Local Pac NorWest video crew air webisode

Keith Galbraith © Fred Pompermayer

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Inconsistent swell builds throughout the day, stokes local crew

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 1 February, 2013 : - - The Pacific Northwest crew had been watching this storm develop under Japan for about 10 days and it was really geared up to send some monster surf their way. Veteran big-wave riders and 2011 Billabong XXL Nominee Eric Akiskalian and his tow partner keith Galbraith were thinking this was going to be the swell where they could once again ride waves in the 60'-65' range but as it turned out, it was a lot lot smaller.

They had arranged for 4 photographers on the cliff, two film guys and two photographers in the water on jet skies which included Fred Pompermayer and Tyler Roemer. Everyone including their support crew (Tyler, Casey, Ross and Ryan) were ready for the biggest swell to come their way since the 2010 swell that delivered 60'-70' wave heights.

"Basically we were in the water, launched and ready to go by 8:30 a.m. and surfed till 3:30 p.m. The swell was very inconsistent due to the long period behind it and there were long waits in-between sets. At about 2:00 p.m. the swell started to build and everyone had gone in except us and this is when we snagged the biggest waves of the swell for sure."- Eric Akiskalian

Featured riders include: Ollie Richardson, Dan Hasselschwert, Mark Builder, Tim Henton, Keith Galbraith and Eric Akiskalian. Special thanks to the production/photo/film/ crew Tyler Cunningham, Skye Anderson, Ross Rehberg, Ryan Hawkins, Mark Winnie, Bryn Forbes, Cody Cha, Tyler Roemer, Fred Pompermayer and Stefan Czarnecki.

Special thanks to the sponsors; GoPro, Xcel Wetsuits, Titus Will Ford, Oregon Surf Shop, Stay Covered, Spare Air, Jet Pilot Life Vests, Future Fins, Progressive Surfboards, DaKine Foot Straps, Wahoo Life Sled and High Surf Accessories. "Keep The Dream Alive!" -Eric Akiskalian

www.towsurfer.com