Blue Edge Magazine April/May 2008 Issue
BC
Story and photos by Jeff Gill
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“Hey, Jeff, what’s that black thing on the beach? It looks like it’s moving.” “It’s a bear,” I said. “I think it’s making a meal out of that dead Humboldt squid we saw before paddling out. I reckon it’ll be a while before it’s safe to get out of the water.” It was my and my friend Steve Hawk’s third day of a wilderness surfing adventure to Nootka Island in British Columbia. We had signed on with Tatchu Surf Adventures and at that moment were enjoying the best surf session of the trip. Out in the lineup with three other guests, I sat in awe of our surroundings. The backdrop of the forest, soaring bald eagles and backlit waves surging through the kelp beds were a visual feast. And now a black bear patrolling the beach put the icing on the cake. But there was one problem. I had come on this trip not only for the surf but also for the photo opportunities. And, a lineup shot with a bear in the foreground was exactly what I had visualized before the trip began. However, like a fool I had left my camera back at camp, and as the sun sank lower into the horizon and the lighting turned ideal for photography, I could only kick myself for leaving it behind. It was the ultimate photo op and I’d missed it. Unfortunately, for me missed photo ops became a recurring theme of the trip, and each time it happened I felt that I had blown the chance to capture the very essence of our adventure. Fortunately, though, in the end I’d realize that I was wrong. Getting to Nootka Island was an adventure in itself. It started with a flight to Vancouver, a two-hour ferry to Vancouver Island, a four-hour drive up the east coast of the island, followed by one-hour boat trip across Nootka Sound. Our host, Clay Hunting, met us for the last leg of the trip — a one-hour drive on a dirt-logging road to the exposed west coast. Clay and his partner, Silva Rautter, bought the property several years ago and literally carved a niche for themselves on this 28-acre beachfront parcel. Using leftover fallen timber from patches of their property that had previously been logged, they hand-milled most of the lumber needed to construct a cozy house. For their guests, Clay built two tree houses among the old-growth cedar and spruce. Each tree house has a deck offering prime ocean views to check the surf. We arrived on an unusually warm and sunny day. After settling in with the other guests — a couple from Scotland and a couple from Australia — Clay took us for a boat tour of the local surf breaks. There wasn’t much surf but the numerous reefs showed potential. We would have to wait a couple days for the forecasted swell to arrive, but there were plenty of diversions. The next morning, most of the crew grabbed their fly rods and headed for a lake that Clay says is fished only a couple times a year — by him. I opted for a hike along a portion of the Nootka Trail with the Scottish couple and our guide, a young surfer from B.C. named Todd. The public 22-mile trail hugs the west coast of Nootka Island alternating through the forest and along the beach. Warnings about the hike are published in trail guides: Rogue waves and tides pose the greatest hazard, you need to be bear savvy to do this hike and many hikers see wolves. Surviving the hike, I noticed a spot up the beach picking up a bit of windswell. Eager to get wet, I suited up in my 4/3, booties and hood, and hiked back up the beach. I discovered the water temperature is not as cold as the typical Californian might think, courtesy of the Kuroshio Current. The Kuroshio transports warm water up from equator past Japan where it merges with the easterly drift of the North Pacific Current. During summer and fall the ocean temperature is not much different than Central California. Along with the current come the flotsam and jetsam — most notably plastic bottles, fishing floats and Styrofoam. Walking back to camp, I picked up a few pieces but soon realized it was drop in the bucket. A few weeks earlier, Silva found a legitimate message-in-a-bottle. We all examined it during dinner that night but couldn’t translate the Japanese writing. I wonder if some poor soul is shipwrecked somewhere in the North Pacific at this moment. The swell arrived as forecasted and we headed out in Clay’s boat to one of his favorite spots called Nuggets. The reef break looked big and closed-out but there were a few waves that appeared makeable. I had brought my camera gear hoping to paddle to shore with a dry bag and shoot from the beach, but the size and power of the swell convinced me this was a bad idea. Another missed photo op. I decided to surf instead and followed Steve and Matt (the Aussie) into the lineup but by the time I got there they had each caught a wave and were getting slammed inside. Soon they were on the beach following Clay’s instructions for this scenario – paddle hard against the current around a big rock to the small cove just to the north where there was a channel providing an escape route. Watching their predicament alone from the lineup, I was starting to get spooked. I lost sight of my two fellow surfers trying to paddle back out, Clay had anchored the boat way out in open ocean, and popping up in the water were bulbs of bull kelp that looked like shrunken skulls. It was time to get out of there. Steve and Matt finally made it back out and agreed it was time to look elsewhere. Clay suggested we take a look at another reef break he’d been checking out but had never surfed. It was hard to judge how good it was by looking at the back of the waves but we were intrigued about christening a never-before-surfed break. We found this spot easier to surf than Nuggets but we were still taking set waves on the head. The medium sized waves were reasonably shaped, but the big sets were closing out. We all caught several, but duck-diving the sets was taking its toll. Recognizing the potential of this place, we vowed to return when the swell was more manageable. After our conquest, Clay gave us the honors to name the spot. (I wonder if he tells this to all his clients?) We decided on “Otters” for obvious reasons. Back at camp that afternoon we came to realize the cleanest surf we’d seen all day was right in front of us. Just a short walk up the beach, the west swell had filled in and glassy head-high rights were wrapping down the reef. The spirit of wilderness surfing had smiled upon us that evening, granting us the black bear sighting, the eagles, a beautiful sunset and shapely non-threatening waves. We awoke the next morning to see the swell had dropped a bit. The spot near camp was small so we decided to head back to Otters where the coast is more exposed to west swell. But first we wanted to check a spot that was publicized in a surf magazine last year when Clay hosted visiting pros, Dane Reynolds and Jamie O’Brien. It’s a heavy reef break with a critical take-off that even the pros took some time adjusting to. Matt, the aggro Aussie, wanted a piece of it and Todd joined him. The spot had photo opportunity written all over it. Unlike Nuggets, there was easy access to the beach and dry reef extended out next to the break providing a side angle into the right-hander. But most important, this angle had the mountains as a background. Along with Matt’s wife, Tori, who was taking video, I took my position at the tip of the dry reef but soon realized it was going to be difficult to get the shot. There was so much white water exploding on the rocks in front of me that it interfered with my line of sight. Plus, I was just short of getting to the angle, which would allow for the dramatic snow covered peaks to be in the background. The green-forested hills would have to suffice. Regardless, I set up and tried to keep the boys in my viewfinder. As expected, they were having difficulty catching waves. After about an hour the only decent shots I had was a lineup shot of an empty wave and another with Todd duck diving through a big set wave. About that time we started to hear strange noises coming from the forest. As it grew louder I looked at Tori. “Wolves howling,” she said. “Sounds like they’re getting closer.” I looked back and saw Clay had moved the boat to our drop-off spot and was waving frantically at us. We hustled over the rocks and quickly climbed inside the boat wondering what the urgency was. It turns out they heard the wolves too but mistakenly thought that Tori and I were yelling for help. By that time, Matt and Todd had surrendered and paddled back to the boat. Another missed photo op. It was time to see what Otters had to offer. Checking it from the boat, the swell was indeed more manageable compared to the previous day. Paddling into the lineup I lucked into an overhead wave without skipping a beat. Our crew had struck gold at this new spot but unfortunately the northwest wind chop filled in before I had my fill. The swell went flat for the last couple days and the weather turned gray and drizzly. While the boys were fly fishing in the local creeks, I was mulling over the fact I would go home without my cover shots. But I had a good book and the wood-burning stove was cranking out the heat. As I sat admiring the view out the window, I realized I let myself get distracted by preconceived visions, by concerns about capturing an image that would define the success of the trip. And I came to realize that sometimes it’s best to forget about those distractions and just live in and embrace the moment for what it is. The morning we were to leave, a storm had passed and residual clouds hovering at the tops of the mountains made for some spectacular scenery. It was the perfect photo op but as I went out on the deck to have a look, I purposely left my camera in its bag.
BE
Feb. Anomaly
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Surf check: Sunday, February 24, 2008, 7:15 a.m. Partly cloudy skies with a sloppy south cheese wind making the lackluster 2’ to 3’ swell look like a washing machine on the agitate cycle. Seems to be a good day for land chores and honey-dos. Meanwhile, out in the Pacific, somewhere between the Mainland and Hawaii, Mother Nature has a different idea: namely, an historic serving of wind and swell that she plans on throwing at us with the surprise and power of a blindside punch. Wound up tighter than a watch spring, the low-pressure system she’s conjured unleashes its might on the Central and South coasts in the blink of an eye. By noon, steady head-high forerunners start peppering the coast. Three hours later, it’s a blitzkrieg, as macking 8’ to 10’ power swells reconstruct the coastline, shutting down Stearn’s Wharf and demonstrating to a few unlucky tourist on the breakwater what a “cleanup set” is. By some accounts, from Rincon to The Ranch, it’s the biggest rideable surf of all time. 1969 included. But as freakish was its arrival was its departure. Less than 12 hours later it’s half the size. By Tuesday, it’s gone. Behold, the February anomaly.BE
Flying High and Laying Low
Spelunking and Zip Lining in the Sierra Foothills
by Michael Cervin
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Tucked in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and less than half a day’s drive from the Central Coast sits Moaning Cavern, a naturally occurring subterranean pit that, for those who want it, dishes out a steady mix of terror and exhilaration. Located just outside the sleepy town of Vallecito, this Gold Country phenomenon is large enough to house the Statue of Liberty and the only spot in the state to offer adrenaline junkies the twin thrills of cave spelunking and zip-lining in a total one-day blowout. A caveat, though: Claustrophobics and those with a fear of heights may want to think twice. I started with the Adventure Trip, a three-hour spelunking excursion that lets you begin one of two ways: either descend into the abyss by stairs (16 stories worth) or by rope. Either way, to start the spelunking you need to get to the bottom of the cavern 165 feet below. I figured I’d have to take the stairs back up when I was finished, so why not rappel down? The first part of the rappel drops 25 feet into the blackness and lands you on a narrow ledge. From there, a manhole-sized opening in the rock curves away from the thin platform so you can’t see the full extent of what you’re about to do, and that’s probably a good thing. I took a deep breath and shimmied down into the opening, pushing off the rock until I was clear of the gap and found myself hanging dead center above the massive cavern. All I can say is if you have issues with heights, this is not the time to remember them. There are no rocks to cling to or nearby ledges on which to cower. It’s just you and a thin piece of rope, a spider on a thread of web 130-feet above the very small looking tourists milling at the bottom of the cave. I was freaked. Too freaked to admire the stalagmites, stalactites and other funky formations that line the cavern walls. My only concern was to hustle my rump to the bottom as fast as I could. Once at the base, I strapped on a hardhat and a miner’s light and followed my guide down a rickety ladder and ever deeper into the dark bowels of the planet. The air down there is a constant 61 degrees, quite humid and scented with a mix of dirt, must, sulphur and an indefinable something that suggested to me a primal connection to the earth. It’s unlike anything I’d ever encountered. With the only light coming from atop my hardhat, for the next two hours I didn’t stand upright. Instead, I’d climbed, crawled, shimmied, twisted, pushed, slid, pulled and slithered my way through a labyrinth of dens and warrens boasting names like Roach Motel, Pancake Squeeze, Meat Grinder and Godzilla’s Nostril. Each presented its own challenge and in time revealed the origin of its name. At first glance, Pancake Squeeze seemed an impossible passage but my guide explained how to wedge and move myself between the two very narrow slabs of granite. All I had to do was lay flat on my back, arms raised, head to one side and somehow in near complete darkness locate the small rock holds on the upper slab, which loomed a mere four inches from my face. All I can say about Pancake Squeeze is that it’s no place for claustrophobics. For Meat Grinder I decided to head in face first but halfway through this cramped stretch of malformed earth the rocks twist and turn and I was forced to contort my body to fit the confines. It was painstakingly slow going as I bent and arched my back to squeeze through the opening only to be delivered to the Meat Grinder’s welcome – a bed of jagged rock. When all was said and done, I learned that spelunking is arduous, challenging, dirty, occasionally painful (I hit my head more times than I could count) and kind of like surfing. That is, the trick to it is to work with your environment and not against it. Because the spiritual experience of letting your body react to what nature presents is what becomes the focus of the trip. At 240 feet below Earth’s crust there’s a rare opportunity to abandon your fears and to get Zen. If you fight it, you’ll be miserable. If you accept it, you’ll have a blast. If going into Moaning Cave induces the terrors then stay above it – high above it — and do the zip lines. Equally fun and thrilling, the twin zips (so you can race your buddy) stretch 1,500-feet long and take about 35 seconds at 40 mph to reach the other side. After comprehensive training you mount a wooden platform located about 30 feet off the ground. Barely visible in a stand of distant trees is the landing platform, a tiny speck that you have to squint at in order to see. “I’m going where?” I asked the guide, who responded with a sadistic grin and slowly began the countdown. Standing so close to the edge of the platform and waiting to step off is the weirdest part of first-time zip lining. No one pushes you or forces you to go. The choice is yours and I’m told more than one person has backed out. I fought off the urge to back out, inhaled deeply, cussed under my breath and in the next instant I was hurling a quarter of a mile along a thin cable above the treetops. My body instinctively tightened. Every muscle group went into protective mode. But then I realized that I was laughing, shouting at the top of my lungs, barely aware of what I was doing. The rush was invigorating — and addictive. I went again. Like in the cramped twisted chutes of the cavern, I’d conquered another one of my fears. Moaning Cavern is a great place to do that.
IF YOU GO Moaning Cavern 5350 Moaning Cave Road Vellecito, CA 866-762-2837 www.caverntours.com Prices for a single zip - $39 The Adventure Trip with rappel - $119 -without rappel - $69 BE
Fitness
How one mans quest for physical fitness takes him on a trail to the soul
Story and Photos by Drew McGill
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“I feel the necessity to push the limits with my body as a contant reminder of what life is. Life is an experience, not a chore.” – Blake Gorey
After dinner one night, my friend, Blake Gorey, talked me into taking the long hike around the lake next to his cabin, a rustic mountain hideaway his aunt and uncle keep in the Sierras. Midway through our hike, an unexpected rainstorm rolled in and forced us to take shelter in a cave. While we waited out the storm we got to talking about his unique life and lifestyle, a mix of movement and adventure fueled by an intense desire for physical challenge. “I just feel the necessity to push the limits of my body as a constant reminder of what life is,” he says. “Because life is an experience, not a chore.” At 21, Blake has already had plenty of experience. A military brat who likes to say his hometown is “nowhere in particular,” he’s lived on both coasts of United States, crossed the Pacific in a sailboat with his father, gone to college, left college, was forced by a Hell Week injury to abandon his dream of becoming a Navy Seal, completed countless triathlons and has at last locked into his passion — ultra-marathon racing. And though his penchant for body-pounding challenges has accrued him some noteworthy finishes – sixth place overall in the Pacific Coast Trail Run 50K Ultra Marathon and a string of age group placing in international triathlons, Blake’s drive doesn’t come from a need for glory. “We have no boundaries unless we set them,” he says. “I want to live a boundary-free life and see where I end up.” It’s this ascetic quality that lends a purity to his focus and his training and ultimately to his life. He carefully monitors his diet and is content, if not adamant about escaping the frantic and materialistic world of the city. As such he spends as much time as possible living and training among the Sierra’s granite canyons and conifers and its gin-clear alpine lakes and streams. Needless to say, he spends countless hours alone but to him it’s far from a lonely existence. “When I stay up all night running or cycling or simply walking by myself and into the day,” he says, “the things in life that seem so customary become extraordinary. Just conversing with another person, no matter how many times you have said hello, becomes an experience. It helps me to enjoy everything life has to offer.” Blake’s daily training routine is formidable. Before filling his Camelbak and lacing up his running shoes or clipping into his bike peddles, he prepares his body – a thing effectively void of fat — with an exhaustive stretching and balancing regimen that looks like a routine from Cirque de Soleil. And though before him then lies hours of mind numbing running or cycling, he always looks eager to at last get out the door and onto the roads and trails. But if Blake’s a glutton for punishment, he’s at least a controlled glutton for punishment. He intuitively knows when to push and to pull back, following a training schedule that is set but not set in stone. “To be a successful endurance athlete you have to want to push your limits,” he says, but adds that constantly pushing too hard can lead to injury and mental fatigue. “I only train when I feel like it, which allows me to lead a normal life and avoid getting burnt out.” A normal life? That’s debatable. Next up for Blake is June’s West Coast 100K, a Northern California ultra-marathon that takes most runners around 24 hours to complete. To the rest of us that’s about as far from normal as a person can get. Yet, for Blake, who’s sojourned back to the Sierras to hone his conditioning within what he considers the perfect training ground, such an event is just another logical step in a life unrestricted by boundary. And, as the storm overhead begins to pass and the rain outside the cave turns to a light mist, he turns to me and says, “It’s time to let it loose, my friend. Are you along for the ride?” BE
Wave
By Terry O'Brien
Photos by David Graham
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You don’t have to travel miles to the mountains to enjoy fly fishing. With California’s miles of accessible, fishable public beaches at your disposal and this brief primer on stalking the seashore with a fly rod you’re only minutes away from enjoying this great outdoor activity. Unlike many mountain streams and lakes, the shoreline means you have no brush or trees to fear during your back cast. Better still, no special, stealthy presentation is necessary. With the possible exception of corbina, your cast – no matter how flailing -- will never spook a surf fish. Equipment is standard fly gear: a fly rod and reel, fly line and backing, stripping basket, and during the colder months, waders. The correct equipment is somewhat of a personal preference. I use an eight-weight, nine-foot rod and fast sinking weight forward fly line. This suffices for everything I encounter in the surf. As with all fly fishing gear, prices for equipment varies from reasonable to off-the-scale. It’s your call but if you want to save money I suggest you don’t do it on fly line or the waders. Trust me, go cheap on these and you’ll likely regret it. There are a wide variety of flies recommended for our local surf fishing conditions. The most popular is the Clauser, of which there are numerous available styles and colors, but anything of the red variety works best due to surf fish’s insatiable appetite for sand crab roe. The most effective technique involves casting and retrieving the fly with short jerks and returning the line to the stripping basket. Long casts are not that important. Most fish are caught close to the shore break where the wave stirs the sand and exposes the natural foods that dwell below -- sand crabs, small shrimp, bloodworms and other small sea life. Cast beyond this zone and strip back through it. As for where to fish just think structure, structure, structure. Walk a potential area of beach at low tide looking for any unusual deviations such as holes, channels, small rock piles, etc. Kelp on the surface means rocks are below. Fish hide in and around rocks. Also, look for sand crab beds which are detectable by a slightly dimpled surface on the sand or the tell-tale V they leave behind when receding water runs over them. Remember these spots as there will be fish in them when the tide returns and covers them back up. Best fishing time is either on the incoming or outgoing part of the high tide, usually an hour or so either way. My best success has been early evening until dark. Fishing soon after a storm or high-surf usually means you’ll be snagging a lot of weeds. (You’ll know what I mean soon after your first cast.) If you can’t avoid the weeds and find a clean patch of water, it’s best to come back another day as you will be spending most of your time clearing your fly and line of the unwelcome debris. Also, avoid strong currents, as they tend to wash your fly perpendicular to the beach and make for a frustrating and unproductive outing. As for your quarry, the most abundant fish you’ll catch will be the barred surfperch. Surfperch can exceed three pounds but for the most part you’ll land them in the one-and-a-half-pound range. Don’t let the small size fool you -- a one-pound barred perch in the surf on a fly rod is very exciting. Although much smaller, Walleye perch are also very abundant. They tend to school and provide excellent and continuous action. The corbina may be the most sought after species and absolutely the most difficult to hook and land. They swim in very shallow water and are spooked easily. Corbina are most abundant in the summer months and pound-for-pound are one of the best fighting fish for their size you will ever encounter. I’ve taken them up to three pounds and hear they can grow as large as five pounds. Since all of these fish are considered a bit on the unsavory side as far as table fare (very bony), I highly encourage catch and release. Most fly fishermen practice this policy. And lastly, a word about safety. Waders don’t mean you have to go into deep water. Strong currents can take you off your feet and get you in trouble in a hurry. Remember that most of the fish are close to shore and getting in no deeper than knee-high or less will probably get you more fish. There are some fishing vests available that include inflatable devices and could save you in a sticky situation. Always try to fish with a buddy especially in the more remote and rougher locations. Tight lines! BE
BE News
Fluid Earth News - New “Green” Fin Boxes:Better for the Board and the Environmentby Henry Swales
Longboard fin boxes have been made from the same material for over thirty years. It’s about time the standard longboard fin box be taken to the next level, and Fluid Earth® has done just that. Fluid Earth®’s 10” longboard fin boxes may look similar to other boxes, but they are stronger and grip the fin tighter to deliver a noticeably improved responsiveness in the board. They also provide better adhesion to both epoxy and polyester resins creating a more durable bond and overall stronger surfboard. Fluid Earth® manufactures their fin boxes from a patent-pending recyclable composite developed specifically for surfboard fins and components. The resin used in their proprietary composite is comprised of a minimum of 50% plant derived material, creates 34% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to similar petroleum based resins, and uses 32% less fossil fuels to produce. Fluid Earth®’s longboard fin boxes are close in weight to other fin boxes and install using the same methods and tooling. They perform better, improve board strength, and reduce environmental impact. They can be purchased at a growing number of retailers, or online at: www.fluidearth.org. Board builders and distributors should send an email to info@fluidearth.org for more information and to sample a product that will truly speak for itself. Surfers; demand your next board be made with a Fluid Earth fin box and leash plug! Fluid Earth® designs and manufactures their quality surf components in San Luis Obispo, California. Fluid Earth® participates in carbon offsetting through Carbonfund.org, and is a member of 1% For The Planet. For more information on Fluid Earth® environmentally friendly products go to: info@fluidearth.org Photo courtesy Fluid Earth
Morro Bay Rock - Protecting the Protected AreasBy Joey Racano - Morro Rock Photo by Joey Racano/State Marine Reserve Arial Photo by B.K. Richard
For centuries, Morro Bay Rock has been a landmark for sailors and a breathtaking monolith for tourists. Now, in the face of recent events, the rock might also be a bellwether for the health and future of our oceans. First, some back story: In 1999, faced with collapsing fisheries, shriveling ocean-based economies and public pressure, the California Legislature passed the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) mandating the creation of a series of Marine Protected Areas along the coast of California. The idea behind the act was to identify marine or estuarine areas still ecologically intact, and designate them as such. This affords them varying levels of protection from fishing, pollution and other disturbances, which would allow their bounty to regenerate and spread to nearby areas. The process seems to work, attested to by the fact that fishermen like to fish next to Marine Protected Areas. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger subsequently signed the MLPA into law and on April 13, 2007, the California Fish & Game Commission released its official map of Central Coast Marine Protected Areas, included among them is the Morro Bay Estuary. And in January of this year, the Morro Bay Estuary moved up even further on the eco-sanctuary scale when it was named a State Marine Preserve, a designation that gives it the highest level of protection of any Marine Protected Area. Or so it is written. Enter San Luis Obispo’s California Men’s Colony and its long history of spilling sewage into nearby Chorro Creek, a seasonal waterway that purges itself into the now fully protected Morro Bay Estuary. On January 27 at around 4:10 in the afternoon, the Colony spilled 20,000 gallons of raw sewage into Chorro Creek, which, like many times before, found its way into the estuary. But, unlike the many times before, this spill was now in direct violation of state law and represented the state’s first test at dealing with and punishing violators. Throughout California, activists and shepherds of Marine Protected Areas eagerly awaited the precedent-setting fallout, which in the end amounted to a proverbial slap on the wrist when the Colony was fined a paltry $40,000 for its actions. What’s more alarming is that the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Enforcement Chief Harvey Packard has since stated said that the MPA violation was not even considered when the prison was fined. Say what? Perhaps the board is reluctant to set a precedent but in doing so it’s shirking its duties and in turn its failure to prosecute under the guidelines of the law will jeopardize the effectiveness of the MLPA process. It seems, one way or the other, a precedent is indeed being set. As one Central Coast newspaper headline recently proclaimed, “Marine Reserves Take Effect as World Watches.” Let’s give them something worth watching.
Naples - New Development Rights Resolution PassesThe Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted to initiate a program for transferring development rights (TDR) from the proposed housing project at the Naples property on the Gaviota Coast to appropriate urban areas under county jurisdiction as well as municipalities in the South Coast that voluntarily elect to participate in the program. Vintage Properties of Orange County proposes to build between 54 to 72 large houses, plus guest houses and assorted accessory buildings, on the Naples property, located on the Gaviota Coast two miles west of the City of Goleta. This number of homes and suburban development on the rural Gaviota Coast conflicts with numerous county policies and regulations. The Naples Coalition seeks to maintain and protect the rural character of the Naples property on the Gaviota Coast. The 485-acre Naples property (formally known as Santa Barbara Ranch) is two miles west of the Goleta city boundary on the gateway to the Gaviota Coast. Although the land is zoned for agriculture with 100-acre minimum parcels, the county has recognized as many as 219 much smaller lots based on an 1888 “antiquated subdivision” purporting to subdivide the property. Vintage Communities, an Orange County development company, has an application pending with the county of Santa Barbara to build from 54 to 72 large luxury houses on this rural agricultural land. In recognition of these conflicts, Coastal Land Use Policy 2-13 states: “The County shall encourage and assist the property owner(s) in transferring development rights from the Naples town site to an appropriate site within a designated urban area which is suitable for residential development.” The Board of Supervisors found that a Transfer of Development Rights program should be initiated to transfer as much development from the Naples property as is possible. The Naples Coalition crafted a proposed detailed protocol, submitted to the county for its consideration, for a fair and effective TDR program that requires the owner’s participation, respects the owner’s economic interest, establishes economic benchmarks to measure the program’s performance, and allows for sufficient time for program to operate successfully. A TDR program with these characteristics is the best hope for preserving the rural character of the Naples property. Unfortunately, the county declined to consider the coalition’s program, and adopted instead a TDR program that is entirely under the control of the developer. A Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program is new to Santa Barbara County, although TDR programs are successfully functioning throughout the United States and are available as models. The Naples Coalition feels that a solidly and effectively constructed TDR program could be an important tool to allow the county and voluntarily participating cities to preserve open space, agriculturally productive land, and environmentally sensitive habitat. The development at Naples, at the eastern gateway to the Gaviota Coast, is the most complex project being considered in Santa Barbara County. This project threatens to destroy the longstanding efforts of local landowners, concerned citizens, and NGOs, to maintain the working rural landscape of the Gaviota Coast. Visit the Naples Coalition website at www.savenaples.org
Photo: Naples Coast.jpg
Image: Naples Coalition logo.jpg
Outrigger News - It’s “ i luna imua” for Santa Barbara and Ventura Outrigger Canoe Clubs ‘08 Race Season Kicks-Off May 10 in San Diego
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“Rise and go forward” or in Hawaiian “i luna imua” is the call that will be heard from San Diego to Avila Beach as the 2008 Outrigger Canoe racing season begins May 10 in San Diego. Two local clubs to keep an eye on are Ventura’s Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club and the Santa Barbara Outrigger Canoe Club, which bases itself out of West Beach. The intense race schedule includes three different classes: The Ironman features races ranging from 10 to14 miles long with the paddlers maintaining a cadence of 60 to 70 or more strokes per minute without stopping. The Sprint Races feature events of 4 to 6 laps or more around a quarter-mile straight course that requires turning the sleek 44-foot long canoes on a dime around designated flags. The Nine Man Change Races, considered the most exciting events of the season, average 15 to 32 miles in duration and involves a revolving crew of nine paddlers per canoe. Throughout the course of a race, paddlers rotate in and out of the canoe via a “bail out” system that requires them to exit and enter the boat from open water. The tricky relay-style component lends another element to the sport and plays a vital role in a team’s success. The highlight of the nine-man season is the United States Championships being held September 6 and 7 in Newport Beach. The women paddlers will race from Newport Harbor to Descanso Beach on Catalina Island on Saturday (approx. 27 miles) and the men’s teams will return to Newport on Sunday ending their race at Newport Dunes (approx. 32 miles). In addition to the regular SCORA scheduled races, individual paddlers and teams from southern California area clubs participate in outrigger competitions around the globe including the Hawaiian islands, Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South America, and Western Europe. Some of these races include the Grand Waikoloa Canoe Race, the Queen Lili’uokalani Long Distance Canoe Race, the Rio Va’a Race in Rio de Janeiro, the Hamilton Cup in Australia, the Gorge race in Canada, the world championship of outrigger canoe racing - the Na Wahine O Ke Kai women’s race and the Moloka’i Ho’e men race where teams from around the world compete in outrigger canoes from the island of Moloka’i to the island of Oahu covering 41 miles of open ocean across the Kaiiwi Channel.
LOCAL OUTRIGGER CLUBS
Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club
Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club strowas established in 1989 and is Ventura’s only competitive outrigger canoe club. It has a diverse membership of more than 50 paddlers and offers competitive paddling for all ages and abilities. Practices are now under way for the 2008 season, with training taking place three times a week in the Ventura Harbor and on open ocean. Head Coach Vaughn Colasanti says “Ventura Harbor is a great place for practice. Even when the conditions don’t allow us to leave the harbor, we have plenty of room for an effective workout”. Consistent training helped Hokuloa to a winning season in 2007, and members are eager to bring home even more awards for 2008. The highlight of the club’s season takes place each June when it hosts the Ventura Channel Challenge, a 12-mile Ironman race out of Ventura Harbor. Says club President Brynn Reedy, “It is always a great day at the beach, and we are planning to have a Hawaiian band and hula dancers at this year’s event.” The Ventura Channel Challenge is schedule for June 7. For more information about the event and/or joining the Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club, go to: www.hokuloaoutrigger.com
Santa Barbara Outrigger Canoe Club
Established in the 1982, Santa Barbara Outrigger Canoe Club has a membership of approximately 100 athlete paddlers and has recently recruited more than 25 new novice paddlers this season alone. The club offers a competitive racing program with teams competing in outrigger canoe races both locally and internationally traveling to such places as Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Co-Head Coaches Debbie Miles-Dutton and Carol Shick each possess over 22 years in paddling, coaching and competition. Rene Saragosa, President and Men’s Coach for Santa Barbara Outrigger Canoe Club has been paddling for 17 years and coaching for the last 3 years. Many of SBOCC’s team members have been with the club for at least 10 years or longer. The club began practices March 8 and will continue throughout the season until the U.S. Championships in September. The club continues paddling after the regular race schedule in order to keep a competitive edge in the off-season. The women practice Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:15 p.m. until dark and on Saturday mornings. The men’s team practices Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. until dark and also on Saturday mornings. SBOCC hosts the California Outrigger State Sprint Championships every year and is the club’s biggest fundraiser. There is always a great time to be had for paddlers and spectators alike with great food and good music and a Hawaiian/Polynesian flair surrounding the day’s festivities. The State Championships will be held July 26 at Leadbetter Beach. SBOCC is always looking for new members as well as experienced paddlers to join its exciting and competitive paddling team. For more information, go to: www.sbocc.org BE
Profile
Jaime Hannula age 19, San Luis Obispo
Interview by Dan Hamlin - Photo by Dez Cobb
The San Luis Obispo area has produced some very talented surfers over the years, though for the most part it’s been the male surfers who’ve gotten all the attention. But there are plenty of talented females out in the line-ups these days, and Jaime Hannula is quickly making a name for herself among them. With a semi-final finish in the first pro contest she entered, she has proven she can compete with the best. Jaime’s talent and determination will take her far, not only in surfing but also in whatever she decides to pursue in life.
How did you get started surfing?
My dad took me out for the first time at Morro Rock one summer. He made me paddle next to him out to Bird$#!* rock. I didn’t surf that time, but it was the first time I was in the ocean on a board. I loved it so much, that he started taking me to Pismo on the weekends.
What’s your favorite wave?
Jalama and Lowers. But nothing is better than Jalama in the summertime. It’s my happy place! Have you been able to travel for surfanywhere? This last year was the first time I started traveling for surfing. I’ve gone to the North Shore a couple of times, Costa Rica, Mexico, Virginia, and the Outer Banks. Being from the Central Coast kind of turns you into a road warrior. My friends and I always drive north and south every weekend. I know California really, really well…from San Francisco to San Diego!
Where have you scored waves in your travels?
I got really good waves in Costa Rica and Hawaii. But I’ve probably scored my best waves in California since I am here the most. Though think when you surf in warm water the waves automatically seem better.
Tell me about your first pro contest.
It was last year at Huntington. It was the Vans 2 star QS’. I was super, super nervous because I had just gotten on Fox and the rest of my sponsors were there, too. Plus some people from home were watching online, so I wanted to do well. I felt like I drank four cups of coffee or something because I was so jittery. It was a smaller contest, but I made it to the semis, which was exciting because that was the money round.
What do you like to do besides surf?
I love fashion and hair. I shop too much and I change my hair too often. If I didn’t surf I would probably want to design clothes. I also love any kind of adventure. Most days feel incomplete if something weird doesn’t happen. Who influences you in life?
My dad, Robbie and Randal (the owners of Esteem Surf Company), and the whole Hoagies Grill crew in Pismo all influence me. These people are all so supportive and have my back no matter what. They also all keep me grounded and help me remember what’s important.
Do you prefer books or films? Do you have any favorites?
I used to say films, but I don’t have a TV anymore so now its books. Although I am still addicted to the TV show Lost.
Any plans for the future?
I have two years of college under my belt and I plan on going back to school in the next year to finish up with my degree. I want to keep traveling, surfing, and place well in a couple of contests.
Any parting words?
Eat at Hoagies Grill in Pismo Beach. It’s the only place the locals go and everywhere else is a tourist trap.
Sponsors: FOX , Adio Footwear, Smith Optics, Esteem Surf Company, and OS3 Skateboards. BE
Spencer Regan age 18, VenturaInterview and photo by Jason Wolcott
Ventura could be one of the hardest places on earth to make it as a pro surfer these days. There is just so much to live up to with surfers like Dane Reynolds, Timmy and Nathaniel Curran, Adam Virs, Sean Hayes, Keoni Cuccia, and the Malloys setting the bar so high. Spencer Regan is quickly being added to the list of amazing surfers coming out of Ventura County. With a mix of aggressive in the pocket surfing and progressive aerials he is catching the eyes of the areas surf photographers. At 18 years of age, he will be one of the top surfers in the area if he stays focused on his goals. I caught up with spencer after a session and asked this rising talent some serious questions, and some not so serious.
How old were you when you started surfing?
12
How did you get into surfing?
My dad has been a surfer his whole life, so he pretty much got me into it. Today there are many ways to make a living in the sport. Some guys are paid just to appear in photos and videos while others are after a spot on the world championship tour.
Where do you see yourself fitting in?
I would definitely say photo and video parts because I enjoy that more than the thought of groveling on the QS for years trying to hopefully someday get that spot. That doesn't really appeal to me as of now.
Who do you look up to in surfing?
Tom Curren is my biggest influence, he is a legend, a true waterman and he has the best style ever. I also look up to guys like Joel Parkinson, Taj Burrow, Bobby Martinez,, and the whole VTA crew, Purps, Virs, Malloys, Ryan Peterson, and Dane Reynolds.
I know you are friends with Tom Curren, has he passed on any tips about surfing or a carrier in surfing?
He has basically told me to make sure and never lose the fun in surfing and stay as focused as possible.
Where did you grow up?
I started surfing on the south side of Kauai when I was 12 where I lived for two years. Then I moved to Ventura which is where I have grown up surfing.
Describe the way you surf?
I surf like myself. I try to be as smooth and technical as possible and I love trying new tricks.
I know you are very competitive, who is your biggest rival?
I don't really have any rivals. I just try and worry about myself and not what other people are doing.
What type of waves do you think are best for your style?
Definitely right hand pointbreaks, they are my favorite kind of waves to surf and that's where I think I surf best.
I heard you are a musician, what do you play?
I have been playing the drums ever since I was in diapers. My parents used to set up pots and pans on the kitchen floor so I could bang on them when I was a mini grom.
Have you traveled much for surf?
Yeah I have been to Australia twice, El Salvador, Hawaii, Mexico, and all over the United States.
Where was your best trip?
Definitely OZ. Gold Coast for six weeks with all my friends.
Where do you see surfing going in the next 10 years?
I Just want to be successful doing something that I love.
Who is the best grom around?
There are a lot of them but my favorites are Luke Davis, the Coffin Brothers, Andrew Doheny, and Kalohe Andino.
Who are you riding for?
Globe, Hoven, OAM, Vestal, One Way Boardshop, and Channel Islands Surfboards.
Any words for kids coming up as surfers?
Stay Focused, Make sure you have as little distractions in your life as possible, and don't get into the party scene.
Words to live by?
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
5 favorite movies?
Searching For Tom Curren, Flow, The Departed, Remember The Titans, Superbad.
5 favorite bands?
Incubus, Zero 7, The Police, Bob Marley, 2Pac.
Favorite line from a movie?
"I am McLovin"...Superbad BE
Last Wave
By Dr. Warren PatchCartoon by Jerry King
My 3-year-old son, Elliott, was all excited about our first family trip south of the border into Mexico. “Are we there yet?” he began to ask within five minutes of leaving home. “Are we there yet?” “No, we’re still here,” I would respond. When we reached the border and were about to cross the line, I pointed out the sign across the top of the gateway — M-E-X-I-C-O — in red, white, and green letters. “Mexico!” exclaimed Elliott’s older brother, Aaron, who is 5. Twenty minutes later we were parked in front of our Baja Beach Trailer. After off-loading our supplies, we decided to walk to the nearest restaurant, Las Mañanitas, because it was already late in the evening and we didn’t feel like cooking. As we strolled and stumbled in the dark along the uneven dirt frontage of the old, two-lane, blacktop highway, Elliott announced, “Now, we’re Mezicoin’.” Dinner was an exotic affair for my two young sons. The ceiling was thatched palm leaves, the tables and chairs were old, heavy wood. There was a fire burning in the open fireplace in the middle of the room, and the waiter spoke Spanish. Miraculously, Dad answered him back in Spanish. (Of course, my two older daughters, Desiree, 13, and Robin, 16, were all the while correcting my improper usage.) We ate Mexican food and for dessert we had caramel crepes that were prepared right at our table. As the waiter performed his magic show, flames leaped right out of the frying pan and you could see a reflected twinkle in the boys’ eyes. The crepes came out warm, sweet and delicious with whipped cream and cherries on top. Mmm. Mexico was quickly becoming a favorite experience for my little guys. The next day we headed to the beach for some boogie boarding. You ever try putting a wetsuit on a 3-year old? I recommend using the plastic grocery bag trick: First you put the bag over the hand or foot, then, you thread it through the wetsuit. This way the fabric doesn’t grab the child’s tiny limbs and bunch-up. They slide through like they’re Teflon-coated. (It works well for big guys too.) “What happens if I stand up?” Elliott asked me, as I tugged the legs and sleeves up over his hands and feet. He had been asking me this same question for a week. “What happens if I stand up?” And, just like all the other times that he had asked me, I said, “Well, you go faster and you can make turns.” “But, will I be a surfer dude?” “Oh, ha ha. Yes, of course. Of course, you’ll be a surfer dude.” We walked down the steep dirt trail from the parking area at Bustops — two little boys in matching yellow-striped wetsuits, and me with two boogie boards slung over my shoulder by their leashes. The waves at the black lava sand beach were too strong for little guys, so we stayed on the wet sand skirting the edges of the white water. Aaron is a naturally cautious boy and very alert to danger, so he wanted no part of the mean, dirty-churning shore break. He stayed on higher ground, playing in the sand. But not Elliott. Little Elliott-the-Daredevil got bolder and bolder as he flitted around the edges of the undulating foam. He chased one outgoing wave down the steep beach, dropped his boogie board on the wet sand, and, clutching the leash, stood upon it in a low-squat surfer crouch. As the next big blast of whitewater came charging back in, he didn’t back off. I could see that the incoming wave was about to knock him end-over-end in what would probably be his last brave act of the summer, so I put my foot down on the tail end of the board without him knowing. The rush of whitewater got under the board, lifted it up with little rider in his speed crouch, and there he was skimming at what must have seemed to him to be a 100 miles-an-hour. Then he fell off. He only tumbled once before I had him by the elbow and pulled him up out of the water. “Daddy, you saved me.” “Yep. I did, son. That’s why daddy is standing close, watching you.” This scenario was played over-and-over. The waves rushed in, knocked him off, tumbled him in the water, and either he would stand up by himself or I would lift him back onto his feet. But sometimes he stayed on. Eventually, he got too cold so we retreated from the water’s edge and joined Aaron who was on higher ground building sand castles. I watched them with a happy tear in my eye as they did all of the things that little boys do: They chased seagulls and threw rocks. They inspected the seaweed on the beach, poked at dead animals, and investigated the tide pools. By the end of the day Elliott was completely sandy — right down to the hair follicles on his scalp. As we walked back up to the car to go back to our trailer for a hot shower, Elliott turned to the Mexican surf camp landlord and pointing to his proud little chest with his tiny thumb, he proclaimed, “Now, I’m a surfer dude.” BE
