Redefining Our American Dream

By admin | Published: April 27, 2013

Last month, our friends Emily King and Corey Smith from Where’s My Office Now? stopped by the Ocean Minded global headquarters in San Clemente, CA. Discover how these two set out to Redefine our American Dream in the below excerpt, from Emily herself.

By Emily King, Where’s My Office Now?

From the stability of a house, to the finicky temperament of a 25 year old vehicle.  From the comfort of nearby friends and family, to the generosity of random strangers. From a 9-5 office job, to the flexibility of a completely virtual website development company.  From dreaming of endless waves and trails, to living a life overflowing with adventure. We are redefining our American Dream.

Our names are Corey Smith and Emily King and we are the creators of Where’s My Office Now?.  On January 29th, 2013, we left our New England homes in a 1987 VW Vanagon to create a lifestyle of simplicity and adventure. Working from the road, we leverage today’s technology to develop websites for small businesses. We are experiencing America through our passions of surfing and mountain biking … and whatever other adventures come our way.

The Beginnings of Where’s My Office Now?
Where’s My Office Now? was born on a seven week surf trip to Nicaragua and Costa Rica in the Spring of 2012.  Nicaragua is one of the poorest Latin American countries. From what we experienced, they don’t have much, but what they do have was so strikingly evident.  For the most part, they have shelter, clothes to shield themselves from the sun and dust, handy farm animals to alleviate workload, strong family values, and an equally strong sense of community.  In Nicaragua, it was easy to awaken to what is important.  It seemed that the less material items people had, the more joy, happiness and love shined through.

And so was born our desire to simplify and assess the paths that we were on. The less we consume, the less stress we place on the Earth.  Since we are all so very connected, by living consciously, we live for each other and future generations.

The Route
The journey thus far has taken us coast to coast, experiencing Hurricane Sandy devastation, 15 degree sleeping conditions, the vastness of the Midwest, perfect waves in Southern California and epic mountain biking in Sedona, AZ.  We visited our friends at Ocean Minded in San Clemente, CA and took a tour of the headquarters.   It’s inspiring to see a company standing for something so important, plus we were reminded of the interconnectedness of all things – and that almost everything ends up in the ocean!

Where will we end up?  This is unknown. What we do know is that we will be sharing our journey through writing, photography, and video. And that we are committed to an openness to let the adventure unfold.

About Where’s My Office Now?
Where’s My Office Now? is an experiment. It’s an inquiry into a lifestyle created by the merging of two historically different paths — the blend of an adventurous nomadic lifestyle, with a traditional 9-5 business career. What challenges and opportunities will arise? What will be learned? In the end, will it all be worthwhile? Subscribe for updates at www.wheresmyofficenow.com and follow them on Instagram @wheresmyofficenow. Where’s My Office Now? is sponsored by GoWesty.

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10 Simple Ways to Be Ocean Minded this Earth Day

By admin | Published: April 18, 2013

Earth Day is just around the corner and Ocean Minded believes there is no better way to celebrate Mother Nature than helping keep her beaches, oceans, lakes and rivers clean. Discover 10 simple ways you can be Ocean Minded this Earth Day with tips from our environmentally conscious Brand Ambassador, Anthony Vela.

by Ocean Minded Brand Ambassador, Anthony Vela

Apathy and a lack of concern for the ocean environment seems to be universal, no matter where I travel. As a professional athlete, my career has allowed me to see some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but unfortunately that is not always the case. I am also subjected to some of the most horrific beach conditions you could imagine…beautiful, pristine, beaches littered with trash.

As people, we are connected to many different aspects of nature and I think we should take our role in the environment seriously. Our goal should be to blend with nature as much as possible.  We have to somehow change the path of apathy for nature that seems to permeate beaches all over the world.

Leading by example is a great start.  I try and keep it simple because if a lot of people do a bunch of little things, it adds up.  Try it yourself this Earth Day and implement at least one of these 10 simple ways to be Ocean Minded!

  1. Find a rubbish bin – Seems easy enough.  But there are always those times where you just can’t seem to find a rubbish bin.  Keep looking you will find one, or take it with you until you get home.
  1. Limit plastic water bottle use – There are some mind blowing numbers on the amount of plastic water bottles that are used per year.

  1. Use re-usable bags – Keep at least two re-usable bags in your car, that way you are ready for those impromptu shopping missions.
  1. Pick up trash that’s not yours– It actually feels good when you pick up trash that wasn’t yours.  Try it sometime.
  1. Dump your used motor oil at a certified station – if you are handy enough to change your own oil, awesome.  But try to take that extra step and dump the oil at a dumping station.  You can find them all over.
  1. Dispose of used electronics to a place – Lots of electronics stores have electronics/battery drop-off bins.
  1. Be conscious of electricity use – Try to limit the use of lights and other electronics.  Especially in summertime.

  1. Carpool – To work, to school, to the beach.  Once a week if you can. Once every two weeks if you can.  Or even once a month.  Every little bit helps.
  1. Support environmentally conscious companies – There are certain brands that go the extra mile to take care of the environment. It would be nice if more companies adopted business models like this.
  1. Plant plants – It’s fun to plant something that you can eat.  Some fruits, vegetables, and herbs grow very easily.  Get you hands dirty and grow something that you can eat.
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Ocean Minded Brand Video Release!

By admin | Published: April 16, 2013

The moment you have all been waiting for is finally here! Discover what it really means to Be Ocean Minded in this 2-minute video and travel behind-the-scenes to their Global Headquarters in San Clemente, California with Brand Ambassadors Rusty Long, Candice Appleby, Chuck Patterson, Gillian Gibree, Lulu Erkeneff, Anthony Vela, Thomas “Maximus” Shahinian, and Daniel Jones, and General Manager, Steve Workman. This is the first of many brand videos that Ocean Minded will be releasing in 2013, so stay tuned for more highlighting our individual Brand Ambassadors, beach cleanup and environmental efforts, employee interviews and much more!

Live. Protect. Respect. Be Ocean Minded.

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Be Ocean Minded and B.Y.O.B.

By admin | Published: April 12, 2013

With Earth Day just around the corner, many environmental organizations are raising awareness for the plastic bag ban and some communities are even preparing for the ban to be instated this Earth Day, on April 22, 2013. The “bag ban” encourages the use of reusable bags to promote healthier environments for communities through the decreased use of single-use plastic bags. Here at Ocean Minded, we believe simple changes such as remembering to B.Y.O.B or bring your own (reusable) bag, can have a positive impact on our environment and help keep not only our beaches, but our planet clean.

Ocean Minded works very closely with like-minded organizations to support their beach cleanup and environmental initiatives. The Surfrider Foundation, being one of them, has built an entire campaign around this plastic bag bag with Rise Above Plastics (RAP). Their B.Y.O.B. Bring Your Own Bag campaign’s goal is to pass city wide ordinances in local chapter locations for 10 cents on all paper bags and eliminating the use of single use plastic bags.

The country-wide bag ban initiative is a result from the very sobering statistics on single-use plastic bags. According to RAP, it is estimated that Americans go through about 100 billion plastic bags a year and in 2009, approximately 3.8 million tons of waste plastic “bags, sacks and wraps” were generated in the United States and only 9.4% of this total was recycled. Plastics do not biodegrade and even worse, they break down into small particles that make their way into the ocean, absorb toxins, and enter our food chain through fish, sea birds and other marine life.

Supporting this initiative, Ocean Minded Ambassador, Lulu Erkeneff is leading the Dana Hills High School Surfrider Club to work with the school’s local South Orange County Surfrider Chapter in handing out reusable eco-friendly bags to shoppers in Dana Point, California.

“The Mayor came out and stood along side our group and we were given a thumbs up for the bag ban and for our BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) campaign,” says Lulu. “Just like remembering to grab your car keys if you’re taking the car out, its so easy to remember to B.Y.O.B!”

5 Tips Helpful Tips from Lulu Erkeneff

  1. Pay attention to your purchases!  Frequent restaurants and retailers who are already using sustainable packaging and no plastic bags at carry out.
  2. Take a personal pledge to Rise Above Plastics and reduce your use for single use!
  3. Get involved and make your voice count locally and beyond by letting your elected officials know we need to stop the tide of man made plastic pollution from getting into our urban and ocean environments!
  4. Get involved with your local Surfrider Foundation chapter; it’s fun and gratifying!
  5. Remember, what goes in the ocean goes in YOU!
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Ocean Minded Presents the Performance Paddling Junior Pro & Youth SUP Fiesta!

By admin | Published: April 10, 2013


HUNTINGTON BEACH, California – The Inaugural Performance Paddling Junior Pro & Youth SUP Fiesta presented by Ocean Minded is an event you will not want to miss. This one-of-a-kind competition will feature the world’s top youth Stand Up Paddle (SUP) athletes and SUP Surf competitors, converge on Bolsa Chica State Beach in the city of Huntington Beach, California on May 5, 2013.

The Performance Paddling Junior Pro & Youth SUP Fiesta is an all youth event and will feature the first ever “kids only” surf race sanctioned by the World Paddle Association, as well as a Junior Pro Sup Surf Invitational and age group SUP surfing competition for 17 and under. With seven divisions for both SUP surfing and racing, there will be a lot of competition and great prizes to win. The technical surf sprint race format will make for a lot of exciting action. Some of the sport’s top professionals will be present to encourage athletes through the course, including Brandi Baksic, who is the Head Race Official.

The highlighted Junior Pro Invitational will feature athletes from Australia, Maui, Oahu, Oregon, Florida, and California. These specially selected athletes will be surfing for a chance to win their share of a $5000 cash prize purse and title of Junior Pro Champion.

“This event is a dream come true. My first surf contest ever was the ‘Jericho Poppler Kid’s for Clean Waves’ at Bolsa Chica, 18 years ago. To be able to put on an event there for kids is really special,” explains event co-founder and Performance Paddling co-owner, Candice Appleby. “Having Ocean Minded as our presenting sponsor is the ultimate icing on the cake. Ocean Minded was my first sponsor since I was 13, so to have their support, and in such a huge way, is amazing. It’s really important to share the Ocean Minded message with the younger generations and this event will do just that.”

Event title sponsor, Ocean Minded is excited about the event as well.

“We are extremely proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Performance Paddling Junior Pro & Youth SUP Fiesta,” states Ocean Minded Marketing Director, Bob Tanner. “Performance Paddling has shown a continual commitment to stand-up paddling with an emphasis on the sport’s youth, and we think it’s phenomenal that they have put together a world class event for these elite junior athletes. Ocean Minded looks forward to being on-hand for this one-of-a-kind authentic event and continuing to support the stand-up community, which Performance Paddling plays such a large role in,” Tanner explains.

Just as Bolsa Chica was the location of Candice Appleby’s first surfing contest, the SUP Fiesta will be the site of many young sup athletes first SUP surfing contest as well. The event will also be the first SUP race through waves for many young competitors. The finest crew of SUP enthusiasts will be assembled to help every child succeed and most importantly, have fun. Celebrity SUP judges, announcers and volunteers will be on hand to encourage the youngsters and to celebrate their performances throughout the day. A Pro Expression Session will feature: Brennan Rose, Dave Boehne, Colin McPhillips, Chuck Patterson, Kody Kerbox, Candice Appleby, and a few other surprises.

Confirmed Junior Pro SUP Surfing Invitees Include:
Guys: Riggs Napoleon (Oahu), Tucker Ingalls (California), Ridge Lenny (Maui), Noah Yap (Maui), Giorgio Gomez (Florida), Fisher Grant (Florida), Kai McPhillips (California), Jack Warner (California), and a few more to be confirmed.
Girls: Kristi Page (Australia), Vanina Walsh (Oahu), Izzi Gomez (Florida), Shelby Schweitzer (Maui), Lara Clayton (Maui), Fiona Wylde (Oregon), Alleanna Clark (California)

“We are really stoked to have Kristi Page coming out all the way from Australia, and for all of the kids coming from Hawaii and Florida too. There are some really excited locals as well,” explains event co-founder and Performance Paddling’s Anthony Vela.

Tucker Ingalls, Naish Team Rider, considers himself lucky. “I’m lucky, I live in Santa Barbara, so I consider So-Cal and this event to be in my backyard,” says Tucker.

Live HD Webcast
The Performance Paddling Junior Pro & Youth SUP Fiesta presented by Ocean Minded will feature a live HD Webcast brought to you by Supconnect. With multiple-camera angles, instant replays, slow motion replays, and Live interviews; the crew from Supconnect have taken SUP Webcasts to the next level. With supconnect on board, the world will also get to see just how these kids are taking their SUP skills to the next level.

When asked about having his heats streamed Live in HD, Tucker Ingalls responded, “Having the event online is a great opportunity to share with other family members and friends what I am doing and how much fun I am having.”
That’s what this event is all about; kid’s having fun competing, watching and enjoying a fun day of Stand Up Paddling.
Check out the event page and learn more about this exciting event. Beyond the competition in the water, there are a few special features including; the “Ocean Minded” Essay contest, Report card improvement contest, Overall Performance awards, raffles, beach clean-ups and a sportsmanship award.

Additional Information
- All proceeds of this event go to Standup for the Cure who will donate the funds to the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G Komen for the Cure of Breast Cancer.
- Don’t forget to bring your sombreros, because this Sup Fiesta is thee Cinco de Mayo celebration not to be missed.
- Register your child today at the Performance Paddling Website. There will be no beach entries.

Event Sponsors:
Oceanminded.com
Quickbladepaddles.com
Indoboard.com
Mauijim.com
Sweetwaterwear.com
Worldpaddleassociation.com
Infinitysurf.com
Onitpro.com
Victorykoredry.com

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Behind the Brand: Ocean Minded Designer, Emily Kidwell

By admin | Published: April 9, 2013

Name: Emily Kidwell
Job Title: Senior Footwear Designer
Department: Design

Tell us what it’s like to be YOU for a day at Ocean Minded. Well it starts with a big cup of coffee! Then it’s checking emails, and trend sites, making sure I take note of any ideas I had overnight, and then I dig into looking at fabrics, sketching ideas, reviewing colors, ect… Each day is different which is what I like.

What is your favorite part of the job? Pooling ideas and talking smack with my co-workers! Also playing tunes in my office while pinning all my ideas and inspiration on the walls before I start narrowing it down and creating a line. You really can’t beat this job!

Who are some of your style/designer icons? The majority of my inspiration comes from the people around me; coworkers, friends, a person I see while getting coffee. It’s important to pay close attention to your customers, see what they’re wearing and what their lifestyle needs are. Of course it’s equally important to get out there in the world and shop the high end names for the latest trends, you can always funnel it down to meet your brand’s needs. Traveling is a must, culture plays such a huge role in the way people dress, its endless inspiration for colors, prints and materials.

What is your favorite thing to wear right now? Bikini tops, long flowing tanks, and a classic pair of flip flops. I’m trying to fool myself into believing summer is here.

What’s your favorite era for style? Now! I love that themes are limited and not cliché, everyone dresses their own unique style mixing old and new. It’s very personalized and eclectic.

What is your favorite Spring style trend are you most excited about and why? The new pastels! All the neons have been bleached out and are gone (for now). I’m really digging the mint and peach tones for Spring/Summer 2014. Also that there is a renewed focus on comfort, everything looks relaxed and perfectly worn in.

So what’s your go-to spring shoe? The Oumi for sure! You can get them in a variety of colors to go with each outfit, and they fit perfectly in the basket by my door for easy access as I leave the house.

How are you “ocean minded” in your daily life? I get in the water as often as I can, whether it’s surfing with friends or dipping my toes in after a run on the trail. I love our beach clean ups at OM and I do my part even when I’m on my own. I can’t imagine living more than a few blocks from the beach, it keeps me charged.

Tell us about one of the craziest, funniest and/or most memorable industry experiences you can remember.
 Oh jeez! I’ve been in the surf industry for 10 years, I’d hate to bust any of my colleagues, haha. The jellied pork I was served on a factory trip to China recently was memorable…

We all deserve a little wanderlust! Where is the coolest place your traveled and why?
 Rincon, Puerto Rico of all spots. The water was crystal clear and warm, beaches were empty, and there was an amazing outdoor yoga studio nestled among the palms facing the waves. I took a lot of catnaps in the hammocks around there!

Top 5 Favs:
1. Iced coffee on a hot summer day
2. Being in salt water, surf or no surf
3. Catnapping in the sun
4. BBQ at sunset with my nearest and dearest
5. Hitting hot yoga before I go big on a Taco Tuesday!

Bucket List:
1. Surf Portugal
2. Own a pair of Pedro Garcia sandals
3. Hold a head stand in my yoga class
4. Stick to a juice detox for more than 3 days
5. Laugh a little more each day

What single word of advice can you give to someone who wants to be like you when they grow up and work at an awesome brand like Ocean Minded? I have three; Put in your time, take notes, and make friends. Everyone you meet along the way will help you out, whether introducing you to the right people or giving you words of advice.

Words to live by: You don’t have to be the best, you just have to want it the most.

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Spring into Shape with the Partridge Twins

By admin | Published: April 5, 2013

Spring has sprung and it’s officially time to get after it and celebrate World Health Day this Sunday, April 7, 2013. In honor of the World Health Organization (WHO), World Health Day promotes healthy living and focuses on a priority area of public health concern in the world. The theme for 2013 is high blood pressure and Ocean Minded Ambassadors, Hailey and Sierra Partridge have some helpful tips on ways you can lower your blood pressure by maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Spring into shape this World Health Day with the Partridge Twins!

By Ocean Minded Ambassadors, Hailey and Sierra Partridge

We are both so lucky to have lived our whole lives along the coast of California. The California lifestyle to us is about living healthfully and enjoying everything that our beautiful state has to offer. Since not everyone has the opportunity to live in California or even visit it, we want to share a little slice of our California lifestyle with you. We will teach you what we do to stay in shape for surfing.

Exercising and staying in shape has always been a part of our lives ever since we were young. Surfing is our favorite form of exercise because it is so fun. However, we still have to cross train quite a bit in order to stay in shape for surfing when the waves are flat or if we’re away from the ocean for a long period of time.We like to vary our cross training routines so we don’t get bored doing the same thing all the time. We switch it up between stand up paddling, running, hiking, yoga, kickboxing, spinning and different group classes.

Six simple changes you can make to live a healthier lifestyle:

  1. Maintain a healthy diet, one must always plan ahead! For example, always have healthy snacks with you and have a well-stocked pantry so you can make a healthy meal even when you are short on time. We always have canned beans, frozen veggies, whole-wheat pasta, raw nuts, and frozen fish or chicken on hand to throw together a quick healthy meal.
  2. Always bring a workout bag with you, such as a wetsuit, swimsuit or your running shoes and work out clothes. You will be prepared to surf, swim or run where ever you may be.
  3. Sign up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box. Some even deliver to your house so you can have local produce that is convenient and delicious
  4. Call a friend to go exercise or surf. It is always more fun to exercise with a friend. It also makes you accountable and less likely to back out at the last minute.
  5. Be grateful for everyday, every wave, every surf, and every moment. Gratitude will keep you happy which in turn will keep you healthy.
  6. Find an exercise that is fun for you so it doesn’t even feel like you are exercising. Our favorites are surfing, stand up paddling, yoga, kickboxing, spinning and hiking.

Get Moving this World Health Day and commit to doing one of these fun and healthy activities!

  1. Surf
  2. Stand up paddle board!
  3. Walk on the beach and pick up trash as you go
  4. Walk or run with your own dog or borrow a friend’s dog
  5.  Ride your bike to go surfing or to the beach instead of driving.
  6.  Walk to your local farmers market
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Standup For The Cure with Ocean Minded

By admin | Published: April 4, 2013

Join Ocean Minded on May 4, 2013 from 9am – 3pm  in Newport Beach, California for the #1 voted philanthropic event of the year, Standup For The Cure, benefiting the Susan G. Koman for the Cure foundation. As an official event sponsor, Ocean Minded will be there, handing out festive “pink” trucker hats to participants, displaying the new Spring 2013 footwear line and hosting the official event beach clean up.

New for this year, Ocean Minded has also created their own team for the event’s Fun Paddle, in hopes to raise additional funds for Standup For The Cure. To join Team Ocean Minded, visit the fundraising page by clicking here and register for the event by clicking the green box that reads “Join Team and Register for the Event.” All team members who make a donation of $25 or more will receive a free Ocean Minded Trucker Hat and a pair of the new, Waveseeker Flip Flops.

If you’ve never paddle boarded before or don’t own your own board, don’t you worry! Stand Up For The Cure will be hosting a Standup Paddle Board clinic throughout the day by top international paddle board athletes, including the organization’s ambassador, Zane Schweitzer. Can’t attend the event? You can still join Ocean Minded and help raise funds for Standup For The Cure by making an online donation here (and receive your free hat and sandals too!).

Want more? In addition to the free sandals and hat by making a donation and joining Team Ocean Minded, the $35 entry fee will also get you a delicious lunch catered by Ruth Chris Steakhouse and a Barefoot Wines and Kona Brewing Company sponsored happy hour, featuring live music by Wheeland Brothers and Crimson Crowbar.

About the Pink Fleet Fun Paddle: Located at the Newport Dunes basin, the Pink Fleet Fun Paddle will take a 6K route from Newport Dunes, under PCH bridge, around Harbor Island, back under PCH and returning to Newport Dunes. Those paddlers who wish to take a more leisurely route will be able to enjoy the Newport Dunes circuit or paddle part way and turn around at any point and rejoin either of the race leaders.  To add to the fun, all Pink Fleet paddlers, both men and women, are encouraged to dress to impress in festive pink fashion! That’s right boys, now’s your chance to wear pink and get away with it!

Together we can make a difference; together we can find the cure. We sincerely appreciate your support and involvement in this wonderful philanthropic event, benefiting such an amazing cause. For more information or questions regarding this event, please see the official Press Release below or visit standup-for-the-cure.org. For questions regarding Team Ocean Minded and joining or making a donation, please contact Lanette Jorgensen. See you out there!

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Standup for the Cure to Hold Second Annual Award-Winning Breast Cancer Fundraising Event in Newport Beach Expects to raise $125,000 to fund 1,000 Mammograms

Organization Set World Record at Inaugural Event; Anticipates Increased Attendance

  • Guinness World Record Set at Inaugural Event in 2012 – More than 700 participants were involved in The World’s Largest Stand Up Paddleboard Clinic.
  • Standup for the Cure named Top Philanthropic Effort of 2012 by “SUP The Magazine”. The award honors a person or organization that exemplifies the Standup Paddleboard Industry’s ability to impact people’s lives in a positive way.
  • SUFTC had 700 participants and raised more than $60,000 in 2012.  anticipating more than 1,000 this year
  • 2013 event is an event for everyone – Kid’s race, 5K fun paddle, live music, industry expo, SUP Lessons and Demos as well as a silent auction are scheduled.
  • $35.00 entry fee includes Ruth’s Chris Lunch, Kona Brewing Company/Barefoot Wines happy hour, Victory KoreDry Jersey and a goodie bag and more.
  • Cancer screenings – Breast, Colon and Skin cancer screenings available on-site.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – March 6, 2013 – On Saturday, May 4, 2013 Standup for the Cure will hold its second annual fundraising event at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, California to support the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®– every $125 raised will potentially save a life by enabling a mammogram. Entry fee for the event is $35 per person. The fundraiser is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a clinic by top International paddleboards instructing the attendees, including the organization’s ambassador Zane Schweitzer. Irvine’s Ruth Chris Steakhouse will provide lunch and a Barefoot Wines and Kona Brewing Company will sponsor a happy hour that will have live music by Wheeland Brothers and Crimson Crowbar.

“We were thrilled with the success of the first event that raised more than $60,000 for our organization and are honored to have the event continue. Mammograms are vital for identifying breast cancer at an early stage, so this event really is a lifesaver,” said Lisa Wolter, Executive Director of the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G Komen for the Cure.

The event will take place at Newport Dunes, visible from Pacific Coast Highway, and will have a paddling course that will wind through the scenic harbor with a sea of pink paddlers.

“We’re expecting an even bigger crowd this year and have added new events that will appeal to participants of all ages including a kids’ relay, pet costume parade, and a sandcastle competition along with free life-saving cancer screenings. We’ll have beer and wine at happy hour with two bands – Crimson Crowbar and Wheeland Brothers,” said Judie Vivian, volunteer and founder of Standup for the Cure. “We truly will ‘Have Fun and Save Lives!” she continued.

Whether you’re a novice or an expert, Standup for the Cure events offer something for everyone. The event set a world Record at its 2012 inaugural event with more than 700 paddlers taking a Standup Paddleboard clinic led by Zane Schweitzer. Additional participating experts include Matt Hughes, Brendon Light, Jayson Campbell and Daniel Hughes.

Riviera Paddlesurf, Yolo Board, Rogue SUP, Starboard and others will supply loaner boards and demonstrations for new paddlers. Sponsors for Standup for the Cure’s 2013 event include: Riviera Paddlesurf; Maui Jim; Kona Brewing Company; Barefoot Winery; Ruth’s Chris Steak House; Ocean Minded and Victory KoreDry

 “Standup for the Cure’s May 4 event is an excellent opportunity for families, friends and survivors to get together, have a great day filled with fun while raising money and ultimately save lives by doing something they love,” said event director Dan Van Dyck, whose mother is a 39-year breast cancer survivor.

Events include:

  • STANDUP PADDLEBOARD CILINIC taught by world-class Standup for the Cure ambassador including Zane Schweitzer. Other illustrious teachers include Matt Hughes, Brendon Light, Jayson Campbell and Daniel Hughes.
  • SILENT AUCTION: Presenting Sponsor, Riviera Paddlesurf, has donated one of the limited edition Standup for the Cure paddle boards. Other items include SUP boards from Starboard, Boardworks and JP Australia and Pink paddles from Quickblade along with Maui Jim sunglasses, Disneyland tickets and Facial Laser Treatment.
  • MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT (2 Bands):
    • Wheeland Brothers — Two Southern Californian brothers who grew up in Orange County. They combine the cool attitude and summertime energy of reggae with the down-to-earth, organic honesty of acoustic rock and ukulele lullabies. In 2012 Wheeland Brothers released their first album along with the music video for their first single, “Sand in My Sheets”
    • Crimson Crowbar — Band member Frank Sims has recorded, toured and co-written songs with Mick Jagger, Stevie Nicks and David Lee Roth, among others and was a double Grammy nominee with Don Henley.
  • FREE CANCER SCREENING: Screenings for the three potentially treatable cancers are available during the event – Breast, Skin and Colon. Cancer specialists from UCI Cancer Center and Komen supported Clinics will perform the screenings on-site.
  • YOGA PADDLEBOARD CLINIC: The hottest yoga style is on a paddleboard—a yoga practice carried out on paddleboards in the water. A combination of standup paddling and yoga is known for giving the body a “core” workout because of the added challenge of having to maintain one’s balance while performing yoga poses. The clinic will be demonstrated by the Paddleboard
    Bliss team from Orange County.
  • FOOD AND DRINK: Irvine’s Ruth’s Chris Steak House will provide lunch; Happy hour with live music will be presented by Kona Brewing Company and Barefoot Wine to wrap up the day.
  • NEW ACTIVITIES: The 2013 agenda include a Kid’s Relay, Sandcastle Competition and a Pet Costume Parade.
  • “PINK” ATTIRE: Participants that register by May 1 will receive a complimentary custom Pink SUP Jersey from Victory KoreDry.
  • PARKING: All day parking is available at Newport Dunes for $5 per vehicle
  • “Dry” participants can take part in all festivities without getting on the water if they prefer
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Ocean Minded Trashless Tuesday: Keeping Puerto Rico Clean

By admin | Published: April 2, 2013


No matter where you live on this beautiful Earth, it is always important to Be Ocean Minded™. A few months back, Ocean Minded joined MillerCoors for a beach cleanup at La Esperanza Bay in Cataño, Puerto Rico during Great Water Month. With just 52 volunteers in Waveseeker Slip Ons, we collected over 900 pounds of trash in a matter of hours. In addition to collecting waste, planting and water quality testing was also conducted as part of the San Juan Bay Estuary Program’s rescue efforts.


According to the EPA, or the Environmental Protection Agency, this tropical island estuary contains coral communities, seagrass beds and mangrove forests, so it is very important to try to”balance economic needs and resource protection through environmentally sensitive tourism.” This island might look pretty from the sand, but below the surface lives waste that is “weakening islet function as a natural barrier that protects coastal communities of Cataño.”


Take que from the San Juan Bay rescue program this Trashless Tuesday and be Ocean Minded. Together we can keep our communities safe and our beaches clean. For more information on the San Juan Bay Estuary, click here.

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A Weekend at Wanderlust with Gillian Gibree

By admin | Published: March 26, 2013

By Gillian Gibree, Ocean Minded Brand Ambassador

Earlier this month, Ocean Minded Ambassador, Gillian Gibree traveled to Oahu, Hawaii for a one-of-a-kind festival that brings together the world’s leading yoga teachers, musical acts and DJs, top chefs and winemakers, and much more at the Wanderlust Festival. Read how Gillian’s personal wanderlust and business venture, Paddle Into Fitness, led her to the beautiful shores of Oahu as she recaps he experience and adventures at this unique event.

On February 28-March 3rd, I was on the North Shore of Oahu for the Wanderlust Oahu Festival to teach SUP Yoga with fellow Paddle Into Fitness instructor, Kathryn McCann. What a blast! I got to take classes from Rochelle Ballard, Shiva Rae, Baron Baptiste, and attended Gerry Lopez‘s speakeasy about the connection between surfing and yoga.

Shiva took us on a hike around the north shore to some banyon trees and we meditated next to these beautiful old giants. The outdoor yoga classes and the stage for Michael Franti‘s concert were right on the water next to Turtle Bay, a dream location!

After Kathryn and I performed our SUP Yoga bliss over at beautiful Kahala Bay, we joined up with Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii who partnered with Wanderlust to run a north shore beach cleanup. It was great to meet some many other Ocean Minded people! The weekend was full of amazing food, great music, and we made a bunch of new yogi friends. I can’t wait to return next year!

About SUP Yoga
Stand Up Paddle Boarding, or SUP, is a low impact sport that strengthens the core, tones every muscle, and gets you on the water enjoying nature. Yoga improves your flexibility and balance, while restoring all bodily systems by creating physical, mental, and spiritual harmony. The health benefits and simplicity of combining both stand up paddle boarding and yoga make them the perfect match! At Paddle Into Fitness, you will find a unique way to get into shape, have fun, and maintain a healthy lifestyle!

About Paddle Into Fitness
Paddle Into Fitness leads exciting SUP Yoga classes in San Diego and Orange County, California. In addition, Paddle Into Fitness offers a SUP Yoga instructor certification program and introduced Gillian’s signature SUP Yoga board. Paddle Into Fitness was nominated for Best Yoga by the San Diego Union Tribune, and provided SUP Yoga workshops at the San Diego Yoga Journal Conference and Wanderlust Festival.

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