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The man is a shaper’s dream and rides everything! He’s famously connected to Channel Islands, rocking models like the CI “Flyer” and the “Fred Rubble” for high-performance waves. But his quiver is deep. He’ll switch to a fish for smaller days, charge Pipe on a step-up gun, or even ride an alaia for the pure feel. His board choice is all about the conditions and his intuitive connection to the craft. He’s deeply involved in design, constantly tweaking rocker, foil, and fin setups to find that perfect blend of speed, drive, and responsiveness.

The vibe is generally sound, but respect is key. The local crew are salt-of-the-earth and fiercely protective of their home breaks. Paddle out with a smile, don’t drop in, and be humble. At a heavy reef break like The Peak, it’s not a beginner’s playground—it’s for those who know what they’re doing. Observe first, follow the pecking order, and you’ll find the crew is welcoming. Snaking waves or acting the maggot will get you the cold shoulder, or worse, a verbal lashing.

For an adventure off the beaten track, consider places like Sri Lanka’s east coast, the remote coasts of Peru, or southern Madagascar. Central America still has hidden gems in Nicaragua and El Salvador if you explore beyond the main spots. The secret is often timing: travel in shoulder seasons, dawn patrol, and show respect to the locals. Sometimes the best waves aren’t in the guidebooks but discovered through local stoke and exploration.

It’s all about prioritizing and efficiency. Become a master of the dawn patrol—score your waves before the world wakes up. Keep your gear ready to go. It’s a mindset of weaving sessions into your life, not just waiting for a free weekend. Sometimes it’s just a quick sunset slide to reset. The ocean is your therapy, so making time for it makes you better at everything else. You learn to sync your life with the tides and swell charts.