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Matt Chebatoris 
Rebecca Parsons 
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Rebecca Parsons
Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching and in the crazy times in which we are currently living it’s especially important to recognize and appreciate our loved ones. Although celebrations may look a little different this year, be sure and go out of your way to show mom that you love her. Although presents are never essential, they are a nice way to show someone that you are thinking about them and prepare for sunnier days to come. The following is a roundup of eco-friendly, sustainably made gear, perfect for mothers of all ages (all available online).
Carve Designs Stinson Swimsuit
For all the active mammas out there, there’s no better gift than a sporty swimsuit. In her mid-fifties, my mom is fit and active and still prefers to wear flattering two-pieces but has a difficult time finding suits that offer enough coverage. She was thrilled to discover Carve Designs and in particular, the Stinson Top and Stinson Bottom—both pieces offer a secure fit without showing too much skin. On a recent trip to Fiji, she put the Stinson suit to the test and couldn’t have been happier with the overall feel and look of the suit. In addition to the Stinson suit, Carve Designs offers a number of different suits and styles, perfect for mothers of all ages. Additionally, Carve Designs is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and works to incorporate sustainable practices wherever possible.
Boyish Jeans Cody Easy Rider Shorts
For those times when you’re not in the water, it’s nice to have a comfy piece of denim in your wardrobe to throw on. Boyish Jeans is a sustainable women’s denim line that produces their jeans and shorts through an eco-friendly and cruelty-free process. They’re all about quality, fit, and authentic washes and the Cody Easy Rider shorts are no exception. The Cody shorts feature a light eco wash with a raw hem, destruction, and bleach stains and are made from recycled cotton. The shorts offer a flattering, high-waisted fit while still offering some length, making them perfect for walking the shoreline or playing in the sand with the kiddos.
Coural Care Skincare Essentials Set
While the sun and saltwater are certainly good for the soul, they do a number on the skin. Coural Care is an all-natural skincare line that makes its products with both your health and the ocean in mind. All products are made from fresh, plant-based ingredients in a solar powered manufacturing facility. The Skincare Essentials Set includes a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and face sunscreen. All of the products have a lightweight feel and are delivered in plastic free packaging, are TSA size approved, and are reef safe/ocean friendly. This year, treat your mom to some soothing plant-based skincare that she can feel good about.
Kelsen Products Shampoo/Conditioner
Kelsen Products was founded by a group of surf/skaters with a heart for making a hair care line that is good for the planet: Curren Caples, Sean Malto, Jack Freestone, and Mikey February. With a focus on making an eco-friendly line, all products are microplastic free and contain no synthetics or fillers. Instead, products are made from a Marine Performance Blend that utilizes sustainably harvested organic kelp, sea holly, and sea rock fennel to nourish hair naturally. This year, treat mom to hair care products where the only thing she’ll have to worry about is dad sneaking some for himself. Additionally, Kelsen is a 1% For the Planet company, so you can rest easy knowing your money is going to a good cause.
SETT Surf Sunscreen
Every water woman needs a good sunscreen in her arsenal and there’s no better time than Mother’s Day to make sure your mom is covered. SETT makes natural, high-performance sunscreens that are coral reef and ocean friendly. While many mineral sunscreens go on thick and pasty, SETT rubs in, while still providing the protection you need. In addition to traditional sunscreen, SETT offers a face stick, lip balm, and surf rash cream, so you can keep your mom fully protected and safe. SETT also donates 5% of profits to SurfAid, so there’s plenty to feel good about with this gift.
Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler
There’s no better way to celebrate someone you love than sharing a cold one out on the water. But there’s nothing worse than a spilt drink—the Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler strives to put an end to that. The cooler features an innovative suction cup technology that allows it to stick to any smooth surface whether that’s a table, boat, or even your board. The Toadfish cooler features double wall vacuum insulation, stainless steel, rubber locking gasket, and includes a slim can adapter. Whether your mom is busy shooing away young, accident-prone hands or simply would like to enjoy a beverage mid-paddle, the Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler is the perfect gift. To top it off, for every product sold, Toadfish will replant 10 square feet of oyster beds to help keep coastal waters clean.
Toad & Co. Taj Hemp Pants
Everyone needs a cozy pair of pants in their wardrobe—the Taj Hemps Pants are the perfect lightweight option to throw on after paddling. Made from 54% Hemp, 44% Tencel, and 2% Elastane, the Taj Hemp Pants are eco-friendly and ultra comfy. Like any good pair of pants, these ones are quick drying, lightweight, moisture-wicking, and offer UPF 25+ protection. Whether your mom is all about sunset walks on the beach or travelling to exotic destinations, the Taj Hemp Pants are the perfect companion for her to do so in. To up their efforts in sustainability, Toad & Co. offers re-usable shipping options and gives back to a number of conservation organizations.
Ruffwear Float Coat
Mothers come in many shapes and sizes and dog moms are no exception. For the dog mamma in your life, nothing says “I love you” like an outfit to equip her furry friend for water time adventures. Ruffwear’s Float Coat is a high quality life jacket that is secure and adjustable and includes a strong handle and reflective trim. Like all of Ruffwear’s products the Float Coat is made with the environment in mind: materials are sustainably sourced and waste is reduced wherever possible. This Mother’s Day give Mom the gift of more time on the water with her pup in the form of a Float Coat.
Canoe blessing at the Lanakila Outrigger Canoe Club.
This past summer I had the opportunity to attend my first canoe blessing with my outrigger club, Lanakila, in Redondo Beach. The blessing was simple, yet deeply moving and inspiring as the club’s leaders spoke reverently of the individual for whom the new canoe was named and the beauty of paddling on the open ocean. Afterwards, I started to wonder what, if any, traditions the sport of stand up paddling would adopt. Would a brief ceremony similar to a canoe blessing work and be accepted by the SUP community?
The concept of blessing a watercraft is deeply rooted in seafaring tradition around the world. Pacific-Islander culture is rich with traditions when it comes to outrigger canoes. Similarly ocean-going vessels are typically christened in grand fashion, often times by breaking a bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow.
Not long after the canoe blessing at Lanakila, an Instagram post from The Paddle Academy caught my eye. The photograph had been taken by none other than Mike Muir and showed a group of young paddlers gathered around what was presumably a new SUP with a caption referencing their tradition of the Blessing of the Boards.
I emailed Mike and Jamie Eisert, The Paddle Academy’s coaches, and inquired about the background behind the photo. What was the Blessing of the Boards and had they found a way to instill a tradition into the young sport of SUP?
The Paddle Academy was founded with the overarching goal of passing on the traditions, lifestyle and culture of paddlesports through experienced instruction and passionate mentoring. With these themes in mind, Mike and Jamie had thoughtfully incorporated the Blessing of the Boards into their curriculum from Day One.
Danny Ching was able to witness a Blessing of the Boards first hand when he dropped off a new 404 board last September. Photo: Mike Muir
“It’s important that our values as well as blessings for safety, strength, love and respect for the ocean are carried along on each board that hits the water. The kids get it. The blessings bestowed upon our athletes’ boards and them always bring chills and goosebumps to my skin as we typically will have as many groms as possible gather around, place their hand on the board and then lead the team with the message and well wishes in their own words,” Mike told me.
The ceremony teaches the young paddlers the importance of showing respect for their board, to the shapers who made it, and to each piece of their equipment which enables them to have fun on the water. “These groms understand that as with a canoe or any craft they are on, their boards are an extension of themselves to the ocean and are to be treated with kindness and care,” said Mike.
About The Paddle Academy
Located in the scenic Southern California beach community of Dana Point, a mecca for stand up paddling, The Paddle Academy was the first formal training program specifically tailored to serve the needs of young paddlers. Founded by Mike Eisert and Jaime Donnelly-Eisert with the goal of passing on the traditions, lifestyle and culture of paddlesports through experienced instruction and passionate mentoring, The Paddle Academy offers a variety of programs from their widely popular Junior SUP Development Program conducted in a group setting to one-on-one training. Learn more at: www.thepaddleacademy.net
#MikeMuir #DannyChing #ThePaddleAcademy #Traditions #DanaPoint #BlessingoftheBoards #YoungPaddlers
Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching and in the crazy times in which we are currently living it’s especially important to recognize and appreciate our loved ones. Although celebrations may look a little different this year, be sure and go out of your way to show mom that you love her. Although presents are never essential, they are a nice way to show someone that you are thinking about them and prepare for sunnier days to come. The following is a roundup of eco-friendly, sustainably made gear, perfect for mothers of all ages (all available online).
Carve Designs Stinson Swimsuit
For all the active mammas out there, there’s no better gift than a sporty swimsuit. In her mid-fifties, my mom is fit and active and still prefers to wear flattering two-pieces but has a difficult time finding suits that offer enough coverage. She was thrilled to discover Carve Designs and in particular, the Stinson Top and Stinson Bottom—both pieces offer a secure fit without showing too much skin. On a recent trip to Fiji, she put the Stinson suit to the test and couldn’t have been happier with the overall feel and look of the suit. In addition to the Stinson suit, Carve Designs offers a number of different suits and styles, perfect for mothers of all ages. Additionally, Carve Designs is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and works to incorporate sustainable practices wherever possible.
Boyish Jeans Cody Easy Rider Shorts
For those times when you’re not in the water, it’s nice to have a comfy piece of denim in your wardrobe to throw on. Boyish Jeans is a sustainable women’s denim line that produces their jeans and shorts through an eco-friendly and cruelty-free process. They’re all about quality, fit, and authentic washes and the Cody Easy Rider shorts are no exception. The Cody shorts feature a light eco wash with a raw hem, destruction, and bleach stains and are made from recycled cotton. The shorts offer a flattering, high-waisted fit while still offering some length, making them perfect for walking the shoreline or playing in the sand with the kiddos.
Coural Care Skincare Essentials Set
While the sun and saltwater are certainly good for the soul, they do a number on the skin. Coural Care is an all-natural skincare line that makes its products with both your health and the ocean in mind. All products are made from fresh, plant-based ingredients in a solar powered manufacturing facility. The Skincare Essentials Set includes a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and face sunscreen. All of the products have a lightweight feel and are delivered in plastic free packaging, are TSA size approved, and are reef safe/ocean friendly. This year, treat your mom to some soothing plant-based skincare that she can feel good about.
Kelsen Products Shampoo/Conditioner
Kelsen Products was founded by a group of surf/skaters with a heart for making a hair care line that is good for the planet: Curren Caples, Sean Malto, Jack Freestone, and Mikey February. With a focus on making an eco-friendly line, all products are microplastic free and contain no synthetics or fillers. Instead, products are made from a Marine Performance Blend that utilizes sustainably harvested organic kelp, sea holly, and sea rock fennel to nourish hair naturally. This year, treat mom to hair care products where the only thing she’ll have to worry about is dad sneaking some for himself. Additionally, Kelsen is a 1% For the Planet company, so you can rest easy knowing your money is going to a good cause.
SETT Surf Sunscreen
Every water woman needs a good sunscreen in her arsenal and there’s no better time than Mother’s Day to make sure your mom is covered. SETT makes natural, high-performance sunscreens that are coral reef and ocean friendly. While many mineral sunscreens go on thick and pasty, SETT rubs in, while still providing the protection you need. In addition to traditional sunscreen, SETT offers a face stick, lip balm, and surf rash cream, so you can keep your mom fully protected and safe. SETT also donates 5% of profits to SurfAid, so there’s plenty to feel good about with this gift.
Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler
There’s no better way to celebrate someone you love than sharing a cold one out on the water. But there’s nothing worse than a spilt drink—the Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler strives to put an end to that. The cooler features an innovative suction cup technology that allows it to stick to any smooth surface whether that’s a table, boat, or even your board. The Toadfish cooler features double wall vacuum insulation, stainless steel, rubber locking gasket, and includes a slim can adapter. Whether your mom is busy shooing away young, accident-prone hands or simply would like to enjoy a beverage mid-paddle, the Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler is the perfect gift. To top it off, for every product sold, Toadfish will replant 10 square feet of oyster beds to help keep coastal waters clean.
Toad & Co. Taj Hemp Pants
Everyone needs a cozy pair of pants in their wardrobe—the Taj Hemps Pants are the perfect lightweight option to throw on after paddling. Made from 54% Hemp, 44% Tencel, and 2% Elastane, the Taj Hemp Pants are eco-friendly and ultra comfy. Like any good pair of pants, these ones are quick drying, lightweight, moisture-wicking, and offer UPF 25+ protection. Whether your mom is all about sunset walks on the beach or travelling to exotic destinations, the Taj Hemp Pants are the perfect companion for her to do so in. To up their efforts in sustainability, Toad & Co. offers re-usable shipping options and gives back to a number of conservation organizations.
Ruffwear Float Coat
Mothers come in many shapes and sizes and dog moms are no exception. For the dog mamma in your life, nothing says “I love you” like an outfit to equip her furry friend for water time adventures. Ruffwear’s Float Coat is a high quality life jacket that is secure and adjustable and includes a strong handle and reflective trim. Like all of Ruffwear’s products the Float Coat is made with the environment in mind: materials are sustainably sourced and waste is reduced wherever possible. This Mother’s Day give Mom the gift of more time on the water with her pup in the form of a Float Coat.
California State Parks today announced it is temporarily closing vehicle access to 59 additional state parks and beaches to avoid dangerous visitation surges and help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). This brings the total number of state-operated parks and beaches closed to vehicle access to 98. A list of closures can be found online at www.parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
Last weekend, many state parks and beaches received record visitation numbers, which made it impossible for the public to implement appropriate social/ physical distancing practices. As a result, State Parks is working closely with local county and public health officials and assessing park operations on a daily basis to provide access to healthy outdoor options while maintaining required social/ physical distancing.
Everyone has the responsibility to “Flatten the COVID-19 Curve at Parks.” Avoiding groups of people and maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from others is critical to slowing the COVID-19 pandemic.
As such, please adhere to the following guidance:
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Stay home if you are sick.
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Stay close to home when you get outdoors. This is not the time for a road trip to a destination park or beach.
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Venture out only with people in your immediate household.
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Walk around the neighborhood and enjoy neighborhood parks.
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Always maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more when recreating in the outdoors. If you cannot maintain physical distancing, leave the park.
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Do not congregate in parks.
State Parks will continue to monitor visitation and physical distancing at all state park units, and if the safety measures implemented thus far are not sufficient to protect public health, additional measures may be taken to fully close parks, including trails, bathrooms and other amenities. State Park Peace Officers, in cooperation with allied law enforcement entities, will continue patrolling all state park units and enforcing all regulations.
To date, the department has implemented various safety measures such as temporarily closing all campgrounds, museums and visitor centers in the State Parks System; cancelling all events; and closing vehicular traffic to parks experiencing high visitation. As of today, all non-campground outdoor areas of parks, including trails and beaches, remain open. Day-use restrooms also remain open, and visitors are advised to bring soap for handwashing and to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when water is not available. California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting Californians from COVID-19. State Parks is monitoring the situation closely and is following guidance provided by the Governor’s Office via the California Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Protecting visitors and all who take care of state parks from the exposure to the pandemic disease is a top priority for the State of California.
State Parks has developed a one-stop resource center––www.parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve––to find park safety and closure information, and messaging and graphics from the “Flatten the COVID-19 Curve at Parks” social media awareness campaign. Please check this website regularly, as it will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
Selk’bag, the original wearable sleeping bag brand, is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest design, the first fully recycled, wearable sleeping bag on the market, the Nomad. Now available exclusively at Selkbagusa.com and starting mid-November at select REI stores and REI.com, the Nomad is built for maximumfreedom of movement so you can experience nature surrounded by cozy warmth and unparalleled comfort.
“After a decade in business, the Nomad is our first 100% recycled style and it’s a major stepping-stone in our company history,” said Cristobal Murillo, co-founder and CEO of Selk’bag. “This is the first step towards our larger sustainability mission, and we are so proud of this accomplishment.”
Made with 100% post-consumer recycled material, every Nomad is produced with recycled polyester material that utilizes 65 discarded plastic bottles to create each bag. From head to toe, the Nomad is filled with 100% post-consumer recycled PrimaLoft® Black Insulation ThermoPlume® to ensure warmth even in wet conditions. These unique insulation fibers mimic the lightweight warmth, softness and compressibility of natural goose down for maximum comfort and performance.
Additional Nomad features include YKK® Natulon® recycled zippers, seamless construction, balaclava for added facial warmth, adjustable hood, leg vents, elastic hand enclosures, multiple pockets and zip-off booties. Lightweight, the Nomad easily packs into its compression bag for transporting or storage. Water-resistant with an ISO temperature rating of 44⁰F comfort/35⁰F.
The Nomad is equally at home camping, exploring the wild or relaxing after the day and designed for mobility in a range of environments. Available now in navy blue on Selkbagusa.com and starting in mid-November at REI and REI.com. MSRP $249.
About Selk’bag:
Founded in 2009, high in the mountains of Chile, Selk’bag is the original wearable sleeping bag brand. Named for the lost Selk’Nam natives of Tierra del Fuego, Selk’bags provide maximum mobility, comfort, versatility and warmth. Born in Chile and tested in Patagonia, Selk’bags are a must-have item for camping, RV trips, everyday adventures or simply lounging at home. A proud member of 1% for the Planet. For more information please visit Selk’bag.
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The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting grant applications from public government agencies for the purchase and deployment of floating restrooms on California waterways. Interested applicants should review the grant guidelines and submit a grant application to DBW’s office by Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 at 5 p.m. PST.
DBW’s Floating Restroom Grant Program helps reduce pollution from recreational boater sewage by providing floating public restrooms in areas with limited landside access. Over the years, DBW floating restrooms have become known as S.S. Relief stations. California State Parks engineering group re-designed the restrooms this year to achieve ADA compliance. The floating restrooms are solar-powered and the holding tanks capture about 500 gallons of sewage. That’s more than one million gallons of sewage kept out of our waterways each year.
A total of $840,000 in federal and state funding is available this year for the purchase and deployment of approximately six DBW-designed and developed ADA compliant floating restrooms. More than 260 floating restrooms have been placed on California lakes and reservoirs through this grant program since 1972. About 160 restrooms are currently deployed.
To be eligible for funding, grant applicants must operate a California lake or reservoir that is open to the public. General information on the grant requirements and the online application can be found on DBW’s Floating Restroom Grant webpage.
The competitive grant applications will be scored and ranked according to need, as well as the ability to operate and maintain the floating restrooms for at least 10 years. DBW expects to announce grant recipients in spring 2020.
Floating restroom shown above during December 2019 deployment at Lake Berryessa.
The Floating Restroom Grant Program is available through the Clean Vessel Act, which is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund. Grants are also available to offset the ongoing operation and maintenance costs of these units through a Sewage Management Equipment Operations and Maintenance grant.