the weather has been so wild!!! but since it’s mother nature, there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. just have to figure out the best option, and go for it. strong south/west winds are the worst winds for surfing in hawaii. you either have to know where to go, or you have to be a very strong paddler to survive.

i was on my way to pick up Takahashi-san and the boys. kind of worried as the winds and rain wasn’t looking the greatest.

poor tourists. but i guess it’s better than freezing cold snow.

we ended up taking the challenge and surfing out at bowls. yes, only us out as it was almost impossible to surf. but Takahashi-san being a great surfer, and the 2 boys surfing for their first time but very athletic rugby players, i knew they could do it. and yes, they did it! and guess what? the warm sun came out! 50 waves per minute so getting out was hard, but once out, everybody rode it perfectly. good job Takahashi-san, Kouta-kun, and Keito-kun! you are all tough men!!!

then we went to tantalus for the million dollar view. it was so beautiful!

cool photo yeah!

then we went to check diamond head. i could see and feel the winds switching to north/west as diamond head started to blow side off shore. tonight we will get strong north/west winds, and when we wake up tomorrow, it will be perfect off shore north winds so perfect waves in town. can’t wait.

Takahashi-san and the family had a whale watching boat tour this morning. they took their seasick medicine, they boarded the boat, and before the boat left, the captain said “no way.” i’m surprised the captain even let them board the boat??? i’m not a great captain, but i could have told you last night that there is no way a whale watching boat can make it out there today. and even if the captain took the boat out, it would have probably sank. it was that rough and i’m not joking.

dropped the boys off and drove home into the sunset. what another great day on this beautiful island.

tomorrow the weather will turn back to paradise. all week of perfect weather, light winds, and epic waves! see you in the water!!!

The best pork bowl in Hawaii.
Itadakimasu!

ok, it’s tax time and time for me to log my travel for 2014. went to 6 countries, japan, panama, cambodia, indonesia, malaysia, and taiwan. stayed in japan for 41 nights, and in the other countries for 42 nights. off this island for 83 days which is crazy! my 2014 january new years resolution was to travel as much as possible, but i think i went a little overboard. but hey, what’s done is done. i had amazing experiences and the best time with friends and strangers. i hope i can stop my habit of just jumping on an airplane like i’m jumping in my car.

Kouji-san’s 2nd day of surfing was amazing. stronger paddling, better balance, and amazing surfing.

so stoked to see this kid getting better and better. he surfed for 2 days of the most challenging conditions but did awesome. see that kite surfers kite in the background? kite surfers don’t come out unless the south/west winds are stronger than 35mph. this day was very challenging.

last, for the past 3 weeks, i went to yoga about 13 times. i can feel the results already. my balance is getting better, my mind is more relaxed, and my body feels 10 years younger. all great things to a better life. i hope to continue yoga for many many years to come. you should too. namaste!