By Denise Ortuno Neil
When you talk to Anthony Bauer, you can feel his energy. He is all about living life to the fullest. With his clothing line, Live 2 Die and his fishing charters he is encouraging others to do the same.
Bauer was born and raised in Palm Desert and has always had a zeal for extreme living. It started when he was young and when his parents would take him deep sea fishing. He quickly got a glimpse of what life was about and has been living his life with an urgency ever since.
He started his Live 2 Die clothing line in 2011. His goal was to create more than just clothes and accessories, his desire was to inspire today’s youth to move off the couch and away from video games and into life.
Bauer’s line of products includes an array of T-shirts and hats as well as stickers and even a temporary tattoo, the merchandise ranges in price from, $15 to $35 which are available online. The edgy art works on the products are created by Bauer himself, featuring the Live 2 Die brand name in cursive and also an array of intimidating, yet stunning elk skulls.
Besides his clothing line, Bauer has moved the Live 2 Die brand into the sports spotlight by becoming a sponsor for today’s most exciting sports. His team members that Live 2 Die supports include UFC fighters Cub Swanson, Aaron Riley, Steve Swanson, Patrick “Durkin” Cummins, Jaime Sierra, Daniel Sullivan and the youngest on team, Jiu Jitsu star, 15 year old Anthony Mantanona. Bauer also sponsors middleweight boxer, Brian Vera. The sports tie in is a natural for the Live 2 Die brand, especially with the extreme UFC sport.
Bauer also takes Live 2 Die to the sea, with his shark and tuna fishing trips. The charter boat is The Dominator. The 65’ boat features high tech equipment, fish storage and bait tanks. The Dominator also makes life on the high seas comfortable with an ample galley and a berthing area to get a good night’s sleep before casting your pole with 30 bunks to relax in. The boat launches from Point Loma in San Diego and into Mexican waters for a promising ocean experience led by host Bauer. Like Bauer said, “You will never forget the first time you catch a tuna, or the first time you meet me.” He no doubt meant his physical appearance which is adorned with tattoos, but I think it would be more of his entirely positive and electric demeanor that would leave an indelible impression.
The captain of The Dominator is expert fisherman Frank D’Anna who helps to lead the charter. The trips range from day trips to several days on the open water, either way, guests are guaranteed a memorable time. The trip starts off with excitement straight from the launch as Bauer engages in a good luck fishing ritual of sorts, biting the head of bait. Not for the faint of heart, or for those not into sushi, but it all blends into the Live 2 Die concept. After the Ozzy Osborne homage, inspiring heart pumping music radiates from the boat, escalating the rhythm of the trip. If you’re an overnight guest, the early morning will interrupt your slumber and before you know it, poles are sunk into the ominous water beckoning a fish to surface. It’s a gratifying prize for valiant efforts.
Bauer also enjoys taking kids out on special charter fishing trips, working with foster kids from C.A.S.A (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Riverside County. The organization was started in 1976 by Superior Court Judge David Soukup, establishing the advocacy program that assists abused and neglected children to have a voice in court. C.A.S.A. now has 900 programs across the United States and has helped over 288,000 children.
Bauer also works with Coachella Valley Jiu Jitsu, bringing students out on to the water for some fishing fun.
It is apparent that Bauer is a shining light in the world of extreme sports and extreme living. His goal to help kids and adults get out of the norm and into life has gone from a dream to a clear reality. As his trademark catch phrase says, “Get busy living, or get busy dying”!
