Dirty Water Ono

Another fun day in Hawaii's Waters with Kekoa Mau, Travis Masutani, and James Oshiro. After all that rain I knew the water was going to be dirty so we had to go way out but the visibility was still bad. We did a few drifts, got stung by man-o-war, got taxed by a few sharks, but did manage to land a few opelu kala. Then after a few more drifts a school of Ono come swimming by to check us out. I drop down and one comes in range and I take the shot as it starts swimming away. Luckily my shaft has a break a way head and it sticks good. I go for 5 minute ride as my floater races away. Kekoa and Travis are right beside me swimming as I hang on to my float. What a team! We finally land it and this one weighed in at 32 lbs.

Forecast: Looks like light variable winds will continue with another front moving in this weekend so keep your umbrellas handy. North Shore expected to come up also for you die-hard surfers.

Jams World

Welcome to Jams World! (left to right: Pua, Sierra, and Mark lead the Jams World Team and make it all happen). This is the hottest local clothing manufacturer since 1964. If you love color, freedom, difference, and love, then you need to get a hold of this apparel for your wardrobe. We are proud to partner with Jams World and you will see our Hawaii Skin Diver host, Merlinda Garma as well as our Red Sea Film crew now wearing this line of clothes. Help us pass the word, support our sponsors and buy local! Buy Jams World! Check out their website and find a store near you! http://www.jamsworld.com/main.php

Yahoo Wahoo!

It was a great week of diving here in Hawaii as the waves went small and winds dropped off. Word was that the Ono's showed up so off we went blue water diving with them Hawaii Skin Divers (Keith, James, Keaka, Owen, and Chris). We did 3 drifts and saw nothing so we decided to eat lunch. We drove up current and before we could swallow half a sandwich the ono's showed up. They were circling our boat, fins sticking out of the water as if they were holding a "shoot me" sign so we all jumped in and game on! It was so hilarious, I wish I had my video camera. Everyone got shots off and we filled up our cooler and headed in.

This one weighed in at 40lbs and provided my family and friends sashimi for the rest of the week. It's fun catching fish, great eating fish, but cleaning them is a whole different story...It took me 3 hours to fillet them.

The rest of the weekend looking grey but surf should be coming up on the northshore! So much work to do with the holidays approaching fast but not enough hours in the day. I think I need to start my Christmas shopping soon:) Ooh but the winds may be light for a few more days...stay tuned for more!

Timor Trip BBQ #1

Yesterday one of our Red Sea Groups that went on the Timor Boat trip got together for a afternoon BBQ! If I said it once, I'll say it again, "It's the friendships formed and new relationships built that has always been the most memorable part of our trips." It seem like yesterday we were all sitting or should I say swaying to the gentle rock of the Moana in the Indian Ocean.

Kekoa brought his secret kalbi and started the grill, till Kirby noticed the meat in the same place for 1/2 hour on low heat. McGyver James Oshiro came to the rescue just in time to bring up the fire so we could have grilled meat instead of smoke meat.

As usual Maki was first in line and also made some delicious home made cookies to top of the party! We had a awesome spread and everyone showed up!

Damon "Bintang" Schmidt can drink, just check the size of his mug. I think he put 5 beers in there. Terri also held her own.

Here's a after shot of the Kumus Kirby and I got this week put to use. Key ingredient: Kikkoman Shoyu! Thanks again Barry for a great BBQ and see you next month for BBQ #2!

Well we need fish for this week so gotta go dive again soon:) Kona winds in the forecast for the rest of the week with rising north swell peaking mid week. Showers in the forecast for later in the week so plan your agenda accordingly.

Seafood Shopping!

Good Morning Everyone! Been busy working on my boat this week doing some repairs, painting, cleaning...never ending maintenance when you have a boat. Lighter trades started this work week so we boarded the Go-Naminori boat to go seafood shopping at our favorite local market, the Pacific Ocean. After a few hours, Kirby and I got enough food for 2 days, then after 4 hours we got enough 4 days and a weekend BBQ set for this weekend! We got to see a few hungary sharks, Kirby got a handful of "vana" sea urchin in his hand (itai), and all in a days work. Rest of the week, we will see windier conditions and the high pressure system moves in with more scattered showers. Surf is small but the contest must go on as they run out of competition days. Good time to edit, christmas shop, and get ready for the next Red Sea Ocean Adventure!

Thankful Heart

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I was thinking what was the top 3 things I was most thankful for this holiday season. Was it the epic waves? Or the big fish we caught? Various exotic places we traveled? What ended rising to the top was having my family, friends, and health. The guy who best exemplifies this is my dad, the artist, worker, & entertainer who is the jack of all trades, master of all....Crow!

He can fix anything, make anything, sell anything, and do anything you want. You may have seen his popular Gyotaku art work in galleries around town like Pictures Plus but he continues to provide our divers and fisherman the awesome memories of their catch as he brings their fish back to life through his art. We are thankful for God's hand in his life and excited to see what He has in store next year! I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday and remember to have a "Thankful Heart" as you face the holiday madness in the malls, on the streets, and in the water as you try a catch that perfect wave.

Red Sea Surf Report

Northshore Surf Report: Pipeline looks like the spot! 8 ft solid with bigger bombs! It's a big west swell so there may be some other spots you check as well. Hope everyone has got their winter quiver ready as the Northshore season has begun. Expect light winds for the second half of the week with excellent surfing conditions. Surf safe!