Instagram is hands down my favorite iPhone app. It’s free and it helps you make pretty pictures, what’s not to like? I’ve used Instagram pictures heavily on this site, it makes ok shots a lot better. Instagram has various filters that you can apply to your shots and even allows you to direct the focus with a tilt-shift effect. The learning curve to the app is small, and after a while you’ll start taking pictures with certain filters in mind.

If you have an iPhone (it’s not available on other platforms right now, sorry Android users) go download this! It’s awesome! You can follow me on Instagram as aquarob.

Here are some random Instagram shots I’ve taken…

I received the latest H2O Audio Interval Case way back in April and never managed to crank out much of a review. It’s not that I didn’t want to, I found it interesting and a solid step up from the previous H2O Audio Interval case I had tested, it was just the wrong time of year for me. Music while swimming season starts about right now for me. Listening to music in the water is a kind of antisocial thing to do when swimming with a group, and a bad idea when swimming in open water, so it’s mainly my solo nighttime 50m pool workouts where I do the most aquatic rocking out.

This version of the Interval has a lot going for it. The buttons are easy to use, the seal is very secure, it’s been contoured to fit the back of your head better, it has handy slots for goggle straps… but its biggest advantage over everyone else (besides SwimMan which I’ve never tried) is that it uses an actual iPod to deliver music (purchased separately, all you’re buying from H2O Audio is a waterproof case). This might not sound like much until you’ve tried to sync up other devices from your iTunes account. Apple’s file format doesn’t jive with other devices so you have to convert the songs you want on your other music players, it’s not hard but it’s a hassle. So using an actual iPod allows you to just plug in, make a playlist and go. The only real problem I have with it is actually getting the music into my ears. The 4th generation case has been much, much better in this regard than the 2nd gen case I have… but it still fails eventually due to the buds falling out or the seal with my ear being broken. H2O Audio sent me their Pro Fit Kit that has numerous types of rubber covers for the buds which helped enormously, but over time the water always wins.

So Here’s how I feel about this particular case… it’s good, much better than previous iterations, but it’s not my first choice for intensive swim training. If I were on a kayak, SUP, or participating in some other water surface sport where you’re going to submerge occasionally this would be my go to gadget. But as a swimmer, it all comes down to ear buds… eventually the seal is broken and now it’s time to fidget with your gear and throw your workout off track. I really, really dislike that.

The H2O Audio Interval is available through SwimOutlet, or you can get it along with many other waterproof items at H2Oaudio.com

(*full bloggerly disclosure, the case I tested out for this review was sent to me by H20 Audio)

This board was my promotion from a cheap big board to something a little more serious. It started out as a $200 board but I got it for quite a bit less on sale ($140). It has all the good stuff… composite stringer, 8lb deck, Surlyn slick, 50/50 rails, deck contours, etc. The board surfs well and you can feel the quality just holding or floating on it. I think I made a tactical error when ordering it though. I went an inch or two too short which is a big deal in terms of performance. Although the size is perfect for my height it doesn’t have as much buoyancy as I’d like for my weight.

I recently took my old cheaper 662 board out in some medium sized surf and in a few areas it outperformed my highend board since it floated me better. That trip to the beach was actually a catalyst for me ditching the board for something new. I watch Craigslist for deals on boards and good board from a brand I wanted to try popped up for reasonably cheap so I hopped on it and put the Empire Botha up for sale. I took my new board (a Toobs Magnum) out last night and so far I dig it, it was a good decision.

The Botha was a great board, just not the right size for me. Next time I need/want a new bodyboard I’ll probably hit up local custom board maker Toobs to make me a board to order. It’s more expensive to do it this way but it’s still way cheaper than buying a surfboard :)

You can buy the Empire Botha via 662BoardShop.com or slightly used from me on Craigslist for $80 :)

Why do I think this is ok? :}D>Besides being a swimmer I’m also an up and coming beardsman… up and coming according to whom you may ask? Well shut your mouth no one asked you :p One of my goal events for 2012 is the US Beard and Mustache National Championships in Vegas, and with that I’ve been working on training up the beard with particular emphasis on the mustache-ular portion. Since there may be a few other bearded swimmers out there I present to you a trio of beard related reviews!

Bluebeards Original Beard Care Kit

After accidentally winning a beard competition I decided to get serious about becoming a better beardsman. I figured the first thing I needed was a better shampoo and conditioning regimen to keep the adventure beard healthy and in top shape. I found Bluebeards online and decided to order their starter kit which consists of their shampoo, some conditioner, and a brush. The set itself was a little expensive, $54, but I figure the money I save on haircuts by being bald would balance it out :) The Beard Wash and Beard Saver combo work great together and smell good. My beard takes a lot of salt, chlorine and sunshine abuse and this stuff brings me back to a soft and manageable state. The brush is also very good. A comb tends to get all tangled up in the 6 or 7 inches worth of beard hanging from my face, but the boar hair bristled brush moves through smoothly and gets the knots out. The “handy shower bag” it comes in is a piece of crap however.

You can buy Bluebeards Orignal Beard Stuff here.

Man’s Face Stuff Gin and Tonic Mustache Wax

I obviously stay on top of all the latest trends

This stuff goes on well but because of it’s light color you really gotta make sure it’s worked all the way in on darker hair or else it’ll look like you sneezed in your mustache. It holds well but it’s not super solid. Would be great for someone trying to keep everything moving one direction, not necessarily the best choice if you trying to get your ‘stache to do tricks. As a bonus it actually smells like booze. Good luck explaining that one to the cops if you get pulled over! :) If you’re not into the Gin and Tonic smell this company also makes one with a mix of pipe tobacco and coffee (all nighter), cinnamon (red hot) and black licorice (huntsman).

These scented mustache waxes are available on Etsy by going to mansfacestuff.com.

Firehouse Mustache Wax – Wacky Tacky

trying to tell me something wax container?

This stuff is awesome. The hold is very very solid. It’s a darker wax that blends into my mustache well. I can’t quite put my finger on what it smells like, but it’s not unpleasant. If you’re looking to achieve a handlebar look or something even more ambitious than that, this is the stuff! Plus for the same price as the Gin and Tonic wax you get twice as much product.

This wax doesn’t appear to be any match for chlorine, pool water melts my mustache right down, but it holds up for a little while to salt water. I spent 75 minutes surfing in 57 degree water and came out with a misshapen but still moderately styled mustache! Your mileage may vary on that one however.

You can buy Firehouse Mustache Wax here

I LOVE these shorts. These are the best boardshorts I’ve ever owned. The only thing stopping me from buying 8 more pairs is that they’re almost $60 a pop. They fit well and have two options for tying the front for either casual wear or big waves. There’s no buttons or zippers, just laces and a velcro closure at the top. The material feels good and has a nice stretch to it. They’re great for when I’m just out messing around in the surf, but they’re also comfortable for swimming longer distances. When I did swim lessons during the summer I’d wear these quite a bit. The only thing I don’t like that much is the pocket. It’s hard to get things in and out of it while in the water because it’s not very structured and sometimes it feels more closed than it really is. I lost a cheap camera in small surf in these shorts. There is a good keyloop in there though. I have a spare in my shorts secured to that so I don’t have to try and hide my truck key somewhere else while I’m in the water.

that’s totally what my abs look like

You can buy these shorts at most surf shops or you can get them here from SwimOutlet