Ruffo

Earlier today, a Santa Cruz surf legend was sentenced to two years is county jail on drug charges. Anthony Ruffo, who was arguably at the top of his career in the late 80's and early 90's, will be doing time for using and selling meth. This is a hard pill to swallow since the surfer had apparently cleaned up his act in the last year or two. For most individuals, this blow to a reputation could be enough to ruin them, yet I feel that Anthony will return with a even more renewed perspective on life and surfing. I personally saw Ruffo in the water quite a bit this last year, and he seemed to be clean, healthy, and surfing with a new drive. Even on small two foot days, I witnessed Ruffo making huge power turns which I didn't think were possible on such mushy waves. It was enough to make me question my earlier statement of the 80's and 90's being the peak of his career. Although this news is unfortunate and hard for Anthony, his friends, and all other fans, I feel he will be back in full force after he serves his time. I hope Anthony sees the opportunity he has to reflect and respond in a positive way. His influence is already huge in Santa Cruz and beyond, so through this experience he can prove to those around him that drugs are not the answer and that the blessings around us are to great to pass by under the influence of anything. My prayers and support go out to Anthony throughout this process. I can't wait to see you rip again!

Check out the documentary on Ruffo when it comes out if you get the chance... It should be a good one.

goons of doom

Last night I enjoyed a few drinks with friends while listening to some tunes from the goons. My fascination with surfer and artist Ozzie Wright has been something that has been long lasting. After watching the Goons of Doom in Hermosa Beach on Saturday, I was reminded yet again why.... The goons put on an awesome show. It was all fun and good vibes. Although I haven't listened to a lot of their music, the show has encouraging me to put some Goons of Doom on my i-pod. If you haven't heard them before, give it a chance and if you have an opportunity to see them live, do it... You are guaranteed a night of high energy and the sharing laughs with all of the others who have discovered the Goons.

The day trestles died

A week ago I moved from Santa Cruz to the mecca of the surf industry, Costa Mesa California. I have been spending most of my days waking up to an early morning surf session at Newport beach. Although 54th or 56th street have been pretty fun, I quickly have recognized a huge difference in the line-up down here. With a strong local vibe, the surf culture in Santa Cruz has always been something that I didn't necessarily agree with.... However, southern California has helped me to see the need for order in the water. Today, for example, while surfing trestles, I had a encounter with a grom that was more than out of the ordinary for me. After being burned once by the kid, he decided that it would be okay for him to paddle directly in front of me while I was going for a left. When three of his desperate kicks to get in the wave nearly came within a foot of my face and my paddle stroke landed mid way down his back, I decided that this would not be tolerated. As he stood up, the leash of the kid caught my elbow and then slid down me arm and into my hand, as if it was begging me to give it a tug. So I snagged the leash and yanked on it just as he decided to try a bottom turn on the waist high wave. Flying out of the water, he became irate. I could not understand it. The guy who just did whatever he could to disrespect me, was angry that I reacted in such a way. After much arguing, and a small scuffle, the guy continued to tell me how I better not ever come to Santa Barbara or else..... Was this a joke..... SB? I told him that there is etiquette in surfing and he needs to learn about it. Based on his reaction, I think he translated that into, " Go get your friend to try and scare me!" And he did just that... I told both of the guys that disrespect like that will not be tolerated with me but they just didn't get it.

Maybe getting mad at these guys was not the answer... It is not there fault that respect and etiquette are not taught here... I was disappointed in myself when it was all said and done, because I allowed a grom to ruin my session. I guess it is something I need to work on. Being aware and accepting to the fact that Orange County doesn't implement order or structure in the line-up the same way as we do in Santa Cruz.

Recess

Today while at the Santa Cruz spring fling surf contest I was introduced to a steezed out little grom who is doing big things. Olin Borgeson, who is ten years old, took his artistic talents to t-shirts forming his clothing company named after what every kid loves... Recess. The kids personal style was something that immediately caught my attention and when I learned of his company I decided to check out some of his stuff. I was stoked on his shirts and think his blog is definitely worth checking out! Not to mention he shreds on a surfboard and skate... Keep killing it Olin!

So now we're dancing through the garden

Earlier this week my friend showed me this video of the song "The Gardener" by The Tallest Man on Earth. I instantly loved the music, but the video in its entirety is really what captivated me… The video has such a real feeling to it. Every time i watch, I feel like I am right there in the music store…. Like I am just one of those few customers in the store that are pretending to be shopping while being fully engaged in the brilliance of the tallest man on earth.

knost

This past weekend I was reminded of what surfing is all about. So easily i get caught up in the competition of the line-up and the craving for waves that I forget about how special this lifestyle is. All it took for me to be reminded was a 3 day trip with a few buddies and a casual interaction with Alex Knost. While stopping in IV as we arrived in Santa Barbara, my friends and I had the opportunity to sit down and share a few beers with Alex at a little pizza place. His demeanor and authenticity was something that was so rejuvenating. The fact that I think Alex Knost is the raddest longboarder in the world was only a part of the stoke for me. Knost was such a friendly and real person, sharing his experiences and insight on surfing, board shapes and the culture as a whole. His words echoed the truths of car conversation my friends and I had on the way down south. Surfing isn't about being agro or fitting into some mold. Its about being unique and doing things your own way while sharing the experiences surfing offers with those who love it as much as you do. It was so refreshing to be able to sit down with a guy who I look up to as a surfer and see that he was more than willing to share time, space, and a beer with a couple of guys like us.

I was introduced to Tokyo Police Club a few years back by a friend, but never had heard this song. However, I came across it while hanging out at West Coast Camps this summer. It was a song used in my buddy Mikes section in the Hyperlite video Rewritten. The song is sick, but check out Rewritten because the riding makes it that much better.