more colorful action from yesterday.

Barak backside bottom turn.

Scott Shimoda frontside bottom turn.

Scott off the lip.

Wakita big smile.

Taichi Wakita same big smile.

Kimura-san, Wakita, and Taichi. long time surf friends.

Kimura-san getting dropped in on.

Maki-chan practicing for the contest.

Micah the bodyguard.

team Tahiti in hawaii. that guy on the far right is one of the David’s family kids. i went to tahiti 18 years ago and this kid was in his diapers running around the Moana’s house where i stayed at. now he’s a pro surfer living out his dreams. cool!

Local Motion Surf into Summer May 22-15 STARTS TODAY @ 7AM! WSL WQS1000 ON!
Good morning 6am.
South shore chest high and very clean.
Diamond Head bigger at head high and best spot!
Contest ON at Bowls. 40 surfers out now.
Super clear sunny and warm day.
No wind.
Going shooting!
Have a wonderful day!

wow, this morning was so fun. surfing with friends and family at bowls enjoying our rides. so many japanese surfers here for the contest that starts tomorrow and runs until monday. took my camera and going to share our wonderful session with you.

Takayuki Wakita on a set! super smooth surfer and super cool surfer. i met Wakita back in 1992 for the first time. he was just an amateur with big dreams. now this guy in an invitee for the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Contest at Waimea Bay. dreams come true.

today was probably one of the most crowded days of the year at bowls because of the contest that starts tomorrow. hawaii’s top professionals and amateurs out practicing. we paddled out at the perfect time as Kimura-san caught so many good waves. here is just one of many.

i was in the right place for the right photo. diamond head, blue sky, sun, and a happy 62 year old boy enjoying hawaii.

Micah Moniz was on the outside and gave Kimura-san this wave. pure stoke!

Micah made his way up to one of the most respected young men surfers in hawaii. so down to earth and so respectful. always smiling and always sharing. after Kimura-san caught his previous wave, Micah told me “hey uncle, tell Kimura-san to come to the outside and sit by me. i’ll give him any wave he wants.” that makes me very happy because surfing is all about spreading the aloha. proud to be Micah’s uncle.

and of course, i had to get my fair share. we had a great time today. tomorrow the contest starts so game face ON!

japanese pro surfer Kaishu, Hayato, and Kimura-san. japanese always welcome in hawaii!

shower time!

it’s incredible how surfing can bring out a magical smile. Kimura-san had one of his best sessions i ever seen. caught a lot of waves, talked to a lot of friends, and surfed really good.
tomorrow i’ll be shooting the contest from the water so expect an epic photo gallery coming soon!
surf your dream!