People always ask what SAMA means. It started as kind of a joke. It was a sleeting, snowy day in early December. My friend and I were surfing a swell in Grand Haven. I looked over at him knowing we were supposed to both be at pre-Christmas family functions soon, and said "We are like Self Absorbed Michigan Adventurers." That kind of stuck, and like many of our friends we have a common passion for outdoor sports in Michigan, and we go out in any weather to get our sessions. He replied "Ya, SAMA!"

So it was born, the SAMA logo was fashioned by another like minded surfer friend from Grand Haven. SAMA is for all of you year round Michiganders and vacationers who know, love, and respect all the outdoor activities there are to do in Michigan. No matter the weather you will find us us out enjoying all the benefits of our unique freshwater paradise.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Saturday, March 19, 2011

XCD = X-Country Downhill

Last weekend Marcus and I did a backcountry ski tour Michigan style.  I had the chance to check out the Karhu Guides and the Rossignol BC 125 in the woods of Harbor Springs.  I rented a nice light weight tele boot set-up from the Outfitter in Harbor Springs called the Garmont Excursions.  I have been thinking about these skis and boots as an option for our local dunes and woods here in Grand Haven.  I was amazed at how well they kicked and glided through the rolling terrain, and how easily the skis were to turn in the trees downhill.  I predict a full obsession coming next winter when I get my new gear.  Thanks again to Marcus for taking me out, and having the full SAMA stoke for all the outdoor options we have here in Michigan!





Monday, March 14, 2011

The Real Ski Bums

Each year there are a bevy of new school skiing and snowboarding flicks that blow us away.  This one however, can truly change your life.  People always think ski bumming is for when your young and free of responsibilities, but you know the old saying, "once a man, twice a child."
  The real ski bums!


Sunday, March 6, 2011

The Changing of the Season

The first weekend in March is over.  Many Michigainians are anxiously awaiting springs warm up.  Some, I'll dare say less than the aforementioned are a bit sad to see the frozen landscape go.  This weekend I surfed some really fun, albeit very cold waves, and played my last Sunday pond hockey game of the season.  I can't really imagine a better changing of the seasons weekend.  While I was super stoked to get back in the water, hop to my feet and fly down a beautiful Lake Michigan right hander, I was equally saddened when I walked off our local rink this afternoon, after another gorgeous sunny afternoon hockey game.  The sun was almost blinding, and the ice was soft.  The birds were singing their song signaling the end of winter and the rebirth of spring.  Even though it was a weekend of mixed emotions, I knew that is exactly why I love living here so much.  Every season is special for me.  With the end of each one, there's a tear in one eye saddened to see it go, while the grin is slowly creasing my face knowing epic times of another type of adventure season are near.  See you out there!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Snowkiting Muskegon Lake

Here's the boys getting a nice session in on Muskegon Lake.  Looks like it was a fun day!