Welcome back!
All the photos from The Mission:Surf - Costa Rica are loaded up in the gallery. Click the slide show and kick back and enjoy. I am currently capturing and batching the video, I should have it done by the end of the month. Stay tuned for video updates and teasers...
Also, I have added a couple of "Photographer's Albums" to the gallery. Check out some of Scott Serfas's photos of "big Monday" at Playa Negra and some of Shifi's surf shots of Playa Hermosa. You can also log onto their sites to see some more of their work. Click their names to be directed to their sites.
Talk to you soon...
Max
Monday, June 26, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
June 25th 2006
Home again.
Well, I am back in sunny, hot Salt Lake City. I miss the Costa Rican ocean tremendiously. I miss a lot of things about that country during my 2 weeks. I'm having a difficult time adjusting back to the routine here in Salt Lake but the great memories of the trip are getting me through.
The last day in Costa Rica was wonderful. The day started out at 7am, sunny and then went slightly overcast. We got off a morning session with Raphael and Rodrigo with the swell still holding at 6-8' range with an occasional 10' set. The morning started out a little slower than the previous mornings due to the late night in Jaco the evening before. Jaco is nuts! If ever in Jaco, go to the monkey bar around 11:30pm, I am sure you'll find whatever you need to complete a night of partying. And with Thursday being the 13th day of straight shooting, the combination of the lack of sleep, the late night in Jaco and the grooling shooting schedule made it little difficult to focus. Knowing it would be my last full day in C.R., I just wanted to pack up my gear and take a walk, jump in the ocean or just log some hamock time-I ended up walking back to the hamock and crashing out until the guys arrived.Breakfast was enjoyed at the Las Olas restaurant overlooking the beach at Playa Hermosa. We waited for our meal while observing several tourist deciding it was a good idea to go play in the shore pound. Watching them get thrown onto the beach time and time again was quite enjoyable. After breakfast we retired to John O'Toole's beautiful villa not far from the beach. In the air conditioned house we caught up on some much needed rest. Lunch was served by John's caretaker Jose. He makes deliciously authentic Costa Rican cuisine. I miss those meals. The evening was spent hanging out with the guys at the villa. We took it easy, watched the world cup highlights, finished up several shoots around the house, Rodrigo's interview and packed for an early departure.
All in all, the trip to Costa Rica was a memorable one. The footage we obtained couldn't have been better. I will definately be back next year. To all my new friends I met along the 2 week trip, thank you for a great experience!
Pura Vida! (I truely know what this means now.)
Maxwell
Well, I am back in sunny, hot Salt Lake City. I miss the Costa Rican ocean tremendiously. I miss a lot of things about that country during my 2 weeks. I'm having a difficult time adjusting back to the routine here in Salt Lake but the great memories of the trip are getting me through.
The last day in Costa Rica was wonderful. The day started out at 7am, sunny and then went slightly overcast. We got off a morning session with Raphael and Rodrigo with the swell still holding at 6-8' range with an occasional 10' set. The morning started out a little slower than the previous mornings due to the late night in Jaco the evening before. Jaco is nuts! If ever in Jaco, go to the monkey bar around 11:30pm, I am sure you'll find whatever you need to complete a night of partying. And with Thursday being the 13th day of straight shooting, the combination of the lack of sleep, the late night in Jaco and the grooling shooting schedule made it little difficult to focus. Knowing it would be my last full day in C.R., I just wanted to pack up my gear and take a walk, jump in the ocean or just log some hamock time-I ended up walking back to the hamock and crashing out until the guys arrived.Breakfast was enjoyed at the Las Olas restaurant overlooking the beach at Playa Hermosa. We waited for our meal while observing several tourist deciding it was a good idea to go play in the shore pound. Watching them get thrown onto the beach time and time again was quite enjoyable. After breakfast we retired to John O'Toole's beautiful villa not far from the beach. In the air conditioned house we caught up on some much needed rest. Lunch was served by John's caretaker Jose. He makes deliciously authentic Costa Rican cuisine. I miss those meals. The evening was spent hanging out with the guys at the villa. We took it easy, watched the world cup highlights, finished up several shoots around the house, Rodrigo's interview and packed for an early departure.
All in all, the trip to Costa Rica was a memorable one. The footage we obtained couldn't have been better. I will definately be back next year. To all my new friends I met along the 2 week trip, thank you for a great experience!
Pura Vida! (I truely know what this means now.)
Maxwell
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
June 21st 2006
Greetings from Playa Hermosa,
Happy summer solstice everyone. I am so glad to be starting off my summer here in Costa Rica. It feels like summer here- the air is moist, the waves are crashing on the shore a 100 yards from where I am writting my blog and all the shooting these past two weeks has given me the opportunity to get a jump start on my tan. Life is good!
This morning we began our 12th day of shooting with sunny skies and glassy 8-12' waves at 6:30am. Rodrigo, myself and couple of friends met up at Terrazas for the morning session. The waves, light and offshore winds were perfect. As the sets rolled in, the line up comprised of a mixture of body boarders and local Playa Hermosa rippers. This morning will make the cut for sure. I am very stoked with what we have so far from this southern hemi swell. The mission to Costa Rica has been a success so far and we have one more session in the morning.
I have posted today's pictures in the gallery. I have also added the descriptions to the past days photos on pages 3-6. Check out the week we've had.
I hope everyone is enjoying the first day of summer as much as I. I look forward to seeing all my Salt Lake friends soon, especially you T! Check in tomorrow around 4pm for the Thursday score. Talk at you then...
Pura Vida!
Max
Happy summer solstice everyone. I am so glad to be starting off my summer here in Costa Rica. It feels like summer here- the air is moist, the waves are crashing on the shore a 100 yards from where I am writting my blog and all the shooting these past two weeks has given me the opportunity to get a jump start on my tan. Life is good!
This morning we began our 12th day of shooting with sunny skies and glassy 8-12' waves at 6:30am. Rodrigo, myself and couple of friends met up at Terrazas for the morning session. The waves, light and offshore winds were perfect. As the sets rolled in, the line up comprised of a mixture of body boarders and local Playa Hermosa rippers. This morning will make the cut for sure. I am very stoked with what we have so far from this southern hemi swell. The mission to Costa Rica has been a success so far and we have one more session in the morning.
I have posted today's pictures in the gallery. I have also added the descriptions to the past days photos on pages 3-6. Check out the week we've had.
I hope everyone is enjoying the first day of summer as much as I. I look forward to seeing all my Salt Lake friends soon, especially you T! Check in tomorrow around 4pm for the Thursday score. Talk at you then...
Pura Vida!
Max
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
June 20th 2006
Hello everyone,
Wow! It has been an amazing couple of days! The southern hemi swell erupted on the shores of Central America over the last couple of days.The swell we were looking forward to last week started really showing itself on Sunday. By Sunday night the swell grew to 12'+. By Monday the swell produced one of the biggest, cleanest days I've seen this year. Rodrigo got the wave of the day when he dropped a solid 15' bomb on his 7'6" Maddog and got slotted halfway down the line. The crowd at Playa Negra went nuts! The footage is sick!
The Costa Rican coast has continued to hold the swell at many of the big breaks from southern Pavones to northern Santa Rosa National Park.
We are now back at Playa Hermosa to finish out the week. I have begun to update the photos of the last couple of days, check them out in the gallery. I will update the blog everyday here at the backyard while the surf crashes on the shore and the imperials stack up.
Pura Vida!
Maxwell
Wow! It has been an amazing couple of days! The southern hemi swell erupted on the shores of Central America over the last couple of days.The swell we were looking forward to last week started really showing itself on Sunday. By Sunday night the swell grew to 12'+. By Monday the swell produced one of the biggest, cleanest days I've seen this year. Rodrigo got the wave of the day when he dropped a solid 15' bomb on his 7'6" Maddog and got slotted halfway down the line. The crowd at Playa Negra went nuts! The footage is sick!
The Costa Rican coast has continued to hold the swell at many of the big breaks from southern Pavones to northern Santa Rosa National Park.
We are now back at Playa Hermosa to finish out the week. I have begun to update the photos of the last couple of days, check them out in the gallery. I will update the blog everyday here at the backyard while the surf crashes on the shore and the imperials stack up.
Pura Vida!
Maxwell
Saturday, June 17, 2006
June 17th 2006
Hello everyone,
Greetings again from the beautiful country of Costa Rica...
The last two days since my last blog entry have been epic! Yesterday, June 16th, we awoke to blue bird tropical skies for our 4am departure to Playa de Coco. From the sheltered harbor of Playa de Coco we took a 25' skiff out to sea for an hour boat ride to Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point. Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point are two of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. Google the two locations, or check out Bruce Brown's Endless Summer movies-either option will give you a little view into what we experienced. Yesterday's trip was a dream come true for me! From the boat trip, being in a remote Costa Rican park to catching the best wave of my life-the day was a memory that will live in my mind and heart for a long time. I am adding the pictures to the gallery while we eat at a modest cafe outside of Playa Negra.
Today, Saturday June 17th blessed me with more pictures, video and memories. The days keep getting better here! And with each passing day it is getting harder to leave this beautiful tropical country. This morning we awoke at 5am to get a jump on the early light conditions with the sun rising into a near cloudless sky. Our destination was a bit south of where we're staying at Iguanazul and has to remain secret. With the Southern Hemisphere swell lapping at the Costa Rican shores, we had an epic day of consistent 10' wave sets, windless conditions and plenty of sunshine for shooting. I am looking forward to the week ahead...
Tomorrow has the swell in full effect. We are anticipating another day of sunny skies, big waves and plenty of video opportunities. I will post more pictures in the afternoon...
Pura Vida!
Max
Greetings again from the beautiful country of Costa Rica...
The last two days since my last blog entry have been epic! Yesterday, June 16th, we awoke to blue bird tropical skies for our 4am departure to Playa de Coco. From the sheltered harbor of Playa de Coco we took a 25' skiff out to sea for an hour boat ride to Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point. Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point are two of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. Google the two locations, or check out Bruce Brown's Endless Summer movies-either option will give you a little view into what we experienced. Yesterday's trip was a dream come true for me! From the boat trip, being in a remote Costa Rican park to catching the best wave of my life-the day was a memory that will live in my mind and heart for a long time. I am adding the pictures to the gallery while we eat at a modest cafe outside of Playa Negra.
Today, Saturday June 17th blessed me with more pictures, video and memories. The days keep getting better here! And with each passing day it is getting harder to leave this beautiful tropical country. This morning we awoke at 5am to get a jump on the early light conditions with the sun rising into a near cloudless sky. Our destination was a bit south of where we're staying at Iguanazul and has to remain secret. With the Southern Hemisphere swell lapping at the Costa Rican shores, we had an epic day of consistent 10' wave sets, windless conditions and plenty of sunshine for shooting. I am looking forward to the week ahead...
Tomorrow has the swell in full effect. We are anticipating another day of sunny skies, big waves and plenty of video opportunities. I will post more pictures in the afternoon...
Pura Vida!
Max
Thursday, June 15, 2006
June 15th 2006
Hello everyone,
We got a good am session in this morning with great light. The windless conditions and head high surf provided the conditions we were looking for all week. With days like today, my video will have plenty of great Costa Rican footage. With the upcoming storm next week, the video should be complete. I will be in Junquillal through the weekend, then we go south again for next week.
The anticipations is building for us as the storm moves through the Southern Pacific. The swell is making it's way toward Central America in the days ahead. We are looking forward to very huge surf Sunday through Tuesday. Here is what Eddie in Florida has to say about the storm...
"The long term looks impressive. A very powerful SE Pacific storm took aim at Central America with 50kt+ winds over the past few days. This swell will hit Sunday with double overhead plus surf likely by Mon. Top deep water breaks push 18 to 20ft, perhaps larger."
More pictures and video to take after breakfast....
Keep tuned!
Max
We got a good am session in this morning with great light. The windless conditions and head high surf provided the conditions we were looking for all week. With days like today, my video will have plenty of great Costa Rican footage. With the upcoming storm next week, the video should be complete. I will be in Junquillal through the weekend, then we go south again for next week.
The anticipations is building for us as the storm moves through the Southern Pacific. The swell is making it's way toward Central America in the days ahead. We are looking forward to very huge surf Sunday through Tuesday. Here is what Eddie in Florida has to say about the storm...
"The long term looks impressive. A very powerful SE Pacific storm took aim at Central America with 50kt+ winds over the past few days. This swell will hit Sunday with double overhead plus surf likely by Mon. Top deep water breaks push 18 to 20ft, perhaps larger."
More pictures and video to take after breakfast....
Keep tuned!
Max
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
June 14th 2006
Hello everyone,
I took advantage of the cloudy skies and rain showers this morning to update the gallery and do some much needed e-mail catch up at Pablo's at Playa Negra. Check out all the photos of days 1-6 in the gallery. For another perspective, check out Ripzone team manager Peter Andersen's updates on the Ripzone site. The link is posted below the surfline report.
I just got the report from Eddie in Florida about the incoming swell off the coast of Argentina. Looks like we are in for a solid swell starting Saturday. Rodrigo and I are preparing for several days of classic Costa Rica surf. I am stoked! I will be updating the blog daily once in Playa Hermosa this weekend.
Stay tuned!
Max
--SURFLINE REPORT--
This is a Surfline Travel Alert for Central America effective Tuesday, June 13, 2006.
A very strong low in the eastern half of the South Pacific is spinning up 50-knot+ winds and 40-foot+ seas this afternoon, aimed well at Central America and Mainland Mexico. The result is a macking, long period SW to SSW groundswell that will slam Latin America in the near future.
--RIPZONE INTERNATIONAL--
http://www.ripzoneinternational.com/spring06/files/home/pete_costa.htm
I took advantage of the cloudy skies and rain showers this morning to update the gallery and do some much needed e-mail catch up at Pablo's at Playa Negra. Check out all the photos of days 1-6 in the gallery. For another perspective, check out Ripzone team manager Peter Andersen's updates on the Ripzone site. The link is posted below the surfline report.
I just got the report from Eddie in Florida about the incoming swell off the coast of Argentina. Looks like we are in for a solid swell starting Saturday. Rodrigo and I are preparing for several days of classic Costa Rica surf. I am stoked! I will be updating the blog daily once in Playa Hermosa this weekend.
Stay tuned!
Max
--SURFLINE REPORT--
This is a Surfline Travel Alert for Central America effective Tuesday, June 13, 2006.
A very strong low in the eastern half of the South Pacific is spinning up 50-knot+ winds and 40-foot+ seas this afternoon, aimed well at Central America and Mainland Mexico. The result is a macking, long period SW to SSW groundswell that will slam Latin America in the near future.
--RIPZONE INTERNATIONAL--
http://www.ripzoneinternational.com/spring06/files/home/pete_costa.htm
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
June 13th 2006
Hello everyone,
It's day 5 here in Costa Rica. I am loving it! The weather has definitely improved over the last couple of days. The tropical weather has let up a bit and we are getting more sun during the days and breif rain showers at night. With more sun during the day, we are getting a lot more shooting in.
Our shooting schedule has us up early and taking full advantage of the early morning light. The shooting for Ripzone has been going well. They shot a bit of the lifestyle pictures around the beautiful Iquanazul last night. Today, we are at Playa Negra shooting surf photos and video. The morning session provided 4-6' waves and windless conditions. I am stoked on the video I've captured so far. I have been capturing a lot of the scenics over the past couple days. Today, I got in the water and shot some of the much needed water footage. I will be on land for the second session this afternoon shooting the team.
The upcoming South swell from the Southern Hemi is going to be all time on Sunday - Tuesday. And with that news, I will be extending my trip through the 24th. The ticket availability will be the ultimate decision maker but the possibilities look good...
Pictures will be updated either tonight or tomorrow, I promise...
Pura Vida!
Max
T, I miss you! XOXO
It's day 5 here in Costa Rica. I am loving it! The weather has definitely improved over the last couple of days. The tropical weather has let up a bit and we are getting more sun during the days and breif rain showers at night. With more sun during the day, we are getting a lot more shooting in.
Our shooting schedule has us up early and taking full advantage of the early morning light. The shooting for Ripzone has been going well. They shot a bit of the lifestyle pictures around the beautiful Iquanazul last night. Today, we are at Playa Negra shooting surf photos and video. The morning session provided 4-6' waves and windless conditions. I am stoked on the video I've captured so far. I have been capturing a lot of the scenics over the past couple days. Today, I got in the water and shot some of the much needed water footage. I will be on land for the second session this afternoon shooting the team.
The upcoming South swell from the Southern Hemi is going to be all time on Sunday - Tuesday. And with that news, I will be extending my trip through the 24th. The ticket availability will be the ultimate decision maker but the possibilities look good...
Pictures will be updated either tonight or tomorrow, I promise...
Pura Vida!
Max
T, I miss you! XOXO
Sunday, June 11, 2006
June 11th 2006
Hello everyone,
Finally after 3 days in Costa Rica, I have a chance to update the blog. The trip to Costa Rica has been amazing so far! The weather has improved from deluges of rain to partly cloudy skies. Having the sun shine for lengthy periods today was a welcomed experience. We have traveled from San Jose to Playa Hermosa, Jaco, Liberia and now we´re in a little restaurant in Playa Negra. The surf has been 6-8´ with light winds. I will create a more indepth blog posting when we head up to Tamirindo on Monday-the internet cafes will have wireless. I will upload pictures and more thoughts about this beautiful country. Until then...
Pura Vida!
Max
Finally after 3 days in Costa Rica, I have a chance to update the blog. The trip to Costa Rica has been amazing so far! The weather has improved from deluges of rain to partly cloudy skies. Having the sun shine for lengthy periods today was a welcomed experience. We have traveled from San Jose to Playa Hermosa, Jaco, Liberia and now we´re in a little restaurant in Playa Negra. The surf has been 6-8´ with light winds. I will create a more indepth blog posting when we head up to Tamirindo on Monday-the internet cafes will have wireless. I will upload pictures and more thoughts about this beautiful country. Until then...
Pura Vida!
Max
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