the Cinevate DSLR rig + follow focus, Sachtler DV6 tripod. Lit using a custom made ring light.
Stylist: Anna Gr??nlund
Make-up: Suzi Winter
Model: Nina Eastham

Every winter you hear about the travels of the top British male surfers training for the next years competitions and trying to escape the ever colder winters. This year after finishing work with the Billabong International Surfing Centre , and the schools programs had wrapped up for the winter. I was lucky enough to plan a big trip in preparation for my determination to take some big names down in some World Qualifying events in 2010.

 

Pembrokshire schools loving surf club

The first place on my list was the south of France so I could visit one of Europe’s best shapers, Robert Vaughn, and pick up some new surf boards. I ordered three new boards; a 5’11 small wave board, a 6’1 for the good days and a 6’3 for when it’s a little bigger. Once the hype of the ASP in France had died down, it was easy to find a quality sand bank to season. I spent most of my time in Les Estagnots and some of the busiest waters that I have ever experienced in Capbreton.

 

woohoo new boards

As the winter swells pick up and the golden sand banks starts to get washed away I cruised down to northern Spain. Here there are some reef breaks or bigger wave spots, which hold the swell better. One of which being Mundaka. Being a goofy footer, I was very excited about testing this spot out that is deemed to be ‘one of the heaviest waves in Europe’. I was not disappointed! Rumour was in France that it was going to be really good, so lots of surfers headed down.

Highly excited, I woke up really early to check it all out. I knew there where waves; I could hear them, but thick fog covered the whole sea. As I stared into the mist I could finally see what I thought was a five foot wave, as I looked closer I saw someone being towed into a very sizable wave. That day turned out to be one of the best days they had seen all year. I saw some of the biggest barrels and the most broken boards that I have ever seen. The next day was far more fun and I meet up with Sarah Beardmore and Rebecca Woods for surf before she headed down to Peniche in Portugal for an ASP event.

 

Pumping Mundaka

Nearing the end of November, by which point I had lived in a van for too long, it was time to head somewhere warmer. The Canneries have been described as the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ and situated close to the continent of Africa, this seems like a good place to go and check out. I spent 6 weeks on the island of Fuerteventura. It’s a volcanic island so there where reef breaks everywhere. I don’t think I have ever surfed so much in my life.

The waves where really consistent and we only had a couple of small and on sure days. I had some video coaching from Outerreef Surf School; Jo Dennison surfing. I think that my surfing defiantly improved from this, it helps to fine tune your surfing. I not only worked on my improving surfing, but I also concentrated on my diet and fitness. This was my favourite spot a right hand point break, Los Lobos.

Sometimes I could spend six or seven hours in the water with no break, just because the waves where so much fun. The last few days I was physically exhausted, the forecast was looking a little dull so I could not have timed it any better. Time to go Home to chilly Wales for a well earned rest and a cooked dinner.

 

SW1 Productions are delighted to announce the return of the hugely talented Angus & Julia Stone, who will headline on Wednesday 14th April at the Princess Pavilion in Falmouth as part of a UK tour.

No strangers to Cornwall, the brother and sister duo and fellow band members have formed a genuine bond in the County. Local artist Caroline Pedlar has designed artwork and illustrated videos for the band since meeting them back in 2007, when they first visited Cornwall to play a handful of small shows.

The band also publicly declared their love of the county, Boardmasters Festival and the Taphouse in St Agnes on the Jonathan Ross show on BBC Radio 2 show.

With a new album ‘Down The Way’ due for release in March (which was partly recorded at Sawmills Studio in Cornwall), the band are said to be really excited about coming back to play Falmouth Pavilion, their last show there was a near sell out.

Tickets are £10.00 in advance and are available from www.seetickets.com, 0871 2200260, Hall For Cornwall box office 01872 262466 or the venue box office 01326 211222 (all subject to booking fees).
Having spent the last two years touring the world in support of their critically acclaimed debut – A Book Like This – Angus and Julia Stone return with their eagerly anticipated sophomore release Down The Way, due for release on March 15.

On Down The Way they make their debut as producers, and develop their sound without losing the spirit of their debut.  There’s been a subtle shift in gear, evidence of a growing confidence Рthe music gravitates from sparse to rich and textured arrangements yet never loses its etherealness and charm.
Travelling has been an integral part of the Stone’s musical story so it’s not surprising they opted to record in a number of diverse locations around the globe -  an old sawmill on the river banks of Fowey, Cornwall,  a studio in Brooklyn, a water tank in Coolangatta,  their second home РLondon Рand Queens in New York.

On Down The Way, Angus and Julia showcase thirteen lovingly crafted songs reflecting a myriad of emotions.  Another graceful step on a remarkable musical journey.

Over the course of the last three years the duo have ventured everywhere from the Scottish Highlands to the heart of the USA.  This tireless touring has expanded their audience with Myspace plays now exceeding five million. With a worldwide tour kicking off in their native Australia in March the siblings are set to continue to win yet more hearts across the globe in 2010.

The first single from the record, And The Boys, was co-produced by the siblings and Brad Albetta (Martha Wainwright) and is set for digital release in early March.

TOUR DATES

Monday 12 April
Duke of York’s Picturehouse, Brighton

Wednesday 14th April
Princess Pavilion, Falmouth

Thursday 15th April
The Cooler, Bristol

Friday 16th April
Brudenell Social Club, Queens Road, Leeds

Saturday 17th April
King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

Sunday 18th April
Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh

Fitness
The more you train, the more energy you will have. Couch potatoes never feel like doing anything, but get into a routine with your morning/evening run/swim/yoga/walk and you’ll miss it if you don’t do it, plus your energy levels will go up, your circulation will be better, you’ll be reduce stress and surf better!

Quick boosts
A banana is a great way to get some pre-surf energy. Match it with a quality energy drink like a Relentless Shot for a convenient way to boost yourself for a winter session. Try a handful of nuts as well and watch your energy — and your performance — soar!

Bottoms Up!
Be sure to drink up to three litres of water every day. This will keep you hydrated so your muscles can work and you can surf better longer. Muscle cramps usually come from dehydration, so drink water before you paddle out and more when you come back in. For added power, a Relentless Shot provides vitamins B6 and B12 as well, and comes in a convenient 50ml bottle.

Eat right
If you want to lose weight (and if you’re overweight, it will certainly affect your get-up-and-go), do it sensibly and not at the expense of your energy levels! Never skip meals — breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, and your body needs calories throughout the day to work properly. Watch your portion size and have healthy snacks and you won’t overeat. Get a good balance of vitamins, minerals, protein and carbs for long-lasting energy.

WIN! — Relentless Energy and SurfGirl have teamed up to offer you an intense energy boost. One lucky reader can win a month’s supply of Relentless Energy Shots Рperfect to help provide you with the stamina, focus and drive that you need for your next big surf trip!

These 50ml shots are compact, discreet and perfect for on the go consumption – great for road trips! Each shot provides the same amount of caffeine as 250ml of the original Relentless drink, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, but in a concentrated 50ml shot.

For your chance to win a month’s supply of Relentless Energy Shots just answer the following question:
Which vitamins can be found in a Relentless Energy Shot?

Email your answer to louise@orcasurf.co.uk. The winner will be picked in March.

Relentless Energy shots are available from shops and forecourts nationwide.
Prices range from £1.69 Р£1.99 per 50ml bottle
www.relentlessenergy.com

And check this out if you’re in London 17 February:

Relentless Energy will raise the roof of the Relentless Garage, Islington once again with the fourth instalment of The Relentless Energy Sessions on 17 February from 7pm. Headline acts include Skeletons & The Empty Pockets; The Federals; The Social Club; and Hope & State. Get your tickets now for this effervescent, north vs south sound extravaganza from www.ticketweb.co.uk, or for more info visit www.rentlessgarage.com. Plus keep up to date with all things Relentless by joining The Order at www.relentlessenergy.com.

The Roxy Jess Set with its animal-inspired print and cute lace detailing makes a perfect gift this Valentine’s Day. This cute set is made from a cotton mix fabric ensuring maximum comfort all day long. Also available in the collection is the Roxy Killie Nightie, a perfect bedtime ensemble.

The Roxy Big Love necklace is the perfect way to say ‘I love you’ this Valentine’s Day. The pink heart pendant is perfectly complemented by the delicate gold chain.

Little Bag of Love
Exclusively for Valentine’s Day – these not so little bags of Limited Edition Valentine’s caramels from boutique chocolate makers Montezumas will make the perfect token of your affection for that someone special in your life!

Have a laugh with Rip Curl’s funny tee £30.

Love This
These Paul Frank iPhone cases are very cute for Valentines Day. Too cute? Surely  not! The Paul Frank Be My Valentine Silicone Case for iPhone is a perfect pres. The durable case decorated with hearts and the adorable It retails for £24.95 and is available at the Apple Store.

Cosy up in O’Neill’s Steatite Hoodie £49.99

Or get loved up with the Thaa Tee by O’Neill ¬£14.99

J’taime: French Kisses

Pull-In gets romantic with their Valentine collection. For the girls, Pull-in’s Lingerie collection mixes red lace and hearts on six cuts of ladies lingerie which can each be bought as separates and for the boys, Pull-ins large selection of laser print boxers make for the perfect Valentines gift.

Lingerie sets: from £55.00

Mens Underwear: from £24.00

Store: www.streetfusion.co.uk

An evening by candlelight is so much more romantic and these candles smell great too. Ted Shred’s pillar candles ¬£9.19 from www.orcasurf.co.uk

Put your Valentines bouquet in this handmade porcelain vase by Olivia Cassells. £36.78 from www.orcasurf.co.uk

Love these cute heart earrings! Jamie earrings by Billabong £12.

Love your money in this great looking leather wallet/clutch. The Bora by Animal £27.99

1. Health — you’re going to end up toned, fit and healthy, bursting with energy and stoke.
2. Culture — the films, art, literature, music, fashion and parties are great, and our sport has a long and fascinating history.
3. Hot men — as if we were going to miss that one out!
4. Beauty — tanned (safely!), toned, smiling, natural surf girls — what could be more gorgeous!
5. Environment — you can’t help but get an appreciation for and concern about this beautiful earth that we live on, and that can only ever be a good thing.
6. Spirit — something about being immersed in the ocean for hours and hours gives surf girls a different take on life and spirituality.
7. Fellow surfers — you will meet some amazing people, guaranteed.
8. Travel — surfers are roamers, and whether you only ever explore your own county or travel the whole globe, you’ll expand your horizons and mind.
9. Competition — if it’s your bag, you can have fun, make friends, prove yourself and earn money, if you work hard at it!
10. Attitude — surf girls are more relaxed, happy and open. Life’s problems seem better after a some time spent with Mother Ocean…

So get out there! Okay, maybe not today – it’s freeeezing and the north coast of Cornwall looks crazy, as if Poseidon has been blowdrying his hair for way too long – but there’s just nothing like the feeling a good surf gives ya!

(Thanks to Julie Rhodes for the gorgeous picture, which won our art comp last summer at the Chicks With Sticks event.)

Ready to find out your surfer boy type? Go for it! Remember, it’s just for a laugh, so if you don’t like the answer, just do it again!

By Kat Dawes