Bright blue Al Merrick performance core fins.
These fins have a drivey feel and work to get you down the line quickly. Turn well and hold through the critical point of your arc, but have a snappy release.
I have noticed a bit of shakiness on bigger waves (8-12ft) so usually opt for a different set-up. I like experimenting with fins and boards though, so will try to document my sessions and update accordingly.
Read more about these fins at FCS.
Picked up these babies on a Sunday to sit on the couch and watch football with.
It’s a very drinkable IPA served up by North Coast Brewing Co. Hoppy, but not overly in-your-face about it.
The 6.9% ABV give this beer an extra kick in the pants that I was not really expecting (I don’t read labels as much as I should).
Fairly solid example of a West Coast IPA.
This camera is the real deal.
I needed a good camera to start documenting and sharing life with my family who lives all over the place.
My Dad, a once professional photographer (I grew up with a dark room in our house) has shot with a Nikon forever. He has a closet full of lenses from his old film days, so when he made the switch to digital he wanted to be able to use all his gear. New Nikon bodies fit the older lenses, so that’s what he went with. I respect a company that doesn’t make things obsolete just for the hell of it, so with help from my pops I jumped in to a Nikon too.
I am certainly no professional photog but I have a good eye (so says my dad). This camera is overkill for me, but I knew that going in to it. The viewfinder swivels and tilts so you can really get some interesting shots. The settings are very deep, so I still have A LOT of tinkering to do, but I have taken some really nice pictures and have enjoyed having the camera.
Read more about the D5100 at Nikon.
Picked this up at the local package store because, honestly, the bottle shape looked unique and I was in the mood for an IPA.
I usually reach for the trusty Sierra Nevada, but wanted something a little lighter and got it with this brew.
Now, its not the greatest IPA of all time and probably isn’t winning any snobby beer awards, but I drank the 6-pack and loved it. Its very light on the hops so is a good “beginner” IPA or one that’s great if you are not looking to be punched in the face by hops.
This is a pretty readily available beer, so snag a pack and try it out for yourself.
Picked up another shirt from Proper Cloth around the holidays. This is a naby and purple plaid which is very dark and is a good evening time shirt. I wore this out on New Year’s.
I did mess with the design and added a Londoner Collar and replaced the black buttons with the standard variety.
I am impressed with the system the guys at PC have worked out. You can fiddle with the design and size of the shirt, click order, and the shirt comes in a couple weeks. No hassly sales people, no schlepping to the store. Beautifully easy.
The shirt shoes up in a nice little box and you’re ready to go. Quality is high with nice detailing and solid buttons. I will do a number of follow up posts as these shirts ages, but for $100 this is a pretty competitive products to any major shirting brand.
Check out more on this shirt at Proper Cloth.
I started skateboarding more than usual again so felt the need to step up my shoe game.
I came across these in a local shop and picked them up in the Coriander colorway.
The Vans Authentic is one of the most classic shoes of all time, and has the staying power to prove it. They are comfy as hell and this particular version I am very happy with.
The canvas is thick and should wear well over time and the laces really pull the whole shoe together.
Read more about the shoe’s release at Hypebeast.
Online shirt retailers are tough to pull the trigger on, but are all the craze these days. I’ll say, with this shirt I am glad that I did. I will add more to this review shortly. Head over to Proper Cloth to read more about this item.
This is my first roadbike and I believe a very good place to start out. First on all, she’s an absolute stunner. The blue paint job has just enough fleck in it to give it that candy look, and the white and silver contast nicely. The white grip tape on the handlebars does dirty fairly quickly, but such is the way with white things in general.
The bike features Shimano 105 components which have a solid enough feel, but are certainly not the top end. Good but not great.
The stock seat sucks so I am looking for an alternative to save my rear.
I did have to take the bike back to the shop where I got it a few weeks after purchase because the crank was making an ugly sound when under a fair bit of torque. The guys there pulled the crank, re-greased it, and the problem was gone.
I will continue to add to this review as I ride more and become more comfortable with the bike.
Read more about the Ion Pro at Bicycling.com.
It’s that time of year again! Joe Joe’s are an amazingly delicious Holiday treat that I cannot believe Oreo has not added to their product lineup. Easily my favorite cookie.
