It’s a sad fact that as you get older your recovery time from injury takes longer. Surfing is a sport that can exacerbate injuries; in particular it puts pressure on your joints, muscles and back. Longboarder Becky Stanhope, fed up with a recurring back injury, turned to Shiatsu massage to help her and found out that it has more benefits than she first realised. We caught up with her to find out more about magic of Shiatsu.

So, Becky, how did you come across Shiatsu massage?
Well, like most surfers, I find the thought of being kept out of the sea though injury almost unbearable. Knowing that the surf is pumping and you’re suffering is miserable. I generally used to sit out the injury for a day or two, otherwise try and ignore it, pile on some deep heat and ibuprofen gel and get out there anyway!
My back was getting worse and a friend suggested a Shiatsu massage to help me get back in the water sooner. I booked a therapy session with Graig Sims at Samkhya Shiatsu based in Portreath, Cornwall.

Tell us a bit about Shiatsu and how it works?
Shiatsu massage therapy uses techniques such as palming, rubbing, joint mobilization and stimulation of acupressure points. Areas are identified which need to be worked on and Shiatsu massage applies pressure to these points, improving the flow of energy and unblocking and relieving tension around the body.
Shiatsu massage can be extremely beneficial for the body and, as well as helping increase flexibility and range of motion in joints, can also relieve stress, anxiety and depression, and treat anything from aches and pains to muscle tightness and back problems.

How do you feel during the treatment?
The treatment is really relaxing, unlike most other massages the treatment is given lying on a mat on the floor, wearing loose comfortable clothing. During the treatment ‘problem’ areas will be found and worked on through a variety of techniques.

How do you feel after a Shiatsu massage?
Great! I feel more balanced and energized than ever. Tired muscles feel lighter and I feel ready to get back out in the sea! Shiatsu massage definitely has a lasting beneficial effect. After the first treatment I felt a little odd the next day as the toxins were moving around my body to find their way out, this was a great indicator of how effective the treatment is. Through regular treatment I find it’s like putting my batteries on charge!

How has it helped your surfing?
After initially having Shiatsu for an injury, I started to have sessions to help prevent injury and to make myself feel better. Through Shiatsu my flexibility and energy levels are improved, which in turn helps with my surfing. Last year I competed in the British Longboard Tour and finishing third overall. Regular Shiatsu massage combined with swimming training and Pilates definitely helped with those bursts of power required in competitive surfing.

Anyone who exercises regularly should look at having some sort of treatment to their body to ensure that they are not wearing themselves out or heading towards problems. What’s great about Graig is that he is also a Reiki Master, so he has a broad understanding of the body, and where needed he can also incorporate Reiki into the personalized treatment.
For more information on Shiatsu treatments, go to www.samkhya-shiatsu.co.uk or call Graig Sims on 07825501551. Graig runs taster sessions around Cornwall, these are posted on his site and Facebook group (Samkhya Shiatsu).They are free so you can meet Graig and get a taste of what Shiatsu can do for you.

Russ gave me a lot of help with my surfing technique. It was really helpful to have him in the water with us because you got feedback straight after you’d had a wave. Also with Russ surfing around you, you pick up a lot of things just by watching the way he surfs. Russ has obviously had a lot of experience in competitive surfing, and he told us how he prepares for surfs and wins the comps! He trains hard physically and mentally and is very focused. It was a real eye opener as to how hard we would have to work to get to the same level as Russ.

Here’s a few of the tips Russ gave me – they definitely improved my surfing.

Widen your stance
One of the main things Russ would tell me was, “Laura you stand too tall!” Heaven knows how many times I heard him say it but it paid off. By the end of the trip I wasn’t standing so tall and I was feeling like, through widening my stance, I had much more control over my board.

Maximum drive
Russ was always plugging at me to put more weight on my front foot. This was so I could drive off the bottom and the top of the wave better so that I had more control through my turns – which in contests is very important as you get no points for falling off!

Extending and compressing
Extending and compressing is very important for creating speed and completing manoeuvres successfully. This was a huge fault in my surfing as I stood so tall that I had nothing to extend from as I wasn’t compressed. I had to start to really emphasise my extension and compression so I could really feel the difference. And it worked – I could feel my turns were more powerful and that I had more control over my board when in a top turn. Plus the more that I compressed when I landed moves, the lower centre of gravity I had and the better balance I had coming out of my turns.

Power turns
Russ told me to compress through my turns at the top of the wave so that I had enough power to push away from the lip or carve off the top and create a better turn. The extra power makes the turn more powerful and moves more spray – which the judges like.

Catching more waves
At the start of the trip I was holding back a little with fighting for waves as the boys on the trip seemed to be pretty dominant in the water. So I kind of sat back and waited till there was a free wave and tried to jump on that. After the first few surfs Russ could see that that’s what I was doing and he told me that I should be the one catching all the waves, “Laura you’re a girl, the worst they can do is shout at you!” He said. “They can’t hit you so get out there, flutter your eyelashes, and you’ll be on every wave going!” After this little pep talk I went back out and made friends with a few locals and then they began calling me into waves — so Russ was right once again!

Check out Laura’s website at http://www.lauracranesurfer.co.uk/

SURF

G-day Mate!
Australia is the obvious place to get some water time in during our winter, with everything from world class points to fun beach breaks, there’s plenty of variety and surfing’s pretty much the national sport over there. Most Brit surfers head straight to the Goldie, but it’s a big country and if you want to find an empty peak then head out of town. North of the Gold Coast the mid coast is a bit more laid back and rural, in the west around Margret River it’s a bit wilder with heavier surf and, if you head further north, you can have a proper uncrowded desert surfing adventure. So, decide what kind of trip you want and go for it!
www.surfing-waves.com

Island Style
Barbados is one of the coolest winter destinations. It’s got a laid back vibe, has turquoise water and empty white sand beaches. And from October to January there’s consistently good weather and waves. The south coast offers fun, rolling waves; the east coast has some heavier stuff but is pretty uncrowded, whereas the west coast, although busier, has picture perfect scenery. Head for post-surf grub at Oistins fish market for their amazing open air grills.
www.zedsurftravel.com

Lavaland
For a cheap, warm water trip during our winter head to Lanzarote. On this Canarian Island you can go from the disco paradise or hell (depending on your outlook) of Puerto Del Carmen to the more remote surfing haven of Famara in under an hour. Waves can be found on the NE, N and W coasts and vary from the super-heavy at La Santa, to the more intermediate friendly at Famara. Or if you want a bit of adventure, then catch a boat to the neighbouring island of Grasciosa. Expect fun times and good surf.
www.lanzarote.com/surf

Portugal
A classic winter getaway for Brits – although most are heading for the package tour horrors of the Algarve. For surfers, Portugal’s south-western corner lets you eke out the warmest weather that mainland Europe has to offer through the winter months. Hot spots to stay include Sagres (perfect location) and Lagos (party town), and there are plenty of options for surfing – including smaller sheltered spots on the south coast if the Atlantic facing west coast is too big. And with plenty of cheap flights to Faro, which is only a couple of hours from surfing nirvana, there really isn’t any excuse…
www.surf-experience.com

California Dreamin
Combine surfing with fun in California. When you’re in LA, it’s simple: just do everything! Check out Hollywood, take in a movie, go to a diner, and surf Malibu. If cities aren’t your thing then go south to San Clemente, it’s a charming town with good waves like Trestles and San Onofre and a great atmosphere. Or head north towards San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway, here the coastline becomes more rugged and the waves heavier. Camp out amongst the redwoods and then get in for a dawnie for a real back-to-nature experience.
www.surfingcal.com

Mellow Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is beautifully chilled out and has great waves, scrumptious food, lovely scenery and it’s very cheap. Sri Lanka gets the same swells as Indo and from November to March the southwest side of the coast is the most consistent which means heading to breaks like Hikkaduwa and Midigama. There’s a variety of mellow reefs and beach breaks along all along the coast which are good for intermediates. And you’re never sure what wildlife you’re going to bump into next – from elephants to crocodiles – it’s the full David Attenborough surf experience!
www.surfinginsrilanka.com

SNOW

For post-Olympic perfection…
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
After last year’s Winter Olympics, Whistler comes back for the 2010/11 season with all new facilities, lifts, the “Peak 2 Peak” gondola, and trails – but without the crowds and stress. Located on Canada’s northwest coast, Whistler is a snow trap with stunning trees, high class parks, an Olympic size Superpipe and long, snow-heavy seasons (it’s already been dumping since October!). If you’re brave, then venture further into British Columbia for incredible, easy access backcountry. And, if you fly into Vancouver, you can bookend your trip with a visit to Vancouver Island and immerse yourself in the high quality, but cold, breaks of Tofino, Long Beach or Jordan River.
www.whistlerblackcomb.com

For more than just snow…
La Plagne, France
La Plagne is at the heart of the Paradaski area which lives up to its name: surrounded by beautiful, chocolate box villages, La Plagne is perfect for beginners and intermediates, with mellow slopes and miles of easily accessible off piste. It’s an all round alpine heaven, with delicious local food, plus there’s the option of bobsleighing or ice climbing, or you can sleepover in an igloo, or even learn to drive your own husky driven sled.
www.La-plagne.com

Endless Powder…
Niseko, Japan
A Mecca for anyone with an addiction to freshies, the Niseko area is renowned for being drenched in the deepest ‘white gold’ you’ll ever experience. From December to May across all five resorts (Annupuri, Higashiyama, Hirafu, Hanazono and Moiwa) you can ride untracked powder until it’s all too much, and you’re crying out for a nice icy red run. Favourites include magical tree runs like Strawberry Fields and Miharashi. So, that inimitable powder-riding feeling of flying, topped off with an incredible culture fix, sushi and, of course, karaoke for afters!
www.niseko.ne.jp

Mellow park, parties & powder…
North Lake Tahoe, US
For chilled out Californian cruising you can’t beat North Lake Tahoe where there are a cluster of resorts around the stunning lake. Head to North Star to perfect your park skills on immaculately built features that grow gradually from baby sized to pro, or, on a powder day, sink into fairy like, mellow tree runs. For something more challenging you can explore the cliffs and chutes of Sugar Bowl or the steeps, trees, and natural halfpipes of Squaw.  Want more? Boreal is one big, nocturnal park for jibbers and jumpers.
www.northstarattahoe.com
www.sugarbowl.com
www.squaw.com

Cowboy bars & amazing backcountry…
Jackson Hole, US
If natural features are your forte, then J’Hole is heaven. Home to the likes of Travis Rice and Bryan Iguchi, the Teton Mountains erupt suddenly from Wyoming like a mini Chamonix, bang on the border of the beautiful Yellowstone National Park. With gondolas taking you from base to peak, and an infinite amount of routes through powder fields like Casper Bowl, natural halfpipes like Dick’s Ditch, and easy trees back to base, you can lap all day but still find something new every run. Then grab a beer and ride a bucking bronco with a cowboy after dark: in the summer many of the local ‘pros’ double up as cattle ranchers.
www.jacksonhole.com

Ride with pros and party…
Mayrhofen, Austria
Just an hour from Innsbruck by train, Mayrhofen has become the base of choice for European pros. At the bottom of the Zillertal valley (a brilliant thread of resorts), the Hof’s high altitude guarantees great snow, matched by massive open fields, intimidating steeps and pretty forests. The park is one of Europe’s best – sprinkled with fun rails and kicker lines. But be warned: they’re massive, so expect to share a chair with one of many pros practising for films or comps. It’s also a big party town, with a renowned Jager fuelled full-on après scene, and the home to Snowbombing. Good times guaranteed…
www.mayrhofen.at

• Park your car in as highly-visible a spot as possible.
• Your car is a shop window for thieving blighters. Lock it, alarm it if possible and never leave the keys on or near it!
• Don’t leave valuables on show. If there’s nothing of value in the glove box (and there really shouldn’t be!) leave it open so thieves can see there’s no point.
• Keep your keys safe. Many beaches offer a key-minding service, but your best bet is a waterproof wallet like the Ocean & Earth waterproof wallet. Space for keys, cash, asthma inhaler!
• Or provide secure storage for your keys with the Keypod.
• If you don’t have a fancy electronic key, just string it around your neck. Wetsuit and leash pockets are an option too, but slightly less secure. Or get your key cut at a key cutters so you take your non chip key in the surf.
• After your surf if you’re popping to the pub or into town keep your boards safe on your car with the Lockjaw leash plug lock.

For more tips on equipment safety and theft prevention get The Surf Girl Handbook.

Once again BUCS have teamed up with event giants Outgoing.co.uk (Snowbombing, Beach Break Live, Summer Break) to offer students a surf, accommodation and party package that will mark the start of the academic term in style!

With a cutting edge line up soon to be announced and one of the world’s largest surf competition fields, this year’s contest combines surfing with an event wrist band giving you access to exclusive club nights and world class DJs. Accommodation is all housed in the snazzy surfers village which is a mile from Newquay centre and has music venues, bars and restaurants and surf shops all on one site.

Student thrill seekers can expect to pay just £45 for three days accommodation in top of the range multi berth caravans in their very own surfer’s village. On top of this they will get a three-day party wristband giving them access to organised club nights with top DJs and live acts. 

So whether you’re into competing, partying or kicking back and enjoying some of the UKs best beaches while the water is still warm, the swell is sweet and the summer crowds have disappeared; this year’s competition has something for everyone. Not to be missed!

We’re delighted to have been asked for the third year running by the head of University sports in the UK, BUCS to bring our event experience to what we hope is going to be another great weekend of surfing and entertainment.

We will once again be creating a festival style site combining fantastic accommodation for over 1000 people, music venues, bars and restaurants and surf shops all on one site – were pretty sure it’s going to be another amazing year! Gareth Cooper, Outgoing.co.uk

“ASP International is thrilled to bring the sport of surfing to China for the first time in history,” Brodie Carr, ASP International CEO, said. “China has already served as the gracious host for several successful sporting events including the NBA, the MLB, FIFA, the Olympics, and several others, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to bring the sport of kings to the Far East. We’re also ex-tremely pleased to be entering into this endeavour with Swatch and furthering their commitment to women’s surfing around the world.”

The inaugural ASP event in China, the SWATCH GIRLS PRO China will take place in the idyllic city of Wanning on the Island of Hainan.

“The City of Wanning is delighted and proud to host the SWATCH GIRLS PRO,” Ding shijiang Mayor of Wanning said. “It’s the first ever international surfing event in China, and the city will do its best to make it a success.”

This will mark the second partnership between women’s surfing and Swatch as they already sponsor the Swatch Girls Pro France, an ASP 6-Star women’s event.

“The Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai shows the importance of China and Art for the Swatch Group and for the Swatch brand,” Arlette-Elsa Emch, President of Swatch said. “Art is one of the three pillars of Swatch, along with Fashion and Sport. Emotions are a big part of all three pillars. Swatch is de-lighted to return to the island of Hainan. After being present with the Swatch Beach Volleyball World Tour events, we’re very excited to see the best Long-board female surfers competing in Wanning.”

The SWATCH GIRLS PRO China hosted by Wanning will take place on the Isl-and of Hainan from October 26 – 30, 2011.

For more information, visit www.swatchgirlspro.com

I am two weeks into a month here in Hossegor and loving the fact that everyday bikini surfing is so amazing. A lot of French tourists have gone back to school so the sea is a little less busy . The waves have been really consistent 2/3 foot most days with some big days too. I have been surfing with Spain’s Lucia Martino and she is surfing excepionally well!

I’m with my family. My mum is enjoying the sun and the swimming pool and my dad and I have been doing lots of cycling from 30 miles to 60miles in between the surfing. I’m training quite hard at the moment so lots of dawn surfs to get as much training as possible and early nights!

My little brother is also having a brilliant time he is loving the fun waves on his new surfboard and he loves tearing around the campsite on his bike and skateboard. Arron is with us too loving all the French food and and loving the waves and weather. I have the best tan out of all of them even though they all hate to admit it.

I can’t say I’m missing the British summer! I have checked the surf cams a few time for Croyde and seen that there has been a few rainy days so I think I will be trying to persuade mum and dad to not take me home at the end of the month.

Finishing school couldn’t have come at a better time I have done all my GCSE’S which were not as stressful as I thought they were going to be. I have had a lot of support with my studies from my school they  have been really supportive through out my surfing and school life, what  with going on lots of trips, training and modeling shoots so a big thanks to them.

Having just left school I have decided to put college on hold in September  as I have just been signed by  Models1 -  Europe’s leading model agency, so I will be doing some modeling, surfing and  traveling quite  a bit. I have been planning the next stage of my new found freedom for a while, I have some very exciting things in the pipeline and a brand new website just about to be launched so watch this space….

Love Laura xx

Building a home in Nicaragua blog post :
http://hipehabitat.com/2011/08/08/building-a-cabana-in-nicaragua-eucalyptus-posts/

Shopping for Eucalyptus posts in Nicaragua :

I finished up two more successful Suave Dulce retreats. See below for highlight videos (the first is more silliness and lifestyle, the second is more surfing):

Suave Dulce Learn to Surf, Yoga, Adventure Highlights :

Suave Dulce Surf Coaching Session Highlights:

In between it all I scored some waves myself captured with my GoPro camera:

In September i’ll be in El Salvador helping Surf for Life to build a high school. More fundraising is needed and for $5 donated you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a custom Danny Hess surfboard! All the info is available here: http://www.surfforlife.org/

I hope your summer is going well!

Holly