Northern California/oregon surf baby. Welcome to the real surf world baby! Dark water norcal eariness, nailed it. Once you cross the golden gate and head north youre now in old school hard core surfer land. All hail the ocean, respect to all its creatures.
@@AikidoApplied I talked to a lifeguard at Zuma Beach about sharks. His comment to me was, "I don't even think about sharks until I hit the Ventura County line. North of that, I am not going in the water."
I used to surf alone in sharky waters around South Australia. I didn't intend it to be that way but I was living in a van for 12 months back in the 80's and camping in remote areas where nobody would be during the week. There were some eerie sessions with visits from seals, tuna schools, pilot whales and surfing dolphins...never saw whitey, but it certainly did my head in at times.
Still, you went in ! Pretty ballsy of you. We get visits of a seal when surfing here in Belgium. They don't often come here, mostly during summers to rest on the beach.. I am new at surfing and it scared me a little to have the little creature watching us surf.
Whitey certainly saw you. Theres a guy that posts drone footage of white sharks near surfers and its astounding how prevalent it is and how close the sharks get without being detected
I think it's more dangerous driving to the beach. I've been surfing Northern CA for years. Never bitten, but I got rear-ended at a stop sign on hwy 1 by a lady who didn't stop.... until she hit me.
I surfed near the Redwood National Park a while back. I was out alone, not even anyone on the beach. It was glassy, shoulder to head high and throwing barrels off a consistent a frame bowl. I was getting stoked out of my gord, but I could not handle the feeling in my gut. So, I started paddling in after just 45min. There was a rip in a deep trench just before the shore pulling me back out where I saw a seal swimming right on the edge of the beach looking at me with these big scared eyes that said, "dude? do you seriously not see what's going on here?" I was really glad to get my feet back on the beach. The next day, standing on the beach I saw the silhouette of a big white through the back of a wave.
I went to usal beach a few weeks ago camping during a big swell, beautiful long lines, black sand beach and nobody out. Same spooky feeling, I couldn’t make myself paddle out 🤦🏻♂️
@@ponolovefarms3926 I just started surfing this summer, aged 49... like the sense of immortallity has already vaporized and i never had any idea there's so much unsettling feelings that go along with the sport. I have balance bc i skated for 10yrs so i take on somewhat higher waves already.. but paddling out gives me a heart attack...lol. I got caught in a massive 8ft swell 23sec period, strong offshore wind... i am still traumatized. And that's just the waves, we don't even have any sharks here (Belgium & France is where i surf).
I had an minor incident in Australia with a shark, it was the middle of the day, perfect and sunny. Saw the big black fin from ages away cruising into shore with myself between it and the shoreline. Being young and inexperienced, I began panicking, paddling fast and frantic while other surfers stayed cool and quiet. The shark sank underwater heading into the shore towards me. I tried to paddle onto a wave that was full and even though I was positive the shark couldn’t make up that distance decided to tuck my legs up onto the board. Just at that moment a large deep black body went under me within in a split second and disappeared. When I got the shore the adrenaline was like nothing I had experienced. It took a few days before I could get back in the water.
Unless you're surfing on some big lake somewhere there's no such thing as surfing in an area without sharks it's the ocean there's always sharks @alainvosselman9960
Lol, Steamer Lane is similar; it's the most heavily seal populated spot I've been at. Seals chill on the mini-gibraltar there just off the point where people jump into the water. Seals constantly play, swim, and pop up around you while you go for waves. And there's hella birds as well, dropping deuce bombs around you. The breaks of NorCal have some spooky spots indeed; spookiest place I ever surfed was 10 miles outside of Santa Cruz. Before I entered the water, saw an elephant seal corpse with the face eaten off. Got in the and the waves were terrible and a low hanging fog rolled in, to where I couldn't see 20 ft. in front of me; like surfing in a dream and the ghostly silhouettes of other surfers would materialize in and out of the haze. After an hour, noticed I was alone and saw the huge bulk of an elephant seal pass through an incoming wave in front of me. Took the next wave in, called it a day and went got some tacos. Last thing I'll say, from watching other shark attack stories, and listening to people talk about their encounters, is that it's more worrisome when you see Seals stay OUT of the water then if they get in. If you go into the water, and they don't go with you or they stay grouped up around the shore or on a sandbar, you know for sure there is a shark in the water, because they are trying to be where that shark isn't. The craziest attack that happened was up near Mavericks and some dude was doing research with a friend for a documentary. Before he got in the water, he noticed all the seals were grouped on one side of the beach, staying out of the shallows. He and his friend got in the water, the seals didn't and when he he was 100 yards offshore, a great white torpedoed his board from the bottom and launched him into the air. He somehow survived. Either way, it's always risk surfing up here, but just my two cents. If you've read this far, thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
That attack, was when they were scouting for the Hollywood flick about Jay, if I’m not mistaken. When you hear so many legends, talk about that place being super unnerving, you know it’s legit scary.
Man I had a similar day at ocean beach with a beached whale carcass. Waves were crappy too. I remember a seal popped up about 10 ft in front of me and looked at me like I was an idiot. That’s when I called it a day. I prefer the kelpier spots around SC. Don’t know if it works, but makes me feel better at least.
@@amouredsaint872 LOL, bro Pleasure Point and that shipwreck further down is basically juvenile Great White central. They've tracked sharks there and if you've surfed at PP, you've most likely had a GW swimming under you without knowing it. I don't think there's anything you can tell yourself ("kelp" or "there's dolphins") that means GWs aren't around. It's just a part of the world we enter, every time we surf. But, yes I feel you. I only go to spots that are crowded and aren't known for attacks (*cough Salmon Creek *cough Stinson).
Yeah Santa Cruz has lots of seals and sharks around, but it just doesn't compare to far northern California. There is so many miles of empty coastline and an abundant seal and shark population. Much of the coastline that far north is very steep drop offs, due to the mountains more or less running into the sea. Just prime shark habitat... There isn't a huge population of humans up that far north in comparison to somewhere like santa cruz and even less surfers. Everyone who surfs regularly this far north in California knows someone thats had a shark encounter or attack, whether directly or friend of a friend situation. Theres no doubt in my mind that if you transplanted the surfer population from places like Santa Cruz or other surf communities further south and put them in the miles and miles of coastline up north, there would be more attacks than anywhere else. There's just a small but vibrant surf community up there and the majority restrict themselves to a couple of spots.
Water is too dark to see unless the shark breaches the surface. Looks like first session was at the mouth of the river great area for Great White Shark. Great place to get bit.
Thanks for the video Ben. It takes a different breed to surf those waters. The Jetty, Patrick’s Point, Camel Rock, Crescent City were our spots while we lived on the Hoopa Indian Reservation. Overcast, grey, misty, cold, and huge were the norm. And yet, some of the most incredible natural beauty you will ever witness.
@@sylverstryder sorry, it’s been 25 years since I surfed those spots, I just can’t imagine them ever blowing up! Doc Ball was still alive when I was surfing the Jetty. I surfed spots all along the North Coast and saw waves that no one will ever surf…epic spots!
No problem, it's just with a few million new surfers since covid started every somewhat known spot has been blowing up. Spots I used to hit alone now have a couple few dozen people competing for the same couple peaks when it's good
@@sylverstryder that’ crazy, I remember being out alone at the Jetty, which was the premier go-to spot at the time. I hated being alone out there and would have loved some company. Hard to believe those spots are blowing up.
Yeah man, last I was up there I was going and poaching danger beaches nobody else would hit to have some space. I love camel but I don't like crowds + rocks. Now I'm back in the Bay and hating how crowded it's getting, and tons of kooks with no etiquette or the skill to not drop in, run into each other/run you over etc. I don't like having to stich myself and my suits up and have to repair my boards bc of other folk. I'm looking at land by crescent/S Oregon to get away from people.
That Goonies vibe. Thanks for the stoke. I could never have paddled out into that seal-infested, Jaws 5 scenario. Invite me, please next time you surf Lake Tahoe.
Ben bro my names Hayden Harvey i love your stuff bro truely i am from south Australia and i am a surfer and you really are a hero to me appreciate you. “For the dream”
I'm from New Jersey coast, but I moved to a town very close to the Oregon border for a job. The friendliest surfers I ever met in my life were there. They gave me a board so they could have another friend to surf with. Great episode, the northern Cali, Oregon coast feels super wild. So sweet to see you guys travel up there. PS- Did you stop at Confusion Hill?
Grew up “learning how to surf” out in Bodega Bay during my childhood. Never been in the ocean here since. That quiet out there is the creepiest lonely ass feeling ever. Y’all brave!!! 🕊☝🏽🕊☝🏽🕊
IMHO, those waves weren't worth the risk. But fortune favors the brave and brother got his session and back to shore safely. Happy ending for this episode.
Great video Ben! These are my stomping grounds..Very cool seeing all of you enjoying your time in this part of Northern California /SW Oregon..We live in a very special place..Thank you for sharing
I’m originally from the central coast of California, and there were many wilderness surf spots throughout Big Sur and San Simeon in the 70s and 80s. I have surfed and startled easily a 1000 sea lions, and the males shielded me in the water from getting near other seals as they left the shore. This was about 1985. Many more people now, as well as areas that you are not allowed to surf. The shark feeling is unforgettable, and have surfed many great days alone or a friend. Great memories!
This is my neck of the woods, but I'm originally from the north east, grew up surfing similar spots to where you surf when at home and it's a major trip when you paddle out in Far Northern California and Oregon. It's so wild and the feeling is like no other. Not only are the waves, tree, rocks, and cliffs in many areas big, but the sea life is massive too. There's no denying the feeling of an attack looming at any moment, although you get use to it eventually, there is still always that feeling and thought in the back of your mind. The coastal fog, mild temperatures and water color doesn't help in making you feel any safer. Although the area is definitely magical in its own right. With that said, it's beautiful, uncrowded and pretty much endless potential if you want to explore. From sandbars, to harbor entrances, to empty rock points and shallow reef and slabs, theres a lot of untapped waves in the area. Many days of the year the surf over 10-15 feet, although not always the best conditions. Windless mornings are common, but also often comes with dense fog, which doesnt help the eerie feeling. Other than a couple popular spots, nearly every break is empty, which is wonderful in this day and age , but no denying its a comfortable feeling have some guys next to you in such a a wild area. I wish you were here with more swell in the water and had some locals take you to a good spot or even better do some step offs or tow- ins. You would have been stoked for sure. Regardless, I'm stoked to see you in the area enjoying yourself.
I grew up in crescent city. We call that spot state line. Right at the mouth of the smith. My dads friend got bit by a great white right we’re you were surfing. My little brother and I rip that spot all the time. On a good day it’s some of best surf for miles. Make sure to check out Newport Oregon on your way up the 101.
Absolutely spectacular videography & editing & music selection! A thing of beauty! Just lovin every dang video you put out! Thanks so much for letting us share the ride!
Welcome to surfing Norcal Lol. This is a classic surf at my spots in Monterey, Manresa,. Seals everywhere coming super close and surfing the waves, dolphins jumping. There's always birds diving at bait and schools of fish.
I surfed just south of Half Moon Bay once with a local and just as we started paddling out he says to me "just so you're aware, there ARE great whites around here so keep your eyes open." Thanks for the reassurance champ
Surfing in nor cal, it can take years to come to peace with the shark factor. But once you get comfortable and confident out there at the more secluded spots, it's truly a cold water paradise and you can find great uncrowded waves all year long
Glad you said something along those lines. I lived and surfed Santa Cruz, and Morro Bay on trips alone more than a few times. The feeling of already being on the plate is the average vibe, but when you feel all the sudden a REALLY BAD feeling, scratch for solid ground as magnificent a human you could be and not kook it in cause ya prolly gonna get 'et ..
Ano Nuevo 4-6 feet, sunny, 45 + people, mostly groms, and 300 yards away are 2 massive vessels with Orange chum flags out....Shark Research vessels... just lookin at eachother like whatever... lol
UK surfer here... nothing more scary than a cold grey North CAL surf with the seals, especially for someone from England where the most dangerous thing in the water is tourists :) I've got family in Marin County, every time I visit and surf with them a bit of poo comes out!
Same feeling I had when I surfed in the early am for the first time in CA in Santa Cruz. Coming from NY I was totally spooked by the seals swimming under me, the color of the water and oh yeah, the kelp that grabs your board when you duck dive! yikes...
But then you probably had one of the best sessions of your life right? No place on earth like Santa Cruz in my opinion. Scary as hell first time but once catch a few more comfortable and glorious than you could ever imagine
@@michaelb7864 true that bro. I actually rode a bigger wave than I ever did before and had such an adrenaline rush that I forgot about the kelp and seals!
In my experience, having lived up in Humboldt County, California for almost 7 years, if you surf and seals are around, you are safe. Seals are smart. They know better. If they suddenly swim out of the water that’s when you need to get out. But yea anytime you see birds diving, that’s another cue to get out because that means there’s bait fish which usually come in schools which are perfect breeding grounds for sharks. If you have the bait fish and birds dropping in and the seals leaving, the seals don’t care for the food anymore because they recognize they are about to be the food!
Well, you are surfing a river mouth in the middle of a rookery in breeding season. You should stop by Vegas on the way home since you're clearly a lucky man.
I am a huge fan!!!! All these years, i have been watching these vids..you finally come to my hometown, and it's shithouse flat...you hiked thru massive poison oak on the top of Whaler's island, missed hella waves not even looking at most of the sweet spots,(just a few miles away) and kinda blew it....i guess i should be stoked. there's no waves here...it sucks....LOL
Usually when I get that weird feeling there would always be a shark close by wether I'm surfing or freediving, I think it's from the sharks sonar electrical pulses they use to detect prey😬🤷♂️ While surfing a secret spot on Oahu my Spidey senses kicked in while I was paddling back out to the line up I had that "weird" feeling and sure enough looked directly below me and there's a full grown gray reef shark swimming in the same direction matching my speed he looked like he was in hunt mode from the way the pectoral fins looked and if you're wondering how I know, it's because I stuck my head underwater and looked because I feel more comfortable seeing how the shark is reacting so I could know what I need to do to get out of that situation. Luckily for me right at that moment a wave came and I flipped around at the last second and caught it straight in. I told the life guard about the shark and I was kinda shocked at his reply, he told me "what do you want me to do about it?".. I didn't want to tell him how do his job because I respect the Hawaii lifeguards and lifeguards in general for what they do!🙏 But that guy working the tower that day could've atleast get on the bull horn and or cruise out to the line up with the jetskis to give warning to all the people surfing that day🤷♂️ the dream continues!✌🏼🤙🏼
Sharkie is always there. Only sometimes do you see them. Seals are just scoobie snacks for Mr Sharkie, so he’s not too far off. As Long as the Water is clear and there is good vis, Just know you’re not in their food chain. I’ve had sharks follow me when I’m spearofreediving. They try to steal your catch. But they will scare off if you threaten (move in their direction) them. Like you were saying, it’s good to be able to look into the water and see how they’re behaving. Still freaks me out tho. Im not gonna lie. If they decided to do something, they’d totally own you and there’s nothing to be done. But that’s pretty rare.
@@HIM146 I didn't give it the chance to hurt me! 😁 That spot I was surfing had shark attacks on surfers before so i wasn't gonna chance it, I saw how his fins were in hunt/warning/pissed off mode so didn't want to stick around any longer🤙🏼
@@markzieg3593 my good friend got attacked from a small tiger shark while we were spearfishing at a spot on Oahu. Just 30 minutes into the dive about 100yds off shore, my friend looked in a cave didn't see anything so heading back to the surface the shark came from behind and grabbed his arm pulled him back down so he was battling the shark and running out of breath and blood and at that point he hit the sharks nose with his speargun a couple times and the shark let him go and then was able to get to the surface and take a breath. Me and 2 of my other friends who were diving made a tourniquet out of one of our wetsuits and swam our friend to shore with the shark still circling us a good ways into shore. We had no fish on our stringer yet so the shark was probably hungry and took a sample bite out of my buddy🤷♂️
Hi Ben!! Loving the vlogs for years and the road trip. I live in Oregon and am wondering if/when/where you are going to make any stops? I would be awesome for me and brother to meet you! We started surfing about a year ago and find you very inspiring. We also watch your videos with our mom when she dog sits while we head to the coast to surf. The whole Hanson family are big fans!!! FOR THE GRAVY BABY!!!!!!
You are living the dream. Is it your goal to surf everywhere in the world? Different locations each video. Kick ass. Don’t worry about the sharks. I don’t think they like pineapples.
Lots of little "shark Twinkies" harbor seals. At least there weren't sea lions which can harass you. Good on you guys for braving it. It's a part of life in Northern/Central California.
That and the temp. keep the lineups trimmed in the great PNW. I use to raise my board up vertically and slap it on the water to scare off seals swimming by me when I had that feeling. To them it's like a killer whale and they scatter & thought it might lessen the mistaken identity thing. Cool trip and that house, dang!
Seems like any spot with seals is going to be scary. I was swimming out near the kelp at Pt Dume years ago and watched a bunch of seals make a straight line towards the beach. That swim in was terrifying for me.
@@spencerjacobs3565 yes ! I know the group you talk about , They are a elite group of trained orcas released by sea World to cause havoc on and tarnish the good name of peaceful orca
Reminds me of Manresa south of Santa Cruz..i was surfing in the same spot there the day before the poor guy got killed by a shark last year..ever since never surfed there again..that spot has always spooked me..for sure trust your gut
I surfed that whole area recently. Mostly solo sessions. It's eerie but less eerie when I learned the mass difference in shark bites between there and one of my home breaks new smyrna
It's all fine and dandy to catch waves in random places, but when you feel "the presence" it ruins the whole vibe. Good on ya dude for always charging!!
Great Sesh! I've had creepy overcast days south of Santa Cruz -- beach break, just my bro, creepy vibe (esp when you're alone because he just caught a wave) like I hear the Jaws soundtrack thumping... glad it's not just me that sometimes feels a chill. Great Video!
I want to say I think that is the first place I ever got stand up barreled. Super tiny Nor Cal town with a really nice restaurant that had the best steamer clams ever
@@BenGravyy You know where the hot spots are. It looked like a good sesh at what looked like 4 mile??? That first spot north of Santa Cruz before Half Moon Bay. I live a few blocks from Steamers Lane, close to where you were skating that pump track by the Santa Cruz Bike shop...where bikes cost more than trucks. Glad you came through. Hope you enjoyed.
It should be noted that Washington State has only one unprovoked shark attack in history and the person survived. Oregon and northern California though are a little different story. Awesome video. All of you rock. Good to see Ryan Mack score on a set!! Love all the adventure from your trip. Keep them coming and keep on inspiring thousands to improve their lives!!
That had to be Sharky AF considering the amount of seals that were around. I woulda been spooked outta my mind! Even north of Santa Cruz is spooky sometimes. Everything gets rugged sooo fast the further north you go!
A 6 gill shark, bigger than a piece of plywood, did an "Ebb and Flow" move and barley missed snaring my dog in calf deep water up here in Washington. Close to Oregon.
Northern California river mouths are prolly the sharkiest / creepiest spots ever ! Such a beautiful raw coastline area with tons of wildlife . Great white territory and you can feel it in your gut . Just checking the spots I got the shark vibe . Waves get insane at both but you need a shark suit to keep the stoke alive 🤣
What's the point of mentioning these spots by name? Just leave it as Ben did (Norcal spot).... Yeah we know these spots take care of themselves, but there are people stupid enough from SF or other areas that will come and try to surf these spots not knowing anything about them because they read about them here or some blog. It's great to explore and find new spots, I do this constantly. But let's be smart about it and preserve as long as we can! Thanks!
@@norcalsrfer7886right on ! I’ve heard from locals those river mouths can get epic with the right conditions. Most days there the waves , and real locals 🦈 🦭 🐻 are going to hold it down ! Also my buddy lived in eureka for a few years and got caught in a rockslide and nearly died/ totaled his suv on the way to check some spots . Mother Nature reigns supreme out there . Enjoy it 🤙
I used to serve goat Island on the east side of Oahu all the time. We think we saw a shark one time me and my buddy. And literally all 30 of us left the break. But just this year actually just a few weeks ago or a month there is a famous x pro surfer and really well known lifeguard on the North shore that got eaten by a shark and died at goat island. It's a sketchy spot because you legitimately have to paddle out to the island and surf off the right hand side of it
hello Ben, Greg Webber here mate just wondering if you have had a look at the Faroe Islands for waves I just saw something that looks quite rideable on a B1M . And you could check the Shetland islands as well. Middle of nowhere though, but you seem to like that
Nub Nation for the win! Ben my first great white shark attack experience was in Oregon Pacific City cape kiwanda. It was a fall morning the swell was about 6 ft out of the north northwest offshore winds and the cave was doing what it is supposed to do. Me and the rep from ride snowboards we're surfing out in front of the restaurant at the break called monster hole surfing the overhead a frames it was probably about 10:30 in the morning and everybody was getting out of the water between us and the cape. A juvenile white shark attacked a body border who wasn't wearing a wetsuit, everyone else had wetsuits on this kid did not. It grabbed him by the calf and ankle biting through his Churchill while it pulled him under water off of his body board to the horror of his friends that were sitting a few feet away from him. It let go and he floated back up to the surface which is not what SEALs do or sea lions do when they are hit by a shark they usually swim for the bottom, so the white shark did not come back to finish him off because he didn't look like the typical prey even though he did while on his body board. He also did not taste like his typical prey because Homo sapiens blood has much more copper in it than sea lions do or seals so we do not taste the same to great white sharks. His friends helped him to the beach and of course the paramedics were called, his friends applied at tourniquet so he didn't bleed out. He lived to tell the tale. I spent 17 years in the Pacific Northwest I was born in Tacoma Washington we saw and heard a lot of gnarly things surfing in the Pacific Northwest, one thing we did learn from marine biologists is not to piss in our wetsuits because great white sharks hunt seals and sea lions by their urine stream/trail, they said platelets are released into your urine so the sharks can follow their prey following that trail... Ben and crew do not pee in your wetsuits while you're in the Pacific Northwest if you're going all the way up in the Canada you probably don't have to worry about it but if you're on the Oregon and Washington coast it's something that you need to consider because there are definitely submarines in the water have a safe journey I hope you make it all the way up to Westport Washington and if you need to know about a few secret spots we have in our pocket hit me up and I'll dial you in blessings and aloha Timothy
I feel like Great Whites in Oregon (they are there) is generally unexamined and unresearched and I’m not sure why. They know the migration routes for California Whites but what about the Pac NW?
It's a common mistake, but those were not seals. They were all sea lions. I used to have them pop up next to me sometimes when I was surfing. They're kinda cute, but I'd still pull my toes out of the water. :-)
@@craigstrong1895 I think you might be right. I went back and looked and yeah. The flippers are more seal like. Can't get a close enough shot to make out the ears. But yeah. My bad.
The guitar music is great too. Who is it? The Oregon sign graffiti feelings are long standing. When my family moved from San Mateo to Tigard in 1968 there were cars with bumper stickers that said Don't Californicate Oregon! Reedsport is a speed trap. The roadside attractions from NoCal 101 to SoOR 101 are a hoot.
Northern California/oregon surf baby. Welcome to the real surf world baby! Dark water norcal eariness, nailed it. Once you cross the golden gate and head north youre now in old school hard core surfer land. All hail the ocean, respect to all its creatures.
After Santa Barbara the environment/feeling changes and it just ramps up as you head north
I am convinced that Orcas are homies though.
@@nosi9167 Absolutely feel that.
@@AikidoApplied I talked to a lifeguard at Zuma Beach about sharks. His comment to me was, "I don't even think about sharks until I hit the Ventura County line. North of that, I am not going in the water."
Ya go to Long Island and New Jersey on the east coast in the middle of winter see what you got big dog …. You think that waters dark 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I used to surf alone in sharky waters around South Australia. I didn't intend it to be that way but I was living in a van for 12 months back in the 80's and camping in remote areas where nobody would be during the week. There were some eerie sessions with visits from seals, tuna schools, pilot whales and surfing dolphins...never saw whitey, but it certainly did my head in at times.
Wow, that sounds like an amazing (although potentially horrifying) experience!
Sounds Amazing!
Still, you went in ! Pretty ballsy of you. We get visits of a seal when surfing here in Belgium. They don't often come here, mostly during summers to rest on the beach.. I am new at surfing and it scared me a little to have the little creature watching us surf.
Whitey certainly saw you. Theres a guy that posts drone footage of white sharks near surfers and its astounding how prevalent it is and how close the sharks get without being detected
@@KG-yc6clthose are babies in socal, now everyone on internet thinks great whites are mostly friendly cos of that guy lol😂
I've been out in that dark sharky water and it is definitely a spooky feeling especially on an overcast day
AGREED. Surfed solo on an overcast day about 200 yards from a shark attack that happened 2 months ago…. Caught 1 wave and went in
@@POVskimboarding your a brave man. I would pass
No way am I surfing waves that bad at a spot that sharky. Pumping barrels? Sure. Slop? GMAFB. Pure Darwin Awards contention right there.
I think it's more dangerous driving to the beach. I've been surfing Northern CA for years. Never bitten, but I got rear-ended at a stop sign on hwy 1 by a lady who didn't stop.... until she hit me.
@@POVskimboarding Legend
I surfed near the Redwood National Park a while back. I was out alone, not even anyone on the beach. It was glassy, shoulder to head high and throwing barrels off a consistent a frame bowl. I was getting stoked out of my gord, but I could not handle the feeling in my gut. So, I started paddling in after just 45min. There was a rip in a deep trench just before the shore pulling me back out where I saw a seal swimming right on the edge of the beach looking at me with these big scared eyes that said, "dude? do you seriously not see what's going on here?" I was really glad to get my feet back on the beach. The next day, standing on the beach I saw the silhouette of a big white through the back of a wave.
i don't know ocean terms. can you explain the "rip in a deep trench", sounds like a cool story.
I went to usal beach a few weeks ago camping during a big swell, beautiful long lines, black sand beach and nobody out. Same spooky feeling, I couldn’t make myself paddle out 🤦🏻♂️
@@viewpointRG water moving out to sea in a deep channel on the sea floor
@@viewpointRGa rip tide basically an underwater river pulling you out to sea
@@ponolovefarms3926 I just started surfing this summer, aged 49... like the sense of immortallity has already vaporized and i never had any idea there's so much unsettling feelings that go along with the sport. I have balance bc i skated for 10yrs so i take on somewhat higher waves already.. but paddling out gives me a heart attack...lol. I got caught in a massive 8ft swell 23sec period, strong offshore wind... i am still traumatized. And that's just the waves, we don't even have any sharks here (Belgium & France is where i surf).
Always trust that erie feeling you get when out in Northern California surf! ... 🤙
Ben gravvvy wearing the northern lights tee...yeeew
Trust your feelings Ben. Use the force. Avoid sharks you must. 🦈
This comment is great haha
I had an minor incident in Australia with a shark, it was the middle of the day, perfect and sunny. Saw the big black fin from ages away cruising into shore with myself between it and the shoreline. Being young and inexperienced, I began panicking, paddling fast and frantic while other surfers stayed cool and quiet. The shark sank underwater heading into the shore towards me. I tried to paddle onto a wave that was full and even though I was positive the shark couldn’t make up that distance decided to tuck my legs up onto the board. Just at that moment a large deep black body went under me within in a split second and disappeared. When I got the shore the adrenaline was like nothing I had experienced. It took a few days before I could get back in the water.
That sounds pretty haunting !! I'd never surf where there's sharks. If i have to die of stokeness... so be it.
Unless you're surfing on some big lake
somewhere there's no such thing as surfing in an area without sharks it's the ocean there's always sharks @alainvosselman9960
Lol, Steamer Lane is similar; it's the most heavily seal populated spot I've been at. Seals chill on the mini-gibraltar there just off the point where people jump into the water. Seals constantly play, swim, and pop up around you while you go for waves. And there's hella birds as well, dropping deuce bombs around you.
The breaks of NorCal have some spooky spots indeed; spookiest place I ever surfed was 10 miles outside of Santa Cruz. Before I entered the water, saw an elephant seal corpse with the face eaten off. Got in the and the waves were terrible and a low hanging fog rolled in, to where I couldn't see 20 ft. in front of me; like surfing in a dream and the ghostly silhouettes of other surfers would materialize in and out of the haze. After an hour, noticed I was alone and saw the huge bulk of an elephant seal pass through an incoming wave in front of me. Took the next wave in, called it a day and went got some tacos.
Last thing I'll say, from watching other shark attack stories, and listening to people talk about their encounters, is that it's more worrisome when you see Seals stay OUT of the water then if they get in. If you go into the water, and they don't go with you or they stay grouped up around the shore or on a sandbar, you know for sure there is a shark in the water, because they are trying to be where that shark isn't. The craziest attack that happened was up near Mavericks and some dude was doing research with a friend for a documentary. Before he got in the water, he noticed all the seals were grouped on one side of the beach, staying out of the shallows. He and his friend got in the water, the seals didn't and when he he was 100 yards offshore, a great white torpedoed his board from the bottom and launched him into the air. He somehow survived. Either way, it's always risk surfing up here, but just my two cents.
If you've read this far, thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
That attack, was when they were scouting for the Hollywood flick about Jay, if I’m not mistaken. When you hear so many legends, talk about that place being super unnerving, you know it’s legit scary.
Man I had a similar day at ocean beach with a beached whale carcass. Waves were crappy too. I remember a seal popped up about 10 ft in front of me and looked at me like I was an idiot. That’s when I called it a day. I prefer the kelpier spots around SC. Don’t know if it works, but makes me feel better at least.
I kicked something white in the water about 10miles north of Santa Cruz w my heal... Probably another dead elephant seal
@@amouredsaint872 LOL, bro Pleasure Point and that shipwreck further down is basically juvenile Great White central. They've tracked sharks there and if you've surfed at PP, you've most likely had a GW swimming under you without knowing it. I don't think there's anything you can tell yourself ("kelp" or "there's dolphins") that means GWs aren't around. It's just a part of the world we enter, every time we surf. But, yes I feel you. I only go to spots that are crowded and aren't known for attacks (*cough Salmon Creek *cough Stinson).
Yeah Santa Cruz has lots of seals and sharks around, but it just doesn't compare to far northern California. There is so many miles of empty coastline and an abundant seal and shark population. Much of the coastline that far north is very steep drop offs, due to the mountains more or less running into the sea. Just prime shark habitat...
There isn't a huge population of humans up that far north in comparison to somewhere like santa cruz and even less surfers.
Everyone who surfs regularly this far north in California knows someone thats had a shark encounter or attack, whether directly or friend of a friend situation.
Theres no doubt in my mind that if you transplanted the surfer population from places like Santa Cruz or other surf communities further south and put them in the miles and miles of coastline up north, there would be more attacks than anywhere else.
There's just a small but vibrant surf community up there and the majority restrict themselves to a couple of spots.
Always trust the sharky/spooky feeling!
just dont surf alone lmao.
You needed TheMalibuArtist with his drone flying over watch for some piece of mind. Definitely a spooky spot.
Water is too dark to see unless the shark breaches the surface. Looks like first session was at the mouth of the river great area for Great White Shark. Great place to get bit.
@@thanatu76 this is one of those “what were they thinking” shark attack stories waiting to happen lol
MalibuArtist ROCKS
You and J.O.B. are more than welcome up here.
Thanks for the video Ben. It takes a different breed to surf those waters. The Jetty, Patrick’s Point, Camel Rock, Crescent City were our spots while we lived on the Hoopa Indian Reservation. Overcast, grey, misty, cold, and huge were the norm. And yet, some of the most incredible natural beauty you will ever witness.
Dude, don't blow up our spots
@@sylverstryder sorry, it’s been 25 years since I surfed those spots, I just can’t imagine them ever blowing up! Doc Ball was still alive when I was surfing the Jetty. I surfed spots all along the North Coast and saw waves that no one will ever surf…epic spots!
No problem, it's just with a few million new surfers since covid started every somewhat known spot has been blowing up. Spots I used to hit alone now have a couple few dozen people competing for the same couple peaks when it's good
@@sylverstryder that’ crazy, I remember being out alone at the Jetty, which was the premier go-to spot at the time. I hated being alone out there and would have loved some company. Hard to believe those spots are blowing up.
Yeah man, last I was up there I was going and poaching danger beaches nobody else would hit to have some space. I love camel but I don't like crowds + rocks. Now I'm back in the Bay and hating how crowded it's getting, and tons of kooks with no etiquette or the skill to not drop in, run into each other/run you over etc. I don't like having to stich myself and my suits up and have to repair my boards bc of other folk. I'm looking at land by crescent/S Oregon to get away from people.
That Goonies vibe. Thanks for the stoke. I could never have paddled out into that seal-infested, Jaws 5 scenario. Invite me, please next time you surf Lake Tahoe.
OMG, Sketchy sesh.... glad everyone made it :) - Lov'n the vlog, keep up the good work!
even if you didn't see the taxman he saw you, that feeling was probably a warning
Ben bro my names Hayden Harvey i love your stuff bro truely i am from south Australia and i am a surfer and you really are a hero to me appreciate you.
“For the dream”
Makes my feel like I top water lure when I paddle out alone in the morning 😊
I sooooo know that erie feeling every time I am out there and that overcast comes over, ughhhhh chills…….and I’m out, trust your gut 😉
When I watch an adventure video I just hang out for those recycling moments.........so life affirming.
Truly amazing Ben, I've scuba dived that area and it is teeming with sharks awaiting for a seal dinner. Nads of steel :-)
I'm from New Jersey coast, but I moved to a town very close to the Oregon border for a job. The friendliest surfers I ever met in my life were there. They gave me a board so they could have another friend to surf with. Great episode, the northern Cali, Oregon coast feels super wild. So sweet to see you guys travel up there.
PS- Did you stop at Confusion Hill?
Are you in Crescent City? I spent much of this spring in the area on a project, and have loved the local surf culture!
@@RichardSteffens I was in crescent city. Loved that place. Surf culture there made me feel right at home.
This is one of your best videos ever. So great to see empty lineups and beautiful places!
Grew up “learning how to surf” out in Bodega Bay during my childhood. Never been in the ocean here since. That quiet out there is the creepiest lonely ass feeling ever.
Y’all brave!!! 🕊☝🏽🕊☝🏽🕊
I tried at Salmon Creek, near Bodega...never felt safe.
Classic Ben gravy finding waves where nobody else goes and empty lineups
None of us locals go there unless its breaking-And peeling perfect. this sketchy shark pit.
SUCH BEAUTY, THANK YOU FOR THE WORK
IMHO, those waves weren't worth the risk.
But fortune favors the brave and brother got his session and back to shore safely.
Happy ending for this episode.
Great video Ben! These are my stomping grounds..Very cool seeing all of you enjoying your time in this part of Northern California /SW Oregon..We live in a very special place..Thank you for sharing
I’m originally from the central coast of California, and there were many wilderness surf spots throughout Big Sur and San Simeon in the 70s and 80s. I have surfed and startled easily a 1000 sea lions, and the males shielded me in the water from getting near other seals as they left the shore. This was about 1985. Many more people now, as well as areas that you are not allowed to surf. The shark feeling is unforgettable, and have surfed many great days alone or a friend. Great memories!
What a beautiful place. Pure magic out there. Oh, and the music was perfect!
This is my neck of the woods, but I'm originally from the north east, grew up surfing similar spots to where you surf when at home and it's a major trip when you paddle out in Far Northern California and Oregon. It's so wild and the feeling is like no other. Not only are the waves, tree, rocks, and cliffs in many areas big, but the sea life is massive too.
There's no denying the feeling of an attack looming at any moment, although you get use to it eventually, there is still always that feeling and thought in the back of your mind. The coastal fog, mild temperatures and water color doesn't help in making you feel any safer. Although the area is definitely magical in its own right.
With that said, it's beautiful, uncrowded and pretty much endless potential if you want to explore. From sandbars, to harbor entrances, to empty rock points and shallow reef and slabs, theres a lot of untapped waves in the area.
Many days of the year the surf over 10-15 feet, although not always the best conditions. Windless mornings are common, but also often comes with dense fog, which doesnt help the eerie feeling.
Other than a couple popular spots, nearly every break is empty, which is wonderful in this day and age , but no denying its a comfortable feeling have some guys next to you in such a a wild area.
I wish you were here with more swell in the water and had some locals take you to a good spot or even better do some step offs or tow- ins. You would have been stoked for sure.
Regardless, I'm stoked to see you in the area enjoying yourself.
What's a step off?
I grew up in crescent city. We call that spot state line. Right at the mouth of the smith. My dads friend got bit by a great white right we’re you were surfing. My little brother and I rip that spot all the time. On a good day it’s some of best surf for miles. Make sure to check out Newport Oregon on your way up the 101.
If that was the Smith , Ben took the long way out.... coulda drove to the north side of the mouth and saved a lot of paddling ....js
Camera quality and angles is incredible here, epic video
The seals just be trying to catch some gnarly waves 🏄♂️
Absolutely spectacular videography & editing & music selection! A thing of beauty! Just lovin every dang video you put out! Thanks so much for letting us share the ride!
Welcome to surfing Norcal Lol. This is a classic surf at my spots in Monterey, Manresa,. Seals everywhere coming super close and surfing the waves, dolphins jumping. There's always birds diving at bait and schools of fish.
Right lol this is what its like in northen California. Im up here in Humboldt I surf waters like that everytime i go out nothing new
I surfed just south of Half Moon Bay once with a local and just as we started paddling out he says to me "just so you're aware, there ARE great whites around here so keep your eyes open." Thanks for the reassurance champ
That's a spooky place even without the sharks. Especially with the fog around.
A lot of wildlife out there! Ryan Mack is the wildest!
Surfing in nor cal, it can take years to come to peace with the shark factor. But once you get comfortable and confident out there at the more secluded spots, it's truly a cold water paradise and you can find great uncrowded waves all year long
Yup, was there for 12 years and got over it at some point. Now going back I can't not think about it. You get used to the fear
Welcome to Northern California!! Those seals are crazy but the murky water is the scariest part
Glad you said something along those lines. I lived and surfed Santa Cruz, and Morro Bay on trips alone more than a few times. The feeling of already being on the plate is the average vibe, but when you feel all the sudden a REALLY BAD feeling, scratch for solid ground as magnificent a human you could be and not kook it in cause ya prolly gonna get 'et ..
Ano Nuevo 4-6 feet, sunny, 45 + people, mostly groms, and 300 yards away are 2 massive vessels with Orange chum flags out....Shark Research vessels... just lookin at eachother like whatever... lol
Nice! A little sesh in the great State of Jefferson! Don’t tread on me kook! 🏄♀️🙌
UK surfer here... nothing more scary than a cold grey North CAL surf with the seals, especially for someone from England where the most dangerous thing in the water is tourists :) I've got family in Marin County, every time I visit and surf with them a bit of poo comes out!
Same feeling I had when I surfed in the early am for the first time in CA in Santa Cruz. Coming from NY I was totally spooked by the seals swimming under me, the color of the water and oh yeah, the kelp that grabs your board when you duck dive! yikes...
But then you probably had one of the best sessions of your life right? No place on earth like Santa Cruz in my opinion. Scary as hell first time but once catch a few more comfortable and glorious than you could ever imagine
@@michaelb7864 true that bro. I actually rode a bigger wave than I ever did before and had such an adrenaline rush that I forgot about the kelp and seals!
In my experience, having lived up in Humboldt County, California for almost 7 years, if you surf and seals are around, you are safe. Seals are smart. They know better. If they suddenly swim out of the water that’s when you need to get out. But yea anytime you see birds diving, that’s another cue to get out because that means there’s bait fish which usually come in schools which are perfect breeding grounds for sharks. If you have the bait fish and birds dropping in and the seals leaving, the seals don’t care for the food anymore because they recognize they are about to be the food!
Well, you are surfing a river mouth in the middle of a rookery in breeding season. You should stop by Vegas on the way home since you're clearly a lucky man.
🔥🔥
sewer river lol
I love the scary grey north. No people, just big big fish and lots of sea life. I'm talking close to Oregon 🤙
I am a huge fan!!!! All these years, i have been watching these vids..you finally come to my hometown, and it's shithouse flat...you hiked thru massive poison oak on the top of Whaler's island, missed hella waves not even looking at most of the sweet spots,(just a few miles away) and kinda blew it....i guess i should be stoked. there's no waves here...it sucks....LOL
Usually when I get that weird feeling there would always be a shark close by wether I'm surfing or freediving, I think it's from the sharks sonar electrical pulses they use to detect prey😬🤷♂️
While surfing a secret spot on Oahu my Spidey senses kicked in while I was paddling back out to the line up I had that "weird" feeling and sure enough looked directly below me and there's a full grown gray reef shark swimming in the same direction matching my speed he looked like he was in hunt mode from the way the pectoral fins looked and if you're wondering how I know, it's because I stuck my head underwater and looked because I feel more comfortable seeing how the shark is reacting so I could know what I need to do to get out of that situation. Luckily for me right at that moment a wave came and I flipped around at the last second and caught it straight in. I told the life guard about the shark and I was kinda shocked at his reply, he told me "what do you want me to do about it?".. I didn't want to tell him how do his job because I respect the Hawaii lifeguards and lifeguards in general for what they do!🙏 But that guy working the tower that day could've atleast get on the bull horn and or cruise out to the line up with the jetskis to give warning to all the people surfing that day🤷♂️ the dream continues!✌🏼🤙🏼
Sharkie is always there. Only sometimes do you see them. Seals are just scoobie snacks for Mr Sharkie, so he’s not too far off. As Long as the Water is clear and there is good vis, Just know you’re not in their food chain. I’ve had sharks follow me when I’m spearofreediving. They try to steal your catch. But they will scare off if you threaten (move in their direction) them. Like you were saying, it’s good to be able to look into the water and see how they’re behaving. Still freaks me out tho. Im not gonna lie. If they decided to do something, they’d totally own you and there’s nothing to be done. But that’s pretty rare.
One reef shark never hurt you. Lol 🤙
@@HIM146 I didn't give it the chance to hurt me! 😁 That spot I was surfing had shark attacks on surfers before so i wasn't gonna chance it, I saw how his fins were in hunt/warning/pissed off mode so didn't want to stick around any longer🤙🏼
@@jamessantiago9724 smart man!
@@markzieg3593 my good friend got attacked from a small tiger shark while we were spearfishing at a spot on Oahu. Just 30 minutes into the dive about 100yds off shore, my friend looked in a cave didn't see anything so heading back to the surface the shark came from behind and grabbed his arm pulled him back down so he was battling the shark and running out of breath and blood and at that point he hit the sharks nose with his speargun a couple times and the shark let him go and then was able to get to the surface and take a breath. Me and 2 of my other friends who were diving made a tourniquet out of one of our wetsuits and swam our friend to shore with the shark still circling us a good ways into shore. We had no fish on our stringer yet so the shark was probably hungry and took a sample bite out of my buddy🤷♂️
Hi Ben!! Loving the vlogs for years and the road trip. I live in Oregon and am wondering if/when/where you are going to make any stops? I would be awesome for me and brother to meet you! We started surfing about a year ago and find you very inspiring. We also watch your videos with our mom when she dog sits while we head to the coast to surf. The whole Hanson family are big fans!!! FOR THE GRAVY BABY!!!!!!
Same. Oregon surf strong!! 🔥🔥
Yeah Mack! I surfed the jetty in Gold Beach a couple months ago.
The gentlemen in grey suits are out there !
That pup at the end was so cute and nice air on the skate JP! Cheers! and I loved the movie. Got it on Amazon. Yow!
I know that feeling. Especially when you don't know there are seals nearby and one suddenly pops it's head up....
And you're dressed like a seal...
😂Too funny, I’m glad you made it back to the beach.
You are living the dream. Is it your goal to surf everywhere in the world? Different locations each video. Kick ass. Don’t worry about the sharks. I don’t think they like pineapples.
Lots of little "shark Twinkies" harbor seals. At least there weren't sea lions which can harass you. Good on you guys for braving it. It's a part of life in Northern/Central California.
Oh my god haha. Ya when birds start diving there’s a bait ball, good time to leave. Plus seals...
That and the temp. keep the lineups trimmed in the great PNW. I use to raise my board up vertically and slap it on the water to scare off seals swimming by me when I had that feeling. To them it's like a killer whale and they scatter & thought it might lessen the mistaken identity thing. Cool trip and that house, dang!
I've been surfing for a long time and it's one of a few sports that you can get eaten but it's for the dream !
Sharks don't generally eat people right? I thought it was more that they just attack idk
Yewwwwww🤙
Go watch the video from about two months ago in Australia with the swimmer and tell me they don’t eat people
Seems like any spot with seals is going to be scary. I was swimming out near the kelp at Pt Dume years ago and watched a bunch of seals make a straight line towards the beach. That swim in was terrifying for me.
Outstanding!, cheers to you and your dedicated, and devoted crew. thank you
Great video. Super sketchy spot lol I’d be more worried about orcas than anything
I would be stoked if I saw an Orca in the lineup Great Whites always flee the area when a Orca is around.
Yeah orcas actually won't hurt you unless they have been captured by sea World and tortured in captivity, other then that they are quite friendly
@@420downunder7 I saw a video the other day of a group of orcas attacking (and eventually sinking) a small fishing boat in the Mediterranean Sea
@@spencerjacobs3565 yes ! I know the group you talk about ,
They are a elite group of trained orcas released by sea World to cause havoc on and tarnish the good name of peaceful orca
The best .29 seconds of the intro is you and your wife surfing together.
You must be so stoked. Right now New Jersey is going off double overhead craziest year ever. I bet I'm happy for you
We know the RV road-trip life is not easy. Thanks to you and crew for all the great videos
You enter the water and are being watched as part of the food chain! Glad you didn’t become sharkfood Gravy!
Welcome back to my homestate the big OR brother! Hope you are having a blast up here!
Reminds me of Manresa south of Santa Cruz..i was surfing in the same spot there the day before the poor guy got killed by a shark last year..ever since never surfed there again..that spot has always spooked me..for sure trust your gut
I surfed that whole area recently. Mostly solo sessions. It's eerie but less eerie when I learned the mass difference in shark bites between there and one of my home breaks new smyrna
It's all fine and dandy to catch waves in random places, but when you feel "the presence" it ruins the whole vibe. Good on ya dude for always charging!!
Great Sesh! I've had creepy overcast days south of Santa Cruz -- beach break, just my bro, creepy vibe (esp when you're alone because he just caught a wave) like I hear the Jaws soundtrack thumping... glad it's not just me that sometimes feels a chill. Great Video!
yea that area is definitely creepy af
I want to say I think that is the first place I ever got stand up barreled. Super tiny Nor Cal town with a really nice restaurant that had the best steamer clams ever
Dude ! You guys have been surfing some of the sharkiest waters all week ! I've peed my pants at least twice this week. #ForTheDream
Hahaha
@@BenGravyy You know where the hot spots are. It looked like a good sesh at what looked like 4 mile??? That first spot north of Santa Cruz before Half Moon Bay. I live a few blocks from Steamers Lane, close to where you were skating that pump track by the Santa Cruz Bike shop...where bikes cost more than trucks. Glad you came through. Hope you enjoyed.
Love the local support with the Northern Lights Surf Shop gear. Bodega local here.
I used to body board in these areas. The few times I tried surfing were in San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma. Water always felt spooky.
I can't believe it! that's my hometown! the mouth of the smith is a shark pit! LOL
It should be noted that Washington State has only one unprovoked shark attack in history and the person survived. Oregon and northern California though are a little different story. Awesome video. All of you rock. Good to see Ryan Mack score on a set!! Love all the adventure from your trip. Keep them coming and keep on inspiring thousands to improve their lives!!
How many provoked attacks?
@@samgibson684 Great question. I don't have an answer except that I am not one of them.
I like that chill music at the end.
That had to be Sharky AF considering the amount of seals that were around. I woulda been spooked outta my mind! Even north of Santa Cruz is spooky sometimes. Everything gets rugged sooo fast the further north you go!
A 6 gill shark, bigger than a piece of plywood, did an "Ebb and Flow" move and barley missed snaring my dog in calf deep water up here in Washington. Close to Oregon.
Northern California river mouths are prolly the sharkiest / creepiest spots ever ! Such a beautiful raw coastline area with tons of wildlife . Great white territory and you can feel it in your gut . Just checking the spots I got the shark vibe . Waves get insane at both but you need a shark suit to keep the stoke alive 🤣
That spot reminded me of Klamath river mouth. Scariest spot ever and that’s after surfing point arena the day before
What's the point of mentioning these spots by name? Just leave it as Ben did (Norcal spot).... Yeah we know these spots take care of themselves, but there are people stupid enough from SF or other areas that will come and try to surf these spots not knowing anything about them because they read about them here or some blog. It's great to explore and find new spots, I do this constantly. But let's be smart about it and preserve as long as we can! Thanks!
@@norcalsrfer7886right on ! I’ve heard from locals those river mouths can get epic with the right conditions. Most days there the waves , and real locals 🦈 🦭 🐻 are going to hold it down ! Also my buddy lived in eureka for a few years and got caught in a rockslide and nearly died/ totaled his suv on the way to check some spots . Mother Nature reigns supreme out there . Enjoy it 🤙
@@colbycaltrider2154 You too! Glad you know about that area too, its a gem. Enjoy the quest!
I used to serve goat Island on the east side of Oahu all the time. We think we saw a shark one time me and my buddy. And literally all 30 of us left the break. But just this year actually just a few weeks ago or a month there is a famous x pro surfer and really well known lifeguard on the North shore that got eaten by a shark and died at goat island. It's a sketchy spot because you legitimately have to paddle out to the island and surf off the right hand side of it
Surfed Salmon Creek in the early 90s, ended up 200 yards from shore with no one out but me.. Sketchy to this day when I think about it.
"The dream is real" he says as he walks out into 50 degree air and even colder water. You gotta respect that.
I appreciate the good music, too. 🎶
hello Ben, Greg Webber here mate just wondering if you have had a look at the Faroe Islands for waves I just saw something that looks quite rideable on a B1M . And you could check the Shetland islands as well. Middle of nowhere though, but you seem to like that
You got some 🥜s Sir gravy !!!! Great content as per usual 🤩🤙 gave me the BGz 😂😂
Here sharky sharky. When the honu (Turtles) suddenly disappear you know it's time to go in.
Did u try surfing Devil’s Punchbowl in Oregon? That would be epic novelty to catch a wave into the punchbowl on high tide!
Sounds epic !
You're taking a chance, there are big sharks in this area.
Your intro keep getting more awesome 👍
Thanks !
If I’m going surfing at a spot all on my own and all the seals are on the shore, the last place I’m going is in the water 😂
Northern Lights surf shop represent!!
you gotta have a drone up with your boy on the beach to watch your back... they came out with the new mavic mini, perfect for an ariel view
What an epic trip! I’m 100% completely green with envy. Yeeewwwww
Somebody tell me how Ben is only on 162 subscribers!!! Get him to a million already🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽
Nub Nation for the win!
Ben my first great white shark attack experience was in Oregon Pacific City cape kiwanda.
It was a fall morning the swell was about 6 ft out of the north northwest offshore winds and the cave was doing what it is supposed to do. Me and the rep from ride snowboards we're surfing out in front of the restaurant at the break called monster hole surfing the overhead a frames it was probably about 10:30 in the morning and everybody was getting out of the water between us and the cape.
A juvenile white shark attacked a body border who wasn't wearing a wetsuit, everyone else had wetsuits on this kid did not. It grabbed him by the calf and ankle biting through his Churchill while it pulled him under water off of his body board to the horror of his friends that were sitting a few feet away from him.
It let go and he floated back up to the surface which is not what SEALs do or sea lions do when they are hit by a shark they usually swim for the bottom, so the white shark did not come back to finish him off because he didn't look like the typical prey even though he did while on his body board. He also did not taste like his typical prey because Homo sapiens blood has much more copper in it than sea lions do or seals so we do not taste the same to great white sharks. His friends helped him to the beach and of course the paramedics were called, his friends applied at tourniquet so he didn't bleed out. He lived to tell the tale.
I spent 17 years in the Pacific Northwest I was born in Tacoma Washington we saw and heard a lot of gnarly things surfing in the Pacific Northwest, one thing we did learn from marine biologists is not to piss in our wetsuits because great white sharks hunt seals and sea lions by their urine stream/trail, they said platelets are released into your urine so the sharks can follow their prey following that trail...
Ben and crew do not pee in your wetsuits while you're in the Pacific Northwest if you're going all the way up in the Canada you probably don't have to worry about it but if you're on the Oregon and Washington coast it's something that you need to consider because there are definitely submarines in the water have a safe journey I hope you make it all the way up to Westport Washington and if you need to know about a few secret spots we have in our pocket hit me up and I'll dial you in blessings and aloha Timothy
How can you not pee in your wetsuit it’s impossible 😂 great barley trail for sharks
No wetsuit in pacific city ? That’s heavy . Surfed down the beach at gas chambers and got creepy vibes from a huge seal 🦭 but waves were 🔥
I feel like Great Whites in Oregon (they are there) is generally unexamined and unresearched and I’m not sure why. They know the migration routes for California Whites but what about the Pac NW?
It's a common mistake, but those were not seals. They were all sea lions. I used to have them pop up next to me sometimes when I was surfing. They're kinda cute, but I'd still pull my toes out of the water. :-)
Nope. Harbor seals all
@@craigstrong1895 I think you might be right. I went back and looked and yeah. The flippers are more seal like. Can't get a close enough shot to make out the ears. But yeah. My bad.
Mandurah West Australia had a 5 m white go straight underneath me 10 years ago. Been a struggle ever since to surf stress free. Mainly go fishing now
That sand point with all the Seals out definitely looked like Shark bait!!
The guitar music is great too. Who is it? The Oregon sign graffiti feelings are long standing. When my family moved from San Mateo to Tigard in 1968 there were cars with bumper stickers that said Don't Californicate Oregon! Reedsport is a speed trap. The roadside attractions from NoCal 101 to SoOR 101 are a hoot.