by Alison Aprhys
October 1, 2008 - When Layne Beachley visited Torquay, Australia’s surfing capital, last weekend, it was the first time in many years that she was not heading off to catch a few waves at nearby Bells Beach; instead, the seven-time world champion was in town to attend an event at the Surfworld surfing museum to promote her new biography LAYNE BEACHLEY; BENEATH THE WAVES.

While surfing museum staff can unusually maintain their cool with the constant stream of big-wave and big-name pro surfers wandering through, they were absolutely stoked with Layne’s appearance and happily lined up to have their photo taken with Australia’s most successful surf champion.

Organized by Rosemary Featherstone, owner of Torquay Book in conjunction with Layne’s publisher’s Random House, the event was a great success. In Surfworld’s auditorium, Layne held her jam-packed audience spellbound as she discussed the highs and lows of her career and life out of the ocean with local surfer Miyo Fallshaw.

After speaking, Layne received a rapturous reception from the crowd who shunned the prospect of a nice offshore with 3-4 ft waves to listen to her story. Her audience ranged from six-year-olds who were thrilled to hear that she started off on a foamy board like theirs, through to men and women old enough to be her grandparents and everyone in between. Looking relaxed, tanned and very fit, Layne openly discussed times good and bad, and gave thoughtful answers as well as causing a few laughs.

The no-holds-barred book delves into some pretty dark areas, but she admits that although there’s a lot of revelations, she did leave out a few items. “I left a few things out”, she admits. “You can’t tell everything”. But there’s enough to satisfy the most curious of surfers.

According to Brett Ince, coordinator of Surfworld and Torquay Visitor Centre, it was fantastic having the seven-time world champion at the museum. “Layne is a fantastic surfer and we are really proud to have her here in the Australian Surfing Hall Of Fame too”, he says.

Surfing curator Craig Baird was equally enthusiastic. “Layne has made such an amazing contribution to surfing and we are really proud of her”, he says.

Now Layne’s next challenge is finding an AUS$900,000 sponsor for the eponymous Beachley Classic, which will be held at her home beach of Manly in just a couple of weeks. “I’m confident it will go ahead”, she says of the richest women’s surfing event on the WCT.

Beneath The Waves, which Layne co-wrote with respected Australian journalist Michael Gordon is officially launched on October 1 2008.

Verdict – Beneath The Waves should be compulsive reading for any female considering a career in competitive surfing. No matter what kind of board you ride, it’s impossible not to be a woman surfer and not acknowledge and appreciate the difference that Layne has made for girls of all ages. BTW is an absorbing and incisive look at one of surfings’ most mercurial and elusive souls. While multi-award winning journalist Michael Gordon covers the main bases of Layne’s life that have long been in the public domain, BTW goes into the rocky details, the intense personal stuff that you or I might prefer to keep quiet. How she was conceived from a rape, how she’s been insensitive to other people, how her determination to succeed has cost her friends. Recognised as a driven and dedicated world champion, Layne has always been willing to make the sacrifices and put herself on the line to achieve her dreams. She’s faced down personal and professional demons; from overcoming chronic fatigue and never feeling pretty, fit or slim enough, to seeing through the head-games from other competitors, demands from sponsors and the constant stresses from juggling work, family and friends. This revealing story gives a perceptive insight into the woman, whose single-minded approach has been admired and emulated, even while it’s also caused her grief on a personal and competitive level. This revealing book shows Layne at her best and worst. It’s smart, compelling and makes fascinating reading. The perfect gift for any surfer. 

Layne Beachley: Beneath The Waves – Michael Gordon with Layne Beachley
Random House A$34.95

http://www.surfworld.org.au
http://www.aimforthestars.com.au/
http://www.randomhouse.com.au/Books/Default.aspx?Page=Book&ID=9781741667288

Filed under: Book Club, Surfing by Alison Aprhys
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Softball pitcher, Angela Tincher, 2008 National Collegiate Player of the Year, third on the NCAA all-time strikeout leader list, and National Professional Faspitch player, was kind enough to take a break from her busy softball schedule to answer questions for Pretty Tough. Six months ago, Angela Tincher led Virginia Tech University to a historical no hit, shut out win against Team USA. Today, Tincher shares some thoughts about pitching, drills, and what it was like to try out for the Olympic team. 

What is your strength as a pitcher? Definitely movement. 

What was your highest clocked speed? At the World Series, I was told I was clocked at 70 miles per hour. I would say, I tend to throw upper 60’s, but not consistently. I don’t worry about speed. 

Did your pitching style change in college? I saw a big difference moving from forty to forty-three feet. It gave me more distance to work on my movement. Instead of throwing the ball past batters, I had to move the ball around a lot more. My rise ball and my drop ball got a lot better in college. 

What is the most important thing you do to improve your pitching? Weight training is huge for me. It helped with nagging injuries and to stay healthy.

What’s the best pitching drill? I always spin with either a spinner or a ball with a line on it. I focus a lot on that and it’s helped me with my movement a lot.

Describe what it was like to tryout for the Olympics. I attended the invitational tryout held at the Olympic training center in California last September. They invited thirty to forty players. I’ve attended big tryouts before, but this one was the best of the best. I was sharing the field with Jennie Finch and Jessica Mendoza. The first day they went through some drills and they watched us. But, the next day we were split into teams and we scrimmaged for the rest of the time. The pitchers rotated through. So we had a chance to throw for and against everyone at least once, including Crystal Bustos.

Check out Part 1: The Beginning here. Next Tuesday, Tincher lists her favorite things.

Filed under: Profiles, Softball, Tips, Training by keri mikulski
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September 30, 2008 - The Shock’s 75-73 victory over the NY Liberty sends them to their third consecutive trip to the WNBA Finals and fourth in the past six seasons. They will take on Becky Hammon and the San Antonio Silver Stars, who eliminated the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday to advance to their first finals.

Games 1 and 2 in the best-of-five series will be played in San Antonio on Wednesday and Friday. The Silver Stars will have home-court advantage in the finals because of their 24-10 regular-season record, while Detroit finished 22-12.

Detroit lost both of its regular-season games against San Antonio, but they were both before the August trade for McWilliams-Franklin, who was acquired after star forward Cheryl Ford was lost for the season with a torn knee ligament on July 22.

Thirty-seven year-old McWilliams-Franklin, one of the oldest players in the league, was key in helping Detroit reach the WNBA finals .

Will Detroit three-peat?

Filed under: WNBA by georgia2
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September 29, 2008 - I am giddy with excitement. Last week, the new Women’s Professional Soccer League held its draft of the world’s top foreign players. And Marta was chosen by the as-yet unnamed Los Angeles team!  

It always irked me that L.A. didn’t have a team during the last incarnation of women’s professional soccer (WUSA). But if Marta ultimately signs with the team, her presence just may make up for that. She is the envy of most male professional players, let alone her female counterparts, and she’ll be a big draw for the game.

If choosing Marta is any indication, the Anschutz Entertainment Group (which owns the Galaxy as well as the L.A. women’s franchise) plans to build its WPS team with star power. Marta is the female equivalent of the Galaxy’s David Beckham (though she surely won’t get the same kind of money).

Considered by most to be the best player in the world, Marta has twice been named FIFA world player of the year. Known universally by her first name, Marta Viera da Silva is the most exciting talent to come out of Brazil since Ronaldinho. The 22-year old forward has led her country to back-to-back Silver medals in the Olympics and currently plays for the Swedish club Umea IF.

Marta has speed, incredible dribbling skills, unparalleled on-field awareness, the ability to  create scoring chances out of thin air, and, best of all, superb finishing ability. She swivels, spins and uses every bit of her foot. Containing her is a defender’s worst nightmare.

No one will ever replace Mia Hamm in the hearts of American fans, but Marta could well give her a good run for her money.

Now it’s not a done deal until Marta signs on the dotted line. Each of the seven teams in the league were allowed to draft four international players, providing them with the opportunity to begin a formal negotiation process.

Marta won’t come cheap: L.A. picked third, so it’s likely the first two teams were scared off by her potential price tag.

L.A. must now notify Marta’s current club of their interest, and much like the men’s game, they will only be allowed to negotiate with players in the last six month of their contract, or if they receive permission from the club to negotiate.

During the international draft, L.A. also picked Japanese midfielder Aya Miyama and Chinese striker Han Duan. See all the draft picks here.

A couple weeks ago, L.A selected Shannon Boxx and Aly Wagner as well as former Penn State standout Ali Krieger in a dispersal of players in the U.S. National Team pool. The WPS General Draft takes place on Oct. 6th.

Fingers remain crossed that Marta will be moving to my little burg. And I’m looking forward to the possibility of a WPS vs MLS friendly in the future. 

Filed under: News Bytes, Pro Soccer by jane
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September 29, 2008 - You may have noticed banners and flyers promoting a GvR Skateboard comp scheduled to take place this weekend.  Sponsored by etnies, GvR is one-of-a-kind skateboarding event that pits goofy footed skateboarders against their regular footed counterparts.

The world’s top pro skateboarders will be in attendance, throwing down all weekend at the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest in California. And there’s one special organization that is committed to getting girls to represent at the event.

We recently spoke with Courtney Payne Taylor, head of GRO - Girls Riders Organization, about her group and their efforts to change beliefs about girls and skateboarding.

PT: Tell us about your organization…

CPT: GRO, Girls Riders Organization, is a non profit group on a mission to inspire, educate and support girls in action sports. Currently focused on skateboarding we hold events across the country educating ladies about skating and building over all community awareness. It is a group run entirely by girl skaters for all girl skaters. Find out more and get involved at girlsriders.org

PT: What’s GROs relationship with Etnies?

CPT: Etnies is GRO’s largest supporter and has been for the last two years. Etnies is also one company that has been supporting girls through sponsorships and girls contests when many other companies have not.

PT:  What’s the history of GvR? Who are some of the women skating this year?

CPT: This will be the fifth year for GvR. The main part of the contest, GvR is for guys street only. For this the stands are full. The contest also hosts a girls street, girls and guys bowl contest, and the Hometown Heros finals.

Girls have had their events since the first GvR event. For the girls, there is no division between goofy and regular, they skate like any other contest, against everyone. That really comes down to numbers. The more girls who skate and compete, the better chance there is of building two equally matched teams to battle for the GvR Girls title.

Some girls that skated last year and should be back again this year include:

Street - Elissa Steamer, Amy Caron, Vanessa Torres, Leticia Bufoni, Rachel Reinhard, Lauren Perkins, Lacey Baker and many more.

Bowl - Julie Kindstrand, Amelia Brodka, Alize Montes, Cressey Rice, Allysha Bergado and more

PT: Tell us about your “Call To Action” and why it’s so important.

CPT: The call to action is our chance to show that we care about girls skateboarding and want to see it continue and progress. If we don’t show we care when we, the kids and new riders look for it in the future it will not be there. This is a call to be on time for the girls and somehow represent your support. Not only that, for those of you ladies who ride and rip, the contest is open, so enter. No matter what, come and have a blast.

PT: What’s next for GRO?

CPT: 2008 has some more workshops and sessions coming to Southern California and Arizona, then ending at the Tampa Am in Florida. 2009 marks some big changes and new events. All the info will be on girlsriders.org as the dates are confirmed. If you want to stay in the loop, please send us your information (Full Name, email, City, State and Zip code) to be added to the mailing list. Remember, GRO is what you want to make it so send us your ideas, get involved, lets make a change.

So, if you live in SoCal, and you’re looking for something to do this weekend, GRO has some very specific suggestions for showing your support:

Step 1 - Plan to be at Lake Forest Skatepark Friday by 1:30pm and Saturday by 11:00am.
Step 2 - Tell ten of your friends to check out this page and begin from Step 1.
Step 3 - Gather clothes and supplies; pink or purple clothes, markers, poster board.
Step 4 - Be creative. Decorate clothes and signs showing your love for the girl skaters.
Step 5 - On that weekend, gather your friends and show up on time for the girls.
Step 6 - Cheer loud and fill the stands.
Step 7 - Go to the Freshpark Ramps and skate the GRO GGOB (Girls Get on Board) Workshop with the Pros.
Step 8 - Start planning the date for the first weekend in October 2009!

For the complete event and band schedule, visit GRO.

Filed under: Action, Profiles, Skateboard by maddy
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September 23 - October 22
Symbol: Scales
Element: Air

You like…Surrounding yourself with beautiful things and people, school dances, cuddly toys, colorful sunsets, looking good, beautiful things, and harmony.

You dislike…Loud computer games, conflict, yesterday’s fashions and being bored or alone.

(more…)

Filed under: Astrology by admin
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September 28, 2008 - Becky Hammon turned in 35 points,  making four frees throws in the final 36 seconds, to help San Antonio advance to the WNBA finals for the first time in franchise history.

By beating the Los Angeles Sparks 76-72 in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, San Antonio ended Candace Parker’s history making run at the elusive trifecta - winning a NCAA Championship, Olympic Gold Medal and Professional League Championship in one year.  

It looked like the Sparks had the Conference final locked up at the end of Game 2 but a buzzer beater by San Antonio’s Sophia Young gave the Silver Stars a one point lead and forced a third game.

The best-of-five finals will start Wednesday in San Antonio. Their opponent will be determined Monday when Detroit and New York play Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals in Michigan.

Filed under: Candace Parker, News Bytes, WNBA by jane
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A few years ago at Christmas, my sister asked for a Timbuk2 Bag from Title Nine. I’d never heard of the company before, only the piece of legislation known as “Title IX”, which you can read about on the Title Nine website. I bought her the bag and since then every time I see her, I say “What a cool [shirt/hat/pair of pants/bag], where did you get it? And the answer, 95% of the time, is “Title Nine”. So when I was visiting her in Indianapolis in August, I flipped through her T9 catalog to see what all the fuss was about…and loved every bit of it.

The models are real women. Not models that are airbrushed. They are “friends, friends of friends, ordinary women doing extraordinary things. Our kind of Poster Girl,” according to the website. (Speaking of posters, they’ll send you posters for your team’s locker room or practice facility if you go here and follow the directions.)

And the stuff is awesome. Everything is made to look great, feel good, fit well and make life easier. The bags have lots of pockets, the swimsuits stay put, and the fabric is easy to clean.

On their “About Us” page, the website begins with “We are evangelical about women’s participation in sports & fitness” and ends with “We like dessert”. Now that is real.

“Circle stuff you like and I’ll get you something for your birthday,” my sister said. I started circling and within 5 minutes had circled half the catalog. “Well, I guess it’ll still be a surprise!” I said.

Today, my gift arrived. I opened it even though my birthday isn’t for another week. I got the Haiku Messenger Bag (above)! It has outside pockets for water bottles (Vitamin Water in my case), plenty of room for my wallet, my phone, some makeup, my iPod, my camera, gum, lipgloss, a hairtie, sunglasses, and a chocolate cake…OK maybe not the chocolate cake, but don’t challenge me. Plus, it just looks really cool, with the embroidery on the front, the smooth suede on the outside, and the light blue interior.

Besides the Messenger Bag, I also loved the Haymaker II Vest in Azalea (top, left), which is going on my Christmas List. You should also check out the Commotion Jacket (if you have to deal with cold winters but hate bulky coats) or this outfit: the Cobra Cross-Bank Tank with the Nimble Knicker in Raisin (left) for your next yoga class or trip to the mall. Check it all out for yourself at http://www.titlenine.com

Filed under: Fashion, General, Title IX by anngaff
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September 26, 2008 - Born September 26, 1981 in Saginaw, Michigan, Serena Williams turns 27 today.  The tennis star has had a busy month - winning the U.S. Open and signing a deal to write her memoirs.

Happy Birthday Serena!! You’re absolutely gorgeous so keep doing what you’re doing and enjoy.

Filed under: Serena Williams, Tennis by jane
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September 26, 2008 - If you’re going out tonight, be sure to set your DVR. Don’t worry. We’re not going to force you to watch the first Presidential debate (although that’s not a bad idea) but if you’re a gymnastics fan there is a special program tonight that may interest you!

MyNetworkTV is presenting a televised special featuring the 2008 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics team. The two-hour show will be a high energy, high impact music and gymnastics production.

Among the participants are 2008 Olympic medal winners Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, Alicia Sacramone, Shayla Worley, (hunky) Jonathan Horton, Raj Bhavsar as well as special guest gymnasts including Paul and Morgan Hamm and Shannon Miller.

The TV special is based on the Gymnastics Superstars Show, currently on a multi-city tour across the U.S.  Truly a star-studded extravaganza it looks like fun for all. And for a behind-the-scenes look at what happens on tour, check out gymnast Shayla Worley’s blog.

The  television special is scheduled to air Sept. 26th at 8/7 Central Time (that’s 6:00 EDT). Find out what station in your area is broadcasting the show.

Filed under: Entertainment, Gymnastics, TV by jane
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