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Top 10 Reasons to Wear Emu Sheepskin Boots - What's the Difference?

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Top 10 Reason to Wear Emu Sheepskin Boots - What's the Difference? 

"Whats the difference between...?", a question constantly asked here at the Razor Reef Surf Shop. Apparently you did as well - or we wouldn't be here would we?

emu stinger mini boots

Reason Uno: EMU is created in Australia, is based out of Australia and OWNED by Australians. Some OTHER brands claim to be Australian boots, but are owned and based out of OTHER parts of the world. HEY! That's as wrong as Tequila "Bottled in the US"!

Reason Deux: EMU is a Family and Community based company. The EMU Australia brand developed out of the Jackson’s tannery; one of Australia’s largest sheepskin tanneries. Established in 1948, the family owned business employed many workers from the Geelong area; workers who continue to work on the same site for the EMU brand today and apply the knowledge acquired since sheepskin boots were first crafted in the area. Razor Reef being a family operated and community-active business - we proudly distribute EMU BOOTS! 

Reason Tre: EMU products are designed on Victoria’s Surf Coast. For over 15 years EMU brand designers have been inspired by NATURAL environments that surround them daily; just minutes from famous Bells Beach. Here is were local surfers created the original "ugly sheepskin boot". Being based in Southern California, Razor Reef understands natural motivation. Find some of your own Motivation Here!

Reason Quattro: The use of the BEST raw materials. Being located in Australia’s premier wool growing area gives EMU access to the best raw materials available. Premium materials extend the longevity of EMU products - which makes the world greener to boot.

Reason Cinc: EMU Australia Premium Merino Wool. Merino wool is: natural, easy to care for, anti-wrinkle, durable, machine washable, odor resistant, stain & static resistant, biodegradable, sustainable, elastic, climate flexible, safe, UV protected and fire resistant. Like having a soft, comfortable superhero wrapped around your feet.

Reason Sex: Australian Sheepskin. Sheepskin performs like no other material. The superfine fiber of sheepskin is amazingly soft with incredible natural elasticity, allowing the fabric to effortlessly follow the body’s form. Sheepskin is also one of the warmest natural materials in the world and helps to regulate your core body temperature - All-weather versatility . No more killing the brain cells thinking about what to throw on - some of us need all the help we can get!

       Gwen Stefani             Kate Hudson           Tori Spelling & husband Dean

gwen stefani emu boots

Reason Zeven: Australian Sheepskin. So important it needed to be mentioned twice! Australian sheepskin is: water resistant, soft, thicker and provides your boot with more structure. And they say surfers aren't that bright, stuff that in your shoes Mr. Engineer! Check Out the Skin!

Reason Acht: Sheepskin Lined Insole. Sheepskin important? Sheepskin naturally wicks away moisture - now your significant other will let you back in the house. The insole is anatomically correct (most of don't have flat feet!) cushions the foot and makes it as if " You're walking on a cloud." If only these could make some of us "walk" a little better on the waves.

Reason Nove: Better Fit and Support. EMU's molded heel cup gives your foot a better fit. Emu's dual-density sole is hard wearing and comfortable tough rubber outsole with a soft EVA inset. These things will last longer then...you name it.

Reason Ten: Everyone Loves Emu. Don't believe me, take a LOOK HERE!

Surfboard Anatomy - Parts Needed for Surfing Those Waves!

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Anatomy of a  Modern Surfboard

Nose:  The front tip of the surfboard. Like our faces they come in different shapes: pointed, rounded, rounded point. They also come in various widths, curvatures and thicknesses. How sexy!

Deck: The top of the surfboard. The part you stand on top of, or fall from, depending on your perspective and skill. Also the part you need to keep waxed up. Check out our wax items here: Razor Reef Surfboard Wax

RREVHSurfboard4Rails: The edges of the surfboard.  The varieties include: rounded aka "soft" rails, squared aka "hard" rails, and “50/50” which lies in-between rounded and squared rails. The shape of the rails determines the way the surfboard will respond during planning and turning; along with determining the surfboard’s buoyancy – just like our love handles!

 Tail: The back end of the board. Like with “other” things, we have our preference and shapes (and variants of shapes) have evolved over time. One can achieve the surfboard response they need (or plain wish to have) by choosing the appropriate fin type. Wings Bump/Step, Rounded Pin, Pin, Round, Diamond, Rounded Diamond, Square…you get the picture, lots of options. A topic left for further detailed discussion later.

Fins: The stabilizing rudder of the surfboard. Long before there where fins, there was Man’s Foot. The Surfing Gods blessed us with the innovation of the fin and gave us surfers more control and balance in our turns; unfortunately, some more than others.  Fins like Tails are an extensive topic with a TON of choices: Turbo, Angular 757, Football Type S, Omega, Boomerang, Star, Glass-on and True Foil to name a “few”.  Looks like another topic in need of more discussion at another date. Check out our fins here: FCS Surfboard Fins

Leash Cup/Leash: A groove in the deck of the surfboard near the tail which has a small bar attached so one can tie a leash to it. Leashes are a topic most people don’t concern a second or third thought about, but they still draw some arguments on the safety of others versus riding “freedom”. Must boil down to you caring about getting nailed in the head with a board or not. We’ll pass on concussions; buy a leash from our store here -> Cheaper Than A New Board!

Stringer: A piece of wood that runs from the nose to the tail, which is used to increase the strength of the board. Some boards have them, some boards don’t, some even have more than one. Sometimes you feel like a…those nutty board designers, gotta love them! Check out our killer boards here: Engineering Madness!

Bottom:   Umm, yeah the bottom of the surfboard, the side that lies on the water.  The name is where the simplicity ends, and where the complex question of shapes begins. Convex? Concave? Double Concave? “V” bottom? How about Channel, Tri Plane or Hydro Hulls? Want to roll or lean easier from rail to rail easier? Improve quick response in rail-to-tail transitions? It’s all about understanding your bottom.

Surfboard Rocker

Rocker: The amount of curve the bottom of the surfboard has from the nose to the tail. Speaking in general, the more curve, the easier the board will turn. Like in life, no free lunch here and a trade-off is decreased speed. What a drag! Drag which isn’t good when it you are a Longboarder (higher resistance), but MAYBE less of a concern with Shortboarders who could be more concerned about quicker turns at high speeds. Check these out: Need for Speed? 

 

Mikoh is What the Celebrities are Wearing this Summer!

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

There seems to be a common thread amongst the young, hot celebrities this summer-they're rocking Mikoh Swimwear. Rihanna, Leann Rhymes and Lindsay Lohan have all been seen wearing these seamless swimsuits that are stunning with a flare for being a bit daring and feminine at the same time. The hardware-free mix and match pieces make it easy for you to put together a gorgeous, one of a kind look each time you hit the beach. Mikoh has even pulled off the seemingly impossible and made the simple one piece look extremely sexy!

rihanna rimes lohan in mikoh

Razor Reef has numerous Mikoh Swimsuits in a variety of vibrant colors and luxurious fabrics.  Check them out and make a statement at your next pool party or vacation destination.

Screen shot 2011 08 10 at 1.44.27 PM resized 600

Just because you are sporting a chic new suit doesn’t mean you should forget to cover up with the latest sunscreen. Get high quality Sunscreen and Skin Care products at Razor Reef before you head out into the scorching sun. Aloe Up is not your typical product it is derived from organically grown aloe vera plants and actually moisturizes while it protects your skin. And after a long day frolicking in the sun you will need to chill out with their unique spa-like mist Aloe Body Cooling Mist Continuous Spray. This yummy, grapefruit infused spray will keep your skin hydrated with the extracts of aloe vera, eucalyptus and vitamins A, C & E. Check out all the Aloe Up products at Razor Reef Surf Shop

Aloe Up Sunscreen and Cooling Mist

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Flojos Are Back Along with Some 80's Favorites for Summer

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Remeber those rubber Flojos sandals from the 80's ? They're making a comeback, along with some other great styles that will bring you back 30 years.


The Flojos Original: The sandal that started it all. The Flojos all rubber sandal comes in black and ivory. They're just as comfortable as you remember.

Flojos Original Sandalflojos original ivory

Zinc sunscreen: Spicoli sports the signature white nose with the zinc sunscreen. And, you just wish you could be as cool as Hasselhoff. Now you can, zinc has made a comeback in the signature white or the new version in skin color.

spicoli fast times ridgemont high surf no dice Hasselhoff with zinc

Zinc acts as a physical barrier to the sun so it is great on your nose and cheeks when you are spending a long time in the sun. Headhunter, Sun Bum, Vertra,Watermans, and the classic Zinka all make different versions of zinc sunscreen.

Ray-Bans: Tom Cuise in Top Gun circa 1986, need I say more. They come in a ton of colors and have polarized options. You can also get perscription lenses put in them.

tom cuise ray bans top gunwhite ray ban celebretiesmichael jackson ray ban sunglasses

The Katin Trunks: The ones we have now are not as short as the originals but they are still the timeless style that started the industry.

katin trunkskatin trunks two tone

Katin has released a "Heritage" line bringing back some of the classic Katin styles in a modern cut.

katin heritage collection

Shark watch: Freestyle has re-released its' signature shark watch from 1988. It comes in the same classic colors so you can get the same one you had in school. The have also redone the classic with a polyurethane band in a bunch of new colors.

shark watch midfreestyle shark 88freestyle shark classic

Trove Tkees Sandals Just Arrived at RazorReef.com

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

RazorReef is excited to annouce we just received Trove Tkees Sandals in stock! 

Trove Tkees sandals have been spotted on all the clebebrities.  Our favorites are the Fig gloss and the Coco foundation. They are a fasionable take on a classic flip flop.  

TKees are a fun and easy way to express yourself! We think of them as "cosmetics for your feet". They are available in over 40 different shades and emulate cosmetics in terms of color and attributes defining different categories. These categories include Lipstick, Foundations, Highlighters, Shadows, Liners, Blush, Glosses, Cream and Polishes. Glam up those feet by the pool, at the beach, at work, at a party, anytime is the right time.

  angelia jolie in tkees

Angelia Jolie

    trove tkees sandals 

      jessica alba in tkees   

Jessica Alba            

Free L*Space Gift with Purchase

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

While supplies last get a Free Gift with Purchase ($49 value Free)at RazorReef.com when you buy an L*Space Bikini and spend $100 or more! You will receive all 3 items:

  • A Bikini Wet Dry Bag
  • L Smack Lip Balm
  • Charm Necklace

hero lspace

The Surf is Never Flat with Man Made Waves

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Are you land locked? Is the surf flat today?  Never fear, you can make your own waves.  The wave pool is the more traditional method and one of the newest ideas is an artificial reef. You may soon be finding one of these attractions near you.

Bournemouth Beach in the UK has created Europe's first artificial surf reef 'Boscombe Surf Reef'.  The reef is 220m offshore and just east of Boscombe Pier and is made up of 55 giant sandbags and is the size of a football field.

artificial reef waves

The reef is not a wave machine. It doesn’t create waves from nothing, but acts as a ramp, pushing existing waves upwards and shaping them into better quality surfing waves.

Local surfers say the sandbags need to be adjusted to make this a great surfing spot.  The waves are a bit steep and don't last all that long to give a great ride.  And, at a cost of $5 million dollars, some are questioning the real value of a project like this. 

Then, you have wave pools.  They are not just the little ankle biter waves at the local water park anymore. These popular water park attractions are sanitized, regimented revisions of the wild, organic surfs created by nature. In wave pools, the water is chlorinated, the beach is concrete and the waves arrive like clockwork, once every few minutes.  They can be turned up or down to increase or decrease the size of the waves. 

wave pool surfing

Many die hards say there is nothing like the real thing but these do make some good alternatives where there are no waves. 

How to Stay in Shape for Surfing in the Off Season

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Well, it's official, with the end of August means summer is nearing the end.  School is back in session.  So, how do you stay in shape for surfing through the winter months? 

Yoga.  Yes, I said it, Yoga!  If you haven't tried it you will know it's not for lightweights.  Although it may seem very relaxing it gives a great upper body workout and works the core to help strength and balance.  If you don't want to brave the local yoga class (ie. hot chick pick up joint) then try the Yoga for Surfer's DVD or Yoga for Board Sports DVD.  There are multiple levels once you become the yoga master. 

The Indoboard.  As you age, one of the first things to go is balance.  The Indoboard can help you maintain your balance with many different exercises to try.  The roller is for the more advanced riders or the balance cushion is great for anyone. The Indoboard with the balance cushion has been recommended by physical therapists as a great way to get back in shape after an injury.

          indoboard roller            indo rider molly miller                indo cushion push ups       indo cusion squats                 
Roller Cushion

Carve it up.  These long skateboards with pneumatic wheels simulate the carving motion of surfing or snowboarding.  This is a great way to keep your body in shape when there are no waves or you're land locked.  They can be used on paved or unpaved roads, depending on the tires.  And, some are equipped with hand breaks which is great when you are learning.  They also come in smaller, lighter versions for kids. 

    matrix carveboard 

    atom carving longboard

Sunscreen:  No, you don't get to skip it just because you can't see the sun.  You can get away with some of the lighter lotions like Aloe Up for the Face SPF 25 or Aloe Up SPF 30 Spa Formula if you aren't spending all day in the water but you still can't skip it.

Kick the sickness with Surf Drops.  Nothing will get you out of shape faster than week with a cold or flu.  There is a ton of bacteria in the water that can get you sick; especially after a storm.  Just a couple drops of this saline based spray and you will avoid getting sick. 

Now, there is no excuse for loosing that beach buffed body.

Need a mood lift? Grab a surfboard and create a U-Turn to that Mood

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Newport Beach, California — Catching a wave can do more than give you a paddling workout. It also boosts mood, according to a new study.

Sunny Garcia Pro Surfer
The results show going surfing for 30 minutes is associated with an increase in positive, upbeat feelings and a decrease in negative feelings as well as fatigue.

While the study was conducted on a general surfing population, the findings were true regardless of how frequently people surfed, how old they were and what their skill level was.

The results might not come as a surprise to those who surf.

"If you ask any surfer, he or she guaranteed will tell you, 'Oh man, I feel a lot better after I get out,'" said study researcher Ryan Pittsinger, a doctoral student at the University of Iowa and a surfer himself.

Previous research has shown physical activity, such as running and cycling, can have a positive effect on mood, in some cases reducing depression and anxiety. However, most studies involve college-age participants and none had focused on surfing to see if the same held true.

"This study really puts surfing on the map as far as a sport that has beneficial psychological effects," said Pittsinger, who conducted the work while at California State University in Long Beach, Calif.

The study was presented Thursday in a poster session at the 118th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association.

Pittsinger and his colleagues recruited 107 participants identified by the fact that they were carrying a surfboard from the shores of Manhattan Beach, Calif. Ages ranged from 18 to 58, and 85 percent were male.

They completed a questionnaire asking them to rate, on a scale of 1 to 5, how strongly they were feeling a particular emotion, represented by words such as "angry," "miserable," "upbeat," and "enthusiastic." After surfing for half an hour, participants again completed the survey.

Surfing not only put subjects in a better mood, it also increased their feelings of tranquility or calmness.

"Because you are out there alone, it's just you, it's really an activity where it allows you to clear your head," Pittsinger told LiveScience.

Pittsinger has found surfing to be a way to relieve stress in his own life.

"It's something that has really been an outlet for me, when I'm having a tough time, or if there's something on my mind, I can jump in the water and feel a little bit cleansed."

Pittsinger is currently conducting a study at Camp Pendletonin Oceanside, Calif., to see if surfing can be used as a therapeutic tool for wounded U.S. Marines diagnosed with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The program, known as "ocean therapy," teaches participants how to surf and to apply skills acquired from surfing and group discussion sessions, including trust, devotion and confidence, to their everyday lives, Pittsinger said. While the data has yet to be analyzed, anecdotal reports have been very positive, Pittsinger said. The ocean therapy program is carried out by the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation.

Get all of your surfing gear at RazorReef.com and get your mood back on track!

Portable Solar Rechargeable Power Anywhere and Everywhere

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Anytime you are OFF the grid all outdoorsmen face the same challenge while traveling to remote locations. Lack of renewable electrcity. Goal0 and RazorReef.com have found the solution.

Sherpa 50 Solar Rechargeable Power

Reaching Untouched Earth or Unexplored Terrain or visiting   Unnoticed Cultures.  Outdoor expeditions of any kind usually require giving up accustomed conveniences like electricity.  That is until now.  Goal0 was inspired by a love of going off the beaten path to unfamiliar places, places so far off the grid, that even electric power doesn’t exist.  It is a company that equips people seeking the farthest outposts of the world with the most innovative portable power products on the market.  Goal0 isn’t just a company, it’s a business created by people who live life to the fullest, with a shared vision inspired by the passion for adventure, respect for the planet and a humanitarian heart. 

Goal0

Deep in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) came a realization so hard-hitting, Robert Workman (President of Goal0), couldn’t ignore it.  War torn and politically turbulent for decades, the DRC is indeed a country in trouble—in most places there isn’t even access to electrical power.  Impoverished in so many ways, except for the abundant resource of its people, who are dedicated to making the Congo a better place.  Robert couldn’t just stand by and watch a beautiful and hopeful culture try to survive with such limited access to dependable power.  So he joined in the fight to make the DRC a better place by creating an entirely new way of supplying reliable, portable energy—the first GOAL ZERO prototype.

DRC children

When Robert Workman returned home, he founded a non-profit organization, Tifie Humanitarian, on the principle that all individuals deserve the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families.  Goal0 and Tifie were conceived to work together, not only to provide access to portable power, but to empower by eliminating the boundaries to humanitarian initiatives.

 

 

Goal Zero provides you with power through their innovative products such as the Goal0 30M Solar Panel Briefcase, which captures energy from the beach to the playground and converts it into useful power that you can store and use at your convenience.  It's sleek and portable, making tranportation safe and easy wherever you are.

Goal0 30M Solar Panel Briefcase

From daytrips to campouts, the practical and powerful Goal0 Scout Starter Kit gives you 150 watt-hours of rechargeable power.  The kit features an integrated 80-watt inverter that provides regulated safe power while protecting your connected devices from power surges.  Great for anyone needing power on the go and perfect for powering and recharging lights, appliances, and portable electronic devices.

Goal0 Scout Starter Kit

These Goal0 Portable Solar Rechargeable Power Devices can be found at now at RazorReef.com

 

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