Chapter 11 Crew Scores Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka’s Wavepool

Thanks to the meteorological phenomena known as “atmospheric rivers”, California received over 78 trillion gallons of rainfall this winter; enough to fill Lake Tahoe — twice.

Unfortunately — even with California’s penchant for perpetual drought — there wasn’t enough room in the aquifers to hold it all. The majority (up to 95%) ran through rivers and into the ocean.

Farmers aren’t happy about this. A couple of weeks ago when we were in Lemoore, California for the Surf Ranch Pro, you couldn’t drive a few miles without seeing signs saying, “Stop Dumping Water Into The Ocean. Build More Dams!” or “Congress Created This Dust Bowl!”

It’s a sensitive subject.

This cataclysmic rainfall is obviously also to blame for the Wonka-esque water color in this clip. And, although much feces was dished out, many lovely sandbars were as well — for those who knew where to seek.

Of course, Chapter 11 chieftain, Mr. Reynolds knows where to seek, especially in Ventura. He’s joined by a rare figure to see around California, Mikey Wright. Plus, you’ve got the usual Ventura locs like Micky Clarke, Josiah Amico, and Matt McCabe in the mix.

Have a gander, if only to see California at its literal shittiest and simultaneous best.