gosh, i just got some shocking news via email. pipeline surfer and good friend Lester Falatea, or better known as “Bruddah Les” passed away a few days ago. lester was one of the coolest hawaiians i’ve ever met. always smiling, always happy, and always stoked on surfing. on the good days at pipe, lester would be out. the big hawaiian would sit on his longboard on the outside and always tell me, “cuz, i’m going left so you can have all the rights”. lester has given me some of the best barrels i’ve ever had at backdoor. i’d paddle back out and he’s say “how’s that one?” bruddah les looked more stoked then me. gosh, today’s a sad day for me. and a sad day for all of lester’s family and friends back home in hawaii. my heart goes out to every one of you. lester was a great person that will always be remembered in my heart….
here’s lester and his son going left at v-land. thanks so much kinsan for sending me this photo. and sorry i had to break the bad news to you….
this past spring was the best north shore ever. there were many mornings when lester would be out with a big smile on his face. we shared waves and laughter. i’m stoked to have taken this photo of lester going backdoor. a big hawaiian with a big heart. good bye lester…. going to miss you man….
**lester falatea’s services will be held sept. 8th, monday morning in laie. then a paddle out at waimea bay that early evening. bring your surfboard and flowers to say your last goodbye’s to bruddah les…. for more information, contact rick shimabuku at 277-7755.
