Surf Safari Part II - Surfing with Rayzza Rubble

Nadja Revnik: Mr. Rubble, thank you for taking over the surf beach tour...do you think you can keep Mr. Haldermans standards?
Rayzza Rubble: Noo, he's a bit more techy than me.
First stop is Tai
Nadja Revnik: Well, do your best for my readers then and maybe you are more competent on the sexy fem surfers in the Chai team?
Rayzza Rubble: Am good with them...one owner is an aussie, then there's Desi , she's german...both nice :)
Nadja Revnik: Ah, another german girl (like me). Tell my male readers, is one of them single? And as well sexy?
Rayzza Rubble: Yes, one of SL's top surfers, too.
Nadja Revnik: Well, in case those are not into girls ;-)
Rayzza Rubble: Umm, they bat for the rong team for us blokes.
Nadja Revnik: ???  In normal English please?
Rayzza Rubble: Leso's.
Nadja Revnik: Both?
Rayzza Rubble: Yes, they are partners.
Nadja Revnik: Oh and taken as well..sigh.
Nadja Revnik: So it's a Cortes and Fluffys here? Talking about waves again...can't gossip all day long ;-)

Rayzza Rubble: Yes! This cortez was the first one in SL. We had the first ever cortez surf comp here.

Nadja Revnik: What's special about surfing fluffies?
Rayzza Rubble: They are hard to ride. Easy to fall of the wave. I enjoy them.
/comment Meanwhile I learned my lessons about fluffies trying to surf those...well known surfer VW gave me a lecture when they were on at Vibes Beach and it took me a while to get those. So, really a challenge!
Nadja Revnik: So is this the beach of any team?
Rayzza Rubble: Not that I know off.
Nadja Revnik: Ok. A public then.
Rayzza Rubble: I've not been a fan of teams, but joined Reef Riders to get Jordan back in the water only this last season.
/comment Reef Riders home can be found at Bundoran Reef.

Rayzza Rubble: Ok, on to Chi.

Rayzza Rubble: The SLSA has a comp here or next door each season.
Nadja Revnik: So, tell me about the waves.
Rayzza Rubble: Here we have pipes and fluffies. I find the pipes hardest of the lot, but that's personal.
Nadja Revnik: And is this a team beach?
Rayzza Rubble: Maybe for team Chi, I'm not sure. I don't keep up with teams.
Nadja Revnik: Those clouds are funny...its a sphere off sim. Haven't seen those before.

Rayzza Rubble: Yes, its a huge skybox.
Nadja Revnik: Reminds me of The Trueman Show ;-)
Rayzza Rubble: Ok, let me show you what's up in the sky.

Nadja Revnik: Funny.
Rayzza Rubble: Every SSI board ever made on display is here.

Nadja Revnik: SSI?
Rayzza Rubble: It's the only brand board that is allowed in the SLSA surf comps.
Nadja Revnik: What means SSI in long?
Rayzza Rubble: Surf Systems Inc.
Nadja Revnik: Ok.

Nadja Revnik: So, where to now, Mr. Rubble? Is there something the world waits to see..a hidden paradise? Dream of any girls...free massages after surfing?
Rayzza Rubble: You got warm toes??
Nadja Revnik: Not really, want to tp to Monkey Beach? ;-P
/comment Our landlord is the best in world, but for my taste he enjoys winter too much and invited snow to the main beach in the Xmas season. ;-) Brrrrrrr....
Rayzza Rubble: No! Gonna take you to a winter surf spot.
Nadja Revnik: Uhoh...
Rayzza Rubble: See if it's still there, sure it is.

Playa Sol Mananero - Winter SOLstice

Nadja Revnik: Omy, its freezing. Can i be afk for 2 to get a tea?
Nadja Revnik: Polar lights even!
Rayzza Rubble: As well whales and seals!
Nadja Revnik: It sure is special, even if very cold!
Rayzza Rubble: It is very nice here!
Nadja Revnik: Who's is it?
Rayzza Rubble: It belongs to Jac and Sunhine.
Nadja Revnik: Is it winter here all the time?
Rayzza Rubble: I've only found this recently and was being transformed last time I was here. the water is too cold for me.
Nadja Revnik: Heh, I bet. Chicken! ;-P I hate snow but this sim is beautiful. They did a really great job.
Rayzza Rubble: Yes, is amazing.

Rayzza Rubble: There are more surf sims these are just a few. But def the best.
Nadja Revnik: Mr. Rubble you might have something in your pockets the seals freak out..listen to their noises.Rayzza Rubble: Beats chest!!!
Nadja Revnik: Heeeelp...
Rayzza Rubble: Oohh ohh ahh ahh!!
Rayzza Rubble: Got any spare nanas??
Nadja Revnik: Time to go home to the Monkeys? ;-P
Rayzza Rubble: Hhehehee.
Nadja Revnik: Prolly frozen bananas at the beach.
Rayzza Rubble: Yeah, snow does that.
Nadja Revnik: Well, Mr. Rubble thanks for the second tour part you joined in. I will go on another day when I recovered from being tpsick.

Meeting well known Aussie Rayzza Rubble - Surf Safari & Interview Part 2

Nadja Revnik: Welcome Mr. Rubble! How long do you surf already in Second Life?
Rayzza Rubble: Since day 3, I met an aussie girl at (now sunken) Pondi Beach, Siouxe, she showed me you could ride waves in SL.
Nadja Revnik: Day three of your existence?
Rayzza Rubble: By day 3 I'd found Monkey Cove and never left.
Nadja Revnik: Let me check how old are you!? 1034 days, wow! About my age then...
Rayzza Rubble: Good vintage..lol.
Nadja Revnik: So it was 1031 days ago?
Rayzza Rubble: Yes, it was!Nadja Revnik: What kept you surfing for such a long time?
Rayzza Rubble: I surf in RL and like the laid back atmosphere here at the cove.
/comment with cove he refers to Monkey Cove!
Nadja Revnik: Yei, I understand that very well.Rayzza Rubble: It is nice and quiet here most of the time.
Nadja Revnik: And what makes surfing as a sport in SL special? Is there something that fascinates you in particular?Rayzza Rubble: I just do it for fun. A lot of the surfers that compete are really serious about it, but not me. Surf comps to me are about getting together with your friends for a day at the beach, having fun and laugh. I dont care, if I win or loose. It's about comaraderie:
Nadja Revnik: So it's mostly a community thing why you surf?
Rayzza Rubble: Yes!
Nadja Revnik: ;-)
Rayzza Rubble: Not to many weirdos surf...
Nadja Revnik: I heard someone say, taking a wave in SL feels similar to taking a wave in RL..he feels the thrill surfing here...is it something that you feel as well?
Rayzza Rubble: Not really, my arms don't ache from paddeling in SL, and it can be snowing and I don't need to pee in my wetsuit to stay warm...lol.
Nadja Revnik: Lol...You do that in RL?
Rayzza Rubble: If u got to go, you got to go!
Nadja Revnik: ;-) I never thought about that aspect ;-P
Rayzza Rubble: 99% of surfers have peed in their wetsuits...FACT!!!
Nadja Revnik: Ack...
/Comment /note never borrow a wetsuit if start surfing in rl
Rayzza Rubble: I rinse my wetsuits after every surf in fresh water.
Nadja Revnik: Ok, but I will always think about that now :-P.Rayzza Rubble: Lol.
Nadja Revnik: Well, you already answered one of my questions...you surf in RL as well!?
Rayzza Rubble: Yes, I do! I ride longboards in RL, nothing under 9 ft long.
Nadja Revnik: Why do you think people engage in sports in SL in general?
Rayzza Rubble: It's a good way to meet peeps and you find friends for life, good friends.
Nadja Revnik: I like the surf culture, but to be honest, I'm far too lazy to surf much nowadays in SL. I did a few textures for boards. Doing more of that would be more interesting then surfing itself, but I for sure like the people on surf sims.
Rayzza Rubble: Yeah, they are pretty easy maintence surfers, just give em a wave and they are happy. I enjoy designing boards as well.
Nadja Revnik: Lol. But there's a difference between Tuli/Mori and Monkey, I found out already. It's even more friendly here. What would you say makes Monkey special and outstanding before other surf sims?
Rayzza Rubble: It is! It's a nice place! Well, we got the best landlord in SL I think here at the cove. Syx is the BEST!
Nadja Revnik: Are you engaged in any organisations surf related?
Rayzza Rubble: I am the director of the Australian Surf Association (ASA).
Rayzza Rubble: I also just opened up Pray 4 Surf, a surf company. Making surfwear and some really cool boards for comp surfers.

Pray 4 Surf @ Monkey Paw

Nadja Revnik: What's a directors job?
Rayzza Rubble: Head honcho...lol...organise comps parties ect...delegate...lol.
Nadja Revnik: Parties, eh ? ;-PRayzza Rubble: Yeah, the ASA was formed for us aussies, so we can have comps in our time zone. Not having to get up at 4 am to surf a SLSA comp is heaven for us ausies.
Nadja Revnik: Is the ASA a competition to the SLSA?
Rayzza Rubble: No, it's like it's lil bro. They help us alot, the SLSA, although we don't have all the red tape and rules and regulations. It's more a fun thing for us.Nadja Revnik: Nice!
Rayzza Rubble: I have noticed it's a whole different vibe, the aussie comps. Mainly cause we just want to have fun and carry on like lil kids at the beach.

Little kids playing at the beach ;-)

Don't miss the next blog report, where Rayzza Rubble will tell us about three famous surf spots of his choice.

Surf Safari Part 1 - Abel Haldermans Top Three

After I interviewed Mr. Halderman I dressed up properly surf style, fixed hair and make up and we went together on a short surf safari.

Nadja Revnik: Today Mr. Haldermann joins us on a trip around the world to different surf spots. Welcome Mr. Haldermann!
Abel Halderman: Thank you Ms. Revnik.
Abel Halderman: We are at the Archipealgo beach.

/comment Even if Mr. Halderman does not know how to spell my name he is an expert on surfing in SL - so lets see what he gets outa his pockets tonight ;-)

Abel Halderman: This beach belongs to the SL Surfing Association. We first rented it around October 2009. Since then it has been a home beach to the SLSA. We held 2 surf competitions here.
Nadja Revnik: That's over a year..indeed already a long time for SL.
Abel Halderman: In SL yes. But thanks to our surfers the beach is doing financially very well right now.
Nadja Revnik: No one drowned here since now?
Abel Halderman: There were some missing people here. But we figure they just crashed.
Nadja Revnik: Heh.
Nadja Revnik: Let's donate a dime then.
Abel Halderman: Hehe. Thank you!
Nadja Revnik: Are here life guards around?
Abel Halderman: No, sorry! But this is a wild beach in many ways.

Nadja Revnik: The waves look pretty wild.
Abel Halderman: Well...
Nadja Revnik: Haven't seen such anywhere else by now.
Abel Halderman: This wave is very unique. Perhaps you have seen it on the login screen in your SL viewer. It was created by leogarto Burt. A brazilian association owner.
Nadja Revnik: Is he sexy?...that might be a question female readers are interested in ;)
Abel Halderman: It is one of the first sculpted waves in SL. I think the first actually. Is he sexy...Hmm...one sec
Abel Halderman: [11:22]  Abel Halderman: Is leogarto Burt sexy?
Abel Halderman: [11:22]  Jane Doe: I dont think so!
Nadja Revnik: lol
Nadja Revnik: Is it difficult to surf - as it is not one single sculpt?
Abel Halderman: The wave is very old and most probably not perfect. Yet, it is a piece of history.
Nadja Revnik: Is the problem in surfing that wave the different parts it has?
Abel Halderman: It is more about the pushed wave that is the invisible part. It is what pushes the board. So yes it may be a problem for some.
Nadja Revnik: Ah...that's always invisible behind each waves?
Abel Halderman: Yes, almost always. There is an exception though.
Nadja Revnik: Let's have a look in the hall of fame Mr. Halderman as we're already here.

Abel Halderman: Sure, follow me please. The SLSA Hall of Fame is a place where people that have done the most for the surf community have their plaques. There are the SLSA founders here, best surfers and people who the surfing community chose to be inducted. Season winners, SLSA founders and creators of SL surfing, the two on the top..Seb and Heather...created the first SL boards and waves. Here are mostly people inducted by the surfers or nominated by the surfers and voted by the HoF members and directors.
Nadja Revnik: Oh and you are there as well ;-)
Abel Halderman: Almost all most deserving it. Perhaps except for me.
/comment Understatement of a gentleman...
Abel Halderman: This place is a symbol of excelency in surfing and working for the surf community.
Two tops surfers each season are inducted automatically. The other two surfers are nominated by the members and voted by the HoF (Hall of Fame) members and SLSA directors. The building itself..was created by Syx Toshi, who won the SLSA contest for the new SLSA HoF building design.
Nadja Revnik: Some names i know well, others I never heared.

Abel Halderman: Well, some of the people are long gone. This is where we keep the memory of them.
Nadja Revnik: The waves took them? They drowned here?
Abel Halderman: One of them died in RL.
Nadja Revnik: Uh :-(  By surf?
Abel Halderman: Thos Bishop. No, not when surfing. He was sick in RL. He is remembered by many surfers in the SLSA. He is a legend. He died in 2008.

Nadja Revnik: Well for now we have some beaches to go to ;-)
Abel Halderman: Yes! Next one is the Vibes team beach.
Nadja Revnik: One I know! But lets go with expertise today ;-)
Abel Halderman: I'll tell you a story about the Vibes beach. Ok first generally...In 2007 when I joined the SLSA VW Sands and Lissa Pinion..todays Hall of Fame members..had a beach. It was Majini. It is also a legendary spot.
Nadja Revnik: My first surf spot.
Abel Halderman: And it was the first surf spot for many surfers. It was a real surf central if you know what I mean.
Nadja Revnik: Yep!
Abel Halderman: Everybody loved it because of its atmosphere and the people there. Many miss it - event till now!
Nadja Revnik: Yes, i liked it there as well! VW was the first surfer I knew.
Abel Halderman: Then Maji had to go. We all cried about it, but soon after it was gone...VW and Lissa got a new beach and that was because the SL surfers donated enough money to buy two brand new full sims. This deck...has the surfers names on it. But times were hard and also Tuli and Mori had to go.
Nadja Revnik: Tell me about it. I lost my home.
Abel Halderman: I did, too! This is the only live piece of Majini we have here. It belongs to the Vibrations Surf Team and they are proud of it and the rest of the surfers happy for them too. As you see the deck is still here and it is a symbol of the group effort.
Nadja Revnik: The wave here..it seems to be hip nowadays.
Abel Halderman: The wave is the Cortes made by Sebastian Saramago...we "met" him in the HoF building. Some love the wave, some not so much, but you gotta admitt... it is the best looking wave around.
Nadja Revnik: Is that waves - which I btw still only see in grey - so great to surf the rezzing effort is worth?
Abel Halderman: I love it!
Nadja Revnik: When it's rezzed after an hour or so it might look nice ;-P
Abel Halderman:  Well, of course having waves at homestead sims causes issues sometimes but most of the surf sims we have right now are HS. So this was the Vibes Surf Team beach.
Nadja Revnik: Picking next destination?
Abel Halderman: You know Tsunami Beach?
Nadja Revnik: Yes, lets go there!
Abel Halderman: Ok.
Nadja Revnik: Mr. Halderman now I get afraid...do we have to think about drowning in a Tsunami here?
Abel Halderman: Hehe, no. It's all safe ;-)
Tsunami Beach was created back in 2008. Since then it has however changed its location. This sim has a double Cortes wave and one LSD wave. Also a few shops on the neighbor sim. It is a home of the Tsunami Surf Team.

Nadja Revnik: LSD is the single one there?
Abel Halderman: LSD has the single one here, yes.
Nadja Revnik: What does LSD stand for? The drug? You get high from surfing on it? ;-)
Abel Halderman: Luscious Starship Designs
Nadja Revnik: Uhoh...is he an addict? ;-P
Abel Halderman: It's a she! And I don't think she is. ;-)
Nadja Revnik: Well, we hope the best for her. ;-)
Abel Halderman: Hehe.
Nadja Revnik: Our male readers might wanna know..is she sexy?
Abel Halderman: Just my opinion but I think she is. ;-)
/comment I hope just married Mrs. Halderman is not freaking out by that ;-)
Nadja Revnik: Don't tell you dated her? ;-)
Abel Halderman: No, I never have!
Nadja Revnik: Well, shall we set up this interview for getting you a date? ;-P
Abel Halderman: Haha, nooo - no dating in SL!
/comment see above....so much about no dating in SL....
Abel Halderman: Would you like to see the clubhouse?
Nadja Revnik: The LSD wave did not rezz yet, but clubhouse is on the same sim?
Abel Halderman: Yes, it is.

Abel Halderman: Tsunami is one of the oldest teams right now along with Reef Riders and Vibrations, and probably another one or two.
Nadja Revnik: You told you are in it, eh?
Abel Halderman: Yes, I am. It was founded back in 2008. These show cases belong to the Tsunami surfers. Some of them keep their trophies in there, some rezz picures of other things they are emotionally attached to.

Nadja Revnik: Oh, Syx Toshi is Tsunami surfer as well?
/comment Syx Toshi: Lead Monkey and owner of the famous Monkey Surf Paradise.
Abel Halderman: Yes he is. He has not competed yet tho.
Nadja Revnik: There is no team Monkey?
Abel Halderman: As for now I don't think there is. Syx is a supporter to the team and generally to surfing. Love the guy. He has organized some of the best competitions ever.
Nadja Revnik: Hot chicks on the wall as well!
Abel Halderman: Oh! What can I say: we like beauty I guess...lol.
Nadja Revnik: Well, well...
Abel Halderman: Some of the surf legends are here too: Pova Rustamova for example. 2008 Season 1 champion. Then Wilfrid DeCuir 2008 Season 2 Champion.
Nadja Revnik: Well thanks for tour to your three favorite surf locations....

SL Surf Association Valentin Intermezzo

Tonight I met MaryAnn Maa at the Archipelago (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Archipelago/202/126/22), who is the Second Life Surf Association (SLSA) Host. We talked about how the SLSA finances its surf beach and the Hall of Fame. Actual a valentine date auction is on and there are 7 more days left to bid on hot surf chicks and guys. I recommend to have a look and support the SLSA by bidding on a date. I myself did a last minute entry to it, will research Valentins day and its possibilities in Second Life and chill afterwards as a reward with my date. As well I hope it's someone creative, whom I could make a cowriter or photographer for the article about that event. ;-)

Nadja Revnik: What's the work of an SLSA host? You arn't one of the five directors?
MaryAnn Maa: No, I'm not in management at all, my job is to think up ways to earn the sim tiers for the Archipelago: Home of the Hall of Fame and some great surfing,
SLSA also has parties and  Awards ceremonys here. A Surfing Class too ;-)
/comment My last interview partner Abel Halderman is one of the surf teachers. And guess what...he's on the auction board as well.
Nadja Revnik: Did you get chosen by vote or took the job?
MaryAnn Maa: My wonderful friend Colleen Brennan suggested me for the job.
MaryAnn Maa: This is the second auction I have done for them...
/comment She means the SLSA, which she actually wanted to mention a bit more often then done Nadja Revnik: So you are the host for a certain time or since you will get old and grey ;-)?
/comment What for sure will never happen in SL. ;-P
MaryAnn Maa: Hummm, good question, ha ha.
MaryAnn Maa: If they ask me, I do it ..
Nadja Revnik: Are you the first SLSA host?
MaryAnn Maa: Officially maybe, in this fund raising position.
Nadja Revnik: So auctions are one part of fundraising. What else dod you do for that?
MaryAnn Maa: They have events to raise money.
MaryAnn Maa: I have thrown a few parties here, special occasions, dancing entertainers, some fun times.
MaryAnn Maa: I decorated the sim for a halloween ball.
Nadja Revnik: Ok, in general all entertaining things. ;-)
MaryAnn Maa: What ever they let me do or I can sneak in.
/comment We won't imagine what she thoughts of and wasn't allowed to do there already ;-)
Nadja Revnik: Heh.
MaryAnn Maa: lol
Nadja Revnik: When did the valentine auction start off. Wasn't it pretty early?
MaryAnn Maa: Yes, started very early, 3 weeks ago.
Nadja Revnik: And did you have to push the volunteers or did they do it by free will. ;-)
MaryAnn Maa: Bid's seems to come in, in bunches, slow that wham flooded.
MaryAnn Maa: I did a bit of begging, but we have such great people in the surfing community, so was not too hard getting people to offer themselves as a date.
Nadja Revnik: Astonishing more female than male people applied. You have any reason for that?
MaryAnn Maa: Not really sure, but I will say this: the women know how to bid , war's. lolol
MaryAnn Maa: The men are a bit shy!
/comment Wake up MEN! ;-)
Nadja Revnik: lol
MaryAnn Maa: Worried they wont get bid on.
MaryAnn Maa: And we have some very nice looking men and women on the boards.
Nadja Revnik: I see Milo Voss has the highest bid of all with 10.500 L$...wow....can you tell what makes him so expensive?
/comment That's more than double my rent.
MaryAnn Maa: He said he was buying calogne..............have not been close enough to give him a sniff.
Nadja Revnik: Heh.
MaryAnn Maa: We will have to ask the highest bidder that one, I better add ...
MaryAnn Maa: I think everyone would be a good sport about going out with winners. The dats is 2 hours long and should be PG rated, after the 2 hours, SLSA is not responsible.
Nadja Revnik: lol
MaryAnn Maa: We have 2 dogs up there........!  That says it all. lol
Nadja Revnik: ack i wont imagine
Nadja Revnik: Well i see in Milos profile his skills are kissing...might have attracted someone.
MaryAnn Maa: Pucker Power! Hummmmmm. Maybe that and the cologne.
Nadja Revnik: Did Juna change his picture to raise bids?
MaryAnn Maa: Who cares,  it's nice to look at...Omg dont write that! haha
/comment Sorry ;-) I thought it's good promotion ;_)
Nadja Revnik: Some totally unknown chicks on the board as well.
Nadja Revnik: Looseleaf resident for example....
MaryAnn Maa: The photos are very easy on the eyes, I tend to dillydally here after working.
Nadja Revnik: heh
MaryAnn Maa: Yes, all will have bids. We have some high bids and we hope everyone has a chance to bid within  their means.
MaryAnn Maa: I think we have 4 ladies and 1 man needing  bids. Not bad! And a week left.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Archipelago/202/126/22
Nadja Revnik: And what about you? ;-) Did you already place a bid?
MaryAnn Maa: Yes i did......
MaryAnn Maa: I went for the puppy dog Surf Rang.
Nadja Revnik: Oh, I thought that was the skeleton you Bid on there. ;_)
Nadja Revnik: lol
MaryAnn Maa: Last auction he offered dumpster diving, this date chasing cats.
Nadja Revnik: Chasing cats sounds fun....thought about special ones?
MaryAnn Maa: The puppy in the picture, I think is eyeing the bones.  ;-)
MaryAnn Maa: Maybe a visit to Zooby and chase em all.
Nadja Revnik: Heh.
MaryAnn Maa: lol
Nadja Revnik: And do all dates have happen on SL monday exactly? How do people arrange with time zones?
MaryAnn Maa: No, bidder and date, I will notify each, then it is up to them to make the actual dating time.
Nadja Revnik: Ok, I'm very curious, what people will tell after their dates. ;-)
MaryAnn Maa: Auctions ends Sunday Feb 13th at noon SLT. I will notify everyone with in the next day or so.
MaryAnn Maa: I did remember to mention SLSA?  haha
Nadja Revnik: Heh. Now you did ;-)

So what are you waiting for........your next tp stop should be:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Archipelago/202/126/22

Meeting Mr. Halderman - Surfing in SL & the SLSA

I met Abel Halderman - director of the SLSA and team member of Tsunami - to learn more about reasons to surf pro surfing in Second Life. I surf myself since 2009, but I'm still an amateur. That's why I tried to understand how pro surfing is organized in Second Life. As well I took a trip to different Surf spots with Mr. Halderman, who could tell lots of stories about those. I will write about that one in the next post.

Mr. Halderman, how long have you surfed in sl?
Abel Halderman: It's December 2010 now...
/comment Yes, I am late with publishing, but started research early ;-)
Abel Halderman: Hmm...
Abel Halderman: It must have been 3 years since I started.
Abel Halderman: It was kind of different back then.
Nadja Revnik: In what way?
Abel Halderman: Well...
/comment as you will find out...one of his favorite words ;-)
Abel Halderman: First of all it was all new to me.
Abel Halderman: When I first surfed the Epic...
Abel Halderman: I just loved the sound it made.
Abel Halderman: It was all just a new experience.
Nadja Revnik: ;-)
Abel Halderman: And of course we had only three kinds of waves.
Nadja Revnik: Which ones?
Abel Halderman: None of them were sculpted.
Abel Halderman: It was pipeline, fluffy and epic.
Nadja Revnik: Was Majini there already those days?
/comment Majini - a loved and lost surfspot where many pros started their carrier.
Abel Halderman: Yes.
Abel Halderman: Majini was the surf central.
Nadja Revnik: I started there as well, but never became more than an amateur ;-)
Abel Halderman: Everybody surfed there.
Abel Halderman: hehe
Abel Halderman: And that was the place where I competed for the very first time.
Nadja Revnik: Why do you ride in competitions?
Abel Halderman: Oh, I haven't for a while.
Abel Halderman: Just had my season off.
Abel Halderman: Generally...
Abel Halderman: I think for me there are a few resons:
Abel Halderman: I do it for fun.
Abel Halderman: My fun comes from seeing friends, competing... the thrill that comes with it.
Abel Halderman: And I do it for the party waves :-)
Nadja Revnik: heh
/comment the interviewer likes to laugh
Abel Halderman: Ok, and I like to represent my team.
Abel Halderman: ;-)
Nadja Revnik: Was the community much different in earlier days?
Nadja Revnik: What's your team btw?
Abel Halderman: Tsunami
Nadja Revnik: Ah...
Abel Halderman: So much has changed since then:
Abel Halderman: waves, boards, beaches.
Abel Halderman: A lot of people have disapeared from SL.
Abel Halderman: Some stayed.
Abel Halderman: Was it different though?
Abel Halderman: Hmm...
/comment I could see heavy wrinkles at that time on Mr. Haldermans youthful avatar skin ;-)
Abel Halderman: Objectively, not really
Nadja Revnik: And why did you start surfing those days? Special occasion?
Abel Halderman: This is a funny part.
Abel Halderman: Originally I was an art gallery owner...
Abel Halderman: or manager.
Nadja Revnik: Ah, me once, too.
Abel Halderman: Around Christmas 2007 I was looking for a perfect gift for my friend.
Abel Halderman: And I thought...
Abel Halderman: how about a surfboard?
Nadja Revnik: sl gf?
/comment I just asked this, cause prolly all female readers would be interested to know, maybe most likely his recent fiance ;-)
Abel Halderman: I knew she liked surfing.
Abel Halderman: Let's say a female friend.
Abel Halderman: Details aside ;-)
Abel Halderman: Anyway...
Nadja Revnik: heh
Abel Halderman: how do I get a surfboard that she would like?
Abel Halderman: I mean with a texture I would choose?
Abel Halderman: That is how I met Sebastian Saramago...
Abel Halderman: the guy who basically created SL surfing
Nadja Revnik: ah ;-)
Abel Halderman: along with Heather Goodliffe.
Abel Halderman: So I met Seb and he made a beautiful board for me.
Abel Halderman: I may still have some pictures.
Abel Halderman: If you visit the SLSA Hall of Fame...
Abel Halderman: and find Sebastian Saramago's plague...
Abel Halderman: the board's image is in the picture.
Abel Halderman: :-)
Abel Halderman: Cherry blossom one.
Abel Halderman: So..
Abel Halderman: I think a few days later I met Seb at some beach
Abel Halderman: and he gave me my first surfboard.
Abel Halderman: I still love that board.
Abel Halderman: Da Cat I think was the name..
Abel Halderman: and we surfed for a while.
Abel Halderman: I think that was the moment when I got addicted.
Abel Halderman: hehe
Abel Halderman: But it's taken me a long time to learn how to surf.
Nadja Revnik: Do you surf in rl as well?
Abel Halderman: I tired...
Nadja Revnik: in your youth? ,-P
Abel Halderman: but I am really bad at that
Abel Halderman: LOL!
Abel Halderman: hey
Nadja Revnik: heh
Abel Halderman: I'm only 31!
/comment youth is relative ;-)
Abel Halderman: ROFL
Nadja Revnik: oh heh
Nadja Revnik: I'm in an ageless zone today I guess.
Abel Halderman: lol
Nadja Revnik: What makes surfing in SL special for you?
Abel Halderman: In comparision to other SL activities?
Nadja Revnik: mh
Nadja Revnik: Good question.
Nadja Revnik: More in general.
Abel Halderman: I guess I could as well be a simboarder or a sailor on here.
Abel Halderman: Generally it's the atmosphere
Abel Halderman: and the people.
Abel Halderman: Like I said I really ended up in the surfing community by accident.
Abel Halderman: What made me stay?
Abel Halderman: First I wanted to learn how to surf
Abel Halderman: cos it was darn difficult for me.
Abel Halderman: Then I met the people.
Abel Halderman: So I guess the answer would be: the surfers
Abel Halderman: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sebsaramago/2201537716/in/set-72157603712541515/
Abel Halderman: That is Seb's HoF picture...
Abel Halderman: with a tiny image of the cherry blossom board Seb made for me.
Nadja Revnik: You are director of the SLSA atm?
Abel Halderman: There are 5 directors in the SLSA at the same time
/comment I forgot to ask about the yearly income...sorry ;-)
Nadja Revnik: What's your job there?
Abel Halderman: Well...
Abel Halderman: the SLSA is about two things mostly:
Abel Halderman: organizing competitions,
Abel Halderman: and promoting surfing in SL.
Abel Halderman: In general that is a director's job.
Abel Halderman: Specifically...
Nadja Revnik: So thats why you teach?
Abel Halderman: I think I have already done everything in the SLSA.
Abel Halderman: Well...
Abel Halderman: I am performing a role of the Human Resources Officer on the SLSA Board of Directors...
Abel Halderman: which primarily is about recruiting and training competition officers.
Abel Halderman: But...
Abel Halderman: I kind of extended the role to training new surfers...
Abel Halderman: cos I simply like doing it.
Nadja Revnik: Can i join a lecture..maybe it keeps me away from being lazy.
Abel Halderman: hehe
Abel Halderman: Sure.
Abel Halderman: But it's not a lecture.
Abel Halderman: Well, maybe in part it is...
Abel Halderman: especially basic level classes.
Abel Halderman: Gotta know what you're doing before you start doing it.
/comment was this a hint on my surfing qualities? ;-)
Abel Halderman: ;-)
Nadja Revnik: I try knowing what I'm doing ;-)
Abel Halderman: There are no regular days and times.
Abel Halderman: lol
Abel Halderman: Kantbe Thursday, who is also a SLSA Director and Communication Officer, announced the classes via the group, SL events, website.
Abel Halderman: So it's hard to miss them :-)
Nadja Revnik: Which group?
Abel Halderman: SL Surfing Association
Nadja Revnik: The last formal question for the interview:
Nadja Revnik: why do you think people engage in sports in SL in general?
Abel Halderman: Well...
Abel Halderman: I think everybody has their own reasons.
Abel Halderman: Surfing?
Nadja Revnik: I want yours.
Abel Halderman: Often people just can't do it in RL.
Abel Halderman: That's why they do it in SL...
Abel Halderman: so I guess it is a substitute of a RL experience for them.
Abel Halderman: Other people just want to meet a lot of new friends interested in the same thing...
Abel Halderman: or be in a huge community of surfers, sailors, racers etc.
Abel Halderman: Ok, and for some it is an arcade game, too.

Nadja Revnik: Thank you for the interview Mr. Halderman ;-)

Up next: surf safari with Mr. Halderman...don't miss to read about famous surf spots and their history!

Finally......SPORTS in Second Life

When I was looking for a new topic to write about, I was thinking: I need to find something absurd again. Something which is not really useful. Back then I thought that doing sports in Second Life - especially in the meaning of working out - makes totally no sense as our clicker just need to pull some controller to get us in shape. Related to buidling up muscles I probably was right. Even if I once read an article about loosing weight and building up muscles by imagining to work out only. Well, I have my doubts about that. But I can truely say, I changed my mind about sports in Second Life. Going in for sports in Second Life makes sense, even if it seems to be absurd at first glance. Mostly it seems to be a community thing. But there are lonely riders as well, finding their pleasure and meaning for their Second Lifes in sports.

I will start my report on sports in SL with surfing. Surfing is a trend sport. According to Prahl (the real world guy I talked about earlier) trend sports are used as a parallel dimension at first and that way get attractive for company grouping, who think themselves as innovative, searching or redlined. With trend sports life style could be demonstrated and technical preferences can be sampled. Later on even those new trend sports get institutionalizationed with own rules and standards, organizations and competitions. Its a balance between the two poles fun and performance.

To find out about surfing in SL I did some interviews with surf professionals. As I live on surf sims for a while those were easy to find and I had a fun time travelling surf spots as well. The next days you can read the first part: an interview and travel guide with Abel Halderman, director of the SLSA and team member of Tsunami - yes surfing in SL is institutionalized already ;-).

Winner Vacationist relaxed from holiday at Monkey

I am happy to report Kristen Wryden, the winner of hour xmas contest, enjoyed her vacation at Monkey and pleased to publish some photos she took.