Why Surf or Dive in Atlanta?

People always ask me is it difficult to be a surfer or diver in Atlanta. I remind them that we are lucky to have one of the best airports in the world. Atlantans can get to many world class destinations in a matter of hours.

I've left Hartsfield-Jackson at 8:00 am and a few hours later be 100ft down in the Caribbean enjoying the reef scenery and wildlife or in the Pacific sharing a few waves with surf legend Robert August. I've also ordered a new Ben Aipa 9'2" Big Boy Stinger from Robert Stehlik at Blue Planet Surf Gear, Honolulu Hawaii, at 5:00 pm and picked the board up at Delta Cargo in less than 10 hours! I highly recommend Blue Planet Surf Gear. They have all the Boardworks surfboards and gave me excellent customer service, plus the board rocks!
My favorite destinations are Costa Rica, Cayman Islands(All three), Nassau Bahamas, Roatan Honduras, Bonaire, Cabo San Lucas Mexico, St. Martin, South Carolina, Florida, Jamaica, Hawaii, California,
and Lake Lanier when you absolutley must get wet! The list grows every year. So don't get discouraged if you live in Atlanta and dive or surf or want to learn how. We're in a prime location! Who knew?

Me diving Klein Bonaire. This photo was taken by Jerry Schnabel during a one on one underwater photo course. The course was awesome! I learned a lot from Jerry. He also has a book called the Diving and Snorkeling Guide to Bonaire. If you're going there it's a must have. Jerry even signed my copy.


Atlanta Surfer James Beasley at Witches Rock Surf Camp, Costa Rica


Atlanta Surfer Ben Cann at Witches Rock Surf Camp, Costa Rica

Hilton Head Surfing

My family and I just got back a few days ago from vactioning in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. We stayed at the Hilton Oceanfront Resort in Palmetto Dunes. We love this place! I picked up a surfboard for my eight year old at Sunny Daze Surf Factory located on the island. The owner John Tolly is a really nice guy and a well traveled surfer. He has an excellent surf shop that is as good as the ones I've seen in California and else where. We bought a ton of stuff and a very sweet New Surf Project 5'6" fish. The surf was small but rideable at high tide. The biggest wave was about four feet. The rest were between two and three. The locals said that it can get very fun when the conditions are right. My sons had a blast. We saw lots of dolphin, and a huge marlin which was very cool. Plus the weather was beautiful, and it's only four hours from ATL! Here are a few pictures of Chase having lots of fun!