Our E.A.S.T. Fest, Hosted By Kona Big Wave Packing Guide (Do’s And Don’ts)
Dress code: hot
BUY YOUR TICKETS TO E.A.S.T. FEST, HOSTED BY KONA BIG WAVE HERE
“Come Party With Us In The Desert” was the first headline we published for E.A.S.T. Fest, hosted by Kona Big Wave. The idea was to keep it ambiguous enough to arouse curiosity in an audience jaded by gimmicky surf contests.
“Sounds like you’re throwing Walmart Burning Man,” someone told me in the surf that afternoon, “except the main attraction is getting weird with boards instead of that dome”
Simmer down, wooks.
As it turns out, event planning 101 says competence reaches farther than genius, all the mechanics need to be visible on the surface. So in case you missed our last ten posts that explicitly state what E.A.S.T. Fest is… here it is again:
On Sunday, September 28, we’re throwing a desert festival at Palm Springs Surf Club, where you’ll be able to test 100+ experimental surfboards alongside surfers like Mikey February, Harry Bryant, Mason Ho, Nathan Fletcher, Holly Wawn, Tosh Tudor, and more.
You’ll also have access to the most inventive shapers in the world like: Ryan Lovelace, Jaleessa Vincent, Matt Parker, Donald Brink, Matt Biolos, Ellis Ericson, Britt Merrick, Alex Knost, and Tom Morat. They’ll be there to talk polyurethane and spit surfboard theory to your heart’s content.
When you’re not surfing or talking about surfing, immerse yourself in live music from Allah-Las, RIO KOSTA, Cut Snake, BRICK!, Grady Strange, Malcolm Brown, and Luke C.
Read the origin story of E.A.S.T. Fest. Hosted by Kona Big Wave HERE
And in keeping with our newfound commitment to clarity, here’s what to bring — and what not to. Don’t freak, this list leans more towards surf trip than three day vision quest, omitting certain essentials like acrylic nails and body paint.
What TO bring to E.A.S.T. Fest —
– Sunscreen: There’s no marine layer to save your skin here. Expect a 90*F (30*C) sun reflecting off electric blue water. Shop Mason Ho’s go-to-stick HERE
– Towel: If you’re not surfing, you’ll likely be drifting down the Palm Springs Surf Club’s lazy river while sipping a Kona Big Wave and listening to the eclectic rhythm of RIO KOSTA. Like this visual? Our friends at Slowtide print our favourite ones on their towels. Shop HERE
– Swimmable + breathable clothing: Express yourself but try not to give the children nightmares (yes, kids are invited). And don’t show up with the same fit as prolific CT photographer/worldwide VIP, Ryan Miller. He will be mad. Oh, and if you’re a Stab Premium subscriber, we’ll bring you a free, limited-run E.A.S.T Fest. tee upon entry.
– Shoes: Been growing armor on the bottom of your feet all summer for this exact moment? By all means, skip ‘em. But if you value personal hygiene, we recommend Vans slip ons for poolside — and something more cushy for evening activities.
– Glasses: Dry desert = angry Pterygiums. If you don’t want to look stoned (before 11 am), we recommend snagging a pair of Mikey Feb’s signature. Shop Raen’s minimalist collection HERE
– Waterbottle: Please use for the intended purpose which is to nourishment and hydration. The other clear stuff will not serve you for twelve hours in brutalist heat. Our favorite water bottle is Caity Simmers’ favorite water bottle (surprise, surprise). Shop YETI’s Rambler HERE
– Playlist: There are two types of music festival attendees: the ones who nearly blow out their eardrums blasting the headliner on the way in — and the ones who detox in serial-killer silence, saving every decibel for the show.
If you’re player 1: Allah-Las → RIO KOSTA → Cut Snake
If you’re player 2: Try sampling André 3000’s New Blue Sun.
What NOT To Bring to E.A.S.T. Fest.
– Pets of Any Kind: This includes small dogs and whiney men.
– Coolers, Outside Food + Beverages, Glass: Fiberglass excluded, if you’ve purchased a surf session
– Outside Flotation Devices: Again, unless you’ve purchased a surf session. But why not try one of the 100+ already provided boards from the world’s most inventive shapers?
– Chairs and Umbrellas, Stereos/Radios or Any Kind Of External Music: We’ll handle the comfort.
– Outside Alcohol, Drugs, and Drug Paraphernalia: Would make a joke here but I like my job.
Q&A:
– Will there be water refill stations? Yes, indeed. Located around the park and at every bar.
– What kind of food will be provided? What if I have allergies? There are multiple food vendors on site. The Restaurant, for those of you who need to escape the sun for a refresh, and Drifters, for those of you who want to bathe in E.A.S.T. from start to finish.
– I bought a surf ticket. How do I know when my session is? Check in at the surf entrance and they’ll get you sorted.
– If I bought a GA ticket, can I still surf in the pool?
No. GA tickets include full access to Palm Springs Surf Club’s water slides, lazy river, splash pad, lounge pool, plus 3 bars and 2 restaurants, and everything E.A.S.T. Fest has to offer besides a surf session.
– Can I approach surfers x shapers?
Yes!! That’s the whole point. Come with all of your burning questions and let it rip.
See you in 3 days at the Palms Springs Surf Club. In the meantime, get aquatinted with our Zipper Offcut filmed on location.
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