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Mike Mulkey

Charley French and the Greatest Generation   

At 100, Charley French is still going strong. A surfer, skier, engineer, Ironman, and lifelong tinkerer, Charley helped shape the early cultures of surfing and skiing. Now, the Idaho Technology Council has honored him as a 2026 Hall of Fame inductee for a remarkable lifetime of innovation and adventure

The Odometer

After fifty years of running, my internal odometer is flashing red. A dying Chevy Nova, a fallen differential, and a steel umbrella at the track have convinced me it is time to pivot—back off the miles, change gears, and find a new mountain to climb.

Fountain of Inspiration

Charley French turns 100 this year—and he’s still pushing the limits of endurance sports. From Ironman victories to skiing world championships, his life is a powerful reminder that age doesn’t have to define our limits.

50 Ironmans and Counting: Tana Jackson Interview

Tana Jackson has completed 50 full-distance Ironman triathlons with zero DNFs. In this interview she shares the habits, mindset, and race-day lessons that helped her keep finishing—through bad weather, travel chaos, and the toughest moments on the course.

Reflections

Every year, The Surfer’s Journal releases “A Moment of Reflection,” a short film honoring surfers who passed away in the previous year. The 2025 edition is beautiful—and sobering. Many are so young. I’m sharing it here and encouraging you to watch all nine minutes.

All Because A Baby Was Born

A baby was born into darkness—and His life brought light. From Bethlehem to the cross and the empty tomb, forgiveness and hope broke through. The Day chased back the night, and the world was changed: joy, love, peace on earth—because Jesus lives.

“It’s his friend!”

A tribute to artist and surfer Scott Sutton — the illustrator behind Surfing in Heaven. From his unforgettable laugh to his vintage Ford Falcon and his God-given creativity, Scott’s life and art reflected the joy and hope found in every wave.

Pay it Forward (GDMBR-2)

On our second phase of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, Matthew and I pedaled 368 miles from Whitefish to Butte. Along the way, we experienced the incredible kindness of John Keller and Barbara Nye at the Llama Ranch — a true oasis for GDMBR riders, where the only price is to “pay it forward.”

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