Music: “Nibiru” by Pasha iTunes: http://bit.ly/JlGU0M

Driving up Mauna Kea Hawaii 2012 was crazy and awesome. 30% less oxygen in the cold atmosphere makes it hard to breathe and move around, so a short hike to the peak at 13,796ft was more challenging than anticipated. The snow cover was unpredictable with exposed and unexposed rocks. Some areas looked ridable! I could not resist the temptation to ride down the mountain on a bodyboard rental. Dangerous, but worth the thrill. (fine print: do not attempt)

Music: “Bright Side” by Pasha
iTunes: http://bit.ly/H4hhjq

Freediving – kind of like extreme snorkeling or diving without an oxygen tank and a wetsuit for as long as you can hold your breath. This was on Oahu at an isolated spot near Hanauma Bay. Very dangerous, no one around, the surf was a bit rough, unpredictable currents. A “no” for beginners or swimmers unfamiliar with ocean conditions. Not recommended for solo, best to have a partner.

Music: Conversion of Creation Artist: Pasha
iTunes: http://bit.ly/HZiaXu

We took a short hike up to the peak elevation 13,796 ft. It was tough to breath especially while moving due to lack of oxygen at such a high elevation. I started seeing neon blues at one point. It was an interesting visual experience, as well as a spiritual. The people up there were super nice with aloha. It was an incredible blessing to be up there.

DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS unless you’re crazy like me. This was my first and hopefully not the last time doing this. I wish I had a snowboard, so I had to improvise with a bodyboard rental. There are no lifts on Mauna Kea volcano with 30% less oxygen at the peak elevation 13,796 feet (4205m), so it’s definitely not for everyone. Snow cover was unpredictable with lots of exposed and unexposed rocks.

Filmed on Oahu, Hawaii at Halona Blow Hole and Sandy’s Beach. Shots of body surfers and boogie boarders getting barreled, wiping out, and having a great time surfing Sandys.

Ironically I almost drowned making this video as I got pulled by the rip tide to a spot where waves were breaking the heaviest without noticing it at first. I started having trouble swimming back to shore because of the heavy rip current and camera in my hand. I was running out of energy and breath. The waves were pounding heavily and the rip tide kept dragging me further out. At this point I was not filming anymore because I needed my camera hand to keep afloat. I was on the verge of panicing, but I knew that it would be the worst option. Luckily I made it out by staying calm and conserving my energy by swimming on my back until I got to the impact zone where the pounding surf pushed me back to the beach.

I was pretty exhausted and happy that I didn’t need to call the lifeguards and that I didn’t drown. I’m also happy to share this video with everyone, especially those who are not able to get out there and experience the magic of the ocean first hand and those who might get caught up in this situation in the future. The most important lesson when facing an extreme situation is to not panic, stay calm, believe that you will overcome, and to devise and act out a sound strategy of survival.

Music: “Land of Green” by Pasha
iTunes: http://bit.ly/HM9Wld

Surfing (longboarding) on two separate days. First at Diamond Head and the other day at Publics in Waikiki, Hawaii. Lots of fun!