Google Earth Challenge 2: On Location

Sometimes, dreaming on Google Earth can become a reality. That's the case for Laguna Niguel software developer Brian Gable, who spent "50 to 60 hours" on this year’s Google Earth challenge, determined to get that all-expense paid trip to the wave he deemed worthy of exploration. After creating a folder called "google_win," he went to work, scouring the depths of Chile, every nook and cranny in the South Pacific and the hidden corners of the Indian Ocean. Finally, after putting together an excel spreadsheet and a "point system" for each potential entry (based on danger factor, swell frequency, cost, access, etc.), he finally settled on a left sand point somewhere in Africa.

Why not be a little more explicit? Well, because this past week we've been camped at that left sand point, the place that Gable has been monitoring for the better part of the year and wondering, wondering, wondering just how good it really is. Well, he can now rest well knowing that his chosen setup could quite possibly be one of the best and longest sand points in the world. It's so promising, in fact, that we have a crew of shredders (Cory Lopez, Pete Mendia, Hank Gaskell, Mitch Coleborn) and photographer DJ Struntz on hand, ready to jump when it comes to life. In the meantime, they've been finding plenty of other waves in the area: mini-slabs, rippable left points and a weird spot with a shipwreck running through it. The left we came here for gave us a hint one morning – five hours of a dirty Superbank in reverse – but it was just up from the proper point and not even the actual wave.

So, we wait. We eat kudu and kingclip, drink large drafts and check the scenery. Brian Gable and his cousin Mike are here, comparing his satellite images to the real thing and kicking back in pure bliss. "I can’t believe I’m actually seeing this place in real life," he said when we first pulled up on the break.

Hopefully, this week, he can pinch himself knowing that he's actually surfing it.

[Stay tuned to SurfingMagazine.com as we bring you more updates from the Google Earth Challenge 2 presented by Nike 6.0. A feature on this trip will appear in our December 2008 issue.]

Cory Lopez reaps the rewards of the challenge

Reader Comments 

Posted Mon Jul14, 2008, 10:31 AM — By Steve

No way...I can't believe they're...wait, where are they again. You gotta admit that Google Earth challenge is pretty sweet...if only I could win it (i sent 20 spots in last year and never heard a word, what gives?)

Posted Mon Jul14, 2008, 3:46 PM — By Core Man

Dude, that's the best barrel EVER!!!!

Posted Mon Jul14, 2008, 4:07 PM — By Amanda Gable

I have only one suggestion for Google Earth Challenge 3...pay for the significant other of the winner to join in on the fun! While I am thrilled that my husband has won the challenge and is somwhere I have always dreamed of visiting, I am feeling like I may have gotten the short end of the stick here!

Posted Mon Jul14, 2008, 7:28 PM — By Tom Gable

I am very proud of son Brian for his approach to this winning research project and jealous, too. Road trips in our youth from Point Loma (Sunset Cliffs and OB) never got beyond Rincon on the north and K39 on the south. Sleeping in our cars or behind hedges on golf courses. One slightly dinged board for each of us, instead of a quiver of boards for different conditions. I'm looking forward to the photos from this secret spot and others up and down the coast. Great idea for a contest.

Posted Mon Jul14, 2008, 10:27 PM — By Mark Dziersk

Way to go Brian brains and passion a killer combo!

Posted Mon Jul14, 2008, 11:44 PM — By James Reed

Brian, Enjoy the bliss that you are experiencing, Although there were a number of us who thought we maybe had the spot and were deserving of the win. It sounds as if we only scraped the surface of the time that you have put in to this new secret spot. By the looks of the pics you are well deserving of the the prize...CHEERS!

Posted Tue Jul15, 2008, 11:49 AM — By Randy Yergler

Hey Brian!! WOW!!! Sounds like the perfect spot to catch that perfect wave. Hope you have a great trip that you will remember for the rest of your life. Looking forward to the photos with a Mojito in one hand and an arm around the girls with the other.See you when you get back!!!

Posted Tue Jul15, 2008, 8:09 PM — By mike gilmore

looks alot like luanda, angola! 9'01'39.49" 13'00'16.11" also check out villa cisneros western sahara "killer lookin right hand potential"

Posted Thu Jul17, 2008, 1:46 PM — By Renee Plumlee

We are so excited for our co-worker, Brian! What an amazing trip! We cannot wait to hear all about it when you return.

Posted Thu Jul17, 2008, 2:29 PM — By joel sappell

Dude! What an adventure! I can be packed in 10 minutes. Am I too late? Your very envious uncle, Joel

Posted Thu Jul17, 2008, 10:59 PM — By john m

bro the spot is already named ive surfed here all my life no one out ive seen my fair share of great whites....im in cali now but sshould be back soon

Posted Fri Jul18, 2008, 10:03 AM — By Uncle Bobby

Go figure.........How does a computer nerd end up in the south of Africa charging dream barrels. Maybe I should go back to school! Looking forward to seeing the pic's.

Posted Sun Jul20, 2008, 7:54 PM — By Cousin Kate

BRIAN!! I hope you're having the most amazing time ever and i miss you dearly! I'm so proud of my big cuzzz!!

Posted Mon Jul28, 2008, 9:36 AM — By local

this spot has been checked out and surfed by a few of the local surfing community. i've taken a look at it on a good day of swell and it was a waste of time. i'm sure one can get some fun waves there on the right day, but the "amazing, world class wave" that its being made out to be is blown-out-of-proportion hype, i suspect to please readers.

Posted Wed Aug 6, 2008, 11:57 PM — By non local

Hmmm. Or perhaps the locals don't want the secret out?? The pros were impressed.

Posted Fri Aug29, 2008, 12:51 AM — By other local

This really pisses me off that i found the same spot on my own and i didnt even know about this challenge. When i found out about it i was so bummed, but at least i get to see pictures of it now. Whatever, Brian good on ya mate, hope you score.

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