Tag: athletes

Kids have fun at All-Star Game’s PLAY BALL PARK!

Baseball-loving kids converged today on PLAY BALL PARK in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. They would enjoy a very special activity during Major League Baseball's All-Star Game Week!
Baseball-loving kids converged today on PLAY BALL PARK in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. They would enjoy a very special activity during Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game Week!

Do you want to know what baseball is all about? Take a look at these joyful photos!

The very first activity during Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game Week is a fun, multi-day event at PLAY BALL PARK. Today was the first day! Young baseball players get to swing the bat in a tiny baseball field which has been created in the public park between the Hilton Bayfront and the San Diego Convention Center.

This evening, after work, I headed down to see what I might see. Wow! Here are photos of the opening ceremony of the All-Star Youth Classic, and just lots of pics of kids having a blast playing softball. The entire event is meant to encourage physical outdoor activity. Playing with a real bat and ball on green mown grass is much more fun and invigorating than a mind-numbing video game! And it makes a kid happy and healthy!

Please read the photo captions where I provide a little more info…

A small baseball field has been created in the grassy park between the Hilton Bayfront and the San Diego Convention Center. Here kids from around the country and nearby Tijuana, Mexico will compete in the All-Star Youth Classic!
A small baseball field has been created in the grassy park between the Hilton Bayfront and the San Diego Convention Center. Here kids from around the country and nearby Tijuana, Mexico will compete in the All-Star Youth Classic!
Several representatives from USA Baseball were on hand to provide instruction to the youth teams selected to compete and have fun at PLAY BALL PARK!
Several representatives from USA Baseball were on hand to provide instruction to the youth teams selected to compete and have fun at PLAY BALL PARK!
The teams had assembled on Thursday in the late afternoon, and the bleachers were full of enthusiastic players and fans!
The teams had assembled on Thursday in the late afternoon, and the bleachers were full of enthusiastic players and fans!
These guys are the Memphis Redbirds. Teams have come in from as far away as Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Rhode Island and Queens, NY. Several teams are from San Diego and two teams drove up from Tijuana, Mexico!
These guys are the Memphis Redbirds. Teams have come in from as far away as Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Rhode Island and Queens, NY. Several teams are from San Diego and two teams drove up from Tijuana, Mexico!
The brief opening ceremony of the All-Star Youth Classic at PLAY BALL PARK included speeches by representatives from Major League Baseball and our own San Diego Padres.
The brief opening ceremony of the All-Star Youth Classic at PLAY BALL PARK included speeches by representatives from Major League Baseball and our own San Diego Padres.
Organizations who helped make this fun activity a reality were recognized, including USA Baseball, USA Softball, The Positive Coaching Alliance, The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of America.
Organizations who helped make this fun activity a reality were recognized, including USA Baseball, USA Softball, The Positive Coaching Alliance, The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of America.
Each of the participating youth teams were recognized.
Each of the participating youth teams was recognized.
One of the teams from Tijuana, Mexico salutes the crowd by removing their caps.
One of the teams from Tijuana, Mexico salutes the crowd by removing their caps.
The opening ceremony and introductions are over. Time for the teams to take the field and experience a short but fun baseball clinic!
The opening ceremony and introductions are over. Time for the teams to take the field and experience a short but fun baseball clinic!
A great swing and a hit. Home runs were rare and received enthusiastic applause. Some powerful line drive homers were struck by both boys and girls.
A great swing and a hit. Home runs were rare and received enthusiastic applause. Some powerful line drive homers were struck by both boys and girls.
A wild convergence on the field as kids vie to catch a fly ball!
A wild convergence on the field as kids vie to catch a fly ball!
Another fly ball! Having fun outdoors and being physically active is what this event is really all about.
Another fly ball! Having fun outdoors and being physically active is what this event is really all about.
Just a whole lot of youthful energy in front of the Hilton Bayfront at PLAY BALL PARK!
Just a whole lot of youthful energy in front of the Hilton Bayfront at PLAY BALL PARK!
Teams were posing for photos all over the grassy park. These kids are on the San Diego Military team.
Teams were posing for photos all over the grassy park. These kids are on the San Diego Military team.
A batting cage was also very active during the baseball clinic.
A batting cage was also very active during the baseball clinic.
Lots of whiffle balls have been hit past the pitcher in the batting cage!
Lots of whiffle balls have been hit past the pitcher in the batting cage!
This kid nailed the strike zone with a great pitch. Everyone was having fun and simply enjoying good old baseball. It's summer. It's America's Pastime. What else does anyone need?
This kid nailed the strike zone with a great pitch. Everyone was having fun and simply enjoying good old baseball. It’s summer. It’s America’s Pastime. What else does anyone need?

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Tour de California elite bicyclists race up Laurel Street hill!

Many of the world's top bicycling athletes fly up the Laurel Street hill in San Diego during the first stage of the Tour de California.
Many of the world’s top bicycling athletes fly up the Laurel Street hill in San Diego during the first stage of the Tour de California.

Here are lots of cool pics of Tour de California (officially called Amgen Tour of California) elite bicyclists racing up the steep hill on Laurel Street, just east of Interstate 5! Today was the first stage of the big international multi-day race, and the route looped around a good chunk of San Diego County. Easily the toughest part of the race near downtown was up Laurel Street, which presents a pretty steep grade for several blocks.

Lots of people gathered on the hill, and everyone was excited to see many of the world’s greatest bicycle athletes compete! Many of the participants have raced in the Tour de France and other top international competitions.

While I enjoy riding my street bike once in a while, I don’t know much about the professional sport. It was my first time watching this sort of event. And boy was it exciting! Lots of suspense–then flashing lights as the route is prepped and cleared–then boom! A flurry of colorful racers flying past! It was like a fantastic sporting parade! When the racers turned the corner and came into view, I felt my own adrenaline flowing!

Follow my photo captions and I’ll try to describe what I saw. Please excuse me if I don’t know all the proper terms…

This is the first block of the Laurel Street hill--probably the toughest, steepest part.
This is the first block of the Laurel Street hill–probably the toughest, steepest part.
About half an hour before the racers were anticipated, lots of biking enthusiasts and onlookers were already lining the sidewalks.
About half an hour before the race leaders were anticipated, lots of biking enthusiasts and onlookers were already lining the sidewalks.
Most people formed a crowd at the top of the hill. I got my photographs of the race from a point a bit lower, with a good, unobstructed view.
Most people formed a crowd at the top of the hill. I got photographs of the race from a point a bit lower, with a good, unobstructed view.
Someone wrote a big word on the street with colorful chalk. I think it reads Bizipoz. I'm not sure, though.
Someone wrote a big word on the street with chalk. I think it reads Bizipoz. I’m not sure, though.
Announcers on Laurel Street hill provided pre-race music, then humorous, light-hearted commentary.
Announcers on Laurel Street hill provided pre-race music, then humorous, lighthearted commentary.
I saw some flags being flown--I suppose certain international teams were being rooted on.
I saw a few banners being flown–I suppose certain international teams were being rooted on.
A dog came out to view the action!
A dog came out to view the action!
Lots of spectators rode their own bikes to watch this small part of the world-famous event.
Lots of spectators rode their own bikes to watch this small part of the world-famous event.
Ordinary people riding up the hill before the race were cheered and spurred forward with cowbells.
Ordinary people riding up the hill before the race were cheered and spurred forward with cowbells.
Some more bike lovers showing up a few minutes before the pro racers should pass through.
Some more bike lovers showing up a few minutes before the pro racers should pass through.
Okay, we're getting close now. The fast elite racers started in Mission Beach, about 15 minutes away.
Okay, now we’re getting close. The fast elite racers started in Mission Beach, about 15 minutes away from this spot at the very west edge of Bankers Hill.
Everyone perks up! Here comes an Amgen Tour of California official spray-painting the street for the bicyclists, soon to arrive!
Everyone perks up! Here comes an Amgen Tour of California official spray-painting the street for the bicyclists, soon to arrive!
Cameras at the ready!
Cameras at the ready!
They race is almost here! A huge line of motorcycle cops and Highway Patrol cars, along with tour official and VIP vehicles, parades past for several minutes.
The race is almost here! A huge line of motorcycle cops and Highway Patrol cars, along with tour official and VIP vehicles, parades past for several minutes.
Excitement mounts. They should come around Columbia Street any moment!
Excitement mounts. They should come around Columbia Street any moment!
A team support vehicle carries spare bikes. Where are they?
A team support vehicle carries spare bikes. Where are they?
Here they come at last! And they're moving really fast!
Here they come at last! And they’re moving really fast!
They're going so fast, my camera could manage only a few pics of this first group. There seemed to be six racers in this grouping.
They’re going so fast, my camera could manage only a few pics of this first group. There seemed to be six racers in this grouping.
Here comes the leader at this early part of Stage One. These amazing athletes make it look effortless. (Of course, it's still early in the race.)
Here comes the leader at this early part of Stage One. These amazing athletes make it look effortless. (Of course, it’s still early in the race.)
And there they go! Boom! Just like that! Perhaps they slowed a bit further up the hill.
And there they go! Boom! Just like that! Perhaps they slowed a bit further up the hill.
The main group didn't arrive for perhaps another 10 minutes. People around me were amazed by that. They seemed to be pedaling quite casually!
The main group didn’t arrive for what seemed like another 10 minutes. People around me were amazed by that. They appeared to be pedaling quite casually!
Here the huge group comes! You can just glimpse San Diego Bay and Lindbergh Field in the background. A perfect cool day for a bike race!
Here the huge group comes! You can just glimpse San Diego Bay and Lindbergh Field in the background. A perfect cool weather day for a bike race!
Everyone watching from the sidewalks applauds, makes noise and cheers.
Everyone watching from the sidewalks applauds, makes noise and cheers.
These guys seemed to be in no hurry. Some even waved at the onlookers! I suppose they were pacing themselves.
These guys seemed to be in no hurry. Some even waved at the onlookers! I suppose they were pacing themselves.
Looks of determination, and a love for their sport.
Looks of determination, and a love for their sport.
Hoping for glory, bicyclists in the Tour de California power up Laurel Street hill in San Diego.
Hoping for glory, bicyclists in the Tour de California power up Laurel Street hill in San Diego.
A party atmosphere! Everyone is cheerfully rooting on these elite world athletes.
A party atmosphere! Everyone is cheerfully rooting on these elite world athletes.
Some cyclists at the end of the main group were intermixed with team support vehicles.
Some cyclists at the end of the main group were intermixed with team support vehicles.
And here comes a whole bunch of those team support vehicles.
And here comes a whole bunch of those team support vehicles–or whatever they’re called!
Outstanding athletes conquer a tough but relatively short hill.
Outstanding athletes conquer a tough but relatively short hill.
I could hardly believe the tremendous excitement!
I could hardly believe the tremendous excitement!
And then it was over. They'd passed. Just some ambulances and law enforcement vehicles followed.
And then it was over. They’d passed. Just some ambulances and law enforcement vehicles followed.
And folks headed home. You can see more of the Laurel Street hill in this pic. The first part is definitely the steepest.
And folks headed home. You can see more of the Laurel Street hill in this pic. The first part is definitely the steepest.
World-class athletes defy gravity as they bicycle up a hill near downtown San Diego during the first stage of the Tour de California.
World-class athletes defy gravity as they bicycle up a hill near downtown San Diego during the first stage of the Tour de California.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

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Balboa Park Activity Center’s The Circle and the Self.

The Earth and a crescent moon. One of 26 terrazzo inserts arranged in a circle in the entrance plaza of the Balboa Park Activity Center. Created in 1999 by artist Joyce Cutler-Shaw.
The Earth and a crescent moon. One of 26 terrazzo inserts arranged in a circle at entrance plaza of the Balboa Park Activity Center. Created in 1999 by artist Joyce Cutler-Shaw.

I recently enjoyed looking at some very cool public artwork. Located in front of the Balboa Park Activity Center, The Circle and the Self: A Picture Story by artist Joyce Cutler-Shaw is a series of images that tells a unique story about human activity and sport. Twenty six terrazzo inserts are arranged in a circle on the building’s south plaza, within a large tile map of the western United States, which was designed by another artist Raul Guerrero. I took a close-up photo of each terrazzo square and show them in sequence. That way you can easily follow the artist’s narrative, and the thought-provoking transformations.

The gymnasium-like Balboa Park Activity Center is where many San Diego residents go to participate in badminton, table tennis and volleyball. Similar artwork by the same artist can be found inside the building. Seventy two laser-cut metal plates depict the bodies of athletes engaged in sport, in many different, often imaginative environments.

Human figure poses beneath the slender blue moon. That moon will transform as the narrative moves counter-clockwise around the circle.
Human figure poses beneath the slender blue moon. That moon will transform as the narrative moves counter-clockwise around the circle.
Reaching up toward the ring-like moon. Striving toward hopes and dreams.
Reaching up toward the ring-like moon. Striving toward hopes and dreams.
After grabbing hold of the ring, and another, a gymnast swings through space.
After grabbing hold of the ring, and another, a gymnast swings through space.
This outdoor public art titled The Circle and the Self tells the story of human athletic pursuit and competitive sport. Each tile measures 16 by 16 inches square.
This outdoor public art titled The Circle and the Self tells the story of human athletic pursuit and competitive sport. Each tile measures 16 by 16 inches square.
Planet Earth seems to transform into a ball. Is it a tennis ball being served?
Planet Earth seems to transform into a ball. Is it a tennis ball being served?
Here's a planet-sized ball swooshing through a cosmic basketball net.
Here’s a planet-sized ball swooshing through a cosmic basketball net!
Perhaps that ball is a round blue moon orbiting the Earth.
Perhaps that ball is a round blue moon orbiting the Earth.
A player tosses the ball toward the net.
A player tosses the ball toward the net.
This fun artwork causes the curious viewer to actively walk around the large Activity Center patio. Now that's true kinetic art!
This fun artwork causes the curious viewer to actively walk around the large Activity Center patio. Now that’s true kinetic art!
A ball and net, half light, half shadow.
A ball and net, half light, half shadow.
A competitor leaps!
A competitor leaps!
Another figure aims to shoot the ball.
Another figure aims to shoot the ball.
Is this an Olympic athlete engaged in shot put competition?
Is this an Olympic athlete engaged in shot put competition?
Circles are a common image in sport. A sphere moves and bounces equally. The playing field is level.
The circle is a common image in sport. A sphere moves and bounces equally. The playing field is level.
Is that a flying ball and baseball player?
Is that a flying ball and baseball player?
Here comes the ever-changing blue ball!
Here comes the ever-changing blue ball!
Getting ready to catch the ball--or is it the Earth flying through space?
Getting ready to catch the ball–or is it the Earth moving through space?
Dynamic artwork shows human physical activity while moving along life's circle.
Dynamic artwork shows human physical activity while traveling along life’s circle.
Is this man playing handball?
Is this man playing handball?
A blue circle on a stick. What sport is this?
A blue ball on a stick. What sport is this?
Perhaps this ball is about to be served in table tennis.
Perhaps this ball is about to be served in table tennis.
The magical blue ball suddenly grows!
The magical blue ball suddenly grows!
The blue circle now seems to be a lake inside the contours of an ocean coast.
The blue circle now seems to be a lake inside the contours of an ocean coast.
As scale is altered and perspective changes, ocean and coastline become the planet Earth once more. Other blue circles are heavenly bodies throughout the universe.
As scale is altered and perspective changes, ocean and coastline become the planet Earth once more. Other blue circles are heavenly bodies throughout the universe.
Our big blue marble is third planet from the sun. It has its own small orbiting moon.
Our big blue marble is third planet from the sun. It has its own small orbiting moon.
The viewer of this art has returned to the beginning. We've come full circle.
The viewer of this art has returned to the beginning. We’ve come full circle.
The Circle and the Self by Joyce Cutler Shaw, 1999. City of San Diego Civic Art Collection. Commissioned for the citizens of San Diego.
The Circle and the Self by Joyce Cutler Shaw, 1999. City of San Diego Civic Art Collection. Commissioned for the citizens of San Diego.

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Team USA Olympics sand sculpture in San Diego!

Sand sculpture in front of U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge in San Diego shows Team USA and Olympians on the Road to Rio!
Sand sculpture welcoming visitors to the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge in San Diego shows Team USA and Olympians on the Road to Rio!

A sand sculpture that pays tribute to Team USA and the upcoming 2016 Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro is now standing at the foot of the B Street Pier in downtown San Diego. I thought you might enjoy seeing the finished artwork!

Several days ago I blogged about how the sculpture was being created by Dan Belcher from St. Louis, Missouri and Ilya Filimontsev from Moscow, Russia. They’re both world-class sand masters who will be competing in Labor Day weekend’s big international U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge. This fantastic sand art will welcome visitors to the annual event!

The beautiful result of friendship between American and Russian artists is on display in San Diego!

Banner on fence at B Street Pier near Cruise Ship Terminal promotes the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Exposition in San Diego.
Banner on fence at B Street Pier near Cruise Ship Terminal promotes the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Exposition in San Diego.
Team USA, American Olympic gymnasts and a United States flag decorates one side of a sand sculpture at the foot of the B Street Pier in San Diego!
Team USA, American Olympic athletes and a United States flag decorate one side of a sand sculpture at the foot of the B Street Pier in San Diego!

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Photos of San Diego Chargers 2015 FanFest.

A kicked football flies into the stands during the 2015 Chargers FanFest.
A kicked football flies into the stands during the 2015 Chargers FanFest.

Today I took the trolley over to Qualcomm Stadium to check out the 2015 Chargers FanFest. San Diego’s NFL team is getting ready for the regular season, and during the popular FanFest a practice session was held in the presence of thousands of fans. Veteran players and those who are striving to make the team demonstrated their skills for coaches and fans alike!

In addition to action on the field, the annual FanFest also included a performance by the San Diego Charger Girls cheerleaders, and autograph sessions with many past and current players.

I didn’t want to miss this event. It’s possible the Chargers might soon leave San Diego and move to Los Angeles. I hope not.

Thousands line up outside San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium to enjoy this year's Chargers FanFest. I saw many Seau jerseys being worn today.
Thousands line up outside San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium to enjoy this year’s Chargers FanFest. I saw many Seau jerseys being worn today.
Save Our Bolts advocate holds up a San Diego Chargers banner for my camera. There's a chance the NFL team will soon leave San Diego.
Save Our Bolts advocate holds up a San Diego Chargers banner for my camera. There’s a chance the NFL team will soon leave San Diego.
San Diego Charger Girls cheerleaders smile as fans enter Qualcomm Stadium for FanFest.
San Diego Charger Girls cheerleaders smile as fans enter Qualcomm Stadium for FanFest.
Chargers faithful line up at a concession stand to get ready for an enjoyable FanFest.
Chargers faithful line up at a concession stand to get ready for an enjoyable FanFest.
Crowd fills field level seats, anticipating a good team practice on a perfect August summer day.
Crowd fills field level seats, anticipating a good team practice on a perfect August summer day.
The old Jumbotron reads Welcome to Chargers FanFest 2015.
The old Jumbotron reads Welcome to Chargers FanFest 2015.
As Chargers fans watch football action on the field, vendors circulate with cotton candy, lemonade and other treats.
As Chargers fans watch football action on the field, vendors circulate with cotton candy, lemonade and other treats.
Today NFL legend Junior Seau was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A banner honoring number 55 hangs high and proudly in Qualcomm Stadium.
Today NFL legend Junior Seau was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A banner honoring number 55 hangs high and proudly in Qualcomm Stadium.
Players on offense, defense and special teams were practicing all over the field, getting ready for the regular season.
Players on offense, defense and special teams were practicing all over the field, getting ready for the regular season.
Cornerback Richard Crawford on the Chargers practice squad catches a kicked ball.
Cornerback Richard Crawford on the Chargers practice squad catches a kicked ball.
Footballs were flying everywhere, including through the goal posts. Rookie kicker Josh Lambo nailed it.
Footballs were flying everywhere, including through the goal posts. Rookie kicker Josh Lambo nailed it.
Awesome field goal wizard Nick Novak limbers up his leg with some easy kicks.
Awesome field goal wizard Nick Novak limbers up his leg with some easy kicks.
Stretching out this valuable player's leg muscles involves professional sports medicine expertise.
Stretching out this valuable player’s leg muscles involves professional sports medicine expertise.
Shirt declares that all grandmas are created equal, but only the coolest wear blue and gold!
Shirt declares that all grandmas are created equal, but only the coolest wear blue and gold!
Superstar quarterback Philip Rivers provides leadership for the team during stretching exercises.
Superstar quarterback Philip Rivers provides leadership for the team during stretching exercises.
Here comes a line of Chargers stepping high during the warm up routine.
Here comes a line of Chargers stepping high during the warm up routine.
Some scrimmaging begins as players face each other and test their skills on the field.
Some scrimmaging begins as players face each other and test their skills on the field.
The pigskin bounces crazily on the grass as Chargers vie for possession.
The pigskin bounces crazily on the grass as Chargers vie for possession.
An animated fan in the stands gestures during the preseason practice session.
An animated fan in the stands gestures during the preseason practice session.
An exciting play near the end zone has players scrambling at full speed.
An exciting play near the end zone has players scrambling at full speed.
After a good workout, players offer some mutual congrats and encouragement.
After a good workout, players offer some mutual congrats and encouragement.
Practice is over, and King Dunlap signs autographs for thrilled fans in the stands.
Practice is over, and King Dunlap signs autographs for thrilled fans in the stands.
Chargers FanFest 2015 was a whole lot of fun. I hope San Diego's NFL team has a great season!
Chargers FanFest 2015 was a whole lot of fun. I hope San Diego’s NFL team has a great season!

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Fun, sun and extreme sports action at Supergirl Pro!

Camera aims toward surfing action from the Oceanside Pier during 2015 Supergirl Pro World Surf League (WSL) competition.
Camera aims toward surfing action from the Oceanside Pier during 2015 Supergirl Pro World Surf League (WSL) competition.

Here’s my second blog post about yesterday’s huge Supergirl Pro event near the Oceanside Pier. If you haven’t already, check out these super cool photos of the surfing action which I posted last night!

The 2015 Supergirl Pro was a three day event with a record 108 female surfing contestants. It’s the largest professional women’s surfing competition in the world. But it’s also a big fun festival celebrating women who participate in extreme sports. Amazing young women were skateboarding on a halfpipe, and visitors could learn about snowboarding.  There was also a beauty contest, and the crowd along Oceanside Beach had plenty of cool sights, sounds, delicious food and fun.

Enjoy some photos…

Spectators filled the beach, boardwalk and Oceanside Pier as people enjoyed many cool things to see at Supergirl Pro.
Spectators filled the beach, boardwalk and Oceanside Pier as people enjoyed many cool things to see at Supergirl Pro.
The annual female sports festival included high flying girls skateboarding a big halfpipe.
The annual female sports festival included high flying girls skateboarding a big halfpipe.
Three day surf competition schedule on a sign near the pier. I viewed the Quarterfinals on Sunday.
Three day surf competition schedule on a sign near the pier. I viewed the Quarterfinals on Sunday.
People watch an athlete defy gravity on the halfpipe at 2015 Supergirl Pro!
People watch an athlete defy gravity on the halfpipe at 2015 Supergirl Pro!
Unlike surfers in the ocean, should a skateboarder fall off their board, there's no soft landing!
Unlike surfers in the ocean, should a skateboarder fall off their board, there’s no soft landing!
Young girl watches female skating athlete at Supergirl Pro. Perhaps what she sees will provide her with inspiration.
Young girl watches female skating athlete complete a trick at Supergirl Pro. Perhaps what she sees will provide her with inspiration.
Just walking along the huge event venue, checking out interesting sponsors, vendors, food, and fun surf-related stuff.
Just walking along the huge event venue, checking out interesting sponsors, vendors, food, and fun surf-related stuff.
The Surf Diva has a big pink canopy on the sand!
The Surf Diva has a big pink canopy on the sand!
A couple of lifeguards watch the huge crowd from their tower on Oceanside's always popular beach.
A couple of lifeguards watch the huge crowd from their tower on Oceanside’s always popular beach.
Some surf graphics on a banner hung beneath the Oceanside Pier.
Some surf graphics on a banner hung beneath the Oceanside Pier.
Youth and a surfboard just north of the pier. It's another perfect sunny weekend in Southern California.
Youth and a surfboard just north of the pier. It’s another perfect sunny weekend in Southern California.
Someone walks past the Supergirl Pro staging tent, where contestants assemble and get ready to compete.
Someone walks past the Supergirl Pro staging tent, where contestants assemble and get ready to compete.
Colorful umbrellas and waders in the water can be seen for miles south along the coast, all the way through Carlsbad.
Colorful umbrellas and waders in the water can be seen for miles south along the coast, all the way through Carlsbad.
Folks in the shade of beach umbrellas look toward the surf, where dueling Supergirls are performing astonishing feats during 25 minute heats.
Folks in the shade of beach umbrellas look toward the surf, where dueling Supergirls are performing astonishing feats during 25 minute heats.
And hundreds are watching from up on the pier, as well.
And hundreds are watching from up on the pier, as well.
Amazing action like this took place for three straight days. The event is all about female strength and empowerment.
Amazing action like this took place for three straight days. The event is all about female strength and empowerment.
Walking farther out on Oceanside Pier to get closer to the powerful Pacific Ocean breakers.
Walking farther out on Oceanside Pier to get closer to the powerful Pacific Ocean breakers.
Guys on the other side of the pier seem more interested in fishing.
Guys on the other side of the pier seem more interested in fishing.
Now this person had the best view of all. A paraglider soars quietly above!
Now this person had the best view of all. A paraglider soars quietly above!
Eyes are fixed on the water below.
Eyes are fixed on the water below.
This year's 2015 Supergirl Pro winner, Tatiana Weston-Webb of Hawaii, rides a wave during the Quarterfinals.
This year’s 2015 Supergirl Pro winner, Tatiana Weston-Webb of Hawaii, rides a wave during the Quarterfinals.
When the competitors return to land, a crowd forms around them for a post-heat interview, photos and autographs.
When the competitors return to shore, a crowd forms around them for a post-heat interview, photos and autographs.
I see a pink Supergirl cape on one superheroic surfing celebrity! The event is in part sponsored by DC Comics, where the fictional character was born.
I see a pink Supergirl cape on one superheroic surfing celebrity! The event is in part sponsored by DC Comics, where the fictional character was born.
Just kicking back and taking in all the cool World Surf League action.
Just kicking back and taking in all the cool World Surf League action.
As I walk back down the pier, ready to go home, I hear something's going on at the outdoor Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre.
As I walk back down the pier, ready to go home, I hear something’s going on at the outdoor Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre.
It's an announcement of this year's winner of the beautiful woman contest. Supergirl Pro's main sponsor is Paul Mitchell, maker of beauty products.
It’s an announcement of this year’s winner of the beautiful woman contest. Supergirl Pro’s main sponsor is Paul Mitchell, maker of beauty products.
Blogging about an awesome surf event requires a photo of someone walking along with a surfboard on their head!
Blogging about an awesome surf event requires a photo of someone walking along with a surfboard on their head!

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Photos of cool surfing action at 2015 Supergirl Pro!

Professional World Surf League (WSF) Supergirl Pro Women's Qualifying Series surfer rides the foam in Oceanside, California.
Professional World Surf League (WSL) Supergirl Pro Women’s Qualifying Series surfer rides the foam in Oceanside, California.

Today I headed up the coast from San Diego to watch the 2015 Supergirl Pro surfing competition, which is held every year just south of the pier in Oceanside, California. Wow! The event is bigger than ever and simply incredible!

Supergirl Pro is the only World Surf League 6-Star Female Surfing Competition in the United States. It’s the largest women’s surfing event of its kind in the entire world. And this year there were a record 108 contestants! The ones I saw today, during the Quarterfinals, were almost superhuman. Surfing must be their superpower!

I got so many photos, I’ll break things up into two blog posts. This first post is my modest camera’s photos of the cool surfing action. I had to sharpen and alter the contrast on most images, but I’m surprised how decently many came out. I kept notes on the names of the surfers competing in each heat, but once I looked at my photos I wasn’t too sure who was who. So please excuse the fact that I don’t include the names of contestants in most captions.

Each pairing of surfers is given 25 minutes. Whoever achieves the highest score moves on in the competition, avoiding elimination.
Each pairing of surfers is given 25 minutes. Whoever achieves the highest score moves on in the competition, avoiding elimination.
Amazing athlete in Sunday's competition at the 2015 Supergirl Pro, the largest female surfing event of its kind in the world.
Amazing athlete in Sunday’s competition at the 2015 Supergirl Pro, the largest female surfing event of its kind in the world.
Cool photo of superhuman surfing action at 2015 Supergirl Pro. This year a record 108 contestants entered the huge three day competitive event.
Cool photo of superhuman surfing action at 2015 Supergirl Pro. This year a record 108 contestants entered the huge three day competitive event.
Riding a wave, hoping for glory. Supergirl Pro is the only WSL 6-Star Female Surfing Competition in the U.S.
Riding a wave, hoping for glory. Supergirl Pro is the only WSL 6-Star Female Surfing Competition in the U.S.
Tatiana Weston-Webb, professional WSF surfer from the island of Kaua'i, competes at 2015 Supergirl Pro event in Oceanside, California. She eventually went on to win the final!
Tatiana Weston-Webb, professional WSL surfer from the island of Kaua’i, competes at 2015 Supergirl Pro event in Oceanside, California. She eventually went on to win the final!
Tatiana plunges down the face of a Pacific Ocean breaker like Supergirl!
Tatiana plunges down the face of a Pacific Ocean breaker like Supergirl!
Cool photo of today's surfing champion shredding the crest of a wave.
Cool photo of today’s surfing champion shredding the crest of a wave.
Tatiana has classic form on a relatively smooth curler in choppy conditions.
Tatiana has classic form on a relatively smooth curler in choppy conditions.
Two competitors duel, trying their best to advance in the 2015 Supergirl Pro in Oceanside, California.
Two competitors duel, trying their best to advance in the 2015 Supergirl Pro in the surfing-friendly Southern California city of Oceanside.
Supergirl is flying on a surfboard! (The Silver Surfer doesn't get to have all the fun!)
Supergirl is flying on a surfboard! (The Silver Surfer doesn’t get to have all the fun!)
2015 Supergirl Pro is a super cool competition where every competitor is an absolutely amazing world-class athlete.
2015 Supergirl Pro is a super cool event where every competitor is an absolutely amazing world-class athlete.

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Amazing acrobats take over a San Diego park!

Practicing acrobatic skills at the AcroLove Festival in San Diego's Ruocco Park.
Practicing acrobatic skills at the AcroLove Festival in San Diego’s Ruocco Park.

Okay, so I was walking along the Embarcadero this afternoon, among crowds of people who were simply enjoying the summer weekend, when I spied something out of the ordinary. Huh? What is that? I thought maybe my brain had been turned upside-down by the hot sun. No, I really was seeing about a hundred performing acrobats right there on the grass in front of me!

Was this a dance troupe having some sort of unusual party? Were they circus performers? No and no. I soon learned I’d stumbled upon the AcroLove Festival in Ruocco Park! It’s a cool event where people can practice acrobatic skills!  Many of the attendees are primarily interested in yoga!

I strolled about the park for a few minutes taking some photos while trying not to be too horribly intrusive…

Both beginning and expert acrobats were linking limbs, lifting, swinging and contorting to create different amazing poses.
Both beginning and expert acrobats were linking limbs, lifting, swinging and contorting to create different amazing poses.
All sorts of people were trying out different moves that appear to take a lot of strength and athletic ability.
All sorts of people were trying out different moves that appear to take a lot of strength and athletic ability.
These guys told me what the heck was going on. I thought maybe I'd stumbled upon circus performers!
These guys told me what the heck was going on. I thought maybe I’d stumbled upon circus performers!
Acrobats patiently learn correct technique on the grass of Ruocco Park in downtown San Diego.
Acrobats patiently learn correct technique on the grass of Ruocco Park in downtown San Diego.
I don't know the names of these many poses, but I saw people flying through the air and upside down all over the place.
I don’t know the names of these many poses, but I saw people flying through the air and upside down all over the place.
Two graceful acrobats seem to engage in a dance!
Two graceful acrobats seem to engage in a dance!

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