Naish, Kalama, Schwieger northwest U.S. tour

[greatdane]

Here are some pics my brother-in-law sent me from their trip through Oregon, Washington & British Columbia two weeks ago...

[Chan]

Beautiful pictures.   Where was the bottom photo taken?

[greatdane]

Not sure, other than the coast of Washington north of Westport.  I know the guys were really wanting to respect the secret spots of our locals & weren't advertising very much.  Props to them! 

[Easy Rider]

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Canadian stop of their tour.

The surf was good (by my standards) and we had a lot of fun.
Stephen Whitesell was there as well so I am sure more great photos of his will pop up soon.
(he took the one of me and Robby)

We all went "bear watching" one morning - and Robby and Dave brought along their boards.

Robby / me and a black bear.


Robby and a friend.


Once you have paddled a Naish - all other boards feel like a log!


Dave and  a different friend.


Before anyone says it - yes we know / knew bears can swim quite fast.  
It was a very low tide and the bears were flipping rocks for crabs and didn't seem to care that we were there.
Trip of a life time for me!

[Chan]

These guys are so bundled up.  Did it dip down to 74 degrees?

[Easy Rider]

The Bear watching was early in the morning - air temp was about 10C / 50F.

[Chan]

So cool .  Some intimidating locals you've got up there. Has anyone had trouble with the bears at this spot?   

[Easy Rider]

There have been a few "issues" (as in 1 every 10 years or so - maybe) but for the most part if you leave them alone - they leave you alone.
Only time things get if'y is when it is a mom and cub.

[Blane Chambers]

This is awesome.   Beautiful stuff.       

[liquiddreams]

awesome pics, When are they coming east..

[surfpainter]

Are they planning an East Coast tour?

[Mauiguy]

These guys are so bundled up.  Did it dip down to 74 degrees?

That's too funny Chan!  I noticed this as well.    I couldn't help thinking those Hawaii boys look chilly being so far out of their element.   Like the only funny scene in that Jamaican bobsled movie with John Candy! 

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but this reminds me of something else that was funny.  My daughter goes to the same school as Laird's and one chilly Maui morning last winter we were walking to the classrooms and Laird's daughter asks, "Daddy is it cold today?" to which Laird answers simply "Yes".  She then asks, "Daddy, do you like the cold? and Laird answers "No".   She then asks, "Daddy why don't you like the cold?" to which Laird replies, "Because it's like being inside a refrigerator!"

My 6 year old daughter, who overhears the conversation, asks me, "Daddy why does he like to go inside a refrigerator?"

Well, I thought it was funny...   

Aloha!

-Gary

[PonoBill]

It was pretty warm in Hood River when those guys were there, Dave looks like he's dressed for skiing, and Michi had on a full wet suit. I thought Michi would roast, but he was fine in it.

Of course I don't need much clothing with my svelte, seal-like natural insulation.

[Easy Rider]

Yes - there were a little jealous of our good wetsuits (I was in a 3/2 and fine) the biggest thing was that none of them had booties.
Dave searched through the motor home and found some neoprene socks (the striped ones) for the second day.

Guess who is from Canada and who is from Hawaii?
(photo Stephen Whitesell)

[TP]

Guess who is from Canada and who is from Hawaii?
(photo Stephen Whitesell)

That is entertaining, we were there in Tofino kitesurfing and SUP'in for a couple of days before Robby and the Naish crew got there.  I was in my shorty and loving it, heck, I even had tan lines after.  I couldn't remember such a warm weekend of kiting in Tofino.