Bryan Elkus

Category: Michigan

  • Ann Arbor Skatepark Build Update 02

    The Ann Arbor Skatepark is under way. There is more heavy machinery on site and the topography has started to change since the Ann Arbor Skatepark Update 01 post.

    For more information or to donate:
    – a2skatepark.org

  • Labor Day Weekend in Tawas

    We headed up to Tawas, Michigan for the Labor Day weekend.  It’s been 2 years since our last trip to Tawas so we were excited to be back. The weekend was full of exploring, friends and food. Mel and I got in a couple of fun kite sessions too.

  • eFellow at Plymouth Ventures

    To complete my Master in Entrepreneurship program, I joined forces with Plymouth Ventures a Venture Capital firm in Ann Arbor, Michigan for the 2013 Summer Practicum eFellowship. Plymouth Ventures does not typically take on summer assignments, but I was well poised to add value to their firm over the summer without being looked after or micromanaged.

    I focused my efforts in two parts over the summer. The first was to dive into the day-to-day of a venture capitalist. I did this by attending board meetings, new investment opportunity pitches, doing research and one-on-one meetings with the partners. The second half was a branding overhaul. I was able to create a unified branding and marketing approach along with a customized website that is expandable for years to come. It was a productive summer for both myself and the firm. Below are some of the graphical work created for the firm.

  • Frankfort MI Delivers Wind and Waves

    The forecast looked incredible in Northern Michigan for kiteboarding and surfing. So, we gathered the crew and headed North. The conditions were good, but the waves were really fun. They were well lined up allowing for long 200-300 yard rides. There were a ton of surfers an paddleboarders out.

    The wind was a bit punchy all day. We rode 9m kites most of the day. I had a great session kiting my 9’3 In The Pink Longboard with my 9m Liquid Force Envy. It was a blast! It took me about an hour to get the turning down on such a long board, but after that it was game on. It rocketed up wind with no problem. I just had to remember to not jump or land hard in order to not break it.

    We did an improptue downwinder down to Point Betise, which was fun but much smaller waves than last week’s Frankfort Session. Louis’ dad Jim graciously gave us a ride back South. We spent the rest of the day surfing and kiting at the jetty.

  • Ann Arbor Skatepark Build Update 01

    The new Ann Arbor Skate Park is finally started construction.  This will be a series of posts documenting the construction of the new park.

    For more information or to donate:
    – a2skatepark.org

  • A 19 Hour Excursion to Frankfort MI

    It has been a less than stellar spring and summer seasons this year for kiteboarding or surfing on the Great Lakes so far.  We decided to take a gamble on a good looking forecast for the upper part of Lake Michigan. They were calling for 20-25 knot SW winds and 3-5′ waves. We packed the gear and made the drive arriving in the morning to find a light slightly offshore breeze.

    We hung out for a while on the beach watching the surfers and standup paddleboarders catch some small waist high waves as the conditions started to build. I had a fun session on a SUP before the wind started to pick up. We rode larger kites at Frankfort for an hour. The wind really ramped up and we gathered up the crew for a downwinder to Point Betsie. It was amazing, clear water, shoulder high waves pinned on out 9m kites with good friends.

    We then headed back to Frankfort and rode powered for a few more hours. I had a really fun boost session while the wind was at its strongest. We packed up our gear as the wind and light started to fade. It was great to see so many people taking advantage of the water activities whether it was surfing, kiting or standup paddling. It was great to see a couple really good surfers with great style out riding too. I’m reminded every time I’m up north how great the northern MI crew is. Until next time…

  • Around Ann Arbor’s Huron River

    A morning stroll around the park near the Huron River.

  • Around the Neighborhood

    Here are a few photos from around the neighborhood…

  • Exploring Ann Arbor’s Huron River

    It was a beautiful drive back to Ann Arbor on a late summer evening. I headed down to the river to see what was happening. I was hoping to take a couple photos before heading home.