Who is Keith Novosel

Who is Keith Novosel

It occurred to me recently that I've been writing those blog posts a few times per month for Moment for almost a year and a half now, and I haven't even really introduced myself to you all.

If you read the blog consistently you've probably gotten to know at least a little bit about me, but it might be about time for me to share a little more.

I don't like to talk about myself excessively, but some basics are that my name is Keith Novosel and I've lived in Portland for the past 3 years. I'm figuring out what it means to be an Oregon surfer. I have a day job in the city and love to get out to the coast when I can, which pretty much makes me a weekend warrior these days.

Before moving here, I lived a lot closer to the coast in Florida, California, Costa Rica, and Australia. Things are way different in Oregon than in any of those places. Better in some ways, a little rougher in others...but that's what makes the whole experience unique. Sure it would be nice if there were more point breaks and the water was a little warmer, but then it would be just like California, which we definitely wouldn't want, right?

I am also a photographer, which I understand is a tricky thing in a place with sensitive surf spots. I absolutely respect that, and I'm all for protecting surf spots. I feel it's important to mention that. I know you all like seeing photos of local events (like the longboard classic coming up) and some shots of fun swells here and there. I'll try to show you some of those things on the blog in a fun way, but I won't give away any secrets. I don't even think I know the secrets...

Anyway, a Seattle surfer named Justin Coffey recently asked me a few questions on his NW surf blog called Peanut Butter Coast. If you haven't read his blog before, it's definitely worth checking out. You can start with his little interview with me, then explore from there. It has lots of videos, photos, product reviews, info on events, and more. Check it out here. You can also see some of my photos at my website here.

Hopefully that gives you a little idea of whose words, photos, and videos you've been checking out for the past year or so.

It's a pretty small surf community here so I'll probably see you out in the lineup somewhere, sometime. If you recognize me, feel free to say hello.

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Both cheers of support and loud laughter were heard throughout Pacific City this past weekend as surfers and spectators gathered on the beach to root on the participants in the annual Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic. This year marks the 25th running of the beloved community event.
Started in 1998 by Bob and Michelle Ledbetter, the contest has grown to become a staple of the NW surf community. It not only attracts surfers throughout Oregon, but this year saw people from Canada, California, Washington and even Hawaii make the pilgrimage.
Welcome to the team Justin Buford! Justin has been a part of the shop since we opened in 2010. He was a true local grom who would spend his days skateboarding in our parking lot and washing rental wetsuits when he wasn’t in school. His family lived just up the street and his step-dad is one of the best surfers in town. His brother-in-law comes from the legendary South County Surf family the Ledbetters. Surfing is who and what Justin is, it’s in his blood. 
It felt a lot like home, Ireland. I suppose in a bizarre way it is, as my ancestors planted their roots in county Sligo on the North West coast of the country in the early 1700's after immigrating from Scotland. Ireland has been at the top of my travel list since long before I found out there was surf there. I formed images in my head of what the landscape would look like from seeing pictures, videos and hearing stories of infamous rocky basalt point breaks and shallow heaving slabs. Every image I had crafted fell short in comparison to seeing it all in person for the first time.