A well respected surfer Shaun Tomson wrote "Surfer's Code: 12 Simple Lessons for Riding through Life" as a guide for living life and getting the most out of it. A good read for those small moments, this book moves pretty quick and gives something to think about when not reading the book. For those not in a hurry to read a whole book. The chapters are labeled according to each of the lessons.
                    1. I will never turn my back on the ocean
                    2. I will paddle around the impact zone
                    3. I will take the drop with commitment
                    4. I will never fight a rip tide
                    5. I will always paddle back out
                    6. I will watch out for other surfers
                    7. There will always be another wave
                    8. I will always ride into shore
                    9. I will pass along my stoke
                    10. I will catch a wave everyday
                    11. All surfers are joined by one ocean
                    12. I will honor the sport of Kings
Lessons to learn whether they take a minute or a lifetime.

In 2009 I traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa, 300 miles from the ocean. While talking with people I was meeting they asked of my interests I mentioned surfing, everyone's response " Shaun Tomson was the World Champion in surfing back in the '70's." It was quite interesting, ask someone in the States who Kelly Slater is and they will most likely scratch their head. Weird world we live in.

It is not every Sunday that finds you down on the banks of the Mystic River in Somerville, MA. Today was a special occasion, The Mystic River Herring Run. This is a combo 5k race and a 3, 9 or 12 mile paddle race. Was there running or paddling coming from the Stranded Dog? Oh no, strictly there to watch the action.

A quick break down of the SUP racers.

During the 5k Brian Cullinan came in second and then hoped on a SUP from Banh Pho Surfboards to take on the 12 mile paddle, his first SUP race ever. Matt Files hoped on to compete in the 9 mile putting in a strong time.

The action of the day was between friends Patrick Broemmel, head shaper and owner of Banh Pho and Will Rich, SUP the Coast paddler and Speedboard USA test pilot. Nose to tail these two crossed the line, each on specially designed SUP boards. Will took first with Pat taking a strong second.

For more on the boards check out
www.speedboardusa.com
www.banhpho.com

For more on the SUP racers check out some photos on Facebook.

It seems that the past few weeks have been a blur. Getting miles under the paws while traveling around New England has been the main activity. Negative side, lots of waves have gone by while being stranded somewhere else. Positive side... Where to start?!?!! Meeting new people, reconnecting with old friends throw in some stand up paddling on the lake seeing a side of VT not seen before. Everything has been great. With all the good food New England has not left this dog hungry, and it has grown the inner hunger to bring some stranded fun to everyone.
Look to see some type of contest to pop up as the weather gets warmer.

Also look back to see some footage of a beautiful wedding shot a couple weekends ago. Soo excited.