We wanted to start a blog on Soultree Surf for a while now. A blog that’s not just focused on the boards and the business but one that is focused on trying to “live in the moment”. The moment that brings more happiness and satisfaction to life. Jesse and I were in Montauk, NY this past weekend, doing just that. We just finished a morning surf and we were eating soft shell crab tacos when we got the idea for the title here- “Life in the Soul Lane”.
Most of you that are reading this know the man in the green very well. That’s him, Jesse. The one and only. We’ve been friends since our school days in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Jesse is a very cool dude. He has been that way since he was a kid. He has the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. It’s a gift. On top of being a sick surfboard shaper, he’s the most adventuresome person I know. He is proficient in the following: whitewater rafting, whitewater kayaking, skin diving, surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, skiing, cycling, motorcycling, deep water swimming, skydiving, bow hunting, reading, cooking, drinking(a lot), and the list goes on…. Jealous yet?
I am Ryan, the guy in the picture above that’s leaning against the van (there will be a future post just on the smell of that). Writing about myself is not an easy thing to do so you’ll have to learn more about me through this blog. I can say that I am Jesse’s great friend, his business partner, and I love to do everything that was mentioned above.
Together, we make a dynamic duo. Our daily lives are very different from each other’s. Our friendship is very strong. Even in cases where we’ve been out of contact for sometime… when we do connect, it’s as if no time has passed. We both have heavily stamped passports and well worn shoes. I can’t remember the last time either one of us turned down an invitation to a party. We are determined, committed, and focused.
This business is about building a community of really cool people that enjoy “living in the moment”. The boards that get shaped are done so with the highest level of quality craftmanship in the industry. Each one with it’s own flair and character. Trust me when I tell you that people “freak out” over them. They are kick ass balsa wood boards.
I’ll leave you all with a quote from Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly that Jesse and I discussed/debated all weekend long.
“..happiness is not something that happens. It is not the result of good fortune or random choice. It is not something that money can buy or power command. It does not depend on outside events, but, rather, on how we interpret them. Happiness, in fact, is a condition that must be prepared for, cultivated, and defended privately by each person. People who learn to control inner experience will be able to determine the quality of their lives, which is as close as any of us can come to being happy.”
See you around,
Ryan
#kickassbalsa #soultreesurf #montauk #jersey #surf
Life in the Soul Lane 