Kai "Ocean" Boys

How do kids get to love the Ocean? First by taking them to the beach to enjoy the ocean. On our last dive, my nephews Maika (left) and Kai (middle) got to get their hands slimy holding onto some of the fish caught. I think one day these two guys will be striking the pose for some cover shot in Hawaii Skin Diver Magazine.

And meet Kai Itoman! Born Nov. 6, 2010 to the proud parents of Erick and Laurene. This little guy is a dream come true and destined to also become a diver, surfer, and ocean lover! I'm sure he will be growing up real fast and next thing you know it he will be tagging along Ericks float. Congratulations to you both!

Father Damon

He is a surfer, lawyer, and knows how to have a good time! Meet Damon Schmidt...If there was one person who put in his time in the water on our last trip to Indo was this guy! I think he surfed 8 hours a day and drank beer for 8 hours at night. I don't how did it but you can see by this photo how much sunscreen was left on his face and the big smile after a good session.

Damon caught so many good waves his arms were like spagetti by the end of each day. Here is was in the right place at the right time at a secret spot all by himself. We had a great time traveling with him and look forward to many more Red Sea Ocean Adventures with him in the future!

Tragedy Hits Home!

The surfing world has had heavy hearts this week with yesterday's loss of Hawaii's Andy Irons who passed away from Dengue fever enroute home from Puerto Rico. Our prayers go out to his family and friends...Also the recent tsunami and earthquake in Indonesia has devastated many lives and villages in the Mentawai region. 5 years ago I was at the Macaronies surfing as they were building the resort.

The people were so funny and happy. These two villages were on our TV show, Hawaii Skin Diver and were practicing their english saying, "Stay tuned for more Hawaii Skin Diver"...They would be on the side sitting under a tree weaving straw hats for the construction workers. This was their home.

They built these beautiful bungalows overlooking the mangroves and all of them were washed away from the tsunami. The boats Midas and Freedom 3 were impacted and one caught on fire but luckily their guests made it out as they struggled for safety.

One of our guests, Robin Bond, Jr. was having so much fun talking with them and now we don't know even if they are there safe. Hundreds of people have died and bodies are still not yet found. Sikakap village was also hit hard and with lack of communication it's hard to send help. Surfaid International and many boat charters are gearing up to help in the recovery efforts. Would I travel to the Mentawais again? In a heartbeat! This is a special place, with happy people who now need help. Our next surf trip out there will be a mission of Aloha.

Dressed to Kill

Hope everyone had a Happy and safe Halloween! For me I dressed up in my wetsuit pretending to be a diver and headed out to the westside. Did a few drifts with Keith Yamane and we got a few fish for the celebration. The two fish on the right is called Yellow spot papio and it's probably the best jack to sashimi.

This "Hawaiian" Yellowtail came up to eat our chum and got a shaft instead. I dangled it in the water for a while then a Ono came in to investigate. It came in near Keith but kept it's distance so no photo opts with him. Anyways gotta go clean fish now...and prepare for dinner! Have a good week and be safe in the surf coming tomorrow!

Good Fun!

Traveling to far away remote places makes you appreciate life and what you have. Sometimes the surf is pumping...sometimes it flat. Sometime the fish are around...sometimes they are not around. You find ways to have fun despite the conditions and the experience of traveling becomes much more rewarding. The surfing, diving, and fishing become icing on the cake and building relationships and making new friends are of value.

One of the funniest guys we had join us thus far is these two local boys from Hawaii. Big "J" and "Chiga" knew how to have fun no matter what the conditions. They were the life of the party and pulled out all the stories, jokes, etc. We decided to make a few Red Sea commercials out of their characters. Click here to see more...

Excess luggage

Our group of 12 were so excited for this boat trip they packed everything but the kitchen sink. We had 12 board bags, 14 luggages, and all packed with the essentials. Here we are gearing up at our hotel for our next flight to Nusa Tengarra. I was wondering what kinds of excess luggage we had packed, but when we went to a remote village I saw the goods come out...

One of our highlights was visiting a remote village and sharing all kinds of goodies with the kids. Here Mihoko busted out her candies and the kids were stoked. They probably never had m and m's before or a snicker bar. They were so excited they started eating the wrapper instead of the candies. Another traveler brought a bunch of reading glasses and all the older villagers were amazed they could see much better. This is why we travel! Not just to broaden our minds but to bless those less fortunate. You would never believe how much you have if you never go somewhere like this.

Indonesian Paradise

This year we had a bunch of groups traveling to Indonesia and they all scored! Living on a boat in the middle of the Indian Ocean, sailing, surfing, diving, fishing, and making new friends was our agenda. We saw so many waves, fish, shells, I don't know where to begin....except to share a few snapshots and stories.

Every surfer dreams of a day like this with perfect waves and no crowds. Our group was tripping out when we pulled up to this secret spot with only us out. Solid swell came in on schedule and the rest was history!

We had a bunch of divers/surfers on board also so in between surf sessions we were able to get some fresh fish every day! Kirby Fukunaga, Mihoko Ito, and Kekoa Mau were showing us how it's done. With over 4,000 photos taken, hours of video, and memories to last a lifetime...I can't wait to go back to this Indonesian Paradise next year!