What is a Waterman in Occupational Terms?

 

Great writing on what a waterman is as an occupational term from Shawn Alladio the founder of K38 Rescue Water Craft Services

Terminology is precision in language as the proper use of words. When using Waterman as an occupational term you are speaking our language!

Our (your) maritime heritage is centuries old, and this word begins in the 1100’s of England. If you know someone with the surname ‘Waterman’ you will understand.

A waterman was a boatman livery guide for transportation and lighterage.

In Medieval times, waterman formed gangs, or what we call unions or guilds. Some joined the Navy, others became pirates; merchant marines and stevedores.

They began apprenticeships to learn the water features and hazards because they were being taxed for their navigational skill.

Travel and moving freight were faster on water and their skills broadened with helmsman, pilotage and moorage.

Wherrymen (named for their boat) were subject to paying duties, they were required to have a license and were scrutinized for accidents.

Watermen enforced rules.

They suffered changes in travel.

They sought better pay.

They formed a Company of Watermen and Lightermen.

The filed for Acts on their behalf for support and protection.

They suffered death from occupational risk by drowning, respiratory and skin infections.

They became lifesavers by rescuing people and animals.

Our boating laws began in England and were brought here during the American Colonial period, we use many of these rules and laws in our courtroom today and on the water but sadly few even understand this. Even worse, instructors who teach do not know.

On the US east coast watermen pull up lobsters and in the Gulf they shrimp and tug. These Coxswains are our reminder of who we are today ‘boat servant’.

‘All whirry men, and all maryners vpo the see, shall leape out of their boates, and set them selues vpon the lode. - Book of Ezekiel

Do not be deceived, study and know our history.

Our ancestors died and struggled for the luxury we enjoy this day.

Onward.

Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame

Let's see who are selected for the 2023 Waterman Hall of Fame. Individuals are inducted into the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame for their sustained outstanding contribution to the sport, and their international, national, and local accomplishment and recognition. The Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame honors those remarkable legends within our islands’ water sports community whose lifetime of contributions have inspired and perpetuated the unique connection between our kamaaina and the ocean.  If you would like to nominate an individual who has been an exceptional contributor to our waterman community, please download and fill out the nomination form here and email info@dukefoundation.org.

Watermen's Retreat - A Waterfront Resort in Cape Hatteras NC

Looks like a relaxing and fun location in the Cape Hatteras area for Watermen News to visit soon. I do hope we can dock our JetSki's there.

Described by Real Watersports as; An Unmatched Experience - Watermen’s Retreat provides a fresh look at the waterfront resort experience. Watermen’s consists of 14 waterfront suites, a secluded cottage plus a range of budget friendly cabanas.

The goal at Watermen’s Retreat is to always exceed expectations and make the most of your time to unwind. The Watermen’s atmosphere is family friendly and inclusive. Watermen’s Retreat is not only for kiteboarders and surfers, it’s for anyone who enjoys being a part of the excitement and fun.

Watermen's Retreat guests enjoy, 5-star, sparkling clean accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, incredible views, and breathtaking sunsets. If you're looking for the “REAL” Cape Hatteras experience, stay at Watermen’s Retreat to maximize your vacation. Enjoy private kiteboarding launch access at REAL Watersports the #1 kiteboarding, surfing, and foiling school in the world, Wi-Fi internet access, washer/dryer, secure gear storage, and quick access to REAL Watersports and Watermen’s Bar & Grill.

To book your Watermen’s Retreat vacation today, call 252-987-6000 . You can also email us or book now.

Eddie Aikau Surf Contest Won By Local Lifeguard

 

Luke Shepardson is more accustomed to saving lives than winning international surf competitions, but on Monday the on-duty lifeguard saw off some of the biggest names in the sport to claim victory at the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational in Hawaii.

 Shepardson had to get permission from his boss to take time out from his day job to compete in the elusive event, which throws professional and local surfers together in huge swells and this week ran for the first time in seven years. The competition, known simply as The Eddie, is held only when waves at Waimea Bay consistently reach 30ft or bigger.

 John John Florence, the two-time WSL champion, won the last edition in 2016 and went close to becoming the first two-time champion, but ultimately lost out to Shepardson, who claimed the title in between dashes to and from his lifeguard tower on the beach.

 “I told myself, ‘I’m in it because I can win it,” Shepardson said. “It was super scary. The waves were huge, and it was a dream come true just to be part of The Eddie, just to be on the alternate list. I can’t believe it – it’s crazy. I’ve got to get back to the tower to make sure everyone’s OK until the end of the day.”

Shepardson, 27, scored 89.1 points out of a possible 90 to claim the title and $10,000 prize money. As he joined Florence and other previous winners including Kelly Slater, Bruce Irons and Ross Clarke Jones, he was hoisted up in celebration on the beach – still clad in distinctive yellow and red life-savers attire.

The winner evoked memories of the man the event is named after; The Eddie is held in honour of the late Eddie Aikau, like Shepardson a Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard – the first one on Oahu’s North Shore.

 Aikau saved more than 500 people during his career but during a journey in 1978 re-enacting an ancient route of Polynesian migration between Hawaii and Tahiti, the voyaging canoe he was aboard capsized. Aikau paddled away on his surfboard to raise the alarm and the rest of the crew were later rescued. But Aikau disappeared and his body was never found.

The event was first run in celebration of his life in 1985 at Sunset Beach and has been held just nine times since. Eddie’s younger brother Clyde Aikau won two years after the inaugural competition when it was held on Oahu’s North Shore for the first time. Clyde now supervises the event, which for the first time this year saw a woman, Brazil’s Andrea Moller, catch a wave, six years after female surfers were first named as alternate competitors.

 Anticipation that The Eddie would run this year had been building for over a week, with the contest briefly given the go-ahead before being put on hold. Big wave surfers from as far afield as Portugal have been consulting forecasters who closely track the huge storms travelling across the north Pacific for signs they will translate into the 30ft clean waves that the contest requires.

 As each day passed, and as more data came in from buoys hundreds of kilometres north of Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu, the 40 surfers invited for The Eddie scrambled to get their equipment, support team and mindset ready.

 “It felt incredible to surf in this event,” Kai Lenny, a top big-wave surfer, who finished in fifth place. “I know we’ve all had the Eddie Aikau posters in our rooms growing up, so to have the opportunity to actually go out there for Eddie and his ohana [family], the Aikaus, was a dream come true for me.”

Post from The Guardian by Mike Hytner

Influential Hawaiian Watermen

 The people of Hawaii are highly regarded for their knowledge and prowess of the ocean, a skill grounded in necessity that began when ancient Polynesians paddled into the unknown and discovered the Hawaiian Islands. The ocean served as a major food source, form of entertainment, power and general way of life for thousands of years, and it’s a skill that continues to be valued today. Whether it’s ocean navigation, paddling, big wave surfing or capturing the unique life that lives under the surface, we recognize the importance of furthering the cause for those who made it possible and continue to challenge the next generation of ocean masters in Hawaii today. Read More

Who’s Driving the Ski? This Is Where Big-Wave Rescue Teams Come From

 

Drake Stanley jets Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker to safety. Photo: Abe Alarcon.

Big waves have a certain mystique to them, at least when viewed from the beach or via the internet. When you get into the thick of things, with tons of water moving around, the mystique can fade pretty quickly. Now add the typical lineup chaos you might experience at a crowded break like Malibu or Pleasure Point, and shit gets downright horrifying.

With more and more people getting into surfing in recent years, surprisingly – or not – there’s also more and more people taking on the waves of Maverick’s, Jaws, and Nazaré. And unlike your local beachbreak, the crowds at big-wave locations can produce some truly life-threatening scenarios. I caught up with several rescue teams to learn about what these storied locations look like from the perspective of the rescuer, and the efforts being made in recent years to manage the crowds of chargers who come to test themselves on some of the biggest and gnarliest waves in the world. I basically wanted to find out where these rescue teams come from and why they do what they do. Read More

Liz Clark Waterwoman

Check out this amazing waterwoman and her love for the ocean.

I learned to sail at seven years old in San Diego, California on a little red sailing dinghy. At ten, I completed a 5,000-mile, 6-month cruise in Mexico with my family on our sailboat, The Endless Summer, experiencing a different culture, the freedom and beauty of sea travel, and opening my mind to horizons beyond my hometown reality. I credit the origin of my environmental concern to my exposure to the contrasting landscapes of grave pollution and radical natural beauty in Mexico.

Albeit very young, this trip profoundly impacted me. Two things were clear when we returned to San Diego in 1990: I wanted to protect the natural world from human destruction and, one day, I wanted to be the captain of my own sailboat.

At fifteen, my love of the ocean and natural athletic inclination led me to try surfing. Soon after, it was all I wanted to do. Determined to excel in the sport, I spent all my free time in the water and eventually started competing. I surfed in private contests and for the UCSB surf team while studying at UC Santa Barbara. My competitive career culminated in a win at the NSSA Nationals, making me the 2002 College Women’s National Champion. Although I enjoyed pushing my level of surfing through competition, I was more inclined to chasing nature saturated,
exploratory surf experiences. I enjoyed surfing most for the adventures leading to remote breaks, the connection with the elements, and the opportunities for self-discovery. I was full of bigger questions that needed answers.

I began taking surf trips during summers and school breaks to Barbados, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hawaii, Mexico, Nicaragua, and a ‘study abroad’ trip Australia. As I finished up my degree in Environmental Studies, I remember feeling frustrated by the direction the world seemed headed. Our distance and apathy for the natural world and failure as a country to seek and promote environmentally sustainable living left me disappointed and frustrated. I clung to my dream as a ‘way out’.

My surfing obsession further fueled this fire. The pressures of increasing crowds and urban pollution made the idea of a free-ranging life on the sea seem even more appealing. After graduation, I crewed on different boats to gain experience for about a year, and then spontaneously came upon the chance to become the captain of my own sailboat. Thanks to the generosity of my friend and mentor, Barry Schuyler, along with support from my family, Swell and I were united.

Through this stroke of serendipity, my intense determination, and the generosity and advice of innumerable people in Santa Barbara and beyond, Swell was converted into an ocean-worthy vessel. For almost three years, I worked with local professionals–mechanical, rigging, sail repair, radio, fiberglassing, and others, learning and overhauling each of Swell’s vital systems in order to prepare myself and my ship for sea. Only having sailed the boat a handful of times during this busy preparation period, I honestly didn’t know whether I would be capable of a captain’s tasks and responsibility. Although the uncertainties ahead petrified me, the alternative of not going seemed even more unthinkable. And so in October of 2005, I pointed Swell’s bow south from the Santa Barbara harbor.

Over the 20,000 nautical miles of ocean I’ve sailed since, I’ve discovered that the most important sort of exploration happens within. The enormous sense of fulfillment I’ve gained from following my dream, delving into self-awareness, and living a simple life close to nature motivates me to continue sharing my experiences in hopes of the same for others.

A few powerful lessons I’ve learned along the way:

• We really do have immense inner power to create the life we desire and manifest our dreams.
• By using the challenges and adversities in life as opportunities to grow and learn, something positive can come out of almost any difficult situation.
• We’re all just doing our best, so instead of pointing fingers or placing blame, it’s always more useful to look within for solutions.
• Practicing relentless positivity and loving-kindness has the power to completely change one’s reality.
• WE ARE ONE! Nature, humanity, and all life on Earth are inextricably and fantastically connected. Seeking to understand and participate in this Greatness is not only a path to immense personal fulfillment, but also to healthy, peaceful planet and a populace that could exist in harmony with nature! Read More

The Hidden Significance Behind The Hawaiian Makau - Fish Hook

Often regarded as a symbol for safe passage over water, the makau, or fishhook,
brings good fortune and strength to those who wear it.

Often regarded as a symbol for safe passage over water, the makau, or fishhook, brings good fortune and strength to those who wear it.

If you have been to Hawaii, it is very likely you’ve seen the makau, or fishhook. It’s also likely that you might not know the enormous cultural importance of the fish hook. A symbol of safe passage over water, the makau has held a deep cultural significance throughout the Hawaiian Island chain and the Polynesian Triangle for over a thousand years.

Thought to bring good fortune and strength to those who wear it, the makau was traditionally carved from a variety of materials, including bone, wood, stone, coral, and even turtle shells. Different variations were created to catch different species of sea creatures, and the art of their creation is something that was passed down through generations. The connection to the sea was passed along with it.

Over the years, they became something more than a common fish hook. They became prized possessions that were thought to have a spiritual life force, which you probably know as “mana.” The makau became a part of Hawaiian lore when the god Maui used one called Mānaiakalani to hook the islands together in an effort to unite them. Now, the makau is “a symbol of humans’ connection with the sea, its creatures and the fragile balance of life on the Islands.”

Top 5 Legendary Waterman

Great review of thew top waterman, sorry I did not see this earlier.

A true waterman has an innate connection with mother ocean, knowing her many moods and faces. Despite the ever changing conditions that the sea presents, the waterman is drawn to water like a moth to a flame. Often accomplished in many ocean going disciplines, the men and women who have earned this distinguished title are often surfers, sailors, divers, and craftsman.

Read More,

Jeff Clark: The Pioneer Mavericks Surf Company

Jeff Clark is one of the most renowned and respected big wave surfers in the world, regarded by the surf community to be a member of a small group of pioneer watermen. Jeff is best known for successfully pioneering the massive waves of Mavericks alone for years before it was discovered by the big-wave surfing community. Mavericks, located south of San Francisco, is considered to be one of the most dangerous big waves on the planet.

In 1975, as a hard-charging 17 year-old, Clark first paddled out to this monstrous wave located more than ½ mile off the coast, in his own back yard near Half Moon Bay. For 15 years, he surfed this wave alone, with only his ability and determination to find his way. The spot was, until then, known as a navigational hazard. But Clark saw a perfect wave, and from there he set a course to pursue the ocean’s energy, a living laboratory for his many interests and innovations.

Labeled one of the “world’s best big-wave riders” by Surfer magazine in 1994 and among the 100 bravest people in the U.S. by PBS, Clark has been featured in the films Riding Giants, Step Into Liquid, Adventures in Wild California, Discovering Mavericks and many other films.

A third generation carpenter, Jeff shaped his first surfboard at the age of 12. He later shaped boards specifically designed for big wave surf, and specifically for the challenging technical wave at Mavericks. He changed big wave surfing by introducing the first four-fin big wave surfboards and riding them at Mavericks. The design worked so well that others immediately followed, and the four-fin setup is now the standard for big wave surfing worldwide. Jeff Clark Surfboards^® custom stand-up paddleboard and surfboard designs incorporate Jeff’s designs to improve speed, performance and pure joy for anything from flat-water racing, downwind paddling, and surf conditions from two feet to 60 feet and all the way to spinning barrels.

Clark is also the founder of the famed Mavericks surf competition, an event that has put big wave surfing in mainstream sports and has launched the careers of surfers, photographers, water rescue teams and many others. He owns and operates the iconic Mavericks Surf Company^® and Mavericks Paddle Sports in Princeton-by-the-Sea near Half Moon Bay, with his own line of Mavericks Surf^® brand clothing and surf wear.

Clark’s knowledge of the ocean and dangerous waters has set him apart as an expert in water rescue, safety and water dynamics, leading to many achievements:

- Development of the Mavericks Water Patrol, a group of expert boat and jet ski operators trained in water rescue

- Certification by K38 Water Rescue and by Hawaiian Water Patrol Personal Water Craft (PWC) rescue

- Certification in Swift Water Rescue and service as Incident Commander at Kings River water rescue training

- Stunt and camera boat driver on open ocean set of a 20^th Century Fox film Chasing Mavericks. His skill in navigating waves and dangerous waters has provided many filmmakers and photographers the opportunity to capture on film the power and beauty of the ocean.

- Research and development of the Clark inflatable life vest for big wave surfing and extreme watersports

- Development of performance surfboard technology for which he holds a US Patent

- Design and production of hydrofoils and boards for the next generation of wave riding

Jeff supports many other organizations that help our communities, particularly in the area of health and wellness, including St. Jude’s Children's Hospital, Sonoma Children’s Charities, Schultz Foundation, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Navy Seal Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside, Coastside Hope, Half Moon Bay high school and middle school surf clubs.

While Jeff continues to surf and perform water rescue in big wave spots around the world, he is inspired by his three children and two grandchildren. He shares his motivational life lessons with fans and audiences across the country and through all industries.

Jeff remains as stoked as a grom to paddle out in any surf anywhere from two to twenty feet. He has found his wave.

Shared from Mavericks Surf Company

The Queen's Watermen

Until the middle of the nineteenth century the Sovereign regularly travelled on the river Thames, either on State occasions or between the Royal Palaces of Windsor, Westminster, Hampton Court, Greenwich and the Tower of London.

The men who rowed the Royal Barges up and down the river Thames were known as Royal Watermen. The Sovereign today still retains 24 Royal Watermen under the command of The Queen's Bargemaster, thereby continuing one of the most ancient appointments in the Royal Household. The original number of 48 was halved by King Edward VII.

There are no State Barges still afloat today. However, the Royal Nore, which is owned and maintained by the Port of London Authority, is the official motor launch used whenever a member of the Royal Family travels on the river Thames for an official engagement.

Royal Watermen are chosen from the ranks of the Thames Watermen whose business today is manning tugs, lighters and launches, therefore earning their employment on the River. Upon their appointment, each Waterman is given a Warrant of Appointment and paid a small honorary sum per year.

Their uniform is a skirted scarlet tunic with a silver gilt Royal Cypher (plastrum) on the front and back of the jacket, breeches, navy/black cap, scarlet stockings, white shirt and black buckled shoes.

The duties of the Royal Watermen are now purely ceremonial. On the water, the Watermen escort members of the Royal Family on board the Royal Nore on the river Thames, and visiting Heads of State who arrive in London on the river, such as The King and Queen of Norway on the Royal Yacht NORGE in 2005. The Royal Watermen participated in the Silver Jubilee river progress in 1977.

On-shore duties consist of acting as boxmen on Royal carriages during State Visits, Royal weddings and Jubilees, and walking behind The King or Queen's Bargemaster at Coronations. At the State Opening of Parliament, The Queen's Bargemaster and Watermen travel on the carriages guarding the regalia when it is conveyed from Buckingham Palace to Westminster and back as a reminder of the days when it was brought by boat from the Tower of London.

Shaped: The Waterman, Dan Mann

In the almost 30 years since I first met Dan Mann, he has been a professional surfer, a lifeguard, a champion paddle boarder, and more and more these days, a world renown shaper…thanks to his recent collaboration with Kelly Slater.

John Weisbarth April 22, 2020

Watches, Wannabes and Waterman

Read with us, as Steve West explores and helps determine what a waterman really is and what some of his prerequisites might be. Do you think your a "Waterman"?

 

It’s a little known fact, the fast track way to achieve some vague semblance of waterman status, is to invest in a Rolex or Omega dive-timepiece. Indeed the number of waterman you might see on any given day in any metropolis far, far away from ocean shores, simply defies probability as to how these gentleman buyers find the time to work the hours required for the buy-in price and the time to hone their water skills and the number is growing daily.

Frankly, many look unsuited to their timepiece or certainly not what you may think represents the demographic of its namesake, but looks I guess can be deceiving. On the other hand, a Rolex goes hand in hand with luxury yacht ownership (indeed boating of any type) and monetary milestones, which can certainly preclude you from having to be able to swim. But in all seriousness, what’s it all about; men who can barely tread-water wearing beautiful time pieces that shout out, “I am Ocean-Man” or sentiments to that effect, or are they simply, James Bond wannabes.

One thing’s for sure, even the great Duke Kahanamoku would I am sure embraced the idea that swimming must first and foremost be a requirement for entry to waterman status, melded with a love of the ocean and for the creatures in it and that surfing per-se, is something you can choose or not choose to do on account of there being such an abundance of other water pursuits, skills and interests which by default would earn you waterman status in the same way as that of a horseman, mountain man or spaceman, of which the Polynesian voyagers where indeed of that same ilk. Read More;

So You Call Yourself A "Waterman"? Thrill Seekers & Risk Takers - The Movie Salty Crew

THRILL SEEKERS AND RISK TAKERS May 1, 2020
The unknown is shrinking, but it still exists. Introducing the latest Salty Crew movie.

Follow the crew in a search for their own frontier. As they surf, fish, and adventure along the way. Inspired by the thrill seekers and risk takers who have gone before them. The Salty Crew team passes through Alaska, British Columbia, Mainland Mexico, Western Australia, New Zealand, and back home to Southern California. Starring Matt Meola, Lucas Dirkse, Levi Slawson, Damien Hobgood, Duane Diego, Jerome Forrest, Nate Yeomans, and David Ochoa.

Watermen Heritage Tours - Chesapeake Bay

Going to the Chesapeake Bay sometime soon, check out some great tours through Watermen Heritage Tours 

Commercial Watermen come in many varieties, and so do the tours they offer. There are three basic types: On the Water experiences; On the Land experiences; and Speakers and Presenters.

The first decade of the twenty-first century saw several years with the lowest blue crab populations and harvest levels ever recorded. By 2008 fishery managers worried they might witness the crash of the blue crab stock, the most valuable and most fished of all the East Coast’s fisheries. In response to the numbers, new, tight restrictions were placed on the fishery in hopes the population would grow. In addition, Congress declared a fishery disaster, making $15 million available for restoration measures, and to support the fishermen.

A portion of that money went to an innovative training program, The Waterman’s Heritage Tourism Training Program, developed by a group of Chesapeake non-profit organizations. The partnership was initiated and organized by the Chesapeake Conservancy, included the Coastal Heritage Alliance, the Maryland Watermen’s Association, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Since its inception, the training program has graduated more than 100 watermen and provided them insights and skills in how to conduct heritage tours. The training isn’t meant to take the watermen off the water, but to give them skills they can use to supplement their incomes with a related new business.

This website supports the graduates of that program with a marketing outlet. Here you can find on the water and on land tours that will inform you about the life of the waterman, their communities, and the Chesapeake’s history. You can even locate speakers for events.

And here’s some more good news. The tighter regulations seem to have worked. Blue crab populations have responded, and the catches are up!

Meet the Waterman of Tahiti

Red Bull December 31,2019
Surfer Matt Poole takes part in The Waterman: an all-round ocean based competition in Tahiti, French Polynesia.
At Teahupo'o, one of the craziest waves in the surfing community, there is yet another competition that takes place: an all-round ocean based race, Waterman Tahiti.
The Waterman Tahiti Tour is THE standard against which all other “waterman” competitions are measured. Stand up paddle (SUP), open water swimming, prone paddleboard, body surf and lifesaving highlight the versatility and endurance of the athletes. Each year, they train to be able to meet the different challenges and exceed their personal limits. The Waterman Tahiti Tour is a championship measured in points amassed over 5 stages.

The Ways of the Waterman

FromKukui`ula with Aloha May 25, 2017

On Kaua’i, it is a sign of great respect to call someone a waterman, because it means much more than just being good, or even an expert, at activities like surfing or diving, fishing or paddling. To be a waterman (or a waterwoman) means to have knowledge and to understand the ways of the water—ways that are often passed down through ‘ohana.

Hawaiian Waterman

In this sense of the word, the Huaka’i Guides of Kukui’ula are all true watermen. According to Robert Miguel, the head of the Huaka’i Outfitters program, that’s what makes the Guides so special. They understand Kaua’i. And they can all, “Connect guests to the island.”

“This isn’t San Diego or Maui,” Robert says. “Those places have their own ways. It’s different here. So we fold people into the culture of Kaua’i.”

“Like, in the course of going surfing,” Robert explains, “ there are all these other things that are part of the culture here. We’re definitely going to pick some mangoes. We’re going to get a bite to eat somewhere in town. And we’re going to meet up with friends and talk story in the water.”

By the same token, learn to throw net at Kukui’ula and you won’t just learn technique, you’ll learn history, lore and story. Like about oloana, the natural fiber that, like taro, is a revered plant on Kaua’i, once grown and harvested specifically for net making. Or about time-honored techniques fishermen practice to help ensure a good catch. Or the different types of fish you can catch along the shore, the rocks or the reef. Want to know how best to enjoy the flavors of each one? Ask your Guide.

And then take your catch to Chef Ben who’ll prepare it for you—just a nice little extra perk to help you savor Kaua’i.

Surfer Photographer Ha'a Eats with Compassion, the Aloha Way

The Beet May 8, 2020

If she’s not in running 20 feet underwater, 50-pound rock in tow, Ha’a Keaulana is either at work, photographing other surfers at Mākaha Beach, or making Tofu Musubi in an air fryer.  Born 27 years ago into Hawaii’s unofficial “First Family of Surfing”, riding waves is in this West Side of Oahu native’s DNA. Her nickname is Ha’a, but her full name, Kaiha’ale’a, translates to “Joyful Dancing Sea” – apropos, given her family dynasty.

Ha’a’s grandfather is legendary waterman “Buffalo” Keaulana, icon and four-decade host of Buffalo’s Big Board Classic surf contest. Her father, Brian, is a big-wave surfer and the film industry’s go-to water stunt expert while Brian’s brother, Rusty, is a three-time World Longboard Champ. On top of all that: Ha’a cousin is actor Jason Mamoa, a.k.a. “Aquaman.”

Read More: Surfer Photographer Ha'a Eats with Compassion, the Aloha Way

Epic Big Wave Surf Foiling in Nazare w/ Laird Hamiton, Terry Chung, Luca...

Moving at a speed where your mind slows things down to gain control... In early 2020 Laird Hamilton, Terry Chung, Luca Padua and Benny Ferris were out with top surfers across the globe in Nazare Portugal to surf waves that come about rarely, if ever. After extensive experimentation with setups and technique, this group was going to go after the breaks in Nazare in a different way, on surf foils that allow for an unreal speed on the water and an entirely new experience. Documented by Patrick Wieland, on custom classic foils engineered by the team at Lift Foils.

Read the Full Story

Friend and Waterman Wyatt Werneth and his Wife Pam Need Your Support!

Wyatt Werneth….. you know him as many things - Waterman, Veteran, Firefighter, Lifeguard, Stuntman, Volunteer, Dad, Husband, Friend and one of the most “joyful” souls you’ll ever meet. In mid-January, Wyatt was diagnosed with neck cancer. While Pam & Wyatt would have preferred to tell their friends what’s happening personally, they are busy seeing doctors and prepping Wyatt for this journey.

His treatment will be intensive and brutal - 5 days a week of radiation and chemo for 7 weeks in Orlando at the VA Lake Nona Medical Center. The daily 2 hour commute along with the intensive treatments and ongoing Dr visits will be exhausting and difficult. Thankfully, the VA will cover his medical expenses but Pam’s jewelry business, Jewelry by Pam, cannot sustain them financially during the treatments and healing time.

Even though Wyatt will be unable to work during this intense treatment, he has served his country and community passionately. He served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. He is and has been an exceptional volunteer in his community including firefighting and currently as a rescue swimmer for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Aviation unit. He is an Officer with the US Navy Sea Cadet Corp. Close to his heart is his most recent volunteer project, Drown Zero Rescue Stations. He designed and implemented these stations to prevent drownings in unguarded beaches. In 2007, he was awarded the Guinness World Record for paddling the coast of Florida in 10 days to raise awareness of ocean drownings in Brevard County. He is also a member of the Cocoa Beach Rotary Club and Cocoa Beach Kiwanis Club. Wyatt has spent his life helping people. He is a very giving human being, always ready to help and encourage anyone.

Which is why, as people find out about his diagnosis, the first question is - What can I do to help? This GoFundMe page is the best way to help alleviate the financial stress of paying travel and living expenses during this difficult time. It’s our turn to help him and his family! Thank you in advance from the bottom of their hearts! To contribute:  GoFundMe

GoFundMe Organized by Kim Walker and Robert Long of Pam Werneth. Feb 20, 2020

Read; Wyatt Werneth has committed entire life to ocean safety and will be honored with Space Coast Public Service Lifetime Achievement Award