I was a Celebrity Too!!

I got recognized, was on t.v. and had a couple of interviews, just like other surf stars. The place was crawling with reporters from across the globe. This newspaper photographer from the Star-Advertiser, F.L. "Larry" Morris, and I became fast friends. Wasn't he a cuddler?

Local Boys Out for a Big Night

The Surfer Poll Awards was really, really crowded----surfers from everywhere. The security was TIGHT and nobody was crashing this party. Jock Sutherland, closest to the camera is a famous wave rider who has lived on the North Shore forever---he even has a surf spot named after him---Jocko's. Rainos Hayes is the "Local Motion" Team Captain and Manager is at all the most important surf events.

Televised Everywhere

Fuel T.V., an action sports network, had reporter, Jackie, and cameraman, Raul, flown in from L.A. to film the Surfer Poll Awards.
There must have been 2,000 guests in attendance! This event is a BIG DEAL in the surfing world! The whole affair was live streamed around the globe minute by minute.

Big Cheeses in the Surf Industry

Director Charlie Smith just won awards for his film----Who is J.O.B.?
Joel Patterson, in the blue tie, is the Editor of Surfer Magazine.

Born and Raised on the North Shore

Coco Ho, in the middle, is one of the best surfers in the world. She was voted #3 by Surfer Magazine readers!
Her friends, Jessica and Bruna, were keeping her company on this momentous occasion.

Lookin' as Handsome and Happy as Ever

Kalani David is a champion skater and surfer. Mom asked him how he was doing in school as he had been her student. His reply, "I'm getting straight A's. I'm doing like you told me and reading 20 minutes every night". Good job, Kalani, keep it up!! We'll be watching for you to walk on stage and collect YOUR Surfer Poll trophy someday soon!

Live from the Turtle Bay Resort

Wow, so much excitement, so many accolades, so much hubbub--the Surfer Poll Awards were fun! I liked laughing and listening, and taking in all the sights and sounds of the surfing world's most prestigious affair. See more. Go to surferpoll.com

The 25th Annual--A Big Event

Sunset Beach Elementary, where Mom teaches third grade, holds a benefit for the school the first Friday of every December.
It's when all the "surf stars" are in town for the Triple Crown. It's soooooo fun. The surfers sit around the perimeter of the cafeteria and sign posters while thousands of dollars worth of surf gear is raffled off, and homemade chili and curry, and baked goods are sold. Make sure you come next year if you happen to be lucky enough to be on the North Shore of Oahu during surf season.

My Green Neighborhood

One of the best reasons to live on the North Shore is to participate in a community of individuals who understand the importance of sustainability. Deni and her daughters, Bliss and La'i (in the helmet) rode their bikes to Surf Night. Good thinkin', girls.

Bliss Loves Me!!

I was so happy to be in the arms of Bliss. She's my good friend and always makes me feel special. She was just in the photo with her Mom and sister on the bike. She rode her bike too~! Bravo, Bliss! for taking care of the planet! Bikes instead of cars.

Everybody Comes

Surf NIght draws a big crowd. There is a long line to get in to have posters signed by the top surfers in the world. (They are all on the North Shore to surf the final three contests, the Triple Crown, of the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) global tour.)
It's just like the "Big Top" coming to town----the neighborhood is a circus and has a carnival atomosphere for almost three months. Clockwise, I'm with Kanaloa in the brown t-shirt, Sienna, Max, Gina, and Casey.

A New Puppy in Town

Leila brought her new, little furry friend to Surf Night. She kept "Cocoanut" wrapped up and bundled tightly to make him feel safe.
I can see that Leila is sooo happy------her grin is from ear to ear.

Surf Stars were Everywhere!

Kalani Robb is a former student at Sunset Beach Elementary. How lucky--he could go surfing everyday after school if the waves were good! He brought his girlfriend, Kortney, to the school benefit. Kalani's living in San Diego now and teaching children to surf to stay healthy!

The Original Poster

North Shore artist, Ilona Hemperly, created our first flyer/poster for Surf Night twenty-five years ago. Mom was in charge of getting donations from local merchants and they were very generous, and still are (so are mainland and international surf-related companies). Surf Night started out small and has turned into a big production. The school is lucky to have so many caring and supportive people contributing to its well-being.

She Started Surf Night

Twenty-five years ago, Bev Speece, was the PTCA President at Sunset Beach Elementary had a brilliant idea! Since all the pro surfers from around the world were on the North Shore, how about inviting them to the school to sign posters, how about soliciting donations from local businesses (Mom's job), what about parents making food and selling it to raise money for the school. It all worked and the school continutes to benefit greatly from the support of the surf community across the globe! Hooray!! That's Bev, of course, in the blue with her husband, Gary, and her grandson Gabe (holding me) and his good friend, Cody. Now, she's the Acting Vice Principal of the school.

Who is J.O.B.?

Jamie O'Brian is a surf star and one of the best wave riders in the world. He's just spent the last three years being videotaped while riding the top breaks around the globe. His movie just came out----it's the title above, the one naming the photography. Jamie was Mom's third grade student, too! I love that so many children who attended Sunset come back to support Surf Night!!

Always Recycle--We Do at Sunset

Manae and I were making sure everyone was recycling. What's good for the planet is good for you.
That's Rocky Cannon in the background, on the stage, calling out winners!! Remember Rocky, he was the announcer at the Menehune Surf Contest in October.

Will My Name be Called?

Sophie (on the left) and Logan and I sat in front of the stage waiting excitedly to hear our names. There are thousands and thousands of dollars worth of surf stuff raffled off for more than three hours at Surf NIght. It's such a fun event and supports Sunset Beach Elementary so well. Thanks to all the sponsors!

The Rodeo Princess

Monica is one of Mom's former students (she has lots because she's been teaching third grade at Sunset for 22 years) and is a champion rodeo star. She and her many cousins have been coming to Surf Night for years and it's the highlight of the surfing season for them. Ride 'em, Cowgirl!!

Surf Stars on the Rise

Dax and Finn McGill are sponsored by Volcom, a surf gear company, and are students at Sunset Beach Elementary. The money they raise by signing free posters, along with all the other big time surfers, draws a huge crowd to Surf NIght. The chances of winning a surfboard, bike, t-shirt, leash, rash guard, etc., etc. are great! Make sure you mark your calendar for next year--the first Friday in December. I'll see you there!!