the Mission: Surf "Up the Coast"

February 6th 2008

2008-02-06T21:13:00.001-07:00

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THANKS!
MAX

2008-02-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I hope your winter has been warmer than mine and with enough surf to keep you satisfied these past few months!

The Mission Update:
The Mission: Surf - Up the Coast has been delayed considerably. My life has been consumed by working for the Sundance Film Festival since my departure from Florida, and although I thought could balance the two projects, that was not the case. The SFF really took a lot more of my time this year and from October to now, the months have been filled with working long days and very long weeks.
I have decided to keep the TM:S in the can and on the shelf until I can dedicate the time to it that it deserves.
Now with the Festival wrapping up and my time has become more manageable, I will continue the editing process through February and March. Over the next couple months, I will be logging long days of editing, working out graphics and finalizing releases for the sound track. I have decided to push the release date until June 1st, the first day of hurricane season. I know this sound like a long ways to wait, but hopefully it will be worth it for everyone!

That's about it from Park City, Utah. It continues to snow, the snow banks are over the windows and Super bowl Sunday is before us. Thank you for all your constant emails, support and begs for footage! Everything will come; a bit more patience is requested. Have fun and enjoy each day to the fullest!

- Maxwell

October 15th 2007

2007-10-15T21:22:00.001-06:00

That is a wrap!

Thank you everyone for your help in making this season's episode a success. Although we didn't receive the conditions we were hoping for, we are happy with the what we did get out of the tropical season.

Thank you to all our sponsors that helped make the production possible this season!
Resin8 Surfboards
The Extreme Rooster
Green Eye Autos
Xcel Wetsuits
Alpinestars clothing
Headhunter Sunscreen
Veg Power
Komunity Project
Lara Bar
Steaz Energy Drinks
Rockstar Energy Drinks
Whole Foods

The Mission: Surf "Up the Coast" release date is December 15th.

We will be update the blog bi-monthly as details arise.

-Max

October 7th 2007

2007-10-07T19:11:00.001-06:00

David Holloway
Sebastian Inlet report:
There are crucial times when Eddie Toy, self-proclaimed weather guru and wave hunter, puts out the call. In those moments I listen carefully; especially when we are hungry for overhead waves for the vid. And within the clear message off the phone call, came the direction to head South. The destination was a break Eddie is very familiar with. I listened, agreed and then put out the calls to the crew. The goal was to score Sebastian Inlet.
All were stoked at 7pm on Saturday but as the night wore on the inevitable late departure and non-answered am phone calls took effect. David Holloway, Steve Moore and photographer Jake Roth heeded the calls though; they jumped at the chance to take the 3 hour drive south to Sebastian Inlet with hope of scoring overhead surf. Once at S.I., we took a look at the conditions and knew we were going to score big!
Steve Moore

Dawn patrol tomorrow. Afternoon session will be up the coast somewhere...

Jax crew, eat your hearts out!

More to come!
Max

October 6th 2007

2007-10-06T16:49:00.000-06:00

Jax crew is on fire! Peter Mendia and Shea Lopez have words with the Daytona blue. Wind swell kicks up waves to shootable heights.

David Holloway
Change of season, change of the guards.
With the lack of tropical storms producing anything worthy of coverage in the vid this year, I had one goal in mind as October approached, get this video done by any means necessary. Several mild set backs occurred within the ranks of the previous mission team. From injuries, schedule conflicts to theft of sponsored product, I realized it was time to shift my attention to other areas of Florida for talented surfers. Although I missed the session at Fort Pierce, from reasons previously mentioned, and the coverage of the ticket issue with Shea and Peter at Sunglow Pier, for the same reason above, I'm glad I bee lined it to Northern Florida to scout, organize several shoots and meet some new faces on Tuesday. I had no idea what was in store for the days ahead, I was just glad to be heading in a positive direction.
As I traveled to Jacksonville in the torrential rain and high winds, I contacted Resin8's Steve Moore and COS's Tiffany Layton and set up meeting places in their hometown of Atlantic Beach. As we conducted shoots, I quickly realized the pool of talent Jax showcases. The crew up here is solid! Some say the surfing regions of Florida go through cycles from year to year. One year, central Florida might command the attention, and other years it has been towns of south Florida that's been the focus, but if the last couple of days are any indication of the cycle of change, then I would have to say Northern Florida is setting up for the next stage of rippers.

Tiffany Layton

In addition to the surfing talent, there are a few standout photographers braving the elements and willing to rise and shoot at 5am, Jake Roth is that person. I have highlighted some of his shots, like the one at the top, and through out homepage slide show. I will be adding all the photos of the past Jax sessions and some of his other work in the Photographer's Gallery soon.

DON'T LIVE HERE, DON'T SURF HERE

Pete Mendia and Shea Lopez busted in the Sunshine State - for surfing

By: Marcus Sanders

All Photos: Jesse Wicker

October 4, 2007

After the worst summer and early fall in recent memory, when the surf finally started showing in Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday, local surfers were understandably frothing. None more than local pros Pete Mendia and Shea Lopez, who love scoring close to home, especially with such hectic travel schedules. MORE

Wind swell creates what the tropical season's storms didn't.
After a bleak tropical storm season in August and September, a 1200 mile long gradient set up just off the East Coast and whipped the seas into a frenzy. After it was said and done, we got two days to make it happen and we scored! From filming with the kite boarding crew of Extreme Kites to the rock-steady surf crew of Atlantic Beach and Jax, we've been getting the goods!

More to come...

Max

October 3rd, 2007

2007-10-03T19:59:00.000-06:00

TM:S - Filming Day 4 - Dawn patrol

Tropical Outlook. Pleanty of activity...

FOR THE NORTH ATLANTIC...CARIBBEAN SEA AND THE GULF OF MEXICO...

SHOWER ACTIVITY WITH THE NON-TROPICAL AREA OF LOW PRESSURE IN THE
EAST-CENTRAL GULF OF MEXICO IS CURRENTLY LIMITED.  HOWEVER...THIS
SYSTEM HAS A WELL-DEFINED LOW-LEVEL CIRCULATION AND COULD STILL
BECOME A TROPICAL OR SUBTROPICAL DEPRESSION DURING THE NEXT DAY OR
TWO AS IT MOVES GENERALLY NORTHWESTWARD OR NORTHWARD AT ABOUT 10
MPH.  INTERESTS IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO COAST SHOULD
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THIS SYSTEM.

CLOUDINESS...SHOWERS...AND THUNDERSTORMS OVER THE WESTERN ATLANTIC
AND PORTIONS OF THE BAHAMAS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH AN ELONGATED AREA
OF LOW PRESSURE.  WHILE THIS ACTIVITY IS CURRENTLY DISORGANIZED...
UPPER-LEVEL WINDS APPEAR TO BE SOMEWHAT FAVORABLE FOR
DEVELOPMENT...AND A TROPICAL DEPRESSION COULD FORM IN THIS AREA
DURING THE NEXT DAY OR TWO.  THIS SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN A
SLOW WESTWARD MOTION ON THURSDAY.

AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE...ASSOCIATED WITH A TROPICAL WAVE...IS
LOCATED ABOUT 1250 MILES EAST OF THE SOUTHERN WINDWARD ISLANDS.
ALTHOUGH THIS SYSTEM IS SHOWING SIGNS OF ORGANIZATION...UPPER-LEVEL
WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO GRADUALLY BECOME LESS FAVORABLE FOR
DEVELOPMENT OVER THE NEXT DAY OR TWO.

THE REMNANTS OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION MELISSA ARE LOCATED ABOUT 1300
MILES SOUTHEAST OF BERMUDA.  THIS SYSTEM HAS BECOME LESS ORGANIZED
OVER THE PAST SEVERAL HOURS...AND SIGNIFICANT REDEVELOPMENT IS NOT
EXPECTED DUE TO STRONG UPPER-LEVEL WINDS.

More to come...

M

October 2nd 2007

2007-10-02T14:26:00.001-06:00

We are underway with day 3 of shooting. With a break in the rain, we will continue to catch some Northern Florida surf action at a couple of spots. The seas are rough and the swell is sticking around through the evening and into the am.

Wednesday to Friday, we'll be keeping an eye on the development in the Gulf over the next 48 hours.

Stay tuned for more details...

M

September 30th 2007

2007-09-30T22:00:00.000-06:00

30 days has September. 30 came and went and 3 showed promise. One took the goods and wasn't honest. Now October has 31. 1+1+1+1 makes four. There's always room for one more. Wind it blows and stirs the seas. Girls come and go and do nothing but tease. Will our storm come and add some ease. The Red and the Green lights make a glow. What will become of the show. You never know unless you go...

Matanzas Mission - Success!
Ft. Pierce Mission - Cancelled!
Mayport Poles Mission - Confirmed!

More to come...

M

The Mission: Surf "East Coast of Florida"

2007-09-29T19:53:00.000-06:00

After waiting for over a month for the right tropical system to come along and move up the east coast of the United States, the storm has finally come to us. One of the strongest cold fronts of the season has pushed south into central Florida, bringing with it gusty winds to gale force. A large coast low pressure system is forecast to develop over the Bahamas on Sunday while Canadian high pressure continues to create a strong pressure gradient offshore the east coast. What this means is 1500 miles of 25 knot NE winds pointed directly towards the east coast of Florida. This long fetch of wind will create 10-12 foot swell peaking Monday and into Tuesday with strong NE winds up and down the east coast. The Mission team will be filming on location at Matanzas Inlet south of St. Augustine on Sunday. Then Sunday night the team drives south to Ft. Pierce in hopes of catching cleaner conditions for the surfers.

At this point it looks like NE winds will create choppy conditions along the east coast of Florida, so the Mission Team will be in search of a south jetty setup to block the wind. The south side of Ft. Pierce inlet has a good left that only breaks on large swells, and is sheltered from NE winds. Hopefully conditions will be right for the surfers to show their skills! The wind will finally diminish Tuesday night out of the SE, and with continuing swell the conditions could be cleaner for Wednesday and Thursday. We will update this forecast tomorrow and the situation develops.

September 29th 2007

2007-09-29T16:38:00.000-06:00

We've been busy all day planning to capture some amazing footage for the next couple of days. The weather is going haywire and red tide is in the air. We have tropical storms forming off the African coast, Mexician coast and a NorthEaster is bearing down on the Southern States. Our main focus at the moment is the windswell generated from the Nor'Easter.

Here's what were looking at:

High pressure builds in over the NE US region Saturday before pushing offshore into the North Atlantic by the end of the weekend/early next week. This will set up building surf for the Mid Atlantic, Florida and Bahamas coasts with solid surf in the water early next week. This surf will continue into and through the middle of next week.

We've got a new group on stand by, some kite surfers will join the ranks and we're loaded up with a 16mm. It's victory at sea. This is the mission:surf. We're ready to go

One last thing, JB, you were bought cheap, sucka! You might think you got away with the shit you pulled but karma is a bitch. Everyone will know the kinda chump you are.

Out with the old, in with the new.

More to come...
M

September 26th 2007

2007-09-27T09:54:00.000-06:00

We are crossing our fingers at the mission surf camp as we look towards Sunday. This could be the one we've been waiting for...

Tropical Report

The weather discussion for Karen this evening was exactly what I was hoping for. Often times with tropical systems, the actual wind field is so small, even with intense systems, that the swell produced just doesn’t ever get that big. That’s because the fetch that the wind blows over isn’t very long. Sometimes with large sheared systems like Karen, most of the wind is displaced to one side of the system, so the fetch can be larger, and even though the winds aren’t as intense, if they are moving towards land, the swell produced can be significantly bigger than a smaller more intense system. The shear is forecast to possibly intensify over the next few days, but the track has shifted more to the west, which is good news as it will pass closer to the east coast. The hurricane hunter investigating the system found tropical storm force winds over 100 miles from the center, which is impressive considering that it is only a tropical storm. If it continues to move in the direction of Cape Hatteras, then the virtual fetch will continue to increase, building the seas in that area more as the storm continues to move. If it stalls as some models are hinting, then there is potential for a long duration swell event, perfect for the Mission: Surf.

More to come...

Tropical Storm Karen

2007-09-25T05:47:00.000-06:00

National Hurricane Center

All eyes are on Tropical Storm Karen as it developed overnight and continues to move WNW over the central tropical Atlantic. Karen is a large system, which typically develop more slowly than small ones. Large tropical systems are better for swell development because the wind field extends outward further from the center, giving the wind more fetch. The other positive with Karen is that it will be moving in the direction of the east coast of the U.S. over the next few days, pushing swell ahead of it and further increasing the fetch.

Forecasts are widely varied with this one, which means Karen could have a mind of her own and surprise everyone. She is expected to become a minimal hurricane before a series of upper level low pressure systems near the track limit development over the next few days. But if Karen decides to get her act together and becomes a major hurricane, all bets are off as the storm starts to control the upper level environment.

The other weather story is a cold front pushing into north Florida on Friday and yet another coastal low pressure system forming over the weekend, with strong high pressure again building into the NE U.S. This is forecast to provide increasing swell and strong winds for the east coast of Florida, and absorb the energy of the tropical wave now crossing the windward islands. Long-range models show the high pressure remaining entrenched, with Karen moving into the picture late in the forecast period. The pressure gradient between the 2 systems looks to produce a long duration swell event for the east coast, starting with Florida and gradually filtering up the entire east coast. We will keep you posted as the situation develops.

September 25th 2007

2007-09-25T03:58:00.000-06:00

The 2nd day of Easterns had some upsets in the Master's heats. The Atlantic is showing promise with a series of storms. We head back to N. FLA to catch the remaining swell of TS Jerry.

Easterns Report
In choppy conditions, Rodrigo pulled the white jersey and paddeled into a tough heat consisting of the best surfers from the EC in heat 1 of day 2. Unfortunately, he could only pull off a 5th place finish and has to watch the final from the beach today.
Jimmy on the other hand, dominated his heat from the get go. With the conditions being vastly different from the day before, he had to come out of the gate strong and fast. He slashed his way to the first position with an opening wave of 6.8. From the first wave, he held off the rest of the contenders, from the likes of Jason Motes, for the remainder of the heat. Blue must be the lucky color! Jimmy advances to the finals which will be held at 7:00am this morning.

Tropical Report
As of 5:00 a.m. EDT T.D. 12 has become Tropical Storm Karen and is located at 10.4 north and 38.0 west, or about 1,565 miles east of the Windward Islands. Karen is moving west-northwest at 16 mph with this speed and direction of movement expected to continue for at least the next 24 hours. Maximum-sustained winds at near 40 mph and the central pressure is estimated to be 1005 mb, or 29.68 inches. Computer forecasts show this system moving west-northwest during the next several days over very warm water and low shear. So, there is a good chance this system could become a hurricane. Given the size of the cloud mass and the rich moisture surrounding the system, there is a concern this could become a very strong and powerful tropical system over time if shear does not become a problem Thursday or Friday. It is too early to be sure whether this will be a threat to the Lesser Antilles, but the most recent computer information suggests the system will track north to northeast of the Leeward Islands. But, again this is way too early to know if this is to be trusted.

We will be heading back to Florida mid day today to catch the remainder of the windswell created by TS Jerry.

More to come...

M

September 24th 2007

2007-09-23T16:48:00.000-06:00

First day of Easterns was a blast. Waist to chest, glassy and sunny conditions prevailed. Rodrigo and Jimmy advance. Storms, storms and more storms...

The first day of surfing for the 40th year of Easterns was very fun. Everyone was in good spirits and happy to be sharing waist to chest high waves with glassy conditions. Mid day, the wind came on a little bit and started to chop the waves up a bit. The masters division got the best conditions of the day for sure.
After Rodrigo and Jimmy's heats, we went up to a spot beyond Avon but the wind had done it's damage and we heard the inevitable, "you should have been here yesterday" remark from a couple of people. We just laughed and loaded the rv to headed back to the house. The evening was filled with motorized skateboard rides, libations, laughter and a great bbq with friends.

Tropical Update JERRYAT 500 AM AST...0900Z...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM JERRY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 38.6 NORTH...LONGITUDE 45.4 WEST OR ABOUT 995 MILES...1605 KM...WEST OF THE AZORES.
JERRY IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH-NORTHEAST NEAR 15 MPH...24 KM/HR.
A TURN TOWARD THE NORTHEAST WITH AN INCREASE IN FORWARD SPEED IS
EXPECTED TODAY. ON THIS TRACK...JERRY WILL REMAIN FAR FROM LAND
AND PASS IN BETWEEN THE AZORES AND SOUTHEASTERN CANADA TODAY.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 40 MPH...65 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS. LITTLE CHANGE IN STRENGTH IS ANTICIPATED TODAY...AND JERRY
IS FORECAST TO BE ABSORBED BY A LARGER NON-TROPICAL LOW PRESSURE
SYSTEM BY TUESDAY MORNING.
TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 105 MILES...165 KM
FROM THE CENTER. ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1004 MB...29.65 INCHES.

Tropics Firing Up!

2007-09-23T10:08:00.000-06:00

Wunderground Tropical Weather

After an inactive peak of hurricane season, the tropical Atlantic is firing up! 4 items of interest are capturing out attention at the current time. Sub-tropical Storm Jerry is spinning about 1430 miles east of Cape Hatteras. Although Jerry will likely be absorbed into the westerlies before it has a chance to become a hurricane, sub-tropical systems can create larger surf than tropical ones because of their larger wind field. 40 mph winds extend outward 110 miles from the center of Jerry, so there is a substantial fetch for swell production. This should keep the east coast in a consistent run of moderate fun central Atlantic ground swell until the next round of swell arrives.

In the Gulf of Mexico, a weak low pressure system moved across the Yucatan peninsula last night and has the potential for development as it moves slowly NW in the general direction of Texas. Another stronger tropical wave is approaching the windward islands, and is showing signs of organization. But the one to watch is a large well organized low pressure system that moved off Africa yesterday, and could become a tropical depression later tonight. It is forecast to move into the east coast swell window, where the upper level winds are more favorable for tropical development than this time last week. We will keep you posted for possible yellow light conditions by the middle of the upcoming week!

Sunday, September 23rd 2007

2007-09-23T04:36:00.000-06:00

Good morning from the OBX of North Carolina! We are located in Hatteras for the 40th year of the ESA Easterns through Tuesday. We'll be parked at the lighthouse all day. Round one of the master's heats start today.

Tropical Report:
SUBTROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS FAR FROM LAND IN THE NORTH CENTRALATLANTIC...AT 500 AM AST...0900Z...THE CENTER OF SUBTROPICAL DEPRESSION ELEVENWAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 36.2 NORTH...LONGITUDE 46.1 WEST OR ABOUT1060 MILES...1705 KM...WEST OF THE AZORES.THE DEPRESSION IS CURRENTLY STATIONARY...BUT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ASLOW MOTION TOWARD THE NORTH LATER TODAY...WITH AN INCREASE INFORWARD SPEED TONIGHT. ON THIS TRACK THE DEPRESSION WILL BE MOVINGOVER THE OPEN WATERS OF THE NORTH CENTRAL ATLANTIC...WELL TO THEWEST OF THE AZORES.

We'll be keeping an eye on this as it develops...

More to come throughout the day.

M

Thursday, September 20th 2007

2007-09-20T18:39:00.000-06:00

Stay connected.

Here's how:

1. The live cam feed on the video page.

2. Shout out on the message board.

3. Leave comments on the video page.

We'll be updating and broadcasting as much as possible while in Hatteras, N.C.

Tropical Weather Statement:

04:00 pm EDT

A RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT INVESTIGATING THE AREA OF LOW PRESSURE INTHE EASTERN GULF OF MEXICO FOUND A BROAD CIRCULATION CENTERED ABOUT 115 MILES WEST-SOUTHWEST OF ST. PETERSBURG FLORIDA. THE AIRCRAFTWILL CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE THE LOW THIS AFTERNOON...BUT THERE ARENO INDICATIONS YET THAT THE LOW HAS BEGUN TO ACQUIRE TROPICALCHARACTERISTICS. THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY WITH THIS SYSTEM REMAINSLIMITED AND DISORGANIZED. HOWEVER...THIS SYSTEM HAS THE POTENTIALTO BECOME A SUBTROPICAL OR TROPICAL CYCLONE OVER THE NEXT DAY OR SOAS IT MOVES WEST-NORTHWESTWARD OVER THE WARM WATERS OF THE GULF OFMEXICO. ALL INTERESTS ALONG THE NORTHERN GULF COAST SHOULD MONITORTHE PROGRESS OF THIS SYSTEM.

We'll keep our eyes on this one. We might have to take a detour to the panhandle...

Stay tuned.

Wednesday, September 19th 2007

2007-09-19T13:46:00.000-06:00

We are under the daily deluge of rain from the storm off our coast. We pick up more MF stickers and hats. We make final preparations for our trip to Hatteras. The 40th year of Easterns starts on Sunday.

A new batch of sticker are hot of the press. Make sure you hit us up for the limited release "crook" sticker at Easterns.

We will be heading to Hatteras for the 40th year of the ESA Easterns on Friday... Come by the Mission Films RV, we'll be having a daily bbq with brews and showing off some of our past vids and current clips of this year's tropical storms. Bring by some items to throw on the grill and kick back under the awnings. Look for the big white RV with the black MF logo on the side. See you there!

More updates soon...

September 17th 2007

2007-09-17T12:58:00.000-06:00

Mid - Day Report - 2:59pm

Here are some video clips from the past couple of days.

Grenada St. beach ramp in Ormond Beach...
September 17th 2007 - 2:45pm

A short video clip from the BIG GIG skate ramp during the Surf Expo...
Saturday, September 15th 2007

Enjoy!

September 17th 2007

2007-09-17T09:45:00.000-06:00

Back from the Surf Expo, a night of hard rain and we look toward the tropics scratching our heads wondering what's in store...

Surf Expo Report

We had a couple of fun days at the Orlando surf expo over the weekend. With nothing happening in the way of tropical development, we took the opportunity to hook up with friends, make new ones and get the word out on the mission: surf this year. I am sure of some great alliances to come from the following companies. Check out theire websites for more info...

Komunity Project - Scott, Thanks for the stomp pads and leashes!

Steaz Teas - Ron, Thanks for the drinks.

Ergophobia - Jeff, see you at Easterns. Congrats on the booth of the show!

Viking Surfboards - Maurico and crew, nice selection of boards. Sergio, see you in Jacksonville

Surftech - Jason and Duke, nice to meet you both. see you in Jacksonville

DaKine - Jake, let's hook it up...

ESM - Matt, looking forward to the write ups and hopefully the mission: surf article...

SkullCandy - Tom, holden it down and when the team comes around..
and

Electric - Matt, thanks fo the glasses wipe...

Rain, Rain...

Tropical Report

Long-range models are showing a hurricane forming in the Caribbean and moving up into S. Florida next week. This time of year we start looking into the Caribbean for possible development, and think about heading up to the Panhandle of Florida for surf...

We are still hoping and holding out for Ingrid...Come on girl!

More to come...

Saturday, September 15th 2007

2007-09-15T12:37:00.000-06:00

The latest on the little Tropical Storm that could!

INGRID IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN A STRONGLY SHEARED ENVIRONMENT AT LEAST FOR THE NEXT 48 HOURS. THESE UPPER-LEVEL WINDS SHOULD INHIBIT ANY STRENGTHENING AND COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE DISSIPATION OF THE CYCLONE. HOWEVER...AFTER 3 DAYS OR SO THE SHEAR IS FORECAST TO RELAX AND IF INGRID SURVIVES THAT LONG SOME OF THE INTENSITY GUIDANCE INDICATES THAT RESTRENGTHENING COULD OCCUR.

Surf Expo report later at the hotel...

Saturday, September 15th 2007

2007-09-14T20:32:00.000-06:00

What will happen to the strong storm known as Ingrid? Day 2 of the surf expo. We continue to wait it out in hot and humid Florida...

Tropical Report
...INGRID STRUGGLING WITH WIND SHEAR... more

Surf Expo
My belly is full of sushi and I'm looking for the party. I have a full day of activities tomorrow at the surf expo, now that all the repairs are done on the rv. Oh, there's the call...More reports tomorrow after the showing of Bra Boys and Tomorrow, Today...

More to come...

M

Friday, September 14th 2007

2007-09-14T08:06:00.000-06:00

This just in...

From the forcast desk of Eddie Toy:
The story of the tropical Atlantic can be told through the water vapor imagery:
http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/goes/east/tatl/loop-wv.html

Most of the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic is covered by strong upper-level westerly winds, which are shearing any tropical activity that tries to develop. Tropical Depression #8 is still struggling to become Tropical Storm Ingrid before strong upper level winds preclude further development. It will be interesting to see if it can hold together through this shear and move into a more favorable upper level environment later in the forecast period. Another strong tropical wave to the northeast of T.D. #8 is flaring up this evening, and it may have a chance of development if the upper level winds don’t rip it apart.

On another note, Hurricane Humberto was one of only 3 hurricanes in recorded history to go from a tropical depression to hurricane status in only 18 hours. Yesterday morning it was barely a swirl of clouds in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, and 24 hours later it had caused one fatality and knocked out power for over 100,000 homes. Oil prices soared to their highest price ever in U.S. markets due to the closure of oil refineries on the Gulf coast.

It looks like it will be at least another week before the Mission: Surf is ready to load up the RV and head north.

Stay tuned for more info...

September 13th 2007

2007-09-13T12:32:00.000-06:00

I report from Orlando today. We keep our focus on the tropical waves coming off Africa. Surf Expo is this weekend and brace for mayhem.

Eddie will send a report in later this afternoon.

Catch up with us at the Xcel, AlpineStars, DaKine, Aaron Chang or Surfer Mag booths on Friday...

More updates later this evening...

M

September 12th 2007

2007-09-12T07:01:00.000-06:00

Good morning. Here is the first of three updates scheduled for today.

This just in from the National Hurricane Center...
In the Atlantic
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOKNWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL530 AM EDT WED SEP 12 2007FOR THE NORTH ATLANTIC...CARIBBEAN SEA AND THE GULF OF MEXICO...AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE IS LOCATED ABOUT 1150 MILES EAST OF THEWINDWARD ISLANDS. THIS SYSTEM CONTINUES TO BECOME BETTERORGANIZED...AND CONDITIONS APPEAR FAVORABLE FOR A TROPICALDEPRESSION TO FORM LATER TODAY OR TONIGHT AS THE SYSTEM MOVES WEST-NORTHWESTWARD AROUND 10 MPH.
In the Gulf
THE AREA OF LOW PRES IN THE NW GULF HAS BECOME BETTER ORGANIZED OVERNIGHT. AS OF 09Z...THE LOW WAS ANALYZED NEAR 27N95W 1008 MB...WHICH IS 2 MB LOWER THAN OBSERVED 3 HOURS EARLIER AT 06Z.

We'll keep our eyes on these throughout the day. Keep tuned

September 12th 2007

2007-09-11T20:43:00.000-06:00

10:44 pm EST
This just in...

We are still closely monitoring this one...
Stay tuned. We will be updating this blog 3x daily...
M

September 11th 2007

2007-09-11T16:20:00.000-06:00

I thwart danger while putting on the first decal of the trip. Lightning and metal ladders don't mix. RV is polished up and ready to roll...

Sick airbrush work courtesy of Art Wizard 2005!

Stay tuned...

M

September 10th 2007

2007-09-11T07:37:00.001-06:00

We've made it through the height of hurricane season with out any major direct hits. We focus on the developments in and around 10 degrees N lat and 40 - 45 degrees W long...

9:00 AM reports

Here are Meteorologists Nicole Mitchell with the tropical storm update and Mark Mancuso with the storm watch update from the Weather Channel...

Tropical Storm Update with Nicole Mitchell

Storm Watch with Mark Mancuso

Mid Day Update
Double Feature!

Watch this!

Stay tuned for more info...

Max

Monday, September 10th 2007

2007-09-10T06:30:00.000-06:00

A new week of anticipation. We keep our focus on 10 degrees latitude off the coast of Africa and the light is back on red.

Call to all Florida and Carolina surfers...Immediate Release 09.10.07
The Mission Films is setting up additional shooting schedules for surfers interested in appearing in our video - The Mission: Surf "Up the Coast". If you are interested in shooting on location at various surf spots during our next tropical storm activity period, contact us through our contact page located on the menu bar.
Please submit your name, location, age, 5 jpegs of action shots, a :45 sec - 1:00 reel of your surfing and your schedule of availability. One of our reps will be in touch with you to schedule a time and date.

Development in the Atlantic...

More updates soon...

September 8th 2007

2007-09-08T08:22:00.000-06:00

This just in....Could this be the one?

We'll keep you posted

September 8th 2007

2007-09-08T06:17:00.000-06:00

It's official, subtropical storm Gabrielle has formed in the Atlantic. Photographer Dwayne Fleming captures the team in Flagler County. We are please to announce two new sponsors for this year's episode...

Tropical Storm outlook

AT 800 AM AST...1200Z...THE CENTER OF SUBTROPICAL STORM GABRIELLE WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 31.2 NORTH...LONGITUDE 73.8 WEST OR ABOUT280 MILES...450 KM...SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF CAPE LOOKOUT NORTH CAROLINA.THE STORM IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 12 MPH. THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS WITH A GRADUAL DECREASE IN FORWARD SPEED.MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 45 MPH...75 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. SLIGHT STRENGTHENING IS EXPECTED AS GABRIELLE ACQUIRES MORE TROPICAL CHARACTERISTICS.

9.06 - 09.07 surf shots

We hit up some spots yesterday under the hot sun and with unrelentless on shore winds to score some nice sessions. The swell is predicted to peak this morning but we may get a little additional push through Sunday. Here are some pictures of the last couple of days by photographer, Dwayne Fleming. Check out his website for more shots here

Jimmy B., Haley Watson, Rob Fulmer

New Sponsor Report

We are happy to announce two additional sponsors to our growing list of contributors, Extreme Rooster and Resin 8 Surfboards. We will be contributing video to Extreme Rooster's website and featuring our team rider, Jimmy Blumenfeld. Jimmy is putting ink to his new contract deal with Extreme Rooster soon and we are very stoked to be joining forces with a motivated team at SportsRooster.com.

President of Resin8 Surfboards, David Gray will be stepping up to a banner sponsor position with a donation of a nice quiver of resin8 boards.

As always, stay tuned for more info...

Max

September 5th 2007

2007-09-05T08:17:00.000-06:00

Storm development...10:17am est, the mission films.us website 2.0 launch 10:28am and other mission films news...

THE NON-TROPICAL LOW LOCATED ABOUT MIDWAY BETWEEN BERMUDA AND THENORTHEAST FLORIDA COAST HAS CHANGED LITTLE IN ORGANIZATION DURINGTHE PAST SEVERAL HOURS. UPPER-LEVEL WINDS ARE FORECAST TO BECOMEMORE FAVORABLE FOR THIS SYSTEM TO DEVELOP INTO A TROPICAL OR ASUBTROPICAL CYCLONE WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. THIS LOW HAS BEENDRIFTING EASTWARD BUT IT SHOULD BEGIN TO MOVE ERRATICALLY DURINGTHE NEXT DAY OR SO. AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFTIS SCHEDULED TO INVESTIGATE THE SYSTEM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON...IFNECESSARY.

Website Launch

The Mission Films 2.0 went active at 10:28am September 5th 2007.

The new site is chocked full of new additions and info...

-NEW homepage with slideshow and video

-NEW mission page with satellite info, up to date blog and google map of our location

- NEW team page with profiles and pictures

- NEW video page with most of our library videos from the past 4 years. Many more will be up soon.

- NEW gallery page with pictures of the past 4 years of the mission films

- DROP us a line through the contact page to subscribe to our weekly news letter

We're running on veg (have been for months)

Check out the whole conversion process in blog post http://www.themissionfilms.us/blog/2007/06/sunday-june-24th-2007.html

As always, stay tuned for more info...

September 4th 2007

2007-09-04T17:23:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday wishes to my lil' sis Darcy, Hybrid Tropical activity off the EC and Jimmy returns from Cocoa Beach...

Darcy Danielle Michaeline Foley

Happy Birthday Darcy! Another year of many wonderful memories! I love and miss you sis!

Hybrid Storm off the East Coast
We are currently monitoring a non-tropical low offshore of the Southeast US coast. This is expected to initially drift eastward and we will monitor this for signs of tropical or hybrid development. Satellite observations throughout the day on Tuesday 9/4 indicate that this low is becoming stronger and better organized and has the potential to send some solid swell to the East Coast over the next several days. Over the weekend, this system may affect the NC region but the exact track is still highly uncertain. Regardless everybody along the EC should closely monitor this system as any significant changes in expected intensity and track will alter the forecast outlook. Stay tuned to Surfline for all of the specific details and latest updates as we track this system.

Ahhh, the memories
Don't worry Jimmy B, sometimes the best prizes are the memories. Besides, you rip up ankle high waves better than anyone I know! Rock on!

We have our eyes on the prize in the Atlantic...Stay tuned for more updates.

M

September 2nd 2007

2007-09-02T17:37:00.000-06:00

Hurricane Felix builds to cat. 4 status, Jimmy B advances at the NKF/Cocoa Beach surf comp and other related Mission Films news.

HURRICANE NEWS

...FELIX CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN...NOW A CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE...
A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR JAMAICA AND FOR GRAND CAYMAN. A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...GENERALLY WITHIN 36 HOURS. more

NKF / COCOA BEACH COMP

NKF of Florida Launches Surf Festival Website
The NKF of Florida recently launched a new website to promote the 22nd Annual Cocoa Beach Surf Company/NKF of Florida Pro-Am Surf Festival. For more information
Pro Contest results:
Our team rider, Jimmy Blumenfeld has informed us from Cocoa Beach that he's advanced through his second heat and moves on to the final for Monday. Keep tuned here for the contest results...
UPCOMING SWELL
A decent 5 foot swell approaches for Friday

and we're getting the team together for a day out while we continue to look forward to our storm for the next episode "Up the Coast".

Stay tunde form more info...

Max

September 1st. 2007

2007-09-01T16:19:00.000-06:00

Tropical Storm Felix churns and gains speed to hurricane force.

LATEST NHC ADVISORY:
FELIX CONTINUES MOVING WESTWARD...COULD BECOME A HURRICANE TONIGHT...A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE ISLANDS OFARUBA...BONAIRE AND CURACAO. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA
WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS...

THE MISSION: SURF
Now that September has begun, we are finalizing our plans for the next episode of The Mission: Surf - "Up the Coast" The team is ready and anxious for our storm to develop. Our website should be up tonight with all the data to keep you informed. Stay tuned to the site and blog for all breaking news...

Max

August 29, 2007 - Mission Surf Pre-Production

2007-08-29T21:39:00.000-06:00

We are feverishly working away on pre-production for upcoming mission: surf episode. So much to do and we are quickly approaching the beginning of our production window for this year.

With August winding down, what will September provide?

We just checked in on the NHC status and this is what they had to say...

A TROPICAL WAVE LOCATED ABOUT 750 MILES EAST OF THE WINDWARD ISLANDS
IS PRODUCING SHOWERS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS. THERE HAS BEEN LITTLE
CHANGE IN ORGANIZATION THIS EVENING. HOWEVER...UPPER-LEVEL WINDS
ARE EXPECTED TO BECOME MORE FAVORABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT OVER THE NEXT
DAY OR TWO AS THE SYSTEM MOVES WESTWARD AROUND 15 MPH.

DISORGANIZED CLOUDINESS AND SHOWERS EXTEND SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES
EAST AND NORTHEAST OF A NON-TROPICAL LOW CENTERED ABOUT 330 MILES
EAST OF JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF
DEVELOPMENT AT THIS TIME...UPPER-LEVEL WINDS COULD BECOME A LITTLE
MORE FAVORABLE FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION DURING THE NEXT DAY
OR TWO. AN AIR FORCE PLANE IS SCHEDULED TO INVESTIGATE THE SYSTEM
ON THURSDAY...IF NECESSARY. THE LOW IS EXPECTED TO DRIFT SOUTHWARD
OR SOUTHEASTWARD.

This is for Tuesday. Looks like fun. We'll keep you up to date on how it shapes up.

Stay tuned for more...

Max

August 27, 2007 - Hurricane Dean

2007-08-27T15:44:00.000-06:00

PARTING SHOTS - HURRICANE DEAN
As the swell from Hurricane Dean draws to a close, we are focusing a bit more on our corresponding duties and less with getting shacked. Damn it!

The swell lasted well into Saturday evening and produced some memorable moments, like the one above featured on the bluesky surf shop website. Not sure who this surfer is but you can get an idea of how good it was in Central Florida over the last 6 days.

ESA COMP - St. Augustine #5
A few too many beers from the celebration at the annual lifeguard awards banquet led to bar hopping through Daytona and a late arrival to Saturday morning's event. I'm not sure how the night before was for Jimmy and Rob but Rodrigo was a bit reluctant to arrive on time and with good reason. Brazilians, they know how to party! He'll have to fill you in on the rest. I, with good reason, rolled in around noon. With my head still ringing with the sounds of cowgirls and country music, I hung out under the stormy skies, filmed the finals and recovered at my own pace. After the final rounds were tallied, this is how the results came in...
Open
2. Jimmy Blumenfeld
5. Rob Fulmer
Senior Men
1. Rodrigo Miranda

TROPICAL STORM UPDATE:
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ASSOCIATED WITH A TROPICAL WAVE LOCATED
OVER THE FAR EASTERN ATLANTIC...ABOUT 850 MILES WEST-SOUTHWEST OF
THE CAPE VERDE ISLANDS...HAVE NOT BECOME ANY BETTER ORGANIZED
DURING THE LAST SEVERAL HOURS. HOWEVER...SOME SLOW DEVELOPMENT OF
THIS SYSTEM IS POSSIBLE DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS AT IT MOVES
WESTWARD AT 15 TO 20 MPH.

THE MISSION:
As we enter the final week of prep for our 4th episode of the mission: surf "up the coast", we reflect upon the last 3 years of missions and look forward to which storm will be our this year...
2004

2005

2006

2007

Stay tuned for more updates...

Max

August 22, 2007 - Ponce Inlet

2007-08-22T13:17:00.000-06:00

We are back from a couple of days at Ponce Inlet. We are a bit sore, sun burnt and thinking back upon the last couple of days of swell created by Hurricane Dean.
As Dean made it's way over Jamaica and toward the East Coast of Mexico, we were enjoying fun size surf Monday and Tuesday.

We are looking forward to more fun surf on Thursday.

That's about it for now. Next little update on Friday.

Max

August 18, 2007 - Dean Hits Jamaica

2007-08-18T13:25:00.000-06:00

Hurricane Dean Report:

- Jamaica residents stock up and move into shelters

- Cuba braces with a state of emergency

WE HOPE FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL THESE COUNTRIES' RESIDENTS.

Here's the latest...
NHC ADVISORY
NOAA SATELLITE IMAGES
NASA SPACE WALKERS VIEW HURRICANE DEAN
NATURAL DISASTER NEWS

MORE TO COME.

MAX

August 17, 2007 - Mission Films Logo!

2007-08-17T15:52:00.000-06:00

Lots o' lots to report in this blog post today. I will try to catch you all up. Here is a recap the last month of activity with our happenings. So, grab a cold one kick back and enjoy. It's Friday and we are in the midst of Hurricane Dean fever!

Here is a sneak peak at our 2007 Logo designed by our lady on the digi-design 1's and 0's, Karen Crook! We are very stoked!

Our website is being completed, as I write this, by Fat Designs ring leader, Eddie Toy. Bookmark this link and check in often. We want to attempt to blow up his server over the next couple of months! THE MISSION FILMS

TROPICAL NEWS
Hurricane Dean!

This little Cape Verde depression has surely developed into a threatening Hurricane over the last week since it pop'd up on the NHC radar. Read the latest advisory of the National Hurricane Center

MISSION: SURF TEAM NEWS
We'll be conduction a rehearsal, for the upcoming Mission: Surf episode "Up The Coast" for September, with many of our featured surfers Sunday through Tuesday. If you would like to join up with us on those days, send us a message through our myspace page

CASTING CALL AND OPEN PRODUCTION POSITIONS:
Casting Call:
We will be conducting casting calls over the upcoming weeks in an effort to fill our remaing positions on The Mission: Surf Team. If you are a surfer and interested in traveling with our team/crew while chasing hurricane swell up the East Coast here is what we'll need for your submission.
1. Head Shot Photos
2. Action Photos
3. Lifestyle Photos
4. Short :45 video clip
5. Profile/Bio
6. And why we should pick you to be on the team
We look forward to hearing from you.
Send all submissions to morrill_media_group@yahoo.com

Production Crew Positions:
For all related crew positions, we are still reviewing CVs for DP, AC and PA positions. Please send along...
1. CV
2. Reel
3. And why you should be chosen for the position.
Please send all submissions to morrill_media_group@yahoo.com

West Indian Girl - Summer Tour 2007
I updated alot of the camera phone pictures of the tour on myspace today. If you would like to view some of the pics of the trip, click here

ASP WORLD TOUR
Check out the final heats of the ASP 6 Star tour stop in France

MUSIC
Last week, Excel/AlpineStar rep, Ben Ardis invited us down to Red Tails in Daytona to catch some of the Vestal Tour with Thunder Lip and ASG. Great show. Check out these two bands through their websites, sponsor's websites or on myspace.

Like good lovers, make contact when you want some! Next update will be Monday, August 20th.

TTYS!
Max

July 23, 2007 - West Indian Girl Tour

2007-07-24T08:55:00.000-06:00

We have a down day with the West Indian Girl tour so I figured it was time to do a blog post to catch you up. In addition, the preparations are moving further along for the 4th episode of The Mission: Surf this year. This year's title is "Up the Coast" We will be traveling the complete coast this year from Florida to Maine and hopefully beyond...

First off, here is an in depth recap on the Planet Reef comp at Wrightsville beach on the 13th - 15th from WBLIVESURF.COM

Rodrigo giving winner Asher Nolan a lift to the podium.

The final day of the Reef/Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest has come and gone, but with a new champion, Asher Nolan, who surfed his way to $7,500 prize. The 3rd and final day provided a contestable wave and the pros took full advantage of the conditions to showcase their talent on Wrightsville Beach...MORE

Our team rider, Jimmy Blumenfeld went up against some tough competition and took 3rd in his heat and that placement resulted in a 9th place finish and $750 greenbacks, not bad!

Reef/Sweetwater Pro-Am RESULTS
Pro Division-$30,000 Pro Purse
1st Asher Nolan - $7500
2nd Ben Bourgeois - $5000
3rd Tim Curran - $3000
4th Rob Machado - $2000

5th $1000
Alek Parker
Aaron Cormican

7th $850
Blake Jones
Phillip Goold

9th $750
Erik Schub
Matt Keenan
Jimmy Blumenfield
Tommy Obrien

July 17, 2007 - Planet Reef Tour

2007-07-16T10:47:00.000-06:00

It has been way too long since I've written about the latest adventures with the Morrill Media Group...There is alot to report.

First off, the boys, Rodrigo Miranda and Jimmy Blumenfeld were at the 2007 Planet Reef Tour at Wrightsville beach over the weekend. Rodrigo advanced strongly through Friday but with a weak wave set during his Saturday heat, he got put on the beach to watch the rest of the contenders advance. As for Jimmy, because of his strong placement from last year, he got to jump right into the mix on Saturday. He advanced through the quarter-finals and advanced into Sunday. Sunday presented a heat with Rob Michado and Ben Bourgeois. Jimmy finished 3rd in that heat and out of 150 contenders made it to the top 10 and walked with $750. Congrats guys! Rodrigo will send some pics as soon as he settles in back in Flordia. Stay tuned

Check out these links for more info:
WB live surf cam
Dragon Alliance

Since July 10th, I've been on tour with West Indian Girl for their summer tour 2007. They are finishing up their new album and decided to hit the road for a bit before their new record release.

From July 10th through the 12th we traveled from LA to KC for our first show at the record bar in historic Westport. After 3 days of hard driving and a couple of breakdowns we made it in time to get the band to the hotel and set up with an hour to spare. The show turn out was a nice comfortable crowd of people. The band had John Karr from the Independent in San Francisco fly in and join us at the first show to man the mixer. It was a nice night filled with music, pizza, beers, meeting new friends and we finally got out of the RV for a while.
After our first show in KC, we were off to the All Good festival in Masontown, WV. The drive from KC to WV was long. Passing over all the hills and valleys made for a slow trip and with time running short, we had to drive straight through the night to make it before sunset on Saturday. After navigating the single lane back roads with a 34' RV and 12' trailer in tow was a challenge to say the least. We finally pulled into the festival at 9 pm. Once there, we settled into some dinner and started to walk around and catch some live shows. Sundays show was very exciting. I enjoy outside shows a lot, especially in the mountains listening to WIG. Just as they were getting ready to go on, the weather started turning from partly cloudy to ominous. 5 minutes after the set ended, the rain came down and it came down in sheets. The festival producers cut the power and the festival goers waited it out for about 45 minutes. All in all, a fun time at the All Good Fest.

So far, we have completed over 2,900 miles running on veggie oil. Thanks to Green Eye Autos in Eugene, OR and VegPower.com in NY. We've had great success at finding wvo and the people we've come across along the way have been very interested about the vehicle.
Today, July 17th, we are off to Boston for the TT the bear's place show in Cambridge, MA.

Keep tuned for more bloggin and pictures.
Max

June 24, 2007 - Veggie Oil Conversion Complete!

2007-06-24T20:26:00.000-06:00

Well, I am glad to say that Georgie Boy is now running on Veggie Oil. As of 3:56 pm today, we made the transition from polluting the environment with harmful emissions to smelling up the air like freedom fries. Clark is amazing to say the least; that man knows his stuff. I am very grateful for the effort Jacob and Clark put into converting GB over. Below are some pictures of the last couple of days of the conversion. I have updated day 3 and today, day 4. Enjoy!

Veg Tank and Pump assembly.

Inside the engine compartment: (left to right) the injection thermometer, sensor for temp and pressure, solenoids for diesel fuel and veg oil (draw and return), coil heater

Instrument Panel (just like night rider) (top to bottom, left to right)veg oil/diesel/purge switch, veg filter pressure gauge, injector heater and temp gauge

Filling it up from the car boys for the first time. (55 gallon tank)

Finishing the filling process

Complete! Get to Green Eye Autos soon before the waiting list grows to several months out...

Thanks again guys! I had a blast camping in your parking lot for 4 days! Remember Clark, we have some waves to catch in September...See you then!

Heading to L.A. Talk to you all in a couple with updates of the road trip, collecting veggie oil and the redwood forest...

Peace and Grease!
Max

June 22, 2007 - Veggie Oil Conversion Part 2

2007-06-22T20:15:00.000-06:00

Today was a great day around the shop. The day started early with some Guayaki Yerba Mate "magical mint mate" and set the mood for most of the day. Work continued around 9:30 am this morning. Clark and co. got the tank in with it's fittings, mounted the main filter system, tapped into the coolant system, mounted the solenoids, most of the coolant lines and one of the 3 gauges. Below are some of the pictures of the days advances...

Solenoids and heating system in engine compartment

Pump system filter (on right) and heated tank filter (on left)

Tools of the trade

One of the three gauges

Balancing the unbalanced fuel use of America

In other news, Rodrigo got back from Costa Rica yesterday. If I wasn't doing so much to make an environmental statement or traveling through Oregon for enjoyment, I would have been jealous as hell. Looks like they got some good waves in Costa. But when isn't it good in Costa Rica? Even when the swell is small, it's good...
Waxing up.

Secret Spot

Sammy Z and Rodrigo

At Playa Negra

Playa Negra (2)

In the area of informative documentaries, log onto www.VBS.TV and watch part 1 - 5 of "Toxic West Virginia" Completely outrageous! This has to be stopped and stopped now! We must make the shift to renewable resources, folks. Assemble, Educate and Activate. We have the power to create change. Take a minute from your busy life and make a change. Enough is enough! Time to change the ways we live! Think globally and act locally. Check out some of these links below and empower yourself!

VBS.TV "Toxic West Virginia"
Green Mountain Energy
National Biodiesel Board
Sustainable Waves

Think about it. Make a difference.

Stay tuned for more updates and rants.
Max

June 21, 2007 - Veggie Oil Conversion Part 1

2007-06-21T21:42:00.000-06:00

I am writing you from Green Eye Autos in Eugene, Oregon. We started the veggie oil conversion on my custom 1993 Georgie Boy Encounter today. I am very happy to announce a co-sponsorship alliance between Clark and Jacob of Green Eye Auto for the West Indian Girl summer tour. Josh Bhatti and Ian McEvily have been supporting the tour on the East Coast by creating additional alliances in addition to this one. This is shaping up to be a great tour! We will announce the additional partnerships soon.

Below are some pictures of the process on day 1 of the conversion.
Georgie Boy

Pump parts

Veggie Oil Tank

Filters

All the supplies above have been provided by Green Eye Auto and vegpower.com Check their site out for anything relating to conversion parts.

I will have additional pictures and notes of the process in the days to come.

On another note, Rodrigo just got back from Costa Rica. He reports that they had consistent head high swell for the catalogue shoot. He will send pictures along soon.

In tropical storm related news, this what the forecasters at the national hurricane center have to say...

TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
1030 PM EDT THU JUN 21 2007

FOR THE NORTH ATLANTIC...CARIBBEAN SEA AND THE GULF OF MEXICO...

A FRONTAL LOW LOCATED JUST OFF THE EAST COAST OF NORTHERN FLORIDA IS
PRODUCING SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORM MAINLY OVER WATER. UPPER LEVEL
WINDS ARE NOT FAVORABLE FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION.

A LARGE AREA OF DISTURBED WEATHER CONTINUES OVER THE WESTERN
CARIBBEAN SEA AND PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AMERICA. WHILE ENVIRONMENTAL
CONDITIONS DO NOT APPEAR FAVORABLE FOR ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT...
THIS SYSTEM COULD PRODUCE LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL OVER PORTIONS OF
CENTRAL AMERICA DURING THE NEXT DAY OR SO AS IT MOVES WESTWARD.

ELSEWHERE...TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION IS NOT EXPECTED DURING THE
NEXT 48 HOURS.

We'll keep our focus on the Eastern Atlantic for development.

Also, I will be departing on Sunday for L.A. and if any of you know of some SVO or WVO (veggie oil) that I can burn in the RV, drop me a line at (maxwell_morrill@yahoo.com) Every drop counts! Thank for the help!

Please recommend our blog to a friend, bookmark us and drop a line once and a while, we love to hear from our readers.

Stay tuned for daily blog updates...

Max

June 13, 2007 - Rodrigo in Costa Rica

2007-06-13T18:52:00.000-06:00

Rodrigo flew down to San Jose, Costa Rica on Monday. With a 6- 8' swell sticking around through Tuesday, Playa Hermosa was still holding a medium size swell. As the swell leaves Central America, there doesn't look like much hope for them to score waves for the Ripzone shoot. Rodrigo has promised to send some more photos when he gets them. We'll see what happens.

We're leaving Hood River on Friday. Not much has been happening around here in ways of shooting. The weather has been cold and hot, the wind has been gusty and not. We've decided to set up our shooting schedule for August, their busy month. We hope it'll be much better then.

So, with that said, we are en route to L.A. for the West Indian Girl (www.westindiangirl) summer tour in July. I am offering my RV to WIG for the tour so they can travel in style and get out of the 15 passenger van for the Midwest - Northeast Coast tour starting July 12. We will be blogging daily on their blog site and on ours occasionally. In preparations for the tour, we are talking to www.greeneyeautos.com to see if we can convert the RV to run on veggie oil. Yes, that's right, Georgie Boy will be joining the alternative fuels revolution. We are hoping the conversion will take place in the coming weeks. As soon as all the details come together, we will send out the mass email with all the info.

We will be traveling the Oregon and California coast for the next couple of weeks and will update the blog often. Bookmark us and stay tuned often...

Peace and grease,
Max

June 06, 2007 - Eastern Surfing Association

2007-06-06T22:07:00.000-06:00

Rodrigo Miranda
Last week Team Riders Rodrigo Miranda and Rob Fulmer competed in the 1st ESA comp of the season in St. Augustine. Rodrigo surfed away with 2nd Place Open and 2nd Place in SR. Mens, Rob took home the trophy for 3rd Place Masters. Unfortunately, Jimmy had to sit this comp out due to an eye injury but Rodrigo informed us Jimmy will be back strong to take on the 2nd comp of the season.
Rob Fulmer

Last week Northern Florida got a wake up call right on time. The first day of the 2007 Tropical Season started off with a soaker! Barry, the 2nd named storm of the season swept across Northern Florida Friday and Saturday. On the afternoon of June 2nd, around 4pm, the winds went off shore and created a wonderful session for Floridian surfers.

Here are the names for the season.
2007
Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dean, Erin, Felix, Gabrielle, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy
Which one will be ours?

Rodrigo heads to Costa Rica on Monday for the RipZone International catalog shoot. Although they decided not to have us come down and film this year, we hope they get some good photos/film anyway. Will it be a repeat of the best swell in 10 years like the trip we had last year? Time will tell. But seeing as my lucky rabbit's foot will stay in the States this time around, we hope the best for you guys anyway. We'll keep the rest of you informed as much as possible on anything that develops off Central America.

In Oregon, we arrived in Hood River on Saturday. The weather was sunny and warm with steady winds. Saturday reminded me of how this place can be all summer. With a strong gradient settled in over the Columbia River, wind speeds topped out at @ 40 mph. Kiters were flying and cruising at various spots along the Gorge.

On Sunday it was a repeat of the same. The event site was going off with teams of windsurfers and kite boarders taking advantage of the steady, strong winds and beautifully warm weather.We are looking forward to an amazing summer in the Northwest!
Stay up to date with all the happening around the Gorge this summer here

Stay tuned! More to come!

Max

May 26th 2007

2007-05-26T10:20:00.001-06:00

HERE WE GO!

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The 2007 Atlantic hurricane season will be more active than normal due to warmer ocean waters, with as many as ten hurricanes, and three to five of them could be major, the U.S. government's top climate agency predicted on Tuesday.

"We are right now in ... a period of more active hurricane seasons," said Conrad Lautenbacher, head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

NOAA foresees 13 to 17 tropical storms this season, with seven to 10 developing into hurricanes. Three to five could be major ones of Category 3 or higher with winds over 110 mph (177 kmh), the agency said in its annual forecast.

Sunday, May 20th 2007

2007-05-20T11:05:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone,

We just got back from our trip to Mexico and SoCal and it's time to update the blog...

We had a action packed 5 days of traveling, shooting the Volcom VQS contest and visiting some new spots in Baja.

Wednesday
Everyone met at the San Diego airport and quickly made it to the rental car. After picking up the Dodge Durango, we loaded the board bags, packed the car and hit the road.

We had Julian Locatelli AKA Castro from San Francisco, Ryan Shaw from Daytona,
Rodrigo Miranda from Ormond Beach and myself on this trip.
Once on the highway, it felt great to be on the road again. We spent the first day meeting up with some friends, filling ourselves on mexican food and getting a sesh in at Oceanside.

Thursday
Off to Baja. After looking at the swell models on surfline, we decided to head to this little spot Julian was familiar with. It paid off. The spot was sheltered from the winds and pumping a point ground swell, the guys had a fun little session.

After the session, we drove into a little town near the break and ate a traditional Mexican dinner overlooking the ocean. A beautiful place! Not a bad first day in Baja!

Friday
We took off early in the morning for the first day of the VQS Comp at Newport Beach,Ca

Rodrigo did amazingly well considering the conditions. The surf was small and the winds were onshore all morning. The combo made for difficult surfing in the first round but Rodrigo advanced to the second round on Saturday by claiming 2nd place in his heat.

Saturday
With a spot secured in Round 2, We decided to hit the town and celebrate a little. Jack's and PB made for an interesting night...

For the Comp on Saturday, the conditions took a turn for the better. The wind died down and the swell increased a bit in size. Although Rodrigo surfed a great session, he didn't advance...We were all bummed!

Sunday

Off to Mexico again. With the disappointment of the comp fading away with every mile, we were looking forward to the morning at Baja Malibu and "The Trailer Park" with the crew and Baja guide, Shawn Walker of Wave Hunters

Baja Malibu was a nice little spot. With Julian being fluent in Spanish, we got to drive down the private road and park at the stairs, walk down the beach and paddle out. Here's Shawn getting a nice little wave first thing in the morning.

Rodrigo got his share of small set waves coming through as well.

With the water temps around 58-62 degrees and the sets small, the guys decided to wrap up the first session quickly. We took scouting mission south, to a place I named "Trailer Park" and scored the best session of the 5 days. This little left, with occasional rights was working very well. The wind remained minimal and tide and swell came together to create a steller afternoon session.
Here is a couple pictures of Shawn, Rodrigo and Julian AKA Castro scoring the goods...

All in all, I had a great trip to SoCal and Baja with Rodrigo and some new friends! Although we missed the swell by over a week, we did find some spots that worked. Yeah, the whole comp thing was a disappointment, I did get to meet Sunny Garcia though! I learned a long time ago that soul surfing is much better than any comp.
To wrap up, we had a awesome time, met some great people, surfed Baja, I made great strides with my surfing at Oceanside, We ate and drank traditional Mexican food, chew'd on chicklets, captured some footage and soaked in the sun. A wonderful trip!

The video will be up soon...Stay tuned!

Max

Tuesday, April 24th 2007

2007-04-24T15:17:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone,

With Spring well under way here in Salt Lake City, we're gearing up for an amazing Spring and Summer of shooting. With the boys coming off a winning 2006, Rodrigo has been racking up the wins in 2007 with a VQS slot and a date with destiny in So-Cal. A cool $100,000 is up for grabs. Central America and So-Cal both got bombing round after bombing round from April 4th to April 14th. See the footage and reports below. And with that kind of motivation, we've locked in our first surf trip of the year to So-Cal and Mexico, May 9th -14th. We hope the first weeks of May are just as big as the first weeks of April. We'll see...

Here's how the boys did last year at 2006 Easterns...
Open
1st Place Zack Humphreys SNJ
2nd Place Jimmy Blumenfeld SAFL
3rd Place Pat McManus OBNC
4th Place Philip Goold VA/AS
5th Place Wayne Satterwhite NFL
6th Place Dane Carroll CFL
Hot Wave Sr. Hot Wave (no trophy) Jimmy Blumenfeld SAFL 9.44
Masters
1st Place Pat McManus OBNC
2nd Place Pat Emery CNJ/AS
3rd Place Jimmy Blumenfeld SAFL
4th Place Brian Carpenter CNC
5th Place Jason Motes NFL
6th Place Dustin Estes SAFL

While Jimmy killed it last year, Rodrigo is taking aim at the big prize at the VQS...
SEACOW SURF SERIES (Sebastian Inlet, FL)
PRO-AM
Eric Taylor
CT Taylor
David Bagley
Eddie Guilbeau
Rodrigo Miranda

And in Central America and So-Cal...

4.9.07 - 4.10.07 Nicaragua
4.9.07 - 4.11.07 Central America
4.12.07 Surfline's SNEAK PREVIEW
4.13.07 SNEAK PREVIEW PART 2
4.11.07 - Southern Cali
4.12.07 - Santa Cruz

Stay tuned for the VQS footage and details May 9th - 14th...

March 21st 2007

2007-03-21T14:34:00.000-06:00

Wow! I almost cannot believe this is the first post of the 2007 year! Well, without further delay, here we go...

Utah winter...
Well, what can I say about this season except we got the f@*%'n shaft this year. This was by far the worst season I've experienced in Utah since '94. I guess every epic location has a drought. The only stand out weeks in the Wasatch were the 18th - 24th of February and March 2nd/3rd. Check out some video of the stand out storms at snowbird.com

Tropical Paradise...
With Utah not getting much snow to speak/write about gave me a great excuse to leave for a tropical holiday. For the first winter ever, I took a trip outside of North America. Southeast Asia with my beautiful girlfriend during the month of February was the best. Tanya and I traveled through Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. I took some much needed time to rest after 3 months of steady work at the Sundance Institute working as the Music Cafe & Music on Main Coordinator during the Sundance Film Festival, a little more on that in a minute. The trip to Southeast Asia was amazing. Like I said, Tanya and I took the time to relax on as many beaches of Thailand and Malaysia's islands as possible. The two locations that stood out were off the coast from Trang, Thailand. The island group of Koh Lanta, Koh Ngai, Koh Mok and Koh Kradan were amazing. Another group were the Palau Perhentian islands off the coast of Kota Bohru, Malaysia. Click the links above for recommendations to visit.
We visited so many other locations, too many to mention, over the 30 days. As soon as Tanya returns from her extended stay, I will update the photo albums.

Along the way, we scouted out kiteboarding locations in the Gulf of Thailand.

Sundance Film Festival 2007...
This year I had the opportunity to work with the Sundance Film Festival. I had a blast working as event coordinator for the Music Cafe and Music on Main. There were so many amazing musicians that came through the music cafe this year. A short list of standout performances went to Silversun Pickups, A Fine Frenzy, The Album Leaf, The Bird and the Bee, Emerson Hart, Eric Lewis, Alexi Murdoch, Ron Sexsmith, Sparta and Simon Townshend. The line-up was provided by ASCAP! Loretta Munoz did an amazing job and it was a pleasure to work along side her.
The Music on Main stage was a wonderful experience, besides some problems caused by meddlesome booking agents and over zealous band members, the music on main event went off without too many glitches. My team and I had a great experience with the bands we invited to perform on the stage this year. Check out the blog reportsand websites of the bands we had this year(West Indian Girl, Shiny Toy Guns and Of Montreal) for more information and mp3s of their music.

Spring in Utah...
Since my return, the temps in Wasatch Mtns has been above normal. With the temps averaging in the 70's - 80's in the valley, the snow is melting fast in the mountains. Only recently has the weather brought some new snow and cooler temps. Last weekend (March 16th-17th) photographer Mikey Asheim, tele-skier Paul Sherman and I took a trip to Mt. Timpanogas to climb and ski/board the Grunge Couloir. I will have all the photos in the gallery soon.

Whew, I think that catches you all up on the last 3-4 months of the Morrill Media Group action. As always, stay tuned for more updates.

-Maxwell

December 9th 2006

2006-12-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

Holiday Greetings,

Damn, I can't believe it's almost been two months since my latest blog entry. I guess life has wrapped it's arms around me and tightened it's embrace to the point where I couldn't break free. Now that I have some noteable blogging to do, it's time I got back to putting the word out on the happenings here at the mission camp.

First off: The Northwest Report
Last month the Northwest got pounded with rain and snow. I am sure you all heard about the massive flooding by now. For like 16 days straight, the Northwest of Washington State experienced record rainfall and consequently record snowfall as well. Reports are coming in from Whistler, Blackcomb and Mt. Baker with jawdropping statistics-Whistler is claiming 14 foot snowpacks and Mt. Baker recieved a whopping 12 feet of snow during one wintery blast at the end of November. For all the latest, check out their websites...Whistler and Mt.Baker

Secondly: Utah Report
Utah is tagging along in the ranks with a fresh wintery start of a 40" base. Although it is dwarfed in comparison to the Northwest storm totals, we are enjoying the early start non the less.

Thirdly: Florida Report

This past weekend the Seacow Surf Series made it's first stop of the year at Sebastian Inlet State Park in the wonderful state of Florida. For the last couple of years this event has been growing and this year was by far the biggest Seacow event ever! Volcom set up the beach and got underway with 186 competitors fighting for invites to the $100,000.00 Dollar VQS Champs in May of 2007...More>>>

Our man with the plan, Rodrigo Miranda knocked out some serious talent and claimed 5th in the finals. With 2 more comps coming up in the months ahead, we feel Roder has a shot at the prize at the final in Cali...
Results:
Pro-Am
1. Eric Taylor $500.00
2. CT Taylor
3. David Bagley
4. Eddie Guilbeau
5. Rodrigo Miranda
6. Nick Guilarte

More to come...Stay tuned...

Max

October 24th 2006

2006-10-24T19:56:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 24TH 2006

The Morrill Film Group is proud to announce two new contributing sponsors to the '07 mission films projects...

Lara Bar
LÃRABAR is a delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices - energy in its purest form. Made from 100% whole food, each flavor contains no more than six ingredients. Pure and simple, just as nature intended.
and

SkullCandy headphones
SkullCandy in Park City, Utah is the manufacturer of headphones, packs, helmets, mp3wristwatches and more...

Check out their websites for a full overview of their products...

October 24th 2006

2006-10-24T18:59:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone,

It has been just over a month since we last posted on our blog. In the month of October, we made a trip back to Florida to catch a tropical swell, film Eddie's First Coast Kiteboarding instructional video, party with the Florida rep of Astar and Xcel-Ben Ardis and finish up on our trailer for this year's installment of "the mission:surf.
photo-Danny Moody
Although this year only provided a few Cape Verde storms of the coast of Africa and not much formed along the 10/20 degree latitude during the later part of the season, we did manage to get some memorable days in this year. Some of us were hoping for a little more action than what we got but we made to best of this year's tropical season.
photo-Stephen Schafer
Eddie's kiteboarding video will be coming out in the months ahead. We are all anxiously anticipating the release.
Photo-Stephen Schafer / Kiter-Jonathan Marsh
Now that the tropical season is drawing to a close, we are focusing on the upcoming winter season here in Utah! To get us stoked on the winter ahead, last night the Burton movie tour of For Right or Wrong came through town. We had the chance to step away from the office and catch the showing. We were all stoked! The movie was a hit and the Utah snowboarders were in force.
To be even more stoked, The Morrill Film Group is in it's third year of production and we have a bunch new plans in the months ahead. Here is a glimpse of just one of our upcoming projects...

In addition to our monthly podcast, we will be working steadily to complete several other video projects, the '07 sizzle reel, working closely with Park City, Brigton and Snow Basin and to top it all off, a new design to our existing website. We will keep you informed as always. Gotta get back to work...

Until next time.

Maxwell

September 23rd 2006

2006-09-23T19:42:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday night Rodrigo called on his way back to Florida with the ESA Eastern results. Tired from the long contest days and endless overhead surf, Rodder was stoked to deliver the good news...

CONGRATS JIMMY B!!!
Open shortboard - Mens
Jimmy Blumenfeld 2nd

Although Rodrigo didn't make it past the semis, he had an epic 3 days of surfing lighthouse jetty thanks to Hurricanes Gordon and Helene.

Here's are the Eastern write ups from surfline...Bank on it!
(Jimmy B on pic 9 of 14 in the slideshow)

Pictures will be posted soon...

Good work guys!!!

Max

September 19th 2006

2006-09-19T13:39:00.000-06:00

Most of the reports are in from Hurricane Florence.

Going with the Flo'Part 1 New England

Going with the Flo' Part 2 Florida

Going with the Flo'Part 3 Puerto Rico

Enjoy...

Max

September 17th 2006

2006-09-18T20:07:00.000-06:00

The Eastern ESA Comp is on! Here's the latest on JimmyB and Rodrigo...

Sunday, September 17th 2006
Open Shrtbd. Round1
NSC-1 Shawn Clark
CNJ-1 Pat Emery
NFL-2 Wayne Thompson
VA-2 Philip Goold
CNJ-4 Brendan Buckley
SAFL-1 Rodrigo Miranda

Open Shrtbd.Rnd1
SAFL-4 Jimmy Blumenfeld
SNC-1 Ben Powell
SNJ-7 Colin Abel
SNC-2 Nick Rupp
CNC-10 Hunter Heverly
VA-1 Ricky Palluch

Monday, September 18th 2006
Open Shrtbd. Round 2
T.B.D

Sunday September 17th 2006
Masters Round 1
Heat line-up (not found)

Monday, September 18th 2006
Masters Round 2
SAFL-1 Jimmy Blumenfeld
2.24
3.25
1.26
2.27
3.28

Finals on Tuesday!

We'll keep you up to date as the contest results come in...

Go Jimmy and Rodrigo!!!

Maxwell

September 15th 2006

2006-09-16T21:44:00.000-06:00

Greetings everyone,

What started off as a slower and thankfully less devistating tropical storm/hurricane season, now is providing epic surf up and down the East Coast. The shores of New York's Long Island, Rhode Island and the Carolinas were guarenteed larger than normal surf. Here is the what September has provided so far...Huricane Florence
Hurricane Gordan
and now
Hurricane Helene

Check out the National Hurricane Center's archive for all the current storm discussions and animated grapic loops.

Surfline reports the latest surf scores of Hurricane Florence from New York and the Outer Banks.

Rodrigo Miranda and Jimmy Blumenfeld compete at the ESA Nationals this week. Log on and keep in touch with them as Hurricane Helene provides some epic conditions for the comp. Good Luck Guys!

More to come! Stay tuned.

Max

August 29th 2006

2006-08-29T18:38:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone,

After TS Debbie fizzled out last week far off the coast off North America, we started to set our sights on the 20 degree latitude for more action. Low and behold, TS Ernesto pops up and is heading toward Florida on a slight NW orientation. Although the season has been much slower to develop strong storms compared to the record year of 2005, we are still anticipating a cat 3 or 4 for the middle of September during the ESA National off the Outer Banks of North Carolina...

Here is what the National Hurricane Center has to say about TS Ernesto.
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING AND A HURRICANE WATCH REMAIN IN EFFECT FROM
NEW SMYRNA BEACH SOUTHWARD ON THE FLORIDA EAST COAST...More

We wish safe harbor from the storm. Be safe our friends of Florida and Georgia!

Stay tuned,

Max

August 21st 2006

2006-08-21T17:49:00.000-06:00

TROPICAL UPDATE

The Latest from the NHC --- 500 PM EDT MON AUG 21 2006

"THE AREA OF LOW PRESSURE SOUTHEAST OF THE CAPE VERDE ISLANDS HAS
BEEN MAINTAINING ENOUGH CONVECTIVE BANDING TODAY TO WARRANT DVORAK
CLASSIFICATIONS OF T1.5 FROM TAFB AND SAB AT 18Z."

"OUTER BANDING STRUCTURES ARE WELL DEFINED...BUT OVERALL THE
CONVECTIVE SIGNATURE IS STILL A LITTLE THIN. WATER TEMPERATURES
SHOULD BE WARM ENOUGH FOR THE NEXT DAY OR SO TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT
AND THE SHEAR IS LIGHT."

Eddie called to put the word out. We'll be keeping our eye on TD_4's status over the next couple of days...

Stay tuned
Maxwell

August 15th 2206

2006-08-16T11:39:00.000-06:00

I'M BACK!

Back in SLC again. The roadtrip was great. Filming the just squeezed doc is a wrap. Time to get back in motion with the mission...

We are currently finalizing the team, working on updating the website, getting an RV prep'd, getting sponsors together and monitoring the tropical situation. Although we haven't had the banner year we had last year, we're still anticipating some action in September. We will keep you all updated. Stay tuned.

Maxwell

July 14th 2006

2006-07-14T12:16:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone,

I will be on the road for the next 3 weeks or so. I have created a blog for the Just Squeezed Juice documentary film I am currently working on. Log on here to stay current with the trip.

I will be periodically posting at this blog location when tropical activity develops...

Stay tuned.

Max

July 12th 2006

2006-07-12T20:21:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone,

Well, I am off again. Tomorrow I embark on a month long shoot that will take me halfway across the country and back. I will be working as D.P.(director of photography) for Just Squeezed Juice. I will be documenting their travels through 15 states, 3 music festivals from tomorrow until August 9th. I am excited for the trip. I will be setting up a seperate blog for pictures and comments about the project. Stay tuned here for the web address and links. I will continue to update the mission:blog as well during the trip. Talk to you soon...

Maxwell

July 5th 2006

2006-07-06T21:40:00.000-06:00

This just in...

Rodrigo Miranda takes 1st in Open and switches spots with Jimmy Blumenfeld, standing to his left, who stole the spotlight last week by claiming a first place victory at St. Augustine. These guys constantly push each other to the next level. They both competed on Tuesday, July 4th at the E.S.A 40th ANNUAL SUN N'SURF CONTEST. We will keep you up to date with more contest results as they come in...

Great job guys!

Max

July 1st 2006

2006-07-01T18:35:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone,

Well it's July 1st and the editing process of The Mission:Surf - Costa Rica has begun. The footage looks amazing this year! I just completed capturing and batching the scenics and interviews for the segment-funny stuff. I will start the action clips next. With all the different locations from Northern Santa Rosa National Park, to the barrel factory of Playa Hermosa and everything in between, every spot has a unique look and different conditions. I will try to get a teaser up by mid month...

In other related news, the east coast is in a stall pattern with tropical development. July is usually a slow month compared to August and September. We will keep our eyes focused on the tropical latitudes of the east coast and keep you posted.

Next update, July 7th, unless something arises...

Max

June 26th 2006

2006-06-26T20:31:00.000-06:00

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

June 25th 2006

2006-06-25T16:05:00.000-06:00

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

June 21st 2006

2006-06-21T15:26:00.000-06:00

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

June 20th 2006

2006-06-20T21:51:00.000-06:00

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

June 17th 2006

2006-06-17T19:11:00.000-06:00

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

June 15th 2006

2006-06-15T10:13:00.000-06:00

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

June 14th 2006

2006-06-14T09:32:00.000-06:00

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

June 13th 2006

2006-06-13T14:03:00.000-06:00

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

June 11th 2006

2006-06-11T19:14:00.000-06:00

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

May 31st 2006

2006-05-30T18:22:00.000-06:00

Here we go. The 2006 tropical season is off to a great start. The Pacific is crankin' up with Tropical Depression Aletta off the coast of Baja. Central America is anticipating solid ground swell through the week. The Mission Films trip to Costa Rica is on! Here are some quickie forecasts from the National Huricane Center on Tropical Depression Aletta and the Central America hightlights by Surfline, and Wavewatch to catch you up.

Next update June 7th

Stay tuned,

Max

May 15th 2006

2006-05-19T11:51:00.000-06:00

Here we go again...The Pacific hurricane season has begun! I wonder what kind of season will be in store for us this year? Kevin Wallis of Surfline.com narrates the "LOOKING SOUTH" pacific season report. Check it out on surfline.com. And in addition to Kevin's reports, Eddie Toy in Florida says Central America will receive it's first good swell of the season around June 1st. "Once we get locked into a storm cycle pattern down there, we should receive storm after storm," Eddie says. This is great news for our June 8th trip to Costa Rica! The Mission Films will be heading to Costa Rica from June 8th to the 15th. Rodrigo Miranda will be guiding us through some of the best surfspots, jungles and Costa Rica hotspots from the 8th to the 10th. From the 11th to the 21st we will be documenting the Ripzone International catalogue shoot. Check out their 2006 surfwear, casuals and footwear for summer. Get it while it's hot!

Keep tuned for pictures, video and additional details...

Max

May 7th 2006

2006-05-07T21:01:00.000-06:00

Salt Lake is beautiful. Costa Rica is on. Life is good.

Last week, Florida gets it's share. Rodrigo shows you the way...

photos courtesy of piermonkey.com

Gas prices are on the climb and so is the cost of airfare. Hurricane season is approaching...

Keep tuned.
Max

May 1st 2006

2006-05-01T12:02:00.000-06:00

With the warm temps moving in Spring has definitely arrived in Salt Lake City. Although there's still plenty of snow in the mountains and Snowbird is open on weekends-I have officially retired my boards for the season. Time to switch it up and start thinking about hurricane season and surfing again.

On the surfing tip, Rodrigo and Jimmy are killing it again in the comps. The Southeast Regionals are finishing up finals as I write this. Jimmy is in the finals heat today. Rodrigo and Jimmy have secured their spots at OBX in September. This is going to be a great hurricane episode this year... Congratulations guys!!!

2006 Southeast Regional Surfing Championships

SAFL Team

rev'd

2006-03-30

9:30

Division

Invitations

Ranking

Contestant Names

Notes

Masters

SAFL-1

Jimmy Blumenfeld

Masters

SAFL-2

Rodrigo Miranda

April 26th 2006

2006-04-26T20:12:00.000-06:00

Eastern Surfing Magazine - Rodrigo Miranda

Our Mission:Surf ripper, Rodrigo Miranda!!!

April 21st 2006

2006-04-21T10:22:00.000-06:00

Greetings everyone,

The cold Low that swept across the upper intermountain west, the same storm that delivered 32" in South Dakota on April 18th, gave us 18-22" of light, cold snow on Saturday and Sunday of last weekend. On Monday through Wednesday the cold temps lingered and created a couple days of classic Utah riding. And this is the last week of the season, it seems like it just got started...

Tuesday, April 18th 2006, Brighton Backcountry

The picture above is Tuesday, April 18th. I put in 5 runs on stupid chute, 1000 turns gully, figure-8 hill and the lower wolverine bowl headwall. I couldn't stop the snow was so good. I mean, take the best snowboarding you've ever done and times it by 5, that is how good the snow was. By the 5th line, about 2000+ vert of riding, in a couple of hours, I was ready to head back to the resort and call it a day.

Wednesday, April 19th 2006, Wolverine Cirque

The next day, Wednesday, I was getting over the head pow shots on Wolverine Cirque. You can see the remnants of the turns on the lower apron, but the best turns were in the trees above. Every turn, faceshot, turn, faceshot-I had to wear my neck gator the whole run. I couldn't believe how good the show was...

Wednesday, April 18th 2006, Wolverine Cirque

Here's a picture of Paul Sherman pointing to the chute he just skied. If you look close enough, you can see the turns coming out-the chute is the widest one in the picture. Epic!

Wednesday, April 18th 2006, Figure-8 hill

Last runs of the day-Paul's turns on the left, mine on the right. You can see the powder spray on the visible 2nd-4th turns coming down off my line...

As the temps begin to rise, and the valley warms-the eminent melting of the cold snow is a sign of the advancement of spring. For these days, we claimed the best spring season snow of the month, and for the winter for that matter. And with our changing weather patterns, the threats of global warming and other factors that produce anomalies in storm patterns, you never can tell what the future holds for the next snow fall. We could get another week like this one starting on Sunday-that is the glory of living in Salt Lake with the Wasatch out my back door. There are so many mountains to climb and lines to snowboard-I hope the week we just had stretches into June. Time will tell...

Live passionately,

Max

April 16th 2006

2006-04-16T12:17:00.000-06:00

Greetings everyone,

Today is my Mom's birthday!!! Look at her shread. She has amazing style and grace, doesn't she? What mom do you know shreads barrels like Slater? For all of my friends that have met her, you know what a special woman she is. This picture reflects her zest for living life to the fullest. Happy Birthday Mom!!!

On a mission films note, it has been a while since my last blog. There hasn't been much to report on recently. We have been working steadily collecting as much video, interviews and gear reviews before the end of the season, which is moving up on us fast. Brighton and many of the resorts in the cottonwoods will be closing in another week or so, Snowbird will be staying open through May. The conditions have been rapidly changing from pow conditions to corn. This is a difficult transition for most, I am looking forward to the warmer temps and smooth, buttery corn snow conditions...We will have more pics, video and details up soon...

Happy Easter everyone,

Max

April 5th 2006 - Avalanche Death @ Pioneer Ridge

2006-04-05T14:35:00.000-06:00

A snowboarder was killed yesterday on Pioneer Ridge located outside the Brighton Ski Area boundary. The cause of the accident was from a cornice collapse. The snowboarder, Atilio Giorgio Cremaschi Yazar, 27, was on the ridge and got close to the very steep slope while standing on a very large cornice. The large swing of temperatures from Sunday to Monday, almost 20+ degrees and the late hour sun-baking weakened the cornice to unstable conditions.

It is very unfortunate and a sobering reality of how quick conditions can change in the backcountry in the spring time. Even if the backcountry has been skied and is only a short 20 minute walk outside of the ski area boundary, you still have to treat it like a serious backcountry trek. It is imperative to educate yourself with the knowledge of avalanches, mountain weather, wilderness survival and first aid. It is important not only for yourself but for the other around you. This death could have been easily avoided. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Yazar family.

For additional info about the event, click the links below...

Deseret News

Salt Lake Tribune

Utah Avalanche Center

KSL News

Maxwell

April 3rd 2006

2006-04-03T22:18:00.000-06:00

As part of Nissan's X= campaign, we have decided to show the rest of the ski/snowboard community what Utah in March looks like...March has been epic, beyond epic. This picture was taken at a Utah resort and as you can see, I had a fresh dump of new snow and no one on the chair ahead of me. X= no people in chair + new snow = fresh tracks all day for me...Right after this run I ran to the car to get out my Winterstick Swallowtail, it was too deep for my 164 Wasatch... The day was all time Utah!

Just to give you an idea of how much snow Utah is getting, this is the sign at the Brighton Lodge that stands about 25' above the parking lot. We broke the 500" mark in the 3rd week of March with it snowing about every day for the last 2 weeks. The backcountry has been amazing, even the in bounds resort skiing has been good. Now that April is upon us and spring has sprung, the days are getting longer so we are able to stay out more hours and get that wonderful evening light-in between all the storm cycles of course...

For all those not getting it, eat your hearts out...

More pictures of the first week of April to come...

Max

March 19th 2006

2006-03-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

MOUNTAIN LIFE
MARCH 2006

The pre-spring weather has been providing a myriad of weather activity for us here in Salt Lake City. We've been experiencing a diverse mix of rain in the valley and snow in the mountains. It has been snowing off and on for the last 3 days... Unfortunately, I have been working in the valley over the weekend and not able to play in the mountains. Although, I did manage to get a line on Kessler Peak, with Pauly and Michael on Thursday. The snow was epic then and I bet it's even better now...

With March fleeting with each passing day, we're busy getting the first episode of our "Moutain Life" podcast shot, edited and uploaded for you to see. As we venture into the world of podcasting, our new addition to the Morrill Film Group has us very excited. With each episode of "Mountain Life" this is what you can expect: athlete profiles & adventures, industry profiles & product and snow sports product overviews. You will be able to download each episode to your computer or ipod from our website or itunes and take it with you wherever you go. If there's specific content you would like to see, fill out our comment box on our contact page.

stay tuned,
Maxwell

March 5th 2006

2006-03-06T16:40:00.000-07:00

After a week of up and down temps, in and out of windy cycles and passing storms delivering low accumulation averages-we are setting up for the next rounds of storms...

Current conditions: windy in the valley and beginning to snow in the high elevations again...

The last week had us treasure hunting for stashes in the upper Brighton area while out with Paul Sherman filming his pod cast episode. A storm on Tuesday delivered 4-6" with grauple in the back bowls of Brighton which made for decent conditions. With the storm moving in with warmer than average temps and departing cold, the upper elevations got the snow and the lower elevation line got a mixed bag with rain. This being the case, we stayed on the high elevations and searched for sheltered lines to film. As the days went by early in the week, periods of wind came and went. Those days made me wish I had given Ozone a call. Another storm came in on Friday and laid down a nice addition of 6-8" of light density snow to around 6000'. We picked our lines carefully on Saturday and scored big. The Northwest-North aspects around Kestler Peak were sublime. On Sunday, we ventured into Mineral Fork and enjoyed a leisurely pace. We scored there as well. Although not as good as Saturday, the views made up for the snow difference...

This week should be interesting to say the least...

Stay tuned,
Maxwell

February 26th 2006

2006-02-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

It started with an idea. The idea was to go for the gem of all gems on Mt. Timpanogus. Our plan, to go for the Cold Fusion couloir. Just thinking about it is a daunting task-9 miles in, 9 miles out, a huge vertical gain, a steep climb up an avalanche chute to an exposed northwest face of the north peak and to be completely exposed to bad weather, if it decides to be so. During the week before, Paul and I checked the weather, discussed the plan over phone calls, read books, checked the maps and loaded our packs. Everything was looking good and we were ready.
On the morning of Sunday, February 26th I drove to meet Paul at his house at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon. I was excited with the thoughts of getting one of the lines I have always wanted to snowboard. My excitement and a 48oz rockstar energy drink were allowing me to do the opposite of what my body was feeling I should do. See, I hadn't slept since 9am on Saturday and now it is 4am in morning of Sunday. The night before, on Friday, I had gone against better judgment and partied until 5am-good times, bad choice. Then on Saturday, waking up a little hung over, I got breakfast with a friend, worked a full day until 11pm, deejayed a party until 3am and then loaded up the car for the trip. By the time I was pulling into Paul's driveway, my body wanted bed and my mind wanted the cold fusion.
The drive to the trailhead was quicker than I remembered. As we drove through the darkness and into the mountains, Paul and I were definitely stoked for what laid ahead. Once at the trailhead parking area, we loaded up under the starry night and proceeded as our headlamps lit the way... More to come...
For now, check out our pictures of the trip under "the mission:snow" sub-album "mt. timpanogus" Enjoy!

Max

February 22nd 2006

2006-02-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

Yeah! The last two days have been epic in the Wasatch...
Monday I took the solo route and headed into the cirque to hit up four separate lines: wolverine westside (tips&tails), eastside (ragtime), PatsyMarley (twin lakes route) and fantasy ridge (north face). Consult The Chuting Gallery by Andrew McLean for pictures and details. A spectacular day with wispy rolling cloud cover, stable snow and clean lines.

On Tuesday, Mikey, Paul and I went to Mt. Raymond for the peak couloirs. The low density snow made for a tricky skin track; slipping and sliding every other step on the steep sections made for slow progress. The sun broke free of the cloud cover for most of the day. By the time we summited, 3.5 hours after we started, the foggy valley cloud bank made it up and over the mountains making the light go flat. We made the best of the definitionless conditions in the couloir. Once in, the turns were effortless on the stable chute. The morning sun affected the lower slope enough to make you concentrate a bit more. The glades out to the canyon road ranged from fast and epic to slight zipper crust the lower elevations. All in all, a great day for us...

Our eyes are on the current weather pattern...Pray for snow...

Max

February 20th 2005

2006-02-20T00:17:00.000-07:00

After ten days of a slowly shifting high pressure system, Utah is again getting small rounds of storms from the Northwest and Southwest...

On Tuesday of last week a strong dipping Low swept across Northern Utah and delivered 9-11" in upper cottonwoods. The low also brought cold temps and blustery winds with it. On Saturday night a small Southwesterly storm brought another 12" to the cottonwoods. With an additional 2-4" falling through Sunday. The cold temps and 15-20mph winds have moved snow around but the avy danger is only moderate on many of the aspects.

The calls are out. The boards are by the door. Monday - Wednesday should be beautiful weather...

Operation Delta is on for Monday night...

Max out!

February 5th 2006

2006-02-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

Whew, I can't believe its February already. Where did January go? Between my arrival at the beginning of the month, settling into the new house, the Sundance Film Festival 06 and the amazing 2 weeks of snowy conditions in Big Cottonwood-I have a blurry recollection...

Now that it's February, if the start of the month is any indication of what's in store, we are looking good for shooting what we need this month. The team is a bit scattered though, between Ben competing in the Subaru Freeride Nationals, Sarah and her many different obligations with filming this year, James in and out of tree wells between dumps, Rob being M.I.A., Justin getting back into Utah from Central America and Dan working out his schedule between ski instructing-we should have the team together again soon...

As I write this, we are in a solid high pressure system over the state of Utah. This has given us ample time to get out and hit up the big stuff. From fantasy ridge at solitude to mill B in lower little cottonwood, the snow, turns and sunshine has been a welcomed relief from the snowy days and nights...

With work there must be equal amounts of play. Here are some people and place we have experienced in the month past enjoy...
Closing weekend at Sundance 06 with The Brazilian Girls
LastNightsParty @ Sundance 06
The Depot SLC
Subaru Freeride Nationals and Results

More to come, stay tuned...

Max

January 17th 2005

2006-01-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Outpost Alpha, otherwise known as the snowcovered Wasatch Mtns. I have been in Salty Lake City for about 2 weeks now. The mountains, sometimes the valley, have received snow 8 out of the 14 days. The mountains are quickly surpassing last years totals. At this time last year, as of Alta's totals, we had 262.5" of total snowfall and a base hovered around 95". To date we currently have a 118" base and a series of storms have dropped 282.5" of snow in upper Little Cottonwood...

With the Sundance Film Festival coming fast, we are getting ready do mix and mingle. Here are some up coming events, movies and parties you'll not want to miss.
January 19th Sundance Film Festival Opening party - Park City
January 20-24th X-Dance Film Festival
January 20th X-Dance Opening party - The Mission Films crew - Park City
January 21st DJ Andy Caldwell @ Ouida Lounge - Salt Lake City
January 26th DJ AM / JLuvv @ Suede - Kimball Junction
More T.B.A

Now you know. Go get some or dream about it.

Peace out,
Max

January 5th 2006

2006-01-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

When will the tropical storm season end?! The forecasters keep repeating, "one for the record books." As the seasons continue to change into winter, the months pass since the November tropical season deadline and tropical storms are still forming... What does this all mean? Will they extend the tropical season into January? Is this a natural occurrence in the cycle of tropical storms and their delicate balance among our planet? One fact is clear, this currently ties the record set way back in 1887 for the most continuous tropical storms in consecutive months-June through January...The previous record was set in 2003, the year we decided to set our course and capture the mission films...

This is what the NHC has to say about the latest storm that is defying all and has the forecasters scratching their heads in disbelief...

Here are some other fun facts...
Has there ever been a Tropical Storm so late in the year before?

in 1954, Hurricane Alice2 developed on Dec 30th and lasted until Jan 6, 1955. Alice2 reached Category 1 hurricane intensity.
In 1978, Sub-Tropical Storm 1 developed Jan 18 and lasted until Jan 23. This system reached Tropical Storm intensity.

November 17th 2005

2005-11-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

Mr. & Mrs. Rodrigo Miranda brought a healthy baby girl into the world, Seanna Jade Miranda. Congratulations and many warm wishes go out to the Miranda family...Pode trazer muita felicidade em suas vidas! (pictures will follow @ Tuesday)

November 16th 2005

2005-11-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

As tropical storm 27 dissipates into the atmosphere, this record breaking hurricane season will live long past November in the record books. This season created a myriad of memories for all of us at The Mission Films. As we reflect back on the season that was, we look forward to the winter season that will blanket the mountains from Canada to Utah. Here is one more look at the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season before we set our sights to the heavens and travel to the mountain lands to the West. (Upload times may vary based on connection)

Enjoy,

Max

October 19th 2005

2005-10-19T19:03:00.000-06:00

On October 16th, Rodrigo Miranda won the Florida ESA OPEN. Here is just one of the many waves that took him to first place...Congrats again, Rodder!

October 16 2005

2005-10-16T12:36:00.000-06:00

courtesy of nesurfari.com

I know it has been a while since my last blog update but I just had to add this to the epic year of chasing storms and catching amazing lines...

The Northeast is going off! It may be a lot colder than the tropical waters of Florida, but I will trade the baggies and knee high peaky waves for dbl overhead longggg NE lines with a 5.4.3 any day..

From the creation of a huge low, that formed in the North Atlantic last week, we got a beautiful push of 10-13' wave sets through Sunday. Starting thursday, October 13th to today, it has be epic fall surfing conditions from NJ to Nantucket. After the massive rain storm moved through the upper Northeast, NH to Maine got better conditions with partly cloudy skies on Sunday. Here on Long Island, the evening session on Saturday night and the a.m. session on Sunday was epic! I love the fall in the Northeast!

In other related news, our mission team surfer, Rodrigo Miranda won the ESA OPEN in Florida yesterday. We are so stoked for Rodrigo! CONGRATULATION RODRIGO!!!! We will have the complete 411 with pictures tomorrow...Check him out on the video page...

Now, I have to take a hot bath...

Max

Sept 24th 2005

2005-09-24T12:29:00.000-06:00

That's a rap folks. We have concluded our southern states mission for catching everything from Tropical storm Arlene in June to Hurricane Ophelia this month. It has been a very exciting season. Big thanks to everyone that helped in the process of make the mission: surf a success, especially Eddie Toy, Rodrigo Miranda and Jimmy Blumenfeld. For those that aren't mentioned, check the credits in the final cut.

On Wednesday, September 28th, we pull up camp here and move to the Northeast. We are hoping to catch several Fall storms and swells from Long Beach, New York to the coast of Maine. If it's anything like last year, it should be nothing but epic.

Keep in touch often. All our videos will be up on the video page throughout October...

Max

September 22nd 2005

2005-09-22T09:48:00.000-06:00

Over night Hurricane Rita has made history. "Near-perfect to perfect atmospheric conditions are necessary for a category 5 hurricane to exist and these "perfect" conditions are difficult to come by and do not remain in place for a long period of time."Rita became the 5th largest hurricane in the history of Atlantic hurricanes by weather.com reports. Now Hurricane Rita has the potential to be a very disastrous, yet an amazing creation of nature as it makes it's way through the gulf.
With the fear of repeat occurrences sweeping by New Orleans, it seems the Texas local government heeded the warnings and learned from the lessons of mid gulf coast states. Many things that create fear are born from hurricanes of this magnitude. It is important not to dwell in this emotional state. With all of our technology, resources and intelligence we have everything we need to live in harmony with nature. It is time we focus more on balancing our existance around natural cycles like hurricanes. With the means at our finger tips, we need to make a very important paradigm shift with how we live daily and the consumption of the natural resources of the planet.
As an example of living in balance, surfing is the most harmonious way of life I know. If president Bush went surfing maybe things would be different, maybe. The waves generated from a hurricane this size can be epic. Moments of each wave remain captured in my mind long past the swell that generated them. The photos and film of such occurrences document the lives of the ones that choose to live this way. Right now, the buoys in the gulf are jumping. They currently read 14.1 @ 11sec and 16.7 @ 13sec with ENE winds. These conditions are epic for the gulf. As I sit here realizing I may be missing the swell of the season in the gulf, for decisions I have made, I am reminded there are many paths in life to take. I hope the ones that have chosen the path to the gulf have safe passage along their journey and bring back amazing memories.

Max

September 21st 2005

2005-09-21T08:44:00.000-06:00

We are Yellow light.

From the NHC. We are gearing up and watching the buoys. Everyone, lets keep in touch through today and early tonight. We may have to travel through the night or dawn patrol. Pack the bags and keep em by the door. The calls will come in tonight...

Max

September 18th 2005

2005-09-18T12:52:00.000-06:00

As we rap up the shoot on Tropical Storm Ophelia, we are gearing up for the next round of storms flanking the state of Florida. Here is NHC's discussion notes on Tropical Storm 18

and then there's Philippe

We will be keeping a close eye on the development of Philippe over the next week. We are hoping the ridge forming over Florida will push it up the coast Florida and toward the East coast by the 28th. Time will tell. Stay tuned.

Max

September 11th 2005

2005-09-11T18:04:00.000-06:00

Whew, it has been an amazing week. Tropical storm/hurricane Ophelia has been the best surf amplifying, wind generating storm, we've experienced all season. From it being stationary off the Florida coast, Tuesday through Friday, turning from a tropical storm to a hurricane, moving slowly toward South Carolina, again remaining stationary and now shifting North West toward the Carolina coast, all of these aspects of the storm have given us the best possible conditions all week.
I have so much footage to work through; it will take me all week to get through it. I will have it posted on the video page as soon as possible.

In other related news, Rodrigo Miranda is in the N.J/New York area competing this week. We will keep you posted with all the happenings starting Wednesday when the contest starts. We are hoping they get the swell around Friday...

As for Florida, we are catching the remainder of the Ophelia swell tonight. We will keep our eyes focused to the East Atlantic to see what is developing.

Until then...

Max