Cortes Banks and Other Huge Waves... By Eric Cedeno

I honestly don't know what drives others to surf the waves that could kill them, but I do know that I respect and idolize most them. Big surf is just a relative term that is used in the same way that the word "Spicy" is used. Something might be considered spicy to one person and mild to another (big surf to someone, small surf to another). To me big surf is a few feet over head or bigger, in the 8 to 16 foot face range. I have a pretty large range because it really depends on the surf break. Most of the surf breaks in my area (the South Bay/ Southern California) are powerful beach breaks with shifty peaks and lack channels for safe paddle outs. I'm sure if I can conquer my fear of getting caught inside on a huge 15 foot + wave then I'll be well on my way to becoming a good big wave rider. Until then I will continue to study the different big wave surf spots about the globe, remaining calm in large surf and work on holding my breath underwater.

Mark Healey dodges one of the bigger set waves of the day out at Cortes Bank (Quirarte)
Read all about it at: Big waves and a near miss By Frank Quirarte Published: December 24, 2012

I'm really amazed and inspired by people that push the limits of surfing giant waves like Garrett. Check out this epic wave:

Garrett McNamara Record Breaking 90 foot wave

houndofthesea1111 Uploaded on Nov 11, 2011

The whole story

This is a pretty good representation of most of the worlds big waves surf spots- Check it out:

Top 14 Biggest waves ever!

Thessa Torsing Uploaded on Oct 27, 2010

14. El Buey, Chile
13. Playa Gris, Spain
12. Outer Reef, Australia
11. Teahupoo, Tahiti
10. Belharra, France
9. Ghost Trees, California
8. Punta Lobos, Chile
7. Waimea Bay, Hawaï
6. Dungeons, South Africa
5. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
4. Cortes Bank
3. Mavericks, California
2. Todos Santos, Mexico
1. Jaws, Hawaï

I think Cortez Banks will be the next place that will break the record for largest wave ever surfed. Check out these videos of the place in action and learn more about how the break really works. Check it out:

Ghost Wave -- Book Trailer

ChronicleBooks Uploaded on Sep 6, 2011

Pre-order now: http://www.chroniclebooks.com/ghost-wave.html

Rising from the depths of the North Pacific lies a fabled island, now submerged just 15 feet below the surface of the ocean. Rumors and warnings about Cortes Bank abound, but among big wave surfers, this legendary rock is famous for one simple (and massive) reason: this is the home of the biggest rideable wave on the face of the earth. In this dramatic work of narrative non-fiction, journalist Chris Dixon unlocks the secrets of Cortes Bank and pulls readers into the harrowing world of big wave surfing and high seas adventure above the most enigmatic and dangerous rock in the sea. The true story of this Everest of the sea will thrill anyone with an abiding curiosity of—and respect for—mother ocean.

Chris Dixon's work has appeared in the New York Times, the New York Times Magazine, Outside, Men's Journal, Surfer, and Surfer's Journal. He lives in Charleston, South Carolina.

Kelly Slater and Dream Crew Paddle Cortes Bank

surfer Uploaded on Jan 22, 2010

Kelly Slater, Greg Long, Grant "Twiggy" Baker and an intrepid crew complete the first documented paddle session at the famed Cortes Bank.

Expedition to Cortes Bank, 2001

GhostWaveBook Uploaded on Oct 24, 2011

January, 2001. The first time Cortes Bank is successfully surfed at a giant size. Nobody knew what the heck they were getting themselves into. Mike Parsons first wave was the first of his two world records out here. Video by Fran Battaglia, Courtesy of Surfline.com, from the film "Making the Call." Surfers: Mike Parsons, Brad Gerlach, Ken "Skindog" Collins, Peter Mel, Evan Slater and John Walla. This mission is described in hair raising detail in the book "Ghost Wave - The Discovery of Cortes Bank and the Biggest Wave on Earth." by Chris Dixon

SurflineTV - How Cortes Banks Works

surfline Uploaded on Mar 15, 2010

What makes this North Pacific big wave tow-surf spot tick. Watch more surf videos like this @ http://www.surfline.com/video

Eat Your Vegetables (#6) with Trees for the Future

I've been fighting a cold for the last few weeks and haven't spent anytime in the water surfing. In my spare time out of the water I've been staying healthy by searching the internet for inspiration for my next "Eat Your Vegetables" article. 

When I was a kid I didn't like to eat my vegetables. At the time I didn't see a need for them. I used to joke to my mom that I would catch up on eating all my vegetables at our next Thanksgiving dinner which of course was months away. I understand now that my mom wanted me to be healthy and vegetables are good for me. This segment is about eating your vegetables, well mentally. The vegetables that I'll be dishing out to you are for your own good. It's a dose of getting exposed to something that might be new to most of you, even outside of the usual surf culture. It's ok if you don't like it, but like my mom said,"at least give it a try before next Thanksgiving."

I read this Blog by Wood Brain by Lindsay Zuelich called  Donating Trees = Trees for the Future. Lindsay makes things out of reclaimed wood and is working on donating 10,000 trees to Trees for the Future within the next five years. Pretty awesome goal if you ask me. This is her article:

"Since 1989, Trees for the Future has been helping communities around the world plant trees. Through seed distribution, agroforestry training, and our country programs, we have empowered rural groups to restore tree cover to their lands. Planting trees protects the environment and helps to preserve traditional livelihoods and cultures for generations.” Trees for the Future-

Check out this short video about Trees for the Future:

50 Million Trees and Counting: Trees for the Future

treesftf·Uploaded on Nov 30, 2006

(http://www.plant-trees.org) This 8 minute video documents the work of Dave Deppner and Trees for the Future. Communities around the world turn to Trees for the Future for technical knowledge and planting materials so that they can bring degraded lands and struggling farmlands back to sustainable productivity. Since 1988, Trees for the Future (TFTF) has helped thousands of communities in Central America, Africa, and Asia improve their livelihoods and their environment by planting nearly 50 million trees in agroforestry and reforestation projects. Each year these trees remove over one million tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.

Trees = Wood

Wood = Wood Brain

Wood has always been my go-to medium for art, as well as furniture and custom projects. You could say I always have wood on the brain and that's why I named my business 'Wood Brain'. Pretty much all the wood I use is reclaimed wood that I personally find and collect. I make wood planters from driftwood that I collect from many hikes down to the local coastlines. On any given trip I collect around 50LBS of driftwood. I also make wood jewelry from broken branches, which I cut into more refined pieces of wood, as well as scrap woods from past projects. I never let any piece of wood go to waste, even down to the sawdust, which I also incorporate into my jewelry.

Pieces can be found here

Wood Brain = Donating Trees 

I really wanted to to find a way to give back to the trees that have helped me become successful. I decided to help plant more trees so that more people across the world could enjoy their benefits and beauty so I did some research and found Trees for the Future. I like what they had to say about planting trees:

'Why plant trees? Because they change lives. They provide food, forage for animals, and wood for fuel and construction. They increase agricultural yields, improve water infiltration and aquifer recharge, and protect soils from wind and water erosion.'

Sounds good to me! 10 cents will get one tree planted through Trees for the Future.They have already planted 50 million trees and they are still counting. They need our support to plant trees and change lives. With just $25.00 I helped plant 250 trees and that is a good start. I'm now setting aside a portion of my annual sales to donate to Trees for the Future.  I'm working my way up to donating 10,000 trees within the next five years!

Donating Trees = Trees For The Future

If you want to help it's easy. Trees for the Future gratefully accepts donations to support their tree planting programs (minimum donation $5). Ten cents plants a tree - $25 will plant 250 trees, $100 will plant 1,000 trees...and so on!  Plus you will receive a receipt for your tax-deductible contribution. It only take about three minutes, trust me I know- I donated.

For those of you who are not completely sold on donating that's ok. All I can do is plant the seed that trees are good for everyone, including you. Here are 22 of the best reasons to plant and care for trees or defend a tree’s standing (from Tree People):

Trees combat the greenhouse effect

Global warming is the result of excess greenhouse gases, created by burning fossil fuels and destroying tropical rainforests. Heat from the sun, reflected back from the earth, is trapped in this thickening layer of gases, causing global temperatures to rise. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas. Trees absorb CO2, removing and storing the carbon while releasing the oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles.

Trees clean the air

Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.

Trees provide oxygen

In one year an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.

Trees cool the streets and the city

Average temperatures in Los Angeles have risen 6°F in the last 50 years as tree coverage has declined and the number of heat-absorbing roads and buildings has increased.

Trees cool the city by up to 10°F, by shading our homes and streets, breaking up urban “heat islands” and releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves.

Trees conserve energy

Three trees placed strategically around a single-family home can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent. By reducing the energy demand for cooling our houses, we reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution emissions from power plants.

Trees save water

Shade from trees slows water evaporation from thirsty lawns. Most newly planted trees need only fifteen gallons of water a week. As trees transpire, they increase atmospheric moisture.

Trees help prevent water pollution

Trees reduce runoff by breaking rainfall thus allowing the water to flow down the trunk and into the earth below the tree. This prevents stormwater from carrying pollutants to the ocean. When mulched, trees act like a sponge that filters this water naturally and uses it to recharge groundwater supplies.

Trees help prevent soil erosion

On hillsides or stream slopes, trees slow runoff and hold soil in place.

Trees shield children from ultra-violet rays

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Trees reduce UV-B exposure by about 50 percent, thus providing protection to children on school campuses and playgrounds - where children spend hours outdoors.

Trees provide food

An apple tree can yield up to 15-20 bushels of fruit per year and can be planted on the tiniest urban lot. Aside from fruit for humans, trees provide food for birds and wildlife.

Trees heal

Studies have shown that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster and with less complications. Children with ADHD show fewer symptoms when they have access to nature. Exposure to trees and nature aids concentration by reducing mental fatigue.

Trees reduce violence

Neighborhoods and homes that are barren have shown to have a greater incidence of violence in and out of the home than their greener counterparts. Trees and landscaping help to reduce the level of fear.

Trees mark the seasons

Is it winter, spring, summer or fall? Look at the trees.

Trees create economic opportunities

Fruit harvested from community orchards can be sold, thus providing income. Small business opportunities in green waste management and landscaping arise when cities value mulching and its water-saving qualities. Vocational training for youth interested in green jobs is also a great way to develop economic opportunities from trees.

Trees are teachers and playmates

Whether as houses for children or creative and spiritual inspiration for adults, trees have provided the space for human retreat throughout the ages. 

Trees bring diverse groups of people together

Tree plantings provide an opportunity for community involvement and empowerment that improves the quality of life in our neighborhoods. All cultures, ages, and genders have an important role to play at a tree planting or tree care event.

Trees add unity

Trees as landmarks can give a neighborhood a new identity and encourage civic pride.

Trees provide a canopy and habitat for wildlife

Sycamore and oak are among the many urban species that provide excellent urban homes for birds, bees, possums and squirrels.

Trees block things

Trees can mask concrete walls or parking lots, and unsightly views. They muffle sound from nearby streets and freeways, and create an eye-soothing canopy of green. Trees absorb dust and wind and reduce glare.

Trees provide wood

In suburban and rural areas, trees can be selectively harvested for fuel and craft wood.

Trees increase property values

The beauty of a well-planted property and its surrounding street and neighborhood can raise property values by as much as 15 percent.

Trees increase business traffic

Studies show that the more trees and landscaping a business district has, the more business will flow in. A tree-lined street will also slow traffic – enough to allow the drivers to look at the store fronts instead of whizzing by.

http://www.treesforthefuture.org/donate/

Thanks again for taking a look! 

Sincerely,

Wood Brain by Lindsay Zuelich