Surf Memories To Last A Lifetime

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

03 Feb 2007 03:00 PM

When I was in college word got around fast that I was from Hawaii. (Probably because I was attending school in Wisconsin.) Looking back it made total sense. After all: Michele + Winter Break = Free Place To Stay In Hawaii. Yes, I did have many friends spend their winter breaks with me in Hawaii, and not one left without pictures of themselves attempting to surf.

My college pals weren't the only ones trying to document their attempts at riding Hawaii's waves. In most cases I was the designated photographer and often bumped into other friends and family members trying to capture their loved ones in action. But, times have changed (it's been years since I graduated from college) and now I know better. The next time anyone asks me to film their surfing adventures I will refer them to the professionals.

Waterlogged Video Productions (WVP) is the brainchild of avid surfers and filmmakers Greg Rose and Heath Thompson. The pair met on Oahu's North Shore in 2003 and recently combined their interests to create a company, which offers surfers (wannabes to professionals) the chance to document their ocean adventures. The guys will literally paddle alongside you with their advanced video equipment and record your time on the water. Later, you are given an edited tape to take home, which shows your surf experiences, along with land and aerial shots of the island and local culture. It is creatively edited and comes with a masterful soundtrack.

I learned about the company and its services during my last trip home. My brothers were competitive surfers growing up so our home was full of video footage of their best (and worst) moves. Back then it was almost unheard of (unless you were a professional) to have footage of your winning rides and wipeouts taken in the water. Now, visitors to the island looking to take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir can simply sign up for the service. However, I would suggest you book your appointment well in advance of your arrival in the Islands. WVP is one of the only companies in the state offering these services and the wait to get your surf sessions taped tends to be quite long.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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