Mermaiddress® is based in Póvoa, a traditional fisherman´s town in the North of Portugal. It´s inspiration is taken from the traditional “fado” and the lives of workingmen and women who bring new seas to the world. Working out of a small studio, exclusive, original and high quality handmade products are created from traditional and local raw materials. Find out more here.
The World in The Curl
The World in The Curl (Crown Publishers) is a fascinating, compelling, and highly readable look at the origins of surfing. California authors Peter Westwick and Peter Neushul, both surfers, have masterfully created a book that tells the familiar story of surfing from a cultural, political, economic, and environmental perspective. Not too many know the huge role the military has in creating surfing as we know it today; from the neoprene in our wetsuits to keep us warm, to Dr. Walter Munk’s pioneering work with the Army to invent accurate surf forecasting. The chapter on the history of the development of Waikiki real estate is especially interesting. From Duke Kahanamoku’s impact to the inclusion of women in today’s surfing lineup, there is much to ponder and learn about this activity we all share in The World in The Curl. Highly recommended.
4th Gear Flyer: The Omni
You probably remember surf mats back in the day. If you haven’t noticed, they are back! Inspired by George Greenough, Paul Gross handcrafts each one of these beauties right here in California. The Omni is the newest 4GF model. It takes the look and feel of the traditional square-tailed surf mat and tweaks it to new levels. Learn more here.
The Napsack x Poler
Labor Day may have passed and the kids have gone back to school, but there is still some epic camping and road trips to be had. The Napsack by Poler seems to have been made with adventurous surfers in mind when they designed this ingenious sleeping bag/snuggy-like product.
Here’s how they describe it: “The Napsack has zippers at the shoulders, so you can stick your arms out, and a cinch at the bottom so that you can open it up and stick your legs out. Hike it up to your waist, cinch it, and wear it like a puffy coat around the campfire, and then crawl right back into your tent without ever having to leave the warmth of your bag.”
We tested The Napsack and we think it is brilliant – comfortable and well made, thoughtful engineering, and one of the most fun new brands out there right now. Highly recommended. Find out more at www.polerstuff.com
Rail Grabber
Frustrated carrying her boards, former world champion surfer Linda Benson created the Rail Grabber. Durable and functional, the Rail Grabber is perfect for getting your arm around a wide longboard or fish shape. www.railgrabber.com