Just back from California where I had the pleasure of meeting and surfing with Tim Bessell of Bessell Surfboards.

I walked into his store introduced myself, as we have sold some of his boards through troggs over the last 18 yrs, he was amazing , he took me surfing at Windansea and let me try out some of his latest designs, I absolutely loved surfing a wee “Notch Crocket” which had a five fin set up, I tried as a thruster and  it flew. Then I tried a 6′4 Assymmetrical tailed quad which was awesome to ride backhand, very fast very positive off the bottom and very responsive in the pocket. Im trying to organise shipping some of his latest designs to the store, if you interested please dont hesitate to contact us on shop@troggs.com. I will be obtaining custom order forms and prices soon, and a list of available stock.

For more information or if you want to contact Tim yourself go to his website here

http://www.bessellsurf.com/index.php

A Passion for Performance
Tim Bessell loves his job. He combines lifelong surfing experience with expert craftsmanship to create some of the best custom surfboards in the world. From world class professionals to weekend warriors, ask anyone who knows him and they’ll tell you the same thing: Tim is more than a shaper, he’s an artist.

Tim Bessell in Tavarua 2008

The History of Bessell Surfboards
Tim shaped his first surfboard in his parents garage when he was only thirteen years old. Only two years later, Tim began his professional surfboard shaping career when he began working at Sunset Surfboards. He was one of the youngest surfboard shapers at Sunset, but he was already making a name for himself in and around his home break of Windansea Beach in La Jolla, California.

Three years later Tim moved to Hawaii to prove he has what it takes to be a shaper on the North Shore. He began shaping custom surfboards for Lightning Bolt, one of Hawaii’s premier surfboard manufacturers. In fact, Tim Bessell would later become one of the few shapers allowed to manufacture surfboards under the Lightning Bolt name.

In 1982, Tim returned to San Diego to re-open Bessell Surfboards. By 1987, Bessell Surfboards had grown into one of the largest surfboard manufacturers in Southern California. Tim also made a name for himself as an artist, with exhibitions as far away as Japan.

Tim branched off into the world of apparel when he started his own clothing line in 1992. He designed every item himself, and his unique touch of style was an instant hit. Tim even helped design styles for other clothing companies such as T&C Hawaii and Billabong.

Tim decided to focus once again on surfboards in 1997, when he returned to the shaping room to reinvent Bessell Surfboards. He built primarily custom shaped boards for surfers who demand more that the typical cookie cutter shapes. Tim’s willingness to work individually with each customer has helped build a reputation few shapers can match.

To date, Tim has produced over 46,000 surfboards. His boards have graced the covers of Surfer Magazine, Surfing Magazine, Beach Culture, and countless other surfing magazine. Many world class surfers have ridden Bessell Surfboards including: Peter King, Luke Egan, Jon Roseman, Glen Winton, Brad Gerlach, Vetea David, Ricky Irons, David MacAulay, Saxon Boucher, Debbie Melville Beacham, Ryder Mackey, Chris O’Rourke, Billy Choe, Simon Law, Juston Postin, David Eggers, Davie Miller, Richard Kenvin and more.

Tim Bessell is known for hand-shaping top quality surfboards. He can shape a surf board that is right for you, and that will help you get the most out of your surfing experience. If you would like to order a Bessell custom surf board, the following steps are necessary for making sure you get exactly what you want. If you have any questions or any special needs don’t hesitate to call us at our toll free number 888.456.2590.Step One: Spec out your surfboard yourself. View custom board options below to help you decide what shape works best for you. Step Two: TALK TO THE MAN. Once you have decided generally what you are looking for (shortboard, longboard, fish etc..) the next step is to call Tim personally to further discuss the details of your order. Don’t worry, if you don’t know exactly what you want , Tim will assist you at this time. Or, feel free to stop by the shop to finalize your order, or to simply check out the scene. Currently, there are three shaping options available. Tim handshapes all custom boards by hand, making them all individual creations for the customer. However, if you are ordering a stock board, you have the option of running the initial blank shape through the KKL machine or the DSD machine, securing that you have the exact board you want with incredible accuracy everytime. All of our customs surfboards are availible in either startard polyurethane resin, or for an addition 100 dollars, all shapes can be glassed with epoxy, for even stronger lighter surfboards. Make sure to specify when ordering a board!
Handshaped and hand-glued limited edition guns, longboards, and other classic shapes. Made out of Peruvian balsa and a variety of exotic woods, this is the best material for a smooth ride on a sizeable wave. They ride like Cadillac’s and are a collectors item with limited production of less than 100 a year. Learn More

Together Tim and the legedary nose riding master David Nuuhiwa have designed a modern noes rider call the “DW-1″. This is a most if you want to ride the nose like David.

Classic longboard feel with 50/50 rails for the ultimate glide. Smooth outline and contours give this surfboard forgiving and graceful down the line speed. It is the premier model that came out of the 60’s. Learn More

An authentic retro classic model in the longboard shape. These boards are made true to the classic techniques handed down through generations. Down rail on tail, 50/50 rail. As a classic noserider, it is about the style and the trim in the original form. Learn More

This is a limited edition longboard. We are only producing 50 of these gorgeous works of art. Once we reach that number we will stop, so order yours before they go! Learn More

Performance longboard for the surfer with one foot in the past and one if the present. Tim designed this model for the intermediate surfer to advanced surfer who enjoys longboarding, but likes the feel of “modern” surfboard. Learn More

The boards, made of carbon fiber, are completely hollow. The High Temp Fiber Placement Process allows them to be some of the lightest boards ever seen. There is nothing tying the top and bottom together except for the rails. This enables the deck and bottom to work and flex independently. This unique feature acts like suspension, launching you form one turn to the next. Learn More

A classic California gun shaped board. As a longboard with a pulled in nose, this board will give you the all benefits of a longboard like paddling power while its gun shape is meant for bigger surf. Among others, it is loved by gnarly old guy still charging it. Learn More

A high performance longboard used by our competitive team or for anyone who wants to improve their longboard skills. Four to six ounce glass, three fin system, and lightweight for both snappy and smooth moves. Learn More

The Waterman is our cross-training stand-up paddleboard. This board is great for all around stand-up paddling. The dimensions are between 10’ and 11’ between 29” and 32” wide. They’re custom made out of EPS you can order any shape and any size in any color. Learn More

Classic big wave gun pretty much says it. One of Tim’s specialities, it’s intended for double or triple overhead surf. You can buy it and hang it on your wall, or you can ride it like a man. Learn More

The most “User Friendly” Egg design in town. Whether you’re new to surfing, or just need and versitle summer board for your quiver, feel the basic beat. Learn More

A transition board great for all around surfing. This contemporary throw-back has a fuller outline, modern rocker, and modern rail design. As one of the most popular finds, any surfer can enjoy this ride. Learn More

Tim’s ultimate high performance gun intended for hollow fast waves. This board is a great travel board. If you want to be number one tube rider, this is the board for you. Learn More

The Pocket Rocket
Tim’s ultimate high performance gun intended for hollow fast waves. This board is a great travel board. If you want to be number one tube rider, this is the board for you. Learn More

Tim’s ultimate high performance shortboard. The Eliminator is our number one shortboard model. This board is by far the fastest, loosest board Tim has ever made. Great for the grommets all the way up to the big guys. Featuring the vector channel bottom. Great for two foot slop to ten foot perfection. Paddles like a longboard, but turns like a shortboard. 100% satisfaction guaranteed through an authorized dealer. Learn More

Tim’s ultimate high performance shortboard with Aviso technology. The Eliminator is our number one shortboard model. This board is by far the fastest, loosest board Tim has ever made. Great for the grommets all the way up to the big guys. Featuring the vector channel bottom. Great for two foot slop to ten foot perfection. Paddles like a longboard, but turns like a shortboard. 100% satisfaction guaranteed through an authorized dealer. Learn More

Carbon X Reflex is our newest version of the Reflex line. We feel that this is the next level in the parabolic movement. All boards are custom made which makes us unique from Firewire and our other Aviso line. As you know carbon is the strongest and lightest material that we have, so we decided that we would put it on the rail. Learn More

This is the most advanced custom surfboard in the world today. The parabolic stringer combined with Tim’s patented carbon tape construction proves to be the most responsive hand made surfboard on the market. From beginners to champions this is the board of the future. Learn More

Fluted rails allow the board to have better reflex memory, which will enable the board to be fasters with better maneuverability. It also makes a board stronger. This board is great for getting air and it feels really good when you grip the board. Learn More

A great shortboard shape. Better if you are looking for a stiffer, more solid shortboard. It’s sexy, but also delivers. Learn More

The Badray is a board that is designed for all around high-performance surfing. Great for arials tube riding and floaters. Our Japanese rider Hayato, said that this is the best surfboard he has ever ridden. It comes in both Aviso technology in two sizes 5’10” and 6’1”. We also can custom make it in EPS and standard poly. Learn More

A high performance, squash tail triple concave design. This board is intended for someone around 150-250 pounds who wants to ride high performance shortboard. This is what all the professional surfers ride, the top pros. It is a wave weapon. Learn More

This board is a standard issue high performance shortboard. It is the mini me of the Macrochip, intended for the little ripper who is for surf obsessed, sponsor seeking, and sits in the back seat at school. The perfect board for the relentless grom, the core of the core. Learn More

The V8 Special was inspired by Andy Irons World Title board for 2004. It provides great feeling roundhouse cutbacks and is more stable on a floater. Your answer for high performance surfing. Learn More

As a modern fish shape, this quad fin fish is way more maneuverable than retro fish. Gives the modern turn, but with the classic glide and speed. Learn More

A classic retro fish shape. Remember your knee board I shaped you in 1973? Well it’s back, better, and now you can stand on it. Learn More

After two years of Ringing the Changes, campaigners will mark this year’s International Day of Action on Climate Change, on Saturday 5 December, by surfing The Wave of desire for a just international treaty at Copenhagen.At an outdoor concert and mass action, organised by Stop Climate Chaos Northern Ireland, activists will get the opportunity to enjoy great music and take part in a visually impressive display of support for strong, government-led action on climate change.The event will take place in Bank Square in Belfast city centre – just behind Tesco and right next to the famous Kelly’s Cellars pub – from 1pm onwards.Acts confirmed so far include: violinist/composer Ruby Colley; singer/songwriters Ken Haddock and Juliet Turner; and multi cultural music collective Beyond Skin. Radio Ulster DJ Joe Lindsay will compere the event.Those wishing to participate in the event are asked to bring along anything blue that can be held aloft during the action. People can dress in blue or paint their faces or hands blue.Come together to stop climate chaos

 The Wave - Saturday 5 December 2009, Bank Square (behind Tesco and Primark in Belfast City Centre) from 1pm - 3pm.

Bring or wear something blue.

CALLING ALL LOCAL SURFERS. PLEASE SUPPORT CLEANER WATER INIATIATIVE AT PORTBALLINTRAE. IF YOU’RE ABOUT ON TUESDAY PLEASE COME ALONG TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) campaigners and local surfers will hand delivera petition to the HQ of the Department of Environment for Northern Ireland (DOENI) on 17th November, when this year’s Northern Ireland bathing waterresults are issued. SAS’s Love Your Beach campaign petition calls for the popular yet undesignated recreational waters at Portballintrae to receive full EU bathing water designation.

SAS representatives and local surfers will hand deliver the petition of 100 signatures calling for Portballintrae to become a designated bathing water to the DOENI.

PHOTOCALL: 10.00 at HQ of DOENI.

DOENI ADDRESS: Clarence Court, 10 - 18 Adelaide Street, Belfast, BT2 8GB

  “Life’s a Beach”The Causeway Coast Surf Club, CCSC, are celebrating the end of summer with a free style surf contest and party on Saturday 10th October.  The surf contest is being held at the East Bay Portrush at 2.00pm, with the party at the Magherbuoy Hotel at 8.00 in the evening.Entries for the surf event will be taken on the day at the Water Sports Centre before 2.00pm.  Prizes will be awarded liberally for random categories!  Entries are £2 for members, £3 for non-members.  Membership will be available on the day for surfers who want to get involved in the CCSC.The party in the evening will have a Hawaiian theme, with a buffet style BBQ and to top it all off the CCSC will be show casing for the first time a SURF SIMULATOR.  Much fun and hilarity is expected at this the first annual “Life’s a Beach” day.  Tickets are essential for the event at £10 for members & £15 for non-members and are available via the club website.For more information please go to www.causewaycoastsurfclub.co.ukFacebook, causeway coast surf club

Subject: Mauve stingers present on Antrim coast 

Folks

Just a brief note to confirm that mauve stinger jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) have come ashore in considerable numbers at Whitepark Bay. Bushmills Education Centre (Robin Ruddock) alerted NIEA to their presence this morning.

With onshore winds and potentially large numbers offshore, it is likely that other aggregations will be stranded along the coast.

You may wish to consider a public notice at your beaches, harbours etc advising not to touch these jellyfish and if stung to seek medical advice. There does not appear to be any accepted medical protocol on how to treat jellyfish stings, and individual’s reactions can vary greatly. Coastal councils may also wish to make surf shops etc in their borough aware of their presence as this group is particularly vulnerable.

An image is attached for identification purposes – diagnostic features are its small size, the globe shaped bell, warty appearance and overall ‘purplish’ colour. It can glow brightly at night if disturbed, as the second part of its Latin name suggests. Its sting is powerful and can produce a very severe reaction. As you are aware this is the species which wiped out salmon stock at the Glenarm fish farm in November 2007.

NIEA has made the fish farm and DARD Fisheries Division aware of their presence.

Feel free to use the image attached for information purposes, provided it is credited to NIEA.

Dr Jonathan Houghton (QUB) has an expertise in jellyfish ecology and may be a useful contact on mauve stingers - j.houghton@qub.ac.uk and(0) 28 9097 2297.

Best wishes

Gary

Gary Burrows

Marine Biologist

Conservation Science - Aquatic Science Team

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

NIEA Headquarters - 028 9056 9571

Portrush Coastal Zone - 028 7082 3600

View our ‘Coast’ web pages at:

www.ni-environment.gov.uk/coast

Just received our batch of what we think to be the best wetsuit ever made available the new O’Neill Psycho Freak 4.5/3.5 FSW.

 The Psycho Freak is so flexible and so warm makes cold water surfing here in Ireland such a pleasure.

The Psycho freak really lets you cut loose in the water with such fluid flexibilty and warmth. A real prestigous quality neoprene wetsuit to get the best out of your surfing here especially in the Northern Ireland.

Available to buy here at Troggs.com, in all sizes. 

All O’Neill product click here

We can ship this O’Neill Psycho Freak 4.5/ 3.5 wetsuit to you immediately to the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Europe quickly so that you can catch the next swell

Product Info below

O’Neill - Psycho Freak 4.5/3.5 FSW (W9)Madness bubbles to the surfaceO’Neill’s new XDS-Air Firewall is more insulating and water wicking than ever. For 2010 O’Neill have put this state-of-the-art insulation in the chest, back and in the lower core panels. UltraFlex XDS arms, shoulders, and lower leg add flex and durability to the right places.

 Psychofreak takes you beyond warm, beyond flexible and beyond your imagination.

Raw Materials:Chest and back: SL/Smooth SkinUltraFlex XDS-Air FirewallFront Thigh and Hips

: UltraFlex XDS Air FirewallArm and Lower Leg

: UltraFlex XDSKnee: KryptoNeck Facinf

: GlideskinFeatures:Double Fliud Seam

Weld (Stitchless

)Patented Z.E.N. Zip Closure System with PulloverBarrier 2 /

Double Superseal Neck / DrainholePlasma Wrist and Ankle SealsExternal key Pocket with LoopRedesigned HandCuffsPaneling

:Super Minimal Seam DesignContortionist Seamless ShoulderStrategic Seamless paddle Zones

LSD: Lumar Seamless Design

Surf into summer with Roxy Surf Days, who once again are hosting a series of fun filled Surf Days throughout the UK and Ireland.

Whatever your level or experience, it’s the perfect opportunity for girls of all ages to enjoy a day in the surf! With coaching and advice from some of the UK’s top Roxy Pro Surfers, you’ll be able to gain invaluable experience and tips during your session - whether it’s your first time on a surfboard, or whether you’re an experienced surfer looking to improve your style and technique.

Along with a spot of surfing and advice from the UK’s top female surfers, the girls attending the Surf Days will also enjoy a screening of the new surf film ’Dear and Yonder’, before going home with a goodie bag worth over £40 which includes a limited edition Roxy t-shirt, stickers, posters and body products.

TO BOOK FOR THESE DATES CONTACT CARL BELOW

29th & 30th AUGUST - TROGGS SURF SCHOOL, PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND

Tel 00 44 7748257717 www.troggssurfschool.com email - carl@troggssurfschool.com

http://www.sas.org.uk/pr/2009/love-your-beach-4.php

LOVE YOUR BEACH CAMPAIGN - PORTBALLINTRAE

CALLING ALL NORTHERN IRELAND WAVERIDERS
URGENT! ACTION NEEDED BY AUGUST THE 31ST.

One of Northern Ireland’s best surfing beaches, Portballintrae’s Runkerry Strand, is being considered by the Government as a possible new EU bathing water.

Getting a beach classified as an ‘EU bathing water’ brings with it environmental improvements that make the beach cleaner and safer for everyone to use.

From June to September, beaches designated as bathing waters benefit from weekly water quality testing, improved litter management and better facilities that help the public enjoy their time spent at the beach.

Improvements to the local sewerage infrastructure are already underway in the area, but if we can persuade the Government that enough people use the beach for bathing and recreation and get it designated, we can put an end to the poor water quality the beach often experiences due to inadequate sewage treatment and poor land management practices.

This is the best opportunity we will have for some time so we must seize it. Bathing water designation will protect your health as a waverider and Portballintrae’s waves from pollution in the future.

The Government are currently surveying the beach to see how well used it is. Whilst we don’t know when the beach user surveys will take place it’s important that people use the beach on a regular basis.

Because of a failure by the European Union’s legal wordsmiths, the Directive does not specifically include ‘recreational water users’ within the term ‘bathing’ despite this group being scientifically more vulnerable to falling ill from poor water quality than traditional bathers. Ridiculous we know, but with that in mind we have to ensure that waveriders are also counted as bathers if we are to be in with a shout of getting the designation of Portballintrae’s Runkerry Strand.

To help us in our lobbying of the Government of Northern Ireland, we’d like you to sign our online petition if you use the water at Portballintrae between June and September. We’ll present these signatures at the end of the bathing season before the Government decides on the future of Portballintrae.

PETITION

Surf into summer with Roxy Surf Days, who once again are hosting a series of fun filled Surf Days throughout the UK and Ireland.

Whatever your level or experience, it’s the perfect opportunity for girls of all ages to enjoy a day in the surf! With coaching and advice from some of the UK’s top Roxy Pro Surfers, you’ll be able to gain invaluable experience and tips during your session - whether it’s your first time on a surfboard, or whether you’re an experienced surfer looking to improve your style and technique.

Along with a spot of surfing and advice from the UK’s top female surfers, the girls attending the Surf Days will also enjoy a screening of the new surf film ’Dear and Yonder’, before going home with a goodie bag worth over £40 which includes a limited edition Roxy t-shirt, stickers, posters and body products.

TO BOOK FOR THESE DATES CONTACT CARL BELOW

29th & 30th AUGUST - TROGGS SURF SCHOOL, PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND

Tel 00 44 7748257717 www.troggssurfschool.com email - carl@troggssurfschool.com