JOSHUA TREE is a must!

Skull Rock is amazing!
Just went for a little free solo. I felt very exposed even though the rock doesn't look steep or tall.
We had to climb though a cave to get on top of this high ball.
Night time is amazing in the desert. There is no better place on earth for star gazing.
Joshua Trees grow taller than you think they would.

Expolring Cedar Creek Falls

If you can't find me in the ocean, I am most likely exploring the mountainous landscape of Southern California. Hiking in this region during the spring and summer months can be very hot. There is one solution to this problem: Make sure your destination is a place where you can cool off. Waterfall hikes are among my favorite destinations. They are naturally alluring in their power, size, sound and uniqueness to our dry climate.

While looking through my book, "101 Hikes in Southern California", I found a hike called Cedar Creek Falls. It was a catchy one. It described a moderate trail about 2.5 miles long to a 90 ft. fall over a large granite punchbowl. During the start of the hike you could look to your left and see Mildrid Falls which at 100 ft. is the tallest waterfall in San Diego County. As you keep descending you pass by hills covered in wildflowers and smell the aromas of native plants. After navigating your way down a rocky chute you turn left and get your first glimpse of the falls. Looking from the pool at the bottom all the way to the top you are astonished that something like this is less then two hours away from home.

My first attempt at the falls was a failed one, that left my wife Jenny and I sitting on the top pool looking down the face wondering how to get to the bottom. Two months ago I took my neighbor Patrick down there. After good trail selection and persistence we finally arrived at the bottom. For the past month we have taken a total of four groups to the falls. Our day consist of a 2 hour drive, a 45 min. hike and a few hours of rock jumps and rope-swing jumps. When the sun drops behind the hill it's time to hike out and head over to Wynola Pizza for pizza and apple pie.

To contact me about arranging a trip or to see more photos, go to my FACEBOOK. Have fun enjoying the outdoors. Pack out what you brought in so I don't have to. Last but not least, bring plenty of drinking water and don't dive head first. There have been several fatalities in the past!!!

SURF RIDE CONTEST

Most of my weekends are spent judging high school and junior high surf contests. This weekend was spent on the other end of the spectrum; I was surfing in a contest. Surf Ride and Vans have put together an awesome pro/am event that has about $5,000 dollars at stake! Although I didn't win the contest, I did give it a heck of a shot with a few solid maneuvers that impressed the judges.

After squeaking through my first heat I looked at my next heat draw and was surprised. It looked like a semi final in a 1 or 2 star WQS event! With that in mind, I knew I had to go for broke. It was all or nothing. When I was in the water in my round two heat I found a few sections that had some scoring potential. I put my head down and smashed 'em. On one wave I was able to blow the fins and the other I just kept spinning which ended in a pretty gnarly reverse. The judges rewarded my efforts and I advanced on to the quarter finals. I tried to surf as well in my next heat but was held back by deteriorating conditions and poor wave selection on my part.

The 2010 Freedom Surf Series presented by Surf Ride and Vans also offers $10K to the overall winner of the pro/am. The contests will be held every month or two, so stay tuned for the next attempt at a $5,000 dollar check!

HERE IS A VIDEO FROM THE LAST COMP. I HAVE A FEW CLIPS IN IT!

Surf Ride $100,000 Freedom Pro Am by Vans Hits Ocean Beach Pier from Surf Ride on Vimeo.

KEAHANA TV

Having glanced outside during the last big storm I was surprised. Almost everyday I awoke to horrible south wind but, today was different, the wind had switched to "side-offshore". With the good winds blowing I better get my butt in the water asap. I grabbed my board, wetsuit, towel, and some wax then called my filmer friend Guto. Once the truck started, I was off to Swamis to battle the 15mph off-shore's. This is the footage that we used for a promo video!

Great Snow Conditions!

My wife, friends and I have been taking advantage of the great winter weather we've been blessed with over the passed few days. The first day we went up to Palomar Mountain and built a 4 foot kicker. The next adventure was off to Mountain High. They had more snow than I'd ever seen before.