This summer Nike and Grind TV asked me to field produce and shoot for there Nike Chosen Bus Tour. We had 9 stops all around the west coast and cruised around with some awesome guys. I got to relive my childhood dreams and go to Camp Woodward, Windell’s Snowboard camp and a bunch of cool back yard skate ramps and underground BMX spots.

Anyways here are a couple of my favorite shoots.

If you don’t know by now there was a hurricane named Irene. She came up from the south and took America by storm (get it?). Like most girls I know she cared very little about my plans and what I wanted to do but I was still looking forward to meeting her. I prepared mentally, got supplies, shaved, had a couple drinks to loosen up and most of all told my mom about her. Like the fool that I am I thought she would be fun to hang out with. Maybe we could share a few crazy moments together. Little did I know she ran me out of town. She quietly came over and spilt water all over my room. She even stole my hat as I tried to walk to a 7/11. She really didn’t even excite me much. Kind of a dead fish. The hype about her got me amped up but in person she was just kind of a drag. Set me back like most of the girls I have dated. Ill always remember her though. She may have not been everything I expected or wanted but Ill always remember her . . . for she was my first.

I have moved on now, her name is Katia and she’s coming over next week.

Here is Irenes mood. She was kinda cranky.

She looked good from a far.

All in all she really "blew"

Many may not know this but Virginia Beach has its own little US Open of Surfing. They call it ECSC or East Coast Surfing Championships. It may not have as much money thrown into the circus just yet but it no doubt is a circus. I came out about 3 days ago to start setting up the live broadcast for the the Vans Pro and the Vans Pro Jr. Yesterday was our final set up day and we made it till about 5pm when we were evacuated from the beach because of an electrical storm and tornado warnings. Welcome to the East Coast I guess. I am helping set up the production and then am directing the webcast for Vans. We are stoked to be out here involved with the whole thing at ECSC. Now if I can find some damn coffee . . .

Aerial view of last years ECSC event site.

Most people see the US Open as a good time to get that new Skullcandy body stencil painted on your lower back or maybe you wanted to go stand amongst ten thousand of your closest friends and wait in line for the bathroom after eating a chili dog. For me I prefer to watch the webcast. Parking alone is enough frustration to get me over it. Luckily this year my duties at the Open were pretty sweet. Here is how I spent my time down there.

Day 1: Halfway into the event I decided to go show face. Arriving around noon I finally found a parking spot an hour later and 5 miles away. I picked up my All Access pass and some extra wristbands and headed to the media compound. I meet with the head of Gearhouse Broadcasting to talk about how they are handling all the media production for the US Open. Said hi to some friends, hangout in the Production Trailer with the director and the crew. After talking about the gear at the event I headed to Surfline for a “meeting”. It was more of a “meeting” and not just a meeting cause they had just gotten there 16 kegs of Pasifico for there parties they throw over the weekend. Needless to say we tested the merchandise. Pre-party party.

Day2: This was my only day of shooting. Nike asked me to document a program they support called Stoked Mentoring. Stoked takes inner city kids to the beach to learn how to surf along other action sports. Its a rad program that imposers inner city youth to participate in some positive alternatives than they are normally given. (see video below).

Day3: Backstage with Jimmy Eats World. VIP viewing of US Open sea of people. Surfline party with open bar. Adios US Open. Until next time.

This song makes me want to run through the streets and have a good time. I think music is magical and I am just the rabbit in the hat.

Joe Jackson’s Look Sharp!

Rosetta Stone’s got nothing on this method of learning useful terms in a new language.

Check out the new Vans flick I helped shoot.

or go here to download it for free!

I was looking for some inspiration in this lazy Sunday afternoon for this upcoming power week. There are a couple things that I find memorizing, the American West during manifest destiny and 1800′s nautical imagery. I love wondering how life was way back when and pondering over the crazy explorers and adventurers of the time. Native Americans and Salty Sea Dogs.

Here are a couple images inspired by the classic novel by Herman Melville, Moby Dick. I think I’m pumped for next week.

I am way to beat to recap my whole day. Here are a bunch of words that describe it.

Early. Far. Coffee. No parking. Farther. Dog Beach. Stoked Mentoring.  Surf Lessons. Dogs Barking. Hot. Nike. Interviews. No surf. Walk. Re-park. Valet. Walk. Surfer Lounge. Pasta. Ex-Stripper. Photography Lesson. Body stencils. BMXing. Bro down. Underage thongs. Don’t look. Walk. The Sounds. Walk. Drive. New tripod. Drive. Bottle of wine. US Open of Surfing.

Goodnight.