English Surfer Ben Ellis Does Cardiff (-at-the-sea, Calif.) on his way to enlightenment, or at least San Clemente...
For more from Ben Ellis, check out Surftide/UK at http://www.surftide.co.uk/.
The kindness of strangers
So I’ve been staying in Cardiff By The Sea for 5 nights now and loving every moment of it. The weather has been perfect, sunny with a cool breeze. Waves have been a mixed bag. But what has topped it all off is the kindness and friendliness of everyone I have met.
After leaving the boys in Vegas I have been travelling solo and camping out of the back of my SUV. I don’t have any blankets, pillows, sleeping bag or anything. So I improvised and have been sleeping in the back of the car in my board sock, fully clothed, using my dirty laundry sack as a pillow. Some may call that RAW camping!
Anyway, yesterday I met a bunch of people who I guess thought I was in need of a little TLC as I have had a tent, sleeping bag, roll mat, beers and firewood all given to me, without me even asking for a thing. Just goes to show, there are a lot of cool people out there!
I’m now in San Clemente staying at the San Mateo State Park and am fully kitted out and you could say I am almost glamping! Might even treat myself to a hot shower tomorrow as I haven’t had a proper wash since last Sunday!
Tonight I’m going downtown in San Clemente to see Mike (another Mike) and having a few beers and some pizza with my new OC crew!
Happy times!
Catching a few at Cardiff By The Sea, CA from Ben Ellis on Vimeo.
Meeting Shaun Tomson at Cardiff By The Sea
So last night after spending the afternoon surfing at Cardiff By The Sea I headed over the railroad tracks and up into town in search of some food. I decided to pop my head in the Patagonia store on the way and to my surprise there was a little book signing event and presentation by former pro-surfer Shaun Tomson.
Shaun is one of those guys who is inspirational and full of stoke. I had previously bought his book: The Surfer’s Code and loved it. He has just bought out a second edition and I took the opportunity to purchased a signed copy. Whilst I was there I couldn’t resist getting my skateboard signed and also getting a photo with the man himself.
One word, stoked!
Cardiff By the Sea - Ride #1 from Ben Ellis on Vimeo.
Cardiff By the Sea - Ride #2 from Ben Ellis on Vimeo.
San Clemente friends
So I met Mike Morse in the surf back in Cardiff By The Sea a few days back.
After trading waves with him, Ben and Eli for a few days I was invited to come down to San Diego for the weekend for a house party.
Last night I met a bunch of Mike’s friends, all super cool and chilled out. We had a blast having a few beers and some take out food down here in PB.
This morning we all grabbed breakfast and did a little thrift shopping.
Heading back to San Clemente soon and then one last surf and then it’s time to say my goodbyes and I’m driving up to San Francisco for the flight back home tomorrow.
It’s been a great end to an awesome trip and hopefully well keep in touch and get a few more waves in the near future.
Great people and good times all round, you’ve gotta love SolCal.
