By Anne Beasley Weber, published in 2004

Bethany Hamilton would probably tell you to live each day to its’ fullest because you’re life can change in an instant. Almost one year ago, Bethany survived a shark attack while surfing near her home on Kauai. News of the attack spread through the surf community and grabbed the attention of media outlets everywhere.  While Bethany was dealing with surgery, healing, and the reality of losing her left arm, well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery were sent from around the world.

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 Warm water and lots of sunshine make summer the ideal time for surfing.  It also means more people in the water from beginners to advanced surfers, everyone trying to catch the perfect ride. Whether you are just learning or have been surfing for years learning how to survive a crowded lineup is crucial. Here are some tips to get you in the line-up quickly, safely, and catching the best waves possible.
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    “All I know is my favorite color is blue.” That’s what eight year old Carissa Moore tells me when I ask her how long she has been surfing, does she know who Rell Sunn is, and would she like to be a world champion surfer one day. We hang out on the beach talking about her favorite cartoon The Power Puff Girls and how lame Pokemon really is. I try to get her to teach me to hula dance, after all she was born and raised in Hawaii Kai on the South Shore of Oahu, but she just giggles at me instead.

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Don’t let her petite frame fool you. Rochelle Ballard’s athletic prowess has awarded her top-notch respect in the surfing world. As a competitor on the professional women’s surfing tour, Rochelle is well known for her big-wave riding ability. Some claim she’s the best woman tube rider ever.

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Chicks On Sticks
By Anne Beasley
Published in Eastern Surf Magazine, 2000

After sixty two stitches, plastic surgery, and a new wetsuit, fourteen-year-old Talia Gursky is surfing again. In fact she’s helping a group of women surfers, Chicks on Sticks, with a women’s learn to surf instructional program. It was Talia’s first lesson with Chicks on Sticks two years ago that she learned a fin can do more than make a nice bottom turn; it can leave a terrifying large gash in your leg.
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ESM Women Profiles
By Anne Beasley
Published in Eastern Surf Magazine, 2000

Heather Holjes
She calls her home break in New Smyrna, Florida “shark city�, even though it was a dolphin that took a small chunk of in-water surf photographer Heather Holjes leg. “It was just a little nibble, like he was in for a taste test. I tried not to panic. I’ve been bumped before by sharks and I usually get out when I see a big one�

Heather began surfing in 96’ and with eight years of photography behind her she was drawn to so many in-water images. For the past year and a half Heather has been one of only a handful of women in-water photographers in the world. When deciding to surf or shoot photos, Heather says photography is a stronger passion. “It’s a hard choice, but I can always wait to surf when the lighting is bad.�

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