The Cove, Academy Award Winner for Best Documentary 2010, exposes the slaughter of more than 20,000 dolphins and porpoises off the coast of Japan every year, and how their meat, containing toxic levels of mercury, is being sold as food in Japan and other parts of Asia, often labeled as whale meat. The majority of the world is not aware this is happening…

Join us for a night of awareness to help educate and spread the word about the dolphin slaughter and the poisoned dolphin meat.

Come down to Manly and enjoy the night with great music, an inspiring film and several prizes to be given away.

Where: Manly Cinemas: 25/43-45 E Esplanade Manly NSW 2095

When: Wednesday August 11th 2010

Time: 8.30pm – Live Music by Kym Campbell
9.00pm – Movie screening, The Cove

Tickets: include a ticket into the prize draw (you have to be there to win)
$15 pre paid
$20 at the door

To buy tickets: Call Ashley on 0412 818 316 (limited tickets) or come down on the night and buy tickets at the door from 8pm.

You can get involved and TakePart in putting an end to the slaughter of doplins for good. If you want to keep surfing with dophins, please take part today.

Kym Campbell:
Originally from Seattle, acoustic/surf roots chanteuse, Kym Campbell sounds like she’s been recording music for most of her life. Often described as an infusion of acoustic surf roots, folk, reggae and island music, Kym’s influences span an array of genres and her music reflects a lifestyle of travel, sun, ocean, surf and song, incorporating elements of laidback guitar, harmonica and ukulele.
In 2008, Kym was a finalist in the Top 10 Music Oz Awards for Best Singer/Songwriter; as well as being Highly Commended by judges for three songs from her debut EP, So Alive. This was quickly followed with So Alive being chosen as the soundtrack for a number of surfing DVDs and events, including the Quicksilver Pro France in 2009.
Since then, Campbell has signed with an independent record label, secured a release deal in Japan for her new EP Preview, and has been receiving generous radio play throughout Australia. Kym’s music has continued to grow a long way in a short time, with a busy schedule that has seen her performing alongside such notables as The Beautiful Girls and Ash Grunwald. Kym will be touring her latest offering, Preview, nationally in 2010.

Our guys at Surf Camp got a hit of this swell, combating the waves and finding nice green ones to stand and ride. Pictures of this week’s group below. There’s only one more week of Surf Camp! The end of the season is upon us. This means there’s only one more week for your chance to learn how to surf! Book your surf camp today – we have $100 off the 4 Day/ 3 Night Surf Camp package. Everything is included: 2 x 2 hour lessons per day, Ripcurl board and wetsuit hire, meals, beachside accommodation, return transfers sydney to surf camp. The best bit – you receive a free Ripcurl T-shirt upon completion of the trip! We also have $50 off our Weekend 2 Day/ 2 Night Surf Camp.Our season will start again in September.

If you’re travelling Australia, there is no better way to experience our culture than surfing. Learn how to surf so that when you travel up North you can practice your new beloved skill. Because up North there’s a lot of beach. and surf. and beach. and surf. Everyone will be surfing. Book a surf camp, learn with the best and then pratice your new hobby all up the East Coast of Australia. Our instructors will even tell you some of the best breaks suited to your ability. These are our hidden gems, unspoiled and beautiful.

I’m off to Crescent Head next week. It’s about 3 hours north of Sydney. It’s a quiet little town with unspoilt charm and legendary surf. It has one of the best right hand point breaks in the world. The town is secluded in the middle of 60km of protected coastline. Should be a fun filled week of surfing and camping and surfing and surfing.

Love surfing.

But our guys at Surf Camp this week braved it, making the most of the clean conditions and warm water. Yes, the wind may be cool but how warm is the water?! Almost sweating in those steamers. They keep you so warm. I’ve seen a few people still surfing in their boardies or bikini’s. The water is glorious and with the sun shining down, it’s even better. These are not the least of these May days; three more weeks of Surf Camp until September! So come on down, learn how to surf before you all migrate North. And up North, there’s a lot of beach. and surf. and beach. and surf. Everyone will be surfing. Book a surf camp, learn with the best and then pratice your new hobby all up the East Coast of Australia. Our instructors will even tell you some of the best breaks suited to your ability. These are our hidden gems, unspoiled and beautiful. Do it. A few of our surfer’s from this week can be seen below.

There’s a new Tourism Australia campaign – “There’s nothing like Australia”. You can enter your favourite Aussie holiday experience online. I got a few of our surfer’s down at camp to describe their experience at Surf Camp by finishing this sentence off.  Here are some responses:

There’s nothing like… your first wave, when you suddenly realise you’re actually riding the waves; it’s the best feeling in the world. And then just sitting on your board enjoying the sun and water on your face. Days like that just don’t get any better.

There’s nothing like… when you catch a wave. Even after a long time waiting for the wave, it’s worth it. If the feeling is like this on the small rides, I can just imagine the feeling on the real big ones.

There’s nothing like… waking up to the sunrise and catching the first waves of the day. And just hanging out with the best instructors ever who are really nice and cool surfer boys.

There’s nothing like… surfing with random people from all over the world in the sunset. Surfing is for everyone who likes a break from their ordinary life and just wants to relax and enjoy the freedom of the ocean.

These were written down by people on our camp from all over the world. It gives you an insight into the pleasures one can find down at Surf Camp. Join up today to discover them. Special mention goes to Masakazu. He certainly discovered the pleasures and thrills of Surf Camp as he is going on his 4th Surf Camp this weekend! If you loved Surf Camp as much as Masakazu, come down again at a discounted rate. Contact us for more info on Returning Surfer Specials.

If you’re around Bondi this weekend, there is the Bondi Sizzle Festival. There’s surf, music, art, film, and garage sales… It celebrates Bondi’s creative community and unique beach culture. Check it out if you’re staying or hanging in the area.

Don’t forget it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday. I hope you got Mum something special.

Down at Surf Camp, we know just how good surfing at sunrise is, so we throw in a dawn surf for you. Check out our below pics of surfing at sunrise. It’s truly beautiful. No better way to start the day. If you want to be part of this, book a surf camp today! I asked a group of surfer’s down at Surf Camp what their favourite part of camp was and they all answered “surfing at sunrise”.

Only a few weeks left until the end of season so don’t miss out! Our last camps will be departing Monday 24th May and our last Weekend Surf Camp will be departing Friday 28th May. Not a better time to learn to surf as the swell is picking up, guaranteeing you awesome waves. Our Ripcurl wetsuits keep you very warm, so need to worry about the winter winds. And the best news, there is up to $100 off our camps!

Be sure to check out our facebook fan page to see all the top shots from April. We had some rippers! A sneak peak below.

Another fine weekend ahead. meant to be a few good waves around so take your board and go for a wave!

If you haven’t taken the step, it’s time. Book a Surf Camp and we’ll teach you everything from how to paddle, to how to stand up, how to turn, how to read the surf and judge waves, how to identify rips and much more. Once you know the foundations and capture your first wave, you’ll never turn back. You’ll forever take a board to the beach because you want more. You want more of that feeling. It becomes addictive.

For those who have taken that step and been on one of our camps, we would love to hear how surfing makes you feel. Tell us on our Discussion Board on our Facebook Fanpage. Or comment on this Blog.

This unique feeling is expressed in the art of surfing. The art of surfing also depicts a lifestyle, a culture, a love, a passion. It conveys what it’s like to surf and why it’s appealing.

Aquabumps is a good example of this. Aquabumps is a collection of unique photographs of not only surfing; but Australia’s beach culture (in particular on Bondi Beach), colourful sunrises, and the happenings of early risers. From unbelievable colours, to innovative angles to underwater shots, Aquabumps consistently delivers shot after shot that stirs that feeling inside us. And ultimately makes us want to go for a wave. I’ve become quite obsessed, to the point where I anxiously wait for the daily photo. And when you see it, it’s like the whole day stops. That’s how Uge (one of Aquabumps photographers) describes it: An escape. An escape from your work day, from reality. An escape to freedom…

To me, surfing is liberating. Nothing depicts freedom as well as vast open spaces. And that’s what the ocean is: a vast open space, the end unknown. When you sit on your board waiting for that wave, you’re looking at the horizon, at freedom. Your thoughts and troubles escape you. There’s nothing but you and nature. And when the wave comes, two things can happen. You can either go on an exhilarating ride of your life (preferred), or you can be sent to the depths of the ocean, tossed around like you’re in a washing machine, on a fight for survival trying to climb for air. Whatever happens, it’s the addrenalin that get’s you paddling back out there, ready for the next wave.

Head down for a dawn surf on Bondi Beach and you may be photographed! Check out the Aquabumps gallery at 151 Curlewis Street, Bondi Beach.

Speaking of photographs; two of our instructors, Owen and Mitch were shot ripping at Aus Pipe, Wreck Bay on NSW South Coast. Check them out at Zodiac Media. Purple skies, golden light, rainbows and all. How much more appealing can you get? This is their passion, their love, their life. They want to share it with you so come on down to Surf Camp and meet all of our instructors.

They will photograph you catching your first wave at Surf Camp. Some of our top shots can be seen below.

Also, on another note, be sure to watch Bondi Resuce next Tuesday night, 8pm, Channel 10. There’s a bit of a surfing segment including the pro’s ripping on Bondi Beach at the Boost Surf Show.

Adios. x

The wave of the season goes to Thatcher. I think that’s the biggest wave I’ve seen at Seven Mile. If you can surf that after a few days, imagine how you’ll be surfing after 14 days! You’re off to a great start. See him ripping below. If you want to rip like these guys, book a surf camp today!

Little Nader found his new passion. He was totally cool and “laidback” (literally) as he is below. The earlier you start the better. Get your kids on-board. Surfing is such a healthy sport and a fun past-time for them. It is a sport that the whole family can enjoy. Yet, it’s not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle at that. If you’re thinking of getting your family into surfing, don’t wait any longer. Our professional and experienced instructors are experts and will not only teach you the foundations of surfing, but provide you with the knowledge to continue surfing after you leave Surf Camp. This includes advice on what board will be suitable for you, what to look for when you buy a board, the best times to go surfing and surfing etiquette. Book a surf camp or lessons here.

Whether you’re travelling from overseas, or a local; by yourself or with a group of friends or a family of three. or four. or five. We’re waiting for you! Everyone is welcome. Anyone can surf. The season is finishing in May, so come along before it’s too late! Don’t let another season go by without learning how to surf. You won’t ever go to the beach again without a surf board once you do…

Don’t forget we have Autumn Specials. Save $100 on the 4 day surf camp. Unbelievable…

Hope you all have a spectacular weekend.

x

In last weeks blog I mentioned the new independent film, Somewhere Near Tapacula. It is the inspiring true story of an Aussie Couple, Pam and Alan Skuse, changing the lives of orphans and street kids in Tapachula Mexico, through Surfing. It documents the stories of the 54 children of Mision Mexico, who have come from places of unimaginable poverty, trauma and abuse; and their experiences of healing and transformation through surfing and love.

“Surfing is something special, it’s not just a sport its part of my life, I feel like I don’t need anything more, I don’t need to take drugs, there is nothing better than surfing” says Jose one of the film’s young grommets, also a former street kid.  The film is a powerful lesson on the important things in life, and the power of riding waves, whether you are a surfer or not. I think this is really important, a message that we really want to communicate. It doesn’t matter how good you are at surfing. It’s the overriding feeling of catching that wave that really matters. Surfing really does have healing powers. The feeling of catching a wave is unexplainable. You won’t know what I’m talking about or the power of this feeling unless you try it out. If you have never surfed before, please try it. It’s not too late. Book a surf camp with us and you’ll never put down a board for the rest of your life.

The film has been touring around Australia and the last screening will be Wednesday night 7th April in Manly. Buy tickets here. 100% of profits raised from the film, tour, DVD, merchandise, donations etc will go to Mision Mexico.

There’s a few other surfing movies happening at the moment, all documentary style, not your typical one with pros carving up wave after wave after wave. after wave.

The Ultimate Wave Tahiti, featuring nine-times world champion Kelly Slater is the first 3D IMAX surf movie. It balances surfing and science nicely with amazing footage of Slater ripping Tahiti’s breaks including the famous Teahupoo wave. On the science side of things, the movie explains how waves are created and how the islands of Tahiti were formed in laymens terms. It also does a pretty good job of promoting Tahiti as a holiday destination given the amazing scenic shots of coral reefs, crystal clear waters and Tahitian beauties dancing. My Dad turned to me after the movie and said, “Let’s go to Tahiti!” Also couldn’t stop looking at Slater’s eyes. They are like the colour of the Tahitian water – this clear aqua colour. He is truly one with the water. Now showing at IMAX, check it out.

First Love, is an insprirational story of  three young girls from Philip Island on their journey to becoming pro surfer’s. To be a pro surfer, you must first conquer the world famous waves of Hawaii, and this is what the girls aspire to do. I think the surfie girls might like this one. First Love will be launched to the public at Torquay Surf Museum on Sunday April 4th at 8pm.

So other than the movies, want more exciting things to do? Check out Offcampus. You can see, do, hear, taste, travel, work and find out the latest news on what’s happening. Subscribe today to be sure you know the low down on what’s happening so you can continue to make the most of your time in Australia. Great for international students too.

Check out a full range of photos and videos on our Facebook Fanpage and be sure to write a review!

Also check out our Surf Camp Video if you haven’t already done so.

Have a great long weekend and hope the Easter Bunny is generous!

x

Embrace our ‘funny’ weather by coming down on Surf Camp. There is nothing more Australian than surfing! And the weather is definetly not a detterant. Those that went on our camp in the last two weeks have had glorious weather, beautiful clean waves and a super duper time! Don’t miss out!

To the 14 dayers, Shayno said you were an excellent group and you were spoilt with the weather and waves. Hope you all keep surfing! If anyone wants information on which are the best boards to buy, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can buy great beginner boards brand new at discount prices from us or we’ll tell you were to get great deals on second hand beginner boards and what to look for when you buy a board.

Don’t stop surfing because it’s getting ‘colder’. a) it’s not. b) there are such things as wetsuits. c) swell is picking up, guranteeing you awesome waves and d) there are no crowds! no need to worry about avoiding swimmers. Get into it!

If you’re heading down south in your travels to Melbourne, be sure to check out the Ripcurl Pro at Bells Beach (1 hour from Melbourne). Running from March 30 through April 10, 2010, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach culminates the Australian leg of the 2010 ASP Dream Tour, and the best surfers on the planet including Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson and Jordy Smith are primed for battle. Could be a good excursion if you’re in the area or follow it online. It’s time to get inspired people.

Something else that could be inspiring is a new independent film out called Somewhere Near Tapacula. Three Aussie dudes travelled to Mexico and filmed an inspiring story of Mexican orphanages who surf to escape their troubled past. Check it out or follow their blog. They are touring around Australia at the moment and there will be a screening in Manly on 7th April 2010.

Want more exciting things to do? Check out Offcampus. You can see, do, hear, taste, travel, work and find out the latest news on what’s happening. Subscribe today to be sure you know the low down on what’s happening so you can continue to make the most of your time in Australia. Great for international students too.

Some happy snaps below. Check out a full range of photos on our Facebook Fanpage and be sure to write a review!

Also check out our Surf Camp Video if you haven’t already done so.

x

4 Day Surf Camp all inclusive – 8 x 2hour lessons, modern beachside accommodation (within walking distance from the beach), board and ripcurl wetsuit hire, buffet style/all you can eat meals, transfers, free rip-curl t-shirt.

We take you down to our Surf Camp only 2 hours from Sydney where our friendly crew of experienced and professional instructors teach you all you need to know about surfing. Live the surfer’s life with them at our modern beachside cabins, fit with hammocks, palm trees and a pool.

Our Ripcurl wetsuits are flexible, comfortable and extremely warm.

This is the best time to learn to surf because it’s not too humid and the swell is picking up, guaranteeing you awesome waves!

Was $545. Now only $445 – SAVE $100. Book online or call 1800 888 732.

Offer only available for travel before 31st May 2010.

Don’t miss out!

The best part of Surf Camp is that the instructors will give you the necessary tools and instructions to continue surfing.  They will describe the proper equipment one needs to purchase, surfing etiquette, and the types of waves best suited for your personal abilities.  Besides this you will meet some great people from all demographics and have one hell of an amazing weekend!