BaNZ California Surf Safari

[billie_morini]

Well, this party is just getting started because this Old Guy, billie morini, managed to develop the film in his camera. Oh, I guess he really means he got his 16 year old nephew to download photos from his Smartphone. Here's what you all came to see. Without further delay, the moment and adoring couple you've all been patiently waiting for! It's Mr. and Mrs. BANZ preserved in living color enjoying San O in San Diego County, California! And let me tell you folks, they are as endearing as they are cute!

[billie_morini]

And now, thanks to the specialized photography skills intrinsic to and the esoteric camera equipment operated in the petite hands of lovely Mrs. BANZ, it's BANZ (L) and billie (R) together at San O. Sorry, Ladies, these two Big Waves Masters are not on the market.

[billie_morini]

And last, but not least, it's billie's nephew on Surfing Safari with Mr. and Mrs. BANZ and uncle billie at San O! Imagine the circumstances: nephew Julian is 16 years old; hails from Cologne, Germany; is living with uncle and auntie morini to attend engineering academy high school in Santa Barbara; surfed his very first time one week prior at Carpinteria State Beach; and is now hob-knobbing with the BANZ' at one of the best long board beaches in the world. This kid may never want to return home from this California Dream. Don't worry, Julian received a lesson afterwards about the difference between the Hawaiian Shaka (see billie) versus the Heavy Metal Devil Sign (see Julian). The error simply equates to language and cultural barriers. But, the "Aloha" spirit that prevails over lovely San O was not perturbed one iota by this mildly embarrassing Kodak moment. (photo credit: Mrs. BANZ).

[surf patrol]

Great! thanks for posting these Billie

[dtc]

Great stuff guys, very cool

[billie_morini]

BANZ, Great! Thanks to Mrs. BANZ and you for sharing your surfing safari with Julian and me

[jaffa1949]

I'm in Bali right now but they made my day thank you.
Currently jet lag overcometh all!
Tell you later about meeting Tudeo!

[saamjackGE]

BaNZ! I must say it's not boring at all. I must say keep explore diferent regions and enjoy yourself and keep posting here for other members.

[BaNZ]

I first spoke to Billie few months ago when I made a post on visiting SoCal. He dropped me a PM and said he would like to meet me. He gave brilliant tips and suggestions on what to do and see. He has mentioned Huntington beach many times but I was so hooked on San Onofre so I didn't visit. i didn't even visit Trestle when it was within walking distance.

We exchanged a few emails and eventually agreed to meet in San Onofre. The night before, he was struggling to use whatsapp but eventually with the help of his nephew. He discovered the power of internet and can make free calls from his cell! We spoke a bit on the phone and arrange to meet at the spot. That night I didn't sleep much, whether it was because I was too nervous or maybe I was scared of meeting some stranger on the internet. As he said he had a air force hair cut, a lot went through my mind. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting. Redneck? Or some military nutjob? When I first told my gf that I'm meeting a friend she was so happy for me because I didn't know anyone and was surfing by myself for around 2 weeks. That night she asked me where did I meet Billie from. i said "the internet". She said "what?!" you can't call him a friend because you don't know him. I told her what every surfer would agree with me. If he likes surfing, then he is a good guy just like me. I think she just rolled her eyes and thinks she is dating some nutter.

I was still a bit worried on the day, because Billie kept thinking I'm from New Zealand and I think he would be quite disappointing if I turned out not to be a Kiwi. I was also worried that for him to drive nearly 200 miles, the waves wouldn't be good and he would be so disappointed. Luckily when we met him and his nephew in the car park entrance he looked perfectly normal! We queued up for a long time at the car park and I eventually decided I had enough of waiting around. I ditched the car and took the surf board out. I couldn't wait any longer, I needed my medicine. Since the wave is pumping and it was nearly perfect the day before. I told my gf to be very careful with the car because there was a lot of potholes and slopes. (Bear in mind that she damaged the first two rental car and this is the third car).

I walked around 500 meters carrying my board to the beach. I was so tired by the time I arrived, the wave wasn't as good as the day before. But it was still pretty good. I wasted all my energy from the walk and the lack of sleep the night before. I was also pretty tired after the perfect session from yesterday. So I waited at the beach for my gf and Bill to arrive. When my gf arrived I told her that I'll park the car as she really doesn't know how to drive..... She got out the car and I got in. I realised the car was still in D and all she did was pulled the handbrake........ We were lucky that the car didn't end up in the sea!

What can i say about Billie! He was incredible, I thought all surfers just knows about surfing and nothing else. But he has great passion in life and loves to share his knowledge with everyone. He is successful with his career and gave me great tips for the upcoming interview. He spent a lot of time coaching me and getting me ready for NYC. I'm glad that I met up with him and I do wish I would be able to surf with him in SoCal again.

This is probably going to be the last post of this thread as my memories are fading and I can't remember the details from my surf holiday. It seems like it has been ages since I got back to my boring UK life.

[billie_morini]

BANZ,
Thank you for making positive public comments related to meeting me. It was wonderful to meet Mrs. BANZ and you. You two are so hospitable that I felt an instant kinship. It would be my loss, if we had not met.

Wishing the best of luck to Mrs. BANZ and you.
billie