NY Times story by Stephen Regenold on Great Lakes surfing

The first waves I learned to surf on were breaking on the Northwest shore of Lake Superior. When I was an undergrad at the University of Minnesota Duluth I made my way to breaks like Stoney Point and the Lester River to feel the energy of wave riding. I did so in whitewater kayaks, partly because it was a discipline I already knew how to do and partly because it kept me out of the freezing water better than a surf board.

Since then, I have learned to surf long boards on the Oregon coast and last year took a trip down to Costa Rica for my first ever warm water waves. What a difference! No 5 mm wetsuits, booties, hoods, or gloves. Just a suit, a board, and sunburn. Bring it.

For a great story on the cold water waves I am more accustom to, check out this by writer (and gear junkie) Stephen Regenold.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/travel/escapes/16superior.html?_r=1

My recent Mountain Times column

Snowy Holiday Memories

As seen in the Dec/Jan issue of Mt Hood Magazine:

When I open my eyes to the morning the first thing I do is peer outside (usually from bed).  If I see green mixed with the white of snow then my world is right!  If a blue sky is in view, then it’s nearly perfect.  I find these winter colors inspiring, especially when considering the features that accompany them during this time.

Fat snowflakes filling the sky in a downward spiral while cozy scarves guard your neck against the chilly air. Warm fireplaces and the aroma of burning cedar. Cold, clear nights dazzling the woods with predawn light. Strings of colorfully lit bulbs intertwined with giant ice spears teetering along the eaves while Frosty waves from across the street.

To read the rest of this story click HERE.