Sunday, July 12, 2015

Public Surfing Sim - Island Sea Dreams

[This is a cross-post of an interview conducted for the Surf Side Cierra Theriac and Flynn Sheridan's Surf Side - Surfing in the Virtual World blog]

Surf Side begins another series describing a few of the Second Life public surfing sims from the list of those compiled and made available the the SL Surfing Association’s home sim, Solice Dreams.  In this post, Island Sea Dreams is being featured and it’s owner, Connie Decosta was gracious enough to sit down for a few minutes for the following interview:

Photo courtesy of JT Castanea


SS:  What public surfing sims do you have?


SS:  Can you tell the readers a little about why you decided to create a surfing sim in the first place, and how ISD is different from what you've done in the past? 

Connie:  My real home has always been on the beach and to share this feeling with those that may not be so lucky is beautiful.  I treasure what I have and if one other person can obtain a peace inside or enjoy the surfing  experience then I’m happy.  ISD this time round is just the one homestead. Like the last it does have a small jungle feel about it but it’s more about the waves and making sure they run smoothly. - no lag 

SS:  How long has it been in SL? 

Connie:  This sim has been around for years under ownership of JT [Castanea] and recently renamed Island Sea Dreams about a month ago.

SS:  What types of waves do you tend to run these days? 

Connie:  Currently running - 2 sets of Maoli freestyle. 2 monster waves across the width of the sim (what a long ride that one is hehehe) & 2 Tahiti waves, 2 curlys.  Trying to paddle to the bouy is the challenge.  It’s a good work out for those that love a challenge. 

SS:  Are you a surfer in either RL or SL? 

Connie:  I grew up on the ocean.  My first real surfboard was a 4 fine fever.  It's a shorter board and omg does it carve it up on the smaller waves.  I was 8 when I took to the water on the waves.  SL surfing I love it and do not compete.  I competed in real from the age of 8 to 21 doing the iron woman thing and eating my weetbix. lol

SS:  Are there any special surfing or design features you’d like to tell the readers? 

Connie:  I am trying to capture the reality of waves as much as possible.  Every wave is different and the timing has been changed on each set.  So every time a set runs you could get something different from the last set.  It’s great challenge. 

SS:  Is there anything else about your sim(s) you’d like to tell the readers (e.g., availability of other recreational areas, shops, home rentals, etc.)?

Connie:  No rentals this time.  I have Global Surf Treaty for new surfers - the school camp will open soon.  There is a path the full length of the sim where you ride ya bike etc, hang out with friends round the fire.  There is an off sim hut - you can sit out there with friends but you have to IM in private as you’re off sim.  Great little hidden hangout. 

SS:  Do you have any other regions in SL that aren’t related to surfing?  If so, can you tell us a little about them?

Connie:  Currently No other sims.  I did own a lot of land on the mainland where I had my clothing and jewelry stores.  These are all closed now days.  I just love enjoying my surfing and hanging with my best friends. 


SS:  Thank you so much for your time, Connie.



Wearing:
Bikini - Faboo Teal Wraparound
Beach skirt - Maoli Green Beachskirt