Monday, November 29, 2010

Stuff Giveaway: No.6 The Vice That Binds Leash

I’m giving away a brand new No.6 The Vice That Binds Leash. The size is standard and the color is gold.

If you want a chance to win this leash, send me an email at team.stoked@gmail.com and include your first and last names. This giveaway is open to everyone within the United States (sorry, but international postage rates cost more than I'm willing to pay).

I’ll randomly pick the winner on Thursday, December 2nd.

Update: Congrats to Kalani on winning this giveaway.


Stuff Giveaway

I recently had an epiphany, of sorts – why not do giveaways? After all, who doesn’t get stoked over winning something for free?

I’ll be randomly giving away stuff just for the stoke of it. These giveaways will be open to everyone within the United States (sorry, but international postage rates cost more than I'm willing to pay).

Friday, November 26, 2010

Trying to Make the Most of It

There really wasn't a lot out there today - the sets were knee high, if that. However, I was determined to log-in some water time, especially since yesterday's sesh left a lot to be desired.

Despite the tiny waves and the ice cream headaches, I had a pretty fun sesh. Maybe it was because I knew I wasn't dealing with the madness that is Black Friday.


Six inches and bowling! Haha




The pier getting so pitted.


Getting a glimpse of Mark before I scoot out the back of the wave.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

A Case of Mistaken Identity

I was planning on meeting up with bruddah Sal this morning, so when I rolled up early at one spot and didn't see him there, I figured he was at another spot. I rolled up at another spot, saw some spongers in the distance and thought that that was Sal. I quickly suited up, ran down to the shoreline, and peered into the line up only to realize that none of the spongers out there was Sal. Oops.

Being already suited up and noticing that the waves were significantly better than the first spot I checked, I decided to jump in. Unfortunately, I had some technical difficulties shortly after jumping in and had to prematurely finish my sesh. Photo tip of the day: If your camera is indicating that its battery is low, it's probably not lying to you.

By the way, Happy Thanksgiving!


One of the few shots I got before my camera's battery died.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Gear Review: No.6 The Vice That Binds Leash

A couple of years ago, I noticed that there was some hype surrounding the then-new No.6 The Vice That Binds leash. Wondering if this leash lived up to the hype, I decided to get one.

The hype that this leash received is duly deserved.

From a specs standpoint, the No.6 The Vice That Binds leash is a coiled bicep leash, which features an ergonomically shaped cuff band, BSP polyurethane coils, a brass swivel and a stainless steel connection ring with double reinforced stitching. The leash also features a rail saver and a top-threading leash plug. Lastly, this leash comes in three different sizes – small (2.75” diameter), standard (3.25” diameter), and wide (4.25” diameter) – and three different colors – black, gold, and silver.

The thing that immediately caught my attention was the comfort of this leash; it’s easily the most comfortable bicep leash that I’ve ever used. The comfort is attributable to the design of the cuff, which is more padded and wider than most other bicep leashes’ cuffs. On top of that, the leash strap stretches, which allows you to tighten the leash without overly constricting your bicep.

Beyond the comfort of this leash, it’s also very well made and durable. On top of that, the coils have good shape retention. Also, the rail saver is a huge time and hassle saver when you want to remove/attach your leash.

The only thing that could be improved is the stretchiness of the leash strap. It stretches a little too much so you can only tighten the leash to a certain degree. If the leash strap was a little less stretchy, you could probably tighten it a little more while still not overly constricting your bicep.

The No.6 The Vice That Binds leash is my preferred leash due mainly to its comfort, but also due to its durability and rail saver. I highly recommend this leash to anyone looking for a high-quality, comfortable leash.




As you can see in this pic, the leash cuff is well padded.


The rail saver: easy on, easy off


Saturday, November 20, 2010

As I Expected

It was pretty much as I expected it to be this morning - wet, cold, dark, windy and small.

I checked out Alternative Surf's grand re-opening this morning. I entered a drawing for a free board, but judging from the lack of a phone call from AS, I guess I didn't win it. Anyway, there were giveaways, a 10% discount and autograph signing by a couple of local pro bodyboarders (Rusty Friesen and Jeremy Wright).


Ominous clouds about to reign with rain.



Da boyz waiting during the lull between sets.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Alternative Surf Grand Re-Opening

Alternative Surf will be celebrating its grand re-opening this Saturday, November 20th. Per Ron Dog, there will be giveaways, discounts and food. Check it out if you can.


Picture courtesy of Alternative Surf

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Not A Lot Out There

I checked a few spots this morning, but I didn't see anything that made me want to suit up. The weather was perfect once again, so I decide to stick around for a little bit and partake of it. Today's a great day to cruise the beach.




Shadow of the hooded man, aka me this morning.

Friday, November 12, 2010

A Beautiful Fall Day

I was a little surprised that the waves were smaller than they were yesterday, especially since it was supposed to pick up yesterday afternoon. I decided to stick around anyway and take advantage of yet another beautiful California day by snapping a few pics.


A Catalina-inspired barrel






For some reason, there were a ton of birds just chilling in the water.


I've been wanting to try one of these surf mats. I saw a video of some dude just flying on one of these.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Veterans Day 2010

The waves weren't all time today, but it was the best sesh that I've had for at least the past two weeks, so I was pretty stoked about that. On top of that, the sun was out and the winds were good.

Big thank you to all the veterans on this Veterans Day.


If you look closely, you'll see a little dude in there. He came up stoked from this barrel.





Friday, November 5, 2010

If Can, Can; If No Can, No Can

I was hoping to get some barrel shots today, but I couldn't because there were no real barrels to be had. I wasn't really that bummed though since it was nice to be in the water on a hot summer-esque day like today.