sports•
on December 28th, 2009•
Over the holidays I have been spending time at our condo at Snowshoe, WV and getting in some riding in the incredible conditions we have this season. The snowfall to date has been consistent enough that the quality of snow keeps getting better. As for today, we awoke to heavy snowfall in the morning and it snowed all day and it is still snowing as I write this at 10p.
Getting in so much riding in this short time frame, my legs are spent. So I gladly hauled my gear onto the slopes to get my friends Nick and Ryan to session a feature I have been wanting to shoot. The heavy falling snow always makes for interesting photography, so I wanted to use the lights and pick up the falling snow for effect.
Additionally, the cloud cover was heavy and low. Once the lights came on the slopes a unique ambient light was created. Being deep in the trees, we felt like it was almost daylight. Once the shoot started moving and the riders became more comfortable with the feature, I was able to grab a few shots that I was happy with. Using low light and slow shutter speeds can create some fun photographs and helps to lend to the action.
Sports, or action photography is flooded with great photographers creating incredible photography. Thinking of something that will make a shot unique is always the most important aspect of a shoot like this. Setting up lights and snapping away is the easy part. Once a photographer starts to bend the rules a little, a unique perspective can start to form and sometimes something special can occur. I enjoy looking at other photographer’s shots and trying to see how they set up the shot and what might have been going through their mind when bringing their creative ideas to life.
Tonight, I was trying to leave behind the more straight-forward methods for shooting a scene like this in hopes of grabbing a unique shot. The riders were fun and eager to keep the shoot going and this made my work much easier. I hope to return and shoot the same feature in different conditions to see what might transpire from another session.
sports•
on December 6th, 2009•
As the winter season is upon us, we are geared up for one of our most-favorite sports. Snowboarding. Ah, the season is short here on the right coast, but what excitement it brings. Out of all of the sports I participate in snowboarding is right there at the top of the list for being my favorite. If I had to name one it would have to be surfing, but snowboarding is running pretty close in second place. Mountain biking is high on the list too. Right along with road biking. Oh, and kiteboarding too. It places near the top as well. I guess it’s a good thing I sold all of my climbing gear earlier this year or that would be competing for top honors as well.
Ugh. So many hobbies, so little time.
The official opening weekend for Snowshoe resort in Snowshoe, WV kicked off the 09/10 winter season this past weekend. Originally, opening day was scheduled for last week – the week of Thanksgiving. With plans to be out of town for Thanksgiving already nailed down, I had accepted the fact that I would miss opening weekend. However, with warm temperatures the snowfall and snowmaking to date was not enough to provide suitable conditions for the resort to open as originally scheduled. So opening day was delayed until this weekend. Bummer for the resort, but not so bad for Kim and I.
I left work in Hatteras around 5:30pm this past Friday headed to Richmond to switch cars and pick up Kim along with a season’s worth of snowboarding gear. I pulled into the drive way, unloaded one car, finished packing the other and hit the road continuing my journey westward. Up to a foot of snow was expected to fall overnight so we wanted to get to the mountain before conditions got too bad. We pulled up to our condo at 2:00am. I think we finally crawled into bed around 3:00am. Not even one flake of snow had fallen.
After waking from an all too short night’s sleep, I was like a kid on Christmas morning jumping around ready to hit the snow. It didn’t help that 8 inches of snow had fallen sometime during the night and was still coming down in buckets. There was no containing my excitement. We were getting dumped on the first day of the season!!!
The drive up the mountain on the ‘back road’ was about as we expected. Two-wheeled drive cars were spinning and careening barely able to make it halfway up the mountain. We drove by some determined kids combining every effort to get themselves up the mountain. I was impressed; they looked as if they might actually make it. If not, they were at least going to enjoy the ride as long at it lasted.
Coming back to the resort after leaving in March was a great first day on the slopes. We saw so many friends that it was like we never left. Hearing about everyone’s summer and what their upcoming plans are is always a great. Everyone was so excited to be back on the snow. Getting the legs back into shape might be a bit of a challenge though. I know it will come, but wow, they felt like noodles. Working at the beach all summer I hardly rode my bikes. My legs are usually quite a bit stronger by this point in the year, so I was feeling the result of the work they were accomplishing.
Of course, I have been brewing up photography ideas about what I want to shoot this year. I was lucky to get some nice shots on the mountain last season, and I can’t wait to start shooting again this year. Actually I have already started shooting. Always keeping my camera gear with me I am ready at a moment’s notice. In fact, I am always pestering my friends, and even strangers to shoot. I actually met a kid tonight that was eager to perform for me at our condo complex on one of the picnic tables. He lives in the Outer Banks during the summer and spends his winters here, so we had a lot to chat about.
There is nothing better than wearing yourself out doing something you love. I was glad to see some of my skills remain, but I have a little work to do before I get back to last year’s level. Also, I have some goals I would like to accomplish, so I need to do some specific training to get my butt into the physical shape required.
By the time the day was over I was ready to hit the sack. Not before a required hot tub soaking though. Ah, hot tub, an incredible dinner with great friends and some relaxing beverages – is there anything better? Uh yeah… A solid night’s sleep. Goodnight.
sports•
on November 29th, 2009•
While in Myrtle Beach for the Thanksgiving holiday, I was invited by friends to attend a power-lifting competition. Never having been to an event like this I figured I should jump at a chance to shoot something new. Besides, I wanted to see our friend’s brother set a new world record. Yes world record. The event is sanctioned by the Amateur Athletic Union and many of the athletes in attendance are competing for world records. Having a chance to photograph a new sporting event is always at the top of my list.
The event hosted competitors ranging in age from pre-teen kids to masters. The oldest competitor was aged 76 years young. Also, Special Olypmic athletes are represented at this event.
Being a competitive athlete for many of my adult years, I can appreciate the amount of effort these competitors put into reaching an event like this. It was apparent that many of these athletes are serious about their training practices and maintain a unique focus.
hatteras•
on November 7th, 2009•
For the most part, our travels to Hatteras Island involve chasing after a promising wind forecast, or a hopeful swell. For us, the activities on the island mostly revolve around getting blown around by the wind or tossed around by the waves. Or, both.
Today was one of the days where you are able to catch up on work or projects or just laze around. Me, I had to go into work for a couple of hours today. After getting away from work, I made some stops by to see friends and take it easy and snap some photographs.
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Cape Hatteras photography
The beauty of the island is glaringly apparent when the elements are at rest and I actually take time to slow down and soak up the incredible scenery. I had hoped to catch the clean waves before they dropped off, but managed to get sidetracked before I could make it back home to pick up my wetsuit and surfboard.
Since I had my camera with me, I took time to capture some shots of the island in all of it’s glory.
As the sun set Kim and I went for a short paddle board session on the sound. The water is crystal clear and quite cold – we have had constant northern winds for the past two weeks.
I also managed to get a few shots for an ongoing project I am working on.
Aloha.
sports•
on September 17th, 2009•
After a long wait for ridable wind, it seemed like a long wait, more like a couple of days, the wind picked up and people were on the water getting their fix. While waiting (and hoping) for the wind to build a little bit more, I took my camera into the shallow waters of Kite Point in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina to shoot a couple girls that were throwing some nice moves. Not having a water housing for my camera(s) limits my shooting abilities near and around water. So I continiue to work in knee to waist deep water praying that nothing bad happens.
One of the girls is local rider Wendi Palmer. Ever since meeting Wendi a few years ago, she is constantly improving her riding and still rides better than most guys on the island – including me(!?!).
Another rider out that day is Kris Kinn of the Best Kiteboarding team.
This was a light wind day in Cape Hatteras but the girls were able to still develop some explosive moves on the water. They made for great photography subjects.
Always fun getting on the water in some form or fashion. I did manage to get out and ride for a little while but the wind died shortly after me getting my ‘fix’. Another beautiful day on Cape Hatteras.
Aloha.
hatteras•
on August 28th, 2009•
With our latest storm sitting right off the coast here in Cape Hatteras, the expectations for severe weather have actually waned just a bit. Orignially, the storm predictions estimated the disturbance progressing into as high as a Category 2 hurricaine with chances of a direct hit to the Outer Banks areas. Things are still moody and rough, but not severe.
The storm has failed to strengthen into any appreciable threat. Unless you plan to enter the water. Of course, as wind/water junkies we (Kim, myself, and most of our friends) we fully intent to enter the water. All of the current warnings are for moderate to high rip current threat. The wind will not get much over 40mph and the storm swell is somewhere around 10 feet. Perfect conditions for ‘playing in the water’.
If the wind direction turns, as is expected, to an offshore direction the surf should be quite nice for the next day as the swell peaks – it is mushy and blown out today. After surfing too many days in a row, and sometimes multiple times a day over the past 10 days, today was a much needed break. The waves were out there, but it was not as well organized and clean as I prefer. Yes I’m getting picky.
Towards the end of the day today the wind started to come up to a level high enough for kiteboarding. I decided not to go out as the predictions called for somewhat drastic changes to the direction and velocity. Besides, just looking at the stormy skies I could predict less than favorable conditions for kiting.
About the only rideable location for the SE winds today was the ‘point’ of Cape Hatteras. Yes. The little tip of land where the sandbar makes an almost 90 degree turn to the west and creates a south-facing shore. With the storm swell and wind direction kiters and wind surfers alike were taking advantage of what little riding there was. The waves were very disorganized and sloppy. Part of me was itching to get wet and ride the waves, but the other 99% of me was not in much of a hurry to get out there.
I was happy hanging out on the beach with my cameras and friends to watch as most of the kiters eventually slipped further and further downwind until they walked back up the beach. Besides, I’m saving my energy.
With the wind direction predicted tomorrow it should make for nice surfing. So it is off to bed for me… I need my rest. I haven’t been this tired for this many days since performing long range patrols as a young Marine.
Aloha.
sports•
on August 25th, 2009•
Two recurring themes at my new home away from home. Surf and Photography. I have been fortunate enough to have an abundance of both lately.
I have always admired photographer’s work of the local area. I know a few that are practicing their trade sucessfully and their work is quite inspiring. Now, for myself, having the chance to shoot on Hatteras Island is something I really didn’t fully appreciate until spending so much time here. Before moving here I would always bring my camera gear on our weekend trips and make myself shoot at least a few shots each day I visited.
However, there is nothing like being in the right place at the right time in order to get a nice shot. With me spending so much time on the island my odds of getting what I consider a nice shot has gone up dramatically. Today, while out for an evening surf after work with Kim and some friends I made sure to bring one of my cameras to the beach. I had a feeling I would find something interesting to shoot after my surf session.
Some of our friends were already in the water and others showed up as we were surfing. The surfing was a fun little wave about chest-high. Kim managed to paddle out through the break which is a big accomplishment for any aspiring surfer. I have always said surfing was the hardest sport I ever learned, and I participate in a lot of steep-learning-curve sports. So to see her progressing is pretty awesome.
As the surf died I came in to shore and pulled out my camera and sarted looking for material to unfold before me. It is amazing how much you can find when you start looking for it, and here, you really don’t have to look hard.
After all of the years visiting this area, I am still amazed at the stunning sunsets. Never are two the same, and I never get tired of looking at them.
Aloha.
sports•
on August 23rd, 2009•
The past week or so on Hatteras Island has been a great time for playing on the water. With Hurricaine Bill passing by and sending some beautiful waves our way, and the nice dose of winds that have blown through on an almost daily basis, I have been surfing and kiting just about as much as I can stand.
Today, I surfed at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The swell was anywhere from chest high to 1-2 feet overhead. A very fun wave. Here I am dropping into a baby wave – last ride of the day.
As I write this, I have a head full of salt water and bloodshot eyes… Souveniers from another awesome day of surfing. Today has rounded out my run of surfing 6 of the past 8 days. A few of those days I surfed twice a day. Others, I was surfing and kiting in the same day. It is a tough job, but someone gets to do it.
Now, about the business of the storm swell Bill sent our way. Last week, the surf starting building to a crescendo of waves hitting the shores this weekend at somewhere around 20 feet or so. All week leading up to the weekend you could feel the energy in the air and people were buzzing with anticipation. The roads were jammed with people entering and leaving the narrow island.
We only had one day of surf that was crazy-high. Thankfully, the other days were more normal. The waves were anywhere from knee high early in the week to well overhead towards the end of the week, but not quite what we call double-overhead – or, even triple-overhead.
Until this weekend. Saturday.
When waves get as big as they were this past Saturday it starts to become very tricky to paddle into the wave and catch it for a ride. This is where motorized assistance comes in. A technique called tow-in surfing is when a JetSki pulls the surfer along until the surfer can use the speed generated by the JetSki to ‘drop in’ to the wave and successfully ride.
I am quite thankful the waves were ‘ginormous’ for only one day. For that one day, I happily sat on the shore and deployed my photography equipment to capture some of the phenomenal action directly offshore. My surf photography is not something I get to practice very often, so I was thrilled when Kim and I spotted two skis towing surfers into waves yesterday.
Back when I started surfing (too many years ago to mention) I found myself paddling into quite a few storm swells here in the Outer Banks, so I have enormous respect for the kind of heavy water these guys were playing with. Never did I attempt to paddle into triple-overhead though. Of notable mention, there were paddle surfers out in the waves catching rides on Saturday.
Aloha.
sports•
on August 20th, 2009•
Yeah, many of my friends and family have wondered where I ran off to recently. No blog posts. No emails. Not even a text message from me. Well, I have been stranded on a small island.
That isn’t exactly true, but close… I took a job in Cape Hatteras, NC. As most who know me know I like to play, a lot, and Kim and I do much of our playing on the sandbar known as Cape Hatteras.
As the story goes, I have been coming to this island for 40 years now. It started with me at 6 months old and my parents kayaking from island to island freely camping. I don’t know all the details, but the story suggests that I (as in all of us) almost didn’t make it back due to typical storm conditions for around here. Since then, learning to surf here as a young Marine helped solidify my bond with this area. Kiteboarding has taken over and now I have the opportunity to spend even more time here for my career.
I was lucky enough to find a position with a local kiteboarding company, REAL Watersports in Waves, NC, who has crossed over into surfing and stand up paddle boarding. The atmosphere, the people, and the mission of the company make it a great place to work and make part of my life. As a long-time surfer and now kiteboarder this is an awesome way to continue (and further) my career – and yes, have a teeny bit of fun while I’m at it.
Since taking the job on July 16th I have spent a lot of time on the water as well as behind my desk. The job is demanding but the rewards are commiserate. The job description is Technology Manager. A new direction for my career. A lot of things are new to me and I am enjoying the challenge of learning new areas of the Information Technology industry. I will primarily be working from Richmond, VA but during the beginning I am spending a lot of my time ramping up at the office.
So my lifelong dream of becoming a surf bum is finally being realized. Kim and I have a ‘cozy’ little camper parked at a marina where things feel just like home. It is a bit tough sometimes with Kim being back and forth between Richmond. However, as I start to work from Richmond more we should be able to develop a manageable schedule.
To date, things have been a little hectic for Kim and I. Setting up some sort of domicile on the island, taking the new job, being apart, keeping our house in Richmond going, meeting new friends. It all adds up. Luckily, at the end of the day we have each other and get to go surfing, or kiteboarding, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, or having a sushi picnic on the beach enjoying a beautiful sunset.
Thanks and much love to Kim for being the amazing wife I am still wondering how I deserve. She has done so much to make this happen. Always supportive of me, and enjoying the lifestyle we built for ourselves as much as I do.
Aloha.
