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Sun, seeking & Driftwood

By: John Rathwell Photos: Tracy Guénard

By KAVU

November 9^th, 2021

It’s that time of year in the Pacific Northwest. The days are getting shorter, and the storms and rain come more frequently.

I believe the rains and the storms bring a time when the PNW truly comes to life though.... and I’d guess other wave-seekers out there believe the same. Something about mist through the trees and anticipation of swell calls me to the coast line.

It felt so good to have a break in the weather and the chance to surf. After a few weeks of non-stop rain, an atmospheric river and a bomb cyclone, I decided I was overdue to have a crack at hunting for waves on a lucky and illusive, sunny KAVU day.

It's a rare thing in these parts. Sunny days often mean the ocean has gone flat and it’s time to get on the motorbike and go explore in the mountains. Grabbing a cub of Beach Camp Coffee, jumping on the bike and exploring endless British Columbia wilderness is one of my favorite ways to spend a day.

But, on this sunny Friday afternoon, I headed down to have a look at one of my favorite waves. It’s a bit of a walk through the rain forest, but it is always worth it.

Even if you get skunked, it is still an epic and beautiful hike.

The trail was slippery and muddy from the previous week's weather, and like a rookie, I'd laced up a fresh, new pair of skate shoes instead of my rubber boots. So, I basically slipped through the mud all the way down to the beach.

But, in the end..... I couldn't have been happier!

Made it!

Upon reaching the beach, the waves were "firing" and only a couple folks were out in the water. I pulled out my gear, suited up as fast as I could, and paddled out. It wasn’t long until I had found myself in the lineup with not another soul around.....

(except my wife, Tracy shooting some photos from the beach;-)

Game on!

I surfed until I was sun burnt, my arms felt like they were going fall off and my mouth was completely dry from splashes of the salt water.

Clean, beautiful waves are good for the soul....

I surfed my last wave of the day all the way to the beach where a tasty can of my favorite beverage awaited.

As I sat on a sun-bleached driftwood log, all I could think about is how this day had truly been my favorite kind of KAVU day.

*John Rathwell is a photographer and owner of Beach Camp Coffee in Port Renfrew, BC you might remember him from the Searching For Sero stories awhile back.

John Rathwell

Footnotes

John and Tracy have been a part of the KAVU family for years and our source of sunshine north of the border. If you want a good cup of coffee, look them up!

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FootNotes

John and Tracy have been a part of the KAVU family for years and our source of sunshine north of the border. If you want a good cup of coffee, look them up!

Havasupai 2025

Sun, seeking & Driftwood

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