Hey there, and welcome to my blog!
My name’s Jake Whitman, and this blog is my love letter to waves, travel, and everything in between. I’m a surfer to my core—born and raised in Huntington Beach, California, where the ocean’s rhythm shaped just about every part of my life. From carving barrels along the Pacific to competing in local contests and shaping boards in a dingy little garage, surfing has always been more than a sport for me. It’s where I feel alive, connected, and free.
But this story isn’t just about surfing—it’s about family, love, and chasing something bigger. My parents recently retired to Gandia, a beautiful coastal town in Spain. I’d always wanted to visit them, but life seemed to keep getting in the way. Then Marisol happened. She’s Puerto Rican, brilliant, and absolutely obsessed with marine biology. Meeting her changed everything. The way she talked about the ocean—not just as a surfer’s playground but as a living, breathing entity—gave me a whole new perspective. We hit it off immediately.
When Marisol got accepted into a year-long marine biology program in Sydney, I was thrilled for her. But the thought of being apart for so long hit hard. That’s when it clicked: this was my chance to do something just as bold. I packed up my boards and set my sights on Spain. I’d surf the Iberian Peninsula, reconnect with my parents, and finally tackle something I’d put off for years—learning Spanish. The plan? Hit the waves for six months and then settle in Barcelona for an intensive language course before Marisol gets back.
This blog is my way of capturing the highs and lows of this adventure. From the iconic breaks like Mundaka to hidden gems in Galicia, and even the stretches of flat water where I’ve had to get creative, every spot tells a story. It’s also about the people: the locals who’ve shared their secret surf spots, the fishermen who’ve taught me about the ocean’s moods, and the travelers who’ve reminded me that we’re all chasing something.
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and perfect waves. Living on a tight budget comes with its challenges, and the late-night calls to Marisol are bittersweet—filled with love and longing. But through it all, I’ve learned that surfing isn’t just about catching waves; it’s about connection—to nature, to others, and to yourself.
Whether you’re here for surf tips, travel inspiration, or just a good story, I’m glad you’ve found this corner of the internet. Let’s paddle out together and see where the tide takes us.
Who knows?
The next wave might just be the best one yet.
