I just returned from Surf Expo in Orlando, Florida. If you ever need to just sweat, for detoxification or whatever reason, take a trip to Orlando in the summer.  It's like walking into a sauna with all of your clothes on. That place truly makes me appreciate living in the PNW.

Usually a highlight of Surf Expo is an Orlando excursion that in fact has nothing to do with the trade show...  the annual trip to OWC. Still hot, still muggy, and what's more -- swampy -- OWC (aka "the cable park") is a great retreat from the show and a superb show of the best wakeboarders around in a park of ramps, sliders, boxes, and rails. Unfortunately, I didn't make it this year. I was working....

I was at Surf Expo for the AWSI (Association of Windsport Industries). My job for AWSI consists of making the kiteboarding brands and dealers happy. That's a tough task considering the two have different issues. Kiteboarding is doing very well considering the state of the economy. In fact, lessons are up, sales are up, and we can't answer to the newbie kiteboarders fast enough.

When I travel, I always meet interesting people and this was one of those trips where I felt very lucky to have met such individuals...

Andy DeFilippus, Founder & Owner of Transcend Apparel : I actually met Andy for the first time at the Gorge Games this summer,  but was reminded again at Surf Expo why I like him so much. Andy, just this year, launched Transcend Apparel, a new apparel line specifically targeted to kiteboarders. His enthusiasm for life, his family, boardsports, and lastly -- his brand -- is powerfully contagious. He doesn't sell apparel. He sells stoke and warm fuzzies all over. Andy and his energetic team just make you want to hand over your credit card. It's always a pleasure to run into him.

Pat Rawson, surfboard shaper: I should say "the legendary" in that title, but Pat is so humble that, despite it being the most appropriate title, it would almost seem odd to include. His demeanor wraps around you like a warm fleece blanket in front of the fire on a winter day. He's kind, softspoken, and very keen. He's highly aware of everything... conversation, actions, intentions, you, and himself. His intuition is scary good. He is a very good judge of character, but far from judgmental. Walking away from a conversation with Pat inspires you to want to go save the world. Or at least smile at it.