Water | Julia & Chris Sanderl

Solo Session

Jan 212012

Normally, midday on a Saturday is a popular time for surfers to enjoy the waves. This day was no different with most of the well known surf spots jam-packed with paddle boarders, body boarders, short and long boarders. Our recent summery weather has brought the crowds to the beach and we’re all happy to take advantage of the postponed rainy season. We were lucky enough to find a more secluded corner to ourselves with the added benefit of a photographer onshore that randomly decided to grab a few shots of our session together. Needless to say, we had a great day “somewhere in Hawaii”.

Afternoon Snooze

Animals, Featured, Water 1 Response »

Apr 072011

Here’s a keeper from one of our recent Photo Safari classes. This endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal barely opened an eye to check out our camera equipment and didn’t move another muscle until we turned our backs on her. She moved quickly into the water and was off to dinner before anyone noticed. It’s always a treat to watch one of these awesome creatures in the water or on the beach… just lucky I had my camera and a group of photo enthusiasts to take part in it this time!

Jeannie’s Surprise Visit

Life, Video, Water 3 Responses »

Feb 252011

We were lucky to get such a nice surprise having our good friend Jeannie call us up with plans for a short detour from her trip to Oahu. The next day she arrived with her boyfriend and they were both ready for some exploration. Like always, we were more than happy to lead the way. The weather cooperated perfectly for our two and a half day beach-hopping marathon and we also lucked out with some great lighting and visibility during a late afternoon snorkel session. It was a great excuse to visit some of our favorite spots that aren’t always part of our normal routine. Sharing them with friends just makes it that much better.

Wailua Kayak Adventures

Life, Video, Water 1 Response »

Jan 162011

Over the weekend we were invited to explore the Wailua river on kayak with the world’s best tour guides from Wailua Kayak Adventures. Matt and Tiara took us out along with the Kauai Crossfit crew and we had an awesome time navigating the river and hiking to Secret Falls. Our timing was perfect and we got out just before a tropical storm hit in full force. Check out the video (above) to watch us charging for shore as the rain set in. A huge MAHALO to Matt and Tiara for an awesome weekend adventure.

Water Week Part Deux

Life, Video, Water 2 Responses »

Oct 082010

Our week-long break flew by while Matt & Julia were out for a visit. We covered lots of ground and still managed to surf and jump off stuff everyday. The Julias encouraged our horseplay but luckily there weren’t any serious injuries, except for our “broke mouths” from all the good grinds. The video and pictures say the rest. Can’t wait to hang again this summer in SF!

Ultimate Ahi Rolls

Life, Video, Water 5 Responses »

Sep 052010

This was a Labor Day weekend to remember! Julia was lucky enough to snap a rare photo of the furry-chested murman mid breach (pictured above) and we also helped catch a nice size ahi. We headed out of the harbor on our friend’s boat around 7am and by 8:00 our fish was in the cooler. I videotaped the ordeal while Julia steered the boat and our neighbor directed the show. It was the only catch of the day, but we still trolled around following the shearwater birds in hopes of a marlin. To cool off we stopped in the middle of the ocean right around the 1000 fathom line (approx. 6000 ft) for a swim. Check out the video and pictures to see how this 170 pound tuna was skillfully reeled in and made ready for sushi night.

Turtle Head Surfers

Featured, Water 2 Responses »

Jul 122010

After attending the Hanalei Watersports Swapmeet to sell a few of our old boards, and of course after quite a bit of valuable research into the latest surf technology, we decided on these two updates to our Kauai quiver. Since their arrival, Board 1: Ultraflex and board 2: Dominator have been in endless hours/days of product testing. Results have been favorable yet we’ve both encountered mild symptoms of exhaustion and dyhydration after prolonged use. And yes, we are the luckiest people ever

Sandy Bottoms

Water No Responses »

May 232010

With summer on the way and the photo season swinging into full gear, it’s so nice to escape our daily routine every now and again for a little time to reflect. Going on our third year as water logged, sunburnt and sandy, I don’t think we’d really fit anywhere else. Living on Kauai is not for everyone but we’ve been so lucky to make it work for us. Work, eat, beach, sleep and not much inbetween… simple pleasures for simple people

Chunky Funk Delight

Water 4 Responses »

Mar 172010

The trade winds are back in action churning up some nice sized wind swell close to home. Since we’re currently on spring break, we’ve been attacking all the little touch up jobs around the house and getting ready for our Wagner family visit. Rinsing off in the waves and occasionally getting pounded in the shore break has been the best way to end a hard day’s work.

Exposed Reef

Water No Responses »

Mar 082010

The winter waves clean all the sand off the reef this time of year, which usually makes for better surfing conditions when the weather cooperates. Lately it’s been windy and cold and this slight change in our normally mild weather pattern gave me the sniffles. I’m finally getting over a little elementary school sickness that’s been passed around. With spring break less than a week away and the weather turning back to tropical goodness, things are looking up! Like always, we’re planning on getting in plenty of water and relaxation time.

Incoming Water Lines

Water 1 Response »

Jan 262010

We’ve been surfing close to home lately, mostly quick sessions after work right before the sun goes down. The waves have been consistently fun but small with mostly clean conditions. After sunset the water quickly feels warmer than the air and the ride home can get a little chilly. There’s more swell on the horizon for the end of the week so you know where we’ll be… I’m starting to understand why not much gets done around here.

New Year’s Hike

Life, Water 3 Responses »

Jan 032010

To bring in the New Year we set out with our friends Stacey & Jamel, and newly engaged Lauren & Frank to explore the Wailua Headwaters at the base of Mt. Wai’ale’ale, also known as the wettest place on earth. Although we didn’t reach the end where the revered Blue Hole actually lies, we did come across several spectacular views and an amazing waterfall to cool off in before heading back. Home sweet home!

Balinese Bang-ups

Travel, Water 2 Responses »

Oct 112009

I have a knack for making things look worse than they actually are… a testament to my photography. Yes, it looks scary and we were a little shaken up by the incident, as I’m sure the picture will shake up a couple moms out there (that we love). This was Julia’s first bloody surf injury. It came from the rail of her board getting pitched in her face with the breaking wave. Immediately after the photo op, we went to the nearest pharmacy and found some Indo-chinese antiseptic, ointment and makeshift bandages. She’s almost good as new now and definitely looks a lot better than the busted up board rail. We’ve got a video coming soon so in the meantime check out some of our other PHOTOS from Bali.