Ka Leo O Hawaii

Issue date: 12/6/07 Section: Water Log

Media Credit: Colin McGillivray Even though the North Shore has waves up to 30 feet, there is still calm to be found on the island. Ala Moana Bowls harbor.

Media Credit: Colin McGillivray UH engineering student Lane Saito makes a bottom turn on a late evening wave at Off The Wall.

Media Credit: Colin McGillivray Custom X team rider Nakana Rivera drop knees a deep, dark barrel at Off The Wall.

We've all seen the green "Keep Country Country" bumper stickers peeling off some North Shore veteran's rusty pick-up or on the back of surf family's mini-van. They are everywhere. The movement seems to be catching on, reviving an appreciation for Hawai‘i's natural beauty, instead of tourism commerce.

Besides the houses being remodeled and the new Sunset Colony housing project being built at V-Land, the North Shore community has warded off major development schemes for malls such as the one proposed for Sharks Cove in in recent years. But you see the initiative doesn't have to stop there.

As country is fighting to stay country, those of us who are relegated to living in town can also bring down the country mentality with us, without driving across the island to escape the madness of the rat race. There are many ways to increase the laid-back country vibe in the hectic rush of town, but here are a few simple suggestions to ease the rush hour traffic and crowded spots:

1. Check the surf everywhere. Going anywhere on the North Shore means driving along the long coastline forcing you to look at the surf conditions at every place, everytime you venture out.

Check the surf online? It may be new to you but it is essential for any surfer to become accustomed to practicing.

With Surfline.com and other Web sites you are able to see live streaming cameras of multiple spots. But let?s not forget that nothing beats a true physical observation. Sure, reading a buoy report and a tide chart will help you dial in optimum swell times, but a first-person inspection will always ultimately determine whether or not you go out.

So why not try a drive-by every now and then? Climb on your roof with some binoculars if you have to. Who knows, maybe you'll stumble upon some off-the-chart barrels in spots you wouldn't typically check out?

2. Surround your residence in vegetation. The main reason country is considered country is because of its inverse ratio of plant life to pavement. So why not help balance the equation (and carbon dioxide levels) and add that laid-back effect to your living quarters by increasing your greenery. If you have a yard, plant some trees, bushes, gnomes, whatever. If you don't have a yard, throw some plants in some pots and turn your patio into a little Zen sanctuary rather than a concrete slab with a railing. Make sure not to detract from your view of the surf, though, if you are lucky enough to have one.

3. Take advantage of cocktail hour and start partying earlier. If the party is worth it, you'll stay just as late anyway. Going out earlier means you can pass out earlier and get a head start on dawn patrol. You will get ahead of the next guy who decided to get that extra hair brush in and ended up staying out later.

Paddling out in the dark always tends to revive one from unconscious depths, so you'll be wide-eyed long before you go over any steep ledges. Besides, it's usually glassier in the mornings, and watching the sunrise has a truly enlightening effect on the rest of your day.

You may find yourself in enemy territory while implanting some country vibes around town, but the cause is worth the battle. Fight for your right to relax and start the movement of "keeping town country."

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