Congratulations to Tauri Tigerpaw for her induction into the SLSA Hall of Fame. Although not a competitor I have seen the countless hours she dedicates to Surfing in SL and is very worthy of the honor.
Recently I stumbled across Mick Lunasea laying face down on the beach at PCH. I was checking his pocket for loose change and then I realized he was indeed alive. I had to come up with a quick story why I had a hand full of change and his straw hat on. That’s when it came to me! I told him that I really wanted to interview him for my blog ;)
Mick is the owner and designer of SURFCRAZY and has been a fixture in the SL surfing universe for quite sometime; he is involved with just about every surf organization here in SL and also served as an SLSA director.
SS6-
Mick, how did you come to be in Second Life, and how long was it until you discovered the Surf Scene?
Mick-
I recevied an email from a buddy, the subject line was "Second Life, for those who have NO LIFE" lmao. After stumbling through orientation I arrive at a snowy welcome area, I trudge through snow and immediately observed a Vampire fly in and seduce some girl. After a few excursions *winks I do a search for SURF. I landed at Robin Mapps "Surf City".
SS6-
Since arriving in SL what's been your best experience?
Mick-
Definately meeting people from all over the USA and worldwide.
SS6-
Mick, what was your motivation in starting Surfcrazy?
Mick-
My original intent was to promote my RL surf business http://www.surfcrazy.com home of "Stanley's World Famous Surfboard Logo Library". I've been involved in the surfboard industry for decades now.
SS6-
Like some other surfboard designers you also have a full line of men’s and women’s surf and beach clothes, are you the main designer or do you have help? What is your inspiration for your clothes and accessories?
Mick-
I design and create all that I sell in my shops. Being iinvolved in the rl rag business, I wanted to create authentic surf wear fresh off the beaches of southern california.
SS6-
Mick you’ve also done some great design work on your surfboards, why did you choose to go with the Action platform over some of the other options out there?
Mick-
Action provided the most economical way to feature my artwork. I like the interesting approach to sl surfing the Action surfboards provide especially the wipe out enabled mode. After creating textures for ssi mod boards i offer design services for ssi boards as well. I wish i would have entered the Monkey Cove Surfboard Art contest, i was drooling at the thought of a SSI line of surfboards. I Id love to do an SSI line being they're the most popular boards in SL.
All my surfboard artwork is created from scratch no googled images. I draw inspiration from rl surfboards. I personally shaped, deorated and glassed around 30 rl surfboards. There are reasons why rl surfboards look a certain way due to the manufacturing techniques involved.
SS6-
It seems like everyone has a favorite creator of surfboards, which when you think about it is natural, all RL surfers have favorites so why would SL be different. Do you think that in order for all boards to be acceptable in competitions there should be a Competition specification?
Mick-
For an even playing field comp spec boards are necessary in organiztions that stipulate one manufacturer board be ridden. The main invisible prim length should be the exact size of the visible deck size for both short and long boards in my opinion. Prim weight should be standardized as well as density
There is room for specialized open surfing events "run what you brung". Judging criteria could be the most critical maneuvers in the most crititical part of the wave.
SS6-
Knowing all the players do you think a competition spec would ever be possible?
Mick-
Best way is to issue comp boards to riders via rezzers or other means. This was done in the past a board was given to each comp rider. Another way would be dealers sell certified comp approved board where only artwork can be changed like Actions Pro Slammer.
SS6-
Recently you and Revlon Benoir hosted Surf Fest, which was terrific, do you see next year being bigger, and do you have any thoughts you might share regarding the next Surf Fest?
Mick-
The Surf Festival was a lot of fun, the next one is in the planning stages. We're considering many options and want to involve more of the surf community.
SS6-
What are 3 things that you would like people to know about you or your work here in SL?
Mick-
1 Authentic, 2 Surf, 3 Gear. Laughs
SS6-
Finally I’ll ask you what I ask every creator; what’s next in the pipeline for Surfcrazy?
Mick-
More cool clothes and products for people to enjoy : )
Mick, I really appreciate your time and don’t worry I bought my own hat!
Here’s where you can find SURFCRAZY products:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Pacific%20Coast%20Hwy/236/31/30
http://slurl.com/secondlife/JJ%20Lanes%20II/161/230/22
Here’s Mick’s Home Break:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Pacific%20Coast%20Hwy/206/73/29
Hey everyone, well at least the 3 or 4 people that read my blog J I thought I would list a few things that I would like to see happen in SL Surfing in 2010. These are random thoughts in no certain order:
-The Release of the New EPIC Wave.
-Better monthly pricing on Full Sims. If more sim owners could justify the cost of full sims for surfing it would really benefit the surfing experience.
-More creative people enter into the surfing scene. We’re blessed by having some of the most creative, hard working people within the surf community but in this instance more is always better.
-Surfers and Surf organizations push for a spec surfboard to be used in competitions. This would allow boards from any creator to be used on a level play field, or water as the case may be.
-For all Surf organizations to come together and hold a “World Championship of Surf” The top 10 finishers compete on 3 different sites to determine a champ. Would be really exciting!!
-For Reaction to start designing product again. Come on Dude I love that stuff!!!
-Elimination of the bulls%$t that goes on in the competitions to inhibit other competitors. We’re all here to get away from Real Life A-holes.
-For the SLSA website to actually be update once a millennium. (small poke)
-For SL to add a feature that tells you the person you IM’d didn’t get your message.
-For your feet to not stick through the surfboard.
-Make all surfboards Copy. Lots of sad new surfers when their surfboard goes to the great SL beyond.
So there are a few things I thought of while I was wondering how to update the blog! E-mail me at surfmonkey.6@gmail.com, in-world syx toshi or leave a comment to add your own thoughts. You can rant, rave or actually add something constructive, everything can get on!
