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NOVEMBER 2014
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WESLEY STEWART • URBAN SURF 4 KIDS
FOUNDER’S NOTES Aloha, A few weeks ago, we hosted our first surf camp of the season in Surf City USA, Huntington Beach. It had a been a little while since we had been up North. Our core San Diego team made the drive to make sure our new kids, and enthusiastic volunteers, all felt at home during our camp. What unfolded that day, inspires me to the deepest fibers of my soul. I saw foster youth, who have experienced far more than they should have, let go and find themselves having the best time of their lives. I was grateful to be a part of it. (Check out the photo’s on page 32). As we drove back home that day (joyfully exhausted), I was powerfully reminded of the secret ingredient to the moments we had just experienced. It wasn’t the Domino pizza that we ate, it wasn’t the speech we gave them, and it wasn’t even our program. It was simply the water. The water had provided us with the magic. I went back and pinpointed the turning point. It was clearly the moment we had entered the ocean. As if a magic spell had been cast upon us, we all forgot all of the problems or issues in our lives, and became so focused on that moment. Come to think of it, all of the content in this month’s edition is directly tied to the moment we enter the ocean. Take Aaron Gold, the common man driven by faith, passion, and his love for the water to ride BIG WAVES. Or how about Bethany Hamilton? Seriously, is there any better ambassador for what the power of the water can do? The girl suffers from what the majority of us would consider a “life changing tragedy”, in getting her arm bitten off by a shark. But, not only does she venture back into the water, but she takes millions of us right there with her, through her courage. Now, she provides children with life threatening illnesses the opportunity to enter the water . Then there is the story of JC Monje, a surf photographer, who shares his story of how the water captivated his soul from an early age. Our lives today are busier than ever and we often become forgetful as to what is important. I’m thankful for this powerful reminder, and leave you with the words from our friends at the Mauli Ola Foundation, “May the WATER heal us all!” Mahalo, Wesley Stewart Founder | Urban Surf 4 Kids
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MARCH 2015
A LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE
TABLE OF CONTENTS Urban Surf 4 Kids Magazine | February 2015
PAGE 6
& Make a Wish Hawaii
any Hamilt on
PAGE 12 My daughters GromandReport: I are called in to volunteer as photographers for numerous Make-A-Wish events. While we find April Martin-Hansen so much happiness in each and every wish-granting, the
he surf culture began a few years hters decided that they wanted to we traveled from break to break, north shores of Oahu, we inevitade lifelong friends along the way. ur interactions with these humble ng how these surfers are so drawn o simple desires of riding the wave of the water, the girls and I decided ck to the community by volunteerable group. We chose Make-A-Wish on that grants wishes to children llnesses. James Donnelly, HospitaliManager with Make-A-Wish Hawaii, en arms and immediately made us al part of the group.
ones that involve surfing have truly found a special place in our hearts. With this knowledge, James invited us to Hanalei Bay, on the island of Kauai, to shoot the Second Annual Bethany Hamilton Surf Camp.
PAGE 16 Bethany Hamilton & Make A Wish Hawaii The inspiring story of Bethany Hamilton has led to so
one sit-down with her, w any question that came was sincere, patient, and cluded a movie night, wh screening of Soul Surfer, try Adventures (kauaibac with the Hanalei Canoe C through the entire activ aiono.com) was on-site ly-cooked, catered meals
many young girls wishing to surf with her. The sheer volume of “I wish to surf with Bethany Hamilton” wishes, prompted Siana Austin Hunt, President and CEO of Make- By the end of camp, all te A-Wish Hawaii, to organize a surf camp which would friends, not just with eac grant this wish to ten families at a time by inviting them A-Wish Hawaii staff, and all to Hanalei Bay for a week-long, festivity-filled event. volunteer. The memories The wish kids, who ranged in age from six to sixteen, fully be something these and their families were flown to Kauai from all across the challenges come their w country, and were given their very own beach house. For Spirit came out in full fo the following few days, the staff of Make-A-Wish Hawaii, they will never forget. as well as volunteers from KORE (korekauai.com), local firefighters, photographers, and videographers, with My daughters and I will c boards donated for use by Hanalei Surf School (hanalei- A-Wish Hawaii for as long surfschool.com), and numerous pro surfers (such as Kala are filled with love, and Alexander, Keala Kennelly, and Kalani Vierra) all worked each and every smile. The together to make that week, one that the wish families of my extended family, h brought him to Imperial Beach that same year. He hascultu everything the surf would never forget. the ocean,of respect managed to travel all over the world inofsearch the for a Each wish child had the opportunity to ride a wave with importantly, how to be g “perfect wave”. He has had the luxury of traveling to (or alongside) Bethany, in addition to having a one-on- enjoy every moment.
PAGE 26 Travel Article: Rincon, Puerto Rico PAGE 32 OC Surf Camp: Huntington Beach
otography
y defined as “Riding an ocean wave nd of itself, gives great joy and pleaple around the world, who are able surf break. While the thrill of the by throwing buckets on a massive t out of a barrel after a precarious eny that it is the surf culture, filled s shared from one surfer to anoths of an unbreakable bond between umans. And when these very hue rest of us mortals, who have not big blue ocean, magical moments
Aaron Gold: The Common Man
PAGE 42 Surf Photography Spotlight
urbansurf4kids.org
some of the world’s famous surfing spots, such as Teahupoo, Tahiti, Mundaka, Spain, Hossegor, France, Middles, Puerto Rico, Witches Rock, Costa Rica, and many other surf spots around the US and Mexico. His favorite place in the entire world is Mundaka, in Northern Spain. According to Juan Carlos, it is the most picturesque place in the World. He also says it has the best waves in the North Atlantic. Mundaka is well-renowned worldwide, for its quality of surf. Huge swells roll in from the
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“I just always have loved surfing bigger waves and the feeling of it�
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THE COMMON MAN
AARON GOLD by Neomi Mustain
A
aron Gold doesn’t just surf, he surfs surfing’s biggest waves, waves up to, and greater than, 40 feet. He surfs famed Hawaiian waves like Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore, the terrifying wave Jaws of the Maui coast, and he even travels 100 miles off the California coast to surf giant waves breaking over the mystic seamount Cortes Bank. Gold excels in the big wave arena and the surf world recognizes this. This winter, Gold was invited to participate in big wave surfing’s most prestigious surf contest, the Eddie, which only runs when quality conditions come together and waves surpass 40 feet. “Being invited to the Eddie was a huge dream of mine” he says, “and something that actually I had given up on in a sense. I just finally let it go, and I go, I guess it’s just not meant to be. And then later I got the invite and everything. It’s cool just how things come full circle like that. I consider myself pretty blessed to do what I love to do and to be where I am and be invited to the events that I’m being invited to.” Being invited to the famed contest highlights Gold’s achievement in the sport. But notably, whether the waves are a couple of feet overhead, or a couple of 20 feet overhead, Gold remains grounded, fully aware of surfing’s greater gifts. He says, “there is something about being a surfer, everyone that surfs knows that there is something special about being in the water. It’s kind of like a sanctuary and a place to escape things when you are having a hard time, whatever it is in your life. When you are going through things, for me, that’s always been an escape. Everything on land can be falling apart and going crazy, and then you can jump in the water and you’re just refreshed and that weight just lifts. So it’s a freeing thing. It’s always been like that for me. It’s always been very special for me.”
All photos by: Dooma Photos
Gold, originally from the Big Island and now living on Oahu, grew up naturally as an authentic Hawaiian waterman and surfer. “My earliest memories were my dad taking me in on bodyboards and progressively, I ended up boadyboarding. Then at one point, I was surfing on my bodyboard. And my dad shapes surfboards, so his friends were hassling, saying “your son’s riding a bodyboard like a surfboard, you need to make him his first surfboard!” That was when I was like 4 or 5 or something. And so my dad made me my first surfboard, and you know, it just was always something we did.” And having a dad and uncles who constantly surfed, little by little, Gold started to surf bigger and bigger waves. He recalls, “we’d come up to the North Shore all the time. And every weekend all of my dad’s friends were up here. And we’d come up and he’d go “ok we’re going to go here.” And wherever we go, you know, if you want to come surfing, you’d paddle out. Or he’d say “maybe we’ll take you out somewhere else after this, if we have time.” But a lot of times that maybe wouldn’t happen, so I’d just end up paddling out, and I’d get washed to the beach and then I’d either try and go back out or I’d wait and go the next time. But just between that and bodysurfing in the shorebreak and being pounded and things, I slowly built my way up to it and it is something I love.” “I just always have loved surfing bigger waves and the feeling of it”, he continues. “With me being a Christian, there is a connection between my faith and everything out there. With that time that I go out and get in the water, everything falls away and that is my time, my time with God and being out there in my sanctuary. And as you go out somewhere, it’s just freeing for me, even though it may be big and scary and crazy, but all the things that are around me get really real. I feel it’s like ok,
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the reality of things is a heavy life and death situation, but now the rest of things don’t matter, things that normally cloud your everyday experience.” Surfing awakens Gold into the reality of the present moment, bringing clarity. So what is it like to be thrown through the wringer? What do you do to survive? That’s the catch according to Gold. You mustn’t do anything. You need to just go with the flow, yes the violent, limb-tearing flow. He explains, “you go off of a lot of experiences that you have, and you’re trying to keep yourself calm in those situations. So, there’s times when it’s almost comical when you’re sitting there, you’re in a bad spot, and you literally can’t do anything. And if you paddle out, it’s probably going to land on your head, so it could be more detrimental or more threatening than if you just stayed where you were. And you could paddle inward, but you just know that you’re going to get smoked. So the only way to do it is to not have judgment and say ok, here we go and stay relaxed and calm and just go through the motions. “The beatings that you get with big waves are really violent, and the more you use energy in those situations, the more you’re actually hurting yourself. Your timing underwater, if you fight things, you lose your energy a lot faster and you lose your
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oxygen, and if you stiffen up you’re more prone to getting injured. You’re more prone to tearing something or getting hurt or breaking something. It’s kind of funny because you just go into this ‘ok it’s going to happen mode’ and you just handle it! And from years of experience and working my way up and getting comfortable, you know what to do and how to position your body and how to stay clam in the whole situation.” Currently, Gold solely supports his surf habits unsponsored, and riding surfboards that he shapes and glasses himself. Employed as a carpenter, and providing for his wife and 2 daughters, Gold appreciates the flexibility of his trade. He says, “for myself, I never really had that sponsorship where I could just go and work at this full time, full time surfing. So I had to work really hard and then spend money to chase waves when I had to, or make sure that the days that would be going off here would go off and I’d be there for those big days.” Always keeping things interesting, Gold recently participated in Brian Jennings’ newest documentary Surfing Cowboys. In this film, big wave surfers and bull riders are brought together, and the similarities between sports are captured. Yes, the intense, terrifying thrills of both big waves and big angry animals. Which would be more terrifying, riding a giant 40 foot wave or rid-
MARCH 2015 All photos by: Dooma Photos
ing a 1600 pound bucking bull? It sounds like Gold craves both?! “Yeah, I always have wanted to bull ride and actually looked into it a couple of years ago”, he says. “There is a person here on our island in Hawaii, and yeah you can ride, but they are PBR bulls which are top-ranked bulls of the world, of the rodeos. And I went in to check it out and he’s like, you got pants, you got shoes, yeah, you can ride.” But without any real instruction or life-saving tips, Gold opted out… until getting involved in this documentary. “I wasn’t sure if they were going to let us, or want us to ride,” he says “but it was kind of a dream of mine. So it was pretty cool to get that opportunity. I got to ride a couple bulls and actually I really, really liked it and actually, I really want to start riding bulls more.Yeah it’s pretty fun!” So yes, what does inspire the mind of a bull riding, big wave surfer? Maybe it’s just wired to handle fear a little different than most? Besides more bull riding, Gold’s hope for the future is to give back and inspire the next generation. “I think the biggest thing I like to share,” he says “is to just be persevering. If you love to do something, keep doing it because you love it and keep persevering in that. In the end, no matter what you do, when it comes and happens and falls forward for you, or it doesn’t happen, you’re going to have been glad to have gone through it all. “You see, a lot of really talented people get caught up in drugs or different things and just disappear and fall away from surfing and it’s sad losing that kind of talent, and the decisions they made every day, forgetting about what they love doing. So that’s my goal, to see the next kids come up, and pass along what I’ve learned and teach them the skills and things that I’ve learned. Because I can’t take it with me when I die, so I might as well make sure my kids and the next generation of people learn. I’m always open to sharing and teaching people things because I got to learn firsthand from my family. That’s how it was taught here in Hawaii, it’s along the lines of Aloha, sharing whatever we have to give.” So there he goes, persevering, taking on new challenges, and full of the Aloha Spirit, in and out of the water. Oh yeah and riding bulls and big, very, very big waves.
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MARCH 2015
Photos by Marion Cunningham and Team Rider Luke Pelbath
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g grom report april martin-hansen by Neomi Mustain
April Martin-Hansen, surfing since age 11, really got into surfing during 8th grade. So much so, by the time she was in high school, she wanted to start competing. Great! She therefore decided to join the surf team. However, there was one problem—her high school didn’t have a surf team. Rather than accept initial defeat, April set out to create one. April talked with the principal, the school’s booster club, and the local surf league coordinator. She researched the cost of having a team and then played a large role in raising the funds required to create the surf team. Everything eventually came together, and the San Lorenzo Valley High School Surf Team was formed. Now a 16 year old junior, April believes that it is very important to give back to the ocean, as it has given so much to her. April says, “I feel that through surfing, we have such a deep connection with the ocean. I think that it’s really important for people to give back to the earth. So, I've done a lot of beach and river cleanups”. April participates in cleanups at local beaches, including Manresa State Beach—the beach that her and her surf team have just adopted through the regional “Save our Shores” program.
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But April’s care for the ocean goes beyond formalized beach cleanups. Her desire for a clean and healthy ocean is evident, even while surfing. “It just infuriates me when I see people littering and polluting. I've been out in the lineup sometimes, when I’ve seen a plastic bottle or something and I can't just leave it there, you know, so I'll put it in my wetsuit and go in to shore to throw it away. I guess I really just feel like we gain so much from the ocean that it's our responsibility to be stewards for it and make sure that we keep it clean and healthy.” April has also connected her love of surfing and her love of the environment in another way—through her writing. Just last summer, in a Stanford journalism program called Newsroom by the Bay, April created an online magazine. “It was called Upwelling, and I was featuring positive surf-related stories and ways that surfers are helping the environment. It was cool to learn about what other people are doing”, she says. April continues to write for various local and online magazines, educating about the environment, and sharing surf stoke. But there is one thing that she won’t share: “my favorite surf spot is …” she says with a sly pause, “one that I will not name!” Like a true local, she cherishes the emptiness of the lineup. “It's around Santa Cruz” she continues, “there are some different spots that I really like that are outside of town, that are still uncrowded. I like it because it's a punchy, fun wave that definitely challenges me.” Challenging herself seems fun for April. Taking initiative and creating, seems to be where she really shines. Envisioning her future, April dreams of writing for magazines like Surfer's Journal or Surfer and she confirms, “I’ll still be loving the environment and writing, I'll still be surfing as long as I live.”
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n o t l i m a H y n a h Bet &
Make a Wish Hawaii by Darcy Fiero
Surfing can be loosely defined as “Riding an ocean wave on a board.” That, in and of itself, gives great joy and pleasure to millions of people around the world, who are able to find their way to a surf break. While the thrill of the sport can be found by throwing buckets on a massive cutback, or being spit out of a barrel after a precarious air drop, one can’t deny that it is the surf culture, filled with pure stoke that is shared from one surfer to another, that forms the basis of an unbreakable bond between these ocean-loving humans. And when these very humans reach out to the rest of us mortals, who have not yet ventured into the big blue ocean, magical moments are born. My introduction to the surf culture began a few years ago, when my daughters decided that they wanted to learn how to surf. As we traveled from break to break, from the south to the north shores of Oahu, we inevitably and gratefully made lifelong friends along the way. And through all of our interactions with these humble people, and witnessing how these surfers are so drawn to the ocean with two simple desires of riding the wave and sharing the love of the water, the girls and I decided it was time to give back to the community by volunteering with a local charitable group. We chose Make-A-Wish Hawaii, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. James Donnelly, Hospitality and Development Manager with Make-A-Wish Hawaii, welcomed us with open arms and immediately made us feel like we were a vital part of the group.
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All photos by: Jackie Fiero
MARCH 2015 My daughters and I are called in to volunteer as photographers for numerous Make-A-Wish events. While we find so much happiness in each and every wish-granting, the ones that involve surfing have truly found a special place in our hearts. With this knowledge, James invited us to Hanalei Bay, on the island of Kauai, to shoot the Second Annual Bethany Hamilton Surf Camp. The inspiring story of Bethany Hamilton has led to so many young girls wishing to surf with her. The sheer volume of “I wish to surf with Bethany Hamilton� wishes, prompted Siana Austin Hunt, President and CEO of MakeA-Wish Hawaii, to organize a surf camp which would grant this wish to ten families at a time by inviting them all to Hanalei Bay for a week-long, festivity-filled event. The wish kids, who ranged in age from six to sixteen, and their families were flown to Kauai from all across the country, and were given their very own beach house. For the following few days, the staff of Make-A-Wish Hawaii, as well as volunteers from KORE (korekauai.com), local firefighters, photographers, and videographers, with boards donated for use by Hanalei Surf School (hanaleisurfschool.com), and numerous pro surfers (such as Kala Alexander, Keala Kennelly, and Kalani Vierra) all worked together to make that week, one that the wish families would never forget. Each wish child had the opportunity to ride a wave with (or alongside) Bethany, in addition to having a one-on-
one sit-down with her, where the child could ask Bethany any question that came to mind. Through it all, Bethany was sincere, patient, and thoughtful. Other activities included a movie night, where the families were treated to a screening of Soul Surfer, a tube ride with Kauai Backcountry Adventures (kauaibackcountry.com), and a canoe ride with the Hanalei Canoe Club (hanaleicanoeclub.org). And through the entire activity-filled week, Kauai Ono (kauaiono.com) was on-site to provide everyone with freshly-cooked, catered meals. By the end of camp, all ten wish families had made lifelong friends, not just with each other, but also with the MakeA-Wish Hawaii staff, and all the locals who came out to volunteer. The memories made during the week will hopefully be something these families can draw on, if any more challenges come their way. Without a doubt, the Aloha Spirit came out in full force to give these people a week they will never forget. My daughters and I will continue to volunteer with MakeA-Wish Hawaii for as long as they need our help. Our hearts are filled with love, and our souls are rejuvenated with each and every smile. The surfers, who have become a part of my extended family, have taught me how to appreciate everything the surf culture provides: the camaraderie, love of the ocean, respect for all things under the sun, and most importantly, how to be grateful for simply existing, and to enjoy every moment.
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Travel Article: that I not only recommend but I implore you to take the time to visit and to have an awe inspiring experience, similar to mine.
By Alberto Hernandez
I
have visited a number of places in this world. I have experienced the culture of Asia, when I lived in Sasebo, Japan for over a year. I have had the chance to visit beautiful vacation destinations like Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Hong Kong. I have had my share of uplifting destinations and awe inspiring sites. I can honestly say (I may be a bit biased as this is where I am from) that Puerto Rico is the most amazing destination that I have ever experienced. I can remember the time around the late 80’s when a hurricane passed through and almost destroyed
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the island. Many people were devastated, but the cultural pride prevailed, and the people of Puerto Rico continued to progress. What amazed me more than anything, at that time, was the number of people on the island who wanted to surf the majestic waves that “Hurricane Hugo” provided. I can remember going to the beach with some friends and witnessing the power and mystery of what seemed to be 100-feet high waves. I was in awe, as I experienced stoke for the first time. One of the most amazing places on the face of the earth is a destination
Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the Unites States. The phrase “Puerto Rico” is Spanish and means “rich port”. When Columbus first arrived on the island, he named it San Juan Bautista. But thanks to deposits of gold found in the river, he decided to rename the island, Puerto Rico. There are a number of beautiful sites on the island. One of the oldest forts, El Morro, is still standing. There are also the beautiful and majestic caves of Fajardo. The island has amazing rain forests and beautiful beaches with water as clear as crystal. One of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico is the famous Rincon, Puerto Rico. The word “Rincon” literally means “corner” or “niche”. Many on the island suggest that though Rincon is on the
MARCH 2015 Northwest corner of Puerto Rico, the name originates from Don Gonzalo Rincon, a 16th Century landowner who allowed various poor families to reside on his land. Today, Rincon is a favorite destination for many. The exact location of the “pueblo” (pueblos are the different towns on the island) is where the Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea meet. Because of this, there are a number of locations where the astute surfer can catch waves that are exhilarating and enjoyable. The avid stand up paddle boarder can also find calm waters in which to enjoy the calming stoke of SUPing. Rincon is a well-known surf destination, which became famous during the 1968 World Surfing Championship held at Domes Beach. Some of the best surf at Rincon can be experienced during the winter season. Rincon is the mecca for the island’s surf community. Waves in Rincon can approach the amazing heights of 25-30 feet! Some have stated that Rincon’s waters “equal the force of the surf at North Shore”. One of the most recognizable beaches to surf in Rincon is the famous Domes Beach. The beach is named for the dome of an old nuclear plant, which is now being converted into a science center and museum. As stated before, it is this place that put Rincon on the world’s surfing map. There are a number of other famed surf beaches in the town. Beaches such as Little Malibu, Tres Palmas, Indicators, Pools, Sandy Beach, and Antonio’s, will invigorate the surfing aficionado. The best time to enjoy the surf at the majestic beaches of Rincon is from November through
March. There are times, specifically during summer storms, that the waves really pick up during the summer. There are a number of surf shops and surf schools that can attend to your every surfing need. One of the more wellknown surf schools in the area is Rincon Surf School. The school is located in the heart of Rincon, just minutes away from Sandy Beach. Rincon Surf School offers lessons for beginners and intermediate, and coaching for advanced surfers. The school offers surfboard rentals (they have a plethora of high performance short boards and longboards), rash guards, and snorkeling gear at a reasonable price. Once you and the family have been educated by the great staff at the Rincon Surf School, you can then enjoy stoke and the majestic surf of Rincon. If you and the family ever get tired of the water-based activities in Rincon, you can enjoy a festival in the Rincon, Puerto Rico area. The Puerto Rican people are always ready to celebrate. Puerto Rico has a number of festivals where the people celebrate their heritage and their culture. Each pueblo has its own distinct festival and event that it celebrates. In Rincon, there are a number of festivals that you and the family can enjoy. Festivals and events such as: The Whale Festival, The Rincon International Film Festival, The Coconut Festival, Fest of the Patron Saint Santa Rosa de Lima, The Caribbean Cup ( a triathlon competition), and numerous surfing championships throughout the year. During these events, there are a number of local bands
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that play genres of music that range from reggae to salsa to Spanish rock. After some great surf, water sport activities, and some wonderful entertainment, you and your family will be extremely hungry. Rincon has a number of superb places to eat and get reenergized. There are a number of luxurious restaurants in the area. Brasa Restaurant is a great place that offers contemporary Caribbean cuisine. Das Alpen Café features authentic German and Italian cooking. Francisco’s Caribbean Local Cuisine features Caribbean delectables. La Ana de Cofresi Restaurant specializes in steaks, seafood, and Puerto Rican food. If you choose, you can venture out of the Rincon area and enjoy the thousands of restaurants on the island. You can eat scrumptious food from the traditional Puerto Rican staples to a good old fashioned burger with fries. Once you and the family have enjoyed the surf, filled your bellies with some tasty food, and experienced the festivities in Rincon, you will need to find a comfortable place to rest and relax. One of the premier hotels in Rincon is the famous Casa Verde Hotel. Casa
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Verde Hotel partners with Rincon Surf School to provide three, five, and seven day surf and stay lodging deals at a reasonable price. To access the deals, simply visit the Rincon Surf School website. Once on the website, click on lodging and from there you will need to click on Casa Verde Hotel’s rates and availability. The reason that Casa Verde Hotel is such a desired lodging destination is because the hotel was featured on Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible”, was renovated and given a complete makeover with a sleek modern surf hotel feel added to it.
There are many great vacation destinations around the globe. Every person has their particular favorite destination to vacation at. In this author’s opinion, Rincon, Puerto Rico, is one of the best vacation destinations on the planet. Of course, we all subjectively make statements based on our own experiences. I can honestly say, not only is my love for Rincon subjective, I think when you take the time to visit you will agree, Rincon, Puerto Rico is the “happening” place to visit. So until next time, if you have vacation time, take it. Make the decision to visit Rincon, Puerto Rico. You will not be disappointed.
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Soak in the Florida Lifestyle.... romantic ~ charming ~ relaxing
Bungalow Beach Resort
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
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For more information call: 888-574-3782 8212 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key Fl. 34242 www.siestakeybungalows.com
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FEBRUARY 2015
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OC SURF CAMP
HUNTINGTON BEACH JANUARY 31, 2015
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WWW.ARIAUTOWERS.COM
The Ariau Amazon Towers The Largest Treetop Hotel in the World Escape to the natural beauty and wild majesty of the Amazon Rainforest - one of the most exhilarating destinations on the planet. Nestled in a canopy of trees above the Amazon River, Ariau Amazon Towers jewel of the Amazonian Rainforest and the only hotel resort built completely at tree top level in the Jungle. Experience the ultimate in eco-tourism - from navigating the Amazon River to swimming with rare pink dolphins, to trekking through the rainforest to relaxing in a luxury tree house surrounded by the wonders of nature. Welcome to Brazil’s largest eco-friendly treetop hotel and discover rejuvenation and adventure in the heart of the Amazon. Contact Us | 1-877-44-ARIAU | info@ariautowers.com
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For a more personal experience on Hawaii’s Big Island, you might consider staying at Kona Hawaii Guest House. Choose from luxurious, romantic hideaways or secluded bungalows with
an old Hawaii feel. If you enjoy traveling off the beaten path, private residences and inns can add a whole new dimension to your vacation experience on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Specializing in Vinyasa flow classes. Presenting a well-balanced yoga practice that develops strength, balance, and flexibility. Tap into this form of power yoga in our lightly heated studio. Classes available for all levels. Looking for a challenge or to enhance your surfing performance? Try our surfer’s flow classes.
VISIT US 910 GRAND AVENUE #206, SAN DIEGO, CA 92109 CHAT 858.539.5742 EMAIL HEATHER@BIRDROCKYOGA.COM
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Renting BikeS, SuRfBoARDS PADDleBoARDS &
Farm fresh fruits, veggies and natural products delivered to your door. Live well, Go local & Eat organic!
fun! 3689 Mission Blvd. San Diego, CA 92109
3715 Mission Blvd. San Diego, CA 92109
1-800-941-7761 www.cheap-rentals.com
Choose what goes in your box! No Start up fees • No Commitment
(858) 946-6882
NaturallyToYourDoor.com
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FRIENDS OF URBAN SURF 4 KIDS
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Welcome to The Bissell House Bed and Breakfast, a uniquely charming, three story shingle Victorian, with craftsman style influence. Step back in time and experience a piece of Pasadena's heritage in a home that was built in 1887 and is elegantly situated in an upscale residential neighborhood located in beautiful, historic South Pasadena, California. Discover small town America a short half mile walk
201 Orange Grove Avenue South Pasadena, CA 91030
Our resort is located on approximately 7 acres, right on Lake Tahoe. There are 140 units located in five buildings. Four buildings are named after a historic figure (Carson, Bliss, Clemens and Baldwin) and one is named after a Tahoe historic site (Richardson). Some Features - 400 feet of private beach Year round heated pool and 2 outdoor spas - Tennis and Volleyball court - Horseshoes - Gas and charcoal grills at the beach and in the courtyard - Complimentary parking and Wifi
626.441.3535
to Mission Street with it’s many and varied eateries, metro station, bookstores, antique shops, wineries, art galleries, yoga studios and historic library. We are located approximately a mile and one half from the heart of historic “Old Town” Pasadena dining, shopping district and convention center and only six metro stops from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. The Norton Simon Museum, Fenyes Mansion Estate, Wrigley Tournament House, Greene and Greene Gamble House and Rose Bowl Stadium all either line or can be accessed off Orange Grove Boulevard within one to two miles north of us.
bissellhouseinn@gmail.com
Photo Credit: Bryan Madsen
Tahoephotographictours.com | Keith Price
3601 Lake Tahoe Boulevard South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 www.tahoebeachandski.com | 530-541-6220 Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
Tahoephotographictours.com | Keith Price
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Surf Photography JC MONJE
Spotlight Highlighted by Sandra Stewart
I recently had the opportunity to interview Juan Carlos Monje, whose love for photography is captured in the beautiful photos that he loves to share and talk about. Just ask him a question, and you can hear the enthusiasm surge from his voice. He literally glows with excitement! As a young child living in Playas de Tijuana Baja California Norte, Mexico, Juan Carlos often dreamed of the ocean, waves, and surfing, as he sat by the water’s edge. His parents, concerned over his safety, finally allowed him to enter the ocean when he was about 12 years old. His love for the ocean and surfing began when he was about 6 years old, when his Uncle took him to watch him catch waves; this was the first time he had seen the ocean. He truly lived for his days spent at the ocean, learning to surf, and becoming fascinated with the waves hitting the shore. Juan Carlos would spend hours looking through surf magazines, as he often still does. Since there was no internet, eBay, Amazon or other means of sharing, he would often go to Kmart to purchase
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a waterproof camera, and would go shoot some surf. He was lucky if he got one shot out of the 24 or 36 chances he had, to capture a good image—and often he had none. This did not discourage Juan Carlos, even if finally, out of all the pictures he took with that Kmart camera, he only ended up with 6 shots; he considered himself lucky to get that!
Imperial Beach Pier and Tin Fish
Often times, he would ride his bike to the beach, just to stare at the waves and watch the surfers. His passion grew from these childhood experiences, into the love that remains today, for surfing and photography. In 2006, he left Tijuana and relocated to San Diego, but his love for the ocean
MARCH 2015 brought him to Imperial Beach that same year. He has managed to travel all over the world in search of the “perfect wave”. He has had the luxury of traveling to some of the world’s famous surfing spots, such as Teahupoo, Tahiti, Mundaka, Spain, Hossegor, France, Middles, Puerto Rico, Witches Rock, Costa Rica, and many other surf spots around the US and Mexico. His favorite place in the entire world is Mundaka, in Northern Spain. According to Juan Carlos, it is the most picturesque place in the World. He also says it has the best waves in the North Atlantic. Mundaka is well-renowned worldwide, for its quality of surf. Huge swells roll in from the
Shorebreak Imperial Beach Bay of Biscay and slam into the rocky coastline of the Basque Country. Mundaka was formerly one of the sites of the World Championship Tour of Surfing. Juan Carlos and his wife, Ivette, have a 12 year old son named Abraham. Juan has shared his passion with Abraham, along with teaching him how to surf, but Abraham has different ideas, and his love for baseball has temporarily taken him from the ocean to the ballfield!
Juan loves to capture shooting the waves and land, particularly the shore breaks. In his off hours from his full time job, you will find him with his camera in hand, at Descanso Ave on Imperial Beach, looking for that perfect shot! He truly loves what he does, and would love to travel more to capture the beauty of the ocean, surfing, and waves. His main goal with his work, is to
make people happy. He would like one day to share an epic story of his travels, and adventures, that have taken him all over the world. If you would like to see some of his work, please go to jcmonjephotography. com. There, you will see these breathtaking photos that he has been able to capture. I promise you that you will be in awe of his work, just like I am.
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hostelwestpuertorico.com | gratefulsoulspr@gmail.com | 787-868-6588 sharing the love and magic of Puerto Rico
BEACHFRONT HOSTEL • PUERTO RICO • FEEL GOOD SURFERS FREE BREAKFAST • ADVENTURES • FRIENDS • SUNSHINE
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