Flat SpellsUnlike those who solely jet to Hawai‘i for the "da kine" winter swell, I don't mind when the nearby buoys seem to go dormant for a couple days. Exploration is Hawai‘i. There are not many rules to obey other than MALAMA or {respect and care for the land}. After reading the grim swell forecast, kama‘aina Kevin and I decided that it was an ideal day to begin construction for our new colony.A few days prior, we had ventured down to some old beach property his family had inherited from King Kamehameha III and started scanning the grounds for loose kiawe wood for that nights BBQ. Throughout the islands, kiawe wood is regularly used for grilling and is the Hawaiian word for mesquite. Noticing that there was an abundance of kiawe along with other indigenous wood on the beach's perimeter, we played with the idea of building a hut. We had an axe and a case of beer. After discovering a few pieces that would provide a solid structure, it was apparent that our clouded induced vision could actually be tangible. The entire day was spent walking back and forth from the construction site to the resource wood pile that resembled a rat's nest.Although riding the surf provides unparalleled stoke, I will no longer be able to frown upon the next flat spell. There's a colony to build. The name has yet to be determined thus will wait for the next clouded induced vision.- J.U.

One Winter in Hawai‘iLast October, I had an issue with staying focused. This wasn't exactly the attention deficit disorder one experiences in 7th grade algebra class. I was stoked on my assignments at work..and well, projects were completed before deadlines and bills kept being paid; however, my mind still wondered to a place without ten story buildings, congested crosswalks and cafes that damper with egocentricity. It was the middle of October, the meteorologists guaranteed warm San Franciscan rays , but I still felt the summer chill. After numerous check-ins and check-outs, I soon realized my mind was encapsulated in a setting that was all too familiar.In a landscape that can simulate Mars while adjacently offering Windex blue waves, not even the toughest wrangler cowboy who wears skate shoes and listens to reggae is far fetched. Nowhere else can allow my imagination to be so far away from The City but here....So, here I am // Finally made it to "The Ranch". Brought over a couple of IndoSole assignments (mega thanks to Kyle Parsons) and a few other personal projects that include cameras of all sorts ...oh yea...wave sliding devices too.Much love to the Nobriga and Jewell family for hosting me at Mehealani Ranch.I'll be posting more photos and stories in a day or two. Mahalo- J.U.

Soul Surf Project BaliOn Wednesday night the 15th of January, Soul Surf Project Bali opened their new location, including Indonesia’s first eco surf shop after 4 months of hard work! In celebration, Soul Surf Project Bali organized a day full of events. The day started off with a traditional Balinese melaspas ceremony and ended with an opening party. This party was all in the eco theme, we served healthy fresh made juices, vegetarian appetizers and were surrounded by eco surf gear. The night was a great success and there were many interested people!Soul Surf Project Bali’s mission for 2012 is a statement; we opened the first eco surf shop in Indonesia on Jalan Nakula in Legian. The shop is non profitable. All the profit that the shop makes will be used to fund the program's effort to teach Indonesian orphans more about their environment and how to preserve it, but also the aspect of sharing the stoke of surfing. Many of these orphans have never been to the beach and are not aware of the environmental coastal problems. With surfing, we teach the kids to respect nature while also giving them an understanding of the art. We encourage creativity and hope these kids gain inspiration for other crafts and education! Surfing leads to smiles and a happy future!In the eco surf shop, we only sell environmentally based brands or products. We have leashes from recycled plastics, sustainable grown bamboo waxcombs, eco-friendly wax (without petroleum!), shoes and flip-flops made of recycled materials such as tires and many more products! One of our prides are the sustainable wooden surfboards made by local entrepreneur Vince Surfboards. Great for the surfer who cares for sustainability and wants to make a difference.The eco surf shop is a proud dealer of Wavetribe, Surfyogi’s, Indosole and Vince Surfboards. Several big brands are in the line up to join as well!Come to check out the shop to see all these great stuff yourselves!

The Awakening of Deconstruction Although socioeconomic and environmental issues continue to confront communities at all angles, we shift our attention to creative and viable solutions for long-term stability. We are fully cognizant of the phrase “sustainable practices” since topics such as food and water scarcity along with landfill waste accumulation are constantly addressed to our awareness. Conscious decisions are counteracting these destructive issues with elevated support of local businesses, local food production and distribution, and sustainable building and living practices.While on my recent journey through the Hawaiian Islands, I came across an innovative non-profit operation that has parallels to an establishment back in my home base city of San Francisco, CA. Re-Use Hawai‘i is a non-profit entity on Oahu that turns waste into building resources for either the DIY individual or contractors. Founded in 2007 slightly after the climax of home and commercial development, Re-Use Hawai‘i realized the unethical methodologies of sourcing new building supplies. It began informing its building community of their increasing waste contribution and capacity impact to its only construction and demolition solid waste landfill – PVT Landfill, in Nanakuli. Re-Use Hawai‘i has given homeowners two choices for either a remodel or rebuild: demolition or deconstruction. Once contractors obtain the proper permits, a large onslaught of machinery is rolled in and the demolition process begins. No surprise to its classification, demolition is structured around promptness, lasting only one day and leaving damaged materials such as splintered wood, broken windows, chunks of concrete and twisted metal in an impractical state.Rather than physically damaging these materials and the long lasting utility, builders and homeowners have finally realized the opportunity cost in deconstruction. In a reciprocal fashion of leveling a foundation and systematically following the processes that are required to build walls and a roof, deconstruction is the art construction, but dismantlement of the home. During deconstruction, materials are sorted into their proper categories and eventually hauled off to warehouses such Re-Use Hawai‘i where lumber, aluminum, fixtures etc will be reviewed for re-sale. The ethical motive in the deconstruction process is apparent; however, homeowners can have deconstruction appraisers quantify the value of their salvaged materials that can exceed $5,000. After receiving the appraiser's report for the Al Mighty IRS, the homeowner can claim deductions over 1 – 5 year period. That’s one hell of a “YEW!” if you ask me.Near the end of my research of deconstruction, I began asking, “how is demolition even feasible with alternatives like deconstruction?” Maybe it could be the impatient mentality of American society since it seems we always WANT IT NOW and then there is the money issue. Sure, deconstruction may cost the homeowner more in the short term. But, include the long term tax breaks and the social responsibility by returning affordable materials back to the supply chain for wood workers, creating jobs in the building industry while also creating some unique character to the next home and one would have to be a kook to not consider deconstruction.It all comes down to education and taking the time to expand your knowledge. For my Bay Area readers, I noted in the beginning that Re-Use Hawai‘i shared similarities to a local SF establishment. Do a favor for your creative self by visiting Building Resources SF in the Dogpatch district. Click HERE for its website. video shared from Mollusk Surf Shop

Photographic Retrospective: Brad MastersMega respect to our mate Brad Masters for recently being spotlighted on IndoSurfLife. When you have a free minute, give a gander through his top 2011 photos. Brad has been a top-notch friend of IndoSole family since we began our residence in Bali. A testimony to this posts title, his images allow viewers to seek a retrospective. Many refractions in light along with a pantone swatch of colors enables Bali to be seen in one's own retrospective.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - SELAMAT TAHUN BARU Wishing you and your family all the best in 2012. We at Indosole would like to thank our friends and fans for all the support in the early stages of our business. 2011 was a year of progress for our team and we look forward to following the path upward and onward in 2012. It is important for all of us to set goals for ourselves and businesses while transitioning into a new year. For Indosole, there are many goals for this year ahead. Saving more tires, further inspiring resourceful creation, and staying true to our mission in this growth period are amongst the long list. An immediate goal of ours is to hire a local Balinese man or woman to aid our production team during busy times. We are proud to have given local craftspeople jobs in manufacturing our footwear in the past/present. This time, we need a special someone who can provide utility in various areas. Our new hire will help us sort junk tires which will become shoe soles, additionally he/she will travel the streets of Bali on motorbike and pick-up and deliver goods from point A to point B. Indosole has partnered with HOOP fund - A San Francisco based organization that assists like-minded businesses in following a mission and going to their respective "next levels." The crew at the HOOP fund is a solid group of people that are truly passionate about supporting causes thru microloans. Indosole is offering shoes/sandals for purchase which are bundled with a small loan to help us hire and pay salary to a local Balinese. Thank you!

The holiday season is in full effect. Seems that all of us at the office are jazzed about the Holiday Party invites on the bulletin board. However, I recently came across an archived article that has allowed me to feel especially grateful for my life during this holiday season. My job is rewarding, my friends and family are supportive while also providing daily stoke and there's a roof over my head at night. This article dates back to late September 2011 so it's still very accurate for the current times at Bantar Gebang, the largest Indonesian landfill. ( READ HERE ) Be thankful for the life you live and live the life you love.Photography: Javad Tizmaghz

Guardians of the Forests"Large scale conversion of forests to other purposes has failed to promote local people's prosperity. On the other hand, the indigenous people have proven that they are the real guardians of Indonesia's rain forests. It is time for the state to return full rights to the indigenous people to manage forests, not just for their own sustainable benefits, but for the rescue of the entire planet."

Workshop ToolsWe've been quite busy lately with a couple projects. Although the extreme heat wave in Bali is putting everyone in the doldrums, we're pressing on. Project completion will soon be displayed.