Happy Spring everyone.
Spring is a time of reflection, reassessment and response. A time to recognize old patterns and consider making new ones aimed toward better efficiencies, health and positive returns. Our senses come alive as we awaken from the colder, darker, slower times of the previous months to see, smell, and feel the opportunities and possibilities of each new day unfolding in front of us. The mornings are a touch warmer, the days are a little longer, and the invitation to get on the water is that much easier to accept.
We've got a packed issue for you this quarter. Dylan Stott highlights a young and talented surfer Gearoid Mcdaid who was a former elementary school student of his and now is towing giant waves at undisclosed locations off the coast of Ireland. Photographer Jesús Salazar a.k.a. Chuy showcases through his lens all that Baja California has to offer with it's beach breaks, point breaks, slabs, and outer reefs making it a true surfing paradise.
Half Moon Bay's Water Safety expert and legendary photographer Frank Quirarte recounts the mega swell that hit Mavericks on December 23, 2024 creating a tow session for the history books, spotlighting the diligence and preparation of two young up and comers who were waiting for just such a day. As a result, Alo Slebir's ride is now in contention for biggest wave ever ridden. Session Mag's newest writer, Annie Means, breaks down the beauty of the daily ritual of a seaweed harvesting cooperative in Kumejima, Japan and highlights the single female who overcame gender bias to join the ranks of "uminchu". Jamie Hockley and Francesca Guiotto Hockley reflect back on their lives running a kiting business in Kenya, South Africa before taking the leap of faith to leave all that behind and travel the globe making their first stop in Lombok, Indonesia.
Marcus Paladino drops in to herald Canada’s most celebrated surfer, Pete Devries, deconstructing the specific pivotal moments over Devries' life that set him on the path to becoming a sponsored professional. Freesurfer Leah Dawson returns to spotlight the life of big wave rider, Paige Alms. Alms is an all-around exceptional waterwoman from Maui who unpacks the necessity and commitment to achieving peak physical fitness and the confidence that comes from knowing your body is capable when pushing over the lip in giant waves.
As always, we hope you draw some inspiration from these stories and take the time to do your own reflections on where you are and where you're going. Today is a great day to consider how you're living and how you want to live from this day forward. Consider making the necessary changes in your daily patterns and behaviors that - ultimately - get you closer to the way you want to live. Find the efficiencies that allow you to get outside, recognizing that your time spent outdoors and on the water always delivers high returns.
I hope to see you out there,
Russ
