My First Striped Bass

Yes, I'm saying "ocean fishing" instead of "surf fishing" because I’m not trying to confuse you between surfing and fishing since I do both.

I grew up fishing lakes and never got into ocean fishing because in Portland, Oregon the coast is far AF (2 hours is a lot considering the beach is 20 mins away for me now). I picked up ocean fishing because the waves have been trash and surf been mediocre. I figured the skills between lake vs ocean is translatable, plus I could use my tide knowledge from surfing. So, I invested in a travel rod to fish pre or post surf. 

Easing into it, I was targeting perch. I figured they're easier to land and that'll build up my confidence over time and eventually I'd grow into landing stripers. However, this video says different. I landed an 8lb, 27 inch striped bass on my third go. I've been trolling Highway 1 for about 3 days at this point at various tide. This day, I was at nearly peak high tide.

A Philippine Minute

You probably can tell by now that I love travelling to coastal places. Anywhere with a beach and decent surf I’m there. The ocean is such a common theme in my videos that It’s starting to feel the same. How many time can you film the ocean before its just redundant. Not this trip though. This was my first time, hopefully not the last time swimming with whale sharks. It got pretty sketchy out there. There were moments where I had to dodge two whales trying not to be mistaken as food. I’d definitely do it again.

NEW YEAR SAME ME

I’m pretty happy with the cadence of my grind so everything’s staying the same this year. I’ve got a few exciting projects in the pipeline and can’t wait to show ya’ll.

This new year I opted outside. Me and 10 other friends went camping, hiking, surfing, atv’ing. Lots of cooking and laughter. I’m totally content and blessed to be surrounded by love and light. Happy New Years everyone.

Whales at Morro Bay CA.

I feel like National Geographics.

I didn’t expect to see whales when checking the surf, but these are the wins worth waking up early for. Here’s a family of grey whales feeding just yards from my tent. They’re so majestic and awe-inspiring to watch. What really got me was the entourage of dolphins and seals dancing, racing and picking at their food scraps. It's moments like these that instantaneously change your mood. Mother nature’s so beautiful. Enjoy.

Anywhere and Everywhere

37.0105° N, 122.1944° W W//

Trip Itinerary :  
a. Highway 84 to Alice's for Brunch
b. 84 to Highway 1 to Pescadero
c. Pigeon Point Lighthouse
d. Davenport Pier
e. Whale City Bakery for dinner

I've met two new riding buddies. Khoi Bui and Henry Li (click on thier names to check em out.) Its cool these guys are into photography as well, they're much better than I am, and have far superior gear than I have. We all rode out to Pescadero CA. this weekend, and stopped anywhere and everywhere in between SF and Pigeon Point. Here are the photos I manage to take while distracted by all the fun.  

JUST A MINUTE OF BALI

8.3405° S, 115.0920° E//

Trip Itinerary :  
a. SFO > TAIWAN > BALI
b. 3 day, Canggu (Surf, Dues Ex Machina, Souvenirs) 
c. 2 day, Ubud (Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest)
d. 1 day, Amed (Rice Terrace)
e. 2 day, Tulamben (Diving Ship Wreck)
f. 4 day, Lombok (Backpack Mt Rinjani, Surf Ekas Breaks)

There is so much to say and share about Bali. In short, I want to retire there. I just love everything about the country, the people, and importantly- the surf. Here's a minute of the hundreds of gigs of footage I took in Bali. I'll edit individual events soon. Enjoy this for now. 

Deus Ex Machina in Canggu

8.6478° S, 115.1385° E//

Trip Itinerary :  
a. Canggu, Bali
b. Deus Ex Machina (address)

AKA. TEMPLE OF ENTHUSIAM

If you're into motorcycles and surfing, then you'll love the brand Deus Ex Machina. Founded in Australia. The name translates to "God of Machines" and yes, they build some mean god given surfing and road machines. Unfortunately my hundredaire lifestyle doesn't support a new bike, or board, but since I'm in the neighborhood I grabbed some swag, lunch and drinks at their in store cafe and bar. Check them out if you're in Bali. 

ps. If you dig the art scene. They have an in store art gallery that's always updated. 

pps. If you skate, there is a half pipe in the back near their Moro garage. Check the photos.  

Super Bloom @ Carrizo

Cause of the overwhelming rain fall we had this year, parts of California is experiencing a wild-flower "SUPER BLOOM." The phenomenon will only last another two weeks, so plan a trip to the closest hill of wild flowers near you. Here's a link to a few spots.

Anna and I had planned a backpacking trip through Channel Island National Park with her mom as a birthday gift. Turns out Channel Island charter's are not operating. Conveniently enough, its because of the record rain fall we had this year. We made the best of our situation and went on a day hike at Carrizo Plain to experience this years Super Bloom. Here's a quick edit I made for IG. 

OLD CO-WORKERS, NEW ADVENTURES

As usual, Sunday equals Funday, So I met up with some familiar faces. I use to work with these guys/gals @ Matter Global. We arrived early to catch the clouds blanketing the horizon. I bet it's epic during sunset. I can't believe this place is so close to home, I'll have to ride my motorcycle up here soon. Its one of the places I like to frequent, but feel like I never see it all. There is always something new each time I come. Video coming soon.

Fun At Funston

Just a little drive past Ocean Beach in SF. Depending on which direction you drive on highway 1, is Fort Funston Golden Gate National Conservancy. Primary a dog park, but expect hang gliders, surfers, and your typical SF breeze. The views and hike here is amazing. I would recommend to anyone with a pup. I've known of the park but have never gone, San Mateo has plenty of awesome dog parks so I don't venture into SF much. I'm so happy I did, I like filming on an overcast day. 

Found a Cave @ Calera Valley

Just south of the parking lot where Moonrakers is, is a small dog park and hiking area. While walking bentley I found this cool CAVE!!! I'm not particularly sure what the name of the trail is, but it's a fun and easy one. Definitely check it out next time your're in the Pacifica CA.

In light of exploration. I'm sorry I won't tell you exactly where I found the cave, but if you scale the sea wall a bit. I'm sure you'll run into it. Here is a photo taken from within the cave of my homie Kris. I can imagine a ton of creative photography type things you can do here. Especially when the light is just right. Enjoy.