Inspired by the dream of surfing uncrowded waves with his best friends and brother, Mike McCabe searches up and down the California coast for these moments that only happen once or twice a year.
As a respected local, Mike McCabe surrounds himself with friends and family with equal respect for the ocean, community and the city they call home.
Filmed and edited by JP Taylor UFA, music provided by The Ragged Jubilee.
Surfing is a way of life for Mike, he’s a seasoned traveler and world class judge. He has no plans of slowing down, but his favorite place is at home in Ventura. “Whoever happens to move away from Ventura always comes back.”
It’s a big enough city with just enough grit to it, and it has all the great amenities one place could offer. A small-town feel with a tight knit community, to Mike it’s as good as it gets.
Ventura is one of those tight towns where everyone knows each other, people are there to help out and take care of one another.
Surfing has gotten more popular as more people are recognizing and discovering the pure fun of riding waves. Like most outdoor activities, surfing has seasons – some seasons are better than others. Mike has traveled a lot over the years and he lives for these special moments at home.
Mike explains that Ventura has also become a hot spot for surfing over the years drawing out of towners, tourists and locals alike. For those who surf, you know the drill. For those who don’t, there are certain unwritten “rules” to surfing and riding waves. When it comes to paddling out, waiting for your wave and respecting other surfers around you goes a long way.
Mike is highly respected in the community and he loves sharing the water with locals and travelers alike.
Someone from out of town, it’s okay. Show respect, you’ll get respect, you’ll get your waves.
Surfing is a way of life for Mike, he’s a seasoned traveler and a world class judge. He has no plans of slowing down, but his favorite place is at home in Ventura.
Mike McCabe has left a footprint on the beaches of Ventura and when he’s not surfing, Mike spends his free time judging surf contests. He started judging amateur events at the age of 16. For ten years, he judged amateur competitions and is going on his third year of judging professional events around the world.
I’m constantly driving around looking at the waves hoping I’m not missing them.