I've Got That Country Feeling

www.countryfeelingsurfboards.com

I took a drive out to Haleiwa yesterday to deliver a commissioned piece of art to Wyland Gallery and visit a friend of mine Kyle Bernhardt. Kyle is a master shaper behind Country Feeling Surfboards, some of the most sought after boards in Hawaii. Unlike a lot of surfboard companies, Kyle's boards are completely custom. He hand picks the material, shapes, finishes, and even sells them himself. I have been surfing with a few of his boards over the past few months and have received numerous compliments on them. With the large swell this past weekend I really got a chance to see how they handle, I wish they made quality boards like this when I was growing up. My daughter's fiance has been using one of their hemp deck "green" boards. I think making surfboards that are environmentally friendly really go hand and hand with surfing and the ocean. I look for these "green" boards to continue to grow in popularity. After dropping off the boards I went by to see my sister, who lives in Haleiwa. She has the coolest German Shepard, Stevie, who fetches coconuts instead of tennis balls. I always enjoy spending time on the North Shore and with fall around the corner and winter not too far away I look forward to being out there a lot more in the months to come.

Kyle and Jeffrey

Jennifer and Stevie

The Swell of The Summer

6 to 10 foot waves on the south shore! The largest swell of the summer. There seemed to be a buzz in the air as the forecast called for waves up to ten feet from Friday morning to Sunday night. We hustled down to the beach Friday morning expecting big surf and large crowds and for the most part we were not disappointed. Our usual spot, Threes, had well over thirty people waiting for a ride so we moved over to Paradise and Popular's, two surf spots near by. My daughter's fiance has been surfing for a little over a month now and was getting to experience the excitement of surfing larger waves for the first time, thanks to some peer pressure. After surfing I decided to head down to Magic Island and take some pictures of The Bowl. It was a sight to see. People headed out, others paddling in, everyone stoked. It's hard to describe the atmosphere and the intensity of the weekend but luckily I took a lot of pictures that help. Here are a few. I think I will head back out. Enjoy.

Magic Island- check out all the white water

The Bowl

Bomboras

Waikiki Nights

Wyland Gallery Waikiki

What a day for surfing! It was one of those days that doesn't happen often but when it does you have to take full advantage. The conditions were perfect, the water was glassy, the surf was amazing, and I had it all to myself... for about three hours. The highlight of the morning was a long wall I was able to hang five on, five toes over the board. It was a ride that seemed to last forever and something I haven't done since I left surfing years ago. Maybe it has something to do with school starting, but my morning surf outings have been especially peaceful. I did meet some cool people that day who were visiting from Australia and invited them, and their families, to the Wyland gallery where I would be drawing that night. The laid back aloha spirit of Hawaii makes it easy to meet new people even in a busy city like Waikiki. There was a great turn out at the gallery and I had a chance to visit with people from all over the world. Here are a few pictures of me at the gallery. Aloha to my new Aussie friend, Gary!

Meet The Crayon Artist

Working on an original