New Site Up and Running

www.LiquidDeliverance.com

It only took 4 years...

Cali has waves too. Photo: Ben York

I first heard rumors of this wave four years ago. With little beta until last year it was merely paddle lore. I think with the two day mission to the wave, we pretty much dialed in the levels.

Somewhere in northern California

We brought surf boats the first day in case we got skunked, good thing, the wave didn't get good until dark.

Dustin and myself shredding the green wave

Flashback

Just after we got dressed, packed the truck and loaded our boats there was a fundamental change in the wave. Martin couldn't control himself, he grabbed his boat and threw on his cold, wet gear for a little lovin'. 

The first sign of a steepening feature at sunset

Martin was stoked

Naturally, we returned early the next day after a sleepless night of wave wet dreamin'.

The next day, it was on.   Photo: B. York

Straight chillin', park and play at it's best.    Photo B. York

Re-fueling between surfs. 

Clean.  Photo: B. York

Ben gettin' artsy on us.

Ben going large. 

Peter Malkin throwing a big back stab.

Clear Creek is rad...

Making the move. Photo: Ben York

We ran Clear Creek a few weeks ago. I didn't know what to expect. I can't believe no one had ever said anything about this run, it was about a 2 hour drive from Arcata. It had quality rapids and easy access. The section accessed by a short hike down the trail at the end of the road boasts some of the best drops. Here's a few.

Peter lining up the move...  

The Russian, aka Peter Malkin, Stompin' the line. 

Clear Creek was clean...mostly. *Note sieve in the upper part of the photo above. The same sieve is clearly visible in the next photo. 

Scouting sometimes looked like this...

There were lots of juicy holes to punch, fun boofs and a good amount of boat scouting. 

The holes, were like this.    Photo: Ben York

And this.   Photo: Ben York

Clear Creek.

Rock grind.   Photo Courtesy of Ben York

Cali Burn Fest 2009

My old computer died on me this fall. Incredibly the hard drive was recoverable. Here's the once thought lost photos from the BRG race last fall.

Martin Belden boofing across the finish line.

This year was my fourth Cali Burn Fest. For anyone who has not been to this awesome weekend before, it begins with an informal surf comp. at the beach on Friday at whatever local spot is breaking that afternoon. Then, Saturday morning everyone meets at the Burnt Ranch put-in, hungover, for a head to head race down the first half of the Burnt Ranch Gorge, a beer slalom through Hennessy Falls (a paddler and spectator favorite), and a notorious party Saturday night. 

The beer slalom event is loved by all.

When many other regions are feeling whitewater withdrawals as summer ends and fall creeps in, here in Humboldt, we are gearing up for another six months of swollen rivers, manky creeks and solid surf. This festival is a great way to ring in the new season and rendezvous with parted paddling buddies while drunkenly swapping paddling epics and first D wet dreams. 

Everyone hanging out at the finish line, Burnt Ranch Falls #2.

With baseline flows out of the upstream dam being navigable, paddlers from all over the west come to this  annual fall event to feel the good vibes of cali and enjoy the dependable flows. 

Paul and Emily after an epic finish line flip.

Paul helps make this annual event possible as well as all of the regulars that keep returning to this rad homegrown event. 

Kobe!...

Rush winning the downriver race.

Orion Meredith styles Hennessy.

Photo: Will Parham

What does Arcata, California and British Columbia in November have in common?

Torrential coastal downpours, huge trees and chilling northern winds.

Oh, and great surf in the winter. We felt right at home.

After 9 months of shoulder pain and surgery, I am back in my kayak and its time to throw down with some homies. The journey started at 3:45 AM, the goal was to drive for 15 hours and catch the 7:30 PM ferry to the Sunshine Coast in BC.

Photo: Will Parham

Colorado affiliates, Leif and Natalie, drove for more than 20 some hours to make the ferry with us. After a long day of driving we all met up at the ferry terminal and headed for Skook.

Photo: Leif Anderson

Upon arriving in Eggmont we all promptly passed out, only to be woken up 5 hours later at 4:20 AM with big air on our minds.

As you approach the narrows in the black of the night all you can hear is the promising sound of Skookumchuck rapids below in the darkness.

 Photo: Leif Anderson

It was cold, but my drysuit made it toasty. With so much rain over our 4 days of paddling, pictures and video opportunities were limited but we managed.

Lovin' the Skook, Photo: Leif Anderson

Leif clean blunting at sunrise, Photo: Will Parham

Til' the break of dawn, Photo: Will Parham

Photo: Leif Anderson