Monday, June 30, 2008

safety tips for the beach bound


Tom Gill of the U.S. Lifesaving Association shares some advice to make your beach getaway a great, and safe escape for the whole family

TODAY updated 8:35 a.m. PT, Fri., July. 1, 2005

There's no doubt the beach is a great escape from the dog days of summer, but you should never underestimate
the power of the sea. A trip to the ocean can pose a range of dangers you and your family should be prepared for
before you leave home. In part three of "Summer Safety," a special series on "Today," Tom Gill, a board of
directors member of the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), was invited to share some advice on beach
safety. Here are his tips:

When we talk about safety at the beach, it doesn’t just pertain to the water, does it?
Lifeguards are there to protect beach goers in the water and on the beach. There are plenty of potential dangers in
both environments combined with thousands of excited and enthusiastic patrons.

Why do people need to be not only safe in the water, but on the beach as well?
We want everyone to have as much fun as possible while staying safe. Playing football with friends is great, but
not in the middle of a huge crowd of children building sandcastles. Be respectful of others as you would anywhere
else and everyone will be able to enjoy a day at the beach.

How should we prepare for a day at the beach?
Think of a day at the beach as an athletic event: You need to be in shape to handle the conditions (often hot and
hopefully sunny); you need to have the proper protective equipment to play in the game (including sunscreen,
hats, sunglasses and cover-ups for the kids to name a few); and you need to eat and drink well (a good breakfast
and plenty of water).

What are some of the most common injuries on the beach and how can they be avoided?
The most serious medical injuries lifeguards see are spinal cord injuries, often caused by people diving into the
surf. Always enter the water feet first. Waves are powerful forces that can cause injury if a person dives through
with their head in the wrong position.

Other common injuries include fractures and dislocations caused by falls because of the uneven surface of the
sand. Scrapes and cuts and other minor injuries are commonplace among the vacationing public.

Ocean currents: What should we know about them? And what about rip currents?
Rip currents are currents of water flowing away from the beach and are responsible for 80 percent of all water
rescues. Most often caused by breaks in sandbars or obstacles in the water (piers and jetties), they can be short
and powerless or become very strong and extend for hundreds of feet depending on the surf, wind and tide
conditions. Rip currents are hard to recognize while in the water, often it requires a view from a height, (lifeguard
stands for instance) but people can feel them well enough.

If a person feels he or herself being pulled away from the shore by a rip current remember the following:
1. Stay calm: A rip current does not pull people under, only out from the shore and often lasts for a short time.
2. If possible, swim parallel to the shore until the current stops and then swim back toward the shore.
3. Wave and call for help if swimming becomes too tiring or the patron is not a strong swimmer.

What are the most important tips for beach goers?
1. Swim near a lifeguard: USLA statistics over a 10 year period show that the chance of drowning at a beach
without lifeguard protection is almost five times as great as drowning at a beach with lifeguards. USLA has
calculated the chance that a person will drown while attending a beach protected by USLA affiliated lifeguards at
one in 18 million (.0000055%).

2. Learn to swim: Learning to swim is the best defense against drowning. Teach children to swim at an early
age. Children who are not taught when they are very young tend to avoid swim instruction as they age, probably
due to embarrassment. Swimming instruction is a crucial step to protecting children from injury or death.

3. Never swim alone: Many drownings involve single swimmers. When you swim with a buddy, if one of you has
a problem, the other may be able to help, including signaling for assistance from others. At least have someone
onshore watching you.

4. Don’t fight the current: USLA has found that some 80 percent of rescues by USLA affiliated lifeguards at
ocean beaches are caused by rip currents. These currents are formed by surf and gravity, because once surf
pushes water up the slope of the beach, gravity pulls it back. This can create concentrated rivers of water moving
offshore. Some people mistakenly call this an undertow, but there is no undercurrent, just an offshore current. If
you are caught in a rip current, don’t fight it by trying to swim directly to shore. Instead, swim parallel to shore
until you feel the current relax, then swim to shore. Most rip currents are narrow and a short swim parallel to
shore will bring you to safety.

5. Swim sober: Alcohol is a major factor in drowning. Alcohol can reduce body temperature and impair swimming
ability. Perhaps more importantly, both alcohol and drugs impair good judgment, which may cause people to take
risks they would not otherwise take.

6. Leash your board: Surfboards and bodyboards should be used only with a leash. Leashes are usually attached
to the board and the ankle or wrist. They are available in most shops where surfboards and bodyboards are sold
or rented. With a leash, the user will not become separated from the floatation device. One additional
consideration is a breakaway leash. A few drownings have been attributed to leashes becoming entangled in
underwater obstructions. A breakaway leash avoids this problem.

7. Don’t float where you can’t swim: Nonswimmers often use floatation devices, like inflatable rafts, to go
offshore. If they fall off, they can quickly drown. No one should use a floatation device unless they are able to
swim. Use of a leash is not enough because a non-swimmer may panic and be unable to swim back to the
floatation device, even with a leash. The only exception is a person wearing a Coast Guard approved life jacket.

8. Life jackets = boating safety: Some 80 percent of fatalities associated with boating accidents are from
drowning. Most involve people who never expected to end up in the water, but fell overboard or ended up in the
water when the boat sank. Children are particularly susceptible to this problem and in many states, children are
required to be in lifejackets whenever they are aboard boats.

9. Don’t dive headfirst: Protect your neck: Serious, lifelong injuries, including paraplegia, occur every year due
to diving headfirst into unknown water and striking the bottom. Bodysurfing can result in a serious neck injury
when the swimmer’s neck strikes the bottom. Check for depth and obstructions before diving, then go in feet first
the first time; and use caution while bodysurfing, always extending a hand ahead of you.

10. At home, you’re the lifeguard: Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in many states for children
age one and two. A major reason for this is home pools, which can be death traps for toddlers. Many of these
deaths occur in the few moments it takes a parent to answer a telephone or doorbell. Never leave a child alone
anywhere near a pool. Make sure it is completely fenced, that the fence is locked, and that there is no access from
the home to the pool. Don’t let your child or a neighbor’s child get into the pool when you’re not there.
Who should wear life vests?

On the beach, anyone who cannot swim should not be in the water above his or her waist with or without a
flotation device. A surf environment is a dynamic environment that can change by the minute. Everyone should
stay close to the shore and follow the lifeguard’s direction on how far they should go out in the water.
Are flotation devices suitable for the beach?

Parents may feel safer because their children have a vest on, but there is no substitute for parents watching their
children every second and always accompanying them into the water.
What about the recent shark attacks? Do we need to be concerned?
1. Shark attacks are rare, especially on large beaches with lots of swimmers.
2. The ocean is a shark’s home and we need to respect that. But sharks do not consider humans a favorite meal
and attacks are often a mistake.

Helpful suggestions:
-Do not swim near sunrise or sunset.
-Do not wear shiny or reflective jewelry.
-Stay out of large schools of fish that are often prime targets for aquatic predators.
-Do not stray far from shore! Both of the attacks occurred on or near sandbars away from the shoreline. There are
many reasons to stay off the outer sandbars besides the animal life, including changing tides that can cause the
troughs between the outer sandbar and the shore to become deeper and harder to cross for the weak swimmer.
Plus it makes it that much harder and longer for the lifeguard to reach you if you have a medical problem in the
water. Stay near the shore and off the sandbars.

Other thoughts:
Lost children: Especially on holiday weekends, beaches are packed; we have been known to work over 100 lost
and found children cases in one day during the weekend. Things to remember: Small children are not going to
rush into the water (it scares them); remember what your children are wearing so you can give a proper
description if they are lost; and go to a lifeguard stand so they can quickly help to reunite you and your child.
However, all of this causes the lifeguard to take away focus from the water, so don't lose your children!

Medications: A vacation is not an excuse to stop taking regular medications, leave the inhaler at home or
drastically change a person’s routine, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Alcohol: Just like drinking and driving don't mix, nor does drinking and swimming. Alcohol is a leading cause of
drowning. We ask everyone to save the partying (in moderation) for the evening after they have left the beach.

For more beach safety tips you can visit the U.S. Lifesaving Association Web site at:
http://www.usla.org/default.asp

Sunday, June 29, 2008

locals only

The news has been reporting the beach battles in Malibu. Surfers and celebs vs. paparazzi. There is sure to be some action over 4th of July weekend. We can't wait! Doubt that the paps stay far from the coast while celebs play and bathe in the sun next weekend. If you haven't seen the video, check it our on You Tube. Go surfers!

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid353549946/bctid1624312467

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

beach training

On the weekends I prefer to get out of the gym and do my workout outside. Walking, hiking, mountains, city, beach. Anything that is different from my Monday through Friday routine. As I was doing my Saturday morning beach walk along Laguna Beach's famed Main Beach, I saw just what I needed to get in beach shape.

Located below Las Brisas restaurant, at the northern part of Main Beach is an incredible strength training and cardio class. Fit and tan instructor, Robert, teaches an excellent and creative class every Saturday and Sunday morning at 9:15 am. He brings all the equipment you'll need. You'll strengthen and tone your body as the calm morning ocean tickles you're feet. What sold me was just how beautiful the atmosphere is in the morning!

Classes are also held during the week, at either 8:30 am, 9:30 am or 6 pm. One session is $20, or you can purchase a 10 session discount pack. Credit cards are accepted, but you must pay online before arriving at the beach. Call, email or visit his website.

Phone: 949-230-4777
Email: robert@dragonflyfitness.net
Website: www.dragonflyfitness.net

heat wave




An intense heat wave has definitely hit Southern California. Not quite the June gloom we are use to. If you were like most, you hit the beach last weekend (and plan to hit it again). Or have you been scared off by the big waves we had on Saturday? The surf was definitely up at Brooks St. and all along our beautiful coast.

Friday, June 20, 2008

brunch in malibu

hot tuna's new surf spot


To make a splash in the surf industry, Niels Juul gambled that his company, Hot Tuna International Inc., would have to play the outsider. So he recently moved Hot Tuna away from Orange County, Calif.—home to many of the surf industry’s giants—and set up shop far away from the beach in downtown Los Angeles.

The move kicked off a flurry of activity for the company. Juul opened a Hot Tuna boutique and showroom at 860 S. Los Angeles St. It is in the heart of downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion District, a place more famous for premium-denim showrooms than surf and skate fashion.

The company will debut its Spring 2009 line July 2–4 at Barcelona trade show Bread & Butter and then head Sept. 4–6 to the Action Sports Retailer Trade Expo in San Diego.

Juul has big plans for Hot Tuna. In the next five years, he forecasted, it could grow into a $50 million to $80 million company. Plans are underway to open a boutique in London in August and another in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, possibly in early 2009.

The move to Los Angeles might be unorthodox, but for the Danish-born fashion executive, constructing an identity away from surf’s epicenter might be the way to revive a 39-year-old brand.

Like surfwear brands Quiksilver, Billabong and Rip Curl, Hot Tuna was born in Australia. However, Hot Tuna did not cross the Pacific to establish the brand in the United States. Its 1980s and 1990s glory days were driven by founder Richard Meldrum, according to Juul. After an Australian investors group purchased the trademark for $5 million Australian dollars around 2003, Meldrum retired.

U.K. based investment banker Ranjit Murugason was retained to get Hot Tuna listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. It was listed in 2005, and 7 million British pounds, or $15 million, was raised for the company.

While Hot Tuna’s board of directors scored some coups, such as placing Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson on its board, Juul alleged the company suffered from mismanagement. Juul was named the company’s global chief executive in June 2007 to help the brand carve a new niche. On April 10, 2008, Murugason resigned as the company’s non-executive chairman, leaving Juul at the head of the company.

Juul had formerly worked at Los Angeles–based brand Von Dutch as an executive vice president. When he took the reins of Hot Tuna, he found an organization he believed to be overly bureaucratic, with its operations spread over the far-flung locales of London, Sydney and Costa Mesa, Calif., and its distribution and sourcing operations troubled.

Since then, according to Juul, he has quadrupled sales and cut more than half of the staff. For its Spring 2007 season, Hot Tuna shipped $580,000 in product, Juul said. By Spring 2008, shipments were up to $2.2 million.

Last year, Juul slashed 25 jobs at the company to bring the staff to its present number of 22. He argued that the duties of the cut jobs were already being performed by those in the 22 remaining jobs.

Split personality

These days, the organization’s headquarters are still separated by continents and oceans.

In 2007, Juul moved the sales-and-marketing headquarters from London to Los Angeles. Hot Tuna’s women’s and juniors fashions are designed by surf veteran Anna Kenney. Men’s fashions are designed in London by Darren Heslop. The company’s administrative section is based there, too. The brand’s children’s fashions are designed in Sydney by Dean Harrigan. Hot Tuna designers and managers communicate with each other via iChat every other morning. The brand’s lines are manufactured in California, Peru, Turkey and China.

In April, Juul traveled to Australia to meet with Meldrum so they could dust off the qualities that made Hot Tuna special. After requisite bonding by surfing a few waves, Juul found that Meldrum made Hot Tuna stand out with outrageous humor and a fashion look that may have been more cosmopolitan Sydney than the Aussie surf destination Bells Beach. It basically was more fashion than sports.

“It was not mainstream,” Juul said. “It never took itself seriously. The logo is a piranha. The name is Hot Tuna. We can make fun of everything.”

Unlike Billabong, Roxy or the other surf-centric brands that already dominate the market, Hot Tuna stands apart, said women’s designer Kenney. “It’s beach and surf in the city,” she said. “There’s not one hibiscus flower in the prints [of the new line].”

Traditional surf graphics were avoided in favor of swimwear and surf designs such as New Wave graphics of lips and eyes. There are also lipstick-tube patterns and prints of Navajo rugs.

Swimwear silhouettes will be the traditional Brazilian and American bikini looks as well as European styles to appeal to the burgeoning English and Spanish markets. Other women’s styles include maxi-dresses, silk jumpers, V-neck T-shirts and motorcycle-style jackets.

Retail price points range from $39 for a T-shirt to $180 for a silk dress and $80 to $100 for a bikini set. Hot Tuna’s drive to appeal to fashion as well as surf shops is a good idea, said market researcher Cary Allington. He is co-owner of Action Watch, a Loma Linda, Calif.–based market-research group for the surf and skate industries. He said the weak American economy has divided retailers on merchandising.

“Some retailers have tightened up. They are focusing on brands that they can do volume with, and they are cutting out brands that are not dependable,” Allington said. “Others will jump into new brands because they want to differentiate their product.”

Hot Tuna’s focus on fashion comes at a fortuitous time, when the surf and skate market is shifting to more-sophisticated looks, said Frank Delgadillo, founder and partner with Irvine, Calif.–based Ambiguous Industries. “A pair of flip-flops and boardshorts is not going to do it,” Delgadillo said. “For the past five years, guys have cared what they look like.”

He also said that with so many brands vying for consumers, surf and skate labels have been forced to design better products.

Juul said that quality and product control will be one of his focuses at Hot Tuna. He said he plans to draw on his experiences at Von Dutch, recalling a time when the Von Dutch executives discovered a line of Japanese-produced toasters bearing the Von Dutch logo. According to Juul, no one remembered giving company approval for the product.

“You’ve got to have tight control on your brand,” he said. “You have to be prepared for success. Those were two of the lessons I learned there.”

Article by Andrew Asch, Retail Editor for California Apparel News.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

going brazilian

If you've never worn a Brazilian cut bikini, you may feel a little bare the first time you try one on. They style of the bikini bottoms are a little smaller on the behind, but surprisingly more flattering. The less material you have on your rear, the smaller it actually looks.

For your first time, try Salinas Swimwear or Rosa Cha. It's easy to loose confidence when trying on a bikini, but the women at Rosa Cha in Miami give you the self-assurance to wear it with pride. Intricate detailing in stitching and trim are evident, and impeccable craftsmanship is the trademark of Rosa Cha. Innovative silhouettes with brilliant accents to the essential lines are made for the perfect fit. And because the line is made in Brazil, the colors are vibrant and flatter every shade of tan.

Sold all over the US and Europe, you can find Rosa Cha outside of Miami in upscale department stores and boutiques. Don't forget to apply tinted lotion or a spray on tan before bathing suit shopping for a boost of confidence in the dressing room.

www.rosacha.com

www.shopbop.com

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

summer-proof your hair

Keep strands shiny and healthy this summer by following some of these tips:

1. Protect Natural Texture
If you're straight, stay that way. Curly and wavy hair can get a boost with a curl-defining ream like Fekkai Luscious Curls Cream to maintain shape and control frizz ($19.50 and sold at Sephora, Neiman Marcus or Fredric Fekkai salons).

2. Take Preventitive Measures
Keep wind, salt and chlorine damage to a minimum by spraying hair with a daily leave-in conditioner before going out to play. And when swimming in the pool or ocean, be sure to shower off afterwards and splash your hair with fresh water to get out the chlorine/sea water.

3. Get Defensive
Protect hair from environmental factors on the beach and off with a daily sun-shield like Kerastase Paris Creme UV Defense Active Protection Index 2 ($34 at kerastase.com). If your paying big bucks for that hair color, make sure you protect it from fading or bleaching.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

blueprint cleanse

Looking for a bikini diet? Had one too many beers and far too many appetizers? Fret not. It's never too late to rid your body of the toxins. Consider Blueprint Cleanse as your bikini savior. The company has created a daily regimen of six vegetable and fruit juices to imbibe from morning through evening. A liquid diet might seem like a cruel punishment indeed, but we were pleasantly surprised. Though you may miss solids and the green juices are at times hard to stomach, you probably won't feel hungry. Fashion insiders throughout NYC swear by this get-skinny secret. The 8 pounds shed in three days has made believers out of Fashion Week Daily journalists. Your friends and colleagues may think you're insane, but who cares, really?

For LA locals, try IZO cleanse. This writer swears by it. A little pricey, but so worth it. I'd do it again in a heart beat (if someone else was picking up the bill).

Happy drinking!

http://www.blueprintcleanse.com
http://www.izocleanze.com/

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

roxy follow your heart tour

Roxy is searching for its first ever spokes model. With the help of Teen Vogue and Ford Models, Roxy is holding model casting's across the US and Canada. Tryouts were in Irvine, California just last weekend. To learn more, and to find out where the Follow Your Heart Tour is stopping next, visit the link below.

http://followyourheart.roxy.com/

Monday, June 9, 2008

thank you

Beach Girls Who Blog has had more than 2,000 people visit our site in just three months! Thank you for reading our blog and sharing our site with your friends. Please spread the news about Beach Girls Who Blog, as well as tell us about beach day tips, boutiques, and beaches we should blog about.

Another thank you to The Laguna Beach Independent for posting our blog link on their website and for helping up spread our name! Here's to more blogging, more scoop, and more hits on our site! Many thanks.

Cheers,
Beach Girls Who Blog

http://www.lagunabeachindependent.com/common/lagunalinks.html

Saturday, June 7, 2008

eco-friendly products hit the beach scene

Summer's sunshine means a rush to the beach for many. But before hitting the sand and surf, check out ways you can make your beach-time fun more eco-friendly.

Recycled Sailcloth Totes

These water-resistant bags run from $95-$185. The durable carry alongs are the perfect place to store your beach must-haves. The totes come in a variety of sizes and are available in several colors. Check out www.seabags.com for more information.

Eton Radios

Eton radios allow you to harness the power of the sun for. Ranging from $50-$150, the radio is a way to listen to your favorite tunes while sitting on the sand and still being good the environment. The self and solar-powered device is compact enough to take anywhere. It also has a flashlight, emergency beacon and siren. Plus, you can use it to charge your cell phone or Mp3 player. For more information go to www.etoncorp.com.

Natural Sunscreens

Protecting yourself from damaging UV rays is a must, but the large amount of sunscreen tourists flush into the water maybe the cause of coral bleaching. For an eco-friendly alternative form of sun protection, try natural sunscreens, like Nature's Gate, Korres or Dr. Hauschka. The mineral-based products create a physical barrier to reflect harmful UVA and UVB rays off the body without the chemicals of other sun protectors. Good for you and the ocean.

Green Beach Toys

What's a beach day getaway without toys for the little ones? Now parents who want safe, eco-friendly toys for their kids' sand and surf time can use Sand Play Set from Green Toys. The toys use recycled milk containers as their main ingredient and the Sand Play Set cost just $20. For more information go to www.greentoys.com.

And for more summer-green gear picks, check out www.plentymag.com.

now playing

In Sliding Liberia, four young surfers travel through the west African country of Liberia in search of the perfect wave. During their journey, they become aware of the culture around them and the issues of violence that confronts a country war torn for many years. Select screenings for this unique surf movie are being held around the world.

http://www.slidingliberia.com/

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

claiming your space

Aww, a beach day. Whether you've planned the day weeks in advanced, or it's an impromptu to jaunt to the shore, you must be prepared to set up camp when you arrive. Be sure to pack the essentials, and be aware of the time you are planning to arrive at the beach. This will determine how crowded it is. The earlier you get to the beach, the more options you have in choosing your spot for the day. If you and a friend are hitting the beach with only beach chairs, you can arrive at any time and get a decent spot. However, if you, the family, friends, cousins, etc. are planning a massive beach day, it's really best (for you and other beach goers) to arrive early, by 10:30 AM, to set up (earlier if it is a holiday weekend). Please, think of others. Everyone wants an enjoyable day, so don't bring items that will take away from others experience or kill the atmosphere.

When you arrive at the beach, unpack the car closest to the beach entrance and carry your belongings to the sand. Keep in mind when you're packing that you will have to carry your stuff to and from the beach! There is no bellhop. Put down your towels, chairs, cooler (or if your on the East Coast, your beach blanket, preferably an old, Pendleton one, and not a ratty fitted sheet or something). Place your heavy items on the corners of the towel/blanket if it is a windy day.

Please remember that the beach is not Oklahoma Territory in the 1870's; if the beach is crowded, you may not attempt to spread your stuff out over as much space as possible. Conversely, if the beach is not crowded, you should leave a good distance between your blanket and that of your nearest neighbors. Then, enjoy your day!

Sunday, June 1, 2008

recent beach days in LB





Laguna Beach beach walk on May 29th.

summer beach essentials

Are the waves whispering your name? Grab your beach gear and head to the shore! For new summer essentials, visit Roxy.com for fun beach gear at a reasonable price.

http://www.roxy.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3123168&camp=em052808

the sandal store opens in la

Great news for LA residents. Rainbow Sandals has opened a store on Melrose Avenue, in between Fairfax and La Brea. Just in time for summer!