I lined up February’s photo challenge to align with my Hawaii vacation (cheater!). There are breath-taking scenes all around me but I’m trying to take photos that mean something to me, or allow me to look at the world in a different way.

January 31 – practicing with my phone

February 1

First day of OC1 camp. After paddling in the morning, I drove up to the North shore and found the surf contest was still going on. Cars were parked everywhere. Finally I gave in and parked, walking along the beach in awe of the waves. A woman walking her dog told me it was worth going to check out the contest and all its crowded craziness. While I wasn’t sure, I kept walking until I reached it. She was right, it was worth it.

February 2

I had a four hour break between paddling sessions so I roamed into town for some lunch and shave ice before hitting Lanikai Beach to try that whole “relaxing” thing.

Bonus Photo

Lanikai Beach, yes that is an unedited, no-filter photo.

February 3

Yesterday at my OC1 camp of one I actually brought my camera out on the canoe. We took out a four-man canoe, just my coach and I. He taught me how to steer, and then he surfed us around the Mokes. Also, surfing in a canoe is amazing!

Bonus Photos

February 4

Another amazing morning of paddling today, this time out into the open ocean so we could surf the swells back in. Thankfully I was on a two-man canoe with an experienced surfer on the back to steer us. Since I didn’t bring my camera with me, I’m including pictures from my afternoon adventure of touring the Iolani Palace in Honolulu.

Coming Soon!

More photos from each day as well as links to inspiration and useful photography tips.