Was It Worth Chasing California’s Decade Swell? - Stab Mag

EAST with Harry Bryant is here

1007 Views

Was It Worth Chasing California’s Decade Swell?

For all of those wondering what could have been, Dylan Graves’ new video has the answers.

cinema // Jan 19, 2023
Words by Holden Trnka
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Much was made of the “atmospheric river” aka “bomb cyclone” aka “Big Dick Power Storm” that bore down on California’s usually tranquil coastline last week. Surfline hype-stories, flash floods, and GOAT appearances marked an unusually potent storm pattern.

Throughout the swell, there’s no denying there were a lot of good waves, especially if you’re a novelty connoisseur or a member of the big-wave Dave contingent — Cortes Bank looked like a Kai Lenny schoolbook drawing, and Sandspit went XXS.

But was it worth hopping a flight and driving around like a surf-deprived lunatic for a chance at some nuggets?

In an effort to ease our curious minds, and to wet his rail, Dylan Graves flew from Hawaii to chase a sacred spot just south of the Mexcian border. I won’t say the name of the wave, but I will say the first guy who pioneered it was Backdoor Shootout winner Nunya Business.

According to the latest episode of The Pick-Up presented by Vans, Dylan flew for six hours, drove for four hours, surfed for one hour with 100 surfers, got three waves, and drank three beers.

His latest YouTube clip visually elaborates on those claims.

Was it worth it?

We’re bad at math, so we’ll let you figure it out.

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

Padang’s New Management: Gen Z

Rajo Barrel and Lucy Darragh can’t legally drink beer, but they can whip some of…

Aug 21, 2026

Why British Surfing Is Shit(e)

The Great British sewage problem.

Aug 21, 2026

We Brought In Two Proper Heavyweights For Our Surf100 Finale

A World Champion and freesurfing’s reigning MVP join the final four, with $100,000 on the…

Aug 20, 2026

Replay: Rip Curl Cup Padang 2026

Quite the show.

Aug 19, 2026

Watch: EAST Starring Harry Bryant, Episode One

10 non-conforming surfboards vs your favorite blonde mop.

Aug 18, 2026

We Will Never Run A Live Surf Event In The Ocean

Mother Nature remains undefeated.

Aug 18, 2026

Kolohe Andino Is Sick Of Watching Surfers Eat Breakfast | StabMic Ep. 27

"We need to make surfers look cool again."

Aug 17, 2026

Want A Free Trip To Kandui With Some Custom Boards In The Mix?

Benji Brand can vouch for goofy season on Karangmajat island. 

Aug 17, 2026

Why There’s “No Free Ride Anymore”In Pro Surfing

Ian Crane on modern Surfenomics, bigger airs, and why creativity still matters

Aug 16, 2026

Hossegor Beach Cocaine Episode 2: The White Tide

What happens when a sleepy surf town is flooded with sniffly white powder?

Aug 14, 2026

Shaper Reveal: EAST With Harry Bryant

10 shapers, hand-picked and delivered blindly to our first goofy-footed test pilot.

Aug 14, 2026

The Underdogs Shall Inherit The Earth

Low seeds reign on Teahupo'o finals day.

Aug 14, 2026

How To Have A Tits Out Summer On Your Terms

Stab's 2026 swimwear review.

Aug 13, 2026

Don’t Believe In Fairytales

The four things you need to know from Day Five at Teahupo’o.

Aug 13, 2026

54-Year Old Kelly Slater Just Combo’d Medina At Evil Teahupo’o

Bad day to be Ronny Nelson.

Aug 11, 2026

2026 Surf100 Challenge Series Presented By Pacifico, Episode 06

100 points decide our first finalist.

Aug 10, 2026

Mason Ho On Farming, Andy Irons, And The Day He Punched Kelly Slater | StabMic Ep. 26

"Farming is completely opening my brain."

Aug 10, 2026

Kelly’s Quinquagenarian Dominance, Eli’s Gumption, And Eimeo’s Upset

Three takeaways from six heats on Day 1 at the Outerknown Tahiti Pro.

Aug 9, 2026
Advertisement