I kick started 2012 with a little trip to South America.  My dad just bought a nice chunk of land down in Uruguay and he spoiled the family by taking all of us (+ some) down to Uruguay to check it out.  This is my first time in this beautiful country and I will definitely be going back. I would also like to give a big shout out to everyone who welcomed us with open arms at Zanja Honda in La Paloma and Marco for being such an awesome tour guide, chauffeur and translator  Here’s a video of our awesome crew and fun time we encountered!

Hanging on the North Shore of Oahu, watching the Triple Crown go down and having fun with all my amigos at the Oakley Pad!

I just did my first photo shoot for Oakley.  We went down to Laguna Beach, where I shot with the amazing Russ Hennings.  And the next morning we even scored a little surf at 56th street back in Newport.  Check out all the behind the scenes action!

We ended our awesome Euro trip back in the Azores Islands in Portugal.  And once again, it didn’t let us down. We hit up the hot springs, did another bike tour and got one epic day of surf for the contest.  What a great way to end the 2011 WQS season.  But not to worry, there are many posts that remain to be seen.  I am still going Hawaii this winter, along with all the never ending Christmas parties there is still a ton of action left in the year, so stay tuned!

After hauling way to much luggage through the airport, all of which I did NOT wear since it was FRIGID, we then shoved our 5 suitcases and board bag into the mini toaster of a rent-a-car just to get lost on a 7 hour drive from Lisbon.  Fortunately, my mom and I arrived safe and sound to Pantin, Spain!  Here’s what went down…

I’m here in Europe competing in the last two events of the year. One WQS in Spain and the other in Portugal. We had 5 days in-between comps, and it was the easiest decision of my life on where to go. MUNICH MUNICH MUNICH! The only regret and tip to other Oktoberfesters: Do NOT do the roller coaster rides after visiting the beer houses. Such a rookie mistake!!! Here’s the haps of my ALL TIME trip to Germany, I will definitely be returning.

I got my white girl corn row look going on for a Bo Derek inspired photo shoot in Santa Monica for Defy Magazine.  It was a brutal 4 hours of braiding, not to mention some tedious bead work in the car racing to catch the last light before Sunset, but it was a success. Tommy Garcia took some awesome photos and I couldn’t be more pleased with the spread. Check out the pics below that ran in the Summer 2011 Issue of Defy!

The Hossegor Swatch Pro was ON in France. I traveled over with Sage Erickson who ended up placing 2nd overall in the event (woohoo). The waves were pretty junky for most of the trip and it was way colder than I would have liked, (never again will I NOT pack my 4/3) but we always have fun regardless.  We are off to Portugal next, so stay tuned for some more action!

My Baby-G Shoot from early this year when I was kickin it on the Gold Coast of Australia for 2 months.  The Casio Crew came out and we were able to get surf clips, photos and all this awesome footage for the Baby-G Commercial.  Thanks Nate Lee of TINSTAAFL Productions for an awesome job putting together this video!