Rides n Tides 2

Our automotive community is about being a part of something, and this weekend I was able to find out exactly what that something was, a family. I traveled down out to Navarre Beach, Florida for the second annual Rides and Tides car meet. Last year the meet was a small start up put on by local Florida enthusiasts. This year was much the same, but with a slightly larger and better venue. Now while this event isn’t an Import Alliance or Wekfest, what it lacks in quantity and quality it makes up in personality and hospitality. The main reason I ventured out to this event again though, was to meet up with some old friends and make new ones.

-Words by Derek Matherne

-Photos by Khoa Nguyen

This event was a bit different for me as I removed myself from behind the lens and directed my attention to aiding the attendees with awesome swag and decals. I also wanted to get the opportunity to spend some time with many of the familiar faces I had met last year.

Like Arli Bautista, one of the main event organizers this year. Recently home from his tour in Afghanistan, Arli wanted to set up the event to not only offer the car enthusiasts a place to show off for one another but as a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project. And as I have heard they were able to raise about $1,000 toward the charity.

Or how about another Southrnfresh photographer that I only see at NODRFT events in New Orleans and this show. Evan Butts brought out his gorgeous Hot Lava Orange FR-S on Work Meister S1 wheels. This was also a chance for me to look over his car, which could possibly become my car within the next few weeks.

Then there is Kevin Wright with his street sweeping RSX. I’ve met Kevin plenty of times, but we’ve always just missed out on talking to each other at events, one of us is always busy. This weekend I was able to change that as we braved the torrential downpours all weekend and got together for some quick shots of his car and a massive dinner party with Luke Brian and the SlammedEnuff folks at McGuire’s Irish Pub.

This event really serves more as a reunion to the Florida Panhandle folks and me. Some of which I haven’t seen in over a year. The overall size of the meet, while it isn’t large or small creates an intimate setting for many to talk about all the cars.

One of the big neck breakers at this year’s event was William Thomas’ Bagged and Avant Garde Wheels fitted 300C, which I shot as my first car for Vossen exactly one year ago at last year’s event. However, this year he had completely revamped the exterior look of his ride. In talking with William it appears that this beauty will soon become more than just a looker. I’ll save all the details I learned for the feature we should have of this thing when it’s all done.

This 350Z was amazing in person. Tasteful mods and an all around complete car. Not aspect of the car was overlooked. Twin turbo’d, roll caged, Voltex wing, Volk CE’s. High quality build right here.

Michael Groves is also a great friend of mine. His SVT Contour is a favorite of mine for its unique platform identity.

The weather got pretty nasty at one point and sent everyone scrambling for cover under the nearest tent. Luckily not many ended up in the custom Southrnfresh tent I had brought along with me. Custom only because of the new sky lights in the top letting the rain inside.

But it was all smiles with everyone after the rain had stopped and the sunshine state lived up to its name.

Davis Nguyen’s S14 on SSR wheels and mad camber in the rear put a lasting impression on many people.

The great part about Rides and Tides’ location is that it draws event goers from as far away as Louisiana and Georgia. Mississippi’s own Richman Damn made the drive over in his Lexus IS.

Keep an eye out for the some feature photos of Chris Tuttell’s turbocharged Subaru BR-Z shot by Southrnfresh photographer Evan Butts.

The show also drew exotic cars and different variations on what a truck should be, lifted or slammed?

Michelle Cao’s G37S on her boyfriend’s CCW wheels off of his EVO X which was down for the meet.

Marlon Gamez helped the Southrnfresh booth out by providing his VIP Modular equipped FR-S. This car generated lots of buzz around the event. Stay tuned for more of this car in the coming weeks.

Luke Brian even showed up in his 370Z! Okay it’s not Luke Brian. It’s J2P.

Overall this weekend of car shenanigans and laughs was a treat. Meeting new people and revisiting old friends. It taught me that we are all here for the same thing, to create something we can be proud of and share with others. Tastes are different between us all, but so are our personalities. So continue to do you and forget the rest. Until next year Navarre Beach.