The going theory is GMax is easier to use and learn but is feature-limited and has been out of support for years; Blender is supposedly harder but is still being developed and with features being added and tutorials being updated. Both are free. I'm learning Blender 2.49b right now - if you want to go the Blender route, I'd stick with that version for the time being.
There are some on the DS, have you searched under Beach? Bathers? If you can't find them I'll look on one of my routes, they were used on at least one.
very nice! Can't go wrong with Cameron. I'm not surprised that I'm finding more females than males. I'm now in search of some 'surfer dudes' to be waiting at the side-walk crossing.