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A CONDOMINIUM RESORT
WANT TO SURF AN UNCROWDED BREAK 45 MINUTES FROM SAN DIEGO?
Bobby’s Baja was designed and built with the surfer in mind. All of the residences listed on the website are individually owned, well cared for, tastefully decorated to Alexis’s high standards to be enjoyed by owners and visitors alike. Alexis hopes you find the “village” concept of condominium resort development the embodiment of the rustic warmth and relaxed nature which is Mexico. We look forward to welcoming you for a weekend vacation retreat or for a long term stay. A warm Baja Bienvenido from us to you! For more info call | Mobile: 949-633-2504 | Office: 619-272-2131 Or visit our website at www.bobbysbaja.com/
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SHOP SPOTLIGHT Freedom Riding SUP in Mal Pais/Santa Teresa By Alberto Hernandez
surfboards, where I shaped my first board in 1993, and I have shaped over 2000 boards since then. I decided to take my first surf trip to Costa Rica in 1991, and I fell in love with everything CR had to offer. Three years later I moved down for good. I built a life and also a family. Once the move was complete over to Mal Pais, I partnered with a friend who also grew up in California, and together we started the first surf company in Mal Pais.
W
hile researching the Mal Pais/Santa Teresa area for one of US4K the magazine’s travel articles, I stumbled across a very interesting SUP shop called “Freedom riding SUP Shop”. I got in touch with the owner of the shop, Andrew Seidensticker, and asked him a few questions about his SUP shop. US4K Magazine - What is the main focus of The Freedom Riding SUP Shop? Andy - The main focus at Freedom Riding SUP is to cater to all levels of Paddle Boarders, and help clients who are interested in coming to the Mal Pais/Santa Teresa area. Our goal is to customize our client’s vacation to fit their needs and desires. US4K Magazine - Give us a brief history of how Freedom Riding SUP Shop was established in Costa Rica. Andy - I was born and raised in San Diego, and started surfing in 1976 at the age of 6. I have been an avid surfer since. The year I graduated high school, I worked for a world renowned fin designer and shaper by the name of “Curtis Hesslegrave”. As an apprentice
of a fin foiler, I worked alongside Curtis for five years shaping the best wind surf speed fins, tow-in fins, and surfboard fins in the world. T h i s led into my career in shaping
US4K Magazine - Is there anything else you want us to know about Freedom Riding? Andy - The Freedom Riding branding is not only used for the paddle board business, but is also a surf company based in Hawaii and Costa Rica. Freedom Riding offers a high quality surf accessory line, and I am now currently shaping my designs under the Freedom Riding label. Also, anyone can custom order one of my own designed and hand shaped surfboards or SUP boards from our website.
A FRESHING BREAK FROM DAILY LIFE
Enjoy a stay in a Villa of your own! Cerritos Surf Colony is located on world famous Cerritos Beach with a reputation frequently noted in Surfer Magazine for champion surfing. Cerritos Beach is the best beach in Cabo, and voted first runner up in Los Cabos Magazine! Cerritos Surf Colony is a neighbor to both the Hacienda Cerritos Boutique Hotel (a majestic mansion hotel located on a private cliff at the shore of the ocean), and the celebrity frequented hot spot Cerritos Beach Club & Surf where you can get surfing lessons, board rental, and great food.
The free standing studio, one, two, and four bedroom villas are solar energy assisted. Enjoy our amazing swimming pool and bar, surf the waves out your back door , climb the Sierra de la Lagunas, explore the artist colony of Todos Santos, or just lay back in your own palm shaded hammock. ATV rental, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, art gallery walks, hiking Triple Waterfall, Voluntourism, massage, are just some of the things to enjoy here in Baja California. Los Cerritos provides simplicity, tranquility and a break from city life that you have been longing for.
Cerritos Surf Colony is a beach front resort of Mayan inspiration and thatched palm roofs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION | contact@cerritossurfcolony.com | 1-877-780-8951
CARLSBAD VILLAGE
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By Alberto Hernandez
If these pictures could talk, they would say a thousand words. These pictures would tell stories of five young orphans that were not given the greatest of opportunities in their young lives. These pictures would tell of how an organization took five young, amazing orphans and gave them a trip to a place that they could only dream of experiencing. If these pictures could express themselves, they would scream from the top of their lungs, “Cabo Doggy!” Of course pictures do not talk, so let me tell you the story of what many of us would coin, “a trip of a lifetime.” The van raced down the narrow road. The excited driver, Hector Lopez, and the children who accompanied him were both enthusiastic and elated. I looked at their faces and saw multiple smiles that could light up a room. We were about to embark on a trip from La Mision, Mexico (about 45 minutes from the border) to Cabo, San Lucas (about 25 hours from La Mission, give or take an hour!). We were not really focused on the long journey in the heart of Baja Mexico. We were not concerned with the heat, the narrow roads, or the desert like scenery that would be
our backdrop for miles. We were all excited to get to our destination. We wanted to get to Cabo and experience the beautiful resort, Los Cerritos, the awesome surf, and the opportunity to serve the orphans of Cabo, San Lucas. As the van came to a stop about ten feet from where I stood, I heard Hector proclaim these blissful words, “Cabo Doggy!” At that moment I knew that this trip would be one for the ages. One of the multiple events that Wesley Stewart and the Urban Surf 4 Kids family decided to host was an event called “Dreams of Baja”. We were able to take five children from the “Children of the Promise” orphanage in Playas, Tijuana Mexico to surf and serve the less fortunate. For a number of months, leading up to the event, the youth were required to achieve a number of specific goals for the opportunity to attend the trip. The kids were also asked to learn the basics of surfing, boogie boarding, and stand up paddle boarding. These five young teenagers learned, through mere determination, how to surf and stand up paddle board within a few months. The goal of US4K was to use a model that we believe is very powerful in the
development of at risk youth, serving others. The surf and serve trip would be used to help these adolescents understand the power of helping others, and also help them understand the power of working hard to earn things rather than “giving” it to them. The perennial thought, “Give a child a fish; he or she will eat for a day. Teach the child how to fish; he or she will eat for a lifetime”, was our thought process. We believe that earning the trip, through serving others, is an important life lesson that these wonderful young teens should learn. The manner in which the adolescents were going to serve was by, teaching the orphans in Cabo how to surf. We made it to our destination, after a very interesting two day road trip from La Mision to Cabo. Just as we arrived at the Cerritos Surf Colony on Sunday afternoon, the kids got their belongings from the van, and hit the warm water. Los Cerritos is a beautiful resort with incredible villas right near the ocean. What an amazing paradise-like experience it was to be able to sleep at night with the ocean waves crashing just yards from our door steps. It was amazing, and breath-taking to watch the beautiful sunset as the
backdrop of our Villas. The kids were excited to get to their perspective living quarters, leave their belongings, and begin to enjoy the surf in Los Cerritos. When the kids realized that each villa would accommodate two people per villa, I noticed the elation in their eyes. I wondered why? I was then told that the five amazing orphans never experienced living in a room with that much privacy. I asked one of the youth how many kids are in one room at their orphanage. He told me that there are about 10 to 15 kids per room. I realized that these young teens were elated because for the first time each one was given their individual space. We take the very basic comforts of space for granted in the United States. Noticing their gratitude for the little things helped me be grateful for the simplest of accommodations that I take for granted. The kids that we took to Cabo were so excited to get into the ocean and begin to surf. I was extremely impressed how confident they were in the water. I was also excited to see the smiles on their faces. Many orphans in Mexico do not have the opportunity to smile much. I then began
to shed a tear as I watched them jubilantly enjoy the beauties of the ocean. Watching the less fortunate enjoy the simplicity of the ocean is very inspiring to me. I began to feel a sense of conviction overcome me. I was truly grateful that I was having the opportunity to experience joy in these children’s lives.
crucial moments of the trip. One of the more memorable moments was when I watched the orphans from Playas Tijuana, Mexico encourage the orphans from Cabo while they learned to surf. I was inspired by how joyful the five boys from Tijuana were while they did their best to serve others.
The best day of the trip came when two groups, from two different orphanages in Cabo, came to our inaugural “Dreams of Baja” event. When we woke up, we had breakfast, and then we talked to the youth about how the event would be run during our “family time”. Our goal was to allow the orphans that came with us from the Children of the Promise teach the orphans from Cabo how to surf. We had a few surf boards and we really did not have set plan as to who would demonstrate the basics of standing up on the surfboard to the orphans that were visiting. Just as we were contemplating this question, a man walked by our area and asked us what we were doing. We gave him a brief summary about what we were trying to do and he seemed pretty excited about it. He told us that he was a lifeguard and that he would get us some extra surf boards and boogie boards free of charge. Wow, we really thought that was amazing! But wait, it got better. The generous man, who allowed us to borrow the boards, happened to be a five time Mexican surf champion. He said that he would love to be the one to demonstrate the basics of surfing to the orphans. Amazing! I tried to really enjoy the
Imagine if you will, kids with no father or mother, in the ocean with smiles on their faces, high fiving other children that are parentless. Think how awesome it is to see children praising their contemporaries and encouraging them for a job well done. Imagine, experiencing the bliss of children giving back to children with the “little” that they possess. Watch, with your mind’s eye, as orphans love up on other orphans without complaint or question. “Orphans teaching orphans how to surf is unheard of” commented founder of US4K, Wesley Stewart. That was an understatement. Yet, it was beautiful to watch. Kids helping kids; Orphans serving orphans! Now that is priceless. On Wednesday, former American Idol contestant, Elliot Yamin, encouraged the kids with his talent. He sang a number of songs including the very famous, “Hotel California” by the Eagles. Elliot sang his heart out for the kids. After the concert, Elliot was kind enough to take some pictures with the kids and talk to them for a bit. We were all excited to witness Elliot’s response to the kids. We could tell that Elliot, along with the entire volunteer’s,
MAYAN VILLAGE RESORTS ECO BEACH FRONT CONDOS (THE KID’S ACCOMMODATION)
main purpose was to create a positive memory for these kids that will last a life time. On Thursday, after the kids served the orphans of Cabo, they had a chance to go on a one hour snorkeling trip on a sail boat outside of the Cabo pier. We were given a free one hour tour of snorkeling and sailing, and the kids were extremely excited. We then had an opportunity to visit one of the orphanages in Cabo. I instantly connected with the kids as I am a former foster youth and orphan. One of the kids was a four year old child who thought that my size (I am 6’6”) was amazing. He told me, “eres bien grandote”, which means “you are huge!” We got the opportunity to play soccer with the kids. After, the kids had a chance to skateboard with some boards that US4K donated. We got back to Los Cerritos right around early evening. I was exhausted from all of the day’s events and was ready to call it a night. The beauty of being around motivated young people is that we “old folk” have the privilege of feeding off of their young and vibrant energy. Though I wanted to call it a night and rollover in my bed and go to sleep, I did not. The kids wanted to continue to surf and enjoy the early evening. With that, we were all given an extra dose of energy and continued to enjoy the beauties of the ocean. The next morning, we began to pack and head back home. During breakfast, we gathered all of the volunteers, along with the kids and had our last “family time”. We
told the young orphans that we were all inspired by their willingness to serve and do so without a complaint. We thanked Wesley Stewart for his vision to bringing us together. Wesley not only organized the event, but he made sure we were all well fed and taken care of. We thanked all of those people that came to volunteer for the event. People like Hector Lopez and his little daughter Shelly, John and Michelle, Shelly Munoz and her kids, Elliot Yamin, and many others. After our final “family time” together, and when everything was packed, we left Los Cerritos. As we drove away I looked back and remembered but for an instant how grateful I was for this incredible trip. We took many great pictures of the trip. Some of those pictures are copied onto this article as a lasting memory. Whenever any person looks at pictures he or she is mystically transported to the event that is presented in the picture. The picture tells us a thousand words. Whenever I look at the pictures that were taken during this incredible time I will remember how some orphaned kids gave their time, talents, and hearts to other orphaned kids. These pictures will tell stories of how one man, one organization, one event, was able to create positive memories for children that are prone to negative memories. If these pictures could talk they would say, “Beautiful!”
EXPERIENCE LEUCADIA BEACH INN
To serve visitors traveling along Coast Highway 101 between Los Angeles and Mexico, the Leucadia Inn was constructed in the classic California “horseshoe� design in the late 1920s, and completely renovated in 2005. Rooms face a friendly central courtyard that is flower and sun filled. The exterior design of the stucco buildings are of a timeless Southern California hacienda style. Within walking distance are the fabled Southern California beaches of Leucadia on the spectacular North Coast of San Diego County. Go back in time, before the arrival of the freeways, and relive the quiet beach-inspired elegance that drew Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante, Charlie Chaplin and Spencer Tracy to the picturesque North Coastal area of San Diego County~~ Experience the Leucadia Beach Inn.
Phone: 1-800-706-7461 | 1322 N. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 www.LeucadiaBeachInn.org | leucadiabeachinn@gmail.com
Miracle Springs is the unique place where business, traditional values and hospitality are merged. Comfortable, business-like with soft artistic touch makes strong impression on all Guests. Inviting you to enjoy its spectacular mountain and desert scenery, newly-decorated rooms and suites, full-service spa, wonderful restaurant, banquet facilities, gift shop, spa boutique and pristine natural hot mineral water pools. 10625 Palm Drive Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 760-251-6000
ABOUT FLORBLANCA
A luxury resort on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Florblanca is an award-winning destination for every adventurous traveler. Located on the pristine beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula, in an unspoiled tropical jungle overlooking the world famous surf of Playa Santa Teresa, Florblanca offers a vacation experience like no other.
AMENITITES
At Florblanca, you will always enjoy fresh, healthy, and locally grown food prepared by our chefs at Nectar Restaurant. Stimulate your senses with surfing, hiking, horseback riding, or zip line excursions, just to name a few of the many adventurous activities we make available to you. Connect more deeply with the world around you with professionally guided sessions of Yoga or Pilates. And when you are ready to thoroughly indulge, try any of our relaxing and rejuvenating body treatments at the stunning Spa Bambu. Retreat to your own private beachfront villa, enjoy our luxurious amenities, and marvel at the natural beauty, serenity, and energy of Florblanca.
WARM WATER, TROPICAL ADVENTURE, UNCROWDED WAVES. THIS IS SURFER PARADISE. Open since 1998 and located on a small private island off the coast of Panama (Central America), it is a paradise worth discovering! The Surfer Paradise Surf Camp is actually two islands. One being the big island and then a smaller outer island. The big island has the living accommodations. Private cabanas are located on the side of a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, each with your very own hammock
for that afternoon siesta. Water is supplied by a fresh water spring that is used for drinking and showering. There are left breaks, and right breaks. Beginner breaks, experienced breaks, and advanced surfer breaks. If your looking for adventure, fun, and SURF, this is the place to visit.
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You learn a lot about a person’s character and heart when they are faced with adversity or tragedy in their lives, Juanita Smith found out about her character and her heart in 1989 when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammatory disease that damages nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, it has many forms and there is no cure. Juanita Smith is a native San Diegan and she has been an avid surfer since 1971. Juanita and her husband David Smith have been surfing the local breaks of San Diego together for almost four decades strong with no signs of stopping anytime soon even though Juanita battles Multiple Sclerosis every day. Hearing about Juanita’s love for surfing how she continues to surf while battling MS inspired me immediately. I had to meet this woman as she is the exact type of warrior I have come to love to write about. Juanita did not disappoint as her demeanor is soft and smooth, her attitude is no non-sense, but her heart is as big as the moon. Seeing pictures of her surf adventures proved that to me at first glance. I asked Juanita about her initial diagnoses and how it affected her, she said “The doctor came in at around 12 am and told me I had Multiple Sclerosis and walked out. I didn’t even know what it was.” Juanita suffered from symptoms like weakness, double vision, and loss of balance. It took doctors many tests over the course of about three months to diagnose Juanita with MS. David and Juanita were running out of patience as the doctors gave them no hope and a bleak outlook. Juanita took to eating organic foods and continued to live as active a lifestyle as she could. Because of her MS Juanita lost the ability to surf due to her loss of balance, that is when she turned to surfing on a kayak. It took Juanita some time to get back to the water, but even with double vision and a walker Juanita pushed on to surf on a kayak even though she was
suffering tremendously. That is a true love for surfing and that is the courage of a warrior to continue to charge the surf just for the love and stoke of it. Entering Juanita and David Smith’s house is like going into a small surf museum, their home is full of pictures of Juanita and David surfing different breaks from all different eras. Also surf boards, musical instruments, and beautiful art work that Juanita does when she has time. This is where you really start to learn about Juanita and David’s story and their life surfing together and finally having to battle this terrible disease. Looking at the pictures of both David and Juanita together with wood surf boards in the early 1970’s they both show their surfing nostalgia and knowledge of the game. David started surfing in 1963 and Juanita got her start in 1971. Juanita and David both have a large surf board collection even to this day. They hang on to a surf board they have had for many years and both
testify to it being the best board they have owned. David and Juanita have owned over 130 surf boards but this one Board shaped by David Joyl is the one they hold most dear. Juanita and David married in 1968 and were married for 17 years. After almost two decades of bliss, stoke, love and surfing Juanita and David’s life together would take a dramatic turn as they decided to divorce in the mid 1980’s. Suddenly in 1989 Juanita was suffering from mysterious symptoms like double vision, loss of balance, and weakness. She had been through a battery of testing over the course of months but no answers from the doctors as to what the cause was. Juanita was not alone at this time as she had reached out to her best friend and old surf partner David Smith, and like the true friend and great man he is David Smith answered the bell and came to aid his best friend Juanita in her time of need. After a brief time apart and a divorce that David dubs their ultimate failure, Juanita
and David were back together and about to embark on their most challenging adventure yet as the diagnoses of Multiple Sclerosis finally came to them late one night in 1989. Initially Juanita did not know what Multiple Sclerosis was but she admits that the disease “hit her hard”. Juanita was not able to surf while she battled MS, for the next four years her surfing career would hang in the balance as she tried to gain a leg up on this debilitating disease. Through organic diet, yoga, positive affirmations, and continuing to stay active surfing when she could Juanita was gaining ground on her MS. But Multiple Sclerosis would not be defeated easily as it would finally take the ability to stand up surf from Juanita. Like the true warrior she is Juanita fought back and continued to surf, in 1993 Juanita switched to surfing in a kayak. She has been surfing a kayak ever since, but this is where Juanita’s surfing career is about to take another turn.
Meeting Juanita for the first time we tried to set up a surf/ photo session with our mutual friend Jeff Wallis, I found out Juanita had not been on her kayak surfing in some months because of her MS. I asked what the problem was; Juanita explained to me that she was having problems getting back into the kayak after she wiped out on a wave. I had my Infinity Waveski in the car and after seeing pictures of Juanita surfing a kayak I knew she had perfect form to be surfing on a Waveski. I asked my brother to go get my Waveski out of the car and he brought it in Juanita’s living room and removed it from the board bag. The look on Juanita and David Smith’s face was total stoke, she immediately asked, “when can I try it?” I explained to Juanita about the creator of the Waveski Steve Boehne and how he will set up a tandem surf session with different athletes of all levels and teach them about the Waveski. After seeing the look on Juanita’s face and knowing she had not been in the water in some time I felt like I needed
to make this happen for Juanita as fast as possible. I sent Steve Boehne an email and set up a surf session with Juanita but she would have to wait two weeks. The day finally came for Juanita and David Smith to meet Steve Boehne and get Juanita back on a wave. When I spoke to Steve Boehne about his experience surfing with Juanita Steve said, “It’s always a challenge taking out people new to the Waveski or kayak paddling, Juanita already was a strong paddler, she knows exactly how to handle the paddle, also she has great wave knowledge. Since Juanita was a kayak surfer she knows how to lean into the wave, we also caught about twenty waves so she got lots of practice.” When I spoke to Juanita about her experience she said, “This is the next evolution for my surfing career, we caught so many waves it was incredible!” Her husband David Smith added, “Steve Boehne is a great man for taking time out of his day to come down here to help someone he has never even met, I have great respect for Steve and what he does. The impact that this has had on Juanita and me is amazing and we are going to get a Waveski for Juanita as soon as possible.” Meeting Juanita and David Smith is like getting introduced to a small piece of San Diego’s surf history, here are two kindred spirits, soul mates if you will experiencing the stoke and love of surfing a lifetime together. Sharing waves, music, art, and love together and continuing to overcome adversity and keeping Juanita’s stoke alive has been their mission. To make sure that Multiple Sclerosis does not steal the stoke of either Juanita or David Smith, that MS does not win this fight but that the stoke and love of the ocean in Juanita Smith’s heart is the winner of this battle. Juanita is winning the battle every day and with the love and support of her best friend and husband David Smith, Juanita will continue to win the battle. The Lady Warrior Juanita Smith walks off into the sunset after another classic San Diego surf session with her heart full of stoke and love, she is the ultimate winner.
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Backflip off bow underway: Kevin celebrates with a backflip off the bow of "Destiny" while sailing. Photo by Tyler Rowland
More Hands on Deck Turning Mistakes into Accomplishments 6/18/14 On our mission to sail and surf around the world, six months ago my friend Tyler and I made the biggest mistake of our lives. We bought a neglected and broken boat in a foreign country and thought we could fix it up and sail away. We didn't grow up near boats, we didn't know anything. We never got the boat surveyed, and it wasn't in any shape to take a test sail before we bought it. What were we thinking? Every day for six months we put our heart and soul into that hunk of junk, and often it seemed like everything we touched broke. Being in Mexico didn't help anything either. Many of the Mexicans saw young gringos with a boat and thought about all the money we must have, and there were plenty of times we got pushed around and walked on. What were we supposed to do, we aren't from the country and who knows what kind of connections these people have. Better to dish out a bit of money than to make enemies. Even some of the other foreign sailors down there sold us junk that didn't work, but they assured us we would need it. We were new to the game and had a lot to learn.
We took out my masts and found that the main mast, which is one of the most integral parts of the boat, was littered through and through with termite damage and worthless. Did the sellers of the boat know this? Is this why it came so cheap? Here we were, stuck in the Mexican 100 plus degree heat, just trying to get out of Mexico without having to throw our cards in, forget about all the money and time we lost, sink the boat and come back to the states with our tail between our legs. We stuck to it. Every week we made a list of the things that had to be done and every day we crossed things off. We made decisions not knowing if they would be right or wrong. Many times we did things solely based on hunches, and just messed with things until they worked. We wouldn't take no for an answer. Last Saturday we loaded the boat with food, water, a bit of fuel, some friends and started out for the ocean. We pulled up the main sail and the boat started tilting a bit to the left, catching wind. I looked at the rigging, the chain plates, the mast, the mast step, all things that Tyler and I had fabricated or installed
Mast view La Paz: Kevin doing some last minute mast work before setting sail for the first time. Photo by Kevin Schank
Sushi at Anchor: Enjoying sushi with fresh caught fish anchored in the beautiful islands of the Sea of Cortez. Photo by Kevin Schank
Kevin and Tyler back on the open ocean: Kevin and Tyler stoked out of their minds for the first sail after six months of work. Photo by Kevin Schank
by ourselves. Everything held. We put up the fore sail, we put up the mizzen, we shut off the engine. Silence. Waves were slapping against the hull, wind was blowing in our faces. Inside the boat things were moving around - dishes were sliding back and forth, doors were opening and closing. The boat, for the first time in close to ten years, had come alive. We were cruising at a full 7 knots under sail, which is fast for any cruising Kevin Stoked after first sail: Kevin happy and surprised the boat isn't falling apart! Photo by Tyler Rowland
sailboat. I looked at the boat. We had a stove, an oven, a sink, a bathroom, a shower, a water maker hooked to two giant water tanks, beds and couches, an engine that purred when we needed it, three sails raised, a library of sailing books, lines attached all over the place each with a specific purpose, anchors and chain, solar panels, fishing lines trolling out the back, and a giant cockpit to lay out in and watch the clouds pass by. All of these systems we know intimately, and if anything were to break we know how to fix it, because we already did it once before. We sailed to the island Espiritu Santo and anchored for the night. The wind picked up overnight and we were in an exposed anchorage. We kept thinking we should
hold us there. We had become sailor. In the morning we sailed around the island, catching tuna and making sushi. We anchored in beautiful coves with white sand beaches and turquoise water and spearfished. We headed back to La Paz and made it back to our mooring around midnight after a successful first voyage. What for a time we had considered the biggest mistake of our lives turned out to be one of the greatest accomplishments in our lives. Our plan now is to finish up a few finishing touches on the boat, install a top of the line Monitor wind vane that was generously given to us by the president of the company, and sail north up the Sea of Cortez to Guyamas. From there we will most likely put the boat in
Looking Back at the Cockpit: Looking back at the cockpit of "Destiny" while underway. Photo by Kevin Schank
Destiny Main Sail: Looking up at the main sail catching wind for the first time in almost ten years. Photo by Kevin Schank
Destiny at full sail: Kevin's boat "Destiny" with the sails up for the first time. Photo by Kevin Schank
be worried about the anchor slipping or the rode breaking, pushing us into the rocks but we weren't. We had put the chain and rope together, inspected it ourselves, and knew that the size and type of the anchor, with the type of sea bottom and scope we had laid out according to the depth of water would
storage for a month or two and return stateside to clear our heads and mentally prepare for the next leg of the journey: down the Central American Coast to Panama and then a Pacific Crossing in the spring. -Kevin Schank www.MoreHandsOnDeck.com
Photos by Marion Cunningham and Team Rider Luke Pelbath
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SECRETS OF SUSTAINABLE HEALTH The other day, while enjoying some post surf drinks on the beach, a new acquaintance loudly asked me, “What are your secrets to healthy living?” Suddenly, everyone was looking my direction, awaiting my response. I briefly pondered launching into a complex spiel about fats, carbs, and proteins, but bit my tongue as I imagined my friends snoring into their cocktails.
ONE
TWO
THREE
BE MODERATE.
LISTEN TO YOUR UNIQUE BODY.
DIVERSIFY YOUR WORKOUTS AND YOUR MEALS.
Healthy living doesn’t mean depriving yourself of the things that you love (chocolate and beer!), nor does it mean overdosing on kale (yes, you can eat too much kale). They key is what your grandparents probably told you: moderation.
When it comes to nutrition, there’s no silver bullet, and no one-size-fits-all way of eating. Your body type, blood type, metabolic type, and even your personality type are a complex mosaic that make up who you are. True health comes when you get to know your body and then listen to what it’s saying from one moment to the next. Notice everything: food cravings, energy levels, digestion, mental clarity, etc. Many of us are too busy to slow down and listen. What is your body telling you right now?
We all have our favorite foods and exercise routines, but it’s essential to remember that the body thrives on diversity. If you’re always feasting on kale, then you’re missing out on other, amazing greens. Why not try dandelion greens, mustards, and collards too? Same goes for fitness. Try mixing up your yoga and surfing workouts with some high intensity training. Nourishing and moving your body in new ways is one of the keys to balanced, sustainable health and keeping yourself inspired throughout.
FOUR
FIVE
SEEK NOURISHMENT IN ALL FORMS.
SKIP PERFECTION.
Food is important, but what about water, oxygen, sunshine, nature, fitness, relationships, career, spirituality, inspiration and all that other good stuff? Open your mind to nourishment in its many beautiful and powerful forms. You know that feeling of riding a perfect wave? Now that’s nourishment!
Though we all want to feel and look our best, a ruthless quest for perfection can be dangerous. Don’t force yourself to eat a “perfect” diet or to follow a “perfect” fitness regime. Treat yourself occasionally! Strict diets and workouts often result in selfsabotage and unhappiness in the long run. With that, I stopped to catch my breath and raise my glass. Cheers to your health and feel free to share these tips at your post surf beach party!
Instead, I took a deep breath and offered the following simple, yet powerful, healthy living essentials.
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grom report rocky detzel Age: 20
by alberto hernandez is a fine line between being adventurous and being a daredevil. 20 year old, Rocky Detzel, walks that fine line. The multitalented Detzel is an avid surfer and downhill skater. Detzel lives in La Mision, Mexico and is an intrical member of the Urban Surf family. I asked Rocky why he is so fearless when pertaining to his adventurous nature. Rocky stated to me, “I love to do things that give me a rush of adrenaline.” Rocky seeks the steepest and fastest hills in Baja California and in the United States. He has a number of extreme videos online that bring the viewer to a front seat experience as he videos his skating adventures with a camera on his helmet. Besides skating, Rocky loves to surf. I asked the young man why he enjoyed surfing so much? “The ocean helps me to relax and while on my board, I am able to forget about the rigors of life” the avid surfer stated. Rocky regularly surfs the K38 waves in Mexico,and he also loves to surf the waves in his hometown of Playa La Mision, Mexico. I then inquired as to why he enjoyed K38 so much and he stated, “K38 in Baja Norte is an exposed reef break that has very reliable surf and works year round” said Detzel. “Most of the time offshore winds blow from the east. Groundswells, for the most part, are more frequent than windswells and the best swell direction is from the west. Because of these ideal conditions I enjoy surfing K38” proclaimed Detzel. Rocky is a very advance surfer and skater for his age,and he enjoys sharing his gifts with others. He was able to show his skill to some of the orphans from “Children of the Promise” orphanage in Las Playas,Mexico. While on the trip to Cabo (our cover story),Rocky gave his heart, his time, and his talents to the youth from the orphanage. “I love to give back to others” said Dentzel, “I truly believe that it is better to give than to receive.” Rocky shared his gifts for surfing, photography (Detzel is the one who shot the cover photo for the july edition of the US4K magazine), and life lessons to the youth. Rocky Detzel is a great inspiration to many young people that live the stoke of the ocean. “I want everyone to enjoy the peace, tranquility, and stoke that exudes through the ocean waters” says Detzel. I truly believe that you will be hearing alot about this wonderful young man that is giving back to the less fortunate. You will hear about the adventurous, daredevil, surfer, that took his talents and encouraged many young people.
Soak in the Florida Lifestyle.... romantic ~ charming ~ relaxing
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Recently awarded TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award for “Top Romance in US”
Directly on the beach, Bungalow Beach Resort is reminiscent of a bygone era. Bungalow Beach Resort offers 15 beautifully restored 1930s islandstyle bungalows. Visitors can enjoy accommodations, nestled among the white-sand dunes, sea oats and coconut palms of Anna Maria Island. Enjoy a heated pool, private beach area and much more. For more information call: 800-779-3601 2000 Gulf Drive North Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 www.bungalowbeach.com
“I came in search of paradise and found it a haven,” a tourist from England had written in the guestbook at Bungalow Beach Resort. Philadelphia Enquirer
Siesta Key Bungalows
Come and enjoy a Siesta Key getaway at Siesta Key Bungalows… directly on peaceful Heron lagoon. Our 10 charming Bungalows are nestled within a tropical garden and offer large one-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Overlook the lagoon as you enjoy our pool, bicycle to the beach, kayak in the peaceful waters, or grab a fishing pole and relax on our dock. Siesta Key Bungalows sits near the #1 Beach in America, plus great shops & restaurants too.
“#1 Best Beach in America” by Dr. Beach
For more information call: 888-574-3782 8212 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key Fl. 34242 www.siestakeybungalows.com
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