cuts like a knife

Most boards I shape are delivered, and then just disappear. On occasion I get to see them in action via photographs, or at times at the beach. The Ghost Knife is a board that I see on a regular basis since Scotty and I surf the same breaks. He has dialed that board in over the last few years, as it is primarily the only board he rides. I just got a few photos of Scott and few others scoring picture perfect waves. The middle photo is a textbook drop, on a perfect wave, yet another reason to know your board and dial it in proper.

Salute the Stoked

So the ritual goes, New Years Day, 9am paddle out. This year turned into a crazy west that pumped all kinds of madness into Holland State Park. This is an event that is truly about the stoke, as the paddle out occurs with or without waves. It's our way to salute the New Year and I can think of no better way to do it. Happy New Year all you lake surfers and also to all of you lake surfers that have found yourself in salty waters, Cheers!

You're the Best Around!

Today's surf session = The feel good 80's

Fist Pumpesque

My buddy Dale sent this my way saying it looked like a Fist Pump that Ryan Burch is ripping. Indeed it does, but I believe that to be one of those asymmetrical shapes that he is making. Nevertheless, beautiful board, beautiful wave.

The Perfect Surf Mobile

Recently I decided it was time for a second vehicle as my wife will be needing the car we share for grad school. So, I started digging through craigslist trying to uncover what kind of magic $3000 could afford. To my dismay, the answer to that question is, not much. The cars either have a ridiculous amount of miles on them, or in the words of the craiglist ad is a "GREAT car, just needs engine." The other issue that I was contending with is that cars just don't have the personality today that they used to. Sure, you can drive them for 300,000 miles, but they all look the same. Clearly this is not a matter of practicality, but when searching for your surf mobile, style plays a significant role. This begs the question, what makes the perfect surf mobile? I have compiled a list of the four necessary ingredients to consider when purchasing the perfect surf mobile. 1. it must get you to the beach with out breaking down, period. 2. it must be able to safely accommodate your board of choice (loggers you will need either a long empty vehicle or a roof rack). 3. it must have a heater that works (very important for cold water surfers). 4. it must exude the proper amount of personality. After considering these four issues, I finally came up with the perfect ride for a Michigan surfer and came in under budget.

The 1988 AMC Eagle

Ripcurl GoPro Awesomeness

surfing Pandora

On the scale of epic, surfing a chest to head high pumping swell on any of the islands surrounding Cloud Nine (Philippines) would rank in at Richter. I pulled waves at Cloud Nine, Jacking Horse (such a fitting name), Quiksilver, and Rock Island depicted above. There is really no way to describe what it is like to surf there, other than to say "Is this real?" While paddling out today at Pier Marquette in my 6/4 with 45 degree water slapping me in the face it seems so far away, but even more amazing. If you haven't thrown down and surfed some ridiculous destination at the risk of malaria, food poisoning, or banditos, I strongly recommend that 2012 is your year to go.