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My love and passion for longboarding was instilled at a young age from the influence of my home break: First Point, Malibu. Leaving the comforts of home, I moved to Hawai'i and graduated college. It was on the North Shore of O'ahu where my admiration for logging was re-inspired. Here I am cross-stepping during Hawaii's golden hour. Photo: Keoki Saguibo (@photokeoki)
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Rosie Jaffurs (@rosiejaffurs) is born and raised on the North Shore of Hawaii. Most would never guess that the mecca for big waves and carnage would foster an environment for traditional longboarding. I first met Rosie one early morning on the North Shore. She was on a single fin log and got barreled right in front of me. As a California transplant who hides out at point breaks, this blew my mind. So, naturally, I cornered her in the water and demanded we should be friends. I found out quickly that Rosie and her boyfriend Keoki were apart of the traditional longboard movement in Hawai'i and that they were both world-class surfers. They took me under their wing and showed me what it means to surf with aloha. Rosie nose-riding in a critical section. Photo: Keoki Saguibo (@photokeoki)
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What I love about logging is that it's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. It's this dance that reminds us to love and enjoy life, and not take things too seriously. I love this photo. All three ladies in it (@shredsista @lolamignot @karinarozunko ) absolutely rip and they always have a great spirit that is reflected in their surfing. They are always laughing and living life to the fullest. Luki (@_lucrecia_ ) who took this photo is so talented and has a gift of capturing the sweetest parts of logging. As a fellow lady slider, Luki has a great way of embodying the elegance and bliss of logging. Here is Makala, Lola, and Karina reminding everyone what logging is all about: having fun. Photo: Luki O'Keefe (@_lucrecia_)
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The Queen of switch stance, Carla Rowland Zamora (@carlafina). Going switch is one of my favorite things to do on a log. As a goofy-footer who loves rights, going switch helps me make critical sections and drive down the line. It's an old art form, and when perfected, it's very sweet. Carla, my mentor and friend, shared this very special trick with me at a young age. You can catch her at the Bu doing switch tens and beating sections. Here's Carla making the switch look too easy while gracefully bottom turning. Photo: John Slavin
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The Belgian transplant, Eveline Van Brande (@eveline_vanbrande). Eveline grew up in Belgium and moved to CA when she was 12 years old. Not knowing English, she adapted to the American culture through the ocean and surfing. Longboarding is graceful and joyful, and all about enjoying the ride. I believe Eveline embodies the logging spirit more l than anyone I know. If you have ever surfed with her, and have been graced to talk to her, you know she wears her heart on her sleeve and is always happy to go with the flow. Eveline getting some nose time at one the points in Southern CA. Photo: Wouter Struyf (@fooliage)
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The best part about logging and the ultimate goal is hanging ten. There is something so magical about getting all your toes over the nose and flying across sections. It's a balancing act between yourself and Mother Nature. Once it's dialed in, it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Nothing is much sweeter when logging than hanging ten—get your toes over, smile, and be free. Here's me enjoying home. Photo: @adambhb
Editor’s Note: #LogDaze is a brand new series featuring some of the world’s most radical longboard visuals. The fifth in the series is Taylor Nelson.
The beach has always provided a place for me to be refreshed. When I’m in the ocean, I feel humbled by life’s grace. When I got hooked on logging, it became an outlet for me to decompress and find happiness. Through logging, I have met my closest friends and mentors, and without this amazing sport, I would be a much different person, lost in a concrete jungle. Longboarding centers me and keeps me stoked on life. Nothing beats a good nose ride. When I get a good nose ride, it automatically puts a smile on my face and I feel free. Flying through a section with toes over feels like the closest thing to flying.
Born and raised in Southern California, I was lucky enough to grow up surfing First Point, Malibu. Over the years of surfing the point, I was able to learn and be mentored by the best loggers in the world. I was very content surfing perfect right-hand point breaks my whole life until I moved to Hawaii for school, where my eyes were opened to a brighter realm of longboarding. Beyond my love and passion for surfing, I enjoy trail running, adventuring, and traveling. And since I have graduated college, I look forward to filling up my passport.
To see more from Taylor, check her out on Instagram.
