Check That Off The Bucket List: US Open

I mentioned yesterday how I had an even greater life experience on Saturday than I did the day before. Early Saturday morning, I woke up in Newport Beach and drove over to Huntington Beach for a big bucket list item of mine.

As we drove down Main Street in HB, it was all becoming a little surreal. Again, here I was, this East Coast girl now living the Southern California life. It was truly a place for many years that I only saw on TV and in movies and now I was seeing this cute little beach town with my own eyes. Not only that, but I was there to see the biggest surf event in the United States: The US Open of Surfing.

Since we arrived on the second to last day of the championship, all of my favorite surfers [yes, even Kelly Slater] had been knocked out the day prior. I was totally bummed. Completely. But it was still so inspiring and fun to see so many pro surfers giving everything they had for a chance to win. I was most inspired by Courtney Conlogue for her back-to-back rides through the pier, a very tricky and dangerous maneuver but she did it and it just so happened to be right when we were standing underneath the pier. And as soon as she finished, she turned around and paddled right back out to catch another. Talk about strength and determination!

The US Open was nothing like the time I was at Volcom Pipe Pro on the North Shore. In Huntington, the waves were smaller, the crowds were larger [and much more rowdy as I'm sure many of you heard about the riots], and it was just an entirely different experience. However, I enjoyed the time I spent watching heats from up above on the pier or below on the sand as the tide rolled in.

It was a nice treat for me. A reminder of the determination it takes to do well, insanely well, at what you love. Throughout life, we have certain passions that never leave us. I've written about this before and how important I believe it is to bring those passions to life throughout our time here. The art and sport of surfing has been one of those passions for me. I stopped for a moment and reminded myself that I was there, among the world's top surfers, in Surf City, USA... something I had only dreamt of for so long.

Swooning Over Spring Swimwear

What's up, party people? On Wednesday, I shared a big piece of my soul with you and made a pretty big life announcement. So, because of that announcement and everything that comes with it, I think it's pretty safe to say I have been engrossed with all things surf lately. Okay, who am I kidding? I have always been engrossed with all things surf. I may have been born on the East Coast but the West Coast flows through my blood.

Anyway. I've been sifting through surf apparel like it was my job ;) I've been searching for inspiration through other brands, images of waves, and quotes about the sea. Through these things I hope to find a vision for our events, our promo material, and our new apparel designs.

In the midst of my inspiration-seeking, I've come across a few stellar swimsuits that I just had to share with you. I apologize if it's currently snowing where you live. Maybe I should refrain from telling you I'm working on my base tan and have already bought a bikini and a half this season...

1. Volcom Waroses One Piece

2. Billabong Lexi Fringe Bottom

2. O'Neill Escape Top

3. Billabong Sienna Triangle + Surf Short

4. Body Glove Gemini Action Sport Bra Top

I am the type of person who must try on swimsuits before purchasing them. For example, bandeaus, they just don't work for me. I like support and bandeaus do the opposite for me. However, I found one like the O'Neill Escape Top above that wasn't too bad so there's hope.

Also, I have been searching all over for a cross-back tie bikini top and the other day, my prayers were answered when I found one by Body Glove. I used to ROCK Body Glove one pieces when I was body surfing as a 3-year-old and I'm rocking Body Glove now. Seriously, they fit SO well - like a glove!

6. Volcom Black Box One Piece
7. O'Neill Malia Hipster Bikini Bottom

8. Hurley Surfside Stripe Bikini

9. Hurley Record Scratch Bustier

10. Body Glove Smoothies Ibza Fringe Top

I am obviously loving the surf short/hipster look this season. And the fringe! I thought fringe tops would make me look super top-heavy but I found a halter/V-cut like the Body Glove version above and looove it!

Also, can we talk about how phenomenal those one-pieces are? They are right up my alley! I'm curious though if they cut into all the wrong areas. I'll keep my eye out for one to try on and report back :)

What swim looks are you crushing over this season? Or is it not warm enough to even think about it? ;) Sorry, I had to!

P.S. I'm guest posting over on Jenn's blog today - go say hi!