-11 November 2K5, Working With Town & Country HI

In what could be a major move, plans are being secured for all Military members in purchasing new surfboards (long and short).
USMSI DIrector Rich Gill, T&C Factory Manager Ryan Sugihara, and Fellow USMSI Supporter Art Freedle are working on plans to give the "Kama'aina" rate to all service members serving in the Armed Forces. This could mean discounts on factory new boards of up to $100 off Store Prices.
A few final items are left to go over before the new program is confirmed. If you have any military surfers who need a new board this may be the time to buy.

-10 Mar 2K5, Winds of Change

Due to Upcoming Military commitments it looks like the contest will be postponed till Later than hoped. We Are Still trying for A Late summer Start Time.

-20 Jan 2K5, USMSI is Getting Ready .....

Looks like this year our contest will be a three day event, we are looking at 24, 25, and 26 of June as our contest dates.

-18 Dec 2K4, More Work to be Done in the Middle East,

Looks like the Armed Forces will be sent to other locations check here to see where you may be going

-16 Dec 2K4, MEB Sends Rich Gill Back to Work

With new information, the MEB sends Rich Back To heal and recover from his opeerations. This means more time to focus on the USMSI for 2K5

-9 Dec 2K4, Rich Gill Goes To Lackland AFB

A Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) can be one of the most traumatizing moments in a military persons life. This is one of the last steps to staying in the Armed Forces or an exit to civilian life. I will be adding a page on this with info to better help out those who face this in the coming years.

-30 Nov 2K4, Are You Ready to be Billed for Base Housing?

As base housing gets remodeled, something more has been added to to the exterior. Housing Privatization is closer than you think and the electric meter is one new addition. To get some info click Here

-30 Nov 2K4, Add Another Leader to the "Done"List

It seems Homeland Security Leader Tom Ridge has also resigned his post, for more info click Here

-26 Nov 2K4, Top Leaders Leaving

The Seccretaries of Air Force and Army are Stepping Down is there something going on? For one Article Click Here

-25 Nov 2K4, Stop / Loss gete public attention

An Army National Guardsman loses in Federal Court, Check Here

-24 Nov 2K4, Will The Armed Forces Become One?

Our slogan for 2K5 is "One Nation .....One Force" but are we that far off ? In an article sent to me by Military.com more bases are being looked at for closing, With no Soviet Union Threat will the Five Branches of Service become just Four ? ( Land, Sky, Sea, and Space ) although it's just a thought check out the article Here!

-24 Nov 2K4, Your Tax Dollars at Work

Wanna see where some of your tax dollars are going? Click Here!

-22 November 2K4, New Pay System Coming

With all the new changes over the last few years it has been hard to keep up now in March of 2K5 a new pay system may begin. Heck I'm seeing some frustration with the new Travel Pay System. To see what may be affecting Armed Forces Members go Here .

-19 November 2K4, Military Surf Contest 27 Nov 2K4

The Marine MWR program is putting together another surf contest at Pyramid Rock Beach, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. If you would like to participate contact Dino Leonard at 1(808) 254-7655, Ollney Ho'opai (USMSI Representative) is trying to get a strong Air Force surf team to Compete.

- 18 November 2K4 , Rare Blood Infection Found In Some US Troops

I glanced at this article on Netscape and it quickly vanished. I had to do a search to find it again. For the article go here

-13 Nov 2K4, Starting up for 2K5

With the help of Our Photographer Terry Reis We were able to get some great shots for this years ads. As we begin to promote we hope that this year will be our best.

- 8 Oct 2K4 - Questions Answered

Question: I have been told I have to leave the Air Force and if I want to continue serving my country enlist in the Army. When I compete in your program next year can I surf in both branches?

Answer: With changes affecting many branches in the coming months we will see more of our younger members decide to change uniforms to continue serving our nation. As I see it, you will be allowed to compete in the branch that shows on your ID. You can also surf in the combined catagory as well.

-6 Oct 2K4 - ECMSC , Oct 9 and 10 2K4

Haven't heard too much going on for this event if you are still interested you can download the entry form here. Good luck to the contestants and the Staff putting on this event.

- 26 Sept 2K4- Contest on the East Coast

Looks like another event will be going off in October. On the 9th and 10th, the East Coast Military Surfing Championships will be held on Hatteras Island in North Carolina. Contest will begin at 0700 at Avon Pier.

- 19 Sept 2K4 - Contest at Camp Pendleton

There have been some emails asking questions as well as phone calls. What we do know is that this event is in it's early stages.

-16 Sept 2K4 - A Contest on the West Coast

Word through the email is that A Military Surf Contest will be heading towards Pendleton. The date is 30 Oct 04. More info as we get it.

-15 Sept 2K4 - Getting Back up to Speed

It's been two months since members of the Armed Forces and the Hawaii Community came together and put on one of the best programs. We still have allot to add to the web site and even more as we get ready to promote for next year.

-5 Sept 2K4 - Live From Las Vegas

For me, being stationed in New Mexico has been pretty hard when I'm used to picking up my board and paddling out after a rough day. When in Las Vegas for the Magic Trade Show, Community Relations Director Art Freedle was interested in the Wave Pool at Madalay Bay. With the good fortune of meeting friends from the islands, we were able to talk the director of the Wave Pool, Moses Mokuahi. With a tour of the area and the Pool itself we wondered if a contest could happen. With a positive note from Moses. We quickly spoke with Gordon Absher, Director of Public Relations. We'll keep you posted....

-24 June 2K4 - Randy Rarick Supports the Troops

This year we caught Randy supporting his friend Jack McCoy as he Unveiled his new movie Blue Horizon to the Surfers of Hawaii and Military members.

-23 June 2K4 - Beach Entries

We have a few slots open and will have beach entries from 0700 - 0800 on Saturday. Cost will be $40. Contestant shirts have already been puchased for entries that made the deadline.

-23 June 2K4 - Changes to Dates (26 & 27 June)

All right we worked till 2:30 A.M. and now we are looking at a two day event. So have a great Surf Session Friday, and get ready for Saturday Start Time 0700.

-21 June 2K4 - Getting Stuff up and Running

Yes we are now up and running and will be adding your names to the Divisions. If you still don't see your name and you paid, let us know. If we misspell your name again let us know so we can update.

-20 June 2K4- International Bodyboarding Association Hawaii to add Armed Forces Division

Thanks to the work of Richard Haacker and Mark Pelchat, IBA Hawaii Director Corey Correa is looking at adding an Armed Forces Division to his future PRO/AM events. This would be a Major Step for Military Body Boarders.

-19 June 2K4 -USMSI Judges Meeting

This year we are honored to have Steve Cardenas and his Judging Team help out our contest. Steve (DOD Employee) has put on several military events in the past and looks forward to making the USMSI a great program.

-18 June 2K4- USMSI Director in Hawaii

Director Rich Gill landed in Honolulu. Still recovering from his previous Surgery, he will be working with Co-Director Lopaka Loki and the rest of the USMSI team to make a great event for all contestants.

-17 June 2K4 - Checking Out "Surf America Contest"

Sorry to say we got there on the last day but we did meet Huntington Beach Surf Legend Bruce "The Snake"Gabrielson. As an Active Duty Army member in the early 70's. Bruce surfed his way to a champoinship for the Armed Forces. Now living on the East Coast, he is active in judging Surf Contests to include events for the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA).

-14 June 2K4 - Update delays

After Today we will start traveling, and not be able to update the site till 19 June 2K4. If you don't see your name and know you paid, just wait a few days. Also There have bee many Questions on the Heat Times. They will also be Added On 19-20 June.

-14 June 2K4 - Guard, Reserve, Federal and Dod Slots Filling Fast

This year we are seeing allot of our Guard and Reserve members looking forward to our event. Even our Federal and Deperment of Defence personnel are also getting ready for a great contest. The Body Board Divisions are also on the rise.

-13 June 2K4- You Choose the Design for 2K4

This year we have two choices for our contest shirt. But only one will be used. Click on to the USMSI Front and make your choice.

-13 June 2K4-Surfing Recognised By the IOC (International Olympic Committee)

When we first began to put together a program, one of the statements given to us was that if it was not Recognised by the Olympics it was not approved by the Armed Forces. Over the years we have done our best to be Accepted and approved. With the upcoming Olympics getting ready, we checked thier site to see what sports are Recognised by the IOC. Check here to to see the list. We are working towards the goal of sending our best Armed Forces Atheletes to the next level of competition.

-13 June 2K4 -A Body Boarder Opportunity-

For our Body Board Atheletes, The IBA Hawaii will be holding an event at Sandy Beach, Oahu. Contest will be held on 19 and 20 of June. If you would like to see some fine competition. This would be your chance before the USMSI.

-13 June 2K4 - Remembering Those That Cannot Attend

The USMSI received an Email from our 2K3 Army Rep JT Lee, He will not be able to attend due to current events. We wish him and Chris Wilson A safe return and look forward to seeing them in the Line up at our 2K5 Event.

-12 June 2K4- Special Thanks

On behalf of the USMSI I would like to thank Mensoresurfing.com and the Japan Chapter of the HMSO for letting the surfers know of our event in Japan. I Look forward to seeing some good competition from our Armed Forces Members stationed in the Far East.

-12 June 2K4 - Question Answered

"I just found out you have a Body Boarding event is there still time to sign up?"

Answer

Yes there is still time to enter, the closing date is the 15th of June so there is still time. Just remember to send your entry to our Hawaii Office. Just Look on your Liability Waiver Form for the correct Address. Also, Let our Director know By Email so he can hold that spot.

-9 June 2K4 - Question Answered

"I am a Reservist entered in the Long Board Category, Is there any other Long Board Divisions that I can compete in?"

Answer

We have been asked the same question from other contestants that can only compete in one division. With this in mind we are looking at making a "Merge" Category. This would be open to those that Qualify in other Divisions but would like to compete against anybody weather they are Retired,Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, DOD, Federal, and more.If you are interested in having this Division Let us know.

-9 June 2K4 - Change of Address For Entries

As of 9 June 2K4, all entries for the USMSI must be sent to our Hawaii Office. The Office in New Mexico will be closed as the staff gets ready to arrive in Hawaii. Please Check Your Entry Form, Page Two To ensure the correct address.

-8 June 2K4 - Co-Director Heads To "The Show"

Robert "Lopaka" Rose (USN) is in California preparing for the American Surfing Championships to be held at Huntington Beach, June 13-17. Sponsored By Jim Covell (US Navy Retired) and the growing company Banell For Board Riders.. He is more than ready to challenge his heat for the top spot. The USMSI wishes our Co-Director the best and Special Thanks to the Banell Team for Supporting our Military Members.

-6 June 2K4 - Kewalo Basin

Yes as many of you have heard, this year we changed our location to a more challenging wave. Kewalo Basin, has been used by Many Surf contests to include Hawaii Amateur Sufing Association (HASA). So far we have heard allot of Positve feeback and look forward to seeing some good competition.

-5 June 2K4 Question Answered

" I have never surfed in a contest before, I was told your program had a division for ahthetes that are also new to competition?"

Answer

We talked to some Active Duty Surfers last year and heard that they did not want to compete because they were not "good enough". With this in mind, we created a catagory just for those members. The "Military Open" is for Armed Forces personnel that are new to competition. Last year it was one of our biggest events with many showing talent and skill they never thought would excel them on to higher levels of competition. I was very happy to see some of the pride and satisfaction from many who came out with the idea to learn and have fun.

-3 June 2K4- Question Answered

" I am in Yakota and heard you have a Body Boarding competition this year. I would like to enter the event having been in 3 competitions. Can I still get PTDY for this event?"

Answer

Yes, we do have Body Boarding this season and Representative Richard Haacker has been working hard to make your event a good one. We have already updated the Rules to include our Body Boarding Standards for this year.

Military members have been given Permissive TDY for many sporting events around the world. From Marathons to Body Building events to Yes even Surfing Contests (as our Co - Director Robert "Lopaka" Rose is getting ready for the Nationals in California) To find out how your Branch allows Athelets to compete contact your local Fitness center as a starting point. Most Branches also have a Support Staff that handles leaves and should have knowledge of all TDYs. This would also be a good place to get information. Allowing members to compete in Competition enhances the Morale of the troops and gives Military Athelets a chance to Excel at their chosen sport.

Also remember we are still members of the Armed Forces, each with duties, that pending the needs of our chosen field may be essential to current events. Our Commanders will look at all aspects before Approval may be given.

-2 June 2K4- Question Answered

"I have been approved PMTDY and am in Misawa. Due to delays, the post office is stating it will be 5-7 days for delivery. Is there a problem if my entry form is late?"

Answer

As long as the Form is post marked by 15 June 2K4 you should have no problems. Please send us an email so we know and what division you will competing in so we will add you to our roster.

-1 June 2K4 - Less than 20 days

On 15 June, Entry Forms will be removed from the website, all entries should be postmarked no later than 15 June 2K4. If you are in a location where you have super snail mail please let us know. We will do our best to work with you. Send us an email so we will know what is going on in your area.

- 30 May 2K4 - Question Answered

"I am part of a Military Surf team in California, we would like to attend your event and spread the word to our other Military surfing buddies, is this Okay?"

Answer

Thank you for your email, sorry to hear that the word is not getting around as we had hoped. We did notify a Military Surfing Organization in your area. Please remember this is "Our" contest. That means that this program is for each Armed Forces member that wishes to compete and enjoy. This is our third event and our first as a Non- Profit Organization so we are putting allot of effort to continue. This event cannot be the best without Atheletes from all Areas. So spread the word

-9 May 2K4 - USMSI Repesentative in Japan

Want to meet one of the hardest workers of the USMSI then look no further than Yakota, Japan. Representative Dee Marques is listening to your questions and working hard to get the answers you want. to contact Dee Marques, send an email to nahoku@juno.com. She does have some commitments but send her an email. Dee.. If you can, take allot of pictures.

-8 May 2K4- Question Answered

"I am a 54 DOD / Federal Employee that has entered the Body Board Competition. Will I have to compete against against athletes younger than me?"

Answer: Although we have no age break down in our contest we have again leveled the playing field. As Body Board Rep Richard Haacker puts the fianl touches on the rule for this year one thing is clear. The position of our body boarders will be in the "Prone" position. Judging will be on the manuevers completed in this position. If we have a good showing for body boarding then "Drop Knee" position will be added as a seperate. This has been discussed by the IBA and ther has been no objection.

-5 May 2K4 - Time Running Out

With less than 60 days till contest open, we are looking at the incoming entries. We are sorry to see that we have many entry forms donloaded but few submitted. Remember the entry funds go back into the program as trophies, glassing of surfboards, prizes, and more. This program is for all purposes "your" contest. Remember, Divsions will start to adjust as of 1 June to reduce the amount of costs. There will be no beach entries and all completed forms must be submitted no later than 15 June 2K4 to reduce some of the problems we had last year.

-30 April 2K4- Dates Never Changed

There has been some confusion on the dates for the Contest. First, our dates have never changed. We are still on schedule for the 25, 26, and 27th of June. For those thinking the 19 and 20 that is another contest and not the USMSI.

- 28 April 2K4- Support From the IBA

Body Boarding Repesentative Richard Haacker is Getting Support from The International Body Boarding Association (IBA) to ensure the success of our Body Boarding Competitition.

- 27 April 2K4 - Blank Donation

Guard / Reserve Representative Wendell "Wiba" Villanueva donates a surfboard blank to be shaped for our contest.

- 26 April 2K4- Adding Our Auxiliary Family

THE USMI has added the US Auxiliary members (Coast Guard Aux, Civil Air Patrol, and Navy League) to the program. This year they will compete in the DOD / Federal Division. If the response is positive, a division will be open just for them in 2K5.

-19 April 2K4 - Vietnam Vet Shaping for the USMSI

Proud Army Veteran Mel Behasa, who came from The Big Island of Hawaii last year to participate in our program. Has brought his Board Shaping Skills to our contestants this year. It is an honor to have his board design in the USMSI Quiver.

-16 April 2K4 - Another Shaper gets ready to Help

This year we are honored to have Well Known Surfer/Shaper Dave Parmenter adding one of his shapes to are growing Quiver of boards for our contest. When approached, Dave was more than happy to do something for the men and women that serve this nation.

-15 April 2K4- Added Division

Yes it's true, we are addding another devision to the body boad Catagories so for you Federal/DOD personnel you have slots in your respective area.

-13 April 2K4 - Questioned Amswered

An Army Soldier had mentioned to representative Dee Marquees " I am being sent to the desert this summer as part of mission requirements, will the US Military Surfing Invitational be here when I return?"

Answer: To our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard Personnel. We above all else know your commitments. We will miss all of you this year, because of where you are. And WE will do our best to ensure that this program is available for you when you are ready to compete in the following year.

-12 April 2K4- Questions Answered

The Email Reads " I'm currently Stationed in Wyoming and would like to attend your event are there still slots open?

Answer: Slots are stil open in most categories at this time but entry forms are being pulled off the website as well copies that are flying all over the place. Please do not assume these slots will remain open. If you truly wish to participate send in your entry form as soon as you can.

-10 April 2K4 - Questions Answered

The letter reads "I am stationed in Okinawa and am worried that sending in my check through APO will not make it time. Can I use a Credit Card?

ANSWER "Although we have limited slots, do not feel discouraged, send us an email (like this one to let us know your interest) and will do our best to hold a space based on the incoming entry forms. Please send in your form as soon as possible. As far as using a credit card were still working on that issue and hope to have some thing running for our next event.

-6 April 2K4 - Director's Surgery

Looks like this year the lower back had to be repaired which puts Director Rich Gill out of Competition. Still in recovery mode he will still be doing his best with the rest of the crew to make a great program.( Just don't kick his cane.)

-2 APRIL 2K4 - A New Addition

The USMSI welcomes Wendell Villanueva ( Active Duty Guard) to the Staff. Backed by Rep Dee Marques he has been working hard to add contestants to our event. Welcome Wendell.

-31 March 2K4 - WILL USCG STILL HOLD THE TITLE?

For the Third Year in a Row, Dennis Kaczmerek (USCG) will be getting ready for this event. Taking the title "Best of Armed Forces" Long Board two years in a row against the top members from all branches has been quite a challenge. Can he hold the top spot of Active Duty long boarding for a third year?

-30 March 2K4 - Entry Forms

So far 114 Entry forms have been pulled off the web since we added it to the site on 11 March 2K4. East Cost Military Surfing Winner Scott Martin, USAF (Short Board Masters) is looking toward the Islands to possibly meet his comrades from the Pacific. Will he add his short board skills to the USAF team or will the growing Navy arsenal come together and take the prize?

-29 March 2K4- Body Board Repesentative

For our first year, Richard Haacker has voulnteered to accept the role, his first steps is to work on the rules for the body boarding program. He is also talking to various compaines to promote this side of the house.Looking forward to a good turn out.

-19 March 2K4 Air Force Getting Ready

Air Force Long and Short Board Winner Makani Mcdonald is ready to go, Still in the hunt from last year is Fabian Enanoria who left his favorite surf spots in Okinawa last year to take on the Waves of Oahu. Also returning is Shortboarder Ben Winslow, Long Boarder Richard Saldana, and Humberto Marchese who showed his talent as he broke out of the Military Open to a top spot in the Air Force Short board finals.

-18 March 2K4 Question Answered:

If you have any questions, let us try to answer them as best as we can. The easiest way is to simply send us an email, contact The Co-Director, or your Division Representative. One Questions that has been asked so far is that there have been some changes to the slots from last year. We ll yes and no, When the roster is first set, it is even across the board. What you are seeing in the 2K4 divisions is the same as in the previous years. As we get towards the start of the contest and we see that certain slots will not be filled we give those spaces to catagories that are in great demand. Last year it proved to be a good idea and this year we will agian make the same changes as time goes on.

-9 March 2K4 Contest Entry Forms

Contest Forms are now on the site and located with the Contest Rules. Remember both Pages ( 1 & 2 ) must be completed and sent in to the correct address on page 2.

-6 March 2K4 Car Wash Fund Raiser

Co - Director Robert Rose, Repesentatives Dee Marques, Roy Miyamoto, Ollney Ho'opai, and Supporters raised some capital washing cars for the contest. Please remember that thier time and effort is going towards a better program for our contestants. If you would like to help please don't hesitate to contact us. If you would like to Donate to our program. also let us know. We are setting up a donation button on the website. Donations of $25. 00 will recieve a 13x19 poster of last years event. Sending $50.00 will get both 2K2 and 2K3 13x19 Posters. For those giving $100.00 will also get our embroidered USMSI Polo. ( colors are red,white, and royal blue )

- 29 Feb 2K4 Entry Forms

Entry Forms for the 2K4 Event are still getting the final checks before distribution, Looking at a 10 March 2K4 Posting.

-27 Feb 2K4 Trying to Work Some "Magic" in Las Vegas

Director Rich Gill, went to Las Vegas to Speak to possible Sponsors in the retail industry at the Magic Expo held at the Convention Center.

-20 Feb 2K4 Giving To Those Who Served

Members of the USMSI will be going to a Veterans home Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. The Director was informed that these military members that served thier nation are living on $45.00 a month. We have donated 2 dozen of last years contest Shirts to the Home.

-16 FEB 2K4: Navy Strikes First

The USN is getting ready to challenge all members for the title "Best of Branch" . Newcomers from out of Texas will aid Previous NSSA winner Wade Smith, Lopka Loke, Carmel Tomlinson, Jason Tagalin, and Craig Braswell as part of the NAVY Team. Will the Army hold the title or give it up to the Fleet?

-14 FEB 2K4: History Repeats

For those that competed in the 1968 1st Annual Armed Forces Surfing Championships. The location will be at the same place that Shorty Simonson brought his dream to life. This contest will bring the past and present together for one magic moment in time.

-12 FEB 2K4: The Dates Of Competition

Co-Director Lopaka has confirmed the Dates of the Contest for June. So mark your Calenders for the 25, 26 and 27. The location is known for good Swells. The Name of the Place will not be disclosed until June 1 2K4. The reason..... not to over run the location.

-10 FEB 2K4: Military World Open

For this year we have added slots for Active Duty Members Currently Serving In thier Nations Defence. I am looking forward to other nations giving thier atheletes this chance to compete.

-5 Feb 2K4: Non- Profit Status

The USMSI has submitted our paperwork, cause this contest was never about profit. It was designed by military members for Armed Forces personnel and affiliations. The Goal is simply to put on the best program for our contestants and be the number one miltary surf contest.

-31 Jan 2K4: New Additions

Because you asked for it since we fist began, we are adding Body Boarding categories for this season. So check the divisions for openings.

-11 Jan 2K4 : Getting Ready

Hope everybody had a great Holiday season. Co-Director "Lopaka" has been working hard to promote the contest. One of our goals this year is to go for Ten Boards to give away. This year, Six would be given as prizes and four will be given away in our contestant drawings. Remember, you must be present to win. ( Last year we called allot of names )

Still looking for a solid finacial backer and will add a Donation page. The quest is to Raise $10K to make this a solid event.

-10 December 2K3 : The Cost To Run a Good Program

As it stands, to run this event, we will need some stong backing. Insurance, Water patrol, Judges Stand Set-up, and Judges will be added costs we did not have last year. Location is still a toss-up, hoping to get a place where waves will be challenging for all of our entrants.

-22 November 2K3 : Setting up for 2K4

From the looks of things we are getting things together for 2k4, one great additon is the Co-Director for this event. One of the hardest working U.S.Navy Seals that I have had the priviledge of working with. I am honored to have Robert Rose on board to help ensure the success of our program.

-22 July 2K3: The big Question is when and where will the program go off for 2K4?

ANSWER: Still looking at a summer time event again on the south coast. With the Success of the "open division" part of our program, should it break off and form the U.S. Military Surfing Open? This would definitely bring changes to the U.S. M. S. I. So keep checking back as we continue to add more "changes" to the site.

-24 June 2k3: Wow time has passed for the program, still adding to the site to include any photos of the program. If there are any good ones that some one has send them to us so we can add them to the site.

-15 June 2K3: Contest was by all a great ride, waves came in at close to 3' with an occasional 4' rolling in. Both contest days were considerd by most to be the best days in recent years. With close to over 20 voulenteers for the contest, they helped put on an outstanding event.

-29 May 2003: Contestants, please have your entry forms submitted no later than 31 May 2003. Letters postmarked with 31May 2003 will be accepted if slots are available for that catagory. There will be no Beach Entries for this event. Should you be coming in from outside Hawaii please contact me as soon as possible.

-4 May 2003: Open Military Slots are filling fast May add Another Heat if time allows. Slots in other catagories not being used, will be looked at for possible changes on 15 May to expand other growing areas. If you have surfed in other contests, please enter "Branch of Service" catagory.

-28 April 2003: As of now Eight new SurfBoards are on the list to be given away as prizes. Two from Jorge Vicente, Two from Island Glass, One from Makani Mcdonald (USAF Active), One From Jason Tagalin (USN Active) , One from Timothy Lilien (USGC Active), and One From Herb Pruse. A "Ninth" board is on the block from a CA company from Santa Cruz Called WaterGirl.

-3 March, 2003: Initiated the first board to be made. It wil be a "Sunny Garcia" design shaped by Jorge Vicente. Talked to Makani on shaping a board for contest.

-2 March, 2003: Talked to "Rocky" of the U.S. Coast Guard. Represent his branch and he agreed. Want to make sure any incidents that happened last year are removed.

-1 March, 2003: The first meeting of the USMSI was held n the Wyland Gallery in Haleiwa, Hawaii. Branch/ Catagory reps that attended were given first chance to look at the rules for this year. First Look at all of the demo Posters and the "Master" poster for sponsor logos.