Someone watching the Swoop Freestyle FAI World Championship on San Diego Bay points to a competitor skimming across the water!
This afternoon I headed down to Embarcadero Marina Park South to watch the 2018 Swoop Freestyle FAI World Championship! What an exciting sport! Even with my little camera, I managed to get these fun photos!
Swoop Freestyle is a relatively new extreme sport. Competitors skydive, parachute toward the ground with increasing speed, then swoop right above the ground–in this case the blue water–while performing a variety of poses and tricks. The daring athletes swoop at speeds up to 90 mph! Successfully landing on the floating (and slippery) platform is one of the keys to a high score.
I was told this is only the second World Championship event–the first was in Copenhagen–and that this thrilling professional sport is still in its infancy. I can definitely see how it could blow up and become something really big!
I lingered for perhaps an hour and watched much of the First Round action. I’m no expert when it comes to Swoop Freestyle so you’ll have to please forgive my obvious lack of knowledge. I did see dramatic crashes, wild, careening maneuvers, Superman swoops, and some amazing, absolutely miraculous landings atop the floating platform!
Technically brilliant swoops and perfect landings raised a loud cheer from the enthusiastic crowd!
Take a look at these photos and you’ll get an idea of what the event was like…
Here comes another competitor. Helicopters took parachutists high above the water, and the crowd shielded their eyes from the sun to see them descending.Vying for the World Championship of Swoop Freestyle, this competitor approaches the floating platform, just off Embarcadero Marina Park South.One of the athletes is cheered by the crowd after making their dramatic swoop!A banner at the event shows the weekend schedule. The amazing Masters of the Sky wowed lots of excited Swoop Freestyle fans.I was told Swoop Freestyle athletes came from 13 separate countries to vie for the World Championship.Testing a parachute in a section of the park where Swoop Freestyle contestants prepared and boarded a helicopter.Lots of fans in attendance had a special interest in skydiving. They came to watch this unique sporting event from far and wide.Some people were enjoying a VIP section.Here comes another canopy. In mere seconds there will be another daring swoop!Members of a Rescue Team were out on the water, but during the time I watched, they weren’t needed.Crash! This competitor let everyone know he was okay right away.Here comes another swooper!Flying with feet skimming the water’s surface, approaching the floating platform. I don’t recall the result of this swoop.Will this swooper make it to the platform? Some contestants, unfortunately, miscalculated and came up short.More great Swoop Freestyle action out on San Diego Bay.Sometimes two swoopers would come in simultaneously. There was a lot of exciting, intense drama!After sitting on a hard rock for a long time, I wandered around to stretch my legs. Here’s the entrance to the VIP section.Several sponsors and vendors had booths around the park, including Skydive San Diego.Here come a couple of paragliders doing a demonstration during a break in the Swoop Freestyle competition.Paragliding slowly toward the platform. I always enjoy watching paragliders soar along the cliffs above the beach at the Torrey Pines Gliderport.The live music guys were taking a break when I walked by, but did a rocker pose for my camera!There was a fun demonstration by two daredevil water jetpack guys.Entertaining the crowd!Flying through the air without a parachute!Now that really looks like Superman! Where’s the cape?Three guys demonstrated zooming through the San Diego sky in wingsuits. They looked to me like flying squirrels. Unfortunately, I got my photo after their chutes deployed.Here they come. Splash.A couple helicopters were flying back and forth across the bay during much of the event. The Swoop Freestyle competition is about to resume.Here comes one swooper. This competitor angled in really close to the crowd.Flying inches from the water.Here comes another. As you can see, it was a typically perfect San Diego day for the event.Swooping on in. I think this contestant was too far from the platform and came up short.Here comes another Swoop Freestyler. Nice form!A perfect landing! This guy received a high score and with his performance became a contender for world champion.Excitement at a great athletic achievement!Some fans were waving a national flag for one of the Swoop Freestyle international athletes.As the crowd watched the action, behind the scenes the athletes were preparing parachutes and getting ready for their competitive jump.A huge tent contained lots of parachutes. I’m not sure if these were drying out, awaiting use, or what.Will this be the next World Champion of Swoop Freestyle?Heading off in a helicopter to take another flying swoop.Here’s a distant action photo into the sun from a spot near the Hilton, behind the San Diego Convention Center.Didn’t quite make it onto the platform! Close but no cigar!But he still gave me a smile and thumbs up!Excitement is nonstop at the 2018 Swoop Freestyle World Championship!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
He Left From Here, an angelic sand sculpture by World Master Dmitry Klimenko from St. Petersburg, Russia.
The following photos feature twelve of the most amazing sand sculptures you’re likely to ever see.
Each work of art was created by an internationally famous World Master sand sculptor. And right now, throughout this Labor Day weekend, the public can experience these fantastic works of sand art up close and in person at the 2018 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge!
The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge in San Diego, California is considered to be one of the premier Labor Day events in all the United States. At this unique competition, which is held on downtown’s Broadway Pier, visitors can also view incredible sand sculptures carved by super-talented local teams (this year three award-winning teams from Imperial Beach), and all sorts of additional three dimensional artwork along the pier.
But the most extraordinary sand sculptures are inside the pier’s Port Pavilion. And that is what I photographed today.
Prepare to have your breath taken away!
Fantastic art is created by one of the world’s top sand sculptors inside San Diego’s Port Pavilion at the 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.Dmitry Klimenko puts the finishing touches on a truly breathtaking work of sand art.Eulogy, a sand sculpture of a rhinoceros by World Master Brian Turnbough from Chicago, Illinois.The artistry seen in this sand sculpture is extraordinary.Brian Turnbough finishes a tribute to the endangered rhinoceros.Who Are You?, a fantastic sand sculpture by World Master Agnese Rudzite-Kirillova from Latvia.Closer photo of a remarkable sand sculpture.Agnese Rudzite-Kirillova puts the final touches on a sand cat.A visitor to the 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge in San Diego admires a small work of art.At Last, Atlas’ Last Atlas!, a humorous sand sculpture by World Master Morgan Rudluff from Santa Cruz, California.Morgan Rudluff works to finish her sculpture by early afternoon, to meet the competition’s deadline.A unique work of art produced by skilled hands and human imagination.The base of Liberation, a sand sculpture about freedom by World Master Dan Belcher from St. Louis, Missouri.An eagle is liberated from a cell-like cage. Dynamic sand art with great emotional impact.Existential Paradox, a mysterious sand sculpture by World Master Rusty Croft from Carmel, California.Peering through the existential paradox at an inner human face.A part of one face.Rusty Croft works on humanity’s mysterious inner essence.Another amazing sand sculpture inside the Port Pavilion!Let’s Dance, a fanciful sand sculpture by World Master Meg Murray from Australia.A closer photo of the graceful, organic sand sculpture.Meg Murray concentrates on her poetic sand art.Rear of the abstract Let’s Dance, with some simple sand sculpting tools on a table in the foreground.Victory, a classic sand sculpture by World Master Thomas Koet from Melbourne, Florida.Another fine work of art. It seems a miracle that such a detailed sculpture can be made out of sand.Thomas Koet at work on the back side of his triumphant sand sculpture.A world-class sand artist at work.To Have and To Hold, an amazing sand sculpture by World Master Abram Waterman from Prince Edward Island, Canada.An eye-catching photograph of an eye-popping sand sculpture!This photo makes it appear as though huge hands are clasping the artist Abram Waterman.Tender love depicted on the rear of the sculpture.A beautiful woman is held in the sculpted sand hands–in the eye of the beholder.Inspire, a beautiful sand sculpture by World Master Marielle Heessels from Netherlands.Flowing beauty magically rises from a block of sand.An inspirational sand sculpture in San Diego.Small Victories, a happy sand sculpture by World Master Lucinda “Sandy Feet” Wierenga from South Padre Island, Texas.Lucinda Wierenga creates amazing detail with very simple tools.A butterfly emerges from a flowery bottle full of small victories.Celebration, or Cerebration, a cool sand sculpture by World Master Leonardo Ugolini from Italy. Small figures gaze up at a gigantic brain!Astonishing art awaits visitors on Labor Day weekend in San Diego at the 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
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A sand sculpture rises at the foot of Broadway Pier in San Diego. It depicts fireworks above the Port Pavilion, site of the 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge this upcoming Labor Day weekend!
It’s almost Labor Day weekend! That means a huge, super cool event is almost here!
The 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Expo will be held on Broadway Pier again this year, and if it’s anything like past competitions, the sand art will be absolutely unbelievable. Some of the world’s top sand sculptors will compete inside the Port Pavilion, turning huge piles of sand into jaw-dropping masterpieces!
In addition to live music, food and lots of non-sand artwork at the dimensional art exhibition, World Master sculptors from all around the planet will be competing. So will three amazing teams from Imperial Beach!
Some early sand sculptures are already being built outside on the pier. The four I saw today either welcome visitors, or promote event sponsors. The competing sculptures inside the Port Pavilion will be much more elaborate. I’m not exaggerating when I say many of the sculptures from years past could be considered fine art.
This annual event opens Friday and runs through Monday.
I can’t wait!
Bumble Bee Jalapeño is advertised with a fun sand sculpture in front of the Port Pavilion.MTS will be promoting Free Ride Day on October 2 with this sand sculpture, which is a work still in progress.Another pile of sand is being shaped. New event sponsor T-Mobile presents the Hall of Lame with this funny sand sculpture!Using a shovel to get ready for this Labor Day weekend and the very cool 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge on Broadway Pier!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
About two dozen antique automobiles and thousands of collectibles can be viewed during a visit to the J. A. Cooley Museum in San Diego.
Last Sunday I visited one of San Diego’s most surprising museums. It’s located in University Heights, at 4233 Park Boulevard. There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of it. It’s called the J. A. Cooley Museum.
The J. A. Cooley Museum shares its 10,000 square foot space with the old Frank the Train Man hobby shop, which first opened its doors in 1943. Both the museum and store are operated by Jim Cooley and his wife, Carmen, who’ve been avidly collecting antiques for well over half a century.
Jim, who can usually be found hanging around the museum entrance, is a friendly gentleman with endless stories about his passion for collecting and preserving bits of history. Step inside the museum and it’s immediately apparent that he really loves antique automobiles.
This utterly amazing museum, which doesn’t advertise or have a website of its own, contains a world-class collection of early automobiles, some of which are extremely rare or even one-of-a-kind. The museum also contains a treasure trove of other antiques, including antique phonographs . . . cameras . . . amazing Standard Gauge trains . . . cast iron toys . . . clocks . . . coffee grinders . . . railroad lanterns . . . irons . . . hardware tools . . . even old-fashioned spittoons!
Over the years, Jim has collected all sorts of objects that have interested him, often saving them from being thrown away. For example, he told me around World War II, when spittoons were being discarded in large numbers, he’d see some in a trash truck and retrieve them. Now he has hundreds of them!
The most impressive part of his museum, however, is the jaw-dropping collection of antique automobiles–many well over a century old–which he has patiently acquired over time without an enormous expenditure of money.
Even if many San Diegans are unfamiliar with the J. A. Cooley Museum, serious car aficionados seem to know all about it. People sometimes fly in from around the world to see the collection. The museum’s reputation is such that from time to time a movie studio will borrow a rare old car for filming–for example the 1914 Renaut that was used in Titanic.
I was told by Jim that when General Motors borrowed one his cars for an exposition, GM executives came out to San Diego to look at the museum and were so impressed, they donated their incredible Buick XP 2000, a fully automated 1994 self-driving concept car!
The funny thing is, when I swung by on Sunday and spent a good hour walking about the museum in a state of complete and utter amazement, I saw no other visitors.
I learned Jim wouldn’t mind having more people swing on by. So if you live in San Diego or are planning a trip, look up the Frank the Train Man hobby shop. Step through the front door and the absolutely amazing J. A. Cooley Museum, and possibly Jim himself, await you!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Children gaze at the beautiful fountain and sculpture Woman of Tehuantepec by Donal Hord, in the courtyard of Balboa Park’s House of Hospitality.
It’s difficult to find words that adequately describe Balboa Park. Endless scenes of beauty open up everywhere. Every walk is a different voyage through wonder.
Many of these photos were taken recently. A few have been residing in my computer waiting for the perfect moment.
There Are Places I’ll Remember All My Life. A colorful banner near door to the Balboa Park Visitors Center.Gigantic bubbles form like magic in the Plaza de Balboa.The House of Charm’s tower rises above the Alcazar Garden.A twisted, wonderful Australian tea tree on Balboa Park’s West Mesa.Walking through the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.Wedding photos are taken at one end of the beautiful Lily Pond, or reflecting pool.Sunlight reveals natural beauty at the House of Hospitality.People head up toward the Casa del Prado’s outdoor courtyard to enjoy another special event in Balboa Park.I took this striking photo yesterday at the San Diego Fern Society Show inside the Casa del Prado.People relax and picnic on the lawn near the Botanical Building.A scene of great natural beauty in the Japanese Friendship Garden.Visitors to Balboa Park head toward the Plaza de Panama.Walking along. More things to see.Gazing toward Balboa Park’s Pepper Grove from a pathway inside the Japanese Friendship Garden.Abundant beauty at the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden.Resting at tables in the Plaza de Panama near the front of the San Diego Museum of Art.San Diego sunshine highlights arches inside the Casa del Prado.Sitting along the colonnade at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during an outdoor concert.Walking past the magnificent facade of the Casa del Prado Theater.Flowers brighten a window at the International Cottages.A leisurely stroll through Spanish Village.The amazing tile dome of the California Building, home of the Museum of Man.The Bea Evenson Fountain lit at night.Balboa Park contains endless scenes of amazing beauty.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Chrysanthemum Lacquer Box, Nancy Lorenz, 2017. Inspired by a lacquered wood box in the San Diego Museum of Art’s collection.
Have you ever dreamt of dipping a brush into bright molten silver or gold, to paint and swirl that precious shine all over a canvas? This vision comes to life at the San Diego Museum of Art in their current exhibition Nancy Lorenz: Moon Gold.
Nancy Lorenz uses silver and gold leaf, mother-of-pearl and lacquer on large canvases of board, cardboard and jute to achieve the effect I just described. She calls these gestural applications of water-gilded gesso Pours. Some of her abstract creations appear like gleaming treasure raining down from sun-glowing clouds, through and into strangely Earth-like places. Others appear to be swirled with bright, pure heavenly essence. Moonbeams seem to emanate from her dreamlike Silver Water Screen.
Other pieces, including several fantastic boxes, look like they’ve been frosted with pure, sumptuous, smoothly dripping gold!
The exquisite gilding and lacquer work of Nancy Lorenz, who lived in Tokyo for a span of years, is influenced by Japanese decorative arts. Every line and fine detail seems perfectly placed. The refined brilliance of her unique artwork is extraordinary.
Nancy Lorenz: Moon Gold is a treasure for greedy eyes. So go and see it at the San Diego Museum of Art before the exhibition ends on September 3, 2018.
Exquisitely beautiful art shines at the Nancy Lorenz: Moon Gold exhibition at the San Diego Museum of Art.Moon Gold Mountain, Nancy Lorenz, 2018. Moon gold leaf, clay, cardboard, on wood panel.Gold Flying Apsaras, Nancy Lorenz, 2017. Gold leaf, mother-of-pearl inlay, black lacquer, clay, gesso, on wood panel.Lemon Gold Sunlight with Rain, Nancy Lorenz, 2017. Lemon gold leaf, silver leaf, clay, cardboard, on wood panel.A section of Rock Garden Room, Nancy Lorenz, 2004. Silver leaf, mother-of-pearl inlay, pigment, gesso, shellac, on 12 wood panels.Silver Sea and Sky, Nancy Lorenz, 2017. Silver leaf, mother-of-pearl inlay, lacquer, on wood panel.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
