Lifetime team rider and SC Family Darshan Gooch and Grace Strasser welcome their little bundle of joy Jaya James Gooch to the world!
Jaya James Gooch
“Grace was a warrior and birthed Jaya James Gooch, 8lb. 15oz, twenty one inch MIRACLE. Thanks to all our friends/ family for the all the kind words of encouragement, and support. We can’t wait for you all to meet him.” ~Darshan Gooch
Good on ya Darsh and Grace, may you have all the joys of parenting and Jaya stays healthy and vibrant. It is truly the best!
Searching for waves up the coast with my mate Marty, we stumbled upon a few whales closer to shore than I’m used to seeing. As we pulled over to get a better look I was freaking out at the way they were rolling in the surf and yelling at Marty to get the camera out. After almost ten minutes or so, they seemed to be staying in the same place and I happened to be in my wetsuit from a prior surf, so I thought it would be cool to get a better look.
Darshan Gooch surfs with the whales
Grabbing a board and running down the beach, I paddled right out un-aggressively within about 30 feet or so. Two baby grey whales (maybe under 15 feet in length) seemed to be rolling and diving in a playful manner, while a larger adult made it’s presence known periodically. A few times the calves had poked their heads out like they were trying to get a visual of the other half of me that wasn’t submerged underwater sitting on my board.
After awhile they moved slightly north closer to the channel and I tried to pick off a few waves as they came in. There was one moment in particular paddling back out, were the larger whale had come out of the channel. I was completely blown away by the size and length as it started to descend back underwater reminding me how incredibly fragile we are as humans . Usually in these regions we can worry about other large sea life that patrol the area. At one point I remember spotting one corner of the calves tail thrusting underwater out of the corner of my eye and had to go beyond my fear a little bit and talk myself out of it.
With my first child on the way, this experience was pretty powerful, seeing the calves so close. After awhile I returned to shore so ecstatic! It seemed like they must have been into the social encounter because they seemed to leave afterwards, following mom back into the depths towards the north.
Kyle Buthman has just released the unofficial teaser trailer for Get Rad 2…check it out. SC Family members will have a well rounded showing. Got to see it on the big screen during “Ruffo” screening…its gonna be mental! Stay tuned….
Reflecting on last weeks run of pumping south swell, I can’t imagine many things better than being with friends, running around with our heads cut off and thought of all our local lineups dishing out more waves than the human body could deal with. It seemed every time I got a phone call it was someone spazzing out about how good the surf was and were the next location was going to be going off next. Looking at all the photos surfacing over the last few days, I’ve come to the conclusion that almost everywhere had amazing waves and getting them might have been easier than finding a parking spot.
Matt Myers photo Ryan Chachi Craig
Browsing Surfline’s swell feature, I was pumped to see the photo’s from a few of our local photographers and friends reaping the benefits. My mate Seth de Roulet came up to shoot and distribute his latest creative endeavor, the Central Coast Chronicles. Luckily were were able to get some work done alongside local boys Matt Myers and Tyler Fox who were captured in action by Ryan “Chachi” Craig. In case you missed out on all the fun, check the links below for more of what may be our biggest south swell of the season. Fingers crossed it’s a sign of more to come soon, GET SOME.
Dana “SkimShady” Baldzikowski has out done himself once again, and for $2 you can see it all. His local TV show has been a hit since day one and his style is unmatched. Known for busting huge airs on his skimskate or skimsmashing the shorepound at 26th ave. the “Best of The SkimShady Show” worldwide video premier is this Friday May 20th at the Rio Theater. Tons of great prizes and guranteed insane footage of Santa Cruz surf and skate lifestyle. Sponsors include Body Glove , Santa Cruz Skate and Surf Shop, FRINGE, Arnette Sunglasses and Rusty Clothing. See you there!!! Looking forward to seeing the SC Family segments.
Best of SkimShady Show Friday May 20th Rio Theater
