Road Tripping, Part 3: The Ultimate Trip

CAR DWELLERS: Ever wonder about those vans and RVs with you see down by the beach all the time? They're a little rusted with the windows all covered and a wetsuit drying on the side. Somebody's in there. They just finished surfing, and if the wind dies, they're going to surf again. It could be you.

Realize, as you consider this option, that it is not forever. Of course you're not going to live out the remainder of your days in your car, raising your kids in alley behind a trailer park. But also, don't set a stop date in stone. Be prepared to live in your vehicle for as long as it works for you.

What You'll Need: First of all, you'll need a vehicle big enough to store all your gear, sleep comfortably, and live out of. VW buses are okay, big cargo vans generally have more room, Toyota Dolphins are good, or any manner of RV-type rig that you can get a hold of will work. No trucks with camper shells though; it's just not enough room for extended living.

Then rig your rig for living. A portable stove, water containers, sleeping bags, pillows, music, plastic wet-suit bin, boards, etc. If you need it, get it; if you don't, get rid of it. Simple.

For this trip you'll need either a saving account (with money in it) or some sort of work that doesn't mind bed-head and B.O. This is where it gets a little tricky, but figuring it out can equate to the best time of your life.

One car dweller I used to know lived in his van and lifeguarded four days a week. Wake up, jump in the ocean, and go to work; that was his life. The rest of the week he traveled where he wanted to go. Easy as that. Another guy rigged his lap-top to a cellular internet hook-up and lived in his R.V. working on-line and surfing his ass off. Do what works for you, but work as little as possible. You won't need as much money living in your car. You've got no rent, no bills, no chains tethering you here or there. Get a P.O. Box and a pager. Then, ignore them. Be free. Live where you are. Visit all your friends. Drive north, drive south. Find the waves, and ride them. When the weather is good, sleep

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