Big Wave News

"Probably the biggest wave I have ever seen ridden in Oregon" -Garrett 'G-Mac' McNamara

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 3 February, 2010 : - - Footage of a California big wave surfer riding a gigantic Oregon reef wave last October has been entered in the Ride of the Year Category for The 10th Annual Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards.

I shot the footage of Camarillo, California Eric Akiskalian last October during the Nelscott Reef Tow-In Classic that is held each year by Oregon surfers John Forse and Adam Wagner. Eric and his tow-in partner Keith Galbraith were towsurfing giant waves at South Reef, adjacent to the contest location the entire afternoon and they were riding some of the biggest waves ever ridden along Oregon’s coast.

Along with Keith Galbraith, Eric selected and managed to drop into a wave that blew everyone's mind. He says the Billabong XXL Ride of The Year entry is definitely an honor. "For Keith and I to be recognized for our efforts amongst the best big wave surfers in the world is very gratifying and rewarding to the both of us."

Oregon's waves are gaining fame on a world scale, and rides like this are why. Keith Galbraith says getting to know Eric and surfing with him has been inspiring.

"He is one of the most committed, passionate and driven persons for the sport of tow-in surfing that I know. Eric has surfed all over the world and is still hungry for more! He definitely deserves props for his ability to manage a company, surf fulltime and still put his family as #1. He has helped me to push my limits not only in surfing, but daily life."

Keith says his transition into tow surfing was much easier with Eric's experience and support, and he says you can't stress how much of a team sport towsurfing is.

"Due to several injuries I got a rap of being 'Dangerous' so I have always struggled to find a solid partner in my area. For some reason Eric decided he was going to train me to tow with him. Since that point on my life changed. He has become one of my best friends as well as a good mentor in the sport."

Read the full article at Salem News

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Source : Salem News

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