it was over 10 years ago when i got a phone call from a world famous international photographer inviting me for a philliphines dream boat trip. i was really scared to go because that was right after 9/11. the news kept on reporting that terrorists train in the philippines and also reports of kidnapping and even pirates. but then i seen a photo of the boat we were going to be on. then i said “yes!” meet the “King of Sports.”
paddling back to this floating palace after a surf was like a dream. the captain/owner Scott Countryman and i became friends ever since. we’re about the same age, same level of education, same passion, same desire, and almost same everything. so we got along very well. the only thing that was different was he was a very successful world businessman. i’m still trying to catch up to him and live my dream someday traveling the world on my yacht.
the first trip was a mixed bag of us, one japanese, and the rest australians. all professional surfers world known. we surfed some of the most incredible waves on that trip.
then i went back the following year on the same boat with other international pro surfers from south africa, italy, japan, and australia. another great trip to remember.
then a few years after that, a crazy storm came across the philippines while Scott was surfing. he watched his dream boat wash up on the rocks right in front of him. it was totally destructed.
now he regrouped and is currently building his next dream boat. all solar power with no gas. Scott’s going green!
the last time in the philippines, we took a tour of the process and when it’s completed next year, it will be another dream boat floating around in the philippines. i can’t wait to cruise around and explore more surf with a great guy. see you again soon Scott!
