True Testimonial - Jamie Sterling

We count on our team riders to put DSURF equipment to the test. We figure if it can hold up to the conditions and beatings they put themselves and their gear through, then it will hold up fine for the average surfer paddling out at the local break. Here are some photos of Jamie Sterling going over the falls at macking Teahupoo. He thought for sure that his leash would break and his board would be shattered but to his amazement and because of our commitment to quality and durability, his 8' medium wave leash held up and did not break.

"OH SHIT"

"I hope I don't hit the reef!"

"My leash and board are for sure, gonna break."

"UH, here comes the spin cycle"

The leash stretched out to 10 feet long but held tight and did not break.

Here is a new 8' leash on the left and Jamie's leash on the right that now measures 10' .
Over the years Aaron has made sure that our leashes are not made from re-extruded urethane, which results in leashes stretching out longer than they should with minimal force. In this case the force of a Teahupoo set wave on an 8'2" gun resulted in an excessive amount of force on the leash. By all means Jamie should have been wearing a big wave leash but that doesn't stop him from charging.

DSURF Baby Magdalena

Aaron and Katherine had a baby girl, Magdalena Faye Smith, about 7 months ago. This post is long overdue but congratulations to the both of them. Here are a few photos of Katherine, Aaron and baby Magdalena.

"My parents surf better than your parents"

Here is Katherine catching a few waves while 7 months pregnant,

Before

After

Magdalena is growing up quick and has already made her first trip down the Baja peninsula.

Aaron in the middle of trying on a new wetsuit swoops in to cradle baby Magdalena.

Magdalena enjoying the sun.

DSURF Team Rider Noah Snyder

DSURF Team Rider Mikala Jones #2
DSURF Team Rider Jamie Sterling #2
DSURF Team Rider Daniel Jones
DSURF Team Rider Eli Mirandon
DSURF Team Rider Coco Nogales
DSURF Team Rider Will Tant
DSURF Team Rider Eddie Lester
DSURF Team Rider Lauren McLean
DSURF Team Rider Raven Lundy #2
DSURF Team Rider Lindsey Bowman

Noah Snyder hails from the premiere east coast surf local, the Outer Banks or OBX. He is another team rider who is down to earth and certainly not high on himself. He and his wife just had a baby girl, so congratulations to them. Noah has been hanging close to home lately and has scored some OBX sand dredgers. Enjoy these couple of sequences of deep sand barrels and punting airs.











If you know the Outer Banks you might recognize the house in the background.


All photos courtesy of Scott Aichner

Team Rider Travels - Jamie Sterling

DSURF Team Rider Mikala Jones #2
DSURF Team Rider Jamie Sterling
DSURF Team Rider Daniel Jones
DSURF Team Rider Aamion Goodwin
DSURF Team Rider Eli Mirandon
DSURF Team Rider Coco Nogales
DSURF Team Rider Will Tant
DSURF Team Rider Raven Lundy #2
DSURF Team Rider Eddie Lester
DSURF Team Rider Lauren McLean
DSURF Team Rider Lindsey Bowman

Jamie is always sending in stories from chasing huge surf and it is business as usual for him these days. He has been in the South Pacific, charged on this last minute trip to Australia, and is now chasing big beach break barrels in Puerto. Here are some photos (courtesy of Tony Harrington) and a recap of the journey written by Jamie, enjoy.

Note the early morning light, just after sunrise. Imagine getting waves like this at dawn, sick.

Big outer reef lefts, Sterls driving hard through the bowl.

digging deep

Post session afterglow

Jamie writes:

I live for chasing swells on a days notice. The anxiety and adrenaline started from the minute I received an email from Harro stating there are some good storms approaching West Aus. I was sitting in Teahupoo. I just surfed 10-12 ft Teahupoo the same day. Immediately I emailed the boys at red bull for some travel help and they approved it. Now was the time to pull the trigger. I emailed Harro once more to confirm the mission was a GO! It all happened fast and smoothly. I was on my way to Sydney then to Perth the next morning. Harro met me a the airport in Sydney and we proceeded to Red bull to gather the rescue sleds. The next morning we were on the flight to Perth. We met Paul Morgan at the airport who I just met in Tahiti and surfed the same big swell with him at Teahupoo. Upon our arrival in Perth we proceeded to the car rental agency to pick up our two 4wheel drive vehicles. All the logistics were going great. Next stop to pick up my red bull Jet Ski at red bull in Perth. Alfy Carter was also waiting there with all his equipment ready to charge. We had all the heavy machinery and enough red bulls to keep you awake forever. A few stops in Perth to buy food and we were off.

After driving for 4 hours we were smashed. We pulled off the road in the middle of west Aus and all slept in the dirt for 3 hours. As we lied down it started to sprinkle rain. We were all so tired we just pulled our sleeping bags over our heads and took cover.

We got back on the road in time to make it to the destination where we planned to surf. As we arrived we find out that the wave we set out to find was too far out to drive Jet skis. We opted to head to the ugly slab Cyclops. Morgs and Alfy had a go. I didn't want anything to do with it. Its not a wave you surf, you survive! Both Alfy and Morgs survived and we called it a day. I was disappointed! Cyclops was the last wave I wanted to surf and we went there on my first day of the trip. Luckily there was another swell two days out that would offer waves worthy of me travelling to Aus to surf. The second swell proved to be bigger and better. We left the area of Cyclops and headed to our next destination where there was a few spots to choose from. One of the waves I surfed a few years ago. A great left hander that served up some fancy tube time. The other wave we found on a day when the swell was dropping and we were driving down every 4wd track in the vicinity looking for possible places to tow-in. From the beach you could see it capping and the right would run down the reef. It was so far out we couldn't really see if it was a wave or a piece of Indian Ocean mush. The next morning we were out the door before the sun came up. It was our last chance to get some surf. The day turned out to be a special day. We scored the left at first light. We all bagged some good tubes then proceeded on a 30 minute bouncy jet ski ride down the coast in search of the right hand bombie we scoped out the day before. When we pulled up to the slab smiles were beaming. It was 8-10ft with subterranean holes in the ocean folding over. I was stoked to be able to get a mix bag of waves on this West Aus wave chase. We named the right hand bombie Poodles. We each had a handful of great rides at the powerful outer reef before our petrol was running low. We all made it back to the beach safely and in good spirits.

-Jamie Sterling

To follow all of Jamie's travels check his website, www.jaimesterling.com

DSURF Team Rider Aamion Goodwin

DSURF Team Rider Mikala Jones #2
DSURF Team Rider Jamie Sterling
DSURF Team Rider Daniel Jones
DSURF Team Rider Eli Mirandon
DSURF Team Rider Coco Nogales
DSURF Team Rider Will Tant
DSURF Team Rider Eddie Lester
DSURF Team Rider Lauren McLean
DSURF Team Rider Raven Lundy #2
DSURF Team Rider Lindsey Bowman

Sometimes I picture meeting team riders and think that they may come off all upiddy and high on themselves but everybody continues to prove me wrong and Aamion is no exception. He is soft spoken, down to earth and very appreciative of everything in life, especially his wife Daize Shayne. He stopped by DSURF to replenish his gear and fill us in on his recent travels.

Aamion is a solid surfer and performs well in all conditions.

He is best known for his barrel riding techniques especially at Pipe. Here he is putting some Hawaiian knowledge to work in Indo.

He can punt airs as well. We recently came out with a signature traction pad for Aamion. About the traction, he says, "the traction is insane, really thin so I still can feel my board."

Aamion works as a boat driver for a couple months each year in Tavarua

Aamion and his wife Daize loaded up with soft tops for Daize's surf camp. She is an amazing girl, 2X World Champ surfer and accomplished musician. If you want to learn to surf from the best check out her surf school.

Band Practice with Kings Highway

Katherine Smith, office manager here at DSURF and wife of DSURF owner Aaron Smith, (yes this is a legit family business) went back east to see her friends in New Hampshire at Cinnamon Rainbows. She caught up with everybody and got to spend some quality time above JB's Bagel and Java at Salt's place for a little band practice and beer drinking with "Kings Highway"

Katherine clearing her throat with a little Bud Light before she sings a few songs. Katherine, making a guest appearance with the band, plays acoustic guitar and sings. She has a beautiful voice and it is always a treat to hear her sing. In the background we have Salt on the drums and Dave on the guitar.

Jimmy laying down some licks on the guitar.

Owner of Cinnamon Rainbows, Dave Cropper keeping it real on the guitar

Friends Bridgett and Bertrand grooving to the music.

Dave's girls, Heather and Veda getting loose on the percussion with baby girl Veda holding a spare drum stick for when momma breaks one.

Katherine belting it out on the mic while Steve keeps it thumping on the bass.

Kings Highway recently played a gig at the ESA North East regionals.

Want to see these guys, you need to head to New Hampshire and stop in Cinnamon Rainbows and just ask for Crop.

East Coast Firing

While the west coast hasn't seen a ripple over waist high in a month and the water is still cold; the east coast gets hit by an extra-tropical system and a late season nor'easter. Here is somewhere near NYC doing its best impersonation of Indo.

I find myself mindsurfing this one....but wait west coasters aren't supposed to mindsurf.

I guess it is blowing offshore...santa ana's on the east coast?

As always, definitely bigger than it looks.

DSURF Team Rider Will Tant

DSURF Team Rider Mikala Jones #2
DSURF Team Rider Jamie Sterling
DSURF Team Rider Daniel Jones
DSURF Team Rider Eli Mirandon
DSURF Team Rider Coco Nogales
DSURF Team Rider Eddie Lester
DSURF Team Rider Lauren McLean
DSURF Team Rider Raven Lundy #2
DSURF Team Rider Lindsey Bowman

Will Tant is one of our newest Team Riders. This past summer he was a part of the Wave of Compassion trip to the Mentawais on board the Indies Trader. Here are some photos of Will hanging with the locals. For surfing photos of the trip got to this Surfline link. Be sure to check out the video trailer of the trip.

Smoke 'em if you got 'em

Downtime on the Indies Trader

Product Testing on the Van Dieman

Gregg Drude and his girlfried Josie have been traveling around the globe on the "Van Dieman" for almost 2 years now in search of uncrowded surf. They have found quite a few gems along the way.

The journey has been amazing with private tropical anchorages and empty lineups of nameless waves.

He has been doing some serious product testing for us, with coffins strapped to the bow experiencing the brunt of tropical sun and salt water.

This is a shot of one of the coffins that has been strapped to the bow of the boat the whole time. It has not seen shade for almost 2 years and, despite a little sun and salt rot the bag is still holding its own. The zipper remains intact although the sewn in tie down loops gave out.

A close up reveals some sun and salt rot that weakened the sewn in tie down loops.

We have already fixed this problem on all future coffins by putting backing all sewn points with webbing on the inside of the bag.

That should avoid problems like this in the future, although most traveling surfers will never expose a bag to as much abuse as the bags on the bow of the Van Dieman have experienced.

After a full days sail Gregg scrambles off the boat after setting anchor for an evening solo sesh.

Looks and sounds like a dream trip to me.

Gregg is quick to point out that it hasn't been peaches and cream the entire trip, it has been an adventure of a lifetime.

DSURF Traction 2007

We have been working on our new traction for about a year, and it shows. We put a lot of thought and R and D into every aspect of the traction. The EVA is soft and thin and the aggro-groove pattern will keep you glued to your board. The backing is 3M HBPSA (High Bond Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) glue and simply will NOT peel up. We listened to our Team Riders and their own personal likes and dislikes are expressed in each pad. We have range of high tail kicks to low, medium arch bars to low and crazy cutout patterns to simple one piece pads. We ordered the traction 70% black and 30% colors. Check the photos below for a sprinkling of the colors and pads we offer. Not available yet on the website, check your local surf shop or give us a call.

Our Outer Banks beachbreak standout, Noah Snyder, rides a variety of boards, so he wanted something he could spread out on his fishes and keep tight on his thrusters. This 4 piece pad has a high kick and large arch that makes for a great pad for any board in your quiver.

The Mikala Jones pad: Essentially a 2 piece pad with an extremely high kick and a mellow teardrop arch. There are 2 extra pieces for the top to make a larger pad. Slots are cut out on both sides of the arch that bring the weight down and make for an all around high performance traction pad.

The Stop: Simply a tail kick for the groms that don't need a full pad or for that retro board that you don't want to kill the retro-look with a full size pad.

Nate Tyler: Our Central California aerial specialist wanted a super light pad. This 5 piece pad is littered with holes on both sides and in the center arch to make this the lightest pad in our lineup. With a high kick and a low arch, you are sure to stay connected to your board through your turns and airs.

For my newest addition to the quiver I chose the Nate Tyler Rasta pad. DSURF dog, Shiva is feeling rather irie.
Let hands and heart be pure and clean
To rally round the Red, Gold and Green!

New Product - Rubber Rails

We are always working on new products and this is the latest in our bag of tricks. Here Aaron is packing his coffin in anticipation of big blue barrels in Indo.

We are calling them Rubber Rails. 6 mm neoprene to keep those rails from getting crushed when transporting boards from the factory or inside a coffin.

Phill Carey from Cinnamon Rainbows was amazed at how easy they were to use and slide around the board.

Phil and Aaron discussing their quivers for the Indo Trip

DSURF Team Rider Lauren McLean

DSURF Team Rider Mikala Jones #2
DSURF Team Rider Jamie Sterling
DSURF Team Rider Daniel Jones
DSURF Team Rider Eli Mirandon
DSURF Team Rider Coco Nogales
DSURF Team Rider Eddie Lester
DSURF Team Rider Lauren McLean
DSURF Team Rider Raven Lundy #2
DSURF Team Rider Lindsey Bowman

Lauren is another East Coast girl who surfs better than most of her guy friends. She is always stoked and enjoying life in and out of the water.

The waves have been firing lately in the Sunshine State and she has been getting her share of barrels.

She won a bunch of the ESA and NSSA events and will be headed out to California this summer for the contest season.

Team Updates From the Field

DSURF Team Rider Jamie Sterling
DSURF Team Rider Mikala Jones
DSURF Team Rider Daniel Jones
DSURF Team Rider Eli Mirandon
DSURF Team Rider Coco Nogales
DSURF Team Rider Eddie Lester
DSURF Team Rider Lauren McLean
DSURF Team Rider Raven Lundy #2

Mikala ripping, Indo 2007

Mikala writes, "the waves here in indo have been going off. hopefully i'll see you guys on monday the 21st. big aloha -mj

pretty big swell on its way to indo. aaron going score so sick pits for sure.
-thanks mj

Mikala is one of the most humble and appreciative pros we deal with. The guy is always happy and fired up life as well as our product.

We're Out

The DSURF Crew heads to Indo for a boat trip. The swells are stacking in the Indian Ocean so looks like the crew will score some serious shack time.

DSURF Team Rider Lindsey Bowman

DSURF Team Rider Mikala Jones
DSURF Team Rider Jamie Sterling
DSURF Team Rider Daniel Jones
DSURF Team Rider Eli Mirandon
DSURF Team Rider Coco Nogales
DSURF Team Rider Eddie Lester
DSURF Team Rider Lauren McLean
DSURF Team Rider Raven Lundy #2

Lindsey always has a smile on her face and a story to tell. She just got back from a trip to Fiji and is now headed to France to do some work with Roxy. She recently qualified for Explorer and Open Womens at Nationals so she will be headed to California at the end of June for the contest season.

Frontside gouge in Fiji

Lindsey on her backhand in Puerto Rico this past winter

"Warm water in the wintertime... can't beat PR"

Travel Season

Boat Trips to Indo, can't beat 'em. Even if the surf doesn't get huge, it sure is fun surfing some Indo perfection.

Look Out Below

DSURF Team Rider Tyler Reid boosting in Indo

He actually hit the cameraman's housing

El Salvador

Another Central America wave rich area.

Laird?

Laird Hamilton may be a big wave charger and all around insane waterman but I'm not really that interested in him driving stock cars.

Not to mention selling out with ads like this for Cool Water cologne, just a little to gay for the DSURF crew. The ad should read "THE POWER OF GAY".

While I'm on my soapbox, what is up with Macy's sponsoring surf contests. There were more Macy's banners up at the Lowers WQS Surfbout than any other. I know, I know they are coughing up the cash for the surf industry and I think we need contests to continue, I just think it is a shame because last time I was in Macy's, wait I've never been in Macy's, there were no surfers perusing the clothing aisles.

The 142 does Central America

JC Pratt and David Brown, local Encinitas Lifegaurds, take a 6 month surf tour of Central America, where they scored everything from heaving barrels over sharp lava rocks in Panama to the mellow super carvable walls of Costa Rica's wave rich playground.

Always wise to jump up there yourself and see that your boards get tied down properly.

JC taking care of buisness.

Crossing one of many rivers in Central America

Between Surf Chill Sessions

The 142 bag proves itself again as a great travel companion. This bag has become so popular that we are out of stock in them right now. But worry not more are on the way. We should have a new shipment before May is over. The 142 is the most versatile and price conscience bag in our quiver. It is slim enough to work as a day bag and can protect 2-3 boards for airline travel.

This bag comes to you at a mere $120