i found a video clip i took 12 years ago of the boys. we went diving that day so on the way in, i was interviewing them about their experience. Joshua was telling me the story about the shark they saw.
Seth said “i saw a huge 10′ shark so i panicked and swam back to the boat. then Joshua and Kaulana came back to the boat after i told them. we left Uncle Kirby in the water.” well, my story was we were all diving together, then i saw the 3 kids on the boat talking story and drinking water. i swam back toward the boat and saw one of my spear guns laying on the bottom of the ocean. i asked the kids what happened and they explained the story. apparently they all freaked out, then Joshua just dropped my gun and swam as fast as he could back to the boat. then i said “wow, thanks for telling me about the shark.” haha.
it was Kaulana Apo’s first time on a boat. he got seasick so i kept on telling him that this will make him strong. all day he was sick but he didn’t complain and kept on trying to focus. that day turned this kid into a man.
now Kaulana Apo is the most underrated local surfer here in Hawaii. his water skills are at the highest level so getting a cover shot like this is well deserved.
Seth kept on trying and trying to get his first big fish. and at 13 years old, that dream came true.
these are some of the most precious memories of my life. watching the boys transform into men was so enjoyable. someday i’ll put together a video of those many classic moments…
