Meet How B

Photo By Jamie Yanak

How B. headed off to Arizona for work. Contrary to the advice of the locals, he drove out to the desert at night, alone. Depending on where you are, Wikipedia says the number of stars visible to the naked eye tops out around five thousand. Lying there on the hood of his car and contemplating the vast spectacle of stars and satellites, How said the night sky was a revelation. He was able to regain his perspective just by taking some time to look up.

When How returned to Cleveland we killed a few hours in my living room with Vince, catching him up on the waves he missed. How talked about the duality of life, and that he was trying hard to keep things positive when things in his world were constantly changing. In many ways, surfing is about taking refuge in the water, and the sense of renewal it gives. It really helps to slow things down a bit. For How, the water gives him the chance to surround himself with the spirit of those he loves. His dedication to family is inspiring.

For us, he is someone worth listening to, a person who knows something about the true spirit of surfing. A native Hawaiian who grew up on North Shore, he was taught by the legend Rabbit Kekai. He grew into our small culture and rediscovered his love for the water here in the waves of shallow Lake Erie. He said, “There’s a welcoming surfing community here, it’s a family in a wider sense with a deep dedication. It always reminds me of Hawaii.” How is a guy who proudly wears his heart on his sleeve, a great friend that you always want to see out in the lineup. I Hope to see How again soon.


Meet How:a short clip from Out Of Place from Kurt P Vincent on Vimeo.

The Out of Place (Seasonal) Beer Blog, Part II.

Scott enjoying a Great Lakes Oktoberfest at Johnny's Little Bar courtesy of Johnny

The air of change covers everything today. "To everything, turn...turn...turn...there is a season, turn...turn...turn..."

Falltime in Ohio has been pretty amazing. There is a forecasted high of 70 degrees for today! October has come and gone with some surf, some vivid colors and some excellent beers. Our country has elected a new president in an historic election several hours ago. And above all, Great Lakes Brewing Company has released its Christmas Ale

Before we explore the wonders of Xmas Ale, we thought a proper wrap up of the fall time and Octoberfest beers was in order.

The Great Lakes Brewing Company brews a perfect Oktoberfest every year starting in early fall. Their website provides a little history for you:

"Oktoberfest is Vienna's stronger brother. Gabriel Sedlmayr adapted the Vienna style for brewing in Munich. Because refrigeration had not yet been invented, March was traditionally the last month in which lagers were brewed. Sedlmayr's beer was made in March to last until September and was served in autumn amidst traditional celebrations."

Just as the glow of summer has ended and the colors of fall rise up, so does this beer. The deep, amber hue makes you think of fall and turning leaves. The first sip is crisp, yet creamy, just like a brisk, yet sunny September afternoon. Alcohol content is fairly low, around 6.5%, yet just enough to make you want another bite of that Kielbasa sandwich. As with many GLBC or microbrews, a draught pint is immensely more tasty than a bottle. Draft Oktoberfest comes off smooth, creamy, rich even. A friend told me "The flavor never ends, man. This lager has no end to it. I could drink it all night long." I think he did too.

Other microbreweries seem to make their Oktoberfests more bitey and crisp. I prefer the smoother style. There were not as many surf sessions in which to share this lager this fall due to a broken foot healing up. Guess we will have late fall and the holidays to make up for it.

If you can still find an Oktoberfest in your local beer aisle this week, get it. The weather and this beer will be perfect compliments, just as a cult leader and his "wives" are perfect compliments to each other. Share one of these lagers with a friend. Tell them I command it!