The Captain's Quiver

In Catalina, if you've been around for a while you acquire a local name or 2.
Mine happen to be "amigo" (enter a somewhat embarrassing story about exuberance and limited Spanish) and "Captain Canada".

Anyway... so, what's Michael riding?

Longboards...

I've a sweet Isla 9.2 with an 8" single fin and 2 side bites. I use this board to dance, cross step, catch waves on small days when everyone else is sitting around wishing they had a longboard, on medium days when I feel like digging in the center fin and holding 9 ft of rail down a face and when trying to air some toes. Also great an day for an Estero soul surf sesh. I also have a 9.0 Stewart classic w tri fin set up. A great ol' log.

Go-To...

This would be my 6.3 fish from BOA. The quad set up and classic retro design gives me the float I want and speed I need. Juan glassed her w 6mm cloth all the way around so she's heavy, stays down in wind and duck dives..sort of. She's red and white to pay homage to my Canadian roots.

PLaying with...

Grady, a Catalina surf friend has started messing around in the shaper's den has crafted himself some sweet boards under the brand 1313, or 13's for short ;). Buena Mike's a big fan and seems to be busting boards less, so that says something! My "Chakra Board" sled's a Tomo-type, quad set up 6.1, super strong, light, floaty and is super loose and playful. (Chakra because I wanted sacral chakra orange and solar plexus yellow..bonus was the 13's in a red circle to cover root.)

When She's Big...

I reluctantly traded Peter (aka trailmix) a teak spear gun for a 7.2 pintail mini gun from BOA. This classic step up big wave board may not be Jaws or Mavs worthy, but she's so far held me when I'm shoulder hunting on the bigger days in Catalina. Some of the guys show up on their step ups..you know, 6.7 instead of 6.2 regular pocket rockets..but well hey, I'm just not there..and don't surf that style.

Still to try...

My alaia. I've a sweet handmade alaia by Shurwood Surfboards. This sweet wooden, finless, leashless, 7.0 still has yet to be ridden. Maybe tomorrow..

SUP...

I enjoy my 8.9 by Focus SUP by Hawaii. This large(r) volumed board at 145L allows me to catch some waves, is a little sluggish to turn or rail but is also a good coastal cruiser too. I tend to keep this off the point unless it's REALLY small..there's enough going on out there.

Not interested in...

Motorized boats in the Catalina lineup.. off to the side and photography done with respect is fine.. certainly not jet skis. Just no need here... Also plastic. Specifically useless excessive packaging, cheaply made merchandise and single use items. Time to move on from these entirely. Crappy attitudes suck too..we all need to keep our own selves in check, ya?

**Regarding safety and etiquette..simply, adhere to the code. Don't know the code? Ask..take the time to learn. Or better yet, take a lesson with someone who also teaches the nuance of the sport/lifestyle.

**I enter the water with mindful gratitude, speaking to the Gods and Spirits for their watchful eye and good grace. In return I try to be in mindful.. a loving connection, a conduit, a vessel for the energy to pass, in witness of joy in presence and a shepherd of Earth's creations..