XCEL Wetsuits announced a commitment to produce all of their wetsuits using neoprene-free materials by 2026 at the latest. By then they believe that natural materials will offer the same performance in terms of stretch, warmth and durability as their current wetsuit range, for the same or better cost to surfers. XCEL Wetsuits is proud to be one of the first of the traditional wetsuit brands to signal a switch of the entire line to neoprene-free materials.

Lance Varon, Xcel Head of Product explained “we have been committed to making a more responsible wetsuit for several years, and we are 80% there today with a number of eco components in our current line. We already use dope-dye yarns, water-based glues, eco carbon black, and oyster shell processing in all of our suits. And now we are finalizing the testing of natural neoprene-free materials that deliver the world class performance that our core surfers require in terms of stretch, warmth and durability, at the right price point.” XCEL Wetsuits is committed to being neoprene freeby 2026



Said Ian Stewart, Xcel Head of Marketing “Xcel is recognized for our technically driven approach to making wetsuits, and for that reason we have been very rigorous in finding the best natural materials that perform at a high level. We are in the middle of testing and are excited by how they are tracking in terms of performance in the water.”

Reinforced Jarka Duba, Xcel CEO “This is good business on many levels. It is good for the planet. It is good for future surfers. At every product meeting we task the team to make the best wetsuit and then to make it as green as possible. Based on current testing, we believe the next generation of neoprene-free material will be up to our standard by 2026.”

The Xcel team will continue to manage the timeline to launch, and is committed to going to market earlier if the innovation process can be further accelerated.

Pan African Beach Day is scheduled for October 15th.

Meet 9-1pm at tower 24 in Santa Monica. South lot 4, 2030 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA.

There will be two, one hour sessions, capped at 25 students each. You must pre-sign up to reserve a spot.

ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE TO SIGN A WAIVER RELEASING ALL PARTIES OF LIABILITY IN THE EVENT OF PERSONAL INJURY. Please use the form below to insure that if you attend you will have an opportunity to try to "catch a wave"!

For more info and to register, Click Here

Here's surfing photos from Monday, October 2nd at the Venice Breakwater.

This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by Bodyglove.

These are just a few of the 120+ photos from this session. If you were out there, you probably got some surfing shots, probably multiple photos, they will be in the complete photo gallery for this day, check them out, the link to the complete gallery is down below.

















You can find 100+ more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Venice Breakwater - Monday 10-2-2023 Photo Gallery


If you were out there, we probably got some cool surfing shots of you, go check them out!

Wanna see photos from previous days at this and other local surf spots from this photographer?
Click Surf Spot Galleries and look for the spot and then the date.

The Santa Monica Art Museum is hosting The Fans Strike Back. An exhibition featuring more than 600 official items from the Star Wars Universe collected by fans and displayed for fans. Immerse yourself in a galaxy far, far away and see photos, posters, costumes, figures, and models of different types and sizes!

The Empire had its chance; this time, The Fans Strike Back! Get ready for the largest exhibition in the saga of fan-made Star Wars events. You’ll find photos, posters, costumes, figures, and models of different types and sizes—all official objects bought by Star Wars fans. There will also be a green chroma to take pictures in the Star Wars universe. It’s a perfect plan for the whole family, from the youngest Padawan to the wisest Jedi master!



Explore one of the largest private Star Wars collections made by fans, for fans, with: Hundreds of unique collectables and figurines Life-size figures and famous costumes More than 30 one-of-a-kind sculptures 40 years of passionate work Armor, lightsabers, blasters, helmets, masks, and more!



RELIVE YOUR FAVORITE SCENES FROM THE SAGA Plunge into the Star Wars Universe! Enjoy plenty of photo opportunities thanks to this exhibit’s amazing sets and decor. Take a selfie with the many life-size sculptures, a photo sitting on the Emperor’s throne or use the green screen to take pictures with selected Star Wars-themed backgrounds.



Showcasing hundreds of unique collectables, sculptures, life-size figures, lightsabers, blasters, and more, The Fans Strike Back® takes guests on a journey into both sides of the Force.

Starts October 5, 2023
Opening hours:
Final entry time is 1 hour before close.
Thursday & Friday 2:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Final entry time is 1 hour before close.

Duration: The visit will take approximately 1 hour
Location: Santa Monica Art Museum - 1219 3rd Street Promenade
Age requirement: All ages welcome! Free entry for children under 4

For more info and tickets, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

For the first time ever, Montana Ave. was closed to cars making room for 150 artists, wine garden, live music, kid paint station & more!

Spanning from 9th to 17th Street, Santa Monica's, Montana Ave. hosted the city's most anticipated art event of the year, showcasing 150 visual artists, live music, painting station for kids, and wine garden.

For $14,150,000 you can buy the building that the beloved WSL leases out for their offices. Built in 1913, the 2-story building

Here's the details from the sellers:

"Beitler Commercial Realty Services is Pleased to Offer for Sale, 145 - 147 Bay St. & 1920 Main St. This Prime Investment Opportunity or Owner/User Opportunity is in the Heart of Santa Monica. Ideally situated a block away from the Sant Monica Beach* along major Main St in Downtown Santa Monica, the property gives way to unmatched walkability and excellent access to transit, including the Metro Expo Line, Pacific Coast Highway and the 10 Freeway."



"With its unique combination of construction types and visibility, the Property offers tremendous flexibility to accommodate a variety of uses, Bay & Main is a rare opportunity for buyers looking to own a historic landmark that fits seamlessly within Santa Monica’s work-play standard of living. The 1920 Main St Creative Office Building has High End Finishes throughout. Call/Email Broker for Offering Memorandum and Financials. Property Comprised of 10,065 SF Creative Office Building & Two 2-Story Office Buildings (approximately 3,900 SF and 3,700 SF)."

*The property is actually 2 blocks from the beach.

For more info on buying this property, Click Here

For nearly a decade, the Women’s Surf Film Festival has been honoring the women of the surf community who make their impact felt through film, art, and photography. The Women’s Surf Film Festival makes its debut in California for the first time.

The Women's Surf Film Festival honors women in the surf community who work in filmmaking, art, and photography. Attendees will be able to meet well-known surfers, artists, and community leaders, The Women's Surf Film Festival is an amazing opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the world of surfing while supporting gender equality.

The festival consists of 4 event over 3 day. The first 3 are in Venice Beach and the closing day event will held be in Ventura.

Here are all the events:



October 11th, 6-10pm // Waterfront Venice
Venice Beach, CA
Opening Night Celebrations & Screenings

Waterfront Venice | $25 | 6pm -10pm
Women's Surf Film Festival Presents: Opening Night Celebrations & Film Screenings at The Waterfront, Venice.

Get ready the 10th Annual Women's Surf Film Festival is making its California debut, and we're thrilled to announce that we'll be screening at The Waterfront, Venice. This is a momentous occasion, and we can't wait to bring the excitement of women's surf cinema to the West Coast for the very first time. Films start at 7pm (runtime 1 hour & 50 mins) Tickets are limited so get your’s before they all go!

Film Program:
Riding the Rhythms (40 mins)
Wahine & Waves (27 mins)
REBORN (10mins)
WOMP (10 mins)
Emergence (6 mins)
Jamaica (5 mins)
Momento (4 mins)
Synchronism (3:36 mins)

For more info on this event and tickets, Click Here



October 12th, 5-6pm // Deus Ex Machina
Venice Beach, CA
Wellness Session: Authentic Self-Care With Lia Avellino (free event)

Deus Ex Machina | Free event | 5pm -6pm

Join us for a free event with limited space—please RSVP to secure your spot. Afterward, stay for a captivating panel discussion and screening while enjoying complimentary tacos and drinks.

ELEVATE YOUR SURFING: BY ENHANCING YOUR MENTAL STRENGTH

Explore Lia Avellino's unique insights into transcending conventional self-care methods and discovering sustainable ways to nurture yourself. Learn how prioritizing self-care is the cornerstone of cultivating a positive mindset.

Many of us strive to lead healthier, fuller lives through self-care, yet often feel dissatisfied and burnt out. Join us for a Spoke Fireside Chat where we'll delve into why these efforts may leave us unfulfilled. Discover strategies to find internal flow and ease that align with your individual rhythms and passions. Connect with fellow travelers on a journey to authenticity and a lighter, more liberated self.

What to Expect: This 1-hour experience, hosted by Lia Avellino, blends mindfulness, body sensation awareness, self-reflection, and group discussion. You'll leave feeling more alive and equipped with new approaches to life's challenges.

For more info on this event and to RSVP, Click Here



October 12th, 6-9pm // Deus Ex Machina
Venice Beach, NY
Reception, Panel Discussion: Surfing Narratives: Art & Empowerment & Film Screening (free event)

Deus Ex Machina | Free event | 6pm - 9pm

Secure your spot by RSVPing for our free event, where we delve into the intriguing crossroads of surfing, art, and empowerment. Join our esteemed guest speakers, including Ivana Bajic, a multimedia innovator known for her immersive surf projects, and Natalie Small, the founder of Groundswell Surf Therapy, who integrates counseling and the great outdoors for transformative experiences. Dive into Shelby Stanger's captivating work in "Will to Wild," inspiring outdoor exploration, and gain insights from Davina Grincevicius, the founder of the Women's Surf Film Festival. Enjoy live DJ music, complimentary tacos and drinks, and the CA premiere of two engaging films, including "With the Tide: A Yakutat Surf Club Story" and "Unplugged." This event promises a dynamic fusion of surf culture, artistic expression, and empowerment narratives.

For more info on this event and to RSVP, Click Here



October 13th, 5-9pm // Topa Topa Brewing
Ventura, CA
Closing Night Celebrations & Screenings

Topa Topa Brewing Co. | $25 | 5pm - 9pm

Get ready the 10th Annual Women's Surf Film Festival is making its California debut, and we're thrilled to announce that we'll be screening at the fantastic Topa Topa Brewing Co. This is a momentous occasion, and we can't wait to bring the excitement of women's surf cinema to the West Coast for the very first time. Local vendors and artists will be showcasing their offerings for the evening, and you can also look forward to the convenience of Game Over Catering's food truck on-site. Tickets are limited so get your’s before they all go!

For more info and tickets, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Saturday, September 30, 2023, the Venice Afterburn, a vibrant daytime art and music festival, brought the essence of Burning Man to the shores of Venice Beach. As an official Regional Burning Man event, it showcased the spirit of creativity, community, and self-expression, much like its iconic counterpart in the Nevada desert.

The Venice Afterburn welcomed artists and enthusiasts to revel in the festivities, with a wide array of attractions that included art cars, theme camps, burner bikes, interactive installations, and various playa art pieces. Families and visitors of all ages flocked to the event, which lasted until 10 PM each day, ensuring everyone had ample time to immerse themselves in the magic."

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz

Waikiki's young standout Kelis Kaleopa'a, who won the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic, is now set to take on the best of the best at iconic First Point Malibu. Kelis, with the top seed, will have her hands full with either defending 2x World Champ / Malibu local Soleil Errico, fellow Oahu surfer Sophia Culhane, 3x World Champ / North Shore Native Honolua Blomfield, France's Alice Lemoigne, Brazilian Chloe Calmon or the youngest World Champ in history, Racheal Tilly.

Malibu is the most iconic and revered break in all of longboard surfing. Housed in history, it’s the perfect spot to host the deciding event on tour - the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships pres by Tractor Beverage Co. With the title on the line, the top eight men and eight women descend on First Point for a one-day battle to decide the 2023 Longboard World Champions.

The Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships is taking placein Malibu on October 3rd - 13th.

For more on this event. Click Here