Happy Holidays

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!

Make sure to stop in the shop to pick up your free gifts under the tree.

SURFCRAZY with Mick Lunasea

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

2010

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!

Hang-10 Surf HUD

HANG-10 Surf HUD

A cooperative effort by Locksley Blitzstein(HUD designer and programer) and Rayzer Haggwood(animator)

Just a note before we proceed, maybe your like me and have heard all of the initials that are used in SL. Well I’m going to use a few and for those that don’t know what they mean heres a quick definition;

HUD: This stands for Heads Up Display. HUD displays normally are a graphic interface or Icons that indicates that the HUD is attached to your Avatar and provide you control over animations included AO’s.

AO: Animation Override. If you've been in SL for more then an hour you probably have used these while dancing. An AO does exactly what it says it will override the normal SL animation. Just about everyone uses these to change there avatar’s normal everyday walk, stand and sit. In the surfing world these are utilized to provide different animations while your surfing.

For everyone out that that enjoys surfing and is looking to enhance their experience the Hang-10 Surf HUD may be for you. The creators wanted to replace the static default animations with one that would look more realistic and bring more of a real life feel to the experience.

The Hang-10 HUD has a nice little rectangle graphic with 7 interactive buttons that allow you to override the normal animation of your surfboard to perform selected moves and tricks.

Now the Hang-10 HUD is not new by any means I’ve had mine for about a year, but I run into new surfers everyday that are looking to purchase the HUD. For beginners it will get you up and surfing like a pro with less belly time. Experienced surfers will love it for all the great photo opportunities it gives you, and who doesn’t want a life size picture of themselves doing a flying eagle hanging on the wall of their 6x6 hut ;)

There are 5 moves and 7 buttons that come with the Hang-10

Curl: The Curl is a cool move that gives you sort of that realistic wobbly feel while reaching done and touching your board.

Glide: A nice replacement for the standard surfing stance. This to gives you that “keeping your balance” look.

Note: These first two animations can be triggered to replace the default animations that come with your boards.

Flying Eagle: This is a cool move it allows you to jump off your board do a spread eagle move and then come back to your board. This is a seamless animation that gives you a nice trick.

Hang-10: For a RL Longboarder like myself I love this move. The animation allows you to walk to the end of your board hang 10 and return to your original position. This again is a great seamless transition.

Back Flip: This triggers the default back flip standard with your board.

Stop Animation: Pretty self explanatory. If you don’t click on this button you will not return to the belly position.

?: The question mark button will give you a notecard that explains the product and features.

I have used the HUD with SSI, Action and HP4 and it works fine with these boards. I usually recommend Try it before you buy it, but this won't work with the Hang-10 Surf hud there are no Demo versions available. My suggestion is to ask around before you buy. I recommend this for anyone who really loves to surf and has L$600 to spend on surf gear.

Remember you can find the HUD at Surf Shop 6, but most stores that sell boards will have the Hang-10.

TEAHUPOO WAVE

Recently I dropped by HP Surf Point to see how Leogarto Burt was coming along with his new wave the Teahupoo. Fresh off his lecture at Surf Fest, Leo was eager to talk about his latest creation.

As always, I believe in full disclosure; as many of you may know I use HP4 products throughout my regions. I’m a big fan of HP4 Board designs and sell them in my shop.

Q-

Leo, for all those people out there that really enjoy your waves and surfboards but don’t know much about you the creator could you tell me how you first came to Second Life and how you became involved in the great surf community?

I knew of Second Life through an article in a magazine, but my first experience was frustrating because my computer at the time did not meet the requirements. After purchasing other equipment, I could get into SL - this was in mid-2007.

After about two days with a pounding headache, I found search and what was the first word I entered?!? "SURF", of course. I found that I could visit several islands with surf and chose the now defunct Kahuna Beach as my favorite and where I began my activities.

Q-

What inspired you to start creating your own waves and boards?

At this point I think the main reason is the love of surfing in RL. An activity that I have enjoyed for more than 20 years and reflects my lifestyle, so it was surfing that I brought voluntarily to SL.

With the theme in mind and being endlessly curious, I had the support of my wife (also a surfer), a great patriotism and willingness to innovate. I've always had a keen creative spirit and thus was inspired to just get out there and start creating in SL.

Q-

Leo, what was the progression of wave development for you that has ultimately culminated in your latest creation the Teahupoo Waves?

The Wave, Teahupoo, is the result of our work where we have joined all the best practices gained in previous models, in which can be highlighted:

- Use of sculpted prims, giving a much more harmonious than the objects made directly in SL;

- Use of megaprims, eliminating the seams and the problems of timing;

- Use of several sculpted prims in sequence, giving a sense of movement never before developed;

- Use of textures, sounds and particles, such as increased quality and reality.

Q-

What do you see as the major advancements that your latest wave has over your Jaws Waves?

The design of Teahupoo brings two important events - the first refers to its shape, where sculpted prims were built to give the impression of a wave breaking over the side and not centralized as Jaws and Sunset. The second is to change the script so that the wave will move to the front, as usual, but also moves to the side indicated by the formation, continuing the wave. Thus, a fast and extensive wave arises providing more than 200 meters of fun!

Q-

I have surfed the Teahupoo and it is stunningly beautiful and behaves closer to a real wave than anything I’ve seen in SL to date. How did you achieve this sculpted marvel?

After watching several videos of surfing at RL Teahupoo, along with the experience from other projects designed in 2D, I created a whole sequence of the wave, which served as template for the 3D rendering. This required much work to create the look which I felt to be extremely critical to the success of this wave.

Q-

One thing that I’m very curious about is the technical specifications of the wave. What will the waves dimensions and features that people will have to choose from? Additionally what will the performance requirements be? As you know all waves in SL can be run on HS sims, but waves like your Jaws and SSI EPICS run best on full sims.

Teahupoo -The Waves is a wave with 100 meters in width and variable height of approximately 10 meters. It has a series of 20 stages and constant speed back and left with a life expectancy of more than 40 seconds. The installation requires a specific area of ocean with the ocean floor terraformed to slope similar to a backslash "\" or the left leg of a letter "V". Then with a rectangle of 220 x 180 meters, one can take alternate corners, one bottom and one above, for sand and buildings.

Due to the complexity of managing all these innovations presented and the need for performance, there is unfortunately no possibility for the owner to change the variables of the script at this time, however this is something that might perhaps be available in the future. However, by buying such a product, all can be assured that it has been rigorously tested and its variables determined to present the best possible performance. Regarding the performance on a HS, I can say that one can halve the time of the script compared to Jaws Waves, which after the last upgrade, already had the same conditions in a HS not overloaded with other scripts as did in a full.

Q-

Once you've perfected the wave, whats going to be your pricing strategy? Will you be pricing this for a select few that can afford the best, or going after the mass market?

Recently, I have significantly reduced the prices of Sunsets and Jaws, to encourage new purchases. Now available with Teahupoo, Jaws should see further price reduction or new upgrade for better functioning.

Waves like Jaws and Teahupoo, because of their size, require large areas which prevents the use by the masses and this, together with its benefits should be maintained at a slightly higher price, but always in tune with the market.

Once I have more free time, I will make smaller, more simple waves to supply the market of new residential and commercial property that do not have large areas of ocean. These waves will be priced much more affordably.

Q-

Considering the size and dynamic traits of this wave, do you see this as the main competition waves for your organization?

Surely this wave is my best creation, I myself was surprised with its performance and how close it is to my initial idealization. Now, it is better to let Second Life surfers respond.

Q-

Leo, in your opinion where do you see surfing and wave development going in Second Life?

After all this contact with the SL, its internal resources and external tools, I have the feeling that there is no ceiling where everything is even and no limit to the imagination and creativity. So I can say nothing to what the future promises.

Q-

Leo, finally I’ll ask you the same question I asked of Sebastian; Now that you are ready to release the new wave what is next for HP4 in the way of Surfboard and wave advancement?

Bahhh, I see I will have to keep all these promises, lol. Initially HP4 Jaws, had an excellent interaction with Waves Teahupoo, but certainly there are some changes and new developments that should be taken in making better use of the new wave. Perhaps soon we will post the version HP4 Teahupoo, to the public. And in 2010, you can look for version HP5, with more significant changes.

Leogarto, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk about the amazing Teahupoo wave.

Syx, I am grateful for the opportunity provided by Surf Monkey to present my work, I received the invitation with great honor. Finally, I want to say that the new Teahupoo Waves, can already be purchased directly from me, until the vendor is available in stores HP. The good that can come out of contacting me directly - a discount or premium trading, which I personally enjoy. The more I am able to answer any questions and assist in whatever is needed for optimal functioning of the New Teahupoo, the more all will enjoy as well. A big hug to everyone.

I will be providing a full review of this wave once it has been released but having surfed this baby I think the world of SL surfing is on the verge of a major advancement. With the Teahupoo and New EPIC being released shortly the face of virtual surfing is in for a treat not seen since the first wave rose from the SL oceans!

If you want to see Teahupoo Waves in all its glory, go to:

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Crab%20Island/99/98/23

As always these are my opinions ☺ If you want to contact me put a message in a bottle and send it to surfmonkey.6@gmail.com

Conversation with Dee Waverider

I had an opportunity to catch up with SL Surfing’s newest board designer

Dee Waverider. I wanted to get a little insight into Dee and discuss her inaugural collection of Surfboards.

In the way of full disclosure I have known Dee for a while now and she also makes her home at Monkey Cove.

Dee first of all congratulations on your new boards they look great and it seems like you’ve really infused some new original designs into your work.

Q-

Dee how did you get involved with Second Life, and how long was it until you discovered the thriving surf scene here in SL?

A-

I joined Second Life on the advice of a friend already here. I had checked it out a few years earlier but wasn't very impressed. It has come a long way since then. I think it took me all of 5 minutes to find the surf community on here. I typed "surfing" into the search option straight after signing up. It was all the cool surf sims that I found that made me want to continue to hang out on SL.

Q-

Dee I know that you have been surfing in real life for quite a long time, can you draw any parallels to virtual surfing?

A-

I've been surfing in real since I was kid, and I followed in my dads footsteps to become a lifeguard. Surfing changes you, as I'm sure all the real surfers out there will agree. There's no better way to put the world into perspective than to catch a wave. Surfing on SL is fun, but it could never come close to the real thing :) However, I can draw a parallel when it comes to the sense of community on here. There is a good bunch of people involved in the surfing groups here that loves what they do and look out for each other. And that is very real. I have met some great people within the surfing community here and I hold close the friendships I have made.

Q-

Besides the surfing what do you like most about Second Life?

A-

I just love chilling with friends and hanging out on my island. I've really enjoyed putting the place together. it's kinda messy with a retro look, but hey, that's what I like. The weird thing about Second Life is that's it possible to be yourself here more than in real. You can live in your ideal surroundings, with no real limits on what you can own. I don't have that luxury in real life lol.

Q-

There are quite a few surf completions that seem to be happening just about every weekend in SL have you ever competed in any of the competitions? And if not do you have any desire to?

A-

I've not yet competed in any competitions here though I would like to. I'm on UK time so a lot of the competitions take place in the small hours of the morning for me, I'm out cold by then lol. Those that know me know that time is a very real issue for me. There is no pattern as to when or for how long I can be on. Sometimes I log on only to have to log out again after only a few minutes. Real life always comes first.

Q-

Now if everyone hasn’t gotten a chance to see your new collection their really missing something, what was your motivation to start designing your own boards?

A-

Curiosity mainly, I saw the SSI 'modify' boards at Surf Camp and just couldn't resist buying one. It was a case of trial and error until things started to fall into place for me. I love creating things and I also love working things out for myself. I just tried stuff out with the boards and learnt in the process. I have some pretty whacky 'rejects' in my inventory.

Q-

How did you make the jump from designing your own boards to teaming up with Heather and Sebastian?

A-

Well of all the great places I discovered on Second Life there was one that I just kept coming back to. I guess I was drawn to it because if I was going to design a surf sim, that's the look and feel I would go for too. Monkey Cove has a real nice vibe to it and of course when I came to set up home on SL, that's where I settled. It was the landlord of MC (think you know the guy) and the local surfers there who egged me on in a local surfboard design contest. I got my break through that. It was great working with Heather and Sebastion, they are really cool people.

Q-

If you could give advice to any other artist designing boards out there what would it be?

A-

Crikey, I would say don't just copy and paste images from the internet. I must confess I did it, and it is handy when you are learning about applying textures to the board for the first time. But after that try and create your own artwork. I currently use a program called "Gimp", it's free to download and easy to use.

Q-

Finally I know you just launched your first collection of designs, but is there anything in the pipeline? What’s next for DW Surf?

A-

When I have the time to sit down I do enjoy designing stuff, It is fun to do at the end of the day. So yes there is stuff in the pipeline :)

Dee continues to design and enter contest to display her latest work. She recently had one of her designs in competition at the recent Surf Fest.

If you would like to see Dee’s work visit her new shop:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Pacific%20Coast%20Hwy/202/33/30/