Seea - Seeababes

Video: "Summer Lullaby" at Malibu

2016-10-07T11:13:00-07:00

There’s a magical Malibu that we see in photographs. It's a place where wave after wave unwinds in a flawless crescendo like rows of chorus line dancers. It’s a place where time feels like slow motion as your fin locks into the crest and you’re cruising on the tip of the nose for eternity.

This is the home of “Gidget.” Mecca of 1960s California surf culture. To Aussies and Brits, Malibu literally equals longboard, which are called "Mals" for short. Thousands of surfers flock to Malibu’s iconic pier in the summer hoping to catch a perfect ride.

And then there is a parallel universe of Malibu. A place where conflict is coming at all your senses. Paddling into a wave is a staredown looking over your left and right shoulders. Agro yelling and whistling escalates into people actually getting pushed off waves. You’re dodging leashless longboards and stray foamies.

Which Malibu have you been to? At the end of the summer and south swell season, we reminisced about our love/hate relationship with this famous wave. Turns out, which Malibu you end up at is in your head.

Photo of Taylor Nelson at Malibu by Colin Nearman.

SUMMER LULLABY from Aaron Kim on Vimeo.

Taylor Nelson (Seeababe, goofy foot Malibu local)

"'Summer Lullaby' is a short piece that my good friend Aaron Kim came up with. We work really well together so when he asked to meet up for a dawn patrol at the BU I was stoked and even more stoked when it was the best day of summer and nobody was out!

So many people including myself have a love/hate relationship with the BU and I think the best way to navigate it on a crowded day is to fully embrace the madness and pick your waves carefully. I think so many people get upset when they paddle out because of the crowd because they don't know how to navigate around it and also they don't know the locals that they can't drop in on.

I always hear people say "It's Malibu" referring to the crowds and then they think that its ok for them to drop in on anyone and back paddle whoever just because it is so crowded. When you grow up in the chaos you know who has put their time in the water just as you have. So when people make those comments I find it pretty disrespectful and just ignore it because I know they are only coming up to surf with "swells".

My dad has always told me 'If you can't have fun out here, you can't have fun anywhere.' That little saying of his has totally changed the way I look at surfing and has always brought me back to how blessed we are to even have the ocean to jump into. I have gotten to a point that when people forget that surfing is supposed to be fun I feel really bad for them. If they can't find joy in the water it scares me to think what they are like on land.

Malibu feels like home because of the community of friends and family I have there. I love that no matter how long I am away from that place I am always welcomed back with warm smiles and open arms."

Kathy Kohner, the original Gidget at Malibu circa 1950s.

Makala Smith wears the Lido One-Piece. Photo by @hashtagsharkbait.

Makala Smith (Seeababe, SanO shredder and winner of the Women's 2016 Call to the Wall)

“Quality over quantity. When you get a good wave at Malibu it's one of the best waves of your life.

But you hate the attitude. The vibe isn't how it’s supposed to be with surfing. Surfing is supposed to be alive sharing the stoke together. Sometimes when you’re there it's too much to handle. It's not what you want in the water.

Amongst the crowds and the kooks, there are a bunch of legends in the water that understand and share the stoke.

Even though you don't get the waves you want, the ones you get are perfection. Not only is it worth the wait, time and presence are nonexistent. It doesn't matter where you are in the world, a good wave in Malibu is like a good wave anywhere in the world.

The feeling of coming off a perfect wave at Malibu is like no other. You just got the perfect right of your life and the crowd is not a factor. Even though you’re in a crowd, you’re on the wave alone and that all worth it.

One wave is all it takes.

You can wait 30 minutes for a wave and deal with people back paddling you and cutting you off, but that moment when you get one… It's worth it all.

One wave, you can get out and leave satisfied. Or not, then you want more and you don't get it! Hahahaha.”

Makala Smith wears the Lido One-Piece. Photo by @hashtagsharkbait.

Makala Smith from Bird Man Media on Vimeo.

MORE POINT BREAK DREAMING:

We Rise Together: A Short Film on Friendship and the Sea

2016-01-14T14:39:00-08:00

"Relationships are the most important thing in life." By nature, women are nurturers, family bond connectors, and community-oriented beings. Women's relationships with each other are definitely something special — uplifting, supportive and filled with joy. We saw this heart warming bond in Seeababe Taylor Nelson and her friends Eveline Van Brande and Anna Ehrgott in the short film, We Rise Together filmed closeby to their home surf breaks in California.

"All three of us are adventure lovers. After our trip together I learned that we are wild women and that we love to move: surf, hike, sail, swim, scuba. We are all girls who are go-getters! We embrace the outdoors and always seek to be humbled by nature. I have learned that we all cherish relationships and love the world around us. I think that we all have a common goal of following our bliss — whether it be in the enjoying the sea or mountain," explains Taylor.

Their messages about female empowerment and humility are most clear in what you don't see: them in bikinis. This is not that kind of film. Taylor tells us more about why: "Eveline, Anna, and I had a discussion a while back ago because we were bummed seeing the direction of the women's active/surf industry. We saw the active women's industry heading down a degrading sexual path instead of encouraging realness and adventuring. Surfer girls want to see other surfer girls ripping. There is a drive in the surf industry to encourage women to pursue and promote an authentic lifestyle of action and adventure and away from the sex sells view."

Filmmakers Adam Reynolds and Shane Passantino were game to capture the spirit of these friends that treats them as more complex beings than models in front of their cameras. "When Shane and I set out to make this film, we focused our efforts on telling a different kind of story — We weren't looking to showcase the biggest airs, or the most complex maneuvers, though stylish surfing does add a nice flare, but rather we wanted to go beyond the surface of the surf industry and connect with the hearts and souls of the independent surfer, especially women," says Adam.

We say its a mission accomplished. Stay until the end and you'll see which of these friends will bark like a seal with no hesitation, and we dare you to not catch contagious laughter too! Follow Scopo Studios for forthcoming films.

Image courtesy of Scopo Studios.

Eveline Van Brande. Image courtesy of Scopo Studios.

Image courtesy of Scopo Studios.

MORE INSPIRING WOMEN:

Seeababes score at The Philippine Wahine Classic

2015-11-09T14:48:00-08:00

Taylor with all ten toes over the nose, wearing the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Ian Zamora.

Landlocked people may see all waves as the same — water crashing into the sand. But surfers read the language of the ocean’s energy cresting into A-Frame peaks, outstretched points, quick reefs and barreling tubes of water. Look at the more than 7,000 islands that make up the Philippines and it’s easy to envision the potential for surf-able waves at any time of year. That’s what happened to couple Carla (formerly Rowland, now Zamora) and Ian Zamora, who arrived to the Philippines for a two-week trip in 2011, but ended up extending their stay for a month to surf the long, California-like peelers in 80 degree water.

Carla now lives in San Juan, La Union for half of the year during the winter season. San Juan is dubbed the “surfing capital” of Northern Luzon island and one of the more tourist-friendly surfing communities because its amenities and close proximity to Manila. To nurture the local women’s community, Carla started the annual Philippine Wahine Classic Event that unites surfers from established communities with the local line up. This event takes place on the opposite coast from her home, in Baler, Aurora. Baler's coconut tree-laden terrain faces the Western Pacific Ocean and has a handful of very different, quality waves within a short driving radius.

Last month, Seeababes Taylor Nelson and Rosie Jaffurs traveled to the third annual Wahine Classic Event in Baler to explore the different types of waves and landscapes with fellow California travelers Taylor Bruynzeel and Sophia Sarlo.

Taylor Nelson wears the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Ian Zamora.

Rosie Jaffurs in the Tofino in Geo Gold Photo by Ian Zamora.

Taylor Nelson wears the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Ian Zamora.

In the middle of a hairflip, Taylor Nelson wears the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Ian Zamora.

Taylor Nelson was mentored by Carla at Malibu, and said it was a dream come true for her to finally experience Carla’s home away from home in the Philippines. “We were sharing meals with people and getting to know husbands and wives. They weren’t shy asking about what it was like living in California,” Taylor said of dinner conversation with Carla’s Filipino neighbors. “One of my favorite things was to talk about food. I am a vegetarian and two of them were baffled by me.”

Surfing in the Philippines is a relatively new thing. One of the most famous waves, Cloud 9 on Siargo Island is said to have been discovered in late 1980s. When you grow up surfing Malibu, and then Oahu, Hawaii, Taylor Nelson has had her share of being snaked by guys paddling around her. It's no wonder that the beginner stoke energy of the Philippines was a refreshing change. “There’s such a competitive chauvinist vibe in California, U.S., Australia and developed surfing communities. The Filipino culture of loving and being open really transcends in the water. It would be pumping and everyone was stoked. That was the coolest thing about the Philippines,” Taylor said.

Carla added, “What I love most about having a life in the Philippines is the simplicity of it. In the States, it is so easy to get caught up in the rat race. In the Philippines, I am reminded to be content in the moment, with what I have, and whom I have around me."

Poverty is rampant in the Philippines, with many coastal residents living in shanty houses that are often destroyed in Category 1 storms. For this trip, Carla partnered with Waves for Water, in which the California surfers brought clean water filters to a local school affected by a recent typhoon.

"There are so many things to love about the Philippines if you are willing to spend some time getting to know it. While the country could be much cleaner, I absolutely love the climate and ocean temperatures," Carla said. "The welcoming mabuhay approach from Filipinos is something you don’t feel in the States. Even when I am surfing with a relatively crowded lineup, the energy and attitude of that lineup is generally that of joy and togetherness.”

And from the looks of these waves they scored, there's plenty to be happy about. Special thanks to Carla Rowland and Ian Zamora for their hospitality on this trip!

All photos by Ian Zamora and Brendan Simmons.

Organizer of the event, Carla Rowland-Zamora. Photo by Ian Zamora.

Carla with all ten toes over the nose. Photo by Ian Zamora.

Carla's soul arch. Photo by Ian Zamora.

Taylor Nelson in her happy place going right. Photo by Ian Zamora.

Taking a break between the waves. From left to right, Taylor Bruynzeel in the Tofino in Geo Gold, Taylor Nelson in the Capitola Bikini in Geo Gold and Rosie Jaffurs in the Zuma in Burgundy. Photo by Ian Zamora.

From left to right, Taylor Bruynzeel in the Tofino in Geo Gold and Taylor Nelson in the Capitola Bikini in Geo Gold. Photo by Ian Zamora.

Checking out the local scenery. From left to right, Taylor Nelson in the Capitola Bikini in Geo Gold, Rosie Jaffurs in the Zuma in Burgundy and Taylor Bruynzeel in the Tofino in Geo Gold. Photo by Ian Zamora.

Taylor Nelson with her longboard. Photo by Ian Zamora.

Taylor Bruynzeel in the Tofino in Geo Gold and Taylor Nelson in the Capitola Bikini in Geo Gold. Photo by Ian Zamora.

Hanging around the house. Rosie in the Capitola Bikini in Blue Tide and Taylor in the SanO in Coral. Photo by Ian Zamora.

Off to find waves. Photo by Brendan Simmons.

Rosie in the Leucadia Top in Black Iris and Capitola Bottom in Dot Dot Dot. Photo by Brendan Simmons.

Taylor in the SanO in Coral. Photo by Brendan Simmons.

Taylor in the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Brendan Simmons.

One of the local surfers gets a sweet nose ride. Photo by Ian Zamora.

Fresh catch for lunch. Photo by Ian Zamora.

The crew in a local eatery in Baler. Photo by Brendan Simmons.

On their Waves for Water mission delivering water filters to a local school. Photo by Brendan Simmons.

CAN'T GET ENOUGH SURF TRAVEL?

Seea in Hawaii: Free Fall

2015-07-16T13:14:00-07:00

funtemplatesbabes jump! Hallie wears the Pavones Bikini and Luki wears the Martinique neoprene one-piece.

Nature is bigger than us. You can’t not feel butterflies looking down from this peak. It’s scary! And euphoric! On the map, the Hawaiian islands are nothing but dots in the great open ocean. But walking on the red volcanic soil, on the silky sand, submerged under the waterline, everything feel grand and alive. It snaps us into the present beauty of this panoramic view.

Scroll on to play with the Seeababes in the vast oceans, rocky cliffs and expansive beaches of Oahu.

Featuring: Luki O'Keefe, Makala Smith, Hallie Rohr, Taylor Nelson and Rosie Jaffurs wearing the Limited Edition Summer Collection. Shop the looks here!

All photos by Luki O'Keefe.

Luki O'Keefe wears the Martinique neoprene one-piece.

Hallie wears the Capitola Top and Pavones bottom in Black Porto.

Makala wears the Pavones Top and Capitola Bottom in Black Porto.

Makala jumps in the Pavones Top and Capitola Bottom in Black Porto.

Makala wears the Palmas Surf Suit. Hallie wears the Tunitas Tank and Solimar Bottoms in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Palmas Surf Suit. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Palmas Surf Suit. Hallie wears the Tunitas Tank and Solimar Bottoms in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Sea turtles! Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Hallie in the Cardiff Neoprene One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Hallie wears the Cardiff Neoprene One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Underwater mood. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Tunitas Tank. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Luki wears the Moonlight Rashguard Top in Tiles.

Seeababes in the Black Porto collection. Photo by Luki O'Keefe

Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, and Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Background: Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece and Hallie in the Hermosa, all in Black Porto. Foreground: Makala in the Capitola in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, and Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece, Luki in the Pavones Bikini in Black Porto.

Taylor in the Capitola Bikini in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece, Luki in the Pavones Bikini in Black Porto.

Click to Shop the Limited Edition collection!

MORE SEEABABE TRAVEL ADVENTURES:

Malibu local & Seeababe Taylor Nelson finds new adventures in Hawaii

2015-06-03T09:06:00-07:00

Raised on surfing the legendary First Point in Malibu, California girl and Seeababe Taylor Nelson thought she couldn’t get any more sun-kissed, bikini-blissed and surfed out — until she moved to Hawaii for University.

When you’re living on an island, you’re always on your way out or going into the water. “Since I have moved to Hawaii I feel like my bathing suit collection has tripled in size, and I can say that I have surfed in each one!” Taylor laughs.

The North Shore is more famous for its hollow barrels than soft point breaks and cruisey longboard-friendly waves and Taylor says leaving the nest for a new environment put her surfing, and her guts to the test. She may have grown up a bit, but her generous heart, glass-is-always-half-full attitude, and playfulness in the ocean hasn’t changed at all. We caught up with Taylor across the sea on how her California roots and Aloha spirit has made her who she is today.

Taylor Nelson and Hawaiian BFF Rosie Jaffurs on their way to find waves. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Taylor Nelson logging in Hawaii, wearing the Hermosa in Tea Leaf. Photo by Alex Shea.

Taylor Nelson at home amongst the palm trees, in the Hermosa in Earth Waves. Photo by Mike Bresnen.

What was it like growing up in a surfing family?

Some of my first memories were surfing with my dad, sister and cousin at the Channel Islands and Ventura, Santa Barbara area. We use to go sail to the islands pretty consistently and the only way to get to the islands was by kayak or surfboard. My sister, cousin, and I naturally took a liking to the ocean and surfing and paddling around the islands are some of my fondest first memories.

I got into surfing because my dad surfed. Every weekend he would take my sister and I to the beach and we both got so hooked on it. Surfing was huge part of my family growing up. It was a place where my family was able to connect and reflect on life. My dad helped start a surf ministry with my church, and that was such an important part of my childhood because I learned how to share my passion with the community.

Who are some of your surf heros and people who you look up to?

Carla Rowland has been the most influential in my surfing style. All of the ladies at First Point in Malibu have been so influential on my surfing: Carla Rowland, Eveline VanBrande, Anna Osborne, Margaret Calvani, Andrea Kabawso and Erin Ashley. Britt Harris in Hawaii has influenced my surfing to charge bigger waves and Rosie Aldridge has helped push and encourage me and been a good new friend in Hawaii.

The people I look up to most in life are my best friends; Moriah Mclead, Eveline VanBrande, Mary Gray, and Britt Harris for being such strong women, compassionate women, my boyfriend Tyler for having a huge heart for others and perseverance and passion for following dreams.

Taylor enjoying her island home. She wears the Palomar Crop Top in Tea Leaf. Photo by Alex Shea.

What is some of the advice that these women gave you that stuck with you?

Some of the things that the women of Malibu taught me that stuck is that I, as women, can do it. I can make that section, I can stand up for myself, and I can surf! This go-getter attitude helped encourage me in all walks of life, from school, to dealing with family and relationships. I think what was special learning from these women that I couldn’t have learned from guys was a sense of encouragement; these women were excellent tangible examples for me growing up.

What are your favorite local spots to surf?

My favorite spot is my home break, First Point, Malibu. I love it because it’s a perfect right point break.

Surfing is a time where I can be still and reflect on my life. Surfing is a more important aspect of my life now as a college student then it has ever been because I can decompress and let loose. I feel most close with God when I am in the ocean and it is such a reminder of grace.

Taylor Nelson in the Zuma in Burgundy. Photo by Mike Bresnen.

Did you grow up surfing with a lot of girls, or mostly guys?

I grew up surfing with mostly boys. Generally my best friend Eveline and I would be the only girls out in the water surfing. I absolutely love surfing with my best girlfriends because it is so encouraging and fun. I push myself more when I am surfing with girls than boys.

I think that girls naturally have a wall up to other girls that they do not know, especially new ones at home surf spots. Because of this natural barrier I think most women have, I prefer to surf with guys.

Congrats on graduating from college in Hawaii! What are your experiences surfing in Hawaii in comparison to California?

Wow, it is so different surfing in Hawaii compared to California. I did not realize how fortunate I was to grow up in Ventura County until I moved to Hawaii. Growing up at first point Malibu, big waves that pack a punch are pretty rare. If you know me, I am so stoked on small playful waves. Hawaii has totally toughed me up and humbled me.

Never in a million years did I ever imagine myself feeling comfortable surfing or logging on the North Shore of Oahu. Waves in Hawaii have huge consequences and are to be respected. I learned that my first growing swell.

I really admire the surfing culture in Hawaii and the amount of respect people have for their elders and for the ocean.

Watching for the next set. Photo of Taylor Nelson by John Hook.

The Hawaiian sunsets. Taylor Nelson drops in. Photo by John Hook.

What are some of the coolest new experiences you've had in Hawaii since living there?
I think that moving to Hawaii has been the best season of my life, how the island of Oahu has truly taught me so many life lessons and how it has taught me about myself. Each hike I go on, every time I surf, to every sunrise and sunset I truly feel the Lord has unveiled my soul through the beauty Hawaii has to offer.

I took a Hawaiian studies class through my university. It taught the history of the Hawaiian islands, Hawaiians, and the culture that as been brought up because of the past. This class was mesmerizing and eye-opening. Hawaii has been one big adventure and I really have to thank all my local friends who have taken me under their wing and shown me around and have really pushed my surfing (Britt, Dusting, Rosie, and Keoki).

Taylor wears the Palomar Crop Top and Leucadia High Waisted Skirt. Photo by Ian Zamora.

How you've grown as a person being away from home, and how Hawaii has become a part of you now?

Hawaii is the first place that I have decided to call home. The people that I have met while living on North Shore have become my family and it makes the thought of leaving this place unimaginable. As cheesy as this may sound, I think Hawaii helped me transition from being a girl to a woman, this island has a way of teaching you things about yourself that nowhere else in the world can.

Since moving here I have learned that you do not grow as a person until you are out of your comfort zone, the uncomfortable feeling of meeting new people and getting lost is humbling and I have learned this this awkward feeling helps you grow and be found.

Tell us more about the short film series, "We Rise" that you’re working on.

“We Rise” is series of short clips that showcases female substance as it follows myself, Eveline VanBrande, and Anna Ehrgott. It is a demand for quality programming that honorably showcases strong, creative and inspiring women in alternative sports. Our current efforts are focused on building relationships and collaborating with independent surf communities around the world to create episodic content that communicates implicit meaning, supports a movement, and inspires within. Surfing is the common denominator that brought us all together. Whether it be longboarding at First Point Malibu and our collective love for the sea to encourage authentic women adventure content.

Taylor Nelson in the Zuma in Burgundy. Photo via @tayrosenels

What do you love about wearing Seea?

The thing that I really appreciate about wearing Seea is that all of them are elegant and conservative. So many times in the surfing society women loose functionality for style or style for functionality and with Seea you can have both.

Congrats on graduating college Taylor and on the next chapter of your life!

MEET MORE SEEABABES:

Seeababes Guide to Bing Longboards

2015-05-29T18:09:00-07:00

Mele Saili wears the Swami's in Earth Waves, with her Bing longboard. Photo for Nick LaVecchia for Without Walls.

We’ve likened the surfboard/surfer connection to shopping for shoes, jeans swimsuits and even romantic relationships. You'll want a different board for different surf spots, moods, your surfing skill, style and that intangible feeling of what you simply like and don't like just because.The honest truth that shapers will tell you is: it’s not only about the surfboard, it’s about a winning combination of the surfboard, the surfer, and the wave.

There is no one size fits all. That being said, some of the Bing longboards come pretty darn close if you’re after a trimmy glide and nimble turns. What’s the magic longboard model that three of the Seeababes swear by?

We asked Mele Saili, Lola Mignot and Taylor Nelson (who are all Bing Surfboards team riders, too) which arrows they pull from the quiver for the smoothest noserides, and why.

Mele Saili wears the Capitola Top in Prarie, Rincon neoprene Jacket and Marina Pants. Photo by Nick LaVecchia for Without Walls.

Mele Saili
Go-To Longboard: 9'2 Bing Elevator for faster beach breaks or something with a steeper pocket.

Why do you love the 9'2" Bing Elevator longboard for your style?

Mele Saili: It has a little bit of tail kick making it a good turning board and step deck feature that allows more flex in the nose for faster trim when nose riding, making for a really good all around technical noserider. I like to be a smooth operator, and this board seems to move well with how my body moves.

How do you decide which longboard to ride on which day?

Mele Saili: Riding something with flatter rocker and a wider nose help with getting into waves on smaller slower days and allow for good support for walking the board when the waves are soft. But when the waves are more technical and steep I'll use a board with a little more rocker and a narrow nose to fit into the pocket of the wave better.

Let’s talk fins. Do you have a go-to fin? What is it and why?

Mele Saili: I usually go with a 9.5" Larry Allison Flex Fin. They have a nice base that taper out to a slender tip for good drive and responsive turning. Once in a while I'll put a pivot fin in there. It's a little more stiff when turning but it offers more hold and anchors the board down for longer nose rides.

Do you have another longboard that you go to when you want to switch it up?

Mele Saili: The Bing Cali Square Tail when I want something with more glide and trim.

Mele wears the Hermosa in Earth Waves, riding her Bing longboard. Photo by Nick LaVecchia.

Mele Saili holds the custom Seea x Bing Surfboard that we are raffling off now! Click for more info. Contest ends May 31, 2015.

Close-up of the logos on the bottom of the surfboard. Photo by Stone Crandall.

funtemplates x Bing Surfboard! Photo by Stone Crandall.

Lola Mignot
Go-To Longboard: 9’4” Bing Elevator

Lola Mignot wears the Zuma in Rose Petal with her Bing longboard. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Why do you love the 9'4" Bing Elevator longboard for your style?

Lola Mignot: It’s very responsive to any kind of wave or condition you choose to ride in. It was in stock and somebody had told me that it was the perfect board for me. They were right. The rails are very smooth. I can’t really say anything negative about this certain board. Everyone should own one.

What conditions is this board good for?

Lola Mignot: It performs best in hip high-sized waves.

Do you have another longboard that you go to when you want to switch it up and when do you pull it out?

Lola Mignot: My 9' Bing Pintail. I find it turns sharp and quick and also rides really well in bigger waves. It’s completely different to my Elevator.

Lola Mignot in the Zuma Surf Suit in Rose Petal. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot surfs her Bing longboard in the Zuma Surf Suit in Rose Petal. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Taylor Nelson

Go-To Longboard: The 9'2" Elevator is my favorite go-to log! It loves pockety conditions, beach breaks, and steep waves. It is perfect for The ‘Bu and Rincon.

Taylor Nelson wears the Zuma in Black Stripe. Photo by Alex Shea.

Why do you love the 9'2" Bing Elevator longboard for your style?

Taylor Nelson: The Elevator is my favorite board because it suits my type of down-the-line kind of fast surfing. Growing up at First Point Malibu, and calling it my home/favorite wave in the world, you need a lot of speed to make sections, and it’s a lot of drive down the line. It noserides like no other log for me because of the step deck and slight kick in the tail! Because I am on the petite side, this board’s small nose and thin width makes it a manageable for me to log and get into the pocket.

How do you decide which longboard to ride on which day?

Taylor Nelson: Most of the waves I surf I know before going out or checking which board is going to work better for the spot. I know my pockety waves between my mushy waves pretty well! But if I am surfing a new spot I always try to watch it for a while before going out.

Let’s talk fins. Do you have a go-to fin? What is it and why?

Taylor Nelson: I prefer a fin with a lot of rake and a little bit of flex.

Do you have another longboard that you go to when you want to switch it up?

Taylor Nelson: My backup longboard is the Mr. Rodgers Model. This board is my go-to board when it’s very small and when the waves are mushy. This board has a lot more volume then my Elevator so I also like to ride it when it is windy.

Taylor Nelson takes a break on her Bing longboard wearing in the Leucadia in Luna.

Taylor Nelson levitates on the nose wearing the Zuma Surf Suit in Burgundy.

KEEP ON QUIVER SEARCHING:

Dreamstate: Taylor Nelson in Malibu

2014-10-07T20:19:00-07:00

Taylor Nelson in the Leucadia. Photo by Megan Moore.

Seeing the lovely Bing Surfboards team longboarder Taylor Nelson frolicking at Leo Carillo beach is as natively beautiful as a butterfly on a flower.

The Malibu local Taylor Nelson has been an amazing supporter of Seea and you may recognize her wearing our rashguards when she's cross-stepping in her new home of Hawaii. This summer Taylor was back in Cali and met up with friend and photographer Megan Moore at Leo Carillo beach — one of the Malibu breaks that Taylor grew up surfing — for a dreamstate afternoon of savoring the salty breeze and being barefoot in the sand.

"Connecting through photography is really rad because you get to visually interpret who someone is and express the light they carry in a way that I think is really special. Taylor is so full of light and joy and natural elegance," says Megan of her subject.

As friends bonded through surf camp years ago, join in on Taylor and Megan's timeless afternoon.

Taylor Nelson in the Leucadia. Photo by Megan Moore.

Photo by Megan Moore.

Taylor Nelson in the Palomar Crop Top and Pavones bottom in Red Flower. Photo by Megan Moore.

Taylor Nelson in the Palomar Crop Top in Red Flower. Photo by Megan Moore.

Taylor Nelson in the Palomar Crop Top and Pavones bottom in Red Flower. Photo by Megan Moore.

Check out more of Megan Moore's photography at her site!

MORE BEACH FASHION:

Seeababes Favorite SoCal Surf and Camping Spots: with the whole scoop on Leo Carrillo beach
Pier's Eye View
Mele Somewhere in Mexico