Category: Places We Love

Joshua Tree National Park is a mesmerizing playground for climbers and adventurers alike. My first visit was during my brother's wedding, and I was instantly captivated by its unique beauty. After moving to California, J-Tree became my winter sanctuary, where I forged friendships with fellow
This dam-controlled stretch offers three exhilarating runs: the exciting Chili Bar, the scenic Coloma to Lotus, and the breathtaking Gorge. With easy access and dependable recreational releases, this river is a must-visit for both seasoned rafters and newcomers alike. We've been a bunch of times

Big Bear Skiing and Snowboarding Compilation Big Bear Lake has several ski areas, and three that are covered on our ikon ski passes. While they may not be as incredible as Mammoth area or Tahoe, they are close enough for day trips and we’ve enjoyed

National parks are one of the best ideas america has ever had, and deserve to be protected at all costs. The Grand Canyon is an incredible place and we’ve made several trips there, most memorably rafting and kayaking the full length of the canyon several

One of my favorite runs in California, with amazing scenary, fun rapids, and generally cold, clear waters. When I lived up North I used to run laps on this regularly, and it is perhaps still the stretch of whitewater I’ve paddled most. A write up

Yosemite is a large part of the reason I settled in California. I had moved out here from Texas for a summer job, intending to return to Texas that fall for a grad school program. I was very into climbing at the time. My job

June is an awesome ski area in the Eastern Sierra mountains. It’s laid back, and always feels a little like a throwback to the areas I grew up skiing. The girls both tried skiing there their very first times on skis, and we’ve continued to

There have been a few different contests for waveskis and kayaks held at Ventura over the years, including the first surf kayak I ever attended, and later my best contest finish ever where I was ranked as the #2 American waveski paddler. I don’t have

The biggest paddle surf contest in the world. Held for many years at the incredible steamer lane.

Davenport is a unique cove for surf. When it’s big, there is a deep water channel that allows you to paddle out in conditions that would make many beaches impossible. I’ve surfed some big waves there. The contest was a staple on the west coast