If there were royalty in surfing’s microcosm, the August family would certainly qualify. Known as “Blackie” throughout the Southern California local scene, Orall W. August was introduced to surfing by the legendary Duke Kahanamoku himself. His son, Robert Alan August would grow up surfing in Seal Beach under his father’s tutelage and balsa shaped longboard. Early in his teenage years, Robert would be appearing in homemade films capturing trips to Mexico and Hawaii. Soon after a local San Clemente lifeguard named Bruce Brown would come up with a daring idea to expand the locales to the far reaches of the world.

Robert was selected by Bruce along with Mike Hynson to be the subject of a film documenting surf footage in areas many of which until then had never seen...

If you thought Matuse couldn’t top their 2008 model (v.08), think again. The Matuse Hoplite 3/2/2 2009 model (v.09) may not look different at a passing glance, but you do notice the difference the first time you try it on. And for anyone that’s tried on a Matuse, you know that this is no triviality. Actually, it’s an epic friggin battle. The first time I tried on a 3/2/2 v.08 Hoplite, I had to have my wife help me. When I tried on the v.09, the suit slid on like a glove but somehow maintained it’s death grip along every square inch of my body. Not that the only improvement from the v.08 is a better fit, but that – without a doubt – is the first thing I noticed.

This article is a comparison review to the Matuse Hoplite 3/2/2 v.08 which I published not too...

There’s nothing like being able to watch yourself surfing on video ... and realizing how badly you suck. Poo stances and botched floaters aside, one of the most relevant applications for in-water video capture is the GoPro line of waterproof sport cameras. I’ve had the chance to use the standard definition GoPro Wrist Hero Camera on our Tribal outings as well as a trip to Maui with decent results. The Wrist Hero is small enough so you can still surf with it and effective enough so you can capture decent footage. Don’t expect jaw dropping Blu-ray quality, but for just about $150, you really can’t complain.

We had originally picked up a Panasonic SDR-SW20 waterproof camera to capture surfing footage. Although that worked pretty well, it decided to crap out on us while snorkeling in Kihei. Preferring not to buy another full-fledged...

As surfers, we are keenly in tune with nature. Spending countless hours in her oceans harnessing her energy in the purest sense. We are the veritable disciples of Gaia. Or not.

Let’s break it down. We drive further than most to get to beaches others wouldn’t even bother to consider. We don clothing made out of petroleum with a shelf life that’s outlived only by Spam. Perhaps worst of all, we are resistant to technological developments and insist on the same petroleum based polyurethane (PU) surfboards with a production process involving inordinate amounts of toxic chemicals, carbon dioxide (CO2) refuse, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Put another way, Clark Foam didn’t have the wrath of every environmental agency come down on it’s head because of a...

Although winter isn’t quite in full swing, we’ve seen a dramatic drop in water temps here in So Cal. So when I started seeing sales on last year’s models of Matuse fullsuits, I couldn’t resist. I pulled the trigger on a Matuse Hoplite 3/2/2 V.08 at 30% off with free shipping from WetSand Surf Shop.

Matuse is a relatively new wetsuit manufacturer quickly gaining traction in the higher end segment. What you’ll immediately notice about Matuse is their subtle yet very deliberate sense of style. You won’t find anything imposing or glaring about a Matuse wetsuit yet those that know about them can spot them from a mile away. What you’ll realize about Matuse is that these wetsuits are not made of traditional neoprene but rather a limestone based material that promises...

Surfing is governed by an unspoken code of conduct which serves a purpose far more critical than in other activities. In surfing, there are no written rules or guides to follow, no signs telling you where you can go and where you shouldn’t. There is just you, the ocean, and everyone else in the lineup. Add to that the fact that there are more and more people joining that very lineup each year making surfing etiquette all the more important.

Unfortunately, few bother to observe these unwritten rules and fewer still pay attention to their surf instructors who may, to their own blame, mention it only in passing without truly subjecting their students to drills or practical situations where such etiquette must be observed.

The result is growing hostility in the water as more surfers take to the sport ignorant of or, worse, indifferent...

We’re fast approaching that time of year where dipping water temps are requiring more than just boardshorts but it’s still too warm to dust off the fullsuit. Even the short sleeve full might still be a tad much rubber. I recently picked up a 2009 model Matuse Philo 1 mm jacket specifically to cater to this transitional period.

Ma-Who?

If you haven’t heard of Matuse, you need to get out more. Granted, they only opened their doors in 2006, they’ve since received the attention and accolades of all walks of watermen. I’ll leave the what’s-the-name-mean pontification up to you and Google and get to the bottom line – they make a hell of a wetsuit. Bargain basement priced, the Matuse is not. But what you sacrifice in paychecks (yes, plural), you more than make...