Set Fire to the Rain

This is a short surf snippet that I love.  Garrett McNamara, owner of the world record for largest wave surfed, Joel Parkinson, and the legend Kelly Slater are some of the surfers in this video.  Kelly Slater, from Florida, is an 11 time world champion and still going strong at age 42.  Widely regarded as the best competitive surfer ever, Kelly Slater will also drop in on some big waves from time to time.  Big wave surfing has gained popularity and is a lot safer than it was in the past with the advent of jet skis and sleds, spotters, and inflatable life vests.  Big wave surfing has claimed the lives of big wave legends like Eddie Aikau, Mark Foo, and Sion Milosky.  It is a sport that requires dedication, training, strength, skill, and bravery. 

Surfing Vietnam

This is my friend, Eric at our surf spot here in Vietnam.  Eric, from NY/California/Vietnam/Philippines and Albin, from Orebro, Sweden, are our only regular footers.  The left is a little short and gets you right into the washing machine, so it's mostly rights. Consequently, I've gotten pretty good at riding on my backhand.  Surf is sparse in Vietnam, but when it gets a pumping swell, it's definitely a fun wave.  There are several reef breaks all up and down the coast.  China Beach is a famous beach break.  Never been there!  Photo credit to Diana.

The Shack at Bai Dai

This picture was taken in September 2011 at The Shack in Bai Dai Beach, Vietnam.  The waves at Bai Dai are wind generated beach breakers and can reach 1-3 meters in the high season of October through April.

Bai Dai Beach

This photo was taken in 2010 on the road from Nha Trang to Cam Ranh, Vietnam. Bai Dai or Long Beach is a 10 km stretch of beautiful beach just outside of Cam Ranh Airport. Bai Dai is the spot to surf in Nha Trang with swells reaching 4-6 feet and over 8 feet during storms. It's still relatively undeveloped with small food stalls and surfboard rentals available.