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Destination Dogs

Van Dieman

Gregg Drude has been sailing around the world on the "Van Dieman". You may have read some of his exploits in Surfer Magazine. We outfitted Gregg with with board bags, coffins, tie downs, traction, wet/dry bags, basically every accessory that we carry. Here is a recent email he sent back to us.

Photos are at the bottom of the page.

Notes From The Van Dieman

After 10 months sailing across oceans and lagoons, the only thing that I have come to depend on is that everything eventually breaks. Every day, my list of things to fix on board grows and grows. Engine problems, water pumps, water maker, and rigging melt downs, are just a few of the routine difficulties that seem to occur daily. The only items on board that don't seem to need constant attention are the Destination products.

It is ironic because these are the things left on deck 24 hours a day in all weather conditions. The board bags have held up so far through the constant abuse of the tropical sun, interrupted only by intense rain squalls. The boards inside have never suffered despite their horrific environment. The zippers have yet to show any signs of weakening, even though we stuff each bag way beyond its normal capacity. As these board bags are stowed all along the deck of the boat, every now and then, someone falls over and crushes one of them, and we all fear the worst. But, time and time again, the boards escape unharmed. They have been beaten relentlessly by waves breaking over the rails, but nothing has harmed them.

The wet/dry bags have proved themselves to be invaluable as well. Since, we never surf in a wetsuit, these bags have found other uses, equally as important as stowing a soggy full suit. I have attached two of these bags to the mast and they are used as storage for all of the lines running down the side of the mast, as well as all of our extra ropes on board. The buckles have held up under the strain of about thirty pounds of dead weight, again while remaining completely unprotected from the elements. One of these bags also serves as our "ditch bag." This is the last resort bag, filled with canned foods and water, which goes overboard with us if, God forbid, the boat ever went under.

All of our extraneous gear on deck is held in place with Destination tie-down straps. They hold the dinghy in place, keep boards from sliding overboard, serve as a lifting harness for the outboard engine and dinghy, and serve dozens of other random uses. We all use Destination deck grip and leashes, and even our dinghy floor is lined with extra tail pads.

It is comforting to know that even in the harsh environment in which I live, that some products can still be counted on. As my search continues for more uncrowned perfection, I can rest easy that my gear is being cared for by the best...Destination Surf.

-Gregg Drude
Captain S/V Van Dieman
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This email was delivered by an HF private coast station in the Maritime Mobile Radio Service, operated by the SailMail Association, a non-profit association of yacht owners. For more information on this service or on the SailMail Association, please see the web site at:
http://www.sailmail.com

Baja Style

The Dinosaur

16 years old and still carrying boards around the globe. Maybe we're making our board bags too durable if they're lasting this long!

Mikala Jones

Mikala stopped by the wharehouse last week to pick up some leashes. He is on his way back home to Hawaii for the winter. Mikala spends his summers in Bali and winters on the North Shore. Check him out on Surfline ripping the first NW swell of the season.

Mikala's summer was spent in Bali, Africa, Tansania, Japan, Australia, the Maldives, and 2 boat trips to Sumatra, not bad. He is excited to get back to his home in Hawaii for the winter swells and being able to spend more time with his wife and daughter.

On a final note, we want to give a big Happy Birthday to Mikala's grandfather, Tito Sagon, who turned 100 on the 15th.

Lobster Season

With lobster season having just opened, we have been busy free diving for those tasty bugs. The local reefs around Encinitas have been productive thus far. We have only been skunked once and this particular day the crew ended up with 10. Here are some shots of Aaron Smith with his catch, just one shy of the limit.

Panulirus interruptus

We always find time to slip away from work and grab some bugs.

The troops lined up for inspection

The man in charge at DSURF, Aaron Smith, with his dinner for a couple nights

DSURF Archives

Here are a few photos from our archives. Enjoy!

Fall Fest / Morro Bay

Fall Fest took place this past weekend in Morro Bay. The event was a huge success from the wonderful food, to the contest and vintage boards, to the great raffle prizes and the rockin band, 9 Beers Under, to the beach party. A good time was had by all.


You couldn't ask for a better locale with a beautiful backdrop of the Rock. The waves were perfect for vinatge longboarding.












The morning was chilly but surfers, family and friends showed up in force.
















A special thanks goes out to the crotchity old woman who wouldn't let us walk down the public path.






The vintage longboards were something worth checking out.













The judges worked hard to score each wave as all surfers turned in stellar performances on their logs.














The heats were stacked with great surfers.












The food was absolutely delicious. The morning potatoes and veggies got the crew fueled to start the day.












Another vintage board by Bahne.























The man in charge, Billy Burke, heads out for his heat.
















If you can tell us the name of this man who MC'd the event... you will recieve 25% off any Destination order placed by October 15th. Just email us at orders@dusrf.com









The scene on the beach.












Billy rides one to the beach with another logger setting his rail for a stroll down the line.




















The heats saw nonstop action.












Vinatge board by Wardy















The red devil
























The grom heat saw some promising up and comers ripping.











Billy ducking in

















He wins the color coordination prize















The afternoon food was even better with plenty of fresh albacore on the grill


































9 Beers Under jammin












The afternoon beach scene was chill








Thanks to all the sponsors. They made the raffle have plenty of prizes for all.









































Crog was cooking up the mussels and did not dare set his beer down




























9 beers hanging it all out.














Billy, coming out of the haze












A Special thanks to Becky and Elmo for helping out and keeping the beach clean.















The grill setup was outstanding with plenty of surf and turf













Looks like this guy ended up 9 beers under