Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Board Chicks!!!

Just a little festive message to wish all you Board Chicks an awesome Christmas... Be ready for a gnarly 2010 and above all keep in riding!

Peace, smiles and Good Vibes to you all xxxxx

Summers Over...Let the Snow Fall Begin!

Ok, so I have to admit it's been a while since my last post, and for that my loyal Board Chicks I apologies, but if its any consolation ladies, you will be proud to hear that I have boarding it up this summer, (just as I am sure you have), and surfing my local spot in Hendaye...And damn what an awesome first summer it's been for this lass!!!... Any regrets yet since leaving the UK for surf in the South France ...urrrhhh need I warrant that with an answer!?!

But let's get down to business, this Board Chick is back. And yes it's a damn shame the summer is now over, but there's no need to shead a tear... The winter's heavy rainfall can only mean one thing...The snow has fallen and the mountains are awaiting!

In brief, working this summer evidently improved my french and as luck would have it, this has helped lead my path to find some work at Quiksilver...yes I know I am a lucky bugger!

Whilst working there, I have been able to see, (and purchase), some Roxy/DC Shoes gear for me, and some Quiksilver/DC Shoes stuff for my man...And these companies are offering some sick technical clothing for us board riders...The research and development for action sports clothing just gets better and better each year.

For starters just check out some of the DC Snow jackets above, the quality is seriously bad ass...(I bought the Muju Jacket in plain black and camo print)... Now its just a case of this Board Chick getting on that snowboard....

Pistache Clothing - Girls T-Shirts!!!

Pistache Clothing just continues to amaze Board Chicks... And this time it's their gorgeous collection of girl's t-shirts. Here is just a little taste of the wicked range of t-shirts they're offering...

Pistache has something for every kinda lady,whether you're into surfing, skating, hip-hop, snow boarding or simply just good style and fashion!

Board Chicks is loved up with the WV Chain design... Gimme, gimme gimme!!!!

Too see the full range of Pistache girls t-shirts, check out their new website on http://www.pistacheclothing.com/

Pistache Clothing- Limited Edition Skateboards!!!

If you're sick of big corporate companies churning out the same crap year in year out, and you're looking for something totally fresh and unique... Then look no further than Pistache Clothing!!!!!

Pistache Clothing was started in 2003 by two brothers, who have since dedicated themselves to making hand printed clothing and accessories!! These guys don't use big factory machines to churn out thousands of the same tee shirt, instead each item of clothing is individually hand made and totally unique.

Big on grafitti and art, they have also produced a range one off, limited edition skateboards, (as above), which means you will literally be the only Board Chick with one of their skates.

Pistache is an independent company, who is environmentally aware... (they only use water based inks and also offer eco made tee shirts), and supports an number of talented surfers, skaters and musicans.

Check them out ASAP on http://www.pistacheclothing.com/, their designs are totally sick and Board Chicks can't get enough!

DC Shoes & Tattoo Artist Darren Brass

Reknowned and talented tattoo artist Darren Brass, (seen on T.V. show Miami Ink), has collaborated with D.C. Shoes to create 7 uniques styles for their Spring 2009 collection.

Brass, an artist, skate boarder and trainer addict, has created 2 women's shoes, 2 men's shoes, plus hoodies and New Era caps.

Using his incredible skills and originality as a tattoo artist, Darren Brass has devised and produced 2 masterpiece's for the women's range. As seen above, he has ingeniously incorporated a variety of contrasting materials and prints, such as basket panelling, cork, leather and suede. The result...2 types of collectable DC Shoes for the girl skater, which are loud, bold and great for a modern day Board Chick.

Hendaye Girl Surfer Pauline Ado!!!

This is footage by Rip Curl of French surfer and talented Board Chick Pauline Ado. She started learning to surf at her local break in Hendaye, at the age of 6 years old...(Just on a quick note, Hendaye is currently my local break since moving to France!)

Now at 18 years old she has won 2 European Junior Champion titles, once in 2005 (at 14 years) and also in 2007 (at 16 years). But this January, Pauline Ado became the Rip Curl Junior World Champion at Narrabean Beach, Sydney, Australia.

After earning a place on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS Tour), her next challenge is to qualify for the WCT... Good Luck Pauline, Board Chicks has your back all the way!!!

Becky Sheedy...'The Mermaid in the Desert'

Watch this short video of Becky Sheedy, directed by Anna Fricke for surf brand "Surfer Girl". Becky is a big wave surfer from western Australia, and a true Board Chick... There's some beautiful cinematography to be seen, not to mention the surf!

Cool Girls Skate Team...

Inspiring footage from pro 'Cool Girls' skateboarding team... With girls aged between 7 - 28 years of age... The clip of Alize (7) and team captain Holly Lyons is not to be missed!

Women's Ju Jitsu back in the 1920's/30's !?!

O.K. so this video might not be of a women's board sports, but as Board Chicks is a massive fan of all women's action sports, and especially martial arts too, this footage from the early 1900's is well worth a look!

It just goes to show that whatever the era, women were (and still are) kicking some ass... Classic!!

Billabong Swimwear 2009

If you're looking for that perfect bikini this summer, then look no further than Billabong... For their new Spring/Summer 2009 collection, they are offering a huge range of gorgeous bikinis, in all types of cuts, prints and vivid colours.

Billabong is also offering a great range of matching board shorts, so you can fully co-ordinate and look nothing but truly hot on the beach, whether just catch a few rays or catching the surf!

Board Chicks particularly likes the leopard print Narukawa Bikini, (as above), which comes in either puple or yellow, with matching boardies too!

Eco Volunteer Holidays...

If your planning to go on holiday this year, but your conscience is telling you to do something environmentally friendly and help others perhaps less fortunate, then why not check out http://www.i-to-i.com/adventure-travel/....i-to-i helps you travel whilst making a real difference in the countries you visit.

I-to-i has an endless number of travel packages which are tailored to help you get the most out of your experience. Here are just a small number of the many travel options available to you:

1. 2 week surf trip to Costa Rica whilst helping to save the Sea Turtle for (£567)

2. 3 week surf trip whilst teaching english in Bali (£787)

3. 4 week trip teaching english at either a school or orphanage in Peru (£787)

4. 2 week trip teaching english at a Buddhist Monasteries in Nepal (£523)

5. 2 weeks conservation work on the Galapagos Islands (£699)

Though these prices do not include flights, they do include all other living requirements, equipment and food. You also have the option of extending your trip for up to 12 weeks, by paying a smaller weekly suppliment (of approx.£100).

So why not take a closer look at the options from i-to-i and do something to help others, whilst experiencing a trip of a life time!

Bring Back the 80's with LA Gear!

An old school ad by LA Gear... Very 'Saved by the Bell'!

If you're into the current 80's revival, then you will be loving the new designs by LA Gear!

Doing what they did, (and evidently still do) best, they are offering a seriously retro range of women's kicks, which of course, includes the ultimate 80's trainer...the high top!

Available in both matt and patent leathers, LA Gear's kicks come in a vibrant array of colours from old school red and silver, to the all clashing bright green, purple and yellow.

O.k, so Board Chicks isn't suggesting you wholeheartedly adopt all the 80's style tips by LA Gear... (As in the old school ad above)... But we're loving the way LA Gear's embraced the return of the 80's with their classic, funky ass footwear, and Board Chicks can't wait to represent!

Carhartt Clothing

Louisa Menke Skating for Carhartt




East Side Shirt


Folksy Shirt

East Village Dress

If you're searching for some classic skatewear, take a look at Carhartt's new Spring/Summer collection. This season they're bringing back the checked shirt; firstly in the old school lumber jack style, (see East Side shirt above), and also with a twist, as seen with the East Village Dress.

Board Chicks is also a big fan of Carhartt's classic denim jeans range, from the extra baggy to the ultra slim!! Check out http://www.carhartt-streetwear.com/ for more funky women's wear...

A Little Carhartt History Lesson:
Started in 1889, by Hamilton Carhartt in Michigan, the company began by creating functional hardwearing clothing for labourers and farmers. However in the 1980's Carhartt developed from labour wear to street wear. This change was recognised with the help of rappers like EPMD wearing the brand. In the 1990's, Carhartt became a favourite for ravers and was also featured in the 1995 french film "La Haine". Carhartt is now a reknowned streetwear brand, sponsoring skate and BMX. Pro's.

Carhartt Board Chicks:
Currently Carhartt only sponsor female Dutch skater Louisa Menke, (as above) and French skater Marie Amiguet...Nice work for sponsoring these two lovely ladies, however Board Chicks would like to see even more women on their Skate/BMX teams please!

Stephanie Gilmore...Winner of Roxy Pro Gold Coast!

On Sunday 8th March at Snapper Rocks, Australia, Stephanie Gilmore (21) convincingly won the Roxy Pro Gold Coast competiton against 26 year old Melanie Bartels.

Determined, Gilmore was awarded 9.57 out of a possible 10 points, for her opening wave, and although according to Gilmore this was 'a really little wave', it consequently achieved the highest single wave score of the day!

Gilmore went on to say... “This win is definitely more satisfying...“In 2005, I was blown away. I couldn’t believe I achieved it, but this time around it’s pleasing to know that I’ve come off a season as world champ, and I’ve done some training, so to come back out here today and win makes you feel really good.

Gilmore has continued to go from strength to strength since entering and winning the Women's ASP World Title as a wildcard in 2005, at the young age of 17. She now has two ASP World Titles and the quest for a third is still very much on the cards for this Board Chick!

Although Hawaiian Melanie Bartels did not gain a final win over Gilmore, she was also nevertheless 'ecstatic' to see her ranking move from ASP World 7th to 2nd!

See below for the full list of the current ASP Women's World Ranking:

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST FINAL RESULTS:1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.072 – Melanie Bartels (HAW) 12.50

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINALS RESULTS:SF 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.33 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 12.16SF 2: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 17.34 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 13.27

CURRENT ASP WOMEN’S WORLD TOUR RATINGS:1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 12002 – Melanie Bartels (HAW) 9723 – Paige Hareb (NZL) 7563 – Coco Ho (HAW) 7565 – Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 5525 – Rebecca Woods (AUS) 5525 – Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 5525 – Bruna Schmitz (BRA) 5529 – Silvana Lima (BRA) 3609 – Amee Donohoe (AUS) 3609 – Samantha Cornish (AUS) 3609 – Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 3609 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 3609 – Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 3609 – Alana Blanchard (HAW) 3609 – Megan Abubo (HAW) 36017 – Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 18018 – Layne Beachley (AUS) 0

The next stop on the ASP Women's World Tour is at Bell's Beach from April 8th-13th...Don't forget to put it in your diaries Board Chicks!!!

Gilmore wins her way into the semifinals...

Stephanie Gilmore on form at Duranbah Beach, Australia

After a few lay days due to small wave conditions, the ASP Women's World Tour was back in action on Friday 6th March. With waves reaching 2-3 ft, (aprox 1 metre), this busy day covered Rounds 2 & 3, and the quarterfinals.

2 times world title holder Stephanie Gilmore returned on fantastic form, beating Megan Abubo of Hawaii in Round 3, by gaining 16.83 points of a possible 20....Consequently the highest score of the day. She then won her Quarterfinal by one point against Chelsea Hedges, achieveing 15.83 points to Chelsea's 14.83.

Gilmore, who now heads for the Semifinals said: “It was a great heat with Chelsea (Hedges)...There was a lot of energy before we went down to the water and it just felt great. I love surfing with her, but it’s always hard. As I’ve said before, she’s probably the only girl I’ve ever competed against who can throw a 7 or 8 right back in your face at the start of a heat and it really fires me up. Of course, to come out on top is always bonus." Quote from ASP Womens World Tour

17 year old, Hawaiian rookie Coco Ho, (who is the youngest female competitor this year), caused a big upset in Round 3, with her 15.33 point win over the current number 2, Brazilian Silvana Lima. Ho, who was elated with her win, will now go on to face Melanie Bartels (HAW) in the Semifinals.

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 2 RESULTS:Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 12.73, Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 10.07, Ashleigh Smith (AUS) 7.83Heat 2: Megan Abubo (HAW) 12.33, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 11.16, Jessi Miley Dyer (AUS) 9.43

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 3 RESULTS:Heat 1: Paige Hareb (NZL) 15.17 def. Amee Donohoe (AUS) 11.34Heat 2: Bruna Schmitz (BRA) 13.50 def. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 13.43Heat 3: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 14.00 def. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 11.90Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.83 def. Megan Abubo (HAW) 8.40Heat 5: Coco Ho (HAW) 15.33 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 11.50Heat 6: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 13.50 def. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.50Heat 7: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 15.40 def. Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 12.86Heat 8: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 11.83 def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 6.70

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST QUARTERFINALS RESULTS:QF 1: Paige Hareb (NZL) 12.17 def. Bruna Schmitz (BRA) 8.20QF 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.83 def. Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 14.83QF 3: Coco Ho (HAW) 15.34 def. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 7.23QF 4: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 11.57 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 11.50,/p>

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINALS MATCH-UPS:SF 1: Paige Hareb (NZL) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)SF 2: Coco Ho (HAW) vs. Melanie Bartels (HAW)

Elissa Steamer skate video...

Elissa Steamer needs no introduction. Born July 31st 1975 in Florida, she now lives in San Francisco and is regarded as one of the worlds all time female skaters, and is often considered to have a 'boyish' skate style.

She has appeared in skate video's such as Toy Machine - Welcome to Hell (1996), Toy Machine - Jump off a Buliding (1998), Bootleg 3000 - Steady Crushin (2003) and Etnies Girl (2006). Elissa also features as a playble character in the first 5 games of the Tony Hawk's series.

Check out the clip of Elissa Steamer above...

The ASP Women's World Tour 2009 has begun...

ASP image of Sally Fitzgibbons at Duranbah Beach, Australia

Stephanie Gilmore on the hunt for her 3rd World Title

Monday 2nd March 2009 saw the start of the ASP Women's World Tour tornament, held at Duranbah Beach on the Gold Coast of Australia.

With Day 1 underway, the first round was consequently relocated from Snapper Rocks to Duranbah Beach, to make the most of the conditions at this reknowned spot. Yet the surf still only managed to reach a small 2ft in size, which proved to be a difficult first round for some Board Chicks.

However, it was 18 year old, Australian Sally Fitzgibbons who took 1st place, in the first event of eight. Sally achieved 18.77 points out of a total of 20, to take the top spot from Brazilian Silvana Lima (24) and Hawaiian Megan Abudo (31).

Sally was thrilled with her start to the tour and in support of her other female competitors she said... "We're gunning for each other ... in a way... We're all the same age and it's just great to see a couple of upsets."

Meanwhile Stephanie Gilmore is on the hunt for her 3rd ASP Women's World Title, and faces new challenges from rookies such as Alana Blanchard and Bruna Schmitz. The first round saw her achieve 14.17 points. Regarding the surf conditions for the first day Gilmore said:

"The conditions this morning were pretty hard actually - it was really small ... The waves on the Gold Coast have been firing for the past two weeks, so it was a little disappointing, but at the same time there were some fun ones out there."

Yet, Gilmore said she is still "pretty confident and comfortable in any kind of waves on the Gold Coast I guess... I love all the pointbreaks and D-Bah is where I surf everyday. Wherever we are I am looking forward to it."

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 1 RESULTS:Heat 1: Paige Hareb (NZL) 15.06, Samantha Cornish (AUS) 12.10, Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 11.50Heat 2: Alana Blanchard (HAW) 15.34, Amee Donohoe (AUS) 12.17, Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 9.56Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 14.17, Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 12.03, Ashleigh Smith (AUS) 11.97Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 18.77, Silvana Lima (BRA) 18.67, Megan Abubo (HAW) 6.53Heat 5: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 14.60, Coco Ho (HAW) 14.26, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 9.16Heat 6: Bruna Schmitz (BRA) 15.00, Melanie Bartels (HAW) 14.34, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 14.23

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Jacqueline Silva (BRA), Ashleigh Smith (AUS)Heat 2: Rebecca Woods (AUS), Jessi Miley Dyer (AUS), Megan Abubo (HAW) ... For more info check out http://www.aspworldtour.com/

Roxy Podcast

Here is Roxy's most recent surfing podcast...The tunes are mellow, the surf is clean and glassy, and these Board Chicks make the surf look effortless...Beautiful!

Angie Koops

Here is some footage of Angie Koops doing some beautiful surfing in Bali, New Zealand and Australia... Keep tearing it up Angie!

Victoria Jealouse ...

Name: Victoria Jealouse

D.O.B: 25th October

Home Town: Whistler, B.C.

Stance: Goofy

Anyone who is into snowboarding will already know of the amazing Victoria Jealouse. Arguably one of the worlds best female big mountain snowboarders, she is a true inspiration to female boarders and continues to achieve the (almost) impossible!

She does most of her filming with TGR (Teton Gravity Research), as she considers them to be safe, understand the mountains and the people are fun to be with.

When asked by Powder Magazine if she could give some advice for 'women who want to ride on big scary terrain and either have been holding back, or haven't had the opportunity?'

She said the following:

Victoria: My advice to women would be to take a lot of baby steps in order to feel confident in your decision-making. To take too big a step and get sluffed, or get bucked, or have a bad crash or blow it and tumble the wrong way off a cliff, definitely sets you back. It's way better to take warm up runs and test the snow, jump a little rock and see how soft the snow is. Definitely don't let any kind of pressure affect your decision-making. If a girl wants to go out in the backcountry and push herself, I would say, do really be aware of where you are and memorize your exposure and line. Take a picture or whatever, and spend as much time as you need to be 100 percent sure. As you'll find out, everything looks totally different from the top. You usually can't see anything, and everything looks wrong, backwards. I take a lot of time and I think it's okay. That's the way I have to do it in order to ride confidently. I always have a back-up plan if I think I'm going to get scared or need an out...You want to drop in with confidence.

The clip above speaks for itself...Victoria Jealouse is one amazing Board Chick.

Girlie Camps 2009!

If you've had enough of work and the daily grind, and you're already thinking of the summer holiday season, then why not check out 'Girlie Camps' http://www.girliecamps.com/

Girlie Camps offers holidays for you and your best mates to get away and hit the surf, snow or skate parks.

They currently have places available for surf holidays in either of Biarritz, France or Fuertaventura, Spain from June all the way through to September! However, if snow and the slopes is more your vibe, then you could be on a trip to Les Deux Alps, France.

The camps are available for girls aged from 16 years and upwards, and range from complete beginners to the more experienced Board Chick. They organise all the neccessities for you; accommdation, meals and daily surf/skate/snow sessions, so all you need to do is get your board and let loose...Bon Voyage Board Chicks!

Pull-In Underwear...

If your looking for some undies with attitude, then take a look at the new Spring 09 collection by Pull-In.

Started in Hossegor- France (2000), Pull-In designs High-Tech Underwear for every board rider who "loves extreme sports and is design conscious" (http://www.pull-in.com/)... Pull-In currently sponsors the gorgeous snowboarder Mirjam Jaegar!!

Pull-In focuses on providing high quality and originality in their product, using materials such as Dupont de Nemours and creating wicked prints, influenced by the 80's, rock and street design.

Their options range from gorgeous hot pants, (perfect for those of us who like to wear baggies), to more delicate and refind lace underwear, 'Snow Underwear - Pant and First Layer', dresses, t-shirts and New Era caps.

And if you're like me and often fashion a punky look, then you'll love their range of leggings!! (Check out http://www.pull-in.com/ for more wicked prints and designs)...