We had a family dinner at Seth’s house.  Seth had his friend from Costa Rica staying with him.  His name is Dariel Meléndez Dávila and he only has one leg.  But that didn’t stop him from learning how to surf not too long ago.  Dariel can surf really good and even gets barreled.  That’s very impressive.  And to make things even better, that kid is so cool, humble, and has a golden smile.  I’m so stoked that the kids have such a good group of friends from all around the world.   

Temaki sushi was for dinner.  Use your hands, mix everything up, and just enjoy it.  Local Japanese/Hawaiian style.  

Joshua Moniz finishing off his hamachi dish.  The kids were stoked to see Uncle Josh as Iron Chef. 

I ate, ate, and ate.  Seth’s shrimp tempura was so good!  I’m allergic to shrimp but ate it anyway.  So good! 

The family is growing and growing.  Kaulana Apo, Dariel, and Seth playing with their little nieces.

Grandpa Tony entertaining the kids.  Times like this are priceless.  The kids smiling, learning, and enjoying being kids.  I can’t wait until they ask me to take them diving.  That’s my dream…

There is this one local surfer out at Diamond Head that surfs that wave the best.  He has incredible flow to make his boards fly over flat sections effortlessly.  He surfs that wave better than anyone else.  On the good days and on the junky days, he’s still ripping.  It really inspires me to do better out there.   

This past month has been very dangerous for me.  Boards flying everywhere, beginners running me over, and just chaos.  I’m always on full alert but it’s still scary like this when guys throw their board right in front of you at the last minute.  

And the times I take off behind my student and he or she cuts back into me.  I have to dive off my board and almost hit my face on the reef.  

Another 11′ rock hard surfboard coming right to my face.  If I didn’t take photos, my life would be a lot easier.  But at the same time, the risk is what makes me want to do it.  

Time to explore.  Time to relax.  Time to travel.  I’m going to hunt for “Cherry Blossoms!”

Then as soon as the waves go flat, the winds calm down, and the weather is nice, I’m going to fly back and get on Mayuki and head to my favorite island in the world.

Waikiki Traffic Rush Hour

Good morning 3:10am.
North shore chest high and good. Onshore winds coming today.
Ala Moana waist high and clean. Bumpy later.
Diamond Head shoulder high and good.
Light South/West winds today.
Sunny and warm.
Have a wonderful day!