It's been a few years now since we started INSIDE SURFIN and it's been a genuine buzz hearing from the different people who have checked our site, more than thirty countries at last count! If I haven't been able to thank you before, let me thank you now.... it makes it all worthwhile. I am stoked that there are so many young surfers out there who are interested in Surfboard Design, and if I have been able to help anyone with advice that's great. Surfboard Design is still the heart of our sport and one reason why Surfing still evolves, and when I'm not working on this site I am usually in the workshop. Times are very different now than when I started in 1957, the Surfing Industry and it's players have changed, and it's sad that so much of the true spirit is gone with those old Surfers forever. But now it's 1999, and who could have foreseen the options the Net would bring! The upcoming years will see more change; the Olympic debate of whether or not Surfing should be included (although I suspect it will be anyway), and indeed whether contests themselves belong in Surfing. I guess it will all boil down to the integrity of the people involved. 'Pro' surfing has already given us a plethora of product endorsements for whichever company will pay money, so I guess it can't get any worse. But despite Industry advertising & Marketing, crowded breaks and expensive boards,there will still be those glassy early sessions with a few friends, sometimes. Surfing is still what you want it to be. ..whether you want to make a living from the Sport or just keep doing it, keep it real. Learn to give back what you get. Our Oceans need help, and that may be a way for you to find your place, not only in Surfing but in life. Contributing to the well being of the Planet brings a certain peace that money just can't buy.

Finally, it's been a thrill to work with the artists that have contributed to INSIDE SURFIN. When IS started, I wasn't really counting on anything special. I figured if I told my story maybe it could be interesting for others. Now, I have made many cool new friends in the process and had a lot of fun. Together, we have some hot,new natural additives lined up for this year, so stay fine tuned and keep clickin' on us...

Happy Surfin'

Chris Beacham
Editor
INSIDE SURFIN

INSIDE SURFIN IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY -

PUBLISHER & WEB DESIGN: Tony Fox - Firehorse Publications

EDITOR: Chris Beacham - Surfin' Systems

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Vicky Clarke, Dick Hoole, Les Walker, Loise Southern, George Greenough, Michael Peralta, Pierre Tostee

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Malcolm Gault-Williams, Loise Southern, Jesse Faen

ADVERTISING MANAGER: Chris Beacham

SITE MAINTENANCE: Kris Swales