Blank Magazine

Who We Are

Christian Surfers is open to everyone; men, women, youth, boys, girls and families who desire to share God’s love through their ac-tions towards surfers. We are an outreach where we care for surfers at the beach, at surf contests and at special events. Although we do surf and have surfers involved you do not need to be a surfer to serve God. Please take a moment to pray for our group and see if the Lord draws you, or any of your friends or family, into our mission field. If you have any questions feel free to approach any of the CS guys or gals at the events or e-mail us.

Monthly Events

We meet each month, either in front of First Peak, at Sebastian Inlet State Park or at contest sites. We arrive at different times ac-cording to the tide or contest start time, we set up our tent and coolers and then we surf, pass out wax, sunscreen, magazines… and just hang out. We gather for a devotion and discuss upcoming events and opportunities to serve. Then we clean up the beach after a long and busy day. Check out the Upcoming Events section, on our website, to see what time and where we meet next. Connect with us on Facebook (Christian Surfers Sebastian Inlet) to stay on top of updates.

Special Events

We try and pack up the vans and see our local sites. The wave pool in Orlando is obviously a favorite as well as our Summer Surf Jam where we jam as many kids into two vans and travel up coast and camp our way back home while surfing as many breaks a possible. We also serve at the Surf Expo two times a year providing daily coffee and donuts as well as man power on the last day of the show to help the industry pack up after a long week.

We serve at National and Regional Contests:

ASF Contests, NSSA Southeast Contests, NSSA East Coast Championships, Quiksilver King of the Peak, Gnarly Charley Surf Series, Walking on Water Tour, Rip Curl Grom Search…

Get plugged in, visit us at www.christiansurferssi.com or e-mail us at cssi@hotmail.com

Christian Surfers

Freak Traction

We caught up with Matt Kechele the other day to get his insight on Freak Traction CSSI: Matt, What got you into traction and accessories?

Matt: I have been around since the inception of the first traction tail pads. Some

would agree that myself and good friend Jeff Klugel touted the idea of a tail pad with a

kick tail like a skateboard. Now I’m giving up my age. In those days I was just starting

to experiment with the idea of taking a skateboarding approach to my surfing and

busting airs regarded as possibly the first with a repertoire of Aerial Tricks.

CSSI: What makes Freak Traction different?

Matt: Freak combines vast experience with modern tooling processes to bring you the “World’s First” 360 degree Traction Control. FREAK’S 12 X brings 12 different leverage points. A great advantage in surf traction. Posi + Grip™ is a 100% form functional asym-metrical groove pattern consistent with foot movement. The asymmetrical pattern creates channels around the toes. Freak also offers “more” with a Diamond Embossed Surface. This additional textured surface offers better scoff while smoothing out the sharp edges that often irritate the knees. Freak offers a wide range of traction designs, and a plethora of color options. Freak has the soft-est marine applicable EVA foam and the best 3M super stick tape. Freak has a 100% stay stuck guarantee.

CSSI: What other products are you working on right now?

Matt: Freak has raised the bar with surf leash technology

starting with the “Super Cush” comfort straps. This first ever

contracting leash, wraps the ankle tight and comfortably.

The contracting strap prevents sliding and spinning around

on the ankle, and therefore is less likely to get caught up in

your toes or under your foot upon take off. No more soggy bulky neoprene straps.

Freak’s Super Cush™ water resistant straps contract, comfortably gripping the ankle.

Rounded base plugs with stress relief hour glass shaped stand off cord, super stretch cou-

plers, stainless steel swivels, German urethane, mini rail savers are what makes Freak the

“crème dele crème” of surf leashes. Check out all of Freaks other advanced products at www.freaktraction.com Freak Traction Like them on Facebook

ASF Championships

Boys/Girls U10 1st Place Noah Dovin 2nd Place Kyle Tester 3rd Place Blake Speir 4th Place Reid Largin Boys U12 1st Place Robbie McCormick 2nd Place Micha Cantor 3rd Place Tommy Coleman 4th Place Doug Wendall Boys U14 1st Place Luke Marks 2nd Place Tommy Coleman 3rd Place Chauncey Robinson 4th Place Boyd Brown Boys U16 1st Place Luke Marks 2nd Place Addison Miles 3rd Place Liam O’Regan 4th Place Billy McGarry Boys U18 1st Place Sam Duggan 2nd Place Corey Howell 3rd Place Liam O’Regan 4th Place Addison Miles Open 1st Place Sam Duggan 2nd Place Corey Howell 3rd Place Robbie McCormick 4th Place Addison Miles

Girls U12 1st Place Caroline Marks 2nd Place Rachel Presti Girls U14 1st Place Emory McClary 2nd Place Caroline Marks Girls U16 1st Place Lea Taylor 2nd Place Emory McClary Girls U18 1st Place Lea Taylor 2nd Place Emory McClary

Sam Duggan

Lea Taylor

Name: Rich Price Label: RPD Hometown: Indian Harbour Beach, FL How long have you been shaping: 36 years How many boards have you shape d: 10 of thousand’s Where are you shaping your boards: Indian Harbour Beach, FL How did you get started shaping boards: Natural Art Surfboards gave me the opportunity to learn Favorite (local) surf spot: Right behind my house What model and size board are you currently riding: Currently riding one of my 6’4” Annihilator Model’s Machine or Hand Shape: Done both but currently hand shaping What new materials are emerging in the shaping world: For me, I’ve been utilizing Corevac’s technology which is EPS Epoxy vacuum bagging What percentage of your boards are 3 fin, 4 fin, or 5 fin: 50% 3 fin 50% 5 fin What’s next in surfboard design: The best surfers in the world will progress and push their surfing to the limit and then the board designs will naturally follow What kind of feedback helps you the most: I love good feedback. I love when a guy or girl is stoked on their board but progression many times comes from honest feedback on what doesn’t really work so we can correct it and make the de sign better. Who has influenced your life the most: The biggest influence in my life is my relationship with Jesus Christ. I got a long way to go in my Christian walk to be where I feel God really wants me to be but a day does not go by that I don’t realize that He is the foundation of my life and He influences my every thought and action. He sets the standard that I strive for. Last words, for your fans:

Thanks!

FACTORY DIRECT RETAIL: RICH PRICE SURF DESIGNS

131 Tomahawk Drive #22A

Indian Harbor Beach, FL 32937

PH (321) 698-0115

Shapers Bay

Rachel Presti

Name: Rachel Presti Age: 10 Years old Hometown: Melbourne Beach, Florida Favorite (local) surf spot: Sebastian Inlet and Paradise Beach Sponsors: Ricky Carroll Surf Boards, Bilt Surf Shop, Rainbow Fins, Neff, Arnette, Cobian and Dakine What kind / size board are your currently riding: Depending on the surf, I ride a 4’8” RC Swall0w Tail or a 4’5” RC Performance Board Favorite place to eat: Moe’s Wave pool or Ocean Avenue: Wave Pool for unlimited waves, afterwards Ocean Ave great low tide spot to tear it up with my friends. What do you do when it is flat: I love to Skateboard or Ripstick, I also like to read, play video games and just hang out with my friends. Do you have any pets: Yes, I have a Golden Retriever named Lyla and two cats, Mama Cat and Panda. What music is on your playlist right now: Paradise Sears - Call Me Maybe, Fun. - We Are Young, and The Maine – Give It To Me Best friend is: Madison and Liana What surfers do you look up to: Carissa Moore, Frieda Zamba, Bethany Hamilton and Kelly Slater Who has influenced your life the most: My Mom, she taught me how to surf by first pushing me into the waves. She takes me and my little sister surfing every day and is always there for me and supports me on good days and the not so good days. Last words, for your fans:

Never give up and always give it a hundred percent. But most of all;

“Whatever you do, make sure you’re having fun.”

Fall Competition Results

Atlantic Surfing Federation-National Championships (ASF)

2nd place, Girls under 12

Florida Surfing Championships

1st place, Menehune (10 to 11)

National Kidney Foundation

1st place, Menehune Girls (10 to 12)

Gnarly Charley Surf Series

1st place, Girls 10 and under and 2nd place, Girls 11 to 14

Michael Romano

NAME: Michael Romano AGE: 15 HOMETOWN: Indian Rocks Beach HOMEBREAK: 12th AVE EDUCATION: Liberty Online Christian Academy SPONSORS: CT Taylor surfboards, RWE productions & Carver skateboards. MAGIC BOARD: 5'9 Round tail Ct 2. HOW LONG SURFING: I really got into it about 3 years ago. BEST RESULTS: 1st place jr men's in the playa Los Cedros surf con-test in Costa Rica; 1st in the explorer boys 2012 NSSA southeast north division; 2nd in the NKF jr. men's division DREAM SPONSOR: Anybody right now. I’m really just hoping that I can get a solid sponsor soon. TUNES YOU ARE LISTENING TO NOW: Tv on radio, Geto boys, Santigold. DREAM SURF CAR: A Mercedes bus. LIFE AFTER SURFING: I will never stop. IF I COULD DO ONE THING OVER AGAIN: I wish that I could of started surfing earlier. WHAT IS TODAYS SURFING LACKING: Me. SHOULD A ONE MANUE-VER AIR BE A SCORED 7+: Yes. FAVORITE PRO SURFER: Andy Irons FAVORITE LOCAL SURFER: Peter Kirn EPITAPH: Colos-sians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

NSSA in the news

Plight of the box packer By Jake Howard

“Box packers, the guys whose pro career never worked out and ended up packing boxes in the warehouse of some surf company."

That's how it was put to me by an Australian friend. We'd been talking about what life after pro surfing means, and "box packer" was his term for those who had obtained some kind of noteworthiness while in their prime, but whose fate eventuated in less than glorious fashion.

Pro surfing's a tricky game. At its best it can put somebody in front of a global audience, hoisting trophies, being sprayed with cham-pagne in that most Spicollian of dreams. But at its worst it's a destructive force, capable of leaving wrecked youth in its wake. And to-day, as surf companies look to lock-down bright, marketable talent at ever younger ages, that line is razor thin.

The dilemma: do you finish high school, or do you jump on a few sponsor funded trips, get some "real world experience" and see where that takes you? Enabled by the dodge that is home schooling, no question, if done correctly some kids can flourish, but it should never be an excuse to skip out to Indo for a couple weeks. I've been on a couple boat trips where kids have asked me for help on their math homework, and trust me, you don't want me teaching your kid math.

Over the last couple of weeks a couple hundred of America's brightest young surf talents have filtered through Southern California, competing in the Surfing America USA Championships and the NSSA Nationals. Out of this herd, maybe one percent makes it on the world tour. Maybe less. There's only room on tour for 34 surfers, which means it's harder to get one of those top spots than it is to make it into the NBA or NFL ... there's always long snapping.

For the sake of argument, toss guys like Kelly Slater or Mark Occhilupo out of the conversation. Into their 40s with thriving surf careers still, they're the one percent of the one percent. Unless you're winning titles or have that unquantifiable "it" factor that makes you mar-keting gold, eventually the time comes to give up the dream and get a job. Some former pro surfers transition into the role of pundit, getting jobs at magazines or commentating during webcasts. Some transition out of surfing all together. While others start surf schools or camps and "spread the stoke." And occasionally there are those who find more success in business than they ever did in the lineup. Pat O'Connell has turned a moderately successful world tour career into a strong vice president position at Hurley. Or one bet-ter, Paul Naude, who helped pioneer pro surfing in his native South Africa and is now the president of Billabong and one of the most powerful men in surf.

Unfortunately, guys like O'Connell and Naude are more the exception than the rule. Substance abuse and brushes with the law has taken its toll. As he sits in a Santa Cruz County jail cell serving a sentence for selling speed, look no further than the tragedy of Anthony Ruffo to see what happens when a surf life goes wrong. Or maybe the most emblematic of the chew-you-up-and-spit-you-out syn-drome is San Diego's David Eggers, who had one of the most successful amateur careers in the history of the sport, but by the halfway point of his rookie year on tour in 1986/87 the 17-year-old was cooked. He'd never reach his potential, mainly because he was young and surrounded by bad influences. But again, both of those are more high-profile, worst-case scenarios than general rules.

As my Australian friend astutely labeled them, a lot become "box packers." Lacking the education or skillsets to obtain the same pro-fessional success they enjoyed when they were surfing at their highest level, they're forced into a blue-collar career. After their over-sized prize checks dry up, they get the "bro" deal into the warehouse. Or maybe they have an uncle that's a contractor, so they start banging nails. Pool cleaner is another popular one. Whatever the case, the NSSA is the only surfing organization that puts an emphasis on young surfers' academic pursuits, but as the sport grows and surfing becomes more of a realistic career opportunity for kids, more needs to be done to ensure that they're prepared for life when the tide starts to wane.

King of the Peak

This years Quiksilver King of The Peak was another great success. Surf, on both days, was in the head high range with sun off and on and tempera-tures around 70 both days. Again the top names on the east coast showed up to show off their skills and excite and amaze those on the beach, all weekend. From the get go Oliver Kurtz and CJ Hobgood seamed to domi-nate the field. Oliver lost his last heat of the day on Saturday to CT Taylor but won every heat he was in on Sunday. Fortunately for CJ that had Oli-ver ending up 1 skin shy or a tie, which would have forced a surf off final.

CJ ended up taking the crown with 7 skins and $4,750 Oliver ended up with 6 skins and $1,500 and Chris Tucker took home the ESM Air show $250.

Where You At?

How far is too far? How much of a girl’s breast can a magazine show before it’s degrading to her and their audience? How gnarly do the lyrics of a song have to be before we reject it, regardless of musical quality? How small does a bikini bottom need to be before it’s inappropriate? Are there brands that it’s not OK for a believer to be associated with? These, and many other questions, are blurry for us because they come out of our culture. The reason that the “Too Far” question is so hard for us is because surfers are looking for ways to jus-tify behaviors based on a false belief. Here’s what it comes down to; they believe that the world has something to offer and God is holding back and they’ll miss out. Have you considered seeking guidance from God – have you thought that God might have an opinion on issues like; what bikini we wear, what stickers we put on our board, what we entertain ourselves with, what pictures we post on Facebook, etc? In today’s world “Too Far” is all around us, are we interested in involving God in these daily decisions?

fan: an enthusiastic admirer. In the Gospels, Jesus never seemed too inter-

ested in fans. Is that how you define your relationship with Him? An "enthusiastic admirer"?

Close enough to Jesus to get the benefits but not so close to require sacrifice? He was look-

ing for followers. Not just any follower though, but a… completely. commit-

ted. follower. How would things change if you lived as Jesus lived, and loved the way

He loved? Maybe you’re ready to step across that line and say: i am not a fan.

2012 Groundswell Conference - North Shore Hawaii At the beginning of November members from Christian Surfers from all over the globe came together to worship, share and grow in the glow of Jesus. CS chapters from over 100 countries were represented on the North Shore of Oahu for 6 days. One night was open to the public with a range of other surf ministries joining us to share their mission and resources. It was also a chance to worship with Christafari, who really got the crowd going! The extremely receptive audience was mainly filled with everyone from the con-ference, but also included a bunch of people from the surrounding area and others staying in the camp. The band finally had to force themselves off the stage.

CSUS Devotion

Who do you surf for?

Do you ever hear the cool stories of “Super Christians”? Do you ever think, “Man, I wish I was a real ripper so that I could speak on God’s behalf”? I know, I get tricked into thinking like that sometimes. I want to remind you of a well-known story, it’s found in the Bible in the book of John chapter 6.

In the story there are thousands of people and they’ve all come to hear Jesus teach but they don’t have enough food for everyone to eat. The story ends with Jesus miraculously supplying enough food for thousands of people, but look at the middle section. Jesus is questioning the disciples about how they are going to feed all these peo-ple when one of the disciples puts forth a statement. It’s not even a suggestion because there’s no solution in the statement.

Change viewpoints for a second There’s this little grom watching Jesus talk with the disciples. He’s got his lunch, that his Mom made, and he’s standing in the middle of a sea of people. The kid doesn’t come off as dumb enough to think he’s going to feed everyone (over 5,000 people) on his lunch. But something in him says that Jesus can fix this. So he just offers his lunch to Jesus.

Back to the viewpoint of the disciples Andrew says, “Here is a boy with five small pieces of bread and two small fish…” Then, just so the other disciples won’t smack him in the back of the head as if to say, “what are you think-ing” – he adds, “but how far will they go among so many?” We’ve already stated how it ends. The point: It’s not how great the gift you have to offer, it’s that you are offering the gift that you have. So don’t worry if you’re not the coolest or if you are. Either way, are you willing to give whatever you have to Jesus and let Him use it? Are you willing to let the light of Jesus shine through you in your lineup? Offer what you have today to Jesus and see what He does. So I will ask again, who do you surf for?

Surf Tribe

Have you ever noticed that by being a surfer you are a part of a certain group that acts alike, dresses alike, parties alike… The perception of a Surfer is that life is all good and it’s all about me. I caught great waves today, I looked good doing it, I got mine. We see that these groups, that act as if they are free, are really slaves to their image. Are you a slave to being a surfer? Could you walk away from surfing today?

What if there was something greater that brought you more joy that you wanted to experience more? Would you walk away? Could you walk away?

Scan the blob to the right and view what it means to be a part of our tribe.

Why Blank? We are all like a raw blank; scuffed up, yellowed, ugly. Without God we will stay that way but with God, He will take layer after layer off of this raw blank so that we start to take form. As we take form it may hurt, it may be painful and sometimes we may not know ex-actly what our final outcome will look like, but He is the master shaper and we have to trust in his plan. You may want to be a big wave gun and he may be shaping you into a fish. Why a fish? He has a plan to use you when a wider outline, slightly thicker rail and fuller tail is needed. How well will you work, for His glory, if your outline is for Pipe and you are surf-ing Ocean Ave.? We will never be glassed, in this shaping bay, the Master Shaper is never finished with us.

www.christiansurferssi.com