7/31/13

Wave Series

Join us this Friday, August 2nd, at the Pel'Meni Dumpling Tzar in Fremont for the opening of an art exhibition featuring our friend, Kyle Wilson. To be honest, I don't know the details (aside from what's on this here flyer), but I do know Kyle is cool and his art is awesome. Sold? You should be!

7/30/13

Off the Grid

The idea of living "off the grid" is appealing to me in many ways. Our dependence on social systems and services has left us weak and unwilling to work. Once able to provide food and certain essentials for our own families, we now look to a conglomeration of corporations and the incestuous idiots in places like Olympia to feed and fend for us. Easy, it is, living on the grid, but the long term effects of our current corporate care system are starting to show. Build a fire, field-dress a deer, grow a bunch of broccoli - all of this seems so unnatural to everyone. With so many people spending their weekends sitting in front of screens, eating food from God knows where and purchasing imported products designed not to last a lifetime. Regress we have.

Honestly, I'm not sure how I heard about Nick Rosen's book, Off the Grid: Inside the Movement for More Space, Less Government, and True Independence in Modern America. Probably picked it up somewhere and didn't set it down. Happens. Whatever the reason, Rosen's research about off-grid living is rich and rewarding. It's not a how-to guide, but more of a here's why. Offering a look into the lives of those living the disconnected dream - be it all the way undone, or just a few of the required wires - Rosen's book is broad in its appeal, providing insight and ideas for the serious and the not-sot-serious alike. So if you're at all interested in unplugging, whether you want to disappear into the woods or just reduce your dependence, I recommend you read this.

Autumn Logs



Dean Petty harvesting stoke in Nova Scotia on his Bing Silverspoon. Brought to you by Zak Bush.

7/29/13

Keith Novosel

I don't really know Keith Novosel... not in the traditional sense. I had heard of him, seen a few of his photos, read other interviews, etc., but we have yet to surf the same spot, or spend some time around a campfire together. And while I may not know him, Keith is an inspiring individual, a like minded logger and a fantastic photographer. Living in Oregon, Keith is able to surf spots I don't get down to that often - Pacific City in particular. And although he and his fiance (congrats, btw) recently traveled to mainland Mexico - surfing somewhere I fell in love with last winter - Keith is eager to explore other areas, expanding both his photographic and film portfolios in the process. So in an attempt to get to know Mr.Novosel a bit better, I sat down and came up with a couple of questions, to which he promptly replied. Follow the link to see what he had to say.

7/25/13

Parry Preparing



James Parry preparing for this weekend's Duct Tape Invitational on his new 9'6 Bing Elevator.

From the Phone - Vol.2

I can't always carry a camera. And honestly, a lot of the time I prefer not to. Able to enjoy the world around me without feeling like I should be "capturing the moment." Because sometimes the memory of a thing is greater than any image - your imagination filling in for what might be missing. I do, however, have a phone in the front pocket of my Mountain Briefcase, and it, like most phones nowadays, has a camera. A damn good one at that. But in my efforts to enjoy instead of immortalize, I fail. Often. It's called Instagram, and like a lot of social media services, it's an addiction. But for those of you unaffected by this affliction, here's a handful of photos from the last few weeks.

7/24/13

Coast Modern



If you've taken a look at my Tumblr, you know I'm interested in modern architecture. Perhaps it's the utilization of natural light - wide glass walls and open air spaces - incorporating a structure into its surroundings. Or perhaps it's the use of raw materials. Wood, stone and even cement. A lot of the architecture I like is asymmetrical, and yet there's a certain symmetry - rooms seamlessly connected to one another. I like other styles of architecture, but for whatever reason, the west coast modern movement really appeals to my aesthetic. So when I saw this trailer for Coast Modern, a new documentary that showcases modernist architecture from Los Angeles to Vancouver, highlighting homes that exemplify the style I am so fond of, I immediately added it to my iTunes account. Click here to learn more about the movie.

7/23/13

Riders of the California Surf



It's really incredible to see how far we've come. In this short (silent) film from 1947, watch people ride paipos, Ed Edgar shape a solid plank redwood surfboard, and a bit of early hot doggin' at Hermosa Beach.

7/22/13

Beatles, Bikes and Boards

Sir Paul McCartney played a sold out show at Safeco Field on Friday night. 45,000 people. Apparently he's popular. And while Paul played 'Hey Jude' to a swirling mass of moms and dads, us creatures of the unusual stood shoulder to shoulder, cold cans in our claws, admiring the work of quite a few craftsmen. Bikes built not to set land speed records, but to transport someones soul. And surfboards shaped in the sixties, when surfing wasn't a sport. Two Tribes sharing a space, exchanging ideas.

There were friends, and friends of friends, and even some family. There was talk of travel - breakdowns and bad days and secret surf spots down south. And while our friend Paul made parking a pain in the ass, people still showed (much appreciated, I might add). Probably because motor bikes and surfing boards feed a feeling, and if you've experienced one, you can appreciate the other. Follow the link for a few photos from Friday nights Two Tribes show, our second annual custom motorcycle and classic surfboard celebration.

The Ductumentary

video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player Check out this trailer for The Ductumentary, a short film highlighting legendary logger, Joel Tudor, and his Duct Tape Invitational longboard contests. Directed by Graham Nash and Reagan Ritchie, the film features Joel Tudor, Alex Knost, Tyler Warren, Ryan Burch, Jared Mell and many more.

House of Balloons



What I've been listening to lately...

7/19/13

#TwoTribes

Just a friendly reminder that the second annual Two Tribes celebration, a custom motorcycle and classic surfboard show, will take place this evening at The Piranha Shop in downtown Seattle. Join us for an evening of single finned shenanigans and two wheeled tomfoolery. Click here for additional info.

7/18/13

Almond Surfboards & Designs

Surf shops are a dime a dozen in Southern California. Everything from wholesale warehouses to small boutique businesses. Some are soulless, others are awe inspiring. Surfboards being shaped, shorts being sewn - the essence of 1960s surf culture still alive in some. Authenticity is important. The big brand stores selling shit with swirly logos and crazy colors. Boards built in Bangladesh. Apparel and accessories not made in America. Profit margins being of the utmost importance. Ugh. Almond Surfboards and Designs is a different story, though. Founded in 2008 by Dave Allee and a handful of friends, Almond is "the premier lifestyle brand of the surfer + craftsman, a collaborative effort of friends who enjoy making things the old fashioned way." I can get into that. So when we were in So-Cal a few weeks ago, we took some time to visit their new store in Newport Beach.

7/17/13

Bringing Classic Back



Australian old-school enthusiast, Matt Chojnacki, showing off his 'involvement' style of surfing during Deus Ex machina's 9'ft & Single competition in Canggu. Click here to learn more about Matty.

7/16/13

Fin Box

Shawn from Stoke Harvester sent this to me sometime last week. Unfortunately I know nothing about this image, aside from the fact that it's one of the most awesome images I ever did see. A fifty-something flatbed full of skeg-finned sticks! Oh, how I wish I was there. Click here for additional inspiration.

Slip Slide Eastside



Nathaniel Reeves surfing a 10'2 David Nuuhiwa style Bing Noserider on the other side of the states.

7/15/13

So Much Excitement

It was a weird weekend. People that have previously spent a lot of time together, now sleeping in separate sites. Dog fights and horse shoes and a strange amount of sunshine. We surfed our usual spot(s), however everything seemed out of the ordinary. But albeit it unusual, it was a fun weekend. The wind was onshore, so we didn't surf as much as I intended. Our Saturday morning session was alright, though. Some long slides. We took a trip shortly thereafter in search of solace from the western wind. And while we did find a place where there wasn't any, the waves, however, were not in attendance either.

My father arrived while we were wandering around - his 4x4 Econoline full of camping crap. A stainless steel stove, collapsible trash can, cast iron tri-pod grill with a galvanized steel chain. That dude doesn't fuck around. We cooked food over the campfire: meat sticks and beef steaks and corn on the cob. We drank whiskey and ginger beer and prayed for windless waves. Unfortunately, Sunday was the same. Wind from the west. Two or three feet tall. We surfed for a few, drank the rest of the beer we brought, ate lunch and then headed back. We've had worse weekends. This one was just weird.

7/12/13

Kiwi Pig



Matt King jazzing the glass in New Zealand aboard a pretty pig built by the boys at Del Surfboards.

7/11/13

Cuppow!

Some things go real good together. Think chips and salsa, crackers and hummus or milk and cookies. But when you're living outta your van, car camping or hiking to somewhere secret, two containers are required. And that's a lot of extra equipment. So when I discovered Cuppow's BNTO Canning Jar Adapters, I was all sorts of stoked. Just one jar! Made from BPA/BPS-free rigid plastic, these BNTO (ben-toh) adapters are dishwasher safe and can hold six ounces of sauce or snacks. So if you have a cupboard full of old canning containers, pick up a couple of these adapters ($7.99) and save yourself some space.

Jack & His Girl



Beautiful bit of film featuring Jack Lynch and his lady, Roya. Shot and edited by Josh Simpson.

7/10/13

Marinating at Ma Kai

What started as an excuse to ride our newly acquired cruisers along Alki, has turned into a full blown Taco Tuesday tradition - and yet, no one actually eats tacos! It goes a little something like this... Our friend Steve, once an assistant principal and now a fun-employed author awaiting his Peace Corps assignment, wanders over to our apartment sometime around seven. He skates, we pedal. It's two miles to the taco shop, what is the brick and mortar iteration of an extraordinarily popular food truck named Marination Mobile. And when I say taco shop, what I really mean is some sort of Hawaiian-Korean-Mexican fusion food.

Tacos come in four flavors: Miso Ginger Chicken, Kalbi Beef, Spicy Pork or Tofu, each topped with a handful of coleslaw, jalapenos and some kind of secret sauce. Kimchi friend rice, Hawaiian sweet bread sliders, taco salad, quesadillas and SPAM Musubi area also on the menu.

As an accomplished asshole, I usually order an overly complicated creation which includes extra meat, jalapenos and sauce on the side. As well as a simple salad, which is dressed with a sweet vinaigrette and topped with crushed macadamia nuts. There's ample seating inside, as well as a full blown bar (their sangria goes well with everything). There's also an outdoor patio. Located within walking distance of the Water Taxi, Marination Ma Kai is an excellent option for anyone interested in escaping the dark and grey of downtown.

7/9/13

Bintangs in Bali



Jared Mell sliding some stuff on the Indonesian island of Bali ahead of this year's 9'ft & Single festival.

QOTSA



What I've been listening to lately...

7/8/13

We're All About Activities

We wandered into the woods this weekend. Because you can only spend so much time sitting around a campfire - consuming cold beer and cornbread, discussing who you'd like to have a drink with, dead or alive. Sometimes you need other activities to occupy your time. And there's all sorts of shit to do as soon as you escape Seattle. So with wind from the west and a rather small swell, we decided to do something a little different. There were worn out ropes and wooden ladders and muddy roads and secret surf shacks and hammocks high above the beach. When we got back in the afternoon, we built a big fire and talked about bikes. And we drank bourbon and ginger beer, and ate an entire package of Double Stuf Oreo's. We did, however, surf for a few hours each evening, when the wind (finally) died down. It was a wonderful way to celebrate our independence - albeit on an Indian reservation. And while I won't say where we went, I can tell you that what we have in this area is unlike anywhere else.

Jack Norton



Jack Norton, Thomas Bexon, Zye Norris and Husni Ridwan surfing in Indonesia (via Kane Del Mar).

7/2/13

Mini Bikes & Moto Ladies

We spent last week in Eastern Washington. Five days riding dusty dirt bikes, drinking (way too much) whiskey and eating awesome food. We were parked in Plain, a tiny town some twenty minutes outside of Leavenworth. There's a general store, gas station, small cafe and one or two other buildings. Not a whole lot. So, why the fuck were we all the way out there? Well, the motorcycle shop I work for hosts an off-road rally each year - an opportunity to ride and camp with customers. Karissa and Angel were hired to cook food for all us kids, while I was tasked with chasing old dudes up and down the mountain.

Oh, and I invited Miss Moto Lady, also known as Alicia, and her good friend Chris to attend the rally this year. And while she's an accomplished rider of roads, this was Alicia's first time riding big bikes on single track. She did a damn good job, or so I'm told. I'm sure we'll be able to read all about it on her blog. Her friend Chris on the other hand, was quite comfortable on his KTM ;)

We were without running water for five days, however, and forced to "shower" with wet rags and a bottle of Dr.Bronner's. We did find our way down to the river, though. A short ride out of camp and across an old bridge, a bit of a hike through the bushes and BOOM, water we could wade into up to our armpits. And albeit cold, the few hours we spent playing in the river made everything a little bit better. The girls may have caused a commotion, riding their mini-bikes through camp wearing bikinis and dirt bike boots. My type of trouble. All in all it was one hell of a good time. Follow the link for a few more photos.

Sharing the Ritual



Short bit of film made by Hector Torra, featuring a few sessions with his friend Francisco Javier.

7/1/13

Dirt Bikes & Surfing Boards

As far as I'm concerned, they have a lot in common - riding dirty dirt bikes and surfing surfboards. Fluid motion. An ever changing environment. Subtle adjustments. You're out of control often. Overwhelmed at times. Heart racing. Palms perspiring. Then you get it together. Sometimes it can seem so easy. While other times it's like you've never done it before. N00b! You can acquire a rhythm, though. Overcoming obstacles. Negotiating turns. Moving through space, propelled by something other than yourself. It's addicting, that feeling. Travelling. You can close your eyes in the evening a still feel yourself sliding, maneuvering around rocks, trying to increase speed at every opportunity. They share something, dirt bikes and surfboards. A certain type of soul. And those that enjoy one, often enjoy the other.