A True Samainian

What does true Samainian do when he is hacking out his PhD at Notre Dame, short on cash, young child at home, and still wanting to get in his sessions?  Well, a quick trip to Home Depot and a 20 spot can solve just about any issue.  Good on you Coop!  I think you should market that one!  Good to see the SAMA spirit is still alive.

Snowkiting Michigan through the eyes of Andy Bolt

Andy Bolt shows us an up close view of snowkiting here in Michigan.

Poor Man's Ice Spikes

So, I heard about this new product that screws into your running shoes called ICESPIKE.  I took a look at it and thought, "that looks pretty easy to copy."  I headed over to Robbins Road Hardware, and for about two bucks I was on my way with 20 hex head 3/8 wood screws.  I installed my new product into the bottom of my running shoes, and I am happy to say that after 2 successful runs I believe this will work really well over the winter.  I will keep you posted, but for now no amount of ice should put a halt to my outdoor running plans, and this solution is much nicer than the bulky YakTrax that I have run with in the past years.

DARK SIDE OF THE LENS

DARK SIDE OF THE LENS from Astray Films on Vimeo.

Mulligan's Hollow Ski Queen

I think Stacy deserves a big shout out for helping make Mulligan's what it is today. I remember about 7 years ago when I taught a few lessons for her.  The lodge was an old log cabin with a wood stove.  The carpet was circa 1970's and most people had written the little ski hill off.  Today, that is quite the contrary.  Grand Haven making the news, this time for its winter sports, not just the beach.

Trailer #2 | OUT OF PLACE

Trailer #2 OUT OF PLACE

My order for this new flick about surfing in Cleveland Ohio just shipped! Can't wait to see this one! Nice work guys.

How to have fun in onshore winds & 1 ft waves

I know it's a little cold out here in Michigan to have this much fun kiting in onshore slop, but on those cloudy warm up days early this winter Ben Wilson is showing us how to turn slop into a killer session.

Black Friday Surf

These shots were taken by my beautiful wife Anna with her cell phone from the cozy warmth of our Jeep.  With 45kt west winds blowing on Black Friday we scored this little left that was quite protected and fun.  Wind chills were down in the teens for sure, and the snowing blowing in your face made for a very winter like surf.  We scored our first surf and skiing session in the same day for this year.  Boyne was open all weekend and Sunday morning the snow conditions were really good.  Here comes winter!

Surf and Snow Sessions Michigan Style

I have been surfing a lot lately.  Three lakes in three days just recently.  The Gales of November are a special time for me.  The water is getting really cold, and the air is freezing too.  It can be hard to get into the water, but once I get a few waves I seem to forget all about the cold.  I love the gray clouds and cold winds this time of year, it always reminds me of all the great waves I have had and times surfing with my friends.  The dark skies and biting wind used to get me down when I was younger.  But, after years of so many great waves and adventures on our Great Lakes coasts exploring and finding new surf breaks I have only fond memories of those dark, cloudy, and stormy days.  This time of year as the snow starts to fly I seem to get even more excited knowing that many of these storms will soon dump snow at my favorite Michigan ski resort Boyne Highlands.  The opportunity to surf and snowboard in the same day or same weekend is just around the corner.  We will reunite with our Boyne family and the good times at the resort will ensue once again.  The stoicism of living and enjoying the cold weather and dark days to their fullest I think represents our greatest asset as humans, that ability to adapt to whatever mother nature throws at us.  But, not just to adapt, but to accept to the point of looking forward to it and longing for those days to come.  So as the days get darker, colder, and snowier I hope all of you find a way to enjoy and look forward to this gift we are given by mother nature.
    

Just Another Reason to Love Lake Superior

Stoney Point from Ben Moren on Vimeo.