Its a rough time of the year for surf around these parts. It takes some serious dedication to get out there when its nasty, even if it's to just catch one wave. For that reason I spend most of my time fantasizing about surfing rather than actually doing it (the waves are better). I'm still remembering waves from Kauai, wishing I was there. The winds are shifting easterly, which is awesome for surf, but bad for roads--which you why surf rigs are so important! I'm partial to the 4wd, really. If you can combine some surf with some decent off-road action than you've got something going.


Here are a few of the finest surf rig models for valley (in my opinion):
AWD civic. late 80's early 90s. superb mileage. cheap to find (but rare)



Another favorite is the toyota 4wd van models: If you're very lucky you can score a diesel version of this. Then you've hit the jackpot.


Also on the list is the late 90s model VW passat diesel wagon. Definitely not an off-roader but tops the streetability category. Extra roomy wagon, screw a surf rack just throw your boards inside! Insane gas mileage (upwards of 40-50) and an engine that can last a few hundred thousand miles. Plus the coveted option to go complete veggie oil. You can also snag a jetta tdi for this application.



Of course these are just the best options for a weekend warrior kook such as myself. If you're a local and fuel economy isnt issue go with something like this (although a cruiser can get decent mileage if set up right).

Kauai

Home

Ive been neglecting this blog because I really havent had any words, but thats the way i prefer it. I got married which allowed us(notice the usage of "us") to go to Kauai for a couple weeks. It was radical (pics to come later)....

first session back in the NW from mo betta places.

Perspectives

Same boring life, new perspective.

fruitful

it was like summer. The 2 ft forecast prompted me to bring the rod, glad I did.

Proper Intro

I never really gave the GP a proper introduction. A few years back I became convinced that I could not find the board I wanted here on the Oregon coast, so I started searching classifieds in Cali to find the log I desired. I figure I might as well make a trip out of it. I emailed the GP guys and told them I'd be driving down from Portland. They said, in disbelief "OK dude but thats a super far drive. Show up here Saturday morning and we'll have the board ready for you". I saddled up the rig, grabbed a surf buddy and boogied down the I-5 on a Friday after work. I skipped out of work about thirty minutes early. They were asking why I had to leave at 330 to which I replied "gotta go down to Santa Cruz". So we drove, took a couple hour nap, strolled into Capitola about 8 AM. Met Nick P and Thomas (GP rider) and picked up the board, surfed half a day on it, napped, surfed again then hit the road. They gave me 100 bucks off for being a nutty PDX kook.

Surfing Sheep

Point

Nows your chance to BUS it from PDX to coast, or vice versa. Looks like a sweet deal.

http://www.oregon-point.com/nw_point.html

we're getting somewhere

soon the days will be longer. you'll "lose" an hour of sleep, but gain an hour of surf. Unless you're one of those early birds, then you get to sleep in an extra hour. Boy, I'm just full of optimism.

And...

Offshore

is nice