What started out as a wildly adventurous surf trip with good friends, quickly escalated into something much bigger, when I got a random email from @benweiland after he had gotten word that a group of kids from the Bay Area were trying to access a remote island in the Aleutian chain. Ben had only been here a handful of times, and I had quickly learned that we weren’t gonna be able to just go out to his coveted island without him finding out. Few weeks prior I had been in contact with a hunting lodge on the island trying to figure out the logistics, how do we get there? Can we stay at your lodge? Etc. he eventually responded to my email, and informed me that he prefer I don’t come to the island, without discussing with his friend who has surfed there many times before…and could give me all the help I would need. Prior to all this I had been doing tons of research and following Ben’s coat tails trying to figure out as much as possible. I had found this forum dating back to 2012 where Ben had reached out to find out if anyone had ever surfed in the Aleutians. He got the details and 10 years later so did I. The man’s friend from the hunting lodge eventually sent me an email some 2 weeks later… and it just so happened to be Ben himself. He offered to guide us on a trip to the island. This blew my mind!! But by then I had already found a boat doing a surf trip through the entire Aleutian chain, and as fate would have it we were getting on that boat no matter the cost, and we were gonna have one spot left for the taking. I kindly offered it up to Ben. At the time we had no idea if he was gonna make a film about our trip, we really just wanted him for his expertise and experience in these waters. Months go by and we finally lock it all in. We’re frothing with stoke to go surf in such a remote and rugged place, and just the mere fact that we had no idea what we were in for. Needless to say Ben gratefully accepted the offer and the rest is history. A few months later we would embark on a trip of lifetime and he would go on to film us single handed with zero help. The camera was constantly rolling and so were the good times :) “The Search For Volcano Island” link in bio.
The search for Volcano Island premiers Live in our hometown! Don’t miss it! We hope you can make it out and look forward to seeing everyone! If you haven’t gotten tickets already they will be available at the link in my bio.
No better feeling than losing service and the trail. Intuition and instinct in full effect. A necessary reminder to get off the beaten path of life. :)
One of my favorite turns and feelings on a twin fin. Screen grab from Will McCarthys “North of Malibu” edit from a few years back. Riding a 5’6 Takayama humu fish. First fish I ever owned. That board taught me a lot.
A day late but I still love you just as much! Yesterday was my sweet peas birthday! We are all so lucky to be in her presence. Keep being urself and lighting up everyone’s day with your infectious laugh and smile 🥹❤️ Love youuuu @tyharames
