surfing

Roxy Pros Reveal How You, Too, Can Rock The Waves and Teeny Bikinis

May 7, 2013 at 9:17 am
By Lauren Cardarelli

“Follow your heart and dare!” The DVF Loves Roxy Spring 2013 line’s motto perfectly describes the collaboration’s bold prints and playful silhouettes. In celebration of this laid-back but confident surfer sprit, Roxy pros Kelia Moniz and Monyca Byrne-Wickey flaunted the new bikinis for the camera after lending a hand in the design process. We sat down with the two gals to hear about their recent epic ride. Read on to learn about Kelia and Monyca’s swimsuit requirements, bikini-friendly diet and why fitness is not just a passion, but their lifestyle. 

How did you two get into surfing?

KM: My dad was a professional surfer, so it was in the family. We were raised going to the beach—pretty much on the beach. My mom homeschooled us so surfing was a big part of my life. Every day after school (and during school!) we’d go to the beach and surf. And I have four brothers—it was something we did for fun. Being in Hawaii, there’s not much to do so the beach is pretty much our playground.
MBW: I grew up in a really small town—like literally two general stores, one gas station. There’s not a ton of stuff to do and so the beach is kind of like our playground. That’s where everybody goes after school to have fun. My family didn’t really surf. My sister surfed a bit, but I mostly learned from my two best friends growing up…they’re all boys and boys usually pick up surfing a lot easier than girls do so I always was trying to be as good as them and keep up. They’d really push me.

What do you look for when searching for the perfect suit?

MBW: Comfort is very important, especially in the water because you need something that’s tight to stay on, but at the same time you don’t want it digging into your neck or imprinting on your sides. You want it to stay on so a cross-back top is always really good. Something that’s not adjustable here [points to rib cage] so you’re not flying open. As far as bottoms go, I prefer regular—no ties or anything like that—because a lot of times you’re standing up on your board and you could get them caught on your hand…I want something that’s functional, comfortable and also looks cute on the beach. So if you’re going to the beach, the waves aren’t looking good and you decide you’re not going out, you’re still going to be really cute. And just as cute as all the other girls who aren’t surfing. I also prefer a smaller bottom just because I think it’s more flattering and you don’t get as crazy tan lines.

Do you draw your color/pattern inspiration from Hawaii or other places you visit during competition?

MBW: Sort of. I feel like there are some places we go that there’s definitely more of a style that we don’t see at home in Hawaii. In Australia, all the girls wear structured tops, like mostly bra tops and florescent colors. I do like a bra top, but I feel like for surfing, if you’re going to be out there for hours it can get really uncomfortable. It’s super cute; I still love it. I prefer pastels, florals and solids mostly. All the girls we travel with and all the girls on our team completely enjoy a different thing and the great thing is we’re all with Roxy and they have such a wide array of all that—there’s a print for everybody, there’s a style for everybody and there’s a color for everybody.
KM: [Monyca] loves, just like she said, a cross-back and I love triangle adjustable tops. I love tie sides.
MBW: And we’re super different surfers. I ride a short board and she rides a long board so she could even get away with wearing a bandeau because it’s not as rough.
KM: I’m above the water most of the time and I’m not duck diving where my top’s going to come off so I wear bandeaus all the time, especially to stay away from tan lines. Read more

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Snowboarding Legend Kelly Clark Stomps Competition

November 28, 2012 at 11:39 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Jennifer Fiorentino, editorial intern

Olympic gold and bronze medalist Kelly Clark is considered to be the greatest female snowboarder of all time. Kelly, a three-time Olympic team member, has won every major snowboarding event and title in the history of the sport. She was the first woman to land the 1080 in competition! We spoke with the Olympic veteran about training, fuel and success. Here’s what we learned:

Do you have a fitness motto? Train smarter, not harder. Include rest days and hard fitness.

Tell us about your diet. What are some healthy eating tips you try to live by?
Just eating healthy isn’t enough…It’s really about recovery food and keeping my energy levels up while I am being active. I eat a lot of meat. My body responds well to protein. Chicken, beef, coupled with salad and veggies.

What is your go-to post workout fuel? Chocolate milk.

What is your favorite moment in your snowboarding career? I’ve had a very long career; this will be 14th X Games. I would say winning the Olympic gold medal when I was 18 in my home country— that would be the pinnacle of my career.

You are considered to be one of the greatest female riders in history. How do you feel about that? There are a lot of riders who inspired me; they showed me what is possible to do on a snowboard. At the same time I want to continue to be successful. It’s not about doing well but staying motivated.

How have do you deal with the pressure of this title? It is something that you learn. It look me 15 years of competing to figure it out…I think the core of my success comes from the fact that I am very comfortable in my own skin. I also set goals that I am happy with achieving. This model has lead to a lot of consistency. I am doing things because I want to, because it is a goal. Being internally motivated is key.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not on the slopes? I like to read, play the guitar and fix my home. In the summer I enjoy outdoor sports that are all training-related like surf trips. I have been surfing since I was 12.

Do you have a favorite surf spot? Destination: Nicaragua. I went there this past summer and I loved it.

What is one insider secret you have to share? I would encourage people to figure out who they are apart from what they do. Learn to operate from that place of identity not search for it.

Why is the Kelly Clark Foundation and giving back so important to you?
I received a lot of help along the way and I had a lot of people believing in me. I took a step back and looked at my career. I began to think about how I could have a lasting impact and the Kelly Clark Foundation does just that. It is now an accessible sport to everyone and that’s what I wanted to make possible.

Kelly is set to compete in the upcoming Winter Dew Tour, Winter X Games, the U.S. Open and the 2014 Olympics. Learn more about the Kelly Clark Foundation and stay up to date with the snowboard legend’s upcoming season on Facebook and Twitter.

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Surfing Star Bethany Hamilton Shares Tips for Rocking the Waves

September 14, 2012 at 3:14 pm
By Samantha Shelton

Back in 2004, the nation was rocked by the story of Bethany Hamilton: a year earlier, at only 13 years old, the young surfer was attacked by a tiger shark and lost her left arm. Did that stop her from chasing her dreams? No way. After her surgeries, she popped back up and started winning competitions, placing first in the 2005 NSSA National Championships a year after her attack! She’s gone on to place in numerous competitions, has a movie about her journey (Soul Surfer), and a book so you can hear how it all happened, from her point of view.

With all of her success came a lot of press. Not content with her smile, Bethany was soon under the care of the Damon System, who turned her pearly whites into a show-stopping grin. We stopped by a recent event Damon hosted with Bethany to see her smile shine in person, and to find out who’s inspired her lately.

Surfing can be intimidating. What advice do you have for people who are testing the waters for the first time?

First of all, surfing is one of the most exhilarating sports, and I recommend everyone get out there and give it a go. A few tips that can really build up your confidence:

• Focus on just swimming first. Build up your confidence in being able to swim before you bring the board into the picture. That way, once you’re in the ocean, you’re fine. Whatever happens, you know you can swim.
• Work on balance, as well as both lower and upper body strength. Think about how exercises in the gym, like burpees, can translate into helping you surf. You need strength to be able to pop up onto the board.
• It’s really important to get instruction your first time because it’s a very tricky sport, and you need to learn to understand the ocean. So just having someone there to watch and instruct you can help because they can correct you and it’s a safety net – you know someone has your back.
• Start small. Try little waves and use a big longboard – both make it easier. After teaching surfing to some of the contestants on season 13 of The Biggest Loser, I’m confident everyone can get out there and try it. Every one of them did such a great job.

I watched that episode of The Biggest Loser and it looked like so much fun! What was that experience like for you?

Oh my gosh, it was so exciting! It was one of the coolest TV show experiences I’ve had. And I definitely would never think of any of them as “losers.” I had a blast with the whole gang.

Read more

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Music Monday: The “Hold on to Summer” Edition

September 10, 2012 at 10:40 am
By Karla Walsh

We know, we know: the unofficial end of summer, Labor Day, was last week. But we’re starting a long list of the things we’re not quite ready to give up quite yet:

• Our favorite pair of strappy sandals
• Cute workout shorts and tanks
• The bikini-ready abs we worked so hard to earn
• Low maintenance, beachy hair…

That’s why we reached out to surfing star Carissa Moore, who recently took second place the the US Open of Surfing (catch all of the action this Saturday—find air times on redbullsignatureseries.com). Who better than an athlete who spends nearly all of her waking hours in the waves to help us hold on to that easy breezy summer feeling during our workouts all year long?

Now tell us: What song immediately sends you into summer mode?

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Fashion Diaries: Talking Shop With Roxy Surfer Kelia Moniz

May 8, 2012 at 9:48 am
By Marla Horenbein

We were super excited to get 18-year-old Roxy surfer girl, Kelia Moniz, in on our interview series. She’s fun-spirited, carefree and one of the most talented young surfer chicks out on the water. Of course, growing up in Hawaii could do that to you! Oh yeah, and did we mention how her love for fashion makes her that much cooler in our books?

Here’s what Kelia filled us in on:

What is one food that you absolutely can’t live without?  

Sushi! I’m obsessed. [Editor's note: We agree Kelia!]

What food do you eat right before you surf that you feel gives you the most energy? 

Something sweet and filling, like a smoothie or acai bowl!

Surfing requires a lot of strength, what is your go-to workout move to help keep you strong? 

I just stick to the basics: running, push-ups, sit-ups and other core exercise. Surfing keeps you strong and in shape, so I just try to surf as often as I can because it’s the most fun way to exercise.

Most athletes have a mantra that pumps them up, what’s yours? 

I don’t really have a mantra. I just try keep positive and not think too much when the pressure is on because that usually throws me off.

How would you describe your fashion sense out of the water?

I wouldn’t know how to describe my style, but If I were to pick a couple celebrities whose street style I like, it would be Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez.

What’s your favorite article of clothing in your closet? 

Cut off jean shorts. [In true Roxy spirit!]

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6 Exercises to Get You Surf-Ready For Summer

April 6, 2012 at 11:55 am
By Karla Walsh

With spring break in full swing (or already passed for many!) thoughts turn to summer and upcoming getaways. If a beach getaway is in the books, a surf session is likely on the agenda. While it’s rare to have a surf school nearby in most areas of the country, there’s plenty you can do now to hit the waves feeling strong, prepared and confident.

“Pre-training is important for excelling, keeping safe and having fun with summer water sports,” says Rob Stuart, private trainer at The Sports Club/LA in Washington, D.C. Four to six weeks before your departure, follow Stuart’s plan for a three-pronged approach at a surf-ready (and beach-ready) body:

1. Cardio 15 to 20 minutes three days a week
2. Total-body strength training three days a week
3. Yoga and swimming to complement

To hit all the muscle groups you’ll need on the board, try these seven moves during your strength sessions. Do three sets of 12 reps of each exercise.

• Squat Push
• Deadlift with dumbbells
• Lat Raise Combo
• Modified T Push-Up (Make it harder: Do this move on your toes.)
• Triceps Extension (No machine? Try this with a resistance band or swap in the Triceps Sit.)
• Roll and Curl

 Now tell us: Are you planning a spring or summer getaway? If so, do you change your exercise routine beforehand?

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Check One Off the Bucket List: Surfing in Hawaii!

July 26, 2011 at 10:01 am
By Jenna Autuori

A few weeks ago I hit the waves on the beautiful island of O’ahu Hawaii, right off the famous Waikiki beach strip. In our July/August issue of the magazine I mentioned that surfing was a bucket list dream of mine, and something that I honestly never thought I’d do (just like our digital director Christie!), but the opportunity arose and I had to do this if I was going to be in Hawaii.

For me, taking the first step and signing up for surf lessons was the most difficult part. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m terrified of sharks—my imagination runs wild when I’m in any type of body of water and I swear I can see those fins all around me (how I ever did two Olympic-distance triathlons in open water is beyond me, but when my competitive bug gets going, nothing stops me). And I was psyched when I met my instructors at the Ty Gurney Surf School (look them up, they’re famous for their surfing dog Gracie—yep she really does surf!). Our instructors, Mike and Matt, had that amazing easygoing surfer vibe and the gave me and my husband, Dino, each one-on-one demonstrations. We found out all that we need to know to surf, which surprisingly wasn’t really all that much! The instructions are pretty simple, it’s practice that makes perfect in this sport.

My nerves starting acting up, however, when I saw how far out into the ocean we’d be going to catch those waves. Had the water not been shallow, I probably would have ran from the scene! But my instructor was by my side the entire time and I was beyond exhilarated when I caught my first wave. Let’s just say I totally get it now—I get why people like riding waves. Just like that runner’s high after you finish a race, catching a wave makes you feel like you’re on top of the world and really at one with the environment. Dino was so good at it too and didn’t fall off the board nearly as many times as I did. We even caught a few waves together (how romantic, right?). Surfing was by far the highlight of my trip to Hawaii and I can’t wait to try it again. Maybe Costa Rica next?

If you’re going surfing any time soon, follow these tips from surfing legend Ty Gurney.

• When you’re starting out. . . Use a big board. Bigger is better.
• As you’re catching that wave. . . Keep your eyes forward. Never look down or around—this will throw you off balance.
• Learn proper surfing etiquette. If there are a lot of surfers hanging around in the water waiting to catch a wave, take turns if you can so you don’t crash into each other.
• Always. . . Surf with confidence!

Now tell us: What’s on your fitness bucket list?

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What’s Your Summer Adventure?

July 20, 2011 at 4:16 pm
By Christie Griffin

In the current issue of FITNESS (July/August, with Jillian Michaels on the cover!), our Editor in Chief writes about the rewards of having an adventure and going out of your comfort zone. When she was writing her note, Betty asked some of the other staffers about their summer adventures. And at the time, I had no idea exactly how far out of my safe space I was going to go…

For me, the thought of learning to surf was on the same level as me becoming an astronaut. I just assumed it would never happen because I’m like a cat when it comes to water; I get very frazzled when submerged in the stuff. But as I was getting ready to go on vacation, I felt more and more inspired to try something totally new. The truth is that I had often fantasized about riding the waves and pretending to be a chilled-out beach babe, instead of a high-strung New Yorker. So I scheduled a lesson with Baja Outback in San Jose del Cabo, and before I knew it, I was wearing a rash guard and looking out at the ocean.

My instructors had taught me the basics (in the sand, of course!) and one pro, Jorge, was going to stick by my side the whole time. I told him I was nervous, but I left out just how nervous…and decided to go with the flow, literally. “You have to challenge yourself, see what you can do! It’s the only way to live,” one of the Baja Outback people had said. So that’s what I did.

And would you believe it? I actually managed to get up on my surf board!

Sure it took a little bit of courage, but it also helped that the folks at Baja Outback were so supportive and talented…oh, and that the water was nice and warm! If you’ve never been surfing before and are thinking about it, take it from me: You can totally do it! A few tips I learned:

1. If you think you’re bending your knees enough, go lower. As a beginner, you’re never as low as you think you are, and my (unpublished) pictures prove it!

2. Keep your cool. You’re going to fall and you might swallow a gallon of water in the process. It’s okay.

3. Don’t think twice about who’s watching you from the shore. “It’s not about your ego,” Instructor Denise had said. “It’s just about you doing your best.”

4. Consider wearing board shorts or boy-short bikini bottoms. You are not starring in “Blue Crush” and a string bikini will not hold up when you crash into the water.

5. Don’t try to stay on your board until you get to shore; that’s where there are usually the most rocks. Go ahead and fall off about 15-20 feet out!

Any other surfing tips out there? What’s your summer adventure?

More from FITNESS: The Best 2011 Surf Gear

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Your Wetsuit Buyer’s Guide

July 1, 2011 at 10:56 am
By Karla Walsh

Stripping off a wetsuit can be a sticky situation, which is exactly why we shared tips from pro surfer and Roxy wetsuit designer Kassia Meador in the Sweatiquette column of our July/August issue. But who actually needs a wetsuit anyway?

“Anyone and everyone who wants to surf,” Kassia recommends. “Not only is it rad to rock up to the beach wearing a hot new suit, but they keep you warm and comfy in the water!”

Depending on the air and water temperature in your area, you’ll need a different type of suit. Here are Kassia’s suggestions for different surf locales.

• Hawaii/Pacific: It’s warm most of the year, so a vest or wetsuit jacket is all you’ll need.
• West: Try a medium-thick suit with full sleeves for winter, a slightly thinner suit for spring and fall and a sleeveless suit for summer.
• Northeast: You’ll have to stock up on a whole wardrobe, since the temperature changes so much from season to season. Think everything from a thick, full suit (with a hood!) to the styles fit for Hawaii.

The best suits of any style and cut are “flexible, warm, durable and of course stylish,” Kassia says. See her designs here (we’re loving the Cypher 3/2 chest zip wetsuit).

More from FITNESS: Your search is over! Check out the editor’s picks for the best surf gear around.

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Cookbook Author Katie Lee Hits the Waves and the Bookshelves

June 21, 2011 at 6:02 pm
By Karla Walsh

How did you make the transition from chef to novelist?

I have wanted to write a novel for years, but I never could find the right story to inspire me. I tried so many times, but I always thought the story had to involve food and I just couldn’t get it right. I guess writing is kind of like love: If you’re looking for it, you’ll never find it. It’s when you least expect it that it sweeps you off your feet.

What inspired you to begin surfing?

I was going through a rough time in my personal life and wanted to try something completely out of character to “get out of my head.” I was always enamored with the ocean, but terrified of it at the same time. One day, I was on the beach watching the surfers and thought I’d give it a shot. I signed up for lessons and went to my local surf camp.

What have you learned about yourself from the sport?

I’ve never been particularly athletic or good at sports, so I was really surprised that I was able to surf! I’m by no means a great surfer, but I love it and the mind-body connection I experience while surfing. It gave me a new sense of confidence and achievement.

Besides surfing, how do you stay in shape?

I exercise about six days a week. I live to eat, rather than eat to live, so I have to really work out hard! I do Core Fusion, SoulCycle, yoga and run on my treadmill.

Do you watch what you eat?

I do, but don’t count calories. I try to eat a mostly plant-based diet, making my plate 70 percent vegetables and 30 percent protein. During the week, I don’t eat sugar and save my indulgences for the weekend.

Since we couldn’t talk with the Southern food connoisseur without asking for a meal suggestion, click below for one of Katie’s favorite crowd-pleasing recipes!

Read more

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