after the final was over, i saw all of Seth’s boys running down the beach to carry him up. although he got 2nd, he was our hero and also deserved to be carried up the beach too. but as soon as Seth got in, he put Kelly on his shoulder and carried him up. that was Seth being Seth. a kid that respects his elders and a kid that puts others before himself. Kelly might be the King, but Seth is now the Prince of Surfing!!! 
i ran on the side and took these photos. i was almost tearing because here is my little nephew showing the world what “Aloha” is all about. that moment was pure sportsmanship at its finest. it wasn’t orchestrated, it wasn’t planned, it was something that came from the heart. so many people commented to me about Seth’s actions throughout the whole event. his barrels and beating some of the worlds best surfers was the highlight for many. but this moment was the highlight for me. 
over 10 years ago, i took this photo of Seth sitting on the beach right when he came in from a session at Backdoor. back then, i use to tell all my friends that this kid is going to be good at what ever he chooses to do in life. and this kid proved me right!
