Jamie Swim is probably the happiest artist I have ever met: she’s always smiling and laughing, talking about her art and her life with passion and joy. Born and raised in Arizona, the 28-year old artist decided to move to Hawai’i 7 years ago because, she says, “Arizona was not for me”. So she just packed her bags, and headed to the islands even if she had no job and no place to live. Eventually everything fell into place and she now lives in Waialua with her husband Billy, sharing her time between the family business, the Waialua Bakery, and her passion for painting.

Vainui: Most artists I’ve met tell me they’ve been artist their whole life. Unlike other people they never stopped drawing, painting, or creating something. Is that something u can relate to?
Jamie: Definitley. I’ve drawn since I was little and never really stopped. I remember being a little girl back in Arizona and already drawing those Hawaiian landscapes. But painting remained something very personal for a long time: I was painting for myself and would just give away what I was creating.

I started painting more when I got here in Hawai’i, but my real breakthrough came when I met my husband three and a half years ago: he was making me so happy, my art just started developing. I guess I can tell he is my inspiration, my muse. He is the one who gave me the confidence I needed to go forward with my art & start promoting myself.

I only did commission pieces for a long time because I had so many people coming to me I didn’t have time anymore to paint for myself and come up with originals. Now I have a little more time to do that, which is great.

What it is like being an artist in Hawaii?
It’s a good place to be an artist: the local artists are all very supportive, and so are the local businesses. They contact artists to help them with their projects and marketing. I’ve designed t-shirts for Akin Clothing: for every t-shirt they sell, they donate a school uniform in a different country. Green Tea Hawai’i and Rainbow Water Sports contacted me as well. People would then see my work, ask for me and the companies would just send them to me.

As an artist, I also get to donate paintings for Sunset Elementary school & Wahiawa’s Trinity Lutheran school art auctions. Everybody here does that. I really feel like I’m part of a community and I don’t think I could have been as successful if I didn’t live on the North Shore. I came to a perfect place without even knowing it.

A lot of your paintings feature rolling waves. I assume you’re a surfer…
Yes. My very first experience was at Pipeline. I was so clueless, I didn’t know what I was doing. I went out on a bodyboard and it was kind of big you know. Pipeline big. I nearly drowned that day and it took me a while to go back into the waves. I would admire the big waves from the shore and started bodysurfing small waves again. I slowly built back my self-confidence so that I could finally try surfing. Now I have to admit I’m not that good, but the ocean is so relaxing, so healing… it just feels good. I enjoy doing what I do and it’s all that really matters.

How would you define your art?
Happy, vibrant, ocean and island art. Every time I see a wave, I think “I have to paint this!” And when I paint something, I try to capture how I feel, not so much how it really looks like, even if I spend a lot of time studying how the waves move.

What is the best thing about what you do?
Making people happy. Simple as that. I like it when people look at my art and smile. It makes my heart feel good. And it doesn’t really matter if they don’t buy it, I just want people to feel what I feel. I really believe the quality of your work depends on your mood. My husband can tell from my paintings if I was happy or not the day I worked on them. It just shows you know.

What is the painting you’re most proud of?
I like different things about my paintings, each and every one has something special, so it is hard to pick just one. But if I really had to choose, I’d go for my latest piece: my turtle picture. For some reason I’ve always had some kind of problems when it comes to painting turtles. But this one –finally – turned out to be great.

Any big project in mind for your art?
Eventually, I would like to open my own gallery. The bakery has an area in the back I could use for that purpose. I just need a little bit more time and money to work on that project.

Of course it would be nice to have my art in a gallery with other artists, and I’ve been thinking about it for a while. That kind of exposure is great, I could sell my paintings for a higher price, but at the same time, I want people to be able to afford my art. So yeah, it’s always about finding the right balance: not too cheap, not too expensive, just right you know. That is why I think having my own little gallery is the best option.

Almost everybody has a favorite quote. Do you have one?
Actually, I have two:
« The cure for everything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea »
« Two things can happen to a person who lives on an island: either the shores confine them or the infinite horizon releases them »

Anything you want to add?
I just want to say how grateful I am to everyone that has come to me with projects: it’s a very neat experience to have local businesses ask for my art. And I am just thankful for all of the opportunities that came my way… especially with all the commissions.

-Vainui

Connect with Jamie here:
Facebook: Jamie Swim Art
Website: www.jamieswimart.com
Email: jamielynneswim@gmail.com

Roark Clothing is an inspirational new brand straight out of Laguna Beach, California. It started out as a close friendship between three guys who loved to surf and travel together and from there it has evolved into an amazing clothing line that tells a tale each season. Roark Clothing (Truth, Loyalty, Roots and Roark), is affectionately known as a fictional character named Roark, who surfs and travels his way around the world. The clothing line is based off of Roarks adventures and is a return to bold adventurism seen through his eyes.

“The line is derivative of Roark’s experiences consisting of images, thoughts and trinkets collected along the course of his adventures. They are the artifacts of his experience. What Roark experiences is ever changing, but it is always based in a timeless sense of adventure and independence. Roark’s story and his ethic sits unreachable, brightly guiding us forward. Roark is therefore, what no team rider, surf contest, film premiere or sponsored artist could truly be, but what they all espouse to be. Roark can only exist as fiction. Abruptly honest, independent, adventurous and pragmatic. Roark is all those things simultaneously.” -Ryan Hitzel (Roark Founder)

The first chapter of Roark’s story which launched last Fall was his road trip from San Francisco to the Mexican boarder. Chapter 2 brings us to the current Summer collection which follows him as he crossed the boarder into Northern Mexico. It’s a linear story of his life, adventures, people he meets, tattoos he see, bars he goes into, waves he surfs. Check out the line of Roark Clothing at KillerDana.com and let us know what you think!

Check out some photos from our recent visit to Roark’s laidback operation out of Laguna Beach, Ca.

The Roark Team: Mike and Rod. Not photographed is Ryan Hitzel (founder & Creative Director).

Check out some of the original artwork that made it’s way into t-shirt designs. On the left is the Roark Baja Map t-shirt artwork, and on the right is the Roark Mariachi t-shirt artwork.

Here Ryan Sirianni from Roark is getting stuff done before a mid day surf sesh. Their office is conveniently located walking distance from the beach.

Roak always trys to hand deliver their packages to each shop. They also add a personalized message. Here’s our latest package from them! Thought of the Day: “Don’t fight the fun”

Inspiration board for the Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Nice little Baja flare to it!

Let us know what you think of Roark clothing and you will be entered to win this Roark baja-blanket! Comments must be left in this blog. One winner will be selected. The winner will be emailed May 11, 2012.

Roark operates out of a quaint cottage in Laguna Beach, a refined but simple place that embodies the heart and soul of the character that wears the name.

Follow Roark Here:
Facebook.com/RoarkClothing
Twitter.com/RoarkClothing
Instagram: @RoarkClothing

Shop Roark at KillerDana.com

Take a break from your hectic work day to catch up with our Tahitian blogger Vainui as she shares her most recent travels to Utah with us. To read up on her Snow Kiting experience (kiteboarding in the snow) please check out her From Sea To Snow blog for all the details. Otherwise sit back and enjoy this visual trip:

I was a bit anxious to go to Utah: I hadn’t been in the snow in 10 years and I was wondering if one week would be enough to learn both snowboarding and snowkiting. I remembered trying snowboarding and not being very good at it. Ah, what if I can’t get up on my board? What if I fall all the time? I’m going to be with advanced snowboarders & snowkiters, what if I can’t keep up with them? What if I break another part of myself?

I packed my bags with all those questions popping into my head, and hoped on the plane a few hours later with a friend of mine. As an advanced skier and snowkiter, she reassured me, telling me I was a good kiter and I would pick up snow kiting in no time. Guaranteed. That made me feel a lot better and I found myself just hoping to get enough wind to try out the sport.

Coming from Tahiti it took us about 12 hours to get to Salt lake City, then another 90 minutes to get to Eden, our home town for the week. It was late in the afternoon when we finally got there so it was a good excuse to just rest and enjoy the nice 3-floor house we were staying in.

I’m glad I took this time to just do nothing, because the rest of the week just went full speed: wake up at 8.00 am, making plans while eating breakfast, getting ready, and out on the slopes for the whole day. The first few days were pretty intense: I was still jet lagged, wasn’t used to the high elevation (about 9,000 ft) and walking in the snow with all my gear to get to the snow kiting area was a workout in itself.

My first attempt with the sport was harder than I thought. My friend told me it would be super easy, but not really!!! Having to deal with the kite, the snowboard, the hills and the wind which would slightly change directions depending on my position on the spot was confusing: it took me about 2 hours to really start riding without ending up on my butt every 5 minutes. I could barely move the next day, but still went back in the snow and the wind, because I only had 6 days before going back to California, then Tahiti. Which meant only 6 days to get better. So yeah, I was out every day, either snowboarding or snow kiting, no matter how sore, cold or tired I was, and no matter how shitty the weather was.

And one thing is for sure: when you’ re not used to being in the snowy mountains, you’re up for a few surprises: everything I knew in my environment, about the wind, the way to pilot my kite, or my position on my board, had no value up there. I had to learn everything: why does this snow feel so weird under my board? How does the wind work up here? Why does it change direction? How should I be positioned on my board? How do I use a snowboard without my kite? Etc. Trying out something new is both a humbling & gratifying experience. It’s humbling for you realize you know nothing (or not much) and you have to learn everything (or pretty much everything). You fall a lot. You’re sore. You’re tired. You feel like you don’t control anything. You feel tiny in a big environment and sometimes, you just want to give up. But you can’t, so you keep trying and fall again. But it’s also gratifying, because when you finally get it, you’re like, “Yeah, I did it. No matter how many times I fell, no matter how many times I wanted to give up, I still got up and finally figured it out. Now a new door to new sensations is open in front of me: Let the fun times begin.”

-Vainui

Join us this Friday and Saturday for our HUGE warehouse sale! Tons of merchandise marked 50-70% off. We will also be offering a section of surfboards and wetsuits which be marked on sale that day. Tell your friends and family and we’ll see you soon!

14350 Myford Rd. Irvine, CA 92606

O’Neill 365 is inspired by and designed for active females who demand both style and performance from workout apparel. O’Neill 365 is the wardrobe for your life. Meant to be lived in 365 days a year, inside and out, in a gym or at the store, worn with the confidence that no one you see post-workout will ever know you broke a sweat.

O’Neill is rooted in technology and innovation with the invention of the wetsuit in 1952. O’Neill 365 is a natural extension of the O’Neill brand, which is dedicated to high performance products that merge fashion and function. 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of O’Neill, a brand that still leads the industry in innovation and high quality performance products. Focused on high performance with fashionable styling, flattering fits and feminine silhouettes, key attributes of O’Neill 365 include:

+ Fashion forward and feminine meets high performance
+ Technologically advanced fabrics such as 3XDRY®
+ Effortless styling that takes you from the gym into everyday life

O’Neill 365 successfully merges style and high performance. Our garments with 3XDRY® technology keep you cool, dry and sweat mark free 365 days a year.

On the outside the 3XDRY® garment is treated with a water-repellent which makes it less susceptible to water and dirt stains. On the inside the moisture resulting from perspiration is quickly absorbed and distributed over a large surface area. Only the inside of the garment absorbs moisture, so your sweat marks are invisible from the outside. Perspiration evaporates close to the body, which assists in natural cooling and ensures more energy during workouts.

Check out 3 of our first O’Neill 365 arrivals with more to come on the way!

SHOP O’NEILL 365 AT KILLERDANA.COM

As Seen in the May 2012 issue of Surfing Magazine (out now) our Boardshorts Buyers guide features a large selection of amazing boardshorts. From super technical stretch boardshorts to hybrid and eco-friendly boardshorts our guide has it all. Check out a couple of our favorites features below and be sure to scope out the full guide at KillerDana.com

O’Neill Jordy Freak Boardshort – Product Details
The Jordy Freak has Hyperfreak stretch, as seen in Surfer Magazine, and a 21 inch outseam. The O’Neill quick-dry fabric treatment means you’re dry before you get out of the water. With the added stretch in the shorts you won’t lose any mobility which means you can do all your best moves without limitations!

Alpinestars HD Boardshort – Product Details
Just like HD revolutionized TV and movies, Alpine Star’s HD boardshorts are gonna revolutionize surfing. These 89% poly 11% Elastane boardies have the micro construction technology of nano-stretch fabric that provides 8-way “perfect stretch” function that allows complete freedom of movement and never sags! These are some space age shorts! You can expect nothing less than top of the line technology from Alpine Stars.

Element Grit Eco Flex Boardshort - Product Details
Embark on a wet and wild water adventure with the Element Grit Eco Flex Board Short. The Grit Eco Flex was constructed with 100% recycled polyester, which feels comfy while you’re perfecting your cannonball and dries quickly while you’re chilling poolside.

Billabong Komplete 20 Inch Boardshort – Product Details
Another great idea from our friends at Billabong, they decided to take old PET bottles and turn them into boardshorts. By doing this they have saved almost 40,000 bottles from going into landfills. This boardshort is not only good for the planet, it was made to perform. With the Platinum 4 Way Stretch there are no restrictions in movement. You get the best of both, function and feeling good you helped Billabong make a change. Win, Win if you ask me.

Lost Mason Boardshort – Product Detail
The Lost Mason Boardshort has a psychedelic print that will surely take you back to the days were music ruled the airwaves and surfers ruled their beaches. These are certain to get you a couple of compliments every time you wear them.

Hurley Shutter Boardshort Phantom – Product Details
Rooted deep in beach culture, Hurley has been taking the surf world by storm since the 1970s. Paying special attention to what surfers want in and out of the water, they have become a leader in performance. Test the waters in the Phantom Shutter Boardshorts from Hurley.

Fox Enterprize Ian Walsh Boardshort – Product Details
Created for Fox team rider Ian Walsh, these boardshorts are built to last. The Fox Ian Walsh Signature Boardshorts features a high-performance, waterman could hope for: welded seams that stretch and prevent uncomfortable chaffing; super lightweight fabric that moves with you; and comfort and fit that will never let you down. Welded seams stretch 100% with the fabric and create lightweight, smooth, comfortable seams.  Ultra Q4 fabric is the lightest weight fabric with maximum 4-way stretch up to 125% of the fabric length and dries 25% faster.  Secure fit stays on the waist with concealed Micro Rigid Tape sewn in the top of the soft, lined waistband. Lycra Gusset fly offers additional comfort in and out of the water with zipper-free fly opening.

O’Neill Traveler Hybrid Boardshort - Product Details
O’Neill has done it again. The Traveler Hybrid will make your life a lot easier. Now you don’t have to worry about packing your boardshorts with you. You’ll already have them on! Now you’ll never have to worry about missing a good sesh because you were not prepared. The quick-dry fabric will have you dry by the time you make it back to your shirt. And now you’re ready to go out for the night.

Quiksilver Cypher Reynolds Revolt 21 Inch Boardshort - Product Details
Check out the Quiksilver Cypher Reynolds Revolt boardshort! This classic signature boardshort from Dane Reynolds not only looks good but functions well. If you have ever seen Dane surf, you know he expects performance, and with his go-for-broke style, he needs a boardshort that has its priorities in order. The polyester and spandex blend creates a material that feels so silky smooth when you’re putting them n you’ll never go back to a regular boardy. Diamond Dobby treats like like no one else, and throwing on a pair of these will definitely set you apart on the beach.

Rad story about how blind Brazilian surfer Derek Rabelo was able to connect with professional surfers Makua Rothman, Eli Olson and Koa Rothman and surf pipeline!

“Rothman is the son of Eddie Rothman, founder of “Da Hui,” a group of badass surfers from the 70s who made a name for themselves by being awesome at surfing and harboring a strong dislike for outsiders. So for the Rothman clan to not only accept Rabelo but to call him “a hero,” says a lot about their respect for the guy.” -Sports Grind

Check out another inspirational story about another blind surfer who lives and surfs in the United States Alex Russo

Five weeks after returning from Hawai’i, I’m packing again. And I always get mixed feelings when comes the time to leave home, no matter how long I’m going to be away. I get excited and happy because I’m going out of my daily routine. I ‘m a bit anxious because I never know what to expect: after all, the trip could be one of the best of my life, but it could also be one of the worst. And I’m a little sad too because I leave behind me the most perfect waves and the most perfect wind (yes, I’m serious).

This time is no different: the rainy season is close to an end and I’ve got some very good surfing & kiteboarding sessions. And I guess I’m still a kid… when I have fun, I never want it to end. I want another session, and another one; it never ends. So what I’m telling myself right now, is that I’m going to have another kind of fun: I’m going to the cold and snowy mountains of Utah! OK, doesn’t sound very exotic to you guys, but to me, it is! After all, I’m from Tahiti and I literally spend all day in a bikini. Talk about a change!!

I haven’t been in the snow in over 10 years, always travel where I can get wind and/or waves, and I have to admit that I was a bit confused when packing my stuff. First, it feels weird to pack in a piece of luggage that’s smaller than me! I always travel with one big boardbag and a backpack. Now I find myself with that duffle bag and it really feels like I’m forgetting something. Second, I really don’t know what I should bring with me. Pants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets of course… but will I be warm enough? Should I borrow stuff from friends, just in case? And how cold is it going to be? How many layers of clothes will I need to wear in order not to freeze as soon as I step out of the house??

Lots of silly questions as you can tell, but I guess all those inquiries are also part of the fun. Because I really expect to have fun in the next 10 days: I’m going to meet up with a bunch of friends in Powder Mountain to go snow kiting! But again, I’m getting worried: I know how to fly & pilot a kite, but I don’t know how to snowboard. I never give up on things, but I’m kind of slow when it comes to picking up a new sport… it takes me about one week to do what most people could do in one or two days. So right now I’m working on building my self-confidence, remembering what my friends told me a few weeks ago, that I would be able to ride within a few hours. And if it takes longer than expected, at least my friends are going to have fun watching me struggle with my kite and my snowboard.

So we’ll see. I’m leaving tomorrow and will keep you posted with photos and everything.

-Vainui

Through this journey along the Moroccan and northern atlantic coasts, we follow Jérome Sahyoun in his winter quest for extreme waves. Over the last few seasons, the tow-in team he forms with basque surfer Axi Muniain, has become one of the most tracked in the big wave riding scene. Sit back and relax, this bad boy is about 20 min long.

SanaSaida won BEST SHOT AWARD at Anglet International Surf Film Festival and was one of the hits at Bali Ombak International Surf Film Festival and Surf Film Festibal.