surfing and wave sailing volume 2

Worthy words

Perfection!

No Kooks in this line up!

Surfing on Mountain Project? I guess I can just stay here all day! Not sure why I do it to myself but I still end up checking the reports for the spots I used to surf when I was abroad in NZ. Many great waves out there and hardly ever a crowd, especially on the south island. I remember the locals complaining about it being "crowded as!" when there were 10 surfers spread out over a half mile of beach break. If you're willing to walk a couple hundred yards and pet a sheep or two on the way there's a good chance you'll have a beach to yourself.

I imagine you have this in HI and many other places as well, but there are several spots where you can bring your climbing gear and surfboard and do both on the same beach.

Josh finds a nice place to scout from. "5cm ground swell and an onshore boys!"

I know what you mean about climbing and surfing and wind surfing at the same beach. I have a few favorite spots to do just that. Thanks for posting Kemper!

San Carlos Son Mexico Climber: Olaf Mitchell Photo: Matt

Cabo Pulmo Baja Sur Climber: Olaf Mitchell Photo: Mike

Bouldering at Waimea Bay on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii September 1980 Climber: Olaf Mitchell Photo from Olaf Mitchell collection

This thread is getting me psyched!! It's crazy to think it has been 17+ years since I've been surfing. I was learning as a child (Dad was a surfer) when I was 9 we moved to the Middle of Virginia, I'm 26 now.

As a kid growing up in Santa Ynez we went to the beach almost every weekend, in Virginia we went twice in the next 8 years. I'm glad to say I've finally made my way back out to the West coast and would love to get out in the ocean, feel the waves, and give surfing another go. I was hoping someone would point me in the direction of a good beach/break to learn in Northern California? I.E. Safe break, not too many rocks, rip tides, where I won;t be fucking up the lineup or in peoples way learning.

Had heard the main beach in Santa Cruz was a decent place and had also read some about Bolinas? Ocean beach in San Fran seems a little strong at times to be going out to learn on my own. I have been looking for a board on Craigslist, and was planning on spending the money for my own wet suit (second hand piss isn't my jam), does this sound like a reasonable way to get started again?

Thanks in advance for any info you can provided, and if you feel like mocking some east coast west coast transplant or telling me to stay off your breaks, well fuck it I ain't gunna stop ya, have fun

Eric sounds like you're on the right track. Stay with it mate! Half the fun is just being on your board out in the ocean. Getting a wave is a bonus. Bra, check in often we can use your brand of energy on this thread!

Olaf Mitchell in the Columbia River Gorge in the late eighties. Photo: Brian Miquilan

I had a fun longboard session at 1000 Peaks on the west side yesterday.
That's what summer around here is all about IMO.

Outer Banks Of North Carolina mid 70's Photo from Olaf Mitchell collection

Eric Fernandez wrote: I.E. Safe break, not too many rocks, rip tides, where I won;t be fucking up the lineup or in peoples way learning. Had heard the main beach in Santa Cruz was a decent place and had also read some about Bolinas? Ocean beach in San Fran seems a little strong at times to be going out to learn on my own. I have been looking for a board on Craigslist, and was planning on spending the money for my own wet suit (second hand piss isn't my jam), does this sound like a reasonable way to get started again? Thanks in advance for any info you can provided, and if you feel like mocking some east coast west coast transplant or telling me to stay off your breaks, well fuck it I ain't gunna stop ya, have fun

OB would be fine if it's small, it's a huge beach and you could find your own little peak. Not recommended if it's 5 ft + and you're not super comfortable with rips, etc..Get a solid leash if you venture out in larger surf there, a lot easier to not drown with even half a surfboard to hang on to.

Not really too familiar w wetsuit technology and price differentials these days, but this site looks like a good place to start. All I learned from trying on the newer suits in the store is that wetsuits without a back zip are a pain in the ass to get in and out of

wetsuitwearhouse.com/wetsui…

Christian wrote: OB would be fine if it's small, it's a huge beach and you could find your own little peak. Not recommended if it's 5 ft + and you're not super comfortable with rips, etc..Get a solid leash if you venture out in larger surf there, a lot easier to not drown with even half a surfboard to hang on to. Not really too familiar w wetsuit technology and price differentials these days, but this site looks like a good place to start. All I learned from trying on the newer suits in the store is that wetsuits without a back zip are a pain in the ass to get in and out of wetsuitwearhouse.com/wetsui…

Don't go out to OB if you want to learn.

Linda Mar at Pacifica is the beach to learn at. No rips, easy swim, and plenty of other kooks around :P

Thanks NorCal, tryin to get that kook on

This is a worthy read for more reasons than one IMO

Shane Dorian paddling into Jaws 11/12/13 Photo: Olaf Mitchell

Are there still tow-in days at Jaws? Those waves seems gigantic and they are paddling in. Amazing.

Paul there are still tow-in days at Peahi but much less since the paddle-in craze caught on.
When it's big enough for Jaws to brake there numerous other peaks on the outside reef on the north shore of Maui.
Here are some more photos that I took of Shane Dorian{blue board) and Mark Healey{yellow board) and a number of other Maui guys.This was the heaviest day to be paddled up till that date. Maybe even so far. I shot quite a few sessions from the bluff last winter when it was just too big for me to surf my self.

Mark Healey paddling in at "Peahi "aka "Jaws" 11/12/13 Photo: Olaf Mitchell
rockerwaves.blogspot.com/20…

We have a nice head to a little more south swell hitting our south and west sides.I went over there yesterday and scored a few nuggets. The tide was a bit high but it was fun.

Art by Goldie