i was very fortunate to be able to participate in the 1990 world championships in japan. back then, there was no media like how we have today. after the contest finished, it took 3 months for the world to know the results. yeah, there was only surfer and surfing magazine back then. and by the time the report and photos hit the printing press, people forgot. and the cost to print a page out was really expensive so most were left out. now days, the media is amazing. live video and live scores? unbelievable. we’ve come a long way and surfing is now a mainstream sport. luckily i’m able to watch from my computer or iphone.

the kids are representing their countries very well. Hiroto Arai doing it for japan.

Josh Moniz is no longer shy. 3 years ago, he would freeze in front of a camera. but after being interviewed so much, he’s getting use to the spotlight.

Reo Inaba representing both east side hawaii, and japan.

can you believe josh is only 16? or 17? this kid looks like a man.

Seth Moniz backside is fun to watch. he’s pushing it harder and harder each day.

and no, Seth is not shy. he’s the youngest of the Moniz brothers and is the most competitiveness. this kid only wants 1st place.

gosh, i miss relaxing in molokai. i learned so much from that trip and hopefully it will make me a better person. i go around telling everybody “hello,” even the people i never use to like. seems weird but i feel better at the end of the day. spread the aloha!

Man on Fire!
Good morning 5:30am.
South shore waist with chest high sets.
Super clean conditions.
Winds are trades at 15-20mph.
Sky will be sunny.
I’m going surfing.
Have a wonderful day!

OMG, what an awesome surfing day around the world. watched my nephews win their heats 2x today. and watched some other amazing surfing from the hawaiians and japanese. so proud of all these kids! check out the action. photos by ISA.

Josh Moniz has raw power. he was doing only 2 turns and getting super high scores. i didn’t see him go to the air yet but i know he will. these kids know how to win, and to win, you have to save the best for the last. you haven’t seen anything yet!

Seth Moniz is on fire. super aggressive, super smart, and super calculated. he knows what it takes to win and he will do anything to do it. watch out for this kid if he makes the final because he won’t hold back.

Kaoli Kahokuloa is from molokai. super respectful, super kind, super good kid, super good heart, and super good hula dancer. and a super super good surfer. watch out for this pure hawaiian.

Elijah Gates always has fire in him. he use to get dropped off at kewalo’s and surf all day long. i remember taking this kid out with Shun and doing practice heats. this kid just didn’t want to lose. that’s what i like about him.

Mahina Maeda is surfing so good recently. super confident, super powerful, and super good in contests. japanese/hawaiian representing hawaii. cool.

Dax Mcgill won the gold medal last year when she was the underdog. now, she’s the top dog. very hard to beat this girl.

Kaulana Apo was once a little kid i took on my boat for a dive. he got seasick all day long and i felt sorry for him. but he told me “uncle, it’s ok. i have to practice and get use to being on a boat because i want to go to the mentawai.” i thought that was so cute.

dam, i wish i was there! i’d be screaming off my head! i’m so proud of my nephews and this amazing hawaiian team. i’ll be anybody a thousand dollars they will win the gold medal! just too much talent in this young hawaiian team.

now to the japan team. Hiroto Arai really impressed me. super fast, super strong, and super explosive. this kid was surfing so dam good today.

Reo Inaba practically lives in hawaii. see him surfing all the time with shaper Wade Tokoro. when your shaper surfs better than you, you better step it up. Reo stepped it up and is the man to beat. if there is a dark horse to win this event, it’s Reo.

so stoked to see the support of each country. makes me so proud to be from hawaii and japan. yeah, if i was there, i’d be going back and forth to both teams and supporting them equally. these young boys and girls make me so proud!
tomorrow the contest continues!