Maestro Giedrius– 1990 graduated from Siauliai Art School. He began his needle crusade in Siauliai, in 1996 – he opens the firs tattoo studio in town “Totemas”.

In the summer of 1998, together with “Tomas Tattoo” from Panevezys, he opens the first tattoo studio in Palanga.  The same year, in February, in tattoo convention held in Vilnius club “Angaras”, maestro Giedrius won the first place in nomination “The tattoo of the evening”. In the spring of 1999, full of enthusiasm and confidence Giedrius goes to France to look for the genuine gates of tattoo and his guru. After 3 month of research to express himself, Giedrius meets a world famous tattoo foreman Christoff Cheugny aka Neusky tattoo. Neusky agrees to open tattoo secrets to Giedrius and teaches him techniques of this art.   Working in Neusky tattoo studio Giedrius quickly got acquainted with the French tattoo masters and got the opportunity to work in other cities.  Next, he began working in “Colours tattoo” in Nevers, and in winter of 2000 he began working in tattoo and piercing studio “Abraxas”, in the centre of Paris. Two years of hard work and the use of knowledge acquired from Neusky brought the popularity and success and more connections in the world of tattoo.

In winter of 2001, a tattoo convention was held in Vilnius club “Angaras”  Giedrius won the first place in “The tattoo of the day”.  In the same year, together with his teacher, he participated in the  international tattoo convention in Berlin, and established contacts with “One more tattoo” in Luxembourg.

Giedrius started working in Luxembourg tattoo studio “One more tattoo”. After a year of working in Luxembourg Giedrius steps out outside Europe, to work in South Africa, Reunion, in the study “Abraxas Run”. Half a year of work in paradise passed as one week. After returning to Europe, Giedrius established contacts with famous tattoo masters from all over the world and participated in the 10th tattoo convention in Berlin. Soon after articles and tattoo pictures started appearing the American magazine “Tattoo Magazine” and the French magazine “Tatouage Magazine”.

In 2003, Giedrius decided to go to Scandinavia and started working in Copenhagen, “Tattoos by Larsen” and “Art Factory”.

In 2003 attending Ventspils tattoo convention, Giedrius won the first place in nomination “The best color tattoo”.

In March 2004, in Vilnius “Terminalas” international tattoo convention Giedrius won:

1st place in nomination “The best tattoo composition”

1st place in nomination “The best tattoo made during the show”.

2nd place in nomination “The best black and white tattoo”.

In March 2005, in “Tango Arena” tattoo and piercing festival “Tattoo ir ritmo fiesta” Giedrius won:
1st place:  ”The best small black and white tattoo”
1st place:  ”The best tattoo made during the show”
2nd place:  ”The best big black and white tattoo”
2nd place:  ”The best tattoo on the female body”
2nd place:  ”The best tribal tattoo“.
2nd place:  ”The best tattoo of the evening“.
3rd place:  ’’The best crazy tattoo“.

In 2005, having gained experience and tasted needles from masters overseas and acquainted with the world of tattoo art, Giedrius returned to native Lithuania and opened a tattoo studio-shop “Angis TaTToo” in Vilnius Old Town.

In 2006 Giedrius crosses the Atlantic and visited Mexico.  He becomes acquainted with the local tattoo masters and starts working in the studio “Nomad Tattoo” in Guadalajara. Half a year working together with the Mexican masters and also ancient Aztec and Maya visual arts inspired Giedrius for further development and researching of the tattoo world.

In 2007 he goes to Asia. During this trip Giedrius worked in Thailand (Kho Pi Pi), Cambodia (Pnom). The same year Giedrius and his friend Kajus opened “Happy Tattoo” studio in 4000 Islands in Laos and successfully tattooed travelers from all over the world.

In 2008 Giedrius moved to Borneo and was interested in traditional tribal style tattoos.  He visited local tribes and new ideas swell.

While working in Borneo “Head Hunters Tattoo” in Kuching, Giedrius learned to make tattoos in the traditional way.  He acquired valuable knowledge, tools and blessing of local masters. After returning to Vilnius, in the summer of 2008, Giedrius started making tattoos using taping – traditional instruments brought from overseas.  In the same year Giedrius went on a trip to South America and started working in “Black Line Tattoo” studio in Cuzco.

After he became familiar with ancient Ink visual and tattoo art, Giedrius decides to visit the tribes living in the jungles of the Amazon. Giedrius visited the Matz Indian tribes where traditional facial tattoos are still practiced. Living with Indian tribes Giedrius with hand made instruments and paint, tattooed the chief of the tribe who decorates the chest of Giedrius with scars from frog poison as the sign of acknowledgement.

In 2009 Giedrius while in Peru he encountered “Miami Style Tattoo” and tests new Moche tattoo style. Then in the same year he travels to the Pacific Coast of Ecuador and Giedrius opens “Blue Tattoo Bar” in Montinita and tattoos surfers and all the willing.  Leaving the coast, he moved to the capital of Ecuador, Quito.  While there he successfully worked in  ”Neo style Tattoo”. In February of 2009 Giedrius traveled to Colombia’s Caribbean coast, town of Taganga, together with friend’s support he temporarily opens cozy “Pirate Tattoo” studio.

Recently Giedrius has moved to our neck of the woods in Canoa Ecuador.  He is teaming up with us at the Surf Shak to open another studio.  7 Seas Tattoo is located right next to the Shak and is open for business.  With a great atmosphere that can only be improved with this addition, stop by the Surf Shak during your travels and pick up a souvenir that will last a life time.

Two years ago on March 6th, Frans Maija and I took over the Surf Shak in Canoa Ecuador.  The trip has been amazing and we have compiled a couple of photos of the Original Surf Shak and a couple of photos from the anniversary party for your viewing enjoyment.  I have finally recovered enough from the party to type.

Canoa Update:

The waves have been great as well as the company.  We’ve had sunny hot weather almost daily.  The wind for paragliding hasn’t been the best however we’ve managed a few flights here and there.  The water is warm the food is good and the crew is solid.  Come on down for a visit you won’t be disappointed.

The Old Surf Shak

Humble Beginnings

Ohh Roxanne

Happy 2nd Birthday Surf Shak

The Man the Legend....The hat

The funny hats are out

Nice Shirt

Volunteer of the Month

Surf Shak Update

Well 2010 has officially begun in the Southern Hemisphere; we take a little longer to process events like that down on the beach. Christmas was great, we ate 17lbs of Lobster here at the Shak and it was delicious. The New Year was brought in with our new friends from the Coconut Hotel with much anticipation for the great year to come.

The Coconut Hotel was recently purchased by a group of great guys from America Junior (Canada). They have been busy with landscaping, renovating, and watermelon blender drinks. In fact they have been such a part of the fun here at the Surf Shak that we decided to name the watermelon blender drink after one of the owners, “The Big Show”. Their hotel is located just outside of Canoa to the south and is set on a beautiful beach lot covered in palm trees. The hotel includes a community kitchen, hot water, huge rooms, Internet, digital cable, amazing views, a full service bar and a very hard working staff. If you are in the area and don’t want to be in town with the hustle and bustle the Coconut is our first recommendation. You can check them out on the web at www.coconuthotelcanoa.com.

We’ve added a few new items to the menu at the Shak, the Shrimp Burger for one, but most notably we are serving sushi every Saturday. A family from Quebec recently relocated to Canoa and they have teamed up with us to serve sushi on the weekends. So far we have sold out every night it has been offered, and without bias it is phenomenal. If you happen to be planning a trip to the coast and are craving some sushi stop in at the Shak. If this trend continues we will be opening a sushi restaurant in our upstairs venue with an amazing view of the ocean.

The waves have finally arrived in Canoa, last week the first northern swell of the year arrived and provided amazing glassy waves. The winds are changing direction which is bad for paragliding but good for surfing when the wind blows off shore and helps the waves stack up a bit. We recently added 5 new boards to our rental fleet and we are looking to pick up about 4 more fun boards to add to our collection.

Carnival is coming up soon and its going to be an amazing party…..for 7 days. Of course we will be hosting the Second Annual Shak Wet T-Shirt Competition together with our new friends at the Coconut Hotel. The first place prize will be $200 cash. Last year was a blast and this year is sure to be better with a bigger prize and a more people expected to be in Canoa this year for the fiesta. Carnival starts the week of the 14th in February so get here soon before Canoa is full.

2nd Annual Shak Wet T-Shirt Competition

Canoa Article Ecuador Reporter

www.ecuadorreporteronline.com

We saw snakes, lizards, frogs, butterflies, beetles and a bunch of other creepy crawlers.  As Maija and I were walking along, she heard a rustling in the leaves.  What we found was straight out of a scary movie.  It was a purple tarantula, bigger than my entire hand.  We didn’t notice at first but upon closer inspection the monster had a frog in the grip of his huge fangs.  This was definitely the  highlight of the evening, and I highly recommend visiting this special place.

 Stop by the Surf Shak to book your trip to the Bosque Seco Lalo Loor. 

Click on the pictures from Alex Johnson below to get a closer look.

Canoa Surf

Diego de Ohio, July 5, 2009

         Learn to Surf. Buenas olas, surf everyday, talk surf, surf friends, surf mags, surfing dreams, surf memories, surf wounds,  surf life, surf addiction, Surf Shak.  Canoa is a place for surfing people, and the non surfing people that come to party with surfers because we’re so much fun.  Surfing at sunrise, surfing at sunset.  Laying in a hammock between sessions, watching waves, getting pumped for another session.  Get your own waves in the morning while the rest nurse hangovers.  Live in the ocean.  Live on the beach. 

         Canoa is a place to relax and have fun.  If you don’t like fun don’t come.  When the waves are low, things can get slow.  You may have to pass the time with Frisbee on the beach, extended hammock sessions, checking out caves, drinking in the daytime, tequila breakfast, volleyball, read a book, capoeira fighting on the beach, get creative.  The days are full of sun and plenty of gringas in bikinis.

         The air is full of noise, except for the precious moments when the power is out.  The competing tiki beach bars pumping out salsa, reggaeton, ecua-pop.  It blends at times into a pleasant mix, and more often a tragic plague of ear rubbish.  Loud, but mostly on the weekends.  Weekdays can be much more tranquilo.  But there’s still the guy riding a tricycle down the road shouting “queso queso, queso” or “camarones, camarones, camarones,” or “tomates, papas, sandia, huevos, y zanahorias.”  One of the best sounds you’ll hear is the magical licks of Jerry on a live Fire on the Mountain, available only at the Surf Shak and only when there’s a good Ohio guy behind the bar.

         At night Canoa can be whatever you want it to.  You want a bonfire; gather some wood and the people will come with guitars, drums, and plenty of cana manabita. You want to meet a bunch of travelers and have 2-4-1 cocteles and listen to rock, reggae, and if you’re lucky the Dead, then Surf Shak is the place.  Bartenders in boardshorts, no shoes, no shirts, no problem.  But be careful, because you’ll probably end up wearing a funny hat and doing a bunch of stupid shit that you’ll laugh about in the morning.  Or even with an egg on your head.  But you’re sure to meet good folk, people that have traveled, lived, loved, experienced, and came through it all with a blessed passion for life and fun. 

         You could also find yourself dancing the night away at a beach bar, or drinking shots of Una de la Gran Bestia at a bar made out of a boat.  The night life is fun and exciting, and you never know what to expect.  There’s always the chance of a late night naked swim, just remember where you left your clothes, and hide them too.  Just don’t stay out too late, or you’ll be among the majority of the fools missing out on the beautiful mornings of offshore winds, glassy waters, and empty waves.

         Food is also a Canoa pleasure.  Everyday you get to choose between a dozen places all offering soup, seafood, and fresh juice for 2 bucks.  You can get a damn good pizza when the mood strikes, or some cow intestines on the street if you’re feeling adventurous (and like having diarrhea). Batidos are a pleasure, fresh fruit and milk blended to perfection.  Chocolate bananas if you can find them. 

         Canoa is a paradise.  It has yet to be trashed like montanita.  Let’s keep it that way.  Come with a good vibe and look for fun and surf and sun.  God damn I’ll miss this place.

Maija couldn't help herself

We have added a new tour to the Canoa Thrills repertoire, a fishing booze cruise to the private beach of Cabo Pasado, north of Canoa.  We started our journey on a sunny beautiful Canoa day at around noon.  With the crew of 10 assembled we pushed off on our pangas.  In route to the beach we stopped and swam with a huge ball of schooling fish, it was incredible.  From a distance the fish looked like a giant rock in the water, but as we approached the “giant rock” was moving around.  There were millions of little 2 inch, red fish.  After a little dip in the Pacific we continued along the rugged coastline in search of a place to drop the nets in the water, for a little sea cuisine.  

The darker color in the water is the enormous school of fish

800 meters of fishing net

With the nets in the water we pulled up to the beach for some relaxation, swimming, snorkeling, and some frisbee.  I attempted to teach some of the locals how to play frisbee golf, but in the end they were teaching me how to play.  It’s so annoying introducing a new game, and getting whooped on every time.  I’ll be practicing more.   

With a couple hours of suntanning and beach combing past we decided to go out and see what the nets had to offer.  We took bets as to how many fish we snared, with the numbers ranging from zero to five.  We put out 800 meters of netting in what looked like a promising spot, after 30 minutes of retrieving the net, we didn’t even catch a piece of trash floating in the water.  Nothing, nada, zilch, zero.  I guess that’s why they call it fishin’ and not catchin’.  Luckily there were some better fisherman than ourselves in the area, we made an offer to buy some fish off of them.  They refused to take the money and loaded us up with at least 10 huge fish.  

There was a great cheer from the crowd when we returned and they saw all the fish we “caught”.  We decided to leave out the smaller details and took all of the credit for the harvest.

 ”We were just showing the other boat how many fish we had caught.”  I said.  When asked what we were talking to the other boats about.  Being a very avid fisherman nobody disagreed with me and we proceeded to make a fire on the beach and clean the fish.  

With a feast of fresh fish cooked over an open fire the crew was ready to watch an incredible sunset over the ocean.  We loaded back up in the boats and headed back to Canoa with full bellies of fresh fish and cerveza.  

What an amazing adventure.  

Perfect timing

A little shade under the tree

That is the definition of fresh

Katie's last day in paradise

Lucky they were there.

Working on his sea legs

Happy and Handsome

Glowing blond locks

Working on the tan

Stop by the Surf Shak to book The Booze Cruise to Cabo Pasado, or contact us through email.  info@canoathrills.com

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