1. Kook (n)- someone posing very hard as a surfer. Example: "Dude, did you see that kook trying to drop in on me the other day?" 2. Kook (adj)- a term, most often used by locals, to describe any surfers that: - don't live in the little coastal towns - don't work construction and/or drive old, beat-up Rav-4s - pretend like they can surf when, in reality, they can't - don't follow the rules of the lineup - show up in the lot with a pumpkin spice latte, excited about 2-footers -says they're from Oceanside when they're from Valley Center -thinks eating healthy means opting for a protein style at In-n-Out Example: "That guy has a surf-rack on a land-rover, what a kook!"

You may have heard Ryan or Shay call one another a Kook. You may be wondering why that is. Well, on the first day they met, Ryan introduced himself to Shay on the first day of classes while at CSU Channel Islands, and they realized they were both from San Diego. Ryan told Shay he was from Oceanside, Shay told Ryan she was from Encinitas. Later on in their friendship, Ryan and Shay caravanned home together to SD to save money on gas and upon entering Oceanside, Shay asked Ryan what exit to get off at to drop him off at home. Ryan kookishly admitted he was actually from Valley Center, and had said Oceanside because not many people knew where Valley Center is (45 minutes inland). Shay called him a Kook, and the rest was history. Ryan and Shay used this Kook-tactic with one another for the next 10 years. Whether it was on the beer pong table, surfing together, or flirting with one another, the Kook name has turned into an affectionate way of expressing their love for one another.

Ryan knew one day his proposal would be a funny story; an epic, yet funny & awesome story it is indeed. Ryan orchestrated the whole thing, from coordinating the families & timing, to scouting out the spot beforehand & planning fake trips to throw Shay off the scent. Shay had just finished her finals & was exhausted from a long school-week, but Ryan insisted on taking her on a camping trip to Idyllwild, Ca. Behind the scenes, Ryan had booked this trip in March, had his parents text & offer Shay this camping trip; saying they couldn't attend, offered the comfort of their trailer & wouldn't it be so nice to end finals week in the wilderness? Shay agreed. The week of the camping trip, Ryan's family had said the trailer broke & offered to watch Barley. Shay began to feel the pressure of finishing her finals early, so Ryan had her mom come over to assist. Ryan pretended to be lost in finding the campgrounds. The whole chaos was orchestrated, unbeknownst to Shay. The day of, Ryan informed Shay they were to embark on a 6 mile hike. As they started the ascent, Shay realized this hike was no easy feat. In 90 degree heat with minimal shade coverage & a 6 mile endpoint; Shay was not a happy camper. Ryan enticed Shay the whole way, compromising from 6 to 3 miles & offering to stop & eat lunch on a boulder overlook spot that he could see in the distance (Ryan's plan all along). Once they reached the spot, Shay got up to see the view. Ryan tapped her on the shoulder & got down on one knee. In pure shock, Shay exclaimed, "Are you really doing this?!" Ryan replied "Yes, Shay Goldberg, will you marry me?" Crying Shay turned & stopped when she saw movement in the trees. She first saw her sister, then noticed Ryans siblings. Realizing this was all thought out, she could not stop crying in surprise. They celebrated together, got iced, & descended down the mountain back to their campsite where the rest of the immediate family & pups were waiting to continue the surprises & celebrate!