It’s official: Summer is here
Friday - June 01, 2007
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The girls surfed beautifully
Aloha, beach bodies!
What a Memorial Day weekend: Perfect. The weather and waves were non-stop. It was definitely a day to remember our men and women in service of freedom ... and nature thought so, too.
The Local Motions Surf Into Summer scored some of the best moments seen in years. Ala Moana Bowls was never big, but it “lined up” for perfectly peeling 2-to 4-foot lefts. The performances matched Bowls. Our world-class amateurs are showing that quickness needed for today’s competitive aerial and power moves.You can sense their hunger and feel their energy.
The girls are coming into their own as well with a whole flock of talent. I surfed Diamond Head and am always impressed with the sheer numbers of girls there. There must have been 100 surfers out, with more than 20 percent being female. More than any single break is my guess. It wore me out. You must surf well when a girl’s watching.
Back to the Surf Into Summer ... Some of the final highlights were short board Boys division winner Keanu Asing (Tommy’s son), who scored a 10 with a back side barrel. Kekoa Cazimero won for Junior Men’s, and was doing his typical power hacking to victory. Girls did awesome with Ashley Hunter grabbing first for Girls division, while her sister Lani nailed first for Women’s division ... See? The family that surfs together wins together!
The amateurs had professional moments at the Local
Motion Surf Into Summer
Then, to top it all off, we had a fun industry division with some surprising results. The surfers in the business usually get there because they love surfing and are drawn in. They can surf, and some are even former pros. Well, my funny friend Jeanne Chesser (she’s a hilarious character) came in second overall - against men almost half her age (I’m exaggerating for effect, Jeanne. Please don’t cut me off). The man who won is pro level, Keone Watson. Ms. Chesser came in second! I won’t mention all the names she took down for safety sake. But congrats Jeanne ... you da bomb!
I’m looking forward to next year already.
The sixth Memorial Day paddle out with the Waikiki Beach Boys remembers not only our men and women in service, but those beloved surfers who’ve returned to the sea - this includes Duke Kahanamoku and all the Waikiki Beach Boys since.
It was beautiful. The words of Pastor Dennis Sallas brought it all into focus: how short and precious life is ... how to allow peace and happiness to flourish in the middle of this quickly changing world. Holding hands outside of Queens, all were invited to share something.We made a joyful noise and splashed the warm, clear water. It was good.
As Willie Grace puts it: “Hawaiians believe life comes from the sea, and by showing up for the paddle out is what this is all about. ‘Ho’o Pono’ means righteous, respectful to what is right. Let’s show some respect to our loved ones. For a Hawaiian beach boy, the sea is the one constant, the one thing he knows he can go back to ...”
So it’s official: We’ve kicked off the summer of 2007.Are you ready to rip, shred, tear and lacerate? Or maybe you prefer just a beautiful, relaxing paddle out with a few mellow friends. Whatever you like, the ocean is waiting.
Remember the Burger King State Surfing Championships are right around the corner, June 7-9 at Ala Moana Bowls. Don’t miss out on these future surf pros - come give your support.
GQ, Dropping In 4 U!
Big shout out to J/B (Jamie Ballenger) of Hawaiian Water Shots for the “sick” photos.
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