BearBack Surf Contest 2012

The 5th Annual Bearback Surf contest took place last Saturday. I am not sure what was more unusual to see.. 30 guys surfing with no wetsuit or a handful of them either nude or in girls bikinis. The photos and poem below will tell it all!!

Getting ready to brave the cold water...

True Style points...

Jack Daley finishing his heat.

Scott and Jack Daley

From the beach...

Winner Greg Browning getting showered with Champagne.

Trophy in hand.

Ode to the Bearback 2012
(Fifth Annual)

The ocean kisses my toes.
My brain says, "NO!"
but my body goes.

I cringe, look around,
Too late to back out now.
What is wrong with me?
Can I fake an injury?

The ocean kisses my knees,
I start to chatter, I start to freeze.
Jimmy and Greg are staring me down,
Too late to back out now.

The ocean kisses my balls,
I see Chyo go over the falls,
I wonder aloud,
Is it too late to back out now?

These other guys can't be as cold
As my old bones,
I could be warm at home,
I howl, "IT'S TOO LATE TO BACK OUT NOW!"

Why, why do I do this?
The lips hit like cold, liquid bricks
I can't breathe, now up to my hips,
I should just dive and get it over with!

I duck dive.

And then it's me
And some friends,
Shivering in the medium tide,
Surfing bearback at the pier.
Northside.

57 degree water
51 degree air
Sunny

Founders & participants:
Jimmy Young
Greg Browning
Jeff Browning

Participants:
Matt Walls- Last year's champion
Kevin Cody
Matt Singley
Aaron Osten
Bill Sanders
Connor Beatty
Rob Kalafut
Elias Shepherd
Chyo Baldocchi- Past champion
Kieran Walls- Youngest competitor
Davey Latter
Conrad Scouton
Jani Lange
Sean Larned
Scott Daley

Jack Daley
Ron Roebuck
Tom Bowlby
JP
Frank Mazzotta
Scott Smith
Cheyne Magnusson
Garrett Quon
Steven Stanley Kiwi
Justin Quirk
Scott from Pitcherhouse
Adam Buckley
Jex McCartney
Satchel Roebuck- 10 years old

Jimmy surfed every heat!

Behind the Scene Backdoor Shootout

We are still hyping on our amazing team for Backdoor Shootout. Congrats again to Jamie O'Brien, Anthony Walsh, Alex Gray and Cheyne Magnusson for a kick ass job at Pipeline.

Check out some behind the scenes photos from the trip:

Scott Smith wearing a natural earring... a gecko... hmmmmmm

Cheyne Magnusson looking dreamy by the seashore hahaha

Interview Time

Akward poses

Matt Pagan repping some Lakers colors

Jamie O'Brien looking serious

Winning!

Alex Gray looking proud

Anthony Walsh finding the perfect seat

Body Glove Crew at Pipe Masters

Jamie O'Brien after his first heat yesterday

It is that time of the year. Some people are stressed out about holiday shopping... but not our team. The Body Glove crew made their annual trek to the North Shore of Oahu and this year they are getting killer waves. Team Riders Anthony Walsh, Alex Gray, Cheyne Magnusson and Matt Pagan are bunking up with VP of Marketing Scott Daley, videographers Greg Browning and Scott Smith and Team Manager Matt Chernega for probably the best 10 days of their December. Body Glove's native north shore resident and pipe line charger Jamie O'Brien is competing in this years Pipe Masters. Stay tuned for updates!

Surfride Imaginarium Pre-Party

For those of you who have yet to visit Surf Ride in Oceanside... it is time to stop by and check out this shop. Founded in the 1970s Surfride has grown from the ground up. It is a few blocks from the beach and truly has an amazing shop vibe. Speaking on behalf of the Body Glove crew, we were so stoked to be able to throw a BBQ pre-party for the Transworld Imaginarium Party. A special thanks to Derek, the Surfride staff and Mike Vavak for making this happen.

Check out some photos from the BBQ:

Local kids showing the hand some love :)

The BBQ in action

Scott Smith and Cheyne Magnusson repping their almost matching Electric shades.

Body Glove owners, Billy and Robbie Meistrell

Surf Team Manager, Matt Chernega working the grill

Karin Meistrell with team rider Justin Quirk and the lovely Chase Merzbacher

Greg Browning, Jenny Lane and Mike Vavak showing their support.

BG Crew Baja Norte Bound

Baja Norte, recently known for banditos, drug warfare, and sketchy situations, but let's not forget all the greatness for what this area still brings. Body Glove team riders Cheyne Magnusson and Justin Quirk, BG videographer Scott Smith and the rest of the "shenanigans-crew" certainly haven't. We rallied down past the border for a fun filled weekend getaway to Las Gaviotas, Mexico. For those of you who have never been there it's definitely gringo friendly and less than an hour drive south of the border. The waves were perfect for longboarding and tandem riding and the cerveza is always cold. Not to mention the best "cabo-dogs", tortas, and tequila money can buy.

Taco Surf... the Torta palace!

How many people can you fit in your truck?

Cheyne and Lindsay getting ready to Tandem

Pacifico?

Gorgeous View

Wave... Paddle Paddle Paddle

photos by Justin Quirk "Quirky"

Body Glove Crew Camping in Catalina!

Catalina camping is so much fun and I got to experience it with some awesome people. I joined team riders Cheyne Magnusson and Justin Quirk, BG videographer Scott Smith and a few good friends crossing the channel in The Crumb. We free dove with 10 massive black sea bass, stand up paddled around our cove and enjoyed a few friendly games of horseshoes. Cheyne in his true form speared a yellow tail for dinner. On the crossing back we spotted a Sunfish and jumped in to snorkel with it for a little. It is truely one of the coolest creatures I have ever seen.

Check out photos of the trip below:

Our campsight

Cheyne with his Yellow Tail.

Scott Smith caught a Calico.

One of the black sea bass.

Jenna Meistrell snorkeling with the Sunfish.

Body Glove Family at the IRONMAN on Fourth of July

Team riders Cheyne Magnusson and Justin Quirk joined Scott Smith, John DeTemple, Tracey Meistrell, Matt Meistrell, Jamie Meistrell and over 400 other contestants at the IRONMAN competition in Hermosa Beach on the Fourth of July. This legendary competition includes a mile run, a mile paddle and the consumption of 6 beers. The first contestant to finish their beers and hold them down wins (which isn't the easiest thing to do). Legendary South Bay surfer, volleyball player, JMMF participant and surf instructor Chris Brown took the title again this year.

Cheyne Magnusson, Scott Smith and Justin Quirk with IRONMAN winner Chris Brown.

Matt Meistrell holding the flag!

Scott Smith and John DeTemple

The BG group!