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