Only First and Finish!

A wise old Waterman by the name of Mike Eaton told me once in his shop, " There is only First and Finish in paddleboarding". This could not be more true of the Catalina Classic. It starts on Catalina and ends at the Manhattan Beach Pier, 32 miles! A mutual friend, Chuck Camps just did his first Classic, it might be his only, but he did it. He made the cut off at the R10 bouy with 5 minutes to spare. He did not come in first, but he finished! Way to Go Chuck!

So, the "Grom" and I went down to the US Open this morning. We got there early. Just as we pulled into the parking lot, Brett Simpson was unloading, Cole went over and got his shirt signed and a picture with Brett. Next we got down to the sand, got a photo with the Brazzo,Miguel Pupo. Then Timmy Reyes, Tanner Gudauskas, Kai Otten, Dane Reynolds and then Kelly Slater! In all seriousness, I think the real Grom was me.

Wavestorm Fun

So I recently got a GoPro  to film my sun as  he laerns to surf. I mounted in on the top of his Wavestorm and we went down and tried it out. After he was done, I had to paddle out on his board. This isa a little clip.

What's Old is New, wetsuis, DEVO and Me

What’s old can be new again. How true. I took some old wetsuits to M&B Wetsuits in Lakewood and had them altered for summer. I had the sleeves cut off. Now I have a 3/2 short sleeve, 2mm shorter sleeve and a repaired Ripcurl 3/2. These suits have a new lease on life. Speaking of Life, I stepped one year closer to the 50; I made it to 46 on Saturday. So, to Celebrate , I went to see DEVO at the Observatory in OC on Sunday night. What a great show as always. I have seen them a few times in the past few years, true, they are a little older, but they kicked ass as usual. I also got out and surfed the closest place to my house last week, Seal River Jetty. I was fun, I actually caught a shoulder/ head high on from the middle river all the way to Crabs. A good time for sure. I think I will hit it tomorrow. Here is to a injury free 46.

Spring Update

Time to sit down and write a post. The family and I went to the Big Island for Spring break. I got to do a lot of snorkeling with my son, and we went fishing, but no catching. I made some time to finally meet Tim Orr, the Bonzer affciaonado. Tim is a great guy and has a amazing collection of Bonzers, I think he actually has the 5th board the Campbell brothers actually made. I did get in a surf after I got back. All the injuries are finally healed, and I hope to get back in the water more.

Two of my favorite pics

Wasted Youth and Boots at Oki Dogs.

Groms

A friend of mine sent this picture of his old friend Bret Boyd and his brother.
Such a classic picture, I had to post it.

A Friend needs Some Help

Imagine you have no insurance and you broke your leg/ankle, what would you do?
Well, this girl needs our help.

Read the story here.

http://surfandthefury.blogspot.com/


You can go here to donate.
http://www.gofundme.com/d8ab4

Surfing Avalon in Catalina

Avalon Harbor Surf from john talsky on Vimeo.