If I could, I'd live in a bikini the entire Summer, except that most stylish two-pieces don't stay on for much more than sunbathing. With more women surfers hitting the beach than ever before, swimwear companies are making suits that not only look good, but also stay put. These bikinis are also comfy, require no adjustment once on, and dry quickly. Whether you're duckdiving under a wave, jumping into a pool, or doing some major swimming, here are five suits that will outlast the season.
While in LA for the world premiere of Nike's all-women surf film Leave a Message, I chatted it up with pro surfer Carissa Moore, one of the film's stars. With such a laid-back disposition and easy laugh, it's easy to forget that Carissa, 19, is a no-joke serious athlete and currently ranked the number one in the world of women's surfing.
Besides Carissa's obvious natural talent, I was curious at what takes someone from being great at surfing to being number one. Carissa's answer was similar to what you might expect from any great athlete: dedication, confidence, and hard work. Oh, and training — lots of training. For Carissa that means having a surf coach (her father) and a passion for fitness, "As I've gotten older, my body has changed tremendously. I have gained weight, lost weight. It wasn't enough to just surf," Carissa says. "I have a trainer now. I have a diet."
Depending on her competition schedule, Carissa works out with Hawaii-based trainer Lisa Stewart two to five times per week. When I spoke with Lisa, she told me that they focus on "cardiovascular training, corrective functional movements, core stabilization, and flexibility training." She went on to say that before Carissa started training, "her body was strong, but undefined and had many imbalances. With a lot of hard work and training, Carissa is on her way to becoming a specific athlete who is adaptable to any surfing condition."
While most of us aren't trying to get in shape for the pro surf circuit, we can still learn a lot from Carissa's training sessions with Lisa. Get the lowdown from Lisa on how to achieve a surfer girl beach body after the break!
Why is it so easy to pack for the beach? Swimsuits, shorts, sundresses, tanks, jumpers, cozy coverups, beach bag — done. Roxy knows Summer style is a cinch, it's proven via its Summer look book. Cool cuts, ruffles, stripes, and an easygoing attitude are the way to roll. Nonchalant beach hair and funky accessories are additional Summer essentials. Ultimately, it's all about dishabille clothes you can throw on or off, pre- or post-surf. Shop the collection now.
I am all for taking risks - safe risks - of course. They help us grow emotionally and intellectually. When you break out of your comfort zone and work your edge, it builds self-confidence which helps us become happier, well-adjusted, flexible people. I truly believe this no matter how corny it sounds.
Some people choose to try new things like ice climbing or white-water rafting. Some people get up and sing at "open mic nite." Some people would rather try out a Naked Yoga class or learn to surf.
All that said, this risk might be a little over the top for me (this is one brave girl). But it might be just the thing to knock you right out of your comfort zone...
Fit's Tips: If you're interested in something like this, check out this ride.
If you are a surfer in your heart and soul, nothing can compare to the freedom of gliding over ocean waves, with nothing but a board between you.
But in the winter, your only option is to snowboard, but the feeling of being locked into bindings that are attached to a board, isn't much like surfing at all. Until now.
Check out the noboard. No bindings. Nothing but you and your board. In order to stay on, you hold onto a rope that's attached to your board, which has a heavy duty, thermal-set, elastomeric pad. This just means that it's specifically designed to have outstanding grip and it's able to handle cold temperatures.
Noboarding allows you to use your body more freely, which obviously makes it much more difficult than regular snowboarding. Which was why it was created in the first place by the late and great Gregg Todd.
You can check out the Noboard short film (Yes to the No) coming to a town near you - the Banff Film Festival World Tour features this and other stunning short films on mountain themes that are like nothing you've ever seen.
Want to see a some photos and a video of noboarding? Then read more
