The Big Sur Adventure!

The Great Get-Away! From Fun to Fun, and Back Again.

Wow! What a weekend, that is for sure. A weekend I sincerely needed and craved for some time now. A vacation! Although Sarah wouldnt call this little Adventure a Vacation, I would say, 'Why not!?' Then, hearing her explanation about what really consitutes a vacation, I would agree with her, as per usual, and I started to call this little 3 day weekend a Get-Away. And a Fun one at that!

Sarah is an artist, writer and author (all three the same, of course!) and also teaches English to people from other countries who come here to the US to go to college and to visit the area. She has done this throughout the world and truly loves her job, but, more than that, she loves her students and tries to spend as much time as she can outside the classroom, where she introduces them to the wonderful area we have here on the Central Coast.

So, last week we planned an Adventure to the wonderful and scenic area of Plaskett Creek and Sanddollar Beach where we would explore the beach, trails, and incredible sunsets.








Only two students could go this weekend. Tereza from the Czech Republic (probably butchered the spelling here...).
And Joan (his US name, well, sort of...) from Catalonia. I have met these two students on a few other events and I must say these are the nicest people you would meet anywhere. Tereza speaks English really well and John, a young guy, full of energy, at eighteen (going on nineteen!) is learning more and more, thanks to Sarah. I think all were excited for the Highlights that were sure to come this weekend. And, as luck would have it, the weather was supposed to be the best in some time.





Friday, we all set off from San Luis Obispo after buying supplies. John, Zoe and I set off in my car and Sarah and Tereza in 'Joe', her trustworthy 1971 VW camper Van. It only takes about two hours total for us to travel up Hwy. 1 to the Plaskett Creek Campground and the beautiful Sanddollar Beach area. Not true Big Sur, but, definantly the Adventure we needed for this weekend.

Upon surviving the windy roads of Hwy1, we arrived at Plaskett Creek Campground, we found one of the last campsites left...yes, it was going to be a busy weekend due the incredible weather. With temperatures reaching into the 80's alot of people were thinking like we were! But, we managed to secure a spot, set up the Tents and get organized. Of course, we all cracked open the cervezas and enjoyed the smells of Pine Trees and salt air. Ahhh....Sweet!

Tereza was super excited to try and surf. As I traveled up the coast, I was surprised that there was some mixed swell in the ocean. I said to myself, 'wow, there could be waves at Sanddollar. And there was! We all trekked down the Sanddollar Path with Zoe in Tow, going crazy, as usual....she loves the beach.


The tide was high! Tereza & I, suited up already proceeded to start the paddle out on the left side. Yes! The waves were big enough to make it difficult to get out through the beach break. With some quick directions by me, Tereza, with the biggest smile on her face, entered the clear, green, cold (YES!) water of the Pacific, ready to face her fears and paddle out into the lineup. She listened very well and did a great job at paddling out. Moving over into the Zone, I told her that if a Big One comes, to turtle over and flip back up! That is just what she did. Alot! But, with 6-8 foot waves coming at her from time to time, she did just wonderful. Getting caught on the inside, she had enough, but, I could tell she was hooked on surfing. We did manage to practice more on Saturday, where she made it to her knees! Great job.

Of course, Sarah, being the Gourmet Cook she is, started to whip up her famous Sausage Sandwiches for us when we got back to camp. Wow, what a meal, heck, what a night. Eating, drinking, and telling lies was the deal of the night! Some political talk (cannot believe Sarah actually sat through that!) and some Scrabbling, where, of course, Sarah and Tereza slaughtered John and I. I think we stayed up until 11:45 or so.

Saturday had high hopes of being a Big Day. Sarah and I felt like it would be a worthy trek to go down to Salmon Creek and hike up those trails. I had only been to the Falls, so, I was game. Off we went. Minus, Zoe, though. Zoe, my 3 year old yellow lab has a joint issue, so, was basically hobbing after the beach on Friday. Unfortunately, she stayed in the car. I missed my dog....

Of course, I took a wrong pathway at Salmon Creek and proceeded to guide us up some trail that lead us to a huge pool of water, with no more path! Along the way, there were alot of snakes! A king snake actually lunged out at me and tried to chase. Wild! Alot of garter snakes, but, at least no rattle snakes. I hate snakes...

At the pool, we decide to just make our own path and climb up the creek. I have never worn my Keen shoes that I got from my United States Surf Kayak Team in Costa Rica, but, after wearing them for 3 days, I am a believer. Comfortable and well, durable. Great for hiking up creeks, that is for sure.



It was incredible! I have lived alot of my life on the Central Coast and have never taken this trail...actually, I havent been to alot of them. Of course, Sarah starts daring me to do things! And, if you know me, I almost always 'take that dare'. So, we came to a deeper pool of water and it definantly was place where people would jump off the cliff into the water. We all climbed up the cliff/rock face and looked down. It was high and the water wasnt really deep. Pretty slippery, too.

Sarah dared me, so, I had to do it. Stripping down, minus some undershorts and my Keens, I said I would do it only if they would get photos of it. Sarah actually got video with my camera and here it is:



YES, it was scary and definantly COLD water. You know the sort of water that takes your breath away when you enter it! It was a wild jump because the pool wasnt that deep actually. I had to leap out and guide myself to the deeper part, about 5 feet...I did hit the bottom. This is not really a big deal, if you know how to not penetrate too deep. I do! I have jumped from alot of structures and, although, I am lucky, its not by Luck that I get away with some of these jumps. Well, maybe I am full of crap, which, I know I am so, lets go with Lucky... Wow...but, it was worth it. They got the photos! And the video above is pretty cool.



Trekking down, we took lots of photos and just had a great time. Everyone was enthusiastic. These are the times I love. I know Sarah feels the same way. Personally, I love adventure and checking out new things. I feel alive!
With a few falls and bumps and bruises on the way back, we finally made it! Off to Gorda for an ice-cream. After lunch at the Campsite, we went to the beach for awhile. Sarah wanted to get dinner started early, so we could watch the sunset later in the evening. So, once again, the Gourmet worked her magic! This time, burgers and vegetables! WhooooooHooooooooo.

We all trekked down to the cliffs of Sanddollar where we watched the Sunset. Zoe came and was happy, too, hobbling, though. We all sat there, just watching, not talking too much. I took alot of photos, as usual...Wow, that is all I have to say.

That night, I was way too tired, finally, to talk too much...I dont get worn out too often, but, I admit I was a bit beat down. Off to bed for me. Those guys stayed up into the night Telling Lies and having a great time.

Sunday, we broke camp, after Sarah's Famous Gourmet Bagels (I think you get the general idea now...right?), of course. Sarah and I had planned to get out and hike this really cool trail we spotted the day before. I had seen it before, but never have done it. It looked steep and it was! I think we must have got in about 3-4 miles, straight up, before we called it quits. The heat was, actually, almost unbearable and I think we were all a bit tired and dehydrated.

Besides, we planned on taking John and Teresa to the Elephant Seal area in San Simeon and I wanted to find Moonstones on the beach in Cambria...and then the finale at Main Street Grill where we would gorge ourselves on Ribs, beer, beans, fries, onion rings, and Tri-Tip Sandwiches. So, we had ALOT to accomplish this Sunday.

Which, we did. We did everything we wanted to. Whew! What a weekend.

I want to say thankyou to not only Sarah, but, Tereza and John for a Great Time. I could not have been more happy to spend my time with all of these people. Great times and we will do it again.

Soon.

This is Vincent signing off.


*And Sarah, you are da best! To put up with me and all my annoying photo taking..................Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!
Are you ever going to survive this Madness, I call my life? Only Time will Tell.

Love ya!

It's Central Coast Kayaks Tours In Shell Beach TIME!

So! Its April 6, 2008 and I am happy to announce I am again doing Tours for Central Coast Kayaks in Shell Beach. This is my second tour of the year, but, this one I sincerely enjoyed. Its always a difficult time of the year to do kayak tours of our area due to the potentially high winds, so, the season has been particularily slow. But, picking up, I am glad to say.

Today, I took a family out to explore the Sea Caves (Dinosaur Caves) around the Shell Beach area. When I got to the shop, me and the shop staff made arrangements to outfit the neccessary boats for the tour. At first, it was going to be 7 people, but, unfortunately, Laura (Da Mom) decided she wasnt up to it, so, it was just me (da Guide) and the Father, Jose, the sons, Girardo, Luis, and Daughter, Susana, and the girlfriend of the one of the brothers.

With not alot of paddling experience, this group was very enthusiastic. I got to the shop at 8 am, well, with a couple of personal situations making me in a less than perfect mood (which, I mostly am very positive, but the last week has been very trying for me....Dont ask!), but, I must say, seeing the ever glowing smiles and enthusiasm of the group, well, it Perked me up and was just what I needed in my life at this time.

Isnt it interesting. When Life throws you a few curveballs, sometimes, created by your own self (Dont ask...!) or otherwise...if you just let things go, Life has a way of Giving you what you need. So, the family from North Hollywood was just what I needed!

Ok, we set off. Luis had some mishaps at the launching, but this was relatively quickly remedied by the staff of Central Coast Kayaks and myself. Off we went for, what I call, the Adventure....I try and Name every group that I guide. Sometimes, its just appropriate and this Group's name was suitable.

Team FUN! And Fun we had!

We explored the caves and just had a fun time that made me just Thankful for my life. Sometimes, Life, stumps me...but, its days like this that make me sit back and think that, yes, Life Goes On...Its an Adventure! And mine always seems to be just that. From my personal life to my, well, what do I call it? Ummmm. I guess my 'work' life! So, I had to tow in a couple of Girls, due to the extreme winds! No BIGGEE. Its All Good! That wind came up quick! Besides, this is my Job! I LOVE IT!

Thanks to the Gamora Family from North Hollywood, I was able to take a step back and realize that everything in Life is just an 'opportunity' and Life is amazing and Life is full, of, well, Living. I lose site of that Moment at times...It's all about Balance and sometimes I just need a Kick in the ARSE. Well, the WHOLE WEEK gave me a real REALITY check!

But, I am an Optimist! So......

I just need to Let Go, sometimes. Today I did...Everyone makes mistakes! I think Life is all about learning from those mistakes. And Learn, I did! Alot of Laughs today, which helped immensely.

Until next time, this is Vincent signing off. Also, if you would like to explore this wonderful coastline of Central California, the good people at Central Coast Kayaks can accomodate you anytime! (805)773-3500

Its FUN!

-Vincent

2008 Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Festival

The 2008 Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Festival

I have been going to the Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Festival for about eight years, but, I just cannot remember a better, more fun experience than the one I had this last weekend. Dennis Judson and his Crew just do the best job of hosting a contest and, well, its much more than that; the Contest is a Festival, an experience. I would call this contest one of the best for myself not because I did well, it was the People for me. I said this a few times this year, but, I mean it. This one contest was about the most 'Inclusive' to all I have see in some time. No little factions and not one shred of 'unhealthy competitiveness' from the competitors nor the different boat manufacturers. Guys like Peter from Valley Kayaks were just wonderful to hang out with. Heck, I even saw Malcolm get out and surf in a heat! Wow. Good stuff.

For me, I usually have a 'Love/Hate' relationship with The Lane. Either I do really good, or I do just completely and utterly Horrible. Alot of the people who do well here claim they know it, guys like Dave Johnston, Dennis Judson and Rick Starr, but, even those guys get stumped from time to time. I personally think that you just got to be really lucky. I usually am, but not this one. My last HP heat and waveski heat I managed to only get 2 waves, and not really the good ones. But,hey, that is how it goes!

I got to take a bunch of photos from my Secret Spot and although the light wasnt the best, the athletes who I took shots of did an incredible job on each and every wave. Here are just a few of the best shots. The rest should be on my website (www.vincentshayphotography.com) where if you are interested in purchasing, please do. Ok, off to the Fun stuff!




Well, the Thursay night party was a blast, as per usual. The highlight, for everyone, I believe was seeing Xaver Walser's new Waveski movie, Gateway to Sorga. And if that wasnt enough, Fletcher Burton, one of highlighted waveskiers in the movie, brought along with him, Khane Duncan, aka 'Rip', a former World Champion waveski athlete. An incredible experience to watch those guys rip it up in Indonesia. If you havent seen the movie go to SubGraviti Productions website and purchase it. Definantly worth it! This photo here is of Rip Boosting one of the first airs in the contest (wouldnt the last of them from not only the waveskiers, but the kayakers, too). Notice the technique! Awesome.



The wave forcast was to be Big! And it was. Definantly some massive waves coming in from time to time. I saw some HUGE drops and big moves. Really exciting stuff. Cant say I did anything Great, but, I did manage to entertain the crowd (I heard later) on Friday with a pretty darn good wipeout on the inside. Whew, that was a Doozy. Anyhow, alot of people did so well! It didnt even really matter who won the heats to me, but, I gotta say, I had so much fun with the waves I got! Definantly worth the Exercise. Boy, I am outta shape this year!

So, some standouts for me was Chris Hobson, David Speller, and of course, Dave Johnson. What more can I say about these guys. Well, ok, you convinced me...Here goes.


Chris Hobson, well, I dont think I have seen surfing like this since I first witness Chris Harvey. At 18 Years old, Chris, I think is one of the best in the World at surf kayaking.





Then you have David Speller, WOW. Surfing is just incredible and you never know what you will see with him! SOLID. And, really the most respectful and nicest guys you will meet, ever.





Dave is just the BEST. He knows the Lane and, well, he is just a powerful, go for it sort of guy. He is in shape and for the last few years, you just cant stop him. Definantly wonderful to see him rip it up. And its always fun to see his wife, Sheila and his daughter Ruby (plus Robin, usually cheering loudly for his dad!) supporting, as usual.


Graham Meese is another standout. I have seen this guy come to our contests and expression sessions on the West coast. No matter the conditions he goes out and puts on a show! For a guy who hardly ever paddles, well, you couldnt tell. It was awesome to see him. I know he is a big part of the UCSC surf kayak club that Galen and Jarod Licht has put together. Awesome!


Then you got Toshi who brought his wife and daughter out to Santa Cruz this year. Although he told me he was a bit overwhelmed on the size of the wave he still went out there and became more and more comfortable each heat. I met Toshi at the Costa Rica Worlds and he is the most enthusiastic paddler out there. He just LOVES surf kayaking. Anyone who has met him would say the same thing. His excitement for the sport is Contagious. He also promotes surf kayaking in Japan and is constantly teaching new athletes the ways of the Wave. Great Job, Toshi! Keep smiling.





On Saturday, I got to talking to Ken King. He told me of a Dream he had the night before, how he woke up in a panic because he dreamt that Dennis pulled the plug on the contest because of the large conditions. After waking up he realized that it was all a bad dream. NOW WHO does that? Only Ken King...well, Ed King probably does too. These two will always be a Big Part of the Santa Cruz competition. They pretty much only surf their kayaks and waveskis at this contest, but, you couldnt tell. They know the Lane and it shows. Ken with his Style and Ed with his ability to catch Anything. I give these guys all the respect in the World and I love to photography them. Here is Ken taking a bigger one and Ed going big with his Loaner IC boat!


Ok! So there was some issues with the board surfers this year. For some reason there was absolutely no enforcement on the contest zone. It affected me a bit in my waveski heat...yes, I got called an Asshole and told to 'Go home, Kook', but, hey, its all good. I am a surfer, but, this attitude bums me out. Until, I see this. Matt Radis decided to break his paddle out there in those large waves, which, means that you have to come out of the boat from time to time (he did try to hand roll to no avail!). So, I see his boat come and scrape along the rocks near the my Secret Photo Spot and this boardsurfer who was coming in, saw the boat heading for more rocks. He turned, and helped to gather the boat up and save it from hitting more rocks. VERY cool of him. With some of the attitudes of there in SC towards surf kayakers, you would think this guy would spit on the kayak and push it TOWARDS the rocks...but not this guy! See, not all surfers are poor examples. Thanks, from Matt Radis.

Well, a Big Congrats to all the Winners. Chris Harvey, AGAIN! Awesome and couldnt happen to a better representative for surf kayaking and paddlesports. Wish I could have stayed, but, I think I caught a cold and was not feeling the best...bummed I missed the photo ops. Next time!

This is Vince signing out!

Please visit my site for all of the photos.

www.vincentshayphotography.com

Feel free to email me anytime.

vincentshaymedia@gmail.com

The Knot Wedding Shot Contest

Thanks to David Jay's Blog (an incredible photographer who specializes in weddings) I learned that a site, The Knot, was having a contest for the photographer with the Best Wedding Shot. As most know, I have been doing alot more Wedding Photography shooting. Last year I worked with a Photographer and learned alot! This year the same thing. Its all about Learning to me. Plus, I just love what I do.

So, its viewers like yourself, that really matter. View my shots (and others, too!) and rate and vote for your favorite image. Here is the Link:

http://realweddingawards.theknot.com/photo/view/Happiness-1

I have 4 shots up now but will have others up soon. Would love to hear everyone's comments and views on each shot. Feel free to email directly at:

vincentshaymedia@gmail.com

Please send this off to anyone you may know! And Thanks for your time.

Vincent Shay
www.vincentshayphotography.com

New Feature Added to www.vincentshayphotography.com

Since last year I have been working really diligently to work on not only taking more photos and promoting, but, in actually selling. Over the years many people have asked how they could purchase my prints of not only my sports and active lifestyle images, but my Fine Art Images also.

As of today, I am now offering all my photos available for purchase, directly on the site:

www.vincentshayphotography.com

Any image in my 'Vincent Shay Photography & Media' Gallery now has a Shopping Cart associated with it. Sizes range from 4x6 to 16x20 and prices are very reasonable. Everything is linked to Paypal, too. Quality is key to my success, so, every print is inspected before it goes out to you, the Client. I am adding new photos to this Gallery everyday, too, so feel free to check it out.

For my Portraiture work, I have a Private Gallery Feature that I am going to integrate. This will obviously protect my Clients' privacy and will still be very easy for them to view and order prints.

This day is very exciting for me! I think this will enable me to reach a wider audience and get my Art out to the people who appreciate what I do.


Please email me with any questions. My email is as follows:

vincentshaymedia@gmail.com

or

vincent@vincentshay.com

Thanks for your support!

Agua Libre~New Surf Kayak Design

Wow! 2008 is upon us and I got some new stuff to share. Right now I am gonna just concentrate on my Kayak Design Deal. So Here goes:

A little Background.

As most of you know, I LOVE design. Whether it be photography, videography or Architecture, I am into it. In the last 5-6 years I have really focused SOME of my attention to incorporate Design in the sport of Surf Kayaking. I don't do this for mo' Money, nor do I do it for my little Ego; I do it for the love of Design. I ask myself, constantly, 'How can I improve, design-wise, the sport, I am pursuing' at the particular time in my life.

It just so happens that ONE sport, Surf Kayaking, is just SO Raw, it kindof, grips me, in this mind-set. There is just SO much room for improvement and the sport is growing. By Leaps and Bounds!

Ok! I actually worked with, previously, a few of GREAT Kayak Designers. The first being, Randy Phillips, who was the first to really incorporate fins to surf kayaks. And do it successfully. NO one should EVER forget that. He worked with Leo Lekas (miss him...) and once that partnership ended, he brought the 'High Performance' (HP) market to the masses via Malcolm Percy, aka, Mega Performance Kayaks where that company helped (and still does) the Masses get into a High Performance Surf Kayak. Mega, Malcolm for ONE, was the first one to actually Sponsor me (and SO many others, which is SO needed for some of us!~).

We brought, to Mega, together (Randy and I) the Intruder design. A cutting-edge PRODUCTION kayak that far exceeded both of our expectations. At least for some of us who like Big Wave Surfing...at 8'3" this surf kayak was a bit long, but,not really for the waves we like surfing, like 8-15 foot surf. I felt, like Randy, that Mega did not believe in the design, though. But, it was a New Beginning to the Real Show to be Realized in the coming years after the Intruder Design. Then came along the Mustang, then MY Twist.

The next designer I worked with was Mike Johnson. I respect Mike and He is a Personal Friend. I personally always believed in the designs that he put out. The Template that he and Merv created is the BEST and most efficient. People that I looked up to (Kenny King, Ed King, Dennis Judson, and John Bonaventure) were using them...then Ken sold me his at the Trail 6 Comp in like, 2000, and I was hooked. It was in 2003 Mike and I Teamed up, with Steve Boehne of Infiniti to design the Aquarius. At 7'10" this was the shortest, most cutting edge surf kayak that Mike had been involved with at that time. It was a Great Collaboration. But, I never forget Merv Larson in this Equation...in which NONE of Mike's designs (nor Boehne's for that matter) would have been that successful. With the Reaction, I just built upon this deal.

Ok, fast forward to the New Generation. Afteer the Aquarius, I wanted to further my Design Ideas, with Mikes and Merv's ideas in mind. After much negotiation with PS Composites (Paul, mainly, not having anything to do with my ideas, which was nothing new, but the Pulse of the Market at the Time...) I was led to Ed and Mariola who own and operate Murky Water Kayaks in Canada by a design innovator in his own right, Corran Addison (Riot, Draggorosi Kayaks and Imagine Media) and have never looked back.They agreed with my price point for surf kayaks ($1400-1900) and they were Honest. Which, at this point in my limited 'Professional' (Laughable...Chris Harvey, Love ya, but, Come on...)I must say, Honesty IS the most Important factor in THE Relationship I was Pursuing at that Time (nothing has changed)

NOW: After the REACTION and TWIST surf kayaks, my thinking In 2007-2008 I have totally re-analyzed what I Think the Leading Surf Kayak Athlete WANTS to surf. Plus, what I WANT TO surf. To Keep Me STOKED on this Little Sport.

What I have come up with is this"

The Agua Libre, which means:

'FREE WATER'

This new design has nothing to do with anything but my TRUE Design Intention for the sport of Surf Kayaking. The Design is EVERYTHING the Reaction is, but much more enhanced.

Specs:

Length: 7'3"
Width: 25.25"
Tail Design: Rounded Pin
Bottom Design: Chine, minimal, to heavy V
Deck Design: A 'Rail-Deck Design' (Like the Prowler)

Other Notes:

This is NOT a beginner surf Kayak, by any means.


Without going into too much Detail, this surf kayak design carries much of the same design specs as the Reaction, but, not only that, what I have heard that the TOP athletes want. More Performance.

A Design that Is A GROWING EXPERIENCE.

That is what the Agua Libre is all about. Athletes like Kate Smith, Randy Philliips, Chris Harvey, Rusty Sage, Dave Johnston, Darren Basson, David Jaggs, well, many others, but suffice it to say, THE TOP, spurred me on, here.

Come check it out at this years 2008 Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Festival. Demos available.

Thanks for your time! I had much deliberation on what to Call this new Design! It was my wonderful Girlfriend (I am NOT saying that with any sense of 'ownership but, I sincerely appreciaate the Effort!). Thanks SARAH. Much Respect.

Vincent Shay
www.vincentshayphotography.com
www.myspace.com/vincentshayphotography.com

Surf Kayak Airs

Hey! Finally getting around to updating this little deal. Here goes. Last weekend my friend Fletcher Burton called me up and said 'Vince, lets go crazy and tow you into some closeouts in your surfkayak!'. He and I had been practicing on waveskis and getting it down pretty well. But, a surf kayak, well, that might be awhold 'nother deal. When I get into the surf kayak, I am pretty well wedged in by foam and an implosion device (my design), not to mention a skirt to keep the water out of the kayak. So, easy outs were, harder. But, I said what the hell, 'Lets do it!'

Meeting at the boat launch in Port San Luis, Avila Beach, we got our gear and had some people there to help film and take photographs. This was to be a day to be remembered. I was psyched.

Launching the jetski and unloading the gear, Fletcher drove the ski to the other end of Avila Beach. Avila Beach is not really the best surfing beach and the waves usually just dump over and close out. Deserted, yes, but great for our purposes.

I suited up got into my Reaction Surf Kayak (www.murkywaterkayak.com) and paddled out to meet Fletcher who would tow me in. With a quick high five, I grabbed the Tow Rope. It took about 5-6 tries to understand how to hold on and deal with the jetskis huge spray it threw at me. In the kayak you are really low in the water (unlike a towin board) and its really difficult to see what is coming at you. With proper technique I was able to figure out the best way quickly.

I decided it would be better to tow AT the waves, which would give me maximum air. Plus, it would be easier to 'whip' me at a high rate of speed at the wave and stay relatively away from the jetski spray. It worked.

So, about 3 small waves, I gave Fletcher the thumbs up for a bigger one. Accelerating into a hard left, I came out of the radical turn to face a decent size closeout. I clutched onto the tow rope (paddle in hand, mind you) until the last possible moment, for maximum speed, and was whipped up the face. I then became airborne. Never been that high in a kayak (10-12 feet) I had no idea what to do. All I knew was landing flat wasnt good.

After about 2-3 more big ones, my ribs and back hurt, so I called it a session. I did one more that Saturday. We had definantly learned some about towing in/at in a surf kayak which Fletcher and I both felt like was a valuable lessons for when we tow in to some Big Ones.

We went back on Sunday and had another really good session. I only had a few of the big ones left in me from being sore from the day before...but, I got the biggest Airs I had ever got. Did a 360 degree airscrew and a full loop, too. The last air was about a 20 footer and on impact, I blew my skirt and implosion device off as well as knocked the wind out of me. I called it quits after that.

If interested, please view the photos at my site:

www.vincentshayphotography.com

Short YouTube Video Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFHFjUZjdUU

Just want to say, I dont recommend anyone doing this. It is NOT safe. I only did this for the photo opportunity plus, to see if it could be done. Plus, I am not a big fan of jetskis in the surf zone so if you choose to experiement, go far away from other surfers and ocean enthusiasts.

Stay safe and enjoy!

-vincent shay
www.vincentshayphotography.com
www.myspace.com/vincentshayphotography
www.paddlesurfersunited.com
www.boatertalk.com

*Big thanks to Fletcher for Towing Me in to the best spots for Big Air. Cody Anderson for taking some good photos. Clay Miller for the video work. Rigth on!