Plum Island: just Shootin' pics with my new rig

The Sony a6000 is an amazing little rig - so far so good, but there's so much to learn. I'm just sorry I didn't have this camera for the trip to France. Next time!
These were taken on Plum Island, Mass.

A la France éternelle

France Flashback - Legendary Lafitenia

Lafitenia: The blurb on Surfline sums it up best
A beautiful righthand pointbreak, complete with steps in the steep take-off, that leads into a long wall and occasionally hollow inside section. After the excitement of the first steep section, the wall fattens up and allows repetitive cutbacks into the hook before the final race to the shorebreak close-out. Frequented by multi ability surfers on various craft, it's a fairly friendly wave, unlike the psycho outside left that Slater has towed in seasons past.

That said, this is probably the best wave I've ever surfed. Ever.

steep takeoff leads to a very fast section 

trawlers in the cove

later that afternoon, the swell backed off and there was a slight wobble on the water

stoked French groms

post surf chillin'

the actual board I used, it's creator, Guilhem Rainfray, and its conceptual father, Bing Copeland
picture stolen from Swaylocks.com - more on this later, and thanks Jeffrey for lending me your baby!

Anglet sessions

Surfing Anglet: - one of the highlights of the trip.

It's a pretty famous, the WSL circus stopped by just a month before. Anglet is comprised of several breaks along a wide stretch of beach, and has the reputation for being fast and heavy.  Chambre d'Amour -  a name that's up there on the list of great names like Shit Pipe and Gas Chambers but with expected Gallic flair.  I didn't surf there, this is la Barre.

Paddling out there can be a psyche-out, I didn't know anyone, and there was only a handful out that afternoon. But screw it, I waited almost 30 years for this, and while it's a world class break, it was a pretty mellow day. And at least it isn't coral or granite.

Even in waist to chest conditions the power behind these waves is evident despite the early and easy takeoff. Drop in, crank the turn, and fly.  Then it  finally breaks with a thump directly on the shore.  By then there has been plenty of time and speed to pull out. Rinse, repeat.

Air temps: 82° water temps: 72°:
Me: trunks, t shirt, everyone else – full suits, boots too. Plaisantez-vous?? It's European thing. And despite reports from naysayers back home, the water was crystal clear.

French locals: pas mal de tout.
Bagging on the French has become a bit of a national pastime. But can I say I NEVER experienced so much as a vibe or stink eye. Au contraire, everyone was cool everywhere. Simply follow the Hye Tyde axiom: just don't be a pain in the ass and you'll be fine.

Elf sighting
I'll never forget an amazing French girl catching loads of waves (there are plenty to go around) with the most delicate, pure logging style, all smiles. She had such a good energy it flowed over the lineup. Whoever she is, she's got one bright aura.

After a bit, I was able to break the ice with some of the French in the lineup. I was filled in on the history of the place, and they were amazed at the conditions we deal with here in New England (never fails).

taken a few days after - the spot on the right is actually overhead

Just before catching the last wave of the day I was asked - in the thickest French accent imaginable: "So, John – we see you next year?"

Je l'espère bien!

Anglet's Coat of Arms, or "Blason" - this town goes back to the Romans

Meanwhile, back in Ipswich...easing into Autumn

We're easing into autumn - just some pictures from the 'hood and a quick surf session in NH:

more fun than it looked - just too anxious to suit up and paddle out

afternoons on the porch aka the Sunset Deck , "where the smoking light is always on"

stairs down to a rocky beach - see below

à Paris et au pays basque

The trip ended over a month ago, and it's taken that long to catch up on everything left behind and to let the experience sink in.

Quick backstory:
I lived in France form 1986 to 1987, doing a typical junior year abroad, and being an English teacher's assistant at a Paris high school. Since then Basque country has been a bit of an obsession. The coastline, mild climate, lush countryside, and cool little towns all intrigued me. Mind you, this was all long before I surfed.
Fast forward to today:
The intrigue evolved to obsession. so as a a belated birthday present to myself, for turning 50 back in March, I said what the hell and bought tickets and made reservations.

'Basque Country' in Basque - done in the official Basque font - go there you'll know what I'm talking about.

What was it like?
Imagine a far off land, half-remembered from a dream, but somehow you know the language, and you know your way around. That's what it was like. It's one of those trips where everything works out well, and you know it and savor the smooth sailing.

Surf?
Sacre bleu! Tonnere de Brest! Careful what you wish for, the power here is unlike anything ever surfed before. Dare I say there's more punch here than in California. I always knew this was a legendary part of the surf world, and the Basque Coast did not disappoint. It took some getting used to, but by the end of the trip the Franco/Basque surf and surf culture had charmed yet another Gringo.

But it wasn't all surf
Paris was as splendid as ever after almost 30 years, and Basque country has so much to offer it was overwhelming. Plus now I can add Spain to another country on my small but growing list.

More detailed posts to follow, but I didn't want any more time to pass before sharing pictures and ideas.

Musclecar Monday: Sting Ray vs. Stingray

Ever wander what the difference was between Sting Ray and Stingray?  Me niether, but the obvious difference is Sting Ray is spelled two words. They ruled the streets for only 5 years ('63-'67), where as the Stingray (one word), lived for 7 years ('69-'76). A lot of people don't know that there are actually two types of Stingrays.

Most people think of the big fendered Dirk Diggler model when they hear the word Sting Ray.