The Central Coast Oyster Festival

Mark your calenders! This years annual Central Coast Oyster Festival will be held between October 18-19th, 2013, in Morro Bay.

The Central Coast Oyster Festival is a celebration of all the Central Coast has to offer. The Festival features the delectable oysters of the Morro Bay Oyster Company and fresh local produce in the hands of the area’s best chefs, paired with award-winning local wine, beer, and spirits. In addition, the event includes a spirited oyster-shucking competition, live food demonstrations and an enticing “Aphrodisiac Lounge.”
Live Art, Entertainment & Education accompany this event in one of the most unique, beautiful, creative settings the Central Coast has ever seen.  With art event installations from The Do LaB and SpinCycle the atmosphere created wowed the attendees and this year has such a great response expected attendance will be well over 6000. This year the The Central Coast Oyster Festival is also bringing a new fundraiser tradition to benefit OPTIONS Family of Services. Many local bands like TROPO and Neon Russell will be playing and over 20 gourmet food vendors will be featured. This event is definitely one you won’t want to miss. Buy a VIP ticket and get your own Butler to serve you food and beverages throughout the festival. In addition all participants will be able to lounge on Butlerz Events high end furnishings as part of their experience. We hope to see you there!

10 Interesting Facts about the Earth’s Oceans

The ocean is a plethora of neverending mysteries. Read on to discover some of its surprising facts.

1. 99% of all living space exists exclusively under the ocean, and 50-80% of all life on earth dwells in the sea. This means that we as human beings have hardly seen the massive matter our planet contains!

2. The highest tides in the world are located at the Bay of Fundy. They range from about 50-70 feet daily. In a period of 12 hours, approximately 115 billion tons of water flow in and out every day.

3. The largest recorded tsunami was in Alaska and measured 60 m (approx. 180 ft.) above sea level.

4. There are more artifacts located in the ocean than there are in all of the museums on the plant combined.

5. The longest mountain range and volcano range exist under the ocean.

6. A fully grown blue whale weighs between 150-170 tons and is the largest known animal to ever exist on our planet. To get an idea, that is equal to more than 50 fully grown elephants.

7. 95% of the earth’s oceans has been unexplored by man. As of today, we have better maps of how Mars looks than the ocean floor.

8. Half of the entire world population lives within 60 miles of a coastline. Since the beach is a favorable spot and weather is more mild, people like to be closer to the coast.

9. The Mid-Ocean Range is the longest mountain range on earth. It is 40,400 miles long underwater and stretches the Arctic Ocean to the Atlantic. Put in perspective, it is 4 times longer than the Andes, Rockies, and Himalayas combined.

10. 50% of the entire United States lies underwater. We as human beings are unconscious of the extraordinary amount of landmass that lies below our level of awareness.

How to Become a Professional Fisherman

What it Takes to Become a Pro Fisherman

Most people don’t think about becoming a fisherman as a full time career. But with the right passion and love for the sport, you can spend your life on a dock searching for fish and become a professional.

Here’s how:

1. Start out as a hobby

Before even considering doing this sport professionally, you must become familiar with the lifestyle. Spend a lot of time fishing just for enjoyment and read magazines and biographies of professional fishermen.

2. Join a fishing club.

Engaging in your passion with others will not only help you build your skill and reputation but will also open doors to get into small tournaments.

3. Specialize in fish that are prevalent with a local fishing company

Every area in the country has different types of fish. With each different species comes different methods of catching them. To become a good employee you must acquire the knowledge of how to fish for the species that are within your region.

4. Be prepared for low wages

Full time Fishermen are like full time musicians. They will do their job at all costs because of their fervent affinity for the activity, not because it will comfortably support them.

5. Tournaments

Winning tournaments will not only help support you, but it will help build your reputation and enhance your chance to succeed.

Remember, a sign of a true fisherman is someone who has the drive and a love for the sport. If you are worried about supporting yourself comfortably or do not have a true talent it may be wise to pursue this arena only as a hobby.

The Best Nude Beach SLO has to Offer: Pirates Cove

Why go to Pirates Cove?

Pirates Cove is a remote and scenic nude beach that stands between Pismo and Avila and is not your typical nude beach. On an average summer day you will find only a handful of people either completely naked or stripped down to the bare minimum, which makes this beach a desirable place to visit since it never gets overcrowded.

Additionally, while most nude beaches are populated with people wearing birthday suits, Yelp describes it as consisting of “a mix of people you would see at your local supermarket.” The public gives it an average rating of 4 and a half out of 5 stars typically for its silent beauty that resembles the beaches “in Crete and the Mediterranean”(Neo G-frequent visitor of the Cove).

How To Get There:
There are a few ways to access this remotely private cove. From Avila Beach Drive, you can drive straight down the remotely windy road. After passing a quaint little golf course on your right, Cave Landing Rd will be uphill on your left. Take this street and park in the nearest parking lot. Continue on foot walking south. As you go down the creaky wooden steps, Pirates Cove will be within your gazing distance at the far end of the beach. If you want to do more walking than driving, you can also park where the nearby dunes are and take a dirt trail down.

Last but not least for those enthusiastic adventurists, you can take the journey by kayaking from Pismo’s pier. Make sure you have a coverup if you plan to take this route as the waters can make the temperature a little chilly.

Weather: You can expect Pirates Cove to get as hot as the high 90’s during the summer and low as mid 50’s during the coldest months of winter. What’s unique about the weather at Pirates Cove however is that the surrounding mountain range helps to filter out the misty fog. During the morning when fog typically sets in a beach, the mountain range blocks the fog from seeping into the city. As a result, you will be able to sip a morning margarita and enjoy the beautiful sun above as you gaze out at the surrounding “Avila bubble” that sits on top of this barrier.

Pirates Cove has a stunning view of the ocean and is truly a hidden gem that one would need to see to fully experience its true beauty. We hope that this gives you a glimpse of a truly remarkable experience!

Two of the Most Stylistically Evil Pirates in History

Two of the Most Stylistically Evil Pirates in History

Thought you knew everything about evil villains? Check out the profoundly intricate ways these two pirates committed murders throughout history.

Francois l’Olonnais

Composed of long black hair and a frighteningly cunning smile, Francois l’Olonnais came to be a wicked pirate of his time. He was born during the age when the buccaneers had a strong antagonist view of Spaniards, which contributed to his target victims as a pirate. Early on he developed a reputation for himself as being a mass murderer-he would imprison as many Spanish people as possible along the coast of South America and rape or torture them with his men. His rise of power finally started to catch up with him when a group of Spanish soldiers managed to successfully ambush him. While narrowly escaping he managed to take a Spanish hostage on the way. Then he struck his sword and devoured his heart, declaring, “I will serve you all alike, if you show me not another way.” While luckily escaping the first time, his fortune didn’t last him long as he was captured again by natives-this time with no mercy. They hacked him to death and roasted him over a fire. Looks like he not only killed others in an interesting manner but was killed with style as well. This infamous act of devouring a human’s heart along with his massive killing sprees make him one of the most gruesome pirates known in history.

Stephen Decatur

If murdering with style were to be part of a career requirement, Stephen Decatur definitely takes the gold. From early on he acquired a passion for the seas, and as he was successful in each battle with various sea raids he climbed the ladder of success to become known as a national military hero. Although celebrated as a captain who had America’s interest at heart, he is listed here because he did a lot of mass murdering to acquire his fame. His most widely acclaimed sea raid was during the burning of the USS Philadelphia. During this time he gathered a group of men disguised as Maltese sailors and burned the ship to the ground without any one man from his crew getting injured. Moreover, he is famous for not resting to take revenge when his brother was killed by another pirate. Within a week he killed the man who slayed his brother and the other 33 pirates on the man’s crew all in one day. Although known at the time to be a noble captain, the way he went about slaughtering makes him one of the most fierce yet stylistic pirates in history.

5 Great Snack Ideas for the Beach

Spending the day at the beach can make you hungrier more often than you realize.
To get the most out of your day, bringing snacks with a lot of carbohydrates or protein will sustain your energy so you won’t have to worry about giving out midday. While you can always buy food from the concession stands, it often isn’t the best choice since it is expensive.

On the following list we have carefully chosen a variety of snacks that will satisfy different nutrition and practical purposes for the beach:

Hand Made Trail Mix;
Almonds, peanuts, pretzels, goldfish, m&m’s, and popcorn.  Making your own unique trail mix can be fun and tasty. This combination of trail mix is a unique and personal favorite and tingles every sense of your tongue. Balance healthy snacks with tasty snacks so you can satisfy your cravings every so often while you’re playing in the sand.

Chicken sandwich;
A typical chicken or turkey sandwich has 14 grams of protein. Wrap a slice on a piece of bread to make an easy and efficient snack that will give you long term energy.

Assorted Fruit;
Banana slices, strawberries, mango, grapes. Expelling a lot of energy at the beach can easily make your mouth dry, so staying hydrated is important. Fruits have roughly 50-80% water and are high in potassium.

Chill them in the cooler and they’ll stay fresh all day.

Power bars;
There are certain power bars that are very nutritional, while others are actually a detriment to your body. According to Jenna Holt, an expert on nutrition, Kind Blueberry Pecan and Quest Coconut Cashew are said to be some of the healthiest power bars, while Luna and Cliffe are the worst.

Cheese;
Simplicity is such a wonderful thing. Cheese is full of protein and is practical for a beach environment since it is convenient to pack. Bringing individual slices minimizes the amount of sand that could potentially get in your food. You can slide them in your chicken sandwich.

Romantic Beach Getaways

Try spicing up your romance this month by taking a vacation with your lover to an exotic beach. The following list of beaches are some of the most popular and romantic that California has to offer.

Stinson Beach

Begin by taking a steep drive up the ridge in Marin County.  Once you get to the top, stop. Then let the fresh crisp air soak into the spirits of you and your lover as you as you gaze at the magnificent view that Stinson beach has to offer. Stinson holds the perfect scenery for having a romantic summer picnic, or going exploring through the caves with your lover. If you like light hearted adventure and airy ambiance, Stinson is a great romantic beach getaway.

Santa Cruz Beach Town

The Santa Cruz beach town is truly for the young at heart. Walk along the boardwalk and enjoy the upbeat vibe that the classic amusement park brings. It’s a perfect date for those playful romantics who enjoy building sandcastles, eating cotton candy or sitting on top of a lighted ferris wheel while gazing at the shimmering ocean at night. If you’re inclined to go surfing, wine tasting, or explore the nearby hip college town, Santa Cruz offers it all.

Carmel-By-The-Sea

Carmel-By-The-Sea-The name itself conjures a sweet playful image that is bound to rekindle sparks. Every year hundreds of couples get married on this beach. The surrounding trees coupled with the vast stretch of sand make this atmosphere a most relaxing place to spend time with a dear lover.To top it off, Carmel has many luxurious spas. Take your spouse out for a treat by pampering them with a massage from one of these high end resorts.

Moonstone Beach

If you’re looking for a nice, quiet beach with a serene setting, then Moonstone would be a perfect getaway to take your lover. Since this beach doesn’t have any surrounding shops or tourism activities, it makes it that more remote for a private date. You can watch the waves glisten from the sun setting as you snuggle in a cozy blanket with your spouse.

Venice Beach

Venice is one of the most unique places in itself. Filled with vendors that sell everything from ritzy toys to exquisite artwork, you and your lover will not get bored exploring the area. Venice is home to many street performers, idiosyncratic artists, and people from all walks of life. The eccentric nature of the beach itself makes for a romantic adventure to embark on with your loved one.

Experience Unique Sand Textures Along the Central Coast

Smooth, grainy, soothing or muddy, moist, cracked or hot, hard, and stony. There are a wide variety of sand textures on the beach and the characteristics of each can widely determine your experience. Read on to learn about the variety of tantalizing textures found at the beaches of your very own central coast.

Oceano Dunes State Beach

Oceano Dunes State Beach is one of the most unique beaches in California. Widely known for it’s features, scientists, conservationists, government agencies, and the public recognize Oceano State Dunes Beach as having the finest coastal dunes in California. It’s like pillowy powder softness beneath the soles of your feet. As awesome as it is for your feet, driving isn’t always an easy task – getting stuck in the sand is almost instant! If you want a beach that’s got vibrant activity, super soft texture under your feet, then make sure to check out Oceano!

Pismo Beach

The sand texture at Pismo is as smooth as polished glass, sometimes called Mason Sand, and is a recognizable feeling between the toes.  It is perfect to lay down on during a hot day. This condition makes it ideal to play a game of volleyball, or heat yourself up after splashing in the cool waves. The sand also makes it perfect for building sandcastles.

Moonstone Beach, Cambria

Want an instant foot massage? Then definitely head out to the beaches of Cambria. Here the sand is more like softly polished tiny pebbles. It takes some getting used to but once you get the hang of it, you’ll really enjoy the gentle massage and exfoliating properties of Cambria’s beaches. These tiny pebbles also make Moonstone Beach an ideal location to spend the day jamming on a pair of African drums.

Got some other sand texture experiences you want to share? Please do so. We’d love to hear all about them.

Cheers!

Bathing Suit trends for 2012.

August is one of the hottest months of the year and swim season is at it’s peak. If you’ve been lagging on finding that perfect bathing suit, or you’re just looking for more inspirational ideas to add to your wardrobe, check out some of this summer’s hottest trends:

Animal print coverups:
Animal prints are hot, hot, hot.Buy one this season and add some roar to your wardrobe.

Metallic:
Accentuate your skin with a sheer cool blue or a shiny hot pink. Incorporating a metallic in your summer swimsuit wardrobe can give you a look that’s sexy and chic.

High-waisted:
When first introducing the concept, one might associate a high-waisted bikini as a conservative piece fit for a granny. However Mara Hoffman (first picture) rocks this look and shows the world how a high waist can be elegant and sophisticated.

Cool Cutouts
Want to look more unique than your friends? Try a sexy strapless cutout or an intricate crochet-it will give your body the shape and flair that it longs for. But be warned: these cutouts are strictly for those who can handle being eye-candy 😉

60-sec Refresher in Ultimate Boogie Boarding!

A little history first~

Did you know boogie boarding only came to existence in the last half century?
That’s right! Boogie boarding first started up in the 1970’s when surfboard builder Tom Morey took a break from his surfboarding business and made his first prototype of today’s boogie board (back then called a S.N.A.K.E.-side, navel, arm, knee, elbow) His invention caught on quickly and by the late he was producing 80,000 to distribute all across the states!

Now everyone can boogie board by simply taking a board and riding it in the ocean.
But if you want to boogie board with STYLE, follow these quick tips:

Step 1: Get the Gear
Depending on where in the ocean you want to board, you will need all of the following equipment:
boogie board: You want to first make sure you have the right type of board for you height. You want to make sure it comes up to your belly button when you place it standing up beside you.
pair of swim fins: Although not absolutely needed, a good pair of fins will allow you to get a maximum speed and velocity on a wave.
Leash:When you buy the boogie board, make sure it comes with a leash so in case you eat a wave, you can retrieve your board!
wetsuit: For the naturally cold-blooded folks 🙂
rashguard: A rashguard is a shirt made of stretchy-like material that is designed to put under a wetsuit. It’s primarily used as a protection layer or as an alternative to a wet-suit.

Step 2: Find the sweet spot
Before you choose any ocean, read up on the natural length of the wave currents during the time of day you want to board. This will ensure that you don’t have any disappointment in tiny waves when you get to the beach!

Step 3: The Ride
-Once you found your sweet spot, start by placing yourself on the board entirely in the ocean. Make sure the back end of the board is at your waist and your feet are hanging off at the end.
-Grip the nose of the board with your hands
-Start by paddling your feet to gain momentum

Now hang loose and ride the waves! 😀