I met Charlie a long time ago on Broadway and University at a shop in Boise called Newt and Harold’s. I once had him smoke a whole pack of Marlboro Red’s in my basement for a photography project at school. That was in 2008. From ripping darts on the stoop to spitting beer all over dance floors, to chasing mountain highs and coastal waves, I’ve seen him progress from fellow stoop kid to industry verteran by cutting his chops at Zumiez to growing Welcome Skateboards business model to the monster it is. He’s at a new point in life taking the reins of his footprint with his family and transitioning to a new role at our alma mater of Boise State, we talk mental, plants, lifestyle changes and chasing waves... in Idaho.

I was sweating a little. Apparently the access was located on a Ecuadorian military base. Not that we had anything to fear, well maybe I had a lucy I probably shouldn’t have left in the bag. “Abierto la puerta por favor.” Oh no...

We pulled up after a good long day in the bay. I don’t think we originally planned on staying the night but the ocean was providing so we tried our luck on AirBnB, local hotels, and booking.com. Low and behold, we found a great two bedroom spot at a great deal and were quick to swoop it up as night was creeping in. We entered the address in our GPS.