Wanted to share some pics of some of the people I have meet this year. Some are heros and some are both heros and friends. What is so good about the paddle community is how down to earth everyone is, always encouraging people and always stoked.
The first pic is at The Battle of The Paddle in CA. with Billy M Kho, a great paddler from CA. and all round nice guy and standing next to him is The Pope from N.C. what can I say about him he is the Godfather of N.C. paddling and I owe a lot to him for all his help
The second pic is my good friend Lance Erickson or Uncle Lance he is also from CA. and is a racer, surfer and board builder aka E Boards.
The third and forth pic is Bob and Betsy Risner from Utah. These two have so much Aloha and have taken me into their home and Coachman and given me a place to sleep. These two are so stoked on SUP and full of energy.
The fifth pic is me and Chuck Patterson after a race having a good laugh. One of the greats of SUP and everything else he does. Hero and friend.
The sixth pic is a good friend and hero of mine E.J. Johnson. He is such a great ambassador for SUP and don't let the tats and hair fool you he is a serious competitor and super nice guy!
The seventh pic is Slater Trout. This guy is the future of SUP and so humble at the same time with a great family. Stoked to have him as a hero and friend. One of the nicest guys you will ever meet and always finds time for everyone even after he kicks every ones butt.
The last pic is Dave Kalama. Top waterman and a big hero of mine.
2011 is going to be a great year with lots to learn from everyone.Get out and enjoy it and if you see one of your heros go up and say hi you never know they might become a friend.
Chill
