Shawna Olsten

Another wild summer has passed and Fall is upon us. Somehow the month of September still brings about the back to school spirit of putting my head back to the ground and getting into hibernation mode. This first came about when I decided to take a break from “the drink”, but to up the ante this year I’ve also vowed to train for my first half marathon. What other place in the world could you run through a city in the middle of the desert, catch a glimpse of the Eiffel tower, visit New York and party like an animal…Las Vegas of course. To prepare I have quit drinking, bought “Running a Marathon for Dummies, and consulted a trainer…now bring on the running.

I was back in Toronto for the 8th time in the last 3 months, but this time the agenda was all fun. I do not work in film, I don’t know much about the industry but hell I still had a blast at TIFF. To sum up the weekend…the P the I the D the D the Y…its Diddy. You know we hit The Gladstone, Seema took on Whitney, Lana wrestled Bonnie and I slapped Janice, I’m talking Karaoke. We were quickly over shadowed by the most impressive Mick Jagger impersonator I have ever seen.

Saturday we showed Toronto how to dress down and rock a sweat suit Vancouverite style. Caesars were had for breakfast, lunch and you can see where the rest of the day went. That $100 bill is most likely my ticket into hell, if you want the story you’ll have to ask me in person. Sunday left me ready for home but not before we hit up the annual CFC BBQ. Despite the rain I force fed my way into a huge Demalogica gift basket at the silent auction. It wasn’t so much that I wanted everything in the basket, but I had my heart set on beating the aggressive bidder who continued to hover over the sheet. She wanted to play hard ball, so I was more than happy to bring the heat. Back to the airport, onto the plane, more Caesar’s….home at last, sleep…I’m hoping for at least 8 hours tonight.

Just a mellow 50,000 people waiting for you to fly.

North Shore News August 1, 2008

Ottawa Citizen August 4, 2008

Yahoo.ca August 3, 2008

North Shore News August 11, 2008

We all boarded an early morning flight out of Ottawa this morning trophy, surf board and hangover in tow. The above photo was the first newspaper I picked up in the airport.

I called my dad last night and told him that winning flugtag could have possibly been the best day of my life. He hopes that maybe one day I will get married and have kids, well I that isn’t very news worthy!

Below is the fridge of a CHAMP, tofu and champagne.

VICTORY FOR VANCOUVER ALL GIRL FOURSOME

TEAM SOARS AT RED BULL FLUGTAG 2008 OTTAWA-GATINEAU

Vancouver, BC - On Sunday August 3, 2008 the bikini clad team Surf and the City flew with ambition, grace and in killer heels to Red Bull Flugtag Victory. Planning their flight months in advance the team had only dreamt about this crowning moment. Over 50,000 spectators witnessed the team pilot their homemade craft- a yellow New York taxi with surfboard wings over 25m (83ft) into the Ottawa River. The women not only took home flying rights but an impressive first prize of $7500 which they will be donating to setting up a children’s surf camp in Tofino, BC.

It seems like yesterday when the team was planning, sketching, building and fundraising their way to Ottawa. The team managed to exceed their fundraising goal by $5000 that they plan on donating to the charity along with a bonus $5000 that ROXY matched because of their hard work and endeavors. The team is a Vancity favorite being endorsed by local celebs Fiona Forbes and Karen Khunkhun who hosted the teams July 24 fundraiser at the Ocean Club.

Along with their very own Mr.Big the team is as unique as the ladies of the HBO cult sitcom Sex and The City however this foursome is west coast surfer girl meets Manolo Blahnik. Like the SATC the group is courageous, confident and alive. Shawna Olsten (Samantha), Jennifer Rainnie (Carrie), Kelly Hall (Miranda) and Sarah Cameron (Charlotte) never doubted their abilities to win the notable competition. “It was amazing and one of the best times of our lives,’ gushes Olsten. “We’re so excited to have won and to now share our love for surfing makes it that much more special.”

Surf and the City SOARED today and we are bringing home the trophy. Check out our flight album.

Can you believe only 24 hours until Surf and the City soars over the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. Today the weather threw everything at us, from torrential down pours, lightening to blue skies. Surf and the City is official ready for lift off as all our hard work will take flight tomorrow in front of the expected 50,000 spectators.