Friday, July 23, 2010

Indo Party.

On Thursday July 29th come on over to John Colins Bar for our Mentawai Vacation Contest PARTY!
Where we will pick the lucky winner whom will have an incredible boat trip out to the Mentawai Islands!
*We will also post the winning contestant live on Aqua’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Enjoy-
Sailor Jerry Drink Specials
Chairman Bao Dumplin Truck will be parked out front serving hot buns!
Music from DJ Toph One
INDO SURF FILM PROJECTIONS made by friends.

At da new JOHN COLINS COCKTAILS
138 Minna Street at New Montgomery
Thursday, July 29th
Starts at 8pm till close

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Talking with Mr Trefz

With his new film IDIOSYNCRASIES, Patrick focuses on inspiring, creative individuals who bring their own peculiar outlook and energy into their surfing as they do in life.

Some shape, sing, create visual art and film, some surfed at the highest competitive levels- and every single one rips with style!

IDIOSYNCRASIES takes you along into the world of these artist-underground rippers as they share their lives and dreams in their natural habitats and home breaks. Their stories all stoke and inspire, and keep the fire burning in us all as we await much anticipated South Swells that never seems to actually come.

I got some friends to ask Patrick some questions about his new film to get some different perspectives and move away from the typical interview. Some of them know Patrick and others do not, I'll start with the first question.

I feel the title of your new film "Idiosyncrasies" may hint at the way you tend to see your own way of life and style of art. Would I be right in assuming that with this title you are telling the viewers that this movie is a sort of lens into your own personal vision, a trip into the mind-space of Patrick Trefz- the eccentric world of the artist? Or, does this movie find things outside of your life and work; things that you see as idiosyncratic in the world at large that you have decided to share with all of us?

I believe that the individuals in my short stories have a very distinct, at times eccentric style. They all seem to do things in their own way, regardless of trends and flavors that they mainstream surfing world has to offer. And I feel a strong kinship, a psychological attachment to the Underdog. That’s how the title came about...

Harbor Bill

Harbor Bill about to get all time slotted.

Andrew Kidman musician/filmmaker asks, "Patrick what’s it like dealing with the different personalities?”

Dealing with the personalities of the film was easy cause I was already dealing with them before I started filming. Some are easy to deal with, some (like Andrew) are extremely difficult, especially when you try to please them with a bottle of gin...

“Do you has preconceived ideas about what you're trying to get when working with them or do you just let it all unfold?"

Some characters lend themselves to a preconceived storyline, whereas with other ones I just had to go with what was offered during the filming...

Jason Baffa filmmaker asks, "As filmmakers, we are unfortunately realizing that you can't always spend money shooting film and be guaranteed a return on your costs in this current slow economy. I'm curious if that adjusted your vision for this film in regard to what formats you shot, your approach to shooting and if you embraced any new technology?"

“Film is great, but I’d rather eat organic.” is an Andrew Kidman quote. And I probably would have fought him about it 3 years ago. But technology changed so much in the last years, it is pretty much an ecological and economical waste to use film. One of the true reasons why film was so important, was that it was the only medium that could truly shoot hi-quality slow motion. That’s not the case anymore, the HVX shoots incredible slow-motion. And the whole cheap looking digital pixilated look is also a blast from the past. There is a certain warmth to the imagery that makes it look and feel real.
it’s the End of Film, some might predict... But not quiet yet. I did use some 16mm in the film.

Kim Cogan painter asks, "I am curious of why you selected these people? How did you/they choose locations? How long did the film take, and how did you fund a project like this?"

This project has been in the making for almost 2 decades. Friendships that developed over the years, attitudes towards life that I thought were inspiring and thought provoking, sharing adventures and spending downtime together, lend me to integrate these characters into a series of shorts. But each one of them could have their own full-length film, their stories run deep.
Most locations are based in the strongholds of surf culture, the casts local spots in Australia, Hawaii and Cali ...peppered with a little Mex
in the end it took me about 3 years from start to finish. TEAK, a full service production house from SF, did the editing which put a professional edge on the whole thing that I would have not been able to acquire in my barn in Santa Cruz. Thanks Greg! Ah yeah, and thanks to VISA, you made it possible for me to do this movie: 2 cards maxed out and no payoff in sight.

"What direction would you like to see happen in surfing?"

Straight is a good direction, and so is vertical.

Harbor Bill's son Josh surfs well too.

Marcus Sanders editor of Surfline asks, "What is your least favorite thing about the ASP World Tour?"

....That’s a very negative question. Might want to reformulate that...

"What would your ideal contest look like?"

The ideal surf contest would take place on different planets in the universe. Each planet has its own surf spot, waves draping over perfectly shaped reefs, an ocean that’s so glassy it resembles warm honey. Each contestant has their own planet and surfs without any spectators. After two years of riding these waves by themselves, the committee will evaluate the data of the smilo-meters that are installed inside the end section of the wave. And soon they will come to find out: the happiest surfer is usually not the best surfer.

Richard Kenvin filmmaker asks, "How many jalapenos went into the making of idiosyncrasies?"

I would say 100 per year = 300 total.

"When you say, ‘Don't worry about it,’ what exactly do you mean?"

Did I ever say that?

Kirk Gee publisher asks, "What of the Basques, you seems to have an affinity with them in your films and artistic ventures, please elaborate?"

I love the Basques. I tip my hat to any minority - it’s the psychological attachment to the Underdog. I have never seen anything good come out of mass hysteria.

Thank you Patrick, we'll see you at the premiere of IDIOSYNCRASIES Wednesday the 21st of July at The Four Star Theater, 2200 Clement street. ONE SHOWING ONLY 9PM Get tickets at-
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/120037

SICK!

Friday, July 02, 2010

INDO PIZZA NIGHT JULY 7th!

Kev and Dave are nice enough to host a special raffle party dinner at the Pizza Place on Noriega, on JULY 7th!

*Beer/raffle ticket special- You get a pint of beer and a raffle ticket to enter the contest for $7 dollars!

*Kevin and Dave have created a special delicious Indo style pizza for the night!

*Neighbors will be showing homemade Indo surf films from their trips!
July 7th from 7pm till close.

Here is the raffle breakdown.
It includes airfare and a 10 day boat trip out to the Mentawais that leaves Sept 26th and returns Oct 10th. The winner will be announced live on Facebook and Twitter on July 29th at John Colins. This contest is exclusive to Aqua Surf Shop SF!

To see the boat click HERE

Aqua and Surf Mentawai teamed up to provide an amazing package. For $5 dollars you can get a chance to win an all expenses paid trip 10 day / 11 night surf trip to the Mentawai Islands on board the Oasis. Prize includes a round trip ticket from SFO to Padang Sumatra, all your food, drinks while on the boat and airport pickup and return from boat. Basically the winner is totally set-up with a great surf trip.

The Oasis charter boat is owned and operated by a group of experienced San Francisco and Hawaii surfers; They have over 15 years of experience operating trips to Indonesia's Mentawai Islands off the west coast of Sumatra. Oasis is an 80 foot Indonesian flagged boat with 2 (dual) 320 hp engines, it has a range of 500 miles with a cruzing speed of 9-11 knots. The boat is really big, safe and comfortable, it comes equipped with Air conditioned rooms, has a cool entertainment lounge, a big roof deck and a fast 17 foot tender for getting you in and out of the surf. Just imagine all those cool surf trips you've seen in all the movies, that could be you.

As you know the Mentawais are made famous by the perfect world class waves that break there. Place is amazing it has tropical reefs, good fishing and snorkeling conditions plus really warm water. All you need is board shorts and sun screen.

Surf breaks off a set of 4 big islands with bunch of small islets that lay 80-100 miles off the west coast of Sumatra. The Oasis will depart from the port city of Padang around 8pm and go over night to arrive the next morning ready to surf in the Mentawais. Some the waves you might get a chance to surf are HT ( Lances Right ), Macaronis, Telescopes, EBay, Riffles, the Hole and more then 50 other named breaks that get tons of surf from the southern Indian Ocean.

Tickets are available ONLY at both Aqua locations and during the Indo Pizza Night on July 7th.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Win a trip to the Mentawais!!!!

Win a trip to the most perfect waves in the world- The Mentawai Islands! The Surf Metawai Company is holding this contest exclusively through Aqua Surf Shop- click HERE to find out how to win!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

180 South

Chris Malloy and Jeff Johnson are coming up to show their new movie this Friday night- and I wouldn't miss it-

Here is a li'l description
Chris Malloy's film strikes so deeply into the heart of Patagonia's wilderness we come to feel at home there. 180° South: Conquerors of the Useless follows Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia. Along the way he gets shipwrecked off Easter Island, surfs the longest wave of his life - and prepares himself for a rare ascent of Cerro Corcovado. Jeff's life turns when he meets up in a rainy hut with Chouinard and Tompkins who, once driven purely by a love of climbing and surfing, now value above all the experience of raw nature - and have come to Patagonia to spend their fortunes to protect it. Written by Tim Lynch

Matuse

Will be bringing up 100 wetsuits to the SURF SWAP- here is da lowdown from Ryan of Matuse-

Hello all, I’ll be bringing up 100 Hoplite, back zips, for the swap-

‘09 4/3/2 : $295 (We might even have a few Artemis 4/3/2’s for the ladies… limited numbers, limited sizes: 8, 10, 12)

‘08 5/4/3 : $265

‘08 4/3/2 : $245 (only sizes XS, S and ST, in this model)

Pricing them to sell. Also, sizing is very limited. In the most common sizes: M, MT, L - I’m not going to have much, if any. Get there early for the best size selection. The smokin’ deals (the ‘08 models) are mostly going to be smaller and larger sizes. Bring cash as I’m not sure I will have access to a credit card machine. This special -Matuse sale goes on only during the swap- so be there!

Surf Swap is this Sat!

Our 10th Surf Swap is upon us- This Saturday May 29th, from 12 to 5PM in Aqua Sloat's back parking lot. There is no charge to drag your used surf and skate equipment to sell and trade it with others- so bring it down. Set up you used equipment in the grass/ dirt field behind the shop, bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit upon. The parking lot will be filled with Vendor booths and great deals on clothing and wetsuits, so bring cash as many vendors will not have CC machines. Vendors include-
-Altamont
-Element
-Emerica
-ES
-Etnies
-Hippy Tree Clothing
-Hoven Vision
- Insight
- Matuse Wetsuits
- OBEY
- Sanuk Footwear
- Smith
-Fallen
-Coal
-Brixton
-Body Glove
-OAM
-Arnette
-Ambiguous
-Venom Energy Drinks
-Julie Kingsley Designs

Hapa SF will be there serving food as well as a Surf for LIfe Booth. Merle and I will see you there!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Talk’n with Taylor

Aqua Surf Shop asks Taylor Steele some questions about his new film- CASTLES IN THE SKY!

Note- all the below photos in this interview are from Dustin Ellison, from the CASTLE'S in the Sky trip to India. Visit his work at http://www.dustinellison.com/blog

We at Aqua and Wavefest are very proud to present the new Taylor Steele surf film CASTLES IN THE SKY at the newly reopened Great Star Theater in China Town. I got to ask Taylor some questions about his brand new film.
CASTLES IN THE SKY is the second installment in the SIPPING JETSTREAMS series. SIPPING’s theme to me, seemed to communicate the awe and wonder that comes from the adventure in traveling. Putting oneself in unique situations, and growing your awareness of all the different ways in which people act and exist within their varied environments and cultures. And of course finding epic surf in unexpected places!

Does the above parallel your intent?

Taylor- You have nailed it. That was our goal. I have two young children and they really inspired me. We started Sipping when my wife became pregnant with our first child. I was super inspired to make some movies I can show them about the world. Show them how beautiful it is out there. How great our contrasts in lifestyle are... How the differences in people are a good thing!

What did SIPPING represent for you?

Taylor- Traveling with eyes of a child. Approaching the world with an open mind.

How - does CASTLES continue or deviate from SIPPING?.

Taylor- By making it 5 locations compared to 8 in Sipping Jetstreams, we can really let each place breathe. So Castles breathes more. Hopefully you feel the place more.

What is one thing you would be happy to have the viewer walk away with after seeing CASTLES?

Taylor-That the world is a great place. A very exciting and inspiring one!

Where does CASTLES take us, and how did you chose these locations?

Taylor- India, Iceland, Vietnam, Peru, & Africa. We chose locations that have great diverse culture and potential for world-class waves.

Rasta in India- more correctly- Rasta in da tube in India.

How important was finding good surf vs. compelling culture and sightseeing in making those decisions?

Taylor- I thought the novelty of going to a place for only culture was getting old. No one wants to watch a guy grovel in 1-inch waves. Even if the culture is cool. So we tried to balance it out with good waves and good culture.

How do you feel about perhaps exposing a new surf location to the surfing world, and potentially creating a new international destination with all the good and bad that it brings?

Taylor- That is why we never name spots or towns. We don't want to start a surf gold rush to new spots. Living in Bali i see what happens to a great thing when too many surfers show up. One of my goals is to inspire those who are going on a surf trip to learn and bring back some good from the experiences.

Traveling to such locations can often be very challenging. Can you tell us some interesting travel anecdotes, horror stories, divine intervention, or feel-good serendipity?
Taylor- We have a 15 min intro to the movie with some of our experiences on the trips. We don’t want to give it away but everything that could go wrong did making this movie. Yet it was the most rewarding.

Describe one new wave you found that stuck out in your mind as especially unique?

Taylor- India perfect wave that breaks through a pier.

How about the sketchiest craziest waves you shot for CASTLES.

Taylor- There was some waves in Sahara that are sketchy and dangerous!

What qualities did the surfer's on the trip bring to the adventure? How did you choose the surfers for CASTLES?

Taylor- The surfer’s vibe inspire us and keep us fired up. We chose surfers for each spot that really wanted to visit the location and had similar attitudes with experiencing new things.

How do you balance the travel parts of the film with the surfing in order to keep the core surfer audience engaged?

Taylor- I tried to keep this in mind. “It’s made for core.” I think it has a good flow. If you liked Sipping Jetstreams than you will like it. IF you hated Sipping then you will hate this as well.

Does CASTLES maybe suggest that surfers should not be purely focused on waves when they travel and does it attempt to inspire surfers to explore and learn how much more there is to discover when traveling abroad?

Taylor- YES.

I know I’m guilty of it. Traveling so far away, and being blindly focused on finding surf, and nothing else.

How do SIPPING and CASTLES fit into Poor Specimen’s entire body of works?

Taylor- To me it’s my premium brand. The goal with both movies is to make something that last for a long time.

Do they strive to demonstrate a move by you to change the public's perception of what a surf movie is all about? Or are you just adding variety to the genre- say, a little something for those few seekers out there who want the complete travel experience? Is their any commentary here about the present state of surf travel?

Taylor- It is what I am into. I was so inspired making Sipping Jetstreams I moved to Bali with my family. That experience changed me as a person. 5 years later I still have a wanderlust deal going on. Can’t get enough. So it’s just the two loves of mine surfing and travel. I just try to make movies that come from my interests. My goal is to make a better movie than the previous.

Mahalo Taylor we appreciate your time and are very excited about seeing the new movie!

The SF premiere of CASTLES IN THE SKY
Friday May 21st
9pm at The Great Star Theater in China Town.
Tickets are available online HERE
Fro more information please visit http://www.aquasurfshop.com or email

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Trip Out-

Friday May 21st get ready for one trip!!!

Hey – when was the last time you were in Chinatown? We’ve put together a little guide to help you navigate your way to this foreign land and ultimately – to the Great Star Theatre.

CASTLES IN THE SKY the new film by Taylor Steele, is a visual whirlwind that follows surfers to the farthest reaches of the known surf world and beyond. Filmed in five countries over three years, the movie delves into the true heart of the locations as the surfers journey through with a sense of open-minded awe. We encourage you to get off your ass and prepare for a trip away from your usual routine, head to the distant reaches of Chinatown and prepare for a totally unique, rewarding adventure.

Making the newly reopened Great Star Theatre in Chinatown the perfect venue for Taylor Steele's new multicultural surf film.
Seemingly isolated from the San Francisco's Sunset District lies exotic Chinatown. A "magic carpet ride" to an entirely different world, where one can easily forget they are next to downtown SF, let alone America. Tasty food, drinks, and nunchucks are bonus awards for your journey to Chinatown

Now you might say- "Chinatown is too overwhelming! I can't find parking. It’s too touristy!" Well that is why we have scheduled the movie at 9pm on a Friday night! We’ve included links to MUNI/BART schedules, a map of nearby parking garages, restaurants, and hotspots that you probably haven’t heard of. We want you to get there in time to enjoy a nice meal, see an awesome movie and join us for a fun after party in North Beach at the Columbus Cafe.

Trip Highlights

Savor delicious food at House of Nanking, Pearl City Seafood, Chef Jia's, Henry Chung's Hunan. Click HERE for more great restaurants and info from SF Gate

Learn your destiny at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, hidden in Ross alley. See fortune cookies made the old fashioned way, and sample one right off the ancient assembly line. *closes at 6pm.

Sip a red lotus in the surreal ambiance of the famous Li Po Lounge

Dig around the dvd stores for some of our favorite Shaw Brothers kung fu films

Any of the tourist trap shops on Grant Ave are excellent places to stock up on Snaps, nunchucks, Chinese slippers, tea, or that “Alcatraz Swim Team” t-shirt that you’ve always wanted

Visit “Uncle Gee” at Vital Tea Leaf and he’ll set you up with a tea that will heal what ails ya: HERE

Once you’re done

Amp out on Taylor Steele’s latest film at the newly reopened GREAT STAR THEATRE, the only Chinese Opera House outside of China!

Hightail it outta Chinatown and head to North Beach – and chop it up with us at the official "CASTLES" afterparty at Columbus Café.

Make it easy on yourself & put this in yer browser- it marks all da parking/restaurants/theater/nightspots/etc click HERE

We are excited to work with The Great Star for the first time visit them HERE

Get Amped for Taylor's new movie "Castles" HERE

Muni Schedule HERE

THERE WILL BE ONE SHOWING ONLY!- Ticket and more info coming soon!

Happily brought to you by Aqua Surf Shop and Wavefest.
Tickets are $11 including service charge- available here- http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/112045

Friday, April 23, 2010

10th Aqua Surf Swap

Aqua Surf Shop, S.F.- 10th Annual Surf Swap
Saturday May 29th- Noon to 5pm

Hello Summertime!- time for the 10th Aqua Surf Swap!
Saturday May 29th- Noon to 5pm
This is a perfect chance to get the surf supplies you need. Buy, sell and/or barter used surf equipment like outgrown wetsuits and underused shredsticks, wind/kite surf equipment, and skateboards- there is no fee, so you have no excuses. Check the vendor booths for BIG deals while listening to live music and enjoying food/drink.
Sample sale includes brands such as-

-Altamont
-Element
-Emerica
-ES
-Etnies
-Hippy Tree Clothing
-Hoven Vision
- Insight
- Matuse Wetsuits-Element
- OBEY
- Sanuk Footwear
- Smith
& More

Visit da Captain's Log at http://www.aquasurfshop.com for more info on the 10th Aqua Surf Swap