After 7 hours of editing...my first HD video production. Jaws is the perfect subject.
Tip Your Instructor
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
What is Style?
Over the next couple of weeks I am going to try to answer the question: What is style? I have no picture of video so I am starting from scratch. Every one who rides a board must eventually come across this question. Do I have style? Well, I am about to embark on a quest to find style around Kitebeach. Aloha and Good Luck
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Winter Rules
Big Style
Throw It
BTA
and another...
Well, for a couple of days we had some wind, not much but some. Winter rules are in full effect. Basically, winter rules amount to this: the wind may be good, but at any moment it may drop, and I mean to nothing...so be prepared for a swim or long marinade. During the winter months we are also stacked with swells four and five deep. The inside and the Pro Pool are usually shadowed, so there is limited action. On lucky days, we can get great action on the inside, but the reality is, all real action is on the outside on the outer reefs. This was a couple of days ago and some visiting kids and Cruiser were throwing down in the pool. I got some great shots, the video will be out soon. The forecast calls for three really good days in a row, so remember the rules. Aloha and Good Luck
Throw It
BTA
and another...
Well, for a couple of days we had some wind, not much but some. Winter rules are in full effect. Basically, winter rules amount to this: the wind may be good, but at any moment it may drop, and I mean to nothing...so be prepared for a swim or long marinade. During the winter months we are also stacked with swells four and five deep. The inside and the Pro Pool are usually shadowed, so there is limited action. On lucky days, we can get great action on the inside, but the reality is, all real action is on the outside on the outer reefs. This was a couple of days ago and some visiting kids and Cruiser were throwing down in the pool. I got some great shots, the video will be out soon. The forecast calls for three really good days in a row, so remember the rules. Aloha and Good Luck
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Jaws: Reloaded
Drop and Go
www.petermcgowanphotography.com
So, I too have a major infatuation with the big waves, where they come from and if they are being ridden. The fun story about last weeks Jaws adventure was picking up one of the local kids at Haiku Community center. Jenny, my wife works at Honolua Surf Co. and one of the local boys, Issac Stant, needed a ride down to Jaws. We picked him up at 6:15 and brought him to the cliff. The best part was, he had a bunch of friends out on a boat, and a ski waiting for him. Basically, he climbed down the cliff, and swam out through the hell pound and got to the boat. Well, almost, the boat was full, so they chucked him a PFD and he floated around for an hour. Then around 10am or so he got on the boat then later had his turn to drop in some bombs; only in Maui. Aloha and Good Luck
www.petermcgowanphotography.com
So, I too have a major infatuation with the big waves, where they come from and if they are being ridden. The fun story about last weeks Jaws adventure was picking up one of the local kids at Haiku Community center. Jenny, my wife works at Honolua Surf Co. and one of the local boys, Issac Stant, needed a ride down to Jaws. We picked him up at 6:15 and brought him to the cliff. The best part was, he had a bunch of friends out on a boat, and a ski waiting for him. Basically, he climbed down the cliff, and swam out through the hell pound and got to the boat. Well, almost, the boat was full, so they chucked him a PFD and he floated around for an hour. Then around 10am or so he got on the boat then later had his turn to drop in some bombs; only in Maui. Aloha and Good Luck
Friday, January 21, 2011
A little teaser: Peahi at Sunrise
OK: My wife filmed this with her little camera. Just some fun footage of the day. Getting up at 5:15 and getting down there to find a good spot to film took it out of me. I whipped this one out for her site mauiwatergirls.com. I had a great vantage point for my HD footage. The wind and surf are going to great all weekend long. I will try to have the Maui Mini Movie of Jaws in a day or two. Aloha and Good Luck
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Jaws: The Big Wave Arena
Here it comes: As of this moment 20ft at 21 seconds
An exceptionally powerful storm erupted late last weekend in the area east of Japan. The low pressure system occluded and grew to fill most of the northwestern North Pacific while setting up a broad and long fetch aimed very well toward our islands. It appears that the system has peaked in intensity and will slowly fade over the next few days but the swell should continue to pump out through the rest of the week. This long-lived swell will easily reach well over warning levels on Kaua`i but will fade a lot by the time it reaches Maui since it will be refracted by our neighbor islands. Surf exceeding 15 foot on the face should not be out of the question though, so please use your best judgment before paddling out. The sets will be intense with numerous waves in each set. Looking further out, another low is forecast to develop just east of Japan on Friday. Since the storm will be working on existing seas leftover from the monster, we could see another round of nice west-northwest to more northwesterly swell arriving Monday.
In other words, there is going to be great wind and great waves for the next week. Aloha and Good Luck
An exceptionally powerful storm erupted late last weekend in the area east of Japan. The low pressure system occluded and grew to fill most of the northwestern North Pacific while setting up a broad and long fetch aimed very well toward our islands. It appears that the system has peaked in intensity and will slowly fade over the next few days but the swell should continue to pump out through the rest of the week. This long-lived swell will easily reach well over warning levels on Kaua`i but will fade a lot by the time it reaches Maui since it will be refracted by our neighbor islands. Surf exceeding 15 foot on the face should not be out of the question though, so please use your best judgment before paddling out. The sets will be intense with numerous waves in each set. Looking further out, another low is forecast to develop just east of Japan on Friday. Since the storm will be working on existing seas leftover from the monster, we could see another round of nice west-northwest to more northwesterly swell arriving Monday.
In other words, there is going to be great wind and great waves for the next week. Aloha and Good Luck
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Rainbow Bridge: Maui kiters, windsurfers and surfers
Can we all get along?
Ho'okipa and Lanes the Rainbow Bridge
It seems the theme of this weeks blog is diversity. Last week we had Kona's and a dropping swell. This only means one thing....Nasty old Lanes. As the rain passed, the wind picked up and the windsurfers and kiters came out. As the long lines stacked into Lanes, the right at the Point broke too. The Point, the west end break of Ho'okipa , was crackling. The Kona's turned side off creating a sick pitting barrel. On the right hand side of the cliff, surf photographers grabbed some shots as the boys got some tube time. A salty favoured rainbow popped out of the cliff revealing tube ride after tube ride. Flipping the coin, windsurfers Kai Lenny and Bob Naish shared the Lanes peak with Steve Sadler and an unknown Brazilian ripper. There was an entourage of windsurfing pro's, soul kiters and ripping surfers blanketing the blue waterways. Two things of note: The kiter taking out Kai Lenny's sail and the windsurfer rescuing the kiters board. Can we all get along? Aloha and Good Luck
Peter and Sam Catch some shots
www.petermcgowanphotography.com/
Kona Wednesday
Ho'okipa and Lanes the Rainbow Bridge
It seems the theme of this weeks blog is diversity. Last week we had Kona's and a dropping swell. This only means one thing....Nasty old Lanes. As the rain passed, the wind picked up and the windsurfers and kiters came out. As the long lines stacked into Lanes, the right at the Point broke too. The Point, the west end break of Ho'okipa , was crackling. The Kona's turned side off creating a sick pitting barrel. On the right hand side of the cliff, surf photographers grabbed some shots as the boys got some tube time. A salty favoured rainbow popped out of the cliff revealing tube ride after tube ride. Flipping the coin, windsurfers Kai Lenny and Bob Naish shared the Lanes peak with Steve Sadler and an unknown Brazilian ripper. There was an entourage of windsurfing pro's, soul kiters and ripping surfers blanketing the blue waterways. Two things of note: The kiter taking out Kai Lenny's sail and the windsurfer rescuing the kiters board. Can we all get along? Aloha and Good Luck
Peter and Sam Catch some shots
www.petermcgowanphotography.com/
Kona Wednesday
Monday, January 17, 2011
Jaws: SUP vs Tow-In
Stand-up, get towed or paddle out
Tow advantage: High speed line
SUP going exit stage left
Mega cutback
Second drop into the west bowl
Paddle in seriously
Understanding difficult
Ok...Lately, I have posted a lot about SUP and it seems less about kiting. Well, as the Kitebeach Report evolves, it diversifies. It just so happens right outside of KB is the Boneyard and Lowers, both fantastic SUP spots. As the wind dies away, the SUP's come for a spin around the reef. In the last couple of weeks, I, like many others, have joined in the fun. There have definitely been some words being said and a couple of blows have been thrown. A little blood has been spilled, but like every other conflict, people have a hard time excepting newness. Longboarders complaining about SUPs; this is ironic because I remember not so long ago short boarders complaining about longboarders. Still, everyone had a good time. Now, the conflict has reached into a new arena: Jaws. SUPers staked out this particular swell and caught some bombs going left at the notorious break. Also, there were 3 regular surfers who braved the cliff with their elephant guns making the perilous paddle-out to the lineup. This put the tow guys in a peculiar situation: they have to be aware of paddle-in guys, the SUPs and the other tows. Report's suggest that line-up is no longer defined by the usual circumstances. Yet, everyone caught some bombs and it was a great show. For us everyday mortals, newer and different styles of using the ocean seems to be continuously changing. This truly is a dream for the ocean lover. The forecast for Thursday is much bigger, longer period and a better direction, so get ready! "If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it." ~Mary Engelbreit
Aloha and Good Luck
photographs: http://www.petermcgowanphotography.com
Tow advantage: High speed line
SUP going exit stage left
Mega cutback
Second drop into the west bowl
Paddle in seriously
Understanding difficult
Ok...Lately, I have posted a lot about SUP and it seems less about kiting. Well, as the Kitebeach Report evolves, it diversifies. It just so happens right outside of KB is the Boneyard and Lowers, both fantastic SUP spots. As the wind dies away, the SUP's come for a spin around the reef. In the last couple of weeks, I, like many others, have joined in the fun. There have definitely been some words being said and a couple of blows have been thrown. A little blood has been spilled, but like every other conflict, people have a hard time excepting newness. Longboarders complaining about SUPs; this is ironic because I remember not so long ago short boarders complaining about longboarders. Still, everyone had a good time. Now, the conflict has reached into a new arena: Jaws. SUPers staked out this particular swell and caught some bombs going left at the notorious break. Also, there were 3 regular surfers who braved the cliff with their elephant guns making the perilous paddle-out to the lineup. This put the tow guys in a peculiar situation: they have to be aware of paddle-in guys, the SUPs and the other tows. Report's suggest that line-up is no longer defined by the usual circumstances. Yet, everyone caught some bombs and it was a great show. For us everyday mortals, newer and different styles of using the ocean seems to be continuously changing. This truly is a dream for the ocean lover. The forecast for Thursday is much bigger, longer period and a better direction, so get ready! "If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it." ~Mary Engelbreit
Aloha and Good Luck
photographs: http://www.petermcgowanphotography.com
Friday, January 14, 2011
Sprout and Bore
This video is sent from my buddy Albert, one of my students in Alaska doing the stand-up paddle on the tidal bore. I love to see the stoke of surfing reaching it's way all the to our cold cousin to the north.
Albert shot me this e-mail, "Check it out. I'm feeling this 10 seconds is probably as close as I'll get to my '15 minutes'. I'm in the video one over from the closest guy on the shot taken on the wave."
Cook Inlet, east of Anchorage, extends inland, it splits into the Turnagain Arm and the Knik Arm. The Turnagain Arm runs east/west and is 10 miles wide, narrowing to almost nothing over the course of 40 miles where it meets Twentymile River.
Everyday, each one us loves the ride. It is truly a special blessing that has been bestowed upon us. Don't kid, it's all about the ride. I read recently, "So while you are tethered I can at the very least tell you how it is to live this lifestyle." This lifestyle, as referred by the quote, is in the context of kiting on Maui. Realistically, being "tethered" means having a job, supporting a family, and having a culturally homogenized partial existence. For those lessened individuals, the gravity of a society that crushes their souls into dust are lucky to have people remind us of the dissimularity. For the rest of us, we need to be enlightened from our mouthiness and mundane essence.
Albert and his crew journey with Aloha back to Alaska. Taking their time, money and possibly their safety for the pure enjoyment of the ride and the magic of the moment. Only the art of the ride can sprout uniqueness and diversity from our cold neighbors of the north.
Albert shot me this e-mail, "Check it out. I'm feeling this 10 seconds is probably as close as I'll get to my '15 minutes'. I'm in the video one over from the closest guy on the shot taken on the wave."
Cook Inlet, east of Anchorage, extends inland, it splits into the Turnagain Arm and the Knik Arm. The Turnagain Arm runs east/west and is 10 miles wide, narrowing to almost nothing over the course of 40 miles where it meets Twentymile River.
Everyday, each one us loves the ride. It is truly a special blessing that has been bestowed upon us. Don't kid, it's all about the ride. I read recently, "So while you are tethered I can at the very least tell you how it is to live this lifestyle." This lifestyle, as referred by the quote, is in the context of kiting on Maui. Realistically, being "tethered" means having a job, supporting a family, and having a culturally homogenized partial existence. For those lessened individuals, the gravity of a society that crushes their souls into dust are lucky to have people remind us of the dissimularity. For the rest of us, we need to be enlightened from our mouthiness and mundane essence.
Albert and his crew journey with Aloha back to Alaska. Taking their time, money and possibly their safety for the pure enjoyment of the ride and the magic of the moment. Only the art of the ride can sprout uniqueness and diversity from our cold neighbors of the north.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Speed Flying
So, here we are in the middle of winter and I know out there is Monte working on his wing. You have not heard of this wing/kite, well because it's not out there yet. Deep in a crazyman's work shop he is widdling away at a giant piece of foam. I have seen it on the beach many times and Monte asked me not to take pictures yet. I will have the exclusive on it when the time is right. Now, this is the closest thing I can imagine the wing will look like...speedflying. I hooked up my 40in flat screen and got dizzy watching it. Watch towards the end...the guy does a downloop. Aloha and Good Luck.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Jessie Richman exits Cabrinha
Ok.. As you have heard there have been some rumblings around Maui and the kite world. Jesse Richman has left Cabrinha for Naish. Also, Rio Stevens has left Naish for Cabrinha. Word on the street is...it's all about that money. These are some simple inferences that can be made: Jesse has been hurt in several non-kiting accidents. Jesse also quit the tour at 18. As a business, if your number one rider stops riding what do you do? On the other hand, Naish and Jesse has had a long relationship and is more of a lifestyle company. Cabrinha relies on it's rider personalities and profiles while Naish takes on the whole aspect of the water culture. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw the usual shots of Jesse kiting, but added in some of him swimming in waterfalls, riding his mountain bike and SUPing and surfing. Robbie is the face of Naish, while Pete takes more of a blue collar approach and let's his team be the face of the company. I imagine for Jesse, the Naish role will take less of a toll on his body and he can find his footing back on Maui.
Here is some footage of Shawn and Jesse riding this summer....the last days of Jesse on Cabrinha....
Aloha and Good Luck
Here is some footage of Shawn and Jesse riding this summer....the last days of Jesse on Cabrinha....
Aloha and Good Luck
Monday, January 10, 2011
Racing Around
Advice to Jason
"After watching Patri win all the races... start from the bottom up, the low side of the starting line...once the last flag goes up...wait and then try to time the horn slowly ...even if you are a little behind the low part of the start is the best...once going, be a little conservative....tons of people crash and burn...take the long line tack that seems to work the best..aloha and good luck."
Is kite racing the new sport? It's winter, so everyone is somewhere else training. But, really, it's time to think about those duck tacks. This year, I think there will be double the racers training here. Well, this is the spot, so stay outta my way...
"After watching Patri win all the races... start from the bottom up, the low side of the starting line...once the last flag goes up...wait and then try to time the horn slowly ...even if you are a little behind the low part of the start is the best...once going, be a little conservative....tons of people crash and burn...take the long line tack that seems to work the best..aloha and good luck."
Is kite racing the new sport? It's winter, so everyone is somewhere else training. But, really, it's time to think about those duck tacks. This year, I think there will be double the racers training here. Well, this is the spot, so stay outta my way...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
SUP or Kihei
Paddle out or chance it
During the winter there are a lot of choices to make. Surf, SUP or try to eek out a session on the south shore. Most of the time I choose to surf or SUP. This coming up week we have a chance to ride with some bigger winds on the South shore. Just a couple of tips for the that side of the island. First, there still is a little red water lingering, so cleanse after riding. Second, it is very shallow, so watch out at lower tides. Finally, there is no surf, sad but true, so bring you twin-tip. If this doesn't interest your, head back over to the north side and catch some bombs.
During the winter there are a lot of choices to make. Surf, SUP or try to eek out a session on the south shore. Most of the time I choose to surf or SUP. This coming up week we have a chance to ride with some bigger winds on the South shore. Just a couple of tips for the that side of the island. First, there still is a little red water lingering, so cleanse after riding. Second, it is very shallow, so watch out at lower tides. Finally, there is no surf, sad but true, so bring you twin-tip. If this doesn't interest your, head back over to the north side and catch some bombs.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Kook's in Mexico:
This is a little movie my buddy Jason made in La Ventana Mexico. Looks like some fun action. I was wondering if there was a gravity vortex? Watch all the action on this rainy day. The front is slowly blowing through and we got light wind outta the north. I think there is a chance for wind tomorrow. Back to back to back swells are coming, we just need some wind. You really should's been here yesta day....
Here comes the Kook's
Here comes the Kook's
Monday, January 3, 2011
Guess Who?
Ok.. Take a little slice of life at Kitebeach. All my friends hang at kitebeach, work at kitebeach and ride at kitebeach. In time lapse, it is so fun to watch. Watch the middle of the video Monte doing his dance. Then, Chuck does the teaching dance. All in all super fun.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Red Water 2
And now, for your viewing pleasure...the video version.
Aloha and Good Luck
Shark Attack Maui from ACL Digital Cinema on Vimeo.
Aloha and Good Luck
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