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.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Out of Place



Hey crew!

Check out these guys from Cleveland! Their movie "Out of Place" will be showing at the Santa Barbara Independent Film Festival. It won an award at the New York Film Festival. It portraits the culture of surfing in Cleveland Ohio. Pretty cool. I think we need to get a showing of the flick here in Grand Haven.

http://outofplacemovie.com/

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Hydronamic Planning Hulls




Here is a few shots of Richard Kenvin on his mini-simmons hydrodynamic planning hull "Casper". His new film "Hydronamica" explores the early designs of finned rail surfboards. I can't wait to pick this one up when it's finished.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Cold Water Paradise



Winter surfing is usually met with the following remark. "You are crazy! Don't you get cold?" I consistently reply, "You would be amazed at how warm we actually are." It still doesn't seem to relieve the persons fear for our safety, but that is probably just fine. I like to have someone worrying about us. Each year I grow fonder of "surfing in the snow" as some call it. The world seems different from out there. Deserted beaches, snow covered houses, and pavilions that look abandoned for good. There's a peace that comes from this experience, which is hard to put into words. Then the waves are cleaner, more powerful, and the entire experience feels more like an adventure. I guess that's why some of us still venture out this time of year. To feel that sense of adventure that is so lacking in our modern day lives. So, as we inch along each morning in our tin cans sipping our disposable coffees on the way to our jobs. It's good to know that there still is a little adventure to be found in our backyard, even if most people would say. "You are crazy!"

Here are a few photos from a facebook friend up in Alaska. I can't imagine a more beautiful setting for the pursuit of winter surfing. Cold water searchers enjoy!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Starting in January at the Ski Bowl!

More Intergalatic Oneness from the North Country




Again, the north country of our state seems produce gem after gem. Waves like these are not easy to find, but for those willing to take the ride the reward can be worth all the while. However, once again it is not always the waves I remember most but the journey with friends. The waves are just the icing on the top. These pics were taken by some traveling south enders. Nice work gentlemen.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The First Ice Crown of the Season



The glorious ice crown is a right of passage for surfing in below freezing temps.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Superior is Superior for a Good Reason





A picture, they say is worth a thousand words. I disagree, these pictures make me say only one word per photo. Oh my God! Our friends of the north country scored again. I guess they deserve it living up there all year. It's not always easy up there, but at times the reward can be well worth it. Nice one boys!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Bucks of November










While some Samanians were surfing epic waist high peelers on Friday after Thanksgiving, I switched up quivers and headed out for an afternoon session in the tree stand in pursuit of a whitetail buck. With a light NW wind at the perfect angle and daylight fading, I saw this buck sneaking around the backside of the thick swale behind my stand to investigate the grunt calls that I had been making all afternoon. He was slowly working his way along the edge of the field and stopped within 30 yards of me. BOOOOOOOM! Victory never tasted so good. Another epic self absorbed mid-western adventurer mission accomplished.

Mike Sispera

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Greensky Bluegrass at "The Livery" in Benton Harbor

Crew, click the title bar to see The Livery's webpage. Specializing in hand forged micro brews and great music. Anyone up for seeing Greensky play there on Wednesday night? We are heading down to K-zoo after that but it would be cool to rally with the team down there for a Greensky show. I haven't seen them since last year at New Year's Eve, and seeing them at a small venue is by far an experience not easily replicated.