The real OC

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Hey Y’all,

After spending a couple quality weeks trying to catch up with everyone on the West Coast, it was time to get to the sun and surf. With a good friend of mine talking of 10 ft swell, offshore winds and sunny days, it was really a no-brainer to jump on a plane and head to Southern California, Newport Beach to be exact. Located in Orange County just south of LA, my friend Dave Kasa has an awesome place across the street from the beach and an ocean view to boot. Affectionately known as ‘Club 5000’ due to the large amount of international friends Dave has made, there are very few days a year where there isn’t at least someone surfing the couch as well as the waves. Dave is an awesome host, and hooked me up huge with some great hospitality and a great place to stay as close to the waves as you can get.

Southern California on the beach is all about the ocean, sand and surf. Even though there are 13+ million people living behind you, when you look in the opposite direction there is nothing but endless, empty ocean. And if all you want to do is enjoy the sun and surf, then it’s even easier to forget about the people. I spent around 10 days surfing southern California area breaks and was rewarded with some excellent days of surfing. Mind you it was no 10 foot barrelling waves but I’m just happy with rideable waves. Beggars can’t be choosers when you're a surfer living in Canada!

Another highlight was experiencing firsthand a true American Thanksgiving. Dave’s parents graciously invited an international selection of individuals to their house for a full blown feast. Picture 9 hungry young men going to town on a huge smoked turkey and a leg of honey cured ham. Uh huh it was delicious. A huge thanks to Dennis and Cheryl for their amazing hospitality. They called it the International Thanksgiving as they were sharing it with 5 Serbians and 3 Canadians. The more the merrier!

So after relaxing for a few days it was time to start preparing for our adventure down the Baja of Mexico.

-Ben

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Photos

Newport Beach
Big Beaches that made southern California Famous

LA
Sunset in the Smog

Sweet Ride
I want one of these...

I wish...
that was me in the barrel instead of taking the shot.

There's me.
Not nearly as impressive.

Ocean View
As seen from Club 5000

The Boys
Logging some quality time on the deck.

The Blowing of the Conch
Americans seem to think this is a Canadian mating call or something...

Yellowtail Tuna
Catch of the Day by Dave. YUM!

Bow Surfing
Dolphin Style

Morning Surf Check
Checking the conditions before we go in.

Huntington Beach
With the Pier in the background.

Self-titled.
Not me.

A twist to surfing.
Yep they are looking for oil everywhere, even right off the coast of LA.

Sweet Shades.
IMax 3D Rules!

Comments

[DR]

CLOWN BIKE!!!
Glad to see my old clown bike is still holding it's reputation for attracting the cops... -Pat's brother