In appreciation of #internationalwomensday, here are a few of the most inspirational women I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with! My mom, @joannkurz , without whom I wouldn't be alive, and @lingough , my amazing life partner, without whom I wouldn't be a dad... showing me the amazing power that women hold by harbouring life and delivering new souls into this world. And I love how we're just getting started! ♥️✨I also have been lucky to work with some very inspiring women such as @pamelaanderson who showed me that you can be a superstar and still be humble, @risingwoman how you can build an online movement without selling out, @alisoncriscitiello how staying true to your convictions will always win over corruption and cowardice, and @lauritadorada how powerful a radiant heart can be to those around you.
And to all the other women who have pushed boundaries for other women and humanity in general... I salute you! The world needs more women in charge! The patriarchy is real and its awful... and we are seeing the flaws in a system hellbent on domination and subversion. Time to honour our planet as life-giving, not something we can exploit. And it all goes back to honouring the divine feminine. Thanks ladies, for all you do, whether you're recognized or not. Thanks for bringing grace and a different kind of power into the world. Honouring you more than today; but to all the women still fighting for equality... let me know how I can help!
I lugged a ton of camera gear to Japan thinking I could be "productive " as if on a work trip. Even though I only took a fraction of the shots that I would have if working, the shots I did get were worth it. It's a different pace when on a trip for just fun and games, and I'm glad I didn't just obsess about getting shots while shredding with pals old and new. We got in a ton of riding and shooting would have held it up. Glad to get some memories in stone, even if I spent more effort lugging than actually shooting... Here's a good slice from along the way. #snowboarding #japow #soulturns
Here's a little bit of sunset beauty to fill your feed. What a beautiful night with the fog over Vancouver BC and Mount Baker in the distance. Two countries that are drifting apart yet bonded by geography. It's a strange time to be on the planet, I feel we do have a duty to use our ability to communicate for good. Why are we so conditioned to be fearful? Well I know why... And the answer is an uncomfortable truth about humanity. I guess it really comes down to small Dink energy. Just leave the guns and big weapons alone, guys, you don't look cool. In fact, quite the opposite. Just try to not be distracted, people. This is where we need unity more than ever. Run and disassociate with those who wish to divide. Or better yet, find a reason to get them to sign up for the resistance. Big changes are a coming! Hopefully I can use this platform for good. Until then, enjoy this beautiful moment from this evening. #notai #vancouver #sunsetvibes
It's been quite a week at ye Olde @whistlerblackcomb with some of the best snow conditions in a very long time! Thankfully the holiday crowds have left and it's been a week to remember! Thanks @lappo_josh and all the homies I got to share laps with. #snowboarding #grillmount #whistler
I took a long break from posting, because I found this platform to really steer us humans off course. But maybe we need to bust back into the matrix to eventually destroy it and create something more valuable, bringing positive light in a strange world gone dark in many ways... In one understanding that we are truly one planet, and when one suffers so does the whole. How those in power don't get it is beyond me, but I've never been in that position so I suppose I can't judge. It does have to change, though. And there is plenty of good on here, that's for sure... I just hope that some of this beauty found one morning in the Sea to Sky can give you a moment of respite amongst all the noise out there. Please reach out if you want to help turn the tide back to more humanity once again! I'm with you! Let's get together and help heal the world! We need all hands on deck!
I've taken a conscious break from Instagram and social media in general, and it's safe to say it'll be a more permanent change. I'm just coming back on to say hi, I'm alive and well, and life is good. Spending some time in one of life's great vortices, The North Shore on Oahu. Anyone who has been to this place knows that it's pretty special. It's hyped to the max but that doesn't mean you can't find solitude.
Anyway, the point of coming on here is to clog your feed with some positive vibes - I certainly fell into the engagement trap around the US election and also seeing the utter devastation that is in Gaza. It's a yin and yang of social media. So much gets out that otherwise wouldn't... but that also includes lies and misinformation. For el Zucko to side with the Empire is perhaps not surprising, but I know that I'm a member of the Rebel Alliance through and through. So to spend any time adding engagement numbers doesn't sit well with me. But how can we communicate in this day and age without these corporate/investor controlled networks? Especially for someone who has made a career out of visual and written communication.
Speaking of written - I started a Substack which seems to be far less toxic. Follow me there for a bit more in-depth and thoughtful insight from a road less traveled: itssteveandrews.substack.com.
While this platform won't be a daily habit, I'll work with others to figure out the best way to somehow share the next steps in a movement for more presence and thought, and not such mindless scrolling. The revolution won't be televised, and it sure won't be instagrammed, but that's not to say we can't point people in the right direction. Anyway, hope those of you out there reading this have some things to be thankful for. See you around!
#deepthoughts #socialmediastrategy #defeattheoligarchy #wethepeople #fightforyourright #elbowsup #northshore
Maui Boys @kai_lenny and @ian.walsh getting some Kama'aina love at Waimea Bay in their second heat at @theeddieaikau earlier this week. Crazy that this was only 5 days ago, what a fun Christmas week!
Back on the mainland chasing snow for the next bit but stoked to finally see The Eddie in person. Mahalo to all the surfers who showed the world what true dedication and persistence looks like in real time. Hands down one of the best events in not only surfing, but all professional sports. And don't watch it on TV, ya gotta come to da bay to feel the energy yourself. It's pretty unreal!
#eddiewouldgo
Well, it's 3:30 in the morning on Christmas Day and I'm too wired to fall asleep now. Having trouble sleeping on Christmas is nothing now, but the impetus for the insomnia has changed significantly now as a parent. It's now more delirium from helping Santa wrap gifts, assemble some parts, and make sure Christmas morning is magical.
And it already has. The spirit of Christmas is alive in this house, simply through the act of gratitude for everyone who has helped our little family succeed thus far. It really does take a village and we are lucky enough to be a part of a really good one. Life has crazy twists and turns, and we've had a few this year but seem to have ended the year upright and full of gratitude.
So thanks to those who have made it special, especially to the two kids you see here. They really are magical and it's a miracle they chose us as parents. Learning so much about life thanks to seeing it through their eyes.
So, a very Merry Christmas to you, wherever you may be, and hoping that you have some reasons to spread joy this season, and here's hoping that Peace on Earth becomes more than a dream. Much love, good night to all, and to all a good night!
@landon_mcnamara with the bomb of his life, delivered by Uncle Eddie himself. When I interviewed @casualluke about his win in 2023, he told me that a turtle had popped up as a sign right before rode his winning wave. I heard an interview yesterday of Landon saying the same thing so there's a good chance that Eddie was guiding the winners from the bay.
I thought it was fitting to include this song that Eddie wrote and sang right before he departed on his fatal voyage with @hokuleacrew in 1978. How fitting that he guides two childhood friends from the North shore to victory in back to back appearances. One is a lifeguard and one is a musician, so I guess there were some qualities that Eddie saw in them that reminded himself of what it's like to be alive! The bay called the day and Honu Eddie guided them to victory.
Are the shooting stills all day and this is literally the only wave I shot on video. In retrospect I think I stopped at early because I didn't realize that Landon made it. What a surreal experience just to watch from the bluffs, I can't imagine what it's like to be in the water. Much respect for everyone who paddled out. Mahalo for the inspiration and entertainment!
#eddieaikau @theeddieaikau #Eddiewouldgo #waimeabay #northshore
Congratulations to everyone who paddled out yesterday for The Eddie, hands down the greatest spectacle in any professional sport. The energy of the ocean, the insane talent of the surfers, and the cheers of 50,000+ people watching from the shore with their jaws on the ground is unlike anything else on Earth. Big congrats to @landon_mcnamara for the W and seeing a childhood dream come into physical reality. Him and others showed just how valuable local knowledge is in surfing, especially on one of the world's biggest and heaviest breaks.
I've got a lot of editing to do but here were a few I grabbed between putting the kids to bed and packing up before the flight home. More to come! Excited to get back home to the snow. Much aloha to everyone who made yesterday so spectacular. #eddiewouldgo #eddieaikau #surfing #northshore #ridingmountainsofwater #waimeabay
A few highlights from Fall so far. Life hasn't been easy with two little ones, but by golly has it been rewarding! Settling into a new home, making memories, teaching our children to appreciate the small things in life. Had a great stay at the @nitalakelodge , stayed up watching the northern lights dance across the sky, breakdancing in the living room with Daisy, naps with Sunny, and building a life to smile upon when @lingough and I are old and know each other a little better than we did the days, months , and years before. Practicing mindfulness, patience, and learning how to operate on little sleep and no guarantees of what happens tomorrow. Life is good.
