When and why did you initially get into surfing?

I started surfing in 2019, soon after I moved to Hawaii. I was motivated to surf after seeing some surfers ride waves while on my way to Electric Beach. I could sense the adrenaline. Now, I am completely addicted.  

Did you have a time period you laid off from surfing?  If so, when and why did you start back up?

I've had a couple of layoffs (6 months each) because of a chest pain issue, called chostochondritis. I still have it but I put padding on my chest--pain is minimal now. I tried SUP'ing during the time off, wasn't quite the same. 

What is your favorite thing about surfing? 

I have two equally favorite things: progression and mental cleansing. 

What product did you most recently purchase from us and why?

I most recently purchased the 6'6 Moe Mini in March 2024. I had previously been riding the 7'2 Moe and it was the perfect board for transitioning from beginner to intermediate.

However, it was difficult to turn because of how far I had to shuffle my feet back to the kicker--I really struggled with this.

The Moe Mini shortens the shuffle distance and I can position my feet faster, which helps me turn (with less rail digging!). This made a big difference and it is making my transition from lower intermediate to mid-intermediate easier and faster. I believe the Moe Mini is the perfect board for me at this stage in my skill level, as if it has unlocked something. 

How do you like it so far?

There is a lot to like:

- It paddles almost as well as the 7'2, I don't feel much difference. 

- It glides onto waves almost the same as the 7'2, although I still have to put a lot of weight on the front. It can catch most anything. 

- Rides head high+ very well. Smooth and stable, feels just like the 7'2.

- Can do more with the ride, since it's shorter and has a small turn radius. 

- Easier to duck dive.

What fins are you using with your new board?

Harley Ingleby FCS II Mid Tri Quad Fin Set

Have you used other fins in the past and how do these compare?

I've been using the same fins but recently changed the setup from quad to thruster. As I learn frontside turns, the thruster feels better. Quads make me feel limited, like I'm on a train track.

Where is your favorite place to eat after surfing? What is your favorite item on the menu?

Acai bowl from Lanikai Juice. 

What other hobbies do you have besides surfing?

Hiking and reading.

What type of work do you do?

I'm a technical project manager at Kamehameha Schools. 

Takayama Halo Fin Review by Marjorie Chaset

Meet Marjorie Chaset, a passionate surfer from Northern California who began her surfing journey at the age of 68. In a recent chat with Hawaiian Southshore, Marjorie shared her love for the Takayama Halo Fin, designed by the legendary Donald Takayama.

Marjorie highlights the fin's unique reversed design, which has significantly improved her maneuverability, speed, and overall surfing experience.

She says, "The Halo Fin has made a huge difference for me. It allows me to make beautiful carving turns and has just made surfing even more fun."

Having used the Takayama Halo Fin on her 9'3" Soleil Errico Velvet Hour and her new 9'6" board, Marjorie’s testimonial reinforces why this fin has been a favorite among longboard surfers for the past 25 years.

She adds, "It's made a difference in my surf journey, making it even more enjoyable."

Discover the Takayama Halo Fin, a top-selling product for a quarter-century, and see how it can transform your surfing experience too. Check The Takayama Halo Longboard Fins here.

 

Discovering Enoki Kori: Nagano's Unique Frozen Mushroom Delight 

Photo Credit to https://slism.com/diet/enoki-mushroom-ice.html

I watched a show called "Himitsu no Kenmin Show" (The Secret of Prefectural People Show) recently, and it opened my eyes to the fascinating world of regional Japanese cuisine.

This popular television program showcases unique local foods, customs, and cultural practices from different prefectures across Japan. Each episode reveals "secrets" about the lifestyle and culinary traditions of people from various regions, often surprising even Japanese viewers with lesser-known local specialties.

During one particularly intriguing segment, the show featured an innovative culinary technique from Nagano Prefecture that caught my attention: enoki kori.

As someone who has visited Japan and explored its culinary landscape, I was amazed by this creative method of enhancing dishes with enoki mushrooms.

Nagano Prefecture, located in the Chubu region of Japan, is renowned for its high-quality enoki mushrooms. These delicate, long-stemmed fungi are typically used in savory dishes, but some inventive locals have found a way to incorporate them into a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

What is Enoki Kori?

Enoki kori is a unique culinary innovation from Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It involves freezing a processed mixture of enoki mushrooms, creating versatile ice cubes that can be used in various dishes.

How to Make Enoki Kori

To create enoki kori, the process begins with fresh enoki mushrooms, not from a bottle. The mushrooms are cleaned and roughly chopped before being placed into a blender with an equal amount of water. This mixture is blended until it forms a smooth paste.

After blending, the paste is transferred to a pot and cooked over low heat for up to an hour, slowly bringing it to a boil. This slow cooking process helps to extract the flavors and nutrients from the enoki mushrooms, creating a rich and flavorful base.

Once the mixture has been cooked and cooled, it is then poured into ice cube trays and frozen until solid, creating the enoki kori.

This method of preparation ensures that the full nutritional benefits of the enoki mushrooms are preserved in the ice cubes. Enoki mushrooms are low in calories and rich in essential nutrients.

A 100-gram serving contains approximately:

• 37 calories
• 2.66 grams of protein
• 0.29 grams of fat
• 7.8 grams of carbohydrate
• 2.7 grams of fiber

They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium.

These enoki ice cubes, or enoki kori, can then be added to a wide range of dishes, providing a unique texture and enhancing the flavor with the natural umami of the mushrooms.

Here are some popular ways to use enoki kori:

• Curry Rice: Adding enoki kori to curry rice enriches the dish with a subtle mushroom flavor and a pleasant texture. The cubes melt into the curry, blending seamlessly with the other ingredients.
• Miso Soup: Enoki kori can be added to miso soup, where they melt and infuse the broth with a delicate mushroom essence. This adds depth to the traditional miso flavor and complements the other ingredients like tofu and seaweed.
• Ramen: In ramen, enoki kori enhances the broth, adding a layer of umami that pairs well with the noodles and other toppings such as roasted tofu and fresh spinach.
• Rice Dishes: For a simple yet flavorful dish, enoki kori can be added to plain rice. As the rice cooks, the cubes melt, infusing the grains with a mild mushroom flavor. This method is particularly popular for adding a nutritious boost to everyday meals.

The versatility of enoki kori doesn't stop there. They can also be used in stir-fries, stews, and even as a base for sauces and dressings. This innovative use of enoki mushrooms not only highlights the culinary creativity of Nagano's residents but also showcases their ability to celebrate local ingredients in new and exciting ways.

Where to Get Enoki Kori

Enoki kori has become incredibly popular in Nagano, and you can find it readily available in local supermarkets such as Tsuruya. This regional specialty has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals, making it a staple in many households.

As I reflected on this unusual culinary technique, I couldn't help but appreciate how it embodies the Japanese spirit of experimentation and respect for local ingredients. It's precisely these kinds of unexpected culinary adventures that make exploring Japan's food culture so exciting and rewarding.

The next time you find yourself in Nagano, keep an eye out for dishes featuring enoki kori. It's a delicious way to experience the region's flavors and agricultural heritage in a single bite. And who knows? You might discover a new favorite ingredient, courtesy of the humble enoki mushroom.

Surfing events happening in Hawaii this August:

1. Menehune Surf Fest:
• Date: August 24-25, 2024
• Location: Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
• This event is aimed at inspiring young surfers and honoring the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku. It features longboard and shortboard divisions for boys and girls aged 6-17


2. Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Festival:
• Date: August 17-25, 2024
• Location: Waikiki Beach, Oahu
• This week-long festival celebrates Hawaii’s legendary waterman, Duke Kahanamoku, with various ocean sports competitions, including surfing, swimming, and paddleboard races

Thank you for all the surfers who came by Last Month we really appreciate your support

 

Mahalos for checking out our August Newsletter and we hope this helps you get in the loop of surfing news and updates. We hope to see you soon at the shop! -Dave and The Hawaiian South Shore Crew