Lion Face

Lemon Face

Finding a shady spot.

Hard at play.

Happy 4th of July.

I took this on Waikiki Beach after the epic 4th weekend. After posting it on Facebook, some folks really seemed to “like” it (pun intended), but I actually thought it was kind of simple. Either way, it was a nice cap off to a weekend I won’t forget. Until next year that is. Happy Fourth everyone!

We were only able to hike four miles in, but we enjoyed every second of it. Thank you for checking out the video, I hope it gives you some incentive to visit the amazing island of Kaua’i.

(I’m not sure what this post is about really. It might be a journal entry that turned into a blog update I suppose. Regardless, I wrote it after a heavier surf session than I was used too. I surfed a break that attracts a large crowd of high quality surfers, on a day that brought in waves that were bigger than I was used too. It took my breath away.)

It’s bigger out here tonight. All the good surfers that make you wish you were better are out, don’t get in there way. You ran out of work to beat the traffic and then continued running to the beach, don’t waste the effort. Breathe.

Paddling out felt like a blur. I just kept watching these bomb sets roll in again and again. I watched these amazing surfers ride these giant waves to perfection. No hesitation, just reaction. Once I found a place in the lineup I realized the crowd was big, bigger than usual. I look around and remind myself to breathe.

First set rolls in and it’s big. Let it pass. Look around. Watch what the wave does. Watch what the forty or so surfers do. Get in position. Find your spot. Breathe.

Second set rolls in, it’s bigger. Don’t rush it, a lot of people have been out here waiting longer than you. Don’t worry about the Sun setting, you have plenty of time to catch your wave. Focus on your position. The wind picks up. Stop shivering, you live in Hawaii. Breathe.

A few more sets roll in, they’re not as big so you paddle for them. Nine other surfers have a similar idea. You don’t catch anything except for maybe a little spray to the face. Turn around and get back in position. You paddle for a few others but you’re out of position again. This is sloppy, get back to your spot. Wait for your wave, stop thinking so much. Breathe.

Forty-five minutes have passed and no rides. There were opportunities but they were missed. Some because of hesitation, others because of fear. I’m starting to wonder if I belong at this break or not. Stop wondering and surf.

There’s an opening, swell coming my way. It’s overhead for sure but I can’t tell by how much. Go. Breathe, but go. Look to your left, nobody, this is your wave. Look to the right, three surfers thinking the same thing. Dig. Paddle harder. Pop up, and ride.

Quiet. All I can hear is my own breathing. This wave is perfect, the ride feels like forever. I can’t stop smiling, so I remind myself to breathe…

For those of you who are not familiar with the Hōkūle’a mission, it is to sail around the world in a canoe that is free of any modern technical advancements. This means the success of the mission relies on the crew and its knowledge of navigation via the stars. No easy task to say the least.

I was fortunate enough to be a guest upon the canoe they call the Hōkūle’a, to understand better what their mission and goals are as an awareness campaign. What I learned is that the crew is made up of passionate and impressive lovers of the ocean and the history and culture of Hawaii. I learned that the Hōkūle’a is fueled by the passion of sustainability, not just for Hawaii but the entire world. “If we view our Earth as an island, our only voyaging canoe in the sea of space, it becomes apparent that we must change course to ensure a healthy, sustainable world.”

The group of people I met on the canoe carried the true spirit of what I interpret to be the spirit of Aloha. They were warm, receptive, and happy to share their knowledge and passion of the Hōkūle’a and its mission. They were truly genuine, and when you encounter that it becomes contagious.
Although warm and receptive, the crew was also very quick to put the new crew members to work. This is me trying to master the art of steering the Hōkūle’a, while at the same time pretend that my arms weren’t tired. I don’t believe I’m doing a very good job at either of the tasks.

We learned a little of what it takes to make the Hōkūle’a sail, how to navigate by the stars and what stories are associated with certain constellations based on Hawaii beliefs. I’ll be honest, some of the Hawaii stories are more entertaining than their Greek counterparts, and so are the storytellers who shared them.
Although this post is not as timely as it should have been (I really need to get better about that) the subject matter could not be more perfect for what is happening today. At the release of this post, an oil slick covering 2,500 square miles of ocean (and growing) is the nerve shattering reminder that our Earth is continually being endangered by its population. To truly be amazed at the magnitude of this spill, compare the spill to the size of your local town by using the application called the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Map, which I found on the Hawaii Blog.

The Hōkūle’a message could not be more critical of a movement, in a more critical point in time. After all, we’re all in this one canoe called Earth together.

To stay up to date with the Hōkūle’a and its powerful message, please visit their site, their Twitter page, and their Facebook page. Mahalo.

One day maybe, but unfortunately I haven’t made a strong enough commitment to pursue climbing in Hawaii (other than the black rocks at Waimea) but that’s something I’m planning on changing really soon.

On this one day we got a chance to climb with some sizable swell to our backs. Mark and Suzi were visiting us from Colorado and although Mark wanted to surf, Suzi wanted Mark to live. Being that the three of us were all climbing guides in the Adirondacks, some bouldering at Waimea turned out to be a great (and safe) alternative.
Pipeline in all its glory, firing barrel after wicked barrel.

Waimea wasn’t so glorious that day, but it was big. So big that most of the beach was closed to the public and almost nobody was in the water. Except of course for the crazies that enjoy getting pounded into the sand by some 20+ foot beach break. Somehow, you can’t help but appreciate it.

Mark OPT trying to get a better look at the waves (while simultaneously trying to show off his bouldering skills).

Things can get pretty competitive when you pin ex-teammates back together again.

Some others joined in the fun, and some climbed too high and needed our help to get down.

We had a blast with Mark and Suzi… wish you were still, here.

I’ll admit, growing up I always saw golf as a reason for folks to wear funny hats and pants, and I treated it more of a punch line than a sport. When Tiger came to the scene he definitely brought an element of “cool” to the sport, by my interest was still mild at best. But as of late, I am beginning to realize that not only is golf one of the most challenging and interesting sports I’ve tried, but also one that combines social activities, athletics, and relaxation into some glorious and frustrating combination.

Last week, I was lucky enough to play a course with a few friends that one friend described as “fairly ghetto.” I’m not sure if I just haven’t played enough courses, or if he has played too many nice ones on the island, but I thought it was sweet. We lucked out with beautiful weather and a course that was low in traffic. No pressure from groups behind us or any targets in front for me to hit, just a chance to really learn the game. I won’t say who won or lost, or even share my score (let’s just say that if it was a quarterback rating, mine would be near perfect) but I will share some quick shots from the day.

Mr. Chat checking out his next shot.

Jeremy rocking his best “Tiger.”

“Dude, I have no idea where that went.”

Like a champ.

If you are unable to see the full screen by clicking the four corner arrows below, please use the following link to watch “South Shore Sundays.”

South Shore Sundays on Vimeo

On some computers there is a bit of a delay once you hit the play button so thanks for your patience in advance!

]]> http://www.danzelikman.com/2009/05/south-shore-sundays/feed/ 14 http://www.danzelikman.com/2009/04/birthday2009/ http://www.danzelikman.com/2009/04/birthday2009/#comments Sat, 25 Apr 2009 22:31:47 +0000 Dan Zelikman http://danzelikman.wordpress.com/?p=477 I have celebrated two birthdays in Hawaii now. The first was spent at a nightclub the night before and the day of was spent at a water park. We literally spent hours riding the same rides again and again, and giggling like school children the entire time. Funny part was the next day when a coworker let me know he was there with his three children (combined age of 14) and saw us on the same rides as them, good times!

This year I wanted to dignify my birthday with a coming of age. A celebration that suits my maturity level if you will. So naturally, Kim and my closest friends planned a BBQ in the park that included food, drink, horseshoes, flying kites, and of course… kickball!

I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday! Not only did my Mom fly over from New Jersey to spend the week with us but my closest friends rallied under Kim who secretly planned the entire day! Huge thanks to all who attended, it was too fun! To those who wanted to stop by but were unable to make it, we missed ya! To check out some more pictures from day click here.