Quick Run to County

I'd been checking the web cams since 7am, and there was nothing worth getting out of bed for. But by noon the first signs of the new swell were beginning to show. So me-n-my boys decided to made a run up to County! It was clean n glassy and other than the 35 minute hypothermia inducing lull mid session, some pretty waist to head high sets were rollin' in from up north...Should be Crankin' by tomorrow!!!

A Winter Solstice Day Swell at C-Street

There was a Straight West Swell rolling in, and another day of glassy conditions in the forecast. So I just had to grab the 10' a couple of friends and make a run north to C-Street

































Got there around 1pm and the tide was dropping, as the swell rose so the timing was perfect. The sets just got bigger as the day went on.





























Condition wise I'd have to say it's been my best day at C-Street so far. Mostly glassy, not too cold, overhead sets and Loooong Noserides down the line...Can't ask for much more...!

















I guess the 4:44 sunset was a bit of a downer, as it ruled out the chance of a second session on the way back south...but even that was a Dandy!

Black Folks at Venice Pier

out of shape

I took the 10'2 Black Fin today - I did not care that it was suppose to be 4-6 feet, I was going to P.B. and figure with the high tide the waves would be rolling.

Caught few on the outside but I after a 10 or so waves I was getting tried and lost my board on the last three six footers so I called a day, did not have the energy to swim.

I should have paddle out with a smaller board.

I am out shape, too much sutting aroud and eating resturant food.

A Fun Day at County Line!

Kickin' up a little spray at CL...didn't even know i ever managed to do that!






"Gotta make the section!"

Escaping a closeout




Leaning into one

My best pelican imitation














Best wave of the day and i flubbed the takeoff...oh well can't win em all!

Thoughts for the Holidays

Many of you who live or grew up in Black communities in the United States have probably heard of "Watch Night Services," the gathering of the faithful in church on New Year's Eve.

The service usually begins anywhere from 7 p.m. To 10 p.m. And ends at midnight with the entrance of the New Year.

Some folks come to church first, before going out to celebrate. For others, church is the only New Year's Eve event.

Like many others, I always assumed that Watch Night was a fairly standard Christian religious service -- made a bit more Afro-centric because that's what happens when elements of Christianity become linked with the Black Church.
Still, it seemed that predominately White Christian churches did not include Watch Night services on their calendars, but focused instead on Christmas Eve programs.

In fact, there were instances where clergy in mainline denominations wondered aloud about the propriety of linking religious services with a secular holiday like New Year's Eve.

However, there is a reason for the importance of New Year's Eve services in African American congregations.

The Watch Night Services in Black communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve."

On that night, Blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation actually had become law.

Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863, and all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally free.

When the news was received, there were prayers, shouts and songs of joy as people fell to their knees and thanked God.

Black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year.

It's been 145 years since that first Freedom's Eve and many of us were never taught the African American history of Watch Night, but tradition still brings us together at this time every year to celebrate "how we got over."

Pass this information on so we can educate more of our Family and Friends about our History.