We caught up with our guy Grant Begley @dontfearthesweeper to talk story about his recent trip to Costa Rica. How he planned it, to what happened while they were down there. From the looks of it we think he scored. Our very own Sam Nelson @brothersnelson sat down to chat with him.
Grant, your trip looked epic! Tell us a little bit about your trip, when you first started going to Costa Rica and how has your love for it developed?
“I have been going to Costa Rica thrill seeking land and sea for over 20 years. Its amazing to see how it has changed before my own eyes. What once was all dirt road has been replaced with pavement, tolls, and açaí bowls. Surf schools up and down the beach accompanied by local ticos with waiting of tourist for a coco frìo is pretty common. These things are great for the economy, but when I want to get away, I want to get away from all of that.”
So what do you do instead of going to mainstream Costa Rica?
“I want the real Costa Rica. About 6 years ago, I found Spearfishing Adventures guide that offered my getaway. Now I have been running away 1-2 times a year to get there. No cell service, power is a maybe and definitely no hot water. I love it! You either take a small plane or a small boat down a river to get to it, and someone once said the smaller the plane when traveling means the bigger the fish.”
Guess what’s for dinner tonight? Grant showing off his Yellow.
From the looks of it, sounds like you scored. So where do you find them?
“Poor Mans paradise is in south Costa Rica that is designed to cater to the everyday backpacker or birdwatcher. It’s quite the subtle place…… until our guide stepped foot onto the land. Good Time Charlie Charters definitely brought a wild sided absolute thrill seeking adventure to the area. The property and bungalows are surrounded by the Corcovado National Park, and filled with pristine wildlife. There are no major ports or harbors close, so the fishing is very lightly impacted.”
So what were you searching for on this trip?
“The main target is big Pargo (snapper), but this year we changed it up to focus on Yellowfin Tuna. A faster growing pelagic fish, higher specie population, and still big! We planned our arrival almost 8 months in advance to arrive on the new moon. This means the tuna should be looking for food during the day since there is no light at night. It worked. With two boats, and two professional guides, we decided to set up a friendly fishing tournament.”
Do you always use a guide or do you go out remotely?
“Something we find very important and won’t do trips without is a guide. Although Spearfishing can seem as easy as swim and shoot, it can be extremely dangerous. Even the smartest individuals can make the dumbest mistakes. It’s important to plan safety and do research before trips like this. Fortunately our guide service does all the ground work, and we just get to have fun.”
We were stoked to help make the trip happen how was the outcome?
“Yeah man, everyone was hyped that Waterman provided the prizes for the daily weigh ins giving a next level experience for the final winning boat. Everyone literally killed it, putting over 500lbs of tuna in the boats over the trip.”
Wow, that’s so rad dude. What were some highlights from the trip?
“The main highlight of this trip is that a group of working class fisherman bring over 500lbs of fish back to the base camp and all go home safe. Everyone in the village shows up and the rewards from the days catch are passed around and quickly brought home. Nothing is wasted. It is truly a waterman paradise. You eat what you catch, diving in shore reef to blue water all in the same day. On your off days, the beach has surf to play in and rivers to follow up to hidden waterfalls. I can’t wait to go back next year.”
The last day for tuna was fun. The weather was perfect, the schools of dolphin were broken up and the tuna were hanging a bit deeper below, but we found some. Sushi for dinner.
We are stoked you continue to show everyone here what a true waterman does. It’s inspiring to say the least. We can’t wait to see some more of your trips throughout the year!
Last day means, wash gear, recover and make a quick dive for dinner. It’s been fun, but it’s time to head back home.
Huge
CONGRATULATIONS to one of our own Ean Miller Lifeguard II California State
Parks, Mendocino Coast for receiving the USLA Medal of Valor (the highest-level
award in lifeguarding)! Honored and presented by the State of California Parks.
We are so proud of you and your contributions!
Summary of incident
Westport Recue 12/15/18
On 12/15/18 at approximately 1715 hours while on duty near
Pudding Creek Beach in Fort Bragg, CA State Parks Lifeguard Ean Miller
overheard a radio call for 2 kayakers in distress near the town of Westport.
Lifeguard Miller responded to the scene code 3 through the
rain and darkness for approximately 15 miles.
Arriving on scene Lifeguard Miller. Found one of the victims on shore
and suffering from hypothermia. At approximately 1733 hours he entered the
water alone in the dark to rescue the second victim finding her face down in
the water approximately 75 yards offshore. Using his helmet flashlight, buoy,
fins and rescue board Lifeguard Miller successfully brought the victim back to
shore.
Once back on shore Lifeguard Miller lead resuscitation
efforts performing CPR on the subject. Eventually patient care was taken over
by paramedics. The patient was eventually transported to Santa Rose where they
made a full recovery.
I believe without Lifeguard Miller and his quick actions
without hesitation or fear the disposition of the rescue would have been very
different. This rescue combined with the rescue at Big River Beach shows a
continuing pattern of selfless behavior for Lifeguard Miller. Faced with
difficult life-threatening situations he is able to focus and get the job done.
The two recent lives saved are a direct result of his bravery. For these two
dangerous rescues I would like nominate Ean Miller for the USLA medal of valor.
Westport Conditions: Swell – 6.6. @ 12 seconds, SE
winds 15 knots. The area of the rescue has numerous hazards with a mixture of
small sandy coves exposed rocks and surging breaking surf. Lifeguard Miller had
to contend with these dangerous conditions in the dark.
Summary of Incident
Big River Rescue 11/29/18
The following is a description of a rescue that took place
on the Mendocino coast on Thursday November 29th 2018. During this rescue
State Parks Lifeguard Ean Miller performed his duties exceptionally, going
above and beyond the normal call of duty to save one victim and recover
another. During this recue Ean acted with bravery putting his safety at risk to
successfully extricate two victims from a very dangerous situation. Ean was the
only State Parks Lifeguard on duty for the incident.
On 11/29/18 at approximately 1630 hours while on duty near
Caspar Lifeguard Ean Miller heard radio scanner traffic reporting a water
rescue near Big River Beach with multiple victims. Miller drove to scene code
3. Miller was the first responder to locate the reporting party on scene near
the Presbyterian Church in the town of Mendocino. After speaking to the
reporting party Miller located the first victim in a small cove along the
bluffs north of Big River Beach. Miller accessed the water via small trail down
the cliff that lead to an approximately 10-foot jump into surging water.
The cove that the victim was located in was very hazardous.
At high tide the waves slam up into the cliff edge so there is no beach. In
conditions like that day it is also a collection point where debris including
huge tree sized logs are deposited by the current. To complete this recuse
Miller had to navigate the rocky cliff edge, large waves, extreme currents, and
the huge drift wood logs in the surf zone.
In these hectic conditions Miller was able to get the
victim, calm him down, buoy him up, and swim him to safer water. While swimming
the victim to a more protected beach. Miller and the victim were picked up by
an RWC operated by Mendocino Volunteer Fire personnel. Fore personal dropped
Miller off at Big River Beach and took the victim in to a waiting ambulance.
Once he was dropped off at Big River Beach Miler ran on foot
back to the scene approximately .25 miles to get the second victim. He accessed
the water down the cliff the same way as before and located the second victim
who was unconscious and floating in a nearby cove that contained the same
hazards as previously mentioned. Miller got to the victim and swam the
unconscious victim out to a spot where a rescue craft could pic the victim up.
With the victim Miller was transported to the beach by
Mendocino Fire personnel on their RWC’s. At Big River Beach boat ramp Miller
assisted Paramedics in resuscitation efforts of Victim #2. Victim #2 was
pronounced deceased on scene by medics and Victim #1 was transported to the
hospital and treated for hypothermia.
It is in my opinion that Lifeguard Miller’s actions during
this rescue were heroic and worthy of recognition. Therefore, I would like to
nominate him for the USLA Medal of Valor for his bravery in the face of danger.
During this brave act Lifeguard Miller successful saved one victim’s life and
recovered another. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Big River Conditions: swell – 13.5 @ 8.5 seconds, NW
wind 23knots. Strong currents due to large surf, dropping tide and water
flowing from the river.
Coral reefs are dying at an alarming rate, but who’s trying to stop this? Lucky for us, Watermen – Dr. Jacob Eurich, is doing his best to help. He’s part of a great community researching the interactions between coral reefs and human communities. Along with his studies he also gets to travel to some pretty cool remote places and spend his days in the ocean doing research – not a bad gig, huh? People like Jacob are needed this day and age to help bring awareness to our dying reefs. We all need to step up and take part in saving our environment, and here at Watermen we plan on continuing to do our best to reduce our footprint. We’ve led this charge with one of our flagship products. Our men’s amphibious compression shorts are 100% sustainably-sourced from recycled fishing nets!
So what is it you actually do?
I am a marine conservationist and faculty researcher at UCSB in the Marine Science Institute, same thing as a professor but without the teaching. My job as a scientist is to discover new solutions for real world problems and then communicate the results back to people who need the information. Right now, I am working on many projects, advising students, and collaborating with governments and non-profit NGO organizations – all on the health of our coral reefs and why healthy coral reefs are so important. My research aims to tackle ecological and social-ecological coral reef issues under the overarching themes of climate change, human use, fisheries, and the resilience of our reefs.
So, what does your day entail?
Most of a marine scientists’ time is spent in the office writing, analyzing data, working on reports, and traveling to work functions like workshops, conferences and meetings. I would say 70% of my days are spent on a computer doing the actual research. The other 30% of my time is the exciting fieldwork where I get to go out to remote coral reefs and small island nations. Those days are spent diving, fishing and working with local communities – typically 10 hours out on the boat each day for a month. I do a few trips a year and this is where Waterman really supports me with durable, performance swimwear and gear, as well as sun protection products.
How does your research help the reefs?
One of my main projects right now is on the interactions between coral reefs and human communities. With colleagues from around the world, we are aiming to understand how much coral reef-derived foods matter to human health. Celebrating the diversity and beauty of species in endangered ocean ecosystems, like coral reefs, resonates with many world leaders. Others, however, will only act when it can be proven that the oceans demonstrably benefit the people and communities they represent. One of the most compelling of such human benefits is the linkage between human health and environmental health. Right now, we do not have a good understanding of how coral reefs shape human health and so many world leaders are not focused on reef conservation. We are looking to identify effective reef management practices that can lead to levels and types of seafood consumption that promote human nutrition. Healthy reefs = healthy people and we need to improve reef conservation to make sure this link remains for future generations.
What can the average person do to help?
I think there are three major things that people can do to help save our reefs and promote ocean health. The first is reducing your carbon footprint. We can all reduce the effects of climate change on the ocean by using public transport, biking or walking, as well as being conscious of your energy use at home and work. Switching to fluorescent light bulbs, taking the stairs, avoiding AC/thermostat, and educating family and friends are a start! A second important thing is being sustainable with your seafood choices and product use. Limit your plastic impact, store food in non-disposable containers, reusable bags and bottles, and support brands that are environmentally conscious like Waterman! Lastly, I would say influence change in your community with your vote and public voice.
What is the favorite place you’ve traveled to for research?
One of the more remote places that I have conducted research in is an island called Butaritari in the South Pacific. Butaritari is a coral reef atoll that belongs to the country of Kiribati. It took multiple flights, local boat transportation, and motorbikes to get to the villages our project works in. I went out there to survey coral reef health and to work directly with the island’s elders and fisheries workers. We lived in a stilt house in the local village, ate local food, and learned about life out in a remote Pacific island. The reefs were incredible and largely pristine!
We recommend you use reef friendly sunscreen! Check out our line of SolRX!
Watermen
has UPF
50+ sun/surf shirts that are clutch out on the boat all day, in and out of
the water. Their performance
rashguards are UPF 50+ as well and work perfectly for colder weather
activities.
Well, last we caught up, the Watermen Crew ventured
to Chicama to surf the longest left known to man. Where are we now? In the
forest – feels likethe middle of nowhere – with no cell
reception and nothing but breathtaking views. AKA Yosemite. So how did we make
it out of this one?
The trip began with a
seven hour drive up the coast of California, then into the winding roads of the
High Sierras. Once we arrived, we set up camp, started a fire and, of course,
roasted some smores. Day one, not too shabby.
We kicked off day 2 with a “bike tour”; little did
we know this bike tour is a 12-mile loop up and down the mountains on beach
cruisers— yep, you read that right. Beach cruisers. As in, no gears, suspension
or handbrakes, but at least we had our compressions
shorts to block the chaffing. Still, the scenery was amazing and the ride
was fun— taking the corners quickly around huge boulders and dodging trees,
trying not to fall off the bike.
Day 3– the crew woke up for a nine-mile hike starting
at Glacier Point, then wrapping around Yosemite Falls and Mist Trail, and ending
in Yosemite Village. Right away we saw a bear; and Vic tried to get as close as
possible (yikes!). We took a little dip in the frigid river and then marched onto
the next uphill climb. After about 5 hours, we arrived at the top of the
waterfall for a much-needed lunch break. Then we headed down the steep steps of
Mist Trail. Exhausted and almost to the end, Ryan started running and singing
“pizza and beer” to pass the time, and then slipped and landed right on his
butt! He didn’t rip his shorts though, thankfully, since he had on his
crew shorts and they’re built to take a
beating both on land and in the water.
Finally, rest! Day 4– With all our limbs sore and immovable, we spent the day floating the river and going down the rapids. To top off the trip, that evening we headed to Glacier Point to watch the sunset with some wine. Wow what a view! We would all recommend you visit Yosemite if you haven’t already. Make sure you take your men’s hybrid boardshorts and womens’ stretch shorts, since Watermen gear is built for days like these! For us, now it’s time to head home…
Where will the Watermen Crew be next? Stay tuned & stay salty!
